Perfect 10 Challenge Update
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
I was at a loss for what to try this week. I was on my long stretch of hours at work and no class fit into my schedule and I tried every piece of cardio equipment at the Y. On a trip to the local Walmart to buy cat food and garbage bags I started flipping through $5 DVD's and found a Billy Blanks Tae Bo. I remember this being really popular for a while so I decide cardio kick boxing would be my new work out this week. I put the DVD into the player and made it through without much trouble at all. I doubt I will use this DVD often or maybe not at all, didn't really enjoy the workout but I worked up a good sweat and got in an hour of cardio.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in one run , two zumba classes, time with the personal trainer, and one hour of Tae Bo. Total hours 5.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Didn't weigh myself.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I cry really easily... reading a story, listening to a song, watching commercials, I just start crying. I would guess that most people I know don't know that about me because I seldom cry in front of people (unless you include from laughter). I avoid situations where I am going to cry including going to see sad movies. When I went to see "I Am Legend" (um... spoiler alert ahead) I started sobbing like a baby when the dog died, so much so that a guy sitting three seats down from me leaned over and asked if I was going to be okay.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Perfect 10: Update
Perfect 10 Challenge Update
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I tried a BOSU class... Have you ever noticed that you determine how difficult a class is going to be by how fit the people are that show up for the class? When I showed up to BOSU I knew it was going to be tough because I outweighed everyone in the room by at least 50 pounds and they all looked like they were in great shape. It was a 1 hour class and was mostly strength training with just enough cardio to keep the heart rate up... I was expecting more cardio. All in all a great workout and I am so close to being able to do the girly push-up. I will conquer the push-up!
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in one run (stupid snow storm), two zumba classes, time with the personal trainer, one BOSU class, and a couple workouts on the elliptical. Total hours 7.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Didn't weigh myself... however, since I was at the end of my month with the personal trainer I had her remeasure. I lost 1/2 an inch off my waist, chest, each arms and each thigh and 3/4 and inch off my hips. Not too bad.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I tried a BOSU class... Have you ever noticed that you determine how difficult a class is going to be by how fit the people are that show up for the class? When I showed up to BOSU I knew it was going to be tough because I outweighed everyone in the room by at least 50 pounds and they all looked like they were in great shape. It was a 1 hour class and was mostly strength training with just enough cardio to keep the heart rate up... I was expecting more cardio. All in all a great workout and I am so close to being able to do the girly push-up. I will conquer the push-up!
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in one run (stupid snow storm), two zumba classes, time with the personal trainer, one BOSU class, and a couple workouts on the elliptical. Total hours 7.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Didn't weigh myself... however, since I was at the end of my month with the personal trainer I had her remeasure. I lost 1/2 an inch off my waist, chest, each arms and each thigh and 3/4 and inch off my hips. Not too bad.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I didn't go to college right out of high school. I enrolled when I was 24 and I am really glad I decided to go back to school, not only because of the education. Being in college really helped me evolve into a more happy, outgoing, and confident person.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Perfect 10 Update
Perfect 10 Challenge Update
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I wanted to try something that would workout my arms... I was thinking about sledgehammer training. However since it is still very cold outside and sledgehammers in the living room sounds like a bad idea I tried a 10 pound kettle ball instead. I followed mostly upper body workout with the kettle ball but a few exercises involved squats and lunges. All in all a good workout, I liked it.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in two runs, a zumba class, time with the personal trainer and a workout at home. Total hours 5.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I did weigh myself this week but I wasn't thrilled with the results. 189.2... well I did break the 190 barrier but this is only a 2 pound loss. I am going to ask my trainer to measure me this week to see I am losing inches. I am also going to cut back a little on calories and treats. The first six months I did not have have any treats, no cakes on birthdays or anything lately I have been cheating on special occasions. I have to get back into diet mode if I want to loss weight like I was in the past.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I am terrible at parking legally in big cities... when I first moved to Milwaukee I only looked at apartments that had off street parking. I found one I liked but due to maintenance problems the garage space wasn't going to be ready until two weeks after I moved in... which meant street parking for two weeks. I got three parking tickets and my car was towed once.
