A SUPER 5k

Ever since my #4 ran a race last year (My Little Man Ran) he'd wanted to try it again. Hubs health slipped, and I certainly didn't feel up to it (anxiety issues dealing more with driving there, checking in, dealing with crowds affect me more than the actual "running" although that is a challenge for me too!) But big brother came home from his mission to Mexico, and he said he'd be willing to go give it a try. So I scanned the local 5k races and signed the boys up.

 

It was the end of April, and it was COLD. The boys almost wimped out due to the weather. But after paying the registration fees (I think it was $35 a person) I told them they better not wimp out. The theme was "Calling All Heroes" ... and they dressed up appropriately (minus capes).  They both had on Superhero socks too!

I watched (stalked) them with the Find my Friends app, and noticed they stayed together the entire time. #1 pushed #4 a little ... and they crossed the finish line together. There were 74 racers, and the Blackham boys took 4th and 5th.

Not sure WHY it says my #4 is 98 years of age (he's thirteen).  

Probably would have been first in his age division, if they'd had age divisions.

 ... another race under #4's belt. Speaking of belts, Hubs had purchased a Flipbelt ages ago, and had never worn it. We'd pulled it out when #1 son started running and he loves it. I guess I might need to invest in another one!

Tracking Trek

If you are familiar with the LDS church at all, it's likely you have heard of the history, where the pioneers pulled handcarts across the plains until they reached Utah. One summer activity many in the church do every few years, is a small reenactment of said trek with the youth. They wear pioneer clothing, pull hand carts and walk and walk and walk.

My 17-year old was participating in our pioneer trek this year (my 15-year old was also eligible, but didn't want to and we didn't force him). #2 grabbed some plain pants and a couple long sleeve shirts at the local thrift store, and donned "the hat" that Daddy and older brother had worn on previous pioneer treks and packed the few things allowed ...

One duffle bag, a bucket (with water, scriptures, gloves, suncreen, etc.) and a sleeping bag.

Silly kitty didn't actually get packed ;)

I made sure his Fitbit was charged and ready ... 

They left Tuesday (July 26) and traveled by bus to Wyoming. This was the Martin's Cove trek. They walked a few miles that night, and then camped (and did some square dancing, which my son said was surprisingly fun!) Wednesday there was quite a bit of walking. Just over 26k in steps. But Thursday ... that was the big day (Fitbit snag pictured above). Just a bit of walking Friday then the bus ride home (and apparently he wasn't too tired, because he went and played basketball with his buddies for a couple of hours that night). 

My Zumba buddy Suzanne also went on trek (a number of leaders go as Ma/Pa/Uncle/Aunt "family" members, plus more to help with food, organization, etc. 

Tuesday morning was when Suzanne usually joins us for Zumba, but that doesn't look like Zumba workout wear!  I am very glad I have boys, they are so much easier to outfit than trying to find appropriate dresses or skirts (and bloomers, bonnets and aprons). That Tuesday morning, the church gym was FILLED with pioneers! They cleared out and we had our Zumba class there a couple hours later.

When my son got back home, I had him sync his Fitbit, and even with that huge day, he hadn't quite caught me in steps (although he was close). I remember watching and waiting for Suzanne to sync ... normally she syncs every day, but they were without internet access for the four days. She had the ChargeHR, and said that her battery lasted (I would have been worried about that, as I put mine on the charger every night. My son has the Zip, which has a replaceable battery that lasts about six months, so he was set). 

Here's a couple more pictures the group historian shared with the parents ...

 Square Dancing (probably no Zumba songs, right?)

On the trail.

I've never been on a pioneer trek myself.  I was 13 when our church did trek back in the day. The age cut-off was 14 years old, and I have to admit, I was relieved I didn't have to go. My two older brothers and older sister went (my future husband was 14-years old, and on this same trek). They said it was a great experience ... that they never wanted to do again! I think most of them HAVE done it again (as ma/pa/leaders), and I think it's a little easier now than back then (they worked the "starvation" experience a little on those older treks, but they don't do that now). Even with my crazy steps ... I'm not sure I'd want to do a trek now. I HATE shoes! This requires hours upon hours of wearing shoes/sneakers/boots (which I NEVER do ... I'll wear them for Zumba, but I elliptical in slippers). When I was discussing trek with Suzanne  the following Tuesday at Zumba, she said that was the first time she had put on sneakers since her return five days earlier!

