I’ve been having a great summer.
- Running stronger: You’ve probably seen me post rainbow and unicorn run pics like these on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Hitting the weights/crosstraining hard
- Enjoying quality time and healthy activities with the kids
- I’ve gotten in all of my workouts for the Marine Corps Marathon so far. I haven’t let the crazy heat get in my way.
- Feeling more positive and stronger overall in mind, body and spirit.
I attribute my boost in mood and energy to an 8-week Vitamin D megadose I just finished taking the other day. I’ve been struggling with Vitamin D deficiency/lack of absorption for over a year. My Vitamin D levels won’t be retested until next week but I can tell you I feel like a new woman.
But I haven’t been depriving myself of treats:
Cupcakes? Count me in!
Frappuccino? Yes please!
I was enjoying the summertime uphoria when I got this note from the bathroom scale:
Hi Marcia,
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you. Remember when you used to stop by almost daily? Even twice a month was great. I know you’re busy. But I can’t remember the last time we’ve been together. I know it’s hot and you’re probably at the pool a ton…but I miss you. Stop by when you get a chance.
Yours,
Tanita
So yesterday I hopped on, just like old times. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but the number I saw was nothing short of alarming.
You’ve heard me say I’m 5 lbs. over Boston qualifying weight. I’ve even been 7 pounds over. Folks, excluding stints being preggo, I’m tipping the scales at a 10-year high. The clincher was when I went to the Caveman, lamenting my weight gain and he replied: “Yeah you’re definitely heavier.” Sigh.
It’s like running lugging one of these:
Yet, according to Garmin, I’m running faster and feeling stronger than I have in over a year. Images of East German Olympic shot putters flashed before me. With all due respect, I don’t wanna look like a shot putter…although they probably have less belly fat than I do. Am I going to let a number on the scale dictate my mood? Well for a minute, yes. But I’m ending the pity party and formulating a break-up plan. The cupcakes have to go. So do the Fraps….grilled cheese crusts, brownies, cookie dough and everything else. Stay tuned for the progress report.
Does the scale sneak up on you?
First let me say, the blog looks so good. And I think you look great, love the pics!! Sweaty pics rock.
The scale does sneak up on me if I stay off of it too much. I don’t love the fact that I am a daily weigher, but as soon as I quit that habit bad things happen with those numbers no matter what my other work says and I let it hurt me.
Keep on doing the good things!! You’re awesome!
I’m a weirdo when it comes to the scale and like to weigh myself multiple times a day, mostly just to see water weight fluctuation. Sometimes I go weeks without weighing myself, other times it’s 5 times in one day.
Yum, those cupcakes look so good! I love that you named your scale:) I haven’t visited mine in a while, and I am not going to step on it anytime soon, since its that time of the month and I would probably cry:) Sounds like you are doing a great job being active and you feel good, that’s what’s important! Have a great day:)
I used to weigh myself daily and became a slave to the scale. I have since backed off and don’t know when the last time I weighed myself was…that’s not to say I haven’t gained though -_-
Yeah I hate the scale…with a passion. I wanna lose a few more pounds and I know it’s just a matter of cleaning up my diet. I also go by how my clothes fit which can be a confidence booster. Keep up the great work and so happy you’re running well. The # will go down. Us women beat ourselves up, lol.
I’m sure you’ve seen these images floating around (http://www.onemorebite-weightloss.com/muscle-to-fat.html) but take a look and consider maybe that number on the scale going up isn’t a bad thing, especially if you feel fast and strong! Sometimes, I think we put too much emphasis on a specific number, especially because who is it telling us that we need to be a certain weight?
You know, Marcia, on some level this is a good thing. First, you’re getting your Vitamin D back on track, which means your body is healthier and happier. And, you’re working out more and running better than you have in the past, when you may have weighed less. Which hints that maybe this is a good weight range for you. I know, I know, the scale says something else, but you say you feel good and your running is better, and you’re probably more muscular from the weightlifting, which adds weight. Go here: http://espn.go.com/espn/bodyissue and look at some of these bodies and their heights and weights. Some of these women with beautiful bodies weigh 175 lbs, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them. Are they heavy? Of course not. They are athletes, and so are you.
Not meaning to preach, just wanted to give a reminder that you are not a number on a scale, and that number shouldn’t rule your life.
