tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69318899429414898202024-03-13T12:32:26.619-05:00My Life - It's GREAT to be Me! This blog is about my life, which includes my weight loss journey from unhappy and fat to happy and fit!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-26011380642770240592014-05-17T07:06:00.000-05:002014-05-17T08:02:21.701-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-dahYgLzIM/U3dNQjcmN4I/AAAAAAAAAMI/SjW7-o9o67Y/s1600/Dec+15+2013+knee+replacement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-dahYgLzIM/U3dNQjcmN4I/AAAAAAAAAMI/SjW7-o9o67Y/s1600/Dec+15+2013+knee+replacement.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, on December 13, I had a total knee replacement. I went into surgery that morning weighing 215 lbs. I cannot begin to tell you how much my life has changed. The pain that was caused by having bone on bone, is now gone. While I am still healing, I feel SO much better!! I wish that I could say that I have had great success with weight loss since then, but I haven't. I did lose 9 lbs in the 6 weeks I was off of work. HOWEVER, when I returned to work, my life began to become super stressful again. It was the combination of my online classes, taking care of my family, PLUS dealing with a bunch of changes at work and the drama that ensued!!<br />
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How do I deal with stress?? I eat! SO, in the 3 1/2 months since returning to work, I have managed to put back on my 9 lbs and have ballooned back up to 218! I promised myself that I would not allow myself to get back over 215! The heavier I am, the more difficult time I will have with my knee!! SO, today I am making changes in my life! I have had enough! <br />
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NO MORE excuses!! No more failed attempts. I need to put myself first and let go of the things causing me stress!! Does that mean I will quit my job? NOPE!! What it does mean is that I will go to work, do my job, and leave it and the stress there!! I love what I do, I love who I work with, but I have to take care of me!! Does that make sense??<br />
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I found that I had great success when I used the BodyBugg...but have decided that I don't want to spend the monthly fees associated with it. I will be using my Fitbit. I am participating in my wellness program at work. I earn points, which will allow me to receive $$ to use towards co-pays and medical bills. For each day I walk more than 6,000 steps, I earn a point (up to 200 points). <br />
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I've been hoovering around 5,000-6,000 steps a day. To help me get my steps in and perhaps walk a little further, I have made arrangements with a co-worker to meet at 7AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the mall to walk before work. <br />
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Exercise is a small portion of the battle. Eating is where the success is! I need to eat healthier, not only for me but for Catey. Essentially it's just the two of us at home, so I don't know what that will look like. However, I do know that it has to be different. Bless her heart, she is not at her healthiest weight either...probably has 40 lbs to lose. I have been a horrible example and role model to her. We have one year left before she graduates and I HAVE to make it count!!<br />
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OH, did I mention Travis is getting married??!! 1 month away...June 14th! I REALLY need to get after it!!<br />
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Wish me luck, and hopefully I will do better with my blogging!!!<br />
<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-47736004906871851442013-04-21T07:31:00.001-05:002013-04-21T07:31:26.143-05:00Today I am officially starting my weight loss journey AGAIN! I am SO frustrated with myself for allowing myself to gain 50 lbs in the past 32 months! My lowest weight was 184, this was during my visit to see my new nephew, Jack, in August of 2010. This morning, I weighed 233. I allowed people and situations to distract me from my journey to get healthy. BUT...today is a new day!<br />
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My plan is as follows:<br />
- I will log the food that I eat in MyFitnessPal.<br />
- I will consume approximately 1400 calories daily.<br />
- I will attempt to consume more fruits and vegetables daily.<br />
- I will continue to keep soda out of my diet.<br />
- I will reduce or eliminate sugar from my daily diet<br />
(5 grams or less on the label and adding no additional sugar)<br />
- I will wear my FitBit to monitor my steps.<br />
- I will walk 10,000 steps daily.<br />
- I will log my progress weekly on this blog.<br />
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I believe this is a good starting point.<br />
