Tinsel Vixen Wrapping Up

No, I'm not putting a bow on my head as a gift...its the final check in for the Holiday Hoedown!



I didn't finish the challenge on the note that I'd wished, but over all I'd say its a success.  I've kept from gaining (too much) weight and had the opportunity to hang out with some great gals via daily check in emails.

Here are my stats:

Exercise Minutes Logged: 414
I was hoping to get in 8+ hours of exercise, but it just didn't happen.  It is what it is and I'm excited to be starting my taper.  I'll only have to do 12 miles this weekend on the treadmill at Pawpaw's!

Starting weight: 135.6
Last week: 134.6
This week: 136.0

I'm happy with that.  I get that the number went up, really.  But I've gained some good healthy eating habits along the way.  I even learned what pigging out at the office potluck does for me emotionally.  Also, I'm betting that a few of those ounces up there are because Aunt Flow is beating on my uterus to let her in.  Cramping isn't fun.

Neither is water retention. 

Speaking of water that's a goal I did okay on...

64 or more ounces of water daily: 4/7
I only found this a challenge when I drank too much soda.

Abstain from soda: 1/7
The only day I managed not to drink at least a little soda was the day of my long run.  I suppose I was so thirsty I didn't want anything but water or Gatorade.

One problem I'm having is that water gets so boring.  I need to keep those water flavoring packets on hand for giving my taste buds a little change up, although I do want to get away from fake sweeteners.  Do they make them with sugar or am I just going to have to start keeping Kool-aid in the fridge? (I make it with half the sugar it calls for.)

Eat 4 fruits/veggies daily: 3/7
I did manage to get in 3 fruits/veggies those other 4 days, which is a big improvement for me.  I found myself reaching for a piece of fruit for snack  instead of crackers or a granola bar.

Avoid fast food: This is one of the more complicated ones.  I fulfilled the intent, if not the letter of this one.  I did eat out 4/7 days.  One of which was a dinner out after church with my family (I filled up mostly on salad bar).   Another evening I was headed to a friend's right after work and had to provide my own dinner.

The spirit of this part of the challenge was directed more toward my eating fast food for lunch instead of packing.  At the start of the Hoedown, I decided I was allowed to eat 2 lunches out: one with my mother on Friday, as is our weekly tradition and another with my work friends, just to catch up.

I ate Mexican out with the girls one day and Cracker Barrel with my mom on Friday.  Every other day I packed my lunch.  I didn't enter a fast food restaurant to get lunch for myself out of laziness, habit, or craving. 

Finally, the Shrinking Jeans ladies asked us to note something positive about ourselves daily  I managed to do this every day but one.  Here is a sampling of my thoughts:

I hosted a fun party!
At least I try.
I have boobs! (The one benefit of weight gain)
Nice abs/legs (a serious achievement - I saw my quad muscles!)
I can do anything!

And finally - I completed my longest pre-marathon run on Sunday.  20 miles.  All by myself.  No music, no chatting on the phone, no one running beside me.  My IMG tried to speak up a few times, but I think I managed to shut her up.

Disney here I come!!!