Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 46

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 189 lbs (Oct 24/09)
Current Weight: 187 lbs (Oct 31/09)
This Week: 2 pounds Down!!!

Total Loss: 71 pounds!!

Okay!! Back on track!! I had a very busy week with work, family and journey!! I'm happy with this loss - I was shooting for 3 pounds, but quite pleased with 2!! My friend Coco was predicting a 3lb drop as well. The scale read 2.4 this morning! I'll shoot for 3 again this week Coco! :) My schedule this week was all over the place, I had to make a few extra sacrifices to get my workouts in. Glad this week is over!! So 71 pounds GONE baby with about 6 and a half weeks left on the journey - whooooooooohoooooooooo!!

I just got my new workout from my trainer Rob today!! HOLY MOTHER OF ALL CRAP, I think this time, he's lost his mind!! I think this routine was built for two reasons!! ONE - to kick the you-know-what out of all the fat left in my body and TWO - to inflict pain!! LOL!! Seriously, this workout is intense - a series of total body weight lifting exercises. For example, he rolled 3 exercises in one (dumbbell squat with curls and press); super sets, it's nuts!! I can't wait to get in the groove with this one, combined with the martial arts stuff; I'm excited!!!:)

Kickboxing and Jiu-jitsu was tough as well this week. Sensei Derek is on a mission to "make one of us puke"!!! Throwing 100 jabs (each hand) will knock the wind out of anyone,100+ crunches, kicks......omg...he pushes us to crazy limits where your lungs and heart are just burning and pumping. My arms felt like jello after last nights class.

On another note, it's Halloween - Happy Halloween!! I'm off to buy some candy for the kids this evening. I purposely did not buy the candies in advance because I just could not have those little yummy devils in the house!! MY PLAN IS TO RESIST ALL SWEET TEMPTATIONS TONIGHT!!! I WILL NOT HAVE ANY CANDY!!! I'm scurrrrrrred - it's chocolate afterall, but I've got to stay focussed. I'll tell you one thing, the kids coming to my house tonight will be smiling, because I will be unloading those chocolates in large quantities to get all sweets out of this house!! LOL!

Anyway, that's it for now! My son is on a high with excitement, he'll be even crazier once he starts getting some sugar in him!! He's dressed up as Spider Man today (sweetest spidey I ever seen!!) :)

Have a nice Halloween!!

Until next time...
Joania(2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Sunday ~ Week 45

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 188 lbs (Oct 17/09)
Current Weight: 189 lbs (Oct 24/09)
This Week: 1 pound GAIN!!!

Total Loss: 69 pounds!!

Sorry for the late post today, really I've just started feeling better today. I'm back!

Okay, here we go again. A 1 pound gain. Not bad. I've been sick and haven't been eating as well as I should, however, I did manage to get my workouts in - even if it was at a 60% effort instead of 101%!!! :) Don't get me wrong, I did not eat poorly, it's just that there were days when I had only one meal and did not get enough of my water in or I had toast with no protein, not enough veggies - I couldn't really keep much down. The way I was feeling, that last thing I wanted to do was eat!! You would think I would have dropped weight, eh? But I guess my body is used to the 6 small meals, minimum 3 litres of water and enough rest - none of which I got over the last week. To me this week's weigh-in doesn't count (even though it kind of does), I AM NOT COUNTING IT - MY RULES!!!

Moving Forward...

So I woke up this morning after feeling crappy and tired for most of the week with a good deal of energy. I put it to use right away. Got my weight training done (80% effort) I felt great. I had an awesome breakfast (4- egg white omlette with spinach) and started my day (morning snack was an apple, afternoon snack - sliced cucumbers, 3 oz tuna). I had a very busy day at work and even worked offsite for half the day, which meant that I missed my lunch time kickboxing class. HOWEVER, I went to a later kickboxing class (430-530)!! My husband is awesome, he picked up our son and kept him for an extra hour to allow me the time to take the class. Thanks hon.

