Becoming Reaquainted...

I've been off here for some time now. My life had become really busy. It will be interesting to go back through my posts and see what was happening in my life around my last post.
Lets see....what has happened. In a nutshell...I am now a single mother of 3. I am almost a nurse (just in the middle of pregrad, which is consolidation) and then I graduate mid June. I am also in the midst of relocating 1.5 hours south of where I live now, and I am still on a journey towards The Shrinking Me. Although, I should rename my journey as I have grown tremendously in the past few years. The past couple years in college has been...interesting. There have been sleep deprivation, stress, change. During my first semester exams, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had a right hemicolectomy to remove the tumor. Some of his lymph nodes were infected too. He underwent chemotherapy.The cancer metastasized to his liver and lung. The first day of my third semester, he had 60% of his liver removed, had a difficult recovery, and then underwent his second round of chemo. On the second day of May, we found out his cancer was in both lungs, and was inoperable. Radiation plus chemo will likely be the course. It has been a hard couple of years for him, and for us.
I gained 24 pounds that first year of college. I was bound and determined that that was coming off, and it wasn't going to happen during the second year. I started a job as a health care aide so my summer last year was very busy. I built running into the mix. By the time class started in Sept, I had lost all that I had gained. The stress of dads liver surgery exhausted me. Two weeks into the course and it felt like two months. But I hung in there for me, and for them. Around October I started Isagenix. It was awesome. I lost 9lbs and 20 inches in the first month I did it. But I couldn't keep up the momentum. I personally believe that my cortisol levels are keeping my weight on. I have to work extra hard to lose weight. And that's ok. I'm a hard worker.
The thing is, I have discovered that I'm strong. I am strong mentally, emotionally and physically. I finished school with a 3.8 GPA, which is pretty good for going thru school with 3 girls, my dad having, fighting, surviving and fighting cancer, going through a divorce and figuring out what to do next.
I bought sessions with a personal trainer, and he has been kicking my butt. I cannot even say how much I love it. That feeling....the second the weight is in the air and I'm lowering it I feel almost euphoric. I am in love with weight training. I have a friend who is a marathon runner, and he has awakened in me the desire to run. I am a newbie runner, so I'm not very good at it yet. But I will be. When I see people running, I have this desire, this urge to start running too. My friend has just completed his 3rd full marathon, and numerous other races this past year. Within 7 months, he has bettered his last marathon time by an hour! That amazes me beyond belief. It has fueled within me this....desire to kick some serious ass. Some time ago, around the beginning of this Shrinking Me blog, when I first started it, I had the desire to become a personal trainer. And then I went to college to be a nurse. That dream of being a personal trainer still lives in me. And one day I will realize it. In the meantime, I'm going to be my own personal trainer and along with my trainer and the inspiration of my marathon friend, I'm gonna kick my own booty. I haven't left the road to fitness...I've just taken a bumpier path, but I can see a much better trail now, more defined, more stable, clearer. I've jumped many hurtles in the past couple years and I'm looking forward to enjoying this journey even more now that I've been tested and I am a much stronger person.

Wow...where has the "Doer" in me gone to???

SO, time has flown. But I'm back again. I have huge goals...and journalling helped me keep focus, so I'm going to do that again.
It's been too hot out...I've been too busy...I'm too tired...I have a sore back....blah blah blah. I would like to say they're valid reasons, and they are...but they are also excuses, and I don't like excuses. I want to be the doer I know I am, and put away that old habit of just thinking of doing.
Tomorrow I have to work at 9. It's going to be a long 9 hour shift standing on concrete floors. But I have a scheduled 6:15am 22k bike ride that I am going to do. I AM GOING TO DO...just doing a little repetition for emphasis. That means I have to load my bike up tonight. By doing that tonite I won't have to do it in the am...just hop in the van and away I go.
That's what a doer would do...so that's what I'm going to do.
And you know what? I'm going to feel great doing it...and my 9 hour shift won't feel as bad with the endorphins pumping thru me...Yep. That's what I'ma do.
:o)
I'm baaack baby

Beginner Triathlete

That's what I am...a beginner triathlete. I am a 'young athlete' in this arena.

