After a flight delay of 3 hours, I have made it to Orlando just fine. Airport and resort food is not healthy, I warn you now.
Tonight while sprinting to get our bags before the bellhop knocked on our door and woke sleeping parents, I finally understood the idea of running slower or faster. It's something I've been pondering recently because I've only ever felt I could run, or walk. But. Tonight I was in a run, and then we ran faster. It was quite refreshing too, not easily managed at 77% humidity and 72 degrees at midnight. I'm vaguely considering doing a morning sprint every day while here so I can start my day right. I'll see how I feel about it in the morning when I'm up in the middle of my body clock's night.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wednesday Weigh-in
Today's Weight: 10.3
Difference: +0.8
Total Difference: -0.9
------
The last two days haven't been good. There was a loud thud as I scooched my ass of the wagon and just sat in the dirt instead of standing back up. I'm not sure whats going on. Been somewhat down, think it may just be a depressive cycle. I have been looking forward to working out, and had a mini-meltdown when being trapped on the phone for 2.5 hours made it impossible to go to the gym like I had planned. I ended up going after my evening out shopping with my parents, and to find out it was 'bring yuor family and friends for free today' so it was packed, and I've never worked out in such a large setting before.
I also know I'm feeling a little blue that at 8 weeks I'm not seeing any progress. I'm trying to ignore it but damn, do I wish I could see more results for all my effort.
my Mom insists you can see a difference in me, but never answered directly when I asked what difference there was.
I have no intention of giving up. I have this determination to keep going. As the posters say, a year from now I'll wish I had started today. So I've started my year.
Picture time:
I now look like the before picture again, at a slightly higher weight. I look forward to being the after pictures again. [and of course, beyond]
Difference: +0.8
Total Difference: -0.9
------
The last two days haven't been good. There was a loud thud as I scooched my ass of the wagon and just sat in the dirt instead of standing back up. I'm not sure whats going on. Been somewhat down, think it may just be a depressive cycle. I have been looking forward to working out, and had a mini-meltdown when being trapped on the phone for 2.5 hours made it impossible to go to the gym like I had planned. I ended up going after my evening out shopping with my parents, and to find out it was 'bring yuor family and friends for free today' so it was packed, and I've never worked out in such a large setting before.
I also know I'm feeling a little blue that at 8 weeks I'm not seeing any progress. I'm trying to ignore it but damn, do I wish I could see more results for all my effort.
my Mom insists you can see a difference in me, but never answered directly when I asked what difference there was.
I have no intention of giving up. I have this determination to keep going. As the posters say, a year from now I'll wish I had started today. So I've started my year.
Picture time:
Monday, January 30, 2012
Fit Test
I decided as a way for me to see progress [or not] at the end of each month to try out bodyrock's fit test, as seen here.
Today's scores:
Squat Jump 36 [27 modified, 9 real]
Push Ups [girl] 22
Burpees 13
High Knees 34 ea
Switch Lunges [modified]21
Tuck Jumps 21
Straight Abs [modified] 20
Yeesh I hope those numbers change
I also decided to see how I'm coming along on my goal to do a one minute plank again, and I went 25 seconds before pushing into down dog for a second, again at 45 seconds, and a third time at 6 seconds. So, a little ways off. I haven't been practicing a simple plank lately, and I now see I should.
Time to go sweat with Jillian.
Today's scores:
Squat Jump 36 [27 modified, 9 real]
Push Ups [girl] 22
Burpees 13
High Knees 34 ea
Switch Lunges [modified]21
Tuck Jumps 21
Straight Abs [modified] 20
Yeesh I hope those numbers change
I also decided to see how I'm coming along on my goal to do a one minute plank again, and I went 25 seconds before pushing into down dog for a second, again at 45 seconds, and a third time at 6 seconds. So, a little ways off. I haven't been practicing a simple plank lately, and I now see I should.
Time to go sweat with Jillian.
Smoke signals
It's funny, but I quit smoking by accident. As much as I have been into getting healthier, quitting wasn't something I was concerned with. Whole that seems the ultimate in backwards, but I have never been physically dependent.
