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Hi!  I have finally decided to admit that I am just not going to keep up with blogging anymore.  Life is just too busy!  BUT...I have a fitness/health facebook page -- would love for you to follow me there!  I don't necessarily post daily, but I do post a few times a week!  I'm also on Instagram, so follow me there too! 

FACEBOOK PAGE:  Dedication Required -- click here

https://www.facebook.com/dedicationrequired

INSTAGRAM:  follow me @dedicationrequired

I may post here from time to time...so check back once or twice a year...until then... :) 

Accountability

I'm 99% sure I have lost any readers (probably all 2 of them)....so I won't take much time editing or putting too much thought into this post! :)

It's just time to be honest!  With you (if you're reading) and myself.

I have gained about 20 pounds since my lowest weight.  GAH.  Sickening.  I'm working on getting it off though....and here's are a few reasons why I'M GOING TO DO IT.

1.  I need to fit in my jeans this fall/winter!
2.  Self-confidence
3.  I miss the way my shoulders were starting to look.
4.  I want to encourage others...hard to do when I'm not on track myself.  Need to walk the walk.
5.  I want to be a good example of health for my child.
6.  I want a flat stomach again.
7.  I want to get back in those size 6 pants I wore a little over a year ago!
8.  I've signed up for the Cowtown Half 2014 -- and I MUST beat my time from 2013!
9.  Next year, I will fit back in my favorite summer skirt that I couldn't wear this year!
10.I FEEL better when I eat healthy and have some of this weight off.

Those are just a few reasons!

So here's what I'm doing...

Boot camp - 3 days/week
Focus T25 (Shaun T workout - 25 min/day 5 days a week)
Refocusing on my food intake and trying to avoid the crap I've been putting in my body!

So that's pretty much it!  Whew - glad I got that out :)

The Cowtown Half Marathon - CHECK!

On Sunday, 2/24/13, I ran my first half marathon!!!

I really failed to train for it as I should have.  Stupidly, I signed up for this Insanity challenge and thought I could do both.  I was wrong!  It was way too much, so I primarily focused on Insanity and just did long runs on the weekend.   Prior to the race, the longest I had run was 10 miles.  I injured my knee during that 10 miles....so prior to the race, I hadn't ran in about 3 weeks.  Needless to say, I was a little worried!

Overall, I was happy with my time (considering the above). 

I arrived at 5:30am for the sunrise service.

Tari and I met up afterwards, around 6:30am.

Pre-race

I had intended on taking some pics during the race, but I didn't!

At mile 1, I took off my gloves & jacket and tied it around my waste.  It sure didn't take long to warm up, even though it was only about 40 degrees out. 

There were stations set up about ever 1.5 miles with water and Powerade.  I took advantage of them all!

Somewhere around mile 4-5, my knee really started to hurt.  Then shortly thereafter, my heel (which I'd injured the day before the race) began to hurt, although I had wrapped it and though I'd given myself enough cushion.  Guess not. 

I tried my best to ignore it all and just keep going.  I think it was around mile 6 or so when I took my first walk break.  I don't think I ever walked more than 10-15 seconds, but I would slow down enough to just talk myself back into running (jogging) again.  

The crowds and cheerleaders were AMAZING.  The signs along the route were both funny and encouraging.  Every high five or "you've got this. Keep going" was appreciated.  This was the longest race I've done (other races were just 5K's) and I can say I definitely developed a huge appreciation for those on the course encouraging us.  In a 5k, it isn't really needed so much, but when you get further along in a course and are really struggling, those cheers are what help keep you going.  I'm vowing now to cheer in future Cowtown Events if I can't run in them! 

My husband, daughter, mom and mother-in-law were waiting for me at the finish line. 

They were probably about 0.2 miles from the finish....I was so glad I saw them! 

(there I am, in the pink/purple)

Immediately after - exhausted!!!!!!

After Tari finished (I'd recovered a little)

All in all, it was a great race!  I'll definitely do it again (hopefully a little more prepared next time)!