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-22355334676845855042010-12-12T12:48:00.008-06:002010-12-12T13:35:24.518-06:0010 Exercises for Women...courtesy of Oprah.comThe goal is to do three sets of 10-15!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhG8NhFzI/AAAAAAAAALU/FRxy9cWUwnQ/s1600/Swiss%2BBall%2BL%2BRaise.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549878518929758002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhG8NhFzI/AAAAAAAAALU/FRxy9cWUwnQ/s400/Swiss%2BBall%2BL%2BRaise.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Swiss Ball L Raise<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGzabpuI/AAAAAAAAALM/-Ampfm-QRaM/s1600/Swill%2BBall%2BLying%2BTricep%2BExtention.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549878516568008418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGzabpuI/AAAAAAAAALM/-Ampfm-QRaM/s400/Swill%2BBall%2BLying%2BTricep%2BExtention.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Swiss Ball Tricep Extention<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGve52iI/AAAAAAAAALE/ybsWTRcbh0g/s1600/Split%2BStance%2BDumbell%2BCurl.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549878515513023010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGve52iI/AAAAAAAAALE/ybsWTRcbh0g/s400/Split%2BStance%2BDumbell%2BCurl.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Split Stance Dumbell Curl<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGkYdtrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/OvP1N0058Ro/s1600/Single-Leg%2BDumbell%2BStrait-Leg%2BDeadlift.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549878512533223090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUhGkYdtrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/OvP1N0058Ro/s400/Single-Leg%2BDumbell%2BStrait-Leg%2BDeadlift.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Single Leg Dumbell Straight Leg Dead Lift<br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTQ5-HxI/AAAAAAAAAK0/Ww07Arqm-BU/s1600/Single-Arm%2BDumbell%2BChest%2BPress.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549874332596838162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTQ5-HxI/AAAAAAAAAK0/Ww07Arqm-BU/s400/Single-Arm%2BDumbell%2BChest%2BPress.jpg" /></a> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Single Arm Chest Press<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTKjUrII/AAAAAAAAAKs/E5_s2Y9iAmE/s1600/Scaption%2Band%2BShoulder%2BShrug.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549874330891234434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTKjUrII/AAAAAAAAAKs/E5_s2Y9iAmE/s400/Scaption%2Band%2BShoulder%2BShrug.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br />Scaption Shoulder Shrug</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTAZDotI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ngBWK9Uqjsc/s1600/Offset%2BDumbell%2BLunge.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549874328163820242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUdTAZDotI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ngBWK9Uqjsc/s400/Offset%2BDumbell%2BLunge.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br />Offset Dumbell Lunge</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUaANyFQ4I/AAAAAAAAAKc/bLRWU2_KoYQ/s1600/Hip%2BRaise.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549870706806047618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUaANyFQ4I/AAAAAAAAAKc/bLRWU2_KoYQ/s400/Hip%2BRaise.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Hip Raises<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUZ_uWORsI/AAAAAAAAAKM/zUNnFXCh7A4/s1600/Mountain%2BClimbers.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549870698367698626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TQUZ_uWORsI/AAAAAAAAAKM/zUNnFXCh7A4/s400/Mountain%2BClimbers.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Mountain Climbers</div></div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-18663424499150679992010-11-11T07:25:00.012-06:002010-11-14T11:39:12.055-06:00First Half Marathon...the first of many!!I have completed the first, of what I hope to be many, half marathons!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N99HK2iI/AAAAAAAAAIk/sGlk4KYoCq4/s1600/1107100823-00.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539231793460992546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N99HK2iI/AAAAAAAAAIk/sGlk4KYoCq4/s320/1107100823-00.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a difficult day! I stayed with most of my group because I didn't want to run alone. We made 2 potty stops PLUS fought the wind the entire run! My goal was to make it in under 3:45...which we did!!<br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539231784159432354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9adgTqI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gmaB_ETHDmE/s320/1107101040-00.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was runner #1150 to cross the finish line, I was #152 out of 158 in my age group, and I finished with an official time of 3:34:21! My pace was a 16.22 mile.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9veiGjI/AAAAAAAAAIc/K_-WvHkR1oM/s1600/1107101204-00.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539231789800888882" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9veiGjI/AAAAAAAAAIc/K_-WvHkR1oM/s320/1107101204-00.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9adgTqI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gmaB_ETHDmE/s1600/1107101040-00.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9adgTqI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gmaB_ETHDmE/s1600/1107101040-00.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9adgTqI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gmaB_ETHDmE/s1600/1107101040-00.