The first week has been rough for me as I'm trying to used to a late schedule at work.  I've been feeling tired all week, which doesn't help with getting in the excercise and diet routine.  But my goal for this week is no excuses... I will work in my excercise - even on my brithday!! I bought my food for the week, I have my big salad in the frig, and I'm making the spagetti squash recipe again this week.  I will get there!!  I look forward to the O2 Team ride on Sunday as always... I love riding with this inspiring and encouraging group!!
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I'm in NM until Tuesday, I actually left Thursday.  Here's my blog for the week.

Wow!  I made it to a spinning class early this morning, in Albuquerque, NM!  I am fortunate that my sister let me be a tag-a-long.  I really enjoyed the company of course and the class.  I am really not having any difficulty while away making the right choices regarding "the food".  However, come this Sunday, with all the cooking that takes place during my ceremonies, I may over indulge just a tiny bit,

I want to thank you for taking us to the farmer's market last Sunday.  This was my first time ever and I was amazed at what they had to offer.  The presentation was also very informative.  Thanks again for everyone's support.
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The last few weeks have been difficult, with traveling and migraines and work life all getting in the way. As a result, I haven't been able to get to O2 for Spinning classes as much as I was. I have tried a Pilates class and went to Dara's yoga/meditation class and loved both. My plan is to include morep pilates and do yoga more often at home and/or after a run.

Although I haven't been going to O2 I have been running on the treadmill. And I've been increasing my distance and my speed gradually. Yesterday I did 5 1/2 miles, the day before I did 5. That's a big improvement from my struggles to complete 3 miles just 6 weeks ago.

Today I went in for my first "progress report" of my numbers. For the above reasons, I told Susan that no matter what happened with the numbers I feel like a success. As it turns out, I did lose body fat and gain muscle mass. The amount of weight loss was small, which lends credence to not looking at the scale that is hidden away at my house. The scale is motivating to me only if I losing weight. If I'm working out and watching my food and I don't lose weight I go to a "what's the point?" place and want togive up. So I'm glad I don't know my scale numbers and I do know I'm losing body fat and not muscle.

After my "weigh-in" I attended the noon Spinning class with Krystal as the teacher. It turned out I was the only one there, and if that had happened a few weeks ago I would have found a reason to escape the building. As it was, she was on a bike next to mine, far less intimidating than if she was in front of the room looking at me (her suggestion -- thanks, Krystal!). It was tough but I hung in there pretty well.

Went out and bought new running shoes, committing to outside runs while I'm in Wisconsin next week.
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I have been bogged down these past few weeks and I feel as if I am sinking, but I am managing to keep my head above the water.  I believe what is keeping me from totally going under is the tiny little voice inside me telling me not to give up, especially since I am into my second month of the challenge.  The presentation on FATs was very informative, thank you Julie.  I’m looking forward to the next presentation.  Again, thank you Susan for your encouragement!
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I walked into O2 three months ago crying. I had hit rock bottom and knew I had to make a HUGE change in my life. I think I was maybe the best decision I've ever made. I had the lifeline I so desperately needed and quickly found myself back on track. The exiting thing is that it really is just the beginning. The final day of the challenge was the best. The 50 mile ride was really hard for me but it turned out to be an amazing day. The generosity and support of all the riders was unprecedented and more then I could have ever imagined. I ended my 3 months as I had started. Right after the ride Susan asked me how I felt I had done on the challenge . I was unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion and started crying, but this time for all of the right reasons. I really want to thank everyone so much for being there and allowing me to be and feel apart of something so wonderful. See you all in class!
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PS I've been holding out on this all week, hoping to tell you in person but now I don't want to tell you in person because I feel foolish for not having told you sooner. Last Wednesday I came in for a workout; Krystal taught the Spinning part and someone else -- Dara?-- taught the yoga, which was excellent and made me want to come to her Sunday morning class. After I got out of yoga I went into the locker room to shower and dress for work. When I came out I heard a very funny beeping sound, thought it was the front or back door closing. Anyway, I went to leave out the front door and it was locked! I looked around and realized that everyone had left and the beeping was probably an alarm and I was locked in. It would have been fine for me to hang out, get on a bike maybe, and wait for the afternoon folks to arrive, but I had a few important meetings that afternoon so I had to think of something. Calling Mary crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure she'd know how to find anyone. I don't know Kurt's number or anything.... So what I did was I went out the back door. I would have stayed and waited for the police if an alarm went off but it never did. The workmen gave me some funny looks when I made my way around them (in silly Cole Haan heels, picking through the dust and rocks, no less!) and I tried to tell them in Spanish I had been locked in but who knows what I really said? Ennnnneeeeeewaaaaaay... I went to work and tried not to think about it, hoping I hadn't caused a ruckus.