On the (Pokemon) Go

Several years ago, Pokemon came out with a little pedometer that went with one of it's games ... but that didn't get people moving that way the newly released Pokemon Go app has! This game is the latest craze and it's taking the world by storm!

With five boys, we've been a Pokemon family for years. I've watched the cartoons, I know the songs, we have a gazillion cards, action figures and stuffed critters. We have all the gameboy games, and their guidebooks. As the boys got older and their interest faded, most of the Pokemon got packed away in a rubbermaid tote. I've pulled it out a few times when family has visited, as my young nephews have just discovered the critters.

But a few days ago ... Pokemon Go was released in the U.S. My 17-year (and all his friends) set up trainer accounts and started catching Pokemon. He's gone a bit Pokemon crazy! Of course, my younger son (#4) was interested, so I set up an account on the family phone (as he only has an ipod, and you need cell service for the GPS to work on the go) for him to use. He's a bit of a homebody like me, so often when Dad would head out here or there, he wouldn't want to go ... I'm thinking that may change now!  Not that this particular child needs any exercise incentive (his Fitbit does that, he gets in plenty of steps!) this might help get him out of the house.

On a completely irrelevant side note, we've been raising ducks this year. Our mallard (hatched from an egg) and then an adopted brood of black-mallard mutations, to keep him company. This past week, the ducks have been testing out their flight feathers. Flying across the yard ... a couple of times into the neighbors (but then back into our backyard). This morning, two of them were gone, gone. We have a canal fairly close by, so I asked #4 if he wanted to take a walk (just to see if that's where they ended up ... they should be capable of surviving in the wild, I'd just love to still keep an eye on them). 

While I was looking for actual creatures (our duckies) on our walk ... my son had the phone, looking for imaginary ones. It is interesting to see how they have re-created the actual environment. You can see the sidewalks, cartoon style there on the phone. In the bottom corner, it will show if there are any wild Pokemon around. One footprint means they are quite close, two ... a little further, three footprints, further still. It's a little like the hot/cold game. You're getting closer ... or not. Then, if there is one right in front of you, throw a pokeball and attempt to catch it and add it to your collection!

I guess various public places (parks, stores, churches) are "Poke-Stops" or "Gyms" and by visiting these locations you can get goodies, battle your Pokemon, and more. My 17-year old said the nearby shopping center is filled with fun places (and that is where he and his friends have been hanging out after work). I'm sure some stores love the app, as it brings people in. Others ... not so crazy about it. I read about a police station, listed as a poke-stop now has a sign up saying "you do NOT have to come inside to earn Poke-Go points, please check in from outside" or something like that!

There have been negative situations hit the news ... a child tracking a Pokemon, stumbling upon a dead body. Kids paying too much attention to their phone, so they stumble and are injured in the real world. Thieves waiting for unsuspecting Pokemon fans in secluded spots. People who think kids are already paying too much attention to their phones instead of the world around them.

On the other hand, it's receiving praise for getting gamers off the couch and moving. In addition to going around to different spots, players have to walk to get their eggs to hatch (this is tracked via GPS, not a pedometer, so a treadmill won't work). The GPS can tell when people are in the car (moving at a faster speed) so that doesn't count toward egg activity, and hopefully the game doesn't work while driving (a car accident caused by the game has already made the news though). 

Today, as I left Zumba class (held at a local church building), there was a teen-aged boy on a hoverboard, phone in hand ... I didn't ask, but I'm sure he was checking in with his Pokemon Go. As I backed out and went to leave the lot, another car full of teens ... on phones, pulled up to the church. Pokemon Go!  

Who knows ... maybe my 12-year old will want to come to Zumba with me, just to check in at the church. We'll see. While my kids haven't expressed an interest in their old cards and figures, they HAVE pulled out the old gameboy games and guidebooks. It's a complete Poke-comback!

 I even earned 25 points for answering this survey from Achievemint ... and I actually earned enough points to hit my reward again! Redeemed, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card for me!

( see my Achievemint Update ... Update for details on this program).

