H2-Oh-No!

Ok...so that picture pretty much sums things up. I have GOT to drink more water! But WOW...that is sooooooo much easier said then done!

I have never been a fan of drinking water. I grew up in Philadelphia. The water there is just plain nasty. (For my Northern peeps...does schuylkill punch ring a bell?) Ick. Things were then made worse when you visited the water treatment plant with your school. Can you say gross? Even with filters I feel like I can taste every mineral, additive, chemical...I mean it. Everything. Blah. Even with those convenient little powder packages, it still tastes funny to me.

But I'm forcing myself.

I sort of had a wake up call at a recent vocal seminar. My voice means the world to me. Apparently, if I don't hydrate enough and try to sing, I could potentially ruin my voice. I'm guessing the same thing goes for exercise...If I don't hydrate, I suppose that could do bad things to my body.

But let's discuss numbers. I rarely do this, but really. I'm a little concerned.

I'm supposed to drink HALF my body weight in ounces of water PER DAY? Even more after a hard work out? For me that's 160 ounces of water a day. That seems INSANE!?!?!? (and yes, I realize that you smarty pants who are good at math now know how much I weigh)

Today I've almost drank 96 ounces, and I already feel like I should be getting activity points for the amount of time I'm running back and forth to the bathroom! Eeek! Can someone out there tell me that it will get better!!!!

I'm having a hard time with this one folks. Ugh.
One Day at a time I suppose...

Bicycle! Bicycle!

Well folks, training is in full swing, and I am super excited! Except for maybe one thing...OH MY GOD! Who gets up before 7am on a SATURDAY???? That's just ghastly! Who cares about physical activity, getting my ass out of bed might prove to be the hardest part of all this! Wonder how bad it would be to fall asleep at the wheel of a bicycle? Isn't that what helmets are for? *winks*

Having a friend to share this with is pretty awesome. I currently don't have a bike rack, so she was nice enough to pick me up. We laughed a little, shared a few jokes, and it was a pretty good car ride. Once we arrived, we unloaded the bikes, strapped on our helmets, and waited for the mentors to arrive.

We were shown how to properly wear our helmets (which is probably important given how clumsy I am) taught how to check if our seats were at the right height, and then taught how to properly start and stop. Again...quite important for me (see previous reason!)

Once we got going it was one of the most relaxing things I've done in a long time. The wind was in my face, the sun was shining, before I knew it, we had done a full circle and were being asked if we wanted to go around again. Heck yeah!

All in all, it was a fabulous morning. I had one (hopefully) minor set back. In the midst of riding, my handlebars would not stay in position. I have to take it into the shop before I can ride again, but really, I can't wait to get back on. This may very well be my favorite of the three events.

Oh...and can I just tell you that I rocked my helmet!

There are good things to come people...I just need to stay motivated!

Freaking Out and Looking Toward the Future

Well...It's official!

I will be racing in the Rambling Rose Triathlon in Rock Hill, SC on July 15th!

I was bouncy for about half a minute, and now I'm kinda freaking out.

My 12 week training session starts this week, and I'm scared. I did a little shopping over the weekend, bought a bike helmet and some clothes, took my bike in for a tune up, and now reality is setting in...Well, more like self-doubt and internal panic are setting in.

This always happens to me before any major event in my life. My palms are freezing, and I'll probably not be able to concentrate all day. But I can't let my brain get the best of me. I won't let it win. I'm tired of letting it win.

When you say the word triathlon, it sounds huge, and unattainable.

My brain HATES numbers...and it did the same thing to me when I decided to tackle a 5K. Once it was pointed out to me that a 5K was only a little over 3 miles, the acceptance process kicked in.

That's about where I am today with the triathlon. Acceptance.  

• 225 yd pool swim

• 10 mile bike

•2 mile run

Deep Breaths....Deep Breaths...I WILL do this!

When all is said and done, The 'Ramblin Rose' will be my reward.  

Cankle Free Work Zone!