A couple of weeks ago I decided I needed something in my life to take my mind off my troubles...over active mind, ya know. I've always wanted to join the local triathlon club called The Nacho Average. But I wasn't at a level in life, a physical place where I was ready to actually be as active as I would need to be. I had thought about this a couple years ago. And since then I have lost 100 pounds and am now ready to give it a shot. So I went into Ontario Trysport and bought my first hybrid bike. It's a road bike but also can be rode on hard back trails.

I was so excited I txted my friend Loretta and told her she HAD to do it with me....and my wonderful friend is doing just that. She bought a new hybrid bike as well. We've been out pounding the pavement for the last week training.

Thurs. March 31/11 - 10 k bike ride

Friday April 1/11 - 5.4 walk/jog intervals plus 1K cool down walk, plus a walk to the park with kids later that night.

Sunday April 3/11 - .5 K swim (20 laps) 30 mins

Monday-Tues off

Wednesday April 6/11 - 5.4 walk/jog intervals plus 1k cool down walk

Thursday April 7/11 - 18.2 K bike plus 1K cool down walk

Friday April 8/11 - 1 K swim (40 laps/55 mins)

Saturday off

Sunday April 10/11 - X stretch....

planning for next week

Thoughts:

I have noticed a huge improvement in myself in just a week. The first walk/job was harder than the second one. The first bike ride I left my lungs on the hills that I rode up. The second one I rode up them and brought my lungs along for the ride. We really pushed ourselves and saw a noticeable difference. Our times were even cut on the walk/jog intervals by 12 minutes.

My hands were numb on the bike ride, must be gripping tighter than I need...and have to move arm positions to let the blood circulate properly again.

Lifes hiccups

So since my last post life decided to get in the way again. I ended up with killer mouth pain, and have been once again put on antibiotics. I have a molar that needs a root canal and I have been suffering with it for a week and a half now. That's like 3 months in dog years, haha. Seriously tho, have you had to suffer with killer mouth pain for any length of time? Not fun!

When I went to the dentist, he gave me a prescription for tylenol 3's and antibiotics. 'Great' I thought, 'that should help with the pain'...wrong! All it did was make my head woosy because Tylenol 3 has no anti-infammatory benefits, which is what I need. I still had to go to the dental surgeon, but I had to make it through a weekend first. Almost did. I had one full night without sleep because I was in agony. I went to the surgeon, and he did his testing on me, which is not fun. Ever had an icecube put directly on teeth and held there to see the response of recovery time? Yeah, I don't recommend it, especially a molar that needs a root canal. I almost went through the roof when he did that one. I was given the date of the surgery....the following week...I had to get through another week!!! That night was another lost night. I was jolted awake at 1:30 with agonizing mouth pain, and I stayed awake until 9am, at which time I was lucky to have an hour of sleep.
I had to wait until that afternoon to get my new pain meds because my pharmacy didn't have it in stock.

My friend got my prescription for me around 2pm. I had to wait until around 4 to take any. I took another one around 8, and I never got relief until 11pm. I actually went to sleep around 6:30pm, but I had to sleep sitting up...my head felt like someone was stepping on it and impaling it at the same time. I woke up around 9, stayed up for an hour, went to bed, and actually slept the night through.
A new development occurred the next night. I had a snack after biology class, my mouth was calm-ish....as soon as food entered my mouth, agony. Intense freaking agony that lasted for hours. And I didn't even chew on that side! Frig! And that stupid reaction has happend every single time I have eaten anything since.

So, how does this all affect my weightloss journey? Well, I had started P90X, but had to put it off until my mouth is fixed. I mean, exercising with tooth agony is NOT a fun thing. That stupid tooth has given me a headache, literally, since half a week before it started to flare up. I have had a headache continuously since. Not fun when I have to read and study for biology. It's put kind of a funk on my life....constant pain, sometimes complete and utter agony.
Also, the antibiotics are messing with my body. I have gained 5-7 pounds since reaching my 100 lb mark...not because I am eating crappy, but because my body is dealing with HUGE stress. I'm certain my cortisol levels must be through the roof. So I'm not terribly worried about it. I know that once this tooth is taken care of, I will get back into P90X seriously, and go gluten-free, sugar-free and I will remain that way until this round of P90X is through. The gluten-free, sugar-free thing I will keep up. I really do feel better eating that way. Life has gotten a bit messy and when that happens, like everyone else I have been reaching for the easiest, quickest fix...but that won't continue. I know from experience that if I am prepared, having the right foods on hand, and cooked -ready for reheating, it's the best and healthiest form of quick-fix foods.

