The Pinnacle

I doubt if anyone (besides my sister) can recall, when I first began my weight loss "project" I had one reward in mind and I was dying to own them.

I would look at them all day online, even add some to my online cart... And yet could never buy. You see, my calves were and are large. I gain weight first in my calves and lose it last in my calves, which are also just very naturally muscular. So I would try on pair after pair and the zippers would just never go all the way up.... That is, until today.

BOOTS

Thanks to my sister, who gave me a DSW gift card for my birthday, she is WANTED for aiding and abetting a known boot lover and could serve a term of up to ENDLESS HUGS.

I feel like a pirate in these... However! The flap also goes over the knee for a HOT knee high look...
And what's a little pirate without a little BOOTAY?! -Gosh, thanks plyos! ;) -

Happy weekend friends & yogis. I'm going to the casino in these tonight. ;)

Blogoversary!

Haha! I just noticed how much clothing comes off as the fat came off ;)

Hey ya'll! Today is my 1 Year Blogging Anniversary where you all have been forced to read my rantings painfully for 365 days! Just kidding. Sort of. ;)

This all started because I was large. And I felt large. My sister and I agreed that you know you're done when you get ready and are trying to look nice, and only to find that you look like a nicer-fat version of yourself.



And I was just done. Done being fat. Done letting food dictate my whole life. 

I did most of my nutritional work through Weight Watchers and I really blame my success on them. Awesome program. They really teach you how to eat correctly and healthfully. I advocate them to anyone. But eventually you come to a point where you need an exercise boost. So eventually I started doing cardio every day and then mixed in weights and mixed in some yoga to spice everything up!



One year ago today I was 140 lbs, down 35 lbs already. Today, I am 121 lbs. Down a total of 54 lbs.

PS-This weekend was very full but I finally got to some pushups! Yesterday (being hungover as I was), I pumped out 40 in my last set (meaning I had already done 88 pushups, and then 40 was failure)... And it was only 40 because I was hungover.

In the last year:

-I have lost 19 lbs of fat

-Met the love of my life, Patrick... Moved in with him and moved into a nice new home with him

-Paid off half my debt 

-Had a puppy

-Put on 8 lbs of muscle

 This next year I want to:

-Be able to run 7 miles (I'm almost at 3 right now, I said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a runner)

-Be able to do 4 sets of 10 unassisted pullups (pyramids 3x a week, and I believe the pushups training is helping)

-Be able to do 100 straight pushups (already on my way!)

-16% body fat in off-season

-Compete once (July or October?)

-Complete a 60 day yoga challenge (my 1st 30 day is planned for May)

-Undecided: Become a yoga teacher :) ... This WILL happen, just not certain that it will be this year.

 ... And those are just my athletic goals! 



But looking back, a few of these have BEEN goals for quite a while! The body fat has been a goal, and doing a yoga challenge has been a goal... It is time to start laying it down and figuring out why I haven't achieved those!  OR! Not thinking and just doing!

The reality is no one is going to give me these accomplishments. I have to get them. It isn't free and I need to quit training like it is. :)

Happy Blogoversary everyone! I am so excited to have so many followers who are interested in my journey and what I have to say. I appreciate all of your input, encouragement, and warmth!

Weekend Warrior

Well, I took my own advice and hired a trainer. First appointment is today, which I've met with him before just to take body fat so at least our sit-down time will be minimal... I really need a "make me puke" workout. For my sanity! Okay, maybe I won't go crazy because I haven't had an exceedingly hard workout in a while... but I might go crazy because my willpower is dwindling and I need it back! Its true: I'm a workout junkie and need my fix.

Had a really laxed weekend so I fit in a few home workouts to get me by until I could find my keys and make it to the gym this morning!

On friday I did BodyRock's Survivor Workout:
Interval: 50 sec sprint, 10 sec rest
Backward Lunge Kick Up (L leg)
Backward Lunge Kick Up (R leg)
1 Arm Pres Up (alt arms)
2 kick ups & Breakdance Pushup
Pike Jump& Squat Jump
--------------------------
5 mins of 1 leg squat & jump tuck (alt legs)
--------------------------
Repeat part 1, took me a total of 16 mins.

Saturday's workout:
45 mins of P90x Plyo video & Ab Ripper

Sunday I repeated BodyRock's Marine Corps workout:
(20 sec sprint, 10 sec rest)
Sandbag sqt (R shoulder)
Plank jump pushup
Sandbag sqt (L shoulder)
Plank jump pushup
-Repeat-
----------------------------
10 pendulums
roll over
Walking pushup
10 Elbow plank jumps
-Reverse Back-
Repeat 5x
----------------------------
Sandbag Mini Sqt (R Shoulder)
Supergirl Pushups
Sandbag Mini Sqt (L Shoulder)
Supergirl Pushups
(Repeat all 1x)

Since I am a person who thinks it is important to be truthful about where I'm at, not just for honesty sake but also because you can more accurately watch your body (yes, I need to justify it in my mind because I want it to be better...), my body fat was at 23.5% and my body weight at 125.0 lbs. I gained some fat, yes, but I also gained a 0.5 lb of muscle in the last weeks.

