Day 40
My first 5k in a very long time! I survived! The weather was perfect (as usual here in southern Arizona). I wasn't sure of the route since this race started at the hospital on post. Most of the runs I've participated in on post start at Barnes Field House. After checking in, I found a route map and saw we were running in the Old Post area, which is a very scenic part of post, but also hilly.
Evan was excited to do the race along with me. I had to dust off the jog stroller and check the tire pressure; luckily, I invested in the heavy-duty one and I think the maximum weight of the person in the stroller can be around 60 pounds. Poor Evan will probably be able to ride in it when he's 10! The jog-stroller makes me look like I'm a really high-speed runner (HAH)!
I'm not sure the total number of runners since there was a 10k and a 5k. The 10k runners started at 0700; the 5k at 0715. I think in the 5k group there was maybe 75? There were people of all shapes and sizes, some carrying babies in backpacks and some other stroller-pushers like me.
The start was a slight uphill and I decided to give it a go at running from the start. My main goal was to not come in last (unlike my first 10k I ever ran a few years back)! With my initial run, I at least got a bit of a lead on the walkers. I started a pattern of a 1-minute run followed by a 3-minute walk just to get my running rhythm going. The route cut down around the traffic circle and down hill to the 4-way stop. Evan loved the steep downhill and told me "faster mommy"!
When running, I still have flashbacks to the words of wisdom from my First Sergeant at the Defense Language Institute. He was a big runner and I remember him telling us that when you have a downhill, use it to your advantage. Lean back to stretch out your hips and legs; use the gravity to help pull you. Realizing how much of this race is uphill, I needed to work those downhills!
We turned the corner and headed up the hill. It was a slow climb, I'll have to check on the exact altitude change. Once that hill really kicked it, I started walking (pushing a jog stroller doesn't help either). The 10k runners met up with us at a point near the top and we all made the turn and started heading down the hill past all the general officer housing.
Again, I let gravity help pull me down as I started to run again; the jog stroller also added to the pull. It was nice to hear a few people say encouraging words as I passed them on the hill. On this long stretch I could really feel it in my thighs and though, wow I'm going to feel this later! I could see the turn at the bottom of the street and my goal was to run to that point. My body could have easily given up and started walking, but mentally, I had to push through it. I made it to that corner thinking all the while, this fat chick can still run!
Coming into the last stretch of the route, I was thinking that this is the longest 5k EVER! I ended up passing the some of the walkers who passed me on the hill toward the finish. We could see and hear the cheering crowd at the finish, which was a gradual downhill. I ran it the whole way down the hill to the finish and crossed the line in 44 minutes. All told, about a 15-minute mile with crazy hills! At least that's a good baseline!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
I Didn't Hack Up a Lung!
I had to give a quick post tonight after my soccer game. I played the field the whole time (didn't help that we had no subs) and I felt GREAT afterwards. I actually had energy out there and didn't hack up a lung! It felt so good to not be dragging butt out on the field! Tomorrow is the Combat Medic 5K on post...bring it on!! This will be my first "run" in a very long time.
I'm trying to think through my morning routine and I think I'll do a meal replacement shake in the morning. Right now, I feel a little hungry post-soccer gamem but I can make it until morning. I did a meal replacement bar at dinner tonight. Previously, I've done a meal replacement shake before my soccer game and I've had bathroom issues (probably from all the food I consumed earlier int he day). I think I'll be good with the shake on an empty stomach in the morning.
I'm trying to think through my morning routine and I think I'll do a meal replacement shake in the morning. Right now, I feel a little hungry post-soccer gamem but I can make it until morning. I did a meal replacement bar at dinner tonight. Previously, I've done a meal replacement shake before my soccer game and I've had bathroom issues (probably from all the food I consumed earlier int he day). I think I'll be good with the shake on an empty stomach in the morning.
Friday Weigh-In, Day 39
Hoping for a little movement on the scale this week, but nope...still 206. Getting a bit discouraged, especially when I have so much weight to lose. I've made such huge changes in my nutrition and exercise, that I thought surely by now I would have dropped 10-12 pounds (with most of it probably being water weight). Hmmmm, I don't want to go low-carb (which has worked for me in the past) since I vowed to not go into deprivation mode, but be sensible. Hopefully I can figure something out and make an adjustment for the next week!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
It's Thursday, Let the Craziness Begin!
Day 38
Hard to believe that May is right around the corner! This weekend is the start to almost every weekend being busy! Yesterday, I accompanied Evan to the Reid Park Zoo along with his classmates from his special preschool class. Whew, it was a bit toasty in Tucson, but we lucked out on the air conditioned bus! It was the typical Evan-zoo-visit, running from here to there. I'm not sure if he really even looked at any animals!
I had the intention to get up and run this morning, but I didn't get to bed until late and truly, needed a little sleep-in time! On Saturday I am running a 5K for the first time in a while, no worries! I'm not going for any world records!
Hard to believe that May is right around the corner! This weekend is the start to almost every weekend being busy! Yesterday, I accompanied Evan to the Reid Park Zoo along with his classmates from his special preschool class. Whew, it was a bit toasty in Tucson, but we lucked out on the air conditioned bus! It was the typical Evan-zoo-visit, running from here to there. I'm not sure if he really even looked at any animals!
I had the intention to get up and run this morning, but I didn't get to bed until late and truly, needed a little sleep-in time! On Saturday I am running a 5K for the first time in a while, no worries! I'm not going for any world records!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Catching Up
Day 37
I am attempting to write this post using my iPad, so apologies ahead of time for any odd misspellings that were probably caused by auto-correct! I had no time to blog yesterday (Tuesday), but I did walk a different route in the morning that was a little bit shy of 2 miles. I've noticed no pain my lower legs as before and my muscle herniation is not sticking out so far. I hope that the muscle in my lower left leg is strengthening and not allowing that muscle fiber to poke through.
This morning was spin class with hair metal mix (yesssss)! All the good stuff: Guns 'N Roses, Kiss, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Twisted Sister, AC/DC, Van Halen...sweet! I'm SO showing my age! Tomorrow morning I am going to do a little run since I'm running a 5k on Saturday! Ya think maybe I should train a bit for it? Evan's preschool class is going to the Reid Park Zoo (aka Tucson Zoo) tomorrow, so I'm taking the day off to ride a school bus over an hour and half with a bunch of 3-4-5 year olds.....joyous! I don't quite have enou time to do a 0530 class at the gym, so I thought I'd try a run.
I am attempting to write this post using my iPad, so apologies ahead of time for any odd misspellings that were probably caused by auto-correct! I had no time to blog yesterday (Tuesday), but I did walk a different route in the morning that was a little bit shy of 2 miles. I've noticed no pain my lower legs as before and my muscle herniation is not sticking out so far. I hope that the muscle in my lower left leg is strengthening and not allowing that muscle fiber to poke through.
This morning was spin class with hair metal mix (yesssss)! All the good stuff: Guns 'N Roses, Kiss, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Twisted Sister, AC/DC, Van Halen...sweet! I'm SO showing my age! Tomorrow morning I am going to do a little run since I'm running a 5k on Saturday! Ya think maybe I should train a bit for it? Evan's preschool class is going to the Reid Park Zoo (aka Tucson Zoo) tomorrow, so I'm taking the day off to ride a school bus over an hour and half with a bunch of 3-4-5 year olds.....joyous! I don't quite have enou time to do a 0530 class at the gym, so I thought I'd try a run.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Back in the Spin of Things
Day 35
No school for Evan today which means I could sleep in until 0455 and then up and at 'em for 0530 spin class! I needed to get back into the routine since the weekend really threw me off. It wasn't that I imbibed in any Easter-weekend feasts; on the contrary, since Evan isn't a candy-kid, he didn't have any sweets in his basket. Instead, I find at home on the weekends I definitely do not drink enough water and I don't eat on a regular schedule. I had thoughts about going to the gym all weekend, but laundry, family and life in general took over my life again!
