My first (and hopefully last) attempt at a personal metamorphosis.

Thanks Anna!


I had a pretty good week so far. Lot's of exercise, maybe a bit too much actually. I went for a jog/walk that was twice as long as any other time I have gone so far (4.3 miles!). The reason I went so far was I was in San Francisco for work and have always thought about the trail around Lake Merced. I thought it would be a great accomplishment. After procrastinating for about an hour I took off and did the whole thing in about an hour. I did two rounds of my couch to 5k program in the process and so I am now on week 4 day 2 (out of 9 weeks). I remember in the beginning trying to run for 1 minute and feeling horrible and now I am up to 5 min of running at a time. It doesn't feel great but I can do it. My body is feeling the effects though and I had a really bad leg cramp last night that woke me up and lasted for quite a while. Today I was walking down a gravel road and fell pretty hard. I was really concerned that I had twisted/hurt something in the process but I seem to be OK. A bit scraped up, but in one piece. I'm just sore all over and I think it will be another day or two until I'm feeling 100%. I now know there will be no problem finishing my 5k in November, I just would really like to run the whole thing. It is so crazy to think that a few of my friends who are doing the run with me are probably going to struggle with it and I will be fine. That is so backwards from most of the rest of my life!


Food is a constant struggle but I feel good about my choices so far this week. I had a moment yesterday where I picked up a cookie and without thinking took a bite. One of my personal rules is to not eat baked goods that I did not bake. I didn't realize it until I was chewing and thought for a good minute about what to do. I decided to throw away the remainder of the cookie. This may sound kind of extreme but I really need some achievable goals and if cutting out most baked goods will help with that, it is a sacrifice I am willing to (try to) make.


Hoping to go for a swim tomorrow to help stretch all my sore muscles. Yoga on Sunday and then hopefully a run Sunday as well. My first 5k is 5 weeks from Sunday!
 
AHello Alice! Congratulations on doing the big wal/jog around lake Merced...sounds beautiful and invigorating! I didn't have any beautiful runs this week, but I did do some in the dark in Poland and Romania! I am so proud of your running accomplishments! I was this forum that inspired me to try to run again, and I'm so happy I started back up! You are an I spiral ion for your friends, whether they say so or not...I know you are! Isn't it wierd about thinks like cookies...I've had moments exactly like that...exactly, and you had a real victory by throwing it away...some people would finish it, then say "wth" and go have an entire bag...good job!!:hurray::hurray:
You are doing great Alice, and I look forward to hearing about your 5k...get someone to take a photo of you crossing th finish line!!

Good choices to you my friend!

Sarah
 
Nice work Alice!! I'm glad to hear you are ok after the tumble.

Your walk/job around Lake Merced sounds fun. I'll have to try and take a look when I'm out in the bay area next month.

Excellent job on throwing the cookie away. I don't think it's extreme at all. Those little moments of victory are the best!


Keep us updated and good luck with all your training.
 
Thanks Anna, Sarah, and PEC for stopping by. Always nice to hear from people on the journey!


I've had an interesting experience on my path to healthy over the past week or so. A few times over the past two weeks I've had a few instances where all of a sudden a very gross metallic taste in my mouth has come out of nowhere. Once - not concerned. Twice - hmmmm this is weird! Three times - OK something isnt right. First thought was acid reflux (something I don't think I've ever experienced). After some research seems unlikely. But I did come across what I think it is. Here is a description:


"A metallic taste can be caused by ketosis. This condition can be the result of a number of medical conditions or diseases. A high protein and low carb diet, like the Atkin's diet, can result in your body experiencing ketosis. This is caused by an iron build up from the high quantity of meat this is consumed with this diet. Diabetes, kidney and liver disease, autoimmune diseases, food allergies and some medications can also trigger this condition."


I'm hoping it does have to do with cutting out carbs (for the most part) and its not any of those other scary things. I am going to schedule a dental appointment just in case to rule out gum/teeth stuff. I did notice that since a meal of pasta I have not experienced the taste. I'm going to do a little experimenting but have any of you experienced this?


