Day 26 – 31 – I Believe In June!

Dear G, 9 cm, that IS fantastic! Our method is working! 

At least for one of us… 

Wednesday and Thursday I went to the Garden Fair (see pic) and had that great "I'm alive and 

summer will soon be here"-feeling. Friday I even had that question – not the "are you pregnant", but the "did you loose weight" one!

(Yes, I'll tell you what people in the gardening world are speeking of. Like everyone else – about the Obamas. Michelle and Barack are getting themselves an ecologic kitchen garden. People are so much into ecological garden, and especially ecological kitchen gardening. I would also do that, if I just had a little more time or some staff that could dig in).

Ok, back to my reality: There was snow. It melted and was all wet and slippery, but that did not stop me. I saw spring, I ran and it felt like flying and as if I would soon run 10 k. (Like some people I know that started running last summer, just like me, but didn't quit in September…)

I thought I would run every day from now on. With wet shoes or dry – who cares anyway? If people are asking you the right question, weather is not an issue. 

Then Sunday L turned sick, she wakes me up 1000 times every night again, and now I have a cold myself. And I didn't blog though I wasn't in the hospital, but, but, but.

Tomorrow is a new month and April, you won't fool me! 

And I have bought so many flower seeds, as I BELIEVE IN JUNE!

WORK OUT: Walked a lot in the Garden Fair, and ran to catch a train. Ran 4 km on ice and water (not quite like Jesus) Saturday. Then nothing, but a walk today with sick L in the wagon.

FOOD & DRINKS: Had 1/2 a bun Saturday, otherwise ok.

WEIGHT: – 2.8 kg. Makes me happy, but I'm now 0.3 kg behind my target. 

ps maybe halfway point should be celebrated with something very healthy? I think we should save the bubbles for day 101. ds

Day 26-29 9 cm!

Dear C, You must read this article (see link below) I thought it was really interesting. Its hard having 1 coffee a day. I love it so much and am going to try to drink a cup before I run and see what happens. Oh, I have to complain about the weather a little. Snow, and sloppy mud-hello sun where did you go? I jumped over lots of puddles today. Perhaps I should add in puddle jumping as a new workout. Here we are almost at the end of the first month. Oh what a difference already!! I measured today around from belly button around-9cm less!! No joking, I can´t believe it-results. Went running Weds and Yesterday and today. Felt so tired this week, busy at work and kids. M feel down slide head first and has a bashed up face. Girls obsessed with dresses and changing clothes. They have been wearing their bathing suits around the house for days and singing mama mia. I should video tape this stage. Not sure whether to laugh or cry.

So glad that you have so many interesting things to write-will try to be better and more fun. Fill me in on all. We must celebrate half-way point. Champagne and lunch? Week 16 I am on vacation. Can we do it that week its almost half way then.

Hope you are well. You are doing great, and this is keeping me going.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/health/nutrition/26best.html?_r=1&ref=health

Weds, Saturday, Sunday Around 6km+ these days. Long stretch after.

Food: Well I have still eaten a bunch of sugary things. Today had brownies, not really sure what else this week but not all bad.

Weight:-4kg and 9cm around!

XXG

Day 25 – Full Boat Pose

Dearest G, I'm so glad you are back and that your neck is better. As I've already written as a comment, I'm so impressed with your running. And inspired! 

Apart from that I will be a marathon runner any day now (or that is, I hope to soon run longer than 5 km) I will also be a true yogi. This, as you know, is an old goal of mine, to be able to do a Paripurna Navasana, a full boat pose. Not for just a second, but minutes…

As seen in the picture from Yoga Journal (no, that's not me), you need a strong core, balance and quite strong legs.

I worked on it today, and I can hold for a while now. 

By June, at the latest, I'll post a picture of myself doing that. Promise!

WORKOUT: For the first time in many years that I've gone running two days in a row. It was quite ok actually, did 5 km, and yoga afterwards. 

FOOD&DRINKS: Nothing bad.

WEIGHT: -2.6 kg today again.

ps. A quarter has passed. Shall we celebrate halfway? And how? ds

Day 21-25 Something´s Happening

Dear C,
You have such wonderful pictures! I even see the bubbles spitting from your vitamin C drink! Sorry I have been "off the blog" I have had a sore neck and always get these big knots when stressed (which seems like all the time). Yes, I have eaten some sweeties , and cake here and there but I think its been in moderation-if that is possible. I´ve eaten lots more fruit and actually feel a bit guilty when having these sugary things.
My most exciting news is that I wore a pair of pants today that wouldn´t even fit over my thighs on March 1! Then someone at my work asked me if I have lost weight. That was nice-much nicer than the pregnant looking belly. So yes, something is happening even though I have not been perfect at eating the past week and a half. In addition I noticed how much easier my runs are getting. In the beginning I really thought I couldn´t make it 3km now I can go 6! My legs feel lighter, and I am so happy when I get out. Today, I was in the woods and was just listening to the birds, and enjoying the sun when two deer ran out in front of me! They scared me to death but after a minute I thought it was fun. Bought a snazzy new pair of running sneakers today-pay day! So all in all going ok.
New goal: To strengthen CORE! This will help my neck.
Runs: This week I have gone around 6.3km 2 shorter runs. 10 minutes of yoga today.
Food, Not so bad today or yesterday.
Weight: -3.4kg
XXG

Day 24 – About Breakfast

Dear G, I wanted to talk to you about breakfast. 