OFFICIAL COWTOWN TIME:   2:35:11  (11:50/mile avg)

Day 15 Insanity Fit Test

Well, we're 2 weeks in, which means time for another Fit Test.

It's 8 long, brutal minutes!

I did improve though, so that's good!

I'm going to include my first # and my current # so I can easily keep track.

Switch Kicks 94, 96

Power Jacks 47, 45

Power Knees 73, 80

Power Jumps 22, 26

Globe Jumps 15, 14

Push-up  Jacks 12, 14

Low Plank Obliques 54, 62

I went down in two categories.  The only thing I can figure is the first time I did it wasn't a day after I ran 6 miles?  Or maybe that's just an excuse?!?!  lol

Insanity - Week 2

Ok, so I've gotten a little behind in posting....SHOCKER, right?!

After my first week of Insanity, I lost 4 pounds.  I don't THINK I lost any the 2nd week, but I forgot to weigh Sunday morning, then I ran 6.2 miles Sunday afternoon, and I always weigh more after I run..so I'm going to wait a few more days to weigh again!  

Even if I haven't lost more, I feel better and I can tell my stomach is flatter.  I thought about measuring, but that's probably not a good idea just 2 weeks into the program.  Regardless of whether or not it's "working", I know that I'm doing what I need to be doing...I'm exercising and I'm eating healthy, so it'll come off eventually.  I've always been a SLOW loser, so I don't anticipate losing 20-30 pounds in the next 40 days! :)  10 would be nice though!

I have my 1/2 marathon in less than a month.  Pray for me, okay?!  WHAT in the world made me think doing Insanity while training for 13.1 miles was a good idea?!?!?!!  My legs are so tired all the time.  Oh goodness...I won't lie...I'm a little scared! :)

Insanity - Days 2 thru 6

It's late...and I don't really feel like writing, so this will be fast! :)

So far, I haven't missed a workout!  SO YAY!   Some days it's sooooooo much harder than others!

Sunday is Insanity's rest day, but since I'm still training for the half marathon, I have to schedule my long runs on Sundays.  So no rest day for me :( BOO!  I was scheduled for a 9 mile run today....I only made it 7 before giving up.  I hate hate hate failing, but I was developing blisters on the bottom of my foot and I just couldn't push through it anymore.  I think it might be time for new shoes!

I have a few random things/tips I plan to write on this week....but now, I'm going to BED!  This body is TIRED!  

INSANITY - Day 1 - Fit Test

Well, folks...today is the big day!

Insanity Day 1!

 

I was pleased to see that the "workout" today was ONLY the fit test.

 

Let me just say....if the fit test was a sign of what's in store for the days to come...this is going to be quite the challenge! 

 

I've done plenty of tough workouts in the past couple of years, but this may top them all.  Guess we'll have to wait and see!

 

My husband took my before pictures (UGH) and I took my measurements.  I can't bring myself to show either of them to you.  I'm so disgusted with the recent 10 pounds I've gained.  So maybe I'll show them to you in 60 days...when I'm rockin' my beach body! 

 

Today, I'll leave you with the results of my first Insanity Fit Test (moves were performed for 1 minute...goal was to do as many as possible in that minute).

 

Switch Kicks - 94

Power Jacks - 47

Power Knees - 73

Power Jumps - 22

Globe Jumps - 7

Suicide Jumps - 15

Push-up Jacks - 12

Low Plank Oblique - 54

 

 

Insane? Maybe a little!

Starting Monday, January 14, I will be starting a 60 day BeachBody Challenge.  I cannot WAIT to get started!  Well, actually, I'm a little scared.  Maybe a lot scared.  Scared of failing.  Scared it will be too challenging.  Scared I'll let people myself down.

 

But I'm ready!

 

I'm committing to do 6 days of "Insanity" with Shakeology (once a day) in addition to my regular running.  I have to at least keep doing my long runs on the weekend or I'll never be ready for the half marathon in less than 50 days!!! 

