CakeBanisher's Back. Back Again.

[CakeBanisher]

Hi!  Long time no challenge.  My bad.

 

I've recently started graduate school, so am still figuring that whole thing out.  So far I'm enjoying it, despite all the stress  

 

More to the point, I'm suuuuuuper overweight.  I'm a 5'2 female, and currently weigh somewhere just under 210 lbs.  I've got lots of injuries from my music undergrad, so I have really bad chronic pain - the whole overweight thing is definitely not helping on that front. Not to mention there's no way this weight is healthy in any way.  It's high time I got that sorted.  Plus I actually really enjoy working out, if I can convince myself to, you know, actually work out.  My highest weight was 215, so I've lost a bit since starting.  I do a pretty good amount of yoga, and am getting back into running.  Seems like a good time to join a challenge, to keep me on track   

 

Goal 1 - track everything!

In my experience, if I have to write it down, I make better choices.  I track food, calories, and workouts.  I'm still fine-tuning my system, currently use a mix of myfitnesspal, mapmyrun, and a handy-dandy spreadsheet that seems to be working pretty well.  Doesn't matter if it's healthy, or if it's an entire packages of chips ahoy (...listen...I have no excuse...) IT GETS WRITTEN DOWN.  Tracking macros and whatnot won't happen just yet, it's too involved for me at this point.  I'm planning to just track the name of the thing, and the calorie content.

 

Goal 2 - no school food!

Pretty self-explanatory.  My school doesn't have great food options (and everything is expensive).  I'm going to prep my food for while I'm at school ahead of time, and not get any school food.

 

Goal 3 - run 3x a week

Okay, maybe not run per say...I'm too out of shape for that.  But I'm doing walking/running intervals (a la C25K).  I'm actually not doing C25K, I'm doing shorter/gentler intervals to avoid wrecking my back again (and also because my cardiovascular fitness is basically nonexistent).  This is the goal that I know will be hardest for me to keep up with.  It's also the one that I think will make the biggest overall difference for my mental state.  I just gotta get out the door and start, after that I'm golden

 

Life Goal - set up observations

Part of my program (speech-language pathology) involves getting 25 clinical observation hours in various settings before I start my own clinicals next year.  The first half I'll research places, the second half I'll work on setting them up.  I have really bad anxiety about phone calls like this, so the first half is as much about working up my courage as it is the actual research...I WILL set up observations for at least two locations/demographics during this challenge.  I will also do something each week.

[RevQu]

Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate, but really great, solid goals!

I hate phone calls and setting things like that up too. I tend to stall and stall and put it off and then slowly lose my mind because it's hanging over my head, lol. So I've started just sitting down and making all my phone calls in one shot every week (somehow there's always a few). It takes a big push to do, but feels sooooo good and accomplished as soon as I'm rolling.

And. AND. These calls are never awful or unpleasant or even that awkward. I have no idea why I have such an issue with it!


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[Wobbegong]

Hey CakeBanisher, welcome back! Congrats on starting graduate school, that's awesome! 

 

Looks like you've got some great goals and a very balanced challenge. I'm with you and Rev, for some reason phone calls are absurdly stressful to start. But like Rev, phone calls are never as difficult once I'm actually on the phone... and somehow, making all my calls at once is much easier. 

 

Best of luck with your challenge! I'll be around! 

[CakeBanisher]

Thanks guys!  I tend to be way too ambitious with my goals and fall apart after a couple weeks, so tried to do something more realistic this time around.  Thanks for the encouragement, it helps!  

 

I don't know what it is about this sort of phone call that I hate so much, honestly.  I have to cold-call lots of customers/companies for work (I do inventory/ordering), and I have zero problem with that.  But the last call I had to make for speech path I literally started dialing, then had to stop and get through a panic attack - when I finally made the call, it was a super fantastic experience, they were super happy to talk to me and it was overall just lovely.  So why are they so difficult?!?  GAHH.  *ahem*  okay, I'm done whining...  

 

Update! 

