Weightloss and running: Week 2, no instant results

Wow, where did a week go – yesterday I got to step on the scale again.

Week 1: July 14, 2013 – 199 pounds

Week 2: July 28, 2013 – 198.5 pounds

It’s a little depressing how little I lost, however I should celebrate every little decrease, especially when I think back on the week that was, with muffins, cookies and a piece of red velvet cake – traveling for work always knocks me off my healthy eating schedule.

On the other hand, I’m continuing to run often and my mileage is slowly increasing. One day last week I actually went on two runs. The first in the morning with one of my co-workers and easy 4 kms, then after work with a friend of a friend, we did a not-so-easy 5 K.

I’m still swimming at least twice a week.

I need to up the amount of time I spend lifting/strength training. Lifting makes me sound so strong and tough. The reality? I’m the girl struggling with lifting 10 pounds for a shoulder press, but it’s a start. I’ve also got to get my but in gear and get flexible. I think yoga is the way to go for that, but I’m intimidated. I have the least flexible legs – my downward dog looks more like a falling horse with my knees bend funny and heels lifted way off the ground.

Too bad I can’t bet as fit as those girls photos posted on tumblr, just by looking at them.

Read Full Post »

Springing into a warmer weather wardrobe

As the weather FINALLY warms up, my thoughts are briefly drifting away from hearing from the professional and towards something far more colourful, spring fashion.

According to those people in the world of fashion that know these things – I like to pretend I am one of them, but if you saw what I wore, you might argue that point – say there is a list of clothing that every woman needs.

– a day coat

– an evening coat

– a pair of really high heels

– a black cocktail dress that travels well

– hiking boots/trail shoes

– a cozy sweater and leggings

– a sophisticated handbag

– a wrap dress

– a clutch for evening

I have about 75 per cent of those and I don’t really feel the need for a wrap dress. What I think that list is missing is a great white blouse, a fanatic fitting pair of jeans (darker denim) and a white t-shirt.

The best piece of fashion advice I ever read, I actually picked up from a fictional book – by Helen Fielding, the author behind Bridget Jones Diary – Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination.

She says pick the clothes that make you feel like doing a little dance when you put them on.

I checked back to my list of Rules for Living, it’s already there. Spring is the time for it.

What do you think about fashion advice? Is there something to be said for what magazines/media tell us or do you just do your own thing?

Read Full Post »

Looking at life upside down

There is that great moment when, on a Friday afternoon, a text/call/email arrives, asking, “any chance I can take you out for dinner tonight?”

It’s followed by a great date.

Which is followed by that distinct sinking feeling that despite your promises to yourself, and despite the fact you know he’s moving away, you feel your ability to just “have fun” rapidly disappear.

*Sigh*

Unlike most men I’ve dated that show up around the time they mentioned, with absolutely no plan. This one, we’ll call him The Professional, had a date in place. We went for dinner, then brought red wine back to my place.

We watched a movie.

It was there, sitting on my not-so-high-quality sofa, his arm across my shoulders, me tucked up against him, that I found myself snuggling in closer, a smile spreading across my face, and a little sigh of satisfaction escaping.

My therapist says that I need to be content with what happens, when it happens and not over-think things. I have put strategies in place to help that from happening. Currently I am focusing on the great date, and the response to my follow-up text message, which said he wanted to see me more.

Of course, I’ve been doing the over-think thing for some time, years really. It’s not so easy to stop. Unless I’m doing something to distract myself – yoga works – specifically a headstand. I find that focusing on not falling over and killing myself far outweighs any other distraction.

Anyway, The Professional is lovely, and I really, I mean actually, truly like him. In fact, me, who talks constantly, actually shuts up to listen to him, and I enjoy it. I’m trying to ignore the fact, that his days in my city are numbered – 12 and that’s the best case. Maybe it will continue after he leaves, we could visit, we could ….

Excuse me, I’m off to stand on my head.

Read Full Post »