I love cupcakes and fraps too so I can relate! I would think that your slight weight gain would be muscle since you are running so much lately and really sweating it out in the heat! I weight myself more than I probably should because it is kind of my check and balance as to whether or not I have over indulging on the cupcakes and fraps :)You look great so I wouldn’t worry about it too much!
I haven’t weighed myself in over a year. The last time I did it wasn’t pretty and I swore off it. How have your clothes been fitting, how have your energy levels been, how have you felt physically? It sounds like you’ve been feeling great! I bet if you’re running faster you’ve got a lot more leg muscle going on. However I know that it’s easier for me to say that than for you to take it to heart. I just hope you don’t let the number discount the hard work you’ve put into your running and training, because I seriously admire how diligent you are!
I say roll with how you are feeling and ignore the numbers. You sound strong and positive so don’t let the scale get you down.
I have to admit I only ever get on a scale when I go to a doctor’s office. But my clothes tell me when to pay attention!
Don’t you love it when husbands are literal and honest???
As you know, I’m in the same boat. But a little attention to the problem helps. I’m down 1.4 pounds this week and that’s just from planning meals better. Tonight I’m on my own with the kids and trying to pack for a camping trip at the same time, so I ordered Dominoes. But I told them to hold the cheese. :^)
But look how freakingly fast you’re going to run when you get those 5 lbs off (and I know you will cuz you do it so well and it’s important to you :). I’m envious you only have 5. I’m still sporting the same excess 20 from when you saw me in January…but I think I’m finally making a small dent. Jason’s been helping and if we don’t murder each other before Chicago, I hope to be down at least 10 by then.
I have to weigh myself frequently to keep myself honest, because yes, I am prone to creeping weight gain. I don’t think that clothes are a good measurement because often they stretch, and they vary in snugness by style (hello, floaty summer dresses!). Right now I am a few pounds up and if it doesn’t drop soon, action must be taken! I have a Tanita too…one of the nice things is the body fat/water percentages. Sometimes if my weight is up my BF will be down, due to fluids.
I think you look great!!!
I get on the scale multiple times a day to witness daily fluctuations. I blame my inner scientist.
Stupid scales. They love to get in the way of a good time and bring the mood down. I stood on mine today but am pleased to report that it wasn’t too shocking – maybe eating nothing yesterday because of the flu wasn’t all bad after all.
Um, the caveman needs some man training :-). Does he provide opinions on paint color and furniture selection too? My life got much better when I stopped commenting on all of those things :-).
We just got a new scale and it reads 2-3 pounds heavier than our old one. I told my wife she should take it back :-).
Yay for an awesome summer so far! I am anxious to hear about your D retest next week. My husband says he feels fab when he remembers to take his B!
Ugh. The scale. I have been avoiding it too. Have you noticed any change in how your clothes fit? Could it be some muscle?
I broke up with the scale a long time ago..and glare at it in the gym locker room so it doesn’t forget we’re still not on speaking terms! If you hadn’t noticed the weight gain, that must mean its muscle! And if you hadn’t noticed you were looking like Ah-nold…it must be lean muscle. Regardless, I hope you get back to what you’re happy with soon!
Oh no! I relented a few weeks ago and bought a scale to watch my water weight lost in sweat post run. I feel ya – I gained 6 lbs from a few months ago and it hurts. I’ve also heard it is very normal to gain weight while training for long distances. Who knows! As long as you feel good and strong – I think you’re ok 😉 I think you look fab!
Ughhh. you just reminded me i need to buy a scale. I know i have about 5 lbs to lose to be at my fighting weight for Chicago. Damn you, frozen yogurt!!!!!
Just throw away the scale – life gets much easier 🙂
Glad to hear your training is going well! MCM here you come!
I can relate to this because this is exactly how I felt last month when I started the marathon weight loss challenge. I too had been friends with all the sweets in the house and that had to stop. I still have treats every now and then but not necessarily every day.
I don’t let the pounds sneak up on me. I weigh pretty much every day and watch for the number trending upward. I keep myself within a 5lb. range. Seems to be good so far 🙂
I don’t weigh myself very often but I go by how my clothes feel. I do fluctuate often but for the most part I have been pretty consistent recently.
I’m glad you aren’t depriving yourself lately!
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