Pushing Through

Okay, so before I left for vacation I was feeling really like I had started to make progress. I had started losing weight and inches and everything......I got pictures back from Vacation and I look way bigger than I think I've ever looked and I'm like, "what the heck?" My arms look big and everything!! I'm bummed. I know I shouldn't even care, but somehow I just expected to look so much better after working so hard......I'm just sharing my feelings and I know it takes a second sometimes to just vent and then it's all back to normal, so I'm just taking my "second"......I'm just a little bummed at my progress. EVERYONE at work is doing this "diet" thing where they order food and drink all these shakes and in like a week they lose 15 lbs!! (It's really expensive but it works and like 6 girls at work are doing it!!) I'm sad because it feels like they can lose it all so easy with little effort. - They don't even have to exercise! (Travis tries to encourage me by reminding me that they have like a LOT of weight to lose, but STILL...) It just can be hard to watch other people have such an easy time of it when I struggle with it so much. I think I wouldn't even care, but the older I get and the bigger I get the more and more I look like my mother and that just freaks me out all together!!!!

ANYWAY.......I'm still working out and eating healthy and I know that it will come off one day! Thanks to everyone for being faithful on your part and for encouraging me to do the same. I count on knowing that you are out there and that I'm not alone!!! By the way, Cherry, it's time for some before and after photos since you met your goal!!! YEAH...I want to see that bikini on you! haha......

Goals and Progress

I am VERY excited to say that I weighed in today and have lost 4 lbs!!! YEAH!!! So, there was NOTHING for like 7 months, but now I finally have started losing weight!!!

These four pounds are since my weigh-in in September. Overall since the very beginning I've lost 8lbs so I am very happy that things are starting to progress......My overall goal before the wedding in February is to get down to 132lbs which is what I was back in December 2006 (My lowest weight ever)........So, basically I have 12 more pounds to go.......If I keep running and working out like I am and I keep gradually decreasing my food intake I think I can accomplish this goal. I think I found that the key for me is to GRADUALLY decrease my portion sizes so as to not put my body in shock. The other huge thing that I have given up - which I personally feel is the biggest part - is Diet Coke. I drink a ton of water now and I think that makes a big difference.

Anyway, I was really excited, so I wanted to share....Oh, and I have lost 1 1/2 inches from my thys, 1 inch from my arms, 1 inch from my waist and 1/2 in from my hips! YEAH......

Progress

YEAH...I'm finally starting to see some progress from all of my efforts. This month I lost 1/2 in. all over and that was incredibly exciting for me. Still no "weight" loss, but at least something is happening. I think maybe I'm breaking through.......I'm still working out all the time and doing a lot of resistance training and stuff so I think maybe the progress will gradually continue.

I'm trying really hard to cut down on my calories as well as just eating super healthy. I still haven't found it in my will-power to totally give up sweats, but I think I am doing a little better anyway.....I am giving up all diet soda and now just drinking green tea and water so that's been a good adjustment.

Anyway, I was very excited to finally be seeing some results. I can definitely tell I am toning up and I think by Feb. my dress should look pretty good on! =) Haha......not that it's all that counts, but it would be a huge perk.......=)

New Training Plan

So, this morning I started my new training plan......We finally got moved into the garage since Ed moved all of his stuff out, so now I have my own work-out space (not to mention painting and sewing! yeah!!!)

I am starting to train up for some big hiking adventures and by doing so I will be doing a LOT more uphill treadmill training. Here is my plan for starters.......

Mondays: Run/Power Walk for 30-40 min. + Yoga + Abs

Tuesdays: Weights - Arms/pull day + 40 min. uphill hike (without any backpack for the first few weeks. After moving up to 1 hr hikes I will then decrease my time and add a weighted backpack)

Wednesdays: Slow run 30 min. + Yoga + Abs

Thursdays: Off

Fridays: Weights - Arms/push day + Abs + Yoga

Saturdays: Lower Body work out + 40 min. uphill hike

Sunday: Off


I will try this for a few weeks and then change it up and see what happens.......Mostly over the next year or so I am just trying to increase my stamina for long hikes since we finally made a decision that we are for SURE going to New Zealand for six months next winter. We are planning several big hiking trips and we will be carrying all of our belongings for six months on our backs so I REALLY need to get into hiking shape! haha..........Not focusing so much on running these days, but more on endurance and see how that works out for me........I'll keep you posted.

