Back on February 3rd, over 2 months ago, I decided to start counting calories again. While it’s always worked for me in the past, it isn’t working this time. Because I’m still breastfeeding I need to be careful with reducing my calorie intake too much. It wasn’t working for me or for Raffi. He started nursing around the clock again, and the scale didn’t budge. I was eating 2,200 calories a day at one point, and it wasn’t enough to maintain my supply. 2,200 calories a day! Isn’t that a lot, or is my perception off?

However, I am not writing about failure because I’m finally losing weight. I’m not counting calories, and I’m not exercising that much. I go to Lithe to take a class about once a week (since that’s all the time and money I can spend on that right now). I also walk about 3 miles every other day pushing the stroller around doing errands or going to Nest. For my diet I am measuring out my portions of dense foods I eat at home (like walnuts or peanut butter) and just being more conscious of what I eat. I have something sweet but semi-healthy after lunch every day, and I eat a sweet treat every other night. I know I still need more vegetables and fruit in my diet, but I’m getting there.

Here is an example of what I eat in a day:
Breakfast: 2/3 serving oats with 1/3 banana (I make 2 servings at a time with water, sea salt, cinnamon, and a banana and then reheat it with a bit of water during the week), splash of milk, 10 grams of walnuts (which is basically like nothing), and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
Lunch: Sandwich on Italian bread with 2 oz grilled chicken breast, 1/2 large mozzarella ball, roasted red pepper. 1 serving kettle chips or a big handful of carrot slices
Snack: Stonyfield whole milk yogurt (plain or french vanilla) or Fage whole Greek yogurt with a few strawberries, walnuts and 1 teaspoon chocolate chips
Dinner: something healthy, whatever is on that week’s menu plus salad

I started a dinner challenge on The Babycenter Blog (recent posts here) where I am challenging myself to try one new recipe each week. I hope that will get me out of the dinner food rut. I also noticed I eat less when the food is really tasty and interesting. I would be very thin if I had holiday food around all the time.

Also, if you noticed, I’m eating whole milk yogurts. They taste a lot better (SO insanely creamy and smooth, much less tang too) and a little bit satisfies me a lot longer than a huge bowl of lowfat yogurt. I eat about 2 oz every afternoon now instead of 6 oz of lowfat yogurt. I enjoy it more and I feel good eating it. I made the switch about 2 weeks ago.

I finally fit in my favorite pair of jeans again, and I’m happy about that. I now have two pairs that fit. I have several other pairs of pants that don’t fit, but I am confident they will eventually. Two months ago none fit. I see other people around me who drop all of their weight (and then some, in some cases) in just a few months. That is not me and I am comfortable with that, although I will admit I am jealous. I was not comfortable with being stuck at the same weight and body shape for months, but I finally moved beyond that plateau.

Counting calories for just a couple of weeks reminded me not to eat mindlessly. Last night I was bored and a teeny bit hungry and ate 6 Triscuits on the couch while watching TV. Trig was out and I didn’t feel like working or cleaning. I ate them even though I don’t even like Triscuits that much and a glass of water would have done the trick. I stopped myself and put the box away and realized that was the first mindless snack I had eaten since the beginning of February. I consider that a success since mindless snacking can be an issue for all of us.

Weight lost since February 3rd: 1.5 lbs.
Inches lost around biggest part of my waist: 2! (still have 3+ to lose to get back to my old shape)

Those numbers look painfully small, especially as my goal was 6-10 lbs. I feel a significant difference though. My body shape is finally starting to return, and I look normal (although overweight for me) rather than slightly pregnant. Of course I could work harder, eat better, exercise more. Instead I’m trying to find the easy balance that will allow losing weight to be the background piece of my life instead of taking my every energy. I will get there. My next goal is to lose the rest of that 6-10 lbs. 4-8 lbs left!

There’s my update. I hope that by 9 months I will shout from the rooftops that everything fits and I feel 100% like myself again.

