Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

Hi everyone....I would assume that there will be a June challenge like the May one of miles? I just found this group today and would like to follow along. Long term goal right now....110 pounds to lose to get me back to high school weight. I am 270 and would love to be back at 160. I am really struggling right now...have not been moving much, but I have logged everything that goes in my mouth since last Monday...so for like 10 days. The good the bad and the ugly. I stress ate yesterday and at so far over my calorie goal the computer smacked me. Yikes...it was a bad day.

Anyway....Will be taggin along and creepin on the board if that's okay. Hoping to find some support and wisdom. Happy Hump day to you all.

Fitbit people...... I need help. I looked online and I can get a Fit Bit zip for $ 46.06 or a decent pedometer for $15 - $30. I know the Zip doesn't track your sleep (which I don't want since it'll just stress me out about my nightly tossing and turning), but what else will I miss with a Zip versus the other Fit Bits? And what will I gain over a Pedometer? I know Fit Bit will sync with MFP somehow, but is that something you can elect to do some days and not others?

I plan to continue to use Map My Walk when I walk for exercise, but need a way to track mileage when I'm walking on vacation or at times I don't want to carry my iPhone.

Words of wisdom will be much appreciated!

I have the Zip and I love it! I like that it syncs with MFP. It does not track sleep or stairs and for me, that's ok. I have zero exposure to stairs (live in a ground floor apt and work in a single level building) and like Kelley said, the sleep monitor would only have me tossing and turning with stress over getting enough sleep. But even though it does not track sleep, I still wear it to bed for no other reason but to track the steps I take if/when I get up to go to the bathroom! :laugh:
I really wanted to get the Force (they discontinued it) or the Flex, but when I really examined what I NEEDED vs what I WANTED, I realized that it wasn't worth the extra $50 just to have a wristband instead of the "clip on" Zip.

ETA: Oh yeah, worth noting, I've heard that the divices that track stairs only track the stairs you CLIMB and not the ones you descend. I believe I read it on one of the Fitbit message boards. This person was running the bleachers of a high school stadium and was only getting credit for her flights up and not down so essentially only getting credit for half her workout.

Fitbit people...... I need help. I looked online and I can get a Fit Bit zip for $ 46.06 or a decent pedometer for $15 - $30. I know the Zip doesn't track your sleep (which I don't want since it'll just stress me out about my nightly tossing and turning), but what else will I miss with a Zip versus the other Fit Bits? And what will I gain over a Pedometer? I know Fit Bit will sync with MFP somehow, but is that something you can elect to do some days and not others?

I plan to continue to use Map My Walk when I walk for exercise, but need a way to track mileage when I'm walking on vacation or at times I don't want to carry my iPhone.

Words of wisdom will be much appreciated!

I have the Fitbit One and love it. I do not track my sleep with it as it is always attached to my belt or in my pocket and I just don't hit the sleep button. With having said that, I get up several times a night to go to the rest room (age) and walk the dogs (also age..lol) and I am sure it would holler at me for lack of sleep. ( I am aware I don't get enough sleep, I don't need the Fitbit telling me that too ) I LOVE my Fitbit One and the fact that it tracks not only my steps but also flights of stairs and with the fact that it tracks to my phone...I LOVE IT. I researched all of the different fitbits and just as I was about to get the Flex...I found several posts where the pant/pocket ones were more accurate, so I did not buy a new one. Did I say I love my Fitbit One? LOL It also has a display screen to show the number of steps etc. and has about a two week charge, depending on how much you look at it.

Good luck no matter what decision you make!!!

Thank you for posting this! I've been looking at getting a FitbitOne and love to hear about people seeing good results with it.

@kah, @aimeemarie, @morgori, @robinb, @schnickle - Thank you all for the info and advise on FitBits. I've decided on the Zip since it's reasonably priced and I don't need much of the additional functionality in the more expensive models. I think I'll stick with not having it report to MFP, but will just add in the mileage when I'm on vacation and don't do any formal exercising. Seems like a good compromise.

I am certainly wanting to lose 100 lbs! I'd like to follow/join this group if that is still an option. Do I just post and I automatically receive updates? I'm not entirely sure how to follow a thread.