Marching On

Just wanted to say that I'm still moving forward a thousandth of a pound at a time! haha....I think I'm close to losing my first pound! haha......Seriously, on a more positive note, I have decided to quit worrying about it and stop working so hard for it. I am just going to work out and eat right and enjoy my life as it is. I'm happy with who I am, I'm content being me, and although I may not ever have a perfect body, I'm totally okay with that. I go through these periods where I'm not okay with it, but then all of a sudden I realize that really I AM content to be what and who I am.....When I remember that again I realize that I just need to relax and enjoy my life......

I know that was sort of just rambling, but anyway, that's where I am right now. I'm still working out every day, but I'm not running quite as much and I'm focusing more on yoga/cardio/weights....I feel better about myself and I do think I'm toning up a bit, but just no real weight loss progress yet.....it just takes a while and I'm tired of focusing so much on what isn't happening and I think I just need to relax and not worry about it so much.....I don't want to be so obsesive over it so I'm staying focused on working hard to tone up and then the rest will come eventually......

That's where I am....I have been keeping track of all of you too, so I'm really proud of all of your progress!!! Thanks for working hard along with me so that we can support each other a long the way.......

It's Been a While....

Sorry it's been so long since I posted....seems like things are always keeping me busy and never really any time to blog - I know that most of you are also feeling that same way, so I know you understand!

Weight-loss progress is still nothing, but I'm trying new things and still working hard towards my goals......

I was discouraged that I lost so much of my running ground when I took off for a week to take care of Michael. I really fell back to like square one. I am bummed.....I have just decided not to push myself so hard and to just be proud of what I am RIGHT NOW and just be okay with that.

I'm still just watching what I eat and trying to eat healthy while working out as much as I possibly can manage. Mostly I just struggle with the energy thing (Having a damp and cloudy summer has totally sucked because of the lack of sunshine we get in AK.....summer is like our ONLY time to get sun, so it sucks that it's been like non-existent this summer......it just makes you so tired and sleepy....)

Anyway, just wanted to update that I'm still here and still working along with all of you other ladies to be a healthier and stronger me!!!! Love you guys!!!

Results

Well, thanks for all of your encouragement. Although I still haven't made any real progress my muscles are starting to feel a lot more "toned" so I count that as a huge up-lifter!

I did end up getting my thyroid tested last week and the results were totally normal so the only real reason for not loosing weight is simply that my body is resisting it, I guess....bummer....

I'm still just working really hard every single day and hoping that one of these days soon it will start to pay off. I'm running and walking further than before and now I'm also doing more of the P90X workout videos too. (they are HARD!!)

Anyway, I wanted to post an update for those of you who were concerned for my thyroid. (It's sad to say that I was secretly hoping that was the problem...I guess I should be really glad that it's NOT a problem, but anyway.....)

I'll keep you posted as I progress through yet another week!!......Today starts week #18 on my long and drawn out saga of a weight-loss program....=)

Feeling a little down....

I have to confess that I feel a little blue about my current weight-loss program. I feel like I am struggle so hard to lose weight and there is nothing to show for it! I tried on a few pairs of pants this weekend when we were in Fairbanks and they were all so small and looked HORRIBLE on....I was so sad that I am so out of shape and I do NOT understand why!? It's like in the past year my body had just exploded out and gotten all flabby and crap and I have no explanation for it! (No beautiful baby to reason away my flabby belly...no, NOTHING)

I guess I'm just frustrated at this point. I have read every article and even talked to my Dr. She says she doesn't understand either. With all that I am doing it does NOT make sense that I can't lose weight - or at least inches........

I did start uping my walking to 13000 steps a day now, and I am going to start running harder. (instead of taking it at a good pace) I am going to start uping my abs to every other day for at least 20 minutes and see if that helps.....

Still watching my portions and calorie counting......Maybe this is my magical week? Something's gotta give! I need to lose 20 lbs before the wedding in February!!!!

