On my facebook status today, I checked in at the gym and wrote, Getting here is half the battle. One of my friends commented that for her it was more like 90% of the battle. I had to agree with her, with all the excuses and things to do in life. Showing up, is such a huge accomplishment. Putting in the efforts and getting the job done is really a side effect of being there.
As soon as I left the gym, my workout was complete and I knew my day just got a whole lot better. I was happier, and a just mentally prepared for my day.
I can't wait to go back tomorrow :)
Showing posts with label Gym. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gym. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Relief
A wound up ball of stress has been walking around my house waiting to explode lately. I've been angry and short tempered with my hubby, with everyone, with life. I've got a lot going on in my personal life and political stuff with an organization that I'm involved in. And throw in starting up our own business, I'm sure you can imagine why I haven't blogged as much lately or stayed true to coarse with my diet/exercise plans.
It's the end of the rope now though. I'm walking the plank and there just are no more excuses. My ankle is on the road to recovery. I know I can't do what I was doing back in November physcially and that I have to start all over again. But that' s ok. I'm not strating over, I'm continuing on. I know that I can make good choices with diet and exercise. I have and I will again.
Last night in bed, Rich asked me when I was going to run again. He did so in a kind gentle way letting me know that he knows I need a release. He knows I'm a ticking time bomb that can explode. He wants to prevent that and be supportive. He knows how much running means to me and more importantly how much I (and the whole family) benefit from it. What is that saying, "A happy wife makes a happy life!"
Tonight, my friend Zumara called and asked if I wanted to go to the gym tonight. I've been so stressed, busy, scared of reinjuring myself, and making excuses I haven't been consistent enouogh with my excercise/going back to the gym. I decided that if I felt up to it, after I put the girls to bed, I would go. At dinner, Rich said he was planning on going tonight but I could go instead. So sweet of him <3 he knew it was in OUR best interest for me to get some "me time" at the gym.
I worked out on the floor doing the various weight machines. And I ran! Yes, I ran! Ok well, actually I ran walked for 20 minutes. I did intervals because I wanted to be aware of my body/injury. I didn't want to over do it on my first "attempt " to run. I ran for the first 5 minutes. The first 2 minutes were so hard but it felt ***SO*** good. Yeah, I know 1.3 miles isn't a lot and it's nothing compared to what I was doing. But from where I am now, it was a really good start. My ankle doesn't hurt, although it doesn't feel exactly normal. I think I'm on the road to rebuilding and recovery.
I came home, happy with a clear head and open heart and well just feeling relief.
I just love the gym <3
It's the end of the rope now though. I'm walking the plank and there just are no more excuses. My ankle is on the road to recovery. I know I can't do what I was doing back in November physcially and that I have to start all over again. But that' s ok. I'm not strating over, I'm continuing on. I know that I can make good choices with diet and exercise. I have and I will again.
Last night in bed, Rich asked me when I was going to run again. He did so in a kind gentle way letting me know that he knows I need a release. He knows I'm a ticking time bomb that can explode. He wants to prevent that and be supportive. He knows how much running means to me and more importantly how much I (and the whole family) benefit from it. What is that saying, "A happy wife makes a happy life!"
Tonight, my friend Zumara called and asked if I wanted to go to the gym tonight. I've been so stressed, busy, scared of reinjuring myself, and making excuses I haven't been consistent enouogh with my excercise/going back to the gym. I decided that if I felt up to it, after I put the girls to bed, I would go. At dinner, Rich said he was planning on going tonight but I could go instead. So sweet of him <3 he knew it was in OUR best interest for me to get some "me time" at the gym.
I worked out on the floor doing the various weight machines. And I ran! Yes, I ran! Ok well, actually I ran walked for 20 minutes. I did intervals because I wanted to be aware of my body/injury. I didn't want to over do it on my first "attempt " to run. I ran for the first 5 minutes. The first 2 minutes were so hard but it felt ***SO*** good. Yeah, I know 1.3 miles isn't a lot and it's nothing compared to what I was doing. But from where I am now, it was a really good start. My ankle doesn't hurt, although it doesn't feel exactly normal. I think I'm on the road to rebuilding and recovery.
I came home, happy with a clear head and open heart and well just feeling relief.
I just love the gym <3
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Gym Time
I made it to the gym today! My gym, gym A. Mariyn's Christmas vacation is over and she is back in school. I decided last night that today would be a good day to start back at the gym. Why wait until Monday? That is only procrastinating the inevitable and allowing me to waste away longer.
I had all of our clothes laid out last night. I know I am NOT a morning person so it's just easier for us to get somewhere on time if I do this the night before. I got to the gym just before 8 am. Body Pump starts promptly at 8:30 and requires some set up. Plus, I knew the gym would be more crowded because of the kids went back to school and everyone wants to work on their resolutions.
I did body pump with less than my normal weights. I'm not trying to re-injure myself. I was a little nervous about going back. Is it to soon? What are people going to say? What do I tell them, I never actually WENT to the doctor. I don't want to look like a slacker or one of those people who are just there because it's a new year.
I felt welcome and at home. Even a little guilty for getting a temporary membership to Gym B. I missed seeing the regulars, I miss the classes and the routine. The Know Your Own Strength contest is back and I'm thinking about joining it. Not that I expect to win, because I don't but I did so well last year during the contest. I'd love to get those results again. I'm a competitive personality. Competition does me well. I have to wait until the last round to sign up though, I want to give myself a fair chance. I know I can do better when I'm totally healed.
Lunges, Push ups and planks are especially difficult for me right now. The are basic low impact floor exercises, I know but with my injury and the position of the ankle, it really hurt. Which tells me I am still several weeks out from running or any impact exercise.
Ahh... It feels so good to be back working out again.
I had all of our clothes laid out last night. I know I am NOT a morning person so it's just easier for us to get somewhere on time if I do this the night before. I got to the gym just before 8 am. Body Pump starts promptly at 8:30 and requires some set up. Plus, I knew the gym would be more crowded because of the kids went back to school and everyone wants to work on their resolutions.
I did body pump with less than my normal weights. I'm not trying to re-injure myself. I was a little nervous about going back. Is it to soon? What are people going to say? What do I tell them, I never actually WENT to the doctor. I don't want to look like a slacker or one of those people who are just there because it's a new year.
I felt welcome and at home. Even a little guilty for getting a temporary membership to Gym B. I missed seeing the regulars, I miss the classes and the routine. The Know Your Own Strength contest is back and I'm thinking about joining it. Not that I expect to win, because I don't but I did so well last year during the contest. I'd love to get those results again. I'm a competitive personality. Competition does me well. I have to wait until the last round to sign up though, I want to give myself a fair chance. I know I can do better when I'm totally healed.
Lunges, Push ups and planks are especially difficult for me right now. The are basic low impact floor exercises, I know but with my injury and the position of the ankle, it really hurt. Which tells me I am still several weeks out from running or any impact exercise.
Ahh... It feels so good to be back working out again.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Tale of Two Gyms
On NYE I posted that I tried out a different gym and went swimming. I was lucky enough to get a 30 day pass. I plan on using it as much as possible the next month, but the gym is 30 minutes away from my home. It's going to take extra planning and effort to get over there and use the gym.
On a different note, I was surprised the other day when going to this gym. Let's call it gym B. Gym B is the largest chain of gyms in my area and probably the most popular but it's not a national chain. The gym I go to, is a national chain but only has a few location in my area (2) and both franchises are owned by the same person/family.
I was a little nervous to go to gym B. A new gym can be very intimidating. The girls and I went with a coupon/certificate thing from my mom. We had to listen to the regular sales pitch in order to get the month pass. I'm not at all interested in signing a contract before I can even use a facility but whatever... I listened, I said no thank you. It wasn't hard to do because the monthly rates are 3 times the amount I am paying, childcare is $5 a month cheaper though. I got a 30 day pass. Upon entering gym B was very different from what I am used to. There were a lot more employees at the gym than mine. And they looked different -- well just average. Many of them, were overweight some obese. At my gym (A), everyone is thin and very attractive. When I started working out, I knew everyone at Gym A was attractive and thin but I just figured that is what all gyms do. They have to sell their membership/concept, right?
After listening to the sells pitch, I put my girls in the childcare. Gym B's childcare facilities are far superior to gym A. The girls had a great time, played and made friends. Always a plus. I took to the locker room and quickly changed for my swim.
The pool was indoors small but long, warm and chemically. I know I'm spoiled because I have my own pool and don't have to use a lot of chemicals. So I'm willing to look past that. There was another lady using the pool. The sauna and spa were also in the pool area. Two guys, who looked like "homies" were hanging out pool side watching. Kinda felt odd but they were there before I was... So I got in and swam. I tried to count laps but I always lose track. I swam for 30 minutes and it just felt so good to be exercising again. It was relaxing and a nice option for me right now.