Distracted by Duckies

If you followed my blog last year, you probably picked up on the fact that we raised ducklings. I never got around to doing a blog post here, although I had one in mind ("Are My Pets Making Me Fat?"). I just barely got around to posting a summary of our experience on the family blog (Daddy's Duckies). It's almost duckie time again... we have seven eggs in the incubator getting ready to hatch.

I'm a little worried about the disruption to my morning routine. I remember last year ... instead of getting in my early elliptical, I was changing the bedding and water in the ducky box. I was taking them outside or putting them in the bath for their exercise. Even when they got older and moved outside, every morning I'd be getting them fresh food and water ... it ate into my exercise time! I've been complaining a bit about the the upcoming hatch. Ducklings are cute, but they are a LOT of work. Last year we only had three, this year, it looks like all seven eggs are developing ... SEVEN? Yikes!

"Candeling" the eggs ... a bit like an egg ultrasound.

Putting a flashlight under the duck eggs to get a glimpse inside ... All seven of our eggs look viable (yikes, we had our hands full with just three ducklings last year!) #daddysduckies

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Apr 17, 2016 at 8:04pm PDT

A few weeks ago, I noticed a pair of adult ducks wandering the neighborhood. Now that isn't at all unusual. There is a nearby canal, and many a Mallard nests there. Every year we walk the canal and see so many mama birds with their babies. But it IS a little more unusual for ducks to actually be in our neighbors front yards. I mentioned to Hubby how much simpler it would be if a pair of wild ducks nested. We could get the whole egg experience without as much work. He laughed and said the chances of that were pretty much zero.

But ... after seeing the ducks several times, I was able to coax them into our backyard. I filled up a pool for them to swim in, and provided them with food and water. I could TRY. That first night, I spent more than an hour with the ducks, and my son #3 said "see Mom, you DO like duckies!"  The ducks have been flying away each night, but they have been returning every single day! Sometimes they would again land in a neighbor's yard, and I'd again encourage them into ours. I've spent time out digging in the garden to find them worms. Making sure their food is full and their water is clean. Come on duckies ... it's a great place for a nest! I'm already attached, and worry when they are late showing up, or I only get one of the two. We are suspecting that the female MAY be one of ours that flew away last fall. While still skittish, she's not as afraid of us as her boyfriend. When I go dig worms, she comes right up to me with a look of expectation (not eating out of my hand, but coming within a foot or so). Even with the boys walking through the backyard to head to the trampoline, the ducks have stuck around. During the day anyway. They are still flying away each night. Stay duckies, stay!

We're going to get ducklings one way or another ... I guess we might be overrun with our own AND a wild pair and their babies. But it sure would be fun! You can follow my Day to Day Doings and Weekly Recaps to see how things progress. I'm sure duckies will be playing a bit part in our family in the near future.

It's going to impact my exercise ... I know it! Taking away my time. It already has a bit (with my wild birds). I'm watching out the window and worrying about them. Even today, I WAS going to get in weights or a session on the bike, but instead, I ended up making a muvee (Ducky Days 2015) and spending time on my ducky blog posts. Distracted by duckies indeed!

WWI #140 - Up After Easter

I'd pull a prank and say I hit my goal weight ... but it's pretty obvious that is an April Fools joke! Up again after Easter, which isn't surprising, nor undeserved. With the holiday, and kids out of school Friday and Monday for Spring Break, I had a bit of an "it's not going to happen so I'm not even going to try" attitude (this attitude actually kicked in early last week in anticipation). 

NUMBERS: Up .7 for the official weekly weigh-in, but average was actually up 1.62 (164.69). Average intake was 2543. Average daily burn 2720. This equaled an overage of 1204 for the week. Average steps were 19982. 725 active minutes. 69.27 miles.  FOOD: Was just BAD. With family feasts Sat/Sun, and the Easter treat temptations (my chex mix, jellybeans, malted milk eggs, Reeses eggs) I was easily over every day. FITNESS: I got in five sessions of Zumba. I was a little low on elliptical (under an hour) Fri-Sun, but hit goal (60min) every other day. I got a couple sessions on the bike, and a couple on the treadmill, but no weights this week.  FAMILY: The 16-year old had friends over on Friday (and a Skookie indulgence), an Easter party with my side of the family on Saturday, and with Hubs side of the family on Sunday. #3 got his cast off on Tuesday, and there was a team dinner for his basketball bunch on Thursday.