Yoga this morning was great! I have time off from work in December/January and am planning to go to yoga as much as possible (at least 4 times/week). I am also planning to try Bikram just to see if I like it.


My 5k is less than a month away and I have no doubt that I will complete it. Still hoping to jog the whole thing!


My weight is still hovering around 200 but it is that TOM so let's hope that number will soon move in the right direction!


I first began my journey in early November last year. After losing about 12lbs I put it all back on while on vacation during xmas. While I consider xmas my starting point (I was way more serious) it is nice to know that my mind has been on this track for almost a year!


Keep up the great work everyone!
 
Mild ketosis is apparently not too dangerous usually and can occur even in diets that aren't ridiculously low carb if calorie restriction is large enough. The medically supervised extreme weight loss programs (the kind where you lose 45 pounds in six weeks) all rely on ketosis to some extent. Check with the doctor when you get the chance, but if that is what is going on, it's probably no big deal.
 
I love Bikram, but haven't been this year! I'm thinking of having a lovely month of it in Dec, at the studio here you can pay for an unlimited sessions month, its quite a good way to get into it.


A
 
I'm happy to report that the ketosis is not happening as often (about once a week) but unfortunately I have been sick with a cold for the past 2 weeks. Coughing, stuffy nose, etc. has kept me from exercising but I am maintaining just fine which is reassuring. Was at 202 this morning and I can't complain. I haven't been eating great but also have not had a huge appetite. I am shrinking a bit though as I have gone down another notch on my belt and my pants feel quite loose compared to a week or two ago. Almost time for new jeans again! Hoping I will be all better by the end of the weekend so I can put in some good swim/run/yoga time over the next two weeks to prepare for my first 5k. Counting down the days!
 
Still not feeling 100% but still on track. Down to 201 this morning and I have a reignited drive for this mission. I took my measurements for the first time in a long time. The last time I saw them posted was when I was at 224 about 9 months ago. 23 pounds and 17 inches smaller feels pretty good! The biggest loss in inches were in my hips and waist (THANK GOD!). I received another really nice compliment from a client I had not seen in a year. The new question from people has been "What do you do to lose the weight?" I think just based on the measurements I took today it is obvious that exercise is having a big impact on my body size wise. 17 inches seems like a lot for 23 lbs lost. I think a lot of time over the last few months has been maintaining but toning as I've transitioned into running. I feel stronger and it feels great.


Started tracking calories yesterday and really want to stick to it for a few months to kick start some weight lost. Work is winding down and I'm getting ready to take my annual break as our season ends. We have a 6-7 week break from the fast pace to take some time off and get caught up. I can't wait! It was during this time last year that I started my journey and made huge strides (16 lbs lost!) and I am hoping to extra time will allow another big stride. Back to running tomorrow as I continue to prepare for a 5k. 9 days and counting!
 
Hey Alice,

Sorry you have not been well...but you are obviously doing great in the fitness business! So awesome to see your progress...what a difference a year makes! 17 inches...wow!! You are really losing the fat...and not muscle, so great and the number on the scale will move eventually if you keep it up! Your nutrition is really focused...mild ketotis is not a bad thing...they describe it in the Adkins diet books...the people on that diet actually strive to get on it to burn fat for the 1st 2 weeks, then they increase carbs slightly to get off of it while still staying below the amount needed to maintain or gain.

It's no wonder clients who havn't seen you are complimentary...I'm sure you will do well in the 5k! Be careful racing is addictive! Be sure to get someone to take your picture when you cross the finish line!

Keep up the great work!!


Sarah
 
Thanks Sarah. Your encouragement means the world!