I have 2 more days to wait....and come Tuesday, all my mouth pain should be over. Here's hoping!
And then back to normal. :o)

100 POUNDS LOST!

It is official. I have lost 100 pounds!

WOOHOO!!! FOREVER purposely removed pounds, never to be seen again!

Onederland!!! WOOHOO!!!

So, lots of things have changed/happened since my last post....seems to be a common theme with me these days. I guess that's good. At least life isn't stagnant.

Where to start???

Okay, well, I had a tummy tuck in December. Yep, I did! And I'm healing well. I will upload pictures once I get my laptop here.
And, I am also in Onederland. I am at 192! I have lost 98 pounds!!!! NINETY EIGHT POUNDS!

I cannot exercise vigourously yet...I probably could start walking, and I will this week. I am still tired.

Educationally....I withdrew from my PSW course. I decided the 'scope of practice' wasn't for me. Instead, I am going right to the nursing course for September. It just makes way more sense in so many ways for me.
My final chemistry mark wass 85%, which I'm pleased with. And in February, biology starts. Also I have one more surgery, hopefully at the beginning of Feb. That will give me plenty of time to heal, and then take care of some things before my course starts in September.


Trying to still do the gluten-free/refined sugar-free thing. I'm not 100% strict on that yet, but I will get there again because I feel better eating that way.
It's all in the mind. That's where the power comes from. If you believe you can do something, you will. If you doubt yourself, those doubts add up, and end up being counter-productive.

Anyway, thats where it is for me right now.
:o)

And So It Begins.....

I know, I know. I haven't been on since August. I couldn't get in to blog on my iTouch...grrr. And our computers were down. But here I am.
Things have changed since my last post. Lost of things on my plate...happily, some things are falling off now and I can breathe again.
Anyhoo...
A new beginning....Today I started my second round of P90X. Plus I did the Ab Ripper. And then I carried my inversion table upstairs to my bedroom, figured out how to use it again, and hung for a little bit. Then I had a hot bath with Dead Sea bath salts which are supposed to be higher in Magnesium content.
I am hoping that with the inversion table, hot bath with jets, massage therapy and muscle relaxants I can get thru this round of P90X.
I had pneumonia in October and I also had a car accident which threw my back into a frenzy. But I cannot afford to wait until I'm healed. Too much precious time will be wasted. I NEED to exercise. I NEED the endorphins. And my weight loss progress has stalled...so that's a huge motivation for me to get this show on the road.

UPDATE:
I got into college. My Personal Support Worker course starts in January. In the meantime I'm taking Chemistry...and it's proving to be challenging, yet rewarding. I love how my brain doesn't think about anything EXCEPT chemistry for 3 hours a nite x2/wk.

I WILL update from time to time, checking in with some of my P9oX workouts and experiences. But I won't be on every day.

Shouting out to my blogger friends that I haven't been on to say hello to in a while. *Hey all*
Pammy, Pitbull....miss reading about your journey.

Lisa

FINALLY got in to blog!

Our main computer has been down for 6-8 weeks, not sure exactly. Time blurrs when u can't get online...haha. kidding. I AM able to get online with my iPod touch, but can't get in here to blog. It won't let me past the title section. And Pammy, I've tried to comment on your blog several times....just never worked.

So what's new with me?
Well my weight is between 206 and 209, so I'm not that far from ONEderland. Yay me. hehe.
My tendonitis is getting better I'd say. Not allowed to run. At all. And that frustrates me. So my 10K and my half marathon are officially out. Sad about that. Sorry Greg, Jan, Mary :o(

In 5 days we are going camping for 2 weeks. Or at least we are going to attempt it. :oD
I will do some water exercises and I THINK we're taking our bikes, so I anticipate some nice solo rides. Maybe a little hike or two. It's going to be fun. I'm not sweating it anymore. Just going to go with the flow.

I've been stressed out and sick, but I THINK I'm finally coming around, calming down. Just waiting on my back and stomach to catch up and settle down.

