Ok, So Second Doesn't Suck That Much

My ILIATC Jamie,  Me, my trainer Amy

Weigh Cool, the ILIATC winning team!!

So, as the title implies, I didn't win. I came in second, but we already knew that and I was prepared to deal with it. What I was not prepared for was what else going to happen last night, which just blew me away. Ok, the little shindig started with stats about the program, and there were over 800 pounds lost between all the teams involved this go around. Try and picture that... it's insane! GO ALL OF US ILIATC PEEPS! Then, the team winners were announced. Amy's team (the team that the thorn in my side was on) won third place, and Jamie's teams won first and second. When they announced that the team that everyone thought was going to win actually came in second, I was floored and so excited all at the same time. We were the underdogs of her two teams because we were the all female team, but we pulled it out and won!!! Weigh Cool really was WAY COOL! Then we got the individual results and they announced the third place chick and gave her stats, and we all cheered for her. Then the dude in charge of all the trainers started his little speech about the second place person, and as soon as he said it was someone working with two of his trainers, I started welling up. No, there's no crying at "Lost It"! So I started singing "Here Comes Santa Claus" to myself, because who can cry with that song?! *that was a little trick I learned on my wedding day* He had some of the sweetest things to say about me and my progress, even he was tearing up. I just sat there shaking and my team kept telling me to stand up but I couldn't bring myself to do it because then I would for sure cry... and it would be the ugly cry. Then, he surprised me with the sweetest gift, he said he was so impressed with what I have done over since January that he gave me a $150 gift certificate to spend on anything at the gym. Then he moved on to announce the over all winner... the dude. I actually felt bad for the guy because it was so anti-climatic. Even the speech that Amy had to give about him was sort of lack lustre. The kicker was that dude had no idea that the prize was a free year at the gym, and he didn't seem to care about it that much. Seriously?! So, there you have it... it all actually worked out pretty well. Not exactly the way I would have hoped it would but it was still pretty frickin' awesome. To top off a great night, Amy, A and myself went out for chips, salsa and margaritas afterwards to celebrate. Just so you know, my stomach still feels like it's on fire from eating and drinking all that. Isn't that sad?

Ok, I had to add a video because RR from http://littlefruitfly.blogspot.com/ posted a video of Boyz 2 Men on her facebook and now I can't get the song out of my head. I'm even doing the little dance that I had made up for this when I was a kid.

Don't Ask Questions That You Don't Want The Answer To

Today's lesson ladies and gentleman is don't ask questions that you don't really want the answers to. I actually have a positive entry about today to post but that will have to wait until later. Right now, I just have to get this mess of my chest. I had coffee with Amy this morning and I asked her how that guy did in his weigh in, and he beat me. He beat me, it was by a fraction of a percent. I WAS PISSED OFF! I have calmed down considerably but I am still disappointed. At least, now I am prepared for Wednesday because I still plan on going to the awards thing. My team most likely ended up in the top 3 and I want to be there for that. I also plan on thanking the dude for making me work harder then I would if I weren't trying to beat him. Ultimately, I may not have put in that kind of effort had he and I not been so close in percentage. Going to go dance it out tonight at Groove with A. Just so you all know, I feel like the friggin' Susan Lucci of Lost It At The Club.

*Edited to add- I'm not actually supposed to know his results....*

It's Vlog-ilicious

Eye Of The Tiger

*singing Eye Of The Tiger to myself*

The "I Lost It At The Club" standings for this past week are in and I am back in first. Plus, my team is also in first place... double plus!! The final weigh in is on Saturday and the winners will be announced on Wednesday November 10th evening at the little "Lost It" celebration thing.

*It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight.....*

Saturday Night's Alright For Bloggin'

Friday morning, K and I went for our long run and were able to get in another seven miles. We took it easy and didn't try to better our time at all because to be honest, I haven't had the energy for it in the last little while. I was on such a high from the completion of the seven miles that I thought I should go to cycle class. It sounded like a great idea at the time but I was incredibly wiped out when it was done. All this exhaustion would keep most people at home instead of going to Groove on Friday night, but not me. I shimmied it out with my Groovy friends, but I'll be honest, I was tired. This ILIATC final push is awesome because I am seeing results but I am exhausted all the time, the good news is that the end of this insanity is near. I am ready to return to regular life from my extended stay in Crazy Town. I was telling K that I am entirely too competitive with things like this and it brings out a CRAZY side of me. Lucky for you, you've all had a glimpse at my brand of crazy.