While doing laundry this weekend, I had odd thoughts come into my head; especially when I was folding clothes. I wear guys cargo shorts since they are longer than women's and generally made better. I have various waist sizes from my ballooning weight 36in-42in), and I'm starting to fit nicely into the 38-inch size (still way too big for a chick)! Some of my shirts I wear are men's polos or a women's 2XL. I was thinking to myself, despite what people say, if you are female and have to buy a men's shirt or are bigger than a ladies' XL...you are getting FAT! Sorry for the abruptness, but seriously, you are!! Instead of buying larger sizes, I wish someone would have said to me that I need to start losing weight!!
No school for Evan today which means I could sleep in until 0455 and then up and at 'em for 0530 spin class! I needed to get back into the routine since the weekend really threw me off. It wasn't that I imbibed in any Easter-weekend feasts; on the contrary, since Evan isn't a candy-kid, he didn't have any sweets in his basket. Instead, I find at home on the weekends I definitely do not drink enough water and I don't eat on a regular schedule. I had thoughts about going to the gym all weekend, but laundry, family and life in general took over my life again!
While doing laundry this weekend, I had odd thoughts come into my head; especially when I was folding clothes. I wear guys cargo shorts since they are longer than women's and generally made better. I have various waist sizes from my ballooning weight 36in-42in), and I'm starting to fit nicely into the 38-inch size (still way too big for a chick)! Some of my shirts I wear are men's polos or a women's 2XL. I was thinking to myself, despite what people say, if you are female and have to buy a men's shirt or are bigger than a ladies' XL...you are getting FAT! Sorry for the abruptness, but seriously, you are!! Instead of buying larger sizes, I wish someone would have said to me that I need to start losing weight!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Weigh In Saturday
Day 33
Weekly weigh-in day, oh joy! It's a loss, but don't we all wish it was more? Down to 206, a half pound from last week (so a total of 5 pounds down in about a month). Truthfully, I think it really stinks. I have radically altered my food intake and exercise and I now drink tons of water and no diet sodas and I've only lost 5 pounds!? My energy and appetite control is great, my muscles are sore, but not sure what is happening with the scale.
When Evan's school year is over in May, I plan on working out 2 times a day (0530am class and an after work class) to see if there is something with my cardio that needs work.
Weekly weigh-in day, oh joy! It's a loss, but don't we all wish it was more? Down to 206, a half pound from last week (so a total of 5 pounds down in about a month). Truthfully, I think it really stinks. I have radically altered my food intake and exercise and I now drink tons of water and no diet sodas and I've only lost 5 pounds!? My energy and appetite control is great, my muscles are sore, but not sure what is happening with the scale.
When Evan's school year is over in May, I plan on working out 2 times a day (0530am class and an after work class) to see if there is something with my cardio that needs work.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Getting My Kick On
Day 32
In the absence of our Friday night soccer games, I ventured into a cardio kick class. The class is based on movements from boxing, karate and muay thai. Thanks to my friends and instructors, Jeremy and wife Allison, who tried to make my awkwardness less evident! Even prior to gaining all this weight, I never had great balance or flexibility, so you can imagine how awkward class was for me!
The class definitely worked a different set of muscles than step or spinning and overall it was fun! There is a bit of foot work/technique also that goes with the punches and I think after a few more classes I can get it all down. Definitely a good upper body workout.
During the past two classes I've taken (step and kick), I have found I am so annoyed with the person I see in the mirror. I never really was that concerned with appearances before; but now that I find it hard to do parts of exercise routines due to my weight, it is making me really upset. I have always been the athletic one; never really concerned about my weight since I am always one to jump into any type of activity (walking/running 26.2 miles through the desert of New Mexico in the Bataan March [twice actually]; running half-marathons with little training; walking the Bisbee Stairclimb route every weekend carrying Evan in the backpack; playing soccer; etc...).
Participating has never been a problem with me, I enjoy it and welcome it. Now that I feel pain by simple participation due to my weight, it makes me want to cry. During high impact classes, I can feel that muscle herniation in my lower leg get worse; it heals a bit, but then more impact makes it pop out again. I don't want to turn into one of those people who can't do something due to an injury. I have been lucky to never have had a major injury due to sports. I hate swimming and I don't want to be limited to non-impact exercise like that. I love the group synergy and I don't want to lose that...but I also don't want to be that person in the back of class always having to take everything down low. Maybe I am just getting impatient with getting back into shape.
In the absence of our Friday night soccer games, I ventured into a cardio kick class. The class is based on movements from boxing, karate and muay thai. Thanks to my friends and instructors, Jeremy and wife Allison, who tried to make my awkwardness less evident! Even prior to gaining all this weight, I never had great balance or flexibility, so you can imagine how awkward class was for me!
The class definitely worked a different set of muscles than step or spinning and overall it was fun! There is a bit of foot work/technique also that goes with the punches and I think after a few more classes I can get it all down. Definitely a good upper body workout.
During the past two classes I've taken (step and kick), I have found I am so annoyed with the person I see in the mirror. I never really was that concerned with appearances before; but now that I find it hard to do parts of exercise routines due to my weight, it is making me really upset. I have always been the athletic one; never really concerned about my weight since I am always one to jump into any type of activity (walking/running 26.2 miles through the desert of New Mexico in the Bataan March [twice actually]; running half-marathons with little training; walking the Bisbee Stairclimb route every weekend carrying Evan in the backpack; playing soccer; etc...).
Participating has never been a problem with me, I enjoy it and welcome it. Now that I feel pain by simple participation due to my weight, it makes me want to cry. During high impact classes, I can feel that muscle herniation in my lower leg get worse; it heals a bit, but then more impact makes it pop out again. I don't want to turn into one of those people who can't do something due to an injury. I have been lucky to never have had a major injury due to sports. I hate swimming and I don't want to be limited to non-impact exercise like that. I love the group synergy and I don't want to lose that...but I also don't want to be that person in the back of class always having to take everything down low. Maybe I am just getting impatient with getting back into shape.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What the "F"?
Day 30
Loving getting back into the routine of morning spin class. I always love full-crank to something heavy in the morning! For those of you who do spin, you understand what I mean. Some humor this morning from our instructor...some spin participants (are we called "riders", I guess)...had complained about the music set list having songs with the "f" word. Not sure if it was from our morning class or maybe it was from a different class.
Anyhoo, so our instructor told us ahead of time that this was a new playlist of music and we would hear some breaks in the music (where he edited out the "fs"). The very first song he played was by Puddle of Mud, "She Hates Me". Now, if any of you have heard that song, you know that song is full of the "fs"; so it was really funny hearing almost all of the song bleeped out. The rest of the set list was pretty humorous with songs like Guns 'N Roses "I Used to Love Her"; Nazareth "Love Hurts"; Evanescence "Going Under"; Skid Row "I'll Remember You"; Sam Kinison "Wild Thing"...needless to say, our instructor was making a statement...love that!
It's odd that I feel I am getting most toned in my chest region since my sports bras feel better (not so tourniquet-like). My pants feel a little bit looser and I can almost see my jawline again!
Loving getting back into the routine of morning spin class. I always love full-crank to something heavy in the morning! For those of you who do spin, you understand what I mean. Some humor this morning from our instructor...some spin participants (are we called "riders", I guess)...had complained about the music set list having songs with the "f" word. Not sure if it was from our morning class or maybe it was from a different class.
Anyhoo, so our instructor told us ahead of time that this was a new playlist of music and we would hear some breaks in the music (where he edited out the "fs"). The very first song he played was by Puddle of Mud, "She Hates Me". Now, if any of you have heard that song, you know that song is full of the "fs"; so it was really funny hearing almost all of the song bleeped out. The rest of the set list was pretty humorous with songs like Guns 'N Roses "I Used to Love Her"; Nazareth "Love Hurts"; Evanescence "Going Under"; Skid Row "I'll Remember You"; Sam Kinison "Wild Thing"...needless to say, our instructor was making a statement...love that!
It's odd that I feel I am getting most toned in my chest region since my sports bras feel better (not so tourniquet-like). My pants feel a little bit looser and I can almost see my jawline again!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Late Tuesday Post!