 

A girl I go to church with is a BeachBody coach.  She talked me into it (although it really didn't take much).  I need to get back on track...and what I've been doing lately hasn't worked....phoning it in isn't cutting it.  I've got to lose the weight I've gained and then some. 

 

 And I love challenges.  I love setting out to do something and following it through until completion.   I have a friend, Hannah, that is doing it too!  And I think my mom is joining us as well (although she'll be doing a different workout).

I am going to do my best to give it my all.  In addition to the brutal workouts and runs, I plan to eat as clean as possible....to avoid too many processed foods...to avoid eating out....to avoid desserts (other than a sugar free popsicle maybe?) . SURELY I can do that for a mere 2 months, right? 

 

Anyone want to join me?  Leave me a comment or message me and I'll get you in touch with my BeachBody coach.

 

And in 60 days, you I may just get to see a picture of my beach body!  Don't worry - I promise it won't be too revealing! But I do plan to take before/after shots to see the progress.

 

I'm excited!!!!  Are you in?!?!?!?!?



No longer maintaining...

Well, I've been MIA again.  I had reason this time...I'd fallen off the wagon BIG time and didn't feel like documenting that! For nearly 2 months straight, I was sick, which obviously interefered with my workouts.  What it did not seem to interfere with was my eating....

With the holidays this year, I completely let my guard down...something I hadn't done the previous 2 years.  I developed a MAJOR sweet tooth.  We ate out too much.  We had take-out too much!  We just overall ate like CRAP. 

And slowly the weight crept on.  I'm up 10 pounds.  UGH.  It's hard to even type that.

But hey - it's life - it happens.  And luckily I snapped out of it and began doing better a couple of weeks ago.

I began running again about 3 weeks ago.  Afterall, I do have a half marathon to prepare for at the end of February!  But that's all I've been doing  - running.  I've done little to none strength training, which I normally LOVE.  I love feeling strong.  I love lifting.  I love high intensity.  So why have I let that all go?  Beats me.

The important thing is that I'm back on track.  I am even tracking calories again (most days) via MyFitnessPal. 

I'm not going to make any commitments to write regularly, although I hope to!  I miss it.  But I've said it before and failed, so I know y'all all think I'm a big "fat" liar!!! 

I do have something coming up that's going to hold me accountable for at least the next 2 months.  I'll tell you about it soon!!!  Hope you are all on track!

and remember....

Summer bodies are made in the winter!

Proof....

That I'm working out....and still trying...more to come this week. Not sure what...but I really want to start writing more again!

Clean Eating

Recently, I think I may have developed an addiction to sugar.  I'm trying to wean myself off, but after every meal, I've developed this NEED to have something sweet....and I don't want a piece of fruit (which used to satisfy me).  I know once I rid myself of it, I'll stop craving it....but I've been keeping the ice cream companies in business lately (I at least buy low fat or low sugar)!

I've been reading so much on clean eating lately.  I want to do it....I really do....but man, that just requires so much dedication.  So I thought about doing it maybe 75% of the time....maybe just during the week, then letting myself eat some other things on the weekend?  I suspect it would be like starting over each week....trying to cleanse your body of the trash you put in it over the weekend...so I don't think that would work out so well.

I like my processed chips.  I like my ice cream.  I like my Skinny Cow candy bars.

But I also like fruit and veggies and meat....I just don't know that I could eat it 100% of the time.

Do you eat clean or know anyone who does? 

How long did it take to start feeling the positive effects?

The Scale - Friend or Foe?

When I am in the weight loss mode, I hate the scale.  The stupid thing never seems to move when I think it should, nor does it EVER move as much as I think it should!

But in the maintenance mode, I have to say the scale is my best friend.

I weigh myself daily.

Yes, daily.

I know you aren't "suppose" to weigh daily, as I know women fluctuate a lot (and I am queen of water retention sometimes), but I still do it.

It keeps me accountable.

