Shrinkvivor Weigh-In #8

I made it to the FINAL SEVEN competing for the SHRINKVIVOR title!

I am still pinching myself and cannot believe I did it.  Yet in the same breathe, I set out to do this from the very first day of the challenge.  I have been so focused on getting to the finish line and accomplishing a big win!  I am thrilled to be in the last days and whether or not I take home the official title, I have absolutely WON!  I am blown away by all I have accomplished and all of the new and healthy habits I have created in my life.  You can hear all about it HERE on the vlog I created to "plead my case" for all who would be voting.

Selfishly, I absolutely want to win, but I have to tell you that I am surrounded by some amazing, amazing women in the top 7!  These gals have also created awesome results and have truly taken the opportunity to change their lives over the past 7 weeks.  It is great to be surrounded by motivated women who are taking on their lives!

This past week I have started to take it easy as I prepare for my race on Sunday.  I did six miles instead of eight for my last training run and really took the opportunity to listen to my body and stop while I was ahead.  I have been doing some yoga and lots of stretching.  I will do a bit of elliptical, but other than that I am focusing on hydration, rest and getting enough carbs loaded to feel great for the race. 

Eating has continued to go well and I am still amazed by how good I feel!  I was derailed a little bit on Halloween and did indulge in a few pieces of the pounds of candy that came into my house in the hands of my children and out of my house as I passed it out.  I got right back on track Monday morning and am doing well now, though.

The fitness challenge this week was to try something new and my "something new" was a new yoga video - Jillian's Yoga Melt Down and Holy WOW... as usual, she doesn't mess around!  She always means business and the way my body felt the next day was proof!  Sore, sore, sore - good sore, but SORE!

That is about it for this week...

I do have ONE last request... Go HERE and vote for ME!!!  I would love to have your vote!

Without further ado, it is time to share my stats!  Another great week!!!

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

182.4 lbs

 WOOOO HOOOO!

Change from last week

-2 lbs!!!!

Difference for the challenge
-15.2lb!!!!

Total Difference

 -32.6 lbs

 

Shrinkvivor - FINAL SEVEN!!!!

Here we are and the Shrinkvivor competition over at the Sisterhood is coming to an end...  I found out on Thursday that I made it to the 

FINAL SEVEN

So, what does this mean...  It means that I get to plead my case and explain how I have grown and learned throughout the challenge AND talk about why I deserve to be the 

ULTIMATE SHRINKVIVOR

Of course the title and the amazing prize package would be incredible, but at the end of the day I am thrilled to be where I am and thrilled to have accomplished what I set out to accomplish.

So take a few minutes and listen to my video.  I hope it resonates and I hope you can understand why I have so much to celebrate!

So there you have it!

VOTE FOR TIFFANY!

THE ULTIMATE SHRINKVIVOR!!!

Shrinkvivor Weigh-In #7

I made it one step closer to the SHRINKVIVOR title!

Sadly, I ended up being the only official member left of the Maroon Tribe.  I say officially because we have unofficially remained a little team that has continued to encourage and support each other...  By far one of the absolute BEST Shrinking Jeans teams I have ever been privileged to be a part of!

At the beginning of the week, we found out that the tribes had merged and all of us that have not been sent to Exile Island have become Tribe OUTLAST!  How cool to have made it through the merge!  I have accomplished amazing things and stretched myself, while challenging my limits and am blown away by what I have created.

It was a great week.  I was able to adjust my pre-run eating to include several carb meals and it made a huge difference in being able to run my 12 mile long run on Saturday.  My run felt great and I was able to run some of my fastest miles.  I am so excited for my Half Marathon and so excited to see how much I improve and how much better my time is over my time in San Diego.  I feel great and can't wait!

Our fitness challenge was MILES again.  This is my favorite challenge.  It has helped that I am in the final weeks of preparing for a big race, but nevertheless, I really, really pushed myself.  I WANT IMMUNITY!!!  The first miles challenge, I really thought I was pushing my limits and couldn't imagine doing more than the 24 miles that I did then.  Well, then came this challenge and all that it meant.  I am ecstatic to have banked
34.03 MILES
this past week from Thursday-Tuesday.  Crazy, crazy!!!

Our non-fitness challenge was to be aware of trans-fats... I am eating almost NO trans-fat and it is amazing because I almost never go into my pantry anymore because I am eating so fresh and clean!  It feels great!

My eating plan continues to go well and I am feeling so great physically and mentally!  It is really amazing to me, what a difference no refines sugar and almost no carbs has made for me!  I have more energy and I feel so, so great!  It doesn't hurt that I am starting to fit into smaller clothes.  The feeling of extra room in things that used to be tight on me is amazing!

