Rapunzel

I had to bring you this photo today - what a BIG girl we have! Holy cow! She's growing so dang fast.

I also wanted to publicly thank my good friend Jeff W for a motivational phone call today - kinda an extra kick in the butt. I've been struggling the last few weeks due to baby issues, birthday issues, and sleep issues. But now that Precor is here (and I'm using it - so far 4 workouts since it's been put in last wednesday) - I'm soaking my shirts and all will be well. :)

But seriously - thanks Jeff.

And also - thanks to Amanda and Justin for being my e-mail buddies.

And the rest of the team for sticking with me!

Great things are coming! Just give me time. ;)

EPCOT AWAITS!

Enter Precor

I had almost forgotten what a good hard elliptical workout feels like. But holy cats - today was a great one.

So this is our new Precor Elliptical. It's right next to our treadmill - and given the choice - the elliptical pushes me harder, and allows me to push harder right now. So this morning I did a 30 minute elliptical workout.

WOW.

I'm SOAKED in sweat. It feels GREAT - and a little soggy. ;)

I'm off to hit the shower - but it now feels like I really have all the TOOLS I need to make the successes I'm focusing on reality.

This feels GOOD.

EPCOT AWAITS!

A Check In

I thought I'd give you all some pictures of Elizabeth to make you smile. She always makes me smile.

These were taken at her 18 month photo session six months ago. She's changed even since THEN.

As for me - things here are going well.

Sunday I did a 6 mile walk - and felt good about it. The elliptical is getting installed tomorrow, and as we're approaching the 60 day countdown, I'm going to post DAILY from 60 days down to 1. I'll be updating you on my exercise, weight, food intake, and plan overall.

This elliptical is really going to help me kick into high gear - and I'll likely be using IT more than the treadmill as the weather changes.

That being said - this last week has been a struggle with food - between birthday parties - and hectic schedules - and sleepless nights - I've struggled.

But I have a plan - I'm working within it - Amber is working with me - and I see the nutritionist again next week on Wednesday. I'm hoping for a good progress report.

Until then...

EPCOT AWAITS!

Finding My Legs

This morning started out well - with another 30 minute workout. However - due to rain, and the shin problems I've been having, I did it indoors on the treadmill. And slowed it down a bit.

No pain. And still a good workout.

I think the shins might be a combination of weight and speed. So if I slow, and can go longer, and drop more weight - I'll be able to speed up.

Compounding that plan is our new purchase of a PreCor Home Elliptical machine. It'll be delivered and set up on Wednesday. So once it's in, when I'm not walking/jogging - I'm ellipticalling. I plan on adding a 30 - 45 minute workout on it daily (at a minimum when I'm not walking/jogging - but an extra workout on those days would be great too).

Today we start off with something fun, too! We're taking Elizabeth in for her 2 year photo session! So we'll have some new photos from the wonderful ladies at Artis Photography soon!

Today I feel quite hopeful. A new sunrise.

EPCOT AWAITS!

Happy Day

Two years ago today, we were basking in the happiness of having been presented with this new little person.

Two years ago today, we were exhausted, but delighted to welcome her to our world.

Two years ago today, we were terribly sleep deprived, and didn't care one iota.

Two years ago today, we were able to redefine love.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Noelle!

Daddy adores you!

EPCOT AWAITS!

356 - A New Hope

Okay - first things first - I haven't been around in like a week and a half.

Elizabeth's had one whopper of a sick time this last bit here. Started with respiratory and ended with an ear infection. We had fevers, coughing, crankiness, and more.

It made for a rough patch for updating.

Good news: I kept up with exercise - mostly. I had some trouble with my shin yesterday on my long run - but I have some good ideas to work with.

Bad news: I was good with the dietician's plan - but not perfect. About 75% I'd say. I'm up a bit from when I last weighed in at home, but down from my last weigh in with the dietician. So I'm hovering in the middle.

So here's where we go from here.

Everyone's healthy now. So no excuses.

We've planned out the week with a good diet plan. And I've got my exercise plan as well. We're going to really buckle down and make progress the next 16 days the focus (I see the dietician again November 5). We're going to get BELOW 350 by then. If not further.

And to help (since the weather is changing) - we're considering purchasing a new elliptical for the house - but not a cheap one - a good quality one from a reputable company. If that happens - I'll be adding elliptical training on my "off" running days. And oh my how the weight will drop.

So despite having a few setbacks - I feel hopeful this week.

And I'm thankful that I have my teammates and friends supporting me!

EPCOT AWAITS!

The Past Can Hurt

Last night I watched the new Diamond Edition BluRay of the Lion King. It was the first time I've watched what is easily my favorite movie in over 18 months. I couldn't bring myself to watch it since my father passed.

And at the appropriate time in the movie - I broke down. Completely. Sobbed. My heart just....hurt. Ached. But when it passed - I felt a little better.

And then I realized that seeing this counselor is just what I think I really needed. I think I've been stalled because of some blocks inside. And it's time to start knocking them down.

I saw my dietician today. We reviewed my food logging and noted that I eat out. A lot. I was averaging between 3000-3500 calories a day. We're cutting that to no more than 2500 a day. And she's given me a food plan - including a detailed menu. I weigh in again when I see her in 4 weeks. And there WILL be progress by then. She's said "It's time for us to get aggressive and kick some butt."

I can't even begin to say how much I agree. And how suddenly - excited I am.

And Byron - if you're still with me - my friend - feel no shame in being where you are. But as a wise old baboon once told me - you can either run from it....or....learn from it.

And "learn from it" sounds like the better choice. So I'm with you. All of you.

If you're with me.

EPCOT AWAITS!