First of all, welcome to all of the newbies here today. Congratulations to you for taking the steps you need to get to your goal of being more healthy and active. All you need to do to benefit from our wonderful friendship here is jump on frequently and participate with us. You'll find lots of help and encouragement for a very long and sometimes difficult journey.
Robin, the quote is from L2T. I've used that suggestion when helping a friend get started. Its wonderful. As for my shoes, I wear New Balance. They are the only brand that I am aware of that has a roll bar. I had a problem with plantar faceitis a few years ago. I was told that the roll bar would help prevent future flareups, and it has worked. All of their shoes don't have that feature so you have to ask for it. I get mine online so I can look specifically for that. Good luck. The right shoes really help.
My Wednesday wish is getting stale. I'm still wishing that the scales would show me a good firm loss.
Hope the rest of your day goes well. Onward and downward. Kaye

Wednesday wish – TO GET OUT OF THIS FITNESS FUNK!! STILL!! Besides my weekend beach walks (and the occasional last minute 5k) fitness has pretty much been non-existent! I am blaming the weather. It’s just too damn hot! The last time we were at the gym, I had to walk outside into what was probably 80+ degrees to COOL OFF! I felt like I was going to pass out, I couldn’t get enough air. I don’t know if the A/C wasn’t working properly or what, but it was entirely too hot in that gym.

Welcome to all the newbies! Shame it’s not Tuesday, we could call it Newbie Tuesday!

@RobinE – I am sorry for your steroid woes! Let me guess, Prednisone?? When I was in my early 20’s I was diagnosed (and once relapsed) with Hodgkin’s disease and Prednisone was part of the oral meds that I had to take on top of the IV meds. I swear it was the beginning of the end in regard to my weight! Don’t get me wrong; since I was in middle school I was always bigger than the other girls my age, but never really overweight and definitely never obese (like now); more like teetering on the high end of the “normal” range. Prednisone made me hungry, ANGRY and MEAN!! Of course the cancer diagnosis itself contributed to the anger. I would have cravings, but could never figure out WHAT I was craving so I would just eat and eat and eat until I either was so full I couldn’t breathe or until I would finally feel satisfied. I gained a lot of weight and it’s always been a struggle since. Also, I can relate to the family thing too. My mom and my sister are both within 5 miles of me yet holidays are very lonely as I usually spend them by myself. My sister’s husband can be a real *kitten* and he has a grown daughter (with her own family) from a previous relationship. They spend their holidays together so I usually see my sister only once a year when my father visits from Pittsburgh and we get together. My mom still spends holidays with the family of her roommate/companion who passed away last year. So it’s me and my kids and although I try to make it special, they usually go to their father’s house for the family gathering with that side of their family. I don’t blame them, holidays are supposed to be about family. I see my mom maybe once a month. This is why our “family vacation” in July will be so, ah, interesting?? The first time the “original five” (mom, dad, sister, brother and I) will be together in about 40 years, aside from the occasional wedding within the immediate family.

@Nettie – Love the pics! Floor, critter, Harvest Moon... ALL of them, keep them coming! I hope to see your garden soon!

@Kelley – My fingers are crossed for your raise!

@PaintedCalavry – I use mileage from my Fitbit plus 1 mile per 20 minutes of non-step exercise (which was only once) that Fitbit doesn’t capture. Your profile pic looks like you did the Color Run (or something like it)? Did you have fun?? I did the Color Run a few weeks ago and had a blast!

@hansea – LOL @ digestive distress!! I can relate! This happened to me regularly (no pun intended) when I first started really moving my body a few months ago! There is no better laxative than good ole fashion EXERCISE!! I would tell my daughter, “You know you are having a good workout when you have to stop and find a bathroom!”

@Aunt Kaye – I hope your Wednesday Wish comes true very SOON!

@Laurie @Tanya – Congrats on your great workout yesterday! That is awesome!

Phew! It’s been a very busy week on the thread so far!

Until next week; wishing everyone peace, love and weight loss!!
And…
Don’t sweat the small stuff, just SWEAT!!

I just got back from my run... The one that was supposed to be 20 min. Well, it turned out into a 42 min run, and a complete 5k! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: I was actually a bit nervous on the way to the rail trail (I have to drive there, it's/I'm out in the country). But once I got going I relaxed. It was a bit uphill and against the wind. When I got to half way I decided to keep going to the next road to turn around there. When 20 min was up I checked my distance, 3.5k. Since I was going downhill with the wind I figured I'd try for 5k. The last 5 min were tough on my legs/hips but I finished in exactly 42 minutes. So this brings me to...