I had 'quit' once before, at the height of my initial fitness kick when I found out about my cholesterol. Being around the smokers in my life around that time made me ill. Couldn't stand it, really, and I have always loved the smell. My grandmother smoked, I'm sure that's why. (but then, she didn't smoke weed and I like its smell. Don't look at me like that, my high school years were at public school) I don't remember when I started smoking regularly, just that I was a bit seasoned by the time I could legally purchase them. I may have smoked steadily for a few years, but it wasn't addiction. It was habit. A habit in the car, around those who smoked, but I often went days without one, without thinking about it. You see, my mother hates smoking. It contributed to my grandmothers death. At my home, I had to smoke on the front porch, though I think it qualifies as a stoop it's small, and before the backyard reclamation, the only place to go to smoke if I wanted one while at home. I found this too inconvenient, and my mother complained loudly anytime she came home and the porch smelled of smoke.
I eventually went back to smoking because of my knees and lack of exercise. Not to mention, I was often in two other households that smoked indoors (at the time) and the habit was already there.
Zoom to late spring-early summer of '11, where one household has moved to a permanent place of residence, and the fiancées mother forbade smoking inside. I think somewhere in there, I started smoking less. I didn't notice until August that I wasn't smoking anymore. When I did, I tried to start again, but weirdly, it hurt. I made a few attempts to start again, and each time it was like my lungs had never seen smoke. It hurt. I was quite miffed at this, because even though my body rejected it, certain actions that usually called for a cigarette made me long for one. In all this time, I cannot rid myself of the need to smoke whole doing certain things or being in certain places
Even after my nose became sensitive to smoke and I couldn't stand the smell of my fiancée after he smoked, or how going to my friends house which reeks of cigarettes now gives me headaches to be in for long, I still do something and think,'I need a smoke. '
The fiancée has quit, but only because it's an expensive habit. We are saving for many things right now, and he decided to quit. His quitting phase was hard, since I craved them being around his need for them.
I hope, one day , this is gone. Its very annoying.
I had 'quit' once before, at the height of my initial fitness kick when I found out about my cholesterol. Being around the smokers in my life around that time made me ill. Couldn't stand it, really, and I have always loved the smell. My grandmother smoked, I'm sure that's why. (but then, she didn't smoke weed and I like its smell. Don't look at me like that, my high school years were at public school) I don't remember when I started smoking regularly, just that I was a bit seasoned by the time I could legally purchase them. I may have smoked steadily for a few years, but it wasn't addiction. It was habit. A habit in the car, around those who smoked, but I often went days without one, without thinking about it. You see, my mother hates smoking. It contributed to my grandmothers death. At my home, I had to smoke on the front porch, though I think it qualifies as a stoop it's small, and before the backyard reclamation, the only place to go to smoke if I wanted one while at home. I found this too inconvenient, and my mother complained loudly anytime she came home and the porch smelled of smoke.
I eventually went back to smoking because of my knees and lack of exercise. Not to mention, I was often in two other households that smoked indoors (at the time) and the habit was already there.
Zoom to late spring-early summer of '11, where one household has moved to a permanent place of residence, and the fiancées mother forbade smoking inside. I think somewhere in there, I started smoking less. I didn't notice until August that I wasn't smoking anymore. When I did, I tried to start again, but weirdly, it hurt. I made a few attempts to start again, and each time it was like my lungs had never seen smoke. It hurt. I was quite miffed at this, because even though my body rejected it, certain actions that usually called for a cigarette made me long for one. In all this time, I cannot rid myself of the need to smoke whole doing certain things or being in certain places
Even after my nose became sensitive to smoke and I couldn't stand the smell of my fiancée after he smoked, or how going to my friends house which reeks of cigarettes now gives me headaches to be in for long, I still do something and think,'I need a smoke. '
The fiancée has quit, but only because it's an expensive habit. We are saving for many things right now, and he decided to quit. His quitting phase was hard, since I craved them being around his need for them.
I hope, one day , this is gone. Its very annoying.
Friday, January 27, 2012
they should write a play called hormones
Hormones are making me moody. While my logical part knows weight loss takes forever, the rest of me is pissy about numbers staying the same everyday for 4 days. Last two days my water intake sucked but for some reason I've been craving carbonation. I have yet to decide if today should be a rest day, I still don't know if I should be taking 2 rest days or just one. My Sunday is going to be active, and I plan on working out tomorrow too, so I could get away with not working out today, except that I'll feel guilty about it. I think I will do my bob abs and quick cardio. Short and different.
