For the first time in forever

This week has had its ups and downs (as all weeks usually do) but I did have a 'hurrah' moment. I had the opportunity to go with my husband to Rapid City for a work thing. It was a great mini vacation for me that started with a wonderful shopping trip to the mall with his assistant while he went golfing. I usually do not enjoy shopping, in fact I avoid it as much as possible, especially when it comes to shopping for clothes. One of my best friends growing up and both of my sisters have always loved to go into a clothing store and try on countless outfits, whether or not they planned on buying anything. I have always thought this was a tedious process and would feel physically ill while waiting for others to try on clothes. This weekend was the first time I have ever gone into a mall and not instantly felt tense. We went into several stores and I tried on several clothes, didn't buy much, but I enjoyed every second. So what changed? At first I thought it was because it was because of the sizes I was able to try on but the more I think about it I honestly believe it's an increase in my self confidence. I know many people who enjoy shopping for clothes, maybe a little too much, that aren't necessarily at their ideal weight. The difference is that they see the new clothes and don't focus on all their body's flaws. Or if they do see their body's flaws they see how the clothes accentuate the positives. I have always struggled with looking in the mirror and seeing anything positive. My eyes immediately would pick out how my hips looked big or my gut was sticking out or how an outfit was too pretty for me to ever wear it. Silly, yes, but as I continue on this path to creating a new self, I am constantly looking in the mirror and telling the old me to "be quiet" and to find something I like in my reflection. Does it help that my body is getting slimmer and my muscles are becoming more defined, absolutely! I've been here before, however, and not felt that way. My senior year of high school I became thin in a very unhealthy manner (I'll post a blog about that some other time) and I would STILL look in the mirror and only see my flaws. I fit into all kinds of cute clothes but still focused on only the negatives. I feel like I have made a HUGE step in self healing after a weekend of fantastic shopping.

This weekend I was also able to go on a run and a hike. The hike was up Cowboy Hill and was fabulous. The old me would a) never have gone and done this on my own or b) not venture onto the "expert only" trails. You know what? I LOVED it and had such a great adventure on my own, what a wonderful way to combine physical activity and nature! It was so awesome to see how I have made my body into a machine, a hike that is supposed to be for experts... no problem! I can't wait to try another one and push myself even further!

The coming week awaits with numerous new challenges including getting my kids back into a routine, starting part time back at daycare, organizing my classroom and preparing for the coming new year. I KNOW I can do this while staying on track with fitness and nutrition. Mind over matter... I have worked so hard on this process there's not stopping me now!

Picture from my hike in Rapid City

Calories don't count of vacation, right?!?

I'm trying so hard to be good, I really am! It's extremely difficult to be active AND eat healthy when driving across the country, stuck in a car for countless hours, limited choices in healthy food options and numerous temptations at each destination.

I've learned many new tricks along this trip to travel as a healthier me. We have been fortunate to find a few grocery stores and load up on fruits, veggies and sandwich supplies. I've made sure to get out and walk around every time we stop. We've taken our kids to parks and played ball, tag, hide n seek, etc. as well as taking the stairs whenever possible. I have discovered the hotel fitness centers which are very hit and miss but anything is definitely better than nothing. Hotel pools have also been a great benefit. My boys love to swim and it's fun to race them and play games in the water while burning some extra calories, plus I'm not as self conscious about being in the water knowing it's great family and workout time! Having a YMCA membership has also proven helpful since it can be used at any YMCA and many of the towns we've visited have one (however class schedules haven't always worked out in the traveling schedule).

I think the most important thing that I've learned and appreciated from my new habits is finding out how much more enjoyable a destination is when you run, hike or walk through it. I'm not talking about the tourist destinations (although I greatly appreciated the trails through Niagara Falls Park) but the trails and paths they have for the residents who run and bike. I would have never thought to venture out onto my own until I had started running and now I am so grateful for the new experiences it has given me. I have found beautiful neighborhoods, meadows, parks and scenery that I would have never seen otherwise. It's so easy to bring along a pair of running shoes and go out to explore while burning off a few calories (just avoid the "sketchy" neighborhoods and try to stick to the trails and sidewalks)!

I haven't been able to make it to a Weight Watcher meeting this week, not because I haven't tried, but they all seem to be at times when we are on the road... hopefully sometime this week so I can check to see how bad the food damage is costing me! A reality weight check may be necessary so it's not so hard to say no to that extra seafood platter or dessert! Until then I'll keep focusing on how to stay active and fill up on all that water and produce... :)

I h

A Week Without A Scale

I know for some it may seem like a small feat however, for me, a week without a scale was an overwhelming obstacle in my weight loss journey. I know that you are not supposed to weigh yourself daily and I have gone days here and there without weighing myself, but I use it as a gauge to determine how the day before went and if I need to work extra hard to make up for bad decisions the day before.

This week I went to Spearfish (BHSU) for Geometry Camp (professional development). I was worried about how I would handle not being able to plan my meals, I was eating at their dining hall, and sitting in a classroom for 8 hours everyday. I brought along my running shoes and some fitness bands as well as some fruit & healthy snacks to help. The temptations were abound, BHSU has a great variety of tasty foods including a Mongolian Grill, Burger Bar, Pizza Line, Homemade Delicacies, and Dessert Counter. I used all the will power I had and stuck to the Salad Bar and Wrap Counter and loaded up on as many veggies as I could to deter myself from those other amazing foods. I believe that not having a scale and not knowing if the day before had affected my weight made me more mindful of my food choices. I was more adamant about recording my food on WW and on Myfitnesspal since those were the only tools I had to keep me "in control."

The absence of the scale and beautiful Black Hills also motivated me to get outside and be active. A typical day consists of doing some kind of workout but if the scale reflects no change or an increase I will usually amp up my workout. Since I didn't have that tool, I looked at everyday as a day to push myself. I ran the exquisite trails that weave throughout Spearfish, following the creek. I also utilized the campus fitness center when the weather wasn't as cooperative. My best workout came on my solo journey to Spearfish Canyon one evening. After a very scenic drive, I arrived at The Lodge which consists of beautiful trails. The first one was a hefty hike 1000 feet up. All my squats and lunges really paid off as I set off on the steep incline reaching a peak overlooking the canyon. The second trail lead to an amazing waterfall (pictures from both posted below). I have to say, I LOVE hiking and wish I could do do it more often!

The results of my week: 2 more pounds gone forever, 1 pound away from being in my BMI range, some much needed time by myself, and new friendships made through my Geometry Camp. I was fortunate to meet some wonderful people this week and to overcome challenges that this week presented to me. All and all a great week but I'm also very grateful for the coming week and spending quality time with my family and being a mom! :)