This class WAS CRAZY HARD Y'ALL!! I LOVED IT!! The Sensei(teacher) started off by saying, "After this class, you will be scraping your bodies off the floor!!" I was scurrrrrrrrred y'all!!!! And let me tell you...he was right. He's my Jiu-jitsu sensei (Sensei Derek from http://www.therienmartialarts.com/) and this was my first kickboxing experience with him (and it won't be my last). I felt like I wanted to puke! I could barely catch my breath, my heart and lungs were on fire... it was awesome!!! I think I sweat, punched and kicked out all those toxins making me sick because once I showered, I felt fabulous!! Oh, the ab workout was off the chain crazy....

This evening, I made a delicious chicken and veggie (mushrooms, green & red peppers, onions and spinach) stir fry with a side of baked sweet potatoes. It was yummy!!!

So that's it for now...off to bed...gotta catch up on my sleep. Tomorrow is gonna be a kick ass day! :)

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE)

Sick and Tired

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I have been under the weather with cold symptoms and a crazy headache. The headache is finally gone but I am just exhausted!!

I'm going to get some rest but I will be back after I get some rest.

Joania

Goal Setting: Believe to Achieve

I'm on a serious mission to succeed! I'm not only talking about by Dec 10, 2009; I'm referring to the rest of my life. I'm trying to lay out the blueprint for building my life the way I want it. As this year is quickly coming to an end, I want to be ready and as prepared as I can to continue strong as of Dec 11, 2009. I want to aim high, try things I've never tried before; commit myself to completing certain things as I did with the 5K run. Just getting out of my comfort zone. As LesBrown says, "shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars". So I'm currently in the research and planning stages....researching things that I am interested in or want to try (for example rock climbing, a mini-triathalon -"Try a Tri", joining a recreational sports team - soccer or baseball, taking tennis lessons) AND SO MUCH MORE and just planning out what I need to do to get there!!

I feel like I am so close to really breaking through and continuing on with my life - living the best life I can live! I feel there's just so much more to come and I want to live and enjoy all of it! I know it won't always be all good but right now it just feels like it will and I don't want to lose that. There's so much I want to do! I'm rambling...sorry...

Anyway, I had a good workout this morning but had to stay home with my son as he's under the weather and I think I may be coming down with it as well...cold symptoms. Hoping I can fight it off! I still have to make some time to meet with my trainer so that I could get my new program to propel me to that finish line! A lot of challenges have surfaced throuhgout this journey; from my travelling, exteme cravings and just overall busy life working fulltime and family. One of my biggest challenges have been and still remains, TIME!!! Making the time to workout, to prepare meals, to meet my trainer, to get to the gym, time for myself!!

I just started a new job a couple of weeks ago and just starting to get into it right now; I have a few deadlines this week that I MUST meet and quite a bit of work to do - so that's filling up the schedule right now. My husband is really busy with work so less available to pick up my slack with our son and at home. I said it so many times before, I could not have gone through this journey without my husband and his never ending support (in so many ways). All this to say that the next few weeks will be crazy busy for me. I'm hoping that I could meet up with Rob on the weekend, even if it's for 1/2 an hour to get the new program and instructions and be on my way..time is of the essence and I don't want to waste a minute.

So I'm going to check on my son (who should be sleeping - but probably isn't) and get myself off to bed. I've received a few requests to write my daily schedules down every now and then so I will try to that. Here are my plans for tomorrow ( which is the same on Thursday) I will do Monday and Wednesday's tomorrow)...

5:45am Wake up (have a cup of water)
Start my cardio (a 45 minute walk/run on treadmill - too cold outside in the am now)

6:30am Make breakfast (4 egg white/spinach omlette) and either eggs and toast or cereal
(for my son and hubby)

7:00am Wake up the boys, shower get ready as they eat

7:30 - 7:45am Get my son ready as hubby cleans up downstairs andgets ready (a joint effort - we make a good team)

8:00 - 8:15am Leave the house, drop son to daycare, head to work (both hubby and I)

9:ooam - Start work

10:30am Have morning snack (apple and 5-8 almonds, water)

11:45 -12:45 Jiu-jitsu class (drink water)

1:15pm Back to work....eat lunch at my desk while working (steamed broccoli and chicken breast, water)

3:00-3:30pm Afternoon Snack (boiled egg, cucumber slices, water)

5:00pm Leave work for home (hubby would have picked up son from daycare)

5:45pm Make dinner

7:00 -8:00 Playtime

8:00-8:30 Get my son ready for bed

9:00 - 10:00pm Weight Training

10:00-11:oopm Shower, Blog and BED!!!!

