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! :)

Back In The Game!

I am so very excited, stressed, and exhausted!

I'm stressed because I feel like I'm on a roller coaster as far as my eating and the scale go. It seems like every step forward there are two steps back and I have been stuck with in the same 5 pounds for nearly 2 months. It doesn't help that there are a constant stream of goodies at work and events to go to that also have treats. I also am stressed with the chaos that is the end of the school year. Music programs, report cards, forms, standards, clean up, check out, as well as my own children's spring/ summer activities beginning... pure CrAzInEsS! On top of that I have been asked to get my aerobic and yoga certifications renewed and to start course work for the SD Math Counts program... Ok, deep breath, things could be worse... now onto the excitement...

First off, I have been looking to change things up a bit to get off my plateau and Sunday seemed to be my day! I had two wonderful friends mention wanting me to join them in half marathons this summer, so I signed up for one (maybe the other one too but we'll start with one)! I admit that I am VERY freaked out by the idea but quickly got very excited when I went out last night to see if I could still run a 5k... and I finished in 34 minutes and ran all but the last tenth of a mile! I was SO excited and happy! It is truly amazing how this first run since starting my body transformation proved to me that I HAVE changed. My body felt lighter and much stronger. It wasn't painful, didn't make my lungs scream for oxygen like it did last spring when I started the couch to 5K program at the Y. I truly believe that all the hard work I've done in diet, aerobics, weight lifting, etc. has made my body ready for the next challenge. 

I am also excited because of an article that another friend sent me today (http://elitedaily.com/life/the-secret-to-losing-weight-is-gaining-a-new-perspective/), "The Secret to Losing Weight is Gaining a New Perspective." The part that really sparked my interest was the part about eating real food. I think that I've been avoiding taking a close look at what I eat because I know it's not healthy enough. I understand calories, fat, fiber, protein, etc. but I want to focus more on all the artificial things and eliminating all of them and sugar from not only my diet but my families diet as well. This task seems overwhelmingly daunting get highly rewarding. I know this will take quite a bit of time but I am hoping that we can make small changes throughout the summer. I know even a few small changes will help me tip the scale into my favor again!

The final thing that has me very fired up is my move up to teaching 5th grade math and science. I am very excited to teach higher level math concepts, I'm a dork and LOVE math! Although I am stressed out about signing up for the SD Math Counts program/ coursework I am also VERY thrilled to get to learn how to be a better math teacher and to understand so much more about the subject and job that I love! Science will be exciting too and getting students ready to enter the middle school will be a great adventure!

All that being said, for obvious reasons, I'm exhausted! Running around to numerous events for school, my family, working out, and keeping up with the day to day has my mind and body saying, "ENOUGH" and "GO TO BED!" I'm pretty sure it will get a little better when school ends next week but won't last long with half marathon training, running around to all my boys' summer activities, two weeks of professional development, and a two week road trip BUT it's ALL WORTH IT! Not only do I have numerous challenges and blessings to look forward to, I feel like I am back in the game. To me, that phrase means that I am pulling myself out of a rut and placing some new goals on my path to make me a better me! I'm on a improved path of fitness, health, professional development, and being a better mom (I'm amped to run my boys around to their activities all summer long and cheer them on).

I'm back in the game and feeling better than ever!