tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25547264702227367862024-02-02T13:54:52.230-04:00Life's Too Short Not to Eat CakeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-30204109637711418052012-02-01T13:06:00.003-04:002012-02-01T13:06:41.960-04:00What Lights Your Fire?I've been having a rough go in the weight loss game lately. I've been trying to lose, I really have - tracking every day, going to the gym, doing what I think are the right things. What I'm doing isn't working. I've been losing and gaining the same two pounds for weeks.<br />
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This, my friends, is discouraging. There are days I just don't care anymore. I just want to eat what I want, do what I want. I don't care if I gain weight. I just don't care. I feel like I'm just going through the motions, just doing what I know I should do, only to achieve the same mediocre results.<br />
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Today I feel different. Today I woke up with new hope. I don't know why and I'm not sure how long it'll last, but it's here right now. It's enough for today. I feel like I've been set on fire again, like the path has been lit up, and I can navigate my way back down the old cobblestone road I've been down a million times.<br />
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I got up earlier than usual, sat down with coffee, made a healthy balanced breakfast for my husband and I, packed a healthy lunch, planned a healthy balanced dinner, and got myself to my weight lifting class in the crazy snow storm out there.<br />
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Today's a good day. A first step.<br />
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Tomorrow I'm going for step number two.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-42660682300700113652011-09-30T17:57:00.003-03:002011-09-30T17:57:51.892-03:00The Hidden Beauty in LeftoversQuickie post today, but I had to say something about this: <br />
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I know this is going to make me sound like a total loser, but I'm really proud of myself. We were having salmon and broccoli for dinner. I also made pickles last weekend, so now they're on the plate too, along with two other last minute additions: potatoes and corn. Caloric disaster for dinner.<br /><br />I'm eating my way through my meal, mulling over how I'm going to be able to still have cookies later (Sad I know, but this is my thought process). Then it occurs to me that I don't have to eat everything on my plate! *ding, ding, ding*<br /><br />For the first time in many, many months, I did not clean my plate. I am so proud of myself for actually taking the time to think about it before I just mindlessly shoved the food (albeit, really delicious food) in my mouth.<br /><br />For later? Cookies without a side of guilt!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-55314750393519089682011-09-27T11:54:00.002-03:002011-09-27T12:13:09.054-03:00Birthday ChallengeHow many times have I posted posts like this? Too many. So what's one more, right?<br /><br />I've gained a significant amount of weight over the summer. Like, 25 lbs significant. Now I need to get that weight back off. Here's the deal:<br /><br />Start weight: 169.2 (as of Sunday)<br />December 20th Birthday goal: 144 (149, adjusted)<br /><br />That gives me exactly 12 weeks, from today, to lose 25 lbs. Now I know that means that I'll be trying to lose more than 2 lbs per week on average. I know how incredibly difficult, and for me probably near impossible that is. But it's a goal and I'm still going to do my best to try for it.<br /><br />What makes me think there may be hope is the last time I was in this predicament. When I started WW the first time, back on October 17, 2006, I had 20 lbs off by my birthday. That's 3 weeks less than this goal is allotting me, for the extra 5 lbs I'd like to have off. I know things are different now - I'm 5 years older, I'm starting 30 lbs lighter than I did then. I know. But it's a goal.<br /><br />Honestly, I'd certainly be happy with 20 lbs. Instead of setting myself up for failure, maybe I should set the goal at 20 lbs. That's 1 2/3 lbs per week on average. Yes, let's shoot for that. If I happen to push myself enough to lose over 20 lbs, that will be a total bonus.<br /><br />It's time I force myself uncomfortable again, other than in my tighter than normal jeans. It's time for me to set boundaries and muster up some stick-to-it-iveness.<br /><br />Here goes nothin'.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-51819678501643202942011-09-26T12:59:00.000-03:002011-09-26T12:59:33.273-03:00You're Never Far AwayI found out this morning that my good friend Jim, a friend of mine from my university days, passed away last week. Completely unexpectedly, he passed in his sleep. I am so sad to hear of his passing.<br />
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Jim and I met during my first semester of university. I was scared and confused and lost. I hired Jim to tutor me. Jim was two years my senior in our classes, several years my senior in age, and eons my senior in wisdom. I had no idea when I hired this complete stranger how important he would prove to be to my university career and my life.<br />
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Jim and I developed a fast friendship, and soon we were meeting much less for tutoring and much more for talking over coffee and drinks or to party with friends. Throughout the course of my university years he taught me so much about life and about people and how to deal with both. He helped me understand and conquer my anxiety and depression, which was much more serious than I gave it credit. He generally made my life, which I thought was miserable, much more bearable and enjoyable. He was a stable, steady force that I could always count on, even after he moved on in his life, following his career to another province.<br />
