Free the Hostage!

Something near and dear to me has been TAKEN and held hostage for six months. But on Sunday, it will finally be returned. I'm so excited!

Sunday, we Fall Back, and I get my hour of sleep back!

But what I don't understand is why we still use the antiquated Daylight Saving Time practice? A study has shown that we actually use MORE energy than if we left well enough alone. Basically, what is now saved on lighting because of the extended daylight hours is now spent on heating and cooling...and then some. And this makes sense--you are awake longer, so you want to be comfortable while you are awake. So WHY do we still torture ourselves every six months? Just when our bodies finally get adjusted to the new time, we have an hour ripped out from under our cute little sleeping heads, only to be shoved back violently another six months later.

Most of us no longer need the extra hour of daylight for harvesting and tending our crops. We have porch lights for that. And those that do, well, why can't they just get up an hour earlier instead of forcing ALL of the US (ok...most. I think there might still be a county or 2 that doesn't participate) to adapt because of the needs of a few? I'll be the first to tell you life isn't fair, but to punish the majority for the lifestyle choice (farming as a profession is a choice...even if that choice was made for you by your family) is not what this country is founded on.

Besides...isn't the Obama Administration looking to reduce our carbon footprints and other green crunchy shit like that? How does making us use more energy fit with THAT concept?

So, I propose we end the charade. Stop making people late for church and work one Sunday a year, and an hour early another Sunday a year. Contrary to the beliefs of some, this does not balance out. The six months in between events negates any balancing that would otherwise have been acceptable.

FREE THE HOSTAGE! Let's start a petition to end Daylight Saving Time...after we get our hour back on Sunday, Nov. 1. Please sign below.

ALREADY?

Where has the time gone? I swear, just yesterday, it was August and DH and I were looking forward to our trip to Disney. Now, it's almost NOVEMBER! O. M. G.

I was in a meeting yesterday, and it was pointed out that our holiday break (2 weeks off for Christmas, starting the Monday before) is 7 weeks away. SEVEN. 49 days. I only have about 5 actual weeks of class left (none the week of Thanksgiving). And my aunts are coming to visit in 2 weeks...then the Oz fundraiser is the next week. O. M. G. I need a paper bag to breathe into.

Stuff that has been accomplished:

-E-vites were FINALLY sent for the housewarming/Tastefully Simple party. I know I missed a few, and I'm gonna try to get those out today. If I *still* forget you, I'm sorry, just beat me over the head and show up anyway.

-DH was AWESOME again and sent out e-vites to everyone he knows for Oz. 250-something people. Right now, there are 5 yes's...but hey, I'm good with that.

-Halloween candy has been bought...and not all eaten. We may or may not have time to set up the "graveyard," but the Mickey lights went up awhile ago. We will buy all kinds of stuff on clearance Nov. 1. I refuse to spend that kind of money now.

-Christmas presents are just about finished. We have a couple straggling things that we need, but the majority are done. We even talked about wrapping them...but haven't. Yet.

Things still to be done:

-Cleaning. Lots of it. Well, actually, it's folding clothes. We currently use the guest bed as a dumping ground for clean clothes...but we need that bed, so that means we are going to have to actually fold them.

-2nd coat of paint in the dining room. Yes, it is *passable* now...with the light off, and the sun down. But it needs to be done.

-Procuring some extra chairs. 'Nuff said.

-Getting more Silent Auction items. I have a few (like, 5). I'd like a few more. And some bids. Bids would be very good. Seriously. Click the link and bid. I'm not kidding.

-Getting a menu together for the housewarming. And shopping for everything.

-Running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Yeah...that's on the to-do list. It should cover everything else I know I'm forgetting.

-Get a pedicure. This was my 60 day reward. I made it! As much as I have been struggling lately, I'm going to enjoy this reward. Plus, it's close to the last one I'll be able to get before the walk, since callouses help prevent blisters.

