Tuesday, June 30, 2009

June WT #8 of 8

I made it! Not only did I keep my goal of 8 weight training workouts in June, I also improved my lifting ability. It's gotten noticeably easier.

I discussed buying another set of dumbbell rods a few days ago. I realized tonight that the smarter solution is to keep on with the amount I'm currently lifting, but add another set (I'm currently only doing 2 sets).

My goal for July is another 8 workouts, doing 3 sets of each lift.

My 2nd 5k

I just signed up for my 2nd 5k race, the Lunar Rendezvous 5K on July 18.

This race will be about one month after my first 5k. I'm really hoping to improve my time, but since it's still a summer event, I expect to face the same weather problems. I'm just hoping the course is a little more shaded. The event appears to start in the parking lot for Space Center Houston. We'll see if the slightly earlier (7:30AM) start time helps.

Week 13 Weigh in

Well, I guess this could be called a "happy scale" day. On the bright side, I'm down a full pound from yesterday. On the not so bright side, I'm up 0.2 lbs for the week, 18.6 lbs total loss. I essentially maintained this week.

I'm down a total of 4.8 lbs in June, matching my loss rate from May.

If I can keep up this slow rate of loss, I should still make it close to my goal by the end of the year.

Monday, June 29, 2009

W2D1

Ok, so the scale wasn't so good this morning. Up another half pound. Yuck. It was also horribly hot outside even at 6:30 AM. I ended up skipping the run and doing some cleaning around the apartment.

My plan for today was to drink lots of water (4 bottles at work plus many many glasses at home) and eat toward the lower end of my points range (ended up at 21). I also knew that I had to run this evening.

The computer was saying 98 when I left home at 7:30, but the marquee at the middle school said 89 when I passed it. It was actually one of the cooler runs I've done since spring. It was overcast with a nice breeze, and then we got rained on for the last 10 minutes.

For the first time, I didn't actually run the whole half hour. I ended up taking a 5 minute walk break toward the end, so I estimate that I actually ran 25 minutes, walked 20 minutes for a total of 45 minutes outside.

Anyway, I'm planning to get up and take a walk with Lucy tomorrow morning. I'm hopeful that the scale will get it's act together for my last June weigh-in.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

June WT #7 of 8

Ok, so far so good. I just need to do one more WT on Tuesday and I've made my goal. Yay!

I'm thinking about buying another set of dumbbell rods. I think I'm ready to up my weights on a couple of exercises, but not on the majority. It's such a pain unscrewing the clips to change weights that it just won't be happening.

The weekend wasn't so bad pointswise. I went over because I'm never very strict on weekends, but not horribly so. Lucy and I did get in a walk each day. We'll see where the scale falls tomorrow.

Friday, June 26, 2009

W1D3 and Whoa Baby!

Some people have elaborate scale rituals. I don't really. I just go for the lowest number. My first weigh is usually immediately after getting out of bed (etc). This number gives me a baseline and is usually roughly a pound higher than the lowest weight I'll see that morning. I'll go exercise, or take a walk, or surf the web for an hour or so. I weigh again right before my shower and then again after the shower. These two weigh ins are usually very close, but sometimes I can get the magic number machine to spit out a low low number.

Anyway, this morning I knew I was in for a bad scale day when the first-weigh-of-the-day was MUCH higher than I expected. I shrugged, grabbed Lucy, and went for my 30 minute run. It was normal, no problems.

After my shower I finally recorded a weight that I last saw last week. Yuck.

I haven't been eating excessive amounts of calories, but I did have a fairly late/fairly big (on points) dinner last night followed by a late night weights workout. From this I conclude that dinner still needs to "pass through" and my muscles (which are pretty sore) are retaining water while healing. So Yay. I can ignore the scale and get on with my life. It will be better next time I weigh.

//not moving the ticker

It's True!

I ran in a 5k race!



//doesn't exist without pictures
//from Dads Day 5k 6/20/09

Thursday, June 25, 2009

June WT #6 of 8

It almost didn't happen. I kept procrastinating, ignoring the idea that if I got it done, I'd feel so successful. First it was too hot outside to take that walk afterward. Then I was too hungry for dinner. Then I was too full from dinner.