I don't freak out if it's up 1-2 pounds one morning.  I just move along, do what I do, and expect that the next day it will be back down.  Now, if that 1-2 pounds remains for 3-4-5 days in a row, then we might have a little problem.  And if that 1-2 pounds starts turning into 3-4 pounds, then....that's just weight gain.  If the scale is up day after day and never goes back down, it's not water weight.

So for maintenance, I think the scale is a good thing.  Since I tend to gain weight all over my body, I could easily gain 5-8 pounds before I noticed in my clothes, but if I weigh daily, I'll would notice that gain much sooner.

I hear marathon and half-marathon training can bring on weight gain.  I'm curious to see how that plays out in the coming months! 

SIDE NOTE:  Lunch today was a tomato, avocado and cucumber "salad" with a little lime juice.  SOOO good.

Discipline...or lack thereof

Well, I seem to be back on track for the most part.

YAY!

I worked out 4 days last week (not great, but light years ahead of the previous weeks).  I'm on track for 4-5 days this week as well.  When it comes to food, well....I am working on it.  I tell myself that I'm going to be super strict for just a month and see what happens....then 1 1/2 days later, I'll eat a cookie or something.  Sigh. Don't get me wrong...I'm not going crazy.  I eat healthy for breakfast and lunch and usually dinner.  For the most part, I do what I need to do.  But, I am all for moderation.  That's how I lost the majority of my weight. If I want a cookie, I eat a cookie (just not 10).  If I want a burger, I eat a burger, but not daily.  

That being said, I know that I need to really limit that moderation if I am going to finish the job and get the last pounds off.  They say the last few are the hardest, and I sure believe it!  I know I can't have a daily "cheat".  Maybe I need to limit it to a weekly cheat...if any at all!  But for some reason, I won't do it.  I won't suck it up and be strong for even a full week.  Hey, I'm not gaining, so that's good.  But I'm also not losing fat either.  I've been virtually the same weight since about March/April.  Expert maintainer here :) 

I guess my lack of discipline is because I'm comfortable where I am.  I'm not 100% happy with my body.  There are things I want to improve on...but I also don't think I look terrible (clothed) anymore either, so I guess I'm just in a "comfortable" place.  Now, when it came to having to wear swimsuits this summer, that's another story!  Remember....I said I didn't feel terrible clothed! lol.  I'm hoping by next summer, I won't feel terrible in a swimsuit! :)

So.....I guess for now, I'll just keep working out and hope I build enough muscle to burn the remaining fat off! lol.  And hopefully soon, I'll commit when it comes to food and be able to lose what I want to lose. 

 

I'm back!!!! (I hope)

Yes, I'm still alive and kickin'.

I was recently advised that I am "letting down my readers".  LOL.  Just glad to  know I have (had) some!

I'm not going to promise to write daily.  I've recently learned that after I'm done with my work day, I just don't want to sit on the computer!  So I am making no commitments here...but I do hope to at least get back to posting on a semi-regular basis!

The past month or so has been pretty rough...for several reasons.

1.  I had an upper respiratory infection/virus/something that kept me down for a few days.

2.  I had company (my mom) that stayed with me for a week and helped me paint and decorate my dining room & office.  We moved a lot that week...but workouts were non-existent.

3.  Last week, I had a stomach flu, which kept me down a couple of days.

4.  I've been battling a lot of anxiety about my new job.  It's very stressful for me.  I *hate* feeling like I'm lost all the time.  I just really want to do a good job, and it is hard feeling like you are doing a good job when you feel like you are a total and complete idiot the majority of the time!  I had a review with my boss.  She was very complementary and felt like I was doing a good job.  That helped some, but I know deep down I'm still kinda lost!  I think most of it is one particular project I'm working on.  It's a BIG one.  When my boss assigned it to me, she wasn't aware it was going to be as big as it is.  There are way too many big wigs and executives involved and I just want it to go away!!!! LOL Don't get me wrong....I don't regret my decision to switch jobs.  I just know it's going to take time.  Apparently lots and lots of time.  And maybe I just wanted to vent a minute! :)

So...maybe these are just all excuses....and I guess they are (with the exception of being sick...that was real. lol).  In the past month (until this week), I think I've had only 4-5 workouts.  UGH.  Makes me so mad at myself.  Luckily I haven't gained any weight.  I'm actually down about 2 pounds. I'm just counting on that muscle memory and hoping to bounce back quickly cause I'm missing the leg muscles I was starting to finally develop!

