Oh boy, I sure did!!
At first I planned to do an entire hour of cardio on the elliptical trainer, but if I were to do that I knew I would have to back off on the intensity I generally like to do. And of course I didn't - it really almost feels impossible for me to take it easy. So I did 45 minutes of cardio. I already forget what my average heart rate was. I started off with the machine's interval program, but it's high intensity is not going FASTER which is what I like to do, but makes it harder to do. Ugh, so I go slow because its hard. I much prefer my way which I switched to after the first 17 minutes. Generally I'm in the 130 +/-5 strides per minute range - when I kick up to my own high intensity, I'm in the 160's, maybe 170 and I feel like I'm zooming!! and my machine makes more noise then, and if people were to glimpse at me they would really think I'm tough. Ha! I do this for 90-120 seconds, my hearit rate is way up at this point and then I wait for my HR to return to under 140, I wait a minute and then I do the whole thing again, usually takes about 4 minutes. So.... that's what I like to do on the elliptical trainer.
Then I did a full body strength training workout. Let's see, for all these exercises I did 2 sets of 10-15 reps. I did 3 different chest exercises, 3 different back exercises, 4 different leg exercises, 2 different Ab exercises, 2 different bicep, tricep and shoulder exercises... and I think that's it. I rock! I really like weights... I mix it up, some machines, some dumbbells, some stretch bands and some plate machines... for instance I like dumbbells for biceps and shoulders - not machines. I like machines for legs - I don't mind holding dumb bells for lunges and squats. I generally don't use machines for Ab work (but I did try one today and I did like it) but the whole point with weights is to mix it up. and I do. I should next work out with weights Friday or Saturday. We'll see.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Blah's rule
I didn't bother working out today. I should have. My mood was shit and I took a nap instead of going to the gym. I'm lame, I know it.
At least my appetite is WAY down on days I don't work out - that's a plus.
I'll make up for it tomorrow and aim for an hour of cardio.
At least my appetite is WAY down on days I don't work out - that's a plus.
I'll make up for it tomorrow and aim for an hour of cardio.
Monday Blahs
Yes, today is a blah day and I'm just not in a very good mood. I totally know that exercise will help my mood but for right now at this moment I don't care! I guess you could say I'm choosing to feel this way.
Yesterday I went to the gym with the kids after looking up on the website to be sure that the Youth Room is open (and what hours) I get there, and it's closed. I try to be nice and let the girls know who work there that the website says something else. AND ONE OF THEM TRIES TO ARGUE WITH ME THAT NO IT DOESN'T. I was sooooo not in the mood for her responding like that I just walked away.
So I get back home about 10 minutes after I left, and I did my own self-edited Jane Fonda aerobics video, the same I did last Sunday, that is 28 minutes long and my HR averaged something in the 130's. And then I tried out a program on Fitness TV which is available on Comcast OnDemand. I picked a a beginner Pilates program. and OMG! It was hard, I could hold and maintain the movements for about 80% of what was asked for in the video. It definitely was not an areobic video, and I'm not particularly sore from using little used muscles. I'll probably try a more regular areobic dance routine next time.
Today though.. ugh... I'll get myelf to the gym, I'll aim for 60 minutes of cardio today... and I'll get there in about 2 hours. I will make sure I do. Originally I wanted to do a strength training workout as well. But that can wait until tomorrow - Tuesday, which should become my plan anyhow, when classes get started next week, I won't have much time for exercise on Mondays anyhow. Class from 9-3, then Matthew at his group from 4-6. Yuck. Monday's won't be fun days for me.
Yesterday I went to the gym with the kids after looking up on the website to be sure that the Youth Room is open (and what hours) I get there, and it's closed. I try to be nice and let the girls know who work there that the website says something else. AND ONE OF THEM TRIES TO ARGUE WITH ME THAT NO IT DOESN'T. I was sooooo not in the mood for her responding like that I just walked away.
So I get back home about 10 minutes after I left, and I did my own self-edited Jane Fonda aerobics video, the same I did last Sunday, that is 28 minutes long and my HR averaged something in the 130's. And then I tried out a program on Fitness TV which is available on Comcast OnDemand. I picked a a beginner Pilates program. and OMG! It was hard, I could hold and maintain the movements for about 80% of what was asked for in the video. It definitely was not an areobic video, and I'm not particularly sore from using little used muscles. I'll probably try a more regular areobic dance routine next time.
Today though.. ugh... I'll get myelf to the gym, I'll aim for 60 minutes of cardio today... and I'll get there in about 2 hours. I will make sure I do. Originally I wanted to do a strength training workout as well. But that can wait until tomorrow - Tuesday, which should become my plan anyhow, when classes get started next week, I won't have much time for exercise on Mondays anyhow. Class from 9-3, then Matthew at his group from 4-6. Yuck. Monday's won't be fun days for me.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Radnor Hiking
Yay! It has been my plan for nearly a week now, to get back to Radnor Lake and hike both ridge trails. And I did it! It was 4.5 miles. Way To Go Me!
I had a friend on Facebook who RSVP'd to the Nashville Hiking Meetup group for this SAME hike the same day I already planned this for myself. I simply made sure I got there before 9am and I joined this group!
Both of these ridges take about 2 hours to do, we did it in 1 hour and 53 minutes (and my AHR was 144 btw). It felt FREAKIN' GREAT to be out there. When I left the house it was 25 out, quite chilly. But really, that is just the greatest temp to be out hiking. You get warm and you don't even notice the temp. Of course the slightest bit of wind is felt - and THAT makes things cold. There really wasn't any wind for us this morning and with the sun shining, it felt great.