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I wanted to try something that would workout my arms... I was thinking about sledgehammer training. However since it is still very cold outside and sledgehammers in the living room sounds like a bad idea I tried a 10 pound kettle ball instead. I followed mostly upper body workout with the kettle ball but a few exercises involved squats and lunges. All in all a good workout, I liked it.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in two runs, a zumba class, time with the personal trainer and a workout at home. Total hours 5.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I did weigh myself this week but I wasn't thrilled with the results. 189.2... well I did break the 190 barrier but this is only a 2 pound loss. I am going to ask my trainer to measure me this week to see I am losing inches. I am also going to cut back a little on calories and treats. The first six months I did not have have any treats, no cakes on birthdays or anything lately I have been cheating on special occasions. I have to get back into diet mode if I want to loss weight like I was in the past.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I am terrible at parking legally in big cities... when I first moved to Milwaukee I only looked at apartments that had off street parking. I found one I liked but due to maintenance problems the garage space wasn't going to be ready until two weeks after I moved in... which meant street parking for two weeks. I got three parking tickets and my car was towed once.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mile marker 250
Today I was feeling the after effects of strength training... my legs protested every time I tried to stand up or sit down. I decided to skip Zumba and opted for a run to get in my hour of cardio today. Thanks to the endorphin fueled runners high it was the only hour today that my legs felt really good. But that isn't what this post is about... at the end of my run I took my ipod out of my pocket and scrolled down to "End Workout." If any of you have the Nike+ ipod attachment you know they have famous athletes give you a little "good job" at the end of a workout that was a personal best (distance, time, duration, whatever). Today I was not expecting any kudos from one of these athletes because my run was nothing special. I was surprised when Lance Armstrong's voice came through my headphones and congratulated me on running 250 miles.What is more I don't always use my ipod when I run so I have actually run further than 250 in the past 6 months.
I have run over 250 miles! That is like running from my little town in Northeast Wisconsin to Chicago. If you had told me at this time last year that I would run 250 miles I would have called you insane.
Sometimes you surprise even yourself.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
umm... excuse me... winter. You are in my way.
Lately two things have been getting in my way of living life the way I want to... winter and work. This week I got called into work when I was supposed to be off and we had another snow day (although not too bad). I wanted to go for a run today but after checking out my icy parking area and road I opted for indoor exercise. Doing an hour of cardio/strength.
I am still looking for something new to try this week... if anyone has any ideas.
I am still looking for something new to try this week... if anyone has any ideas.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Was that really a week?
Perfect 10 Challenge Update
I almost missed the week it went by so fast. This morning I was happily humming my way through Wal-mart because my weekend starts today. I picking out streamer colors for my nieces birthday when I realized it's FRIDAY! I knew it was Friday but I forgot it's FRIDAY. I haven't been on my blog all week and it is the last minute for me to account for my Perfect 10 Challenge goals. I did a quick mental list... hours working out... check... tried something new... check (thank you trainer). So here I am down the last minute and ready to check-in with my Perfect 10 Challenge goals. I am off for the next week so I promise to be a much better blogger and comment on all of your posts this week.
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I put in a lot of hours at work so I asked the personal trainer at the gym to give me something new that I could talk about... I won't be doing that again. She had me "walk the plank." It's as difficult to describe as it is to do... but it involves being in the same position you would be in when you start a push-up (kind of like a plank but on your hands) next to you is a step (the kind they use for step aerobics) you "walk" your hands onto the step and then off the other side and then back up on the step and back to your original position trying to shuffle your feet along with your hands. She had me do several of these and I sure could feel them the next day.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
Again I got in two runs, a zumba class, time with the personal trainer and an extra trip to the gym. Total hours 4 1/2.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Weigh in day is coming on the first of the month.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I live in small town but I really enjoy living in bigger cities. I would like to try living in New York City for awhile... or maybe Chicago. But when it comes right down to it I enjoy living in my town because my nieces and nephew are here and they bring me a lot of happiness.
I almost missed the week it went by so fast. This morning I was happily humming my way through Wal-mart because my weekend starts today. I picking out streamer colors for my nieces birthday when I realized it's FRIDAY! I knew it was Friday but I forgot it's FRIDAY. I haven't been on my blog all week and it is the last minute for me to account for my Perfect 10 Challenge goals. I did a quick mental list... hours working out... check... tried something new... check (thank you trainer). So here I am down the last minute and ready to check-in with my Perfect 10 Challenge goals. I am off for the next week so I promise to be a much better blogger and comment on all of your posts this week.
