Overall, it was a good weekend around here. It was not overly cold, although a little damp. Some of the snow even melted. I got in a good morning workout on Saturday, but wound up not making it to the special 2 hour Zumba/Bokwa event that I had hoped to attend on Saturday evening. Sunday, well I just didn't work out other than the 30 day challenge. It's not unusual, it is my rest day.
I baked a lot...I made lemon biscotti, but only ate one because the kittens got on the counter and threw the bag to the floor; I made Butterfinger Cupcakes, which fortunately, I don't eat; and I made two varieties of Rice Krispie Treats - original and cherry.
Today, it was a bonus spinning class, a makeup for all of the snow/cold weather days that the schools have had that caused our class to be cancelled. She did the workout Tebata style. It was hard, but I actually did enjoy it.
Today is Day 8 of the 30 Day Plank, Ab and Squat Challenge.
30 Day Plank, Ab and Squat Challenge
Day 8 - 30 second Plank, 30 sit ups, 40 crunches, 60 squats
I am not a diet or fitness expert. I am a mom, just trying to be healthy and fit. All opinions expressed are my own.
Showing posts with label Monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday. Show all posts
Monday, February 24, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday! Monday!
Well, my first week back into the groove was less than ideal. I had a Girls Night Out planned with my friend that I haven't seen in ages, a work lunch - complete with dessert, and then we went out to dinner with friends for Valentine's Day. I had a small loss, but not nearly as much as I would have if I had stopped the week on Thursday morning. Never the less, onward I go, knowing that without those hurdles, this week should be easier.
This week, I am planning on starting a combination of two 30 day challenges that I found - 30 day plank challenge and 30 day ab and squat challenge. What I liked about the last few 30 day challenges that I did was that it was quick to complete the daily exercise and it got progressively more challenging.
Want to follow along? I will post on here each day what the exercise are. I will be doing them in the evening, but feel free to leave a comment and share how it is going for you.
30 Day Plank, Ab and Squat Challenge
Day 1 - 10 second Plank, 10 sit ups, 10 crunches, 25 squats.
I am not a diet or fitness expert. I am a mom, just trying to be healthy and fit. All opinions expressed are my own.
This week, I am planning on starting a combination of two 30 day challenges that I found - 30 day plank challenge and 30 day ab and squat challenge. What I liked about the last few 30 day challenges that I did was that it was quick to complete the daily exercise and it got progressively more challenging.
Want to follow along? I will post on here each day what the exercise are. I will be doing them in the evening, but feel free to leave a comment and share how it is going for you.
30 Day Plank, Ab and Squat Challenge
Day 1 - 10 second Plank, 10 sit ups, 10 crunches, 25 squats.
I am not a diet or fitness expert. I am a mom, just trying to be healthy and fit. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Boot Camp - Day 1
Wow! That really is the only way to sum it up. Today, I participated in my first boot camp class. It is taught by my spinning instructor and I know most of my classmates. The warm up was very reminiscent of P90X and other like programs. Some cardio followed by stretching. Then, we did a mix of what I would call plyometrics style exercises. None were too long, but all were intense. You were getting cardio, but with the associated squats, lunges, push ups and the like, it was clear that you were working the muscles too. Then, we grabbed a weight bar and a step and proceeded to do some squats, chest presses, upright rows, and more. Of course, we wrapped up with some stretches. The workout was great! I was feeling it by the end - love that feeling! I followed up the boot camp with a 1 mile quick walk at the track (around a 12 minute mile).
I am confident that by tomorrow, stairs will be a challenge. I sure hope that I can make it through Spinning with the soreness I anticipate. Now, if we can talk her into doing the class twice a week instead of just once.
Yesterday was a good day. I started the day with Spinning and a 1/4 mile cool down walk. It was a more intense spinning class, based on my heart rate monitor. I had to take some longer breaks to fully recover.
Eating was good too. I started with my typical protein (MRS) shake and a banana. Lunch was a steakhouse wedge (dressing on the side) with a wonderful horseradish cheddar cheese and apple slices. Dinner was Lasagne. I fit in a snack of a cinnamon roll, made for my manager's birthday (they are just too irresistible - so soft and so easy to make too!).
The best part, the scale responded in a positive fashion. Not much, but I was down from my previous low. That felt good.
I am confident that by tomorrow, stairs will be a challenge. I sure hope that I can make it through Spinning with the soreness I anticipate. Now, if we can talk her into doing the class twice a week instead of just once.
Yesterday was a good day. I started the day with Spinning and a 1/4 mile cool down walk. It was a more intense spinning class, based on my heart rate monitor. I had to take some longer breaks to fully recover.
Eating was good too. I started with my typical protein (MRS) shake and a banana. Lunch was a steakhouse wedge (dressing on the side) with a wonderful horseradish cheddar cheese and apple slices. Dinner was Lasagne. I fit in a snack of a cinnamon roll, made for my manager's birthday (they are just too irresistible - so soft and so easy to make too!).
The best part, the scale responded in a positive fashion. Not much, but I was down from my previous low. That felt good.
Monday, January 14, 2013
A long way in a short time, or nowhere at all?