Just like last week towards the end I can feel it in my hip flexors and whatever that is that runs along the outside of my thighs...
Next week I will join this same group but I won't have time to do all that they do. No biggie, several people had to cut it short this time around just as I will have to do when classes start. I figure depending on how much time I actually have, I would like to walk UP the western side of the South Ridge Trail. At least once, maybe twice... just march on UP, walk down and repeat. this is to really focus on the hard part. I'll see how much time I have and how long it takes. And heck, I was even thinking about doing this group hike in the morning, going to class and then that afternoon doing another hike. We'll see.... I'm probably aiming too high and thinking of doing TOO much. So, we'll see...
I had a friend on Facebook who RSVP'd to the Nashville Hiking Meetup group for this SAME hike the same day I already planned this for myself. I simply made sure I got there before 9am and I joined this group!
Both of these ridges take about 2 hours to do, we did it in 1 hour and 53 minutes (and my AHR was 144 btw). It felt FREAKIN' GREAT to be out there. When I left the house it was 25 out, quite chilly. But really, that is just the greatest temp to be out hiking. You get warm and you don't even notice the temp. Of course the slightest bit of wind is felt - and THAT makes things cold. There really wasn't any wind for us this morning and with the sun shining, it felt great.
Just like last week towards the end I can feel it in my hip flexors and whatever that is that runs along the outside of my thighs...
Next week I will join this same group but I won't have time to do all that they do. No biggie, several people had to cut it short this time around just as I will have to do when classes start. I figure depending on how much time I actually have, I would like to walk UP the western side of the South Ridge Trail. At least once, maybe twice... just march on UP, walk down and repeat. this is to really focus on the hard part. I'll see how much time I have and how long it takes. And heck, I was even thinking about doing this group hike in the morning, going to class and then that afternoon doing another hike. We'll see.... I'm probably aiming too high and thinking of doing TOO much. So, we'll see...
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tuesday
Well, this morning I had to drive my husband to work, so I went to the Y near his workplace. He only works about 7 miles from home, but there is a smaller Y in that area. It was a bit weird being in a new place. I hung up my coat and then looked around for a water fountain to fill up my bottle. I didn't find one my first look around, so I had to resort to asking someone who works there (not quite as bad as HAVING to read directions, but in the same category). OK... So I take a look at the cardio machines and they have a whole bunch of machines I've used before...
I chose an elliptical trainer, I wish I could remember the name of the manufacturer... nitro, power boost, rocket boost, cyber something.... It didn't have a Polar Heart Rate monitor reader, so I had to use the handle grips and those were placed weird and it wasn't until the second half or so of my workout did I figure out exactly HOW the machine wanted my hands placed. The programs on this machine also included Arm Blaster, where it would add resistance (push and pull) to the arm handles, so I did that - since I forgot to work my biceps and triceps yesterday. I did 43 minutes on that thing with an average heartrate of 148. I totally worked it the whole time. It felt good, and I was a little tired afterwards. My face was getting red more so than normal. Oh well.
Maybe I'll try going to that Y once a week or so for THAT machine. :)
I chose an elliptical trainer, I wish I could remember the name of the manufacturer... nitro, power boost, rocket boost, cyber something.... It didn't have a Polar Heart Rate monitor reader, so I had to use the handle grips and those were placed weird and it wasn't until the second half or so of my workout did I figure out exactly HOW the machine wanted my hands placed. The programs on this machine also included Arm Blaster, where it would add resistance (push and pull) to the arm handles, so I did that - since I forgot to work my biceps and triceps yesterday. I did 43 minutes on that thing with an average heartrate of 148. I totally worked it the whole time. It felt good, and I was a little tired afterwards. My face was getting red more so than normal. Oh well.
Maybe I'll try going to that Y once a week or so for THAT machine. :)
Monday, January 05, 2009
Goin' Strong...
Well, its the first Monday of the year, the gym was pretty busy but not insufferably so.
I did a 30 minute Interval Workout on the Elliptical Trainer.
Then I did my first strength training workout in months. I kept it simple, and just did two different exercises per muscle group. And as I just finished up my shower I realized I skipped my arms, biceps and triceps but I still have dumbbells, I can figure out some exercises to do with them here. I generally use dumbbells at the gym for my arms anyhow.
I'm proud of myself. But I REALLY got to figure out how to keep this a priority when school starts for me again in about 2 weeks. I should have an easier schedule than last semester, I'll have all of Tuesday and Thursday available which will help wonders. As I picked the kids up from the youth room today we walked past the pool and I asked them if they would be interested in going to the pool after school. I told them that we would get to the Y at 4 when the youth room opens, I would workout for 30-40 minutes, we'd get in the pool around 4:45 and then depending on dinner plans we'd get out by 5:30/6-ish. And THAT would give me a chance to double up some time (with the kids AND workout). I should look into the Brentwood Y, I seem to remember they have a fitness swimming class every Wednesday at noon. That would be good for me. Swimmers have great bodies. While I know how to swim, I feel totally clumsy and I'm intimidated with those lap swimmers. So I figure this class could be good for me. I'll look into it.
I did a 30 minute Interval Workout on the Elliptical Trainer.
Then I did my first strength training workout in months. I kept it simple, and just did two different exercises per muscle group. And as I just finished up my shower I realized I skipped my arms, biceps and triceps but I still have dumbbells, I can figure out some exercises to do with them here. I generally use dumbbells at the gym for my arms anyhow.
