Ironically, with as much as a WW follower as I have been in the past and with as many health-related bloggers and sites that I follow, it actually took an online advertisement in my Yahoo! mail to make me aware that Weight Watchers has a new program. (And online advertising works. But I already knew that, right? ;)
At any rate, I came across the ad just a bit ago in my mail and clicked through to the site. I will say that Weight Watchers didn’t go a very good job describing this new program. In fact, the shtick on the page sounded like the regular same old, same old WW-speak with a shiny “2009″ spin. But then I did a little Googling and came across this article.
One, I have to give Peertrainer some credit. It’s hard to cover Weight Watcher info in a way the WW lawyers approve and PT does a good job linking back to the corporate site to encourage those interested to sign up and find more information. But they were also able to fill me in a little more on what this program is about. Here’s an excerpt:
But one of the key criticisms we’ve seen of Weight Watchers overall was this idea that you could do the diet in an unhealthy way.
But now Weight Watchers has made a real turnaround and introduced a new program they call “Momentum”, and it looks like this program tackles this weakness head on. Specifically, they have introduced the idea of “Filling Foods” that are high in fiber and high in water content. Which means a diet high in plant-based foods which are excellent for long term health. The Momentum Program is also designed to give you some very practical ideas to put these ideas into action. This is a new area of focus. Read more >>
They go on to explain that they are focusing more on the psychology of Weight Loss (something that, I have to admit, always seemed to be missing a bit in meetings) and they’ve restructured points to value healthy foods. They’re right — 30 points of nacho cheese rice cakes is NOT the same as 30 points of healthy, nutritious foods. They also mentioned that they’ve released new recipes to rave reviews and the Core foods list is now the “filling foods” list. Kind of a “volumetrics” approach , at least linguistically. But I love having a more literal label attached to the food. It also sounds like there is less focus on some of those highly processed “low point” foods that plague the WW culture (yes, Fiber One bars and Western Bagels, I’m talking to YOU!).
For me, it might just be enough to jump back into the program officially just to see what it’s all about. I was beginning to count points again, anyway. It might be worth the $$ investment to hear the entire new take (and get the recipes and tools).
Of course, you can always Google the program to see what else is available online.
Final note, I thought I’d leave you with the commercial they’re running. Not really that relevant, but I think the Orange Guy is cute.
Although, some free marketing advice to WW: add some damn sharing functionality to the info and the commercial videos on your site. I WANTED to share them, but had to search YouTube, instead. Totally lame.
As for me? I start my 2009 training program tomorrow morning with swimming and weight training. It’s not a new year’s resolution, but I thought the first whole week of the 2009 was as good as any week to start the real program rather than the ad hoc workouts I was doing in Nov & Dec. I am dreading a full club in the morning, though…
I sat down to write this post days ago and I keep getting sucked into things like upgrading Wordpress, editing my iTunes library, deleting and adding email accounts, cleaning up my home computer. It’s amazing how much admin needs to be done when I haven’t spent time at my desk at home in months other than checking email, paying bills and monitoring Twitter & Facebook.
It’s been a crazy year and I haven’t been blogging much. For someone who has kept an online presence for over 10 years now, this is not my proudest year. That said, I’ve spent way more time and effort on Facebook and Twitter than I would have ever predicted. With Facebook, I love the instant access to the lives of my circle. I must admit, I don’t follow nearly as many blogs anymore now that I have Facebook. It’s also killed me with email. It’s so much easier to write on walls and comment on statuses. Twitter has been a whole other thing that has also bitten into my blog reading. It’s so quick and instant. And I’ve been Twittering myself a ton - so, if anything, I have been microblogging this past year.
But, in the back half here, I think I was also avoiding the blog because I knew how neglected it was and the idea of an update was daunting. In fact, I don’t thinking I ever finished my dog sledding adventure entries. Not sure if I ever recapped cycling Hell Week in Texas. I know I never posted the entry about Dora that I wrote half of on our trip back from Missouri after rescuing her.
Lots of unfinished stories. Lots of random picture uploads. That’s what 2008 was for this ole blog.
I’m not going to make any promises either that I’m going to come back and blog like I used to — I’d like to, but I’m not sure how realistic that would be. But I’m not going to end it either. Me and Funnymoods go way back so I’m not about to abandon now.
That said, I do think it would be worth my time to touch on some of the important points of this year and also outline some goals and objectives that I have for 2009.
The Job.
It’s no secret that I started my gig at General Mills in late 2007. I kept it secret to the blog that I was working on BettyCrocker.com for about 10 minutes. I couldn’t resist talking about what an amazing site and gig I have. I try not to get into too much about work because this is a personal site. But it felt useless trying to hide the basics, especially when I love my job so much.
It’s been a crazy year for us. I work a lot. I want to work a lot — probably more than I should. And between that and my insane commute across town to The Mills, it doesn’t leave me a lot of free time during the week. About the only thing I have made time for this past year is working out and even that isn’t as intense as it has been in previous years. I am trying to work on a better work / life balance. James does all the cooking. I’m trying to share in the cleaning. We have dogs that need exercise and love. So 2009 will see a focus on more effort into prioritizing workload and concentrating on balance. The truth is, I’m a better professional if I have a life that isn’t one-track.