Starting today, I'm moving onto a 4 day split with also moving into a 5 day a week pyramid to hopefully explode my strength. Also moving into some different conditioning with working with my new trainer. The month of March is basically going to be Athletic Training to drop some body fat and refocus on my strength and endurance.

Here's to a new month and being an athlete! :)

Dear Cafeteria, I hate you.

Food jealousy.

Everything smells amazing. Yes, I am at that point in my diet where everything smells and sounds great. The bummer is, I work for a rather large hospital in Spokane that has a very gormet cafeteria. Everything is heart healthy (as we have a HUGE heart center on the campus), some things are vegan, and all the chefs were classically trained.

So, everything smells amazing... Like I said. I can smell the crisp potatoes and the tartness of the chicken parmesean. When I'm even on the cafeteria level of the hospital, the intense smells I get are like a heat wave. Anyone remember that Popeye where they're stuck in the desert and Wimpy keeps seeing hamburgers everywhere?! Yeah, its a lot like that. 

"Feed me!"



And I'm ravenously hungry a lot of the time. I'm lifting a ton so naturally my body is saying "Feed me, you freaking jerk!"

I feel like this guy to my left. I could probably eat that whole thing right now if I wanted.

Today's workout: (Upper Boday)
Supersets: (Today specifically, I'm moving even lower on the reps, focusing more on the specific muscles that need more development before competition)
-Assisted Dip: 70x12, 60x10, 60x10, 50x5
Assisted Pull-up (wide grip for Lat focus): 70x12, 70x8, 70x6, 70x5
-Barbell Row: 80x8, 80x6, 80x6
Pushup: 3x10
-Standing Bicep Curl: 30x12, 35x6, 35x5, 40x2
Dumbell Shoulder Press: 20x8, 20x6, 20x6, 22.5x4
-Prone Hammer Curl: 12.5x12, 12.5x10, 12.5x17, 15x5
Dumbell Row Kickback: 10x12, 12.5x8, 12.5x6, 15x6 (experiment in weight, haven't done these in a while... Wow! I've made progress!)
-Seated Bent Over Row: 20x12 (also an experiment), 25x8, 25x7, 25x6
Decline Twisting Ab Crunch: 4@ 14x10
-Machine Rear Delt Raise: 35x12, 45x6, 45x6, 45x6 (believe it or not, I've actually NEVER used this machine!)
Lat Pulldown: 80x12, 80x8, 90x3, 90x2
*side note: Does anyone else notice that certain body parts train slower than others? I've noticed HUGE improvements in my traps & biceps but my strength improvements in my lats and triceps are often slow going. Can anyone relate?

Also, got in 3 sets of my Jump squat/push press/hang clean/front squat/barbell row complex. :)

So, now that I think about it, if nothing else and a zombie outbreak happens... At least during my

I'm not so hungry anymore... ;)

competition diet I can be put at ease knowing that at least I can outrun a zombie...? :) Rule #1: Cardio. And I do my lat pull ups to make sure that if a zombie chases me off the side of a building, I can pull myself back up! ;)
Eats:
800: 1 c oatmeal, 2 egg whites, 1 c strawberries, coffee w/2 tbsp cream
1100: 3 oz tuna, 2 c lettuce, 1/2 tbsp olive oil mayo, 1 hard boiled egg
200: 3 oz chicken, 1 c rice
500: 1 scp whey, rice cake
600: 5 oz salmon, 1 c cabbage
800: casein protein crepe w/1 tbsp pb
Total: 1537 calories, 169g protein, 113g carbs, 44g fat. With 144 oz water.

Dear Cafeteria,
Bring it on. ;)
xoxo Lacey



PS- WEIGHT: 119.2 lbs. Took off two pounds last week. Right on target.

"I Need Handicap Rails in My Bathroom" Day

I love today. I am in love with working out and being the athlete I am. This is Day 1:

Workout:
Supersets:
-Barbell Hack Squat: 2@ 30x15, 1@ 40x10, 1@ 50x8
Cycle Crunch: 3@ 15x15
-Side Lunge: 1@ 20x12, 1@ 25x12, 1@ 35x12, 1@ 45x12 (I was experimenting with the weight on this one... back was hurting)
Bulgarian Split Squat: 2@ 70x12, 1@ 80x8 (The last few VERY deep)
-Good morning: 3@ 50x12
Bosu Side Bridge: 3@ 15 on each side
(also practiced my push presses and hang clean/front squat as I will be doing complexes later this week)

Also, 25 mins on the bike at a steady (but fast) pace.

Eats:
700: 1 c strawberries, 1 egg white, 1/2c oatmeal & coffee
1000: 1 c broccoli, 4 oz turkey, 1 c brown rice
1300: 1 c green beans & carrots, 3 oz chicken, 5 oz sweet potato baked
1700: 1 scp whey isolate & rice cake
1845: 3 oz chicken, 8 oz cauliflower, & 1/2 c brown rice
2000: protein crepe w/1 tbsp peanut butter

Total: 1496 Calories, 147g protein, 165g carbs, 27g fat, and a total of 184 oz of water (getting there! My goal is 2 gallons today)


Insulated Polar Bottle- 24 oz.





My bum is really sore. :) Those deep bulgarian split squats feel so awesome! And as Sandra says, "You know you've had an awesome leg day when you wish you had handicap rails in your bathroom." Its true. And, I do.



Oooh! Check out what our realtor bought us!

