Motivation-Get you some!

Where do you get your motivation? Seeing the scale move is definitely fabulous, but sometimes it’s not enough. And then, what about when the scale isn’t moving? These past few days, people have made little comments to me that have given me a little extra push to keep on going with the weight loss thing, and validation that it’s working. While I  am on this journey for myself—to feel good about myself, comfortable in my own skin and happy with the way I look, sometimes a compliment here and there is a little bit of extra motivation.

This weekend was extremely busy for me. I had a wedding to coordinate all day Saturday. Being on my feet for 8 hours and eating wedding food hardly had me feeling beautiful. But immediately after I was done with the wedding, I had another wedding to attend as a guest. My husband’s cousin got married Saturday night. He was at work so I attended alone. I got so many compliments on how good I looked and how much weight I looked like I had lost. Two relatives even sat down and asked what I was doing to be looking so great. This made me feel like a million bucks! It was probably easier for them to see a change because I had not seen them all since April when it was our turn to get married. S’s skinny cousins with great bodies were telling me I looked amazing! Can I get a hell yeah?! (And of course I have not one picture of my blue dress from Old Navy that I bought last week and wore to the wedding. I'll try and snap a picture next time I wear it)

Fast forward to last night. Since I couldn’t get my 5 miles in on Saturday because of the weddings, I aimed to do it last night.

(this is about as cold as it gets in Louisiana)

I bought a brand new pair of running shoes, but they were the same brand and model (?...lol..) as my last pair. About a mile in, I got a shooting pain in my left foot, on the side. I tried to push through it but I didn’t want to injure myself, a week and a half before our 10k! I ended up walking a bit then ultimately changing into my old shoes. I am not sure if the best thing to do is to keep trying to break them in on shorter runs or to return them. Any thoughts on this runner friends? I don’t think it would be wise to wear them for the 10k next Saturday.

After putting on my older shoes, I got back into the zone and kept running. Then, my shins started to burn. I mean, bad. Then, this came on:

 

I downloaded it last night after putting it off, thinking it would be cheesy. Hell to the no! It pushed me to go farther and faster. I felt like Rocky. Well not really.

And finally. this morning, I woke up to an email from my husband. This isn’t rare when he is at work, because he’s usually up really early so he shoots me a “good morning”. This morning’s was a little different though.

 

How sweet is he?! I just recently told him I had a blog, but never really elaborated. He knew it was about weight loss but I thought he might think it was silly. Come on ladies, we all know our husbands can lose weight by just looking at a treadmill. I was afraid he’d think I was going overboard, because honestly, losing weight can be as simple as calorie counting and working out. But for me, and I’m sure most of you, the support of my blog gets me through the plateaus and the rough spots. I was so thrilled that he read it and he liked it. It made me want to go out and run five miles right then and there! Of course I didn’t have time this morning, otherwise I would’ve.

That’s all for today. But before I go, make sure you have emailed me at kassiemromero@gmail.com if you want to participate in the Swag Swap in the month of November. You have until Thursday to sign up! I have gotten a GREAT participation rate so far, so I know this will be a fun oneJ

Throwback Thursday and my trip to the Dermatologist (fun times, I know)

First off, have you signed up for the Swag Swap yet? If not, shoot me an email at kassiemromero@gmail.com. It's not too late!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled broadcast...
In all seriousness, please think before tanning in a tanning bed! Being tan and all Pochahontas like ain't worth skin cancer, in no way, shape or form.

When I was in high school, being a little on the chub side, the only thing I felt like I had going for me was my long black hair and my bangin' tan. I got complimented constantly on my tan and complexion and since that was the only thing people seemed to notice positively, I felt like I had to keep up with it. I remember my first tanning membership was before I could drive. My mom would bring me to the salon 3-4 times a week and wait. in. her. car. till I was done. How amazing was my mama? And how bratty was I for letting my mom do that?

Anyway, my tanning habit continued and got stronger once I was driving and by the time I graduated high school I was full-on oompa loompa orange. I wish somebody would've told me. (a little throwback thursday for yall..)

