Photo by Dick Blume, Syracuse Post-Standard; with Matthew Hayward as KoKo
Yesterday turned out to be a big day, exercise-wise. Not only did I do my lovely experimental walk without the post-op shoe, but I got in my hour of elliptical ... and then got to evening rehearsal to find that we were staging my big aria scene with KoKo. This involved MUCH running around, flinging oneself to one's knees, and dancing.
Oh dear.
Had I realized how active it was going to be, I probably would have skipped either the walk or the cardio. By itself, the rehearsal wouldn't be too much but on top of a walk and an hour on the elliptical, it was pushing it. My foot and knee survived just fine but certainly by the end of the day they were ready for some ice and a nice lie-down. Today, I am being firm with myself about taking a day OFF. (The arguments have already started: "Well, you could just do some yoga! That's not strenuous, and you'd still get some sort of exercise in!" But no. I really do need to take a day and stay off it as much as possible).
It was a tremendous amount of fun to stage this very physically active scene. I think it is probably the most running around I've had to do on stage since I lost the weight, and there is no way I could have done this before. Not with the amount of energy I'm pumping out now. And in the performance, I will be doing it in a heavy kimono and wig, under hot lights, which certainly takes a further toll on your energy (adrenaline gets you through it; the crash comes after the curtain falls)! It's a good thing I was able to start working out again, just a little. This role needs it!
Photo by Dick Blume, Syracuse Post-Standard. With Matthew Hayward as KoKo.
There is a lovely article in today's Syracuse Post-Standard, by the arts editor Melinda Johnson, who interviewed my colleague and me last week. I'm tickled to death that she mentioned my "attractive looks" despite the makeup. This was another first for me --- no publicity has ever mentioned my appearance before. They rarely do it when you're fat, unless it's to announce that you are fat in some sort of coded language (aka "the Rubenesque mezzo" or some such). I know I shouldn't get so excited about something so silly, and the truth is that I would MUCH rather someone talk about my accomplishments or performances; but nevertheless, I must admit: I'm gratified.
10x10-25
I did manage to get on the scale yesterday, but not before I worked out late in the day, so it's not the most accurate reading. However, from my last at-home weigh-in about four weeks ago, I've lost five pounds. Yaay! After the way I ate yesterday, however, I figure I probably came out even. I did great for breakfast and lunch, but after my workout I was completely bushed and feeling peaked; I needed to eat. Downtown Syracuse has very little within walking distance of our rehearsal space, and everything was PACKED because it turned out that A Chorus Line was opening in the Civic Center across the street. I ended up at a pub having a burger and onion rings ... which I do not in the least regret. I haven't had a burger in about 2 years and this was a FANTASTIC burger. (And then I went to rehearsal and ran around the stage for two hours ... so, like I said ... even).
Today's plan, however, is to keep it light light light, especially since there will be no workout (other than the running around the stage this evening). I love big spinach salads with some fresh apple or pear, a few pecans, and some bleu cheese. That's my lunch! Dinner is leftovers --- veggies and a slice of veggie pizza with whole wheat crust.
Let's hear from you, Challengers --- especially those who haven't posted recently! Are there any particular issues you'd like to see addressed in this space? How are you doing? Speak up!
Lindsey, thanks. It was a really fun shoot! Glad you found a trick that works for you.
MS, the makeup comes off easily with baby wipes and cold cream.
Sara, good for you for doing what you could. Sounds like you might need to make a plan each week for your lunches. It's kind of a chore to plan whole weeks at a time, but it also saves time and effort in the long run!
Danu, congrats on doing what was needful to keep your workout on track! As for the tapering effect, it's true that we need constant reminders to stay on track --- because we receive constant cues to get off. See my next post, which addresses this subject.
Elisabeth, good work on the healthy snacks! The chorus ladies have been bringing in goodies ... I have to station myself far, far away. I am not always successful in avoiding them, but I have been successful in only taking a tiny piece and being satisfied with that!
Posted by: Cindy | October 17, 2010 at 04:06 PM
I loved the P-S article! Congrats!
For me: I have at least been making better choices for eating later at night than some of the meals I've been eating, and finally stopped at the grocery story to pick up almonds, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, and a box of protein bars. That, combined with the teas a neighbor was cleaning out (three shoeboxes worth!) will have me avoiding the mailroom goodies! As has been said here many times, planning is the only way to go.
Workouts have been sporadic, but am getting in more strength training at home than normal: we're getting ready to move. The time spent on the elliptical has been quality, but not nearly enough for the weight loss goals I have. Am pulling out 30 Day Shred to give me a jump start, and I have time marked out tomorrow morning linger over a workout at the gym, and the swimsuit is coming with me!
Posted by: Elisabeth | October 15, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Cooler weather has me energized and makes it easier to walk and try to meet my 10K steps a day. My trusty pedometer lost power Thursday morning, but I overcame my usual procrastinating ways and actually bought a battery last night. I love to see those numbers build up throughout the day.
So far, reading the books I mentioned in the last post is still really helping me with extraneous eating. I know from past experience that the initial benefit from using the methods described in the books can taper off if I don't keep at it.
I'm going with this while I am feeling strong, and I really, really plan to make this phase of my weight removal project the last. I expect to meet my initial goal weight by my birthday just June, and this challenge is a good kickoff!
Posted by: Danu | October 15, 2010 at 09:59 AM
Didn't want to run 5k yesterday, so I compromised and told myself I could just do 20 minutes on the treadmill instead. "Just 20 minutes!" I upped the speed every mile or so and walked a 5-min cooldown, so in the end, it was 2.5 m-- not too far from 3.1, and better than skipping it completely.
The fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, have fallen by the wayside, mostly because I haven't been packing my lunch for work. My plan next week is to get up early enough to eat breakfast at home and pack lunch Mon-Thurs.
Posted by: Sara | October 15, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Wow, what great pictures but, how did you get all that makeup off your face?
A topic I would like to see, or maybe you have written about, how not to give up. I am working so hard and when I step on the scale and see it go up, first thing in the morning, there are days, I could just cry but, I don't, I just keep on track. Argh!
Walked in the rain today, ate well and tracked.
Posted by: Monster Soprano | October 14, 2010 at 07:14 PM
First, I must say the expression in that first photo has me at a loss for words. It is just that great.
As for the challenge, the gum is working great. Instead of stacking, I am chewing gum. Since I chew about 4 pieces a day, this is about 10 calories. Considering the other stuff I would have eaten, this is a big difference in total calorie intake.
Posted by: Lindsey | October 14, 2010 at 03:22 PM