A whole new motivation

So, my brother-in-law, Justin, got engaged this weekend!!!! How awesome is that? So, his new fiance and I have been e-mail friends for a while now, and she actually asked me to be one of her bridesmaids!!! Oh my gosh!!!!!!!..........I have never been in a wedding before like that so I am so excited!! Mom and I have had so much fun just talking and planning and stuff.....

So.....obviously this puts my whole weight loss/being healthier thing in perspective and changes some of my goals. I REALLY want to lose around 20 lbs before the wedding so I am trying to re-focus myself and start working on the diet thing...I know, I know - I always talk about hating dieting and how I'm not going to do that....BUT......I have to look beautiful for the wedding! haha........

So, short-term my goal is to lose 10 lbs before Oct. 1st. That gives me three full months to continue working out and to really get my eating under control. No more sweats, no more chocolate and no more creamer in my coffee! These are my first adjustments.............I'm keeping a food journal so I can keep track of what I eat and how much.

Long-term goal for this is that I would lose another 10 lbs before Feb. It's just a goal and I know it's a long shot, but I should have about six months to do it so I think I can. =) I already have 16 weeks of a foundation so that's a good start. =)

Still no weight loss to date, but I'm actually going to start focusing on that rather than just blowing it off and only focusing on exercising.

So far, so good - I ran 4 miles yesterday (well, ran 2 and walked 2) and did another 2 miles today. Both days I have done really well with the diet thing.......

Back in Business

So, I took four days off from working out mostly because we were in Canada, and then also because after several months of working out without a break it's good for your body to have a few days of rest......SO.......Needless to say I was pretty naughty these past four days.....pie, coffee, ice cream etc! YIKES!!!! We camped out for three days so we didn't eat too much bad stuff, just some special snacks here and there. Now I'm back on track and starting back into my routine......

Today I will run and then get back on schedule for working out. I don't feel like I have lost any weight at all and that's a little disheartening but I keep reminding myself that the whole reason I am doing this is to get healthier and be in better shape...no necessarily to lose weight....I know that by walking/running/lifting weights etc. I am getting healthier and will be so much better off for it, so that's encouraging to me......

I'm still struggling with the chocolate thing and also with needing snacks...wish I could beat those habits........

I'll keep you posted on things.....

Overview of Week 14

So, this was my 14th week of working out......It's been such a crazy week that when I go to write down what I did I cannot even remember! haha.....I know that I did my running/walking EVERY day and that I also worked out with Cami four times this week. I am planning to do a better job of writing down after each work out so I can actually remember what I did!!! haha........

These next few weeks will be a challenge because Travis' mom is coming to visit for 2 1/2 weeks and I will be challenged to still keep up my work out routine. I'm gonna try really hard though because I do SO much better when I stick with it and stay faithful!!!....

Easy Weight Loss? No such thing.....

So, I had to laugh at your comments Ladies! haha.....For some maybe weight loss is easy, but for most of us it is a HORRIBLE struggle! haha......I can seriously BARELY move right now my arms hurt THAT bad...haha......

These blogs have encouraged me so much and just motivated me to keep going and I think that's really what is going to make the difference in the end. I LOVE just knowing that you ladies are all out there feeling a lot of the same things and desiring the same things as well. I typed up all of your names and put them by my desk at work so whenever I feel like eating something I shouldn't (or whenever I'm sore) I just think about all of you out there doing the same thing and it motivates me to do what's right!!

I got up at 6am again today to work out with Cami. We both decided on the days when we could make it work to get up early it was way better than trying to have the energy for it at 9pm! haha.....Today we just walked/ran a little for about 3 miles and then did abs. My arms are so sore from Monday's triceps day that I could barely even turn the steering wheel on my truck last night! haha.....Definitely NOT feeling like an energizer bunny today! ha!!! (Actually I have felt sooooo much better these past few weeks now that I'm really in a good routine....lots more energy when you exercise!)

Having my pedometer is also really motivating so that's awesome! Thanks, Cherry, for the motivation to get one! Sorry about your "negative" friend - she needs to get a life........ignorance would be the only reason for making a comment like that because anyone in their right mind knows that it's GOOD AND HEALTHY to exercise and desire to be in shape - she sucks........=)

Keep up the good works ladies!!! Mindy - get yourself healthy and well! I'm praying for you!