I'm on track this week.  I ran a couple of miles Monday, ran 2 miles and weights on Tuesday, ran today....I plan on one more running day and one more weight day this week.  I know if I just suck it up for a couple of weeks that I'll get back to where it's just natural to do it.  After all, I know I feel better when I work out.  I know it relieves stress.  I know it has more benefits than I could ever begin to list here.....so that's what I'm doing. I am just going to do it.  Just do it, right?

So, to my reader(s), I hope you will forgive me for my absence.

Hopefully it won't happen again!!!

Guess I'm a slacker...

I was told yesterday that I was slacking on the blog.

Sorry about that.

Things have been really hectic and after 5pm, I just don't want to devote my time to the World Wide Web.  I have just needed some breathing room and have been taking time to enjoy my family and just relax (ok, pretend to relax...cause it never truly happens).

I have a family blog as well, and it's been neglected for about 3 weeks...but I'm not going to feel bad about it.  I'm spending time with my family, and that's what matters most.

I'm currently doing a "cleanse" or "detox" or something....so I'll tell you about my results soon and whether or not I actually lost any water weight.  I also made my first pie yesterday...a "healthy" pie.  I'm still running and logging my miles (see right sidebar).  I have changed my workout schedule a bit and am doing strength MWF & cardio T, Th & Sat/Sun.  That being said, I ran 3 miles before my strength workout yesterday, so I guess I'm flexible with the whole cardio part!  A little extra never hurt ANYONE!

I'll be back shortly...perhaps later this week.

Until then...

Boot Camp

Today was bittersweet.

I gave myself one really tough hour long workout that consisted of sprints (2 miles), lunges, traveling burpees (ugh), squats, lots of weights and TONS of sweat.

It was a Janna-type of workout.

Oh, you don't know Janna? 

Think Jillian Michaels but totally more lovable.

Janna was one of the trainers at my old gym.  She doesn't let up.  She keeps on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.  The girl never seems to run out of it.  She'll be pouring sweat....drenched...working just as hard (eh, harder) than the rest of us, yet she never seems to get tired...and never expected us to either!!! Oh, and her favorite exercise of all....BURPEES.  UGH. 

Janna came on board at my old gym right around the time I decided to really get serious and lose weight.  I signed up for a boot camp class that she led...knowing that people would probably just look at me and think I didn't belong...but I decided I didn't care.  I was going to give it my all....and I did....and so did everyone else.  It was essentially the same people every class, and naturally, there were a few of us that formed a little family.  For the next year and a half, we supported, challenged and pushed each other.

As I was working out today (probably harder than I have since I last took one of Janna's classes), I thought of her and my other friends at my old gym.  I am so very grateful to her for making me believe in myself and seeing potential in me that I didn't see in myself.  I sure do miss them though!!!

Now, the non-sappy Tessa speaks up:

This same family is suppose to be running the half marathon with me in February, but only 2 have signed up......I may be disowning some of that family soon....and Janna..... that includes you!!!

Up and running....literally.

Today:  5.15 treadmill miles

Word of advise:  if you want to do high intensity interval training, do it at the BEGINNING of your workout, not the END like I did today.  I don't know WHAT made me think doing HIIT was a good idea after already running for 30 minutes.....but I did it, and I'm still alive.

I haven't had Internet service since mid-day Friday (big shout out to AT&T for that).  I finally got them here and got it fixed yesterday afternoon....good thing since I work from home and Internet service is pretty much a job requirement.