Wow! Just came home from my 6th spinning class. I have officially completed two weeks worth of spinning class. I will say that I am really enjoying it. Each workout is just enough different, that I don't feel like I am getting bored or that I can anticipate what will come next. The instructor for the class is great. I am even to the point, outside of maybe when she does seat touches, that I am actually keeping up and doing what everyone else is doing. Not even two weeks ago when I took my first class, I was always pushing myself to stay in Position 2 or 3 for just 20 more seconds and then it was I have to stay for at least 30 seconds and can't sit for more than 20 seconds before rejoining the correct position. Now, when we are up, I am up. The seat touches are the only hard thing for me. I can't get the rhythm down. When she does jumps and we are up for 2 or 4 or 6, I am okay, but with touches I just get out of sync and my muscles aren't sure what to do. But, that aside, I am very proud of myself for trying something new and catching on (okay, I know - it is biking and I have been riding a bike for more than a few years).
Today's class was intense. I don't know the true absolute accuracy of the equipment gauges, but I went almost a mile further and burned 20% more calories on the gauge. So, on a relative scale, it was more intense. I could feel it too. I was sweating more and my legs were a little more like rubber bands when we were done. It is a good thing that I always do a 1/4 mile cool down, otherwise, I'm not convinced that I could go directly from class to descending the stairs.
Taking morning classes has turned out to be a very good thing for me. It certainly is keeping me motivated to get up on time and to get out the door. I am glad that the local Y is finally open and that I am taking advantage of the facility.
Eating...well, I'm not really sure what to say. I feel like I am eating pretty well. I do find myself struggling when I cook meals that are combinations rather than components. It is easy to measure out a chicken breast and green beans but measuring a stuffed pepper or a cheesy chicken pasta serving is a challenge - sure I can measure one cup or measure 100g, but approximating how many servings there are or what their size is is the challenge.
The odd thing is that the scale is going NOWHERE!!! I am going to try to be even more diligent this week in truly measuring and calculating. I am going to try to 'sum' up the weight of the components in a recipe so that I can figure out how much total weight there would be so that I can measure out a serving and have perspective.
I know that body can take a couple of days to adjust to a change in work out routine and will hold those 'reserves' during that window, but usually that is a few days not over a week.
Oh well, the important thing is that I keep on monitoring my intake and focus on activity...in time, it will all workout.
Today's class was intense. I don't know the true absolute accuracy of the equipment gauges, but I went almost a mile further and burned 20% more calories on the gauge. So, on a relative scale, it was more intense. I could feel it too. I was sweating more and my legs were a little more like rubber bands when we were done. It is a good thing that I always do a 1/4 mile cool down, otherwise, I'm not convinced that I could go directly from class to descending the stairs.
Taking morning classes has turned out to be a very good thing for me. It certainly is keeping me motivated to get up on time and to get out the door. I am glad that the local Y is finally open and that I am taking advantage of the facility.
Eating...well, I'm not really sure what to say. I feel like I am eating pretty well. I do find myself struggling when I cook meals that are combinations rather than components. It is easy to measure out a chicken breast and green beans but measuring a stuffed pepper or a cheesy chicken pasta serving is a challenge - sure I can measure one cup or measure 100g, but approximating how many servings there are or what their size is is the challenge.
The odd thing is that the scale is going NOWHERE!!! I am going to try to be even more diligent this week in truly measuring and calculating. I am going to try to 'sum' up the weight of the components in a recipe so that I can figure out how much total weight there would be so that I can measure out a serving and have perspective.
I know that body can take a couple of days to adjust to a change in work out routine and will hold those 'reserves' during that window, but usually that is a few days not over a week.
Oh well, the important thing is that I keep on monitoring my intake and focus on activity...in time, it will all workout.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday
I did it! I got up this morning and did the first workout of P90X. I can tell you without a doubt, I am feeling it now. I started with P90X Chest and Back. I didn't get up as early as I hoped, but still early enough to fit in the whole workout. I can tell that I have lost ground since the last time that I completed the series. It was a struggle to do at least 15 of each type of push up. My arms felt like rubber bands when I was done.
Eating was mostly good today...right up until the thought of pretzels and dip called my name this evening. It wasn't the worst snack, but I might have been better off skipping it. It set me past my daily calorie goal for today. But, regardless, I know that I wasn't that far beyond my goal and it was a better day than it might have been if I had not been making conscientious decisions all day.
On a positive note, my weight this morning was down 2# from where I was the day before. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go. But, the journey will be worth it.
Eating was mostly good today...right up until the thought of pretzels and dip called my name this evening. It wasn't the worst snack, but I might have been better off skipping it. It set me past my daily calorie goal for today. But, regardless, I know that I wasn't that far beyond my goal and it was a better day than it might have been if I had not been making conscientious decisions all day.
On a positive note, my weight this morning was down 2# from where I was the day before. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go. But, the journey will be worth it.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Brisk Morning!
Well, suffice to say, it was cold outside. But, there must be some value in that, as my pace for my walk/run was at 11:30, a full 30s faster than my typical morning. I wound up pushing myself to do 3+ laps of running followed by sprint intervals for a total of 5 laps at the track. Again, I was time constrained. In theory, meeting the other ladies bright (or should I say dark) and early, sounds like a great plan, but I have yet to fully execute on it. Sure, it was dark up there this morning, but I could go earlier and do more distance. Although I did have to really push myself to complete three laps. I started with a plan of running 4 laps straight and then walking 1 lap. That turned into, maybe I run 1, walk 1 and then run 3. I decided I could keep going after 1 and then was good. I likely could have pushed for the full 4, but allowed myself a chance to catch my breath, besides I love sprint intervals.
