Training - Day 6?

Goodness. Why bother?

BREAKFAST: Protein Shake
LUNCH: Glass of Merlot and Asian Chicken Salad (barely touched it though)

Back at the office for a farewell drink with MT:
1 Glass of Lambrusco and another glass of Merlot =P

DINNER: Palamino's - Crab & Artichoke Dip and Mushroom & Goat Cheese Flatbread

SMH......

See how tomorrow goes? =P

Training - Day 5?

After my wonderful weekend of eating and drinks, can I call this day 5?

BREAKFAST: No time to blend. Didn't even grab a shake to go. Got to work and was in back to back meetings till lunch time. So breakfast? A roll of SMARTIES and a Tootsie Pop I picked up from one of the offices I dropped by on my way to another meeting.

LUNCH: Headed to http://www.danubebistro.com/ in Bellevue. It was ok. I wasn't really "wowed" by the food that I'd rush back to bring other people to try. But it wasn't bad I wouldn't go back. I just would not go out of my way to do so. Anyways, I had their Grilled Portabello Sandwich. Eh...it was aight.

Back to work.

Green Tea.

Talking Rain.

And a handful of gummy bears =)

I get to THE NAKED GYM for my session with Jason around 5:45PM.

Leg day again. 1 hr of more burning leg exercises. Afterwards, I go for a short 3.25 mile run in Kirkland. Enjoying the weather and the run while I can since it's supposed to rain tomorrow.

My legs are DYING from Jason's workout that it took me a darn 38min to run this. =\

NOT GOOD.

Sign....I'm not ready for next week's half marathon =\ *sigh*

DINNER: The rest of the veggie chow mein and 3 pieces of garlic chicken.

I know. Bad. But...the Chinese food is gone. Tomorrow.....

We'll see how that goes. MT is supposed to be bringing in Banana Bread AND a cake. OH MY! =P

Bad Weekend

SATURDAY:
Started out with the right idea by going to the Conditioning Class over at http://www.seattlesp.com/.

Anyone in the Seattle area, I recommend checking them out! I'm in Sammamish, so coming out this way just isn't convenient. I need to keep my workouts on the eastside.
But these guys definitely do challenge you and workout muscles you normally wouldn't when working out on your own.
Jay and Jaison...thanks for the great workout! Ading Karen...thanks for going with me =)

After class, we head back to Karen's condo and chill for an hour or so before walking over to Thanh Brothers for some pho and a cream puff. Then some "fun" shopping after ;-)

By the time I head home it's past 6PM. I'm so late for the bbq that started at 2Pm.
Me? Late? Expected!

No time to cook anything so I pick up some Orzo spinach salad over at Whole Foods. Keep it semi-healthy.
Finally get to Kent a little past 7 - always good times with my "brother's from another mother."
Thank you D & Colomba for another great End Of Summer BBQ! A hit yet again =)

I tried to stick with just the Orzo but... the munchies started getting the best of me.
Rice crispy treats...more orzo...watermelons...candy....more orzo........................

I end up meeting up with Nanci et al. at the Parlor. I was good... only 2 Grey Goose n Tonic's for the night. Tempting to do more but I stop at 2. I stopped. At 2. Amazing! =P

Always a good time with my girl!!!



Get home a little past 2AM and call it a night!

SUNDAY:
I think I got out of bed around 10:30 AM and ate the rest of the orzo and had half of an assagio bagel with cream cheese.

Went back upstairs. Slept till 1PM. Came back downstairs...had a vitamin water and went back upstairs. Slep till 6PM.

Woke up and don't ask me why but I ate Chipotle chips w/jalapeno cream cheese.
Lawrd..... *smh*

What a wasted day. Let's just say I have a lot of working out/working off to do this week. Here's the rest of the night:

I found a Chinese place in Sammamish (which is already amazing) that will deliver.
SMH...... I'm not doing a very good job with this 30 day body makeover am I? =\

Training - Day 4

I MADE time to blend this morning.

BREAKFAST: Shake w/PB and Strawberries
LUNCH: 3 tilapias (left over from last night) = exciting....
Green Tea

Jason can't make training today so looks like I'm on my own at the gym today. Swimming? Hmm....I need some goggles.....................................................

So ya...I decided to come home and finish working from here. So much to do. I really do have a lot ot catch up on work wise. I really should start studying. And I REALLY should put away all this dang laundry!

Yes....on a Friday night =P Well...I do need to wake up early! Going to pick up Ading Karen nice and early and head over to check out an old KR classmate's new gym in Seattle: www.Seattlesp.com.
He's holding a FREE Conditioning Class tomorrow. See what that's like...and also would be nice to catch up with some old friends I haven't seen since high school/bcc days! Thanks for the heads up, Joni!

It's 6:25PM on a Friday night and I'm still working. Dinner?
Guess.....

VINO!!! =P If anything, this should help me sleep early!