 

Tracked all my food.  Just what I ate, and the calories.  All reasonably healthy food, totaled around 1200 calories.  I know, I know...that's too low.  Honestly, when I'm eating healthier, there are days where I literally struggle to even hit 1000 - I've gotten to where I almost always hit 1200, but it's taken some work.  I average 1200-1400.  Also the no school food goal was irrelevant today, because no school.  I didn't order food/eat the free candy they give us at work though, so there's that  

 

Didn't do anything for observations today...

 

My plan to "run" this morning was rudely foiled by my grandmother's alarm going off as I was heading out the door...and then not shutting off no matter what I did.  I had to make one of the dreaded phone calls (grandma can't talk on the phone anymore) to try and sort that out, the alarm company woman was not happy with me, lol.  Anyway.  Had to change my plans, so ran this evening instead.  Total walked about 30 minutes, and did 5 cycles of run 30 sec/walk 60 sec after a 5 minute warm-up walk, which actually felt pretty fantastic    I didn't push too hard - I could've done a couple more cycles, but not at a "conversational" level of breathing, which is apparently a thing runners should pay attention to.  Plus I'm really trying to ease in and not go too fast this time.  So, yeah.  Anyway.  I have a plan that involves increasing times gradually over a couple weeks before I start doing more C25K-type intervals  

 

As a note - I'm calling them "runs" even if I do very little actual running, lol.  And when I "ran" tonight, the time was almost the same as when I just do a brisk walk.  Even if I'm just going for a walk, I treat it like a run - I feel like it helps it feel more "real" if that makes sense?  More formal, or something.  Like it's a part of my day, not just an "eh, I guess I'll go for a walk."  

[Lilith_]

It sounds like you've got well thought-out goals and are not pushing yourself to a destructive extent. Good for you! I feel ya about eating whole containers of snacks. The below image has been me walking past the snack isle at the store while others in my household select chips or cookies:

 

May your adventures be happy!

[Wobbegong]

21 hours ago, CakeBanisher said:

I didn't push too hard - I could've done a couple more cycles, but not at a "conversational" level of breathing, which is apparently a thing runners should pay attention to.  Plus I'm really trying to ease in and not go too fast this time.  So, yeah.  Anyway.  I have a plan that involves increasing times gradually over a couple weeks before I start doing more C25K-type intervals  

Breathing is a great thing to focus on as a runner. You can even do breathing intervals to work your way into shape if you're strapped for a device that measures time or distance for you. For example, run until you're out of breath, then walk until your breathing recovers, then repeat. It's surprisingly effective. 

 

If I run at all during a "walk," it's a run. Eventually I could see a time when I'm able to run for miles and not counting "running across the street" anymore as anything other than a walk, but for now... whatever it takes to make you feel like you're doing something, and to encourage you to stick with it! Keep it up!

[CakeBanisher]

@Leejus I feel that picture on a spiritual level...  I'm usually fine when I'm shopping with others.  The problem is when I shop by myself, lol.  I drive past a drugstore on my way home from work that is a perfect place to buy cookies...it's less than ideal, lol.

 

3 hours ago, Wobbegong said:

Breathing is a great thing to focus on as a runner. You can even do breathing intervals to work your way into shape if you're strapped for a device that measures time or distance for you. For example, run until you're out of breath, then walk until your breathing recovers, then repeat. It's surprisingly effective. 

 

I did that a while back, and was surprised how well it worked I'm using my phone timer right now, but just got a fitbit that has an interval workout function, so am about to start using that as well.  I also find that the breathing makes it a lot easier to not focus on unpleasant things while running (or walking, lol).  It's very zen  

___

 

Day 2 successful!  Tracked all my food, and no school food.  I made up a nice lunch to take to school...and then forgot it in the fridge...so I was quite hungry by the time I got home, and also ended up with an even lower calorie count.  Whoops.  I might go have a snack before bed, but I'm really not hungry...so we'll see.  For running, it was a rest day - I walked around on campus, and had a good yoga session though   Nothing done for observations.  I have a couple huge exams this week, I won't be doing anything on this goal until probably Friday...