Measurements

So, following is my shameful measurements that I will be comparing to and hopefully will see dropping back into decent range..haha.......

06-02-2008,09-20-2005,07-21-2006,12-07-2006, 10-03-2007
Rt. Thy - 25, 23 1/2, 23, 23, 24
L. Thy - 25, 23 1/2, 23, 23, 24
Rt. Arm - 13,11 1/2, 12, 12, 12 1/2
L. Arm - 13, 12, 12, 12, 12 1/2
Waist - 32, 30, 30, 29, 31 1/2
Hips - 43, 41, 41, 40, 43
High on hips - 38, 33 1/2, 33, 32 1/2, 38


Above was just a few other measurements from years past that kind of put things into perspective.......My goal for this month is to just maybe lose about 1/2 inch. all over......that would be nice.


I got a pedometer yesterday (as inspired by Cherry)....it's pretty cool, but only really marks steps if you are walking continuously. It doesn't count all the little steps when you are just walking around the house or whatever....I have it on today, but won't really start "logging" the progress until tomorrow since I already walked a bit this morning without it on........


I did my 3 miles yesterday and then last night Cami, Marlaina and I did an hour of weights/tricepts....Mostly it was all push-ups and we about died and worked out so hard that our arms were collapsing...haha

This morning I walked over to Cami's at 6am (this is a HUGE thing for me because I am NOT a morning person.) and we did 1 hr 20 min. of power yoga.....it was killer, but really good.....I'm walking to work.......

It feels so good to be working so hard and I know that one of these days it will pay off - it's just a long time in coming...haha.....

Having all of you ladies out there just really motivates me and I feel so much like you know, that I'm not alone!!! I thank you for that because I do so much better when I feel like there are others struggling with me! haha.....(Isn't that awful that I like having company in my misery!? haha........)

Sore Butt

Ha....I can SERIOUSLY barely move!!!....So, my "barbie" friend, Cami and I are finally on our evening work out schedule. We are doing this video serious she bought off an infomercial a while back and it is "kick butt"!!! We started on Wednesday night after work with an HOUR of weight lifting and then 20 min of abs....so here we are lifting weights/abs and sweating like pigs we are SOOO tired and it's like 9:30 and we have been working all day and haven't even had supper!! We were hard core women! haha.......Anyway, so then yesterday we did the leg series which is also an hour of like fifty-million different lunges....it was SOOOO hard.......We were really feeling it today!!

It's been nice working out with someone because whatever we do in the evenings is just a bonus added to whatever I did that morning. =)

So far I'm still on track with all my schedule for running. The only day I missed was Sunday because I was still stick. =( Every other day I have done as scheduled.

Calorie Counting

So, here's the scoop with that.....(Thanks for the suggestion though).......When I eat too few calories I really gain weight because my body goes into shock or something and starts storing up.......I did weight watchers before and did really well on it for about six months and then gained it all back. The problem that I have with dieting is that you screw up your metabolism by doing the "yo-yo" thing of losing/gaining.....You can do well on a diet for a while and lose weight and look fabulous and a year later you are at square one because NO diet can last forever......I guess that's just my own personal experience with it. I think I just love food too much to give it up like that!....I did the South Beach diet with the same response (great weight loss that came right back on...) For me the only way to stay healthy and still love my life - haha - is to just eat healthy, watch my portion control, and exercise! So, I do eat healthy and I eat small portions and I try to be good! haha......Where I see my biggest downfalls is definitely with chocolate and snacks here and there. I feel like I've earned it or something! Ha......My biggest problem and when I've gained the most weight is definitely STRESS!!! My cortisol levels just ski-rocket.....Plus when I'm busy and don't take time to exercise that's what gets me too. Being in Alaska did that to me because last summer I was so busy I barely had time to sleep, then this fall when I was so sick is when I really got screwed up because I couldn't exercise like I needed to.....So, for me right now my biggest trial is to limit my treats to once a week. I think for now that seems fair......