I'm proud of myself. But I REALLY got to figure out how to keep this a priority when school starts for me again in about 2 weeks. I should have an easier schedule than last semester, I'll have all of Tuesday and Thursday available which will help wonders. As I picked the kids up from the youth room today we walked past the pool and I asked them if they would be interested in going to the pool after school. I told them that we would get to the Y at 4 when the youth room opens, I would workout for 30-40 minutes, we'd get in the pool around 4:45 and then depending on dinner plans we'd get out by 5:30/6-ish. And THAT would give me a chance to double up some time (with the kids AND workout). I should look into the Brentwood Y, I seem to remember they have a fitness swimming class every Wednesday at noon. That would be good for me. Swimmers have great bodies. While I know how to swim, I feel totally clumsy and I'm intimidated with those lap swimmers. So I figure this class could be good for me. I'll look into it.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
THE PLAN
OK, time to figure out THE PLAN
Cardio should be priority for losing weight. 5-6 times a week. What I am likely to do depending on how dry the weather is, rollerblade, walk/jog outside, hike, elliptical trainer.
Strength Training - all the muscle groups 2 times a week. At the gym
Yoga - 2 times a week, alternating with the days I'm not Strength Training.
Stretching - a DVD program I have, do this 2 times a week.
_______________________________________________________
Earlier today I ordered two DVDs from Amazon.com. The first is a Yoga for Beginners, it has LOTS of really good reviews, there's 6-7 workouts on it and it should be very good for me. The second is a Yoga stretching DVD, also supposed to be very good. I expect those to show up Wednesday so I can't really build a schedule with those until then. But what I've come up with is this:
I'll see how this will work. As much as I'd like to do cardio every damned day of the week, I know I'll be pushing it too hard if I do that. It feels weird to not have Cardio on the schedule for Wednesday. I do want to hike at least once a week, and I've amazingly looked ahead at the weather forecast for the week, and Friday should be dry (as well as Thursday) it will be chilly but it will be dry.
What are the odds I can get myself out of bed at 5am on weekdays to get a cardio workout in? Good Lord, if I could do that, that would make my schedule SO MUCH EASIER. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow just for kicks. Maybe I can come up with a reward system for getting out of bed early. Like $5 credit towards something I want... I don't know, this will take some thinking.
I'm getting up, I'm going to look for that VHS tape I want to use. Matthew has been given Wii Time for 30 minutes, then I get the tv. We're a one-tv family, did you know?
Cardio should be priority for losing weight. 5-6 times a week. What I am likely to do depending on how dry the weather is, rollerblade, walk/jog outside, hike, elliptical trainer.
Strength Training - all the muscle groups 2 times a week. At the gym
Yoga - 2 times a week, alternating with the days I'm not Strength Training.
Stretching - a DVD program I have, do this 2 times a week.
_______________________________________________________
Earlier today I ordered two DVDs from Amazon.com. The first is a Yoga for Beginners, it has LOTS of really good reviews, there's 6-7 workouts on it and it should be very good for me. The second is a Yoga stretching DVD, also supposed to be very good. I expect those to show up Wednesday so I can't really build a schedule with those until then. But what I've come up with is this:
I'll see how this will work. As much as I'd like to do cardio every damned day of the week, I know I'll be pushing it too hard if I do that. It feels weird to not have Cardio on the schedule for Wednesday. I do want to hike at least once a week, and I've amazingly looked ahead at the weather forecast for the week, and Friday should be dry (as well as Thursday) it will be chilly but it will be dry.
What are the odds I can get myself out of bed at 5am on weekdays to get a cardio workout in? Good Lord, if I could do that, that would make my schedule SO MUCH EASIER. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow just for kicks. Maybe I can come up with a reward system for getting out of bed early. Like $5 credit towards something I want... I don't know, this will take some thinking.
I'm getting up, I'm going to look for that VHS tape I want to use. Matthew has been given Wii Time for 30 minutes, then I get the tv. We're a one-tv family, did you know?
Don't do what I do...
When I was hiking with the kids on Friday, we were near Radnor Lake and it was very lovely to look at. So I was looking. Then I wanted to point something out to the kids, and I was looking to my right as I kept walking. Well, it took about 3 seconds for me to trip over something and down I went. It was a very dramatic fall as I really went into the air before hitting the ground. Luckily for me not 3 minutes before then I thought to myself, wow, this is such a nice soft trail! And of course when I fell there was a couple walking towards us and they saw me do this whole thing. They asked if I was alright, Lila was concerned for me, but I told everyone I was fine - more embarrassed than anything else. I got up and brushed myself off. No big deal.
That was Friday afternoon.
Saturday morning I noticed my left shoulder was sore. I couldn't figure out how or why it would be sore. and it progressively got worse as the day went on. I really thought I caught myself more with my right hand when I fell, but I do remember brushing off both my hands, so I must have caught myself with both hands. I guess I must have landed on my left hand more or did so in a strange way that my left shoulder is getting the brunt of that fall now. Ugh.... last night I took some anti-inflammatories, and this morning it is about 70% of what it was yesterday.
I only feel it when I move my shoulder and my range of motion isn't limited that much, but then I am being a baby and not moving it much. My strategy is to totally take it easy on that shoulder until it feels normal. Last night I did the heating pad with it some. I think that helped some.
I plan to start strength training this week at the gym so definitely shoulder work is out of the question. We'll see how much upper body ANYTHING I can do. Bicep curls and tricep kickbacks I know I could do... chest presses I'm not so sure... Lat pull downs don't seem like a good idea. But we'll see...
I don't plan to let this injury keep me from working out. I will simply do what I can.
I did take it easy yesterday, I know my body needed that. Maybe I'll fire up one of my old-old-old Jane Fonda video workouts... its actually ON TAPE. I said old three times... I used it alot 10 years ago, it's probably between 12 and 15 years old. Oh well. Anything on VHS seems really old now.