Note: The photo above from Easter is really flattering. I’m using it as motivation so that I look like that in all my photos in a few months.

I’m feeling really discouraged about my body six weeks later.

Here’s why:

1- Photos

We took bambino for his 40 day blessing last weekend. It was fabulous. The photos of me are not. I hate that I hate the way I look in such special photos… except this one since my awesome sleepy wrap + baby covers everything. Ha.

(PS- The sleepy wrap is fantastic! I love putting bambino in there when we are in big crowds or if I need to run out to do an errand. If you were thinking about getting one go for it. It looks intimidating, but it’s actually really easy once you figure it out.)

2- Running

I don’t quite understand why, but even with new workout clothes my chest hurts (a lot) while running. I’m so uncomfortable that I can’t run. I’ve been walking and lifting this week, but I miss the post-run rush. I’m going to a gym class tomorrow morning and am hoping for a good comfortable sweat.

3- Clothes shopping

The size is scary. The way I look in the mirror is too.

4- Weight loss

I think I’m stalling already. What is going on? I’m eating well and moving every day, but I have barely lost any weight in the last couple of weeks. At two weeks postpartum the weight was flying off. Now, not so much.

I can handle the stretch marks and the pooch that won’t go away for a few months. I’m not happy about the rest.

This will all take time, but how much? I am being normal about it, but I’m impatient. I want my body back now.

Signed,
The Lady With Jeans That Barely Button

Oh, and how could I forget? I completely unnecessary bambino photo, just because he is the cutest baby ever!

I am impressed and pleasantly surprised by how much weight I lost in delivery and the few days after. I left the hospital only having about 20 lbs to lose. Not bad!

My recovery has been incredible. I got up and showered almost immediately after bambino’s birth and felt great. Throughout the hospital stay I walked the halls to get my own water and felt normal the whole time. I kept thinking it was adrenaline, but the feeling never went away. At one point Trig was in the hospital bed snuggling with bambino and I was sitting in the chair next to him. The nurses thought that one was funny! We did too. I know I am very lucky with my recovery.

Two weeks later I have 16 lbs to lose. I’m not putting in any effort to lose it yet as it is not a priority. I feel like my body will regulate itself over time, and it’s more important to me to establish a good milk supply and find time for naps. We have gone on a few walks which feel great. Sunday I even ran two very slow miles (30 minutes total). I looked like an old lady shuffling during my run, but it felt so good to get out there. I know I am supposed to take it easy for 6 weeks so I am listening to my body and taking it nice and slow. At the same time, I needed to do one little run for my mental health. I think the post partum blues would go away a lot faster for women if they got outside right away. The fresh air and the endorphins from the walks have been the key to me feeling like myself again.

None of my clothes fit yet and my belly is still much larger than normal. I know all I need is time. My face is back to normal and that makes me happy, and the rest will come too. I was so excited the other night because a pair of jeans that wouldn’t go past my hips last week now go up all the way. I can wear them if I use the button trick, but I think I will just wait another couple of weeks until they fit properly. I can’t wait!

I think it’s important to be relaxed about losing baby weight. I gained it in several months and I can’t expect to lose it overnight. I am looking forward to wearing my fun clothes again! I’ll try and keep you updated on how it all goes.

PS- On Babycenter today.. Please don’t hold my kid.

It’s done done done! I completed the Philadelphia Marathon in 04:33:35.

No, I didn’t break any records – and I didn’t make my initial 4:00:00 goal (which was completely arbitrary and not based at all on anything other than that seemed like a nice round number) – but I am thrilled. I repeated over and over again today to people that I had FUN. I truly had a blast yesterday. Yes, I feel a little bit of that post-marathon depression that everyone always talks about. My legs are sore and I’m not moving too quickly today – but I’m just sore. Not injured and no overuse injuries. And I couldn’t be happier.