Wed. Wish... That I had not wasted so many years (and my youth) treating my body like crap, feeding it crap, neglecting it, and not using it to its full potential. I am beginning to see how fantastic my body can be with proper care, nourishment and exercise. I have gone leaps and bounds in the last year, losing over 40 lbs, feeling relief from chronic pain, having a ton more energy, feeling stronger and being able to do almost anything I want to without limitations. And running has been my biggest victory thus far. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought that I could be where I am today. And I'm not done yet!

I've been thinking about my June challenge goal and though I would love to try and increase my mileage even further, I am on holidays the last week of June, and would like to keep it a bit more on the relaxed side. I will make a decision in a day or 2.

Mileage

May 25: 2.9 miles
May 26: 5.6 miles
May 27: 6 miles
May 28: 4.1 miles

Well, I am back from a wonderful relaxing Alaska cruise with a few days in Seattle (busy, busy) and a few days in Victoria British Columbia. Went to Buchart Gardens for the 2nd time and the roses were about 2 weeks short of blooming fully. did learn that the garden is on the Pacific Ocean and they had added a boat ride. The day on the ship in Glacier Bay was amazing There were Glaciers and beside them were grassy meadows with mountain goats. We saw whales abundantly and actually saw a bear walk into the water and catch a fish for supper. Lots of Eagles and other wildlife. The town of Sitka was fantastic. They have an inactive volcano with grass inside where they camp.

Now back to reality. Hopefully I did not gain too much. I planned my meals for the next 7 days and am going back on plan and starting back to water aerobics. although with a stress fracture I have to workout in the deep water. Came out of the brace today and they have just taped my feet. Will see how that works.

I am at the point in my life where I am starting all over again. My divorce will be final in about 60 days and sometimes I feel strong and at other times I feel frightened about the future. I am trying to keep a positive attitude as Maya Angelou said "What you cant change just change how you think about it" BTW Maya passed away and it is a great loss to literature.

I''ve always tried to find something good out of whatever happens to me and I am struggling at this point. I need to concentrate of health and accumulate some successes in my life.


grandmakay44 - I too wear new balance, as high a number on back as I can afford. It helps my plantar fasciitis and my flat feet. Most high end shoe stores will test your feet to see if you over or under pronate and make recommendations. You can either buy there or go to discount chains and find the same shoes for less

This is a question about shoes. ASICS GEL NIMBUS are on sale today and tomorrow and I'm interested and need new tennies badly. BUT I am just a walker, not a runner I am even a very slow walker. Does anyone have any advice as far as if these shoes are OK for me?
Does the weight of the shoe matter? These weigh 9.8 oz and on-line there is another shoe, but more expensive that weighs 8.8 oz.
Heck, I am just confusing myself at THIS point.

Kaye - I''ve wondered what type of shoes you walk in - you've obviouusly been very successful and you're not a runner.

Many of you however have praised Asics, and I've worn Asics before and they're shape does fit my foot better than most of the other brands I've come across especially Nike does not fit me ever.

I am no expert on running shoes, but I assume that shoes that have really good support/cushioning for a runner must be good enough for a walker. Running and walking use generally the same forward motion, so I assume they would be suitable to walk in too. I have 2 pairs of Asics ( ran in my brand new pair today) and they are fabulous. They are so comfortable, and I have no foot pain/discomfort whatsoever. This is coming from someone who has had multiple bouts of plantar fasciitis and seemingly always painful feet.

I wish I could put on one outfit and know it will fit the first time.

RobinE- Shoes are important. I have worn New Balance, Aascis, Brooks- I like them all but New Balance was my first pair of good tennis shoes and are good for plantar fascitis. I would recommend going to a professional shoe store and get fitted for the shoes. Then like someone else said you can go to a different store and get the same brand. It is amazing what you can learn from a actual shoes salesman. Several stores have knowledgeable sales people: Addis, Footlocker, New Balance or a running store. Good luck with the shoes.

PC- You track the miles how you want to track them. Personally I track my exercise miles only- bike use a phone app My Tracks, Run- I count laps or use my phone, cardio machine- miles on the machine, Swimming or classes- I use a 30 minute mile to track distance. Swimming I tend to lose track of laps- I can swim a half mile in about 25 minutes.

Susan- Where are you heading to on the East Coast? Sorry that work is very stressful. I know you can remain strong when it comes to making good choices. Like you said you do well at the hotels so hit the fitness center daily. It will also help to reduce your stress.

Welcome to all the newbie's. Check in with us as often as possible. The more you participate the faster we will get to know you. You will find a very supportive group of people.

Jt- Please post your mileage update from last week. Saturday and Sunday are missing.