I had my second last ILIATC weigh in today and I lost another 7 pounds!!!! I couldn't be happier but I have to just keep working super hard for one more week to finish strong. So close to being done! K, A and I have BIG plans for next Saturday after the last weigh in and workout. First of all, we are going to go eat pancakes... oh delicious carbs, we're heading to a local hang out to have a drink afterwards and we're finishing strong by making a stop at a local cupcake shop. It's a sad state of affairs when pancakes on Saturday are what's keeping me going right now.... all I want is my one cheat day. After this "Lost It" thing is done I can get back to a real way of eating and still getting result just not drastic results.

It's Saturday night, and I thought that maybe I should tell you 5 things about me.

• I LOVE musicals. I've been singing show tunes all night.
• My childhood heroes were not your run of the mill heroes. They were and still are Cher, Bette Midler, Julie Andrews and Barbara Streisand. I wanted to be Julie Andrews.
• I've always wanted to take dance lessons, the only kind of dance lessons I've ever taken were short lived swing dance lessons with an ex boyfriend. 
• I've been called an old soul more than once.
• I love to bake and I miss it dearly but it would be my downfall right now.

Here are a few show tunes I've been belting out tonight...

I won't even put in all the Sound of Music ones I've been singing. 

And because it's Halloween and I love Rocky Horror Picture Show...

"If You Ain't First..."

Someone once said, "If you ain't first, you're last". OK, so it was just Ricky Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights, not some scholar or anyone of note. We FINALLY got the results of ILIATC for this past week and I dropped to second... second... WTF?! There is ten days left in the program and I'm kickin' into over drive because I really want to win, it isn't about the prize anymore as much as it is about winning. The guy that I've been battling it out with for the top spot is going down this week! 

Seven Miles?! Piece Of Cake

... and no, I don't mean a real piece of delicious post run cake. :( Although, cake does sound mighty tasty right about now. If it weren't for "Lost It" I would tear up some cake right about now, but I digress. Friday morning, K and I set out on what would be a most epic day for us. We started with a plan and we did not back down, we finished those seven miles and I could not be prouder of us. *TMI warning* So, I think that I can now join the ranks of the hard core because I ran the last mile and a half with something not feeling quite right. I had a feeling it was my toenail that had gone, low and behold when we were done and I took my shoe off my sock was bloody and my one of my toenails was almost completely gone. Who needs those toenail things anyways?! The toenail had also cut up one of the adjacent toes, it was not a pretty picture. The good thing is that I was riding the high of the seven miles that a little blood didn't bother me. This is going to sound crazy but between the seven miles and the toenail thing, I felt pretty bad ass.

K and I decided that the best way to celebrate the run was to make a little road trip to a running store in town called Big Peach Running Company to properly get fitted for new shoes and to spend some money. Ok, really we just needed an excuse to go shopping. I cannot tell you how much I loved this store, the staff was great, the fit process was wonderful and they had some of the coolest things in-store. I spent a bit more than I wanted to but I got a new bra, new shoes, and some more KT tape. I needed that stuff... right?! K and I considered getting shirts that said Run ATL on them, I might have to go back and pick them up because they were too cool. Now, I'm going to start breaking the new shoes in so I don't have a toenail incident repeat.

This morning I had my weigh in and workout for ILIATC, and the results were awesome!!! I lost 6.2 pounds, I couldn't be happier. There is only one issue, because there are only two weeks of "Lost It" left my focus is going to have to shift a little away from running just until the last weigh in on the 6th. That's not to say I won't run, it just means that I am just going to try and maintain what I've got going on. My trainer was giving me some strategies and tips so that I can win this thing. I am going to win this, because I have busted my butt and I could really use the free year at the gym. Send me good weight loss vibes.... Mama's gotta win!

Sometimes It's Good To Be Second But.....

Being in first is even better!!!! I just got an email from my ILIATC trainer, and she informed me that I'm in first place right now. Now, I just have to bust my butt to stay in first. I have to win this thing! Last go around I came so close and missed the mark by a less than 1%. I've been doing my happy dance all morning. WOOT WOOT!!!!

Peachtree City Classic Women's 5K Race Report

Sarah and I pre race, trying to not get hurt taking a picture. 

K and I pre race.

The whole crew after the race.
L-R: Me, K, Elizabeth, Shannon, Emily, Sarah and Allie.
Elizabeth, Emily and Allie are Shannon's incredible daughters.

Friday night, K and I picked up our race packets and race shirts on Friday night. They had an "expo" but I use the term loosely because there wasn't much there, but I held out hope that there would be more at the expo in the morning. Sarah and Shannon were kind enough to take Bella out to dinner while K and I hit up Groove class, it made Bella's day. Anyways, after I picked Bella up, I headed back to Casa De Awesome to get my stuff ready for Saturday morning. I didn't get much sleep, I was revved up and kind of nervous about Saturday.