So after a few weeks of observation, I've decided to stop eating canned soup for breakfast. The sodium, even in reduced sodium soups, is too high. Plus, Alton Brown [a hero of mine, I love how he teaches cooking] put it on the no-no list. Of course, the several times a week list has oily fish on it and I hate oily fish.
So I will once again be consuming oatmeal in the mornings. I need find low cal ways to jazz it up since Nutella may be yummy but not low in calories. They say repeating meals makes life easier, and doing soup certainly did help. Except that sodium thing.
I really am enjoying my heart monitor, it's really helping me see which of my workouts are burning more calories, and which are better for strength and toning. In fact, the yoga dvd I was planning on using during my shred month is good for just that. While doing it and using the HRM earlier this week, I found that the watch kept beeping because my heart rate was hovering at the edge between the fat/fitness zone and I have the settings so that it beeps at me so I know I've transitioned. It got quite annoying.
I recently downloaded this yoga app for use in Florida, it's really awesome. Think I'll use it next month too when I'm away from home.
Oh and last night we ordered this swimsuit for Florida, hope it doesn't make me feel too self conscious.
This looks like an awesome workout.
hmm how else can I put off packing for the weekend....?
Have a good weekend everyone.
So after a few weeks of observation, I've decided to stop eating canned soup for breakfast. The sodium, even in reduced sodium soups, is too high. Plus, Alton Brown [a hero of mine, I love how he teaches cooking] put it on the no-no list. Of course, the several times a week list has oily fish on it and I hate oily fish.
So I will once again be consuming oatmeal in the mornings. I need find low cal ways to jazz it up since Nutella may be yummy but not low in calories. They say repeating meals makes life easier, and doing soup certainly did help. Except that sodium thing.
I really am enjoying my heart monitor, it's really helping me see which of my workouts are burning more calories, and which are better for strength and toning. In fact, the yoga dvd I was planning on using during my shred month is good for just that. While doing it and using the HRM earlier this week, I found that the watch kept beeping because my heart rate was hovering at the edge between the fat/fitness zone and I have the settings so that it beeps at me so I know I've transitioned. It got quite annoying.
I recently downloaded this yoga app for use in Florida, it's really awesome. Think I'll use it next month too when I'm away from home.
Oh and last night we ordered this swimsuit for Florida, hope it doesn't make me feel too self conscious.
This looks like an awesome workout.
hmm how else can I put off packing for the weekend....?
Have a good weekend everyone.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday Weigh-In
Today's Weight: 209.5
Difference: -1.1
Total difference: 1.7
-------------
To quote Bridget, I'm feeling pretty low. Sunday I had dipped to 208.5, was so excited about seeing some number really moving, but the next day it shot back up and I couldn't seem to exercise it back off :|
7 weeks, no results, so I know I must be doing something wrong. I haven't figured it out yet, and since my diet needs to be strict now that my cholesterol is back up, I don't know how I'm screwing it up but I am. Not only have I not lost weight [since those numbers are normal flux], I've gained some inches in my stomach and hips.
By the 6 month mark I think I will go to my doctor with my records [I keep written records of my exercise and eating habits/calorie intake] and see where to go from there.
Also, not only is it that time of the month, but I have wisdom teeth moving and blahhhhhh may I please go to bed?
Difference: -1.1
Total difference: 1.7
-------------
To quote Bridget, I'm feeling pretty low. Sunday I had dipped to 208.5, was so excited about seeing some number really moving, but the next day it shot back up and I couldn't seem to exercise it back off :|
7 weeks, no results, so I know I must be doing something wrong. I haven't figured it out yet, and since my diet needs to be strict now that my cholesterol is back up, I don't know how I'm screwing it up but I am. Not only have I not lost weight [since those numbers are normal flux], I've gained some inches in my stomach and hips.
By the 6 month mark I think I will go to my doctor with my records [I keep written records of my exercise and eating habits/calorie intake] and see where to go from there.
