Run Run Away

Question:

Nina — what an inspiring post.  You are really doing great, and I loved hearing the details of your weight loss trek.  Thanks. Katie 183/165/163 Y4K:  1841  /4000 — To reply by e-mail, take out all the x’s.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public.   Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

Hey Nina-congrats on making it so far.  You are a great motivation to the rest of us.  Those Y4k numbers are really looking great too.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

Awesome Nina! Thanks for sharing!! Cindy H. 132/132/110 Race to 120 Y2K: 260

Response:

Nina, I am just bursting with pride!  It is so good to see someone benefit with the exercise the way I once did…almost like doing it myself!!!  This is just what I had hoped that some would get such a strong exercise habit that they would be really hard pressed to *ever* give it up.  IMO, exercise is the key to not only losing weight, but a must in maintaining.  Ah…I remember my long walks turning into runs or run/walks…they just got easier.  I am competitive too…that is another reason for the challenge.  : )  I started my exercise at the age of 40 although I was always active, and continued for over 17 years.  Then things kind of fell apart, but now am finally getting to at least walk.  Well, won’t repeat myself.  I am so proud of your accomplishments.  Yes, the amount of exercise you are doing will see you through all kinds of stresses.  It sure did me.  I also, had a three legged dog!  : )  Exercise was found to be a very effective anti-depressant.  It always helped me.  So, many things we can’t control, but that was something I could control…at the time.  My running garb also, was quite unique!  At the age of 43, I ran my first marathon in cut off jeans, and placed 2nd. in the 30’s division.  So, clothes don’t matter…just so they are comfy.  I did graduate to regular running shorts and singlets.  Let us know when you start starring in hockey!  Doe 2000-1040 Y2K – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

way to go Nina, you gave me a sorely needed boost.  thanks for posting. Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

– on the road of life, there are many speedbumps–most of them chocolate

Response:

Thanks Nina-I just found a photo from when I was  at 315…just taped it to the door of the fridge….whew. I’ve come so far-time to get back on track and keep going…Have just a great weekend. Alice 315/250/155

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

Great success story!!!  Thanks for sharing- maybe I’ll get to those 34 waist pants yet!! —    "HAPPINESS IS A WARM PUPPY!"    Bob Burns    Mill Hall, PA

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

Hey Nina, sounds like you are doing great! I hate my photos. The camera always makes me look bad, always. Therefore, I avoid them like the very plague. I don’t even have a picture more recent than college, and that was a good long time ago! Here’s to you for sticking with it! Cynthia

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public. Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

Response:

: Nina — what an inspiring post.  You are really doing great, and I loved : hearing the details of your weight loss trek.  Thanks. : Katie What she said.  :) thanks for the great (motivating, I have got to get back into exercising) post. Kali Blonde,aka K in Cali

Response:

Hi Nina,  thanks for the great post.  Your successful story reminds me that sometimes it’s good to reflect on where we’ve been rather than worry about where we want to go.   If I get thinking about a rather slow month of weight loss, a quick look at a before picture or some old "before" clothes sometimes helps to bring back the resolve. Robert 245/195?/180 30/55   54.5%

Response:

Good for you Nina, and thanks for sharing your inspiring thoughts janice 233/189/136 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at-the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public.   Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

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Wow Nina, you have made some great progress!  I really admire your dedication to the exercise.  I have no doubt you’ll make goal, whatever it is! As for not being organized, I just had 10 rolls of film developed that I found when we re-arranged some of the rooms in our house.  Most of them were from 1992 and 1993!  The only picture I found of myself in the batch depressed me — back then I was much thinner, wearing a small T-shirt and a size 10 jeans. -38ldhd9.dialup.mindspring.com: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I haven’t been doing a weekly check in because, well, I’m simply not that organized. But there have been a few things running through my mind lately that I do want to share. I came across a photo of myself from January 2, 1999.  I remember exactly when it was taken.  I was thinking how cute I looked, smiling cheekily towards the camera posing in front of a redwood tree.  Only when I got the photo developed (somewhere around June, I believe, I told you I wasn’t organized!) did I notice the extra chin, the bursting-at -the-seams jeans, and the roll hanging over my waistband. Eeeeek, indeed.  I’m guessing I weighed about 195 in the photo. I started (halfheartedly) an exercise program in January 1999 (along with everyone else after New Year’s), tried dieting on my own, dabbled with Weight Watchers, etc.  I started Atkins mid-July (at approxiamtely 181 pounds), along with an exercise program of walking 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week. Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement. Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10. My weight loss seems to go in spurts, which I’ve gotten used to.  ASD has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing it’s taught me is to be patient.  I simply look at my diet as "this is the way I eat now." It doesn’t really bother me that much, I enjoy eating this way, and I can indulge every now and then without repercussion on the scale, as long as I jump back onto my WOE. I also want to thank Doe (yeah Doe!) for starting the Y2K (for me the Y4K).  I’m a naturally competitive person by nature and it really motivated me in the beginning to start pushing myself harder.  It’s just bizarre to me that I enjoy exercise!  It has really helped with the stress of the things going on in my life – ex-boyfriends, three legged dogs, and career crises. I’ve never kept to anything this long.  I’ve "dieted" my whole life and never reached my goal.  Now I have no doubt that I’ll reach it, I just don’t know what "it" is.  My guess is that I’ll go for 150 for health, and then maybe 135 for vanity.  But I haven’t weight this little since high school, and even back then I haven’t been in such good shape.  My immediate goal is to sneak into the 150’s by Christmas.  And once I pay off the dog’s operation, I’m investing in hockey skates to learn how to play ice hockey! So that’s it.  For you slow losers, try on some of your old clothes.  I tired on those jeans that I was busting out of in the January 2nd photo. They’re so baggy, I can’t wear them in public.   Rambling, Nina Y4k: 2000/4000