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I will remember so many wonderful things about Jim. In fact, I don't know if I even have a bad memory of him. I can still hear his large, boisterous laugh. I can hear his unwavering voice when he needed to be serious. I can feel his giant bear hug coming right when I needed one.<br />
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Jim, thank you so much for being my friend. You helped me become who I am, and you helped me realize that being myself is just perfect. You helped me understand and see the world in a positive light, even when it was so much easier to see the dark parts. You helped me see the dark parts for what they were - just spots that needed a bit of light shone on them. Your wisdom was not wasted on me, and I will continue to live my life trying to teach some of what you've taught me to the others in my life.<br />
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I love you dearly, and will miss you very much. I'll see you soon, but not too soon. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-61805181676344095152011-09-23T10:41:00.002-03:002011-09-23T10:50:19.571-03:00It's Fall!I love fall so much. Fall reminds me of all of my favourite things: cool weather, bonfires, rustling leaves, pumpkin, warm drinks, sweaters, quilting, pickling, television premieres... the list goes on. It's also my birthday season. I mean, who could ask for more?<br /><br />One of my most favourite things to do, especially during the fall season is cuddle up with a warm drink and a book. If I can get to a Chapters with a Starbucks, even better. Fancy coffee and more books than I could ever read = bliss.<br /><br />I tend to opt for cookbooks, or diet and nutrition books most of the time. It just seems I can't get enough of diet books lately, and I have a pretty significant collection as part of my home book collection now. It doesn't even matter if I know I will never follow said diet - I just love reading the science behind diets and just about nutrition in general.<br /><br />With that said, I thought I'd share a link to <a href="http://health.usnews.com/best-diet">US News' Diet Rankings</a>. You can read about a LOT of diets here, including all the good and bad points, as decided by US News. A very interesting read for those of us who've made our way around the diet circuit.<br /><br />Hope you enjoy it as much as I am.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-89725503787922080212011-09-20T14:15:00.002-03:002011-09-20T14:47:49.986-03:00A Fat Married LadyIt's been 2 months to the day since I last posted.<br /><br />The good news? I'm now a married lady!<br /><br />The bad news? I'm now a fat married lady. (note the missing exclamation point)<br /><br />I started the 17DD yesterday (my hybrid version, that is), after weighing in at my 5 year high 167 pounds. Unacceptable.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-64370107660023123132011-07-20T11:11:00.002-03:002011-07-20T11:29:42.210-03:00TuesdayI weighed in this morning at 160 lbs even.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>I don't want to weigh 160 lbs. I'd like to get back to my 140 lb self. Here's how I'm starting:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Breakfast:</span><br /><br />~ Green monster smoothie: 1/2 banana, 1C unsweetened chocolate almond breeze, 2 scoops whey protein powder, 1.5C spinach<br />~ 3 cups coffee<br /><br />309 calories, 30 g carbs, 7 g fat, 35 g protein<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span><br /><br />~ 1.5 C chili<br /><br />330 calories, 32 g carbs, 10 g fat, 28 g protein<br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner: </span><br /><br /></div>~ sausage on a bun, 1/2 Dole harvest salad kit<br /><br />578 calories, 43 g carbs, 35 g fat, 23 g protein<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snacks:</span><br /><br />~ Cheese bun w butter<br />~ 1/2 Powerbar<br />~ 1 oz Potato Chips<br />~ Slice of brown bread w butter<br /><br />564 calories, 83 g carbs, 23 g fat, 10g protein<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exercise:</span><br /><br />~ Strength Training<br />~ Jogging 10 mins<br />~ Cycling 85 mins<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1784 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />188 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />74 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />100 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />26 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />703 calories burned<br /><br />* This should give me a calorie deficit of approximately 650 calories.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-25604855054767166312011-06-04T21:37:00.002-03:002011-06-04T21:47:06.574-03:00The Return of 'This Week's Grocery List'I love grocery lists. I always leave my list behind for someone else to check out. <div><br /></div><div>Here is what we bought today (this is gonna sound bad):</div><div><br /></div><div>strawberries (a lot of them)</div><div>whole wheat english muffins</div><div>whole wheat hot dog/sub buns</div><div>spinach salad kit</div><div>fresh mushroom mix</div><div>onions</div><div>ground chicken</div><div>steaks</div><div>all-beef (natural) franks</div><div>cheese - medium light cheddar, feta</div><div>black forest ham (deli sliced)</div><div>frozen lean burgers</div><div>greek yogurt</div><div>eggs</div><div>breyers ice cream bars</div><div>toilet paper</div><div>milk</div><div>chocolate milk</div><div>individually packaged apple crumble and peach crumble cups (new and exciting!)</div><div>toothpicks</div><div>onion rings and ketchup doritos (new experiment)</div><div>coke zero</div><div>coffee</div><div>taco kit (hard and soft)</div><div>balogna</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>YUM!</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-7285543294302122012011-05-26T10:55:00.003-03:002011-05-26T11:31:30.246-03:00Yup, I'm Still OKI'm still OK. No change since yesterday.