I only do cardio on Jiu-jitsu days.....on kickboxing days (Monday, Wednesday) - no cardio!! :)

As you can see the days are quite long and full; not much time to spare, hence the reason why my weekends are my time for family. We try to pack a lot of things in for the weekend - just making sure to spend some quality time making memories. Crazy life but fun, nonetheless.

Anyway, that's it for now...

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 44

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 191 lbs (Oct 10/09)
Current Weight: 188 lbs (Oct 17/09)
This Week's Loss: 3 lbs

Great week!! Great Loss!!

70 POUNDS GONE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm absoulutely THRILLED with the loss this week!! 3 POUNDS!!! I now weigh 188lbs!!! 188lbs!!! I am out of the 190's!! I also hit another reward level, another milestone!! I will be planning a weekend getaway (more details to follow). 188!! I can't believe it.

Where has the time gone??? Although my "deadline" (for lack of a better word) is fast appoaching, I WILL definitely continue on this journey!! This journey will be for life and I am looking forward to it....I can't and I WILL NOT go back. I am starting to think of my new goals, new objectives because come Dec 10, 2009, I want to ensure that I am prepared and that I have planned for the next phase of this journey - the lifelong phase, which I believe will be the most difficult of all. To be honest, I don't see how it will be really different from what I'm doing currently.

My plan is just to continue on, striking that balance with everyday life and my new lifestyle. That is the reason it was so important for me continue with my life throughout this past year on this journey. I did not want to put my life on "hold" while I was on this journey. I have made quite a few sacrifices over the past while and I realize that those sacrifices were warranted, however I did enjoy my life and friends and events, special occasions etc. I didn't go nuts and I think that has helped me to keep my sanity and move forward and that will help me as I continue on to the next phase. This is one of the things that has worked for me and works for me - it may not work for everyone.

Until next time....

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Oh My Gosh, I Thought You'd Be Smaller!!!

Wow!! People just never cease to amaze me...good and bad! One of my "friends" bumped into me today and said, and I quote, "wow, you did lose a lot of weight, I've heard all about your journey from so many people, but I really thought you'd be smaller!!!"

"Uh, thank you,I think?!! What was I supposed to say to that? What I wanted to say was, "Oh my goodness, F U very much!" But I didn't, I just nodded and listened and waved goodbye and got out of there as soon as I could. Whatever. Yes, I lost a lot of weight but I do still weigh 191 pounds on this five-foot-five frame, so I'm still a big girl, but significantly healthier and happier plus I could probably kick her a** two ways from Sunday with some of my martial arts moves and strength training!!!LOL!! Kidding! Ah, it takes all kinds to make this world turn!!!

On another note, today, I pulled up those size 16 jeans without undo-ing the button or zipper...cool!! The journey continues and I'm smiling all the way to the finish line :D

Anyway, today was a good exercise and food day!!I'm excited because I'll be seeing my girlfriend Janet this weekend and really looking forward to it! Haven't seen her in a few months as she lives out of town.

Time seems to be flying by...I need to meet up with Rob(the best trainer in the world - I'm not just saying that so he'll go easy on my with this final workout and meal plan) LOL!! Seriously, he has been so kind to me with his knowledge, support and time!! He genuinely cares about me and my health and goals. He's awesome. If you haven't yet checked him out, this is his website here.

Until next time...
Joania(2KMINE!!!)

Nine and a Half Weeks..

Do you guys remember that movie?? I was 12 years old when that movie came out in 1986 and I know I should NOT have watched that steamy movie, but I did. It was on one of those channels (superchannel, I think it was)....and I watched it... muted! This movie was an erotic story about a woman, the assistant of an art gallery, who gets involved in an impersonal affair with a man. She barely knows about his life, only about the sex games they play, so the relationship begins to get complicated. The scenes were quite graphic (especially the kitchen/ice/food/sex scene). It starred Kim Bassinger and Mickey Rourke.