– KC (to reply by e-mail, please take out the dog) "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato. Y2K Challenge:  460/2000

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Just admiring your numbers, Alice! Thanks Nina-I just found a photo from when I was at 315…just taped it to the door of the fridge….whew. I’ve come so far-time to get back on track and keep going…Have just a great weekend. Alice 315/250/155

– KC (to reply by e-mail, please take out the dog) "Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." Plato. Y2K Challenge:  460/2000

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Your ramblings were interesting, and thanks for the update.  When last we heard from you, as I remember, you were wrestling with career or go-back-to-school decisions, and recovering from someone stealing the plot of your novel from under you.  How is this stuff going, if you’d care to tell us?

Her book seemed to disappear without a blip in the literary world, so I think I’m okay.  Plus my Writing Professors have told me not to worry about it, and just keep writing.  (I take extension classes at UCLA).  I just need to finish the book, which is hard.  It’s about a bunch of experiences I had the summer of ‘98 and culminates with me meeting my (now ex) boyfriend so it’s a little sad to write. As for back to school, I’m applying to a couple of MFA programs for next year, so if my boss doesn’t get a TV show on the air (I’ll know by June) then I can start school in August.  I’m looking at SFSU (San Francisco State).  I am looking at some other schools,but I have to take the GRE for those, so I’ll have to postpone applying to those schools for another year. Thanks everyone for your encouragement! Nina Y4K: 2000/4000 — The Slack is Back! http://www.theslack.com

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….. I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day….

Great post, Nina!  Not rambling at all.  I feel the same way about exercise.  Good for you for all you stick-to-it-tiveness since January. I think i’s so great that we can reinvent ourselves, and be the person we’ve always dreamed of being, at any age, once we have the right tools. Barb

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Well, it’s now November.  I now exercise 5-6 times a week.  My route has been upped to 7 miles a day, and I run 3 of those miles.  The scary thing is I don’t feel right if I don’t exercise.  It puts me in a much better mood for the day.  I also know that if I don’t do it first thing, I don’t do it at all.  However, I depfintely am not a fashion statement.  Kay, you would be horrified at what I wear when I run – I think today it was a Hare Krishna Orange colored t-shirt with forest green gym shorts and a purple long sleeve shirt tied around my waist.  No, I’m not color blind.

LOL!  My fashion requirements are more modest than you seem to believe.  I firmly believe that, as in architecture, fashion should be of and blend with the environment.  Different strokes for different areas.  Your outfit sounds quite right for the West Coast, and you’d be a joy to photograph for a person comparison testing colour film. I weighed in today at 163.5 pounds.  According to the body fat readings on my Tanita (which I got when I was 181), I’ve lost almost 21 pounds of fat, which means I’ve put on 3.5 pounds of muscle.  I’m hovering between a size 12 and a size 10.

These are great results, and show what you can do with a decent WOE, exercise and a lot of patience.  Congratulations! Your ramblings were interesting, and thanks for the update.  When last we heard from you, as I remember, you were wrestling with career or go-back-to-school decisions, and recovering from someone stealing the plot of your novel from under you.  How is this stuff going, if you’d care to tell us? Much of your story looks like mine.  I hope you have the brains and good sense that I didn’t, because my struggle has gone on for 40 years. Keep on trekking, Kay 232/165/162 by Dec. 26 (since 98/12/26) for e-mail reply, take "s" from the nest.

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