I got out of the pool and the homies finally left. I got changed, grabbed my kids and left gym B. It will be a huge blessing for me this winter. But I can't get over how different the two gyms really are. Then there is this awkward part of me that feels like I was unfaithful/cheating on gym a, my gym. Weird, I know.
I'm hoping to squeeze in more swim/gym time into my schedule this week.
On a different note, I was surprised the other day when going to this gym. Let's call it gym B. Gym B is the largest chain of gyms in my area and probably the most popular but it's not a national chain. The gym I go to, is a national chain but only has a few location in my area (2) and both franchises are owned by the same person/family.
I was a little nervous to go to gym B. A new gym can be very intimidating. The girls and I went with a coupon/certificate thing from my mom. We had to listen to the regular sales pitch in order to get the month pass. I'm not at all interested in signing a contract before I can even use a facility but whatever... I listened, I said no thank you. It wasn't hard to do because the monthly rates are 3 times the amount I am paying, childcare is $5 a month cheaper though. I got a 30 day pass. Upon entering gym B was very different from what I am used to. There were a lot more employees at the gym than mine. And they looked different -- well just average. Many of them, were overweight some obese. At my gym (A), everyone is thin and very attractive. When I started working out, I knew everyone at Gym A was attractive and thin but I just figured that is what all gyms do. They have to sell their membership/concept, right?
After listening to the sells pitch, I put my girls in the childcare. Gym B's childcare facilities are far superior to gym A. The girls had a great time, played and made friends. Always a plus. I took to the locker room and quickly changed for my swim.
The pool was indoors small but long, warm and chemically. I know I'm spoiled because I have my own pool and don't have to use a lot of chemicals. So I'm willing to look past that. There was another lady using the pool. The sauna and spa were also in the pool area. Two guys, who looked like "homies" were hanging out pool side watching. Kinda felt odd but they were there before I was... So I got in and swam. I tried to count laps but I always lose track. I swam for 30 minutes and it just felt so good to be exercising again. It was relaxing and a nice option for me right now.
I got out of the pool and the homies finally left. I got changed, grabbed my kids and left gym B. It will be a huge blessing for me this winter. But I can't get over how different the two gyms really are. Then there is this awkward part of me that feels like I was unfaithful/cheating on gym a, my gym. Weird, I know.
I'm hoping to squeeze in more swim/gym time into my schedule this week.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Finally Friday
It's Friday already and I realize I haven't posted since I said I was back at it on Tuesday. That doesn't mean I fell off the wagon again though.
I've been busy busting my fat at the gym every day since. I'm trying to get back into my regular routine. It's wearing me out! Seriously, I've had to take a nap almost every day because after the adrenaline rush is gone, I'm just exhausted from all that hard work! I can't help but take a nap.
You would think that I could do all the same things I did before my injury with no problem jumping right back in. It really hasn't been **that** long.
My gym friend Laura told me this week that I am very dedicated and hardworking once I've chosen to do something. It's true, I've always felt this way about myself but it's feels different when someone else says it about you. Which got me to thinking about my journey...
I can seriously go months without slipping up, with out cheating on my diet, with out missing an opportunity to exercise. But I am an all or nothing type of person. You either get all of my efforts, or none. There really is no in between.
Since my injury, I haven't been able to exercise, so I didn't care what I ate. It's true I made some really bad choices that I wouldn't have made if I had been going to the gym. When I'm exercising, I really think about my food choices and if they are worth the hardworking and calorie burning I did at the gym. Most of the time, it keeps me inline with my eating.
When I'm not at the gym, I don't think like that. I can't explain why but the thought doesn't occur to me. Yeah I know I'm not making great choices and I'm not moving more. So I because I'm not exercising I think I'm not going to lose weight anyways because . . . Even though I know weight loss is primarily DIET and secondarily exercise. You can be fit and still be FAT or you can be skinny and be out of shape. It all depends on how frequently you exercise. I'm there, I know it. I can exercise many skinny people... Someday soon, I hope to just be fit.
So what does this all mean, to me? This all or nothing business? My eating habits have greatly improved since I started my journey. I eat until I'm no longer hungry, I do not eat until I'm stuffed or even until I'm "full". I can control my portions. I can enjoy snacks in moderation but I still struggle with sweets. In fact, I think sweets are my biggest hang up because once I get some in my system, my mind craves for more, more and more. It takes a lot of willpower and discipline to get back on track for me and sweets. Moderation by a dieters standards is virtually non-existent. I really need to refocus here, with my sweet intake. Am I ready to do it yet? To be honest, I don't know. Mentally I can want to be skinnier, I can want to eat better all the time but I really have to want it in order to do it. This journey has been so much more to be than becoming skinnier, it's becoming healthier, happier and more spiritual too.
This weeks exercise schedule:
Monday: Running/Walk 3 miles
Tuesday: Body Pump and Cycle
Wednesday: Cycle
Thursday: Body Pump and Cycle
Friday: Cycle (5:30 am)
I did planks once this week and will be doing more today and over the weekend. I want to get in the routine of cycle and abs on Weds with Running Weds night.
Oh and I got to talking to someone at the gym this morning about running, she invited me to go running with her and a group just outside of town they do hill training on the weekends. I'm excited and hope I can join.
I've been busy busting my fat at the gym every day since. I'm trying to get back into my regular routine. It's wearing me out! Seriously, I've had to take a nap almost every day because after the adrenaline rush is gone, I'm just exhausted from all that hard work! I can't help but take a nap.
You would think that I could do all the same things I did before my injury with no problem jumping right back in. It really hasn't been **that** long.
My gym friend Laura told me this week that I am very dedicated and hardworking once I've chosen to do something. It's true, I've always felt this way about myself but it's feels different when someone else says it about you. Which got me to thinking about my journey...
I can seriously go months without slipping up, with out cheating on my diet, with out missing an opportunity to exercise. But I am an all or nothing type of person. You either get all of my efforts, or none. There really is no in between.
Since my injury, I haven't been able to exercise, so I didn't care what I ate. It's true I made some really bad choices that I wouldn't have made if I had been going to the gym. When I'm exercising, I really think about my food choices and if they are worth the hardworking and calorie burning I did at the gym. Most of the time, it keeps me inline with my eating.
When I'm not at the gym, I don't think like that. I can't explain why but the thought doesn't occur to me. Yeah I know I'm not making great choices and I'm not moving more. So I because I'm not exercising I think I'm not going to lose weight anyways because . . . Even though I know weight loss is primarily DIET and secondarily exercise. You can be fit and still be FAT or you can be skinny and be out of shape. It all depends on how frequently you exercise. I'm there, I know it. I can exercise many skinny people... Someday soon, I hope to just be fit.
So what does this all mean, to me? This all or nothing business? My eating habits have greatly improved since I started my journey. I eat until I'm no longer hungry, I do not eat until I'm stuffed or even until I'm "full". I can control my portions. I can enjoy snacks in moderation but I still struggle with sweets. In fact, I think sweets are my biggest hang up because once I get some in my system, my mind craves for more, more and more. It takes a lot of willpower and discipline to get back on track for me and sweets. Moderation by a dieters standards is virtually non-existent. I really need to refocus here, with my sweet intake. Am I ready to do it yet? To be honest, I don't know. Mentally I can want to be skinnier, I can want to eat better all the time but I really have to want it in order to do it. This journey has been so much more to be than becoming skinnier, it's becoming healthier, happier and more spiritual too.
This weeks exercise schedule:
Monday: Running/Walk 3 miles
Tuesday: Body Pump and Cycle
Wednesday: Cycle
Thursday: Body Pump and Cycle
Friday: Cycle (5:30 am)
I did planks once this week and will be doing more today and over the weekend. I want to get in the routine of cycle and abs on Weds with Running Weds night.
Oh and I got to talking to someone at the gym this morning about running, she invited me to go running with her and a group just outside of town they do hill training on the weekends. I'm excited and hope I can join.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Back in the Saddle Again
After my sidelining injury over two weeks ago, I went back to the gym today. It was so hard to convince myself to go. Yet felt so good just to be there. My ankle is still slightly swollen and slightly bruised but it no longer hurts. It just feels weak.
I've ran on it twice since the fall. Thanksgiving day and last night. Both times about 3 miles. My first half marathon is coming up soon, January 2nd and I need to be ready. It's only about 5 weeks away.
The Santa Monica - Venice Christmas Run is coming up even sooner on December 11th. I'm debating which run to sign up for the 10K which is a more challenging distance or the 5K that the rest of the family is doing. In all honesty, I'd really like to do both. My reasoning is I won't feel satisfied with just running a 5K as it's not challenging enough for me BUT Mariyn (and a lot of our family) is going to run it so I want to run it and support her. To run both would be really good training for my half marathon . . . as you can see, I'm torn.
Today, I did body pump and cycle. I haven't weighed in and I don't really want to. I didn't want to face the damage today and be a downer. I might weigh in tomorrow. One of my friends at the gym said I was looking thinner. I don't really think that is even possible. I was fairly active painting my house, working on projects and cleaning but I know I didn't make the best food choices and I know how important diet is.
