293.8

Look! A Pixie! 

I'm way back down to end the month, and I'm very happy about it. Sure I'm still .7 up from Monday, but I'm sure that'll be gone by Monday, if not more - but I'm ending February today with a total loss of 5.9 pounds this month. Not bad if you ask me. :)

I'm off to the gym right now for my workout with Angie - and I'm going to be asking her some training questions and will post some ideas tomorrow - as well as a plan for March. (editor's note: I have discussed training with Angie, and HAVE a plan that will be posted tomorrow - if you're interested in hearing about my efforts to get OUTSIDE - stay tuned!)

Sponsor letters should go out Monday.

Until tomorrow friends:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Hidden Mickeys

You know what the thing about hidden mickeys is? 

They're little pieces of magic that you find around you every day. 

For example - today, on a Thursday, I was able to set aside enough time to run 3.84 miles in 60 minutes (a tad bit UNDER the pace) and feel GREAT about it. On a THURSDAY! When was the last time you knew me to do more than 30 minutes on a weekday, huh?

Well it's a little bit of Disney magic.

That's my theory anyhow.

Hidden Mickeys are - unexpected hugs, welcome e-mails, tender comments, belly laughs, warm smiles, and anything else that makes you believe in dreams and wishes in your everyday life. And here's the best part.

They really ARE all around you.

(Okay Dr. Barrett - start lookin!)

Tomorrow - a weigh-in to end February - and a gym workout with Angie! And then - a look forward to March!

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Like a Grand and Miraculous Spaceship

...and we have been among it's many passengers.

Good morning friends! As promised, here are YESTERDAY'S numbers:

B: Protien Cookie (3), Breakfast Square (4), Protien Bar (5)

L: Sara Lee Delightful Bread (1), Hillshire Farms Chicken Breast 4oz (2.5), Sargento Low Fat Provolone (1), Apple (1), Two snack packs (4)

D: Skillet fish with Tarragon Margarine (3), Wild Rice a Roni (4), Asparagus (0)

Snack: 100 cal 3 musketeers bar (2), WASA with Laughing Cow Spread (2), Breyers Light Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips (9), 1 tsp kernel seasons caramel powder (.5)

Total: 42

And this morning I've already done a heckuva hill climb with Cruella - man are my calves SORE. They hurt. But in a good way.

I have a good feeling about this week. It's gonna be crazy with work stuff - but crazy is good - busy is good. 

How's YOUR week shaping up?

Oh yeah - we have PLANE TICKETS to the Marathon. I traded in some miles, and we're flying FIRST CLASS baby! :)

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297.2

As I look out over the next week, and back at those in recent memory, I ask myself - what can I do to avoid a gain of four pounds (which, incidentally is what I'm posting this morning).

But I have answers.

1) Keep moving forward.

2) Be stricter about measurements and posting actual points. No shaving a point or two here.

3) Work HARDER in the gym (heading out in a few minutes).

4) Don't let it get you down - it's a fluctuation - and I haven't had an upswing in awhile. Just trust your body - trust your training - and trust your heart.

Yup - I'm up a bit. But I won't let it get ME down.

Tomorrow I'll post EVERY POINT I've eaten today. I'm measuring EVERYTHING from here until Friday (at least) - including how much splenda I put into coffee, if I have it, how much actual smart balance I put on toast, if I have it, etc. Those little things might just add up.

And I think I'll have things back under control on Friday.

Stick with me - it's gonna be a heckuva week! :) I'm off to the gym to lift some weight right now!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!!

And the Mongello goes to....

It was an honor just being nominated.

And it was an honor having a better 30 minutes this morning than ever. It seems if you look to your right that my theme this month is improving my 30 minute pace throughout the month. Perhaps next month I'll focus on improving a 45 minute pace, and so on.

I'm a little worried about my weigh-in tomorrow morning. Things have been OKAY this week, but I've noticed a few slip-ups here and there with food. Plus coming off the meds. I have no idea what effect that'll have, if any, on my metabolism. Add the additional muscle I've been building with Angie, and it's anybody's guess.

That being said - I plan on pumping the next week hard (two gym workouts and three treadmill before Friday, which is END day for February) so I can end February strong. 

And then face the March challenge. My anniversary. We're going away for a weekend to Victoria BC, and have a lot of nice things planned. Many involve food. I'm going to keep exercising and do a lot of walking and do my best with food choices. I figure Friday - Sunday (7-10 of March - the anniversary is 3/4, but that's a Tuesday, so doesn't work well for a vacation) can't be TOO bad if I'm careful. More specifics on this as it approaches.

How's YOUR week finishing? Ready for Monday?

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Oh Happy Day...

Well the doctor's appointment certainly didn't disappoint. 