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TN9N9adgTqI/AAAAAAAAAIU/gmaB_ETHDmE/s1600/1107101040-00.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />My goal for my next half marathon?!?! To finish in 3 hours or less!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TNvvNcowSiI/AAAAAAAAAHM/wTGsZx7DbAs/s1600/1107101204-00.jpg"></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-18256485510647851792010-07-28T18:48:00.002-05:002010-07-28T19:22:43.404-05:00TrainingI am currently training for my first half marathon, which will take place in November! I am LOVING my training group!! They are AMAZING!!<br /><br />Wy weight is between 184 and 187...I haven't been as dilligent about tracking my calories!! I need to find my happy medium!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-8364214567564360002010-07-28T18:36:00.006-05:002010-11-14T11:38:24.224-06:00First 5KI did my very first 5K on July 17, 2010. I participated in the Girls Just Wanna Run 5K. I was runner #558 to cross the finish line, I was #197 out of 245 in my age division, and my time was 44:42:03!! My pace was a 14:39 mile. GREAT starting point!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAxgNxkdI/AAAAAAAAAG0/lH4ODxIPtog/s1600/pictures+to+file+102.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499107101713207762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAxgNxkdI/AAAAAAAAAG0/lH4ODxIPtog/s200/pictures+to+file+102.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAyILYcCI/AAAAAAAAAG8/kILWVbji_nw/s1600/pictures+to+file+101.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499107112440590370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAyILYcCI/AAAAAAAAAG8/kILWVbji_nw/s200/pictures+to+file+101.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAxLWuPkI/AAAAAAAAAGs/f9izdn8-BxQ/s1600/pictures+to+file+103.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499107096113593922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/TFDAxLWuPkI/AAAAAAAAAGs/f9izdn8-BxQ/s200/pictures+to+file+103.jpg" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-82533836980570908422010-04-10T19:23:00.005-05:002010-04-10T19:45:22.888-05:00Heart Walk!!<div>Today was the Heart Walk!! I was nominated for a Lifestyle Change award...AND received it!! WOO-HOO!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S8EYyGuAZiI/AAAAAAAAAGk/TyEKiTr90JY/s1600/Heart+Walk+2010+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458671472425854498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S8EYyGuAZiI/AAAAAAAAAGk/TyEKiTr90JY/s200/Heart+Walk+2010+007.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S8EYxtxRn8I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Yvbojp0BgPw/s1600/American+Heart+Association+nomination+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 145px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458671465728679874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S8EYxtxRn8I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Yvbojp0BgPw/s200/American+Heart+Association+nomination+2010.jpg" /></a></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-82741410907017555212010-04-04T08:28:00.003-05:002010-04-04T20:56:24.149-05:00193!!!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S7lDL5nCUgI/AAAAAAAAAF8/S_yIa-1X2HM/s1600/P4010284.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456466295258239490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S7lDL5nCUgI/AAAAAAAAAF8/S_yIa-1X2HM/s320/P4010284.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Ok...so after tweaking a few things, the scale is on a downward movement again!!! My original goal was to be 190 by the end of the month. I hope to be able to surpass that goal!!!<br /><br />I went to Plato's Closet with the kids yesterday. I was drawn to their 15/16 junior section. I tried on a couple and they were too big!! Next payday, I am headed back with Beka! I will finish up clothes shopping for her and maybe pick up a couple of things for me!!!</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-72110972839510542482010-03-25T18:52:00.003-05:002010-03-25T19:03:03.823-05:00How do you like me NOW??!Top picture, 195.2...Bottom picture 204<br /><div>On my way down!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S6v4WhgR5tI/AAAAAAAAAF0/mZYYIKIIkMI/s1600/March+24,+2010+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452724839696688850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S6v4WhgR5tI/AAAAAAAAAF0/mZYYIKIIkMI/s320/March+24,+2010+002.jpg" /></a>! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S6v4WMD3L_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/0cAkN27oSdA/s1600/January+2010+03.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452724833940353010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S6v4WMD3L_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/0cAkN27oSdA/s320/January+2010+03.JPG" /></a></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-51958408869319358262010-03-20T09:57:00.002-05:002010-03-20T09:57:54.806-05:00CELEBRATION!!!197!!!! I am officially down 60 lbs!!!!! I AM SUPER EXCITED!!!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-57179780150232750172010-03-04T06:27:00.000-06:002010-03-04T06:29:31.196-06:00199!!!!I BROKE IT!!! I BROKE THE 200 LB MARK!!! WOO HOO!!!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-88753810295568177192010-02-18T05:39:00.003-06:002010-02-18T05:40:59.352-06:00HAPPY DANCE!!!This morning I am doing the happy dance!! I am SUPER excited!!! I stood on the scale and saw DOUBLE ZEROS!!! I am THRILLED!!! <br /><br />I will post pictures soon!