Ok...that's about it for the list. There is also work and class stuff that needs to be done, but I can't think about that or I'll need to find that paper bag again. I'm actually looking forward to Thanksgiving...I get a 5 day vacation and we have NOTHING going on...and I refuse to plan something after the 2 weeks before that!

Happy-dancing burns calories

That's right...after last week's gain of half a pound (fully expected...thank you, TOM), I lost THREE POUNDS this week! After the rough start that left me with 12 flex points for 5 days, I managed to rock it the rest of the week...and actually had 10 flex points and 2 activity points left over. Actually, I was having trouble hitting my daily minimum the rest of the week!

One thing I did NOT rock was the gym. I did go twice...Monday and Thursday. Monday was actually pretty good. I did my 24 minutes of walking and 6 of running. No weights, but I'll take the cardio. Thursday...well, that's a different story.

As I was pulling into the parking lot Thursday, I was thinking how much I didn't want to be there. At. All. But, I was there, so I forced myself to go in. On the plus side, I put up a flyer for the Oz Fundraiser (Fairburn, Nov. 17, 4-10pm), which last night a friend messaged me and said she saw it...and it was the ONLY thing on the board that caught her attention. Yay for bright pink paper!

So, anyway...I got changed, filled my water bottle, and got on the treadmill. I took the time to set up my intervals (takes about 2 minutes), and hit start. Started walking. At 3 minutes (30 seconds before the first run), I hit stop. I just was NOT in the mood to deal. I know, I know...push through. But for whatever reason, I couldn't get myself to do it. So I moved onto the elliptical, jsut to see how far I had progressed in my fitness level.

Evidently, I've regressed. The first time I did it (first day I went back to the gym) I did about 2 and a half minutes. Thursday...one minute. ONE. And then my legs were burning. Unbelievable. But, I'd driven all the way there, put on my gym clothes...I wasn't going to leave after 4 minutes (well, 6 if you include set up time). So I punished myself big time. 2 sets of weights, both arms and legs. Honestly, I like doing weights more than cardio anyway (which is why I force myself to do the cardio first...even  if I'm too tired to do the weights afterward). I was sore when I got home, but at least I felt like I had done something.

Of course, I was also supposed to go yesterday when I had half a day, but I spent my time asking people for gift cards to auction off. I got one, and a couple places told me it had to go farther up to their Store manager (who wasn't there at the time) or to their corporate office. Eh...if they come through, GREAT. If not, I asked. Everyone at least seemed receptive.

Well, everyone but Edible Arrangements...but hey. I was in there to get a free thing in the first place. Can't really blame him for not wanting to give me MORE free stuff. I understood. And before you ask...the free thing I was picking up expired the Saturday after the Oz Fundraiser, so would only have given the winner about 4 days to use it, which I didn't think was fair.

Besides...I like chocolate dipped fruit--especially apples. Hint, hint.

Oh, and tomorrow is Day 60. 2 full months of WW. 13 pounds lost so far. If that ain't motivation in itself, I don't know what is.

Now...back to my regularly scheduled Cafe Misto before The Avenues Pink Out in Peachtree City.

Silent Auction Items and Rules!

Thanks to some absolutely fan-freaking-tastic people, I'm able to add a Silent Auction to the Oz Pizza Fundraiser (Fairburn, November 17, 4-10pm). I'm going to use THIS post to list all the items, which hopefully, I will get a few more...I've got some calls in, and I'm going to keep asking. But what we already have is AWESOME too!

First, the Official Rules....made official because I said so.

1) You can bid on the same item as many times as you'd like until the deadline. If you think someone has outbid you, BID MORE!

2) You can bid on (and win) as many items as you would like.

3) Upon notification, winning bidder will have 7 days to pay for their item or contact me to make other arrangements. On the 8th day, if I have not heard from the winner, the 2nd highest bidder will be notified that THEY have now won. IF THERE IS A REASON FOR THE DELAY, we can work something out, but you MUST let me know. 