I will now come out not only as a breakfast lover, but a breakfast connoisseur. 

As always when we talk about food, we start in France. In this center of the gourmet world we find some of the best breakfast items; croissants, pain au chocolat, the nicest breads, marmalades, rich and tasteful yoghurts, not to mention the best of cheeses. Then there is the fresh vegetables and fruits. And the drinks – tea or café au lait and most important orange juice that comes from oranges rather than from a paper box.

Then, of course, there is the English breakfast, with sausages, bacon, hams, all sorts of egg dishes and other rich food that can be strengthening, but also quite heavy. To that I prefer what I think would be called the Manhattan (or American) breakfast, with exotic fruit salad, pancakes and why not a Mimosa (2/3 orange juice as above, 1/3 champagne). I would also like to mention the Swedish breakfast, with porridge (can be nice), filbunke with newly picked berries, smoked reindeer, or whatever…

No matter in what country you find your breakfast inspiration, the meal should be served with a lot of time and fresh and intelligent newspapers. Idealistic, you will have so much time that you eat breakfast until lunch, and then will be so tired that you have to go to sleep. Breakfast Siesta… 

No G, this won't do. A good breakfast means gaining weight. So what I show you in this picture is my own New Style 100 Days Club Breakfast. Served every Monday – Friday. 

Saturday and Sunday we permit ourselves to change that horrifying Vitamin C pill to orange juice. That comes from a paper box. Hey, I'm only a suburb mother… 

We also have natural yoghurt with nothing in it, tea with just a little milk and knäckebröd made of dinkel. Bought in Willys. As glamorous as it gets… Not. 

But I am loosing weight!

WORKOUT: A little more than an hour: ran 5.15 km, did sit-ups and yoga. 

FOOD & DRINKS: Nothing bad but a 1/4 of a bun that I bought for the kids.

WEIGHT: – 2.6 kg.

Day 20 – 23 – Not Perfect But Quite Good

Dear G, the weekend went by, and Monday as well. J was home from preschool Friday, but well enough to be one of my two lunch dates – the other was his father. 

Had a not so permitted but very nice Parmesan Pie with my favorite boys (see pic)! 

Nice for me, and perhaps even nicer for a little 3.5-year old squeezed in brother to have some time alone with both his parents. Good for everyone, except for the 100 days club… No running Friday.

But as A went to her tennis Saturday I did go running instead of waiting for her. The weather was nice and everything seemed perfect, but I didn't do well at all. Did only less then 4 km in a lousy time. Later that afternoon I was so cold, and while making dinner I got the worst headache of my life. Had it all Sunday. Did some gardening that day. Too early, it turned out … Monday: snow. 

But, apart from those boring excuses, I would like to say that a fifth has passed and that I think that it's going not perfect, but quite well. For both of us. I know you had a little too much sugar and I did not do 5 h workout a week AT ALL and should have runned longer and more often, but still. You are doing a great job with your workout and I'm not having sugar. WE ARE LOOSING WEIGHT! Are we getting happier? Think we will have to have a meeting to find that out… 

So this is my conclusion for the first 20 days:

WORKOUT: Should have done much more running and much more yoga. But I've started!

FOOD& DRINKS: I'm quite proud of myself! Did have a bun one day, and maybe a few glasses of wine more than permitted, but most days I do not eat any sugar at all. And I've said totally goodbye to those long, nice and dangerous weekend breakfasts. Among other stupid habits.

WEIGHT: Today, day 24, I've lost 2.6 kg. I'm doing better than my budget.

 

Day 19+20 Underwear

Dear C,

Today I went to the city to buy a dop present. I ended up buying my kids clothes and wondering about underwear. After all I have a whole drawer full of underwear that I probably wouldn´t wear because they are too small (or my butt is to big). Some of it may be from another era of my life when I actually cared what it looked like. So off I went in search of something practical and comfy. Surely Hello Kitty looks better on my 4 year old. The thong-is that still in style? Ugh! What about the underwear with a huge Logo on it like Armani-yuck, is this why boys wear pants hanging off? Also, why is it so expensive? After all do the wedding night type of underwear make women feel sexy? Is it a status thing, where do you show off your underwear? Today, I´ll settle for what´s in my drawer and for wearing my husband´s comfy one´s around the house.