[PollyannaAgain]

Speech Pathology! I wish I'd gone that route. My undergrad is linguistics.  My phonetics teacher was absolutely gorgeous, and that had more to do with the fact he could change how he said different words to show examples of dialect variations than it did his looks (though those weren't bad either).

 

Maybe the phone calls are hard because they relate to you on a personal level? I mean, this is your career your discussing, and if you're passionate about that, you'd probably be nervous about everything going well!

 

Good luck on your challenge! (Oh, also, found the One & Done--it was in @Wobbegong's challenge this time! Apparently last week was a "long time ago" for me...)  

[Wobbegong]

3 hours ago, PollyannaAgain said:

(Oh, also, found the One & Done--it was in @Wobbegong's challenge this time! Apparently last week was a "long time ago" for me...)  

I wasn't going to say anything... mostly because immediately after I posted that "one and done" lists sprang up in like five other challenges, so I don't know if I started it or if everyone just had the same thought at once. But everyone should feel welcome to make use of the idea! One and done lists are great because unlike daily tasks or habit formers, you get to feel like you're actually making real progress. 

[CakeBanisher]

9 hours ago, PollyannaAgain said:

Speech Pathology! I wish I'd gone that route. My undergrad is linguistics.  My phonetics teacher was absolutely gorgeous, and that had more to do with the fact he could change how he said different words to show examples of dialect variations than it did his looks (though those weren't bad either).

 

Maybe the phone calls are hard because they relate to you on a personal level? I mean, this is your career your discussing, and if you're passionate about that, you'd probably be nervous about everything going well!

 

Good luck on your challenge! (Oh, also, found the One & Done--it was in @Wobbegong's challenge this time! Apparently last week was a "long time ago" for me...)  

 

 Ooh, linguistics is cool!  I wish I'd taken more of it...   My undergrads are in unrelated fields, so I'm doing the deficiency courses this semester, and just one grad course.  There's still time for speech path if you so choose  My phonetics professor right now is Canadian, and doesn't believe the way we pronounce certain things, lol.  I honestly don't know why these phone calls are so hard...maybe it is because they're personal?  It's a good thought  Also, "long time ago" for me is just anything that took place before my most recent exam - so, right now, anything before Monday, lol.

 

6 hours ago, Wobbegong said:

I wasn't going to say anything... mostly because immediately after I posted that "one and done" lists sprang up in like five other challenges, so I don't know if I started it or if everyone just had the same thought at once. But everyone should feel welcome to make use of the idea! One and done lists are great because unlike daily tasks or habit formers, you get to feel like you're actually making real progress. 

 

It is a most excellent idea!  I may use it next challenge...  

 

---

Today!

 

Tracked everything, and brought food to school.  Didn't run, but was planning on that because of my schedule on Tuesdays and the massive grad exam I have tomorrow.  I'm not certain if I'll be able to run tomorrow, either - I have another huge exam Thursday morning, so may just prioritize studying tomorrow.  If I have time, I'll run tomorrow after classes.  If not, I'll run Thursday, then again Saturday.  This should be the last really bad week for school for a little while, but even so I should still be able to do my three runs

[CakeBanisher]

Challenge is going well!   I was finally able to "run" again last night, so that was pretty fantastic.  It's funny, I actually really look forward to these runs, this one was almost like a reward for getting through this week of exams.  The hardest part is convincing myself to actually get started and go, especially with the weather turning bad (and me having no idea how to dress for different conditions).  But after I start, it's great  Also, still tracking everything, and still no school (or work) food.  I'm planning to spend some time this weekend doing research for my observations.  

[CakeBanisher]

Update!

 

Running is going well   Even in a week, I can feel a difference, so that's pretty sweet   I'm a little concerned about my right Achilles tendon...I suspect my shoe rubs, and it's been hurting a little - although honestly I've mostly been attributing any and all pain to the fact that I just haven't run in forever.  

 

This weekend was a splendid example of well-laid plans being thwarted by life.  My parents have been out of town, but both got back on Friday, and decided not only were we celebrating my one grandma's birthday, but also two other family birthdays.  And doing family pictures.  All on less than two days notice.  And my mom tends to worry about the house, so this led to a frantic period of cleaning wherein nothing else got accomplished.  But the house looks great   Anyway.  Point is, I just let it happen instead of fighting to adapt. 