Because she knows how active we are! Thanks Nichole! :)

This thing rocks so much! Its insulated so your water stays cold for a long time, and its 24 oz, easy to keep track of how much you've had AND easy for me to make it a goal to finish before I get up from my desk at work.

Food Porn: Cheese

I'm trying to savor the things I think I'm going to have a hard time with during contest prep.

Food Porn for Saturday was: CHEESE.

Believe that, kids.

Workout: No workout. ALL packing and errands. BUT we did buy dishwashing fluid. This may not be exciting to anyone else, but I've not owned a dishwasher.

Eats:
800: Eggs benedict minus the muffin, coffee w/cream (w/2 mv & 1 fo)
1100: 1 scp whey (w/1 fo & iron)
1730: Homemade pizza w/turkey pepperoni, homemade sauce & fat-free mozzarella
2100: 1 scp casein (w/1 fo & Vit-E)


Total: I decided not to keep track... since its probably my last possible day to do so.

Back At 'Em

It takes self control. Self control that I have.

I spent much of Monday reflecting. Reflecting upon myself and how this whole process got started. When I first started I:
-Tracked my food through healthy eating on weight watchers
-Walked everywhere
-Did about an hour of cardio every day
-Did no weights
-Did yoga 2-3x a week.

Now I:
-Track my food on my iPhone and moderate everything: Calories, protein, carbs, and fat. Hard and awesome.
-I now own a car, so I don't walk much anymore
-Only about an hour of cardio spread throughout a week
-About an hour of weights daily
-Do yoga almost never.

As one continues through a journey, I think it is important to always go back to basics. Maybe not for my eating, which I consider pretty close to perfect, but definitely for my workouts. When I first started, 2 lbs a week or 10 lbs a month was not unheard of.
So, I am moving back into shorter weight sets, longer cardio (will try for am cardio once I get back into a steady routine... gotta be realistic about getting up at 415...), and more yoga. I really truly notice how the yoga helps flush out everything bad to make room for the good stuff.  And expecting to lose a good 8 lbs of fat in January is not a far fetched goal! One I plan to hit. I'd be happy with 5-8 lbs, which would be 5-8% body fat.

Monday was well played.
Although I was still feeling sick (well, mostly just raw lungs), I made it to the gym. I hit cardio for a full 50 minutes on the elliptical, and did about 28 minutes of an upper body circuit. Day after, my traps and lats are really sore... watching form on Lat pulldown and row really do wonders. :)
Eats were perfect with a switch to only 10% carbs (so that is literally only one serving): 1346 calories, 164g protein, 126g carbs and 25g fat.
Weighed in at 123.5 lbs. Considering the holidays just happened, my weight is perfect. I did not gain at all. :)

Tuesday was FUN!
Plyometrics. Dang. Kicked my bootay.
Eats again were perfecto! Another day without coffee and drinking green tea. I was pretty hungry throughout the day, so I may need to switch up where I put in my fruit and where I put in my carb on certain days. Tomorrow will be a yoga day, in which I will allow for a second carb for extra power, I hate the dizzy feeling during yoga. Anyway! Today was 1375 calories, 160g protein, 109g carbs, and 34g fat.

Wednesday was needed. :)
Today I admitted something so... monumental. I admitted that my life is better and brighter without my ex-husband. Today I feel like my life is starting. What an incredible feeling.
Workout today is Hot Yoga at 4pm. :) I'm excited to see my yoga buddies and flush out some toxins and excess water. I'm extremely sore from my plyo workout yesterday. All through my lower body and abs. I'm pretty sure if I'm doing plyos, I don't even need to do an ab workout. Days later my abs are still sore. And holy hell! So are my feet!
Diet ended up pretty good. I had a carb night to prep myself for a lower carb day. 1500 Calories, 115g protein, 168g carbs, and37g fat!
... And for those of you who know, Yoga teacher training possibility is back in the mix for possibilities this year. My heart keeps going back to it, so it is obvious that I need to do it. Considering fall 2011. :)

Thursday made me proud.
Today I was hungry like the wolf. I ended up throwing in a noon meal of a salad... Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and balsamic vinegarette. Curbed the appetite pretty well and I moved my 1pm meal to 130 and removed the veggie from it.. Ended up with 1332 calories, 128g protein, 123g carbs, and 53g fat.
Workout today ended up with a good upper body circuit in a total of 30 minutes. Will list next week what I've done. Along with 50 mins of cardio.
I feel proud of my eats today. It was hard and my mouth wanted to eat much more than I actually did. I have to give myself major props for that.
I am so excited! I got my food scale today and my new workout journal (which I'm not totally certain how much I like it)! AND bought some vanilla casein powder, along with a chocolate coconut whey isolate, so I can start making protein pancakes and muffins and crepes.  Momentum is rushing back!!!

Friday
I weighed today and am down to 120! With 20.6% body fat! However, I'm suddenly feeling the competition anxiety.
Met with a girlfriend virtually who is a trainer and she's going to take a look through my diet and help me with this... as I am probably not going to hire a trainer. I am weary about saying that but I don't feel I need one. I know my body and I have fantastic friends who are trainers and serious lifters which is enough for me. Those are the ladies that really keep me motivated anyway. :)
Workout was great. Ended up with 35 mins elliptical and 30 mins lower body... I used my normal schedule but added in some bulgarian split squats to really work the bum! ;) <--- My fav body part to work!
Eats were a medium carb day. Totaled: 1333 calories, 141g protein, 135g carbs, and 25g fat.

