Catchup (not Ketchup)

Wow - it's been an eventful week since we last spoke.

Okay - the doctor. My BP is okay - but running a little high on the new meds. We're going to monitor it for the next three weeks and see how it looks before the Princess. My doctor is totally on board with the plan of working out according to my coaches instructions (my doctor is a runner, too) - but she asked me to increase my speed a bit - wants me more winded. This will help with the side stitch. She also approves of the 2200 calorie a day goal.

Then all heck broke loose. Amber got sick that very same day. I got it over the weekend. And we're just now coming out of it. The baby actually started it with a stomach virus. And then we passed it around the house.

But things are getting back to normal around here.

I'll do a weigh-in for Feb 1 on Wednesday (although I know I'm about the same - February's goal is to focus on the 2200 calorie limit - now that exercise is more of a routine - I've worked out just about every day the last three weeks, with two or three exceptions).

And I'll report back then. :)

Until then - enjoy this picture of Elizabeth looking stern on her sled.

EPCOT AWAITS!

Doctors

Today I see two doctors.

One my primary care doc to check on the change we made in my blood pressure medication - and likely to get yelled at because my weight hasn't changed. But also to discuss with her (she's a runner) my plan with my coach - my side stitch - and how to succeed over the course of this year.

Then I'm off to my counselor. I have to say - I'm really getting a lot out of meeting with her. I really feel like we're getting to the root of some of my issues. Then the question is - what do we do with the raw emotion we find? Well - it is a process.

I'll report to you all tomorrow on how it goes.

One note: Amanda - my "coach" and I are DEFINITELY going to get some road miles in - but as we see it - the biggest hurdle was the stitch. Working the diaphragm without cramping it on the elliptical will strengthen it enough to allow for a harder push on the ground. Just a thought...but road work is coming. ;) Rest assured.

EPCOT AWAITS!

3 of 7 (round 2)

Someone's growing! Yes - Elizabeth's bed has been converted to a toddler bed - and last night - I'm pretty sure she rolled out of it onto the floor, and STAYED asleep while doing it. It was pretty funny - we went in to check on her and she's all snuggled in her blankets.....on the floor.

Anyhoo - I completed my 7 workout challenge (in faster time than anticipated due to multiple workouts during SNOWmageddon here in the PNW) - discussed it with my "coach" - who has increased the workouts to 45 minutes from 30. I'm three workouts into my seven. And working out has become more of a "habit" again.

The goal is to get me up to 60-90 per day prior to the Princess. The Princess goal we've defined is to survive and go further. By the time we get to Disneyland in September, I'll be under the pacing requirement - and finishing no problem. November - Wine and Dine - faster. And in January 2013, I'll return to WDW and conquer the course that started it all for me!

The only thing bugging me is my weight.

It's stayed kinda stagnant.

But that's okay. I just need to be extra careful about "extra" calories - even "workout" calories - and just be vigilant. The weight will come off. I just have to keep the course.

So - thanks "coach". You're helping me push myself in ways I'd forgotten how to.

EPCOT AWAITS!

White Christmas

Okay - well it's not Christmas anymore - but we are in the middle of a HUGE snowstorm here in the Pacific NW. They're predicting between 10-14 inches for some areas today - and that's on top of the 6 we got over the weekend!

Sorry I've been scarce - but it's not because I haven't been busy! Quite the opposite!

We're working on training our new assistant at the office - Elizabeth has come down with something involving a fever - and I've been using spare time to tackle my challenge!

And I'm proud to say that I'm already six workouts into my seven. :)

Plus - since today is a snow day - during nap time I'll probably get in my second workout of the day for my seventh. :)

Overall I'm doing great with exercise - food is still a struggle - but it's coming into line better. And I'm looking forward to seeing my doctor next week to discuss my side stitch. Also getting an accurate weigh-in on Wednesday of next week to see how my yearly progress is going so far!

How's YOUR January shaping up?

EPCOT AWAITS!

Seven Days

A good friend of mine (who for now will remain anonymous) has been a huge inspiration to me through my journeys. And he's always willing to be a source of information and a good "push".