The tanning tapered off a little in college mostly because of lack of time, but also lack of money. College kids are broke. I would start up again a few months before big events. Most recently, after not tanning for over two years, I started again before my bridals. Why? You couldn't even tell!

I decided after that I would never do it again. While I know what kind of damage it could cause, the vain side of me just kept on. Not again though. I didn't tan in preparation for the wedding and to be honest, I think I looked the same.

Anyway, I have been putting off going to the dermatologist for about a year. I had been having breakouts on my chin starting after I graduated college. Seriously, who never has a single zit in high school then suddenly goes through late puberty as an adult?! I would have gone get this situated a long time ago, but to be quite honest, I was so afraid. What had all those years of tanning really done to me? Were those freckles really freckles? A girl I know passed away last year from skin cancer. She was only 27 years old. I know I am not invincible.

I finally buckled down and scheduled an appointment. Thank GOD everything checked out okay. I am pastey as hell but I am cancer free. Nothing even looked suspicious. My derm also told me that breakouts in the chin area are purely hormonal (which I knew already) but what I didn't know is that no amount of creams or gels or topical ointments can fix it. The only way to fix it is within, and I would have to take an anti inflammatory for about a month. Who knew? She also prescribed a spot treatment but it will only reduce redness. Nothing makes zits just vanish, unfortunately for me.

The moral of the story is, don't wait to check something out just because you are scared. While I was lucky, I could've caused serious damage to my skin, all to look tan. How stupid is that?

Blogger Girl Swag Swap

Here are the deets, I just couldn't wait to share!:

Inspired by Katie am hosting a goodie swap in the month of November. There are just a few rules. Each person will be paired up with a random partner. You will be given their name, address, and a few details about who they are and what they like. The contents of the package can cost no more than $30 and must be mailed by November 30^th. You can include either things you love that you’d like them to try or just things you know they’ll love based on the info you receive about them, what you’ve read in their blog, etc. I would love it if atleast one thing could be health/fitness related--or even a majority of the items!  If you are interested in participating, shoot me an email at kassiemromero@gmail.com with “Blogger Swap” in the title line. The email should include your:

Name:

Address:

Favorite Color:

Favorite workout (Cardio, strength training, running, walking, cycling, underwater basketweaving, etc.)

Favorite guilty pleasure:

Hobbies:

Describe yourself in one sentence:

You can also include information you’d like your partner to know, call it market research haha, i.e. Twitter Handle, blog address, Facebook Page, etc.

I will accept emails until November 1^st (sorry it’s so last minute!) then you will receive your partner’s information. Also try to include a card or note so they know a little bit about you and why you chose what you did. I really think this will be a blast and I hope we have tons of participants! Feel free to share the link to this post on your blogs, or just copy and paste the information right on there.

For those who are stumped, you could include things like magazines, a book, nail polish, snacks (that don’t melt of course!), dvd’s, something handmade, workout accessories, fashion accessories, something that represents where you're from, the list goes on and on. You can even be creative in the packaging! Wrap each thing individually in fun paper, pack it all in a cute box, or just throw it all in there and mail away. The creative freedom is yours:)

How T-Pain Made Me a Better Runner

Yes, it's yet another running post. (Sorry to all my non-running readers!)

Last night I had two miles to run on my 10k training schedule. I had a dermatologist appointment (more on that later) first thing in the morning. Literally, first thing, I’m talking 7am, so I couldn’t do my running in the morning like usual. I also had an errand to run once I got off work at 6:30, so by the time I got home, it was dark. I could’ve easily changed out of my work clothes and laid on the couch. That’s what I really, really wanted to do. Instead I downed my first ever Gu for a little pick me up, ensuring that I’d run. I know things like that are for longer runs but I wanted to try it anyway. I tried Strawberry Banana and HATED IT. Not sure if it was the texture or the flavor. Any of you use Gu’s? Better flavor suggestions?

