Friday, March 29, 2013

My BMI at 4 Weeks

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Slow and steady wins the race, and slow, steady weight-loss keeps it off, right? 

original BMI
current BMI 

I'm down another 1-1/2 pounds since last week! Now I'm trying to decide on a treat for reaching my first 10lbs weight loss goal. It should be coming up soon at this rate. Any suggestions?

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

One Month on Shaklee 180™: video update

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It's been about a month, so here's my latest update on how I'm doing with the Shaklee 180™ program. I've never done a video like this before, so let's shoot for supportive commentary (like we did with my before pictures) and we'll all walk away from this with smiles and no tears.


It was kind of fun making a video. I think I might keep it up after this campaign... but I have no idea what I'll talk about. hahaha Lucky you.

If you have any questions about the Shaklee 180™ program, please don't hesitate to ask. Either leave a comment below, email me, or find me on Twitter or Facebook. Also, if you have any ideas for my next update video - I'd love to hear them! 



This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating. My opinions are my own.  

People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

My Graduate and a Tiny Prints Giveaway (closed)

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This year, G will graduate from preschool. I can't believe it's now been more than 5 years since he was born. I know some people may not consider pre-school graduation a big deal, but this is sort of the season opener of all school related milestones. In the fall, he'll begin kindergarten, five days a week. What happened to my baby?!!

Our family has never really done much to celebrate graduation, aside from a good dinner and maybe some flowers and balloons, but I'm pretty sure I'll be hard pressed not to go all out when it comes time for high school graduation. Or college(?!!). I've been given some credit to Tiny Prints and I've found they have some pretty amazing options for graduation announcements and invitations. And if you're not the one with the grad in your house, they also offer some fun gifts on the site, too.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Would You Rather: a running survey

I recently came across this fun runners survey created by Cori at Olive to Run (a great blog you should really check out). I rarely do these type of posts and figured it might be a nice break from the norm. It's been a rough day and it was a good way to get my mind of things, too.

Here are the questions:

1. Would you rather run a 5k or a marathon? A marathon, but let's be honest - I'm not quite capable yet!

2. Would you rather run in the heat of summer or the icy winter? The icy winter - I know how to layer up comfortably, but I hate running when I'm hot.

3. Would you rather have new running shoes or a new running outfit? Right now, I could really use a good pair of new running shoes.

4. Would you rather run alone or in a group? Alone. It's my time to myself to think things through & clear my head.

5. Would you rather run next to someone in a race who tries to talk to you constantly or someone who breathes heavy and grunts? tough call - maybe someone who tries to talk?

6. Would you rather run a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag? The swag. Well, if you consider the finisher medal swag. In reality, I choose based on convenience, though.

7. Would you rather run a race with a group of friends or by yourself? Friends - it helps keep my pace up!

8. Would you rather run a PR but result in an injury or finish strong and missing a PR? Strong finish - I can't imagine anyone who'd rather have an injury.

9. Would you rather eat a big meal the night before or a big meal after a race? Definitely after. I'm always starving after a race.

10. Would you rather be chased by a swarm of bees or a pack of dogs? Another tough call... I have huge anxiety about being attacked by a big dog while running, but I really don't feel like bees would be better!

If you're a runner, I'd love to hear your responses to these questions too! And if you're not a runner, what would you rather be doing?

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Friday, March 22, 2013

BMI 3 Weeks In

My internet went down, so I'm posting this a little later than I wanted. I'm super excited to report my BMI is finally making some real progress!

original BMI
progress
And if you're wondering how that translates to pounds loss - it's 6. I've lost 6lbs so far! I'm pretty happy.

What's making you happy today? 


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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Ignite Spark

So it turns out a big fitness blogging conference will be taking place in my own backyard this summer. That's right - FitBloggin' 2013 is coming to Portland! How amazing is that? I would love to go, but finances are a bit tight to justify the $$ to attend so I didn't give it much thought. Then, I saw posted on Twitter the opportunity to apply to be a presenter! Yeah, right! I know, I know, socially awkward me, up on stage? Even if it is contained to just 5 minutes, we're all pretty confident I'll vomit either before, after, or during the presentation, right? But I actually feel like I could maybe do this. Have I lost my mind? Possibly. The only problem now is getting chosen.