I do appreciate the suggestions though because I know that it would definitely help me lose the weight if I did that, it's just that I also know how my body reacts and I know that it would screw me up later on. My goal isn't really to get super skinny, my goal is just to be healthier and feel better about myself. By being dedicated to my exercise and healthy eating I already have a better self-image and feel good about myself this way.

Mindy, I do like the idea of measuring. That is what I used to do to. Maybe I'll start doing that to get a feel for where I am. The other good measuring way is just by how your clothes fit........Mine are still tight which is the downside to wearing scrubs all day! haha. (They are so baggy and cozy that it's hard to remember how you actually fit into your jeans! ha...)

I'll keep thinking of things and let you know how it all goes. For now I'm sticking with my exercising and cutting out the snacks......

For any one who wants to add my blog to theirs, that is totally fine. =) I need to get on here and take the time to update mine too and link all of you guys to mine. I just haven't done it yet.....=) You ladies are all doing such a fabulous job on your various programs and it's encouraging to see your great progress!!!!

My mantra for exercising is: I will do the best I can do for as long as I can do it

Weigh Ins Suck

Okay, so I've decided to only weigh in once a month now. I feel really good and motivated up until the moment when I step on the scale and realize that everything I've worked so hard for has come to nothing.....SO.......I decided that the real reason I'm running and being healthy really isn't about losing weight and therefore I don't want to be so focused on that.

So, as of the month of May I'm still hovering between 146-147 depending on the day........I'll weigh in at the end of June and see how I'm doing then........I just think this is best for me because then I am able to stay positive and motivated to exercise and run without feeling like it's all for nothing.....

Sunday I didn't run because I was still feeling sick, but yesterday I did 3 miles and today I did my abs and stuff. I'm still trying to hit the 12 mile mark this week so we will see.......

6 random things you may not know about me:

1. I always wanted to be in the circus. I was thinking of either a rope dancer or an "elephant girl"...I do so love elephants!!! Seriously, this is one of my life long dreams.....

2. I don't share food.....need I explain further?

3. I tell everyone everything about me so I guess there aren't many secrets! haha....

4. I sang in a Bluegrass Band for 11 years and recorded two CD's....Not to mention that I played the banjo! ha.....

5. I am allergic to nearly every pain medication so I'm SUPER fun to be around when I'm in pain...haha

6. I have arachnophobia.

And here’s the second tag:

A little bit of me:

On the outside:

Name: Teniah Ashlyn

Current Status: Married

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Blonde…I used to be super blonde, but over the years it's grown to be more of a dark blonde/light brown.

On the inside:

My Fear: Spiders and creepy crawlies.

My Weaknesses: food…chocolate…coffee...food…mmmmmm (me and you both, Mindy.....Food is definitely my weakness.)

My Perfect Pizza: Hawaiian is my favorite, but I also love homemade pizza........

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow:

My thoughts first waking up: "SHUT UP Travis, it's my only day off and if I want to sleep until 8:30 than let me........Then it was, WALTER, SHUT UP!!!!! Because right at that moment he was laying on my back ALSO trying to get me to wake up!"..... I tell you what, these men in my life......

My bedtime: anywhere between 9pm-11pm but then some nights when we have calls we are out all night....

My most missed memory: Definitely the Beach and Disney World! - I'm ready for a vacation!

My pick:

Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke

Single or group dates: Single

Adidas or Nike: Nike

Tea or Nestea: Tea

Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate

Cappuccino or Coffee: Coffee…or Latte

Do you:

Have a crush: Travis

Think you’ve been in love: Absolutely and it never ends....

Go to school: No, but I would really love to go to paramedic school someday!

Want to get married: June 2nd will be 6 years! Wow.....

Believe in yourself: Absolutely.

Think you’re a health freak: Yes in some ways.......

In the past:

Gone to the mall: Not in years....

Been on stage: Lots

Eaten sushi: YUM....

Dyed your hair: Lots

What were you doing:

A minute ago: writing this post

An hour ago: Bringing laundry in off the line and bringing in all of my plants from their sun bathing time......

A month ago: EMS, EMS, EMS - it was a busy month last month....

A year ago: We had just moved to Alaska and I was getting the house all ready for Travis to move home from Korea.