Day 29
Wow...forgot to do a Tuesday post (so again this post is back-dated)...shows again how crazy my Tuesdays are! Let me remember what I did yesterday (Tuesday)...walked 2 miles in the morning and it finally felt good. I think all that foam rolling helped on my outer lower legs.
As for food...ahhh, now it is coming back to me...pizza...glorious pizza! With Tuesdays being band rehearsal, I make it easy on the hubby and pick up pizza (Evan's fav, Little Caesar's cheese pizza-pizza). I pretty much grabbed 2 pieces (yes 2, no judgement) and headed out the door to rehearse. I did down a Spark prior to leaving to give me that clarity and energy through rehearsal. I have felt a HUGE difference in my energy level during rehearsal now that I am substituting Spark for Diet Coke. I usually get really crabby during rehearsal, but now I am so much more aware of my heightened "happiness" (for the lack of a better word).
Wow...forgot to do a Tuesday post (so again this post is back-dated)...shows again how crazy my Tuesdays are! Let me remember what I did yesterday (Tuesday)...walked 2 miles in the morning and it finally felt good. I think all that foam rolling helped on my outer lower legs.
As for food...ahhh, now it is coming back to me...pizza...glorious pizza! With Tuesdays being band rehearsal, I make it easy on the hubby and pick up pizza (Evan's fav, Little Caesar's cheese pizza-pizza). I pretty much grabbed 2 pieces (yes 2, no judgement) and headed out the door to rehearse. I did down a Spark prior to leaving to give me that clarity and energy through rehearsal. I have felt a HUGE difference in my energy level during rehearsal now that I am substituting Spark for Diet Coke. I usually get really crabby during rehearsal, but now I am so much more aware of my heightened "happiness" (for the lack of a better word).
Monday, April 18, 2011
Crazy Weekend!
Day 28
I cannot believe it is Monday morning already and I didn't have a chance to post this weekend. As the springtime kicks into high gear, it was a crazy weekend! Easter egg hunts, bbqs and laundry (how exciting)!
Let's go back to Friday night...soccer! I didn't get the workout I was anticipating since fat girl (aka Me) was goalie! Thinking back, I don't think I walked Friday morning since it was windy (or maybe I felt lazy from step class the night before)? Anyways, Friday was pretty much a wash as far as any intense cardio goes!
Saturday...the plan was to go to the gym and do my cardio and weight combo workout. The hubby decided he wanted to ride his motorcycle to the racetrack in Benson. The city's Easter Egg hunt was in the morning also, so instead of hitting the gym, Evan and I ventured to the park with the thousand other parents and kids. It was really sunny, so I didn't want to hang out in the sun for too long. Evan got a few eggs, but he still isn't all into the mass of kids running and screaming for eggs. He definitely did not want to see the Easter bunny (thank goodness since the line was crazy-long). We left the park and headed to my friend Anna's massage place for a BBQ. They were raising money for their Relay for Life team. I managed to get both my feet sunburned (nice)! I tried to eat as healthy as possible at a BBQ (chicken and beans, yeah right)...but it tasted good! ;-)
I could have hit the gym later that afternoon or even early evening, but it just wasn't happening for me! So here comes Sunday, another intention to hit the gym! My big plan for the day was to do some big laundry (the heavy stuff like the comforters) since we're in that season of switching from the winter to the summer blankets. I looked in the linen closet and found...mouse droppings! Yea! The mice have returned! My day turned into non-stop washing of all the towels and sheets in the linen closet! We had a bad mice problem about a year ago, so I'm unsure if this evidence is from then or new. Needless to say, I got plenty of exercise going back and forth all day doing washing. In between washing, I was cleaning up Evan's room, the office and getting a start on picking up all the seed balls dropped by the sycamore tree in the backyard. We love the shade that tree gives, but hate the seeds it drops.
All in all, it was a busy weekend, but it shows how life gets in the way of any great intention to exercise. My main sticking point of coming into this new nutrition regimen is to not deny myself anything as long as it's in moderation. I think overall I ate sensibly. I am still 27 days "clean" of the Carl's Jr. Drive-Through and Diet Coke and I'm hanging in there!
I cannot believe it is Monday morning already and I didn't have a chance to post this weekend. As the springtime kicks into high gear, it was a crazy weekend! Easter egg hunts, bbqs and laundry (how exciting)!
Let's go back to Friday night...soccer! I didn't get the workout I was anticipating since fat girl (aka Me) was goalie! Thinking back, I don't think I walked Friday morning since it was windy (or maybe I felt lazy from step class the night before)? Anyways, Friday was pretty much a wash as far as any intense cardio goes!
Saturday...the plan was to go to the gym and do my cardio and weight combo workout. The hubby decided he wanted to ride his motorcycle to the racetrack in Benson. The city's Easter Egg hunt was in the morning also, so instead of hitting the gym, Evan and I ventured to the park with the thousand other parents and kids. It was really sunny, so I didn't want to hang out in the sun for too long. Evan got a few eggs, but he still isn't all into the mass of kids running and screaming for eggs. He definitely did not want to see the Easter bunny (thank goodness since the line was crazy-long). We left the park and headed to my friend Anna's massage place for a BBQ. They were raising money for their Relay for Life team. I managed to get both my feet sunburned (nice)! I tried to eat as healthy as possible at a BBQ (chicken and beans, yeah right)...but it tasted good! ;-)
I could have hit the gym later that afternoon or even early evening, but it just wasn't happening for me! So here comes Sunday, another intention to hit the gym! My big plan for the day was to do some big laundry (the heavy stuff like the comforters) since we're in that season of switching from the winter to the summer blankets. I looked in the linen closet and found...mouse droppings! Yea! The mice have returned! My day turned into non-stop washing of all the towels and sheets in the linen closet! We had a bad mice problem about a year ago, so I'm unsure if this evidence is from then or new. Needless to say, I got plenty of exercise going back and forth all day doing washing. In between washing, I was cleaning up Evan's room, the office and getting a start on picking up all the seed balls dropped by the sycamore tree in the backyard. We love the shade that tree gives, but hate the seeds it drops.
All in all, it was a busy weekend, but it shows how life gets in the way of any great intention to exercise. My main sticking point of coming into this new nutrition regimen is to not deny myself anything as long as it's in moderation. I think overall I ate sensibly. I am still 27 days "clean" of the Carl's Jr. Drive-Through and Diet Coke and I'm hanging in there!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday Weigh-In! End of the 24-Day Challenge (Sort Of)
Ahhh...there's nothing like a weigh-in to really start your day off! I stepped on the scale to find a 1 pound weight loss from last week (206.5 lbs.). Hmmm, not quite what I was hoping for. All totaled, in the 24-Day Challenge I dropped a total of 5 pounds. I'm not sure if my body is in some sort of shock with the new nutrition and exercise regimen? I expected that I would have dropped a lot more weight by now. Looking back, that's a little more than 1 pound a week, which is good number to stick with for long term weight loss.
Last night I had a great butt-kicking in step class. The routine is getting much easier, so I'm not as focused on the footwork but can focus more on amping up the intensity and paying attention to my form. Tonight is soccer and hopefully I'll get to run a bit. Last week I had to spend the time doing administrative stuff and didn't have time to play.
Last night I had a great butt-kicking in step class. The routine is getting much easier, so I'm not as focused on the footwork but can focus more on amping up the intensity and paying attention to my form. Tonight is soccer and hopefully I'll get to run a bit. Last week I had to spend the time doing administrative stuff and didn't have time to play.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday Wrap-Up
Whew, thanks to Cathe for doing a great butt-kicking at step! On my daily posts I will try to do a wrap-up of my daily calories consumed and a wrap-up of the Advocare products I am using.