Workout: NONE! Food: The kids and I made brownies and I ate some too. Also I had pizza and 2 cookies. Not doing great on the food thing even if I have run during the past weeks.

(PS picture is of some CK underwear that I may think is normal)? Not sure.

XXG Tomorrow is a new day

Day 19 – Just Another Day

Dear G, the day after a restart you think you could create any miracle. But what happens? 

You wake up tired, teachers at L's preschool are more stupid and sour than usually, wind is blowing, then it starts to snow again(!) and body says "I'm tired". So you get a little job done, fix some papers and then – all of a sudden it's time to pick up the kids again.

My 3,5 year old J was so sad when I picked him up today. Partly because he has some trouble I need to talk to the teachers about, but he is obviously also turning sick. Hey, restart!

WORK OUT: none. I am ashamed.

FOOD & DRINKS: Had a little depression and almost killed it with a bun I found in the fridge (don't put them there!). No, it didn't work. Buns don't help against I'm-stuck-in-the-suburb-and-need-my-career-back-depressions. They just make you fat.

WEIGHT: -1.5 kg

ps. I've seen in the Nike+ site how much you already ran! I'm so impressed! It's a good thing for me I didn't understand how to put the icon in our blog. Or maybe a bad thing… ds

Day 18 – Sun Salutation

Dear G, wasn't this the best day for a restart I could possibly pick? Blue sky, brilliant sun – and that dirty snow was finally beaten by Spring and her friends. 

Spring means new start!

I went running. Thought I had all settled, with new play list and perfect clothing for 7° and just a little wind. Or not so perfect… First I realized I had forgot to move the playlist from my computer to the Ipod. Then it was very obvious I had far too much clothes on. 

Stopped halfway to do yoga in the sunshine on a porch looking out on the frozen bay. You know that outdoor yoga is the new thing? You just catch the moment, do some poses and let yourself be one with nature and sun. The optimal sun salutation, saluting Sun right under it. (Though what you see here is Salamba Sarvangasana, supported shoulderstand, performed in Nike shoes.)

But even though that yoga pause was both trendy and very nice, it turned out to be a stupid idea. When running again my body said: "WHAT ARE WE DOING?" YOU SAID WE'D RELAX! I WON'T RUN ANYMORE!" Was too warm, too tired, in too bad shape or whatever… I had to walk the last km. 

Lesson learned: missing workout will be punished.

WORK OUT: 4 km running, 1 km walking, 20 + 20 min yoga. Won't tell you how slowly I ran.

FOOD & DRINKS: Good breakfast, some knäckebröd at 10, roasted chicken leftovers for lunch with avocado (strange but nice), Asiatic dinner with beef, mushrooms, cucumber, lime and white rice for dinner.

WEIGHT: As already reported yesterday -1.1 kg

Days 16-18 A Spoonful of Sugar

Dear C,
I am so glad you are back. It was quite boring without you, and I really had nothing fun to say. Monday and Tuesday this week I ate loads of sweets. First, at work someone had been to London on the weekend and brought back Cadbury mini eggs. These are the absolute best Easter candy you can get-couldn´t resist. Then there was a Birthday and a St. Patrick´s celebration, and I had some cake, ate some popcorn (with butter) and tons of cheese and crackers. If that wasn´t bad enough I polished off our dark chocolate,and ate 2 huge spoonfuls of American frosting from the jar! Also had loads of coffee. With this no working out at all...I just felt sad that I ate all that crap and didn´t do anything. Pathetic-I KNOW!
A Spoonful of Sugar- Even though the task is daunting, with a good attitude, it can still be fun. Of course why some medicine tastes so good!
Today Weds: I have offically signed up for the Vår Ruset race with a few of my colleagues (It´s at the end of May), and ran in the lovely sun. My sensor kept saying that my pace was 0 km so. I stopped and moved it around but I certainly hope I ran futher than it said.
Food: Have not had anything sweet today! All fruits, and greens .
Weight: -2.5 kg Gained half a kg back.

So glad you saw the "other side" of life again.

XXG

Day 12 – 17 A Wasted Week

Dear G, I'm so sorry. I lost track. I didn't go running, didn't do any yoga or any other work out. Some days, I didn't even get out of the house. 

And, worst of all, I didn't even write about in. Remember what we said: no blog-post before bedtime means that we went to the hospital with a sick kid. 

I didn't write, and I didn't go to the hospital. But L had that disgusting winter vomit thing again (we'll have to buy a new carpet in the living room…) and there was all that snow…

I loved your post about winter depression and here is what I wanted to answer you: You are now not only a Swedish citizen – you are also a Swede. Don't know if you've read the articles in Dagens Nyheter about what it is to be Swedish, but I think you have the answer. 