September 1st I'm starting back with another round of P90X, and I'm going to give it my best shot, tendonitis or not. I have the rest of this weight to lose and I WILL be in the 160's by December. That leaves til spring to get to goal weight, and I think that's fine by me considering I had some setbacks with health. So yeah. Totally on track to a new me. WooFreakinhoo Baby!

Life Changes

"Times they are a changin"
So I've been sort of just going through the motions. I haven't been living. I am making changes and this is likely going to be my last 'carefree' summer for a long time. I am going back to school. In September, I'm going to be taking courses that are prerequisites to the courses I will be taking in the winter. In January, I will be taking the Personal Support Worker course which runs until August. Then in September 2011, I will be taking Nursing courses. Life will be hectic and a bit scary, but I'm up for the challenge.

I have to rethink the half marathon now tho. My foot isn't getting any better, and time will be hugely encroached upon. If I don't do it now, now worries, I WILL do one before I'm 45!

I'm in huge need of endorphins, so I have also decided to give P90X another go, for real, and bust out what I can. I was feeling really good on it the last time. I have no doubt that this time I will lose 30 pounds, if not more.

I'm also going to be really busy around the house this summer, decluttering, summer-cleaning, etc. And the youngest girls will have swimming lessons every day for 3 weeks. This time, I'm going to really enjoy that beach time, especially since I'm 60+ pounds lighter! :o)
I have a rock garden to make for the girls, with the girls. That's going to be nice for them. It's going to be therapeutic for me too.

So, thats what is on my plate for the summer and the next 2 years. I say bring it. Bring it all!

(Pammy and Pitz xoxo)

Changed my mind...

So I've been thinking. I really actually liked doing P90X every day. For some reason it kept me on the 'straight and narrow', kept me feeling like I was a rock star, and frankly those endorphins were the bomb. So, I'm switching it up,....yet again. I have decided that starting NEXT week, I'm going to DO another round of P90X AND use it in conjuction with the gym. So on days that I do chest and back, I'll stay home. On days that I do Plyo, I might go to the gym and just do some leg stuff...give the ole tendonitis a break. I'm thinking that if I go to the gym 2-3 days a week that should be good enough to keep my face there, and frankly, I LOVE the leg press, so opting out of some of the things that might tweak my foot and subbing in other leg exercises..just might be the way to go for me.
I'm in a weird spot these days. I'm in my head a lot. I need to get a job or something. Plus I could really use the money. I've made some goals in my personal journal and as they come to fruition I will share them.

OH YEAH!!! We had such a fun time with Pam and Kevin on Friday night and Saturday morning...Jays vs Yankees...walking around in the rain (Sorry Kevin) dancing our booties off...brunch the next morning,...walking around...It was a lot of fun. Even tho my foot was killing me.

I adore my girls...but every once and a while it's nice to get away.

New Bathing Suit....

Well, I didn't plan on it, but I ended up trying on a couple bathing suits last night and I bought one. I might add, I look F.I.N.E...haha. Okay, mabye a bit exaggerated. But I was pleased. I txted Pammy and told her because we're going away with them this weekend and the hotel has a pool. Initially I said, 'uh, I don't think I'll be going in any pool'...but then I thought 'what the hell?!' I worked hard to lose 73 pounds, 60 since last summer. Thats a HUGE difference. I was actually kinda pleased with how it looks, for me, for now. Obviously NEXT summer will be the time I do my little happy dance. But for now, I'm feeling better about my body than I did a year ago, so why not?! Sorry folks, no pics...I'm not THAT brave. Well, maybe a torso shot, the girls look good in it, ah ha ha, but yeah, the legs..uh. no.

Switch Up

So with some consideration, and the sheer lack of P90X motivation right now, I've decided to forgo round 2, the round that I keep falling of the P90X wagon with, and wait until the fall, when I've lost quite a bit more weight. I think I will adopt some of the workouts, but I won't be doing the every day thing. I'll keep some strength training workouts, the kenpo and the X stretch. I MIGHT even keep part of the Yoga. MIGHT!
I have to find a better balance with it all. I have outside work to do, and lets face it, that's a workout in itself. I have to move piles of top soil, which will require digging, moving it with a wheel barrow and emptying. I also have my rock garden to make, which means moving heavy rocks, and finding more. And I want to split my wood now that I know the bowl turning project is on hold. AND I still have hard wood floors.
I will hold off on the jogging for a little while. Maybe next month get back into it to prepare for my 10K in August.
It's balance.
I just have to remember one thing. I NEED those endorphins. Trouble is sometimes unless you have a set schedule to get them, you end up not feeling like it. And not feeling like it is what got me in this predicament in the first place. So, school is ending this month. Kids have swimming lessons. I have to figure out a good routine for working out, AND for balancing all the projects I want to accomplish. This will take some brain power. Its challenging, but I'm looking forward to it.