Since my ankle was still weak and it's been 3 weeks since I've done any weight training, I didn't lift as heavy as I normally do. I still pushed myself though, in cycle I could feel my ankle was getting tired and worn out but not sore. Did I mention it felt so good to go back to my normal routine? I missed my workouts, my gym friend and I think they missed me. It's good to be back and besides being sidelined due to pain, I really think I needed the break to mentally re-charge it was a good break.
A lot of ladies at the gym are getting certified to become body pump instructors and cycle instructors. Part of me really wants to do this, but the other part of me doesn't. It's so expensive and just not practical (time or financially) for us right now with our investment coming along. One day, I'd love to do some sort of personal or group training for women who want to achieve their goals by completing events like triathlons or runs. I really think I'd love it and could be good at it... but I have to get more accomplishments under my belt too.
I've ran on it twice since the fall. Thanksgiving day and last night. Both times about 3 miles. My first half marathon is coming up soon, January 2nd and I need to be ready. It's only about 5 weeks away.
The Santa Monica - Venice Christmas Run is coming up even sooner on December 11th. I'm debating which run to sign up for the 10K which is a more challenging distance or the 5K that the rest of the family is doing. In all honesty, I'd really like to do both. My reasoning is I won't feel satisfied with just running a 5K as it's not challenging enough for me BUT Mariyn (and a lot of our family) is going to run it so I want to run it and support her. To run both would be really good training for my half marathon . . . as you can see, I'm torn.
Today, I did body pump and cycle. I haven't weighed in and I don't really want to. I didn't want to face the damage today and be a downer. I might weigh in tomorrow. One of my friends at the gym said I was looking thinner. I don't really think that is even possible. I was fairly active painting my house, working on projects and cleaning but I know I didn't make the best food choices and I know how important diet is.
Since my ankle was still weak and it's been 3 weeks since I've done any weight training, I didn't lift as heavy as I normally do. I still pushed myself though, in cycle I could feel my ankle was getting tired and worn out but not sore. Did I mention it felt so good to go back to my normal routine? I missed my workouts, my gym friend and I think they missed me. It's good to be back and besides being sidelined due to pain, I really think I needed the break to mentally re-charge it was a good break.
A lot of ladies at the gym are getting certified to become body pump instructors and cycle instructors. Part of me really wants to do this, but the other part of me doesn't. It's so expensive and just not practical (time or financially) for us right now with our investment coming along. One day, I'd love to do some sort of personal or group training for women who want to achieve their goals by completing events like triathlons or runs. I really think I'd love it and could be good at it... but I have to get more accomplishments under my belt too.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday Ramblings
I got my hair cut and styled yesterday. It felt so good. It was getting dry and stringy. I needed the cut. It felt good too.
A few of my friends from grad school got together for dinner. It was nice to get together we hadn't seen each other for a long time. I had my hair done, make up on and I got dressed. My friends were shocked at how much I've changed and kept commenting on how good I look. It felt good. Life is good.
I ate heavier than I had wanted to. Thankfully, Zumara and I went for a good run last night. Our bodies were sore and scratched but it felt good to get them moving again. 4.25 miles according to mapmyrun.com - Not bad at all! Hopefully, it undoes some of the damage from Halloween.
Weigh in today was great 185 lbs! 1 pound less than last week. :) I got up, did body pump and cycle. I was running a little bit late and took my breakfast (oatmeal) to the gym with me. I wanted to make sure I got a ticket to class today, yesterday I got there 10 minutes before the class started and it was already too full.
I struggled to get through body pump as my body is still a little sore. Cycle was great though - I feel so good now that I'm done. I need to get to cleaning today. I'm having people over for a Jewelry party on Thursday night and my house is a mess. So yeah... that's my goal for today!
A few of my friends from grad school got together for dinner. It was nice to get together we hadn't seen each other for a long time. I had my hair done, make up on and I got dressed. My friends were shocked at how much I've changed and kept commenting on how good I look. It felt good. Life is good.
I ate heavier than I had wanted to. Thankfully, Zumara and I went for a good run last night. Our bodies were sore and scratched but it felt good to get them moving again. 4.25 miles according to mapmyrun.com - Not bad at all! Hopefully, it undoes some of the damage from Halloween.
Weigh in today was great 185 lbs! 1 pound less than last week. :) I got up, did body pump and cycle. I was running a little bit late and took my breakfast (oatmeal) to the gym with me. I wanted to make sure I got a ticket to class today, yesterday I got there 10 minutes before the class started and it was already too full.
I struggled to get through body pump as my body is still a little sore. Cycle was great though - I feel so good now that I'm done. I need to get to cleaning today. I'm having people over for a Jewelry party on Thursday night and my house is a mess. So yeah... that's my goal for today!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I did back to back classes at the gym today body pump and cycle. Both were subs, the regular teacher quit last week, or so I hear. I missed class last week so I didn't hear the story for myself but what was repeated sounds a lot like gossip and drama.
I got a great workout in today. The sub that did body pump is a regular instructor (and coordinator) at another local fitness facility and really knows her stuff. I loaded my bar heavier than normal for squats and really worked it. I also went heavier on chest. Cycle was fun but only 4 members took the class today, really odd because normally there are 20 bikes and we have to show up extra early to get one. I got a good ride in though and it was nice not to be so crowded, odd but nice.
As I was leaving the gym, the manager spoke to me. He said he seen someone who looked a lot like me there and he had to do a double take. My sister and I do look a lot a like, but we look very different too. He asked which one of us is older, my sister is by 6 years and it's obvious. I think he was just trying to make small talk. He always talks to me when I'm alone at the gym. He goes out of his way to acknowledge me when I'm alone. It's awkward. My sister has a better rate than I do. She only pays $15 a month! Incredible, I know it's something through her work. So I decided to say something about it. He told me that because he likes me he would give me the same rate as my sister. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you would realize that this is the same person that has been flirtatious with me for months now. I'm a happily married woman and I tell my husband everything. But you know there is nothing wrong with saving me some money! I've been a member there for a long time and pay a lot to go each month, for myself and my kids. So I'm excited about that!
When I got back home, I made quesadillas for lunch with black bean salsa, using thin corn tortillas and queso fresco and mozzarella cheeses. They were good! Soon, it was time to do some research online and get Mariyn from school. Then the girls and I went to the library, I filled out papers for an LLC and mailed them off to the secretary of state! We're getting closer on our investment stuff and that is so exciting! Of course, while we were at the library the girls got books. Amelia had a huge tantrum and had to get carried out. Her behavior has been very challenging lately and I could really use prayers for patients with her.
When we got home from the library I had Amelia take a nap. I was frustrated with her. She was tired, I was tired and a nap fit us both nicely. When I awoke I could already feel the soreness setting in from today's workout. I love that!
Oh and did I mention, I'm still didn't have a voice today? I lost my voice Tuesday night. Monday I had a minor sore throat. Tuesday I felt fine but lost my voice around 8 pm. Yesterday I felt fine but with no voice. Today my voice is a little better but I have a cough and very low energy. I'm cough drops and using my inhaler. I have congestion but it seems to only be in my throat --- odd. I'm going to make some tea and hope I feel better tomorrow. I have a busy day ahead.
I got a great workout in today. The sub that did body pump is a regular instructor (and coordinator) at another local fitness facility and really knows her stuff. I loaded my bar heavier than normal for squats and really worked it. I also went heavier on chest. Cycle was fun but only 4 members took the class today, really odd because normally there are 20 bikes and we have to show up extra early to get one. I got a good ride in though and it was nice not to be so crowded, odd but nice.
As I was leaving the gym, the manager spoke to me. He said he seen someone who looked a lot like me there and he had to do a double take. My sister and I do look a lot a like, but we look very different too. He asked which one of us is older, my sister is by 6 years and it's obvious. I think he was just trying to make small talk. He always talks to me when I'm alone at the gym. He goes out of his way to acknowledge me when I'm alone. It's awkward. My sister has a better rate than I do. She only pays $15 a month! Incredible, I know it's something through her work. So I decided to say something about it. He told me that because he likes me he would give me the same rate as my sister. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you would realize that this is the same person that has been flirtatious with me for months now. I'm a happily married woman and I tell my husband everything. But you know there is nothing wrong with saving me some money! I've been a member there for a long time and pay a lot to go each month, for myself and my kids. So I'm excited about that!
When I got back home, I made quesadillas for lunch with black bean salsa, using thin corn tortillas and queso fresco and mozzarella cheeses. They were good! Soon, it was time to do some research online and get Mariyn from school. Then the girls and I went to the library, I filled out papers for an LLC and mailed them off to the secretary of state! We're getting closer on our investment stuff and that is so exciting! Of course, while we were at the library the girls got books. Amelia had a huge tantrum and had to get carried out. Her behavior has been very challenging lately and I could really use prayers for patients with her.
