I’m going to be in central Washington for about a week, spending time with my family and attending my great-grandmother’s funeral. Posting will either be more frequent, because I’m out of my element and have more time on my hands than usual, or you may not hear from me at all depending on what my family has planned for me.
I admit I’m nervous to leave Chicago, where I’ve been doing an awesome job staying on top of my calorie input and output. I have a very specific goal in mind (greater than 20% weight loss before the end of the Healthy Train) and having absolute control over my environment is crucial if I want to stay on track. I absolutely cannot fall behind if I want to succeed. I’ve verbally announced my goals to TH, including exercising on Monday/Wednesday/Friday as usual, and I’ve committed to not eating any desserts while I’m there. I’m going to work hard to take pictures of everything and record my calories in MyFitnessPal. I can do this!
No TinyChat tomorrow night, as I won’t be getting in to Spokane until late on Wednesday night. Maybe I’ll hold a spontaneous one while I’m home!
Thank you so much for all of your well wishes and condolences. I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family.
February 22nd, 2011 on 3:29 pm
You can do it. Indulge yourseld with love and quality family time, sharing wonderful memories of your Gram.
Dedicate the exercise you do that week to her and what she passed on to your family.
I remember reading somewhere about sisters who ran a race the created in honor of their brother who passed away. Their story was very powerful.
So don’t be nervous, trust yourself because you’re being helthy for you, for your family so you get to live a long and heathly life just like your Gram. And so you get to share as much with children, grand-children and great grand-children as she did.
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February 22nd, 2011 on 3:43 pm
How wonderful that you will get to celebrate your great gma’s life with your family.
And good luck with your goals! You can do it!
Safe travels!
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February 22nd, 2011 on 6:35 pm
Dude Jenna - you’ve GOT to stick with this. If not for yourself, then for people like me that are watching you commit to something & follow through with it, knowing you love sweets as much as I do.
You can dooo ittt!
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February 22nd, 2011 on 8:03 pm
tell your mom you want to eat healthy and not to make any sweets! Give her some heathy ideas for dinner. make them do it with you!!! You can do it! It will be easier if you tell them ahead of time that you are feeling great and you need to stick with it! good luck!
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February 22nd, 2011 on 9:17 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Safe travels!
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February 22nd, 2011 on 10:15 pm
I hope that you have a safe trip home! Praying for you and your family.
Good luck with your fitness goals - you can do it! I find when I’m in a situation where there’s lots of food that I shouldn’t be eating, I eat a piece of gum. Plus, going for walks is an excellent way to socialize with people without sitting around for hours. Think success and you’ll get it!
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February 23rd, 2011 on 7:29 am
Maybe you could take advantage of going to Washington to try running C25k outside? For some reason I imagine it as a warmer place than Chicago.
Also, be sure to stock up on “healthy” food options that you can snack on while other people are eating “bad” snack foods. In situations like funerals, it’s common to eat to feel busy or something.
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February 23rd, 2011 on 7:53 am
Honestly, I truly do understand wanting to lose weight, but please do not obsess about it. You are there to enjoy your family and celebrate a life, not continue to lose X number of pounds. In the grand scheme of things, it’s very trivial.
Also, for a fun little post while you’re gone, the ABCs of me are floating around the blog world and thought you may want to join. (like the accent vlog).
I did mine at http://megandyanray.blogspot.com/2011/02/abcs-of-me.html if you want to copy the format
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February 23rd, 2011 on 4:16 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. While funerals can be sad times, they’ve been very happy for me as well because of the opportunity to be around family, especially extended family I don’t see often. I hope you have the same enjoyable experience with your family even considering the loss of someone so special.
Regarding your concerns about weight gain during this time, this will be good for you. Part of commiting to and sustaining a healthy weight is being able to do so when your out of your element. Even though you can’t completely control your exercise and food, make the best choices with what’s available and that’s all you can ask. A little tip, take a jump rope with you (or borrow one there) if you feel you won’t have time to run. I’ve heard that 1 min. of jumproping at a comfortable pace for you is equivalent to 1min. of running at your comfortable pace. And jumping as in jumping with 2 feet, none of the skipping jump that’s easier. I don’t know where I heard that, but jumproping is a good workout regardless and you just need a little space. Maybe you could write a post on tips for exercising and losing weight while vacationing after? Anyway, good luck!
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February 24th, 2011 on 3:52 pm
Just checking in to offer encouragement that YOU CAN STAY HEALTHY even when you’re away… stay committed and hang in there!!!
(thinking of you this week & weekend. Hope your family is holding together well this week)
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February 28th, 2011 on 12:55 am
Hi jenna
I chanced upon your blog yesterday and devoured it all by today. I am from India living in Dubai post marriage for the last 2 years. I loved your pictures and more so your writing style. I am a sucker for wedding pics and loved yours. It is different from our culture but through out your blog the feelings of love and family ties resonate with mine. keep up the good work dear!
Luv
Shweta
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