Weathering Sandy

Unless you live under a rock, you know all about the hurricane/superstorm that was Sandy. It affected many states, including Ohio.  We lost cable/internet for more than 2 days, so I've been catching up on everything since.  I finally have a chance to blog!

I'm thankful we didn't lose electricity, although my husband's work and my spin studio (both on the same street) lost power for 2 days.  Yet I realize that people in New York,New Jersey, and beyond had it a LOT worse than we did.  So many people still need help from the storm, especially since a winter storm followed it about a week later.  I'm thankful it wasn't as bad here as it was there, and praying for those still without power and who lost loved ones and homes.

Even without being able to spin for a little while, I found ways to work out indoors during the bad weather.  And it paid off when I went to my monthly checkup and discovered I lost four more pounds.  It shows that you can get through the stress and unknown, and still come out a winner.  All it takes it a little faith and a lot of prayer!

So Sandy is teaching all of us about life...me included.  What has Sandy taught you?  Feel free to share here!

Fitness Pinspiration

Hello.  My name is Marie...and I'm a Pin-a-holic.

I've posted before about being hooked on Pinterest, but I'm finding an upside to my addiction.  There are a lot of REALLY good ideas there.  Ideas I actually use.

I know some people pin things just for fun, and I do have a few of boards like that as well.  But my favorite ones are those that actually teach me something and lift me up.

I have a board dedicated to fitness, and I've gathered some incredible workouts and exercise ideas.  I haven't tried all of them yet, but I have done quite a few.  And they WORK.  It helps me to mix up my routine so my body doesn't get stuck in a rut.  Another board of mine is filled with healthy recipes and food tips.  The recipes I have made so far turned out well...and are delicious as well as nutritious.  A win-win situation!

Then there's my Faith board...Bible verses and quotes are there to lift me up whenever I need encouragement.  It's so nice to have everything organized onto boards so I can go to the right category when I need something.  (Now I just need to get my house as organized as Pinterest...)

Of course I also keep boards of holiday and decorating ideas, books, and dance inspiration.  Oh yeah - I also have a section for clothes I want when I reach my goal weight.  That's good motivation right there!

If you wish to follow me over there I'm at http://www.pinterest.com/writerchicmarie .  We can swap ideas and all learn something to get us closer to our goals.  Come join the fun!

This Is Dedicated to the One I Love - My Mom!

This time of the year is always tough for me.  From October 8th through the 12th, I think about the events of 18 years ago and how much I miss my mom.

Yes, I miss her often all year long, as there are so many things that remind me of her.  Autumn, as it was her favorite time of year complete with her favorite colors - orange and gold.  Christmas, when I pull out all of the ornaments that she made and proudly hang them on my tree.  Back-to-school time, when she confessed that unlike many other parents, she was sad to see school start because she enjoyed being able to spend so much time over the summer with me.

Whenever I do something creative, I think about all of her great ideas and the many crafts she taught me.  Watching Dancing With The Stars, I remember what a wonderful dancer she was and wish she was here to watch the show with me, because I know she would have been just as passionate about it as I am. And of course, I still watch Days of Our Lives, which premiered when my mom was expecting me.  Her favorite was Marlena (Deidre Hall), and whenever she appears on screen now I smile and think of Mom.  There are just so many ways that she pops into my head...and though some of those moments are still painful I'm glad they happen, because it shows that she's always here with me in spirit.

On October 8th, 1994, my mom died of cancer.  And October 11th is her birthday - she passed away three days before she would have turned 61.  My dad said he refused to bury her on her birthday, and I absolutely agreed.  Her funeral was on the 12th. 

So during this period of time every year, I wind up going back to that particular year and remembering.  Over time I've tried to think positive thoughts...sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  And that's OK.  I am human and I'm going to miss my mom. 

I usually wind up eating stuff out of sadness...lots of sweets, foods Mom loved like fish and hushpuppies from Long John Silver's, and other comfort foods.  Definitely not good for my health and fitness.  So this year I tried to handle things a little differently.

While I still thought about her and missed her, I didn't eat a bunch of fattening foods.  Instead, I played some of her favorite music (Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Mario Lanza) and thought happy thoughts.  And yesterday, for her birthday, I went to spin class and dedicated my ride to her.  It was the best ride I've ever had - and there have been some really great ones before.  I pushed harder - for her.

I know that Mom is looking down at me and feeling proud that I did something constructive to celebrate her birthday.  She wouldn't want me to jeopardize my own health just because she's no longer here on earth.

So here's to you, Mom.  You've always been proud of me, but I will do all that is in my power, with God's help, to make you even prouder.  I love you always!

Dealing With Ankle Pain - Part Two

Well, you remember that ankle/Achilles pain I told you about a while back?  I did wind up having to have some physical therapy.  I mentioned it to my doctor and he sent me to his physical therapist - turns out he has the same problem.

My therapist tested my ankle and thankfully it wasn't anything serious...it was a minor strain and I only needed a few sessions.  Everything feels much better now, and I still do the exercises she gave me at home.  Some are with a Theraband, like the exercise pictured above.  The Theraband is already my friend, since I use one to do some Pilates moves at home as well.  Other exercises have me standing high up on the balls of my feet, then stretching the ankle and heel down from a step; plus I need to balance on the injured foot to strengthen it.

I'm glad I asked my doctor about it when I did, so I could take care of the problem before it became something worse.  God truly had an angel watching out for me.  I was able to keep spinning and walking all along, and now I can do my step aerobics and Zumba again.  Once my ankles are even stronger, I'll be able to start running, at least a little at a time.

In the long run, this injury is making me stronger - which I'm sure is what God intended!  I'll be able to do more, and my balance will be better.  And as I continue to lose weight it will only improve. 