When we got home from the library I had Amelia take a nap. I was frustrated with her. She was tired, I was tired and a nap fit us both nicely. When I awoke I could already feel the soreness setting in from today's workout. I love that!
Oh and did I mention, I'm still didn't have a voice today? I lost my voice Tuesday night. Monday I had a minor sore throat. Tuesday I felt fine but lost my voice around 8 pm. Yesterday I felt fine but with no voice. Today my voice is a little better but I have a cough and very low energy. I'm cough drops and using my inhaler. I have congestion but it seems to only be in my throat --- odd. I'm going to make some tea and hope I feel better tomorrow. I have a busy day ahead.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10/19
Yesterday morning was a struggle for me to get out of the house. My 3 year old, was extra slow and just not motivated enough to want to get to the gym before 8:30 am. Finally, I got her out of the house and was putting her in the car, when I felt something wet! Not good! She peed her pants! Frustrated, we have to go back inside and change.
Ok, so we're changed back in the car and on our way. The roads near my house have been tore up for months. The city is replacing the waterlines, sidewalks and who knows what else. As I drive past the construction crew, I notice someone waved at me. I waved and then realized it was an old friends ex husband. Yeah, I know I said, ex husband but he really was a good guy. They were both just too young and immature to make the marriage work, it's sad. Since I was already late to the gym, I stopped and talked to him for a while, it's been a good 6 years or so since I've seen him.
Once I got to the gym, I did weight training on the floor then cycle. I had a great workout. I felt so much better and was able to have more patience with my daughter. I ate a healthy lunch. Rich and I ended up spending most of the afternoon and evening working on the investment stuff and didn't get home until after 9 last night. We didn't eat until around 8, luckily my mom made us food. It wasn't as healthy as a dinner I would have made but it wasn't fast food and it was tasty. I was hungry and very appreciative.
Ok, so we're changed back in the car and on our way. The roads near my house have been tore up for months. The city is replacing the waterlines, sidewalks and who knows what else. As I drive past the construction crew, I notice someone waved at me. I waved and then realized it was an old friends ex husband. Yeah, I know I said, ex husband but he really was a good guy. They were both just too young and immature to make the marriage work, it's sad. Since I was already late to the gym, I stopped and talked to him for a while, it's been a good 6 years or so since I've seen him.
Once I got to the gym, I did weight training on the floor then cycle. I had a great workout. I felt so much better and was able to have more patience with my daughter. I ate a healthy lunch. Rich and I ended up spending most of the afternoon and evening working on the investment stuff and didn't get home until after 9 last night. We didn't eat until around 8, luckily my mom made us food. It wasn't as healthy as a dinner I would have made but it wasn't fast food and it was tasty. I was hungry and very appreciative.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Being Supportive
I've come so far in my own fitness journey that people everywhere are noticing. Not only are they noticing they are asking the famous question, "How did you do it?" or as you can imagine the many versions of it.
I have no big secrets only common sense: eat less, move more and stay committed. Whenever most people hear my response and find out it wasn't some fancy miracle quick solution, they are no longer interested in trying it for themselves. The excuses start, I don't have time to exercise. I don't like to eat that. I can't run. I've even heard, I don't mind exercising but I don't want to get all sweaty.
One of the biggest negative nelly's in my journey has been my sister. I love her dearly, but she is overweight. She's has struggled with her weight her entire life. Last year when I started exercising I'd invite her along but she would never come. Rarely, if ever has she acknowledged my weight loss. I would be dishonest if I said it didn't hurt my feelings. My sister is one of the most kind hearted people I know. She has two beautiful children whom I love dearly and I know she wants a better life for them, a healthier more active life. She came and watched my triathlon last month. I think it was that weekend, that she realized I had really changed my life.
The last couple of weeks, she has been asking me more and more questions about how I got started. What did I do, what was it like and genuinely interested in hearing the responses. Her work is promoting exercise and have several gyms offering promotions to them. Last week, she decided to join my gym. She sounded excited. One night she came over and I went through my closet and gave her some of my old clothes that no longer fit, including warm up outfits and workout clothes.
Tonight, we went to the gym together, for her first time. She called me so I could meet her there. I put my kids in the childcare and called her to find out where she was because I hadn't seen her yet. I was shocked, when I heard her reply on the elliptical. I was shocked that she was driven enough to start without me. The gym can be very intimidating, the atmosphere, the impressively fit members, the whole process. We did 20 minutes together on the elliptical. I could tell it was a struggle for her but she made it through. Then I gave her a tour of the gym and we worked out for about another 20 minutes in the women's only section. My focus was making sure my sister got a good workout and felt comfortable. I introduced her to as many people as I could, so she would feel welcomed and supported. I'm very proud of her, and even though her workout might not have been as strenuous as mine normally are, hers was just as intense for her. And honestly, I have to say that it feels so good to be a positive influence to her.
After the gym, I made dinner for my family: baked chicken, asparagus and brown rice. Yum.
Then, Mariyn and I went for a run. Since completing 20 laps at the jog a thon, she and I had talked about her running more with me at home. She hasn't really gone running with me since she finished her run this Spring. Since she ran/walked for 30 minutes at the jog-a-thon I knew she could at least do a lap here with me and we could build on it. She wants to do a race with mommy but I want her to be able to complete the whole 5K. I don't mind not getting a PR if I'm running with my kid. Teaching her to enjoy activity is worth way more than a PR. So tonight, we ran/walked 2 miles together. She probably ran half. She complained a lot but felt so good when she finished. I'm so proud of my girl!
I have no big secrets only common sense: eat less, move more and stay committed. Whenever most people hear my response and find out it wasn't some fancy miracle quick solution, they are no longer interested in trying it for themselves. The excuses start, I don't have time to exercise. I don't like to eat that. I can't run. I've even heard, I don't mind exercising but I don't want to get all sweaty.
One of the biggest negative nelly's in my journey has been my sister. I love her dearly, but she is overweight. She's has struggled with her weight her entire life. Last year when I started exercising I'd invite her along but she would never come. Rarely, if ever has she acknowledged my weight loss. I would be dishonest if I said it didn't hurt my feelings. My sister is one of the most kind hearted people I know. She has two beautiful children whom I love dearly and I know she wants a better life for them, a healthier more active life. She came and watched my triathlon last month. I think it was that weekend, that she realized I had really changed my life.
The last couple of weeks, she has been asking me more and more questions about how I got started. What did I do, what was it like and genuinely interested in hearing the responses. Her work is promoting exercise and have several gyms offering promotions to them. Last week, she decided to join my gym. She sounded excited. One night she came over and I went through my closet and gave her some of my old clothes that no longer fit, including warm up outfits and workout clothes.
Tonight, we went to the gym together, for her first time. She called me so I could meet her there. I put my kids in the childcare and called her to find out where she was because I hadn't seen her yet. I was shocked, when I heard her reply on the elliptical. I was shocked that she was driven enough to start without me. The gym can be very intimidating, the atmosphere, the impressively fit members, the whole process. We did 20 minutes together on the elliptical. I could tell it was a struggle for her but she made it through. Then I gave her a tour of the gym and we worked out for about another 20 minutes in the women's only section. My focus was making sure my sister got a good workout and felt comfortable. I introduced her to as many people as I could, so she would feel welcomed and supported. I'm very proud of her, and even though her workout might not have been as strenuous as mine normally are, hers was just as intense for her. And honestly, I have to say that it feels so good to be a positive influence to her.
After the gym, I made dinner for my family: baked chicken, asparagus and brown rice. Yum.
Then, Mariyn and I went for a run. Since completing 20 laps at the jog a thon, she and I had talked about her running more with me at home. She hasn't really gone running with me since she finished her run this Spring. Since she ran/walked for 30 minutes at the jog-a-thon I knew she could at least do a lap here with me and we could build on it. She wants to do a race with mommy but I want her to be able to complete the whole 5K. I don't mind not getting a PR if I'm running with my kid. Teaching her to enjoy activity is worth way more than a PR. So tonight, we ran/walked 2 miles together. She probably ran half. She complained a lot but felt so good when she finished. I'm so proud of my girl!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Gym time
Yesterday, I got up and went to the gym. I was sluggish about getting out of the house and really wasn't motivated to go. Mariyn's didn't have school due to a furlough day/budget cuts. She and I rode our bikes across town to the gym. I missed all the classes so I worked out by myself on the floor doing the various weight training machines. It had been a while since I've used that part of the gym, maybe a month or so because I usually do bodypump classes for my weight training.
It's nice to mix it up a bit though. I lifted heavy and did a lot of reps. I did the intimidator (assisted pull up machine), squats, leg press, leg extensions, calf raises, hip and thigh machines, peck deck and tri press machines. All areas I normally work in body pump. I'm counting my bike ride to and from the gym as my cardio time.
Today, I am sore. Not terribly sore like I was last week from running but more sore than normal for a regular workout. I can feel my gluts burning, as well as my chest and biceps. A good reminder why it's important to vary your routine because even though I work these muscles regularly, the different machines work a different part of the muscles than the free weights do. Free weights are great too, I'm a huge fan of free weights. It's just nice to have a variety and change it up a bit.