Well boy did I ever get an eyeful and since that then, anytime I hear or see the words "Nine 1/2 Weeks", it makes me just a wee bit uncomfortable - just a little!! :) So why am I telling you this? Well, I found it ironic that as I was just looking at the calendar today, I realized that I only have "nine 1/2 weeks" left to the "end" of my journey. Nine 1/2 weeks!! I feel like this past 9 months just flew by!!

This time, I don't feel uncomfortable - just ready!! Ready to finish strong!! 9 more weigh-ins until my one year anniversary. I still have lots of time to do some serious damage where this journey is concerned, so I want to ensure that I maintain my focus, momentum and motivation.

Food and exercise were on point today!! Kickboxing class at lunch was tough and good!! I only drank about litres of water today so I need to do better tomorrow.

My goals for the next nine and a half weeks:

- stay focused /eyes on the prize
- eat clean - very clean
- rock out the workouts
- drink enough water
- Enjoy every moment

until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!)

Break Fall Fears!!!

What is a Break Fall?

In addition to something I am currently terrified of doing in Jiu-jitsu class, it is defined as a specific method of falling designed to protect your body from damage as you hit the ground. There are many different types/levels of break falls found in Jiu-jitsu (I don't know them all - yet). The one used will be based on how one is thrown (that's right, I said "THROWN"). In all break-falls, one will attempt to control their body position while partially or completely airborne.

Break falls are extremely important since they allow you to land from throws as comfortably and as safely as possible. Safe fall??? Sounds like an oxymoron, I know.

I found a demo of one of these on the internet. Click on the link below to see the demo video of the back break fall (this is what I'm struggling with, but will keep at it):

http://www.ehow.com/video_2359088_back-break-fall-tang-soo.html

Now...after watching that, I think you know what I'm talking about. I've mentioned on quite a few occasions in this blog that this journey is sometimes more a mental one than it is physical and I believe this "breakfall" situation is a prime example of this mental battle.

I have been overweight pretty well all my adult life and I'll tell you, one of my biggest fears was FALLING!! Now, I'm being asked to deliberately fall!??!?! Insane! I don't think the other students in my class TRULY realize just how difficult this is for me to attempt. I know that physically I am much smaller than I was and 67 pounds lighter but my mind has not yet caught up with the fact that I weigh so much less!! I know this by the extra caution I still take stepping in and out of my bathtub (not that you shouldn't be cautious - but I think I do so much more so because of my weight)!!!

Have you ever sat in a chair and have the legs crumble under you because of your weight? I'll tell you it's one of the most humiliating things to ever happen and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Then it was followed by a horribly uncomfortable laugh to try to make "light" of the situation and cover up my embarrassment - it was just horrific. To this day, I scope out the legs of certain chairs before I sit on them, wondering if they're strong enough to hold up my weight. So when I'm asked to throw myself to the ground (even if I am landing on a very thickly padded and sturdy mat and in a gym learning martial arts), it scares the crap out of me - but I'm trying!! I've got to face these fears! All of them, one at a time!

I dread icy winter days for fear of wiping out. I know a lot of people have this particular fear, but the thought of me falling especially in front of "witnesses" would scare me big time!! Living in Canada, where our winters are spectacular, I've had my share of wipe outs. The worst part? The imprint of your fat ass in the snow for the world to see!! I don't even think anyone really looked at the imprint in the snow but I always did!! Crazy, I know! But those weren't so bad because a lot of people fall in the winter time, for the most part I just laughed it off! Oh well, my ass print will be smaller this winter - I know I'll be falling! :))

A big part of this journey for me will be ensuring that my mind keeps up and adjusts with/to the physical weight loss. I no longer weigh 278 pounds (my heaviest)! I weigh 191. The chair will not break if I sit on it. I won't break anything if I attempt these breakfalls. I will be able to get back up. I can do this. There really is a whole lot of growing with all this shrinking!