4) When placing your bid, please include: Name, email, Phone Number, which item you are bidding on and how much you are willing to pay for that item. All bids will remain hidden until 9pm on November 17, when the winners will be announced at Oz Pizza. You do not have to be present to win. I will notify you by phone if you do.

5) Online bids will be accepted until 2:30pm on November 17th. After that time, you can bid in person at Oz until 8:45pm when bidding will close to tally the winners.

6) Have FUN!

Now for the fun part! Here are the items you can bid on:

--Gift Bucket from Rita's Italian Ice. Includes 2 coupons for a regular Italian ice, a letter to be returned with the bucket for a gallon of ice and some miscellaneous swag. Approx. value: $15.Courtesy of Rita's Italian Ice in Peachtree City, GA

--$20 Gift Certificate to Tyrone's Boxcar Cafe, located in Tyrone, GA. Courtesy of Carlia Blanchard, Owner

--2 Tickets to Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, GA. Value: $30 Courtesy of Lillian Winfrey

--$50 Gift Card to Taco Mac, various locations. Courtesy of  Tappan Street Restaurant Group, Inc

--Free pair of shoes up to $50 at Rack Room Shoes, various locations. Courtesy of Rack Room Shoes, The Avenues in Peachtree City, GA

--Valencia 2 cup Coffee Maker. Value: $50 Courtesy of Mike Winfrey

--2 night stay for up to 6 people at Apple Mountain Resort in Clarkesville, GA. Value: approx. $300 Courtesy of Marc Johnson. *Note: You will need to contact Marc to make your travel arrangements as this is part of his timeshare that he is donating. It's available any time, but weeknights are easier to book than weekends. If you would like more information before bidding, email me, and I will get your questions answered.


To place bids, email me and put "Silent Auction Bid" in your subject line, along with which item it's for. Good luck and have fun!

And a special thank you to each of our donors! We couldn't do this without you!

Kicking it into high-gear!

Lots of updates, and some pats on the back coming.

First, I have officially set myself up as a team for the 3 Day. It will be open for others to join, but since I had ordered a banner (picture coming soon) with "Scooting Toward a Cure," I figured that would make a good team name...so I called and added it.

Next, we have our first confirmed fundraiser set up. You might ask who "we" is...it's not the royal we. DH is being incredibly supportive this time around. I think he wants to help me raise as much as possible so I don't have to ask his boss for donations. But whatever his reason, I'll take it. He is helping with the advertising, and is still great about fixing dinner on the nights I go to the gym. *first pat on the back of this post goes to DH* Anyway: we will be at Oz Pizza in Fairburn, GA on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. If you show up anytime between 4pm and 10pm, and mention the breast cancer fundraiser when you place your dine in order (sorry...that's their rules--no takeout), 20% of the cost of your order will be donated. I need at least 20 orders placed to get credit...but I'm hoping for a lot more! We've already spoken to our weekly Bike Night dinner group leader and asked if that week can be there...he said no problem, just send a reminder about a week before and he will send it out. We are also going to send it to our scooter ride group, and I have it listed on the Facebook Fan page...and I'm about to work up a flyer that I'm hoping to leave at different places...which leads me to our next update...

I just typed up a letter to the manager at my local Kroger where I ask for either a) a donation directly from Kroger or b) to be allowed to set up a table to collect donations and hand out flyers...which will be the aforementioned flyers about the Oz fundraiser. I asked for one of 3 dates: Nov. 1, 6 or 8. The 1st and 8th are Sundays, the 6th is a Friday that I have half a day (see? Furloughs do serve SOME purpose!). I sent a similar email to World Gym in Peachtree City, where I do my training, on Friday, but didn't ask for specific dates on that one. For these events, I got my fabulous (and even better because it's pretty high quality and was only $8) banner that says "Scooting Toward a Cure in the Breast Cancer 3 Day" and I should be receiving the silicone rings that I ordered as inexpensive "Thank you for your donation" gifts. At $0.42 each, a $1 donation covers those, with profit...and I think people are more likely to donate if they are getting something...even something small.