<br /><br />But wow, am I afraid.<br /><br />Did I mention I'm running my first half marathon on Sunday? Off to Ottawa I go for one of the biggest annual running weekends in Canada. Actually, probably THE biggest. What was I thinking?!?<br /><br />I waver between, "I can do this", to "I wish I'd never signed up for this".<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I KNOW I can do this. I trained for it. My legs aren't going to just seize up or anything. It's my head that's the problem. The time I've spent practicing perfectionism is much more than the time I've spent training for this race.<br /><br />How can I etch into my brain the idea that I don't need to have any expectations? What is wrong with just going out and running for a couple and a half hours? I'm running farther than most people ever will. I already do, on a regular basis.<br /><br />Not bad for someone who never thought she'd ever want to run further than to the end of the driveway.<br /><br />And did you know that only 1% of the population ever run a half-marathon or a marathon? That's not many people. That makes this a pretty significant accomplishment. It also makes me a <a href="http://springfieldhalfwits.blogspot.com/2007/03/less-than-17-percent-of-us-population.html">half-wit</a>.<br /><br />I am trying to heed the advice given in the post above, and be happy with the feat that I am accomplishing and I'll try to remember that no one is concerned with the time it took me to run it.<br /><br />So take it easy, Tara. Somehow this will work out. You'll get your bib and chip, you'll remember to pack everything you need, you'll make your way to that race, and you'll finish it. And there will be smiling faces waiting for you at the end.<br /><br />You're good.<br /><br /><br />AND a huge shout out to people who are even crazier than I am - Niffer and <a href="http://www.mousearoo.ca">Mousearoo</a>! Marathons?!? Y'all have lost your minds! ;-) See you at the finish line! Medals and bagels for all!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-13539892704225205182011-05-25T09:01:00.003-03:002011-05-26T10:17:12.960-03:00So Much To SayMy comments from last night's Daily Mile post:<br /><br />"6K at race pace. I'll be happy with this race pace, if I can keep it up for 21K. I'm going to be happy no matter what - it's time to stop comparing myself to everyone else and enjoy the runner I am.<div class="full_text" style=""> <p>I'm gonna be one happy runner on Sunday!"</p><p>I'm starting to learn that I don't always have to be the best at everything. I don't always need to compare myself to everyone else. I'll never be perfect, and I don't need to be.<br /></p><p>So who am I?</p><p>I'm one fantastic cook and baker. I know I am. So why am I so hard on myself when something new that I try in the kitchen doesn't turn out just the way I want? I should be happy with the hundreds of other great things I make, and continue to work towards improving this new recipe, then move on to the next inevitable kitchen disaster. Don't great new things come out of muddled attempts at old things?</p><p>I'm an IT geek, dedicated to my job. I'm proud of the fact that I am a woman surrounded by men in my field, and that I'm good at what I do. The guys I work with know that I'm good at what I do, and I love showing other people that I should not be underestimated. I love the look of realization that crosses someone's face when I show them what I can do. My co-worker friends and I now joke about how "I'm just a girl". What could I possibly know about anything? *giggle*</p><p>I'm an athlete. I've been an athlete my whole life. Basketball, softball, volleyball, running, weight training - I've done it all, and so much more. I may not be the best at any of these things, but I'm certainly no slouch either. I am one tricky little point guard and I can pitch hard all day. I can run futher than most people I know, although I'm not the fastest. That's not to say that I won't be someday. Life has so much more in store for me.</p><p>I'm an artist. I create all kinds of wonderful things with my hands. I paint, sew, sketch, mold. I have great vision.</p><p>I'm a loyal family member and friend. I would sacrifice anything for the people in my life. I'm a total people pleaser, and others' feelings usually come before my own. I try to be the best daughter, sister, aunt, fiancée, and friend I can be. I hate hurting other peoples' feelings, so I put them ahead of my own. I take on the troubles of the world. Good or bad, it's who I am.<br /></p><p>And besides all that? I'm a random combination of the following: soft-hearted, sensitive, sarcastic, funny, a numbers whiz, intelligent, empathetic, emotional, respectful, faithful, and observant. And that's all. ;-)<br /></p><p>How boring would life be if you did everything exactly right all the time? </p><p><br /></p><p>Who are YOU?<br /></p></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-64195325640289323652011-03-18T20:51:00.006-03:002011-03-18T21:21:49.668-03:00Where's Goose?Do you ever get the feeling there's something not quite right but you have a really hard time putting your finger on what exactly is wrong?<div><br /></div><div>*sigh* Welcome to my life. Pull up a chair. I have a story.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been feeling like something isn't the way it should be for a couple of months now, and I've really been struggling to put my finger on it. Until the past couple of weeks. Now I've finally figured out what's not in the right place.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's my control over eating. It's not that I don't have any, but I just feel kind of all over the place. It's like the feeling of knowing how to drive, but not knowing which direction to take. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone knows now that Weight Watchers changed their program in December. I, like millions of other people, am a Weight Watchers alum. I've done the program for years now and have been very successful. The new Points Plus program is not allowing me to be successful. It's not for lack of trying either - I've honestly tried the new program to the best of my ability and I just can't get it to work for me. And I can't be bothered to tweak a program like that to get it to work for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm lost. Without my tried and true weight loss program backing me up, I feel like I've lost my wing (wo)man. I'm now officially looking for a new wing (wo)man.* I mean, where's Goose? </div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight I find myself here:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z485eJhbKctaeBw6_k4idn6PAEI3OavaRoJTm4F1gv2jwwa7GJsuE4tpWv3hIfqj-efSDateyR2uXrQ2No6UmU2_7MkB2O1RjdI8FHDZ5t_3DH3IC4PoWmhY1_LwzaqiyVyoeWhgYZyu/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z485eJhbKctaeBw6_k4idn6PAEI3OavaRoJTm4F1gv2jwwa7GJsuE4tpWv3hIfqj-efSDateyR2uXrQ2No6UmU2_7MkB2O1RjdI8FHDZ5t_3DH3IC4PoWmhY1_LwzaqiyVyoeWhgYZyu/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585571564106170738" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Can you tell where I am? That's Oprah to the left of me, and Jillian to the right. Here, let me give you a closer look:</div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQNlhto1coyPRm8rWXWUC7oDzH3wMDrjRWCq3fjmvkcRVrTlylYd3CfUgd2h9tpmn1rgqn-6tL_Fd6HakMuhBgRwJ-jiWGByOjn2gBLLciAb1DDiSw_BBsEovWvxSeoK5TI0XhbVlkjZ/s1600/IMG_0640.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQNlhto1coyPRm8rWXWUC7oDzH3wMDrjRWCq3fjmvkcRVrTlylYd3CfUgd2h9tpmn1rgqn-6tL_Fd6HakMuhBgRwJ-jiWGByOjn2gBLLciAb1DDiSw_BBsEovWvxSeoK5TI0XhbVlkjZ/s320/IMG_0640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585572654972166354" /></a><br />That's right - I'm at my local Chapters store. I'm standing in front of the Nutrition & Diets section with a blank, lost look on my face. Overwhelmed. Looking for guidance. Waiting for my next solution to jump off the shelf and hit me in the chest. <div><br /></div><div>That didn't happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, LOOK at all of them! The Carb Lovers Diet, The Sonoma Diet, The Biggest Loser Diet, Skinny Bitch, The 17 Day Diet, The 4 Hour Body, Eat to Live, Eat Right 4 Your Type, The Hormone Diet... Gah!</div><div><br /></div><div>I just don't know what to do now. I need a new solution, but what? There are so many diets out there, how do you choose? What can you manage for the rest of your life? What works? What is based on real science and not just hype?</div><div><br /></div><div>I brought home two books to check out: 'The Low G.I. Handbook' and 'The South Beach Diet Supercharged'. At the very least, I'm hoping to learn something I don't already know about food and nutrition (doubtful). But I also hope that I might find something to help me feel in control again, in the hopes of losing a few pounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>*sigh*</div><div><br /></div><div>Weight Watchers, please bring my old Momentum program back...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;">*Apply within.</span></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-26731060907950826152011-03-16T21:32:00.003-03:002011-03-16T22:08:12.524-03:00Are YOU Happy?How often do you think about whether or not you're happy?<br /><br />I'm sad to think that so many people, including myself, express very openly how unhappy they are. I often wonder too, are people generally more unhappy now than in generations previous? Do we just talk about it more? Or have our lives changed so much compared to what peoples' lives used to be that we're just somehow continually causing our own unhappiness?<br /><br />I'm rambling, I know.<br /><br />Either way, I thought it would be good for me to sit and think about things in my life that make me happy (in no particular order):<br /><br /><ul><li>My dog. He's always happy to see me, is never in a bad mood, and is a fantastic snuggler.</li><li>Sundays. When I was a kid, I hated Sundays. Now I live for Sundays.</li><li>That boy.</li><li>Good food. I don't care that I shouldn't think about food this way. It's not just fuel to me, and it never will be. It makes me very happy. I'll suffer with a weight problem my whole life before I stop letting food make me happy.</li><li>Books. I surround myself with books. There are always no less than four of them on the arm of the couch next to me, or on the rocking chair next to my bed.</li><li>My bed. I love my bed. </li><li>Good friends. </li><li>Cake. Can't forget cake.</li></ul><p>There are so many other things, and I'm sure this list is being highly influenced by the kind of day I had today, but no matter. They make me happy.</p>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-59930222136599712022011-03-11T21:19:00.002-04:002011-03-11T21:52:59.355-04:00Weight Lifting for DummiesDoes such a book exist? I'm sure it does.<div><br /></div><div>I should probably read it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dummy or not, I went to the gym today with plan to lift weights. Don't worry, I didn't disappoint.</div><div><br /></div><div>I get very intimidated and overwhelmed going to the gym across the street from my office for a couple of reasons: </div><div><br /></div><div>1) Several of my male co-workers work out there regularly at lunch. Put them us a treadmill and I can certainly show them up, but put us in front of some weight lifting equipment and ask us to show you a weight lifting routine and I look like a complete fool. Now if they were complete strangers, I wouldn't really care, but I see these people everyday. I will say though, that one of them is such a nice guy, I don't group him with the others.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) The gym across the street is a dive compared to other installments of the gym chain I can go to. It's stuffy, underground, crazy busy, and cramped. The floor is uneven. I just feel like I'm working out in a prison. At lunchtime though, it's a very convenient option.