Sometimes it's tough to find the bright side when you are injured...but if you are dealing with an issue of this type I ask you to do just that.  You will be less stressed and frustrated...and you just might learn something about yourself in the process!

Early Fall Workout Playlist

It's officially fall - still early enough to have days that feel like summer, but mixed in with chillier days and nights.  I've had some physical therapy on my ankle which has helped a lot (more on that in a later post) and can do everything except run...although soon I should be able to do that as well.

So, in the spirit of a new season, it's time for an updated playlist.  Here's a portion of what motivates me this autumn:

50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train
Fastest Girl in Town - Miranda Lambert
Matchbox Twenty - She's So Mean
Blown Away - Carrie Underwood
Home - Philip Phillips
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
Dive - Steven Curtis Chapman
Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

What are you listening to this fall?  Leave a comment with your favorites!

Biggest Loser - Why It's So Good to Have Jillian Back!

The bad news:  There is no fall season of Biggest Loser.

The good news:  Jillian Michaels is back!!!

I'm sure you've heard by now that Jillian will be back for the next season, which starts in January.  Bob and Dolvett will also still be there, so there will be three teams...and each team will include at least one teen contestant.  The teens will not weigh in and can't be eliminated - the idea is for them to learn the right way to get fit without pressuring them to drop double digits every week or worry about being sent home.

Most of you know I'm a big Jillian fan to begin with, but now there are even more reasons that make this a good move for her and the show:

1.  The show needs a mix of male and female trainers.  The women on the ranch need another chick to help them...and Jill can still kick the guys' butts too!

2.  She can help the sinking ratings after the mess that was Season 13.  Biggest Loser really needs that lift.

3.  Jillian was an overweight teenager and lost a lot of weight herself.  She is sensitive to the needs of the teens that will be on the ranch and can share her experiences with them, so they realize they are not alone and can conquer their weight issues.

4.  Jill is also now a mom of two.  She now knows firsthand the difficulty that working moms have balancing their jobs and families with making the time to work on improving themselves.  She'll be able to help them come up with creative solutions to the problem.

5.  There is nobody better than Jillian to motivate!!!

So, putting up with Biggest Loser withdrawals for a few months will be worth it...once January arrives and Jillian is back on the ranch!

Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition - Lessons From Sally the Surfer Girl!

I missed this episode this first time it aired because of the Olympics...but I'm so happy I was able to watch it tonight.  I learned several valuable lessons from Sally that I will use in my own journey.

Sally is 45 years old, which makes her one year younger than me.  A lot of times she mentioned to Chris and his wife Heidi (who also helped train her) how hard it is to get back into shape when you're older (which it is!) but she never gave up.  She struggled a lot, falling short of her first three goals for the year.  Still, every time she failed or fell short, she got back up and kept on going, pushing herself to do better and reach her final goal.  First lesson: You are never too old to be who you want to be and reach your goals! 

She still lost a lot of weight, even though she didn't hit the particular numbers that were set for each weigh-in.  In fact, she visited the doctor who said she had gained a lot of muscle - and her body fat percentage had dropped quite a bit.  She certainly looked slimmer, going from a size 22 to a 12.  Second lesson:  The number on the scale isn't the only measure of your progress.  If your clothes are way too big, you've lost inches, and your muscle mass has increased...you are definitely doing something right.  Fitness is not a particular number set in stone on the scale. 

When Sally got started, her husband didn't seem all that supportive.  He would complain that she had to work out too much, and when they went out to dinner he insisted on eating all of her favorite fattening foods in front of her.  He didn't really realize how hard this journey was for her and how his actions affected her progress.  Once Chris arranged a meeting with him, Sally's mom, and her best friend, she was able to let them know how much she needed their help and encouragement.  They all told her they were on her side, and things started to go a lot better after that conversation.  Even Sally's adorable son told her she looked like a princess, because she was pretty and strong!  (That's the kind of princess I like...both beautiful AND strong!!!)  Third lesson:  If you feel you're not getting support from family and friends, ask them to help and let them know you need support.  And find other people who do support you and can relate to what you're going through.  You'll be surprised at how much better it will be if you just ask!

Sally also used pictures and thoughts of her former fit self from when she was younger to keep her motivated.  I have those pictures around as well...I lost a lot of weight when I graduated from high school and kept it off for about ten years, and I refer to those often.  (In fact, one of them is up on my Facebook page so I can be inspired daily!)  She used to surf, and on this journey she was able to have a lesson with pro surfer Laird Hamilton as she was cheered on by his wife, volleyball player Gabby Reece.  She was thrilled to have a great lesson and can't wait to try other things she's always wanted to do.  That surfing excursion alone boosted her spirits and helped her get to the next level.  Fourth lesson:  Remember the times when you were at your best, and realize that with hard work and perseverance you will get there again.  Make a list of activities you want to be able to do again, or that you've never tried but want to.  (For me, getting better at tennis and horseback riding - and learning ballroom dancing - drive me to push myself harder.)  Think of your list whenever you're having a rough day and don't feel like working out or eating right.

Finally, Sally didn't qualify for the skin removal surgery at the nine month mark...but the doctor gave her a second chance to lose enough in the final three months to be evaluated again.  She started the year at 335 pounds, and finished at 197...losing 138 pounds total.  It was enough to get the surgery.  Fifth lesson:  If you are given a second chance, take advantage of it.  And if you want something badly enough, you will find a way to make it happen!

So I want to thank Sally for sharing her journey with us, through all of the many ups and downs.  The truth is, we learn just as much in the moments of struggle as we do in the moments of success.  And I will continue to cheer Sally on...because she is a true fighter!