I have also discovered that Chili's also does fundraising events similar to the one I'm doing at Oz...so I will probably have one there sometime early next year. And I'm going to check with a Bike Night favorite, Taco Mac, and see if they will do one as well. I mean, hey, we are going out anyway...might as well have some of it go to a cause, right?

We still have the housewarming/Tastefully Simple/fundraiser planned as well, but I haven't heard from my consultant lately, so I need to check on the details there. What she and I had discussed was that for all orders placed, she would donate 50% of her commission, which works out to around 15% of total orders. Unfortunately, she will be out of town the night I had picked, but since I used to be a consultant and had worked with her a bit before, we talked about a "Party To-Go," which basically means she gives me the Party Food Kit, I make it and serve it at the party, and take orders, but there is no presentation to go with it. It's like a catalog party but with yumminess. I was hoping to get the e-vites out this week with a link online for those that can't make it but still want to order. I may have to resort to my own e-vites, though.

So that's what? 2 fully booked fund raisers, 2 in the works, and another 2 ideas in addition to my yard sale idea which I'm tentatively scheduling for May (get those closets cleaned out! I'll be asking for "stuff" donations for that one!). Not too bad! I'm hoping to get at least $100 from each event...and $200+ would be AWESOMENESS! So help me out and spread the word. The more people that show up, the better!

Now, for the pats on the back. I've already given one to DH. He really has been amazing lately. The rest, in true Lill form, are self-centered. But hey, this is all about me, right?

In no particular order:

-I have stayed on WW for 55 days. I'm struggling big time this week, having used 23 of my 35 flex points with 4 more days to get through...but I WILL make it.

-Yesterday, I walked for 24 minutes and ran for 6 at 4.5 mph. I didn't even feel like dying when I finished. I think I have finally figured out the best timing for myself. Of course, it'll change again the week after next...but for 2 weeks, I have it nailed.

-We got the dining room painted. Sort of. Actually, we got the first coat done, but ran out of paint before a 2nd coat could be applied...and it's VERY necessary. So it's half done, I guess. But it still looks good, and it's progress.

-I have been on time for work 2 days in a row. Miracle.

One not-so-proud thing: I skipped the gym on Saturday. I already had to get up early to load the truck for the Pink Out, and when we left at 3, I was SO cold I could barely move, and hadn't eaten all day, so I went home and took a blazing hot shower and had Chef Boy-ar-dee and hot apple cider for lunch...which still didn't warm me up. So I snuggled under the covers with the furbabies and watched tv. Yes, I feel somewhat bad, but the fact that I accomplished yesterday's run after skipping Saturday's tells me I'm in SLIGHTLY better shape than I thought anyway, so there is no reason to beat myself up over missing 1 day when I felt like total crap. Besides, next week is my "rest" week, where I don't increase my time, just maintain...so I have plenty of time at 24/6 to adapt before 22/8 comes beating at my door. For the record...22/8 is the first time I'm nervous about. Not sure why. I think I need to work out the times on my little post it note and it will be less intimidating.

Hi, my name is Lill and I suffer from Road Rage.

I really need to not drive when I'm PMSing. It's not safe for anyone. Thank god I don't have a gun.

I've actually been a hormonal raging bitch a little cranky for the last couple days, but this morning, the smallest thing is setting me off. Could be the massive headache I woke up with (thank you, TOM, for deciding that this was a migraine month instead of a break out month...so nice to know that early), or the cat puke I stepped in coming out of the bedroom, or the STUPID IDIOTIC ATLANTA DRIVERS. Yeah, I'm thinking that last one is a big part of it, but the first 2 had me in a mood before I even pulled out of the garage.

I was cut off twice this morning on my 25 mile, 45 minute commute. And I watched an 18 wheeler almost sideswipe 2 cars in 1 shot right in front of me. And of course, I get behind the people that want to do 50 on the interstate EVERY TIME. Luckily, thanks to state-wide furloughs, Friday traffic is light and I managed to make it to work on time.