Getting sore = progress = body change = results = success
I was talking to a trainer at my gym about my 10K time, weight loss and everything she was impressed. She complimented my shoulders and said they look really good. Which made me feel good. She said, whatever I am doing keep doing it because it's working. I don't pay for training but since I come so regularly I talk to the trainers a lot. They give good tips and are a lot friendlier than they appear. It's so nice to have a "professional" give you compliments as well as encouragement.
It's nice to mix it up a bit though. I lifted heavy and did a lot of reps. I did the intimidator (assisted pull up machine), squats, leg press, leg extensions, calf raises, hip and thigh machines, peck deck and tri press machines. All areas I normally work in body pump. I'm counting my bike ride to and from the gym as my cardio time.
Today, I am sore. Not terribly sore like I was last week from running but more sore than normal for a regular workout. I can feel my gluts burning, as well as my chest and biceps. A good reminder why it's important to vary your routine because even though I work these muscles regularly, the different machines work a different part of the muscles than the free weights do. Free weights are great too, I'm a huge fan of free weights. It's just nice to have a variety and change it up a bit.
Getting sore = progress = body change = results = success
I was talking to a trainer at my gym about my 10K time, weight loss and everything she was impressed. She complimented my shoulders and said they look really good. Which made me feel good. She said, whatever I am doing keep doing it because it's working. I don't pay for training but since I come so regularly I talk to the trainers a lot. They give good tips and are a lot friendlier than they appear. It's so nice to have a "professional" give you compliments as well as encouragement.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Happy Day
Ahh... so happy!
Amelia is better and I just got back from body pump at the gym. :D
I'm feeling so good! I debated on doing back to back classes with body pump and cycle like I normally do but decided against it. I'm going to go running tonight and when I didn't want to over do it this morning. A lot of people missed me at the gym. It's good to be back.
I'm really proud of myself and how far I've come on my fitness journey. There was a time when any little slip up in life would have knocked me off my routine and I wouldn't have felt successful. At the beginning of my journey, so much of my success was built on being routine and being able to go to the gym. I remember feeling defeated when incidents that happened at the gym (poor customer service, issues with the instructors, or I wasn't strong enough to do an exercise) or something came up and I didn't get to the gym. Now, I've gotten to a point where the gym does not determine my success. Yeah, it's a great tool to have and I still enjoy going BUT I realize there are so many ways to be active and healthy outside of the gym now. Most importantly, now I have the confidence, discipline and ability to actually do them. :D
Amelia is better and I just got back from body pump at the gym. :D
I'm feeling so good! I debated on doing back to back classes with body pump and cycle like I normally do but decided against it. I'm going to go running tonight and when I didn't want to over do it this morning. A lot of people missed me at the gym. It's good to be back.
I'm really proud of myself and how far I've come on my fitness journey. There was a time when any little slip up in life would have knocked me off my routine and I wouldn't have felt successful. At the beginning of my journey, so much of my success was built on being routine and being able to go to the gym. I remember feeling defeated when incidents that happened at the gym (poor customer service, issues with the instructors, or I wasn't strong enough to do an exercise) or something came up and I didn't get to the gym. Now, I've gotten to a point where the gym does not determine my success. Yeah, it's a great tool to have and I still enjoy going BUT I realize there are so many ways to be active and healthy outside of the gym now. Most importantly, now I have the confidence, discipline and ability to actually do them. :D
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Non Physical Goals
I've been thinking more and more about my goals. All of the goals I mentioned for the Hot 100 are physical /weight loss goals. I know that is my usual talk around here but I also have other goals too, that are not directly related to my personal fitness and weight loss.
Along with my Hot 100 goals and weekly weigh in, I am going to make a new small goal or challenge. It could be related to my physical or non physical goals. Just one more way to hold me accountable to the things I want to attain.
I really want to grow my relationship with Christ. Yeah I do a mom's bible study once a month but I don't feel it's enough. I need to learn more and nurish this relationship. I'd also like God to use me to encourage and empower others. I pray that whenever I tell my story people see that God is part of my journey and all the credit and glory should go to him.
In 2008, I finished my master's program. I earned my credential in school counseling but never officially earned my M.A. Why you might ask? I never finished my thesis. I have a lot of reasons I didn't finish - busy life, not a priority, lack of self confidence with my writting skills, and money. There must have been a lot of people out there like me who never really finished so this year, the university is offering a comprehensive exam as a final MA requirement. I have two chances to pass this exam (which is an essay). It's due in November and I haven't started yet. If I can dedicate as much time and effort to my exam as I do my health goals, then I'm sure I can get this done. Officially having my MA would really spruce up my resume and could open more opportunities.
With that said, I also have finanacial goals. I'd like more financial stability in our lives. I'm not working and my husband's job is unpredictable at best. I know God has a plan for us and it's a trial. We are hoping to become more financially independant and hope that opportunities fall into place. Prayers with this area are deeply appreciated.
Exercise today: Body Pump this morning, Zumba this evening.
I haven't done Zumba in a really long time but I went to be supportive of my friend. She an instructor and got to teach a few songs tonight. It was a fun time and I got to see people I haven't seen in a while. When the instructor said to squeeze your abs tonight, I heard a girl in the back say, "Abs, what Abs?, laughing I can't feel my abs!" Immediately it reminded me of myself and how far I've come. After class I made a point to go and talk to her and encourage her. She looked at me as if I was crazy until I told her how much weight I've lost. It's funny because I still see myself as a fat girl. I still weigh a lot. But I'm noticing other people aren't seeing me this way any longer, weird.
Along with my Hot 100 goals and weekly weigh in, I am going to make a new small goal or challenge. It could be related to my physical or non physical goals. Just one more way to hold me accountable to the things I want to attain.
I really want to grow my relationship with Christ. Yeah I do a mom's bible study once a month but I don't feel it's enough. I need to learn more and nurish this relationship. I'd also like God to use me to encourage and empower others. I pray that whenever I tell my story people see that God is part of my journey and all the credit and glory should go to him.
In 2008, I finished my master's program. I earned my credential in school counseling but never officially earned my M.A. Why you might ask? I never finished my thesis. I have a lot of reasons I didn't finish - busy life, not a priority, lack of self confidence with my writting skills, and money. There must have been a lot of people out there like me who never really finished so this year, the university is offering a comprehensive exam as a final MA requirement. I have two chances to pass this exam (which is an essay). It's due in November and I haven't started yet. If I can dedicate as much time and effort to my exam as I do my health goals, then I'm sure I can get this done. Officially having my MA would really spruce up my resume and could open more opportunities.
With that said, I also have finanacial goals. I'd like more financial stability in our lives. I'm not working and my husband's job is unpredictable at best. I know God has a plan for us and it's a trial. We are hoping to become more financially independant and hope that opportunities fall into place. Prayers with this area are deeply appreciated.
Exercise today: Body Pump this morning, Zumba this evening.
I haven't done Zumba in a really long time but I went to be supportive of my friend. She an instructor and got to teach a few songs tonight. It was a fun time and I got to see people I haven't seen in a while. When the instructor said to squeeze your abs tonight, I heard a girl in the back say, "Abs, what Abs?, laughing I can't feel my abs!" Immediately it reminded me of myself and how far I've come. After class I made a point to go and talk to her and encourage her. She looked at me as if I was crazy until I told her how much weight I've lost. It's funny because I still see myself as a fat girl. I still weigh a lot. But I'm noticing other people aren't seeing me this way any longer, weird.
Friday, September 10, 2010
9 days and counting down!
I'm so proud of myself. I went to bed at a simi-normal hour last night but I didn't actually fall asleep until around 2 am. I planned on being at the 5:30 AM spin class. I've never been a morning person. It takes everything I have to wake up and get out of the house before 8 am. I knew the early morning class was the best way to get my exercise in today because I planned on subbing. So with only 3 hours of sleep, I got up and went to the gym and rocked that spin bike! Would you believe the 5:30 am class was completely full and two women were turned away. Who knew so many people liked to workout THAT early! Crazy, I know.
After the gym, I came home got the girls and I ready for a very full day. I even made oatmeal for breakfast. Except for the lack of sleep, I really felt great today -- All day. Yeah my legs are tired and now I have a headache due to lack of sleep but I have a feeling that will all be better in the morning.
My husband informed me tonight that if I continue to get up at 5 am to go to the gym, I better get my own alarm clock! ha ha ha - poor guy!
After the gym, I came home got the girls and I ready for a very full day. I even made oatmeal for breakfast. Except for the lack of sleep, I really felt great today -- All day. Yeah my legs are tired and now I have a headache due to lack of sleep but I have a feeling that will all be better in the morning.