Congratulations Hansea for Surpassing your Goal of 66.5 miles. 70.54 miles completed so far.:drinker:

Congratulations to Kelley for Surpassing her goal of 90 miles, Kelley has completed 91.07 miles.:flowerforyou:

The conversation on the fitbit has been very enlightening. I will be doing my research as well. My HRM is not working as effectively as it should. I am deciding if I want to replace it or go with a fit bit.

Wish that I get some sleep tonight and that stress does not overwhelm me this week. I have some grading to do and meetings all week after school the workday will be very long. Exercise wise I have 2 rest days (today and tomorrow) so my body will recover from the workouts this weekend.

Hope everyone has a great day. Keep hitting those miles. As of miles reported today, we have completed 1328.46 miles, which means only 198.64 miles to go. We can do this. :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :happy: :happy: :laugh: :laugh:

Happy HUMP Day.

Hi everyone!

I've been keeping up with reading the past 2 days, but haven't had time to post. Just a few personal while I wait for my Blackhawks to win this thing in double-overtime.

@hansea--I did 30DS last summer for about 25 days (then I had to leave for my Switzerland trip). It was a good workout, but I despise working out in my house, so I haven't gone back to it. :ohwell:

@karenleaona--CONGRATS on the new job!!! :drinker: I know that's been a long time coming, and it sounds like a great fit!

@katrena--wow, sounds like a fabulous trip!! Oh, and thank you for the Maya Angelou quote--I have been mourning her loss all day.

@tanya--I second your Wed. Wish!!

@robin--lots of shoe advice--I don't have much to add except that Asics are my favorite of 3 different brands I wear (also like Saucony and Addidas). However, not every pair will have the same level of support--for example, I have to wear shoes with a lot of arch support b/c I have super high arches that are prone to plantar fascitis. When I go to the Asics store, I have to find the shoes with rigid soles and lots of arch support. The Gel-Nimbus is a good shoe--here is a link to a description:

http://runningshoes.com/asics-gel-nimbus

Also, you asked about the weight of the shoe. To my knowledge runners worry about this b/c a heavier shoe will slow them down--but we are talking about those runners who are worried about winning a race. I'm not fast enough to be concerned with a few ounces. :laugh: . If you are wearing them to walk, it really won't make a big difference.

Also, someone asked about tracking miles--I only track my exercise miles, not my daily walking, but as others said, you can do either.

Welcome to the newlings! :flowerforyou:

HAWKS WIN!!!! :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Grading Goals:
1.28/52 Junior research papers

Exercise goals:
Mon--walk gunner DONE + yard work DONE
Tues--walk gunner NOT DONE (rain) + gym NOT DONE
Wed--walk gunner RAN OUTSIDE INSTEAD
Thurs--walk gunner + gym
Fri--rest day
Sat--Animal House Shelter 5k
Sun--walk gunner + gym

Goal Mileage: 80 Miles

5/26 = 3 miles
5/27 = 0 miles
5/28 = 3 miles
5/29= miles
5/30= miles
5/31= miles
6/1= miles

Will try and get back for personals later. Hope everyone has a great day!

May Mileage Goal: 100 miles

5/1 - 2 miles (class)
5/2 - 5 miles (walk)
5/3 - 3 miles (walk)
5/4 - 3 miles (walk)
5/5 - 4.25 miles (class plus 2.25 mile walk)
5/6 - 3.75 miles (walk)
5/7 - 2 miles (walk)
5/8 - 3.50 miles (class plus 1.50 mile walk)
5/9 - 2 miles (class)
5/10 - 2.50 miles (walk)
5/11 - 3.25 miles (walk)
5/12 - 4 miles (class plus 2 mile walk)
5/13 - 4.50 miles (walk)
5/14 - 2 miles (class)
5/15 - 2 miles (class)
5/16 - 3 miles (walk)
5/17 - 3 miles (walk)
5/18 - 3.50 miles (walk)
5/19 - 4 miles (class plus 2 mile walk)
5/20 - 4.0 miles (walk)
5/21 - 3.0 miles (walk)
5/22 - 4.0 miles (class plus 2 mile walk)
5/23 - 3.0 miles (walk)
5/24 - 4.5 miles (walk)
5/25 - 4.0 miles (walk)
5/26 - 4.0 miles (walk)
5/27 - 2.75 miles (walk)
5/28 - 3.75 miles (class plus 1.75 walk)
5/29 - 5.0 miles (class plus 3.0 walk)

Total Miles - 96.25