Training - Day 3

BREAKFAST: Protein Shake (Costco one)
LUNCH (12:30): Went to Lotus in Factoria - tried the Bamboo Noodle Soup (Vermicelli noodle soup with bamboo shoot, fried tofu, veggie ham, and vegetables). Not bad!
LATE SNACK @ SISSY'S OFFICE (3:30ish): I eat the rest of her guacamole chips (yum) and a can of Talking Rain Water
SNACK BEFORE WORKOUT (6:45ish): Protein Plate from the gym snack bar (apples, grapes, wheat bagel, cheddar cheese, brie, and a boiled egg)

WOTD:
ARMS
Dumbbell bench press (12.5 lbs) - 3 sets of 12
Inclined Shoulder Press (same weights) - 3 sets of 12
Lat Pull Downs (50 lbs) - 2 sets of 25
Inclined Chest Press (35lbs) - 3 sets of 12
Cable Pull and Tri Press Circuit - 3 sets of 12
Lateral Raises (10lb weights) aka "Chicken Wings" - 3 sets of 12

ABS
W/18lb Body Bar (3 sets)
Lft leg bicycle stance - 15 crunches
Rt leg bicycle stance - 15 crunches
Both legs @ 90 degree angle - 15 crunches

W/swiss ball (3 sets)
Feet to hand switch off - 3 sets of 10
Hip Extension - 3 sets of 15
Back Extension - 3 sets of 15

R&L
Side Plank Cross Over and Under w/7 lb weight - 10x
Side Plank Hip Touches - 10x
Mountain Climbers - 4 taps, 4 singles to Regular Plank - 30 sec hold

V-sit w/8lb med ball - 3 sets of 12

*Good job mun* =)

Cardio: 40 min
Incline 16; Speed 3.7

DINNER: Parmesan Risotto w/Panko Breaded Tilapia

Happy Birthday Papa and Sissy!!!

Dinner is supposed to be at the Muck tonight with the family so....

BREAKFAST: Premier Protein Shake and a Banana
Water
LUNCH: Cilantro lime shrimp and a Talking Rain Water
LATE AFTERNOON SNACK (4:30ish) - 1 Laughing Cow Wedge and Crackers

There's still a lot of traffice 405S at 5:30-6PM so I meet up with MT and we finish off a bottle of TJ's White Lambrusco. Which BTW....LOVE IT! Best $4.99 I've spent! There's a red too..which I'm sure we will crack open tomorrow =)

I finally leave work around 7:45 and head to Muck.

I find my dad...and he's on a roll at the slots! My mom... geezus I can't find her anywhere. Butapparently she was "hot" too cuz she found us and had lotsa 20s to show off! "Look at my winnings!" LoL Oh mommy.......

We wait for my brother and his wifey to arrive for dinner, so they continue playing. I watch. I like keeping my monies. I'd rather buy something than gamble. Me and gambling do not mix.

Mun and Jenny arrive close to 9PM. I am STARVING at this point since the last time I ate lunch was around 1:30PM. We head over to eat at 8-Asian. I order:

Agedashi Tofu / Auburn Roll (to share of course) / and Salt & Pepper Squid (to share as well). Oh and can't forget my small Sake!!! Yes, I drank alone. No one cared for Sake. Parents and Mun ordered a bunch of other stuff too, mostly meat dishes so....

I didn't touch those. BUT...I did have some chow mein (I just didn't take the meat). Fave Chinese food? Chow Mein Hong Kong Style. I don't care for any meat or seafood with....I just want the noodles =)
Food was great! Dinner was fun. Good times with the familia. Oh...and the waitress brought out a Green Tea Cake for my dad...also...BOMB.COM!!!

The parents go off to gamble some more. Me, Mun, and Jenny stay at the restaurant and chat more. We must have been on a good one cuz before we knew it...it was midnight!

We go to look for my parents. Find Papa. Of course...no Mom! =P Mun gambles some more... my dad more...FINALLY find my mom... of course she's not budging.

I think we finally leave the casino past 12:30...almost 1am? And the parents were still playing = Goodness.

Today was a good day with my family =) I head to Kirkland's waterfront to just be alone with my thoughts. Reflect on tonight. My family. Seeing how we are together. How my parents are still married after almost 40 yrs. Seeing my brother and his wife and how they are together. As dysfunctional as we can be... we can still manage to come together with love. This just gets me thinking more about my life and where I'm going.....or not going.

Cuz I don't think about it enough already =

Oh panunuts.....

Training - Day 2

BREAKFAST: Premier Protein Shake (again...no time to blend this morning)
LUNCH MEETING: Phad Thai w/Tofu, brown rice, and a veggie roll (tsk tsk tsk)
SNACK @ sissy's office: Snack bag of Sun Chips (again...tsk tsk tsk)
LATE AFTERNOON SNACK: Peach Fage and grapes

I was supposed to meet up with some folks at http://www.wadesguns.com/ (Tuesday's is "Ladies Day" - half off lane and rental). So as I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for my friend to respond on whether or not she was there yet, I took a self portrait with my phone.

WHAT A CHUBSTER!!! Darn chipmunk cheeks.
Shooting range? Jogging? Hmm....I need to drop this weight already. JOGGING.

Can I drop at least 5 more pounds in the next three weeks before leaving for Chicago? I sure am hell gonna try my damndest!!!