Time to Post.

Wow. Where did the time go? I haven't posted since that productive day I had 2 weeks ago. Whats up with that?! Well, lets catch up shall we...
So I got some moles frozen. The next day, they all blistered up. Talk about hurting in various places. That derailed any working out. But, I did become Master Nail Air Gun Woman! Yep, I was THE stapler for our hardwood floor we layed in the dining room, which isn't done yet...but will be soon. Also, we went and got 3 loads of rocks/boulders from along the highway for my rock garden. THAT was hard work! Rolling them, or carrying them up the bank, then throwing them into the truck/throwing them out of the truck. Trust me, THAT was a workout. And before all that, my sister and I emptied the dining room (hubby helped with the table and china cabinet...HEAVY stuff) and then we painted the room. 2 coats.
I feel every part of my body from the things I have accomplished last week. But I also ended up with a migraine on Wednesday, a bad headache Thursday, and then I drove my sister home, visited for the weekend and came back around 9:30 last night. I'm tired. But through all of this, I ate well, took my vitamins, supplements. The only thing is I was short on water. I always am when I have a long drive. Hate making pit stops. So all in all, I think I did pretty good. I DID kinda go dark for a bit, SORRY LADIES...too much on the go...and then with not feeling well I was a little anti-social.

Game plan for this week. Since I have caught up weight wise (lost what I gained back) my goal is to drink a few oceans of water. Today I have my consultation with my surgeon for my tummy tuck! Ahhhhh! And I've already told my daughter that I need her to babysit so I can go to the gym. I've decided to alter my P90X experience this time. Since the guy at the gym wants to see me there working out (especially since I asked for a job...) I'm going to take the strength days there at the gym. On cardio days, I'm toying with doing something there, as well as the regular P90X workout. Today it's supposed to be chest and back...so we'll see. I'm not too comfortable trying to do pushups in public, so I might break the workout up...do the pushups at home, do the weights there. Gonna go with the flow.

I AM wondering what to do about the 5K tho. I THINK I will just tape my foot up and do it...and hope beyond hope that it doesn't throw me off for too long. Stupid tendonitis!

OH, I'm ALSO looking forward to the JAYS game with Pammy and her hubby Fri. nite. (We've got to talk girl, arrange meeting up etc ) EXCITING!!!

Basically, I'm on a mission. And I'm not allowing anything stop me.
:o)

Productive Day

Today, I went and got a membership at the gym I applied to work at. He doesn't have anything in the way of work, just yet. But he did tell me to ask him in a couple of months. Getting the membership there affords me a great opportunity. I can get to know the people who go there, as well as how all the machines work....and ya never know...he might need someone sooner than later.
I also went to the doctor today, and I got a couple things achieved there too. First, he gave me a requisition for physio on my ankle, I have tendonitus. Yay me. So he wants me to get a couple ultrasound physio visits before my 5K in June. If the physio happens after the 5K, then he told me to make sure I get my ankle taped up to do the run.
AND....he is referring me to a surgeon for a tummy tuck! WOOHOO! After I told him why I needed one, he says "you're preaching to the converted" LOL. I will have a scar there, but I'd rather have a scar that fades in time than what I have now. He says the belly/apron-thingy will not go away. It will get smaller, but won't disappear. That is due to my short waist, my big babies, and all the weight I have gained. So, yeah. I've lost 73 pounds, so far. I'm getting this done, and OHIP will cover it. YAY again! Then I'll be stoked and it will give me that boost I need to remove the rest of my weight. I cannot wait! Imagine....running without that pouchy bulgey skin...riding my bike without it...wearing jeans without it...looking at myself and finally feeling proud of all my hard work because it's gone!

P90X Chest & Back. I AM struggling to do this work out tonight. I was on the go all day, and I'm exhausted. We'll see. I'm still going to try to do it. But if I can't because I'm going to bed, I'm not going to freak out about it. There's always tomorrow.