Eating was a mess this weekend. We had more meals out then I care to remember. We even went for ice cream - but at least we walked there. Yesterday was a pretty good return to normal, so hopefully, today won't find me munchy mid-day simply because I ate bigger this weekend.
With the cold and the dark, I'm thinking that in a couple of weeks (October?), I might have to change up my schedule and workout inside 2-3 days and run outside the other 2-3 days. I guess I will just wait and see, when it is too cold, I will likely have to move it all indoors for a few months.
I need to get back to walking at lunch as well. It is a great stress relief and makes me feel good too. Plus, bonus activity like that will help me reach my goal faster. This will make me feel better about working out inside in the mornings too.
Eating was a mess this weekend. We had more meals out then I care to remember. We even went for ice cream - but at least we walked there. Yesterday was a pretty good return to normal, so hopefully, today won't find me munchy mid-day simply because I ate bigger this weekend.
With the cold and the dark, I'm thinking that in a couple of weeks (October?), I might have to change up my schedule and workout inside 2-3 days and run outside the other 2-3 days. I guess I will just wait and see, when it is too cold, I will likely have to move it all indoors for a few months.
I need to get back to walking at lunch as well. It is a great stress relief and makes me feel good too. Plus, bonus activity like that will help me reach my goal faster. This will make me feel better about working out inside in the mornings too.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Back in the Groove
That cold last week really zapped me. I couldn't convince myself that getting up and running (or even walking) was a great idea. I knew that if I exerted myself I would start to cough and I just didn't want that. Of course, to counteract the cold, I was trying to hydrate and stock up on Vitamin C. That left me consuming lots more juice than I normally do over the course of the week, as well as more honey than normal too. Couple that with some quarterly meetings at work that found me eating catered breakfasts, lunches and dinners; a fun day out with my son that included breakfast and lunch out and milkshakes; a kid birthday party; and dinner and a movie with friends, and my weight loss journey was doomed from the start.
No exercise + increased beverage calories + increased eating calories = big challenge!
Thankfully, although up slightly, it was all in all not horrible. I was only up a little bit and I was really worried that it could be more.
Do you ever have those days where you just know that you just ate bad and you allow one more snack/treat because what's the harm now? I do that sometimes and then, like today, the scale actually gives a lower than expected result and I think to myself, if only I hadn't had the one last treat, maybe it could have been even a bit lower. I think I need to learn that if I am exceeding target for calories, that it is better to call it a draw than to pile it on.
Oh well! This week is hopefully a more normal week. I am feeling better. I headed up to the track and fit in a 1 1/2 mile visit - ran for a mile, just not consecutively. It was a challenge to run after over a week off. I am back on track with measuring and tracking. I fully intend to recover the gain and then some before the week is over.
No exercise + increased beverage calories + increased eating calories = big challenge!
Thankfully, although up slightly, it was all in all not horrible. I was only up a little bit and I was really worried that it could be more.
Do you ever have those days where you just know that you just ate bad and you allow one more snack/treat because what's the harm now? I do that sometimes and then, like today, the scale actually gives a lower than expected result and I think to myself, if only I hadn't had the one last treat, maybe it could have been even a bit lower. I think I need to learn that if I am exceeding target for calories, that it is better to call it a draw than to pile it on.
Oh well! This week is hopefully a more normal week. I am feeling better. I headed up to the track and fit in a 1 1/2 mile visit - ran for a mile, just not consecutively. It was a challenge to run after over a week off. I am back on track with measuring and tracking. I fully intend to recover the gain and then some before the week is over.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Summer Colds are the Worst!
So, I noticed the other evening that my throat was a bit scratchy. I shrugged it off and decided to not worry about it. The one thing that has held true while I have been more active and eating better is that I tend to not be sick as often or as long. Well, I woke up yesterday with a bit of head congestion, but a lot of sneezing. That sneezing with that tingle that you just know is going to be something more than just a few sneezes. Last night was miserable. I think I slept about 2 minutes the whole night. I told my husband that I was going to skip the run, but get out for a walk this morning - I know that my experience has been that activity helps me fight the cold quicker. After only sleeping what felt like two minutes, my alarm was going off and I decided to choose sleep over walking for getting better. As I sit here, my nose is still congested and I hate that feeling of I can't really breath. My lips are already becoming chapped from breathing through my mouth continuously.
The other challenge I face with a cold is that food loses flavor. I eat for the flavor and texture experience. Without it, I have to watch that I don't start to pick, looking for something, anything that I can taste. I am going to rely on fluids to help flush this cold out of me. Gatorade is a favorite illness fighting beverage at my house, but in the interest of calories, I will have to alternate it with good old-fashioned water and hot tea.
Sunday was a good eating day and the scale was kind enough to show slight movement (0.2#) in the right direction. It's not much, but every ounce counts on this journey.
The other challenge I face with a cold is that food loses flavor. I eat for the flavor and texture experience. Without it, I have to watch that I don't start to pick, looking for something, anything that I can taste. I am going to rely on fluids to help flush this cold out of me. Gatorade is a favorite illness fighting beverage at my house, but in the interest of calories, I will have to alternate it with good old-fashioned water and hot tea.