Finally at 10pm, finding myself just aimlessly surfing the web, I put on my workout clothes and "got 'er done." I didn't walk afterward, and I didn't do the crunches (I hate crunches), but I can legitimately increment my counter and still have a chance of making my June WT goal.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

W1D2 and some progress

Left the house at 6:45 this morning. Cloud cover was slightly more sparse than Monday, but still enough to prevent it from heating up too much while Lucy and I were out. The 30 minute run was easy.

After holding steady around 172.4 since last Friday, I'm at a new low this morning, 171.8. I've done two low point days, and I expect today to be slightly higher. Scott and I are talking about going out and seeing a movie tonight. I'm hoping the calorie cycling will get me to 20 lbs lost by next week's weigh in. I hardly dare imagine getting into the 160s this month. Inching my way along...

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

June WT #5 of 8

After getting off the weight training wagon last week, I hauled myself back up tonight. One more workout down, three to go for the month. Looking at the calendar, looks like I can still make it if I do one Thursday, Sunday, and next Tuesday.

YAY for building some flexibility into my goal!

Week 12 Weigh in

I'm up .2 from yesterday, but this is still my best week this month!

I'm down 1.8 lbs for the week, 18.8 pounds total. There is still a week to go in June. I'm excited to see where it gets me.

Monday, June 22, 2009

W1D1

Lucy and I kicked off One Hour Runner this morning. The run was the same thing we did all last week: 5 minute warm up walk, 30 minute run, 5 minute cool down walk. This will be the plan for the next 3 weeks. I'm going to steadily work on my endurance and see if I can speed up a little bit (ie cover more distance).

After several weeks of clear skies, this morning's patchy cloud cover was a welcome sight. The added shade helped keep the temperature down, especially in the last 5 minutes of the run, which are usually the sunniest.

Sidenote: I trimmed Lucy's nails last night, so I'm hoping the jog filed down the rough edges.

10%

If I were currently enrolled in Weight Watchers, I'd be getting my 10% keychain at my next meeting.

Despite a less than stellar weekend (traveling, Father's Day BBQ), the scale was down 0.2 lbs this morning, putting me at 19 lbs a.k.a. 10% of my starting body weight lost.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Dad's Day 5k Race Report (W9D3)

This morning's Dad's Day 5K race in downtown Houston was also my graduation run for the Couch to 5K program. 

Results:
Chip Time: 40:35
Gun Time: 41:16
Overall Place: 630 / 725
Division Place: 33 /44 (F 30-34)

I met up with friends Michelle and Jesse at the race start under the Wortham Arch around 7:40 AM. We were standing towards the back of the crowd (past the 10 minute/mile pace sign) so we hadn't been able to make out what the announcer at the front was rambling on about. When the gun went off at 8 AM, it was a little unexpected.

As the crowd started to slowly edge forward, I quickly put my headphones in and started my music. My trusty Polar F11 HRM was queued up, requiring just a one button push as I crossed the start line about a minute later.

I emerged from under the arch and was immediately presented with brilliant sunshine and a fairly steep (compared to the few other hills I've covered during my training) climb up and over 6+ lanes of Interstate 45 through downtown Houston. I knew I would be slow compared to other runners, so I stayed to the side, but I will say I was a little surprised at how very many people were passing me on each side. Michelle and Jesse quickly disappeared into the crowd ahead.

The run had started over an hour later than my training runs. The sun was beating down and there was very little shade on Memorial Drive. I estimate that it was already in the high 80s or low 90s. I kept telling myself that just like my initial *long* runs, this would be a mind over matter experience. I was capable, I just had to keep my mind on running and off my aching legs.

Passing the first mile marker, I was shocked to see that I had run it in only 12:15. This was my fastest mile ever, at least two minutes faster than my training pace. My heart rate was also much higher than it has been during my training. I started to constantly remind myself to slow down and save my energy for the rest of the race. I finally gave myself permission to walk about 16 minutes into the run when I glanced down at the HRM and saw it in the 180s, higher than I've seen it since my first week of C25K. 

I started paying a lot more attention to the HRM at that point. Even at a brisk walk, it was high, at running rates. During the rest of the race, I ran only in brief spurts. I'd set a goal: run to that water station, run to that overpass, etc. Once I made the goal, I'd walk for several minutes. Despite walking large portions of it, I took only 14 minutes to get through the 2nd mile.

