Weight Loss Challenge

I thought it would be good for us to see this so we are reminded that even 1 lbs of fat lost is significant!

Tomorrow we start!!! Yeah!! I cannot wait to get this going. I think I am even more excited because my Bodybugg arrived tonight. Just in time! Remember, if you want to be involved all you have to do is email me your starting weight and your goal weight. (Divide your current weight by 100 and that is a good weekly weight loss goal.) Then every Wednesday email me your new weight. This is a 90 day challenge finishing on October 29th. You can do any program that works best for you or I can help you set something up. It is just more fun to do it together and the accountability is good. I am not talking about condemning negative accountability, but encouraging supportive accountability. I believe weight loss equates to a full time job because of the hard work and focus it takes. We need to support each other with encouraging words and actions. My email address is sandy@sandysjourney.com.

On another exciting note, the Bulletin is doing an article on me in the Health and Fitness section. I will let you know when they are running it. The photographer came to the Circuits in the Park today to take pictures. Do you know how hard it is to pull in at the core and stick your chin out while trying to do jumping jacks? LOL!! The reporter was AWESOME!! I think we could be friends. :) She even came and did circuits with us last Friday. What a trooper! I hope that by airing my baggage I will inspire someone to start and finish his or her own journey. :)

Sore!!

I haven't been this sore since I first started working out two years ago. We worked legs at Circuits in the Park yesterday, then I went for a 4 mile run last night, we did bleacher work outs this morning at Circuits in the Park and finally I walked for almost an hour. I look like an 80 year old woman trying to walk now. I could really use a walker today. I think Ibuprofen is on the menu for lunch. Haha!

BodyBugg

I'm sooooo excited. I ordered the Bodybugg today. It's just another tool in my belt to help me get to my goal size. I've spoken to a few people that have it or a similar product and they LOVE it. It has been an effective tool for them in their weight loss. Plus it appeals to the numbers nerd in me. :) I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Weight Loss Challenge

My next challenge starts on August 1st and ends on October 27th. These challenges are crucial to weight loss. They are the mini goals that get you to the big goal. The big goal can become too overwhelming. The mini goals keep you on track. My goal is to lose 25 lbs during the 90-day period.

I would like to challenge you to tackle your weight loss goals during this same 90-day period, as well. Let's do it together. On August 1^st, email me your starting weight. In the weeks to follow email me your new weight. If you are struggling with the disciplines, need help with a plan or just need a place to vent, you can comment on my blog and others can help you through it. It has been one of the most effective tools for me in my weight loss. There is no judgment. You can scream and yell on here or tell us about your victories that day.

Quite a few people will shy away from this because of the accountability (by the way that is not a four-letter word). Accountability to many people, means your failure is highlighted. If you really want to lose weight and are ready to jump in with both feet, accountability is necessary. If you do not want the accountability because you do not think you will stick with the program, then this is not for you. All it will do is continue the cycle of disappointment and self-hate. Only step into accountability if you are ready to commit to this challenge. It does not mean you aren't scared, nervous or intimidated. Those feelings are normal. It means you are sick and tired of sitting on the side lines of your life. You are sick and tired of being sick and tired and you are ready to do something about it, fear or not. There will be struggles, and that is why having people who are going through the same thing is so good.

If you are ready to "do this thing", then join with me. Meet your ultimate weight loss goal or your first goal before the holidays.

Please email your starting weight to sandy@sandysjourney.com on August 1st and write your comments about your victories and/or struggles on my blog.

Hiking Black Butte

Sarah and I at the top of Black Butte. Sarah asked if I'd ever been up in the clouds before. I replied, "Only figuratively." LOL!

My sister and I hiked Black Butte last night. I'm telling you. . . I had no idea how much life I was missing 2 years ago. What an amazing view and an amazing time with my sister. I'm so excited about the adventures, and I'm sure hikes, ahead. :)

Running Again!

I did it! I ran 3 miles yesterday without stopping, without wearing my IT Strap and without IT Band pain. It felt so amazing! Thank you to the FootZone for making sure I have the right shoes for success!!