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today these things didn't matter. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went to the gym with a plan of the exercises I wanted to do. At first I was confused, but it didn't take long to figure out where the equipment was that I wanted to use. I got right to it, and didn't care what anyone thought, including my co-workers and the men who think they sound cool when they huff and puff with a set of dumbbells in their hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was proud of myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think I can do it again next week?</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-14786569453717749422011-03-07T19:22:00.002-04:002011-03-07T19:41:49.202-04:00Feel the LoveMore than ever before in my life, I feel loved.<br /><br />I hope that doesn't sound too self-centered or proud.<br /><br />After giving it some thought, I think I know why I feel this way. There are so many reasons.<br /><br />I know this is going to sound cliche, but I guess I don't know how to better express it. I think I've finally allowed myself to be open to being loved. I know, that sounds terrible, doesn't it? I've always been so stubbornly independent, always telling myself that I was strong and didn't need anyone else. I think that put up a wall around me, whether or not I realized it. Now I'm trying to make it easier for people to love me, not by giving up my independence, but more because I started sharing more of myself, even the parts I'm afraid for people to find out about. The way I see it is that if the people in my life don't love me for who I am, I don't need them in my life. <br /><br />I've also become part of a large network of people, some of whom have become my best friends. I'm not sure how we all found each other, but we did. I've let them into my life hoping that I'd make some new friends, but not really expecting much. Now they're my best friends, and I have wonderful people to spend time with in almost any city in this country.<br /><br />I think most of the reason why I feel so loved is because I've started to love and accept who I am. I know, I know, totally corny, but whatever. I like who I am, I'm comfortable who I am. I'd be stuck with me on a deserted island. <br /><br />To those of you who are an active part of my life, I love you. I'm glad you're my friend. I'm going to take every opportunity I can to let you know, even if I am going to sound like a sentimental loser.<br /><br />So there.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-40220771737811452202011-02-21T13:34:00.003-04:002011-02-22T16:10:34.114-04:00Food Experiment 2011 -- Day 5<span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast:</span> (8 Momentum pts, 8 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />Oatcake (180 cals, 25g carbs, 8g fat, 3g protein, 2g fibre)<br />175 grams Liberte Plain Greek Yogurt (110 cals, 6g carbs, 1g fat, 20g protein, 0g fibre)<br />50 grams Liberte Lemon Yogurt (71 cals, 7g carbs, 4g fat, 2g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/2 Tbsp Flax Meal (15 cals, 1g carbs, 1g fat, 1g protein, 1g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span> (7 Momentum pts, 7 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />2 C Lettuce (16 cals, 3g carbs, 0g fat, 2g protein, 1.9g fibre)<div>1/4 C Tomatoes (8 cals, 2g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.4g fibre)<br />1/4 C Cucumber (3 cals, 1g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.2g fibre)<br />1 oz Light Feta (60 cals, 0g carbs, 4g fat, 6g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1 Tbsp Renee's Greek Feta Light Dressing (50 cals, 1g carbs, 5g fat, 0g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1 C Carrots (52 cals, 12g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 3.6g fibre)<br />Cheese & Crackers (190 cals, 24g carbs, 9g fat, 3g protein, 0g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner: </span>(6 Momentum pts, 6 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />5 oz Mahi Mahi<br />3 C Frozen Mixed Vegetables<br />1/2 Can Low-Fat Condensed Soup<br />1 tsp Olive Oil<br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snack: </span>(5 Momentum pts, 7 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />Slice of Sweet Home Alabanana<br />2 Tbsp Chocolate Chips<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1380 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />155 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />53 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />85 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />23 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />26 Momentum pts Used, 28 PointsPlus pts Used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly Totals:</span><br />Momentum Weekly Points: -5/35 Remaining, 7/7 APs earned<br />PointsPlus Weekly Points: 29/49 Remaining, 11 APs earned<br />Sparkpeople Calorie Differential: -1604 CaloriesTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-6302552985593934712011-02-21T13:03:00.001-04:002011-02-21T13:34:40.356-04:00Food Experiment 2011 -- Day 4<span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast:</span> (5 Momentum pts, 5 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />Thomas' Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Thin (110 cals, 25g carbs, 1g fat, 4g protein, 4g fibre)<br />1 Tbsp Light Peanut Butter (90 cals, 6g carbs, 6g fat, 2g protein, 1g fibre)<br />1 Banana (125 cals, 32g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 3.2g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span> (3 Momentum pts, 4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />Multigrain Sandwich Thin (100 cals, 22g carbs, 1g fat, 5g protein, 5g fibre)<div>2 oz Smoked Turkey (35 cals, 0g carbs, 1g fat, 9g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1 Tbsp Light Mayonnaise (50 cals, 1g carbs, 5g fat, 0g protein, 0g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner: </span>(17 Momentum pts, 19 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br /></div><div>1.5 oz Whole Wheat Fettuccine (143 cals, 26g carbs, 1g fat, 7g protein, 4.5g fibre)<br />1/2 C Light Alfredo Sauce (100 cals, 6g carbs, 6g fat, 2g protein, 0g fibre)<br />2.5 oz Chicken Breast (78 cals, 0g carbs, 1g fat, 16g protein, 0g fibre)<br />2 Tbsp Light Cream Cheese (60 cals, 2g carbs, 5g fat, 3g protein, 0g fibre) </div><div>3/4 C Broccoli (41 cals, 8g carbs, 0g fat, 3g protein, 3.9g fibre)<br />1/4 C Onion (15 cals, 3g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.7g fibre)<br />2 oz Breadstick (151 cals, 29g carbs, 2g fat, 4g protein, 0g fibre)<br />2 C Lettuce (16 cals, 3g carbs, 0g fat, 2g protein, 1.9g fibre)<br />1/4 C Tomatoes (8 cals, 2g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.4g fibre)<br />1/4 C Cucumber (3 cals, 1g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.2g fibre)<br />6 Lg Olives (40 cals, 3g carbs, 3g fat, 0g protein, 1.2g fibre)<br />1 oz Light Feta (60 cals, 0g carbs, 4g fat, 6g protein, 0g fibre)<br />2 Tbsp Renee's Greek Feta Light (100 cals, 2g carbs, 10g fat, 1g protein, 0.7g fibre)<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snack: </span>(4 Momentum pts, 4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br /></div><div>1 oz Potato Chips (152 cals, 15g carbs, 10g fat, 2g protein, 0g fibre)</div><div>Light Jello (10 cals, 0g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 0g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1487 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />185 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />57 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />70 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />29 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />29 Momentum pts Used, 32 PointsPlus pts Used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly Totals:</span><br />Momentum Weekly Points: -1/35 Remaining, 6/7 APs earned<br />PointsPlus Weekly Points: 29/49 Remaining, 11 APs earned<br />Sparkpeople Calorie Differential: -1604 Calories<br /></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-37834525777438556352011-02-20T19:45:00.004-04:002011-02-20T20:20:44.471-04:00Food Experiment 2001 -- Day 3Day 3... No good choices made after breakfast. It was a traveling day, so my meals were all eaten out (after breakfast).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Breakfast:</span> (4 Momentum pts, 4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />1/2 C Liberte FF Plain Greek Yogurt (79 cals, 4g carbs, 1g fat, 14g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/2 C Liberte Mediterranee Lemon Yogurt (107 cals, 11g carbs, 6g fat, 3g protein, 0g fibre)<br />3/4 C Blueberries (61 cals, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 2.9g fibre)<br />1/2 Tbsp Flax Meal (15 cals, 1g carbs, 1g fat, 1g protein, 1g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Lunch:</span> (9 Momentum pts, 10 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />3/4 TH Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (233 cals, 24g carbs, 10g fat, 12g protein, 0.8g fibre)<div>1.5 oz Jerky (120 cals, 6g carbs, 1g fat, 23g protein, 0g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Dinner: </span>(20 Momentum pts, 23 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br /></div><div>Deep Fried Pickles (113 cals, 11g carbs, 8g fat, 0g protein, 0.8g fibre)<br />Fish Sandwich with Cheese (523 cals, 48g carbs, 29g fat, 21g protein, 3g fibre)</div><div>Sweet Potato Fries (206 cals, 29g carbs, 9g fat, 3g protein, 2.9g fibre)</div><div>French Fry Dip (130 cals, 3g carbs, 13g fat, 0g protein, 0g fibre)</div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Snack: </span>(20 Momentum pts, 23 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br /></div><div>6 Potato Chips (yes, 6) (70 cals, 7g carbs, 5g fat, 1g protein, 0g fibre)</div><div>Hostess Strawberry Cupcakes (100 cals, 22g carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, 4g fibre)<br /><br /><b></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1755 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />183 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />83 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />79 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />13 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />35 Momentum pts Used, 42 PointsPlus pts Used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Weekly Totals:</span><br />Momentum Weekly Points: 4/35 Remaining, 7 APs earned<br />PointsPlus Weekly Points: 32/49 Remaining, 11 APs earned<br />Sparkpeople Calorie Differential: -683 Calories, -581 Calories, -36 Calories</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-30560147530714520452011-02-18T09:14:00.004-04:002011-02-18T12:36:18.111-04:00Food Experiment 2011 -- Day 2I'd just like to put it out there that y'all had better not be judging my food consumption. Yes, I can put back a foot long sub. I can put back a lot of things. I didn't get fat without eating a lot of food.<br /><br />On to day 2...