May Challenge

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

I'm looking for a good challenge for May. I want to take my eating up another notch. I want to exercise smartly as I anticipate half-marathon training starting June 9th. There are undoubtedly other issues in my life that could benefit from a little goal setting, planning, and work, although I'm not sure I can identify them by May 1st. Any suggestions?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TBRANCH2 4/30/2012 11:53PM

Geez, you certainly threw the gauntlet down my way!!! I will accept your challenge to create a better "challenge for May"! The "team wishes" is what my position is all about!!! (I hope you have low expectations of me, though) lol Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 4/25/2012 11:13PM

I am almost halfway through Curves Complete. I haven't done it full-bore but I have lost 3 pounds and 4 inches so that is good. My plan in May is to step it up a notch with the exercising and watch my snacking! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 4/25/2012 10:14PM

Remember that small changes add up to large results. Like you, I'm also re-visiting my goal setting. I've fallen into a rut and need to hold myself to a higher standard. I know you can do it Marsh!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 4/25/2012 8:16PM

I am sure you will come up with some goals. And for sure if they are goals you set for yourself you will stick to them better. Think of a weakness or two that challenges you and take the opportunity to work on one of them. Go for it! Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 4/25/2012 8:36AM

Good to see ya, Martha! I've taken on QuickFire Challenges and added them to my routines. They've added to my overall wellness. They've also helped in my fueling when I've been in Half training mode as well. Remember the good calories to burn clean in your body. Stay strong. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/25/2012 2:15AM

I agree with taking the eating up a notch -when you get into this training you really need to be fueling the body properly -so right away I would focus in on losing the artificial sweeteners and diet pop and replacing it with something healthier -fruit smoothies come to mind.. Keep up with the strength training -that is important for running too. Since you have had back issues I would look at getting some running shoes professionally fitted -make sure they are right for your feet from the running store professionals. It wouldn't hurt to attend a clinic to have your running technique analyzed to see if there is anything in there that might cause you any problems or if there is something you can do to improve your stride, foot strike, etc. Since your major goal is the race, it makes sense that you set up minor goals towards making that big one as much as a success as it can be and have a lesser chance of any injury.. You are amazing taking this on and I look forward to cheering you on!! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 4/24/2012 8:21PM

I'm not a very good "challenge" type . . . but I'll be cheering for you, whatever challenge you choose! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETYOUNGTHING 4/24/2012 8:20PM

I'm in the same "boat" as you are! There's so much emotional upheaval going on right now and I do need a weight challenge - I threw a pity party for myself over the past 3 weeks and 7 pounds came uninvited :-) I'll have to invest some time and search the SP site for May challenges. Best of luck! Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

I'm Back - Positive & Healthy!!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

My new computer is all set up and working!!! I intend to Spark much more regularly now. I've missed all my SparkFriends. Thanks for accepting my sporadic contributions during the last couple months.

Clean SWEEP status:
Sleeping - doing better; very few nights of less than 7 hours
Water - drinking enough water consistently, but too much diet soda & artificial sweetener again
Eating - good choices, but occasional portion control issues (2-3 lbs worth)
Exercise - will join Galloway running group on June 9th and work toward a half marathon probably in November -- I'm excited about it!! right now focusing on strength training
Persistence - not giving up; never, never giving up

Overall, feeling positive and healthy!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNABRIGHT 4/25/2012 9:54AM

I would say you have things well under control. Welcome back! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/25/2012 2:04AM

back! Its great to hear from you again! So glad you are doing well! Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 4/24/2012 3:22PM

Welcome back. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPPIESUSAN 4/23/2012 9:26PM

Welcome back! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 4/23/2012 8:10PM

Marsha, so good to have you back. We missed you! Even better to hear how great you are doing. Have a great evening and keep up the great work! Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 4/23/2012 5:16PM

Welcome back Marsha! I'm catching up here; computer has been down all day! Glad to see you're doing so well! Hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

TMW54812 4/23/2012 2:55PM

Great to have you back and going so strong! Report Inappropriate Comment

IAMWINNING 4/23/2012 2:26PM

Welcome back, Marsha. I hope this computer works out well for you. Looks like you have some great plans in the making. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 4/23/2012 2:26PM

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SHRINKINGSHERI 4/23/2012 5:25AM

Glad you are back!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 4/22/2012 9:32PM