The dizzyness (mostly when moving vertically), occassional headache, and sleepiness all combined with a somewhat LOW heart rate (55 bpm) convinced my doctor it is time to try me OFF my blood pressure meds.

Yes - I am now OFF the meds. 

My resting BP off them yesterday was 118/78. Not bad. I've been off for two days. Slight headache this morning - but feeling good. We'll see how it goes for a few weeks. I have a follow up in about 4 weeks with my actual doctor.

But I am off the meds. 

That makes for a happy Saturday.

That and the fact that little Ayla is coming over in awhile to hang with Aunt Amber and Uncle Jon for the morning. :)

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Where's Waffle?

Since I know Jason really wanted to play this game at MouseFest but couldn't - I'm playing it here today. Identify the location of Jason and his waffle. :)

Did a good run this morning - 30 minutes - just shy of 2 miles. I like the pace. 

Food is a little off this week - had a real hunger issue yesterday and had about 6-8 extra points (powerbar/clif bar) - and have been being a little lax (not a LOT - just a point or two here and there but it adds up - today and all weekend I'm being very strict on myself, though). 

I think part of it is stress about my doctor's appointment today.

We're reviewing my medication today - earlier than expected - which is good - but we're reviewing it because I've started having headaches and dizzy spells - which is bad. 

But I plan on finishing the week strong with a great weekend and posting a loss on Monday! So stick with me Allaboutthemousekateers!! I'll have a fuller update tomorrow!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Thick Horned Whoosywhatsits

These guys are awesome. I have NO idea what they're called - but they're awesome nonetheless.

Quick post today - running a little short on time - but here's some progress for you.

What would Jonathan have done 8 months ago if he was short on time? Answer: skip exercise.

Today? 20 minutes. Kept the 16 min/mile pace for 1.254 miles total in 20 minutes. Slightly ABOVE pace.

Granted - it's nothing to jump about - except that it's PROGRESS.

And with every turn we'll be making progress. Progress is the flip of an electrical switch...the turn of a turbine...the roar of a factory...

You get the idea: There's a great big beautiful tomorrow...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Where the Miles Are - a Work in Progress

Okay - so I'm not wet paint, but the metaphor still applies here.

Yesterday several people commented on my continuing success but also asked "Where are the miles?"

That's a wonderful question. The answer is: the miles are there - but I'm not focusing on them at the moment. 

Here's the plan Angie and I have developed:

Focus on strength training (legs and arms) as well as balance and core for NOW. (Probably into the Spring). Lose weight. Lots. Fast. Continue running and building up stamina, but don't go crazy there. Once we've built up the base that I currently have, we ARE going to start going crazy with milage. Following a race training pattern.

I imagine the REALLY hard race training will start about 6-8 months out from the race. 

Until then - the treadmill is my friend and I use it to supplement the other workouts and keep moving forward. My pace is getting better - my legs are getting stronger. And I'm running my own training marathon. :)

Sounds good doesn't it?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

293.1

Another 2.1 pounds down! This is a good pattern - it's not TOO fast, but not so slow. Weight Watchers says it's just right. Of course, I'd like MORE and FASTER - but hey - beggers can't be choosers, right?

So - what's with the picture?

I've already received a request for Bryan and I to do another AATMGW (see this week's AATM for more) - but to DEFINITELY include Those Darn Cats. What do YOU think?

Chaos? Definitely.

Mayhem? Of course.

Fun? YOU BETCHA!

Off to see Angie!

(NOTE: Just finished the workout - HOLY COW. 50 minutes - we did bench presses, butterflys, calf raises combined with stair climbing, side raises, bench dips, lat rows and bicep curls. I can BARELY wash my hair - my arms just won't lift! LOL)

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All Hail Huey!

Yup - I've seen him, and gave him a high-five today!

I didn't quite get to Darkwing, I don't think - but still - was under pace, and did a great run in sixty minutes, thirty seconds.

Yesterday's food intake was a little off - went out for lunch and had a nice cobb salad, with no bacon and dressing on the side, but a little too much dressing, if you ask me.

Plus some SMALL popcorn at the movies (no butter) - which reminds me - go see Definitely, Maybe. Right now.

In the meantime, I'm now gearing up for my workout tomorrow with my good friend Angie!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Stitch Looks Dissapointed

And he should be - at least RIGHT NOW. Because although I've been doing GREAT on food - it's 8:30 and I'm updating my blog, and I haven't exercised today. Huey is sitting and waiting for me alone.

But don't worry Huey - I'll see you this weekend for sure. Maybe later today - maybe tomorrow. It's just still up in the air as to when. 

I'm sure you forgive me, don't you Huey?

And the rest of you forgive me. 

It's just been a REALLY long week - and my legs are killing me this morning. So I'm going to take the morning off, and if I can run later, I will. If not, tomorrow for sure. Then Monday morning I see Angie.