Food Consumed (approx. 1,400 calories)
- Active Lifestyle Oatmeal (Maple & Pecan)
- Lean Cuisine BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Meal Replacement Shake
- Peanut Butter Sandwich on Multi-grain Bread
- Apple
- Banana
Advocare Products Used (Daily Cost $10.37, Retail)
- Spark ($1.63 x 2)
- MNS-3 ($3.21)
- Meal Replacement Shake ($2.85)
- Catalyst ($1.05)
Food Consumed (approx. 1,400 calories)
- Active Lifestyle Oatmeal (Maple & Pecan)
- Lean Cuisine BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Meal Replacement Shake
- Peanut Butter Sandwich on Multi-grain Bread
- Apple
- Banana
Advocare Products Used (Daily Cost $10.37, Retail)
- Spark ($1.63 x 2)
- MNS-3 ($3.21)
- Meal Replacement Shake ($2.85)
- Catalyst ($1.05)
Bisbee Stairclimb
I had to post these links from You Tube that I just discovered. The hosts of the videos are a part of the "Running Raw Project". Some great footage of Bisbee, AZ (my county seat) and the annual October stairclimb event. I plan on using the stairclimb route as part of my cardio workouts on the weekends. I used to do the route about 2 years back when I was training for half-marathons. It's a challenging workout that I found never gets easier the more your climb it, you just recover faster.
Part I (Recon the Route): http://youtu.be/MvA5JTAc5ew
Part II (Race Day): http://youtu.be/-d5ZWc93ofA
Part I (Recon the Route): http://youtu.be/MvA5JTAc5ew
Part II (Race Day): http://youtu.be/-d5ZWc93ofA
Day 23!
I don't know about you, but this spring has been flying by! So has my 24-Day Challenge! I am excited to do another weigh-in tomorrow to see where I am. My pants are feeling a bit looser and my energy is way up. This morning I decided to take a day off from my normal morning walk to give my legs a break since I'll be doing a step class this evening.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Dreaded Foam Roller!
Day 23
Backtracking a bit, since I forgot to post yesterday, I'm back-dating this to make it look like I posted on April 13th! ;-)
I had a great spin class again this morning, so sad that I have been slacking the past few months and missing this class. Previous to starting the 24-Day Challenge, I used Wednesday mornings as my "sleep in" day since Evan didn't have to be at special preschool on Wednesdays. Over this school year, I think my "sleep in" Wednesdays have been hurting my sleep patterns since the other 4 days of the work week I am getting up at 4:00am. On Wednesdays, I can still sleep a little longer (about 45 minutes more than the other days) since the spin class doesn't start until 5:30am. I will be so happy when the school year is over so I can get to spin on M, W, and F mornings!
The continuing saga of my lower legs! Sorry to continue the ramblings, but last night, I borrowed a friend's foam roller (since I couldn't find mine). If you aren't familiar with a foam roller, it is a dense foam cylinder about 1.5 feet long, not exactly sure of the diameter, maybe about a dinner plate in diameter? Anyway, I was introduced to the foam roller after running the Tucson Half-Marathon back in 2008.
I had to check back on the Tucson Marathon website to confirm the year I ran in the half marathon. What a pathetic runner I was (and still am)...I was overall 1209 out of 1462 with a pace time of 11:58, yikes, I probably could have walked it faster (the majority of the route is downhill)!
The route for the Tucson Marathon goes through the town of Catalina, and puts you on the high side of a berm (you are running on the oncoming traffic side of the road which banks to your right). At the time, I didn't feel any pain aside from the general fatigue from running a distance race. A few days later I started to get really bad pain on the side of my knee cap. I've never been one to have joint injuries (knock on wood) even in my time in the military. I found out it was an IT Band injury (Iliotibial band syndrome). It is actually a thigh injury that shows itself as pain in the knee joint. Due to the camber of that road through Catalina, I had an IT band injury (so proud to actually have a runner's injury...it shows I'm a runner, just joking)! So, a great remedy for an IT band problem is to use the foam roller on the outside of the knee and thigh to work those muscles (and yes, it hurts like a mother when you use the foam roller on your outer knee)!
Now, back to my original story...I thought that maybe I need to use the foam roller on my lower legs to try to work that pain out that I am feeling when I walk. So odd that this lower pain only happens when I walk, but not during a step or spin class! Using the foam roller causes you to be in very odd positions and you have to hold yourself up at times to use your own weight to help with the pressure. trying to hold myself up while rolling the outside of my lower legs was quite a challenge!
I love how one thing leads to another! As I was using the foam roller, I noticed on the outside of my left lower leg, I had this oddly shaped lump. I have a similar, but smaller one on my right leg. It's more pronounced when I am kneeling and sitting back on my heels (there is probably a more formal yoga name for that sitting position). I even had T look at it and he said it looks similar to the bumps he has on his shins (he always had them even in the military and they were quite painful for him). The lumps on my legs aren't painful to the touch since there's essentially no pressure on them. After researching on-line, it is a muscle herniation, of which there is no "cure" per se. It's just a little bundle of muscle that is protruding from the long muscle in my lower leg. From what I read, I still don't think that is the cause of my lower leg pain. The mystery continues!
Foods Consumed Today
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter sandwich on multi-grain bread
- serving of rice crackers
- salad w/Italian dressing
- minestrone soup
- turkey sandwich
Advocare Products Used
- Spark
- Catalyst
- MNS 3
Backtracking a bit, since I forgot to post yesterday, I'm back-dating this to make it look like I posted on April 13th! ;-)
I had a great spin class again this morning, so sad that I have been slacking the past few months and missing this class. Previous to starting the 24-Day Challenge, I used Wednesday mornings as my "sleep in" day since Evan didn't have to be at special preschool on Wednesdays. Over this school year, I think my "sleep in" Wednesdays have been hurting my sleep patterns since the other 4 days of the work week I am getting up at 4:00am. On Wednesdays, I can still sleep a little longer (about 45 minutes more than the other days) since the spin class doesn't start until 5:30am. I will be so happy when the school year is over so I can get to spin on M, W, and F mornings!
The continuing saga of my lower legs! Sorry to continue the ramblings, but last night, I borrowed a friend's foam roller (since I couldn't find mine). If you aren't familiar with a foam roller, it is a dense foam cylinder about 1.5 feet long, not exactly sure of the diameter, maybe about a dinner plate in diameter? Anyway, I was introduced to the foam roller after running the Tucson Half-Marathon back in 2008.
I had to check back on the Tucson Marathon website to confirm the year I ran in the half marathon. What a pathetic runner I was (and still am)...I was overall 1209 out of 1462 with a pace time of 11:58, yikes, I probably could have walked it faster (the majority of the route is downhill)!
The route for the Tucson Marathon goes through the town of Catalina, and puts you on the high side of a berm (you are running on the oncoming traffic side of the road which banks to your right). At the time, I didn't feel any pain aside from the general fatigue from running a distance race. A few days later I started to get really bad pain on the side of my knee cap. I've never been one to have joint injuries (knock on wood) even in my time in the military. I found out it was an IT Band injury (Iliotibial band syndrome). It is actually a thigh injury that shows itself as pain in the knee joint. Due to the camber of that road through Catalina, I had an IT band injury (so proud to actually have a runner's injury...it shows I'm a runner, just joking)! So, a great remedy for an IT band problem is to use the foam roller on the outside of the knee and thigh to work those muscles (and yes, it hurts like a mother when you use the foam roller on your outer knee)!
Now, back to my original story...I thought that maybe I need to use the foam roller on my lower legs to try to work that pain out that I am feeling when I walk. So odd that this lower pain only happens when I walk, but not during a step or spin class! Using the foam roller causes you to be in very odd positions and you have to hold yourself up at times to use your own weight to help with the pressure. trying to hold myself up while rolling the outside of my lower legs was quite a challenge!
I love how one thing leads to another! As I was using the foam roller, I noticed on the outside of my left lower leg, I had this oddly shaped lump. I have a similar, but smaller one on my right leg. It's more pronounced when I am kneeling and sitting back on my heels (there is probably a more formal yoga name for that sitting position). I even had T look at it and he said it looks similar to the bumps he has on his shins (he always had them even in the military and they were quite painful for him). The lumps on my legs aren't painful to the touch since there's essentially no pressure on them. After researching on-line, it is a muscle herniation, of which there is no "cure" per se. It's just a little bundle of muscle that is protruding from the long muscle in my lower leg. From what I read, I still don't think that is the cause of my lower leg pain. The mystery continues!
