OMG! Long time, no see!

Hello, hello! So, let me give you the short version!

I met an amazing man, and I got busy! I tried to keep up the blog for as long as I could, but I was too happy and busy to pay attention..... so sorry! I've missed my blog and reading other blogs!

So, in a relationship for 2.5 years, happy as can be, but a little too lax on calorie counting! Anyway, it's time to get back to the grind.

I have gained some weight. I hate to admit it, but it happened. Being in a happy relationship is a bad for my eating habits. The good thing is, Josh loves me no matter how I look. The bad news is, I'm unhappy with how my clothes fit and how I feel. I worked very hard to lose all that weight, and I'm not going back.

In the past 2.5 years, I have not had a single problem maintaining my workouts. I have even started new ways to workout. I've been taking cardio classes and step classes along with my regular lifting workouts. It's the food that has just killed me! I hate to admit it, but working out and nutrition go hand in hand. I can't have one without the other!

Anyway, blogging is very time consuming for me, but I need something else to keep me accountable too! I'm going to try to blog, but I will really just be over on FB and Twitter. I am much better at short updates and posting things that happen right away!

Hopefully I haven't lost all of my readers! Find me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notaneffingdiet
and find me on twitter: https://twitter.com/sjtsarah1 or @sjtsarah1

Also, I'm still active with Vargo Trained, LLC. They are a fast growing company and I'm so happy to say that I've been with them for all these years!

Where has the time gone?

Hello! I know it's been a long time, but I just have been busy. There is not enough time in the day to do everything I need to do. There are certain things I have to do: I have to work, eat, workout, spend time with my boyfriend, and all kinds of other things. Something had to give, and it seems to have been the blog.

I don't have much of an update. 2013 has been a difficult year. There have been many different things happening in my life, but if you used to read my blog on a regular basis, you know I don't get too personal.

I was off the meal plans for about 6 months. I was trying everything on my own. For the past few weeks I have been really thinking about meal plans and counting calories. Today I started a new meal plan. I'm happy I did. I like the structure of calorie counting. I don't find it daunting in any way. I just have to get used to eating at odd times again. So does everyone around me.

Working out has never been an issue. I have continued to work out regularly, 5 to 6 work outs each week. I've been running a lot more too. I still have no desire to run a 5k, half marathon, or marathon. I'll just stick to the treadmill.

These days, I also go to yoga on Sunday nights. It's an excellent way to unwind after a long week of workouts. It just feels great to relax and stretch for an hour.

I'm just not sure how often I will have time to post. In a perfect world, I would have time to write a funny, witty blog post every day. I was trying to keep up on other blogs for a while, but that also got away from me. I hope everyone is doing well and has stuck to their routines.

Pushups

In my search for a new running program, I came across a website called hundredpushups.com. I started reading through it and decided that I might like to try it!

I started this program this week too. It might be a lofty goal for myself to do my regular workouts, run 3 days a week, and to do this push up program 3 times a week. 

I think it looks fun and it will only be for 6 weeks. It is not time consuming either. I already did my initial test to find out how many good/real push ups I can do. The number was 11. On the chart that puts me at Rank 2. Each week I will follow the Rank 2 column. After the 6th week, I will pick a day to try to complete 100 consecutive push ups. That will be the final test for me, and if I don't get to 100, I will try to do it again. 

I'm already planning what else I can do from this site. They have a kinds of different 100 tasks. They have dips, squats, sit ups, and a few other things. I really think this site is worth checking out. 

I mean, what do I have to lose with this program? Honestly, nothing.....maybe a few pounds. I know it will make me stronger. 