 

All went well until I was driving home about 3 and saw two alarm company trucks parked outside your studio. Guilt city! I am so very sorry if my dilemma caused you and your staff concern. The last thing I want to do is stress you out when you're out of town... So there it is, my deep dark secret. I hope it made you smile if not laugh... And next time I'll tell people I'm in the shower!

 

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Thank you Susan for assisting me with my meal plan.  This is what I needed.  I like how the days of the week are all planned out.  This makes my shopping very easy and I know what I can make and prepare ahead of time.  I know this will work.  I hope by the end of the month, I will be able to notice a change in my body and the way I eat.  Although, it has been difficult at times for me especially with the food, because I am an emotional eater, but I can say, I have stopped myself from doing that because I think about all the workouts I have been doing and I don't want to ruin my attempts at making a change.  Oh also, thank you Julie, the smoothie you developed works best for me at night.  My daughter also loves the smoothie, and I usually make one for her before I leave for work.  I have also kept a promise to myself to get in some physical activity when I do not make it to spinning.  I am very fortunate to have a work out facility within my job and best of all my supervisor supports an 1hour workout for staff.  I find myself getting my workout clothes ready the night before, when in the past, I usually would rush around in the morning to gather my stuff and often times, I would just say "forget it".  I am really committed to making a drastic change..what concerns me the most though is the food, now with the meal plan in hand, I am ready.
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I am writing this before I receive my final assessment – which feels right to me since I know the benefits of the Challenge went far deeper than any scale numbers or body fat measurements.  My three months were interrupted – just as I was really getting going – when my lower back went on strike. But somehow, the bumpy road forward – the starts and stops – has been my way to learn that I have full permission to take the very best care of myself and always schedule the health of my body before I do anything else.I now spend a part of each Sunday cooking, chopping and creating healthy foods for the week. I have gotten pretty consistent with making sure that at least 4 or 5 days out of each week are spent, in part, sweating. I have rejected more than one food based on the huge number of unpronounceable ingredients it held – the specter of Julie now has a permanent perch on my left shoulder as my guide!And best of all is the strong sense of community that O2 offers up – I pull under that mesquite tree in the parking lot, walk down those skinny little cement steps to the sidewalk, and know that when I open that door I will find a heartfelt invitation to, plain and simple, take the best possible care of myself.The Challenge also brought up some internal stuff that I will continue to explore. I learned once again about myself that I hate to feel fenced in – and I will fight that feeling with ferocity even when what I am fighting is taking good care of myself. This is one I need to stare at a bit more – this is one with ancient roots in a yellow stucco house on Mountain Avenue in San Bernardino, CA – seems that anything that involves selecting foods to put into one's mouth can bring up –  subtly, deeply and mostly unconsciously – all things mom, dad, nurturance and need.All in all – not a bad series of lessons and learnings for the summer of 2010. And best of all, I am not going anywhere.  Can’t quite imagine getting through an entire week anymore without a big jolt of all things O2! 
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This week I am happy to report that I took my lunch all week and the great thing for me is that I knew exactly what I was eating and I can't burn salad.
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Tina..... 08/30/2010
 
It has been a challenge for me.
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