Foods Consumed Today
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter sandwich on multi-grain bread
- serving of rice crackers
- salad w/Italian dressing
- minestrone soup
- turkey sandwich
Advocare Products Used
- Spark
- Catalyst
- MNS 3
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Developing What I Believe...(Ramblings)
Given all the life struggles that have come my way over the many years, I have dedicated very little time to developing my core belief system. I think I have been in the "spin" so to speak of life for so long that I have lost a bit of myself over the years. This is probably a part of how I have ended up where I am (overweight, stressed, and tired). The first step is to realize that you are in the "spin" and make that conscious decision that you are not going to live like that anymore.
I think the biggest theme that runs through these is that you have to find happiness in this short time that we have here amongst the living. If you are miserable, you have choices to move beyond your sadness. Those choices may not be easy, it may mean a physical move or a simple mental move to say you are no longer going to be miserable. I think we are so afraid to taking those leaps that we settle for mediocrity.
In some respects, I can't even develop anything original, but have gleaned these beliefs from some articles and audios that I have read/listened to over time.
What I Believe
- Life is too short to spend in a rut. The greatest grievance is to go through all your years without ever knowing what life could be if you lived it from your passion.
- We are all worthy of a career that we love, part-time or full-time.
- Those who are open-minded have more choices.
- What we give circulates back to us.
- When it’s all said and done, the only thing that matters is our relationships.
- Help others see their answers.
- Successful people follow their heart even when others are skeptical or do not consent.
- A focused and strong intention will have a positive result on my reality.
- There is always, ALWAYS, something to be grateful for.
- The greatest gift we can give ourselves is freedom.
I think the biggest theme that runs through these is that you have to find happiness in this short time that we have here amongst the living. If you are miserable, you have choices to move beyond your sadness. Those choices may not be easy, it may mean a physical move or a simple mental move to say you are no longer going to be miserable. I think we are so afraid to taking those leaps that we settle for mediocrity.
In some respects, I can't even develop anything original, but have gleaned these beliefs from some articles and audios that I have read/listened to over time.
What I Believe
- Life is too short to spend in a rut. The greatest grievance is to go through all your years without ever knowing what life could be if you lived it from your passion.
- We are all worthy of a career that we love, part-time or full-time.
- Those who are open-minded have more choices.
- What we give circulates back to us.
- When it’s all said and done, the only thing that matters is our relationships.
- Help others see their answers.
- Successful people follow their heart even when others are skeptical or do not consent.
- A focused and strong intention will have a positive result on my reality.
- There is always, ALWAYS, something to be grateful for.
- The greatest gift we can give ourselves is freedom.
I think I can, I think I can!
Day 22
Whoops, forgot to do a post last night! Not a whole lot to report on since I've designated Monday and Tuesdays my no-big-workout days. After looking over my schedule, Tuesdays are my craziest days; Mondays actually aren't that crazy, but I usually have a team telecon on Mondays.
Wednesdays will be Spin Class in the morning, Thursdays will be Step Class in the evenings, Fridays are soccer, and Saturday/Sundays will be my gym days for cardio and weight-lifting. I need to find another good evening for weight-lifting, maybe Wednesday nights since I will have done heavy cardio in the morning. I am still walking every morning (at least 1.5 miles) during the work week.
Previously, I had posted about lower leg pain I have been experiencing. That pain keeps coming back despite changing the surface I am walking on and changing shoes/inserts. Researching it online it looks like the pain is coming from the long tendon on the outside of the lower leg. I do have a foam roller at home from the previous IT Band problem I developed after running the Tucson Half-Marathon a while back. I'll start using that to loosen up those muscles and we'll see how that works. I get no pain during spin class, step class or soccer; just when I am walking (frustrating that something low impact is hurting so bad)!
I think I only have 2 more days of the 24-Day Challenge. Day 25 won't be any different than what I am already doing, I will continue on the MNS 3 product. Given that I have a whole lot of weight to lose, this is definitely more than a 24-day program. People have asked me if I have a time frame on my weight loss journey. I don't like to set a definitive date, but I think I can get there within the year. That would be a 6 pound weight loss every month. I think I can, I think I can!
Whoops, forgot to do a post last night! Not a whole lot to report on since I've designated Monday and Tuesdays my no-big-workout days. After looking over my schedule, Tuesdays are my craziest days; Mondays actually aren't that crazy, but I usually have a team telecon on Mondays.
Wednesdays will be Spin Class in the morning, Thursdays will be Step Class in the evenings, Fridays are soccer, and Saturday/Sundays will be my gym days for cardio and weight-lifting. I need to find another good evening for weight-lifting, maybe Wednesday nights since I will have done heavy cardio in the morning. I am still walking every morning (at least 1.5 miles) during the work week.
Previously, I had posted about lower leg pain I have been experiencing. That pain keeps coming back despite changing the surface I am walking on and changing shoes/inserts. Researching it online it looks like the pain is coming from the long tendon on the outside of the lower leg. I do have a foam roller at home from the previous IT Band problem I developed after running the Tucson Half-Marathon a while back. I'll start using that to loosen up those muscles and we'll see how that works. I get no pain during spin class, step class or soccer; just when I am walking (frustrating that something low impact is hurting so bad)!
I think I only have 2 more days of the 24-Day Challenge. Day 25 won't be any different than what I am already doing, I will continue on the MNS 3 product. Given that I have a whole lot of weight to lose, this is definitely more than a 24-day program. People have asked me if I have a time frame on my weight loss journey. I don't like to set a definitive date, but I think I can get there within the year. That would be a 6 pound weight loss every month. I think I can, I think I can!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday Workout
Day 20
Another cardio and weights workout day at the gym! Since the gym uses Cybex machines, I downloaded a workout schedule from their website. The schedule outlines a 6-week regimen of workouts. Tonight I plan on making a more solid schedule of workouts.
I completed a 30-minute weight-loss program on the Cybex Arc Trainer. If you haven't used one of these, you gotta try one! It's not quite an ellipitcal, not quite a stair-stepper, but easy on the knees. I thought it was neat that is generates its own electricity; so the the controls and television won't work unless you are.
I was having a great workout watching the Masters, until about 5 minutes from the end of my workout, a lady jumped on a machine right next to me and she had an overload of perfume on. It was really bad and if it wasn't for me being almost done with my program, I would have jumped off my machine. I mean seriously, it's the gym...ya don't need to smell sweet (but don't be stinky)!
After my cardio, I grabbed my workout program and tracked down the machines I needed for the Day One workout (mostly chest and arms). Truly, the workout felt wonderful. It felt really good to stretch out my upper body. I think that when you are carrying so much weight, you tend to contract into yourself (if that makes sense). It felt really freeing actually.
Food
- Cereal
- Bananas
- Tomato Soup
- Turkey Sandwich on Multigrain Bread
- Handful of Goldfish crackers
- 1 piece pizza
Advocare Products Used
- Spark
- Catalyst
- MNS 3
- Meal Replacement Shake
Another cardio and weights workout day at the gym! Since the gym uses Cybex machines, I downloaded a workout schedule from their website. The schedule outlines a 6-week regimen of workouts. Tonight I plan on making a more solid schedule of workouts.
I completed a 30-minute weight-loss program on the Cybex Arc Trainer. If you haven't used one of these, you gotta try one! It's not quite an ellipitcal, not quite a stair-stepper, but easy on the knees. I thought it was neat that is generates its own electricity; so the the controls and television won't work unless you are.
I was having a great workout watching the Masters, until about 5 minutes from the end of my workout, a lady jumped on a machine right next to me and she had an overload of perfume on. It was really bad and if it wasn't for me being almost done with my program, I would have jumped off my machine. I mean seriously, it's the gym...ya don't need to smell sweet (but don't be stinky)!