Climbing back up the I-45 overpass, I spied the Wortham Arch in the distance and saw that my time was still under 40 minutes. I decided right there to make a big push at the end and try to come in under 42 minutes (14 minute/mile pace). A few moments after starting to run, I found myself getting chills, and thought "This can't be good". I ignored it and the feeling soon went away.

Michelle and Jesse were on the sidelines cheering me on as I approached the finish line. I'm still a little surprised that I had the presence of mind to hit the "end" button on my HRM as I crossed it. I didn't make it in under 40 minutes, but my chip/HRM time of 40:35 far surpassed my original pre-race estimate of 42 minutes minimum, 45 minutes probable.

After I'd cooled off a bit, I looked more closely at my HRM results and was slightly horrified to see that over the 40 minutes, I'd averaged 91% of my max heart rate and even hit 101% at some point during the race. To compare, my recent training runs have averaged 80% and maxed out at 89%. I know that none of this is where I *should* be running, but as my body continues to adjust, average HR is trending slowly downward.

Anyway, the 5k was a lot harder than I expected. I need to work on not getting excited about running in a group and keep my pace slower and more sustainable. I hate to make excuses, I but I feel the weather was a big factor in my inability to run as much of the race as I would have liked. Houston in summer is pretty brutal. The organizers might have done better to schedule the race an hour earlier.

I will continue to run and plan for another 5k in July or August. I'd like to improve my time and aim for actually running more of the race.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mixed

I'm a little disappointed in myself this week. I really slacked on my weight training. I went shopping after work on Tuesday, meaning I got home too late to workout AND go for an evening walk with Lucy. I ended up skipping the weight lifting but did take the walk.

Last night I made plans to have an early dinner and then do my workout. Well, dinner (7 points worth of blackened tilapia, sauteed zucchini/carrots, and a small baked sweet potato) was too filling and I really didn't feel like lifting. So I just took a walk with Lucy and called it a night.

I woke up early this morning with the thought of doing a lifting workout. I dilly dallied around until all I had time for was another walk. So Lucy's been getting a lot of walking in lately, but my biceps aren't getting any bigger.

My current plan is to attempt to get in three weight training workouts next week. That should put me back on schedule for my June goal of 8 workouts.

There is SOME good news. The scale has been happy this week. I'm down to a new low of 172.4 lbs this morning. That's *almost* 19 lbs total. I've got a busy weekend ahead. I won't be home for another morning weigh in until Monday. I'm hopeful that this wonderful rate of loss will continue and this will end up being my first really really good weekly loss this month.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

W9D2

That's it! I'm done with running until the 5K race on Saturday.

I started C25K on April 21st. I've been constantly amazed at the improvement in my cardiovascular system. I went from huffing and puffing and feeling like I was going to die if Ullrey didn't let me stop soon to just a mild ache in my calves.  I don't yet *love* running, but I have high hopes that if I keep it up, eventually I will.

I've run in the rain, mid-day heat, and cool evening. I've run in unfamiliar cities, various local parks, and from my front door. Every run has been a sniff-tastic adventure for my dog Lucy, who spends most workdays cooped up in her crate. I'm getting my first summer tan in years (the majority of my outdoors activity in the past has been spent completely covered up in gear, riding my motorcycle).

I've only lost around 10 lbs during the program, but I don't blame the running for lack of progress. I'm not very strict with my diet, trading slowed weight loss for an eating plan that I can truly *live* with.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Week 11 Weigh in

Oooh! I've broken out of my pattern. After having floated around last weeks number all this week, I actually lost!

I'm down 1 lb for the week, 17 lbs total. 

Monday, June 15, 2009

A challenging day ahead

Tomorrow will be challenging. There's a birthday in the office, so there will be donuts. Then we're going on a field trip to two work sites, with a stop at Smashburger (boss' favorite and he's paying) between sites.

I want to stay On Points after the weekend. Here's what I've got planned:

Breakfast: Cran-Bran Vitatop
Lunch: Smashchicken sandwich (no cheese, no mayo) and maybe maybe maybe the flash fried veggies (asparagus, carrot, green bean)
Snack: none
Dinner: broiled tilapia, potato, veggies
Dessert: sugar free pudding

I already input it into my food journal. Now I've just got to stick to it.

