Bye bye, baby weight!

I've been meaning to post here for a while. A while being... a year. I had my third baby in January 2009 and thought I could write a little here and there about my journey losing the baby weight. Long story short, I gained and lost the motivation several times during the year. I finally decided to wait until I was done breastfeeding, when he turned one, and then give it all I had.

I'm proud to say, I am doing just that. I woke up one morning, about 3 weeks prior to the official one year birthday and had determination and will that could not be ignored. I sat in my bed and thought, "This is it. I'm tired of this weight and TODAY IS THE DAY I am starting.". There was going to be no more excuses, and no more procrastinating! That day was December 16, 2009.

Getting active again:
I've always loved the gym but I found it difficult to go consistently with 3 small kids. As for outdoor workouts- It is impossible to take 3 kids on a run or walk and get a good cardio workout. It is a lot of stopping and starting, waiting for them to catch up with you, taking potty breaks etc. If you are a Mom, you know what I am talking about. To some (including myself), it looked like I had few, if any other options. I have NO treadmill, elliptical or any cardio equipment at my house. Some dumbbells, a balance ball and a stability ball are pretty much it. I knew had to get creative with my exercise. I went on a search for some challenging and non-cheesy workout DVDs. Here, here and here are what I came home with. I got started immediately. I've been rotating DVDs, doing workout shows on Fittv, climbing the stairs in my house (SOOO incredibly boring, but I gotta change it up!) and getting outside for a walk/jog when my hubby is home on weekends (he works out of state). Being a single Mom during the weeks means I don't even get to get out in the evenings for a workout at a gym or outside. Could have been yet another excuse for me.

I started off doing these workouts in my living room while my kids ate breakfast or any other time during the day that I could. This did not work out well. I was stopping constantly to wait on them and then had a baby crawling between my legs, pulling up on me and crying to be held. When the big kids were done with their meal, they would join the baby on the floor to play, and then I had 3 kids to dodge! It would have been so easy to quite at this point. It was another challenge, but I was determined to figure out some other way. Remember, I said there would be no more excuses! I now give up an hour of sleep in the morning and get up and do it in my bedroom. The kids have been instructed not to dare come in and interrupt if they wake up during that time (unless they are sick or it is urgent). That is MY time!

Diet:
I eat smaller portions and pretty healthy. No fast food, nothing fried, no butter etc. I try and do lean meat, lots of fruits and lots of veggies. I snack on yogurt, almonds, string cheese and fruit. I do NOT count calories, carbs, sugar etc. No fad diets. I don't want to make myself crazy. Everything is just common sense eating. It really IS that simple!


Where I am now:
I lost 5 lbs sometime during the first year, which left me 3 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. However, I had gained at least 10-15 lbs in the year prior to getting preggers. This left me with 20-25 total lbs to lose.

As of today (I weigh every Wednesday), it has been 7 full weeks and I am down a total of 14.7 lbs. I weigh only to serve as a weekly check on my progress. Mainly, I just want to know that what I am doing is working, although how I feel is a great indicator. At the end of the day, I'm not concerned about the number on the scale. It is about fitting into my old clothes again, getting in great shape, being strong and feeling really good! I took my measurements a few weeks in and that is what I will be interested in when I reach my goal. I'm really looking forward to seeing the inches lost!

So, here I am, about halfway through this journey and I am feeling great! My message of encouragement is this: I no longer have a gym membership, and I have no equipment. I cannot get outside regularly, and I have no special diet with certain foods, yet I am making great progress toward my goal of getting fit again. ANYONE can lose weight, tone up, get in shape, and improve their diet (or whatever your personal goal is). We ALL have our own obstacles and hurdles. I just shared some of mine with you. All it takes is some inspiration and a little encouragement along the way. Use this blog for both, that's what it's for!

Mooooooooooooove!

from the illustrated Webster's version:


yep: drinking coffee, scrolling down facebook lane, aimlessly...

Webster's definition:

stall (v): to bring to a standstill.

This is the one, however, that got me out of the chair:

stall (v) : to confine in a stall for fattening, as CATTLE.


If that doesn't motivate ya, then time to try Biggest Loser. They are taking applications, now:

If we are getting healthy, we are ALL IN STRIDE

I am reviving the blog. OK, correction- YOU are reviving the blog.
This week, that post (down there, below this one), created a lot of talk, a lot of promises and a lot of AWESOME momentum and inspiration.

SO. New assignment: SHARE.
I find that a simple status update on facebook like today's: "I'm going to ruuuuuuuuuuun!!!" Led to me actually going out to do it.