I'm also at the point where I want to make an appointment with my doctor to assess where I am and where I should be in regards to medication or not. I have a good feeling. Things have been going great on this front. Let's keep it up!!!

And fear not Stitch. Maybe we'll go see Darkwing tomorrow, or even Dewey.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Halfway to Huey

Okay - wouldn't that be an awesome name for a band? Or a restaurant? "Halfway to Huey"

And before I get to today's post - I HAVE to give a special shout-out to my good friend Jeff W. Jeff, you absolutely ROCK. You are a wonderful inspiration, colleague, and FRIEND. And those ducks of yours...priceless.

Anyhow - here's why it's not "ALL the way to Huey" (and please note - NOT an excuse - just an explanation). I misjudged what time I'd need to leave for an early meeting today, and so I only had time to do 30 minutes.

That being said - TOMORROW I'll see Huey, and SUNDAY I'll TRY (we'll see how it goes) to see Dewey.

Last night's dinner was WONDERFUL. And really healthy. Cooking Light French Onion Soup (3pts), Rosemary Garlic rubbed Rack of Lamb (5pts), Roasted new potatoes (6pts), WW Cannoli (6pts), white wine (2-4 pts).

It all went VERY well together. And we had a VERY nice night. I feel wonderful this morning, and ready to take on the world...or at least Main Street!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Happy Valentines Day!

May your day be filled with love and affection!

So here's where we are - I HAVE in fact gotten up when planned every day so far this week (it's been hard) BUT - there have been work complications (leaving for court at 5am yesterday for instance) that have kept me from working out the last two days.

Fear not - tomorrow I will do a nice jog here and see my ol' pal Huey. 

I've also decided to ATTEMPT this weekend to do a walk/jog in the 5-6 mile range. Perhaps even look for Louie.

Food is going well - and tonight we're having a nice romantic dinner for two out of last months "Cooking Light" magazine. French Onion Soup, A rosemary rack of lamb, roasted new potatoes, and WW cannoli for dessert. Sounds yummy huh? Not bad in points either. I'll post the whole deal in the morning after my run.

Luckily it now seems like with the delay of my BIG trial, things might calm down a bit at work for a few weeks, giving me some time to catch my breath, get a little ahead, and refocus a little.

That's VERY good.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Running through Utopia?

How cool would it be to run through the ORIGINAL EPCOT plan?

A utopian society where everyone would be pulling for you and trying to get you to achieve new heights and goals by living and working together.

Kinda like our community huh?

You realize we ARE an Experimental Prototype Community, don't you? 

How cool is the link we've all formed with each other?

Today - just stop and think about it.

Oh yeah - and I got up and exercised! Did a nice hill climb to stretch the legs after yesterdays weight workout. Tomorrow a jog!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

295.3

In honor of passing the SEVENTY-FIVE pound mark - today I present you a picture of the most realistic animatronic ducks you'll ever see. These free-roving animatronics wander around the castle and the magic kingdom as a whole, and they're a wonderful addition to the living character initiative.

:)

So today I'm UP at 5:30 - and have already eaten breakfast - and in a moment I'm off to the gym.

That's success in terms of my plan to get up and work out. One day so far. 

Let's try for another tomorrow!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

BIG Shoes to Fill

If I have to make the Mouse proud, I have BIG shoes to fill, don't I?

But how about today, huh? Figured I'd see how long I could continuously run at 4.1 mph. The answer?

How about TWENTY FOUR MINUTES?

How about 2.126 miles in 33 minutes? 

How about THAT for some exercise? :)

Tomorrow I plan to say hi to my good friend Huey.

Meals yesterday were great:

Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal w/ Smart Balance - 2 packets (8.5 pts total)

Workout Shake (5)

WW Chicken Parm, Apple, Snack pack (8)

Sushi dinner (cali roll, tuna sushi, crab sushi, yellowtail sushi, salmon sushi, miso soup) (12)

Movie theatre popcorn w/o butter (small) (5)

Powerbar Harvest Bar (4)

Total: 42.5

So - how's YOUR weekend going? Going to have a good Monday weigh-in?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Which Dwarf are you?

Well lately, I'd be sleepy.

I'm not sure why, but the biggest struggle I've been having this week is actually getting out of bed. I'm so tired sometimes. I know I'm working hard and working out even harder, but this is ridiculous. 

So this morning, I got up, and worked out with Angie - and according to her - I kicked butt! I really worked it for 58 minutes - including lunges, squats, curls, sit-ups, and more. HOLY COW.

As a reward - tonight is dinner out night - and my FAVORITE low-point dinner: SUSHI. :)

We also might go check out "Juno" at the theatres.