The Dogs.
So, obviously, the biggest event of the year was the loss of Tryna. It hit me hard and deep and I still miss her more than I can communicate in words. Just this morning as I was cleaning out the computer, I found all these phone photos from my Razor and so many of them were of Tryna (well, both Tryna AND Sienna, but mostly Tryna). In May of 2006, she had surgery to remove a fatty tumor and she had to wear a t-shirt to stop from pulling at her stitches. I have SO MANY photos of her in her various t-shirts. So cute. She was the craziest, bitchiest dog and I miss her with every fiber of my being. Losing her in August was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure.
Tryna in her Charlie's Angels T-Shirt
So, then, the SECOND biggest occurrence of the year has to be the adoption of rescue dog, Dora. The crazy, spontaneous decision we made to drive to MISSOURI to adopt this little girl. I can’t recall how much I revealed here on the blog, but I know the people following me on Twitter probably thought was a a schitzo, nutcase because one minute I was talking to Adopt a Husky, the second I was looking at local Samoyeds, I was talking to Keeshond breeders in the area (no puppies to be found) and then, within 48 hours, I found Dora online and we were in the car driving to get her. NUTSO!
The thing is, I started searching Petfinder.com the day I found out about Tryna’s terminal condition. I just knew I needed fresh, young energy in the house to offset the loss. I didn’t want to replace Tryna, I just wanted a distraction. And the thing with all the rescues is that many of them are older. And while I totally support (and encourage) adopting older dogs, I just couldn’t do it with 11 year old Sienna in the house. We’re not going to have her forever and I don’t want two senior dogs at once. It’s selfish, but the grief is too much for me.
And then the whole Husky thing. Well, they scared me. We had a two-hour interview at the house and we were basically told they run away, they will tear apart the house, we needed an 8 foot privacy fence and pulley-track system installed. It was all very overwhelming. And right at about that point, that’s when I found Dora online. Poor, James, he wanted a big dog. A dog that could ski-jor (sp?) and I have us driving to Missouri for a dog that turns out to be much smaller than even the Keeshond breed standard. Oops.
But I love this breed. We knew what we were getting with this breed. It seemed the right choice for the time.
Of course, Dora hasn’t been without her challenges. She’s super skiddish and scared of strangers which we’re working through with our obedience trainer. She’s also turned out to be quite the chewer. I went through two pairs of very expensive eye glasses this year as well as numerous rugs, bedding, socks, underwear, etc. In summary, the girl has to be in her crate if she can’t be supervised. She can’t be trusted.
She is so adorable, though. Like I said, she’s not the breed standard. I don’t know if it was malnourishment or in-breeding, but her head is not the normal size of a Keeshond. But she’s actually a normal height and has big paws. She’s kind of funky and, as we say at home, has some junk in the trunk. But I think this also means she’ll always look like a puppy. She has the most adorable face and a dorky personality when you get to see it at home. She’s a fun dog.
Streeee--eetch
Of course, I can’t close out this little section on the pups without mentioning that Sienna is the love of my life and even though she did turn 11 this year, she is still very healthy. She’s learning what it’s like to have a puppy in the house. She’s very patient with Dora. And we hope we have many more years left with her because, as tough as it was to lose Tryna, I can’t imagine what a wreck I’ll be when I have to say goodbye to this girl.
Hiking in Frontenac with the dogs
Triathlon and Racing. And Weight-stuff, too.
This wasn’t my best racing year. Between work, Tryna’s death and lack of motivation, I wasn’t very focused this year. I did have a PR at Grandma’s Marathon. I also had a very good first Duathlon (with 8:13/pace runs during both sets that I never was able to repeat for the remainder of the year). Shoot, I even PRed at Racine on the half iron-distance course with an epic swim in 56 degree water.
But I just wasn’t that dialed-in this year. I didn’t care as much. I was loose in my training. And, you know what? I think that was all fine after a few years of being laser-focused and always training on-plan. I think I needed 2008. What this year showed me is that you can still compete, you can still have fun even if aren’t regimented. Shoot, I went out and did the Square Lake half-iron with barely any training between that race and Racine.
Of course, I also learned that, even if you aren’t training on a solid schedule, you do need a CERTAIN amount of base miles on your legs for running. The Whistlestop half-marathon was not exactly a success. I ran that with only a long run of 10 miles on my legs and it hurt. So, while I can be loose in my training, I also need to make sure I have adequate mileage or take the shorter route if necessary.
I also gained some weight this year. I didn’t follow Weight Watchers. A few times I did try and track calories online. But, like the training, I wasn’t focused. That said, I do need to correct a little. My clothes are a little tighter and I know I’d be happier (and could run faster!) with a few less pounds around the mid-section. I’ve avoided going back to WW for almost a year, but I think it’s time. It’s the only plan I’ve ever had success on. In fact, I did start counting points a few weeks after Thanksgiving and was amazed at how much it helped in these weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday.
