Loss disappointment

Down .2 pounds this week. Sure seems like it should be so muchore given the exercise, the attention to counting points, etc. Oh well. Will try to satisfy myself that is a negative not a positive.

Off to Uncle Tom's funeral and to enjoy some time with Dale afterward before he returns to H'burg.

Owie!

Not certain if I should count this morning as a failure or not. I did not get up to head to Anytime Fitness with Jim as I am very, very sore from my time yesterday doing lower leg exercises (Frankenstein and Sumo squats, leg lifts, elliptical machine). I'm hoping this passes with a few more hours of light activity (work) and Ibupofen. Unexpectedly disappointed by this outcome.

Thursday thoughts

%&*(&(*^*&! Trainers Terrance and Loren are conspiring to ensure I never sit comfortably or walk normally again! The last two mornings have really worked some lower body muscles that haven't been used to this extent in many years, decades even. We won't even mention how my heart and lungs are getting worked out in just the attempt to get oxygen moving in and out!

As usual, Jim is very supportive. He prepared a lovely breakfast today and even asked if I would be able to make it to the table. Oh, he's a funny one alright.

If I just didn't need to get in and out of these darned desk chairs so much. And, why or why did we relocate the office to a larger space again?

Tuesday.........

While Jim worked hard on the elliptical machine, I hit my buddy the treadmill (at a faster pace and greater incline than previously but NOT at the trainer's level....yet) followed by the bike. As usual, I finished long before Jim. I tapped him on the shoulder, showed him that it was after 5:00 a.m. now and recommended that he cease singing along with his iPod. Really it was quite cute. Jim periodically singing favorite lyrics to various songs. Who knows if he followed my advice? I was home, showered and "napping" by the time he returned.

Still not wild about the 3:30 awakening pattern we are currently experiencing. 

Terrance the Trainer, AKA: Terrance the Torturer

Man! This morning's session with Terrance was really tough. Though I had Carl's advice not to be a whiner and don't say I can't at the forefront of my mind, I had to call uncle after just 3 minutes on the elliptical trainer. My respect for Jim accomplishing an hour on this machine every other day has grown tremendously.

I'd been so happy with my treadmill work until this morning. Terrance kicked the mph up to 3 and the incline to 4.0 - I did manage 4 minutes there before he stopped it. Terrance has a rule of no holding on to the hand rails. Pretty certain I could have walked a bit longer if I'd held on but rules are rules. I actually stepped off the treadmill mentally patting myself on the back for not allowing myself to slid off the back and then came the elliptical machine............I'll try again tomorrow morning to see if I can manage just a little bit longer on it. Interestingly it's not the breathing or heart rate that got me but the legs, oh the legs.

(Reckon I might need them for hiking up a glacier, eh?)

Sunday!

Thanks to Jim playing poker last night, he slept in until 6:30 this morning. We arrived at gym by 7. Only one person here though a few came and left while we worked at our routines. A good one for me today with the entire treadmill time of 30 minutes at an incline of .5 with 2.5 miles on the bike. Good thing we have vowed to exercise in the mornings as I would never be willing at night.

Week Three, Wrap Up (a little late)

Three weeks in and we've had some success and some failures. Overall, I'm happy with this past week though there were some icky feeling days that likely were the explanation for weight loss. However, I did make real strides in tracking those Points Plus points under the new Weight Watchers plan and mostly embraced hitting the Anytime Fitness without too much complaint.

Jim & I have (re)discovered the well known truth that meal planning = success on the scale and less last minute temptation for fast food or quick foods which undoubtedly have greater scale/workout impact.

Very amused today when Jim and I were discussing his summer schedule. He plans to again volunteer to work both weekend days. After 3 decades, this lack of time together doesn't pose any major relationship issues. Certainly we miss the time but can find ways to entertain ourselves without negative impact. Jim chirped along telling me that his not being here would also give me plenty of time to work in those 2 trips each day to the Jim. I didn't know whether to laugh or fall on the floor.

Carefully, and sweetly, I explained that I did not see myself EVER willingly going to the gym two times in one day. Nor do I ever see myself eagerly anticipating these visits. I recognize we need to do it, he is saving considerable personal time by having an accessible gym close by, and that this will become something we enjoy together. But TWO times daily? Not gonna happen. Gotta love his enthusiasm and optimistic spirit though.

Mendenhall, here we come!

Saturday Success!

245.4 pounds! Jim and I hit the Anytime Fitness at 4:30 this morning. He worked much harder than I. However, I am happy with my 22 minutes on the treadmill WITH a little incline added, 15 minutes of lower body machine work and 11 minutes on the bike. Progress! Bring on that glacier (and the July wedding).

Friday.......