Wicked Weekend

Scott and I drove down to San Antonio this weekend, mainly to see Wicked at the Majestic Theater, but also for an Adventure! 

On the way, I introduced him to a true Texas BBQ joint, the City Market in Luling. After checking into the Hotel Valencia, we strolled down the Riverwalk to the Alamo. On the way back we stopped at Zuni Grill for dinner on the patio overlooking the river.

The show was great. I'd read the book, but had scrupulously avoided researching the musical so I was in for a surprise. 

On Sunday morning we waited an hour for a table at Magnolia Pancake Haus. We agreed that the place (which reviews called the highest rated breakfast in San Antonio) couldn't hold a candle to Kerbey Lane in Austin, but was still yummy.

Anyway, I sat down at my computer last night and calculated out that I ate an extra 20 points on Saturday and ended up 3 points over on Sunday (I ate my filling go-to 7 point dinner, refusing to risk triggering a binge)

About 15 of those extra points were liquid (an extremely refreshing and yummy frozen strawberry margarita (9 pts?) and a canned watermelon drink (6 pts)).

Not horrible. Worth it.

W9D1

Hoping to beat some of the heat, I got out the door a whole half hour earlier this morning. It was slightly cooler, but the air was very still, so no breeze to cool me down. 30 minutes (only 2 minutes longer than my runs last week) was no challenge. 

I'm still slightly astonished that I've made it through 8 weeks of this program and will be running my first 5K on Saturday. 5K! 5K! Have I been gushing about it too much? 

Friday, June 12, 2009

DL weight

Earlier today, as I was digging through boxes looking for something, I found a keepsake box with various high school mementos in it. In it I found my original provisional (under 18) drivers license.

I don't even remember filling out the forms, but apparently back when I was 16, I put down 130 lbs as my weight. Was I really that light? Will this be a future mini-goal? Hmmmmm...

W8D3

Very sunny this morning. Still muggy (84 degrees when I passed the middle school marquee). I'm wondering if I'm capable of getting out of bed an hour earlier for cooler weather. The 6:45 AM that I've been doing the last several weeks is awfully early for me.

I had none of the "just want to walk" thoughts that plagued me on Wednesday. In fact, I actually tried to sustain a slightly faster pace. In past runs I've continually told myself to keep it slow and conserve energy. This time I stopped holding back and just let it happen. I doubt I was that much faster, but the halfway point was further down the road than Monday and Wednesday.

No worries on the calves. They were fine this morning.

Two runs left before the 5K. I'm bumping to 30 minute jogs next week.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

June WT #4 of 8

I feel like I might have over-extended my calves doing calf extensions tonight. Also a slight twinge in my lower back. The calves were fine after the 30 minute dog walk.

Hope I'm in shape to run tomorrow morning.

Lunch Victory

A rep brought in boxed lunches today. I got the "honey ham" box.

It ended up being a croissant with sliced deli ham, american cheese, a 230 calorie bag of Lays potato chips, a fruit cup, and a large M&M cookie.

I immediately put the cookie and chips into the common pot on the conference table. I picked the cheese off the sandwich (I don't like American anyway), discarded the mayo pack, squirted the mustard on, and enjoyed my lunch. My only add was a 100 calorie pack of Wheat Thins to give me the salt and crunch of chips.

The only part of the lunch that I still have doubts about is the croissant. It was probably higher calorie than I estimated, but I still feel proud of myself for having skipped the obviously off-plan parts of the meal.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

What's Next?

I'm almost done with Couch to 5k and have been looking for a plan to follow after my first 5k race. 

I'd like to try for one 5k each month to give me an extra reason to continue with my running. I'd also like a structured program to help improve my speed and endurance. Eventually I'd like to consider a 10k and/or half marathon. A full 26.2 mile marathon currently holds little attraction for me. I doubt Lucy would be able to accompany me on training runs for that and exercising with her is one of my big priorities.

Podrunner has a nice program with interval running set to music. There's a choice of an 8k or 10k program, but I'm not sure I want to run short intervals again after working myself up to being able to run for 30 minutes at a time.