So this week, I've had to complete: (from column 2, 6-10 push ups)

week 1: pick the appropriate column depending on your initial test results

DAY 1 REST 60 SECONDS BETWEEN EACH SET (LONGER IF REQUIRED)
	up to 5 push ups	6 - 10 push ups	11 - 20 push ups
SET 1	2	6	10
SET 2	3	6	12
SET 3	2	4	7
SET 4	2	4	7
SET 5	max (at least 3)	max (at least 5)	max (at least 9)
COMPLETED THIS WORKOUT? GO LOG IT AT PUSH UPS LOGGER!
DAY 2 REST 90 SECONDS BETWEEN EACH SET (LONGER IF REQUIRED)
SET 1	3	6	10
SET 2	4	8	12
SET 3	2	6	8
SET 4	3	6	8
SET 5	max (at least 4)	max (at least 7)	max (at least 12)
COMPLETED THIS WORKOUT? GO LOG IT AT PUSH UPS LOGGER!
DAY 3 REST 120 SECONDS BETWEEN EACH SET (LONGER IF REQUIRED)
SET 1	4	8	11
SET 2	5	10	15
SET 3	4	7	9
SET 4	4	7	9
SET 5	max (at least 5)	max (at least 10)	max (at least 13)
COMPLETED THIS WORKOUT? GO LOG IT AT PUSH UPS LOGGER!

*** Copied from hundredpushups.com 

Let's keep running

I found one of those running programs, kinda like the Couch to 5K things. I wrote it all out and did it from August 6 to October 14. I ran 3 times a week at a 1.0 incline each time. By the time I was done I was going over 3.5 miles. I felt great at the end, but I didn't know what to do next. I've been trying to jog/run for the past few weeks, but I've only been doing it once, maybe twice a week.

I can't get motivated unless I have something on paper to follow. I looked around for some different programs to follow, but it's been difficult to find something. I want to keep jogging in addition to my regular working out. 

So, I decided the other day that I was just going to start over with the one I've already done. I'm not trying to be a real runner. I just want something else to supplement my regular workouts. 

In another post I listed each week and how long to run each time. I'm going to start again today. I'm going to drink a few cups of coffee, watch Dr. Phil, and get my butt in gear to get this started again. 

I think this will be good for me to do again. I don't have a lot of time to try to run far distances or for long periods of time. This time around I can try to beat my distances each week by setting the treadmill at a little faster of a pace. 

Overall, I'm gonna keep on doing what I have to do to keep this weight off. OK, let me clarify that a little more....I'm going to do what I have to do in a healthy way to keep this weight off and still have a life that I'm comfortable with. 

So, wish me luck! It can be a big challenge to eat the right thing and eat in moderation. I've got the working out thing down. I have no problem going to the gym. In fact, I love it. I feel so good after I work out. 

Just some random babbling.

I finished my 10 weeks of running. By the end I was able to jog over 3 miles in my half hour. I was pretty impressed with that. I was jogging on the treadmill, and I was using an incline of 1.0. SOOOO, now that I've finished, I've been trying to think of how to continue jogging and using some kind of plan. I decided that I would jog outside this week, because it's been so nice. 

Well, jogging on a treadmill and jogging outside are very different! I was struggling to jog after 6 minutes! I figured it would feel different, but I didn't think it would feel like the first time I ever jogged! Next week will not be as nice, and the weather is probably just going to be awful from this point on too. I'm going to have to hit up the outdoor jogging when Spring rolls around. 

It's kinda funny, I was so against running on treadmills. Now, I only want to run on the treadmill. 

Anyway, I was at the gym this morning and I was thinking about how tired I was. It took everything in me to make it to the gym this morning. I was trying to come up with any reason to not go to the gym. Well, I went anyway; I was feeling guilty and I had to go. About half way through my workout, I started getting that awake, refreshed feeling. I love that I can go into the gym so tired and unmotivated, and part way through a workout that energetic feeling comes to me. 

I had that same feeling when I was jogging outside the other day too. I was in such a terrible mood; everything around me was like nails on a chalkboard. I decided to jog outside, and even though it was the worst jog I've ever had, I felt fantastic when I was done. My terrible mood went away. I was able to enjoy the rest of my day. 

I know that most of you reading this know what I'm talking about. I feel so accomplished and happy after I go workout. It's the best feeling. I bet that's why I keep going back. 

Overall, I've been pretty busy. It's been tricky to get to the gym some days, but I rely so much on my routine and doing things in the same order during the day. Having my daily routines makes everything so much easier, even though each day has a different routine!

October?? I guess I need an update!

So, let's get right to the point. Overall, I stayed exactly the same this month. No change in weight. Ok, really, I gained two pounds (according to my bod pod), but I weighed myself yesterday and I'm down two pounds. I'm going to mark that as "no change in weight". I wish I was really down two pounds and not playing catch up for eating too much, but I have to roll with the punches at this point. I'm trying to figure out how to live and keep a healthy weight. 