That was Friday afternoon.
Saturday morning I noticed my left shoulder was sore. I couldn't figure out how or why it would be sore. and it progressively got worse as the day went on. I really thought I caught myself more with my right hand when I fell, but I do remember brushing off both my hands, so I must have caught myself with both hands. I guess I must have landed on my left hand more or did so in a strange way that my left shoulder is getting the brunt of that fall now. Ugh.... last night I took some anti-inflammatories, and this morning it is about 70% of what it was yesterday.
I only feel it when I move my shoulder and my range of motion isn't limited that much, but then I am being a baby and not moving it much. My strategy is to totally take it easy on that shoulder until it feels normal. Last night I did the heating pad with it some. I think that helped some.
I plan to start strength training this week at the gym so definitely shoulder work is out of the question. We'll see how much upper body ANYTHING I can do. Bicep curls and tricep kickbacks I know I could do... chest presses I'm not so sure... Lat pull downs don't seem like a good idea. But we'll see...
I don't plan to let this injury keep me from working out. I will simply do what I can.
I did take it easy yesterday, I know my body needed that. Maybe I'll fire up one of my old-old-old Jane Fonda video workouts... its actually ON TAPE. I said old three times... I used it alot 10 years ago, it's probably between 12 and 15 years old. Oh well. Anything on VHS seems really old now.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Famished
Since my workout yesterday I have been hungry every 2-3 hours!!!!!! Holy smokes!!! I don't quite get it... some, yes I would understand, but not to this degree I've been hit with hunger. I'm being sure not to eat JUNK and doing my best to make the healthiest choices possible. It really is a big WOW though.. to be this hungry. I am easily eating 5 smaller meals per day. 5 smaller meals and maybe 1 or 2 snacks. If I'm going to be this active, I have to fuel my body. I just have to be sure to feed myself GOOD food.
Today I was at the Y for 41 minutes again on the elliptical trainer. Did intervals again, not as many though, my heart rate was otherwise hanging out in the upper 130's/low 140's. and I didn't think I needed to try much more for a GOOD workout. My average heart rate was 144.
I coerced the kids into going hiking with me ("you'll have NO CHANCE at more Wii time today unless you agree to go... " alright, fine... ). We went to Radnor Lake and did the Ganier Ridge Trail. I head my GPS in my pocket and "Gary" told me that we did 2.34 miles. A map though tells me we did 1.55 plus .24x2 which in my lame brain can't-do-math-in-my-head-even-simple-math is 2.05 approximately, hell, I might be off by one-tenth of a mile. (I'm TIRED). Well, anyways, it took us exactly one hour and 30 minutes - the kids took lots of breaks. It was kind of interesting, on the uphill climb, the toughest part of the trail (we went UP from the connector trail, not up from around the ridge from the Lake Trail) - when my HRM would start beeping at 140 was right around the time the kids said they needed to take a break. They were very consistent with that. Overall though, with all the breaks my average HR was 116 for that 90 minute period.
I'm feeling it in along the sides of my thighs and the tops of my quidriceps . ugh... I think I'm going to take some Advil for its anti-inflammatory properties tonight. I really need to back down from working out so hard. This weekend I will merely walk. I think tomorrow is going to rain, so no walking in the neighborhood. I can walk on the treadmill at the Y. Then soak in the hot tub. mmmmmm... that's what I need tonight...
Today I was at the Y for 41 minutes again on the elliptical trainer. Did intervals again, not as many though, my heart rate was otherwise hanging out in the upper 130's/low 140's. and I didn't think I needed to try much more for a GOOD workout. My average heart rate was 144.
I coerced the kids into going hiking with me ("you'll have NO CHANCE at more Wii time today unless you agree to go... " alright, fine... ). We went to Radnor Lake and did the Ganier Ridge Trail. I head my GPS in my pocket and "Gary" told me that we did 2.34 miles. A map though tells me we did 1.55 plus .24x2 which in my lame brain can't-do-math-in-my-head-even-simple-math is 2.05 approximately, hell, I might be off by one-tenth of a mile. (I'm TIRED). Well, anyways, it took us exactly one hour and 30 minutes - the kids took lots of breaks. It was kind of interesting, on the uphill climb, the toughest part of the trail (we went UP from the connector trail, not up from around the ridge from the Lake Trail) - when my HRM would start beeping at 140 was right around the time the kids said they needed to take a break. They were very consistent with that. Overall though, with all the breaks my average HR was 116 for that 90 minute period.
I'm feeling it in along the sides of my thighs and the tops of my quidriceps . ugh... I think I'm going to take some Advil for its anti-inflammatory properties tonight. I really need to back down from working out so hard. This weekend I will merely walk. I think tomorrow is going to rain, so no walking in the neighborhood. I can walk on the treadmill at the Y. Then soak in the hot tub. mmmmmm... that's what I need tonight...
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Off to a ROARING Start
I went to the gym today. I did 41 minutes on the elliptical trainer. Interval training makes things SOOOO much more interesting.
For my 41 minutes my average heart rate was 141. Which is just about where I want my AHR to be per workout. The personal trainer I worked out with this past fall doesn't want me to go above 140. That just doesn't feel effective to me. I am NOT literally knocking myself out every workout, but I want to feel it enough to know I'm really workin' it!
For my 41 minutes my average heart rate was 141. Which is just about where I want my AHR to be per workout. The personal trainer I worked out with this past fall doesn't want me to go above 140. That just doesn't feel effective to me. I am NOT literally knocking myself out every workout, but I want to feel it enough to know I'm really workin' it!
