Vacation Recap - Babes, Food, Friends, Family, & a Bit of Running

Sorry I've been MIA for a week.
I flew into Indy and was greeted by my favorite little guy at the airport.
My nephew Jackson is 13 months old
and very unhappy that his daddy forgot his lamby for the car ride.

My run streak was still going, but my brother could tell I didn't want to leave my nephew...
so they all came with.

Amanda, my sister-in-law, was fabulous
and worked really hard to cook healthy food for me.
She figured out the calories and this whole meal had less than 350.

Happy Baby.
Jack in the box!

Guess that would make this a -
Jack Out of The Box

Delicious tapas bar called Barcelona -
I pretty much ruined the healthy eating on my own.
I only go to Indy once a year so I splurged and binged like crazy.
Bad Abby.  Back on track this week.

However, luckily my friend and I took a 5 mile walk along the canal
in downtown Indy (too full to run) afterwards.
The canal was built after I moved so I have never really seen it - Gorgeous!

I spent my days babysitting wild man. 

He would like you all to know that while a mud/obstacle race
 is on my fitness bucket list,
he already dominated the Tough Mudder.
1st in his age group.

Plus, while I have absolutely no flexibility at all,
he rocks some baby yoga.
Downward facing dog anyone?

I made my delicious strawberries for 4th of July.
Find the recipe here.  

And hoped my sister-in-law's family would't think she was beating me up.
Rugby injury - a cleat mark that lasted all week.

On Thursday I took them out to dinner - a great Greek place

with garlic, feta, double cooked fries.  Amazing!

Then we walked along the Monon Trail in Broadripple,
(A very cute area, I suggest you visit.)

and stopped to get ice cream.
They had 36 flavors.  How was a girl to choose...
Lots of samples first ;)

On the way home Jackson showed us a hilarious new trick -
He can stick his toes in his mouth.
He thought he was the funniest guy ever, especially when his mom told him to stop

I woke up early my last day there for a run with Dempsey.

Then we went to the Indianapolis Zoo.

It made someone very happy!

His daddy (my brother) even ran, well probably sprinted (he is way faster than me),
over on his lunch break  to see us.

We cooled off with some ice cream.
My healthy eating went all out the window this week.

Saw some more animals.

And wore somebody out.

Then, my best friends from high school came and got me
 and the three of us spent the night at her
unairconditioned, yet gorgeous, house in the country.

My noon, 100+ degree run.  Yikes!
Really peaceful though.  I could count the cars that passed on 1 hand.
Sunscreen soaked Abby among the cornfields.

I was there while Indy set a record for most 100+ days in a row.  Uggghhhhh

And I wonder why I don't have nice things....

Like band aids that look like bacon.

Home safe, back to blogging, how did you all do this week?
Good workouts?
Better 4th of July food?
Let me know.

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 35 = 2 miles 
Day 36 = 1 mile (plus 5 mile walk)
Day 37 = 2 miles
Day 38 = 2 miles (plus hour long Piloxing class)
Total Miles Run = 135.5

LosingAMarathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Starting Weight 163
Week 1 = 162.8
Week 2 = 161.5 - I didn't get to run lots last week, but when I weighed in Monday morning I was down.  I was actually expecting this because I did great eating all last week and stayed right at my calorie goal.
Week 3 weigh in tomorrow  = This is going to be ugly.  I am sure I gained back all that weight on vacation.  Guess I know when I struggle.  However, I am reminding myself that I can come back stronger, use what I have learned, and still lose 13 pounds in 13 weeks.

*Plus I just found out I am now a SweatPink Ambassador which means more networking with great people.  Time for me to check them out with a blog hop.  Want to look too?  Peak at the blog hop here maybe you'll find more great motivating, inspiring people.

Guest Post - Divya - Starting Fresh

*I hope you enjoy Divya's story.  She blogs over at EatTeachBlog - be sure to check her out.  I know many of you may be on a quest to drop a couple more pounds or even run your first race just like she is and I hope you find her story inspiring.*

I'm not perfect. In fact, I'm far from it. I make mistakes as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teacher, a healthy eater (occasionally the ice cream calls out to me). But that's life. You make mistakes and you learn. You give yourself some wiggle room to discover the good, the bad, the "tasty but TERRIBLE." And you understand that life happens. And you take it, you enjoy it, but you always have that "healthy mentality" with you. 

A "healthy mentality" doesn't mean you avoid the things you love. The reason I started losing weight was not because I completely removed the pizza and the occasional glass(es) of wine from my diet. In fact, it was because I allowed myself to have access to these things from time to time that I actually got myself to lose weight. 

For 22 years of my life, I was overweight. I had tried South Beach, Atkins, Lindora, Herbalife, etc. You name it, I had probably tried it. And things would work.....for 2 days. And then I'd find myself binging on donuts secretly when nobody was home (I don't even LIKE donuts!). But because I wasn't "allowed" to eat it, donuts became all the more desirable. I don't even remember actually enjoying the food - I was just inhaling calories because I felt like I was being denied something really important. 