Glad to have you back! Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 4/22/2012 9:20PM

Hooray for new computers and the return of a great Spark friend! Looking forward to cheering you on as you train for that half-marathon! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 4/22/2012 8:54PM

Hi Marsha Welcome back and congratulations on your new computer. It is so frustrating when we don't have a computer. I think you have done quite well. You are always aware and do the best that you can. That is why you continue your journey in a positive way. congratulations on your goal of the half marathon. I truly believe you will do it. The biggest asset you have is your persistence. You will never give up. Thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 4/22/2012 8:35PM

So, so glad to have you back Marsha!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 4/22/2012 8:26PM

Welcome back! A HALF in November? Woo-hoo... a fine goal. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 4/22/2012 8:23PM

Yay!! We are so glad to have you back! Spark is not the same place without your constant support and leadership. You inspire so many of us!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Almost Back

Sunday, April 08, 2012

I'm ordering a new laptop this week and plan to be back Sparking regularly soon. I need SP and my SparkFriends.

I weighed more at my Weight Watcher weigh in yesterday than I have in the past 18 months. I'm thinking I'm up about 6 pounds and I've got about 4 pounds of water weight. We'll see.

On the positive side, I am still drinking plenty of water; eating plenty of fruits and veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and fat free dairy. I ran-walked-ran 6 miles yesterday. Been back running 4 times in last 8 days after taking 3 weeks off due to minor injury. Am planning to join a local Galloway group.

On the not so positive side, my portion control has slipped, my food tracking has been sloppy, I've been grabbing an unplanned bite of this and that here and there and even been eating standing up to eat occasionally. Well, all this will change.

I'm ready to tackle it again. I bought the Beck Diet Solution Workbook yesterday. I was at my lowest weight a year ago this time when I did Beck before using the book. I learned and incorporated some of it, but plan to work on incorporating it better into my lifestyle.

Looking forward to even greater success. Looking forward to sharing with my SparkFriends -- the only people in my life who truly understand the struggles and rewards of this healthy lifestyle.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EILEENV3 4/13/2012 9:12PM

I was so wondering about you. Hope you'll be all the way back soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 4/11/2012 9:58PM

I'm so glad that you are back. I've missed you. If anyone can do this, it is you, Marsha. So you will be back at your "happy weight"! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 4/10/2012 12:52PM

Marsha, Have missed you! Hope you get your new computer up and running and are back onto sparks daily. I too have been slipping. Out of town guests, the holiday...too many excuses. So I am commited to getting back on track as well. So let's keep on keeping on and support each other to get back to eating right and exercising more! Have a terrific week Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 4/9/2012 10:54PM

It is good to see you back! Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 4/9/2012 10:54PM

We are here for you just as you have always been here for us!!! So very glad to have you back active again!!! Enjoyed seeing you at the team dinner this month, too!!! Hugs, Me Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 4/9/2012 3:43PM

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HAWKEYERANT 4/9/2012 2:46PM

Sounds like you have a plan! Keep it up and you'll be back where you need to be in NO TIME! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/9/2012 2:03AM

It will be so nice to have you back Marsha :) Sorry you gained some weight -hard to understand as you are usually so disciplined, but I am sure once you get to track everything regularly, you will say goodbye in a hurry to those pounds! Enjoy the new laptop!! Report Inappropriate Comment

IAMWINNING 4/8/2012 7:12PM

Hi Marsha, It's good to know you're back with us again - those darn computers! : ) How great it is that you recognized your 'problem' and are taking steps to correct it. Welcome back! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 4/8/2012 6:22PM

Marsha it is good to have you blogging again. Good job of recognizing the problem and not letting things get out of hand. Hope you have had a Blessed Easter. Hugs Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 4/8/2012 6:12PM

I used a pocked notebook (always in my shirt pocket) and recorded what and how many calories before I ate - every time. I also carried a running total for the daily calories - and still had times when I gained weight. There were also two plateaus several months long where I just didn't lose long term, but I finally did make my goal weight - and have managed to stay there. But every time I quit using the pocket notebook the weight eventually starts to creep up. Good luck, and I hope you start losing again. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 4/8/2012 4:43PM

Glad you're back. I know you'll soon be right on track! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 4/8/2012 1:28PM