Yes, my legs are sore as heck from yesterday's workout AND run. But, I drive to Kirkland anyways to hit the pavement yet again. Only 3 miles...............................................
I want to enjoy the weather while it's still nice out. I figure I can do indoor activities when it starts getting cold again. Which just might be tomorrow with our wonderful Seattle weather =P
I normally start at the top of Heritage Park (isn't this beautiful?) I can sit here for hours and just stare out into the horizon till it's too dark to even see the trees in front you.


For a short 3 mile run, I turn around when I reach Carillon Point. I usually start my run just before sunset. Not only do you get a cool breeze, but you get to take this in too:

I need to live on the water again. I miss having this 24/7. *sigh*

I get back to my car and attempt to stretch.
Calf stretch....fine.
Quad strech...a little tight but okay.
Hamstring stretch.....forget about it! These muscles are so tight right now I can barely get in a good stretch without my legs feeling like I'm going to rip these muscles into two.
Maybe it's best I cool it on the running tomorrow and just concentrate on upper body strength training.

Got home a little past 9:30 PM.
DINNER: Left over turkey, and 1 laughing cow wedge with crackers.
Decaf Green Tea
Water

Rest for about an hour, do some abs, and call it a night.
I go through FitTV to find an Ab workout.

First pick: Defined Dancer's ABS (13 min)
The idea of this workout incorporates small movements that focus on the core and stretch the obliques without high impact aerobics.
Eh. I really didn't feel like this was much of a workout, so I pick another.

Second pick: 6 Pack AB Burn (15 min)
AND YES DID THIS BURN!
This workout was a mix of upper body toning (I used 10 lb weights) and core strengthening.
Here's how it went:

Torso Twist - 8x

Right Arm Cross Punch - x8
Repeat Knee - x8
Cross Punch & Knee - x8
Center Reach and Crunch - x4
(Repeat same for Left Side)

Cross Stretch (both sides)
Standing cross stretch w/10lb weights (right side) - x4 slow - 8 singles
One 2 count then 2 singles - x4
(Repeat same for Left Side)

W/18lb body bar:
Lift knee to center - x4
Cross over - x4
Cntr Knee - x2; Cross over - x2
Cntr Kness - x2; Cross over - x2

Side Plank w/10 lb weight, holding weight straight up (both sides):
Cross over and under - x4
w/no weight - x8 singles
Regular Plank to Downward Dog (x8)

V-sit & Rotate
X8 Pause at Center
x8 Singles
X4 Center
x4 Singles

Mountain Climbers
x8 w/tap
x8 singles
x4 w/tap
x4 singles

Bicycle
W/pause at center - x8
x8 Singles
x4 Center
x4 Singles

It hurts so good!!!

Training - Day 1

Okay. Today I start with Jason. Excited and scared...because he pushes me till I throw up. Literally.
Yes I've been working out on my own, but he pushes me in ways and works muscles I normally don't concentrate on. Which is a good thing. This is what I need.

I SHOULD post the typical "before" shot, standing in a bikini showing all my imperfections, to compare with my "after" physique but....

I'm just not that comfortable with myself to put THAT up in public. For now, that shall remain for my eyes only. But here's an old picture of when......

I USED TO LOOK BETTER NAKED!!!

Let's make this my "before" shot and see if my "after" can be even better than this!

Here's to Day 1.
Wish me luck........and no throw up!

BREAKFAST (9:20 AM): Premier Protein shake and a banana (didn't have time to blend this morning)
Cup of Green Tea

Late Lunch (4:30 PM): 2 Grilled Teriyaki Chkn Breasts (6 oz) and brown rice

Trained at 5:30 w/Jason for a good hour. He made today leg day! I did plan on running 5 miles today but...after our workout I was only able to get in 3.1 miles.

My legs were dying. Shins were so tight. But hurt in a good way =)

DINNER: Turkey w/pico de gallo, jalapenos, and green peppers wrapped in cabbage.

Seasoning: Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, and Pepper.

DESSERT: I needed to get the turkey taste out of my mouth, so I helped myself to a Dreyers Pineapple Fruit Bar.

The sunny yellow bar has the sweet taste of a ripe pineapple, with a hint of extra sugar added. And there are little bits of pineapple chunks. Yum!

Day 14 - HUNGOVER

Dizzy. And considering I didn't get home till past 5 in the morning... I wake up around 10:30AM and I can't get back to sleep.

Hungry...but I could care less about a protein shake right now. I want pho but I don't want to get dressed and leave the house. Lazy. Can they deliver? I wish.....

So "breakfast" today was a handful of these damn red swedish fish and some sea salt kettle chips. Yay =

It's already 3 in the afternoon. Still haven't eaten anything else. I hate these morning afters. What a waste of a day. I get nothing done. Maybe I'll hop in the shower and do a much needed Costco run......................................

4:45PM - Made it to Costco. HELLOOOOOOO CHEESE PIZZA and CHURRO!!!
We stock up on fruit, chicken, and more protein shakes and bars along with $43.50 worth of GD stamps.

Get home...rest a little and get ready to head to the gym. Mind you...I'm still feeling pretty dizzy from last night's fiasco.
My plan is to just relax in the whirlpool and sauna.
Negative.