Here's a quick day to day recap: 

• Friday (0325): Kids out of school for Spring Break. I hit Zumba with Nicole, but only got in 40min on the elliptical. Some grocery shopping, basketball practice for #5, and #2's friends over for dinner and dessert (our house isn't "the house" very often, it was fun to host). Prepped some eggs for Easter.
• Saturday (0326):  Just 20min on the elliptical this morning. Party at my folks house in the early afternoon. Hubs and I watched "Spy" in the evening. I was so tired having to stay up late being the Easter Bunny!
• Sunday (0327): Two 10min sessions on the elliptical today. I prepped roll dough (orange rolls, dinner rolls and Brazilian cheese rolls). Hubs made mashed taters. Dinner was at his mom's. Fun evening seeing her baby chicks, smashing a pinata and competing in an egg toss. #5 stayed and slept over.
• Monday (0328): Last day of Spring Break. I did get in my hour of elliptical and Zumba class. Calories over goal, but under burn at least.
• Tuesday (0329): Back to the routine. Up early. An hour of elliptical, Zumba, and a session on the bike. Calories were very high though, as I snacked, AND made a dinner I actually eat. Dr. appointment for #3 to get his cast off.
• Wednesday (0330): Good exercise day. An hour of elliptical, Zumba, bike and 20min on the treadmill at an incline. Hubs and #3 were off to a derby.
• Thursday (0331): Early rising ... an hour of elliptical, Zumba, and 20minTreadmill Intervals. #3 had his basketball team dinner in the evening. End of the month!

... and pictures (and video) from the week

 These meringue nests are a favorite for a few of us!

I ate several this Easter season.

Easter buckets ... the one closest to the camera is for the kitties!

Grandma and her Grandbunnies Easter photo booth.

... and finally, a quick capture of #5 attempting to bring down the pinata.

Instead of candy in eggs ... Maga provided a piñata! Colton's turn ...

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Mar 27, 2016 at 6:46pm PDT

My Little Man Ran (First 5k)

For the past several months, my 12-year old has been a step-crazy kid! Often with weeks averaging daily steps of 30,000 or more. When it's too cold to play outside, he started jogging on the treadmill to up his step count. He mentioned casually to me "I set it at 6 (6mph), so that's one mile in 10 minutes, and three miles in 30 minutes." Ummm ... I don't think I could do that (admittedly, I'm a wimp when it comes to running)! I haven't hit the treadmill lately, but back when I did, I was more at the 12-minute mile range. 5mph. I'm not even sure how long I could keep that up at this point, three miles would be pushing it!

I mentioned the statement to Hubs, and he looked up a local 5k this past weekend.  We wondered if running in a race might appeal (this is my anxiety child, who has dropped out of team sports because they are too stressful and competitive.) #4 seemed willing to give it a try, and #3 (the 15-year old) said he would too (even with a cast on his arm/broken wrist). If #5 (10 years old) had wanted to run too, I would have done it myself, but the little guy wanted to save his energy for his basketball game later in the day. So off Daddy and the two boys went. Maga met them at the race!

Ready to Race!

Daddy's original plan had been to start closer to the back of the pack, so the boys could pass some people and get that rush. The boys however didn't like the "back" idea and wound their way to the front. They were off and Hubs couldn't quite catch up! We were both a little afraid the boys might push too hard, and then need to stop, but they ran the whole thing. #4 came in just under 24 minutes (2nd in his age group, 19th overall) with #3 right behind him. 

 

I think it was an excellent experience for both boys. They had been with us years ago when we did our Family 5k, but #4 was in a stroller then, and #3 had been on a scooter. This was the first time running a 5k for both of them. I don't think it will be their last though ... 

Throwback Thursday - Grandparent's Lunch

One of the traditions at the elementary here, is an "Invite Your Grandparents to Lunch" day. It's always the second week of March. This year, it was one week ago and as the next few days passed, I kept seeing the previous years pictures popping up in my Facebook memories. I thought I'd create a comparison post to look at the pictures from the past five years!