Also, I bought my competition shoes today! Just need some jewelry, bikini tape, and ma hair did! ;)

I'm taking Saturday as my rest day and having my cheat meal tonight along with some lazer tag haha... I've done well keeping up my protein so far today to give myself some room for my cheat meal tonight... Mexican. ;)

These next two weeks will be interesting. I'm at 15 weeks out to competition today. Next week will carb cycle again then I will be taking another break. I'll break it down more on Monday.

P90x: Fail.

My biggest beef with P90x is that I do it at home. Part of why I love going to the gym is exactly that, I go to the gym. I'm not distracted with all the things in my home that I need to do.

"I'll just start that load of dishes and THEN start my dvd." -typical words out of my mouth.
"I'll just throw some laundry in the wash and THEN throw in the dvd..." -Also very ordinary words for me.

Well, it turns out that I'm not good at doing my workouts at home. And not because I can't, but because the ADD in me just can't handle the distractions. Also, it is very loud in our apartment. I mean, we're on the top floor with wooden floors... jumping around is very loud, it also shakes everything, and there isn't a lot of room. I feel that I may be able to handle this when we move into our house. The living room is HUGE and I won't have to worry about disturbing our neighbors.

The reality is that, I can't really start it right now. FRIG! I'm so very discouraged at not being able to follow through with my goals. At the beginning of 2010, my resolution was to hit 120 lbs. Which I have done, and the sense of accomplishment has since become an aphrodisiac.. Also, I got sick. Again. 

In 2011, what can my goals really be? I've been told when creating resolution that one should choose things they truly want. What do I want? Hmm.
-I'd love to get out of debt, or at least get done with my small debts and work on student loans.
-Get down to 14-16% body fat permanently.
-Complete a 30 day Bikram Challenge.
-Compete in a figure competition.

I'm one of those people who can't focus on too much at one time. Especially because three of those goals are long term.

So I am going to focus on the first two for now. So, I have a new workout... Again. lol to start on next week. Since I'm sick, again, I will just do cardio at the gym once I start feeling better.

I don't know how end this really. I mean, how many challenges have I promised myself and not followed through with?? It seems like hundreds. But I do have to keep giving myself props for doing the major one... Losing that much weight is a major feat. And has honestly changed my life. Given me strength to tackle my other weaknesses.

Inspiration of the day:

Sonia Gonzales: IFBB Bikini Pro

The reason I love her so much, she is only 5'1" and she was a Figure Pro turned Bikini Pro. Which is incredibly difficult to do. This may not be understandable for most people, but think about your own goals... Physical or artistic or career. Now, imagine if that goal would determine what you ate, drank, your schedule, your sleep schedule for months and months out of your life. She has done this... TWICE! She once changed her body to bulk up and then she had chiseled off muscle, that kind of determination is fierce. What a beautiful woman inside and out. And that is what I love about what I am choosing to do with my body.

Week 1: Overall

I was feeling rather proud of myself.
Until I got my body fat taken.
I've plateaued for 6 weeks at 24.7%.

And this took a lot of concentration.

Not cool.

My only idea is to do something drastic. I know P90x is a program many don't finish, and many look at it as sort of... cookie cutter. Well, I'm willing to do anything different at this point.

And when have I ever completed a challenge? P90x... here I come.

Week 1: Day 4 & Body Fat Test

I just want to point out that there is no better feeling than a workout you finish when you were contemplating not even going to the gym.

I almost skipped this. After work I got in my car and seriously contemplated just driving home. I had to keep telling myself "Just get there. Just get yourself to the gym."
Once I got to the gym, it was a mental struggle through the whole workout. Kept wanting to skip a set or skip a run but battled my mind all the way through it.



Feeling proud after that last set of running!

Day 4 workout: (Legs & Glutes)
1st Set: superset-Dumbell Reverse Lunge (55 lbs-12 reps) & Decline Leg Curl (30 lbs-12 reps)
2nd Set: superset-Goblet squat (40 lbs-12 reps) & Assisted Dumbell Lunge (60 lbs-10 reps)
3rd Set: superset-Good morning (50 lbs-12 reps) & Bulgarian Split Squat (60 lbs-12 reps)
4th Set: superset-Machine Leg Press (250 lbs-12 reps) & Calf Raise (250 lbs-12 reps)
5th Set: superset-Barbell Hack Squat (30 lbs-12 reps)
Complete each set 3x with 1 min running in between each.

Body Fat test! I have to admit... I was rather excited to see my progress:
1/26/10 - 35.2%
2/16/10 - 33.4%
3/9/10 - 32.3%
4/8/10 - 29.3%
8/11/10 - 26%
9/29/10 - 28%
10/28/10 - 24.7%
12/16/10 - 24.9% ... Seeing a plateau. I'm considering just doing something new... I've lifted for almost a full week... I think I might start P90X just to shake things up for the next couple of weeks.


And just because I'm feeling rather proud:

I wore this to a Christmas Party the other day... I'm feeling proud of my calves. They've never looked so toned and slim. Good job gals. ;)

What Does A Hardbody Do?