My husband informed me tonight that if I continue to get up at 5 am to go to the gym, I better get my own alarm clock! ha ha ha - poor guy!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Swim Bike Run
I am on a mission, my triathlon is in exactly 11 days. I've been working out and focusing on this goal for months now. I am SO ready to meet this challenge. I've been thinking about how I want to train for the next 11 days. What do I think I need to work on, what am I comfortable with? What are my time restraints or other obstacles? What is my solution?
Goal - Complete Irongirl Tahoe Triathlon
Swim 400 meters
Swimming is the most challenging part of the 3 sports for me. I have a pool and have been practicing but don't have much open water swim experience. It's hard for me to get in the pool and swim laps on top of my other gym activities and family obligations. The weather is cooling, I've had a lot of problems with my pool in general. This summer, I've swam up to 70 laps, nearly twice the distance I will need to swim for the tri. I'm glad swimming is the first "event" I know it's going to take the most out of me physically.
I decided last night that I was going to get up and swim this morning after dropping off the girls to school before going to the gym. Yeah it's early and it's overcast but Tahoe isn't going to be any better. I swam 40 laps x 40 feet = 0.30 miles = 487.68 meters and I lost count a few times and always restarted on the smaller number of laps, so it's very likely that I swam 500 meters or more. It took me about 18 minutes.
Bike 24 K (almost 15 miles)
I'm very comfortable with the bike portion. I've got a lot of training in at spin. I'm comfortable on my bike and confident I can do the ride. I'm a little nervous about the route rolling hills and short climbs is what is described. It's in the Sierra Nevada's though and those are some killer mountains, and elevation is going to take some time getting used too. I know this bike ride can be tougher than I expect/imagine or it might not be.
I've been doing spin 2-3 times a week now for months creating mock hills by adding resistance. Plus, I have two smaller hills I frequently ride by my house. I'm going to continue what I've been doing and hope it's enough. After swimming this morning, I completed a 55 minute advanced spin class.
Run 5K 3.1 miles
I've been running several nights a week. I've gotten my mileage up so that a 3 mile run isn't a huge challenge anymore, I have doubled that amount. I'm very confident that I can run 3.1 miles any given day. Running is probably going to be my best "event" and is the easiest to practice.
This morning, I completed my own triathlon, yep I ran too. After spin, I decided I would hop on the treadmill to see what it was like on my body to have swam, biked and ran. I set my goal to do 1 mile or running. Now, my pace was a lot slower than normal and I was already winded but I did it, I ran the mile. Obviously less than what is required for the triathlon but like I said, running is my advantage.
Triathlon & Training comparison:
Tahoe Tri 9/19 Swim 400 meters, Bike 24K, Run 5K 3.1 miles
Training 9/8 Swim 486 3eters, Bike 55 minutes, Run 1 mile
I think I'm ready and I'm excited. I hope to get another 2 days of Tri training in before Thursday of next week. Then Tahoe here I come :)
Goal - Complete Irongirl Tahoe Triathlon
Swim 400 meters
Swimming is the most challenging part of the 3 sports for me. I have a pool and have been practicing but don't have much open water swim experience. It's hard for me to get in the pool and swim laps on top of my other gym activities and family obligations. The weather is cooling, I've had a lot of problems with my pool in general. This summer, I've swam up to 70 laps, nearly twice the distance I will need to swim for the tri. I'm glad swimming is the first "event" I know it's going to take the most out of me physically.
I decided last night that I was going to get up and swim this morning after dropping off the girls to school before going to the gym. Yeah it's early and it's overcast but Tahoe isn't going to be any better. I swam 40 laps x 40 feet = 0.30 miles = 487.68 meters and I lost count a few times and always restarted on the smaller number of laps, so it's very likely that I swam 500 meters or more. It took me about 18 minutes.
Bike 24 K (almost 15 miles)
I'm very comfortable with the bike portion. I've got a lot of training in at spin. I'm comfortable on my bike and confident I can do the ride. I'm a little nervous about the route rolling hills and short climbs is what is described. It's in the Sierra Nevada's though and those are some killer mountains, and elevation is going to take some time getting used too. I know this bike ride can be tougher than I expect/imagine or it might not be.
I've been doing spin 2-3 times a week now for months creating mock hills by adding resistance. Plus, I have two smaller hills I frequently ride by my house. I'm going to continue what I've been doing and hope it's enough. After swimming this morning, I completed a 55 minute advanced spin class.
Run 5K 3.1 miles
I've been running several nights a week. I've gotten my mileage up so that a 3 mile run isn't a huge challenge anymore, I have doubled that amount. I'm very confident that I can run 3.1 miles any given day. Running is probably going to be my best "event" and is the easiest to practice.
This morning, I completed my own triathlon, yep I ran too. After spin, I decided I would hop on the treadmill to see what it was like on my body to have swam, biked and ran. I set my goal to do 1 mile or running. Now, my pace was a lot slower than normal and I was already winded but I did it, I ran the mile. Obviously less than what is required for the triathlon but like I said, running is my advantage.
Triathlon & Training comparison:
Tahoe Tri 9/19 Swim 400 meters, Bike 24K, Run 5K 3.1 miles
Training 9/8 Swim 486 3eters, Bike 55 minutes, Run 1 mile
I think I'm ready and I'm excited. I hope to get another 2 days of Tri training in before Thursday of next week. Then Tahoe here I come :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
weigh in 8/31
It's the last day of August....Meaning only 19 more days until my 29th birthday (goal date) and 20 more days until my triathlon (biggest physical goal yet). I'm getting very excited about both. Even though I will not be at my goal weight like I had originally wanted, I am still working towards my goal and am in a much better spot physically and health wise than where I was a year ago. I just know the last year of my 20's is going to be great, physically fit, and full of faith.
This morning I got up, made the girls breakfast and lunch and got Mariyn off to school. She wanted to ride her bike to school, so we left a little bit earlier. Then I rode to the gym with Amelia in tow. I had a great morning of body pump and cycle. More issues with the new body pump instructor. She called me out 3 times for deviating from the AB choreography. Seriously, I was ticked! Smoke coming out my ears got up and left angry. I went to get a cycle ticket came back to clean up my weights and get my stuff. Then the teacher had the nerve to confront me. Letting me know it was HER class and that she was trained to give proper technique and I need to follow HER because she had the most training for optimal results. Eghhh... I let her know that I am the member I pay for the class, I choose what I want to do. I followed her the entire class but I found something that has been more effective for my abs than the choreography I've gotten in body pump. I've lost 66 lbs, work out 5 days a week and can do a lot more physically than other people my size. I think **I** know a thing or two about my body. I appreciate imput, don't get me wrong, but obviously I heard her, 3 times, I CHOSE to do my own thing. Just because I'm not a size zero doesn't mean I don't know what I was doing. I am so a none confrontational person and to be honest, last week she did something that struck a nerve with me too but it wasn't directed at me. She took weights from a member because "she lifts more than the other instructors". I'm sorry, the weights are there for us members, instructors are there to instruct it is OUR workout time, our money. I'm not in elementary school getting a grade. I'm going to improve myself for myself. Yeah I was angry so say the least.
In case you were wondering what exercise I was doing that was so devious that I need not only to be called out but lectured after class: Here is a video:
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to injure myself doing ab work lady, I know my body and I push myself hard everyday. Crunches really aren't cutting it and I want Results.
To change my mood, I went and weighed myself. I had a little chit chat with one of the trainers and another member. He told me I should no longer weigh myself, they always say that. Which I know I can't go off weight alone but the number on the scale is really still too important to me to give up. Next time I go in, I'm going to calculate my body fat. It's been a while since I've done it and I would love to see the change. I told him my story about shopping yesterday and squeezing into a size 8, even though the dress slacks looked like spandex I was able to get them on. The other member said, wow a size 8 that's really small - my thoughts exactly! I think that is going to be a short term goal, to be able to fit into a size 8. Only one size away really, but it seems like a whole different world that I am willing to work for. Even the trainer was impressed, I think because he remembers where I came from. He was the same trainer that did my initial weigh in for the contest and seen me at 233 lbs in a bikini. They watched me weigh in, kinda an odd feeling when someone else is staring at the scale with you. It wasn't as good as my pre-weigh yesterday but I'm still happy. 192, a pound less than last week! 66lbs lost total! And I just know soon I'm going to be able to report an even bigger loss :D
I took the rest of my aggression out on the bike today in cycle. After the class, the instructor asked me, Sara did I give you a good enough workout. She always does but I think I had that built up adrenaline coming out today being taken out on the bike.