A friend of mine has been staying with me for a few weeks. She's temporarily working at my job while she is between jobs. I love her and its great to spend time with her. There's always a but though, right? A year ago I would have felt totally different than I do in this moment about spending this much time with her. Since we are grocery shopping and eating many meals together I have had a chance to look into the past me and it is alarming to say the least. She is obese and like I was at one time, completely not caring that that is the case. Or at least not saying it out loud. We were buying chips yesterday and had an interesting debate on which to buy. I wanted to buy the smallest bag because it had eight servings and I know if I buy 16 servings I will end up eating 16 servings. Her argument was that the two bags were almost the same price so we should just get the bigger one. I told her I would just eat one serving so if she would eat the rest then that was fine. She said she would and we went on our way. It was awkward. I then proceeded to eat my half of our delicious steak while she ate two bites because she had eaten many servings of chips. She probably thinks Im nuts! It is such an interesting dynamic and of course I am tempted to eat 10 servings of chips. Not tempted enough to actually do it, though :)


While it is challenging being around her with the food thing, I love having her around. She's a great person and needs a friend right now. I'm happy that I can at least be there for her. I am tempted to talk to her about her health, but with so many other stresses in her life I don't want to make it worse. I think the time will come, just not right now.


I (reluctantly) ate a kale salad this week and it wasn't terrible. Something I should try again at some point.


Going on a run today for the first time in a few weeks! Hoping I can stop coughing long enough to make it 2 miles.


Keep on keepin on!
 
Just popping in to say great job on avoiding the chips. I know just how that feels. Before I would never have thought about eating a whole bag of chips or a whole box of cookies. Even right now, I could go for a bag of chips, a hot chocolate (it's pretty cold here today) and a good book. But the larger part of me is screaming NO. I want the chips, but not as much as I don't want the chips, if that makes sense. lol It's an amazing moment when you realize that your relationship with food has completely shifted. Great job on your progress so far!
 
So...Alice29...have you done the big 5k yet? I was running this morning on the treadmill, and thought of you. Hope you're doing well...and your friend is going well too...I'm not sure I would be too helpful with a friend with weightloss strategies...I just share my experience and what is working for me...but only if they ask..I don't push it even if I believe it would help...I remember how it was when I was bigger...I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me "their success story"...and when they shared it, it just made me feel worse...so I don't tell anyone about what I do unless I'm asked! That's just me.


Take care Alice and looking forward to hearing about the run!


Sarah
 
Hi Sarah,


The 5k is Sunday which is tomorrow for me (it may already be Sunday in China). I'm excited and have 7 friends joining me on this first attempt. There are also some people coming to cheer us on which is great! When I signed up for this I thought I might be able to ind one person to go with me. Looks like there will be around a dozen total which is so great! This is the first time I'm running with other people so it is a bit nerve wracking. I'm feeling good though, as ready as I need to be. We have already made plans for another in February, but that one is a mud run. Yes!


I hear you on the advice for friends. I think you are completely right, it is just really hard to watch. I can see a bit of what others must have felt for me over the last few years. I never want people to worry about me so looks like I need to keep heading in the right direction!


Yoga tomorrow followed by pre race hang out time with friends. I'll update on Monday!


Have a wonderful weekend!
 
AHad a busy week between work and the holiday so I'm a bit overdue for an update. The 5k went great! I had 6 friends join me (all in much better shape than me!). I was hoping some of my heavier friends would be up for the challenge but no such luck, maybe next time. I didn't run for almost a week before the race and I think that was a good idea for me. I had hoped to run the whole thing or finish in 40min. I think both of these were a little over zealous but it was nice to have goals. I had to walk 3 times and only felt really exhausted right towards the end. My time was 41:38 and I came in 680th place for all the females (1300 total). I feel great about the fact that I did it. I have never been a runner yet I decided in August I was going to try and followed through. I am so grateful to my friends who did join me. One of my friends even ran with me the whole way. She is so great! Everyone who went seemed to have a great time and appreciated the fact that I "organized" the whole thing. So funny because all I have to do was get myself there. We've already talked about what's next and I have three races I would like to do in the spring. What a great way to spend time with good people! Now I have a time to beat as well ;)