On the good side, it's Friday. Finally. This week could not end soon enough. I have been so easily distr...oh, look, something shiny. What was I saying? Oh...yeah...week is over. Unfortunately, the DH is putting me to work for the next 2 Saturdays (wo)manning a booth for his store. It's a good cause, and the publicity will be good, as long as people aren't scared away by the cold weather. And by cold, I mean 50's...but this is GA and anything under 65 is considered freezing. Especially in October. So I will be at 2 different Pink Out events for the Breast Cancer Survivors Network with a pink Vespa and all kinds of pink gear. Sadly, DH and I agree that it's not fair for me to try to raise funds for the walk (which benefits Komen) at an event sponsored by a different breast cancer group...but I may try to get some things in place in his store before hand so that anyone that goes to the store can donate. Yeah...I'm like that.

The one main challenge of me doing these 2 events: Saturdays are my gym day. The event is from 10:30 to 3. That doesn't leave me a whole lot of "me" time to hit the gym, since we have to start setting up around 9, and I NEED my coffee beforehand. Oh...I wonder if we'll have an electrical plug? Maybe I'll get some little cups and have hot chocolate going for people, since it'll be so cold! And by people, I mean me, but I'll share. Need to look into that. What was I talking about? Oh, yeah. Going to the gym. See? Told you I was easily distracted this week.

So, to find time for the gym, I either have to get up at the asscrack of dawn the same time I get up for work and go before the Pink Out, showering at the gym, or take my stuff with me and go after sitting outside in the cold all day...then rush home to fix dinner like the good little wifey that I am. Wait...I can't remember the last time I cooked on a Saturday. Guess I can go afterward...and the running will help me warm up, too.

Speaking of running, I set my speeds to the lower ones on Wednesday and managed to push through without stopping this time, but I realized that whether I run for 1 minute or 2, my recovery time is about the same--about 2 minutes to catch my breath and not feel like my heart is gonna pound out of my chest. So I'm gonna change it up again. Here's how: Instead of 2 blocks of running for 2 minutes, I'm going to split it into 4 one minute blocks, and shorten my recovery time. Here's why: I can run at 4.5 for 1 minute. I did that on Monday. And my recovery still only took about 2 minutes. So if I continue to add more 1 minute bursts and keep dropping the walking time, I think it will help me more in the long run (get it...long run...I'm running and making my time longer...oh, nevermind).

I did slack on Wednesday, though. This was the start of my feeling crappy days, so 1) I cut my speeds lower than I probably needed to on the walk and 2) I skipped doing the weights entirely. I feel bad about it, but I think I needed a little break. It's not like I skipped the WHOLE thing...just didn't work as hard as I had been. Meh. 

Running FAIL

Or not. It was almost a C25K bust after only 1 week. I got ambitious. It happens. I AM, after all, great, so why shouldn't I be able to do anything?

Oh, yeah...great, yes. Human, yes. Superhuman, not so much.

Here's how it went down.

Last week, I was walking 28 minutes and running 2. I had kept my speed to 3.0 on the walks and 4.0 on the run, but that always felt slow, so i would bump it up to 4.2 about 15 seconds in. No problems at all.

This week, we were increasing the running to 4 minutes and decreasing the walking to 26. I went into this really excited about this, by the way. So I work out my times and put them on a post-it and stick it to my iPod. Because I'm anal like that and hate staring at the treadmill and counting on my fingers to make sure I have the times right.

Ok, so 26/4 works out to 8 minutes walking, 2 running, 9 walking, 2 running, 9 walking. I like to do my short walk at the start so I have more recovery time after running. See, I do think these things through. Well, like I said...I got ambitious. 3.0 and 4.0? Nope. Not good enough. Lets go 3.3 and 4.5!