After my cardio, I grabbed my workout program and tracked down the machines I needed for the Day One workout (mostly chest and arms). Truly, the workout felt wonderful. It felt really good to stretch out my upper body. I think that when you are carrying so much weight, you tend to contract into yourself (if that makes sense). It felt really freeing actually.
Food
- Cereal
- Bananas
- Tomato Soup
- Turkey Sandwich on Multigrain Bread
- Handful of Goldfish crackers
- 1 piece pizza
Advocare Products Used
- Spark
- Catalyst
- MNS 3
- Meal Replacement Shake
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Weigh-In #3!
Day 19
It was a nice, laid-back Saturday with nowhere in particular to be! A nice change of pace! It is Master's weekend, and for those of you without a die-hard golfer in your household, you probably could care less. The Master's weekend is sacred in this household with the hubby; all the more reason to find ways to get out of the house!
This morning I did the weekly weigh-in and the weight result was not spectacular, but I had to go up a notch on my sports bra (so I'm getting smaller in the chest)! I actually gained a half pound (207.5 pounds), but given that I'm in the middle of that wonderful monthly visitor, it could have been worse! Another nice thing is that I don't feel nearly as bloated as I usually do, which may be attributed to drinking more water.
I ventured down to Summit Express, which is a smaller gym about 4 minutes from my house. It's a satellite gym of the main one I have returned to for all the fitness classes. This smaller gym has a great set-up of cardio machines (all with personal t.v.s), Cybex machines and free weights. Needless to say, at 11:30am on a Saturday, it was like my own personal gym since there were maybe 2 other people there (sweet)!
I did 30-minutes on the elliptical and worked a bit on the Cybex machines and some abs. Knowing that this location has such a nice set-up of machines, I need to make a plan for doing more strength training in addition to my cardio. I keep forgetting more muscle burns more fat, so I definitely need to work that in.
As for diet, I am disliking the weekends since I find myself not drinking as much water as I should be!
Nutrition
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Green Beans
- Turkey Sandwich on Multigrain Bread
- Handful of peanuts
- Lean Cuisine meal
Advocare Products Being Used
- MNS 3
- Spark (breakfast and late afternoon)
- Catalyst (pre-workout)
It was a nice, laid-back Saturday with nowhere in particular to be! A nice change of pace! It is Master's weekend, and for those of you without a die-hard golfer in your household, you probably could care less. The Master's weekend is sacred in this household with the hubby; all the more reason to find ways to get out of the house!
This morning I did the weekly weigh-in and the weight result was not spectacular, but I had to go up a notch on my sports bra (so I'm getting smaller in the chest)! I actually gained a half pound (207.5 pounds), but given that I'm in the middle of that wonderful monthly visitor, it could have been worse! Another nice thing is that I don't feel nearly as bloated as I usually do, which may be attributed to drinking more water.
I ventured down to Summit Express, which is a smaller gym about 4 minutes from my house. It's a satellite gym of the main one I have returned to for all the fitness classes. This smaller gym has a great set-up of cardio machines (all with personal t.v.s), Cybex machines and free weights. Needless to say, at 11:30am on a Saturday, it was like my own personal gym since there were maybe 2 other people there (sweet)!
I did 30-minutes on the elliptical and worked a bit on the Cybex machines and some abs. Knowing that this location has such a nice set-up of machines, I need to make a plan for doing more strength training in addition to my cardio. I keep forgetting more muscle burns more fat, so I definitely need to work that in.
As for diet, I am disliking the weekends since I find myself not drinking as much water as I should be!
Nutrition
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Green Beans
- Turkey Sandwich on Multigrain Bread
- Handful of peanuts
- Lean Cuisine meal
Advocare Products Being Used
- MNS 3
- Spark (breakfast and late afternoon)
- Catalyst (pre-workout)
Friday, April 8, 2011
Ouch!
Day 18
All I can say is "ouch" this morning! Last night, I returned to step class, led by one of my good friends. Wow, my whole body is hurting today, but in a good way. I didn't get much out of her class last Thursday night since I was trying too hard to follow the choreography. This time was much better since I was in a better position to see. The sad thing was viewing myself in the mirror to see just how out of shape and fat I really am. I don't want to sugar-coat it; I AM FAT and I need to kick things into higher gear to get rid of this fat. I am just tired of it!
All I can say is "ouch" this morning! Last night, I returned to step class, led by one of my good friends. Wow, my whole body is hurting today, but in a good way. I didn't get much out of her class last Thursday night since I was trying too hard to follow the choreography. This time was much better since I was in a better position to see. The sad thing was viewing myself in the mirror to see just how out of shape and fat I really am. I don't want to sugar-coat it; I AM FAT and I need to kick things into higher gear to get rid of this fat. I am just tired of it!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I Think I Figger'ed It Out
Day 17
The past few times I have walked on the track, I have developed really bad pain in my lower leg (specifically on the outsides of my lower legs). I suspected part of the problem was walking on the outside lane of the track which has a slight bank to it. Today, I didn't walk on the track, but instead walked the loop around the field house and my building. The loop is actually 1-mile, sort of deceiving since it doesn't look that much of a distance if you see it. After I completed that loop, I kept walking and did another loop down around another adjacent building. All told, it was over 2-miles with hills (everything is hilly on post). Afterward, no leg pain! So I think I have figured out the leg pain!
The past few times I have walked on the track, I have developed really bad pain in my lower leg (specifically on the outsides of my lower legs). I suspected part of the problem was walking on the outside lane of the track which has a slight bank to it. Today, I didn't walk on the track, but instead walked the loop around the field house and my building. The loop is actually 1-mile, sort of deceiving since it doesn't look that much of a distance if you see it. After I completed that loop, I kept walking and did another loop down around another adjacent building. All told, it was over 2-miles with hills (everything is hilly on post). Afterward, no leg pain! So I think I have figured out the leg pain!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Welcome Back to Spin!
Day 16
On Wednesdays, Evan does not have his special preschool, which makes it a "normal" day so to speak. I decided to head back to spin class (which is held on M, W, F). previously, I had attended enough spin classes to where my buttisimis has actually become accustomed to the seat. I will admit that I use an additional padded seat on top of the regular spin seat and also padded shorts (I'm not that crazy, m'kay)!
I like the spin classes since the music is loud, the room is dark, and there is no choreography to worry about; it's just you against yourself! I was happy to see a co-worker there also; always fun to share the pain with someone! Previous to class, I downed 3 Catalyst capsules with a Spark in hopes to get some great sustained energy through the class...it worked! The instructor worked us through 3 full-cranks (for those of you who do spin, you know what that means) and we stood almost the entire time (my buttisimis said "thank youuu")! Thanks to the 80's metal mix to really kick it into high gear! There's nothing better than doing an end sprint to "Crazy Train"....welcome to hump day!!
On Wednesdays, Evan does not have his special preschool, which makes it a "normal" day so to speak. I decided to head back to spin class (which is held on M, W, F). previously, I had attended enough spin classes to where my buttisimis has actually become accustomed to the seat. I will admit that I use an additional padded seat on top of the regular spin seat and also padded shorts (I'm not that crazy, m'kay)!
I like the spin classes since the music is loud, the room is dark, and there is no choreography to worry about; it's just you against yourself! I was happy to see a co-worker there also; always fun to share the pain with someone! Previous to class, I downed 3 Catalyst capsules with a Spark in hopes to get some great sustained energy through the class...it worked! The instructor worked us through 3 full-cranks (for those of you who do spin, you know what that means) and we stood almost the entire time (my buttisimis said "thank youuu")! Thanks to the 80's metal mix to really kick it into high gear! There's nothing better than doing an end sprint to "Crazy Train"....welcome to hump day!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I Always Have the Best Intention
Day 15
O.k...I always have the best intention to do more cardio! Here is my struggle and I know the majority of people have the same problem. Earlier in the day I had it all planned out that I was either going to attend my friend Jeremy's group kick class at the gym or I was going to do a cardio machine at the new gym annex which is closer to my house. As usual, life got in the way and the plan went flat.