I end up going to the pool with Nukka. I haven't swam in forever. 4 years of swimming, and all I can remember doing is the backfloat! I start to freak out when treading water more than a minute. I always failed this test. So I spend half the time in the deep end just trying to tread water. Tiring!
We finally move over to the 4ft deep lap pool so we can do laps. I think we were there for a good hour just going back and forth. Again....
TIRING!
But in a good way. Think I'll need to start getting my butt up EARLY and head to the gym early for a swim. Just another thing to add to my regimen.

Can I really wake up and get to the gym by 6:30 AM? Probably not! LoL
I end the gym with 15 min in the sauna and we head over to Pho Hoa for dinner.

I FINALLY GET MY PHO!!! =)

Dizziness has gone. Appetite is on overdrive though. Which is just bad because after pho, I wanted to head to Safeway next to pick up a fruit tart!
Which...they were all out =/ So instead I grab some raspberry dessert and Nukka gets a donut with sprinkles (ALWAYS WITH SPRINKLES)!

What a way to end the day...with junk!
Eh...I figure...tomorrow really is my day 1 of this make over. So in the meantime....

Hellooooooo cake and chips!

Day 13 - Can I stay good today?

Well...at least till the evening?
No breakfast since I got out of bed late today.

Lunch: Protein shake w/PB and strawberries.

In case you were wondering, these are my shakes/bars of choice:





And for on the go when I don't have time to blend or make food, you can pick this up at Costco:
Protein:Carbs:Calories content isn't as bad as all the other shakes/bars I've tried. As for taste, the shakes don't have that chalky after taste, and the bars are actually pretty good too.



(click picture for a clearer read of the Nutrition Facts)


4PM - Finally off to the gym........

WOTD:
Squats w/18 lb body bar - 3 sets of 25
Lunges w/10lb dumbbells - 3 sets of 20
Side Leg Raises w/12 lb body bar - 3 sets of 20
Straight Leg Raises w/12lb body bar - 3 ses of 20

Lat Pull Down (50 lbs) - 3 sets of 25
Butterfl (30 lbs) - 3 sets of 25
Tri Push Downs (70 lbs) - 3 sets of 20
Dumbbell Lat Raises (10 lbs) - 3 sets of 15
Shoulder Shrugs (15 lbs) - 3 sets of 25

CARDIO: 30 min elliptical


Nukka and I try http://www.florestaurant.com/ for dinner. The place was nice. Very posh. The food? It was okay. Not worth the price though.

I order a small bottle house sake, agedashi tofu, crispy salmon, and a firecracker roll to share.
Nukka had sunonomo salad w/octopus, and their $16 grilled chicken teriyaki.
Umm...I've had teriyaki that tasted just the same for half the price....WITH RICE AND VEGGIE SALAD! LoL
We end our meal with a tempura banana dessert topped w/coconut ice cream.
It was...ok.

Will I come back to this place? Probably not. I'd rather spend my money at Blue C Sushi.
Better yet.... http://www.sushi-mojo.com/!!! They have the best agedashi tofu yet.
And my fave...spicy tuna pasta! BOMB.COM.

We head home and I rush to get ready to meet up with Rosa. I have half an hour to get dolled up....ARE YOU KIDDING ME!.......................................................................

Rosa and I get to Sno. There were a few guys that she bumps into....
Let's just say this is going to be a LONG NIGHT.
The whole night I think I have a total of 3 Grey Goose Vodka & Tonics, 3 shots of Patron, and 1 Jager Bomb.
Hey....I need to keep myself entertained right?
And I was right...this was a LONG NIGHT. I didn't roll home till about 5:30 AM. =

So sick. I don't want to see or taste alcohol for awhile. Ugh.

Day 12 - Wine Tasting or Gym?

Hmm....so much for my "no wine" for at least a week!
We'll see if I decide to go up to Everett for tonight's event: http://www.sojencellars.com/
I hate being the "6th toe" when everyone else around will be all boo'd up =/

BREAKFAST: Usual protein shake w/PB and strawberries
SNACK: Fage and string cheese
Water..................................

2:43PM and I haven't eaten lunch yet. BUT....I have munched on 2 damn Reeses cups and a Kit Kat.
Stupid regs......Stupid chocholit....
5:15PM - I finally eat SOMETHING... teriyaki chicken. Yay =
Not really hungry....but I know I should eat SOMETHING other than candy. I guess you can call this a LATE LUNCH!................................................................

No Everett...too much traffic and too far to drive to be a 5th wheel. But I do crack open another bottle (yes...I gave in) while I wait for Sissy to get home.
Yum.....I missed you Red =)







Ading Sissy and I head to Alki, but first, pit stop to Trader Joes to grab some snacky cakes....and more wine =)
We pick up some crackers, apricot cheese (which btw..YUM!), her chewy choc cookies, and a few bottles of red and white lambrusco. Good to go!

We get to Alki and chill in the car....snack...chit chat..."drink" =P
I heart Alki. I used to live right on the strip and man.......do I miss it.


Loved watching the sunsets. Loved being by the water. Great place to just be with your thoughts. I miss having this as my front yard.




