Well, some steps in the right direction.  Last night I did some circuit training.  I wasn't able to do the last circuit, as I am being a little timid with my back.  BUT, it was still difficult and I think was a great workout.

Today I've been doing great at avoiding my go-to foods that I've been overindulging the past few months - candy, cookies, chocolate donuts, etc. 

It's been a day of good choices so far and hopefully some running and walking tonight.

Unfortunately, last night I did not do my lifting weights but Monday night I did do Week 2 Day 1 of the 5K training program.  Tonight I MUST jog again and lift too.  I need to start getting up a little earlier to run but I cannot seem to do it.  I'm too tired!

Sounds like you're off to a great start so far Jamie.  I can never manage to workout before the morning rush with the kids either. Between the two choices:  dark before daybreak or dark after the sun has set and the kids are in bed, I'm all for option B.  Wishing you the best of luck with this challenge and I'll keep following your updates here.  

Well, sadly, I didn't do anything last night.  I was not in the mood and was just down.  I gave my two weeks notice this past week at work.  I got a new job...  which is exciting but having to manage the stress of being someplace you don't want to be, deal with people who are unhappy because you are leaving and dealing with people who are not being easy to work with because you are leaving makes it a little hard.  I need to pull my boot straps up and get exercising!!!

Wow, that is a lot to deal with in one day.  Exciting about the new job.  I need to pull my bootstraps up and get exercising too.  I know the worst part is the hurdle of just getting there.  Once I'm involved, I'm happy again.  Once it's done, I always feel relieved that I got it off my brain - it's always niggling there.  Like a dragon that just needs to get slain.

Well, wasn't a complete fail last night.  After the kids went off to bed I had to talk with my husband about some paperwork for the new job.  So, I did a lot of stretching before I was going to work out but I never made it to the next step.  I went off to bed.  I've been tired a lot lately.  I'm not sure if it's stress/depression, the weather (cold and dark) or just plain tired.  At any rate, at least I did a little something even if it wasn't what I wanted.  Oh well.  I have BIG plans for tonight...  cross training AND jogging.  I hope I hope I hope I follow through.

 Yeah, the weather at this time of year can really take a toll on some people.  My husband is one of those people.  He rarely feels 'up' during the winter.  No fun at all.

Well, yesterday was not a success. Not one bit. I got home and was exhausted so got ready for bed after the kids went down. Tonight I decided to exercise during their bath which was a great idea. While the kids were in the tub, I drug in my weights and did my exercises. I'm sooooo glad I did. It was brutal and my daughter kinda cheered me on. I find the plank difficult. I'm pretty ginger with my back and my knee locks up when I do it but I managed 55 seconds, which is 10 more than last time. So, success today. :-)

 Considering you were exhausted, I have to commend your efforts with the weights.  Great job Jamie.  Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

Well, I had hopes of jogging today but that didn't happen. I did, at least, ear well. I will be doing some yoga before bed so that's something I suppose.

 That is absolutely something Jamie.  Keep up the great work.  

Today I didn't do ANYTHING. I hope tomorrow I can be motivated!!!!!!

Jamie...keep your spirits up...you are going through a lot of changes, with a lot of exciting adventures going forward. We all go through some ups and downs...and today is deemed BLUE MONDAY (one of the most depressing days of the year), so it is OK that you have not taken that step. You are on the right track...and it will all fall into place when the time is right.

Congrats on the planking...not many can do it, so 55 secs is awesome work!!!

Thanks girls! Tonight I did my weigh lifting again while the kids were in the tub. I was able to hold the plank for a full minute. I wish I could do more than 10 push ups at a time but I'll keep working on it. The best part was having my daughter cheer me and. She even said that when she gets bigger she wants to exercise with me. Awesome!!

Well, tonight I didn't do anything. BUT, Ive noticed that my clothes are not fitting so snug so that's nice... Of course, these are the same clothes that I've already stretched ou when I was pregnant but who's keeping track? Haha Anyway, it was a good day. Ended with a glass of wine.

Well, in addition to not working out I ha wine- again. My son ha an eventful day and it turns out he has an actual boil on his butt. Bi always thought that was just an expression. Anyway, so I had to soak him while my husband was out visiting his ailing grandmother. ... Anyway, what a mess. I did look into different training programs today though. I'm probably just overthinking how to prepare for this race.

 Ten pushups at a time sounds great to me Jamie.  Way to go!  So nice to read you`re already noticing a difference in the way your clothes are fitting.  So awesome that you have your own little cheerleader too.

 Hey Jamie, just sharing some A,B,C's of healthy living.  Some choices outside of exercising alone to help with your goal.  

A - Ask Questions when dining out.  Don't hesitate to ask your server how a dish is prepared and feel free to request it to be altered in a way to make it more healthy... as in, sauce on the side, without oil, substitute fries with a salad... 

B - Budget For Snacks - don't give up all your favouite treats - just plan for them ahead of time and adjust your eating in the day to allow for them.  That way, you won't feel deprived if everyone at the movie is having a treat except you.  

C - Cancel The Pity Party if you feel discouraged about the number on the scale or how slow progress is going, remind yourself that everyone struggles on this journey and that you're working through it and sticking to your plan.  