The picture above (my parents) and below (my MIL) with the three youngest boys.

 

It was 2012, and the boys were in 5th, 2rd and kindergarten (just a half day, so it was a treat for him to come eat lunch at the school too!) It was a luau theme. One of the most memorable things about it for me (as I go and take pictures and visit with the grandparents as well) was that #4, could hardly wait to get out to recess and didn't really want to stop and take the pictures. Now I know for most kids, that wouldn't be considered unusual, but for THIS kid ... we'd been struggling with a weather phobia and extreme anxiety. He rarely went to recess at all for months because he was too scared to go outside. I remember feeling so happy as he skipped off to play.

In 2013 ... the school did a circus theme. They had a cute photo booth with funny props; hats, wigs, glasses, etc. But ... the line for pictures was quite long, and once again, my boys were anxious to hit the playground. They didn't want to wait around for the official photos, so I just snapped this one in front of one of the other displays.

The boys were in 1st, 3rd and 6th grade this year. My MIL couldn't make it out, but my parents came. My boys generally bring a cold lunch from home. I prepped a "lunch" for my folks too. A note is sent home prior to the event, and grandparents are more than welcome to purchase a school lunch. Sometimes the visitors would grab something special on the way and bring it (a Little Ceasars lunch or McDonalds). 

The different grades have various lunch times, but the kids would be excused from classes to join siblings and grandparents to lunch together.

The following year, after much contemplation and consideration ... we switched elementary schools. The year-round schedule was difficult on #4 (every time we'd stop and start it would be like the beginning of school again) and I sure like a routine. With the older boys on a traditional schedule, we wanted all the kids with a full summer for family activities.

In 2014 ... 

the two youngest were in the 2nd and 4th grades.

I was a little surprised when March rolled around and there is was ... Invite Your Grandparents to Lunch day!  I thought it was just something our old school did. I guess not. My parents were planning on coming, but then had a medical situation pop up with my dad. Luckily, Maga (my MIL) was able to to get off work and come down. No theme or props this year, but of course I still get pictures!

#4 proudly wearing his new school t-shirt!

In 2015 the boys were in 5th and 3rd grade. My parents made it out this year.  The boy's lunches overlapped, so I didn't worry about checking one out to join the lunch party ... but then it was just taking TOO long, especially standing in line, as #5 was taking hot lunch. #4 was anxious to hit the playground. Too anxious to wait around for his brother and a group picture. Individual pictures with the grandparents it was.  Note our cute basketball lunchbox *Ü*

... and this year! Just last week, March 10, 2016.  The boy's lunches were very far apart this year. #5 (4th grade) had lunch starting at 11:10, and #4 (6th grade) didn't have lunch until 12:40.  Knowing there was NO WAY #5 would miss any of his lunch recess to eat with his brother, I told the grandparents the earlier time. #4 was excused from his class, and then got to go to recess after we ate, giving him an extra long time on the playground! Even with that, he ate quickly as was ready to get out and play (and get steps).  My MIL was sad she missed it, but she was out of state with other grandkids.

Take a look at the change in #4 from last year to this year! He's always had a round face, and been a bit more stocky than his brothers. He'd gotten a little heavy. I was having to purchase pants in the "husky" size and his shirts were about the same size I'd buy for his brother who was three years older. I'll have to do a complete post on #4's transformation. Through eating and exercise, all on his own, he lost almost 20 pounds and has been holding steady for a while now. I know that kids do change a lot at this age, and he has gained some height as well, helping with the slimming out, but still quite the change for a 12-year old kid!

Next year ... I'll only have ONE in elementary school!

Motivated Monday - Family Style

 

Well ... coming off a not great week, and a not great weekend, it's time to get MOTIVATED this Monday. I was a little worried it might be hard to get up this morning. It was Daylight Savings this weekend too. Yesterday, we "lost" an hour. A 6:30 wake up would feel like 5:30....