Voting is open from now until April 9. The 7 bloggers who "ignite the most spark" (aka get the most stars/votes) will be chosen and announced on April 10. Then a panel will choose an additional 7 the following week from the remaining pool. Those 14 lucky ducks will get free passes to the conference, along with the opportunity to share their passion at the conference, and I want to be there so bad! Unfortunately, the spark I wrote is a little lackluster (read: I'm way self-conscious about it and wish I'd had someone proofread it for me for some confidence boosting), and that is entirely what the vote is based on. No names, no blog affiliations, just a spark (aka pitch).
The organizers want to keep this from being a popularity contest, for which I am GRATEFUL. Let's face it, I don't have the biggest blog on the block. BUT, I could really use a little help from my friends. You can vote for more than one spark, but you can only vote once for each. Each vote is given weight by the number of stars you give (1-5). I'd love for you to vote 5 stars for me if you think I could ignite a little spark for fitness!

Please, check it out, read all the sparks, vote for the ones you think will make the most impact. And if you happen to think "Mama Hits Pavement" would be a good addition, you have my thanks. :-)


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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Blogger News: No More Google Reader

So the buzz in the blogosphere (auto-correct deems that a real word) for the past week has been about the imminent death of Google Reader this July. It's sort of like when rumors were flying last year about feedburner (now also owned by Google) shutting down, except this is official. If you use Google Friend Connect (GFC) to follow your favorite blogs, now might be a good time to explore some options.

My theory has always been that the powers that be over at Google HQ are doing their best to streamline all social media through Google+. Despite some criticism, Google+ is still alive and kicking. (You can even join me here.) However, if you're not interested in conspiracy theories or new platforms, and all you want is a solid replacement for Google Reader, my Twitter feed has been going crazy over Bloglovin. I'm not overly familiar with all its ins and outs yet, but it seems to be a solid replacement. And if you haven't been using a reader before, now may be the time to look into it with (potentially) all your favorite blogs touting new "follow" buttons.

So, yay for another app!


And if you do sign up, be sure to use my Bloglovin follow button in the sidebar or here:
Follow on Bloglovin

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Monday, March 18, 2013

A Pet Peeve: Sp@m Comments

Seriously, are there marketers out there who genuinely believe this type of promotion actually works?

Step 1 Go to (random blog)
Step 2 Leave grammatically incorrect, ingenuously flattering, entirely generic comment - sans identity
Step 3 Include link to (p0rn site, etc) as a shortened URL and ask for a courtesy visit

Examples:
Thanks for your support on my weight loss? Also, maybe Google Translate needs an update?

I'm pretty sure the only points I was trying to make in that post was that fresh fruit is yummy and my kids are cute. 

To be clear, I am absolutely giddy when any of you comment on the blog, which is what makes the fake ones so much more of a let down.

What are some of your blogging pet peeves? 


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Friday, March 15, 2013

BMI and Running Updates!

Not a huge change in BMI from last week, but I have to confess - I had a few cheat days. I splurged for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday because my parents took us out for dinner. For my birthday. And then my brother's birthday. If you can't dip into your workout calories on your birthday, when can you? ;-)
original BMI
BMI end of week 2

I'm doing my best to keep running every day. It's easier now that it's not pouring rain all the time (I do live in the Pacific North West, so that's saying something.) I actually don't mind running in the rain so much as I hate being cold. But now that it's occasionally in the 50's (!!!!) for my runs, I'm almost feeling overheated at times.  Weird, right? But I am loving being a runner again.
about a mile into my regular route

 And for a little treat, I bought myself some athletic grade compression socks from ProCompression. These are NOTHING like the ones you may have worn during pregnancy (or maybe they are, in which case I'm completely jealous). I know you can get WAY less expensive compression socks that do the same thing, but these are so comfortable I just want to leave them on. Forever. But that would be gross... So I just need to buy some more.
pink argyle = my style
I wasn't sure if it was just gimmicky or hype, so I decided to take the plunge when they offered a 40% off w free shipping coupon. They aren't kidding when they say it will take you longer to get these socks on, but it is absolutely worth it. My feet felt lighter. That nagging injury that feels like my achilles is killing me actually feels like it's recovering. My calves are not sore. My feet are not sore. Can these be the only type of socks I own, please?