I e-mailed him after the race - wanting his opinions on how to better prepare for Princess and how to move forward.

His response shocked, amused, and totally motivated me.

"When you've completed seven half hour elliptical workouts, we'll talk. Hope to talk to you next week."

Now - you might think that it would have upset me. Far from it. I laughed. And immediately replied.

"Okay - yesterday doesn't count! Talk to you next Friday!"

And today, I report 1 down. Six to go. I'm using my PreCor's pre-set "weight loss" program. It's a 28 minute program with a 5 minute cool down - for a 33 minute workout. The 28 minutes alternates from intensity of 1 to intensity of 8 every four minutes. It's a good strong workout.

Plus I get to watch Smallville on my iPad (great show) - I've only just started, but I'm only allowing myself to watch while I exercise. So there's that. And as I'm kinda hooked on the show now - and there are TEN seasons. Yeah. You can see that it'll be with me awhile!

This weekend, I plan on doing a more lengthy trip report highlighting BOTH of my recent trips - and I also plan on writing another article for AllEars - which I'll call "Toddling the World" - all about traveling with a toddler. Yeah - it's totally fun!

See you guys soon!

EPCOT AWAITS!

The Return and Recap

Well - I'm back from another great trip to the World. Although the hardest part was missing Elizabeth and Amber as much as I did.

Okay - so here's a recap of four days. It'd be a longer post, but we're training our new employee today! Yes - we are helping the economy by hiring an administrative assistant.

I'll elaborate on this trip and the December trip more over the next weeks.

But for now - here are the cliff's notes:

Kidani Village - furthest room from the lobby.
Sanaa - great to see Jeff, Amanda and Justin.
Hollywood Studios - made it into the American Idol show - great dinner with everyone at Mama's.
WDW Half Marathon - side stitch - 7 mile pick up - fell below pace.
Meeting up with Andy and Sharla and the kids - so much fun reminiscing.
Watching the Marathon - and cheering for TV members and WDWRadio team members.
Flying home - upgraded to first class.

I learned what I need to do to accomplish my goal in 7 weeks at the Princess - and I have the tools to do it.

1) I've already worked out today.
2) I'm on 2200 calories a day again - strict.
3) I see my counselor on Friday.
4) I see my doctor a week from today.
5) With a new employee, I'll be less office stressed.

Basically - everything I need to go back in February and do better! As I told Amanda and Jeff - it is my sincerest hope that after the Princess Half we are celebrating my success in crossing the finish line once again.

EPCOT AWAITS!

Returning to my Home Away from Home

I leave at 6am tomorrow for WDW and the 15th Annual WDW Half Marathon. My third such race.

I've talked about my fears and doubts - I've talked about my reasons and desires.

Now it's just time to put my feet on the road and see what I am capable of.

I'll be updating Facebook as usual - and will see you all here on Monday the 9th with a report - and a plan moving forward to the Princess race.

Which I might add - is being run on February 25 - the two year anniversary of my father's passing. How's that for symbolism?

For those of you who are going to be there - I'll see you all soon!

For those of you NOT going to be there - think good thoughts! (even you, mgreene - lol)

EPCOT AWAITS!

January 1 - 358.6 - Happy New Year

So - I start the new year down 2.4 pounds. Not a bad wake up present. :) I needed an accurate weigh-in today since my office is doing a monthly Biggest Loser competition - and I intend to win! I have a few new tools from Christmas, too. I got a Fitbit Ultra! And I have it matched to my "Lose it!" app on the phone - and it's a great pair of tools!

And since we have a new attitude, I figured I'd share a picture of Elizabeth's all new 'tude with you.

It was very sunny and she really wanted her own sunglasses - so we got them for her. She wouldn't put them down. Wanted them at all times that first day. But this is a rare moment where they were actually ON HER HEAD!

Okay - so I fly out Thursday to do my best to conquer the WDW Half Marathon! And see my teammates! And start 2012 on a high note! And as we know - even if the worst happens - not finishing is vastly superior to not starting.

As John Bingham would say: at least I have "the courage to start!"

And I'll hold onto that courage as we push further and beyond!

EPCOT AWAITS!