It's probably no shock for anyone to know that I don't have the most positive self image. I mean...I know I'm loved by my wonderful husband, surrounded by equally awesome family and friends, but I'm probably one of the most self-conscious people you could ever meet. It's really hard for me to accept a compliment!


Aside from being around a few friends that I feel REALLY comfortable around; I noticed recently that I've been covering up a lot more then usual.

For a while there, I had been coming out of my shell a bit. I was wearing cute little shirts, and capris and such. But here lately, I've kind of gone back in.

Even though it's starting to get warm, I'm really nervous about wearing shorts, putting on my swimsuit, and on top of that...I'm gonna get fit for some proper work-out clothes.

For those of you that are experienced in the ways of fitness, you know these clothes don't hide anything. You're squeezed in for proper support, but at any given moment could probably pop out like a fresh can of biscuits.

How in the world is it easier for me to step out in front of an audience of a thousand people or more, but shrink away from the thought of wearing bright colors or being comfortable in one of those pretty summer dresses? Somewhere along the way, I've lost my inner Diva. She's in there hiding...I can feel her, and I'm hoping that training for this triathlon will help her come out somewhere along the way.

On a positive note, I've been eating lots of fruits and veggies. I'm guessing this is helping with fluid retention (ha ha...I know! Sexy, right ?!?!) I looked down last night and could see my ankles again! I got all bouncy and excited. I even ran into the bedroom to show my husband! He smiled at me...It was awesome.

I have henceforth declared my life a Cankle Free Work Zone!

I wanna look down at those pretty little ankles and embrace my change...I want to be happy with who I am...and I wanna make my inner-self smile the way my husband smiled at me last night...

Proceed with Caution...and Laughter!

So last night I ventured out to get my bike for the triathlon...

I asked my friend to meet me because she knows way more about bikes then I do, AND it was my first experience using craigslist (which in itself is an adventure!)  We gave it a good look over, rode it around a bit, and my friend thought it was a pretty good bike so I went ahead and bought it. I was very excited to finally get something at a good price for my height and weight. It'll need a tune-up, but I'm happy with it.

That being said, I learned a few valuable lessons that I think the general public should know:

1. Whoever made up the saying that goes something like "it's just like riding a bike" is full of crap and can kiss my butt
2. If you can't walk and chew gum, this activity may not be your best choice
3. Do not try to purchase a bike while still wearing your work clothes (and shoes for that matter!)
4. Pushing backward on the pedals is not a form of braking...you will continue to move forward, and probably get faster.
5. Please refer to number 4. Repeatedly. The brakes are now located on the handlebars.
6. No dumbass, that adult sized bike is not gonna fit in your compact Ford Focus
7. You WILL apparently need a bike rack
8. Cages are required on the pedals to keep your feet from slipping...if you don't have them, please refer back to number 4.

I know I made my friend laugh, and sent her home with a good story.

Here's my new Baby:

Now comes the fun part...finding a helmet for my big head...and YES, I will need one!

Does that come with an airbag?

My next adventure in preparation for the triathlon involves purchasing a bike. Should be simple, right? Hmmm...boy would we be wrong!

I haven't been on a bike since I was about 12 years old, and back then, you usually got someones hand me down and made the best of it.

I also remember the old days back in Manayunk where the way you learned to ride was by someone putting you at the top of the hill, letting you go, and yelling good luck as you rode what felt like 200 mph on the way back down the hill... all WITHOUT a helmet.

Boy have things changed...

There are road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Bikes with cross bars, slant bars, and straight bars. How may gears do you want? Is is graded for your weight? What size frame do you want...? Huh? You mean I actually have to get fit for a bike?

Now that my brain's about to explode, I think I've finally settled on what I need, and I'm going to take a look at one tonight. Once that's taken care of, I get to go shopping for a helmet to fit my big head! Ha!

Combine all of this with the fact that I am a total and complete clutz. I'm starting to not be worried so much about my endurance, but more now about my incoordination. Maybe these new fangled bikes come with airbags? No...ok, can't blame a girl for hoping.