2009
It's the first of the year and I'm going to get this blog fired up and I'm going to get ME fired up. To lose 30 pounds this year would be GREAT, to lose 40 would be even better. Hell, I could make it 60 pounds and I would be where I was 15-16 years ago... but no, I'm being realistic and size 4 doesn't appeal to me
Starting off, my goal will be to do at least 30 minutes of cardio daily for the next 2 weeks. I should stretch 2 times a week. and I will do strength training 2x a week as well.
Crap! I'm really going to have to get off my butt and move it for all this.
Regarding food... I don't know. I will continue my NO French Fry thing I've got going now for lets say 3 weeks. I'm not exactly sure when my last fry was, but it was likely mid-December.
For food I will avoid junk food, eat slightly smaller portions, and INCREASE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Goodness gracious, fruits and vegetables are so hard for me to enjoy. I really need to get more creative and find some recipies. Raw vegies are good, I should find some super yummy garlic dips to go with them. And BEANS are good good good. Good for me and I like them plenty.
Drink more water is a must do as well.
Starting off, my goal will be to do at least 30 minutes of cardio daily for the next 2 weeks. I should stretch 2 times a week. and I will do strength training 2x a week as well.
Crap! I'm really going to have to get off my butt and move it for all this.
Regarding food... I don't know. I will continue my NO French Fry thing I've got going now for lets say 3 weeks. I'm not exactly sure when my last fry was, but it was likely mid-December.
For food I will avoid junk food, eat slightly smaller portions, and INCREASE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Goodness gracious, fruits and vegetables are so hard for me to enjoy. I really need to get more creative and find some recipies. Raw vegies are good, I should find some super yummy garlic dips to go with them. And BEANS are good good good. Good for me and I like them plenty.
Drink more water is a must do as well.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Six is a lovely number
I stepped on the scale this morning and saw a number I haven't seen in a long while!! Woo-hooo!! I'm down six pounds from three weeks ago. I believe my weight could actually be lower, so I'll check it again in 3 days or so (my body is not ridding itself of waste matter anywhere close to the normal rate, and that's all I'll say on that).
I'm just now getting over a nasty cold that really knocked me down over the weekend. I last worked out on Thursday for 50 minutes of cardio. Thursday night I started to get a sore throat, it was still there Friday morning, by the afternoon I had sniffles and by the evening I had a full blown cold. I cancelled on Tom to go hiking with his group Saturday morning. And all day Saturday and Sunday, it really was too much to sit upright for more than 20 minutes. This cold really hit me hard.
And I've pouted a lot about this cold. As of today, it's been 3 weeks of working out regularly, 2 weeks of no junk food, and 1 week of no smoking. AND THIS IS HOW I GET REWARDED??? ughhh... not fair, and I know it's just bad luck, but still. I would really like some immediate nice rewards for my efforts at a healthier life.
Well, I have officially earned my Hot Kabob lunch for no junk food for two weeks. All the exercising and eating right has been rewarded with some weight loss. Hopefully not having smoked will be rewarded with this cold not turning into a cough that lingers for a month or two.
Tomorrow I'll be working with Tom again. I plan to pack for school before going to the gym. After my time with Tom, I'll do cardio for about 45 minutes, shower, change and head to school from there. My cardio time tomorrow will be really boring and basic walking on the treadmill, I expect I'll still be sniffly and needing to take it easy.
I'm very pleased with the six pounds the scale didn't show this morning. WAY TO GO KIM!!! I'm losing!! Eating less and moving more - it works!!
I'm just now getting over a nasty cold that really knocked me down over the weekend. I last worked out on Thursday for 50 minutes of cardio. Thursday night I started to get a sore throat, it was still there Friday morning, by the afternoon I had sniffles and by the evening I had a full blown cold. I cancelled on Tom to go hiking with his group Saturday morning. And all day Saturday and Sunday, it really was too much to sit upright for more than 20 minutes. This cold really hit me hard.
And I've pouted a lot about this cold. As of today, it's been 3 weeks of working out regularly, 2 weeks of no junk food, and 1 week of no smoking. AND THIS IS HOW I GET REWARDED??? ughhh... not fair, and I know it's just bad luck, but still. I would really like some immediate nice rewards for my efforts at a healthier life.
Well, I have officially earned my Hot Kabob lunch for no junk food for two weeks. All the exercising and eating right has been rewarded with some weight loss. Hopefully not having smoked will be rewarded with this cold not turning into a cough that lingers for a month or two.
Tomorrow I'll be working with Tom again. I plan to pack for school before going to the gym. After my time with Tom, I'll do cardio for about 45 minutes, shower, change and head to school from there. My cardio time tomorrow will be really boring and basic walking on the treadmill, I expect I'll still be sniffly and needing to take it easy.
I'm very pleased with the six pounds the scale didn't show this morning. WAY TO GO KIM!!! I'm losing!! Eating less and moving more - it works!!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Workin' it out
Workin' it out at the gym to fit my underwear.... is the second line in the song Pork and Beans by Weezer. Somehow I came across this song and I like working out to it, and just listening to it LOUD whenever I can. I love that line, and it will now be the subtitle of this blog!
I worked out with Tom, my personal trainer for the first time on Tuesday and that went fine. An hour is short, especially when I get there late, but he knows to expect me at 8:07 and not 8 because I'm getting the kids on the bus at 8:02. But anyways. He has a list of something in the neighborhood of 60 different exercises he's going to show me. We went through several Tuesday morning.
Overall my work out with Tom seemed mild, and not particularly grueling. I realize that the point of these sessions is to learn new exercises, not exactly to get in an entire workout. So, when I went back on Friday, I did 3 sets of all of the exercises (whereas with Tom I only did 2).