I think I've settled on One Hour Runner (OHR). It starts off with several weeks of 30 minute runs and then, over 10 weeks, works up to being able to run a once weekly long run of 60 minutes at a time. I'll have to time it with my HRM watch and supply my own music. According to research I've read, as I build endurance doing long runs, my speed should improve on short runs. I think Lucy should still be capable of this because she's never really running, just trotting along next to me. I will need to start waking up earlier and and earlier though.

I'm Overweight! Yay!

There's some more blue on the sidebar. I hit one of my published mini-goals this morning. At 174.0 lbs, my BMI is 29.9 (ie no longer in the "obese" range). I'm now "overweight" and will remain in that range until I hit my goal weight of 145 lbs.

My next major mini goal is 160 lbs (-31 lbs) aka my old California driver's license weight (TX doesn't put weight on licenses). That's 14 lbs away.

W8D2

Very muggy this morning. Already 80 degrees by the time I left the apartment at 8:15. I wanted to stop and walk so many times during the first half of the run. I kept telling myself that I didn't really *need* to walk, I just *wanted* to walk. So I didn't. Mind over matter. I made it through and was FAR more proud of myself for jogging the whole thing.

I've got to figure out something for the sweat though. Tons of sweat droplets (yum!) were running down my face during the cool down walk. When I got home, I grabbed a paper towel and promptly soaked it wiping my forehead.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

June WT #3 of 8

I upped my sets today. Instead of one set (12 reps) of each lift, I did two. I almost wasn't able to finish the second set of shoulder press, but that was close to the end of my workout, which includes a fair amount of upper body. At least I'm confident that I'm using the right weight amount.

Tonight's workout (links to demonstration of lift on ExRx):
3 minutes of light intensity cardio (recumbent exercise bike)
2 sets of 12 squats
2 sets of 12 dumbbell row
2 sets of 12 dumbbell bench press
2 sets of 12 arm curls
2 sets of 12 dumbbell shoulder press
2 sets of 12 calf raise
2 sets of 12 bent over dumbbell row
2 sets of 30 crunches

I finished with a 30 minute dog walk. Lucy was appreciative.

Week 10 Weigh in

I finished out the week up a little from the preceding days, but I'm satisfied overall.

I'm down 1.2 lbs for the week, 16 lbs overall loss. The scale is definitely more exciting on running mornings, but probably more realistic on a normal quiet morning like this one.

Monday, June 8, 2009

W8D1

Only 4 more workouts until my 5K race.

My heart rate was a little higher than normal this morning. I don't think my body was ready to be awake yet. When I stopped running, my legs were infused with that lethargy again (the same I got after my first 20 minute run). I made it though.

Also, I dropped below 175 lbs this morning. That means (according to the older WW plan I'm following) it's time to drop my daily points range from 22-27 down to 20-25. Not a huge hardship, but I might need to start to substitute sugar free pudding for my daily ice cream.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Not the best weekend...

Foodwise at least.

I did avoid the pizza and stuck with water to drink on Saturday night. I skipped breakfast on Sunday morning so BF and I could sleep in late and then met some friends for brunch at a local restaurant.

I had an omelet with sausage crumbles, plenty of cheese, and veggies mixed in. The potatoes and high-end bacon on the side probably didn't help. I had a light 7 point dinner (chicken, veggies, wild rice) and have been guzzling liquids all day to try to get all that food moving.

At least I'm scheduled to run tomorrow morning. The scale has been kind to me in the past on such mornings.

(crosses fingers)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Choices

I went out with my parents last night. We decided on sushi/chinese buffet. I had a plate of assorted sushi and realized that I was already full, but just had to try a few bites of fried pork, calamari, and sesame chicken. I then topped it off with some sliced bananas with red sauce.

I ate WAAAAY too much... but I'm over it. Choices. Today I've been drinking my water and eating toward the lower end of my points range. I got on the scale this morning, groaned, and didn't write it down. Talk about too much salt and not enough water to wash it away.

BF and I were supposed to make a light Pad Thai for dinner tonight, but he just got a text from friends inviting us over for a pizza/movie night. We've already decided to get dinner on our own first and avoid the pizza.

If I can avoid the pizza, beer, and snacks, I should be ok for my next scale encounter on Monday morning.

There is one good thing about today worth mentioning. I did the Polar Fitness Test again this morning. My OwnIndex is up to 34 which corresponds with the lowest rung of "Moderate"  V02-Max, one of my minigoals. I updated my sidebar.