I'm still at 133 pounds gone, and it still blows my mind on a daily basis. Just the other day I was looking at a picture from my sister's wedding and I couldn't believe it was me. I was actually thinking, wow, I look really pretty. I really liked how I looked in the picture. It was kind of unbelievable, because I've spent so much time hating how I look in pictures. 

This is the picture I was looking at. 

Overall, I'm doing just fine. I'm working out 6 days a week, I'm running 3 days a week, and I'm not pigging out and stuffing my face! I'm beginning week 9 of the running program I'm following. If you don't remember, I think it's a lot like one of the Couch to 5K programs. It's been really good for me. If you are thinking about running, I suggest you find one of those programs to follow. It's not too time consuming, but you feel like you are accomplishing something!

I've been getting more compliments/advice at the gym too. It's like there's a new batch of people that want to talk to me about my weight loss of give me advice about losing weight. Most of the time I just smile and say thanks. I have to move on as quickly as possible because most of the advice is outrageous! 

One guy told me to lift less weight and spend more time in aerobics classes. I'm sure for some people that would work wonders, but I lost over 100 pounds by lifting weights, not going to aerobics classes. I'm not saying aerobics classes are bad and I have done some, but I just don't want that to be my regular workouts! 

I also, recently, had a little old man tell me to stop jumping around (doing plyos) and he told me that there was a mini trampoline for me to jump on over on the ladies side of the gym. He told me that all the equipment I needed was on the ladies side and that's why there is such a difference in the equipment on the ladies side and the co-ed side. I just stared at him! 

I've been on Pintrest a lot lately. I've been looking at recipes and there are so many on there! I've been revamping a lot of them to make them a little more calorie friendly. It's a great place to get new ideas. I've been really pumped about cooking and I'm doing better at planning meals and making dinners in advance. 

I'm hoping to make some good decisions in October and see it I can't lose a few pounds! 

And.....I'm still running.

Ok, the running is working out for me. It's only 3 days a week and each week is different. I've seen and heard that this is a lot like the Couch to 5k set up. That's cool if it is, but I'm not running a 5k at the end! I just want to run to add more into my workouts. 

So, I'm in week 6 right now. Honestly, I think following this weekly running schedule is making time go faster. I'm not sure how I've already done this for 6 weeks. 

At the end of the 10 weeks I need to find a different thing to follow. I need something on paper that is telling me what to do. I'm going to do some research on the Internet. I can find anything out there!

Overall, when I'm running/jogging I am in disbelief the entire time. I honestly can't believe that I'm running. I can't believe that I'm pushing myself. I can't believe that I'm pushing the little button to increase my speed and push myself to run a little further each time I run. 

It's crazy, totally crazy. I almost want to tell everyone that walks by me how amazing it is.

I do get a lot of time to people watch on the treadmill. I love to people watch and my gym has no shortage of interesting characters. I bet everyone else sees a bunch of interesting characters at their gym too. 

Sometimes I can't believe what people wear to the gym, talk about at the gym, or even some of the crazy workouts they do at the gym. Sometimes I think I'm being "Punked" and that douche Ashton Kutcher is going to jump out. 

Update

My updates have been behind lately. Sorry! I'm still weighing myself when I'm supposed to. I just don't get on here in a timely manner to get my status out there!

Well, August was another month where I didn't lose, but I also didn't gain. I'm still at 133 pounds lost. 

I'm consistent with the working out. I think I actually work out more these days. I know for a fact that working out will be part of my routine for the rest of my life. Sometimes, the food still scares me. I'm afraid of slowly slipping back into bad habits and over eating habits. I know I'm not the only one that has that fear, but it's scary! 

I get nervous when I know I'm going to a cookout, party, night out with friends, etc. I get worried that I'm going to "get out of control" with the food. I know I'm still learning how to eat in moderation. I'm working hard to make it the norm and not something I have to think about every time I step out the door. 

Looking ahead....

I have to get a bod pod soon. I'm trying to get one scheduled for this week. 