Soooooo great to have you back! I'm stuck with middle 4 also -- probably because my exercise has slipped with a persistent cold. But: off to the gym now, and recommitting . . . . Beck is always a wonderful place to renew that commitment. Thanks for your birthday wishes!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 4/8/2012 1:22PM

Good to see your smiling blog-face again! Hope the new laptop integrates into your life smoothly! Happy Easter, Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 4/8/2012 1:18PM

Hey Marsha! Good to hear from you. Hang in there and will be happy to have you back regularly on SparkPeople! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 4/8/2012 12:46PM

So good to hear from you! Glad you're doing well and nipping your slips right in the bud! Report Inappropriate Comment

Missing SparkFriends

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Sleep: doing well. lots of 8 hour nights.
Water: continuing to do well. when I'm running I don't even have to think about it to achieve the goal. I am thinking about it now.
Exercise: tried to run a couple days ago and immediately had back pain. walking for now and doing it consistently. need to step up strength training.
Eating: after a couple days that weren't too good, doing well again. scale said 128.2 this morning, so didn't make my January goal of losing one pound, but not giving up. feeling pretty good about it.
Persistence: yes!

Sparking: two out of 3 computers down in house. Only computer available is hubby's and he's on it almost all my waking, non-committed hours!! Will do what I can. I really, really, really miss my SparkFriends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOHAL52 2/10/2012 12:45PM

I miss you too Marsha. I am back on plan again and really, really committed this time. Hope you can get your computer issues fixed soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 2/6/2012 9:39PM

We miss you too, Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 2/3/2012 11:53PM

And, YES, we are missing YOU!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

2WHEELEDSHARON 2/3/2012 3:25PM

Your excellent persistence will get that pound off! Sorry to hear about your back, I hope it feels better. I know what you mean, I live with a major computer hog. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 2/2/2012 10:38PM

So sorry to hear about your back, have you had it checked out? Why are you having so much trouble with it? Does this mean running is perhaps not the best exercise for you? Maybe the parents of the children you are spending so much time looking after could give you a new laptop in exchange for all your hard work, or perhaps one they are not using or fix yours for you at the very least.. Its too bad DH can't share more, shame on him!! Missing you on here.. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/2/2012 10:06PM

Hi Marsha Now we know why we are not seeing you much on Spark. It is frustrating when we don't have a computer. been there , done that and actually went to Fed/ex and paid by the minute to get on Spark. I believe that you are so focused on your healthy lifestyle and try to do what you feel you need each day. It is to bad that your back continues to bother you. At least walking keeps you moving. I will watch to see if you are able to use the computer. You always have inspiring ideas. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 2/2/2012 7:22PM

Oh no, when my laptop is out of commission I feel so lost. I do have my old one for a backup but it is sooooo slow so I feel for you. Hope you get up and running again soon. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 2/2/2012 7:05PM

Do you suppose your DH would guarantee you a dedicated hour or two? You are doing very very well. Hope your back pain lets up soonest! I am revisiting Beck . . . wanting to get back down to middle 3! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 2/2/2012 6:56PM

Glad to see you, even in fits and starts! Hang in there... we're rooting for you, whether you get online or not! Report Inappropriate Comment

IAMWINNING 2/2/2012 4:51PM

Missing you, too, Martha. Hopefully the computer situation will straighten out soon. Know that we're thinking of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 2/2/2012 2:30PM

Look on it as a good exercise in lifestyle changes whether you can be online or not. I'm spending too much time here and need to set some boundaries for myself! You are missed! Stay the course! I know you will, of course! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 2/2/2012 12:28PM

Always missin' you, Martha! Stay patient but exert energy where needed to get PC time! Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 2/2/2012 11:48AM

I hope you get the other two computers fixed. It's a pain when they get cranky with you. Report Inappropriate Comment

TMW54812 2/2/2012 11:32AM

Down to only one computer?.....this sounds like a disaster......call FEMA! Only kidding.....I'd be lost without my ipad2. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 2/2/2012 10:08AM

It would be sooooooooooooo hard to share a computer again. I can sympathize. Report Inappropriate Comment

How Often Do You Change Your Weight Ticker?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My weight tracker is currently sitting at 126.8, however, I know it is time to change it. This morning I was 128.2. That is still within my happy goal range of 124-129, but I was hoping to get to the bottom of that range. I always find it hard to maintain when my exercise is limited. I find myself both more hungry and burning fewer calories.