When I graduated from college and realized how unhealthy I was, I realized something had to be done. It was a combination of everything - how I looked (I would wear sweatshirts and sweatpants every day), how I felt (carrying around that extra body weight just made me sweat...often), and my discovery that food had way too much control over my life.

SO, I threw all diets away (literally all the papers and books I had accumulated over 10 years were tossed in the garbage) and I started a life of moderation. No more diets, no more quick fixes. I had to fix more than just my body - I had to change my mentality and attitude toward food and exercise. In a year and a half, I lost 50 pounds. By doing it the "natural way" - working out, eating healthier, and allowing myself to indulge in my favorite things occasionally. And not once did I feel denied. Not once did I hide in my car and eat an entire bag of chips because they were forbidden. More important than those 50 pounds lost was the GAIN of a new life and a new attitude. I began to crave bellpeppers (crazy, right?!). I began to love all fruits and vegetables. I couldn't imagine a day that didn't include some form of activity. I started to fall in love with the gym. All these things I used to run away from became a part of my life. 

I am a new version of myself today - a better version. I haven't reached my goal weight, but I (along with Abby!) am participating in the "Lose A Marathon" challenge. We are also both training for races (me for my very first half marathon and Abby, as I'm sure you know, for a marathon!). That's why I've loved following Abby's blog - when I read her stories, I feel like they're meant for me. When I see how many miles she's run, I'm motivated to keep up with my training. We're not quite there....but we're getting there.... :) 

With some new favorite foods - Yogurt Land & Subway

 Thanks for listening!! 

Guest Post - Jen - Funny Minus the Fat

*I hope you enjoy Jen's story.  I thought it'd be a great one for BackAtSquareZero because I know some of you out there think - Lucky Abby she has already lost 25 pounds and she only wants to lose about a dozen more.  Then you worry if you have a larger goal or wonder how it can be done.  Well here is one amazing lady who is doing it!*

Hi Everyone!

My name is Jen and I normally blog at Such a Funny Fat but I'm really excited to be guest posting here today.  I started my journey to get healthy nearly two years ago when I weighed in at my highest recorded weight of 382.4 pounds.  I'm sure you're wondering how did you get started?  I don't really have an “A-Ha” moment it just sort of happened.  The trickier part is keeping it going!  Over the two years I've lost 180+ pounds and counting and while I'd love to say that I've found the magic pill or mantra to encourage me to keep going but it's nothing like that.  I simply LOVE the way I feel.  I love that I can eat healthy, feel good and still lose weight!

Me - July 2010

This past weekend I was home for a family reunion and that means FOOD.  There was chicken basted with butter and beer, potatoes, cheese curds, lots of pasta salads and of course baked goods!  I knew that I'd go a little off plan this weekend (and I was ok with that) because I wanted to really enjoy myself.  I tried not to focus on the food but rather the people that I don't get to see nearly often enough.  While we ate lunch I caught up with my cousin, Rebekah, so while we visited I ate slowly and felt satisfied without needing a second helping.  I had intended on going for a run after the reunion was over but settled for taking a walk to the historical society with family.  It was nice to be active and get to visit even more.

Mom, Brenda, & Me

I knew that no matter what I ate over the weekend, whether it was all carrot sticks or all coffee cake that Monday morning MUST be a big workout.  As long as I put 100% effort into a good workout on Monday morning then I wouldn't feel guilty about what I ate over the weekend.  After all, it is in the past.  So, I woke up this morning, laced up my Brooks and headed out.  I am about half way through a 5K to 10K training program so I've started hitting some of the longer runs and today was no exception but I nailed the workout and had great times, at least in my opinion! 

Consistency - Usually something I can spell, but never achieve!

I realize that my journey to get healthy will never be perfect because I'm not perfect, but I feel as though I am definitely making progress.  There were times throughout the weekend that I thought/reached for a treat and then realized I wasn't hungry so why was I doing that?  I find that to be tremendously rewarding!  I feel like those little moments, those non-scale victories, really help keep me on plan.

How about you?  Do you notice/celebrate your non-scale victories?  Want to continue to follow my journey?  Come visit me at http://suchafunnyfat.blogspot.com

I want to thank Abby for having me here today!  It's been so much fun!!

Things that are Ridiculous

1. The Temperature -
Notice that I took this at 8:35 at night and it was still 100 degrees.
As disgustingly hot as it was I still had to get that run in -
You could not even guess how many people asked me,
"Why in the world did you just go for a run when you're playing rugby all day?"
However, they said it in much less polite and understanding terms.    

2. Running outside all day-
Not only did I go for a mile run, but I played in an all day rugby tourney.
We had 4 games - started at 9 and didn't leave until 5!
Hydrating with tons of water and fresh fruits was key.

3. This stupid chair -
300 pound weight limit my butt!
Or actually my back fat, since that's what busted through this bad boy.  