During my training, I reached new levels of distance running that I never thought were possible for me. I now have long-term goals for my marathon running (yes, it’s completely addicting) and as a result of 4 months of dedicated training, I have a solid base from which to work. But before I get into my future goals, let me get into yesterday’s events.

Breakfast: I started out by doing what everyone says NOT to do (and yes, it worked out) – I tried a new breakfast. I have never been able to find that one clutch meal that you are supposed to discover during your training. That one perfect combination of food and drink that somehow is going to magically prepare you for 26.2 miles of running. I went with my instincts (that I needed carbs and protein – and in a relatively light and simple form) and it totally worked out.

• 5:30 Breakfast – whole wheat pasta frittata (two eggs) with 8 ounces G2
• 6:00 am: 12 oz glass of water
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in 12 oz glass of water
• 6:15 am Gu gel
• 6:45 am head to race

The race report

I was nervous at the start!! But I was determined from the beginning to have a positive outlook and to have fun. So I started out down the first 3 miles on Arch St. to the run along the Delaware River. I felt GREAT – in control, steady pace, not too crowded and comfortable. I realized at that point that tapering works! My legs felt fresh and I was cruising. As the run continued down the Delaware river, and then headed away from the river on South St., I felt great. The crowd was cheering, the race was consistent, and I was drinking water and Gatorade at every stop.

Around 31^st and Chestnut, I saw Sabrina for the first time (mile 7)….she was so enthusiastic and so happy for me – it was overwhelming. I kept on going and kept my pace (which varied between 9:00 and 10:00 miles). I remembered how I felt at the identical points during the half marathon last year (in Philadelphia, the half marathon course and the marathon course are the same until the half marathon finish line). I couldn’t believe how great I felt. I would not go so far as to say it was “easy” – but I was not in any sort of distress. No soreness, minimal ankle pain (during a very hilly run in San Francisco a few weeks before the marathon I had irritated a tendon in my ankle), and I was feeling completely nourished. My plan for Gu gels (every 4-5 miles) was working and I was cruising.

I breezed past the half marathon point, saw Sabrina at mile 14, and kept on moving! I was intentionally holding back on speed because I knew I had to save some juice for the second half. I saw Sabrina around mile 17, then it got tough. I wasn’t tired and mentally, I was in the game. But my legs were starting not to cooperate. I was feeling some cramps and during miles 18-23, I had major cramping issues. Nothing that got me down – but enough to make me walk and stretch periodically. I pushed through it and didn’t let my mind take over. I wouldn’t call it hitting the “wall” because I didn’t get down on myself or feel like I could not do it. I knew I could do it. Sure, I was off of my goal pace but 1) I was having fun 2) I still felt pretty good 3) my wife was supporting me and watching me 4) I knew I was well trained and 5) I was having fun!

But there was no doubt about it – my legs were cramping up. I didn’t want to do any damage – so I insisted on massaging my muscles and stretching along the route. The best way I can describe the final push from mile 24 to the finish line is one big push…For about 20 minutes straight, I laughed at the pain and motivated myself with the thought that I was about to finish my first marathon!

The last mile was actually the same stretch where I usually finish my training runs. So it was a fitting end to the marathon. I smiled and thought of all of the morning runs I had done over the last 4 months, in all of the cities I have traveled on business (San Francisco, CA; Billings, MT; Baton Rouge, LA; Tucson, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT) and I thought of all of the support I had from my wife…I took one last break to stretch my legs and blasted through the finish line. The best way I can describe my reaction when I finished was a relieved and happy smile. No crazy celebration, no dramatic collapse – just happy.

Highlights

1.     Seeing one of my oldest and dearest friends from elementary school cheering on his wife

2.     Penguin costumes: As some of you may know, penguins are my favorite animal. There were at least two people cheering from the sidelines in penguin costumes!