Yes, I leave the gym while its still dark and realize that I've been there twice between work yesterday and today. YES, I eat egg whites cold. Yes, I hide chocolate from myself. Yes, I am a hard body.

So, you ask, what does a hard body do when the car is stuck in the snow and I can't get to yoga or the gym?

RUN. Run to work in the snow. And run home.



These treads rock! They're like Chains! For your shoes!

The other day, I attempted some hardbody bravery. Running in the cold is hard work! So... I ran to yoga, which is kinda far. And in the snow. Its a few miles through our downtown area... Lots of dodging cars. But luckily those treads helped me not slip when I had to stop suddenly.

As I tend to be someone who thrives on making and meeting goals, and given that I'm not able to find a sense of meditation in yoga right now I figured that this would be a good time to put myself through another focused training set for a few weeks..

I have a rockin' 4 day a week lifting schedule which leaves room for yoga 1-2x a week. I want to take this opportunity to finally get where I want to be. Even through the holidays. I want to prove that holiday diets can work if you really set your mind to it.

In 2010, I've managed to lose, to date, 53 lbs. And its not even about losing more weight. I just really want to tone up and get my body in optimal shape. And there are two things I am toying with in 2011:
-Bikram Yoga Teacher Training
-An amateur figure competition

Both of which, I really prefer to be a lot more in shape for. Not that I'm not in shape, but I'd really like to trim off some body fat and gain some muscle. I'd have to for a figure competition but I'd want to for training. Once a day yoga is already pretty difficult.

So, here's the deal. :) This weekend I plan to take pictures for my befores. I'll blog probably bi-weekly on my progress to keep me motivated!

And just for fun:

Christmas 2009

Thanksgiving 2010

This girl is about to make a hard body harder.

Measurements..

Wow. Dilemmas. So, as I like to do I have posted my measurements below. As you can see my body fat content has gone up. I'm not even worried about my weight number so much as I am my body fat content... Again, this is more about reaching my goals than it really is about the numbers.

Date:       1/26             2/16            3/9           4/8         8/11        9/26      
Weight:      150.5        146             141         138          125           121            
(Circumference In inches):
Bicep:          13        12.5          12          11.75            11                11
Chest:          37        37             36.5          35              34                32
Waist:          36.5     35.5          34.5          32              31               31
Hips:           41.5      40.5         39.5         38.75       37.5            34
Thigh:         25          24.5         24             23           22                  22
Calf:           16          16            15.25        15          14.75              14

BMI:          35.2%   33.4%     32.3%      29.3%      26%        28%              

As I met with a trainer yesterday, the only logical explanation of my weight decreasing and my body fat content going up is... I'm burning Lean Muscle. Suck. Body, that was NOT the deal. The deal was I'd work out and you'd burn fat.

Plans? Hmm. This is a toughie. Plan is to decrease cardio to just 30-40 minutes a day and heart rate LOW. Lift more, no interval training (meaning high cardio between sets), with real rests between sets of higher weight and 8-12 reps at a time. This is serious business.

I've been told that it would be a good idea to increase both my protein and carbs. I've been eating like a fat girl who is trying to lose weight. Which is now over. Its time to eat like a girl who is trying to cut fat & gain muscle. Right? I think I'm way too afraid of eating too much and getting big again.

Also, I've been thinking of hiring this trainer again. This guy is HUGE and seems to understand the basics of reallllly getting someone to trim fat and build muscle. I guess its something to consider even though trainers can be rather expensive, plus the cost of the gym, plus the cost of protein & supplements. Plus the cost of my real love, yoga. Why does being healthy cost so much?!

Anyway, I'm gonna get started on a new eating plan and workout schedule. Hope it works!

Smiling happy.. Punch someone in the face..

Weight 121.8 lbs... And as 121 was my original goal, I'm feeling pretty good. However, my body doesn't feel like I expected it to at 121... So I am going to try to gain a little muscle and take off a little more fat. I want to look... AMAZING in my dress in November. ;) And buy boots. Boots are the big one.

But mostly I feel like punching someone in the face.

 

I feel annoyed that everywhere I turn I just can't get a break on eating. I want this to be easy dammit! ESPECIALLY with the people around me who are "trying to lose weight." They keep coming up with excuses and celebrations. Boss just asked if we could all go out to lunch sometime soon... NO! I don't want to go to the Davenport and be seduced by prime rib and fatty sandwiches. I just want to sit at work and hate my banana, almonds and carrots for lunch. Leave me alone! (not you guys, but the peeps that try to tear this down).

 

 

 

This was my meal last week. Seriously, I eat a lot of chicken, always a veggie and sweet potatoes (sometimes mashed)... but it seriously is awesome!

 

And I feel pretty bummed about this... My studio owner is herself a Bikram Certified Teacher. But her studio is not, as there are no Bikram studios in the little city of Spokane, WA. However, the style she teaches is pure Bikram and she's very strict on the dialogue. So, the plan was to apply for the scholarship to Spring teacher training... But I can't. Turns out, that since she doesn't own a Bikram studio, she can't endorse me.