September is my favorite month, because it is my birthday month. I seriously celebrate for the whole month. This year I'm going to be 30. I'm not really worried about it though. I'm healthier now than I have really ever been in my whole life. 

Getting personal.....

I'm ready for all of my teaching jobs to kick back into gear! I'm ready for my routine to be more routine! 

Now that summer is winding down I really feel like I can get back on track. I've been slacking a little too much on the meal plan. I've been maintaining and not losing. I need to and want to lose this last little bit of weight. 

Honestly, I've been happy....for about the past 6 months. Really happy. I've not been mentioning it, but I've been seeing someone for the past 6 months and I couldn't be happier. He is the best guy I've ever dated. 

He's the first guy I've dates since I've started all these meal plans and working out and whatnot. I've been learning how to eat on schedule, work out, and have a functional adult relationship with this guy in my life!

I've got the working out under control, but I'm still figuring out the whole eating thing again. He knows what I've been doing. I was upfront from the first day I met him about doing everything on a schedule. The whole discussion about mass weight loss came a few weeks later. 

I've gotta tell ya, it's been easy to have him in my life. Like I said, the whole working out thing is not an issue. It's the food that is tripping me up. And I've also gotta tell ya, he makes me feel absolutely beautiful; saggy skin and all.

I used to worry about how I appeared to other people; especially guys. Now, I could care less. He thinks I look great in jeans and a t-shirt. 

However, it can make it hard to focus because he is always making me feel so good about how I look. It can make it easy to "cheat". I know, I know, what a silly thing to complain about.......he makes me feel great, and it's hard to focus on my eating.....blah, blah....I'm sure you all just threw up a little in your mouths. 

I've had an awesome summer hanging out with him. He wants to do active things too. It's not problem to get him to go for a walk, play putt putt, go bowling, etc.... but I'm ready for there to be less free time and more work time! I think once my schedule fills back up I will be able to focus better on the meal plans. 

Oh...his name is Josh, and he's the awesome. 

Still Running.

The running thing is still panning out for me. I'm into week 3. It's not too bad. 

Today, I did my first run of the week. I even wore my heart rate monitor to see how many calories I can burn in a run. Today I was just under 3oo. Not too shabby. 

Like I said, I'm not trying to replace lifting; I'm looking for something else to add in with my workouts. I need something to mix it up for a while. 

I would like to start running more often, and we'll see what I can do after I complete these 10 weeks. 

It feels pretty good that I decided to do this whole running thing on my own. I felt like I was capable of doing something else and I found something good for me. 

I'm sure that as it gets colder I will lose motivation, but in all honesty this plan will get me into the holidays. After that, I might ask Zach to help me with a plan to continue running and to keep it interesting. 

I've been running...scary, I know.

So, I've decided that I need to add something to my regular workout routine. I found an interval jogging plan that lasts about 10 weeks. I do it three times a week and I'm finishing my second week. 

I'm not sure what changed and why I went from hating jogging and running to wanting to run as much as possible. I'm still lifting 5 to 6 days a week, but I 3 days a week I also jog for about 25 minutes at the end of my workout. 

Here's what the plan looks like:

Week 1:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 5 minutes
Repeat 4 times
Walk 1 minute
Total: 25 minutes

Week 2:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 7 minutes
Repeat 3 times
Walk 1 minute
Total 25 minutes

Week 3: 

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Total 23 minutes

Week 4:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Total 23 minutes

Week 5:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 2 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Total 26 minutes

Week 6:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 4 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Total 28 minutes

Week 7:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 5 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Total 29 minutes

Week 8:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 6 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Total 30 minutes

Week 9:

Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 8 minutes
Walk 1 minute
Total 32 minutes

Week 10:

Day 1:
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 2 times
Walk 1 minute
Total 23 minutes

Days 2 and 3: 
Walk 1 minute
Jog/run 10 minutes
Repeat 3 times
Walk 1 minute
Total 34 minutes

So far, I've been doing fine. I've been able to get in all three jog/runs. When I'm jogging I move between 5.1 and 5.6 for the speed and I do it on a 1.0 incline. I'm able to go over 2 miles each time. I hope to increase my speed each time. I'm not looking to be a sprinter; I just want to be able to go a little further each time. 