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast:</span> (4 Momentum pts, 4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />2/3 C Liberte FF Plain Greek Yogurt (110 cals, 6g carbs, 1g fat, 20g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/8 C Liberte Mediterranee Lemon Yogurt (36 cals, 4g carbs, 2g fat, 1g protein, 0g fibre)<br />3/4 C Blueberries (61 cals, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 2.9g fibre)<br />1/2 Tbsp Flax Meal (15 cals, 1g carbs, 1g fat, 1g protein, 1g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span> (9 Momentum pts, 9 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />1 oz Roast Beef (57 cals, 0g carbs, 2g fat, 9g protein, 0g fibre)<br />2 oz White Bread (151 cals, 29g carbs, 2g fat, 4g protein, 1.4g fibre)<br />1/2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (45 cals, 0g carbs, 5g fat, 0g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1 oz Swiss Cheese (107 cals, 1g carbs, 8g fat, 8g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1 C Baby Carrots (52 cals, 12g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 3.6g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner: </span>(12 Momentum pts, 14 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />14 Tostitos Multigrain Chips (260 cals, 32g carbs, 12g fat, 3g protein, 3g fibre)<br />3 oz Chicken Breast (94 cals, 0g carbs, 1g fat, 20g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/4 C Barbecue Sauce (47 cals, 8g carbs, 1g fat, 1g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/4 C Yellow Corn (33 cals, 8g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 0.8g fibre)<br />1/4 C Light Sour Cream (70 cals, 6g carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/2 C Chopped Green Peppers (19 cals, 5g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 0.8g fibre)<br />1/2 C Salsa (36 cals, 8g carbs, 0g fat, 2g protein, 2.1g fibre)<br />1/4 C Chopped Onions (15 cals, 3g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0.7g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snack:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Activity:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1208 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />138 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />39 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />74 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />17 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />25 Momentum pts Used, 27 PointsPlus pts Used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly Totals:</span><br />Momentum Weekly Points: 23/35 Remaining, 3 APs earned<br />PointsPlus Weekly Points: 45/49 Remaining, 4 APs earned<br />Sparkpeople Calorie Differential: -683 Calories, -581 CaloriesTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-46405728138316354582011-02-17T11:15:00.002-04:002011-02-17T11:23:24.420-04:00This has gone on long enoughI am tired of the struggle, and making excuses. I'm tired of not wanting to put on my clothes in the morning, or adjusting them so they're comfortable all day. I'm tired of wavering between weight loss programs, so that I'm never sticking with one the way I should, so that none of them are working.<br /><br />I'm dedicating myself right now to doing the following for at least the next 7 days:<br />- I'm going to post a daily menu for all to read.<br />- I'm going to re-live my food experiment of a couple of years ago, comparing WW PointsPlus point values to Sparkpeople nutritional values, to WW Momentum points values. <br /><br />I'm going to see what's not working and why.<br /><br />I need to get rid of my newest 20-pound monkey.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-22975965328112706022011-02-17T11:08:00.010-04:002011-02-18T09:19:19.353-04:00Food Experiment 2011 -- Day 1<span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast:</span> (5 Momentum pts, 5 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />2/3 C Liberte FF Plain Greek Yogurt (110 cals, 6g carbs, 1g fat, 20g protein, 0g fibre)<br />1/3 C Liberte Mediterranee Lemon Yogurt (71 cals, 7g carbs, 4g fat, 2g protein, 0g fibre)<br />3/4 C Blueberries (61 cals, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 2.9g fibre)<br />1 Tbsp Flax Meal (30 cals, 2g carbs, 2g fat, 2g protein, 2g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span> (8 Momentum pts, 8 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />1 Personal Size Veggie Pizza (315 cals, 39g carbs, 12g fat, 13g protein, 2.4g fibre)<br />1 Cup Raw Carrots (52 cals, 12g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, 3.6g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner:</span> (16 Momentum pts, 17 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />12" Subway Ham Sub with all veggies, mayo (685 cals, 99g carbs, 18g fat, 36g protein, 8g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snack:</span> (4 Momentum pts, 4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />3C Orville Redenblahblah's Nacho Popcorn (180 cals, 15g carbs, 13g fat, 2g protein, 3g fibre)<br />1 Light Cheese String (60 cals, 0g carbs, 3g fat, 6g protein, 0g fibre)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Activity:</span> (-3 Momentum pts, -4 PointsPlus pts)<br /><br />Downhill skiing for 2+ hours (I'm estimating 1 hour): 360 calories burned<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Totals:</span><br /><br />1533 calories (my range is 1200-1550 per day)<br />195 g carbohydrates (my range is 163-236 per day)<br />51 g fat (my range is 32-56 per day)<br />81 g protein (my range is 60-127 per day)<br />20 g fibre (my range is 25-35 per day)<br /><br />33 Momentum pts Used, 34 PointsPlus pts Used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly Totals:</span><br />Momentum Weekly Points: 31/35 Remaining<br />PointsPlus Weekly Points: 45/49 Remaining<br />Sparkpeople Calorie Differential: -683 CaloriesTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-78568676306687890082011-02-10T19:42:00.004-04:002011-02-10T19:57:45.386-04:00Here comes the unconventional brideHello? Is this thing on?<div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I haven't been around in a long time. Been busy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Got engaged, and am planning a wedding. A nice, easy wedding. Let's talk about that for a minute.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't know, my fiance and I are pretty low-key and easy to get along with people. I wish you all knew him - he's pretty fantastic. We live a pretty simple life. We have a normal home just outside a small city. We do normal things like sit on the couch and joke while watching TV. We go camping for vacation time away, we spend quality time together in the kitchen, and we get up early on the weekends. We budget, we grocery shop on the weekend, and we have a dog that's less than perfect and the love of our lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not very glamorous, is it?