 

Boss, I love your yoga but you really piss me off. I am trying to be respectful but this whole deal just sounds like you're trying to make money out of all of this... NOT help people. Grrr! What the hell did people do when Bikram was JUST starting out! Its just lame. I have the utmost respect for Boss but I am not happy with him right now... Because honestly, I can't afford the THOUSANDS of dollars to go through training as well as afford to be off work. My Handsome thinks we can, but I feel rather depressed about it.

 

I think I need to blog about the random things that make me happy... So many things feel so overwhelming right now.

Week 3 to 4: The Mystery

There is still something so compelling and mysterious about yoga.

There is always something I feel like I don't know. That maybe there is more than what meets the eye. Maybe the determination of it brings understanding. And possibly life itself. Or see god while using the greatest creation to it's best. For the extreme of what it is meant to do and the extreme of how it is meant to perform. That possibly the question of what life is meant for can be or is answered. Be kind to ourselves and kind to others. Be kind to yourself and smile because you have granted yourself the greatest gift. Because we found the key to the kingdom of life.

I felt my momentum falling apart this week. Just feeling tired again and sleeping a lot. But my diet is finally getting back on track... I'm able to resist fatty tasty meals no problem and the protein is high again. Also adjusting to the many small meals thing. Starting to feel the control come back and that feeling is incredible. Not being a slave to my body and what it wants... but purely giving it what it needs. Not an easy thing to accustom your body to.

Also, I've been given a new supplement to try: Lipo6x Black Hers. It's supposed to boost my energy prior to workouts. I'm trying it out for the first time today (Friday). Which is a good thing because I have a rather ambitious workout today... 60 mins cardio, 30 min run & 30 mins of weights! I'm hoping this is the thing I need to take off my last 10 lbs of fat!! And maybe a little more if I end up being really ambitious... which is both likely and unlikely. It's unlikely that I will want to (keep dieting etc) but it's also likely that I won't be satisfied until that is gone and I can fit into some DAMN BOOTS!
Later Friday: I had an awesome workout! I only did 20 mins of cardio but did what I had planned on the rest. This product truly does work!

Week 4: (September 13th-19th)

Monday:
5:30 Yoga
Tuesday:
AM: 60 mins cardio, 30 mins weights (arms ) PM: 4:30 Yoga
Wednesday:
6:30 AM Yoga, 30 minute run, 930 Weight Watchers for weigh in
Thursday:
4:30 Yoga
Friday:
PM: 60 mins cardio & 30 mins weights (arms & abs), 30 minute run
Saturday: 9:30 AM Yoga
Sunday: Rest

Week 4: August 16th-22nd

Week 4:
Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: Yoga & Yoga (*My FIRST double ever*)
Wednesday: 45 mins cardio & 45 mins weights (legs & abs)
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: 45 mins cardio & 30 mins weights (arms & back)
Saturday: Yoga? Or running.
Sunday: Rest

Results from Week 3:
Weight from Wednesday (8/11): 123.8 lbs

Monday: I didn't go to yoga... Honey was home sick (sorta... he got stung by a bee on his foot... apparently a good excuse to play hooky), so I took care of him. And by take care, I mean make sushi. And by make sushi, I mean ROCK making sushi.
Tuesday: Well, today was my 6 year anniversary of shattering my spine. And I rewarded my body for still being functional by going to YOGA! Haha.. And I left commenting how delicious yoga was tonight. I have to comment on another yogini's blog... if I can find it. She mentioned a certain product called Essential Electrolytes stating that it helps with cramping, spasming, and stitches. I bought this off of her recommendation. And Voila! No side stitch. Not even at night. Amazing.
Wednesday: Woah! I ran all the way home from Weight Watchers without stopping! Its so sweet  (2.35 mi in 29:13 minutes). Also did some good body work. Funny side note: as I'm waiting for the elevator afterward, I was checking out my arms & triceps in the mirror and a guy walks up and asks "Can I have two tickets to the gun show?" BWAHAHAHAHA! Guy, I don't know if you heard but I did like a thousand. ;)
Thursday: I hate using this as an excuse, but I didn't take my essential electrolytes before class. By my own admission, I really have a hard time adding in something new to a routine. Like taking essential electrolytes. Due to the fact that I ran and lifted weights on Weds, I was really stiff and really could have used the EE.
Friday: Note to self: Stop eating french fries! I haven't had them in a while and my mom's smelled good at lunch (yes we work in the same place). I only had about 5, but holy hell! I was heavy after!... And then I didn't work out. Not because of the fries but because my Handsome made me go to the doctor for the gnarly spider bites on my legs. Bad infection. I hate medication (and they make me really tired) but in this case... I'd rather take antibiotics over losing my leg. Yeah. :(

Total Results

So, it has been a LONG while since I've posted results. And I know I'm still getting them so, I've decided to have them taken just to see how it's workin! Seeing results are SUPER motivating for me!


Date:       1/26/10    2/16/10    3/9/10    4/8/10     8/11/10
Weight:      150.5    146          141         138          125
(Circumference In inches):
Bicep:          13        12.5          12          11.75         11
Chest:          37        37             36.5          35           34
Waist:          36.5     35.5          34.5          32           31
Hips:           41.5      40.5         39.5         38.75       37.5
Thigh:         25          24.5         24             23           22
Calf:           16          16            15.25        15          14.75

BMI:          35.2%   33.4%     32.3%      29.3%      26%

So my body fat is more than I wanted it to be at this point, which means I lost some muscle. I think I just need to get back into some high protein habits so I can try to purely cut fat. :) I'll post another one of these when I hit my total goal of 115.