*WARNING- I know some of what I was thinking and what I describe is crazy, just go with it... come with me to CRAZY TOWN. Also, there is a little TMI, just thought you should be warned.*
Saturday morning I woke up early and got myself ready for the race. Who would have thought that I would ever get up early to go to a race, let alone in the cold, how things change. K picked me up and we made our way over to the race. They had a slightly bigger expo thing set up, which was alright but I couldn't focus on any of it because I was busy thinking about the race and wondering if I would be any faster than last race. We met up with Sarah, Shannon and Shannon's daughters, it was cool to have everyone to chat with and hang out with. We eventually made our way up to the starting line and I started to size up the competition. Yup, I was looking around to see who might be slower than me and who I could take down, I know it's not logical but it's what I did. Let's face it, I was not going to be fast, at least not yet, but I knew I didn't want to be last across that finish line. Then they called us to line up, and before we knew it, we were off. Ok, everyone else was flying, I was shuffling along... no, let's call it "enjoying the scenery".  Kids were passing me, then some old ladies passed me, I think some snails passed me too but I can't tell for sure because those damn snails were fast, but I was "enjoying the scenery". All kidding aside, I was on my own and I got into a bad head space with a few minutes, I was a freakin' mess. I had started out with a plan of doing my little run/walk intervals, and that went out the window when I got pissy. As I was trotting along, I spotted this poor soul who was really just busting her butt and really focusing and she became my target. I wasn't going to let her finish before me! I would pass her, she would pass me, and so it went for half of the race that is until she shot off and left me behind. Didn't she know that she was supposed to stay back and finish after me?! Didn't she get the memo? I was pissed but instead of following, I kept my miserable pace and sulked.  It wasn't long until I found a new target, an elderly lady who was deceptively slow. Guess what Granny did within a minute of becoming my target?! Yup, she flew off too... WTF! Finally, I found my last target, a lady whom had been in my general area the whole race. I decided that she wasn't going to finish before me darn it. Did I mention that I had a little cry during the race? Yeah, I cried because I felt like such a loser because I didn't push hard enough and I was pretty much having a beat up on Lucy and pity party. The thoughts going through my head were crazy, and I think that having Aunt Flo in town didn't help my mental situation at all. I was driving the bus to Crazy Town! Anyways, I am glad that I managed to pull myself together because I'm sure I looked like a hot sweaty and teary mess. I messed with my playlist and finally found some songs on that got me fired up. One of the songs that I was listening to is called Floor On Fire, and I was scooting along whispering "the floor, the floor is on fire"... yup, must have looked and sounded like a complete nut job but at that point I didn't care anymore. Then I could see the three mile mark, and I also saw Sarah and K coming back for me. I am so glad that they came back for me and crossed the finish line with me that in itself almost made me cry because it was such a sweet gesture. I was mad at myself after the race, I was mad because I didn't push hard enough, and I was mad that I let my targets beat me, I was just mad. I pitched a fit like a 5 year old, it wasn't pretty.

Afterwards, we started walking back to the expo area and low and behold there was post race cake. Yup, CAKE! As you may have already seen in my previous entry, I enjoyed the heck out of that cake. At that point, I decided that I was going to celebrate my 6 pound weight loss and my not being last, and there's nothing better for that than cake. That's right, I lost 6 pounds last week and I hope that's enough to keep me in the top three for "Lost It" and help set me up for the win. Yes, I know celebrating and drowning my sorrows in cake isn't the answer, but I didn't even care. Anyways, lots of lessons learned on Saturday morning.

Let's review...

1. I have awesome friends who came back for me!  
2. People who are your targets to beat need to be told to slow down because apparently the race officials aren't great at handing out the memos.
3. Stick to the plan, don't let anything divert me from the plan.
4. I need to come up with ways to overcome the mental funk I get into.
5. I drove the bus to Crazy Town, need to try and refrain from doing that again.
6. I need to run with kleenex or a hanky, not only did I cry but my nose was runny before that even started.
7. Crying during a race is dumb and does not make one look bad ass at all. Who cries during a 5K, it wasn't like I was running the NYC Marathon. 
8. I need a better and more organized playlist. 
9. I'm already looking for another race, so I must be insane. 
10. I took time off my last 5k, and I hope that it will only keep improving from here on out.
11. Post race cake is delicious, screw ILIATC for one day.
12. Cake can make just about anything better, the only better solution is a cupcake. I'm just sayin'....

I'll leave you with the song that I was singing to myself towards the end.