Also, not only is it that time of the month, but I have wisdom teeth moving and blahhhhhh may I please go to bed?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Join Me! Details
Hi there! If you're someone who here because they're interested in joining my challenge of completing Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred, here's a few things to know.
First off, you'll need the dvd or similar [netflix, etc]
The program has 3 levels, and it is my goal to complete 10 days of each level. It is also my goal to attempt to only do the modification moves for the first 5 days of each level before challenging myself to advance. I will post a summary at the end of each segment, and a cumulative report within 3 days of completing the program.
I will also be posting before and after pictures. The only supplemental exercise I will be doing is 30 minute walks [which is done in support of my mother, so that won't stop], and yoga 3 times a week, because my practice is a great source of much needed anxiety release.
To any and all who are participating, please contact me and let me know you've joined in! At the end of 30 days, for those who would like, they can either guest post their results or just have their results posted in a list with others.
I will be starting February 12 and ending March 13. [yes the dates are off by a day in the invite]
It will be hard, but it's always fun to see a challenge through to see what you're capable of!
Feel free to pin and tumbl my invitation :) Just link back to me.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Ridicoulously Excited
I hate working out, mmkay? I almost never get that nice endorphin rush everyone talks about. I've charged my fiancee with helping push my butt to exercise when I'm lagging, and when he does it as the sweetheart he is... I whine, argue, pout, and have on occasion even kicked my feet tantrum style.
So someone please, explain to me, why I cannot wait to start my Shred month and kettlebell month? I'm freaking giddy about it, I want it to be here already! I'm not bored with my yoga, in fact I'm pleased as punch that my endurance and strength has returned to what it used to be. Last week, in fact, I was proud that I made it through both Yoga for the Warrior, and Yoga Meltdown without pausing. It happened all at once, because about 3 or 4 days earlier, I was still needing to pause so I could sip some water, or occasionally needed 5 seconds rest. While my chaturangas have gotten pretty in the last few weeks, making it through these dvds made me feel maybe I haven't been totally failing at my exercise.
No, I'm happy with my current rotation of yoga, my muscles feel it repeatedly. I keep thinking,maybe I'm secretly hoping the 30 day shred will blast fat, but I can't tell. All the B&A's I've seen, most people tone up, not so much drop weight. I do know, I am worried that only doing 30 minutes a day will be an inadequate amount of exercise. Eek! I will still be walking in the mornings so perhaps it will be enough. [I'm also playing around with the idea of still doing yoga 3 times a week since I love my yoga practice]
But I've been looking around for a few days, and I keep finding new exercise routines I want to try. I keep wanting to add a second 30-day shred, but doing a 2 times a day variety.... heheh I think I've just been inspired.
I know on Friday I found my determination. Reading this made it kind of click for me. Also a good read [and makes me excited to start running] is this guest post.
Today was the first time using my new Polar HRM while exercising. I had it by Friday night, and exercised on Saturday morning but hadn't set everything up. Strangely, doing my Yoga for the Warrior today I did not sweat, nor did my heart pound as it has before. The sweat makes some sense to me, it's cold and raining. My heart rate, not so much. But I still burned more calories than I thought I was, I've been under-calculating on my livestrong. And it was so neato, scrolling through my workout summary, it tells you how many minutes you spent in your 'fat-burning' zone, and in a fitness zone. I know some feel the 'fat-burning' zone is bunk, but hell, I'll still use it. Because I'm a dork, I did not know that HRM s had sensors you attach to your chest. For some reason I was under the impression they could read them from your wrist. So you can imagine how leery I was to wet something, strap it to my chest, and then attach an electronic device to said strap so close TO MY HEART. I admit, I was mildly terrified I might get electrified. It was not a sane assessment, but one I had none-the-less. In the end, other than the occasional scratching and digging in random places on my chest, I forgot it was there. [I checked the face way too often because I had fun seeing my numbers] The only unforeseen drawback to my HRM is that to transfer my files to the computer... I need a separate piece of equipment to hook into your computer, sold seperately, which costs nearly as much as the HRM itself. I won't be paying for it, so I will manually copy them.