"When You Want to Fall Out, Is When Your Posture Begins"

Week 3:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Yoga

Wednesday: 40 mins cardio & 45 mins weights (arms & abs), I'm getting my body fat taken this day, so no running to the gym.

Thursday: Yoga

Friday: Run to the gym, 40 mins cardio & 30 mins weights (legs & back)

Saturday: Probably a run with my Handsome, or a hike, or Yoga..

Sunday: Probably just a run with my Handsome man.

Results from Week 2:

Weight from Wednesday (8/4): 125!!!!! (This is actually right on track for where I wanted to be!)

Me about to jump out of my skin after getting home from my run and learning of my success!

Monday: I have to say, I've been feeling a tad guilty for my eating habits. I want to see my body change and feel the changes again. I woke up feeling groggy and exhausted (due to the fact that I've been battling a touch of insomnia). But I have eaten well today and taking in lots of lemon water in preparation for yoga. After feeling a tad down for the morning, I realized that my eating had been perfect all day. I was continuing to let myself feel guilty for past mistakes. Like for having a cocktail last night (and yes, I'm fully aware I will truly do penance for that in yoga tonight). But today, is a new day. I can start today. I can learn to correct my eating and discipline myself for performance. To prove my point: I didn't drink coffee today. Not that there is anything wrong with coffee, but I always drink full fat cream. :)
In yoga, I was present... I was feeling some personal and emotional anxiety but was able to keep my breath and relax my mind during practice.
Side Note: There was a new woman who was obviously having a rough time, at the very end right before the last breathing exercise, Justis goes "Now, we'll do a quick breathing exercise then we do all the postures 1 time over again from the top." The woman looked like she was going to burst into tears... No one even noticed what he said! I just shook my head at him and said "That was cold." Poor lady!
Tuesday: I have to say... I think (*knock on wood!*) I may have broken through my plateau!!!!! I have to take extra precautions. ;)
Beth took note of my sit-ups a while back. She suggested that since my abs weren't strong enough to support the sit-up that I try to roll to the side for a while until I get stronger. However, she noticed that it was perhaps time that I try, once again, to do the sit-up. Prior to working on that point, I had a few break throughs:

• I didn't go as deep right away into Half Moon (Ardha-Chandrasana), and it prevented the side stitch. Pushing into the backbend really helped me push later into other back bends.
• I really pushed into the back bend of Standing Bow (Dandayamana Dhanurasana). Not to brag or anything, but my foot is a good 5 inches over my head... For only being 5'0" tall I think it's pretty good. And not only that, but I feel proud of me! Pushing hard into this backbend really helped me feel like I was executing properly. And let me tell you why, if I push hard and my hips are off, its going to push my foot crooked over my foot and start to lean me off kilter, and fall. If you push hard, and pay attention to your hips, you will notice that kicking becomes easier (kicking out and up) and your posture will feel stronger.
•  And then doing all the sit-ups. Wow. This really did more than I expected, gave me energy to continue and the hard blowing out really cools the body!

Yup! Stellar practice. I haven't had a day where I felt like this in the longest time.

Wednesday: WOOT! WOOT! I decided that I was going to try to run home from Weight Watchers, but it was hard to get there. BUT it completely PAID OFF! I weighed in at 125 lbs! DOWN 7 LBS for a total of 45 LBS LOST THIS YEAR!!! YAYYYY!!!! I literally said, when I stepped on the scale ,"That can't be right." It was a fabulous feeling. To talk about my goal with my leader as a matter of a couple of weeks to meet. Amazing feeling. So I ran home! I stopped a few times during, mind you I haven't run in evening heat since I started, I was carrying a pack, and it was only my 3rd run! (1.89 mi in 24:22- Not awesome but I feel proud that I did it)... And remember above when I crossed out... It's official... I broke my plateau in all walks of life.
Thursday: What a lovely night. As I was getting ready to leave for yoga, my honey showed up and we couldn't stop kissing and hugging each other; what a relief it is to be loved and lean on someone. I have had a couple of things bugging me, not issues with him but with myself and we really needed to talk about it. We laid on the bed and as I tearfully exposed my heart and fear that our relationship is just going to end out of nowhere our hearts grew closer and we both felt the release of being honest and open with each other. Normally I don't go on and on in my "journal" here about my relationships, but let me tell you... IN YOGA, the calm was with me. And the moral of the story, boys and girls, is that learning to open up to your emotions can and will change your practice.

To a Yogini, Stretching is a Whole Different Deal

Patrick: "You just really gotta stretch out before we run.."
Lacey: "Babe. To a yogini, stretching is a whole different deal."

Alternate Title: Week 2: Agust 2nd-8th

This may seem confusing. I realize that this should have said week 5... but I didn't do so fantastic for the last 4 weeks... So I started over this last week. :) I think now I am ready to commit!