It is not how you look; it's not how good your Swedish is, how much you know about Swedish culture or how long you've lived here. It's only about the light. How you miss it, how you close your eyes and let it hit your face whenever you have an opportunity, how you get undressed as soon as it's warm enough… Or that is, long before it's warm enough.

Ok, I admit, I changed subject, but that snow made me depressed, and L & J were sick, and then I needed the coffee and had two cookies I found… 

Saturday, we went to that party I told you about. I had so much champagne and oysters and met so nice people. I felt alive again. Not just stuck in this suburb living, getting more tired, more pale, less successful… 

So Sunday I had a really bad hangover, ate buns, Monday sick kid again, Tuesday went to town for job interview. 

But to day I AM RESTARTING! Snow is gone, spring is here, there are flowers in my garden and I am about to put on my jogging sneakers! 

Don't give up, come running with me!

WORKOUT: None except for some short walks.

FOOD& DRINKS: what didn't I have? Or, that is, day 12 was ok, had those cookies day 13, day 14 was a nightmare (or a magic night) with all that champagne and everything, day 15: not mentionable, day 16: now forgotten, day 17: had sushi and some dark chocolate, also raspberry smoothie with sad kids. But now change is here!

WEIGHT: Miraculously still -1.1 kg. I can and will do better!

Days 13-15 Still Going

Dear C,
How are you? Are you still with me? Let me know if you need anything. I am hanging on, good and bad days. Sometimes I am just so unmotivated and other days I just go! This weekend I ate some chocolate cake, and a piece of Italian bread. Everything in moderation...still haven´t had any wine which is some kind of miracle. Just haven´t felt for it. Still waiting on the sun, to shed some flab, and ??
Friday: Piece of Italian bread, otherwise ok. Not as much water as I would have liked.
No exercise: Instead I layed in my bed.
Saturday: Had some chocolate cake for fika. Otherwise ok same story on the water.
Excercise: 3km run + 1 hour walk with hubby.
Sunday: 2 cups of expresso, a tea and avoided fika.
Excercise: 6.1 km run felt great!
XXG

Day 11 + 12 Automatic Pilot

Dear C,

I could have had 3 headings for days 11 and 12. Both sun and sleep deprivation are on my mind. I guess they fit under "Automatic Pilot" because that seems to be the mode I am in. Automatic Pilot can be a little scary. We just go without even having to really think about it. For example, I often turn towards the dagis at the light even if I am not headed in that direction I drive to work without even thinking about it, have the kids in bed at 7:30... Is life that monotonous?

The snow doesn´t even brighten up the weather at this point. Swedes are said to report in sick more often than other European workers. Must be because of the weather. Is Seasonal Affective Disorder real ? Does the high suicide rate stem from lack of sunlight? There must be something to this-the small talk about weather, the fact that we all crave the light, that I fear I may be blinded by the sun when it does come out, or that I constantly dream about an out of reach vacation to the Carribean or anywhere sunny. These ideas must also come from something else. Sleep Deprivation-oh how I could go on... but I will spare you this sad letter and wish you a sleep filled night with sun in the morning!

XXG

Workout: Tuesday: no exercise unless dancing with M to ABBA for 10 minutes counts. Weds. 4.27 km run, 15 min stretch

Food: Nothing really to report. Nothing really yummy or bad in.

Day 11 – No Sleep, Lots of Snow

Dear G, I'm so tired. L woke up at 11 pm, and I didn't get her to sleep ok until 4.30 am. 5.5 hours of just getting crazy… 

Too little sleep + too much snow + book keeping and work to do – I didn't go running today either. And my car wouldn't get up the hill outside our house. Finally a neighbor helped me to push, but I was so late for preschool! 

So had to run from the parking with L in my arms, slipped and fell. Dropped her, and she hit on the head and back… I never did that before, I always seem to get the kid on top of me whatever happens. It was so scary for both of us. Even though she screamed at once, like they should, and hasn't vomited or anything I feel so bad about it. 

But now I know what made her night so messy, she was turning sick. 

WORKOUT: Wish I could say something. Some snöskottning? Doesn't count, does it?

FOOD & DRINKS: A soup day. Good breakfast, chicken- and avocado soup for lunch, yoghurt at 4 pm, tomato soup for dinner. (And sorry to say, I had some waffles with raspberry jam, meant for the others as I was about to go to a parent meeting. But L had fever and was to sad. And I was desperate about having another sleepless night.) Otherwise nothing bad.

WEIGHT: -1.4 kg. 

Day 10 – Not Back On Track

Dear G, so sad to hear about M's ear. Ears make me very concerned, as you know, so I'm so relieved to hear that she will be fine. 