.....nothing to report.....still recovering from some kind of ick that I've picked up......Jim tells me that we will have "plenty" of time to work out tomorrow morning before the 7 AM Weight Watchers meeting and before he leaves for a day hike with the Scouts....okay.

Sick day......

....nothing to report.

Tuesday thoughts

The 35 minutes on the treadmill was a bit more difficult today. Can I blame this on the lower body exercises yesterday or, the more likely self-realization, that I haven't been putting as much time and effort into the treadmill as I'd originally planned? Seems that the old habit of making mental excuses still continues.

Waiting for the day when I awaken and feel excited or eager to go to the gym.........

On a very positive note, Jim prepared a wonderful WW 8-point breakfast that included proteins and bread as well as a big glass of milk. Now to just stay on track ALL day even though he is working tonight.

Emotional Eating

So the Weight Watchers lesson this past Saturday was "emotional eating" and triggers, etc. Jim & I agreed we don't so much as eat for, or due to, our emotions but because we like food. That said and after having a not spectacular day at work....just one of those days where I didn't make anyone happy....I was ready to eat lots of my comfort, traditional Valentine meatloaf.

We heard from Dale and then Carl & Lee. Nothing like hearing our children's voices and realizing how terrific they are to pat back down any need to cram food into my mouth the "feel better."

Thank you Dale and Lee & Carl. We love you. I appreciate the "save" tonight.Tomorrow morning will come much easier now with a lot less guilt!

Valentine's Day

.....22 minutes on treadmill, 20 minutes working "lower body" with training, 10 minutes of measurements....'nuff said.

Week 2 begins, Loren (the trainer)

This morning was a new adventure----leg curls, exercise balls, abductors and adductors... Not certain I will be able to walk later. Thanks to Carl's advice, I did not whine but I sure wanted to do so.

Jim buying bananas now then home to a warm shower and breakfast. Sure hope I can see Mendenhall!

Week One Wrap UP

One week into training for the hike up (and back down) the Mendenhall Glacier in August, I've been to the Anytime Fitness gym 6 of the 7 days, managed to count my points mostly correctly (and somewhat honestly) on the WW Points Plus program and feeling pretty spiffy about our successes.

Terrance, the Trainer

One training session complete and I believe this is a path I can follow. Using Carl's guidelines of "no whining and no I can'ts", the session passed with ease. I did share with Terrance that our oldest had admonished me not to embarrass the family and be like all those fat people on television with their whining. (Terrance sends you his thanks, Carl.)

Jim worked out while I trained. There are only a few possible stumbling blocks to my trying what I learned today on my own - remembering the warm up and two of the machines (both sort of like sit up type machines) will require Jim's assistance until I am able to accomplish pulling myself up. Terrance tells me this is all doable.

Admittedly, my repetition set of "12" seemed more than sufficient to me and had me thinking I would be skipping down the sunny side of the street. Then I learned that I need to working on my first goal of 3-sets of 12 each during my build up. THIRTY SIX! I must have heard wrong. Nope, Terrance confirmed. Then we had the gym etiquette talk (though there are few folks using these machines during the 4-5 AM hour).

Okay on to shower and get ready for a new work day!

Mendenhall Morning #6

Yay for me! Despite the rain and early morning hour, we achieved our goal of arriving at the gym before 5:00 a.m. And, wouldn't you know it, there were two folks there RUNNING on the treadmills - one on each end. I stood at the door debating, "Do I go in?"

Jim's gentle encouragement (and going in ahead of me then standing looking back in anticipation) spurred me on.

Today's treadmill goal was to add three more minutes and increase my average speed to a zippy 2.8 mph. Done and done.

Terrance, the Trainer, and I have a date tomorrow morning. Thought initially it was today but, alas, it is o'dark thirty tomorrow.

Now on to shower, watch the news, read the paper and maybe, just maybe achieve two days of WW Points Plus - counting the points of what I eat.....everything I eat.....every point.

Day 5

Here we are Day FIVE. No exercise today; however, there is good news! Today, today, today, I managed to stay 100% on the Weight Watchers Points Plus program. Yahoo! All foods/beverages consumed were weighed, measured and accounted for on this first day of the work week.

Small steps today toward those glacier steps.

Today is our oldest son's 25th birthday. Jim and I were so totally enthralled with our little guy that Friday night. We just couldn't stop staring at him and marveling at his ten fingers and ten toes. Not to mention that we found him to be the most beautiful, perfect creature ever brought into this world (followed a few years later by a brother who was the only living organism to tie Carl for this title).