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-71345897299911277462010-02-17T06:15:00.002-06:002010-02-17T06:25:23.399-06:00Couch to 5k Day 2OK...yesterday was day 2! I did remarkably well!! I felt that running at 4 mph seemed easier. I was still huffing and puffing, but not horrible.<br /><br />I am preparing to leave for Vegas!! I am SUPER excited!! I will be with my sisters...the first time in almost 4 years!!! I can NOT wait!!!<br /><br />I am hoping while I am gone, NOT to fall into my old eating habits!! I am also hoping to continue with my couch to 5k program. The hotel we are staying at has a fantastic gym!! PLUS we plan on walking almost everywhere we go!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-18483251816456264962010-02-14T19:21:00.005-06:002010-02-14T19:31:25.129-06:00Today...Today was an interesting day. It started out REALLY good. Then a friend gave me candy for our family for Valentines Day. It just so happened to be my FAVORITE candy!! UGH!!! It wouldn't have been bad, except it threw me into a sugar tailspin!! I had bought heart shaped doughnuts for my kids. I caught myself helping myself to them!! <br /><p></p><p>Well, tomorrow is a new day!!</p>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-54422613551478059402010-02-13T20:39:00.002-06:002010-02-13T20:44:24.416-06:00ShoppingWent shopping today, hoping to find a couple of shirts for me. I ended up hitting some AMAZING sales!! I found 2 $6.00 shirts at Gordmans, 3 $6.00 shirts and a nice red jacket for $9 at Fashion Bug. Its nice to buy smaller clothes...but its FANTASTIC when they are on sale. I am hoping not to be in them too long!! I would like to move to a smaller size soon!! The next size down will take me OUT OF PLUS SIZE CLOTHING!!! WOO-HOO!!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-83372882848915970202010-02-12T21:40:00.002-06:002010-02-12T21:50:09.906-06:00Couch to 5k programI am beginning the Couch to 5k program tomorrow. Its designed to help you run 5k (3 1/2 miles) or about 30 minutes in 9 weeks. I have downloaded the following podcasts to help me on this journey!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page6/page6.html">http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page6/page6.html</a><br />Right click on podcast, select Save AsGretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-18233734301299153322010-02-09T19:07:00.003-06:002010-02-09T20:21:20.634-06:00Going Public...The question has been raised about me going public with my weight loss and announcing what my heaviest weight was. Here is my philosophy on the subject...<br /><br />People can look at me and tell that I was/am overweight and unhealthy.<br /><br />By telling people what I weigh helps me to be accountable. In my previous attempts to lose weight, only one or two people knew how much I weighed. This time HAD to be different. By sharing with others how much I weighed, it helped me to be more accountable...knowing that others were watching and cheering me on!! <br /><br />The number on the scale doesn't define me...its just a number...a reflection of turmoil that has happened in my life. Some people smoke and drink to deal with their problems...I ate!!<br /><br />While it is GREAT to watch those numbers on the scale go down, I know that there is more to Gretchen than my weight.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-5652233226806370522010-02-08T19:27:00.002-06:002010-02-08T19:31:41.721-06:00Treadmill!!!SO...I've been trying to increase my speed, thus decrease the amount of time it takes me to walk/run a mile. I have started doing half mile increments because...I HATE being out of breath!! Tonight I had my BEST TIME EVER...well, since the last time I had P.E. which was in the 9th grade. I ran a half a mile in 6 minutes and36 seconds!! WOO-HOO!!<br /><br />I ran for a minute and 45 seconds at 5 mph. I am up to walking 4 mph!! PROGRESS!! I remember a year ago, I was struggling to walk 3.2 mph!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-34515132633262626112010-02-07T20:57:00.005-06:002010-02-07T21:09:45.868-06:00February 7, 2010<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2-AOOcBRlI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JImv3x_NgYg/s1600-h/February+7,+2010+010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435704257141622354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2-AOOcBRlI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JImv3x_NgYg/s320/February+7,+2010+010.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, this evening, I have found some motivation!! I ate well today and am pumped for the beginning of a new work week!! I am recommitting myself to this process by pledging to lose 25 lbs in the Biggest Loser Pound for Pound Challenge. For every pound I lose, the Biggest Loser will donate a pound of food to the Ozark Food Harvest.<br /><br /><div>My official weigh in days are on Tuesdays...so, HOPEFULLY there is no damage!!</div><div></div><br /><div></div><div>My time on the treadmill is improving!! A mile in 15:48...I can walk 4 mph!! I that is where I began jogging!! YEAH!!</div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-31555806509412290092010-02-06T09:29:00.004-06:002010-02-07T21:14:41.306-06:00Struggling...I am struggling. I don't know what it is I am afraid of or why I have reached this place of unhappiness!!