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 34 = 1 mile 
Total Miles Run = 128.5

LosingAMarathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Pretty proud of myself.  I didn't do amazing, but I packed a healthy lunch to bring to the rugby field and then splurged and had the dinner they were serving at the social.  Still came in right under 1,800 calories.  Great for me since back in the day I'd consume way over 3,00 calories on a rugby day.  

Friday Food Porn

Last day of school = Food Truck Rally
Gourmet Grilled Cheese Truck.... drool

Tried to resist, but ended up with a delicious grilled Parmesan and artichoke (add tomatoes).

Tonight was family dinner before I go on vacation for a week.
Mom wanted to try a Cuban place.

After my lunch I tried to behave a bit better.
I got the El Bo'ritto and it tasted really fresh.

Yummy black beans!
It came with a side of plantains.  

On the way home I stopped by Publix.
I have recently discovered Greek yogurt and I am in love.
(I know I am always the last one on the band wagon.)
Unlike regular yogurt it actual keeps me full.
I was out - tragedy - so I made a special trip and found out it was on sale.
Stocked up on a few flavors I haven't yet tried.  

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 33 = 2.5 miles (nice and slow again, still not feeling 100%)
Total Miles Run = 127.5

LosingAMarathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Didn't do very well, see food above.  However, I am not too down on myself because I did excellent Monday - Thursday and while I wasn't good today, it wasn't absolutely horrible either.  I am definitely not down calories today, but according to my tracking I am still well on track to losing a pound this week (my goal).    

Bad Habits Kicked

Today I came to the fabulous realization that I have finally gotten over some of my bad habits.  Maybe this whole change to a healthy lifestyle is finally starting to click.  What an exciting thought.

First off, I woke up and had a delicious breakfast.  I normally don't think much of this, but after talking to some fellow bloggers about the importance of breakfast I realized this is one area I pretty much rock at.  First of all, I LOVE food, so I never miss a meal.  However, when I used to go through my crash dieting phases I'd skip breakfast to try and cut pounds.  I love being able to say that I am not now, nor will I ever be again, on a diet.  I am eating healthy because I am hoping that it turns into a way of life, and I start it off every morning with a great breakfast.  I used to eat the same thing every morning - slice of turkey and a slice of 2% cheese on a piece of toast, but I have been branching out lately.  I discovered Greek yogurt (Hello, where have you been all my life?) and how fabulous it is with a handful of berries thrown in and have also been trying other wonderful ideas to get my day going in the right direction. 

Made breakfast for dinner Sunday night so I'd have enough leftover egg cups for this week.
Take a 6 pack of eggs.  Wisk together with a crud ton (Great measurement right?) of veggies.  I used onions, green peppers, and tomatoes (which I know aren't technically a vegetable, but really...) to give them some great flavor.
Spray muffin pan, pour egg mixture in, cook at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
These reheat great.  I have them in the morning on top of a piece of toast with a splash of Frank's or Texas Pete.  Delicious and easy breakfast.

Also, I have learned to listen to my body more.  Yesterday I woke up feeling horrible (sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes) so I went for a very slow easy run and headed to bed in time to get a full eight hours of sleep.  It is amazing what this can do for the body.  I woke up today feeling much better.  I had a 5-6 mile bridge run scheduled with T, but I have learned my lesson about resting.  As much as I wanted to go run with her and even felt like I probably could, I canceled.  Instead I went for a super slow run around my neighborhood and will be in bed in time to get nine full hours of sleep tonight.  My marathon training has helped me to see that running isn't just about one day it's about the big picture so it is better to cut a run short and give yourself time to heal and get healthy than to push yourself too much and regret it later.  Okay, in all honesty, I probably learned that lesson the hard way.  Last winter when I was training for my first marathon I started to feel really crummy, but didn't want to miss a single day of marathon training so I kept plowing through.  The result?  I ended up with a case of bronchitis that lasted for almost two months.  It made it through two rounds of Z-packs, more steroids than the Jersey Shore, and an inhaler that gave me 5th and 6th grade flashbacks (Supposedly I had sports induced asthma, which I am sure some people do, but who are we kidding I was just a chubby out of shape kid, call it like it is doc.) before I finally kicked that bronchitis jerk and two entire months of running suffered because of my stubborn stupidity.  If I had just listened to my body and taken a day or two off in the first place that probably all could have been avoided.  Lesson learned.

What lesson or lessons have you learned along the way?  Any bad habits you've kicked? 
I'd love to hear it.   

Runner's World Summer Run Streak -  
Day 32 = 2.5 miles (nice and slow)
Total Miles Run = 125

LosingA Marathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Pretty sure this is the only time I've ever eaten under 1,500 calories.  My goal is always to eat between 1,500-1,600 because that is where I seem to function & feel the best.  However, I am about to go to bed and have only consumed 1,231.  Maybe I am slowly learning to make better food choices and by giving my body healthier, more nutritious foods I am able to feel full off of less.  This is quite an exciting revelation.  Maybe this will be my next lesson learned.  (Fingers crossed.)