I think this is fun. It's a challenge that I'm ready to take on now. Last year, and even before, I was not up to this task. I think a lot while I'm doing this too. I usually think about how unbelievable it is that I'm actually running. When I start getting tired and I want to put my arms on the sides of the treadmill for support, I start thinking about how amazing it is that I'm even running at all. 

It's cool how things can change over time. 

Maybe some of you will do this too. It would be nice to hear from you if you do!

As always, if you're new here, leave a comment and tell me about your blog. I try to read as many as I can!

Update time

So, here's the low down on July. I was working out like a maniac, but finding too many reasons to "cheat" on my meal plan. So what does that mean as far as weight loss? No weight lost. That's what it mean.

I'm still at the same place I was at the end of July. 133 pounds gone, forever.

I'm kind of at a crossroads right now. I know that I'm not at my healthiest weight and  my healthiest body fat percentage. I know I still have some weight to lose and it's not even that much. Maybe like 20 pounds, but I'm happy with the progress I have made. I mean, I lost 133 pounds and that seemed easy compared to staying motivated to lose this last 20. Why is this last 20 pounds so hard?

I do want to get that last little bit off, but I'm struggling. I know summer has something to do with it, but I can't use that as an excuse. I'm also worrying that I'm letting other people down if I don't lose these last few pounds.

I would feel freaking awesome to get down to my healthiest weight and fat percentage. I would probably smile from ear to ear for a month. I mean, going from morbidly obese to lean....that would effing rock. I'm almost there too.....so where has my motivation gone?

I know this turned into some random babbling, but I just had to get some of this off my chest.

I'm still here....

I'm still around! I promise! I've just been enjoying my summer! A lot of weddings, birthdays, and fun activites going on! (And a lot of temptation)

I've been a little too relaxed, I think. I'm still on meal plans and working out 6 days a week. I think I've been finding too many excuses to "celebrate" and have too much to eat.

I've been jogging at the end of every workout. I jog for about 15 minutes and that gets me to about a mile or mile and a half, depending on how fast I'm moving.

My 30th birthday is coming up in September. I'm asking my friends and family for cash donations, because I want to get my personal trainer certificate. I want be a personal trainer for extra motivation and some extra cash! I think I will continue to be successful if I even have one person that I'm working out with a few times a week. I need to stay motivated!

I'm still tossing around the idea of making a Facebook page for my blog. I think I would be much better at updating! I have tons of funny little things I see and notice while I'm working out and I could update my status really fast!

I actually have some time tonight and I'm going to try to catch up on some blog reading! Wish me luck!

You know you're dedicated when....

You know you are dedicated to working out when you go to the gym in pants that are 2 sizes too big and a dirty tank top because all of your other workout clothes are in the washer! Yup, that was me today. I was not thinking when I threw in my laundry and I had nothing clean, or dry, to wear! I has to put together whatever I could! I looked like a bag lady.

Oh well, worse has happened! I'm just glad that I have the will power to get to the gym no matter what.

New Meal Plan

I've been stressin' about my lack of blogging. I know I keep saying it, but I'm so busy. I don't think I expected to be this busy!


I'm still working out. I'm still following meal plans. I did just get a new meal plan last week. I need to make sure I update on that. My new meal plan is more calories and it is more like a maintenance plan. I'm still following protein and saturated fat. I'm still eating every three hours. I'm still heading in the right direction. 


My new plan looks like this:


Breakfast: 325 calories, 15 grams protein


Snack: 325 calories, 15 grams of protein


Lunch: 325 calories, 15 grams of protein


Snack: 350 calories, 20 grams of protein


Dinner: 350 calories, 20 grams of protein


I will follow this plan for about 3 months. After that time, I will get another bodpod to check my body fat. Then I will get another meal plan. 


I've already started thinking about what will happen when I get to my goal and I am just working to maintain. I'm ready to be at my goal. 


I'm hoping to have some extra personal time this summer to do some extra workouts. So far that has not happened! I'm pretty sure that I will find more time in July and August. 


I'm trying to read as many blogs as I can. I'm not always commenting, but I'm trying to read them. If you are new or newish to my blog leave a comment! If you have a blog, I will check it out!