What has been your favorite fitness splurge? 
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Monday, March 11, 2013

Guest Post: Making the Switch: Disposable to Cloth!

I have some very fun news today. I am officially a KangaCare Guest Blogger! Please check out my first post on the blog here: Making the Switch: Disposable to Cloth!

I'm sharing the story of my personal conversion from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. 

If you've made the switch, what's your story? 

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Friday, March 8, 2013

BMI Weekly Update: one week

Just a quick update on my weight loss. It's only been one week, so there's nothing huge to report. I thought I should give some kind of update, though, which begins my weekly BMI (Body Mass Index) updates. If you're not familiar with BMI, it really says a lot more about your health and fitness than your weight alone. You take into consideration your height, weight, gender, and age, and out pops your magic number. Or something like that.

You may know I love fitness apps (and photography apps, and social media apps...). Here is my newest app addition, filed under "Health." Made by the same people who designed my precious RuntasticPro app, I now have "Ideal Weight." (Another one-day freebie I got in on, but there are plenty of free BMI calculators out there.)



At my height, weighing 170lbs:
My BMI is 29.2. Ideally, it should be no higher than 25 for me to be considered at a healthy weight. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the specific "ideal weight" the app gives me. Instead, I look to the weight range, which my goal of 130lbs falls neatly into. 

And this week's BMI: 
I lost 3lbs this past week, and it shows in my BMI (just barely), as you can see. I've still got a ways to go, but it's exciting to see the change.

For more information on Body Mass Index and how it's used and interpreted, here's a great article by the CDC.

And for those of you who noticed the Shaklee 180™ app icon in my screenshot - don't worry. I have plans of sharing more info in another post. 

If you're working on losing weight, how are you tracking your progress?


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Thursday, March 7, 2013

To See, or Not To See...

One guess what my plans are for today...


Oh the joys of having a toddler in the house...

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Friday, March 1, 2013

Time to Lose Weight

Over this past Christmas, my husband's sister came to visit. In general, she's a well intentioned, caring person. During that particular stay, however, she managed to make two separate and seemingly innocent comments regarding my size that literally left me in tears.

I don't want to be that person anymore. I don't want that target on me anymore. I'm not trying to be something or someone I'm not, but I don't want to be the person that anyone thinks of as not caring if I'm overweight or unhealthy. I used to be fit. I will be again.

I've been running again for almost two months now. I'm getting stronger, but I've lost 0 weight. I've let my eating habits get entirely out of control. Staying with my parents hasn't helped. They're the type who think it's normal to keep an entire cupboard stocked with sweets & snack food. And I am an emotional eater. When my emotions are big, so is my appetite. It's horrible.



Today is my first official day as a Shaklee 180™ blogger. This is a 6 month program that will involve smoothies, meal bars, and nutritional supplements. It also includes a lot of online support including (but definitely not limited to) an app that I've already downloaded to my phone. I know there were a LOT of applicants who weren't given this opportunity, so I want to make sure I make the absolute most of this.  So here are some goals I've set for myself. I would like to lose 30-40lbs, drop a couple dress sizes, and become a stronger athlete (get my average mile under 10:30 minutes). I'd like to run something more than a 10k eventually. To do this, I will learn to prepare healthy meals, manage portion sizes, run regularly, and incorporate some cross training ("metabolic training," as Jillian would say).

I am incredibly optimistic that the Shaklee 180™ Turnaround program will give me the boost I need with getting my eating under control. I think my husband is a bit skeptical that I'll stick with it, though - the healthy eating, and the exercise. So what I really need right now are my own cheerleaders following me on this journey. It's going to take some serious will power to kick my exercise routine up to the level I'm aiming for. I'll also need some serious support to keep that emotional eating at bay.

And now the part I've been dreading: my "before" pictures and measurements. Trust these have brought me tears.

(and for reference, I am 5'4")
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 41"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 43"
Arms: left: 14"
           right: 14"


This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating. My opinions are my own.  

People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

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