So dear friends...you should all start a pool and bet on how long it will take me to have my first wipeout!

I think there's money to be had in this... LOL

I like to MOVE it MOVE it...Maybe?

So...I'm attempting to find my 'Move It" Mojo before full time training for the triathlon begins. (and PS...I'm a ditz and have been saying AND spelling that word WRONG! It's triathlon...not triathalon...LOL)

Anyways, I can't say that I like it yet (Because really...I'm lazy and LOVE my couch) but this time it does feel different. Maybe, I'm finally doing this for myself. It's great to have people around to support me, but I think maybe I've relied on them a little too much in the past....unknowingly making them my crutch.

When the family was here, I got up early on a rainy Saturday, and briskly walked a mile. It took me a while to do this, but hey...it was a start. It was actually kinda tough. I used to walk back in Philadelphia. Everywhere, on a daily basis, but this small walk challenged me. I kinda got made at myself, and that forced me to walk faster. By the end of the walk, I was red, out of breath, and sweaty. Here's the good thing though...I thought it would exhaust me, but I was actually quite energized throughout that day. Who knew something so small would have such an effect on me.


Since then I've actually shocked myself...

The training program for the triathlon offers a beginners boot camp. Those  two words in themselves scare the beejesus out of me, but I needed to see if I could do this. We met at a park and you could feel the apprehension amongst the new people... We stretched a little, and got started. There were squats, crunches, bear crawls, jogging, and this evil thing called the plank. I could not believe I had done all of these things by the time an hour had passed. This fat chick got her butt kicked, and she didn't mind at all. I pushed some limits, and I was kinda impressed with myself.


I'm also trying to pick up some Zumba classes along the way.

So...Do I like to MOVE it MOVE it? Not yet, but I'll get there. 

My husband is always telling me I'm stronger then I know...A little part of me might actually believe he's right. But don't tell him I said so...

A weekend to remember...

So I'm just now starting to catch up with myself after a whirlwind weekend! My husband's family was in town for a birthday celebration and boy I'll tell you...I was jumping on and off the wagon faster then a kid on a pogo stick!

I definitely let food rule my weekend, and I've gotta be more conscious about my efforts in the future. My husband, his family, and myself are a bunch of pretty good cooks and I have a hard time resisting a GOOD home cooked meal! 

Now, I don't wanna write too much about my indulgences, so I'll just give you a recap of the best and the worst of my decisions.

Best Indulgent decision = Mom's Baked Ziti.

I know the family all loves this...and boy so do I! This meal is always worth it, especially when she cooks it, But like I said...in the future I'll just have to watch portion control. 

Worst Indulgent Decision = Red Velvet Cupcake

I have a weakness for cupcakes of ALL kinds and this made my mouth water. But seriously...it was more then $3 and it was mostly gooey cream cheese frosting. You know...the kind that leaves a sugary coat in your mouth! There was barely any cake, and it was also filled with a sweet cream cheese. This is the first cupcake that ever made me go, blech!

There were definitely other yummies involved...my Husband cooked, as did his Brother. Heck, I even made one hell of a brunch. I just get so excited when people visit...I always want them to leave full and happy. Maybe next time I'll include a few salads in our meals.  LOL
 

Waking up on Saturday for a brisk walk / jog was also not enough to counter the deliciousness that was this weekend. So...a few lessons have been learned by this fat chick. I won't regret any of my decisions, because time spent with family is always a joy...but I'll just do better in the future. 

Until next time, Big squishy hugs...and thanks for reading!

Oh What a Week!

It has been a bit of a roller coaster week for this fat chick, but I'm so happy it's Friday!

Although my week has been crazy, I have done pretty as far as food is concerned. In fact...I feel like I've made some pretty good choices:

• I did not stop at McDonald's for Breakfast AT ALL this week...in fact, I only ate there once, and I chose nuggets! GO ME!