Finish the sentences:
I love: Quiet solitude of the woods and mountains; Travis; Family; EMS; Walter

I feel: At peace, but still unsure about the whole job situation at the clinic; Sad that my weekend is over. =(

I miss: Travis' mom, Debbie....But she will be here in three weeks!!!

I need: A haircut!! I look like a Tok bum.......ha

Okay, I really just did this for Mindy, so anyone else who wants to do it, I tag you!

Dedication

Well, this week was a really good one for me as far as exercising goes. Still no weight loss to speak of, but I'm still encouraged by my own dedication and commitment and that makes my self-confidence grow......

I did my normal runs at the beginning of the week, then took two days of rest (well, I did a little yoga and abs) and then on Friday I tackled another 5 miler. This time I probably walked a little more of it than last time, but still I ran most of it and I really challenged myself.

Yesterday was Saturday and I had been up since 3am because I went on a call for a 16 yo. OB patient. We ended up medevacing her to Anchorage so it was a long night. (I've been lucky in that the last two OB's I've transported we haven't had to "deliver"! yeah...It's always a little un-nerving thinking about delivering a premature baby on an airplane......) ANYWAY, I was planning to do weights with Cami on Saturday night, but Travis needed my help with gathering wood. (which, by the way is an INCREDIBLE work out! oh my gosh, my whole body was aching...) Turns out that I guess I was overly tired, and dehydrated (not to mention that I had a horrible headache.) Anyway, after three hours of loading and unloading wood I got really sick and threw up! Yikes....Not the best ending to a day.....I was so dizzy and my legs would barely move so I took a shower and went to bed! I feel so much better this morning, but Travis plans to go out for more wood tonight, so I guess we will see......

Following is my schedule for this coming week...I'll let you know how I do:

Sunday - 2 mile run and yoga
Monday - 3 mile run
Tuesday - walk and abs and yoga
Wednesday - 3 mile run
Thursday - 2 mile run and yoga
Friday - walk and abs and yoga
Saturday - 5 mile run

- My goal is to get up to running 12-15 miles a week.

- Also, only one cup of coffee a day and chocolate only once this week.

Let the progress begin.....

Well, I guess it's like this......Mindy started a blog, then Cherry and Kayla, so now I have to join in....I figure if everyone else is open and honest about their progress I should be too! =)

Today started my 12th week of being faithful to my workout program. I have been walking/jogging at least three days a week non-stop for 12 weeks now. I'm very proud of that dedication although I confess that I don't have a lot to show for it. =(

Last year I was pretty sick and couldn't exercise much. Because of this I gained a lot of weight. I was up to 152lbs last fall and then dropped down to 147lbs which is where I started off my work out plan at 12 weeks ago.

At this point after 12 weeks I'm at 146lbs! haha......Seriously, that's no joke......

Yesterday was a breaking point for me because I jogged my farthest in a VERY long time....I went 4.7 miles!!!! Mostly I jogged the whole thing, but walked a little bit too at the beginning and end.......(The sad part is that I un-did everything I had accomplished by going out for pie and coffee with Travis last night! haha.) Today I went about 3 miles of mostly walking since I was pretty sore from yesterday.

Currently my goal is to do 5 miles twice a week and then fill in the other days with shorter 3 mile runs. On the days when I do my 5 miles I will drive to work, but on all other days I'll walk. (That adds another 2 miles to my day's exercise.) I have been walking to work for the past two weeks and this has been working out very well. Also, on the days when I'm doing the shorter distance I will do abs and push-ups. Once my friend Cami gets back next week we will try to fit in some weights and stuff as well.

My goals for myself are basically that I would get back into the shape I was in when I was in Korea. I had met lifetime goals that I never thought possible and then they all just sort of disappeared from me. I WANT THEM BACK!!! My goal by the end of the summer is to be at least down to 135 and then hopefully keep going from there........

I've learned a lot over the past few years and have really learned to love my body for what it is at this present moment. However, I have goals of hiking and stuff that require me to be in shape so that is why I am really focusing on all of this. I need to be in better shape and take more time out for myself. I guess that's the real point - Taking time to care for YOU and taking time to do something that is JUST for YOU.........

Thanks for encouraging me ladies! I think about all three of you every time I'm out there!! I'm loving this support thing that you started, Mindy!!!