We try to hit up a store up in Capitol Hill but....no luck finding parking. It was, afterall, a Friday night on the Hill. What was I thinking?

So we head home, but not before picking up some "dinner." Which was....

TACO BELL! LoL

Goodness...my health streak for the day is shot.
We get home a little after 11PM...I pour myself another glass of wine. Have a little bit more cheese. And down my Bean & Rice Burrito.
FULL.

Gawd....gym tomorrow for sure.

Day 11 - Back on Track?

Almost. There's a potluck at work today and I made pancit. You better believe I'm going to be eating today! I just won't over do it ;P

BREAKFAST: Protein Shake w/strawberries and PB
Green Tea
Lunch: So much for not overdoing it! I had 2 plates of:
Pancit
Indian Lemon Rice and some other Indian rice
Thai curry eggplant w/tofu and mushrooms
And to add to the calories...2 Ensymada buns. Sonofa......
Here's an idea of just HOW BAD this bread is:

Oh and....a glass of white wine. Looks like I have A LOT of cardio to do today!...........................................................................................................

4:35PM - Snack before my 4 mile run: 6 pieces of Gim Bahp (Korean Sushi)

WOTD:
4 Mile Run (outside)

ABS: Pyramid Workout (50-40-30-30-20-10)

ARMS: Lat Pulldowns (3 sets of 20 reps)

Tri Pushdowns (3 sets of 15)

I'm unable to do anything more. I'm tired and hungry. Can't concentrate. Can't stay awake. So I call it a day and head home.

DINNER: 6 oz. teriyaki chicken breast and water.

Calling it a night.........

Day 10 - Tough Mudder Epiphany

I might as well just call this DAY 1 with the way I've been eating/drinking since the weekend. Good lawrd.

Breakfast: Oatmeal w/banana
Green Tea
Snack: Trader Joe's Trail mix
Lunch: Low Sodium Progresso Veggie & Noodle Soup and rotisserie chicken (no skin)
Lots of water

So far so good......

So Nukka wanted to do this Tough Mudder thing his brother found. At first I said no because...well...it's dirty. Crawl through muddy waters and run through muddy fields?
Ohhh yuck. The thought of mud getting into crevices....and then drying up.. and then more mud..and then drying up...
Layers upon layers of just pure dirtiness?
Yuck.

Well... in trying to get my "fitness" back - and better - I read up on this thing again out of boredom.
I watch the videos of the obstacle courses.
And there's a part in the video with this guy who's face is half paralyzed from a stroke.
His reason for doing this crazy ass obstacle course: he was tired of doctors telling him what he can't do.
Yes...he did finish.

Needless to say...1) I teared up (geezus crise) and 2) am INSPIRED.
Oh and... I was browsing some of the participant profiles trying to find females that do this...
And there's this one girl -

PATTY BOOM BOOM - 32 yrs old - Female Professional Boxer
This girl's body is sick! Not only is she my age.. she's fit as hell...dammit... I'm motivated!

Ok. Screw my "I don't want to get dirty/muddy" issue. Let's do it!
Curious? Check it out: www.toughmudder.com/events/washington-seattle/

I start training Monday. I was going to only do this for 30 days, but now, I think I'll stick with him a bit longer and have him kick my ass in preparation for whenever this thing is going to be held next year. Oh. Did I mention.....he makes me throw up =P

DETERMINED.

So yes - today I AM going for a run (need to build this back up) and I am hitting the gym.
Speaking of which...

I'll TRY and prep myself for the half in Chicago next month. But if that just doesn't pan out, I'm looking to do another one here in Sammamish come October: www.evergreentrailruns.com/oct-23rd-lake-sammamish-half-marathon-and-marathon
It should be pretty flat. So it's PERFECT!

I WILL do a second half before the end of this year. And with a better time than my last one.
I have to!!!

............................................................................................

Went for a 3 mile run. First run in almost 3 weeks. Time? Horrible. 32:38.

No gym. Forgot I had a potluck tomorrow. So I headed over to Uwaji's to buy some Pancit Canton and Sotanghon, and other stuff for my pancit.

Dinner: Salmon Sashimi w/Lemon and Salt wrapped in Nori, and some Chap Chae. Oh and...no wine tonight! Aren't you proud? Water and more water....

Ending the evening with a 20min Val Slide workout.

Day what?

Again...started out with the best intentions.

Breakfast: Protein shake w/PB, strawberries and banana
Water
Lunch: Ceviche salad @ Coho
Late afternoon snack: String Cheese

Met up with ading sissy after work at Factoria Mall to pick up some prezzie's for her Manang Sissy and X.
We head to Target...I get my usual popcorn. I love Target popcorn!!! Salty buttery goodness.
End up eating at this gyro place for dinner. I have a falafel gyro and fries (BAD I know).

We head home after, change, and off to hike the Powerline Trail. It's 8PM by this time, and I'm thinking we can hike up 1.5 miles and get back down before it gets dark.
WRONG! LoL
Again....NOT PREPARED!!!