But, this morning was great! Hubs got up and off around 5:30, and I got up then too! I usually stay in bed, although I rarely fall back asleep. Much better to get up and at it, right? What really nudged me out of bed, was prepping breakfast and lunch for the 17-year old. He has early morning seminary at 6:00, and he's generally pretty self-sufficient. But this past week, he told me he was trying to work on HIS food/fitness. He joined a gym (which is a little pricey, but I have to admit it was a little hard having him and his friends in MY gym last summer "Boys in my Gym") and said he was going to start bringing lunch from home to school (translated "please Mommy can you make me lunches"). He also mentioned I should hold off on buying him treats. I had just bought him a package of mini red-velvet cupcakes. We actually ended up throwing several away.

Anyway - I hadn't committed to to waking up early, so I made his lunch last night. But then this morning I packaged it all up, and made him a protein smoothie (Daddy and Brother recommended) and he was off. I stopped at the store on the way home from Zumba this morning and bought additional fixings for lunches. I'll need to jump back on Pinterest for some healthy ideas (he's not trying to lose weight or anything, just cut back on sugar and processed stuff, eating healthier). 

Speaking of Pinterest ... Hubs has joined! I've mentioned it a bit in my day to day doings ... he's also jumped back on the exercise/eating wagon. It's been a few weeks now. He IS trying to lose weight, and also be healthier (cholesterol and blood pressure and such). He's tried several smoothie recipes he's found, and shared some with the munchkins (I don't do smoothies myself). He's done his shopping and meal prep for all his lunches. It's pretty impressive!

I try to have some healthy dinner ideas/options (although evenings are still often crazy around here, and family dinner doesn't always happen).  It's also hard, being SUCH a picky eater myself! This past weekend, when I was a lazy slug, Hubs exercised every day. This morning, he popped up by me on my Fitbit friend list~

 That's usually NOT the case.

Having been on Fitbit for several years, I have a ton of "friends" ... most of whom I don't really know at all. It's always fun when I see someone I actually have a relationship list in the seven featured friends (those three above, three below). I've often been at the topish of my list (3,4,5), and generally no lower than 7,8,9. This weekend's non activity dropped me down to the twenties!

Here's a little later in the morning ... back on top, of Hubs anyway.

Working my way back up into the top10.

My family pretty much ONLY has family on their Fitbit friend list. I love to see how everyone stacks up week to week. I even have my missionary in Mexico send me his steps! He can't connect/sync, so I sent him with just an inexpensive pedometer, and I manually enter his steps into Fitbit every Monday (because that's the day he gets to email me). He's been gone for over a year now, and I've been impressed with him recording and sending me his steps each week. He does it for his Mommy!

The Family Top 10 this week ...

That's my 12-year old at the top of the list. He must have slowed down a little, because for several weeks in a row his average was over 30k! Mr. Missionary is in the #2 position, and my 10-year old is there in third. Fourth position is my 17-year old , then me and Hubs, and #3. Even with his broken wrist, #3 has been participating in gym, and even jogging on the treadmill downstairs. Extended family have Fitbits too. There in the family Top10 are my two brothers and my sister. My dad is very often competitive with everyone. My oldest brother has a Fitbit too (a Surge) ... but he won't be "friends" with any of us ;)

 

Back to this morning ... all the kids got up and at 'em easily. They are SUCH great kids!

I'm a little over on my eating today, 

and I have 10minutes left to get my hour of elliptical.

I did weights though! 

Hubs is down on the treadmill right now ... is he trying to get back on top?

 

WWI #111 and #112 - Catching Up

So ... I haven't been very good at blogging lately. It goes a bit hand in hand with having success on the scale, and with food and fitness. If I have nothing to report, or just gains again, I'm just not feeling the motivation to spend the time creating a blog post advertising it all. I have had a couple readers check in ... everything is fine, just discouraged. I have still been recording my numbers, so here's a belated catch up for the last couple weekly weigh-ins ...

As of Friday, September 11, I was up 1.4 pounds from the previous week (167.7 to 169.1). Ouch. My average was also up (from 168.06 to 169.49). My numbers for the week weren't great, but again, weren't THAT bad. My average intake was 2571. Average daily burn 2800. I did have an overage of 1650. 

I'm not going to put a daily recap for the week, 

but it is all updated there on my Daily Doings page.

A few photos from the week of Sep4-Sept11 ...

 

 My SIL gave me highlights

We went on a Labor Day Hike

(along with the rest of Utah! It was SO crowded!)