Update

Wow, I cannot believe by adding another hour of exercise a day, I have no “extra” time. I have not ignored the blog because I have fallen off the wagon; I simply have not had the time to write. I have so much to say too. I hope to be caught up on everything I want to tell you in the next couple of days. 

On July 12^th, I celebrated my 2-year anniversary. I know, I cannot believe it has already been 2 years. It has been an incredible ride and I have so much more I am looking forward too. At first, I really struggled with this anniversary. Last year, at my 1-year anniversary, I was on fire. It was full steam ahead. This past year has presented me with so many hurdles I landed at my 2-year anniversary at the same weight as my 1-year anniversary. When I look at where I had hoped to be by this point, it is disappointing. I felt very defeated. I had so many hopes and dreams for this summer and did not reach my goals.

After a few days of processing, mourning and coming to terms with where I am at, I surfaced with a new perspective. I decided to focus on the good that has come from this past year. The first 6 months were very successful. I was down to 174 lbs and feeling incredible. The second 6 months I struggled and fought to keep my footing. I lost several battles but also won several. I learned a lot and am excited about the rest of the journey; which I now realize is the rest of my life. I still have weight to lose but am so excited about where I am. I am stronger than I have ever been. Two years ago, there is no way I could have ridden a bike 40 miles. I could not lead a circuit workout because I could hardly complete one. I could not have worked out hard for 2 hours like I do now. I definitely could not have run stairs at COCC for 40 minutes. I could hardly go up the stairs in my home. I am excited about the strength I am seeing in myself. 

My modo for this year is "I workout for strength, I eat for health." I am so close to my goal weight and I will keep striving to meet that goal, but there are so many positive things for me to focus on. 

In year three, I plan to meet my goal weight/size, to begin working toward a degree in nutrition and to become a Personal Trainer. I am excited to start telling my story this year. I am excited to start speaking to groups and encouraging men and women to begin their own journey. Year 3 should be a whole lot of FUN!

Steppin' It Up

This was me yesterday!! LOL!

Thinking about losing 5.5 lbs over 5 weeks made me decide to step up my game. My new plan is to work out at least 2 hours per day, 6 days a week. So yesterday I did circuits for an hour and then walked/ran the Butte for an hour. Today I played Tennis for 45 minutes and ran for 41 minutes. This evening I'll do something for half an hour. I also went off of sugar; today is day 3. I think it's easier to work out for 4 hours than to go off sugar. I'm such an addict!! I hope doing these few things will cause the weight to come off faster than a lb a week.

I had the goal of losing 21 lbs by July 21st and I know I won't reach that. So I set a new goal of having 25 lbs off between August 1st and October 27th.

40 Mile Bike Ride

On Sunday my Dad and I left his house at 6:30 AM to ride our bikes to the Horse Ridge View Point. (That's 36 miles round trip.) I had only been on two bike rides this year, the longest of which was 13 miles. I was nervous, to say the least, but willing to give it a try. My biggest concern was not being able to complete it and keeping Dad from reaching his goal. I'm proud to say WE MADE IT! The last 9 miles or so I was peeling myself off the bike seat to try to stand so I could rest my rear end. Other than that I think we held up pretty well. I'm excited to do another long ride soon.Where should we go next? Any suggestions?

Circuits on Pilot Butte

We did circuits on Pilot Butte this morning. My brother Martin Miller joined us; I loved abusing him. (For some reason we were matching this morning. LOL!)

Weigh Day!!

I weighed last Friday, but with all the events of the weekend and then coming down with something I'm just now blogging about it. I'm happy to report a 3 lb weight loss. FINALLY!! That's 5.5 lbs in the past 5 weeks. I'm going in the right direction and taking my measurements and seeing the progress there has really helped my perspective on this.

This past weekend I was at family's for a birthday party, then I came down with something at the beginning of the week and tomorrow is the 4th of July so I'm going to pass on weighing this Friday. I'm afraid it will send me into a mental tail spin. I will continue to be a "good" girl and weigh the following Friday.