As a working parent, I have to constantly make choices for the family and over the past few years, these choices have helped lead me to unhealthy choices regarding nutrition (junk food) and fitness (laziness). Here is my biggest problem...after picking Evan up from daycare, the last thing I want to do is to drag him with me to the gym and put him in the childcare room. He's been either at his preschool for most of the day and then daycare for part of the day. To me, that is crappy for Evan (for the lack of a better phrase). I realize that I can choose to put him in the jog stroller and just start walking the neighborhood; but most of the time, I just want to come home and chill with him until T gets home. Then, when T gets home, I want to just chill and actually try to have an adult conversation with him. For some reason, last night, I just wanted to chill and the last thing I wanted to do was exercise!
I realize it is all about choices and I think this is the hardest part! The nutrition part is easy, the exercise part is easy also...it's the "getting" to the exercise that is the problem! While driving in to work at 0500 this morning, I realized that what I am needing is more time in the day with my family where I can take that time for exercise and not feel guilty that I am missing out on a part of their lives.
O.k...I always have the best intention to do more cardio! Here is my struggle and I know the majority of people have the same problem. Earlier in the day I had it all planned out that I was either going to attend my friend Jeremy's group kick class at the gym or I was going to do a cardio machine at the new gym annex which is closer to my house. As usual, life got in the way and the plan went flat.
As a working parent, I have to constantly make choices for the family and over the past few years, these choices have helped lead me to unhealthy choices regarding nutrition (junk food) and fitness (laziness). Here is my biggest problem...after picking Evan up from daycare, the last thing I want to do is to drag him with me to the gym and put him in the childcare room. He's been either at his preschool for most of the day and then daycare for part of the day. To me, that is crappy for Evan (for the lack of a better phrase). I realize that I can choose to put him in the jog stroller and just start walking the neighborhood; but most of the time, I just want to come home and chill with him until T gets home. Then, when T gets home, I want to just chill and actually try to have an adult conversation with him. For some reason, last night, I just wanted to chill and the last thing I wanted to do was exercise!
I realize it is all about choices and I think this is the hardest part! The nutrition part is easy, the exercise part is easy also...it's the "getting" to the exercise that is the problem! While driving in to work at 0500 this morning, I realized that what I am needing is more time in the day with my family where I can take that time for exercise and not feel guilty that I am missing out on a part of their lives.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Rediscovering an Old Friend
Day 14
I managed to find (again) my Garmin Forerunner 305. This is a huge hunk of GPS that you wear on your wrist when walking/running/biking/etc...to map your progress in miles. I had rediscovered it a few months ago when I had the silly idea of picking up my running again. I had yet again put it somewhere with the thought of using it. I liked using it previously when I ran some half-marathons despite the weight and size. The mile pace counter helps to give you that mental pick-up that you gotta kick it in gear since you are now running at a slower pace than you can walk the distance! Hate that!
This morning, I synced it up with the satellite and took off walking on the track. Wow, I was feeling it in my legs this morning! Probably a combination of step class last Thursday, soccer on Friday, stair-stepper on Saturday and walking the zoo yesterday. Most noticeably it was in my lower legs (on the outside of my legs above the ankles). It was one of those annoying pains, not crazy painful, but something that made me concentrate harder on walking it out. When I get pain like that, I visualize all the bad foods and drinks I've consumed working their way out of my system...the price to pay for years of bad habits!
I added a new ticker at the bottom of the blog to add more fun into this new lifestyle! My hometown is Scottdale, PA (sending a shout-out), which is in southwestern PA (where we say "yinz" and "pop"). The walking distance between Sierra Vista and Scottdale (according to Google Maps) is 2,023 miles. I am going to start adding up my cardio miles to see how long it takes me to "walk" to Scottdale. I welcome any guesses as to the date I will hit that mileage!
I managed to find (again) my Garmin Forerunner 305. This is a huge hunk of GPS that you wear on your wrist when walking/running/biking/etc...to map your progress in miles. I had rediscovered it a few months ago when I had the silly idea of picking up my running again. I had yet again put it somewhere with the thought of using it. I liked using it previously when I ran some half-marathons despite the weight and size. The mile pace counter helps to give you that mental pick-up that you gotta kick it in gear since you are now running at a slower pace than you can walk the distance! Hate that!
This morning, I synced it up with the satellite and took off walking on the track. Wow, I was feeling it in my legs this morning! Probably a combination of step class last Thursday, soccer on Friday, stair-stepper on Saturday and walking the zoo yesterday. Most noticeably it was in my lower legs (on the outside of my legs above the ankles). It was one of those annoying pains, not crazy painful, but something that made me concentrate harder on walking it out. When I get pain like that, I visualize all the bad foods and drinks I've consumed working their way out of my system...the price to pay for years of bad habits!
I added a new ticker at the bottom of the blog to add more fun into this new lifestyle! My hometown is Scottdale, PA (sending a shout-out), which is in southwestern PA (where we say "yinz" and "pop"). The walking distance between Sierra Vista and Scottdale (according to Google Maps) is 2,023 miles. I am going to start adding up my cardio miles to see how long it takes me to "walk" to Scottdale. I welcome any guesses as to the date I will hit that mileage!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Road Trip!!
Day 13
My first road trip on the 24-Day Challenge! A usual trip to Tucson would include a run-through the McDonald's in Benson and then a later run-through one of the In 'N Out Burgers in Tucson. Today's destination was the Tucson Zoo since Evan has been asking on a daily basis about going to the zoo. I still did the McDonald's drive-thru for Evan to get his favorite breakfast (McGriddle with double egg). I got a fruit parfait, the serving is pretty small, but tasty.
We spent some time essentially running through the zoo (that is Evan's mode of visiting the zoo). In the morning, I figured I didn't have to go the gym for an early morning workout since I would be chasing him through the zoo. The Tucson Zoo isn't huge, just perfect Evan-sized. After the zoo, I was hungry and didn't set myself up with snacks. We met up with T at the BMW Motorcycle dealership (there was a stunt show there today). We only stayed a little bit since Evan said he was bored. By then, I was feeling light-headed from hunger, not good). Evan said he wanted a taco, so we went to On the Border and got a bite to eat. I got some sort of chicken salad, it was o.k., not something I would order again but a big filling size. It felt good to finally eat!
So lesson learned, I need a better food plan when on the road!
My reflections for the week:
I can't expect the maximum result if I am giving the minimum! So I need to pick up my exercise regimen!
Food Intake
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Chicken Salad & Nacho Chips
Snack: Pumpkin Roll (I will tell the tale of the Pumpkin Roll later!)
Dinner: Meal Replacement Shake
AdvoCare Products Used Today
- MNS Max 3
- Spark
- Meal Replacement Shake
My first road trip on the 24-Day Challenge! A usual trip to Tucson would include a run-through the McDonald's in Benson and then a later run-through one of the In 'N Out Burgers in Tucson. Today's destination was the Tucson Zoo since Evan has been asking on a daily basis about going to the zoo. I still did the McDonald's drive-thru for Evan to get his favorite breakfast (McGriddle with double egg). I got a fruit parfait, the serving is pretty small, but tasty.
We spent some time essentially running through the zoo (that is Evan's mode of visiting the zoo). In the morning, I figured I didn't have to go the gym for an early morning workout since I would be chasing him through the zoo. The Tucson Zoo isn't huge, just perfect Evan-sized. After the zoo, I was hungry and didn't set myself up with snacks. We met up with T at the BMW Motorcycle dealership (there was a stunt show there today). We only stayed a little bit since Evan said he was bored. By then, I was feeling light-headed from hunger, not good). Evan said he wanted a taco, so we went to On the Border and got a bite to eat. I got some sort of chicken salad, it was o.k., not something I would order again but a big filling size. It felt good to finally eat!
So lesson learned, I need a better food plan when on the road!
My reflections for the week:
I can't expect the maximum result if I am giving the minimum! So I need to pick up my exercise regimen!
Food Intake
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Chicken Salad & Nacho Chips
Snack: Pumpkin Roll (I will tell the tale of the Pumpkin Roll later!)