So back in 09, I gave myself 2 30-day challenges. The first was right before I learned my cholesterol was high, and had my doctor bully and scold me about it, telling me I was a candidate for a a heart attack and/or a stroke at any moment because it was so high, and I was so young. This challenge was to not repeat an outfit for 30 days. I had fun, and did it again 7 months later, when I had lost roughly 30 lbs. I'm contemplating doing another one, but I think it may be a bit much to do one at the same time of the shred, but my style blog has been sorely neglected. Something to ponder.
Well off to rest before I do Yoga Meltdown [to find out my HR of course :P]
So someone please, explain to me, why I cannot wait to start my Shred month and kettlebell month? I'm freaking giddy about it, I want it to be here already! I'm not bored with my yoga, in fact I'm pleased as punch that my endurance and strength has returned to what it used to be. Last week, in fact, I was proud that I made it through both Yoga for the Warrior, and Yoga Meltdown without pausing. It happened all at once, because about 3 or 4 days earlier, I was still needing to pause so I could sip some water, or occasionally needed 5 seconds rest. While my chaturangas have gotten pretty in the last few weeks, making it through these dvds made me feel maybe I haven't been totally failing at my exercise.
No, I'm happy with my current rotation of yoga, my muscles feel it repeatedly. I keep thinking,maybe I'm secretly hoping the 30 day shred will blast fat, but I can't tell. All the B&A's I've seen, most people tone up, not so much drop weight. I do know, I am worried that only doing 30 minutes a day will be an inadequate amount of exercise. Eek! I will still be walking in the mornings so perhaps it will be enough. [I'm also playing around with the idea of still doing yoga 3 times a week since I love my yoga practice]
But I've been looking around for a few days, and I keep finding new exercise routines I want to try. I keep wanting to add a second 30-day shred, but doing a 2 times a day variety.... heheh I think I've just been inspired.
I know on Friday I found my determination. Reading this made it kind of click for me. Also a good read [and makes me excited to start running] is this guest post.
Today was the first time using my new Polar HRM while exercising. I had it by Friday night, and exercised on Saturday morning but hadn't set everything up. Strangely, doing my Yoga for the Warrior today I did not sweat, nor did my heart pound as it has before. The sweat makes some sense to me, it's cold and raining. My heart rate, not so much. But I still burned more calories than I thought I was, I've been under-calculating on my livestrong. And it was so neato, scrolling through my workout summary, it tells you how many minutes you spent in your 'fat-burning' zone, and in a fitness zone. I know some feel the 'fat-burning' zone is bunk, but hell, I'll still use it. Because I'm a dork, I did not know that HRM s had sensors you attach to your chest. For some reason I was under the impression they could read them from your wrist. So you can imagine how leery I was to wet something, strap it to my chest, and then attach an electronic device to said strap so close TO MY HEART. I admit, I was mildly terrified I might get electrified. It was not a sane assessment, but one I had none-the-less. In the end, other than the occasional scratching and digging in random places on my chest, I forgot it was there. [I checked the face way too often because I had fun seeing my numbers] The only unforeseen drawback to my HRM is that to transfer my files to the computer... I need a separate piece of equipment to hook into your computer, sold seperately, which costs nearly as much as the HRM itself. I won't be paying for it, so I will manually copy them.
So back in 09, I gave myself 2 30-day challenges. The first was right before I learned my cholesterol was high, and had my doctor bully and scold me about it, telling me I was a candidate for a a heart attack and/or a stroke at any moment because it was so high, and I was so young. This challenge was to not repeat an outfit for 30 days. I had fun, and did it again 7 months later, when I had lost roughly 30 lbs. I'm contemplating doing another one, but I think it may be a bit much to do one at the same time of the shred, but my style blog has been sorely neglected. Something to ponder.
Well off to rest before I do Yoga Meltdown [to find out my HR of course :P]
Friday, January 20, 2012
Not Much
Not too much to say today. Last night was one of those nights that saw me scratching another thing off of my 'I never thought that would happen' list: My mother and I went bathing suit shopping together. As in picking out swimsuits for each other, trying them on in the same changing room, and exchanging them to see how they looked on each other. My mom was never one for swim suits when she was heavier, and I just can't give a damn about how disgusting other find me in bathing suits. And while Target had nothing available in the miniscule plus size department, some of the xl's in the regular bathing suit sections seemed to work. Mom found something, she looked adorable in it. I didn't, so I think I'm going to dig around in the closet for the bathing suit I took to Tennessee in 2010.