• I have re-discovered a love for Veggies (In particular, Edamame, Celery, and Carrots) and no, despite what the evil little devil on my shoulder says, they do not need to be boiled to oblivion, covered in butter, or dipped in cheese to taste good!

• I have not had one drop of Mt. Dew soda. I am enjoying the bubbly goodness of Vanilla Coke Zero or Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry.

My favorite find this week has been the 200 calorie "Snack Fresh" container from Harris Teeter.  Celery, Carrots, Light Ranch Dipping Sauce, and Colby Cheese bites. I'll be picking a few more of these up for lunches next week!

If anyone reading has a favorite healthy food find, I'd love to know about it!

My next challenge will be the weekend. Birthday celebrations for family are involved, but we're cooking at home, so I'll report back on how I do!

Ta Ta for Now!

Winner Winner Pasta Dinner

So, I was in the mood to cook this evening, but I wanted something hearty and satisfying. It took me a little while but I found what sounded like a delicious pasta recipe on the Weight Watchers website. Now...I was a bit skeptical, but decided to give it a try anyways.

All my my 'ethnicities' are known for their food. I'm a delicious mix of Polish, Irish, and Italian all rolled up into one happy fat chick. Reading the words 'Low Calorie' in the same sentence as 'Pasta' was like trying to understand some type of foreign novel. It's just not a concept that I understand.

But I went with it...

Here's a link to the recipe:
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeID=51449


My only changes to the recipe (and for completely selfish reasons) were:

• Using ground chicken instead of roasted (made it easier for me to measure)

•  Using drained canned spinach instead of frozen (I HATE the taste of frozen spinach)

I served it with some steamed broccoli on the side.

Here's how it turned out:

Weight Watchers did a great job with this one...they were just gooey enough to be yummy. We'll definitely be making these again! 

Hubby Also made us a relatively waist friendly dessert consisting of pound cake, low-fat vanilla iced cream, and sugar free caramel sauce.

I've gotta say...I'm doing the happy fat chick dance tonight.

My stomach is quite pleased!

Oh Sweet Taco of the Gods...

So...today was pretty good for a Monday. I had a productive day at work, went for a walk during lunch, worked hard at rehearsal, and ate fairly healthy...

What's fairly healthy you ask...? That's my way of saying that I fell off the wagon ONCE today! No sneaking candy and not counting it. No snacking from my pantry. Once...just once, and WOW! It was  TOTALLY worth it!!!

I finally got to try the amazingness that is The DORITOS TACO from Taco Bell!

That's right folks...all the yumminess of a taco, shoved neatly into a DORITO shell!

Can I just tell you, that this was worth a tiny slip.

I have a weakness for doritos, and have REALLY been wanting to try this just to get it out of my system.

I'd say this was pretty successful.
I'm a happy fat chick right now. 

Until next time...thanks for reading. Let's see what trouble I can get into tomorrow!

I will BE a Triathlete!

Several weeks ago, I signed up for a triathalon...you read that right...a TRIATHALON!

My swim assessment was scheduled for Sunday morning, so I busied myself with chores and didn't let my brain think about it until the very last minute.

I got there...signed in, changed, and waited in line with the other women. I had a brief discussion with a mentor, and then hopped in the pool to swim my lap. That's all I had to do. ONE lap. How hard could that be, right? Apparently quite hard when I let my brain get the best of me.

The thought of people watching and evaluating my fat butt in a pool kinda terrified me, but this wasn't for time, and the object wasn't to pass or fail. The only real purpose of this was so that I could get put in the appropriate training group.  The only thing I had to do was just, simply, swim.

Now why couldn't my brain process that in the pool?

Here's a pic of me, post assessment:
(Aren't I atrractive? Bug Eyes and all?)

After the assessment, a code was written on my hand, and I was sent to a table to record what training group I'd be placed with. Well...I'm a beginner. Duh. All this worry for nothing. I'll never know why I stress about the silliest things.

That's just how my brain works I suppose...