Anyway, my journey continues.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Blog Love Monday

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all enjoying your long weekend (Thanksgiving/Columbus Day)! I had a nice, quiet thanksgiving. Didn't go all out on TG dinner like in the past - just had a regular, healthy dinner!! It was nice!! I'll do it up real big next year!!

On to the blog awards!! I received an award last week from one of my fav bloggers, 266 who created "The Significant Milestone Award". This award is to be handed out to individuals who reached a noteworthy milestone on their journey to personal betterment. I love this idea and this award. Thank you very much 266!! I love it and appreciate it!

I've decided to pass this on to another one of my favorite bloggers, Kimmy of ALightWay,who just achieved a milestone of her own!! She just reached the "20 pound loss" mark and I'm very proud of her!! Congrats, Kimmy!!! Kimmy has an amazing story and I know she will reach her ultimate goal!! Pick up your award, check out 266 's blog and enjoy!!

Thanks...until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 43

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 192 lbs (Oct 3/09)
Current Weight: 191 lbs (Oct 10/09)
This Week's Loss: 1 lb

Another pound gone and out of my way!! YES!!! I am happy with the loss this week for a couple of reasons. First, a loss is a loss and is ALWAYS better than a gain!!! :) Secondly, it was one of my girlfriend's birthday so we celebrated by going to dinner at Moxie's and had a great time. To be honest, I was a bit worried that I would have had a gain this week so I am truly pleased!!

I've lost 67 pounds in total so far!!! 67 pounds!!!! I am 1 pound away from another reward (weekend getaway) and I "only" have 34 pounds left to go in order to achieve my 101 pound weight loss goal!! I can't believe how far I've come, I am so proud of myself!! As I was updating my blog, I also noticed that there are 9 weigh-ins left until the big one year weigh-in on December 10th!! Incredible!! Only 9 weeks left! :) This is just great! I think that birthday dinner celebration/planned cheat meal will be my last one for awhile. I may not have another one until my big final celebration in 9 weeks!!!!! I'll think about it and decide!! I'm pretty sure I'll do it!

This week, exercising was awesome - as always my weight training is challenging and effective and I'm really starting to get into the kickboxing and Jiu-jitsu classes for my cardio. I stuck to my eating hardcore...very healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks and ensured I kept properly hydrated by consuming enough water. The only exception with my eating was the birthday dinner I mentioned above. I decided that I was going to have whatever I wanted and I did!!! It was amazing! I didn't feel any guilt because it was planned and it was only one meal and also, I got right back to business the following morning with an intense workout and right back on the nutrition plan. So here's what I had for my cheat meal session:

I started off with a couple of nibbles from a nacho plate...yum..yum...crunch..crunch!!More appetizers came out (dried ribs, sweet potato fries, sauteed mushrooms)....these were all shared but I know I consumed a lot of it....everything was delicious!! OH I almost forgot, I had a huge bellini (slushy type drink with alcohol - holy sugar!!) but it was yummy!!

My meal... I decided to go for the "fall off the bone" succulent slow roasted ribs with a loaded baked potato and a side of steamed broccoli (had to have some semblance of health on the plate)!! I then finished off the night with a sticky toffee pudding cake served with one scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled in caramel. Everything was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!!!!!! I also had 3 shooters!! These things were amazing and I wanted more!! The ingredients: red bull, red sour and something else - I forgot what's in it but it's called a "FLORIDA TRACKSUIT"!! I don't know why, but it is GOOOD!!! My new favorite shooter!!

I had a fabulous time and what I'm starting to realize is that every now and then, this is exactly what I need. That whole "moderation" thing. After all it was only one meal! Not like in the past when I would eat like this every couple of days and not to mention all the other unhealthy stuff in between!! So it was a great time with great friends and great food! :)

Now, time for the food porn...at first site of the appetizers, I just started eating, then it later came to me to take some pics...lol. I took the pix with my cell phone so the quality is not the best, but here they are:
My Bellini: Slushy sweet alcohol drink! Yum! By the time I took the pic, the slush had melted (and half of it was gone, lol). I told you it was big.









Dinner: slow roasted ribs, loaded potato and broccoli. It was delicious!














Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce - TO DIE FOR!!

Over The Top Award...I Love Awards :)

I love awards. I know some of them require a little work but, no biggie. People were kind enough to think of me so for that I am appreciative. It's always nice to be recognized by fellow bloggers; those who understand the struggles and challenges we face as we go through our journeys. So for this award, I would like to say "Thank YOU" and send you big cyber **hugzzzzz**. I was given this award by a few of my fav bloggers: ADeliberateLife , 266, and TheRoadCurvesAhead. Thank you ladies!!

To be honest, I cannot tag only 6 blogs for this...I starting writing a list of my fav's and before I knew it the count was at 23 and I TRULY cannot narrow it down any further and even the ones I took off the list, I wanted to keep. I follow quite a few blogs and try to comment on them regularly!! I love all of my bloggies! So I just can't pickonly 6!! This award is dedicated to all the blogs I follow!! I may just give this out to a couple of bloggers everyday for the next little while. So, here we go with my responses..











1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? not too fabulous right now
3. Your mother? Heaven
4. Your father? "special"
5. Your favorite food? ANY
6. Your dream last night? HOT (not that kind of heat...I was in a desert)
7. Your favorite drink? Heineken
8. Your dream/goal? Inner peace
9. What room are you in? dining room
10. Your hobby? I need to figure that out!
11. Your fear? spiders
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? on a beach in Bali
13. Where were you last night? home with fam
14. Something that you aren't? SHY
15. Muffins? YUM...warm with melted butter...yummm
16. Wish list item? $$MILLIONAIRE LOTTERY WINNER$$
17. Where did you grow up? a few places
18. Last thing you did? put my baby to bed
19. What are you wearing?blue penguin shorts with a tank top
20. Your TV? Flat and too big (husband!)
21.Your pets? none
22. Friends? love em!!
23. Your life? WOW!!
24. Your mood? to borrow a phrase from a fellow blogger (Karen from Fitcetera).."CRAZY-ASS HAPPY
25. Missing someone? Always (Mommy)
26. Vehicle? need an upgrade
27. Something you’re not wearing? bra - u asked!
28. Your favorite store? Walmart
29. Your favorite color? Chocolate brown
30. When was the last time you laughed? 10 mins ago
31. Last time you cried? last Sunday crossing the finish line of my first 5K race!
32. Your best friend? My husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? bathroom
34. One person who emails me regularly? Janet (love her)
35. Favorite place to eat? Trattoria Cafe (Italian)...used to be McDonalds

That was fun...thanks again ladies.
Until next time...

Joania(2KMINE!!!)

Don't Ever Look Back, You're Not Going That Way!!!!"

My friend Mark sent me this quote yesterday, congratulating me on my 5K run!! I LOVE this quote - it is so fitting for how I'm feeling right now (thanks Mark)!! The way I'm feeling right now is just incredible. I am still on a 5K HIGH!!! Still amazed that I did that!! I feel like I can do anything.

I received such incredible comments from all of you out there in blog land...just awesome!! Your support has just been amazing! I truly appreciate it!! I am still walking on air!! I keep reading yesterday's post over and over and it makes me smile each time! I was (and still am) just so very happy, ridiculously happy. I think I ended every sentence with exclamation marks :D

With this latest achievement now behind me (but ever so fresh in my mind), I really want to use this momentum to propel me forward to success. I do not "ever want to look back, I'm not going that way!!"

Setting this goal and actually going through it - seeing it through was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. You may have noticed that I set rewards for certain milestone weight loss achievements (right side of he blog). Crossing that finish line was so far the BEST reward that I have obtained on this journey. If any of you out there are thinking that maybe you want to run a 5K someday....DO IT!!! REGISTER, SHOW UP and RUN IT!!!!

I'm telling you, I wasn't sure that I would show up to run this race. I had so many doubts and as the race day approached those doubts increased and I found myself contemplating whether or not I would go through with it. "Maybe I need to lose a few more pounds first" I thought to myself. "Maybe I should work on improving my cardio some more"; "I think I need more time". This silly voice inside of me which I had listened to for so long, telling me that I COULD NOT DO something!! Well not this time!! I really just decided to silence that voice and I told that little voice to SHUT UP!! I registered and went to the race with the attitude that I just wanted to FINISH the race regardless of how long it took me, whether I walked for most of it or ran for most of it, I just want to finish!! BOY, I'M SO HAPPY I WENT THROUGH WITH IT!!!