Without further ado, it is time to share my stats!  Another great week!!!

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

184.4 lbs

 184.4!?!?!  I am now closer to 180 than 190?!?!
WOOOO HOOOO!

Change from last week

-4 lbs!!!!

Difference for the challenge
-13.2lb!!!!

Total Difference

 -30.6 lbs
ANOTHER NEW BUTTON!!!!

Stay tuned for my first vlog this week... There is a little drawing going on over at the Sisterhood for tickets to Fitbloggin 11.  All of my SAH sisters are on their way and I want to go SO BAD!!!  So that I can be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing, I have to do a vlog talking about why I want to go.  Should be entertaining!

 

Shrinkvivor Weigh-In #6

Let me just say, right here and now I want the SHRINKVIVOR title!

I have to say that my awesome tribe is STILL outfiting, outlosing and outlasting so far...  We are down to two!  We are a strong little team!

It has been quite the week... It started with my incredibly emotional journey in creating my Exposed post.  What a cathartic, cleansing and freeing experience it was!  I highly recommend it if you haven't done your own.  I have continued to adjust to my eating plan and am feeling great!  I have a ton of energy and can't believe how amazing food is tasting.  I made an incredible recipe that I saw on Biggest Loser last week.  If you didn't see the episode, Bob took some of the contestants to his house and cooked a completely vegan meal for them.  One of the recipes was Roasted Tri-Color Cauliflower and it was absolutely delish!   I am still having some sugar cravings, but feeling good and releasing this weight is worth it!

Our fitness challenge was MINUTES again.  I love this challenge.  Amazingly enough, my slower pace works to my benefit in this case!  My crazy long run on Saturday definitely helped my minute count.  It was brutal!  I hit my first wall at eight miles and then my BIG wall at ten miles, leaving me to leisurely walk the last two miles back to my car, with a very sore leg.  Needless to say I went almost straight to my lifesaving Sports Chiropractor friend and he set me up.  He adjusted the heck out of my back that was way out, lasered my leg and taped my knee and thigh with Spider tape.  Let me just say that Spider Tape is THE BOMB!  My leg felt better by evening and has been great since.  I had a phenomenal run yesterday!  Here is the miracle tape...

My total minutes rounded out at 458!!!  I am very happy with that number!

So... 19 days until my Half Marathon and in light of the disaster training run, my doctor has given me a plan to add complex carbs for one meal/day, several days before my last long training run and before the race.  We think that I just didn't have enough reserve given how low carb my eating plan is.  Stay tuned... Hopefully that will do the trick!  I am looking forward to shattering my time from my first Half!

Without further ado, it is time to share my stats!  Another great week!!!

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

188.4 lbs

 188.4!?!?!  I can't remember the last time I saw the 180's - WOOOO HOOOO!

Change from last week

-3 lbs!!!!


Difference for the challenge
-9.2lb!!!!

Total Difference

 -26.6 lbs
Holy Crap!  I get to add this

to my sidebar!

 

Shrinkvivor - Weigh-In #5

And the challenge rolls forward as we fight to win the SHRINKVIVOR title!

I have to say that my awesome tribe is STILL outfiting, outlosing and outlasting so far...  We are down to three and I was sure that we were going to be sent to Exile Island last week!  BUT, here we are, small and mighty!

I have returned to a normal routine in terms of being back to work and the "normal" work schedule.  However, there has been little normal about this past week.  I officially started my new medically supervised eating program last Thursday and am in a "detox mode" if you will.  I have completely gone off sugar (except limited fruit) and yesterday was the roughest day yet, which tells me that I should be close to relief...  I am very excited to see how all goes.

Our fitness challenge was MILES again.  I loved this challenge the first time and although I was derailed from my total goal of 26 miles due to an unplanned trip to the Emergency Room with my son and ended up with 22 miles!  I am so proud of all that I am pushing myself to do.  I would have never fathomed logging 22 miles in one week, this time last year.

One monumentally HUGE little highlight to the week was getting to meet Ali Vincent winner of the Biggest Loser.  My awe and excitement must have shown on my face, because before I could get any words out of my mouth, she grabbed me and gave me a hug.  It was really amazing to get to tell her what an inspiration she has been to me and how much her journey motivates me!  And let me tell you, it doesn't look like she has gained a pound of her weight back... She looks phenomenal!  She is one of the spokeswomen for an organization that sponsors the "Kids Rock" running program that my kids are participating in and we were at the season kick-off party for that.  She taught my little guy how to hula-hoop!