The assessment was over, and I was finally able to breathe. I was sitting in the car gathering my thoughts before I went about the rest of the day, and it was at this point that something amazing happened...I looked down and noticed what was written on my hand.

                                                                    

BE. Just one little word, and I felt all my anxious energy roll away.

A symbol of a beginner to this group of strangers, but a testament of my strength.

By the end of all this, I will BE a triathlete. 

This, made me smile.

Breakfast of Champions?

I found myself wondering about breakfast this morning...

• How necessary is it to my health?
• Are there true benefits to eating early in the day? 
• What constitutes a "healthy balanced breakfast?"

It may make you laugh, but I have good reason to think about these things.

Those who know me (ESPECIALLY my Husband) will tell you that I LOVE to sleep. We often joke that if it were possible for a human to hibernate, I totally would. I wait to the last minute to get up in the morning, rush to get ready, and run out the door. EVERY day. I seriously have a love affair with my bed.

This means that I RARELY ever eat breakfast at home. I either pop a quick granola bar with a diet soda, or I hit fast food on the way into work. Now...I know that stopping for fast food doesn't always have to be so bad, but let's face it; I live in the south and the smell of fresh biscuits, or the lure of the golden arches all but makes me drive off the road in the morning!

So, in my brain I am formulating a plan. I know I'll never get up any earlier then I already do...so, it's time for a healthy compromise.

I did some reading this morning, and the science behind these two articles actually made sense to me:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/on-fitness/2008/04/08/is-breakfast-really-necessary

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01119

So, here's my bright idea:

If I grab something healthy on the way out the door, but eat my real breakfast at work, I think I can make healthier choices during the day. When I DO decide to grab fast food on the way in, I should take more time to look at the choices and pick something reasonable!

Today I ate quietly at my desk and it was wonderful.

Whole Wheat Raisin Toast with Peanut Butter.

So now...I'm saying a prayer that I can keep this up!

Food is Life?

As I sit here eating my biscuit, drinking my sweet tea, planning a family dinner, and wondering what deliciousness awaits me this weekend...It dawned on me that 'holy crap! My life kinda revolves around food!'

Isn't that the case for a lot of us? We meet friends for dinner, order popcorn at the movies, eat hot dogs at ball games, and not really think twice about it.

I grew up in a home where, although they made fun of my size, there was always some type of food on the counter. Without thinking about it, you walk by and just grab whatever's there. Between that, and a constant supply of soda, the chubby bar was set pretty high at an early age.

Now, as an adult, I am following the same pattern. Wash, rinse, repeat. When you're picking stuff off the counter or out of your fridge just because it's there, that's where the problem starts. Food should not become my life. It should be used as nourishment.

I signed up for a triathalon, so I'm trying to pay attention to myself and my habits. I know they will have to change or else I'll never make it through this. It's gonna be rough, but I'm strong. I can do this!

Now...I think perhaps I'll have a salad for lunch.
It is, after all, the Ides of March.

The New Adventures of Old Kristina

Ever have one of those days where you're bored and have no desire to do the tasks at hand...? That's completely me today. I'm at work, and while I do have TONS to do, I just can't put my brain in the right place.

So what's a gal to do? I've decided to start writing again! I'm venturing back into the world of fitness and weight loss, and am on a serious journey to being healthy. For me. I'd like to be that person in mind, body and spirit.

I think this blog will be a good way for me to vent frustrations, list observations, post findings, and just clear my crazy brain.

I tried doing this a couple years ago when I was training for a 5K, but I quickly got bored. To be honest...that's a major fight between me and my brain. I get involved, work toward my goals, but when it comes to the 'maintenance' portion, I completely slack off.

If you're reading, thanks for tuning in, and I guess that's all for right now.
I plan to get better as time goes on...you know, kind of like a bottle of wine!

Love always,
(Your Favorite Fat Chick)
~Kristina

PS: Here's the link to my old blog if you'd like a little back story:
http://biggirls5k.blogspot.com/