Besides that - things are going well - but my new goal for NEXT WEEK (which will be difficult, but that's what challenge is all about - more about this tomorrow) - is to actually GET UP at 5am each weekday - and whether I'm in the gym or in the other room doing the treadmill - to workout EACH WEEKDAY MORNING.

Don't worry - I'm also going to do this Saturday/Sunday too. What I do will depend on my soreness level. But I'm still going - and still kicking! The sponsor checks are starting to come in - have you received your letter? How anxious are you for the next one? Who knows how far I can go?

Can I have lost 100lbs by my birthday? (4/17)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On FIRE

My arms, my chest, my back, and my spirit - it's ALL on fire!!! Some in a good way, some in a bad way!

The workout with Angie on Monday went well - except for the nausea break. We did push-up, step-ups (weird thing - get into a push up position, and then find some stairs - and lift your arms to them and push up to them) - knee lifts - lunges with shoulder presses - and squats interspersed with a balance exercise. Because we didn't get the full workout - we're doing it again on Friday. :)

I'm sore, but in new places - most notably my chest. 

Food is going good - we're looking through cookbooks as a project and calculating points on some nice recipes. Last night's dinner? A nice raspberry beet salad with some chicken and cauliflower. 

Letters have gone out, so you might be seeing them today - enjoy the changes in the format! :)

And - I know I owe a few people some e-mails, and those are coming - hopefully today or tomorrow at the latest. Just bear with me. :)

I decided today to do some hill training, to try to stretch my legs (since they HURT from the squats) - and tomorrow I'll do a 30-40 minute jog. So far so good. I see my ChampionChip every day - the weight keeps coming off, and I'm getting stronger every day. The stronger I get, the easier the race will be!

And of course....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

296.6

Wow - another 3.1 pounds lost this week - and that's even WITH going out for a really nice dinner one night (granted, I had Ahi tuna sushi and a nice salad). But more impressively, it's without a whole lot of exercise.

I know - exercise is kinda the keystone here, and this week's focus is on getting back into that groove. But I'm just happy I haven't backslidden (is that a word?).

I'm heading out to see Angie this morning, and will be having a protein cookie (3 points) before my workout. Some Special K Red Berries (2c with 1c skim milk = 6 points) and Oroweat Light toast w/ Smart Balance (3 points total) for breakfast. Lunch? Leftover WW Turkey Enchilada Casserole (8 points). Dinner I'm not sure about the point total for, but it's lower, as well.

Oh yeah - after posting my weight at WW this morning - guess what?

Yup.

I LOST A POINT.

42 per day now. Probably not a huge issue - many of my points go to snacks anyhow, since I tend to eat smaller meals because Amber gets less points. But hey - it's still a point loss. 

And I feel wonderful.

Letters are done and going in the mail today - e-mails will be returned shortly. :) Look for responses today if you're missing yours.

So how much distance DOES a weight workout count for?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

A Phone Call with my Conscience

Yello?

"Hello Jonathan, how's it going?"

Well, conscience, I haven't heard from you in awhile. It's going great, really.

"Are you sure? I know you haven't been to the gym or on the treadmill lately. You don't even know if you finished January's challenge yet!"

Well that's true - although I'm giving myself credit for finishing the challenge, since my weight workouts have been intense enough to make up the distance difference. And tomorrow I see Angie, and will talk to her about the lingering soreness, and how to kick it up a notch. Also - I've been doing GREAT with food - even went out to dinner last night and did great.

"That's interesting. Why aren't you posting what you eat?"

Well things have been crazy lately - but I'm going to recommit myself to the blog tomorrow. More exercise posts. More food posts. And I'm accepting Rae's challenge for February - although TWO marathons seems like a lot. I'll just have to really really push it. And find a way to account for the weights in the figuring. 

"Alright. Say - what's that on your desk?"

OH!!! My ChampionChip arrived! It even has the Marathon 2009 logo on it!!! I'm REALLY pumped now!

"Okay - sounds like you're doing okay - even if a little lax. Make sure you get those letters out today, and shoot a post or two up on the boards. You owe a few people an e-mail too, don't you?"

Don't worry - I'll get it taken care of. Thanks for the check in! Love ya!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Quick Update

Okay - so I haven't posted in days. Things are okay - just crazy with work and home and other commitments. 

As a result, although I've been eating well, I haven't touched exercise since Tuesday.

Can't get into a groove. Finally my arms feel better, but I don't want to go work them out because I see Angie on Monday, and I don't want to be tired for that.

Tomorrow and Sunday I'll hit the treadmill.

Do I get credit towards my distance for my weight workouts for the January challenge? :)

I'll work on finding that groove tomorrow - and sponsor letters go out this weekend, promise.

A more inspirational post tomorrow - today just a check-in.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!