Oh and just in case you are a bit curious, last night we ran about 4.5 miles :)
This morning I got up, made the girls breakfast and lunch and got Mariyn off to school. She wanted to ride her bike to school, so we left a little bit earlier. Then I rode to the gym with Amelia in tow. I had a great morning of body pump and cycle. More issues with the new body pump instructor. She called me out 3 times for deviating from the AB choreography. Seriously, I was ticked! Smoke coming out my ears got up and left angry. I went to get a cycle ticket came back to clean up my weights and get my stuff. Then the teacher had the nerve to confront me. Letting me know it was HER class and that she was trained to give proper technique and I need to follow HER because she had the most training for optimal results. Eghhh... I let her know that I am the member I pay for the class, I choose what I want to do. I followed her the entire class but I found something that has been more effective for my abs than the choreography I've gotten in body pump. I've lost 66 lbs, work out 5 days a week and can do a lot more physically than other people my size. I think **I** know a thing or two about my body. I appreciate imput, don't get me wrong, but obviously I heard her, 3 times, I CHOSE to do my own thing. Just because I'm not a size zero doesn't mean I don't know what I was doing. I am so a none confrontational person and to be honest, last week she did something that struck a nerve with me too but it wasn't directed at me. She took weights from a member because "she lifts more than the other instructors". I'm sorry, the weights are there for us members, instructors are there to instruct it is OUR workout time, our money. I'm not in elementary school getting a grade. I'm going to improve myself for myself. Yeah I was angry so say the least.
In case you were wondering what exercise I was doing that was so devious that I need not only to be called out but lectured after class: Here is a video:
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to injure myself doing ab work lady, I know my body and I push myself hard everyday. Crunches really aren't cutting it and I want Results.
To change my mood, I went and weighed myself. I had a little chit chat with one of the trainers and another member. He told me I should no longer weigh myself, they always say that. Which I know I can't go off weight alone but the number on the scale is really still too important to me to give up. Next time I go in, I'm going to calculate my body fat. It's been a while since I've done it and I would love to see the change. I told him my story about shopping yesterday and squeezing into a size 8, even though the dress slacks looked like spandex I was able to get them on. The other member said, wow a size 8 that's really small - my thoughts exactly! I think that is going to be a short term goal, to be able to fit into a size 8. Only one size away really, but it seems like a whole different world that I am willing to work for. Even the trainer was impressed, I think because he remembers where I came from. He was the same trainer that did my initial weigh in for the contest and seen me at 233 lbs in a bikini. They watched me weigh in, kinda an odd feeling when someone else is staring at the scale with you. It wasn't as good as my pre-weigh yesterday but I'm still happy. 192, a pound less than last week! 66lbs lost total! And I just know soon I'm going to be able to report an even bigger loss :D
I took the rest of my aggression out on the bike today in cycle. After the class, the instructor asked me, Sara did I give you a good enough workout. She always does but I think I had that built up adrenaline coming out today being taken out on the bike.
Oh and just in case you are a bit curious, last night we ran about 4.5 miles :)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday 8/27
What did I do today...
Hmm... Normally for breakfast I have a glass of protein but today I made a delicious bowl of oatmeal this morning with my fresh local honey, a tad bit of brown sugar and a chopped up nectarine. SOOO good! I can't wait to make it again tomorrow. Lunch, I had homemade taco's with my special homemade salsa. YUM, it was so good. I was craving a salsa salad but we are out of spinach and lettuce. So, I had to eat it in taco form. Dinner was subway, turkey bacon avocado sandwich. I was a little heavy on the carbs but I think I did ok overall.
I worked out with Clare today at 11. It's been a while since we've been able to work out together. Her work schedule just doesn't allow for much of it anymore. My the time 11 am rolled around, I was not motivated to go to the gym. We did all the usual weight training machines. It's been a few weeks since I've utilized that part of the gym. The I interval training on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Running fast for a few mintues then walking slow, running fast again, walking slow, etc. I didn't pay attention to my mileage (odd for me,I know). One of the trainers recommended it to burn more fat then just running, he also said that it would build endurance and help increase speed. So, I'm hoping to work that into my schedule at least once a week. I was planning on doing Abs once I finished running, but honestly, I just forgot.
Despite not working on my abs today, I did notice they are looking better and flatter with my clothes on. Of course, without clothes they are a chunky jelly of a mess still but I think I'm seeing some slight improvement. . . I think.
Here is to a good active weekend, I am hoping to take my daughter's to dance tomorrow and get them signed up if it's not too expensive. Then spend time with the fam. Hopefully incorporate something active like riding bikes. I bought Mariyn a new bike lock tonight. We've been sharing mine. So she is excited :)
Hmm... Normally for breakfast I have a glass of protein but today I made a delicious bowl of oatmeal this morning with my fresh local honey, a tad bit of brown sugar and a chopped up nectarine. SOOO good! I can't wait to make it again tomorrow. Lunch, I had homemade taco's with my special homemade salsa. YUM, it was so good. I was craving a salsa salad but we are out of spinach and lettuce. So, I had to eat it in taco form. Dinner was subway, turkey bacon avocado sandwich. I was a little heavy on the carbs but I think I did ok overall.
I worked out with Clare today at 11. It's been a while since we've been able to work out together. Her work schedule just doesn't allow for much of it anymore. My the time 11 am rolled around, I was not motivated to go to the gym. We did all the usual weight training machines. It's been a few weeks since I've utilized that part of the gym. The I interval training on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Running fast for a few mintues then walking slow, running fast again, walking slow, etc. I didn't pay attention to my mileage (odd for me,I know). One of the trainers recommended it to burn more fat then just running, he also said that it would build endurance and help increase speed. So, I'm hoping to work that into my schedule at least once a week. I was planning on doing Abs once I finished running, but honestly, I just forgot.
Despite not working on my abs today, I did notice they are looking better and flatter with my clothes on. Of course, without clothes they are a chunky jelly of a mess still but I think I'm seeing some slight improvement. . . I think.
Here is to a good active weekend, I am hoping to take my daughter's to dance tomorrow and get them signed up if it's not too expensive. Then spend time with the fam. Hopefully incorporate something active like riding bikes. I bought Mariyn a new bike lock tonight. We've been sharing mine. So she is excited :)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
It's only Weds.
It's only Weds and I've already worked out for about 8 hours this week. Kinda crazy, I know. But anything worth having is worth working for, right? And I can imagine it's going to feel so good, when this weight is gone.
Wondering where the exercise and time went? Here is the brief version:
Sunday: running 4.5 miles
Monday: Cycle + Running 4.5 miles
Tuesday: Body Pump + Cycle
Weds: Zumba + Cycle + Abs
I was at the gym for nearly 2.5 hours today. 2 one hour classes and 20-30 mintues of Ab work. I almost talked myself into skipping abs but then I remembered the way they look. Abs are a critical area and it's essential that I work on them so I did.
I'm planning on swimming laps tonight too, but I probably won't make it to the gym tomorrow. My great aunt passed away and I will be attending her memorial service. I suspect a lot of family will be in town and that the day will be full. I'm hoping to go to the gym early but if for some reason, I can't, I think I got enough exercise in to cover it.javascript:void(0)
My Tri is less than a month away. I'm getting more and more worried about how to pay for it all. Ahhh.. the good ol' money game. I'm hoping to book the hotel this weekend and register soon. I really want to do it but I don't want to go into debt over it either. So expensive to be active, I tell ya, so expensive. I'm not doing an event for the month of August just because I know the Tri is going to be costly. It will be worth it though.
I haven't swam in a couple weeks. We've been having major maintenance issues with our pool. It's a money pit at times. Thankfully it's up and running again now so expect to hear my swimming updates from me. :)
I noticed my blog is growing, slightly and I've got a few new readers who have commented. Welcome! I love new readers and I especially love comments. Keep them coming :) You'll notice I usually respond back to most comments. I'm one of those people who almost always has something to say. ha ha
Wondering where the exercise and time went? Here is the brief version:
Sunday: running 4.5 miles
Monday: Cycle + Running 4.5 miles
Tuesday: Body Pump + Cycle
Weds: Zumba + Cycle + Abs
I was at the gym for nearly 2.5 hours today. 2 one hour classes and 20-30 mintues of Ab work. I almost talked myself into skipping abs but then I remembered the way they look. Abs are a critical area and it's essential that I work on them so I did.
I'm planning on swimming laps tonight too, but I probably won't make it to the gym tomorrow. My great aunt passed away and I will be attending her memorial service. I suspect a lot of family will be in town and that the day will be full. I'm hoping to go to the gym early but if for some reason, I can't, I think I got enough exercise in to cover it.javascript:void(0)
My Tri is less than a month away. I'm getting more and more worried about how to pay for it all. Ahhh.. the good ol' money game. I'm hoping to book the hotel this weekend and register soon. I really want to do it but I don't want to go into debt over it either. So expensive to be active, I tell ya, so expensive. I'm not doing an event for the month of August just because I know the Tri is going to be costly. It will be worth it though.
I haven't swam in a couple weeks. We've been having major maintenance issues with our pool. It's a money pit at times. Thankfully it's up and running again now so expect to hear my swimming updates from me. :)
I noticed my blog is growing, slightly and I've got a few new readers who have commented. Welcome! I love new readers and I especially love comments. Keep them coming :) You'll notice I usually respond back to most comments. I'm one of those people who almost always has something to say. ha ha
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Weigh In 8/24
I ended up getting a good run in last night about 4.5 miles! Then this morning I got up and did body pump and cycle at the gym. There is a new pump teacher, I think it will take some getting used to. I was doing lunges and got the worst pain in my spin near where it meets my tailbone. It felt like fire, and twitching at the same time. Almost as if I was being electrocuted. So weird. Immediately I stopped and just put away my weights. It wasn't a muscular type pain so I'm thinking it was a pinching nerve. I've never felt anything like that before though. I still went on to do cycle but I was very cautious of my back.