I've found a few books about running that I'm having to remind myself to wait to buy, since I don't plan to start trying to run until mid April, hopefully I may have dropped a few pounds enough tha I can avoid doing damage to my knees.
Anyone out there have book suggestions? These are the two I've found and liked so far, Kara Goucher's Running for Women & Runner's World Complete Guide to Women's Running.
Oh and how neato is this?
One more addendum to my upcoming 30-Day Shred Challenge: I'm going to try to finally fully quit diet soda once and for all. 30 days, no soda. Tea, water, milk.
I've found a few books about running that I'm having to remind myself to wait to buy, since I don't plan to start trying to run until mid April, hopefully I may have dropped a few pounds enough tha I can avoid doing damage to my knees.
Anyone out there have book suggestions? These are the two I've found and liked so far, Kara Goucher's Running for Women & Runner's World Complete Guide to Women's Running.
Oh and how neato is this?
One more addendum to my upcoming 30-Day Shred Challenge: I'm going to try to finally fully quit diet soda once and for all. 30 days, no soda. Tea, water, milk.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Smile Darn Ya
Taking yesterday [mostly] off was a good idea. I definitely feel like I can exercise without tearing muscles today :D I also needed the mental downtime. Did do Bob's 15 minute abs because I still wanted to raise my heart rate a little for the day, and I tried out my new stability ball for a few moves. That thing I think will definitely be useful for toning and sweat-meter.
I have decided that after my month of 30- Day Shred I will be doing a rotation of Jillian Michaels' Shred-it with Weights, Bob Harper's Kettle-bell Cardio Shred, and Bob Harper's Total Body Transformation. I may also sneak in a few times of the TBT before Florida as a way to apologize to my body for any wrongdoing I do while at the second happiest place on earth. [I'm a Disneyland loyalist].
I've done the kettle bell dvds before, I liked them. Doing even just 25 minutes with Jillian always felt like a great workout. There were maneuvers I never mastered, like the squat, jump-rotate, squat, jump-rotate, squat.... That always killed me. After 4 weeks of that I will decide how to shake up the work out routine. I think planning 10 weeks in advance is enough for now.
Speaking of my 30-day Shred month, I would like to invite any of those who read or stumble upon this blog to join me. Start date is Feb 11, end is Mar 12. As part of my review/ self-inspiration, I shall take a picture Day 1 and Day 30. Well, and post it :P I have no expectations, other than it will make me sweaty and sore and that I will curse at the TV.
So I have a few recipes I've stumbled on recently I thought I'd share.
Cajun Chicken Linguine Alfredo
Quinoa Risotto
Rosemary Garlic Chickpea Soup
Brussles Sprouts With Garlic and Cumin
I have decided that after my month of 30- Day Shred I will be doing a rotation of Jillian Michaels' Shred-it with Weights, Bob Harper's Kettle-bell Cardio Shred, and Bob Harper's Total Body Transformation. I may also sneak in a few times of the TBT before Florida as a way to apologize to my body for any wrongdoing I do while at the second happiest place on earth. [I'm a Disneyland loyalist].
I've done the kettle bell dvds before, I liked them. Doing even just 25 minutes with Jillian always felt like a great workout. There were maneuvers I never mastered, like the squat, jump-rotate, squat, jump-rotate, squat.... That always killed me. After 4 weeks of that I will decide how to shake up the work out routine. I think planning 10 weeks in advance is enough for now.
Speaking of my 30-day Shred month, I would like to invite any of those who read or stumble upon this blog to join me. Start date is Feb 11, end is Mar 12. As part of my review/ self-inspiration, I shall take a picture Day 1 and Day 30. Well, and post it :P I have no expectations, other than it will make me sweaty and sore and that I will curse at the TV.
So I have a few recipes I've stumbled on recently I thought I'd share.
Cajun Chicken Linguine Alfredo
Quinoa Risotto
Rosemary Garlic Chickpea Soup
Brussles Sprouts With Garlic and Cumin
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