Do I think you're going to call me and make sure I went out? No. I know that if I make my commitments public knowledge, I am more likely to stick to them! Now, that is not necessarily true of say, the dentist (I've rescheduled that appointment for the second time now.....).

BUT! Having a support group IS EFFECTIVE on staying on track with your lifestyle change (ie eating better and exercising more).

Oh, I don't know anyone who runs, bikes, swims, walks... blah, blah.. NO.
Want to know how I found a support group? Well, I was lucky that my mom and sister started running about a year before me, but I live an hour and a half away.

True story:
I went to the greenway where I live and saw a group running together and asked to join them. The end. This group ended up being the single reason I was able to train for the full marathon.
And they, along with people like these:

are the reason I finished it.

SO- scroll down this blog and take a look at those names down there on the right- those are folks who can contribute at any time- all you have to do is send me your e-mail address, and I will add you as a contributor.

I can't keep this blog up on my own and that wasn't the point of creating it- I need cheer leaders, too!!! E-mail me (sarah.b.gilliam1@gmail.com) to be added!

Your struggles and triumphs and questions and answers help others more than you know!

The blog heard around the world

I am adding this post to ALL IN STRIDE because it needs to be known and because it gives me credibility- HA!

Last week, my status on facebook read: "Sarah B. Gilliam has found the fountain of youth."

A couple of friends commented and it didn't take me long to come up with an answer.

And this isn't some crazy Biggest Loser story- I wasn't 600 pounds or something, just unhealthy and not living life to the fullest, but I'm getting there. And you're helping me.

It isn't enough to live- you always enjoy life more when you have someone there to experience it with you. You can quote me on that.

Now, onto my facebook note:

the fountain of youth discovery, explained:

Maybe you remember my status a couple weeks back- overwhelmed, tired, sinking, etc...
Here, I found it (Jan. 9):
"Sarah B. Gilliam can NOT get motivated (in general). It's easy to cheerlead for everyone else."

Well WATCH OUT, 'cause I'm about to TESTIFY!!! (can I get an AMEN)

First, the back story:

As of 2006-07, I was SMOKING about a pack and a half a day, sipping Sun Drops (it's a southern thing for you northerners reading) and eating my FAVORITE thing in the world: China King Buffet.

Slowly, I started cutting all of that out of my life- I quit smoking with the support of my awesome hubby, Patrick (we both smoked for about 10 years at the point), and then I started brainwashing myself BACK to choosing the RIGHT things to eat - and making those things taste yummy instead of tasting like a big, nasty rice cake- gag.

Then, I got preggers (that was NOT a part of my diet/weight loss plan), SO, I kind of fell of the wagon, which, if you're planning a family, may I suggest not going into it while NOT feeling your best... while I loved being pregnant, I did not love being FAT and pregnant. Who does??

Baby Jack arrived in January of 2008, and I had HAD ENOUGH. I was fat, pregnant fat and it was mid-winter. YUCK YUCK YUCK!!!

*****************TURNING POINT IN OUR STORY*********************

***********

Around month 2 of parenthood (Feb-March) I got back on the healthy plan - not some fad diet, not a crazy, serious health plan- just a normal diet with normal splurges. I bought a cheap jogging stroller on craigslist, bundled that little sprout up, and I have never looked back.

HOW I DO IT:
Eating Well: Healthy in a Hurry
Cooking Light Weeknight
GOOGLE: light chicken recipes, easy chili, blah, blah, blah
NO NO NO NO NO NO FAST FOOD (if I have to, Subway, granola bars in the car)
WATER
WATER
WATER
WATER

Think you missed the part where I got back into the gym, back with a trainer, back to Kettle Bells? No. I had never EXERCISED IN MY LIFE. I still have NEVER been to a gym, done pilates, whatever- I'm sure that's great, but I have a limited amount of time and a limited budget.

HOW I DID IT:
I went to Fleet Feet.
I bought shoes.
I started running using this Website ONLY: www.runnersworld.com.

Then, I got the crazy idea I'd run a marathon. And I did.
That's another story, which you can read here:
http://gilliamlife.blogspot.com/2009/04/bucket-list-marathon-check.html

And for goodness sake, you DO NOT have to run a marathon!!! You don't have to RUN!
30 minutes a day is a great start- on your bike, on your feet, in a pool. Cut out that sitcom and walk around your yard, your parking lot, your neighborhood, your park.