Friday, June 5, 2009

W7D3

Easy run this morning. Clear skies, plenty of shade. No problems. (I feel so boring: it was just a standard, run-of-the-mill run)

I'm really loving getting on the scale after a morning run though. Saw a new low. 16.2 lbs lost.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

June WT #2 of 8

I'm probably not stressing my muscles enough, but starting out very slow has other benefits, right? If I don't dread the workout, I'm more likely to do it. Hmm?

Anyway, at least Lucy appreciated the 20 minute walk.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

15! Fifteen Pounds! Ah ah ah ah!

I FINALLY made it to (past) fifteen pounds lost this morning. It took going for a run and taking a shower afterward, and the way it's been lately, I may not see that number again for a week... But durnit, I did it! It's MINE!

UPDATE - Here's the charm that Scott got me for 15 lbs. It's a round silver bead with inlaid mother of pearl hearts. The hearts can be different colors in different light, from white to green to pink to black. It's beautiful.

(The dangly heart is an older charm that I've had as long as I've had the bracelet.)

I know that Scott has already purchased 2 other charms, one for 30 lbs and one for my big goal of 45 lbs. Knowing they're waiting for me is huge motivation. I've GOT to make it there.

W7D2

Got up at 7ish this morning. It was overcast and muggy out, so no sunglasses needed. Still a bit of a cool breeze. No problems with the run after the light weight lifting last night. Phew!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

New Goal : June Weight Training

I've been trying to focus hard on running lately, establishing a habit and all...

But I also really want to start weight training again. I plan to do two weight lifting workouts each week in June (total of 8 for the month).

I've reached back into my weight lifting history to Krista's (stumptuous.com) "No Fat Chicks" post along with ExRx for exercise instructions. Like the Couch to 5k plan, Krista starts you out slow with a couple of weeks of quick, easy workouts progressing toward harder, more reps on a 12 week schedule. I like this format.

I have everything I need at home: dumbells with some assorted weights, an adjustable bench, even a recumbent exercise bike for quick cardio warmups. I'm logging (weight, sets, reps) my workouts in a spreadsheet on GoogleDocs.

Krista suggests 10-15 minutes of cardio after the workout. Instead of more jogging or spinning, I'll take this as a directive to take Lucy for a 20 minute walk to the high school and back.

I did my first workout today after work. I'm glad that this plan starts out slow, because multiple sets of squats in the past have left me with shaky legs the next day. I'm running tomorrow morning, so I really really hope my legs will be up to the task.

Week 9 Weigh in

My body rallied to a surprising 0.2 lb loss for the week, 14.8 total loss. As I posted yesterday, I'd spent most of the week above my official weight for last week, so I was a little shocked this morning when the scale put me just below. Happy though. Maybe the pattern will hold and the weight will melt off this week.

Monday, June 1, 2009

W7D1

I'm in the homestretch.

Feels like it at least. After having been up half the night (til 3am) on a work project, I was worried that the run wouldn't go very well.

Well, it was no problem. The sun was on it's way down when I left the apartment at 7:30. It was actually *cool* with a nice breeze. W7D1 down.

On another note, I went to the grocery store today to restock. I'd heard that this other store had some interesting items. I wasn't able to find everything on my list, but it had the basics.

I'm cooking dinner right now and slightly saddened to find that HEB's (the place I went today) bulk frozen boneless/skinless chicken breasts are noticeably smaller than Kroger's (my normal store). They're probably a more correct portion size, but still....

The Month of May

I lost 4.8 lbs in May. It seems agonizingly slow after over 10 lbs in April. I keep reminding myself that I started running in the 2nd half of April and my legs have been building muscle. I'll be writing down measurements tomorrow morning (a new monthly ritual, took my first measurements in early May).

I've noticed a pattern to my weight loss. I seem to alternate fantastic loss weeks with slight loss or slight gain weeks. I'll know for sure tomorrow, but I think I'm currently on a slight gain week.

I refuse to be discouraged. Even at a rate of 5 lbs per month, I'll still reach or be very close to my 45 lb goal by the end of the year. That's infinitely better than giving up and watching (or not watching) the scale go that distance in the other direction.