Sunday was a good eating day and the scale was kind enough to show slight movement (0.2#) in the right direction. It's not much, but every ounce counts on this journey.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Where Does the Time Go?
Okay, so clearly, I missed providing an update on my progress for several days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to be exact. Crazy! My life that is. I have been so busy that I have been sleeping in in the morning. In an attempt to fit in some level of exercise, I have had to squeeze other stuff out of my day.
Let's start with today. I finally was up at the right time. I got some laundry done and headed out for my run. It felt great. I went up to the track and was able to fit in 9 laps, I alternated between running and sprint intervals on a 1-1-2-1-2-1-1 pattern - starting and ending with a run. I must say that getting up there much earlier would have been tough. My 'normal' time is starting to be on the cutting edge of dawn, much earlier and it would have been still more dark than light out. I am going to have to see how much longer 'normal' will work. They installed new lights by the track, but they weren't on this morning.
Last night, I was able to go to Zumba. It really is a fun work out. The more I go, the more comfortable I become with the regular songs/moves. Of course, last night, she introduced some new moves and my body can feel the changes. I am sore in new places. Felt great. Yesterday morning, my run was short. I only went to the track for 3/4 of a mile. I did one lap of running and two of sprint intervals. I was just glad to do what I did, since I had slept in past when I would normally head out for a run. Eating was good yesterday. The family went out to dinner while I was at Zumba (less temptation for me) and so I had two eggs over easy and toast for dinner. That really is a favorite meal for me and the protein was a good choice after my Zumba workout.
Over the weekend, Friday included, there really wasn't any working out. It was raining on Friday morning and the weekend was busy with baseball tournaments, going out with friends, grocery shopping, Bible study and more. Eating was of course a challenge because we were on the go, plus two of my meals were at a Winery - lunch one afternoon for work and dinner out with my husband and some friends. So, of course, there was wine! I also fell behind on the 30 Day Ab Challenge. I hope to pick up day 25 tonight (I was already a day behind, now I am 5 days behind).
Overall, the scale is hanging tight. I am hoping to overcome this plateau and start moving in the right direction again.
Let's start with today. I finally was up at the right time. I got some laundry done and headed out for my run. It felt great. I went up to the track and was able to fit in 9 laps, I alternated between running and sprint intervals on a 1-1-2-1-2-1-1 pattern - starting and ending with a run. I must say that getting up there much earlier would have been tough. My 'normal' time is starting to be on the cutting edge of dawn, much earlier and it would have been still more dark than light out. I am going to have to see how much longer 'normal' will work. They installed new lights by the track, but they weren't on this morning.
Last night, I was able to go to Zumba. It really is a fun work out. The more I go, the more comfortable I become with the regular songs/moves. Of course, last night, she introduced some new moves and my body can feel the changes. I am sore in new places. Felt great. Yesterday morning, my run was short. I only went to the track for 3/4 of a mile. I did one lap of running and two of sprint intervals. I was just glad to do what I did, since I had slept in past when I would normally head out for a run. Eating was good yesterday. The family went out to dinner while I was at Zumba (less temptation for me) and so I had two eggs over easy and toast for dinner. That really is a favorite meal for me and the protein was a good choice after my Zumba workout.
Over the weekend, Friday included, there really wasn't any working out. It was raining on Friday morning and the weekend was busy with baseball tournaments, going out with friends, grocery shopping, Bible study and more. Eating was of course a challenge because we were on the go, plus two of my meals were at a Winery - lunch one afternoon for work and dinner out with my husband and some friends. So, of course, there was wine! I also fell behind on the 30 Day Ab Challenge. I hope to pick up day 25 tonight (I was already a day behind, now I am 5 days behind).
Overall, the scale is hanging tight. I am hoping to overcome this plateau and start moving in the right direction again.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Monday
I let myself do it again! I checked the weather before bed and there was a 40% chance of rain starting around 3 or 4. I internalized this and when it came time to get up this morning, I kept hitting snooze. I knew that I wanted to get up and run because I think that I am skipping Zumba today. My friend is out of town and things have been so busy lately that I feel like I have a lot to catch up on at home and while I love the class, something has to give - we have plans every night this week (at least someone does). By the time I got up, it was already 6 am, I was already behind schedule. Then, I had to get dressed and get some water to drink. By the time I laced up my shoes, it was already almost quarter after. I decided that although I only had 15 minutes, that I would allow myself to stretch it so that I could fit in a full mile. I knew that if I wanted to do this and not be late that I would need to skip my warm up lap at the track. I decided that the 1/2 mile plus walk to the track was a sufficient warm up. So, today, for the first time ever, I ran every lap at the track. It was only a mile, but it was still something I had not ever done before. I have always walked a warm up lap and frequently a cool down lap, but not today.
It felt good and I am glad that I got the mile in. There is something so energizing about starting your day with a good run (or other workout). I just feel more awake, more alert, ready to think through things and tackle even the most challenging of problems. I'm also in a better mood.
I missed last night's 30 Day Ab Challenge workout. We got home late and I didn't have it in me. I will try to do two tonight, I guess or I could just be a day behind.