Random emails

Ok, this blog was spurred from a Facebook status that basically said I reached a healthy body fat percentage and had lost 133 pounds. Over 65 people liked that status and I was overly thrilled to have so many people be so supportive of what I’ve been doing. I was even more thrilled when I received a Facebook email from an old friend about my progress. It said a lot of nice things about me and my progress, but it also had a lot of other insightful information in it.

I’ve decided to post her email, because there were so many good things in there. She really has some good insight into weight loss and healthy living, much of it coming from her own experiences. I just thought it would be nice to share on a larger scale. Obviously, I left her name out and any other personal details about her. So, read and enjoy.

Hey Sarah! Remember me? (I guess we wouldn't "know" each other on facebook if you didn't..)

So, I just read your blog. I know from facebook updates that you have been losing weight for the past while, but tonight I took the blog-reading plunge. In part it is spurred from the fact that I am living in a new city and have less to keep me busy than usual (I'm not a regular blog reader). But, whatever the reason, I feel so glad that I clicked the link and had a look. Of course, I first want to congratulate you on how amazing you look. I mean, really. It's astounding. I cannot believe you have done this on your own. (Imagine sounds of excited applause, giant smiles, etc. all in your honor beamed across the wide world from me to you.)

I felt compelled to write because I wanted to comment on the idea that "It's not a diet!" (Note: I am about to fall into an "about-me-and-how-I-share-a-similar-experience" monologue. But, I want to clarify that I in no way care to suggest that my changes are in any way as awesome as your **super stellar** achievement.) Okay, compulsion to share moving forward:

So about two years ago I was floundering about in a moderately shit-tastic time in my life (complete with icky depression, sleeping ~12-18 hours a day, you name it). On top of that I had gained a lot of weight. I was the heaviest I had ever been, I had notably lower self esteem than usual, and I felt HORRIBLE all the time. And I decided to make a change. You see, for me the changes were only in part about weight loss; more so they were about combating negative feelings, lack of motivation, and a stellar depression.

I began to try different tools to fight the battle that I was (or felt like I was), at that time, losing. First, I tried jogging. But in the beginning that was actually quite difficult, especially because I felt bad and very tired most of the time. When the depression began to get really bad and affected my work, I started seeing a therapist. It's crazy -- my whole life I had thought that was a bunch of rubbish. But in retrospect I think it helped a lot. I also got a book about "detoxing" and began being more diligent about eating healthy foods, juicing, etc. I tried yoga, acupuncture, eventually went back to jogging a bit, swimming, and biking. Admittedly, I even went on a mild antidepressant before things got better (but, got off of it as quickly as I could).

Anyway, it's now almost two years later. My diet has changed permanently and in my mind it has made all the difference. I also love to jog, I enjoy yoga and even have a regular "at-home" practice, and I am motivated...I don't sit on the couch all the time and sleep, I don't go out and get trashed and feel like crap because of a wicked hangover (okay, it has happened once or twice..), and I don't eat an entire pizza by myself in one sitting. And, honestly, for the first time in my life I feel certain that I can have a healthy future and not just wonder how my body may/may not age as if I have no control over my physical (and emotional) well being. I've discovered that I actually do have a "say." And that it isn't just hypothetical people in a hypothetical world that are able to make permanent changes in their lives. Actual real people, like me (or like you) can do this too. It's beyond empowering.

Anyway, I hope it isn't rude of me to just jump in share. But I was inspired to. Your blog is awesome. And your personality is definitely in full force -- with a sense of sarcasm and humor just like I remember from high school. You rock, dude.

Giant congratulations and a **virtual** hug,

The second to last paragraph is really powerful. I like how she said we all have a “say” in our lifestyles and that real people are making positive changes on their own. Real people can do these things and that her and I are proof. I know a lot of people that are proof of healthy life choices and hard work.

Honestly, I just liked hearing from someone that I consider to be an average/normal person that healthy living is achievable for anyone as long as they take charge of their life.

Ok, that’s enough babbling from me. You can take from her letter whatever you want. I just thought it was too good not to share. 

Holy Crap, I Did An Effing Pullup!

So.....big day yesterday....I did a pull up! A real pull up. Not a pull up with assistance to make it easier, but a real pull up....all me, no help. There is even a video to prove it. 