I took Saturday, Sunday AND Monday off from working out.  I have a lot going on personally and have been super stressed out.  I decided to take a few days off and try to relax and get a little extra sleep in the mornings.  I'm not sure if it has helped or not!  My husband would probably still say I'm a crazy person...and I probably am!

I have every intention of working out the remainder of the week.  After all, it builds natural endorphins and just makes you feel good!

Won't you join me?!

Learning to eat new things

Today's Workout:  3.3 outdoor miles

I woke up yesterday fairly sore from my previous day's strength workout.  I knew I should probably go run and just work it out, but we had to be somewhere at 9am and I just didn't have time.  So I thought I might make it to the gym later...and well, that didn't happen either.  Since it was the 4th of July, I decided mid-day that I'd just let it be my rest day this week.  As the day progressed, my legs became increasingly sore.  By the time I went to bed last night, I could barely sit without grunting with pain.  I'm still sore today,  but I went ahead, sucked it up and went for an early morning run anyway.

Food Co-Op Update

I got this as my basket last weekend:

The regular basket ($15) consisted of grapes, bananas, canteloupe, mangos, butternut squash, grape tomatoes, celery, onions, cherries, lettuce.

I did the Mexican veggie add-on for $10 (I think), which included avocados, zucchini, green onions, bell peppers (yuck), more onions, jalepeno peppers, cilantro, poblano peppers, garlic, some long green peppers that I'm not sure we ever identified....and maybe some other stuff...it's been a few days, so I've forgotten!

Anyway, I'm so happy with everything!  I love how the majority of it is "normal" stuff, but there is always a few things that I've never had before.  It's forcing us to try new things.

I've learned that I'm not an enourmous fan of butternut squash.  It was "ok".  Tasted a lot like a sweet potato, and I'm not so much a fan of those either.

We tried this recipe for the poblano peppers.  Neither of us had ever ordered a chile rellano at Mexican restaurant, so we had no idea whether or not we would like it.

Turns out, this was pretty tasty!  I made a few changes to the recipe (omitted the mushrooms & salt, added chili powder, cumin, black pepper, used low fat cheese...and probably too much of it!).  I used fresh tomatoes in the stuffing, but several reviews said they used Rotel or canned diced tomatoes. I also served it on top of cilantro lime brown rice.  Would definitely make this again!

I find myself reaching for fruit for snacks because I hate to let all of this produce go to waste.  Jason has even started to eat a little fruit, which is a miracle.

One thing I always do when I have a lot of produce is to take the time to wash it all and prep it before sticking it in the fridge.  That way, it's ready when I am and I won't be tempted to grab some processed snack instead!

I like to fill the sink with a water/vinegar mix (obviously make sure your sink is clean first!), let my fruit sit for a while, then wash it off, dry it and it's ready to eat whenever!

The ice is added because it's so stinking hot in Texas that the cold water isn't even really what I consider to be cold anymore!  The pipes are too hot and we seem to only get warm water, so I add ice and make my own cold water.

Washing berries in vinegar is suppose to help them stay fresh longer too....not sure if it's true, but might as well try it!

If you do not have a salad spinner, I highly recommend purchasing one.  I finally bought a more expensive one from Pampered Chef, as I'd gone thru 2 cheaper ones in the past 6 years.  I'm hoping this one holds up better!  I not only use it to get the water off my lettuces, but also for fruit and berries. 

So, if this post were to have any points (and I'm not sure it does)....

1.  Wash fruits/veggies before storing to have ready-to-go snacks

2.  Buy a salad spinner to save hours drying with paper towels, which in return, saves our planet

Life-changing stuff right there.

Salads & Salad Dressing

A lot of people turn to salads when trying to lose weight.  When ordering in restaurants, it's important to remember to tell them to hold the croutons, cheese & bacon and always get the dressing on the side. When you start piling that all on a salad, you start to ruin the health factor and add all kinds of calories/fat.