I figure that it is legit to claim the lowest weigh in within the last week. After that I kind of feel like it is cheating to claim a lower weight. How do you do it?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HAWKEYERANT 1/25/2012 11:47AM

I try to weigh-in every week on Friday, but I've been out of the loop again... so it is DEFINITELY time to start being honest with myself and the scale! Report Inappropriate Comment

INTHELOOP 1/25/2012 6:37AM

I weigh myself on Wednesday mornings - and change my ticker if it is lower than it is currently. I agree with you - a weight range of two to three lbs is a good frame for a goal. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 1/25/2012 12:39AM

I don't bother with it at all. I am just happy to be in my range and won't stress over any ups or downs as long as I am satisfied I am living my healthy lifestyle correctly.. Report Inappropriate Comment

EWEINHISPASTURE 1/24/2012 11:05PM

OK, I'm convicted! My ticker has been low for quite awhile, but I've been working to get it back to where the ticker says I am...well I am changing it tonight, then if I loose the weight, I change it back. Well I saw your post it made me feel kind of guilty. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWKAREN43 1/24/2012 10:33PM

well, I'm with you...I'm about 3 pounds heavier (yesterday) thank I show on my ticker. Sometimes I just can't bear to have the weight reflected at what I am...I gained one pound from Halloween to New Year's Day and I recorded it. Then I changed EVERYTHING about my exercise (tons more) and my food (not enough) and I gained 6 pounds in about 12 days...and I have worked SO HARD, I can't bear to see it on the tracker...so I just put it on hold and do the next right thing. Thanks for asking this in a blog, I feel a little like I've been to confession, and I'm not Catholic. Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 1/24/2012 10:22PM

My weight's been stuck at the 142 (on my tracker) for quite a few weeks now. Don't like it . . . wanna see the middle 3 again . . . . but it's accurate!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 1/24/2012 9:40PM

I weigh myself every morning, and I change my weight ticker daily. Sometimes I'll forget to enter a weight, but I'll remember the next day. I find that by entering the weight each day, it makes it real for me on SP. I have today's weight on the ticker, matching what I saw on the scale. Up, down, sideways . . . doesn't matter. What matters is being honest with myself about where it is. In 20-20 hindsight, I think I never got any of the Lost X Pounds awards because I enter my weight so frequently that SP never sees a big enough change to generate the award. That's okay; I need to see today's weight worse than I need a popup telling me I lost 5 pounds. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 1/24/2012 7:44PM

I weigh on the first of the month at the gym; sometimes add in a mid month weigh in. Any time I weigh, I change the ticker. Don't own or want to own a scale. In the past I was too compulsive with it and it never made me feel good! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 1/24/2012 7:43PM

I do it every 7-10 days. Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 1/24/2012 7:28PM

I usually keep up with the Spark Lifestyle check-ups (2 weeks between), weigh in at the gym on their big scale, and use that as my "official" weight. I weigh most mornings at home on mymlittle digital scale and I react if I see an upward trend over several days. Comment edited on: 1/24/2012 7:30:47 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 1/24/2012 7:00PM

I update about once a week. I usually pick an actual weight... Saturday or Sunday's, depending on the week... if I didn't update Saturday, update Sunday. If nothing's changed, nothing's changed. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPPIESUSAN 1/24/2012 5:20PM

After reading everyone's comments I guess I am unique - I update mine daily. Report Inappropriate Comment

TMW54812 1/24/2012 1:47PM

I plan to do it the 15th and 1st of every month when I weigh myself....sometimes I forget though. Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 1/24/2012 1:38PM

I mostly forget it - I weigh daily and record in a pocket notebook that I have been keeping (versions of) for the last 50 years. When I think about it I record on line - I'm probably overdue. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROSEWAND 1/24/2012 1:01PM

I weigh once a week and change it then. Easier to to do when my weight is tracking downward than when it is up. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

BOOKWORM27S 1/24/2012 12:19PM

Good question, I do not change it as long as it is just water weight fluctuation each day. As long as I am back down to my lowest weight by the weekend. For me, Saturday and Sunday seem to be when my weight returns to the lowest number. I also save the weigh-in history on my digital scale so I can compare. Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 1/24/2012 11:40AM

I change mine when I think of it. I put my daily weight in the notes of my Nutrition Tracker, along with the daily report. Report Inappropriate Comment