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
This week I put in a lot of hours at work so I asked the personal trainer at the gym to give me something new that I could talk about... I won't be doing that again. She had me "walk the plank." It's as difficult to describe as it is to do... but it involves being in the same position you would be in when you start a push-up (kind of like a plank but on your hands) next to you is a step (the kind they use for step aerobics) you "walk" your hands onto the step and then off the other side and then back up on the step and back to your original position trying to shuffle your feet along with your hands. She had me do several of these and I sure could feel them the next day.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
Again I got in two runs, a zumba class, time with the personal trainer and an extra trip to the gym. Total hours 4 1/2.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Weigh in day is coming on the first of the month.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I live in small town but I really enjoy living in bigger cities. I would like to try living in New York City for awhile... or maybe Chicago. But when it comes right down to it I enjoy living in my town because my nieces and nephew are here and they bring me a lot of happiness.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Perfect 10 Update
Perfect 10 Challenge Update
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
I didn't have a lot of free time this week so I tried out the elliptical machine at the gym. I was meeting the gym's personal trainer at 10:30 and she wants me to have at least 30 minutes of cardio before strength training so I warmed up at a slow pace and then really worked out hard for the 30 minutes. The things I liked about the elliptical is that it is easier to stay on for a klutz like me. I am always stepping off the belt of the treadmill and stumbling a bit. On the elliptical machine your feet stay in the same place. I also liked that I could feel the work out days later in my legs and butt. I don't think it was great to try before strength training because I was exhausted. It didn't feel strenuous when I was on it but I just flat out had very little left for training that day. In the future, stick with the treadmill on strength training days and save the elliptical for off days.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in two good runs this week thanks to nicer weather and less snow. I went to Zumba twice. I worked out in the gym once and with the personal trainer once for a total of 5 1/2 hours this week.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Weigh in day is coming on the first of the month... fingers crossed.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
In Zumba class the instructor often asks people to come up on the stage and dance one of the songs with her. She has asked me several times and I always say no. I would like to because I think she is really friendly and she makes the class really fun and comfortable. I never go up because I think I am a big klutz and I can see myself taking a header off the stage and the thought of being up there scares me a little... and it isn't the potential injury that worries it is having so many witnesses to the injury that worries me. In some other multiverse I am a rock star... in that multlverse I am also better looking, more fit and for some unknown reason own a couple fur-less cats. Go figure.
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
I didn't have a lot of free time this week so I tried out the elliptical machine at the gym. I was meeting the gym's personal trainer at 10:30 and she wants me to have at least 30 minutes of cardio before strength training so I warmed up at a slow pace and then really worked out hard for the 30 minutes. The things I liked about the elliptical is that it is easier to stay on for a klutz like me. I am always stepping off the belt of the treadmill and stumbling a bit. On the elliptical machine your feet stay in the same place. I also liked that I could feel the work out days later in my legs and butt. I don't think it was great to try before strength training because I was exhausted. It didn't feel strenuous when I was on it but I just flat out had very little left for training that day. In the future, stick with the treadmill on strength training days and save the elliptical for off days.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
I got in two good runs this week thanks to nicer weather and less snow. I went to Zumba twice. I worked out in the gym once and with the personal trainer once for a total of 5 1/2 hours this week.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
Weigh in day is coming on the first of the month... fingers crossed.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
In Zumba class the instructor often asks people to come up on the stage and dance one of the songs with her. She has asked me several times and I always say no. I would like to because I think she is really friendly and she makes the class really fun and comfortable. I never go up because I think I am a big klutz and I can see myself taking a header off the stage and the thought of being up there scares me a little... and it isn't the potential injury that worries it is having so many witnesses to the injury that worries me. In some other multiverse I am a rock star... in that multlverse I am also better looking, more fit and for some unknown reason own a couple fur-less cats. Go figure.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Thumbs up
While on my run today I found motivation from a passing motorist. I was close to the end of my run and happily enjoying the endorphin fueled runners high, feeling like I could even kick Chuck Norris's ass if given the opportunity. I hear a car horn so I turn around and a guy driving past me gives me a thumbs up and nod. I liked that a lot so I thought I would pass along a virtual thumbs up to all of you who did something healthy for yourself today. Passed up that cake at work, went for a run or a hike, went to that Zumba class... whatever you did for your health today. Good Work and Thumbs up!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Perfect 10 Update
Update on the Perfect 10 Challenge
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
My sister loves it so I decided to give yoga a try this week. The dreaded push-up shows up in the class too. I think practicing yoga would be very beneficial for strength and balance. Both of which I would like more of so I will try yoga again... the only thing bad about yoga is that it is so early in the morning and I hate waking up early.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I barley took off a pound. I can't seem to break that 190 barrier and it's getting a little frustrating. Some people can weigh themselves everyday and be okay with the two or three pound fluctuations... I am not one of those people. If I don't see big numbers it does tend to get me down. My trainer said that I may see a gain in weight when starting weight training so I have decided to start weighing myself only once a month.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I love movies and if I had a lot of money I would buy a movie theater, take out the concession area, put in a coffee shop and open a Cinema coffee shop that plays classic movies, old movies and artsy movies.