 

This led to two things.  I didn't get any observation work done...so that'll have to happen more this week.  And I ate junk.  I tracked it on Saturday, but yesterday just sorta gave up.  I'm the family baker (have been for years - my grandma taught me to bake the holiday pies before I could see the top of the counter, lol).  So, all of Saturday was spent baking.  And if cake is a weakness for me, cookie dough is even more so.  I managed to track and sort of manage my food on Saturday.  Sunday...not so much, lol.  But man, can I feel it today...I do not feel good!  Let that be a lesson, kiddos - don't eat stuff if you know it'll make you sick!  

 

But today I'm back!    Back to tracking, I've got a run scheduled for after work/errands/class, and there will be no school food consumed!

[Butternut]

Hi Cakebanisher! Love you goals! 

 

What an interesting field? Why speech pathology? Do you have a story behind it?

 

Avoiding school food! Good for you!! I'm a firm believer that our environment makes are choices easier. This is way when I have chips in my cupboard... I eat them, when I don't, I don't! I work at a coffee shop that sells chocolates, I'm there 40-48 hours a week. This is why I keep dates, fruit and nuts in my bag when a craving for sweets hits!! 

 

Good for you for being strong when you forgot your lunch! Instead of giving in your went hungry and waited for the right food! Its hard to do! A+ for you!! OW!

 

 

[CakeBanisher]

On 10/30/2017 at 1:15 PM, Butternut said:

Hi Cakebanisher! Love you goals! 

 

What an interesting field? Why speech pathology? Do you have a story behind it?

 

Avoiding school food! Good for you!! I'm a firm believer that our environment makes are choices easier. This is way when I have chips in my cupboard... I eat them, when I don't, I don't! I work at a coffee shop that sells chocolates, I'm there 40-48 hours a week. This is why I keep dates, fruit and nuts in my bag when a craving for sweets hits!! 

 

Good for you for being strong when you forgot your lunch! Instead of giving in your went hungry and waited for the right food! Its hard to do! A+ for you!! OW!

 

 

 

Ending up in speech path is kind of a long story, tbh.  My undergrad was initially just violin performance - but I have too many injuries, and didn't like the whole negative job security of a musician thing.  So then I was pre-physical therapy, but again, realized I had too many injuries.  But at that point I had tons of extra classes, so ended up with music and psychology degrees, minors in human bio and math, and no idea what I actually wanted to do, lol.  People kept suggesting speech path, so I talked to some and liked what they said.  It's this really cool intersection of science and language and teaching and therapy.  And the music actually helps, because I have a really good ear for subtle differences in sound at this point  I applied to a local program, because the deadline was coming up and I knew I had to stay local for a few years because of my grandmother.  It was one of those things where everything just sorta fell into place  

 

On a food-related note, environment is sooooooo important!  I live at home, and my brother and parents (and boyfriend) eat very differently than I prefer to...   Having something around that I can grab and eat in 30 seconds is critical, especially when I'm rushed/tired/starving/etc. because of school.  Preparation is essential   Also once I go about 3 days of eating healthy, if I suddenly eat junk (even just a few bites) goodness does it make me sick.  So, there's also that added motivation to avoid junk, lol.  

 

___

 

Anyway!

 

Had a day of not tracking yesterday (and didn't do great on Halloween...although I did at least try).  My baking is my weakness, lol.  So, I have consumed cookies...too many cookies...and yes, yes they did make me very sick.  I did it anyway, because occasionally I apparently have no self control.  But I'm back to tracking now   We'll see how school today goes, I brought food but didn't realize one of the things apparently went bad and none of us noticed...sooo...yeah.  Oh well.  I'm also still running.  Have one planned for today.  I'm going to redo my last interval set, because it was a significant jump in effort for me last time, and I think I should do it again. 

 

In other, unrelated news, I'm doing NaNoWriMo again.  Maybe I'll "win" this year.  Maybe I won't.  Who knows!?    I'm MusicNerd over at nanowrimo.org if anyone wants to join me