Preschool was closed today, so I took the kids to the hairdresser, then to a café our son loves, then to Fantasium with friends. Spent a lot of money. Didn't get any work (or work out) done. L doesn't sleep well. Lots of things make me sad and worried. I'm not on track at all today.  

WORKOUT: None.

FOODS & DRINKS: Did ok.

WEIGHT: –1 kg.

Day 10 Back On Track

Hey C,
Back on track today. Poor M has a perforated ear drum. L thinks he did it last week with a q-tip. Don´t think that would come with a fever etc...but she´ll be good as new in a few days anyway. Didn´t accomplish anything today-didn´t even empty the dishwasher or put one load of laundry in. M and I hung out we read books, played dominos, rented Pinocchio and even tried to "rest". So nice for M and me. Today was how the weekend should be. Like you said usually on Sunday I am cleaning and doing laundry non-stop. We have got to get cleaning help I just can´t keep up or spend the weekends or vab days cleaning. I seem to function better while working because I accomplish more when under pressure. Though I always say I´d love an extra day to do other things. Just like our 100 days-it gives me a reason to get out there. Got back out today. Loved the time to myself and felt good.
30 minute run, 15 min yoga
Food: 2 cups coffee, banana, Tuna salad, melon, sharon fruit, kanel wasa cracker thing, baked potato with cheese and broc. tea, water and one swig of oj
XXG

Day 7+8 – Weekend Temptations

Dear G, I find the weekends really, really challenging. 

First there is friday dinner when both food and habit say that you should have a glass of wine or two. 

With the messy nights I have and L waking me up at 6, that's all I need for a hung over. 

Which makes me crazy for coffee and buns after lunch. My husband doesn't bake them (that IS torture, L!) but he buys enough for both saturday and sunday coffee-after-lunch EVERY WEEKEND. At that dreadful bakery Vallhallabageriet which should be closed for making people fat and addicted. 

So what happens after coffee and bulle? Me and L goes to sleep on bed instead of going out with the wagon… 

Other weekend problems: So much housekeeping and som much bad concious about not being sporty enough parents. Will our kids ever learn how to ski, skate, bike, play football, walk in the woods or all the other outdoor events that other people seem to get their kids to from morning til bedtime? We such lousy parents! 

But cultural: saturday we took our kids to the Museum of Modern Art of Stockholm for lunch. Then A & J got to see an opera with their grandmother as we saw Gursky (photography) and Sverre Fehn (architecture). Sunday J turned sick, I will be home too tomorrow.

No fresh air, no work out this weekend. But I tell you what: I DID NOT TASTE ONE TINY PIECE OF THAT DELICIUOS BUN you see in the picture. Just had coffee!  

WORK OUT: a very short walk 

FOOD & DRINKS: One glass of red wine day 7, none day 8. A piece of a bun day 7, no sweets day 8. Ok food both days. Decided I can have a glass of orange juice saturdays and sundays.

WEIGHT: -0.8 kg. 

Day 7+8 Consideration

Dear C,

The weekend wasn´t so easy...In my opinion my husband was a bit inconsiderate! First brought home fresh ciabatta bread then he kept pouring himself nice wine with all meals. If that wasn´t bad enough he and the kids then bought Saturday goodies, and ice cream. Today I woke up to the smell of freshly baked kanelbullar. Really quite cruel I think.
So needless to say I ate a bullar, bought 86% dark chocolate and ate some. What would it take so show some consideration especially after having worked my butt off all week!

Saturday: Walk 6.27 km, long stretch Sunday: Yoga 35 min.
Food: Barely can remember what I ate except the bad stuff. 1 piece of ciabatta with cheese, lasagna, kanelbullar, and yes some dark chocolate too.
Didn´t even bother to weigh myself.

I probably should have left the house today but M is sick again and has been screaming screaming that her ears and throat hurt. Will be home tomorrow from work. Will have to think of plan to avoid these things while at home!

XXG

Day 6 – Eating French

Dearest G, there is so many weight loosing programs around, and the more you read the less you know. I have believed in the LCHF-method for a while, but did it make me loose weight? Can't say, as I never followed it perfectly…

Now, the latest news are you could follow ANY method, as long as you don't eat too much. 

Picture yourself as a slim Parisian lady, with a beautiful, black dress, perfect haircut and a pearl neckless. Yes, she eats all kinds of cheese, steak and french fries, goose liver, oysters and anything she feels like. But she never eats a lot. She would not, ever, eat American sized meals. And when she eats, she talkes more than she actually eats.

Me, on the other hand, I hurry up eating as any child could break down anytime. Or like if I still was breast feeding or pregnant. I will not do that anymore.

I had a date today. A romantic lunch date with my husband at a nice fish restaurant. So we finally got a chance to talk to each other. We should do that more often. 