We do a total of 5 miles in about an hour. Not bad for speed walking it.
So I'm not feeling too guilty about the gyro and fries from earlier. But then of course...
I kill that workout by swinging to 7-11: LARGE SLURPEE and a bag of these fire doritos (yum!).

Horrible. Just horrible.

Get home.... cut up the rest of the gouda to just get rid of it already.
And end the evening with the a glass of wine.

Sigh.

We'll see how tomorrow goes. =

Day 9 - Still snacking......

Ran late this morning so I didn't get a chance to mix up a protein shake for breakfast.
I'm 5 minutes late to my 10AM meeting.
I don't get to eat my Peach Fage for "breakfast" till 11AM.

Get back down to my office....
RUFFLES!
Yes...I give in and pour some chips onto a plate.
SALTY SNACK!!!

I've been carrying around a 1 gallon jug of water the past week, but I'm not doing a very good job finishing it.
However, I AM trying to drink as much as I can today so as to "curb" my appetite.
Yeah....that's not workin!

A couple hours pass and I'm hungry again.
Ruffles or raw almonds?
Trying to get back on track... I go for the almonds.

I'm not satisfied.
More water....

Another hour passes and I finally eat my lunch:
Left over salmon and a plain romaine lettuce salad.
More water.
And.....more water.

Yes I have the full of liquid feeling, but it's just not curbing my craving for junk food right now. Ugh...see what happens when you have no appetite for weeks?
BINGE.

And who am I kidding? I KNOW as soon as I get home I'm cracking open the Chardonnay and having more gouda and bread!
OHHH YEA =P

Workout? I had every intention to. But then I got home. Laid down for a bit. And guess what....
SLEPT! LoL

When I got up, I let my cravings take over and so dinner was more:

Gouda
Baguette w/Balsamic Cream and Moroccan Balsamic Vinegar
Kalamata Olives
2.5 glasses of wine

And of course.... passed out after the wine!

Day 5-8: Bad eating and no working out

I barely ate for a couple days. But when I finally did - smh - horrible.

And to top it off, I didn't work out once. Unless you count dancing and wading in a shallow wave pool for a couple hours.

Thursday: Playing in the lake Wednesday didn't help with this lingering cold. I woke up feeling worse. But oh so worth it! Just no appetite whatsoever today.
Breakfast: Protein Shake
Lunch: Half of 1 fresh veggie roll
Dinner: Few spoonfulls of veggie soup

Just no appetite today =/

Friday: Appetite is still barely there. Well.... for food at least.
Breakfast: Protein Shake
Lunch: Protein plate from Starbucks (Apples, grapes, brie, cheddar cheese, and some kind of fruit nut bread)

For dinner, I meet up with Mhadz (my old roommate from Beacon Hill days!) and we head to Purple Cafe in Bellevue.
I do a Flight of Pinot Noir and we share an order of:

Sauteed Prawns and Shoestring Frites and
Baked Brie w/apricot preserves, caramelized onions, candied walnuts, grapes and housemade crackers

For dinner I order my usual fave: Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese!!!

Of course, by the time it came out I was full from the appetizers. But I took at least 2 small bites.
Dinner was good. Catching up was good. We bump into a couple other friends at the restaurant, so we end up all hanging out and catching up. Of course, I finish my flight pinot by now. So I order a glass from my flight: Stonier Pinot Noir. Yum!
My glass was huge, which means the pour was quite generous =)
We didn't leave till some time after 1 AM.
It was nice catching up.
.......................................................................................................

Saturday: I woke up early to head to a 10AM funeral service up in Everett. =(
MT and I are there almost 2.5 hrs.
We head back to MT's house to pick up her hubby to come to the burial. While we wait for him to get ready, we have a few bites of assorted pastas we picked up at QFC and a couple glasses of wine.
The three of us head to the cemetary to witness the burial and extend our condolences one last time to the family.
Headed back to their house afterwards and we chit chat for a couple more hours...with yet again... more wine!

I finally get home around 6 PM - I think. It was such a long and emotionally draining day that I knock out on the couch for a couple hours.
I am supposed to head to Mpulse @ Tulalip Casino by 8:30/9 PM to meet up with Nance and MT, but I ended up falling asleep again =P
WHOOPS!

Finally left the house around 10 PM, It took an hour to get up north. Holy CRAP this place is deep! I knew it was up there but damn.... an hour?!

So obviously - I didn't have dinner. Last time I ate was in the afternoon right before the burial.
But what do I have at the club anyways on en empty stomach in a span of 2.5 hrs?
Three Grey Goose & Tonics!!!
Needless to say...I was on a good one. LoL

MinhTri - Me - Nanci

On the way home, I stop by Jack in the Crack. Hello..... buzzed AND starving!!!
And oh what a lil piggy I was. On the drive home, I down curly fries and a 7 piece order of jalapeno poppers.
I get in at almost 3 AM. Too tired - and full by now - to eat my chicken burger.
......................................................................................................................

Sunday: I had every intention of sleeping in till noon, but get woken up early with a phone call. I don't fall right back to sleep - so what do I do? I eat my dang burger! hahaha
Damn.... see what happens when you A) don't have an appetite for days, and B) are hungover.