I didn’t start till nearly 7:15 so it was pretty dark. Luckily, our neighborhood is well lit. I have a bad habit of not stretching well enough when I’m in a hurry to start and that’s what happened last night. I did stretch, but not for long enough. My shins started burning about a quarter a mile in. I told myself not to stop, and I didn’t. About 1.5 miles in I wanted to stop and stretch but then “All the Above” came on my ipod. I don’t know what it is about this song but it instantly makes me feel 10 feet tall. I love the lyrics:

Tell me what do you see
When you looking at me
On a mission to be
What I'm destined to be
I done been through the pain and the sorrow
The struggle is nothing but love (nothing but love)
I'm a soldier, a rider, a ghetto survivor
And all the above

Really what do you see
When you looking at me?
See me come up from nothing,
To me living my dreams
I done been to the bottom,
I done suffered a lot,
I deserve to be rich,
Headed straight to the top
Look how I ride for the block,
Look how I rep for the hood,
I get nothing but love now
When I come through the hood

How the hell could you stop me?
Why in the world would you try?
I go hard forever,
That's just how I'm designed,
That's just how I was built
See the look in my eyes?
You take all of this from me,
And I'm still gon' survive
You get truth from me,
But these rappers gon' lie
I'm a part of these streets
Till the day that I die
I wave hi to the haters,
Mad that I finally done made it
Take a look and you can tell
That I'm destined for greatnessI can so relate to this song, minus the whole “ghetto survivor” thing…how bout suburbs survivor? No? Okay..I realized a few runs ago how perfect the sport was for me. I love my alone time, surely due to being an only child, so the time to myself to think is right up my alley. I also realized that running is something I can do for me, much like getting a pedicure or going on a shopping trip. Such a great form of therapy.  

Anyway, I felt like I was flying throughout this song. I literally remember laughing because I couldn’t believe my legs were moving that fast. I felt like Fred Flinstone driving his little stone age-mobile. I was on cloud nine after I was done, whether it was 2 miles or 20.

 

 

While I was running, I thought about all those pep talks from Leigh Ann and pats on the back from Holly and Melanie. I also thought about the email I received from Megan, in response to my list of running questions. Thanks girl! I had been contemplating if I could be ready to run a half in February, and I wanted honesty from someone who had done it. She was honest, and she made me realize I could do it too. Why not? Her email was just the push I needed. She seriously is one of my top running motivations and I will for sure keep her in my thoughts during this training process.

So on February 24^th, 2013, I will be a half marathon runner and what seems to be one of the most fun halfs there ever was, the Rock N Roll half, in New Orleans. I am super excited with only a tiny dash of scared. I am hoping to meet some of you fabulous ladies there, too! Who’s in?

Check back on the blog tomorrow for a fitness/health food/running Goodie bag swap! :)

Weekend recap and running for my life

Good morning skinny ladies! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Mine was jam packed with friend and family time so I can’t complain. I only wish it could’ve been longer. Here is my super long  weekend recap!

Friday night, my husband cooked dinner and our neighbors that we love unnatural amounts came over. It’s so great that my husband gets along so well with JD and I get along so well with J. We also love their kids and even their dog. My husband made super rich pasta which I was dreading but I had maybe half a big spoonful, so I did well. I loaded up on salad and drank tons of water before hand.

Saturday morning, my husband had the bright idea to run to our gym, get in a quick arm workout then run home. Our first mistake was not calculating how far the gym was from where we live. We estimated about a mile and a half to two miles, but it turned out being closer to three. No problem on the way there, but the way back was torture. I tried to negotiate with my husband to run home and get the car to pick me up, but he politely declined lol..Atleast I burned a ton of calories!

 

After we showered and got decent, we had my family reunion to go to. Over all, it was nice to spend time with my immediate family, but getting introduced to tons of strangers isn’t really loads of fun. A fun fact about the reunion: a guy I “dated?” before my husband came into the picture arrived a few hours after we did. Instantly panicked a little thinking, WE ARE RELATED?! Before realizing he was there with a relative, phew. Crisis averted!