Sometimes It's Good To Be Second

The weekly individual and group standings for ILIATC were posted. I am second in the individual standings overall and my team is in third overall. It's not first, but it feels great to be in the top three. WOOHOOO!!!! The dude in first has no idea what's coming, dude is going down. There is just 4 weeks of this left, and I'm just getting warmed up.

Where Art Thou Sleep?

I can't sleep tonight, I am just wired. UGH!!!! Thinking about sleep made me think of the old Goofy clip I posted.

Anyways, I had my ILIATC weigh in on Saturday and I rocked it out! I was down 9.1 pounds, I was ecstatic, that brings the total since January to 160.8 pounds lost. HELL YEAH!!! I got through the workout without complaining because I was so darn happy about my results, just have to keep working hard so I can win this thing. Mama needs a free year at the gym (the prize for the highest percentage lost for ILIATC). Can't wait to see what the team standings are for the week as well as the individual ones. I'll let you know if I hit the top three this week. *fingers crossed* It was such a great Saturday, UGA won, I lost a ton, my friend Sarah came over to let me play hair. Plus, Patrick and I took the rugrat to Dave and Buster's. She cracked us up, the look on her face when we walked in was priceless. I think I might have had a similar look the first time I went to Vegas. Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time there. We even had a chance to hit up the PGA Superstore next door, Patrick is thinking about taking up golf and Bella wants to learn as well. She went berserk for the pink clubs, bags and shoes for kids, she even enjoyed getting to play on the little putting thing they had set up. My poor baby isn't going to be the next Paula Creamer, but she really did try her hardest. Then we let her try and hit a few balls in the tennis section, I might have to buy her a cheap little racquet before we write that sport off too.

Today was pretty relaxed, I had a super fun shoot this morning with the funniest little boys. I just love what I do, and I hope that the fall brings more work my way. The rest of the day was pretty chill and spent at home trying to catch up on house work. My dear friend A managed to coax me into going to Groove this evening because I had planned on staying home and relaxing. I'm glad I went but I just wasn't into it, oh well, it happens. Not everyday is going to be a gun ho workout day.

Next Stop... Crazy Town

I am one tired and sore girl tonight. Today was mega workout day and there will be more of these to come in the next few weeks because of this ILIATC business. I want to win darn it! I started with a run/walk session this morning, I got in 3.26 miles in 65 minutes. Super slow pace, but I got the workout and the miles in so I'm pretty jazzed about it. After that, I trained with Amy and got in another killer workout, and she just added to the soreness that I had left over from Saturday's workout. I went back to the gym this evening and got in another 1.25 miles in 24 minutes before Zumba. Again, like the pace earlier today it was slow, but I did the darn thing. Then I got in a round of Zumba, just for an added element of fun. I am just wiped after all that. Tomorrow, should be interesting. I am going to take it easier and just hit the pool with Amy for a session of aqua jogging. I am sure it will make for an interesting entry tomorrow. All this working out makes me think that I am going to be making a trip to Crazy Town.

Walk It Out

K and I walked it out yesterday, we walked it out for 4.4 miles. It was great, we had a good walk and a good chat, who needs a therapist?! Before the walk, I trained with Amy and it was a great workout, but I think that the Slam I drank before the workout didn't hurt either because I had a ton of energy. Actually, I was slightly spazzy but that's not out of character for me. Then in the evening I went to Groove, and took my beloved Spark before that class. Thank goodness for that because I am having some major diet coke withdrawals since I started ILIATC. Plus, it helped me get through the class because I wasn't really feeling like being at the gym last night.

This morning, I had my ILIATC weigh in and workout. The workout was awesome and tough and I loved it. Who would have thought I'd ever say that, but I did, I loved the whole thing. As for the weigh in, I didn't lose as much as I would have liked but that is my own doing, I did not work out enough this week to get the results I wanted. That being said, I still did lose weight and I am now down 145 pounds since I started going to the gym and changing my lifestyle back in January. WOOHOO!!! Now that I am 5 pounds away from the 150 tattoo goal, I have decided that getting a tattoo right now might not be the best idea I've ever had. I am going to be honest and tell you that I am chickening out just a little. That's right, I said it... I'm a chicken. When I set the goal for myself, it seemed so far away and now it's basically here and I am scared. It's a big decision and the other issue is my body is still changing and the tattoo might change with it. I might have to live with a dilapidated janky looking tattoo if I don't think it over. I think it's something I am going to have to revisit in a few months once I've made more progress. I am going to revisit and revise my short and long term goals this weekend. I will share them with all of you as soon.