Dinner: Meal Replacement Shake
AdvoCare Products Used Today
- MNS Max 3
- Spark
- Meal Replacement Shake
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Just Me Against the Machine
Day 12
My exercise plan for today was to attend a class (either beginner yoga or spinning), but alas, I was very content in catching up on sleep this morning!
I completed the morning routine: drinking a Spark with my 1st pack of MNS supplements 30 minutes before breakfast; oatmeal for breakfast (I made it with 2% milk and Truvia for a little taste kick). With breakfast I took the 2 follow-on supplement packets with water. Before heading out the door to the gym, I took 3 Catalyst supplements to give me some extra boost.
I made it to the gym at 11:30am; a nice time since the morning rush had emptied out by then. I started out on the treadmill just to stretch out a little. I was really feeling the fatigue in my calves from step class on Thursday and soccer last night. The soccer field was really mushy and sandy last night due to seeding and watering, making us have to work a bit harder to run. After an 8-minute warm-up, I jumped on an open Precor Stepper (love the step machine)! I chose a preset program with a lot of hills and off I went.
It was such a nice change of pace to not have to worry about keeping up with choreography or high-impact, it was just me and the machine! I hung in there and kept my heartrate at a good sustained rate. All the while I was thinking that I needed to do this more often, the sweat really felt great! After the stepper, I worked a little bit of free weights for my biceps and triceps and some abs.
I think all told it was a good hour in the gym. Getting in the car driving home, I felt truly exilarated, sort of like a runner's high. Definitely a feeling I have not felt in a long time!
My exercise plan for today was to attend a class (either beginner yoga or spinning), but alas, I was very content in catching up on sleep this morning!
I completed the morning routine: drinking a Spark with my 1st pack of MNS supplements 30 minutes before breakfast; oatmeal for breakfast (I made it with 2% milk and Truvia for a little taste kick). With breakfast I took the 2 follow-on supplement packets with water. Before heading out the door to the gym, I took 3 Catalyst supplements to give me some extra boost.
I made it to the gym at 11:30am; a nice time since the morning rush had emptied out by then. I started out on the treadmill just to stretch out a little. I was really feeling the fatigue in my calves from step class on Thursday and soccer last night. The soccer field was really mushy and sandy last night due to seeding and watering, making us have to work a bit harder to run. After an 8-minute warm-up, I jumped on an open Precor Stepper (love the step machine)! I chose a preset program with a lot of hills and off I went.
It was such a nice change of pace to not have to worry about keeping up with choreography or high-impact, it was just me and the machine! I hung in there and kept my heartrate at a good sustained rate. All the while I was thinking that I needed to do this more often, the sweat really felt great! After the stepper, I worked a little bit of free weights for my biceps and triceps and some abs.
I think all told it was a good hour in the gym. Getting in the car driving home, I felt truly exilarated, sort of like a runner's high. Definitely a feeling I have not felt in a long time!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Busy Friday Night!
I wouldn't say I have a very stressful job; but over the past few days we've had some developments at work that I feel have made it a bit more stressful. I have felt that I have been carrying that stress right in my gut. All the more reason that I have to find that place to try to center myself (definitely something to add to 'Things to Work On' list).
Given that Friday nights are also crazy nights, for dinner I had the Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake. 220 calories and it actually tasted good (similar to a chocolate malt). I definitely felt full after drinking it. I finished up the last 2 packets of MNS supplements (1 30-minutes before dinner and the other with dinner).
I had the late soccer game tonight (7:45pm), so I definitely needed the extra energy to get me through it. I drank a Slam (Bowl Berry flavor) about 45 minutes before game time and a serving of Catalyst (3 capsules) before the game. My energy level was great throughout the game, despite my incredibly terrible cardiovascular fitness on the soccer field!
Food Consumed Today (need to work on my veggies, I know)
- Oatmeal
- Banana
- Apple
- Turkey and Roast Beef Sandwich on Muti-grain Bread
- Multigrain Cheerios
- Meal Replacement Shake
AdvoCare Products Used Today
- MNS Packet 1
- MNS Packet 2
- MNS Packet 3
- MNS Packet 4
- Spark
- Slam
- Catalyst
Given that Friday nights are also crazy nights, for dinner I had the Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake. 220 calories and it actually tasted good (similar to a chocolate malt). I definitely felt full after drinking it. I finished up the last 2 packets of MNS supplements (1 30-minutes before dinner and the other with dinner).
I had the late soccer game tonight (7:45pm), so I definitely needed the extra energy to get me through it. I drank a Slam (Bowl Berry flavor) about 45 minutes before game time and a serving of Catalyst (3 capsules) before the game. My energy level was great throughout the game, despite my incredibly terrible cardiovascular fitness on the soccer field!
Food Consumed Today (need to work on my veggies, I know)
- Oatmeal
- Banana
- Apple
- Turkey and Roast Beef Sandwich on Muti-grain Bread
- Multigrain Cheerios
- Meal Replacement Shake
AdvoCare Products Used Today
- MNS Packet 1
- MNS Packet 2
- MNS Packet 3
- MNS Packet 4
- Spark
- Slam
- Catalyst
4.5 Pounds Down! Welcome to the 2nd Phase!
Day 11
Ahh, the Friday weigh-in...what a way to start the weekend! I stepped on the scale to find I lost 4.5 pounds in 10 days. Not too bad considering I had an incredibly bad weekend in the middle of the cleanse. I have connected with other people who have had incredible weight loss results from the cleanse phase, but hey, I will take 4.5 pounds!!
Now starts the 2nd Phase of the 24-day Challenge. Say goodbye to the Fiber Drink and hello to the MNS supplement packets. MNS stands for the Metabolic Nutrition System and the MNS pack I am using is called Max 3. The Max 3 packet gives a combination of sustained energy, wellness and appetite control. There are 2 other MNS products, one focuses on energy (Max E) and the other on appetite control (Max C). After I complete this MNS Max 3 regimen, I can choose to switch to the E or C, or just stay on Max 3. We'll see!
So far, the 4 packets are super-easy to follow, they are marked on the outside when to take them. So far this morning my regimen was to drink a Spark before leaving the house. I took the MNS packet that said "take 30 minutes before breakfast" when I got to work and then went out to walk my mile. This morning, the weather was perfect I didn't need a jacket (first time in a long time). After walking my mile, I came in and made my oatmeal and took the 2nd packet that said "take with breakfast or lunch". Super easy!! The other 2 packets I take around dinner time. The other component of the 24-day Challenge are the Meal Replacement Shakes. I think I will use these during those days I just can't get a good dinner in (like on Tuesdays and Fridays).
Day 11 Weigh-In!
Ahh, the Friday weigh-in...what a way to start the weekend! I stepped on the scale to find I lost 4.5 pounds in 10 days. Not too bad considering I had an incredibly bad weekend in the middle of the cleanse. I have connected with other people who have had incredible weight loss results from the cleanse phase, but hey, I will take 4.5 pounds!!
Now starts the 2nd Phase of the 24-day Challenge. Say goodbye to the Fiber Drink and hello to the MNS supplement packets. MNS stands for the Metabolic Nutrition System and the MNS pack I am using is called Max 3. The Max 3 packet gives a combination of sustained energy, wellness and appetite control. There are 2 other MNS products, one focuses on energy (Max E) and the other on appetite control (Max C). After I complete this MNS Max 3 regimen, I can choose to switch to the E or C, or just stay on Max 3. We'll see!
So far, the 4 packets are super-easy to follow, they are marked on the outside when to take them. So far this morning my regimen was to drink a Spark before leaving the house. I took the MNS packet that said "take 30 minutes before breakfast" when I got to work and then went out to walk my mile. This morning, the weather was perfect I didn't need a jacket (first time in a long time). After walking my mile, I came in and made my oatmeal and took the 2nd packet that said "take with breakfast or lunch". Super easy!! The other 2 packets I take around dinner time. The other component of the 24-day Challenge are the Meal Replacement Shakes. I think I will use these during those days I just can't get a good dinner in (like on Tuesdays and Fridays).
Day 11 Weigh-In!
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