Eating was a challenge for me yesterday. Since we were out, we picked up pizza for lunch. Then, another birthday party - I was pretty good there, only a bite of cake and a popsicle. Then, dinner and Bible study. At Bible study, one woman brought a spinach artichoke dip that was garlicy and addictive. Another, rice krispie treats. Yum - one of my weaknesses, there is just something about that marshmallow goodness.
Hoping for a better eating day today.
It felt good and I am glad that I got the mile in. There is something so energizing about starting your day with a good run (or other workout). I just feel more awake, more alert, ready to think through things and tackle even the most challenging of problems. I'm also in a better mood.
I missed last night's 30 Day Ab Challenge workout. We got home late and I didn't have it in me. I will try to do two tonight, I guess or I could just be a day behind.
Eating was a challenge for me yesterday. Since we were out, we picked up pizza for lunch. Then, another birthday party - I was pretty good there, only a bite of cake and a popsicle. Then, dinner and Bible study. At Bible study, one woman brought a spinach artichoke dip that was garlicy and addictive. Another, rice krispie treats. Yum - one of my weaknesses, there is just something about that marshmallow goodness.
Hoping for a better eating day today.
Monday, July 16, 2012
A couple of days off, but right back in the groove
So, Saturday, I planned to take the day off. I decided that since I had a busy day, that I would allow myself a little extra sleep and didn't want to try to squeeze in a run and find myself running late to start the day. As promised, it was a busy day. We had lunch out, I went with the Chicken Fajita, hold the rice, the beans and the tortillas. It was pretty tasty. The place that we went doesn't seem to use much oil, as the chicken and vegetables were 'dry' - not to say they were overdone, but there wasn't that oily mess that you sometimes see on fajitas. Dinner was a bit of leftovers - I was sort of glad that no one really wanted much for dinner, as I was worn out from the day. I did manage to fit in my 30 day Ab Challenge workout, but learned that I am weak. I was barely able to do either of the ab exercises. I hope to do better at them next time I try them.
Sunday morning, I woke up with a headache. I got up got the kids breakfast and went back to bed. I had bouts of nausea, but when I got up, I felt much better. I guess my body decided that it needed another day off. Sunday for dinner we had Marlin on the grill. This is one of my favorites. We had originally planned to have Chicken Caesar salads but they were doing a recipe demo with Marlin, which meant that they had this not always available fish in. I couldn't resist. It did not disappoint. We still had salad on the side, as well as a little bit of rice. A late evening caused me to miss my Abs, I will make them up today. I think that today will be a recovery day, so I will just have bumped the days.
Monday morning I got up and my hamstrings were tight. I guess because I didn't do any running, I didn't do any stretching over the weekend and this must have led to them getting tight. I just wasn't sure that I was going to get far at the track. I headed up anyway and figured that even if I do a full alternating workout, that anything is better than nothing. After I completed my first lap, my legs were feeling better, so I decided I would try for a 1-2 pattern. Next thing I knew, I had completed 4, then 6 and I decided I would go for 8. When I got to 8, I thought, why not try for 9, just to show myself I could do it. I did! Yeah! It felt awesome. My legs felt much better after the workout than they did before. I stretched when I came home, but I think that I will stretch again after my shower. I don't want them getting tight on me.
The scale was down nicely on Saturday, now on Sunday and today it was up about a 1# from that low - so maybe it was a false low, but now I have a goal to get back to it. That should keep me moving.
Sunday morning, I woke up with a headache. I got up got the kids breakfast and went back to bed. I had bouts of nausea, but when I got up, I felt much better. I guess my body decided that it needed another day off. Sunday for dinner we had Marlin on the grill. This is one of my favorites. We had originally planned to have Chicken Caesar salads but they were doing a recipe demo with Marlin, which meant that they had this not always available fish in. I couldn't resist. It did not disappoint. We still had salad on the side, as well as a little bit of rice. A late evening caused me to miss my Abs, I will make them up today. I think that today will be a recovery day, so I will just have bumped the days.
Monday morning I got up and my hamstrings were tight. I guess because I didn't do any running, I didn't do any stretching over the weekend and this must have led to them getting tight. I just wasn't sure that I was going to get far at the track. I headed up anyway and figured that even if I do a full alternating workout, that anything is better than nothing. After I completed my first lap, my legs were feeling better, so I decided I would try for a 1-2 pattern. Next thing I knew, I had completed 4, then 6 and I decided I would go for 8. When I got to 8, I thought, why not try for 9, just to show myself I could do it. I did! Yeah! It felt awesome. My legs felt much better after the workout than they did before. I stretched when I came home, but I think that I will stretch again after my shower. I don't want them getting tight on me.
The scale was down nicely on Saturday, now on Sunday and today it was up about a 1# from that low - so maybe it was a false low, but now I have a goal to get back to it. That should keep me moving.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday
Why do we run around the track counter-clockwise? I can tell you that after months of doing that, running clockwise feels very strange. It's like being on a new track - I noticed things that I had never seen before, and I struggled to motivate myself based on track markings. When I walk/run in the neighborhood, I make a concerted effort to balance the number of cul-de-sacs that I turn to the left and to the right, but at the track, it is always the same and I worried that I was doing my body a disservice by always stressing the same joints as I rounded curves.