Week 2:
Monday: Yoga in pm
Tuesday: Yoga in pm
Wednesday: Run to the gym, 60 mins cardio & 45 mins weights (arms & back)
Thursday: Yoga in pm
Friday: Run to the gym, 60 mins cardio & 30 mins weights (legs & abs)
Saturday: Probably a run with my handsome
Sunday: Also, probably another run

Results from week 1:
Tuesday: Oh dear yoga. How I love you. I left feeling strong, as I generally do. :)
Saturday: 1st day trying running with the boyfriend. We ran 1.36 miles, but I stopped at least 4 times. I don't wanna talk about it... It was rough. So I'm gonna start using this as a running diary too... Just so I can keep all of it together. (1.36 mi in 20.5 mins)
Sunday: 2nd day running. It was a bit easier, I tried running without music and it totally helped. I RAN 2 miles. Ran. I only stopped once and it was to turn around and rub out my side stitch... But honestly, I'm reaaaallllyyyyy looking forward to yoga tomorrow. (2.0 mi in 22.0 mins)

June 28th-July 4th

Monday: Wow. What a great class. It was stuffed full of peeps but there was a lot of energy with so many people there. However, I did notice something that may have to become a goal. I have noticed that many times during any given standing posture, I turn my feet out. I have always had more balance with my feet turned out (like a ballerina), but this is a habit that needs to be broken right away.
Side Note: I have noticed over the last couple of weeks a side stitch in my right side. After doing some research I have found that it often can be caused by the stretching of the ligaments holding the liver and pulling down on the diaphragm. I plan to ask Beth about this and the possibilities of what I can do to fix it, hopefully, this week.
Tuesday: ALSO an awesome class! I think I got tha FEVAH friends... Yoga Fevah. I was completely sore on Wednesday due to all the correcting I asked Justis to do, knowing what looks incorrect to the instructor really helps me understand what the posture is trying to accomplish. I really tried to pay attention to my standing foot placement. I did notice a couple of times that it was hard to completely relax during Savasana.
Side Note on the side stitch: I informed Justis about the side stitch, he suggested that it might be my rib cage. Often times in yoga, you learn to change the shape of your rib cage to take in more air. He suggested that perhaps during Pranayama Breathing and Half Moon Pose that it could be the act of tightening my abs and trying to take in lots of air that could be causing the side stitch. He also suggested that perhaps it's just my body not being used to that whole act. I still plan to ask Beth what she thinks.
Wednesday: Holy wow, I did a lot. I did hours of walking and a full hour of cardio. By the time I got home, my legs were so so fatigued. I have to tell you though, cardio is so boring after getting used to doing yoga all the time. Ugh.
Thursday: Ummm... Hmm. This did not go well at all. I was exhausted and my back was really giving me a rough time. 
Side Note on Side Stitch: I did talk to Beth about the side stitch as well as the simple fact. She suggested the same issues that Justis did, she also suggested that perhaps my viscera has been shifting due to all the compression of my abdominal cavity. She also suggest that I limit the working out (cardio work) I do to work on what is good for my body.
Friday: No workout!
Saturday: Yoga went amazing. I ate an apple and drank a ton of water beforehand and felt amazing during yoga. It was just enough and didn't feel like I had too much in my stomach during.
Sunday: No workout, just floated the river with beer... I may regret that choice today during yoga.

Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: 60 mins cardio (maybe.. I might not lol)
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: 60 mins cardio (probably not actually, I kinda just want to get my girlfriend to go on a walk with me)
Saturday: Yoga
Sunday: Hiking with dad!

Follow up on Goals:
-Triangle Pose (Trikanasana): I still focus on putting my weight in my straight leg, but I feel like I better understand this posture... Especially where the hips are to be angled, it really is helping me understand how my weight is supposed to be positioned.
-Concentration: Not good. But definitely trying!
-Lock the Knee: Getting better. I really should try to keep the knee locked for a full set before trying to execute Standing Head to Knee.

New Goals:
-Coming to a complete rest and relaxation in Savasana (Dead Body Pose)
-Lock the Knee, lock the knee, lock the knee.
-Standing Bow Pose (Dandayamana Dhanurasana): I want to be able to hold my concentration, and not fall out of the posture for one full set before moving on. So much of the time I spend concentrating on kicking my leg out, but I would like to concentrate on bending from the spine as well.
-*Focus on keeping my foot straight during standing postures*

The Fear

Every day, I get closer to my goal. The biggest fear I have right now, is not being able to maintain my weight. It got so out of hand so quickly back when I gained it all, and I truly fear it becoming an unruly problem for me.

I went to the Weight Watcher's meeting last night and my current weight is 129 lbs. It was my first meeting in almost a year and it is a wonder that I have managed to lose weight through the program but without going. I was asked what my secret is, but it is no secret that Weight Watchers works. They are the ONLY program that has a success rate of over 50% of people who reach their goal keep it off. And not only that but the success rate is 72% keep their weight off! I have been arrogant in the past thinking I could do it myself, but really Weight Watcher's is the only physician approved weight loss program as it is designed to re-teach people how to eat. And it has more than done that for me.

I secretly hope that my leader is proud of me. Because it certainly helps me knowing that my family is proud.

I hope to never lose my love for yoga or for a good sweat. I pray that I never lose my need for fruit and good food and foods that make me feel good. Right now, I would like to say that I have a plan, however I just don't. The Fear is on my mind often lately, and I am really hoping and praying that when the time comes, I can ante up and keep that weight off. The hard part is NOT getting the weight off, it's keeping the weight off.