The Big Kick Off

Today was the kick off for ILIATC and it was quite the workout. The trainer for our team really is more of a coach personality which I really liked it because was a different experience for me. This workout was so she could see what we could and couldn't do and I think to see how far we were willing to push. I know for sure that next week will be more challenging and she will be expecting us to give more. The emphasize on the team was strong, and we had to keep repeating some of the exercises until we were all doing them together. Making us accountable to the team I think is the key to my personal success as well as the team's, she expects us to win and I want us to win. I like winning... actually, I love winning. Gotta get to work and modify the diet immensely. No alcohol, or cupcakes for the next eight weeks... I can do anything for eight weeks... right? Tonight, I am going to see Eat, Pray, Love with some friends.

Tomorrow, I'm taking Bella on a run with me... wish me luck.

What A Weekend!

This was a super fun weekend! It started on Friday when I spent the morning getting a mani/pedi with my friend A, plus we also had a chance to hit up DSW... I didn't find any shoes but she did.   Then Friday evening, Patrick, Bella and I headed to the Braves game along with Patrick's parents, grandmother, sister and her kids. Patrick, Bella and I had a the best time, I can't speak for everyone that was with us, but I think they enjoyed it too. Patrick bought Bella a Chipper Jones jersey because she just adores Chipper and cried when she found out he was out for the season. Then, he tells me that he's going to take her to get her face painted. I thought nothing of it, assuming that she would something small airbrushed on her cheek. Nope, I was wrong, she got the full on face paint complete with designs and glitter on each cheek. She was so happy with it and so proud of her paint job, it was beyond cute. Just watching her at the game was a trip because she just was so into it.

Here's a picture of Bella in full Braves regalia. It was taken with my cell, so pardon the poor quality. 

Saturday morning, I had our team orientation for the "I Lost It At The Club" program. Just a quick side note, from now on for the sake of my typing fingers I'll refer to this program as ILIATC. We had our little orientation, and we were told what is expected of us and the team during the next few weeks. We officially start on Saturday, and life is going to change, but I really want to win this thing. Last time I did ILIATC in the Spring, I came so close to winning and I'll just be honest I like winning and winning a free gym membership for a year is pretty darn awesome. So, this trainer that I'm with is no joke, and she expects a lot. You know what, I like her approach and I think it's going to be tough but super good for me.

Then, Saturday evening I went to a Zumba party at a friend's house. Guess what?! I got to teach my first two songs ever. I think I did pretty well, but then again we'd all been drinking so I am not sure if I have a good frame of reference. Anyways, getting up there was a rush and I really can't wait to teach some more because it was so much fun. I really am so thankful that I had that opportunity. Also, let me go on record and say that drinking and Zumba sounds like a good idea, but it's really not so much the best. Ok, let me rephrase that; a drink before Zumba is probably ok, but multiple drinks isn't so good. I didn't get sick, but I didn't feel the best either. The party was a ton of fun and I was so glad to get out and just relax for a while. Let me tell you what the best part was.... I got cupcakes! Isn't that awesome?! My Contortion class date, Sarah, brought me some delicious and healthier pumpkin spice cupcakes which her mom made for me. Oh they were so good... yum!

Sunday was low key and exactly what I needed because I wasn't feeling it on Sunday. Which I am sure comes as no big surprise, based the aforementioned party on Saturday. I hung out with the family and didn't do a whole lot except going to Groove in the evening.

As for today, I just had a pretty uneventful training session... nothing to get excited about. Then tonight, I didn't make it Zumba because I had a photo shoot. Tomorrow is MRI day, one step closer to some answers about the knee. Keeping everything crossed for good news.

Let's Boogie

This was a tough morning, my body wanted to sleep but I had to get to Zumba this morning because I promised the lady who substituted today that I would be there to support her if I didn't make it to the convention. So, I was there today, front row and cheering for her. Before class, I went ahead and signed up for the "I Lost It At The Club" program. Soon, I'll be on my way back to Crazy Town like I did last time I did the program, but I had such great success that it was worth it. Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am going to be doing the program with a different trainer this time but I am going to continue training with my trainer as well. Then this evening, I went to Groove again. Firstly, Groove is a lot easier on my knees and it's a bigger calorie burn... double plus. Secondly, I really am digging this new release, it's fun and it's been fairly easy to learn. If you hadn't already figured it out, I am big on the dance fitness classes.

So, with all the knee issues, I caved and made an appointment at the ortho for this coming week. I was able to get an appointment on Monday, but it's going to be a bit of a hike. It's worth it so that I can start getting some answers and some relief. Plus, I want to get the ok from the doctor to run, because I am itching to run.

Just for fun and because it's on TV, I am going to leave you with a clip from the movie The Proposal.