I got a late start this morning, as I had to fold a load of laundry to find my exercise clothes. I had intended to do it last night, but headed off to bed because I wasn't feeling well. I am proud to say that I was able to complete a 1 1/4 mile run while I was there. That simply was all the time that I had, or I think I could have run further. It was so refreshing to have the temperatures be under 60 this morning, although still very humid, it sure beat the mid-70s that I had been running in. I felt really good after the run.
Eating was good yesterday. I was at the lower end of my target for calories and at or just below the target for Protein, Carbs and Fat. I was planning to have a small snack, but when I started not feeling well, I headed to bed without a snack. I was worried that I would be hungry when I woke up, but I was not.
Yesterday's 30 Day Ab Challenge was a recovery day, so that was a nice break. I will of course, do Day 9 tonight. Also, tonight I am planning to go to Zumba with my friend. I can't wait to exercise with someone and to get in a bonus workout.
I got a late start this morning, as I had to fold a load of laundry to find my exercise clothes. I had intended to do it last night, but headed off to bed because I wasn't feeling well. I am proud to say that I was able to complete a 1 1/4 mile run while I was there. That simply was all the time that I had, or I think I could have run further. It was so refreshing to have the temperatures be under 60 this morning, although still very humid, it sure beat the mid-70s that I had been running in. I felt really good after the run.
Eating was good yesterday. I was at the lower end of my target for calories and at or just below the target for Protein, Carbs and Fat. I was planning to have a small snack, but when I started not feeling well, I headed to bed without a snack. I was worried that I would be hungry when I woke up, but I was not.
Yesterday's 30 Day Ab Challenge was a recovery day, so that was a nice break. I will of course, do Day 9 tonight. Also, tonight I am planning to go to Zumba with my friend. I can't wait to exercise with someone and to get in a bonus workout.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Monday
Well, Saturday on the run and a friend's engagement party had me well over consumed for the day. So, no activity and eating beyond my calorie target, quickly negated the fact that I had exceeded the 10# mark. I was a little disappointed with myself. I did really well, for the most part. I shouldn't have had the extra piece of pizza at lunch - I had packed a lunch that I knew fit into my calorie target, but after eating it, I foolishly accepted a piece of pizza. It was tasty, but I had already eaten lunch. Then, at my friends party, I stayed with the fresh cut veggies for the most part, but at one point I dipped them in the cheese dip and they had that veggie pizza made on a crescent roll with cream cheese. I couldn't resist.
Sunday was a little bit better. I didn't start my day with activity. I ate reasonably well, having a light lunch in anticipation of making homemade pizza for dinner. I even splurged on some Sierra Mist - why I ask myself. I was able to stay on target for the day. In the evening, I did Day 1 of the 30 Day Ab Challenge. The exercises were hard, I wasn't able to complete the number of reps that they wanted us to, but gave it my all. I did do 1000 jumps, sans jump rope. I had to break it up into 100 - 150 jumps at a time, but I did it. I can't wait to see what Day 2 has in store for me.
Today, I got up late and decided that I might just walk today. Well, when I got to the track, I was alone. I don't know what that has to do with anything, it is more so a statement of fact, I suppose. Anyway, after the first lap, I decided that I should probably make the most of the time that I have at the track and run some. After the first lap, I felt like I had to push myself to complete the second run lap. Next thing I knew, I was negotiating with myself to finish the fifth run lap. I ran 1 1/4 miles straight! So, I was at the track for 6+ laps and ran 5+ of them. Woo Hoo! It felt awesome. Of course, knowing that once the lap was done, I would head home made it easier to convince myself. I hope I can repeat it when I know that I will be walking a lap and then returning to running.
Sunday was a little bit better. I didn't start my day with activity. I ate reasonably well, having a light lunch in anticipation of making homemade pizza for dinner. I even splurged on some Sierra Mist - why I ask myself. I was able to stay on target for the day. In the evening, I did Day 1 of the 30 Day Ab Challenge. The exercises were hard, I wasn't able to complete the number of reps that they wanted us to, but gave it my all. I did do 1000 jumps, sans jump rope. I had to break it up into 100 - 150 jumps at a time, but I did it. I can't wait to see what Day 2 has in store for me.
Today, I got up late and decided that I might just walk today. Well, when I got to the track, I was alone. I don't know what that has to do with anything, it is more so a statement of fact, I suppose. Anyway, after the first lap, I decided that I should probably make the most of the time that I have at the track and run some. After the first lap, I felt like I had to push myself to complete the second run lap. Next thing I knew, I was negotiating with myself to finish the fifth run lap. I ran 1 1/4 miles straight! So, I was at the track for 6+ laps and ran 5+ of them. Woo Hoo! It felt awesome. Of course, knowing that once the lap was done, I would head home made it easier to convince myself. I hope I can repeat it when I know that I will be walking a lap and then returning to running.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday - a new week
Wow! What an invigorating workout! I think sometimes that I have my best workouts when I feel least like I am going to. I had a few obstacles today, but I worked through them and came out on top. I wasn't sure on the walk up that I would run much at all. I wasn't quite through the first lap of my run and was wondering why my legs hurt so much and my breathing was so heavy. I have to thank the two women at the track for helping to keep me going. They don't know that they did anything, they were simply walking and talking, but it became my goal to lap them, while I was running. This got me through the 2nd lap of running and by then, I was able to go for the run until the next 5 minute update goal. Then, I walked nearly a full lap before starting into my run again. Again, a target of lapping the other women became my goal again. It took me two running laps to do it and by then, I decided that in order to improve on what I had done last week, I would need to do one more lap and wanted to run as much as possible. Needing at least 1/4 lap to best my total run from last week. Well, I did it! I was at the track for 2 miles/8 laps and I ran 3+ and 3+, with a 1 lap walk before each. It felt so awesome. Best part - my pace for the whole outing was 12:21. A full :38 better than last time on a longer distance. I ran a full 1/3 mile more in only 1 minute longer than I did last Monday.