But concerning the 100 days club rules I've been bad. As you can see I had oysters. And with oysters you need wine. After wine you don't go running.

WORK OUT: none

FOOD & DRINKS: Good breakfast. For lunch: oysters, white wine, Toast Skagen, Coffee and two chocolate truffles.

WEIGHT: – 1.2 kg

Day 6 Water

Dear C,

Well we have almost made it through the first week. Although there have been a few blah´s its been a total success for me. Life is already better! Part of the reason must be the water. I must have been permanently dehydrated until this week when I decided to drink (water) throughout the day. The difference: Skin not as dry, muscles not so tight and I am not as hungry! It must be true that lack of water reduces athletic performance, causes both tiredness and dull critical thinking abilities-Duh!

Breakfast: Coffee, yogurt, banana, museli Lunch: School mish mash salad Dinner: Salmon, Salad, Sweet Potato, Snack, Apple and I had 1 piece of some delicious bread L brought home with 1 slice of cheese, with tea (the only real piece of bread this whole week).

Workout: Ran 5km! Long stretch, situps and butt lifts.

TGIF, G

Day 5 Slacking

Good morning C,
I didn´t post last night as I was a little disappointed in myself. I helped out a friend today and picked her daughter up from dagis and we went to her house. It was like being in Willy Wonka´s factory. So many temptations... but I ended up eating some nuts, and 5 goldfish (yummy very bad for you kids snack). Also, I was sad because my daughter M is so destructive she writes over everything and has a thing with scissors. She already cut the side of her hair a couple of weeks ago. Then I went and got her hair cut cute all around. Then it seems like she and another boy cut her bangs a little at dagis today. Who is monitoring her? I will have to see what is up when I drop off this morning. Do I not give her enough attention at home?
Really its no excuse-I just wanted to check out for a while last night and it did not include any exercise.
Today my Nike Spot and I are headed out. Though I need some new music for my workout as I have listened to David Bowie enough to be considered a groupie!
Breakfast: yogurt, banana Lunch: Orange, 2 hard bread with cheese Dinner: Salad with Salmon
Snack: Apple, 5 goldfish, nuts and mango. Lots of water.
Exercise: NONE Weight: 2.3 kg????? Not sure if my scale can be right! Now I am weighing myself everyday though I think after the first week it may be better to wait til day 50.
XXG more soon

Day 5 – Motivation Can Be Bought

Dearest G, I heard on the radio that a scientist found out that running improves 13% if listening to music. Not 12 or 14 %, but 13. 

Isn't that amazing? 

And isn't it even more amazing that in my case, that figure is 660%. 

I tried it out today: without music I'd walk after 0.5. With 1. Used To Love You by John Legend, 2. She Don't Have To Know, by John Legend, 3. Alright by John Legend and 4. I Can Change by John Legend I made 3.3 km.

I know, the playlist is too short and it lacks variation, but in this battle against marriage+pregancies-gained kilos John Legend is my third best freind. I love it how it sounds like he has a cold when he is singing. How you almost hear his breathing. 

My second best friend is my Nike+Ipod, that little machine that gives my own personal trainer and tells me how fast, how far and how often I have been running.

Would'nt get the jogging shoes on my feet without that. Or if I did, I'd only walk.

And my best friend against these added kilos is of corse – YOU! I'm so glad we are doing this. And I'm so glad you have accepted my challenge to run as far as possible in 100 days. 

I know you're in the lead, but just you wait. 

Here comes John Legend and I!

WORKOUT: 3,3 km in 22 min. Then 20 min yoga, then hysterical vacuum cleaning for 15 min. Doesn't count, I know, but it's what makes my husband slim. 

FOOD&DRINKS Ordinary breakfast, sandwich with Brie and tomato at 9.30AM, forgot lunch, yoghurt with müsli for snack and a nice dinner cooked by my husband: a salad of bulgur, beef, tomato, chèvre, broccoli and other good things.

WEIGHTLOSS: only 0.9 kg today. Was apparently to lazy yesterday. 

Your friend,

C

Day 4 – We Need To Get Fixed (Me And My Car)

Dearest G, I woke up this morning realizing that I lost 1.7 kg already. Maybe it's too good to be true, but, as you know, loosing weight is one of my top goals. You use say that I'm not fat, and maybe thats wright. But I look pregnant. 

I know I do, because people congratulate me to our, non existing, fourth child. All kinds of people do, people I know and people meet for the first time. Some do it nicely, and some disgusted. Like they are saying "you are crazy enough to have three kids so close, what are you doing having a fourth? Are you religious or something?" 

Looking pregnant when you are not is depressing. Looking pregnant when you are not and want to be pregnant would be worse. But still, you don't want congratulations to non existing kids. (But please congratulate me to my close born darlings, I love that they are so close in age). 