3.     Michael Nutter almost cutting me off at the finish line

4.     Favorite signs:

a. Picture of the Karate Kid that said “You’re the Best Around”

b. You’re Ahead of the Kenyans

c. Chuck Norris Never Ran a Marathon

d. You are Not a Wimp

e. Remember when 10 miles was a long run?

5.     The beer table in Manayunk serving only beer!

6.     The drunk guy running next to me in Manayunk (miles 20-22) who definitely sampled from the beer table!

7.     Sabrina’s Support: Sabrina was amazing. Not only did she guide us to the starting point, but she met me at miles 7, 14, 17, 21 and then at the finish line. Each time she greeted with a smile, one time ran a little bit with me but overall was just an incredible wife and more supportive than I ever could have imagined. It was overwhelming and I hope I have the chance to similarly support her in the near future in something like this.

8.     Meeting Sarah (didn’t catch a last name) during mile 9 who asked me if I was “PhillyBoy.” We chatted for a few minutes and she went on to complete the half marathon. Sarah, you looked like you were in great condition and I’m sure you finished with no problem!

9.     The race course – the course is really a great tour of Philly…starting out in the Art Museum area, heading east through China town, the historical district, the Delaware waterfront, South Street, back through Center City and Drexel University and the second half being a tour of Fairmount Park and Kelly Drive – you get a taste of it all. If I had my choice, there might be a few things I would change (there were more out and backs than I thought were needed – and I think those should really be minimized on long races such as these).

The Recovery

As soon as I was finished the race, the post-race recovery began! Sabrina met me with a Myoplex protein shake at our pre-designated meeting spot. I was a BIT nauseous but nothing crazy. I felt tired but ok. As soon as we got home, I got into the ice bath that has become a tradition and sat there massaging my legs for about 20 minutes. I then took a hot shower, put on my most comfortable sweatshirt and jogging pants – and spent the rest of the afternoon with our wonderful friends. I felt a little guilty for not staying out there and cheering on the rest of the runners, but I owed it to Sabrina and our friends Jon and Kristine (who encouraged me at mile 26!!) to go back to the house so they could relax themselves!

The moral of the story? I’m addicted….to the whole thing. As my friend Jon put it, it is truly overwhelming to see so many strangers sending so much positive energy. The only enemy is fatigue – and everyone joins in the fight against it. I’ve been doing a lot of reading since yesterday about some of the symptoms I experienced and I already am buzzing with ideas – train a little harder, take salt tablets during the race, eat more bananas the week before….etc. But the fact is, there is and always will be room for improvement. My first goal was to finish – and I accomplished that. I plan on letting my body recover, establishing a “maintenance” schedule (I’m thinking three 8 milers a week and one 13-15 miler per month and doing that for the rest of the year.) I’ll focus on speedwork, hills, nutrition, and see how I can improve for my next goal.

And Marine Corps Marathon 2011 – look out…because I already know when registration opens!

Has anyone had a similar race experience? What did you change before your next race?!

Other related posts:

• 11.2010 Philadelphia Marathon Pre-Race Dinner
• 11.2009 Philadelphia Half Marathon After Party
• 11.2009 Philadelphia Half Marathon Race Recap
• PB: Nutrition During Marathon Training
• PB: Marathon Training
• T-1 Day to the Marathon
• Video: Philly Marathon 2010



For your entertainment…. A fun montage from the Philadelphia Marathon 2010!

I love Philadelphia!

*Photo Source
**Full recap coming from PhillyBoy soon!

Phantom injuries? Check.
Paranoia? Check.
Fear of not finishing and that I’m not ready? Check.
Bad dreams?!?!! Check.

Yes – I’ve completed the tapering process. With the marathon less than two days away, I’ve gone through and suffered through tapering. After reading many articles about the importance of tapering, I actually decided to listen to the experts. But it is SO hard to go from running 30-40 miles per week consistently for months to just going for a few light jogs. But rather than focus on the tribulations of tapering, with just two days left, here are the things I am most looking forward to for Sunday:

1.     Fellow first time marathoners: It’s always comforting being surrounded by other people running their first marathon and hearing them talk about how nervous they are – reminds me that I’m not alone!