:o)

Kenpo X...Killed it! :o).....UPDATED

I was supposed to do Kenpo yesterday, didn't happen. So I decided to do it today, AND X Stretch too.
Did the Kenpo. Man, did I ever improve, and I was pretty good before, just sayin. ;oP
I did ALL the jumping jacks, and ALL the X jumps in ALL the breaks. I did everything, and I didn't end up on the floor, dead.
I feel strong. I AM strong. I WILL get my hot body...THIS YEAR! Ha, so boofknyah baby!


Just came back from a 1.8 km (1.12 m) jog. Not too far, but far enough for my foot tonight. I'm tired, but I WILL do X Stretch!


Stay tuned for the X Stretch update later tonight!! It WILL happen!

And it DID happen. X STRETCH, just what the doctor ordered. YAY ME! Yay my muscles. I cannot believe how much my body needed that stretching. Flexibility and looseness is essential...whew, feel better.

Chest and Back tomorrow...should be interesting with a tiny pull in my bicep. Until then :oD

3 Missed days...NOT giving up

Okay, so....Thursday turned into Friday which turned into Sat. And I missed my workouts for all three days, AND ate crappy! Totally off my wagon again. It started with a cafe mocha and a donut on Friday morning, and then went to hell in a handbag. Sure, I could have refused. I could have not allowed it to turn into a weekend of.....whatever. But that was then, this is now. I am not fkng around any more. I HAVE to do this! Today, I'm hoping I can do Kenpo in the morning, AND X stretch in the evening. One problem, my 6 yr old isn't feeling well today. But that's not going to stop me. I'm going to make a proclamation that at some point I need to do this, and hopefully the household will cooperate. LOL. Yep, Queen Lisa has spoken. Ahhh.

Pitz...I really hope you start to feel better soon. I'm pullin for ya baby. Stay strong!
XO

Missed Day 4 Yoga X...but it's ok.

So, I totally missed yesterdays workout. Things just didn't jive for me. Physically I am SORE! The first week of P90X is killer..and my body is going "yeah, right! Yoga X my....insert expletives here<>" Emotionally, well it is what it is right now. Mentally, I fought with myself..but the emotional and physical tiredness won. Oh well. Moving on.

Today I WILL do Legs and Back.

And I'm excited. I went to one of our small town gyms to apply for a job. I don't even know if they're hiring, one of the guys there gave me the owners number. While I have no clue if a job is available, it felt right. The guy there was not fit. So, I could fit right in since I've lost 73 pounds from my highest, and I'm losing the rest. I'm hoping I could work there, and get a shoe in for when I take my personal training course in the fall. Maybe he'll take me under his wing.... oh a girl can dream. And if that doesn't work, if he's not hiring, there are a couple more options in this town. I think I'm ready tho to go with this now. If this town doesn't pan out, maybe I'll head out of town...maybe I can get a job in another town gym, and when the time comes have them mentor me. Time to stop thinking about some-day, and make things happen now!

AC/DC - Back In Black (Live At Donnington) High Quality!!!

This is the song that revs me up to do P90X...I'm baaack in black baby!

P90X (R2) Day 3, Shoulders & Arms

I did half of my work out today. Time slipped away, and then I had kids distracting me. But I worked my butt off for the 36 minutes that I did do.

Took my supplements, and probiotic this morning. Working on the water.

Had a me day, took some mental time to think up plans...muah ha ha. Now to just implement everything.

Tomorrow...YOGA X..oh my!

P90X is going to give me my nice ass back :o)

P90X (R2) Day 2 Plyometrics: LOVE it! I'm so much stronger, even tho I was exhausted. I did skip Hot Foot, because lets face it, my foot is already burning...haha. Seriously, that one would NOT be good for my injured foot. But I did do squatting jacks! WhooEeee! I was so impressed. My legs are strong and I am so confident that I will get that hot ass back I had way back when. There is NO reason why not. And I'm determined that I will have hot buns, buns of steel and a POW butt that younger girls will envy. And why not! Between my hard work, P90X, Jon Gabriel, and my gluten-free/refined-sugar-free there's no way I won't achieve all I set out to. So take that! Yep, I'ma gonna have some junk in my trunk, and it won't include the junk yard. ahhhahhha. Gotta love endorphins!