I finally get my lazy butt up around 1 pm to do some much needed cleaning. MUCH...NEEDED...CLEANING!

And it's a dang 90+ degrees. No A/C in the house. Sweating. Dying.

Head over to the Renton waterpark around 4 PM to meet up with Nance and her kids for a bday party.
What a perfect way to cool off for the next couple hours!
Snack? 2 Chicken taquito's and a sugary Hi-C pink lemonade.

I get home around 7 PM - change out of my wet clothes - and lounge.
And lounge.
And lounge.

Nothing to eat in the house so I head to Safeway to pick up something "healthy" to make for dinner. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.

I do pick up some fruit, Fage, and some romain lettuce. I do pick up salmon.

But I also unfortunately grab a baguette, kalamata olives, smoked gouda, and 4 bottles of wine to add to my stash.

Snack before dinner: Some slices of Smoked Gouda, Kalamata Olives, and a "few" slices of the baguette with EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar.

Oh...and can't forget a glass of Chardonnay!

I'm full.

Dinner would have been: Salmon topped with basil pesto and capers, and a side salad w/a balsamic vinaigrette. I plate it, thinking I'll eat some anyways.

Nope. Full from my pre-dinner snack. But...I do have room for another glass of wine before calling it a night =)

Day 4 - Wakeboarded!

MinhTri - Millie - Tim - Yury - Me

Today's workout and "diet".....SHOT!

I started off the morning on the right foot with a protein shake w/PB and strawberries.

Got to Vasa Park early. Set up a bit. Ran to Safeway and Rite Aid to pick up some more stuff.

By the time I get back to the park, the caterer was set up and the boat was ready to go!

Millie and I decide to "test" the boat before more people show up.

As we near the shore, I see the boat and.....

WAKEBOARDS!!!

I've always wanted to try and what better time than now?! Unfortunately, the guy driving the boat was not very good with direction or teaching.

So my first attempt...fail. On his part. Boat died.

Second attempt...fail. On my part. I tumbled.

I decide to wait till Tim - the "pro" - shows up. If anyone can teach me he can! So we just go around the lake for awhile before heading back to land.

By the time we get back, it's lunch time:

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken burger w/mustard, tomotoes, pickles, jalapenos, and only the bottom bun.

2 glasses of wine

Tim eventually shows up. MinhTri finally shows up and I talk her into wakeboarding with me and Tim =) YES!

He gave us a quick "land" lesson of what to expect and how to react. This little lesson actually helped.We finally get our turn on the boat and away we go! I gotta say....Tim is AWESOME out there! Makes it seem so effortless.

MinhTri goes next...and she stands up on the second try. Good job! She tried like 6 or 7 more times but it was a no go.

So I go next. First try... flop. Second... nope. Third......

YES!!! To my surprise....I'm standing. Then amazingly I'm able to turn my board and ride.

THIS IS AWESOME! I'm going....and going....and going....

But my forearms get tired so I motion to stop.

I'M HOOKED! Next purchase......WAKEBOARD.

Hope the weather keeps up till next weekend cuz I'm definitely down to rent a boat for the day!

Before we knew it it was 4pm - picnic over. Bye bye boat. =(

We walk back towards our shed... the caterer didn't leave any of the salads or fruit. Ugh. STARVING.

..................................................................................................

I promised a friend I'd meet them at Lucky Strike for a WWW event from 5-7.

I don't get there till about 6:15. Still starving. But what is the first thing I do? Head to the bar and up a drink. Ciroc Coconut on the rocks. Good quick buzz.

Find my friend.

Finally get to order some food:

Salmon bites w/mashed potatoes (and yum...I haven't had potatoes since last Thanksgiving).

Shrimp Baguettes

Another drink

I head home.... pick up some sushi and a bowl of miso soup for a "real" dinner.

It's 1:11AM and I'm starving again. Guess I'll just "fill up" with water and try to get some zzzzzz.

Day 3 - Still sick......

I still feel like crap. Stupid cold won't go away!
Taking Vitamin C. Taking my Multi-Vitamin. Getting rest.
2 weeks being sick......I HATE IT!

But.... forcing myself to still go the gym regardless - this probably isn't helping huh?

Well since I was unable to workout yesterday, I'm hoping to not work so long today and squeeze in the workout I had planned for last night.
..............................................................
Breakfast: Protein Shake
OJ and Water
Snack: 1/2C Anti-Oxidant Nut & Berry Mix from Trader Joes
Lunch: 1C Turkey Picadillo (minus the olives)
more OJ and Meds
Green Tea
Late Bad Snack before gym: Artichoke & Jalapeno Dip w/Bread Chips

WOTD:
Concentrating on abs and upper body today since my legs are still shot from Sunday's side lunges.
This is a long ab workout. Resting period to be no more than 1-2 minutes in between each set.
No crazy machines. No balancing on a swiss ball. No extra weights. Just sticking with the basics till exhaustion!