He also re-programmed my Heart Rate Monitor (HRM). I had had the high and low settings to beep at me, and I had them set where I considered a good workout to be, I think I had low at 120 and high at 160. Ughhhhhhhhhhh...... Tom set low to 70, and high to 140 and he admonished me "don't go above 140" ughhhhhh.... my first cardio under 140 felt entirely lame and boring. Yuck. But I'm going to follow what he says to do, I'm paying him for this advise, I might as well follow it. Another consideration is he does in fact know more than I do, and I will trust in what he tells me. Obviously what I'm doing hasn't exactly worked.
So overall this week I did cardio 2 times for 50 minutes each, and 2 strength training workouts. I plan to go back tomorrow and Monday and that will make 4 days in a row.
I have a deal with myself regarding food. If I go another week with no junk food, I can treat myself to this place by my school, Hot Kabob.... I'm totally going through a Greek/Middle Eastern phase with food lately. I've been packing a lunch to take to school, as my M-F class lets out at 12:10. I'm doing good and making good choices. I can probably lose 10 pounds just NOT eating junk food.
__________________________________
I worked out with Tom, my personal trainer for the first time on Tuesday and that went fine. An hour is short, especially when I get there late, but he knows to expect me at 8:07 and not 8 because I'm getting the kids on the bus at 8:02. But anyways. He has a list of something in the neighborhood of 60 different exercises he's going to show me. We went through several Tuesday morning.
It was HILARIOUS to me to do sqats on the BOSU 
thing, (pictured) I was SO wobbly it was just comical to me, and with Tom's help, I used two fingertips to help maintain my balance on that thing while doing squats. Tom had intended for me to be holding onto dumbbells on this, but I very much needed my hands for balance. I repeated this exercise by myself on Friday and I was better. I used a wall to help maintain balance but at the end of my sets of 15 I would do the last 3-4 of them with no balance aid. Yay me!
thing, (pictured) I was SO wobbly it was just comical to me, and with Tom's help, I used two fingertips to help maintain my balance on that thing while doing squats. Tom had intended for me to be holding onto dumbbells on this, but I very much needed my hands for balance. I repeated this exercise by myself on Friday and I was better. I used a wall to help maintain balance but at the end of my sets of 15 I would do the last 3-4 of them with no balance aid. Yay me!
Overall my work out with Tom seemed mild, and not particularly grueling. I realize that the point of these sessions is to learn new exercises, not exactly to get in an entire workout. So, when I went back on Friday, I did 3 sets of all of the exercises (whereas with Tom I only did 2).
He also re-programmed my Heart Rate Monitor (HRM). I had had the high and low settings to beep at me, and I had them set where I considered a good workout to be, I think I had low at 120 and high at 160. Ughhhhhhhhhhh...... Tom set low to 70, and high to 140 and he admonished me "don't go above 140" ughhhhhh.... my first cardio under 140 felt entirely lame and boring. Yuck. But I'm going to follow what he says to do, I'm paying him for this advise, I might as well follow it. Another consideration is he does in fact know more than I do, and I will trust in what he tells me. Obviously what I'm doing hasn't exactly worked.
So overall this week I did cardio 2 times for 50 minutes each, and 2 strength training workouts. I plan to go back tomorrow and Monday and that will make 4 days in a row.
__________________________________
I have a deal with myself regarding food. If I go another week with no junk food, I can treat myself to this place by my school, Hot Kabob.... I'm totally going through a Greek/Middle Eastern phase with food lately. I've been packing a lunch to take to school, as my M-F class lets out at 12:10. I'm doing good and making good choices. I can probably lose 10 pounds just NOT eating junk food.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New things comin' my way
Well, I did it. I went to the dentist to have my permanent crown "installed", I opted not to be numbed for that as there was only 2 times it would hurt some for a moment. Having part of your face be numb is only fun when you're under the age of 15. But it hurt like they promised and was a bit achy as I left. I almost talked myself into going home as I left there. But I told myself I could just go for a relatively easy simple walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Instead though....
I worked good and hard on the elliptical trainer for 42 minutes! I'm so proud of me. And while I was there I asked about personal training, personal training to complement my goal of climbing Mt. Rainer summer '09. I had seen a trainer there before that I had seen in the paper a few years ago, he, in his late 50's did a Grand Canyon hike rim-to-rim. I spoke with him some as I worked out and at length afterwards!!
And I'm gonna work out with a personal trainer once a week for the next 5 weeks!!!
He'll get me going in the right direction, layout a plan for me to follow and I will make it happen. Once I get a good base established I will probably switch to every other week - where I will get a new workout to follow and of course he'll do his job and make sure I'm doing things the right way.
This will be good, very good! He also leads a hiking group on Saturdays! I REALLY want to get in with that. I should start checking out hiking boots, and maybe take myself on some walks through Percy Warner Park. I could probably get up there by 845 on weekdays, and I'd have about 2 hours before I would need to leave for class which, depending on where I park, would be 15-18 minutes away. This could be a very very good idea!! Tom really stressed that to climb Mt. Rainer I will really need to put on the hiking miles. I wonder how far 2 hours twice a week will get me during the week? and then I could do a bigger/longer hike on the weekends. Hmmmmmmm....
I worked good and hard on the elliptical trainer for 42 minutes! I'm so proud of me. And while I was there I asked about personal training, personal training to complement my goal of climbing Mt. Rainer summer '09. I had seen a trainer there before that I had seen in the paper a few years ago, he, in his late 50's did a Grand Canyon hike rim-to-rim. I spoke with him some as I worked out and at length afterwards!!
And I'm gonna work out with a personal trainer once a week for the next 5 weeks!!!