 

 We celebrated #1 son's 20th birthday (even without him here)

 Had our case of pears ripen ... we've been eating a lot of pears! Yummy!

... and the next week's numbers. up again (.95), average also up (to 170). I did TRY to control calories some days, and dropped the average intake a little, to 2357. Average daily burn was 2715. Still over by 550 for the week. 

We did another family hike ...

 I helped out at the elementary - prepping shirts for their "Olympics"

Bleach and Vinegar. Smelly stuff!

... and the kitties are FINALLY getting along!

So there's a quick catch-up. I do enjoy my blogging. I often have little posts running through my head, and my weekly weigh-in and recap is good for ME to double check my numbers and reflect on the week. I'll try to keep it up (not the weight though! I want that to go DOWN).

Hiking Heart Rate

Last "Workout Wednesday" I mentioned resuming racquetball ... but that is not the only new activity we've reintroduced into our routine. Hiking is another "new" activity this summer. 

#2 son (16-years old) has gone on a couple a hikes this year with his girlfriend. I'm not sure if that inspired Hubs or what, but we've now gone on a couple hikes as well. It's been a while! I did a "Take a Hike" post back in 2013, and it was actually a throwback to 2008! That was a hiking summer, but I don't know that I had been back up since ... seven years!

Both hikes we've done this year have been pretty mild and easy. Just over a mile to our destination. Some elevation, but a trail all the way. Both times we took the kidlets ... hike #2 was the ENTIRE crew (aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandma ... pictures were posted on my WeeklyWeighIn #107). It was fun to have my Fitbit ChargeHR, and be able to watch my heart rate rise on the way up, and to catch the elevation changes in the "floors" reading.

 Here's a little screen capture of Hike #1

Hubs lead the way at a pretty quick clip, but I was still a bit surprised at how quickly and how high my heart rate went up. Sometimes I have a hard time getting into the 140s at Zumba. I was a bit out of breath. Then we took some pictures at the bridge, and went back down. Not nearly as challenging. Hike #2 was actually a bit more challenging in actual terrain, but with Grandma along, Hubs was at the back, helping her, so on my own (and corralling kids) we took the climb in a more leisurely fashion, and the heart rate never got quite as high. 

Here's a little screen capture of the "floors" for the month ...

The two hikes are easy to see compared to my daily average.

It was also fun to compare stats to the kids ... happily all of our "floor" readings were quite similar for both hikes. The kids often had quite a few more steps, due to their littler legs and smaller stride. In the picture at the top, there are four people ... and four different Fitbits (Zip, One, Flex and Charge). We are a Fitbit Family! I love to see all the stats (calories, steps, elevation, heart rate, etc.) and not having hiked since I got my ChargeHR, I was really excited to try it out! Hopefully, we'll get in a few more hikes before the cooler weather comes in!  And maybe I need to "practice" at home too, upping the incline on my treadmill and "hiking" away while I watch a show, just in case Hubs wants to go without the kids ... I need to be able to keep up!

WWI # 105 - Stuck

These last few weeks, the weigh-ins have been about the same. Small changes up and down but no real movement. I realized I hadn't updated my Weekly-WeighIns for a while (since April) and it was depressing to go enter the numbers from the past few months. To watch the slow but steady gain. Finally hitting the 160s the third week in June, and then a four pound jump the week after that. Then ... stuck. The numbers haven't been going up any more, but they are not going down either.

I did TRY this week, or at least I felt like I did. I upped the exercise. I did control calories ... at least for a few of the days (Mon/Tues/Thursday were very good days). Not sure what happened on Wednesday. I went a little crazy. Maybe the closest thing to a binge I've done. I just could not stop myself from eating. So, NUMBERS ... weekly weight was down .3, but the average was up .27. Average daily intake was 2157, and the average daily burn was 2768. This resulted in a deficit of 1285 for the week. Happy it's a deficit, but I need to get it to at least 3500 to match "lose a pound" numbers. Here's a quick recap ...