One of the gym trainers called today to set up my month's worth of training appointments. I feel much more comfortable with Loren. He is younger than CJ and seems more willing to accept my 'I want to use Weight Watchers" and "I have two goals - lose 40 pounds before August and be able to breathe while I walk".  Carl added the sage advice tonight not to whine and not to incessantly say, "I can't do this." I will endeavor to make Jim, Carl, Lee and Dale proud and not be the whiner I am known to be.

Sunday, Training Day #4

A few successes, a few fails today.

After blowing off the previously agreed upon exercise time to some GI distress followed by a solo day of reading, return of eating behavior (you know, my feelings are hurt so I should get to eat what I want and NOT go to the gym), I had a mini pep talk with myself.

Jim and I hit the gym right before the Super Bowl began. As expected, and hoped, there were few others in the gym. Both men left while we were there.

My goals were achieved...I wanted to add 3 minutes for each day since Friday's 28 minute treadmill time so I stayed on for 34 minutes. I also wanted to average something higher than 2.4 (MPH!) and I managed a 2.7. I could definitely feel it in my shins and soles of my feet too.

I was finished before Jim so I scooted on home to put the tomatoes in the oven to roast and get the chicken breading (pecans, panko crumbs and cajun seasoning) ready for the chicken (marinating in low fat buttermilk).

Jim comforted me in the car on the way home about yesterday's "fail" on the goals by telling me that my muslces need a rest....we agreed that they likely needed rest but not potato chips! Jim then thanked me for stepping out of my early evening funk and getting us to the gym saying he would not have gone otherwise.

As of right now, we're gonna count today as a success.

Day 3, Epic FAIL!

Let me disappoint me on Saturday. Despite attending a very good Weight Watchers meeting, I proceeded to eat my way thru all of the day. I allowed myself to use the rain as an excuse for not heading out to the gym.

My partner in this quest worked most of the day leaving me to just graze thru every cabinet and eat, eat, eat. Not his fault, not his decisions, all mine, mine, mine. I apparently needed to embrace these decision and make poor choice after poor choice.

Today is a new day. During the night, I did not feel well and allowed myself not to get up and go to the gym again. However, Jim made a quick stop home to change uniforms and we've made a plan to hit the gym tonight while everyone else is watching the Super Bowl. We're thinking it won't be very busy during that time.

Will this be a good choice or not........only the next few hours will tell.

That said, I did manage to drag myself out yesterday to purchase needed food stuffs for the dinner I plan to make for Jim tonight. We have a nice routine of my cooking the Sunday dinner. I am using several recipes from our new Weight Watchers "5" ingredient cookbook.

Weigh In

As my glacier buddy and I realize that this goal for me requires a two-pronged approach, we have yet again begun the weight loss journey. We've been serial Weight Watchers joiners for decades.

Jim & I have both had tremendous success with this program over the years. We've never achieved staying to a set weight loss goal but we have managed success. We like both the flexibility - eating what we desire taste and texture wise just accounting for it - and the pleasure of the group meetings.

We have a favorite lecturer - Carol. She's funny, practical and willing to tolerate a boisterous meeting that leaves most attendees feeling good when they depart. Our preferred meeting time is the 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning class. Interesting to us, it is typically very well attended. There are many familiar faces from our many starts and stops at attendance. Familiar, comfortable and enjoyable.

Don't misunderstand. I am no more excited about getting up to go to these meetings than I am to hit a gym. I'm hoping that the gym will be as anticipated as these meetings.

So the official, February 5 weight is 250.4 pounds. Let's see what the next week brings!

GT, Day 2

In keeping with out previously discussed plan to arrive earlier and minimize my social contact, I diligently set the alarm clock for 4:10 this morning. (We are using the 30-year anniversary prize clock Jim received from the city.) Our new clock allows for gentler means of awakening us rather than the blaring of music or an alarm. Jim seems to prefer the gentle ocean sounds.

For the past 5 years, my mate has awakened at 3:00 or 3:30 on his own. No clock. He typically gets up, "quietly" gathers his items and heads off to the gym. By quietly, I mean that he uses a flashlight in the bedroom to locate socks and missing shorts/t-shirts, etc. As a result of his quiet approaches, I am usually up by 4 watching Entertainment Tonight on NBC followed by the Early Today Show.

Does he awaken to the gentle ocean sounds today? Heck no. Not on the first sounding, the second or the third. Sleeping like a tired little puppy this morning. At 4:45, I decided that he needed to get up and help with my desire to choose the treadmill I wanted. Up and out today. Record time....not too many moments lost searching for socks or shoes. Separate vehicles were taken as I wanted to be able to return home without him having to walk home later.

We arrive at the gym. A quick peek inside shows a smaller crowd - one very large man on the elliptical machine and the two treadmill chatters already in place but on different treadmills. Then I realize that I have picked up the wrong keys and do not have my security fob for entry. Rule breaking is encouraged and we'll just scoot in together. Nope, not gonna do it. I'll follow their rules....at least until I don't want to any longer.