The fountain of youth = exercise and diet.
Really, really.
You don't have to take it from me: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20091201/molecular-proof-exercise-keeps-you-young

OK, more TMI time. I have been blue, blah, bummed for about two or three months, and when it came down to it, I looked at my calendar and saw that I hadn't ran since October.
I have been out three times this week, and you know that psycho cleaning mood you get in? You know the one- yeah, I've been high on that feeling EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.

I am glad you hung in there to read this. I've never really felt like sharing this little story with everyone, but when you feel this good, it is hard not to want to share :)
Maybe this will inspire someone who is blue, or someone who is tired of fast food.. I just hope my story shows that if a smoker, chinese-buffet eating, couch potato can do it, you can, too.

Thanks for 'listening.'

QUESTIONS??? ASK AWAY!!!!

GREAT MORNING TO BE OUTSIDE...

I was out at 5:50 this morning to do my workout. The weather was very comfortable. I feel like I do so much more when I walk/run outside. I only got about 35 minutes in before I needed to get ready for work, but it was great. Hope everyone else is having an awesome week of fitness.

Mix it up!

Now that I am technically a long-distance runner, I have found that the same ole running paths get a little old.


Percy Warner Park (Google Images)

This week, our running group (which, if you don't know the story there- I stalked them on the Greenway in Murfreesboro and have been running with them ever since- about two months now)... anyway, we're going to Percy Warner Park to do some hill training.



On my Runners World training schedule, I'm supposed to log 18 miles Saturday, but if you've been to Percy Warner, you know why I won't need to put in quite that much. This park has the hills, folks. OH Man.

For any of you running the Country Music Marathon this year, their Web site lists Percy Warner as a great place to run. They also list several other places to check out.

And I can't emphasize enough the benefit of finding a group to run with. Running has become a very important part of my life, and I am lucky to share it with folks who feel the same way. They are a great source of encouragement, support and expertise.

There are runners EVERYWHERE. Find a buddy and get out there!
Sarah B.

I LIKE TO LOSE...

Pounds that is.

Since I've started this new journey of exercising regularly, I weigh every Saturday morning. This past Saturday was great, because it showed I lost 3 pounds. I even checked two more times, just to be sure my scales weren't playing tricks on me. While three is not a lot, it's a start.

I've been feeling great, not near as sore as I was a couple of weeks ago. I have found that getting up at 5:30 in the morning to do my walking is the best thing for me. I get pumped up before I go to work. Although, some mornings I feel there's no way I could do anything, but once I get going there's no stopping.

I plan to gradually add back my running for 1 minute intervals this week, but only two or three times during my walk, and see how that goes.

Also, I've really started to look at what I eat and just how much of it, I eat. By no means am I eating healthy everyday, every time, but I really have cut back on the serving size of my food.

I'm looking forward to Saturday's weigh in.

Slowing Down a Bit

At the end of my first two weeks of walking/running, I realized my body was so sore that I had to take a 3 day break this weekend and yesterday. I know sore muscles are to be expected when exercising, but I woke up at least three mornings with my lower back aching like crazy. My husband said it was due to not stretching my hamstrings before my workout. While that may be true, I've found, by Googling, that I may have done to much to soon. The website on the previous post informed, that when training to become a runner, spend the first 2-3 weeks just walking for 20-30 minutes. (Ann, you also advised Phil of this over the phone.) I do some stretches before my workout and walk for the first 5 minutes before I do any running. I was proud of myself this past Friday, because I ran 2 minutes straight, then back to just 1 minute in between walking. That may not seem like a lot to some, but for me, it's progress. Like I said this weekend was gorgeous, but my legs and back were so sore, that I decided to not continue my workout until this morning. I think I'm going to just walk this week and maybe next week, for a 30 minute workout, and see if cutting out the running will allow my body to feel better. Then add back the running intervals. If anybody has any advice on this situation, please advise.

I did take my husband's advice this morning and stretched my hamstrings before my workout.

I am determined to not get discouraged, and stick with this. It's the only way I'm going to achieve a new body.

Discussing the previous Five Questions.....

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
Like Sarah B., I too had a baby last year and want to lose the baby fat, plus weight that I already had to begin with. I want to get in shape and just feel, physically fit. I've always been a little overweight, but never like what I am right now. I decided it's time to make a change, not only for me, but for my son, Mason, and my husband, Phil.

2.Who/What inspires you?
To be honest, Sarah B. you do. Just reading your blog, and seeing how you made exercise/running part of your everyday life. You speak so highly of the success you feel after running 8 or more miles.
Also, since I've started my walk/run program, Phil has been inspiring me with his encouraging words.
What: Just knowing that I would feel so much better by losing this weight and being in good physical shape. The image of playing, outdoors with Mason this summer and not being out of breath!