Now on to my lack of motivation. I have felt pretty blah for the last two months and it shows by my lack of progress. I need to get inspired and fast! Luckily I have not back tracked much but I can see it happening if I don't act fast. I started using my fitness pal this morning. I had used lose it on and off for the last year or so and it just isn't working anymore. I am already feeling a bit more excited about keeping track with the new app. I have an iPad now so it is easier to input everything than with my phone. Seeing the protein, sugar, etc. is a bit mind blowing but I think it is going to make a big difference. I already hit my sugar total for the day and I've only eaten breakfast. And it was oatmeal! Ahhh here we go. Sugar is obviously one of my biggest problems. If anyone wants to be my friend on my fitness pal my name on there is cheshire29. Feel free to help me stay motivated and I will do my best to return the favor!

Thanksgiving was delicious. I ate what I wanted for the most part and had a wonderful day. Not worth it to feel regret for a day designed around eating!

I am going to start weekly weigh ins tomorrow and will update here with where I'm at.

Short term goal:

198 by December 16th

192 by January 9th

Keep motivated everyone!
 
AHey Alice! Good job on the 5k! I knew you would rock it! Feels great doesn't it?! Good job:hurray::hurray:

I use myfitnesspal, so if you want to friend me, I use scbibhouse there too, so look me up, Cate and Kate from here are on there too. Counting calories and knowing what calorie level to use has been a challenge for me...I don't use their exercise to eat back your calories approach...I enter the c
Food I eat, but not the exercise, and I set my calorie goal based on my BMR, and lifestyle (for me, my job, it's mostly sedentary) so I've set my current calorie level at 1600(it was 1650 and I've recently lowered it as I've lost some). I used a website called fat2fitradio.com tools section to help me determine the calorie goal...their philosophy is to eat at the level of the thinner person you want to be, and you will eventually make it there...it does work, and much easier to maintain! The myfitnesspal is a great way to keep track of calories...their database of feeds is impressive, although I still have to guess and several of my entries,

Have a great day Alice, and congratulations again on the. 5k, and your new goals to do some more with friends!

Sarah
 
Hi Alice & congratulations on completing the 5k run! I just accepted your MFP friend request & decided to read all of your diary & really enjoyed it! I am more than happy to provide any support I can & will keep up with your diary from now on. You'll get there Alice. You seem to have the strength of character to achieve your goals. If you get a chance have a read of katehunibun's diary. She, too has transformed her body & life & is an inspiration. She is not actively on the WLF at the moment as she is very busy but logs on MFP as "katehunibum" (slight spelling mistake-lol). Send her a friend request if you like & mention I suggested it. Keep up the good work Alice. I am sorry that I have missed your diary until now. It helps all of us getting support from like-minded people, xo Cate.
 
AThanks Cate for your kind words. I started reading your diary last night but it is a bit long so I may pick it up again today but not from the very beginning. I am really liking mfp already and am happy to have friends on there like you and Sarah!

Thanks Sarah for the advice and I think I will follow suit with the not eating my exercise calories back. Yesterday I felt I had more than enough calories for the day but know some days I will definitely be hungrier than others. I don't have to eat the full number too but that can be hard to resist sometimes.

Weighed in today and want to start officially recording my weekly weigh ins again. I'm at 203.5, just about where I expected to be. I have mfp set to lose one pound a week. I am making a promise to myself that I will be faithful to recording my food and weekly weigh ins on there for at least 90 days. If after 90 days I have in fact lost a pound a week (13 lbs) then I will continue for another 90 days. I want to keep this up until it is not working for me anymore and at that point try something new. Here's to the next 90 days of progress!
 
Hi Alice, I wouldn't expect anyone to read all of my diary! I have been posting regularly since the start of 2007! The first couple of pages will show you where I have come from. I do feel like a new person. I put all of of my exercise in MFP as I like to feel I can NOT eat all of my cals back any more. I tell myself it's not compulsory! Underestimating quantities consumed is a regular "mistake". Most of us kid ourselves & being honest on MFP is good. Cheers xo Cate
 
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