Here's a quick back story as to why there is a video....


I tried a pull up yesterday. I got about half way up, and that was further than I've ever gotten. Janelle gave me a tip....breath out when you start. Then she grabbed her phone and said she was going to record the next attempt, because she was sure that I was going to do it. We stopped recording right after I drop down, so you don't hear me yell, "The breathing worked!" 


Anyway, it was quite a day for me. I spent all last night telling people about my one pull up. I was able to do one more unassisted, and then I was all tapped out and I had to use the resistance bands to give me a boost again. 


I've had an ongoing struggle with pull ups for the past 3 years now. Sometimes I even write about it. You can read about some of those here and here. 


I've never uploaded a video and this one came from a phone. I hope it uploaded correctly. Also, I don't have the editing software to rotate the video....so I might look like I'm crawling. Just turn your head to the side and I'll look normal.


Oh, and excuse my leg kicking! I swear when I kick my legs around it helps!

New Meal Plan!

So, it's that time again. I got a new meal plan. It's a pretty drastic plan, but I'm only following this one for 6 weeks. Ok, it's not that drastic, but it is less calories. I'm gonna be kinda rumbly in the tummy for a few days while I adjust. 


So, here it is....
Breakfast 350 calories and I need 20 grams of protein


Pre-Workout or Run 380 calories and 20 grams of protein


Post-Workout 420 calories and 30 grams of protein 


Snack 228 calories and 15 grams of protein 


Dinner 228 calories and 15 grams of protein


For the day that totals 1606 calories and 100 grams of protein. Also, I usually get more protein. I just have to get at least the amount of protein listed for each meal. 


My protein has switched around a little, but not much. My calories have decreased on my snack and dinner. Other than that, it's pretty much the same. I also still watch my saturated fat. I try not to have more than about 2 grams of saturated fat per meal. I still get a gallon of water a day. 


I workout 6 days a week, so on the 1 day I don't work out I have a slightly different plan to follow. 


Like I said, this is only for 6 weeks. I'm not sure what Zach has in mind, because he wouldn't tell me. He actually said, "I have a secret plan that only I know. Just me and myself. I'm not going to tell you yet." After that he did this really sneaky laugh. God only knows what is still to come. 


I would also just like to point out that my breakfast is one of my larger meals and my dinner the smallest. Even if you don't follow a meal plan of your own, you should still have a bigger breakfast and smaller dinner. It's just a good habit. 


You can find all of my other meal plans under the MEAL PLAN tab on the home page of my blog. 


I would also like to point out that my meal plans are made me for me. They are tailored to my lean mass and what I should weigh at a healthy weight. I do not follow the traditional BMI suggestions, because they are only based on height alone. I get my body fat done every three months so that Zach can help me make another plan that is perfectly tailored to me. 

Slow changes

Over the past few months I have gone from working out with Janelle for about every workout to only working out with her maybe twice in a two week period. 


I didn't realize that this had completely happened until yesterday when I sent Janelle a text telling her that we have to plan a Wednesday workout and if not we won't ever have time to workout together.


This has been a slow change over the past few months. Heck, I bet this change has been happening for about a year, but it's just been so gradual that no one was realizing it. Our routine was to workout in the afternoon after we were off work and in the summer we would workout in the early morning. 


I'm able to workout alone, I just don't like it as much. I need a lot more will power and dedication to make it happen. I feel like I don't push myself enough and I also feel like I forget things that I should be doing. I have to keep reminding myself that I do like to workout, even if it's alone, and I have to stay focused for what I really want.


I prefer to workout with Janelle because I know a get a good workout and I get some girl talk time. 


I think that's what I'm really missing right now; girl talk with Janelle. Workouts are about the only time I see Janelle these days and the only time we really get to talk and vent about work, working out, family, etc. Our schedules have gone totally flip flopped from each other. We don't really have a choice to workout together right now. 


Really. this is just a whole lot of whining because I'm losing my regular workout partner. These days we have to literally make appointments with each other just to see each other and get a workout in with each other. 


I'm trying to stay positive though; Summer is almost here. I will have a little more time and Janelle will have a lot more time. Hopefully we will find common time to workout then....