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
My sister loves it so I decided to give yoga a try this week. The dreaded push-up shows up in the class too. I think practicing yoga would be very beneficial for strength and balance. Both of which I would like more of so I will try yoga again... the only thing bad about yoga is that it is so early in the morning and I hate waking up early.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
Lets see... 1 hour on Friday (treadmill and weights), 2 hours on Saturday (yoga and Zumba), 1 1/2 hours on Tuesday (Zumba and weight training) and 2 hours today (running and Zumba). For a grand total of 5 1/2 hours this week. Not too bad. I need to run more when the weather is nice.
Lets see... 1 hour on Friday (treadmill and weights), 2 hours on Saturday (yoga and Zumba), 1 1/2 hours on Tuesday (Zumba and weight training) and 2 hours today (running and Zumba). For a grand total of 5 1/2 hours this week. Not too bad. I need to run more when the weather is nice.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I barley took off a pound. I can't seem to break that 190 barrier and it's getting a little frustrating. Some people can weigh themselves everyday and be okay with the two or three pound fluctuations... I am not one of those people. If I don't see big numbers it does tend to get me down. My trainer said that I may see a gain in weight when starting weight training so I have decided to start weighing myself only once a month.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I love movies and if I had a lot of money I would buy a movie theater, take out the concession area, put in a coffee shop and open a Cinema coffee shop that plays classic movies, old movies and artsy movies.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Q and A
I have had a few questions about working out so I thought I would answer them in a new post...
1) How am I enjoying the personal trainer and does she push me really hard?
First off I like it a lot... mostly because the one thing that has stopped me from lifting weights in the past is the fear of hurting myself by doing it wrong. It is nice to have someone standing there telling to bend my arms a little bit more or stand up taller. I am hoping that after a few months of training I will know enough to do it on my own. Also, it's a great motivator to know someone is at the gym waiting for me to show up.
Secondly, I don't think she pushes me too hard, if anyone is pushing me too hard it's me. She isn't like Jillian on the Biggest Loser she doesn't yell or really even push me that hard. She says things like, "If you think you can do five more then do them or we can stop for now."
My arms are still a bit sore and I went to the gym today to try some weights on my own and the only thing that really hurt was the push-ups... those push-ups really kick my ass. I am going to conquer the push-up this year!
2) How do I like running?
Running is one of my favorite workouts but I often wuss out when the weather is cold or the roads look icy (I am really looking forward to spring thaw). When I think back about starting the couch to 5K running plan I had a few moments that I thought I should just quit... especially in the first few weeks when I couldn't make it 30 seconds. If you push past the point where you feel like you are going to die then you get to a point when you feel like you could run forever. Running makes me feel more euphoric than any workout I have ever done. It is sometimes difficult to get myself moving and start a run but I know when I am almost done I will such a great runners high that it will all be worth it... you really do feel like you can accomplish anything after finishing a run.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
1) How am I enjoying the personal trainer and does she push me really hard?
First off I like it a lot... mostly because the one thing that has stopped me from lifting weights in the past is the fear of hurting myself by doing it wrong. It is nice to have someone standing there telling to bend my arms a little bit more or stand up taller. I am hoping that after a few months of training I will know enough to do it on my own. Also, it's a great motivator to know someone is at the gym waiting for me to show up.