The first 8 minutes were gravy. No problem at all. The first 45 seconds of running was ok, too...then, my shin started to hurt, and I was barely able to keep up with the treadmill. I stuck it out for 45 more seconds, then hit stop. I had every intention of saying fuck it and just walking the rest of my time. But...I'm stubborn, and all I could picture was Jillian Michaels standing in front of me. I decided I wasn't going to give up just because it was hard, but I wasn't going to kill myself, either. So I started the treadmill again (after a few gulps of water)...but at 3.0 for the walk. And I didn't set up the intervals beforehand. After about 5 minutes, I figured I had recovered enough, and set out on the second running interval...at 4.0 for a minute and a half. Done. Walked another 5 minutes, then did the last minute of running, and gave myself 10 minutes of recovery walking. I had done it. Slower than I wanted, but I still finished.

And when I was done, I wiped the sweat off of my face, and went through the weight circuit. No slacking at all for this chickie.

What I learned: for right now, work on time, not speed. Speed will come later. Or not. I'm not actually planning on participating in a 5K, so if I can't do a 10 minute mile, so what? Or if it takes me longer, who cares? My ultimate goal is walking 60 miles...not running 3.

As a side note, I *may* be developing shin splints already. I'll be keeping an eye on this situation, and hoping that I'm wrong, but if the pain gets worse, I'm gonna head to the doctor. Right now, it's mild discomfort...which could just be because I'm fat and putting a lot of stress on my legs.

Ten things I like about me.

Saturday was Day 45. I have successfully stayed OP for a full 46 days now. I've even started going to the gym for which I have been paying $35 a month for 2 years and not using. I have lost a total of 10 and a half pounds. I deserve my reward. I should be jumping for joy.

But I'm not.

Yeah, sure, I'm proud of myself for sticking it out. And yeah, I'm glad I'm finally starting to go to the gym. But I have yet to run to the store to cash in my reward (it was supposed to be $15 for my Starbucks card). I haven't even thought of a suitable replacement reward. I know I deserve SOMETHING, but I just can't think of anything.

Maybe it's PMS. I'm feeling like for as much as I have been busting my ass, I should be down at least 12 pounds...or my work pants should at least be comfortable by now. I should be able to go up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to die...or at least not be drenched in sweat by the time I get to the top. But they aren't, and I can't.

I know this isn't a race and there is no hurry. I'm still trying very hard to focus on actions not results. But when you aren't seeing results, it's hard to keep up the actions. Actually, that's not true. I've gotten pretty good at the actions. Hell, I only ate one slice of pizza last night because I didn't know how many points it would be. As it turns out, I could have had 2. Instead, I had some dessert when we got home and I found out I had 5 points left. But the point is, I start to wonder why I'm doing this if I'm not getting the results.

I tried on my Goal Dress on Saturday, just to see. I had a somewhat easier time getting it on...but it's still too tight. I *could* probably wear it with some Spanx or control top hose, but I'd be miserable.

Ok...enough with the self pity. Here is a list of things I should be proud of:

1) I have stuck with my points for 46 full days. Yes, I have had days where I have gone way over, but at the end of the week, I have always had enough flexies to cover everything.

2) I ran a total of 4 minutes last week. Actual running. I also walked a total of 101 minutes, and swam for 45. That is 150 minutes of exercise that I did. Voluntarily. There were some weights in there, too.

3) I have turned down seconds of dinner at least twice in the last week, and taken home leftovers two other times.

4) I actually told DH today that yes, we can go to Maguires for dinner, but I still want to go to the gym first, so he was going to have to go home and get me a towel and meet me there. As it turns out, he gets off work early today, so he's cooking instead. But the fact remains...I said that I was going to the gym, no matter what we were doing.

5) I have continued to track what I eat, even when I don't want to and just want to give up and get a cheeseburger and some cookies. Actually, I have had the cheeseburger. And the cookies. Just not on the same day.

6) I have routinely asked to substitute the steamed veggie of the day for french fries when we have gone out to eat.

7) I am actually looking FORWARD to adding running time to my workout.

8) I have only annoyed DH once with my obsessive planning of meals. At least, only once that he has said anything.