For next year? I plan on being a little more regimented. I’ve already planned out my 2009 triathlon and race schedule. My big race of the year will be the Twin Cities marathon which I’d like to attempt a 4 hour race (during the election, I heard that Sarah Palin has run a 4-hour marathon and I have not been able to let that go!). I’ll probably do another half ironman and a number of smaller olympics and sprints. I’ve already set up my TrainingPeaks.com plan and we’re ready to go.
In Summary
For the most part, it was a good year. It was tough losing Tryna, but that stuff happens — especially with pets. And we gave her a good life. We have a lot to be thankful with in regards to that girl.
James and I have also had a blessed year in general. We both love our jobs. We have amazing friends. We lead a very charmed life for two late-thirty-something St. Paulites.
Tonight, we’re headed a couple of local neighborhood parties. I’m excited for the opportunity to just stick around the neighborhood and enjoy our friends’ company. And at midnight, I can guarantee that I will toast to my husband and to my life. I am one lucky, lucky girl and 2008, if anything, was very good at demonstrating to me just how true that is.
Of course, before the partying commences, I have one last XC ski to get in this season. The nice, fresh snowfall from yesterday should mean a lovely afternoon on the golf course, today.
Wednesday December 31st 2008, 12:47 pm
Filed under: random
Okay. I’m cleaning out my computer and my blog account and, with that, came my Funnymoods email address that I’ve totally avoided because it was spam-ridden to the worst extent. I probably haven’t checked it in 6 months because of the crap that I knew was lurking in there. So, today I gave up. I deleted the email address. I’ve set up a new one that you can access there over in the side bar.
And if you’ve emailed me and I’ve ignored you, email me again. I’ll try not to make a mess of it again. Promise. ;)
Saturday November 08th 2008, 7:28 pm
Filed under: random
So, I logged in tonight to actually blog about something training related and I found a comment waiting for moderation that was asking if I was still training.
Ha. Yes, I know. Neglected blog. Neglected training.
The thing is, it’s the off season. I typically hit off season still a little focused. I dial back a bit in terms of duration and intensity, but I’m usually still hitting the same workouts. I’m still in the pool. I’m still running.
This season, however, has been a little different. I’ve been very casual about my workouts. I haven’t been scheduling anything on a weekly basis, which is WEIRD for me. I’ve gotten in what I can, but I haven’t been really logging, tracking, etc. In fact, the weirdest part is that my heart rate monitor broke during Ashland half-marathon weekend in early October, and I haven’t gotten it fixed nor purchased a replacement. I’ve been running and working out sans numbers. Crazy.
I’ve still been trying to log my stuff in Training Peaks. Which was funny this week when I logged in and found my frigging mug on the homepage!
A while back, one of the founders asked if they could feature me and I totally forgot I agreed. So, it was uber weird to show up at the site and see this ginormous photo of myself. Kind of cool, though.
I don’t know. It was a tough summer. I did complete a lot of events, but my heart wasn’t in a lot of them and I was pretty happy to finally hit the off-season with no goals, no obligations. The puppy Dora has also entered into the equation because she needs lots of walking and, three mornings a week, I can’t go to the gym because James’ teaches those mornings. So that’s really changed the routine.
But what have I been doing? Well, a lot of walking. A lot of yoga and some running. I’ve also started back to Spin class and I’m hoping to start swimming again in the next few weeks as well. I’ve also started dryland training with my Ski team, but that’s just one or two workouts a week (if I get to those).
It’s been kind of nice to be so relaxed about my program. It’s not going to stay that way, but after a few years of being so “on” all year, I think I’ve needed this. Work has also been crazy and taking a lot of focus so I’ve been concentrating on that a lot as well.
All that said, I did come here to post about one thing specifically. Because I haven’t been able to hit the gym as much as I used do with the puppy in the house, I’ve decided to try out Podfitness.com again.
A number of months back, I subscribed. But I had problems with the download tool. One of about 10 workouts actually worked for me and I gave up. The thing is, I didn’t unsubscribe like I thought I had. James actually let me know just a few weeks ago that the fee was still coming out of our credit card (I had no idea!). So, I called the guys there and they were pretty nice. I pleaded my story. They actually credited me a few months of service for what I’ve paid for and hadn’t used. They also told me they upgraded the Mac software, so my experience should be better.
So, today, I did a 45 minute spin workout by one of their cycling coaches and followed it with 90 minutes of yoga. The spin class was a little basic in terms of instruction, but I was still able to make it hard enough to get a nice, sweaty workout. And the yoga class was actually pretty challenging for a “first download.” I was pretty amazed when all was said and done and I’d worked out for 2 hours and 15 minutes upstairs. It was the next best thing to classes at the gym. It’s super convenient. And I do love having spin workouts comprised of all my great tunes.
I’m looking forward to follow-up workouts. I’ve already downloaded a pilates class. They have running as well. A bunch of other things, too, but I’ll probably stick to these core four.
So, there you go. Just in time for winter training (and it certainly did turn cold here in Minnesota this week), some fresh indoor workouts.