 

We stayed there from around 11am-3pm. The food there was delicious and so unhealthy, but I had a tiny bit of everything and I had just burned over 1,000 calories so I wasn’t about to starve, thanks! I opted out of drinking, and chugged water and one diet root beer. Diet A&W is my new love. I let myself have one a weekJ

 

One of S’s friends just bought a house about three blocks from ours and they were grilling as sort of a housewarming that afternoon. We sat outside in their massive yard and watched their kids play. I ate my weight in hummus and pita chips. I didn’t have much for dinner because the food to people ratio was a little off and I would’ve felt bad grabbing the last chicken leg. We left pretty early and watched a movie on the couch before calling it a night.

Sunday we went to my mom’s for lunch because it was her birthday Friday. She just had a huge patio built so it was really nice to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. After lunch, S wanted to shoot his new gun with his dad to make sure the scope was right for a big hunting trip they have coming up. Yes, we are those kind of people.  

After all of that fun, we drove home and realized we had nothing to cook for dinner. We decided to eat at Texas Roadhouse and I may or may not have eaten three huge cheese fries, covered in bacon, cheese and grease, before my meal even came out. It is what it is, people.

Tonight I have a two mile run to complete, but Saturday’s run will be the killer. Five miles, yall! I find running in the morning is way harder than in the afternoon. Does anyone else feel that way? I better get used to it though, since most races are bright and early. I’ve been toying with the idea of signing up for a half marathon at the beginning of next year, but I think I may be a little out of my league. Any advice?

Friday Ramblings

Good morning! I am in a great mood today because it’s finally Friday.

Last night, our running clinic had a 4.5 group mile run. Keep in mind, I was three runs behind them because of sickness and one day of laziness. I was terrified to say the least because I knew I’d feel it. I tried not to whine to Leigh Ann too much because the girl has given me atleast 34514 pep talks since we’ve been friends. Had to give her a day of peace lol! I arrived at the gym around 5:15pm and thought “holy crap this is gonna suck!” and to be honest, for the first half mile it did. I kept thinking I’d never make it through the whole thing but shockingly enough, it got easier. I felt great after, dare I call it a runner’s high? Even Leigh Ann commented that she saw a difference in my post-run demeaner. You mean like I didn’t seem like I’d pass out and/or puke? Sweet.

 

 

 

During Monday's run I felt pain in my left foot but I pushed through it. I know it's because I didn't stretch well enough. Yesterday before we even started running, I felt the pain again. Our running coach has been talking about Planter's fasciitus for weeks so I knew that's what it was. She showed me how to stretch it on the side of the treadmill and suggested rolling a softball or frozen water bottle under my foot. Didn't have either so I settled for a tennis ball and my feet feel totally 100% again today! I'll definitely be doing this after all my runs from here on out.

Tomorrow I am attempting to run my Saturday 3 miler with my husband. We will see how that goes. That lucky duck has the ability to run for miles and miles after not running for months. We are planning to run to the gym, do some strength training, then run home. God help me.

After that we will shower (I promise) and head out to my very first family reunion. Fun times there. I am excited to see some family members I haven’t seen in a while and get introduced 48382756 times to the family I’ve never met (not). I am more concerned about the food than anything because it’s being catered so I have no idea what to expect. I am used to my routine of knowing exactly what is in everything I make and eat. Counting calories is hard when you don't make the food, but I will survives (as long as I know how to love I know I'll stay alive)

Sunday we are going to my mom’s for a barbeque. I was asked to bring a side dish so I’m making “skinny” green bean casserole. I LOVE this dish because it feels so bad even though it’s really not. I use fat free cream of mushroom. My husband will be running errands today so I asked him to pick up the ingredients.

 

Had to throw in a little Honey Boo Boo for you this week! Just can't escape it

I am also devastated to announce that I have in fact decided to return the famous pink pants. I know I caused a stir with them yesterday, and I truly wanted to be a bad ass and wear them proudly, but I just can’t. They fit well, I just discovered this morning that I have not a single article of clothing that looks good with them. I tried yall, really I did! I think I will return them for either a khaki pair that matches with everything or those red polka dotted ones I was eyeing! I promise to keep you updated, as I know this is pressing information in all y of our lives. Kidding.