9) While I feel like dying, I am able to exercise at a moderate intensity for over 30 minutes non-stop, and still have the energy to lift some weights.

and finally

10) I have lost TEN AND A HALF POUNDS in a month and a half. With a vacation. And going out to dinner more than weekly. 6 weeks. 10.5 pounds. That's a little over 1.5 a week. That is actually a PERFECT pace.

So next time I get down on myself for ONLY losing 10.5, and that I break out in a sweat after 2 minutes of exercise...someone remind me that I'm still 10.5 less than I was and while I'm dripping with sweat, at least I can keep pushing.

Life, or something like it.

Real life is starting to catch up to me and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to out run it. Especially considering I have only just started C25K today.

I feel like I have SO much going on right now, and I think it's gonna get worse before it gets better. We have the obvious things that this blog is about: WW, exercise and the 3 Day (and the fundraising for that). Then I still have 2 more months of class before the semester break. And we have to finish the last few things to get the house in order before my aunt comes to visit. And we have bills that we want to pay off...so instead of sitting here talking to myself, I should be ChaCha-ing, but I'm just not as into it as I used to be.

Today, I picked out my class for next semester: Econ 2105, which is Intro it Macroeconomics. Ew. I really have no interest in this, but it's a pre-req for the classes I need once I take the GMATs (eventually) and actually apply for my masters in Computer Information Systems. This semester, I'm taking College Algebra. Anyone who knows me well knows that this is a joke for me. First, I took it when I got my bachelors. Second, I just like math. I'm weird like that. But next semester might actually be a challenge. And that won't be fun.

We finally picked out a color for the dining room. It was supposed to be tan. It's green. Luckily, it's in the same family as the living room, just about 2 or 3 shades lighter, so it could still work. But it's not what we wanted. We have about a month to get it put up on the walls before my aunt comes to visit (YAY!). Also, while she is here, we are FINALLY having our housewarming party...which is going to double as a Tastefully Simple fundraiser party. So we REALLY have to get the house cleaned up and in order.

I did start C25K today...the conservative program. Today was 28 minutes of walking, 2 minutes of running. Aside from not being able to breathe for about a minute and a half or 2 minutes after my running sections (I did 9/1/9/1/10), I really felt good. I kept my walking speed to about 3.0 mph, and for my runs, I did 4.0. Really, I almost think it was too slow, but I was a little nervous about it. Unfortunately, I think I'm gonna end up with shin problems. Even in 2 minutes, they were hurting while running. Not after, at least, but while running. I also did a weight circuit today: arms (tricep press, bicep curl, shoulder press, upright bench press) and legs (leg press, leg extensions, inner and outer thigh press). I kept the weight pretty low, and I only did 1 set of each...We will see how I feel tomorrow before I decide what I will do on Friday.

I'm also 3 days away from my 45 day reward...which was supposed to be $15 added to my Starbucks card, but I'm re-thinking that. I really don't know why I bothered to write down rewards. I have changed every one of them. Anyway, I have been really hungry today, and I think it's the addition of exercise to my program. But it's making it really hard to stick it out. I'm determined...but it's getting rough.

I think my goal for the next week is to get the dining room done, and just work on a schedule. If I can make the gym a habit, and then worry about working everything else in, I think I'm more likely to succeed with it. Right? RIGHT?! Somebody please tell me I'm not just lying to myself and that this really will become a habit...because right now, it's just a hassle.

Me? A RUNNER? Don't make me laugh!

I've started going to the gym and actually using my membership that I've had for 2 years and have used about 5 times...one of which was to take my nieces to the pool when they came to visit. But with the 3 Day looming a year away, and me being pitifully out of shape (wait...round is a shape. I'm in shape. Just not a shape to accomplish my goals), I figured I needed to start sooner rather than later. But the 3 Day training program is 24 weeks long...I have more than double that. So, I was thinking about what I could possibly do with the other 24+ weeks, and then it hit me.

Couch to 5K.