Looking pregnant after given birth is common and natural, looking pregant when the baby is nine months is annoying. Looking pregnant when the kid is 1,5 – that is not ok anymore. I even asked a doctor if there is something left there, like a forgotten twin or something. But it's empty, there is just a tired muscle being drawn out by three big babies. "What can be done?" asked desperatly. The answer was cruel: "You need sit ups". 

Sit ups it will be…

FOOD & DRINKS: Usual breakfast. For lunch: salmon, spinach and eggs. Yoghurt at 4pm. A forbidden pasta for dinner. But no buns, no unpermitted drinks.

SPORTS: Had planned to go out running, but as you can see I went to fix my car instead.  20 min sit ups. 

WEIGHTLOSS: 1.7 kg

Day 4 Mind Over Matter

Hello again C,
You are right, the weather is crap, and it even makes me feel slushy, grey, blah! It´s only Weds and I am exhausted. Every year the darkness and the blah weather seems to affect me more. Its hard enough dealing with work, kids, life and then its so gloomy out. I always wonder do kids get so much sickness in Arizona, or Aruba? Are people thinner there? Do they get up every day and say Oh what a beautiful day? Is it just in my mind or are things a little harder with the weather as it is here in Sweden? For example, today on this grey day I came home from work with a sore throat-no way was I going to work out...but then I thought of you C and got going (thank you). As I started to move it got easier, I felt better, ran faster, pushed a little harder and did it! Half the battle is getting there. For me there is no question that I must work on my mindset to accomplish these 100 days +. As my Dr. said on a recent visit. Do you want to accept it or change it? CHANGE IT!
XXG

Breakfast: Coffee, banana, yogurt, Museli Snack: Apple Lunch: Black Bean Soup Dinner: Salad with Haloumi Dessert: Mango, Vitamin C. Water, 1 Tea
Workout: 30 minutes run 30 minutes walk, 15 minutes exercise ball.

PS: I have already started dreaming of a tropical vacation over Christmas next year, or perhaps some kind of light therapymaybe even daily cod liver oil...

Day 3 – No Career, I'm A Carrier

Dearest G, I'm not a heroinist, I'm a sugarist. Or o cacaoinist.

It's been a grey and ugly day, no sun, dirty snow and my body is aching after the running and long walk yesterday. I need spring NOW. L is still sick and wants to be carried all the time, the ironing piles are getting bigger and I ask myself WHAT DID I DO TODAY? I carried. I need my career back, I am a carrier. Good for her she is the sweetest of toddlers… 

I felt sorry for myself, and after lunch I had this really bad, bad craving for sugar. Buns, chocolate, melted butter mixed with flour and sugar – just anything sweet or I will go insane… But I was strong! Instead of robbing a bagery I went out walking with L in the wagon. In that ugly, dirty snow. And when I came back the urge was gone! Tempations haha! (Lucky me I didn't have that cookie of yours at home.)

SPORTS: 20 min walk with vagon. No yoga, had to work afterwards. 

FOODS & DRINKS: My new breakfast, then coffee. Made something strange Asian of noodles, veal steak left overs and fresh spinach for lunch. L wouldn't have it. Yoghurt with raspberries and mango at 3pm, chicken soup with broccoli for dinner. And now at 10pm, a forbidden glass of orange juice but no toast to go with it. 

WEIGHT -0.8 kg.

Your friend,

C

ps would you soon teach me how to add pictures? I have one for each day ds.

Day 3 Temptations

Dearest C,
This is a stroopwafel. It is Dutch and has a carmel honey syrup in the middle. I ate 1, couldn´t resist. The temptation was too much even though I did turn down a delicious piece of chocolate cake. Had too little sleep last night M kept having dreams and was crying out that she "didn´t want to go and no, no" That was a little disturbing...and then I kept looking at the clock and thought about how many hours until I had to wake up. Lots of banter from the girls this afternoon. That too causes temptation-to give in. It´s hard not to do it. Tomorrow is a new day.
Also thinking of adding a new "time spent" category. Time to myself, or how about Time spent speaking with husband??

Food: Breakfast: yogurt, banana, coffee Snack: Apple Lunch: Bean salad on hard bread, Afternoon tea with Stoopwafel Dinner: Tofu stir fry, Water

Workout: 35 minute yoga

Decided not to weigh myself until day 50.

Day 2 – Fell Asleep Again

Dearest G, I did it again. Fell asleep with the kids instead of writing to you. Nights have been very messy since my 1,5 year old L turned sick. Or since she was born. She tends to sleep everywhere around me, on top, or even, if she gets the opportunity, UNDER me. With either her legs or arms stuck under my body. I'm risking my marriage as we never get to speak to each other without kids, but I don't know what to do about it. Or – I'm to tired to do anything about it. 