</div><div><br /></div><div>So how do you show people who don't see you every single day that this is who you are? Do people still have wedding expectations? Do they all have to be formal? </div><div><br /></div><div>A wedding day is supposed to be a day when people see you both at your best. I like the idea of just being us at our best and at our happiest. We like being comfortable and we really want other people to be just as comfortable. </div><div><br /></div><div>What are some wedding formalities you like at a wedding? What are some traditions you wouldn't miss?</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-48195119566078890372010-11-23T15:32:00.004-04:002010-11-23T15:40:41.775-04:00GratefulnessIs that a word?<br /><br />For some reason, the word 'grateful' has come up a lot lately. I'm reading it and hearing about gratefulness all over the place. I always take these things as being some sort of sign, so I figured I should be thinking about and talking about gratefulness. This post is very much inspired by many happy posts I've read of late.<br /><br />I'm grateful for so many things - let me share:<br /><br />~ I live with the kindest, more tolerant, gentle, generous man I could ask to share my life with.<br />~ I have a wonderful family - we love each other more and more every day. Our newest little family member is really changing our lives for the better. We are so lucky to be blessed with her.<br />~ We are healthy, and happy, and very fortunate.<br />~ I have more people that I consider friends than I ever have before, no matter how far apart we are from each other physically.<br />~ My dog. I love that fuzzy little being. He's made me a better person.<br />~ My job. I may not always jump out of bed eager to go to work, but I have great co-workers and a very good job - certainly nothing I should be complaining much about.<br /><br /><br />So there you have it. What more can a person ask for?Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-32279031037824076502010-11-09T12:59:00.004-04:002010-11-09T13:09:48.690-04:00Monday Menu - I know, another boring food listI know it's Tuesday, but I want to talk about yesterday's food too. I'm looking for suggestions and critiques. I'm trying to eat "cleaner" and incorporate more whole foods and more protein.<br /><br />Here's what I ate:<br /><br />Breakfast: Oats with greek yogurt and raisins, coffee<br />Snack: none (still full)<br />Lunch: Salad (spinach, tomatoes, mixed beans, feta stuffed peppers, flax meal, vinaigrette)<br />Snack: 2 Turkey Bites<br />Dinner: Turkey Burger (whole wheat bun, cranberry chutney, and grainy mustard), sweet potato fries with herb mayo for dipping<br />Snack: 3 Clementines<br /><br />Because I don't trust myself not to overeat, I'm still figuring out my nutritional totals:<br />1530 cals, 197 grams carbohydrates, 46 grams fat, 95 grams protein<br /><br />I think the only thing I ate that wouldn't be considered "clean" was the mayo, and maybe the kaiser roll I had my burger on. It was from a local bakery, but it doesn't list ingredients.<br /><br />Thoughts?Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-70255954409600519672010-11-06T15:06:00.003-03:002010-11-06T15:17:21.082-03:00This Week's Grocery ListI've really been trying harder to focus on whole foods and shopping the perimeter of the store. Here are today's finds:<div><br /></div><div>Light Eggnog</div><div>1% Milk</div><div>Light Cream (for a specific FFwD recipe)</div><div>Coffee Cream (for a specific FFwD recipe)</div><div>Fresh Salmon</div><div>Lean Ground Beef</div><div>Ground Turkey</div><div>Orange Juice</div><div>Sugar</div><div>Fat-Free Greek Yogurt - Plain</div><div>Fat-Free Greek Yogurt - Strawberry (!!!)</div><div>Low-Fat Olive Oil Mayonnaise</div><div>Canned Crushed Tomatoes</div><div>Swiss Cheese</div><div>Tassimo Lattes</div><div>Garlic</div><div>Old Dutch All-Dressed Potato Chips (I have no idea how they got in the cart - Steve?)</div><div>Clementines</div><div>Onions</div><div>Honeycrisp Apples</div><div>Green Peppers</div><div>Baby Spinach</div><div>Baby Lettuce</div><div>Portabella Mushrooms</div><div>Roast Beef</div><div>Whole Grain Artisan Bread</div><div>Coarse Salt</div><div>Smoked Tuna</div><div>Multigrain Hamburger Buns</div><div>Cranberry Orange Chutney</div><div>Chili Oil</div><div>Coke Zero</div><div>C-Plus Orange</div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot wait to have turkey burgers for supper this week!</div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2554726470222736786.post-66052156211829967652010-11-04T13:36:00.002-03:002010-11-04T13:51:44.839-03:00Take Some Time to ThinkI went for a run today at lunch, all by my lonesome. It's been quite a while since I'd done that, come to think of it. I'm usually out with the tall geeks from the other side of my floor, one of whom is learning to run. Needless to say, I haven't been challenging myself as much as I should be.<br /><br />Today I decided I'd go by myself - completely all alone, by myself. No distractions. This also means no music. I also made sure I wasn't wearing any gear that would drive me insane while I was on my solo journey. It was just me and my garmin. <br /><br />It was great just listening to myself breathing. Nice rhythmic breathing. And I took time to think about my body - where my shoulders were, whether any part of me felt tighter than it should have, and whether my shoes were comfortable. <br /><br />I also thought about which parts of my body were actually getting tired, and when I really analyzed the whole thing, I found that I could actually keep going longer. Can your legs handle a couple more minutes? Yup. Can your lungs handle a couple more minutes? Yup. Better keep going then.<br /><br />It was great. I need to do that just a bit more often.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375050844216216367noreply@blogger.com1