Workout #1: Reverse Pyramid Sit Ups
A reverse pyramid is a technique in which you start with the highest number of reps and with each set you decrease the reps.
Set #1: 50 reps
Set #2: 40 reps
Set #3: 30 reps
Set #4: 20 reps
Set #5: 10 reps

TOTAL = 150

Workout #2: 10 Sets of 30 Sit Ups
Oblique Crunches - 5 sets
Leg Raises - 5 sets

TOTAL = 300

Upper Body - 3 Sets of 15 reps
Front Raise
Lateral Raise
Lateral Pull Down

I ended up putting in booty exercises too =P
Squats w/12 lb body bar - 3 sets of 30
Hip Flexors w/12 lb body bar - 3 sets of 25

Cardio: 15 - Short I know....I was STARVING
15 incline / 3.8 speed

Spent some time in the whirpool and sauna afterwards too. Relax my muscles and try to melt away this cold once and for all in the sauna!

Snack @ gym: Protein Bar

Dinner: Omellette w/pico de gallo (4 egg whites/1 yolk)

Day 2

Breakfast - Protein Shake and a banana
Green Tea & Cold Meds

Lunch - Turkey meatloaf w/steamed butternut squash and grilled portabello drizzled with White Truffle Oil

...more OJ and cold meds that just don't work =(

Bad Snacks:
Small bag of Shrimp Chips (yum!)
Kettle BBQ Chips

Let's hope the rest of the night goes better...minus all the crap snacks!
.................
Ended up working a 12hr day. By the time I got home I was just too exhausted to do anything.
I don't think I even ate dinner.
Tired. Still sick. Downed some Nyquil and passed out.

Day 1

I've been MIA for quite awhile - with many ups and downs - since my last post.

I had ballooned up to a whopping 150 lbs! The biggest I have ever been - and will I ever let myself get again.

This weight gain was a result of so many things...

Layoff + career change + HUGE pay cut + depression + confusion + school = NO MOTIVATION to make time for myself or to even care to.

Positives in the last 12 months?
Graduated with my MBA in Oct 2009.
Started a "lifestyle" change in December and lost 17lbs in 3 months - but I've plateaued since.
Hired on as an FTE at Microsoft in March 2010 (2 days before my birthday)! Not my life long career - but foot's in the door and time to start networking and studying for my cert to get into my true passion ... HR.
Ran my first half marathon in June in 2:31:15 - Seattle Rock 'n' Roll
Was a Bridesmaid (as always) at one of my BFF's wedding in Texas in late July - haven't seen her in 2 yrs.

Eloise (MOH) - Zahania (Bride) - Me - Rosa (Bridesmaid)

As of today....I have 30 days to prepare for another half marathon - 14th Annual Chicago Half!
Goal for the Seattle RnR was to finish in 2.5hrs. So I was 1min 15 sec over...I'm still happy with it.
Goal for this next one? Shave off 15 min. Can I do this in 30 days?

I've been out of commission since returning from Texas - thanks to a sore throat, fever, and wonderful cold/cough I just can't seem to shake =(

Yesterday was my first workout since coming back from Texas. I hate losing momentum.
Cardio - sucks.
Strength training - weak.
Doesn't help that I'm still stuffy and coughing up a lung in between reps.
But... I'm going to keep at it and hit the gym again today.

Giving myself a 30 day challenge to not only prepare for another 13.1 mile run, but to do some much needed overall toning.
I guess you could say I'm trying to get my "in my 20s" physique back... if not better!

Can I do it?
I guess we will see.
The hardest part of all this isn't so much making time for the gym.
It's .......GIVING UP WINE! And the oh so wonderful cheeses and breads that pair so great with it.
Come to think of it - going wine tasting this next Saturday.
Guess I better squeeze in an extra day of intensity to compensate what I'll be consuming Saturday.

So yesterdays workout I will count as just a warm up to the next 30 days challenge.

Day 1 - Sunday, Aug 8
Starting Weight: 130.7 lbs / 24.1 BMI

Breakfast - Protein Shake w/PB
Lunch before gym - Wheat tortilla wrapped grilled chicken w/pico de gallo, and 1 laughing cow wedge

WOTD: Shoulders - Legs - Abs - Cardio / 3 set of 15 reps
SHOULDERS:
Shoulder Press
Lateral Raises
Rear Delt Raises
Shrugs

LEGS
Squats w/18lb Body Bar
Side to Side Lunges w/9lb Medicine Ball

I didn't do anymore leg exercises as planned after the side lunges. Either I did it wrong, or I should have done it without the med ball for starters. I pulled something in my inner thigh and any kind of squatting/lunging was just too painful.

Great. Set back?

ABS - 25 reps each
Bicycle
Laying Leg Raise
Plank - 1 minute

CARDIO
15 min elliptical

15 min treadmill: 15 incline/ 3.8 speed

Meal before church:

6 pieces of Salmon Sashimi w/wakame salad and nori

3 pieces of spicey ahi

Came home and continued reading "Eat,Pray, Love"....

Now I'm craving wine =) And bread....

So I bake a baguette, roast a garlic clove, and mix it with my Moroccan Balsamic Vinegar & Date Balsam Cream. Dee-lish.

So bad....but oh so wonderful.

Not only is it carbs w/butter and wonderful balsamic oils... but I'm having it before bed along with 3 glasses of red wine.

We'll see how Day 2 goes ;)