Anyway, I'm so glad to hear that you found a yoga you like. Myself I've loved it for so long, but now my favorite is yoga after running. You know that hardcore yoga people say it's forbidden to go jogging? I thik jogging and yoga are the perfect marriage. After running, my body CRAVES yoga. I even like to do some standing poses outdoor after running. Sun salution! 

So this is from yesterday:

WEIGHT: a miracle has happened, March 2 I already lost 1.0 kg. 

FOOD&DRINKS: New 100-days style breakfast with knäckebröd and plain yoghurt. Eggs, avocado and tomato for lunch. Yoghurt with raspberries and mango for snack. Beef Stroganof, very nicely made by my husband, with white rice (sorry) and salad for dinner.

WORK OUT: Walked for 1,5 hours with a nice neighbour. She also got out, thanks to this club. 

Also I've found a new goal. This is how we should look in June – I give you Jil Sander, not done by Jil herself, but so beautiful. 

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/style/fashionweek/runway.html#fall_2009_jil_sander

Day 2 Turn Up The Heat!

Dearest C,
Today was a bit of a reality check. Back to work after winter vacation. Mine was extra-long as I had 2 sick days with 3 year old M beforehand. A struggle to get out of the house.
Managed to stay away from the coffee, and staff room treats such as chocolate, cake or very delicious shortbread cookies.
Had a bit of luxury as farfar and farmor picked up kids so I went to Friskis on my way home from work. Didn´t love the idea of Friskis but thought of a little reward at the end-THE SAUNA. Here is where I realized its not just the working out that I had missing in my life...its time alone! When is the last time you had a shower without a little head popping in?
In Finland, the sauna is thought of as a healing refreshment. The old saying goes: "Jos ei viina, terva tai sauna auta, tauti on kuolemaksi." ("If booze, tar, or the sauna won't help, the illness is fatal.") Although many socialize in the sauna a polite nod to the other naked woman was just fine with me! Deep breath -my 7 minutes in this wooden box was fantastic.

Food: yogurt, banana, musli for breakfast, apple snack, mish mash of school salad for lunch, 2 rice cakes for snack, Tuna with veggies for dinner. Had 1 coffee and 2 cups of tea, then only water.

Workout: 3.24 km on treadmill 22 min, and 10 min. of exercise ball.

XXG

Day 1 – Running On Ice

Dear G, I had planned to hit the ground running – and I did. Even after a sleepless night. All three kids have been coughing the night through, and my 1,5-year old also has that grouse winter you-know-what. Vomited in my bed five times, so I'm not sure if I slept at all. But the sun was shining and the little girl took a three hour siesta, so I went running. Icy and slippery and -3°, but actually nice. As she slept for so long I also had time to do yoga for half an hour.

But instead of writing this last night I fell asleep with the kids…

GOALS: To lose the weight I've gained since I met my husband – today +10,2 kg!

To be able to do the boat pose perfectly.

To not look pregnant. No more congratulations to the non existing fourth child.

To look good in the clothes in my wardrobe. To look good in size M. To improve my written English. To be happier and less tired. Among others.

WORK OUT: Ran 3 km in 20.44 min. Yoga with yoga style push ups and sit ups for 30 min. Total work out: 50 min.

FOODS & DRINKS. Had hard dinkel bread for breakfast, with cheese, tea, youghurt and vitamin C. Chicken breast with salad, tomato, Parmesan cheese, mayo and mushrooms for lunch. At 4pm: fruit salad with strawberries, apple, banana, lime, grapefruit and melon. Dinner: veal steak, tomato sauce and perhaps a litte to much mashed potatoes. No wine, no buns.

WEIGHT LOSS: 0 kg.

Day 1 Cautiously optimistic

Dearest C,
I have always admired those who do yoga. For me its always been a little mysterious-clearing your mind, flexibility, and breathing...all hard for me until now! I bought this dvd which is based on an American reality TV series called The Biggest Loser, a show for seriously overweight people. Those in the video have already lost a lot of weight but they are not your normal yoga types. It helps the not so yoga types begin. Its fantastic, and now I too think its great. Just me, my mat and my new video (the kids were in bed)!
In additon I was so happy to see the sun shine it was easy for me to get out on a long walk. I even took out the sun chair and put it in the snow to catch a few extra rays...Overall a very good day.
Goals / 1. Overall toning, reduce flab factor 2. motion for muscles in neck and back where I have pain 3. To feel a little happier 4. To fit in a closet full of things I already own!
Workout Day 1. 35 minutes yoga, 5.97 km walk
Food, No bread, lots of veggies and fruit did well until the evening when I paced around the kitchen and ate 2 pickles, and 1 dummie.
XXG