Have a good weekend ya’ll!

The Difference a Year Makes: Progress Pictures

All of us on a journey to lose weight and be happy with the way we look have come to this point.
The point when you can’t even fit into your “fat clothes” or you don’t recognize yourself in a picture.
The point where you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and can’t bear to go another day without making a change.

For some of us, this takes trying and failing at every diet out there. For me, that’s exactly what happened. I got to a point where I thought nothing has worked so this is just how I’m meant to be. I wasn’t confident or comfortable, but nothing was going to change, so I had to accept it. I have even been told by friends and loved ones that I should just accept myself as I was and be happy. But I wasn’t. Who were they to just tell me to just stay as I was and not change? I’ve even been given the line, “We live in the South, our food is too good to be on a diet”. My grandma has even said to me “We’re all fat, this is just your genetics, stop making yourself miserable”. I wish I was kidding.

 All my years of struggling with my weight, it never really “clicked” until I saw the Picture. I think a lot of us experience mirror haze, whether it be for the worst or better. I knew I was overweight, but I never thought I was AS big as I looked in this picture. My mom had a 70’s themed party for her 50^th birthday. All my cousins rent or bought cute costumes to wear. I went to the Party store and figured the Men’s size Large bell bottom costume pants would fit, and I could wear a shirt I already had. Bought some costume glasses and a headband and would make do with that. I got home and the men’s large STRETCHY pants would not go over my hips. Must be a defect. I returned them and wore my own jeans. We all had a blast. My cousin posted pictures the following Monday. I didn’t expect to be in any of them because at this point I had stopped posing for pictures. I had just gotten engaged the July before and I was topping out at my highest weight. I never thought I’d post this here, but I weighed 204 pounds. (Shout out to my now-husband for putting a ring on my chubby finger anyway!) I had just had a failed attempt at trying Ideal Protein with a friend after getting engaged. I was miserable the whole time so I quit, like every other diet I had tried. I came to terms with the fact that I wouldn’t feel beautiful on my wedding day. Looking back, I see how sad that is. Anyway, back to the picture. The minute I laid my eyes on it, I was horrified. Did I really look this bad? Was it a bad angle? Surely it was a bad angle. I immediately untagged myself and shuffled through the rest to make sure I wasn’t in any others. I blew it off for a few minutes but kept going back to that picture. Keep in mind, the whole 70’s party thing, I normally don’t dress like this in real life…

I remember looking in the mirror and thinking those jeans made me look thin. Really?

Earlier this week, I hit the 20 pound mark(keep in mind I haven't really been serious about weightloss till July or so), so I thought I’d do a post about my journey thusfar. Looking through countless pictures and not finding a “before”, I remembered the 70’s party picture. I found it and realized it has been exactly a year since this picture was taken. To the day. It wasn’t until I compared my 20 lbs lost picture to the 70’s party picture that I realized what a transformation I have made. I am by no means “done”, but I feel so proud. I could’ve easily, easily gained 20 pounds in a year. While I could’ve lost more, I know slow and steady wins the race. I’d still like to lose another 35-40, but I am so content right now with the rate of my progress. I know my body can do things now that it couldn’t have done 20 pounds ago. The first time I tried to run, I barely lasted 40 seconds. Now, I can run 2 miles without stopping. One day, I’ll run 13 miles. One day, I’ll lose 20 more pounds. And I’ll have done it without the help of any diet. Just eating healthy and staying active. I also could not do it without the support of all you wonderful readers who leave me nothing but love all the time.  I think about you often during my hard runs. When I want to quit, I can’t. I have to keep going. It’s the same with this journey. I can’t stop until I’m healthy. It feels good to know I’m well on my way.

A few comparisons:

The picture on the left was the day I got engaged. My face was so full here, I barely recognize myself. The picture on the right was taken two weeks ago.

October 16th, 2011 (L) October 17th, 2012 (R) Who looks happier?