2.     Traveling through Philly: The marathon course is actually a very good representation of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. It doesn’t cover everything of course – but it does mix up the city with the scenic. The best part about marathons is that for that morning, the streets are closed off to cars and we own the streets (and I don’t have to get honked at for crossing streets when I don’t have the right of way).

3.     Cowbells: Don’t ask me why, but I really like the sound of people in the crowd banging on cowbells during a race. Reminds me of college I think.

4.     My music: I am not one to set a list of certain songs to play. I like the surprise of what song is going to come next – it distracts me mentally from the run. I’m a shuffler – so one song that I like one day may be automatically skipped the next day. So a pre-set list just isn’t for me. I like categories of music…and I love listening to music. So I like to think of this as a 4 hour music listening sessions during which my feet will be moving.

5.     Gu Gels: There’s nothing I love more than ripping open that metallic wrapper and squeezing that fake flavored slime into my throat. I am not looking forward to this (although some things are necessary).

6.     The mile markers: I have never run a full marathon, but in the half marathons and 10 milers I have done, I love running past the mile markers. Each one gives its own sense of accomplishment and the best part is when they start to go by more quickly…you are at mile 5, and before you know it, it’s mile 12.

7.     Seeing my RhodeyGirl: I know RhodeyGirl is going to be coming to see me on the course – and I can’t wait to see her. She always has a smile on her face and has been BEYOND supportive for the 4-5 months that I have been training.

8.     The finish line: I am not even going to try and pretend that I know what this feels like – but I am excited for it.

9.     Ice bath: Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I really like ice baths. It gives you a chance to recover, reflect on the race, and STOP MOVING! The fact that it always leads to rejuvenated legs and a good post-run party….

10. Post Run Party: THIS is the best part – food, drinks, relaxing and spending time with friends. I don’t want to focus too much on this part now – because I haven’t earned it yet.

But I’m feeling rested, excited and ready to run the marathon. And hungry…I’m always hungry!

Note from RhodeyGirl: I will be at the 17 & 23 mile marker with a hot pink sign- if you see my say hello!!!!!

Other related posts:

• 11.2010 Philadelphia Marathon Pre-Race Dinner
• 11.2009 Philadelphia Half Marathon After Party
• PB: Nutrition During Marathon Training
• PB: Marathon Training

PB, my lovely husband, is cracking me up.

He is tapering for the Philly Marathon, and he has become a basket case.

All of the typical tapering signs are there…

He feels frumpy.
He is a grouch (sorry pal).
He has phantom injuries.
He is a Google addict- googling anything and everything marathon related.
He is down in the dumps.
Did I mention he is a grouch?

If you have ever tapered for a race and have any words of encouragement, please share them! I think he could use some positive words. The Taper Monster has hit…

…and he thinks he wants gnocchi for a pre-race dinner!

9 Days until the Philadelphia Marathon!

Other running posts:

• PB: Marathon Training
• PB: Nutrition During Marathon Training
• 05.2010 Philadelphia Broad Street Run
• 04.2010 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run
• 1.2010 DisneyWorld Half Marathon Race Recap
• 11.2009 Philadelphia Half Marathon Race Recap

It is really difficult to come from a life changing trip and be able to explain in words what that trip was like. Our trip to Jordan was an experience none of us will ever forget. I will do my best to share that experience with you in the coming days.

We are finally home. After a few flight issues we made it back on Friday night, and we are now battling jet lag. After a big trip I always need a few days to reset myself, to find my normal healthy lifestyle, and returning from this trip is no different. While I LOVED our vacation, it feels good to be home.