Eating was good yesterday. We went out for lunch after taking the kids for pictures. I planned ahead and printed off the pdf of the calorie information, so that I was able to make the best choices for me. Dinner was turkey soup, which I just find very simple and satisfying. I topped my day with a cheese and cracker snack, as I was light on protein for the day. I finished within my calorie target.
Which, is why, I am a little confounded today. The scale was right where it was supposed to be yesterday and yet this morning it was up 3#! Now, I get that things fluctuate and don't consider anything up or down 1/2# to really mean much, but 3#. Especially after a day where I was right on target with my eating. My body is doing something strange. I will do my best to 'ignore' it and hope that things correct for tomorrow.
Eating was good yesterday. We went out for lunch after taking the kids for pictures. I planned ahead and printed off the pdf of the calorie information, so that I was able to make the best choices for me. Dinner was turkey soup, which I just find very simple and satisfying. I topped my day with a cheese and cracker snack, as I was light on protein for the day. I finished within my calorie target.
Which, is why, I am a little confounded today. The scale was right where it was supposed to be yesterday and yet this morning it was up 3#! Now, I get that things fluctuate and don't consider anything up or down 1/2# to really mean much, but 3#. Especially after a day where I was right on target with my eating. My body is doing something strange. I will do my best to 'ignore' it and hope that things correct for tomorrow.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday - what a wonderful weekend it was!
I guess I have been a bit absent lately. I had a wonderful, crazy weekend. Lucky for me, my weekend started early. I took Friday off of work to host a garage sale. I would like to say it was good, but it really was a rather average sale. I wish we had sold more, but we didn't.
I had a good run/walk on Friday morning before the garage sale. I was very proud of myself for still getting up early and making the effort. I did 1.75 miles on the track and of course, the walk there and back. The rest of the weekend activity was just completed during the course of my days. We parked at the far end for soccer and walked to my son's game and then to my daughter's. We spent the afternoon and evening walking around Cedar Point. Sunday, I changed all the beds and did several loads of laundry, traversing the stairs multiple times. We had a baseball game and made several trips up and down the hill to the bathroom. Today, I started my week out with another run/walk. I went the same distance as Friday, but took a full minute longer. My guess is that I had more distance running on Friday and that it was less sticky and oppressive.
If the heavy, wet air this morning is an indication of what is to come, being able to extend the length of my run segments is about to become a real challenge. Hopefully, it is worse than normal because it rained most of the night.
Eating was good. Despite garage sale-ing and spending the day at the amusement park, I was able to keep my food balanced and pretty well in the target range. I was slightly over target on Saturday and then on Sunday, a bit again because we went out to dinner for Father's Day.
The scale was down on Saturday morning and Sunday morning, with a slight uptick today - which I expect to only be temporary and a result of going slightly over target with a meal out that was likely higher in sodium. I won't worry about it and hope that tomorrow it has 'gone' away.
Off to a wonderful week!
I had a good run/walk on Friday morning before the garage sale. I was very proud of myself for still getting up early and making the effort. I did 1.75 miles on the track and of course, the walk there and back. The rest of the weekend activity was just completed during the course of my days. We parked at the far end for soccer and walked to my son's game and then to my daughter's. We spent the afternoon and evening walking around Cedar Point. Sunday, I changed all the beds and did several loads of laundry, traversing the stairs multiple times. We had a baseball game and made several trips up and down the hill to the bathroom. Today, I started my week out with another run/walk. I went the same distance as Friday, but took a full minute longer. My guess is that I had more distance running on Friday and that it was less sticky and oppressive.
If the heavy, wet air this morning is an indication of what is to come, being able to extend the length of my run segments is about to become a real challenge. Hopefully, it is worse than normal because it rained most of the night.
Eating was good. Despite garage sale-ing and spending the day at the amusement park, I was able to keep my food balanced and pretty well in the target range. I was slightly over target on Saturday and then on Sunday, a bit again because we went out to dinner for Father's Day.
The scale was down on Saturday morning and Sunday morning, with a slight uptick today - which I expect to only be temporary and a result of going slightly over target with a meal out that was likely higher in sodium. I won't worry about it and hope that tomorrow it has 'gone' away.
Off to a wonderful week!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Monday
It is so much so a Monday today. I awoke, late, with a splitting headache. Knowing that I had two loads of laundry to fold, one to dry (and fold) and one to wash and hang to dry, I decided that I would take an extra 15 minutes of sleep and do housework for my morning activity today. Oh, I so prefer walking and running to housework, but the thought of moving my head with each stride sounded like it would make my head explode. Speaking of explosions, when I did come downstairs with my load of laundry, our lights flashed and I heard two big booms - like something may have happened at the distribution center. I'm actually glad I wasn't outside, I think that the explosion sound would have sent me into a panic.