<br /><br />I went shopping with my mom yesterday and bought some cute pants and a couple of tops...as my friend Janet says, "to show off my weight loss."<br /><br />I should be very proud of what I have accomplished and this should motivate and push me further...but for some reason it doesn't. I don't know if I am physically tired, or just tired of trying so hard!!<br /><br />I have seen big improvements in me physically. I can run 5 mph on the treadmill for a minute. I can also walk 4 mph...two things I haven't been able to do since...I don't know when. I should really cut myself some slack!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-70530773981148971802010-02-03T22:31:00.003-06:002010-02-03T22:35:41.832-06:00Incentive??!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2pOa1ectnI/AAAAAAAAAFE/1X0ABQWgQBo/s1600-h/reward.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434242123314280050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2pOa1ectnI/AAAAAAAAAFE/1X0ABQWgQBo/s400/reward.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2pN5HdA8KI/AAAAAAAAAE8/qxNt63OV3yY/s1600-h/reward.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>My incentive to lose 18 more lbs!! What a way to celebrate...don't you think?? A $600 value on sale for $250!! What a deal!!</div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-43577294304491700152010-02-01T18:41:00.000-06:002010-02-01T18:47:13.146-06:00I MADE IT!!!!I am SO excited!! I had set a mini goal to be @205 by the end of January!! I weighed in at 204!!! WOO-HOO!!! I am SUPER excited!! <br /><br />I have set a mini goal to lose 5 lbs a month. VERY DOABLE!! <br /><br />We shall see if I can keep it ON TRACK!!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-74930649267304859362010-01-28T22:35:00.000-06:002010-01-28T22:37:08.115-06:00What To Do With The Blog NOW!!NOW, I need to decide how I am going to use this log!! Will I upload my calories, steps, and activity every day?? Will I use it to show what I am eating?? Humm...decisions!!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-60470529733874364382010-01-28T22:29:00.000-06:002010-01-28T22:35:38.220-06:00The Dress, Part 2<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2JlN5NkNyI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Gr1Mt9gPD1k/s1600-h/THE+dress+004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432015389932664610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2JlN5NkNyI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Gr1Mt9gPD1k/s200/THE+dress+004.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2JlNa7GloI/AAAAAAAAAEo/EpnkXTTDpXk/s1600-h/THE+dress+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432015381802161794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2JlNa7GloI/AAAAAAAAAEo/EpnkXTTDpXk/s200/THE+dress+003.jpg" /></a> <div>Well, I have tried the dress on again. A year later, January 2010, it zips. I still don't look GREAT in it...but a WHOLE lot better!!! Now, I've got some toning in the arms and abs to do as well as continue to lose weight!!!</div><div> </div><div>Don't mind the hair, I just finished working out!!</div><div> </div><div>2 months we are having an adult prom, to raise money for project graduation!! I hope that I look incredible in this dress!! </div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931889942941489820.post-57881308108682621012010-01-28T22:05:00.001-06:002010-01-28T22:29:04.800-06:00Closing in on 200!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj3ZRhwaI/AAAAAAAAAEg/5mnXg8PGYBk/s1600-h/P4070270.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432013903890596258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj3ZRhwaI/AAAAAAAAAEg/5mnXg8PGYBk/s200/P4070270.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj3IxL6iI/AAAAAAAAAEY/YDQg4rM1UmA/s1600-h/P4070269.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432013899459979810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj3IxL6iI/AAAAAAAAAEY/YDQg4rM1UmA/s200/P4070269.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj2u67tgI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/tnt57aCkJVE/s1600-h/P4070268.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432013892521539074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj2u67tgI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/tnt57aCkJVE/s200/P4070268.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj2Ya6jfI/AAAAAAAAAEI/z3eLdHYV82Y/s1600-h/P4070267.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432013886481665522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj2Ya6jfI/AAAAAAAAAEI/z3eLdHYV82Y/s200/P4070267.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj143YG7I/AAAAAAAAAEA/swg3vtKoM60/s1600-h/P4070259.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432013878011108274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6U2nGn2kIFQ/S2Jj143YG7I/AAAAAAAAAEA/swg3vtKoM60/s200/P4070259.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Well, I took a bunch of photos to show my progress January 21, 2010. I weighed 204!! I am quickly approaching 200!! I am SO excited!!! My hubby bought me the Bodybugg for Christmas and its been a wonderful tool!!</div></div></div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916871304234736448noreply@blogger.com0