The keys for me to a healthy lifestyle are:

Sleep

Exercise

Water

Healthy Diet

I am going to really focus on those 4 important components to a healthy lifestyle to get myself back in my normal, at home groove. I have a little help with the first component: Sleep! I have been battling jet lag, and somehow the only thing that helps is getting a good long night of sleep. Our mattress has been in PB’s life for well over 7 years, and I never found it that comfortable. Luckily, Tempur-Pedic is helping both you and me with the issue of a good night’s rest! I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway for a Tempur-Cloud-Supreme mattress, and I am reviewing one too! You will have to come back later this week to hear my thoughts on the mattress as well as details on how to enter the giveaway. This is a grand prize, and as such will require a bit of work to enter the contest. Get your creative minds thinking, because this contest will require a video entry. You can inspire yourself by learning about the Tempur-Cloud-Supreme mattress here. More details later this week, promise!

In the meantime, what helps you get a good night’s rest? My must haves are:

-an early dinner
-a cool room
-an early bedtime (10 PM)
-a suitable mattress!

With the humidity that met us at the Philly airport, as well as the lasting after effects of jet lag, I am in need of some serious rest. And it is high time I take it! Bring on the sleep!

—

I have partnered with Tempur-Pedic to help promote the Tempur-Cloud-Supreme mattress.  I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes writing about my own experiences regarding sleep and its relation to overall well being, and hosting a giveaway where the prize has been provided by Tempur-Pedic.  As always, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Healthy living is really easy when we are at home and have all the tools available to us.. a stocked fridge, our gym down the street, a working kitchen. Traveling, however, has challenges that are easy to overcome with a bit of planning ahead.

I’ll say it again… PLANNING AHEAD is the key to healthy living while traveling.

#1 TIP: PACK SNACK PACKS!

I have had friends make fun of me for years for packing so many snacks on long flights, but in the end they always thank me for sharing my healthy snacks. When PB and I travel to Rhode Island, we pack a full bag of snacks. We might not eat them all, but we have them there in case traffic should be bad (it almost always is) or for the ride home. Last weekend we packed:

-a big bag of carrot sticks
-some kettle chips (which we never ate)
-6 dates
-2 TLC bars
-2 Clif Z bars
-2 Luna Protein bars
-2 cans of seltzer
-2 large bottles of water

In our 6 hour ride up, we ate the carrots, each had a bar, I had a few dates, and we finished most of the drinks.

One time, when I was first really passionate about healthy living, I packed my yogurt snack for the airport. I was traveling to Philly right around the time I would eat my snack. I packed the yogurt in 2 small 3 oz containers to make it through security, and I even brought along a paper bowl and plastic spoon to put my yogurt in when it was time to eat it. That may have been a little extreme, but it is a great example that with a little planning, healthy living is easy.

A second part to this tip is to always carry a few bars in your purse or suitcase. Bars may not be real food, and yes they contain added sugars and such. However, when the options are a choice between mozzarella sticks at TGI Fridays or a bagel at Dunkin’ Donuts, you will be thankful for those bars.

What are your tips for healthy living while traveling?

(Source)

I would iron dish towels, sheets, and underwear.

I would sell all of our surplus china, pizza stones, pots, and vases. We have too many as it is. The ones under the bed really need another home.

I would never check the mail. Period.

I would make everything from scratch. Everything! Bread, crushed tomatoes, pasta, soap, lotion. Everything.

I would vacuum and mop the whole house every day.

For now….

I obsessively flatten the dish towels with my hands, and stretch the sheets so tight they look ironed.

I keep the comforter hanging as low as possible so I don’t have to see the mess under the bed.

I give the mail a quick glance, but then it all just goes into the designated mail box to rot. I never go back to it. Ever.

I make sauce from scratch in the summer and freeze it all winter. The rest I buy.

I vacuum and Swiffer the kitchen every afternoon, when PB can’t see me singing and dancing to the Glee soundtrack.

If I really did what I wanted, I would run every single morning.
For now I have to settle for boot camp, yoga, swimming, biking and walking.
I can’t wait to run again!!!!