Luckily, I'm not a huge salad dressing person.  I like it, but I don't need much of it.  In a restaurant, I always order it on the side and put on as little as possible (just dip your fork in and sprinkle it on top...add more as necessary).  At home, I do things a little differently.

I typically buy "light" salad dressings.  I do not like fat free dressings at all.  I would much rather have less of the real thing.  Besides calories/fat, bottled salad dressings also have quite a bit of sodium, so one more thing to watch for!

One suggestion I have for bottled ranch dressing (as it's a staple here in Texas):  add water to the bottle.  It thins out the dressing, which will spread easier on your salad without actually having to put more dressing on it.  Does that make sense?  Also, one reason I like restaurant ranch is that it is usually thin, as opposed to the thick dressings in a bottle.  It's just my own preference. 

Lately, I've been making my own salsa and put it on the salad.  I chop tomatoes, a little onion, jalepenos, cilantro & lime juice....put it in a container and it's ready for the week. 

In the past, I've also used the juice from cherry tomatoes as well as pepperochini juice (lot of sodium there too).  It helps the salad not be so dry, but without the calories/fat of the dressing.

I've been having to add a protein bar or shake in the afternoons because my salads have definitely not contained enough and I am starving an hour or two after I eat them.  This week I purchased Jennie O turkey burgers and have topped my salads with them.  It's pretty tasty!  Adding the turkey burger does add about 200 calories to my salad but also nearly 30 grams of protein....and it keeps me full longer so I am not snacking within an hour. 

So hopefully you now have a couple of alternatives to keep your salads healthy ones!

Goals & Maintenance

Today's Workout:  20 minutes HIIT, then 40 min weight training

Yesterday's Workout:  5.2 treadmill miles

I think I said I was shooting for 80 miles in June.....wow, did I really fall short of that goal!  The fact that I was out of town for 6 days and without a treadmill didn't help.  Even if I hadn't been on vacation, I am sure I would have still fallen short!  So I'm going to have to re-think this month's mileage goal.  I think I'll just try to increase last month's....even if it's just by 5-10 miles and I'll work for more lofty goals when this dreadful Texas heat subsides!

I did end up getting in 14 runs and 8 cross-training workouts in June. That's a total of 22 workouts.  Not bad.  This month, I'm just keeping track of my mileage.  Trying to keep up with the other stuff is too much...and really kind of pointless.  :)

I was talking to my husband last night about wanting to get rid of my final pounds....I've always heard those last 10-15 are the hardest.  For me, I'm sure I could lose it if I set my mind to it.  I think it's the hardest because you are somewhat comfortable and the sense of urgency to lose it has deminished.  For instance, when you still have 50 pounds to lose, you know you have to keep pushing forward as hard as possible or else you would never get there.  When you are only left with 10, it's like "oh, I'll lose it soon enough...".

In reality, I'm in maintenance mode.  I have been for the past few months.  Probably why the scale has stayed exactly the same!  I weigh myself (almost daily).  If I notice a couple of pounds increase, I usually blame it on water weight, I watch sodium for a couple of days and increase my water intake, and then I'll be right back where I was.  I really have no doubt that I will be able to maintain the majority of the weight I've lost.  So far, it seems pretty easy for me to maintain.  And I'm not depriving myself.  If I want something, I have it, but I don't go overboard.  The vast majority of the time, I don't even WANT to eat the stuff I used to eat.  People say they don't want to be deprived.  I've said it before and I'll say it again....once you stop putting crap in your body, you stop craving it!  I still crave sweets on occassion, but I rarely, if ever, crave anything fast food.....and believe me when I say I used to eat my fair share of Sonic and Whataburger!

Moderation. 

It's how I lost 60 pounds and it's how I plan to keep it off, but I'm not sure moderation is going to work for my last few pounds.  I have a feeling it is going to require more commitment than I've ever had to have before....and to be honest, I'm just not sure I'm ready for it!!!