The benefits of that day, of those 43 short minutes and 48 seconds are immense and will be with me forever!

Anyway..................................

I woke up a bit sore this morning...I know I really pushed myself in that run yesterday. I RAN through my "walk periods". I was just so excited and full of adrenaline that it did not matter. So this morning, I was feeling it!! LOL!! I had my upper body workout (weight training), it felt really good to push through the soreness and get that done. I had my kickboxing class during my lunch hour today and God Almighty did it ever hurt. The teacher had us do this leg stretches and my goodness, I was groaning and moaning through the entire thing....then the workout started....it was intense and awesome!! I felt so strong!! He finished us of with a killer abdominal set...it was great. I'm really loving Kickboxing. Tomorrow is Jiu-Jitsu class and Lower body weight training. Looking forward to it.

Food
I did very well today with my eating. I had 2 eggs and a turkey sausage for breakfast, I had a grilled chicken salad from Subway and tonight I had roasted chicken breast with spinach and broccoli. I drank about 3 litres of water. I had a banana and apple for my snacks today!

I'm feeling good...really good...if I had wings right now, I'd be soaring!! (is that corny?) I'm just feeling amazing!

I'M NOT LOOKING BACK!!!:D

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!! MY FIRST 5K in 43:48!!!!!!!!!

ME!!! After running my first 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!43:48!!!!!!!!! Click on the pix to enlargen!! My hair was messy but who cares, I JUST RAN A 5K!! :D


Wow!!! What a moment!! Crossing that finish line today was simply one of the best and most amazing moments of my life!! Tears ran down my cheeks as I saw that finish line and it was within my reach and I felt amazing, full of energy, no aches!! My legs felt strong and I felt like I could run forever! It was amazing!!! I was thinking of my mom and my son, my husband, and my friends and family and my trainer whipping me into shape and the blog and readers/supporters!! I just wanted to run!! There were so many people running for the cure!! All these people (strangers) cheering me on as I got closer and closer to that finish line!

"I'm running!! I'm running and about to cross the finish line of a 5K race", I thought to myself!! I was in disbelief and juiced up on adrenaline!! It was incredible. I looked up at the clock and it said 43:48 as I crossed. WHAT!!!!??? How the heck did I do that??In all the weeks of training, the fastest I ran the 5K was 59minutes. I did not run the entire thing either...there were moments when I walked..but the walks were brisk and short, I REALLY JUST WANTED TO RUN!!! I felt such happiness and pride finishing that race...truly awesome moment!

Okay, so you can tell that I am still on an incredible high here!! Let me back up a bit!! I woke up this morning feeling nervous and anxious about the run but determined non-the-less!! I put on my "runfit" (run + outfit + runfit) and headed to the run site. I took my iPod with me, seeing that I was running by myself, I figured it would help me to stay focussed. I was listening to Robert Ullrey's podcast (the C25K program). I was accustomed to the music so it was great! It really did help as I found that I zoned everything else out and focussed on the run, my form and my breathing!

A little past the halfway point, I felt myself getting tired and quickly gave myself a little pep talk (in my head!!) which went something like this, "you're running a 5K, you registered and actually showed up, you didn't chicken out!! you're doing it, YOU CAN DO THIS, you told everybody you're going to do this so DO IT, NO PAIN, NO TIRED, NO EXCUSES!!!" It was amazing, I felt the energy racing through me. I just can't find the right words to explain the feeling!!

Throughout my 5K training, I truly felt that running was not for me. I didn't find it enjoyable and usually was spent after each training session so I was really worried about how I would perform today!! After today's race, the way I felt - and I don't know if it was a combination of nerves, excitement, adrenaline and determination, but I liked it!! I LIKED IT!! I felt strong and fit!! It was just great!! That "running switch" finally went on!!So will I continue running?? YEAH!! I WILL!! I will definitely continue running because I LOVED the way I felt today!! So to all my runner friends/bloggers who kept encouraging me to keep at it...YOU WERE RIGHT!! If this is the feeling you were referring to , I can definitely get used to it!!Incredible!!