The weekend was a busy one. Unfortunately, the net result was that I went over on Saturday - there was cake and ice cream and one too many meals. We started our day with a normal breakfast. Then, it was off to soccer for my son. Then home, for a quick lunch before heading to my daughter's preschool graduation. Graduation was followed by a cake and ice cream social, complete with toppings. Then, it was home for a bit of a break and then an early dinner (3:45) before heading out to my son's baseball game. At the game, we nibbled on grapes - it was close to 90 and we needed something cool and wet for snacking. When we got home, we needed something because dinner was a bit early. We went with cheese, pepperoni and crackers. Of course, cheese and crackers need wine. In the end, I probably could have better managed the day. I should have had the presence of mind to skip at least the cake or the ice cream. I would have enjoyed either fully and really didn't need the second one. I probably could have sliced some apples to enjoy with the cheese. I love an apple paired with a good sharp cheddar, and it would have been both filled me and been lower in calories than the equivalent crackers.
The real opportunity here is for me to show myself how quickly I can recover from a day like that. Let's face it, in the course of life, there are going to be celebrations, busy days, and times where I want to relax with a glass of wine and cheese. I need to realize that one bad day doesn't mean I've thrown in the towel. The scale was up a couple of pounds the next day, I know that isn't real weight and that returning to normal will help.
Sunday, I ate at the high end of my calorie target. It was a better day than Saturday, but having a meal out made it more of a challenge. Now that we are back to a regular old day, it should be easier.
Unlike last weekend, I really didn't find the chance to fit in a workout mid-day. It was a little bit too warm to walk up to the baseball game with my daughter on Saturday and Sunday, we simply ran out of time.
It's Monday, time to get back on track!
The weekend was a busy one. Unfortunately, the net result was that I went over on Saturday - there was cake and ice cream and one too many meals. We started our day with a normal breakfast. Then, it was off to soccer for my son. Then home, for a quick lunch before heading to my daughter's preschool graduation. Graduation was followed by a cake and ice cream social, complete with toppings. Then, it was home for a bit of a break and then an early dinner (3:45) before heading out to my son's baseball game. At the game, we nibbled on grapes - it was close to 90 and we needed something cool and wet for snacking. When we got home, we needed something because dinner was a bit early. We went with cheese, pepperoni and crackers. Of course, cheese and crackers need wine. In the end, I probably could have better managed the day. I should have had the presence of mind to skip at least the cake or the ice cream. I would have enjoyed either fully and really didn't need the second one. I probably could have sliced some apples to enjoy with the cheese. I love an apple paired with a good sharp cheddar, and it would have been both filled me and been lower in calories than the equivalent crackers.
The real opportunity here is for me to show myself how quickly I can recover from a day like that. Let's face it, in the course of life, there are going to be celebrations, busy days, and times where I want to relax with a glass of wine and cheese. I need to realize that one bad day doesn't mean I've thrown in the towel. The scale was up a couple of pounds the next day, I know that isn't real weight and that returning to normal will help.
Sunday, I ate at the high end of my calorie target. It was a better day than Saturday, but having a meal out made it more of a challenge. Now that we are back to a regular old day, it should be easier.
Unlike last weekend, I really didn't find the chance to fit in a workout mid-day. It was a little bit too warm to walk up to the baseball game with my daughter on Saturday and Sunday, we simply ran out of time.
It's Monday, time to get back on track!
Monday, June 4, 2012
a new week
Well, I suppose that technically, it is not the start of a new week just yet, since I began this new journey on a Tuesday, but since I like standard structure and it is Monday, we will call this a new week.
I am very pleased with my accomplishments from this first week.
I was able to do cardio (walk/run) every day this week with the exception of Friday when it rained. I even included my 5 year old on two of days - once on foot, once on scooter. I was disappointed to not do strength training, but feel that risking injury while I was trying to mend from a kinked neck was not worth trying to strength train. I bought a Groupon for Zumba, in the hopes that I can do that a couple of evenings a week, in addition to my morning routine.
I was able to stay within my calorie target most days. There were a couple that I was out, but not by much. I felt good with what I was eating. I learned a bit about choices. Like yesterday, the Mac'n Cheese at lunch was yummy, but at almost 500 calories, it was close to 1/3 of what I should eat all day. As yummy as it was, it wasn't worth this much to me - it wasn't satisfying enough to make me rush to have it again.
The scale smiled kindly upon me as a result of my effort in both activity and food.
#s to Go: 30.6, down 3.4#
I am very pleased with my accomplishments from this first week.
I was able to do cardio (walk/run) every day this week with the exception of Friday when it rained. I even included my 5 year old on two of days - once on foot, once on scooter. I was disappointed to not do strength training, but feel that risking injury while I was trying to mend from a kinked neck was not worth trying to strength train. I bought a Groupon for Zumba, in the hopes that I can do that a couple of evenings a week, in addition to my morning routine.
I was able to stay within my calorie target most days. There were a couple that I was out, but not by much. I felt good with what I was eating. I learned a bit about choices. Like yesterday, the Mac'n Cheese at lunch was yummy, but at almost 500 calories, it was close to 1/3 of what I should eat all day. As yummy as it was, it wasn't worth this much to me - it wasn't satisfying enough to make me rush to have it again.
The scale smiled kindly upon me as a result of my effort in both activity and food.
#s to Go: 30.6, down 3.4#
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