3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
Everything. During this past week when I got home from work and picking up Mason, which is around 5:30, I would usually go straight to the treadmill, to just go ahead and get the workout over with. Because I found if I don't do it as soon as I get home, I won't do it. (Mason is my cheerleader, as he plays and watches me on the treadmill.) The weekends are not as bad. The past two Saturdays, I've waited until Mason takes his morning nap, to do my walking/running. My goal would be, to get up earlier in the morning and do my exercise routine, so that when I get home, it's already done.
If anybody has any tips on budgeting a working mom's/wife's time, please advise.

4. What is the best part of working out?
The feeling of accomplishment. "I did it."

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
When I'm outside I don't listen to any music, although, purchasing an IPOD did cross my mind this weekend. When I'm inside on the treadmill, I have the radio on 92.9. I did find when a really good song came on, I had a little more pep in my step.

A question I would like to add:
6. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that fits a healthier lifestyle?
I too am not on a diet, but I am interested in any recipes you might have for making a quick, easy, healthy dinner. Also, what do you try to eat for lunch that's healthy, but filling? Any suggestions are appreciated!



Keep Running!!!!!!We Can Do It!!!!!!

Five questions

Since All In Stride is a blog set up as a forum to discuss our journey to a healthier life, I thought I'd throw out some questions to spark some dialogue about why we're doing what we're doing.

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
I have never made a true effort to make time for fitness, and after having a baby, I wanted to lose the weight (almost 50 pounds), and I knew I needed to be in shape to keep up with him and still have energy to spare. Now, I am in the middle range of my BMI for the first time.



2. Who/What inspires you?
Who: My mom and my sister have been the inspiration behind my desire to lose weight, start running and run my first marathon. What: Knowing that I can run 13 miles motivates me to run it again. I know my body can do it, I have to keep my mind on board.



3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
Even as a stay-at-home mom, budgeting my time wisely is an art I have not perfected. I find that I will often make excuses to not get on the treadmill, especially- I'll create a list of things to do or get on the computer. But it ALWAYS pays off when I get motivated. If I don't have time to run, I'll lift weights (or canned food) or my son or wash windows or was the car- I'll find something that resembles exercise.

4. What is the best part about working out?
Let me clear this up. I am not on a diet. In fact, I have decided I will never diet again.
I CAN EAT WHATEVER I WANT. I am not exaggerating. I run because I love to eat: pizza, BREAD, pasta, hamburgers, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Jelly Bellies, Chinese and I love beer- REAL beer (like Rogue and Fat Tire and Sam Adams), not the light stuff. I'd rather run five miles and eat what I want, than drink some horrible 60 calorie beer and eat a rice cake.

*Disclaimer: I certainly don't eat like this every day. I do eat a healthy diet and try to make sure I'm balancing my veggies and fruits and complex carbs, but I never feel guilty about eating any of my favorite foods whenever I want.

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
I love LOVE Vampire Weekend especially the Walcott on their self-titled album. The Ting Tings have several great workout tunes- especially for you walkers. I highly recommend the third track on We Started Nothing. Led Zeppelin IV, CCR, The Submarines, Beatles, Jimmy Smith (Satin Doll and Organ Grinder's Swing)... so many more, but if you ask my husband, he'd include the Empire Strikes Back soundtract.



Keep these questions, add more... keep the conversation going!

One Week In...

Today marks the first day of my second week of becoming a runner. I did not lose nor did I gain any weight this week, but the main thing is, I was able to walk/run 5 out 7 days this past week. I feel great, although my legs are a little sore. I'm looking forward to this second week of the 8 week program, hopefully it will be a little bit easier as far as my endurance level goes. I just keep reminding myself about the results I could have after just 4 weeks of the program.

Good Luck to all the other team members of All In Stride!

Call me crazy

It is 21 degrees at 6:30 on this brisk Saturday morning.
I'm going to run 8 miles. What are you doing?

*****


Great run this morning- it was hard leaving the comfort of my car's seat warmer, but worth every minute. After about the first mile, I was warm and in a great pace.

Please post

Runners, walkers, race participants, those seeking a more active lifestlye:

Please contribute to this blog! I have already sent a few e-mails out, but please spread the word! I would love this blog to become more of a forum for us to swap stories, share ideas and training tips and encourage one another. 

This means- add your photos! Add links- help us make this a great way to network and help others get more information and stay motivated!

Sarah B.