He'll get me going in the right direction, layout a plan for me to follow and I will make it happen. Once I get a good base established I will probably switch to every other week - where I will get a new workout to follow and of course he'll do his job and make sure I'm doing things the right way.
This will be good, very good! He also leads a hiking group on Saturdays! I REALLY want to get in with that. I should start checking out hiking boots, and maybe take myself on some walks through Percy Warner Park. I could probably get up there by 845 on weekdays, and I'd have about 2 hours before I would need to leave for class which, depending on where I park, would be 15-18 minutes away. This could be a very very good idea!! Tom really stressed that to climb Mt. Rainer I will really need to put on the hiking miles. I wonder how far 2 hours twice a week will get me during the week? and then I could do a bigger/longer hike on the weekends. Hmmmmmmm....
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Excuses
Ughhhhhhhhhhhh.... last week I swear, I must have had a virus. I had gone to the gym Monday and Tuesday and worked out good and hard (but not toooo hard). I was a tad sore on Tuesday from the strength training workout on Monday, so I simply did cardio. Wednesday I was REALLY sore, and Thursday I really felt like my muscles were being attacked by my own body. I was tired and my appetite was a little bit off too. I'm certain I had a virus - a friend on Facebook commented that when he had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever earlier this summer, it started off the exact same way for him. (Yes, I was whining on my status updates on Facebook). So... long story short, I've been taking it easy. With fast food to accompany that "taking it easy".
$@%#^@^*^#%$@%^$^#$@$!!!!!!
I turn to junk food/fast food way too much. I feel like I need a total brain transplant. Maybe I should find a mental health professional to freakin' set me right! I don't know. Stressful times are right around the corner (school, 17 credit hours for me, starts in 6 days)... I will HAVE TO pack a lunch for myself everyday I go to school (M-F) because the one class I have everyday gets out at 12:15. I'm even thinking about having a snack late in the morning. They say that several small meals throughout the day is better than a few large meals. So we'll see, and it's good that I'm already thinking about this.
I'm going to the dentist tomorrow at 9am... I'm thinking about going there with my gym clothes on, and going for a workout straight from the dentist. Again, we'll see.
$@%#^@^*^#%$@%^$^#$@$!!!!!!
I turn to junk food/fast food way too much. I feel like I need a total brain transplant. Maybe I should find a mental health professional to freakin' set me right! I don't know. Stressful times are right around the corner (school, 17 credit hours for me, starts in 6 days)... I will HAVE TO pack a lunch for myself everyday I go to school (M-F) because the one class I have everyday gets out at 12:15. I'm even thinking about having a snack late in the morning. They say that several small meals throughout the day is better than a few large meals. So we'll see, and it's good that I'm already thinking about this.
I'm going to the dentist tomorrow at 9am... I'm thinking about going there with my gym clothes on, and going for a workout straight from the dentist. Again, we'll see.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sunday at the Y
Well, things worked out just as I wanted them to today. I got the Y after it opened, had a good workout, then met Chris and the kids and then went swimming with the kids for a few hours.
Today I was on the elliptical trainer for 35 minutes. With two 1.5 minute higher intensity intervals. It all felt good. I will definitely need new music for next time.
I used the stair climber machine for the first time!!! WOOOO-HOOOOOO!! I am just so totally excited about climbing Mt. Ranier I can barely stand it. I'm reading more and more about the physical condition they expect you to be in, the best you've ever in your life been in, and I am so there!!! I am going to do this. The rewards are going to be the most awesome thing - I can't wait. There's a lot of climbing in the mean time to do, ha!
I'm starting slow of course... I first aimed for 2 minutes on the stairclimber, but I knew I had a bit more in me so I went for 3 minutes. My heart rate went up to 176 while doing this third minute. Oh boy!! I figure if I can do 3 minutes everyday this week, I'll be good. Next week maybe I can jump this up to 4 or even 5 minutes. We'll see. I can see myself next spring on the stairs with a heavy backpack on. Woo-weeeeeeee! This will be FUN!!! I love a good challenge.
I'm also thinking more about the marathon, I really think it will be a good complement to mountain climbing training. I just gotta worry about time... and hey, guess what? I have time to figure out how much time I'll have! hahahah! I should realize by the end of September how my schedule feels.
Today I was on the elliptical trainer for 35 minutes. With two 1.5 minute higher intensity intervals. It all felt good. I will definitely need new music for next time.
I used the stair climber machine for the first time!!! WOOOO-HOOOOOO!! I am just so totally excited about climbing Mt. Ranier I can barely stand it. I'm reading more and more about the physical condition they expect you to be in, the best you've ever in your life been in, and I am so there!!! I am going to do this. The rewards are going to be the most awesome thing - I can't wait. There's a lot of climbing in the mean time to do, ha!
I'm starting slow of course... I first aimed for 2 minutes on the stairclimber, but I knew I had a bit more in me so I went for 3 minutes. My heart rate went up to 176 while doing this third minute. Oh boy!! I figure if I can do 3 minutes everyday this week, I'll be good. Next week maybe I can jump this up to 4 or even 5 minutes. We'll see. I can see myself next spring on the stairs with a heavy backpack on. Woo-weeeeeeee! This will be FUN!!! I love a good challenge.
I'm also thinking more about the marathon, I really think it will be a good complement to mountain climbing training. I just gotta worry about time... and hey, guess what? I have time to figure out how much time I'll have! hahahah! I should realize by the end of September how my schedule feels.
Yup, I anticipated this
There's a bit of soreness today from yesterdays strength training. Its not major, but it is a bit painful and uncomfortable. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most painful, I'd say this was about a 5, not really painful (6-7) or excruciating (8-9) or out of this world (10).