• Friday (0724): A holiday here in Utah. Hubs had the day off and took the kids for donuts. I tried to avoid temptation by staying home, but they brought back. You know I wanted them to. Krispy Creme. Yummy. Because I ate donuts I tried not to eat much else. Hubs took the kids to see Pixals. I ended up having popcorn that night as we watched "Chef" at home. Not very motivated today ... just 40min on the elliptical.
• Saturday (0725): Got in 40min on the elliptical, 30min on the bike, and mowed the lawn.  Hit the grocery store too.  No basketball game this week because of the holiday. . There were some leftover donuts, but not anymore. French Dip for dinner, which I don't really like (I'll sneak a little roast beef) and I actually did keep calories in check at 2000. 
• Sunday (0726): Hubs headed into work, trying to catch up after his vacation. With him gone, and anticipating a BBQ for dinner, we didn't do our usual Sunday Circle breakfast. I walked to/from church, but that was it for "exercise" (if you can even call it that). Had the inlaws over, with yummy mashed potatoes, rolls, marinated chicken and steak ... with Skookie for dessert. Hard not to go over on calories, especially with low activity.
• Monday (0727): Ok, ready to get back at it! Started the day with Zumba, got in 40min elliptical, 30min bike and even a little WiiFit. Kept calories in check too. Duckie duty, took the kids to the gym for some basketball time (the pool is closed this week) and #5 had basketball practice in the evening. Monday's we hear from our missionary too (and I update his blog). Kept calories in check at 1400.
• Tuesday (0728): Happy with the drop in weight after my good day yesterday, motivated me to be good today. Zumba, elliptical, bike and WEIGHTS. It's been a while since I've done them. Again, kept calories in check (1900) even with going with the family to Pretzel Maker in the evening.
• Wednesday (0729): Didn't sleep well last night, my legs were aching after the workout. Grabbed a Little Debbie Nutty bar before Zumba, and my eating went downhill from there. I just could not stop. I just wanted sugar. It was pretty bad, as I do have a ton of stuff around. Not quite as motivated for fitness either, although I did get in an hour of elliptical in addition to my Zumba. I did have to spend a bit of time shuttling kids around today (#5 had a birthday party, the other boys went to the gym).
• Thursday (0730): Trying to shake off the uncontrolled eating from yesterday. Zumba in the morning, 40min of elliptical, 30min bike, and then my evening Zumba class. I did my usual stop at Little Caesars on the way home, grabbing some crazy bread. I did have a couple sticks, but I had keep calories in control enough that I was still under 2000 for the day.

Am I just a corn on the cob snob?

I NEVER would have picked the middle corn 

stuck in the middle, out of sight!

Me and kitten ...
STILL working on integrating the two kitties!

 Worms! These are mealworms, and of course they arrived during the day when Hubs wasn't home so I had to deal with them (transfer them from the box into smaller containers with oat bran. This did involve TOUCHING then a bit, luckily the boys helped out). I do NOT like mealworms (treats for the duckies), I'm better with earthworms ... good thing I guess, as the day before these grubs came, I received a package of them and had to prep soil and such for them!

Speaking of the duckies ...

Duckies take flight! They have been flying across the yard for a bit now. We weren't sure if they would fly, one being a domestic duck, and considering how very well fed they are (fat duckies). Will they fly away at some point? #daddysduckies

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Jul 27, 2015 at 6:04pm PDT

A day or so after I took this video, the boys and I were letting the duckies out of the pen for their evening outdoor time. It was all similar to this ... except when Alex (the biggest one, the male) flew over the fence into the neighbor's yard. Luckily, their dogs weren't out. I was hoping he'd just fly back, but he just sat there looking confused. We had to go into the yard and walk him back to ours. The night after that, he took flight again, making a wide circle in the sky and returning to our backyard (and a rather rough landing, still working on those!). Unsure about what the future holds for our flying feathered friends ...

So, back to the WEIGHT issue. Obviously it's the eating. I know this. I just have NO cravings for "good" food whatsoever. Really. I see healthy eaters post stuff all the time, things they rave about, and for me? It's stuff I'd have to be starving to eat (and I'm just talking normal stuff like smoothies and salads and such, not even any of the "out there" stuff). I admit it. I'm not normal. I've got Eating Issues. I guess what frustrates me is that this is nothing new ... I've been successful in spite of it all, it just doesn't seem to be working anymore. And then I get frustrated and eat ice cream out of the container ...