D - Distract Yourself when you're hungry between meals or snacks... call a friend, go for a walk, write an e-mail, drink water - do anything that doesn't involve food and you'll notice the hunger usually passes within minutes.  

E - Eat Slowly when you sit down for a meal or snack.  If you eat too quickly, it's easier to miss the signal from your body that you're satisfied.  In fact, put the fork down between bites if you're having a conversation with friends or relatives at the table.    

F - Focus on the presentation of your food on the plate.  Arrange it attractively on a pretty piece of china, this will help you feel more satisfied.  

G - Give new habits time because change doesn't happen overnight.  It may take 21 days to break or create a new habit, but it takes about six montns for new habits to feel natural or automatic.  Make a commitment to stick with your new regimen for at least that long.  

H - Hang out with optimists.  The can-do spirit is contagious.  It can bolster your resolve and help fuel your weight loss goals.  

I - Inspire yourself with a list of activities that you've put off doing - going sailing, learning to salsa dance, travelling to a far off place - this will provide a built-in incentive to stick to your plan.  

J - Join Up - exercise with others, whether it's joining a hiking club, a fitness club or a recreational softball league - all of this offers a sense of accountability and a feeling of community.   Hope you find something helpful here Alex and I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Hope you find some helpful tips and I'll be back to post more soon.

Thanks Andrea!! Ive been MIA with a new job so I haven't had web access AND haven't been working out much either. I did do yoga this week though. I think tonight I'm gonna have my little cheerleader work out with me - she's been asking to. :-)

 Hey Jamie.  No worries.  Congrats on the yoga.  Great that you're getting your little cheerleader involved too.  Here's some more ABC's for your enjoyment.:

K - Keep Your Focus as you're losing weight, notice what you're gaining as well:  a slimmer profile, better fitting clothes, more confidence, a more restful sleep, a new love of exercise, a more healthier YOU all around.

L - Lighten Up Your Favourites... with new low-fat cookbooks.  Experiment with your favourite Chinese, Mexican, Italian dishes with substitued lighter ingredients.  Or try a different cultures' cuisine.

M - Make Over Your Kitchen and get rid of trigger foods.  Restock with healthier choices to make snacking easy.  

N - Navigate Your Way Out Of Your Comfort Zone and try a new exercise at least once.  Discovering how much you enjoy new activities will help create your new healthier lifestyle.

O - Opt for the 10-Minute Rule even if you don't feel like exercising.  Get moving in some way for at least ten minutes and if, after that, you still feel uninspired, give yourself permission to quit.

 Hi Jamie.  Hope you are enjoying the weekend.  Here's the next installment of the ABC's for healthier living.  Hope you find something helpful.

P - Push Yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable each week - or try them prepared in a different way.  You'll be treating yourself to a new taste sensation and expanding your culinary repertoire in a healthy way.

Q - Quit the Clean Plate Club and get into the habit of eating only until you're satisfied.  This way, you'll spare yourself loads of unnecessary calories.

R - Reward Yourself with a new 'busy hands' skill to stave off snacking after dinner - take up knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or beading.  Or, give yourself a mani/pedi.

S - Stand Up Food Pushers at the party by politely indicating that you have your eye on another dish at the buffet.  Complimenting the hostess on the food she's offering will distract her from her agenda and help you stick to yours.  

T - Treat Your Body Like A Temple.  Start exercising regularly and taking care of yourself as if you were an athlete.  Fuel your body with energy-boosting foods and plenty of sleep and water.  

 Almost to the end of the ABC's.  Hope all is well.  Was just checking in for your update.  Wishing you the best.

U - Use Your Lunchbreak Wisely by walking for half of it.  Taking a midday jaunt can boost your energy, reduce your stress, and give you more time after work with family and friends.

V - View Sweet Treats Wisely - Don't deprive yourself of cravings always.  Find a lower calorie substitue that satisfies you and have that as a reward or as a weekly treat.  Put a limit on rich desserts.

W - Write a Gratitude List - Each day, jot down or journal a few things that you're grateful for.  When spirits sad or when stuck in an especially aggrivating day, reviewing your gratitude list can boost your resolve to stay on track.

Hope you find something helpful.

 Hi Jamie - last of the ABC's for you here.  Wishing you the very best as you persue your goals.

X - Xerox Exercise Moves as you come across them in magazines and books.  That way, when you're doing your workout or putting together a routine, you'll have a bit of a library built up with proper techniques outlined and pitcures to show how to get best results.  Happy strength training

Y - Yearn To Accept Where You Are Now if you get discouraged about your rate of progress or if you hit a plateau and get frustrated, try to accept and appreciate where you've come from and the journey to get to where you are currently and where you want to be.  Enjoy the process.  After all, you are doing what it takes to make a difference with your health and fintness.  That alone is commenndable.   

Z - Zero In On Your Body - be sure to listen to the signals your body is giving you.  Treat your body as you would an infant child -  with compassion, patience and love and understanding.  Give it healthful, nutrient rich food for energy only when it's required, quench it's thirst with water freely and give it the exercise it needs for optimal health and fitness and your body will reward you in unbelievable ways.