I'm figuring out a plan I can do some cardio this afternoon. Maybe get to the Y when it opens at 1pm, and then have Chris bring the kids to me at 2 or so, I could work out, shower and change into my swim suit and then hang with the kids at the pool for a few hours. I'll have to ask him about that.
I'm figuring out a plan I can do some cardio this afternoon. Maybe get to the Y when it opens at 1pm, and then have Chris bring the kids to me at 2 or so, I could work out, shower and change into my swim suit and then hang with the kids at the pool for a few hours. I'll have to ask him about that.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
New Goals
I'm seriously considering new goals... yes, I still want to lose weight, but I've always thought it better to have a goal that wasn't simply a number.
I want to climb Mt. Rainier next summer. I'll already be out in Seattle that summer, I expect, for my 20th high school reunion, grandma and grandpa can watch the kids, Chris isn't ruling out that he would do this also. I've taken a look at one outfit that guides people up there, and its a four day expedition (for some reason I thought this was 2 days). What I would have to do is get into excellent shape... and ha! I just don't know much more beyond that. Get in great shape, strong legs, have a pair of hiking boots and spend serious hours walking with a heavy backpack.
And also... another goal I'm considering is to attempt another Marathon. I attempted the Country Music Marathon in 2006 (I got to 18.6 miles)... I think that if I continue working out hard, in a few months I would be in good shape to start training for the marathon with the Galloway group when they start up in late October or early November. I think this would be a very complimentary goal for the Mt. Rainier goal.
For both of these though, I gotta worry about my feet. My Plantar Fascia actually flared up 2 weeks ago for no apparent reason. I should start talking to serious shoe people now. I've had shit luck talking to podiatrists... this bullshit of starting off conservatively DID NOT HELP ME and really damaged their credibility to me. grrrrrrr.....
But in the next week or so, I will firm up the Mt. Rainier goal and by the end of September we'll see how a potential marathon looks. I will have a very full schedule when my school starts up again. I WILL HAVE TO GET UP EARLY TO EXERCISE OR RUN. I will have to. HAVE TO. So, we'll see if I can do it. Dammit - yes, I can do this. How badly do I want to do this? I really do. Doing a marathon and climbing Mt. Rainier can be my big adventures for 2009.
A life without big adventures just isn't worth living.
I want to climb Mt. Rainier next summer. I'll already be out in Seattle that summer, I expect, for my 20th high school reunion, grandma and grandpa can watch the kids, Chris isn't ruling out that he would do this also. I've taken a look at one outfit that guides people up there, and its a four day expedition (for some reason I thought this was 2 days). What I would have to do is get into excellent shape... and ha! I just don't know much more beyond that. Get in great shape, strong legs, have a pair of hiking boots and spend serious hours walking with a heavy backpack.
And also... another goal I'm considering is to attempt another Marathon. I attempted the Country Music Marathon in 2006 (I got to 18.6 miles)... I think that if I continue working out hard, in a few months I would be in good shape to start training for the marathon with the Galloway group when they start up in late October or early November. I think this would be a very complimentary goal for the Mt. Rainier goal.
For both of these though, I gotta worry about my feet. My Plantar Fascia actually flared up 2 weeks ago for no apparent reason. I should start talking to serious shoe people now. I've had shit luck talking to podiatrists... this bullshit of starting off conservatively DID NOT HELP ME and really damaged their credibility to me. grrrrrrr.....
But in the next week or so, I will firm up the Mt. Rainier goal and by the end of September we'll see how a potential marathon looks. I will have a very full schedule when my school starts up again. I WILL HAVE TO GET UP EARLY TO EXERCISE OR RUN. I will have to. HAVE TO. So, we'll see if I can do it. Dammit - yes, I can do this. How badly do I want to do this? I really do. Doing a marathon and climbing Mt. Rainier can be my big adventures for 2009.
A life without big adventures just isn't worth living.
Back in the Saddle Again
Whee!!! After weeks of NO working out, and dwindling energy... I finally got myself back in the gym. I did a solid thirty minutes of cardio on the elliptical trainer and then I did a simple strength training workout (just 2 different exercises for each major muscle group, 2 sets of each, 10-12 reps). We'll see how I feel in the morning. There may be some soreness, but I really wouldn't expect much.
I otherwise have my head filled with positive thoughts about these efforts. I'm totally imagining myself working out 5-6 times a week and doing strength training 2-3 times a week. I CAN STILL LOSE THIRTY POUNDS BY THE END OF THE YEAR!!! I will look and feel great, and I will have a damned good time doing it.
I love my new mp3 player. Having fun music to listen to really made a difference. It was fun. I just gotta figure out the sweaty ear problem with earbuds... #$%#^#$^@!!! my left ear was so sweaty, the earbud wouldn't stay in! What the hell?
I otherwise have my head filled with positive thoughts about these efforts. I'm totally imagining myself working out 5-6 times a week and doing strength training 2-3 times a week. I CAN STILL LOSE THIRTY POUNDS BY THE END OF THE YEAR!!! I will look and feel great, and I will have a damned good time doing it.
I love my new mp3 player. Having fun music to listen to really made a difference. It was fun. I just gotta figure out the sweaty ear problem with earbuds... #$%#^#$^@!!! my left ear was so sweaty, the earbud wouldn't stay in! What the hell?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
It's going
Well, I'm down about 4-5 pounds from where I started, which is right on schedule. I haven't been exercising as much as I would like, but I have been eating better. I definitely feel better without the junk food. I'm convinced I can see some weight loss in my face... just a little bit. But that little bit is exciting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