As I mentioned above, I started my new eating plan.  I am drinking more than 80oz of water everyday, eating tons of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily and I have tracked my food daily!  I have absolutely loved to see what this challenge has brought out of me!  And today's weigh-in is no exception!!!

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

191.4 lbs

Change from last week

-2.6 lbs!!!!


Difference for the challenge
-6.2lb!!!!

Total Difference

 -23.6 lbs
WOWEEE!!!! ZOWEEEE!!! That felt good to type those numbers!

 

Shrinkvivor - Weigh-In #4

It has been another exciting week in the land of SHRINKVIVOR!

I have to say that my awesome tribe is STILL outfiting, outlosing and outlasting so far...

This was a crazy week for me full of travel, eating out, attending a wedding and seeing great friends!  I am more than thrilled that I was able to maintain, given the travel.

Our fitness challenge was FASTEST MILE.  Could be any one mile during the week...  I blew myself away with an 11:23 minute mile!!!  I thought I was going to drop by the time I finished!  That feeling was followed by total exhilaration! 

In other exercise news... I had the exciting opportunity to see one of my Team Shrinking Jeans SAH's while I was in Texas.  Christy and I got together for a run/walk through the hills of Kerrville with a nice interlude on the High School Track.  It was like having coffee with an old friend (which we did after our run!), and was so good for my soul.  This whole fitness journey has been so amazing for me and there are just many people in my life that don't totally understand it.  Especially the online component.  That's okay, it is a bit different, but I cannot imagine my life without The Sisterhood and without my amazing Team Shrinking Jeans SAH's.  You have ALL been inspiring, supportive, funny, committed and unafraid to throw down challenges!  My life wouldn't be nearly as rich without all of you!

Here's our post-run, post-coffee pic!

On the eating front, I did pretty well all things considered.  I had plenty to confess on Tuesday, given that the alcohol was flowing at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, the food was amazing and there was a ton of eating out.  I did two things that helped me maintain my weight.  First, I drank my water - minimum of 2-3 liters of water EVERY DAY!  I also kept up with my exercise, walking on one day, running on two days and plenty of running around with the kids.  I will start my medically supervised plan tomorrow, so I am very optimistic that I will be starting to make bigger and more consistent progress.  Our other challenge was to eat our fruits and veggies... I am proud to say that I never have a problem with this - I love my fruits and veggies!  I did great and didn't skimp just because I was on vacation!

I will be posting more about my trip and more about my time with Christy and Lisa soon.  It was a blast to see both of them!

Anyway, I should probably get to the details... The bottom line.

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

194 lbs
This was a bit annoying - I didn't have access to a digital scale, so I was left with an even number.  I will take it and am thrilled to have maintained!

Change from last week

-0.2lb 


Difference for the challenge
-3.6lb

Total Difference

 -21 lbs

 

Shrinkvivor Weigh-In #3

It has been another exciting week in the land of SHRINKVIVOR!

I have to say that my awesome tribe is outfiting, outlosing and outlasting so far...

We will see what this week brings!

Our fitness challenge was MINUTES.  Minutes, minutes, minutes of exercise.  Could be any activity.  I am at a grand total of 379 minutes!  My slower running pace was to my advantage this week!  I had a great NINE mile run/walk on Saturday and am starting to feel like I am hitting a groove in terms of pacing.  We competitive people have some difficulty in the area of pacing - I am learning that it benefits me to be more like "the tortoise" even though every fiber of my being wants to be "the hare" 

On the eating front, I did pretty well.  I made a HUGE decision to start a medically supervised weight loss plan and will start next Thursday when I get back from vacation.  One of their specialties is medication induced weight gain.  I am very excited and cautiously excited.  Most importantly, I feel like I am making a good decision.  I have been given a copy of the eating plan and have begun to implement the changes.  First and foremost really cutting back on carbs and sugar.  I have continued to drink my 60-100 ounces of water and haven't been through a drive-thru (EVEN Starbucks!) in over two weeks!

Speaking of VACATION... Did I mention that I am going to see TWO of our FAVORITE sisters from the Hood while on vacation this next week?!?!  I will be seeing the amazing Christy M - hopefully for a 10 mile run in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.  Then, a few days later we will head to Austin where I will get to see the lovely Lisa M!  We all had so much fun together on Team Shrinking Jeans and I have been in some serious SAH withdrawals since being in San Diego.  The bigger reason we are off to Texas is to attend the wedding of my husband's youngest brother.  The greatest part is that my husband is performing the ceremony (he's a pastor) - an opportunity that most pastors do not get.

Anyway, I should probably get to the details... The bottom line.

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

194.2lbs
I have a picture but my computer is NOT cooperating this morning!

 (Gotta love this "picture of the scale" thing...)