Weigh in was good. Officially 193.2 on the trainer's scale. 1 pound down from last week. I cheated yesterday and did a pre-weigh in here at the house, I was 191.4. So I was hoping to keep that number today... yeah that didn't happen but I'm still celebrating the pound loss. I got to thinking, about healthy weight loss. I think I read that you could lose 1% of your body weight each week is a healthy amount. So really for me that would be less than 2 pounds a week. And, you know a loss is a loss all these 1 pound weeks add up. Sure I'd love a 3 pound week or two but soon enough, I'll be at my goal weight. It might not be when I expected it, but it will come.
Oh and it's official on the gym scale - I am now down 65 pounds from when I started October 5, 2009. :)
Weigh in was good. Officially 193.2 on the trainer's scale. 1 pound down from last week. I cheated yesterday and did a pre-weigh in here at the house, I was 191.4. So I was hoping to keep that number today... yeah that didn't happen but I'm still celebrating the pound loss. I got to thinking, about healthy weight loss. I think I read that you could lose 1% of your body weight each week is a healthy amount. So really for me that would be less than 2 pounds a week. And, you know a loss is a loss all these 1 pound weeks add up. Sure I'd love a 3 pound week or two but soon enough, I'll be at my goal weight. It might not be when I expected it, but it will come.
Oh and it's official on the gym scale - I am now down 65 pounds from when I started October 5, 2009. :)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Weekend +
Rich was gone hunting for the weekend. So you know what they say, when the cat is away the mice will play. I soaked up as much mommy daughter time as I could. The girls and I spent an enjoyable weekend getting out of the house. Friday night, we went to my friends softball game. I love softball and I love watching softball. I love being out at the ballpark and even more, I love playing. I really miss playing and hope to play again, soon. It's incredibly hard to go watch a game, even though I enjoy it, I WANT to play. Both my girls had a great time running around the park, playing with the other kids. We ate out Friday night before the game. We don't have too many options when it comes to resteraunts in my town, so I totally take advantage when I go somewhere. I had Greek food (Gyros, Rice and Salad) and the girls wanted Panda Express. After the game, I splurged and got frozen yogurt. So yummy it feels incredibly sinful for a dieter, but it's not. Oh how I love froyo!
Saturday the girls and I visited my younger sister. We were suppossed to go to my nephews football game, but just didn't make it in time. The girls and I played at a park near my sisters house. It brought back so many good childhood memories because I also grew up in the same neighborhood as my sister now lives. I spent 8 + years pracitcing softball at the park. So many other good memories too. It was kinda of neat watching my girls play and enjoy their time there.
At night I was feeling lonely and was trying to figure out what to do. My friend mentioned on facebook she was going to church, so I figured, why not? The girls wanted to go, so we loaded up and took off. Once I got there, my friend texted me that she wasn't going after all but I was already in the parking lot and figured God must really want me here tonight. So I went in. The message was great, a few parts really hit home and gave me something things to think about. After church, we headed to my older sister's house we were going to eat dinner over there. Amelia had been asking to see her cousin all day. It was really cute. On my way there, I drove by a Marie Calendars and stopped in. Lemon Merage Pie is only $6.99 this month. I just had to get one, I figured I'd share it with my sister and her family. Yeah I know pie on a diet, right? I really think it's ok to splurge every once in a while. It's helped me feel far less resentful and remain focused. Before I would have stopped and got the pie, hid it in my car and taken it home to be eaten mostly by myself. This time, I took it to my sisters, shared it will 6 other people and left the remaining pie there. I do have to admit though, I ate 2 pieces. My sister served me one and I ate it all. Amelia didn't end up eating hers, she was more intersted in playing and so I ate it. :X I normally don't give into seconds. It ws incredibly delicious though.
I ate so much delicious food this weekend that Sunday night I went for a run. Zumara and I ran about 4.5 miles. My knees have been bothering me a little bit lately. I've always had bad knees but the pain comes and it goes in cycles. Lately I've been able to feel them a lot more, probably because I've been running a lot more. Zumara called and asked if I wanted to run. I'm so glad we've become friends. I've had many people say, we should run together but they are never as dedicated to it as I am. They fall through and it never really works out. Zumara and I are equally dedicated to running and it seems to work out really well for both of us. On nights, she needs a push I'm there and vice versa.
I did cycle at the gym this morning. Dana's monday class. 62 mintues of cardio + cool down. Her Monday class is usually the most intense. She really pushes you to do your best and ride hard every time. I am going to try to make this part of my regular routine, as long as I am not working. My goal is to increase my running after cycle in preparation for the tahoe triathlon. It's less than a month away now. I didn't run today because I ran so late last night but in the future I will. I didn't want to injure myself today by doing too much. So I did an ab workout. Spent about 20 mintues just focusing on my abs. They are the slowest part of my body to show change. I did 300 crunches total. 100 x right obliques 100 x left obliques and 100 x center plus 50 leg extensions to focus on my lower abs. I would really like to see some more change in my stomach. I'd say from my naval to my hips is my problem area. I could really deal with my hips if my stomach looked better. But I've come along way. I still remember the first time I was told to suck in my abs, I couldn't feel them, let alone do a sit up. So I'm greatful for progress even if it is slow moving.
Oddly enough, even though I splurged so much this weekend. I'm looking forward to weigh in tomorrow. Rich said when he came home that I look skinnier, so I'm hoping he is right :)
Saturday the girls and I visited my younger sister. We were suppossed to go to my nephews football game, but just didn't make it in time. The girls and I played at a park near my sisters house. It brought back so many good childhood memories because I also grew up in the same neighborhood as my sister now lives. I spent 8 + years pracitcing softball at the park. So many other good memories too. It was kinda of neat watching my girls play and enjoy their time there.
At night I was feeling lonely and was trying to figure out what to do. My friend mentioned on facebook she was going to church, so I figured, why not? The girls wanted to go, so we loaded up and took off. Once I got there, my friend texted me that she wasn't going after all but I was already in the parking lot and figured God must really want me here tonight. So I went in. The message was great, a few parts really hit home and gave me something things to think about. After church, we headed to my older sister's house we were going to eat dinner over there. Amelia had been asking to see her cousin all day. It was really cute. On my way there, I drove by a Marie Calendars and stopped in. Lemon Merage Pie is only $6.99 this month. I just had to get one, I figured I'd share it with my sister and her family. Yeah I know pie on a diet, right? I really think it's ok to splurge every once in a while. It's helped me feel far less resentful and remain focused. Before I would have stopped and got the pie, hid it in my car and taken it home to be eaten mostly by myself. This time, I took it to my sisters, shared it will 6 other people and left the remaining pie there. I do have to admit though, I ate 2 pieces. My sister served me one and I ate it all. Amelia didn't end up eating hers, she was more intersted in playing and so I ate it. :X I normally don't give into seconds. It ws incredibly delicious though.
I ate so much delicious food this weekend that Sunday night I went for a run. Zumara and I ran about 4.5 miles. My knees have been bothering me a little bit lately. I've always had bad knees but the pain comes and it goes in cycles. Lately I've been able to feel them a lot more, probably because I've been running a lot more. Zumara called and asked if I wanted to run. I'm so glad we've become friends. I've had many people say, we should run together but they are never as dedicated to it as I am. They fall through and it never really works out. Zumara and I are equally dedicated to running and it seems to work out really well for both of us. On nights, she needs a push I'm there and vice versa.
I did cycle at the gym this morning. Dana's monday class. 62 mintues of cardio + cool down. Her Monday class is usually the most intense. She really pushes you to do your best and ride hard every time. I am going to try to make this part of my regular routine, as long as I am not working. My goal is to increase my running after cycle in preparation for the tahoe triathlon. It's less than a month away now. I didn't run today because I ran so late last night but in the future I will. I didn't want to injure myself today by doing too much. So I did an ab workout. Spent about 20 mintues just focusing on my abs. They are the slowest part of my body to show change. I did 300 crunches total. 100 x right obliques 100 x left obliques and 100 x center plus 50 leg extensions to focus on my lower abs. I would really like to see some more change in my stomach. I'd say from my naval to my hips is my problem area. I could really deal with my hips if my stomach looked better. But I've come along way. I still remember the first time I was told to suck in my abs, I couldn't feel them, let alone do a sit up. So I'm greatful for progress even if it is slow moving.
Oddly enough, even though I splurged so much this weekend. I'm looking forward to weigh in tomorrow. Rich said when he came home that I look skinnier, so I'm hoping he is right :)
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