Today, I remembered both to wipe the machine down before and after use! Added 3 minutes to my walking time and increased the walking speed by .2 (don't have any clue what that equates to but believe it means I'm walking faster....how much faster on a mph scale, I've no clue). Two later arrivals both seemed to want to chat; fortunately, they wanted to chat with Jim. The gym employee that arrived at 5:30 seemed to recognize that a friendly smile was all that was necessary. Whew.

Back home, showered, short cat nap, yummy breakfast prepared by Jim and now I'm at work.

So far, so good.

Mendehall Goal, Day 1

Is there anyone in Virginia Beach that my husband does NOT know? We, one of us significantly less cheerfully then the other, got up at 5 to head to the Anytime Gym today. Upon arrival at a gym that I thought should be empty, we discovered that the 5:00 hour is apparently fairly popular with others.

Jim and I had made a deal, "No talking". I would go but he couldn't chirp, chirp, chirp the whole time. Daggone if he doesn't start introducing me to people! "Oh Donna, you remember"...........I had all the hallmarks of do not disturb: grouchy demeanor, television on at my treadmill, iPod earplugs firmly in place in both ears and the plug on the treadmill (bright orange so there is no doubt that they are in my ears), and stare intently at the screen while I sweat. Mr. Happy cannot help himself.

He even kindly came over to remind that enough time had elapsed and I should go on home and take a good hot bath since I am out of shape and want to be able to move later. Now, in retrospect, he probably said all that fairly quietly but at 6:00 this morning, my ears heard his words as speaking very loudly.....sorta like the dad in the book we used to read to our boys about the Loud family.

Mostly, it was a non-event. Tomorrow morning, we will go earlier in hopes of avoiding the crowd of 6-8 folks and I'm wearing a label that says, "Hello, My Name Is: Don't talk to me".

Meeting with the trainer last night was interesting. We agreed that I will continue my Weight Watchers diet and not use their nutrition suggestions (at least I believe "CJ" agreed to that with reluctance). He told us that he could meet all of our goals even if they were to be in bodybuilding contests! Made me wonder if we had the right fit but since there are 4 trainers and they rotate, I'm sure it will be fine. I only plan to use them for one month anyway (which I believe may have been perceived as an insult). I want them to teach me how to use the equipment. Their goal is to re-structure lives and have a trophy to brag about. I think we'll be fine as long as we respect one another's goals and recognize the recalcitrance of the exerciser.....(Also, Jim knew several folks last night - even some dad from the swim team years ago who I'd long since forgotten. Apparently, the dad's first name is "Carl" which made him memorable as we have a son named Carl.)

Day 1's exercise goal achieved!

The Excursion

Mendenhall Glacier Guide's Choice Hike (about 4 hours)

Put on your hiking boots and fill your lungs with fresh air as you experience a day of world-class hiking. With more miles of trails than roads, Juneau is the place for an adventurous day hike. The trail is chosen to best suit the group’s ability and the day’s hiking conditions. You will hike high above the Mendenhall Glacier on a secluded trail with several glacier views. Witness cascading waterfalls, serene meadows, and quiet forest glens—just a few of the treasured places that can be reached only on foot. Your experienced guide will provide you with stories and insights on the Tongass National Forest, the world’s last great temperate rain forest; its fascinating wildlife, glacially carved landscapes and lush foliage. A variety of animal species inhabit this place and your guide will help you keep a lookout for the signs along the trail, perhaps you will discover a shy porcupine or pause to listen to the sounds of an Arctic tern. Expect a refreshing outing with many opportunities for photography and lasting memories of Alaska.
This tour is suited to those who love to hike and are physically able to hike for 3½ hours, between 4 and 6 miles, with an elevation gain of 600 to 1,000 feet. Rain poncho, belt pack, bottled water and granola snack are provided. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and dress warmly in layers as the tour operates in all weather conditions.

The Plan

In the coming year, Jim & I have two major events. Our older son is getting married in July followed by our own vacation cruise to Alaska in August.

The Alaskan cruise has been a particular dream of mine for several years. Using our long felt belief that if you travel somewhere, we want to make the most of the trip. My husband has been excitedly reviewing the offshore excursions. One of these excursions is a glacier hike.

We are traveling with several of our friends (and coworkers). Some are taking on this hike with Jim and some are not. I want to go along!

Problem? I am 100+ pounds overweight weighing in at 250.4 pounds and seriously out of walking/climbing shape. Heck, not in any shape at all except blobbish.

For my own amusement, this will be our journal of getting me to the Mendenhal Glacier.