Change from last week

-1.8lb 


Difference for the challenge
-3.4lb

Total Difference

 -20.8 lbs

 

Shrinkvivor weigh-in #2

What a week this has been!  I am so excited about SHRINKVIVOR!

I am so lucky to be part of an awesome tribe...

We are rocking already!

  
Moxie Maroon Mavens,

How is that for a name!  These are some super gals, who are motivating me and challenging me daily.  I am so proud of our tribe!

This was a pretty darn amazing week... I accomplished a HUGE milestone and broke through YET ANOTHER WALL!  I LOVE a challenge and when I found out that the fitness challenge was a miles challenge, I was excited!  Then, I had to step back and realize JUST how much my life had already changed... I, Tiffany Zook, was excited about a MILES challenge?!?!  What on earth was that?!?! I have come so far... I set out to knock it out of the park and I did!  My total miles between Thursday morning and last night:

24  TWENTY FOUR!!!

On the eating front, I did pretty well.  I have really watched my portions and water, oh the water... I have been drinking enough water to propel me across the ocean afloat.  100 + ounces every day to be exact!  I have also been watching my sugar intake.  Those things combined with the exercise have made for a successful week.

I am looking into some medically supervised eating plans, doing research and weighing the benefits of going that route given the fact that much of my weight gain and difficulty losing is medication related.  Until having medication related weight gain, I never had any difficulty losing weight when I wanted.  I dropped 40 pounds after my first son in less than six months without much struggle and was still able to "indulge" here and there without much impact.  I am currently at FOUR years of carrying 60 extra pounds from the weight I was at after my first son, 50 of which packed on within several months of going on medication for post-partum anxiety/depression.  I have tried WW, calorie counting, South Beach, Blood Type Diet with an average of 1-3 pound loss in the first month to six weeks.  The only positive has been that I seem to have mastered maintaining my weight give or take 5 pounds... Just not the optimal weight. I finally found success using an appetite/craving control supplement with following a low carb/low calorie (1200/day) eating plan combined with training for my first half marathon and dropped 19 pounds over the course of six months.  This was great, but slow, slow.  I know the saying... slow and steady wins the race... Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I also know how this 197 pound body feels running.  It feels like I am carrying another person with me.  I have been making incredible strides with my speed and breathing, being able to run at and 11-12 minute/mile pace... as long as I continue on with my walk intervals.  I am mentally ready to drop the walk intervals... My body just isn't seeming able to maintain the pace.  It is a lot to ask of my frame carrying this much extra.

Anyway, all that ramble to say that I am looking at a medically supervised program that incorporates a similar medication to the supplement I was taking before.  This program has been very successful for others with medication related weight gain.  Part of the program is a year of maintenance to assist/ensure that patients are supported to implement lasting/effective habits.  I have a few more questions to be answered before making a final decision, so stay tuned...

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

196lbs

 (I can't believe I actually took a picture...)

Change from last week

-1.6lb 
(feel like it should have been more, given the exercise...)
Difference for the challenge
-1.6lb

Total Difference

 -19 lbs

 

Shrinkvivor - Openning Weigh-In

I am so excited that today is the day I start the BIGGEST and CRAZIEST challenge ever at the Sisterhood...

I love that they have taken a familiar concept to most of us and have turned it into one HUGE challenge!

I love a challenge, I love a group challenge AND I love a challenge with AMAZING prizes!  Look what we are playing for HERE.

So, what does all of this mean for me?  Well, I am a part of an awesome team... Team Maroon, and in just the time I have had to get aquainted with them over the past day or so, I can tell you that I don't want to let them down as much as I don't want to let myself down.

It has been a very "bumpy" couple of months and it is time to get serious, get my act together and shed some more of this baggage I am carrying around!  On Monday, I started back to calorie counting, cutting my eating off two hours before going to bed, and exercising the way I know works well for me. I have not been on the scale since before my birthday trip to Vegas that included a lot of eating and drinking, so I am sure that this number will reflect just that.  I am ramping up my mileage as I train for my next Half Marathon on November 7th and adding Shred or Yoga 2-3 days/week.  

The weather here on the surface of the sun (AKA the desert southwest) is finally starting to cool off, so I am able to run outside, which is a huge PLUS for me!  My medication increase has fully kicked in and I feel human again, with some drive and feeling that I can do what I need to do for myself again.  So all in all I say...

BRING IT ON!!!

Here are my stats:

Starting Weight

215 lbs
Starting Weight for this Challenge
197.6

Today's Weight

197.6lbs

 (I can't believe I actually took a picture...)

Change from last week

N/A
Difference for the challenge
N/A

Total Difference

 -17.4 lbs