For those that don't know, this is a running program that takes you from never having run in your life (except, perhaps, after the ice cream truck when it starts to pull away...not that I know anything about that) to being able to run a 5K. There are 2 programs: the original, and the fat-girl extremely slow build up conservative program.

Both programs have merit in my case. The original gets me there fast and will force me to push myself right from Day 1. It's a 9 week program that starts with running intervals from the very beginning. A benefit is that there is a podcast, complete with music, that goes with this program, and tells you when to walk and when to run, so you don't spend your whole workout looking at your watch. The downside...it's only 9 weeks, and I'm really trying to fill more time than that...and seriously, I don't run now. At ALL.

If I do the conservative program, it starts off much slower. In fact, I could probably skip the first, oh, 3 weeks? That would have me starting with 20 minutes of walking 4 days a week. Considering I was trying to get 45 minutes to an hour 3 days a week (granted, I've only done 2 days so far...), 20 minutes would work. And I might even have some time left to do the weights I wanted to do. I've got that double wave thing going and want to nip it in the bud before it gets really bad. Plus, the whole program is 28 weeks...which has me ending 2 weeks before I need to be starting the 3 Day training...PERFECT. The downside? No podcast. So I need to make my own. Not torture...but a minor hassle.

I think I'm going to be the lazy runner and do the conservative program. It will still challenge me, since I detest running, but the first week of running is 28 minutes of walking, 2 of running...and it can be split any way you want to do it (so 7 walking, 30 seconds running, 7 walking, 30 seconds running...).

I've also worked out most of a schedule with the DH...who I think still has doubts I'm going to follow through with the whole gym-going thing. And who can blame him? It's not like I've shown a tendency to be a gym addict. But we worked out a deal where on Mondays, when he gets off work right at 6 (most of the time), he will go home and cook while I go to the gym. We are also working out whether he can do the same on Wednesday or Thursday...and I'm going to go before my Starbucks on Saturdays. I *may* also use an hour or so on my weeks this month that I get off early on Fridays to do some extra. Last night was the first with this schedule...I got home just after 7. He had dinner ready (some really YUMMY chili and Parmesan cheddar biscuits) when I got home, and didn't complain (much) when I wanted to eat before showering. Seemed to work out pretty well. We'll see how the rest of the week goes.

Also, I finally had a loss this week after 2 weeks of holding steady. Not a huge one, but 2 pounds, bringing my total to 10. I'm thrilled with that...but...a little disheartened for some reason. And I don't know why. 10 pounds in a month is just about a perfect pace. And it means I *could* be near goal when we go to FL next. And with adding in the gym, I will theoretically be toning up, too...which is really more important than the number on the scale. I'm still trying to focus on actions and not results, though. It's hard, but I'm trying. Control what I can. That's my motto. And so far, it's working. Guess I need some workout rewards set up.

And no...working out is not it's own reward.

Save Second Base!

Ok, I wish I was creative enough to say I came up with the title, but I'm not. I stole it from a team when I did the Breast Cancer 3 Day in 2007. I'm stealing it now because I'm walking again!

So...right from the start, I'm gonna ask for your money. I need to raise $2300 by next October. Every little bit adds up. Thank you in advance.

I also need other fundraising ideas, because, lets face it, my 8 readers aren't rich enough to support me. Tell your friends. I'm funny. Really, I am.

I am thinking of doing a yard sale, probably in May of next year...and for those that have stuff to get rid of, but no cold hard cash, this is a great way to help out! I'm also gonna talk to DH's boss about the company sponsoring me...or working out a deal to raffle an inexpensive scooter. We'll see what he'll agree to...if anything.

I'm also going to start training early. If our numerous Disney trips have told me anything, it's that my daily walking limit is about 6 miles a day right now. I need to more than triple that. And me being the procrastinator I am, I really need to start now, because if I wait, then I'm going to be waiting to put it off...and not do anything.

And most importantly...no ChaCha Slide for 2 months before the walk. Especially not in flip flops.