Anyway, today was an awesome day!! I've just completed one of the items on my bucket list!! This gives me great hope that I can achieve so much more. 9 months ago prior to setting out on this incredible journey, I could barely walk to my car, muchless dream of ever running a 5K race. The possibilities are endless! I'm so excited for the future!! AMAZING

Oh, the only bad thing (not really bad, bad), but because of the amount of people participating in CIBC Run for the Cure race, it was difficult to get pix and impossible to get one of me crossing the finish line... WHO CARES??? I JUST RAN A 5K RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!


Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 42

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 195 lbs (Sep26/09)
Current Weight: 192 lbs
This Week's Loss: 3 Pounds RETURNED!!!

Hi guys!!

AWESOME!! I stepped on the scale this morning and was so thankful to see that I RETURNED those 3 pounds I put on last week!! YEAH BABY!!! Back on track!!! The digital scale read 191.5, so it's actually 3.5 down..but that's cool ;0)

I'm thrilled about it!! Great news to take with me as I prepare to go into my very first 5K race tomorrow morning!!! Nothing but positive vibes!!! I picked up my run kit today (T-shirt and race number) so it's official, no backing out of this now.

I went for a nice walk this morning...nothing too strenuous, just to keep my muscles loose!! Today just relaxing in preparation for tomorrow!

I will be posting results and pics tomorrow...wish me luck!!

BTW, I misplaced my cell phone so if anyone has been sending text messages or trying to call I will not be available. I've asked the phone company to temporarily de-activate the phone until further notice. I have an idea of where it may be but I will need to check on Monday.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Great Week!!

This week went by so quickly! This was my first week at my new job and it went really well. I will be working with a great group people who seem quite relaxed and fun. I'm truly looking forward to get started with them and to delve into the work.

This week I missed my Ju-jitsu classes. I will be doing a make up class tomorrow with a friend to try to get back on track. My weight training workout was great. I've been doing this program for a couple of months yet I still find it quite challenging. My trainer will soon provide me with another but I still feel like I have not yet mastered this one! It's a great workout...the lower body workout is a total killer!! My kickboxing classes were awesome!!

Food wise, I did really well this week. I did not stray from the diet and kept quite hydrated throughout (H20). I'm a bit anxious to see what the scale will show at tomorrow's weigh-in. We'll see!!

Well my mind has been filled with thoughts of my upcoming FIRST 5K RACE this Sunday. It's all I can think about, especially the last couple of days. Will I be able to finish?? I think I will but there is a crazy little voice in my head whispering, "bring your health card, just in case you pass out!" LOL!! Anyway, will fill you in with details and pictures on Sunday evening.

That's it for now, will be on tomorrow with weigh-in results.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!)

OLM Top 50 In the Capital

Hi guys,

I received a nice surprise in my mailbox this morning. A hard copy of Ottawa Life Magazine. This is the "Top 50" issue in which I'm featured!! It was just so exciting to see it!! Wow!! The pic below is of the cover page of the magazine!! I'm on it, can you find me? :) If you're in the Ottawa area, please pick one up or check it out online here.

This pic is of the article itself...

Until next time...

Joania(2KMINE!!!)

Radio Show Tonight 8:30 pm e.s.t

Hi guys,

If you have some time tonight, please check out this radio show online here:

They will be talking about Integrative Weight Loss tonight! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/integrateNow

The host of the show is one of our fellow bloggers, Rachel McPherson. The show is called "Integrate Now: News for your Health, Inspiration for you Spirit!!

Join in as they explore Integrative Nutrition with Yiska Obadia, of Redefining Diet (www.redefiningdiet.com) You will learn tips for effective weight loss and small steps that make big shifts. Learn how to unlock the keys to sustainable weight loss.

She will be featuring my blog as "inspiration for the week"!! Thanks Rachel!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)