Secondly, I don't think she pushes me too hard, if anyone is pushing me too hard it's me. She isn't like Jillian on the Biggest Loser she doesn't yell or really even push me that hard. She says things like, "If you think you can do five more then do them or we can stop for now."
My arms are still a bit sore and I went to the gym today to try some weights on my own and the only thing that really hurt was the push-ups... those push-ups really kick my ass. I am going to conquer the push-up this year!
2) How do I like running?
Running is one of my favorite workouts but I often wuss out when the weather is cold or the roads look icy (I am really looking forward to spring thaw). When I think back about starting the couch to 5K running plan I had a few moments that I thought I should just quit... especially in the first few weeks when I couldn't make it 30 seconds. If you push past the point where you feel like you are going to die then you get to a point when you feel like you could run forever. Running makes me feel more euphoric than any workout I have ever done. It is sometimes difficult to get myself moving and start a run but I know when I am almost done I will such a great runners high that it will all be worth it... you really do feel like you can accomplish anything after finishing a run.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Perfect Ten Update
The Perfect 10 challenge Update
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
My new fitness activity this week was weight training. The session involved a lot of new activities which have made my arms so sore today that it hurts to type. Ok not that bad but I can sure feel it. Flying push-ups are interesting. The trainer asked if I can do push-ups and I said, "not even one." She had me do a flying push-up which involves starting in push-up position lowering yourself completely to the ground and putting your arms out strait to the side like you are flying and then bringing yours back in and pushing yourself back up. I did two sets of ten!
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
This was easy to accomplish this week because I had a lot of days off from work. Friday I did two hours of Zumba, on Monday one hour of zumba, Tuesday one hour of zumba and one hour with the trainer, today I am hoping to get in a run and Zumba, and tomorrow another Zumba class. That is five hours so far and 8 hours total if I do everything I hope to do in the next two days.
This was easy to accomplish this week because I had a lot of days off from work. Friday I did two hours of Zumba, on Monday one hour of zumba, Tuesday one hour of zumba and one hour with the trainer, today I am hoping to get in a run and Zumba, and tomorrow another Zumba class. That is five hours so far and 8 hours total if I do everything I hope to do in the next two days.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I haven't weighed myself since the first of the year so I will have to update this next week.
And lastly the thing you might not know about me...
I am attempting to create a "cup cookie" for when I serve hot cocoa to my nieces and nephew. It involves finding the right cookie type and the right cookie shape to sit on the edge of a coffee mug filled with hot chocolate and whip cream. This was my first attempt. Don't worry I am not eating the leftover cookies.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Are you serious?
I don't know about you but I haven't been too serious about losing weight since Christmas... I have been maintaining thanks to developing some good eating habits and Zumba classes.
So time to get serious once again.
I payed for a month with a personal trainer today and talked to her about what I want to accomplish and her plans for working me into a pool of sweat on a weekly basis. She also gave me an eating plan to follow which consists of eating every two hours and seems to be pretty reasonable. She also told me not to stress about the food plan because I an doing okay already... although she did comment that I don't eat enough for breakfast and eat too much at night.
Tomorrow morning I have my first real training session and my first round of weight training ever. I am looking forward it... I will let you know how it goes.
So time to get serious once again.
I payed for a month with a personal trainer today and talked to her about what I want to accomplish and her plans for working me into a pool of sweat on a weekly basis. She also gave me an eating plan to follow which consists of eating every two hours and seems to be pretty reasonable. She also told me not to stress about the food plan because I an doing okay already... although she did comment that I don't eat enough for breakfast and eat too much at night.
Tomorrow morning I have my first real training session and my first round of weight training ever. I am looking forward it... I will let you know how it goes.
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year
Starting a new year always seems so renewing and hopeful... I always feel like I can accomplish anything on January 1.
I think about were I was one year ago or six months ago... 264 pounds, couldn't run for 1 minute, consuming way too many calories on a daily basis, and burning very few. Today I am under 200 pounds (I weighed in this morning at 192), I can run for 6 miles, I watch my calorie intake and I exercise... these accomplishments are real. I have done things I didn't know I could and that makes this new year so much more hopeful because these aren't the same old resolutions I've made every year since my 12th birthday. This year I am already half way there (over half way there if we are talking about weight).
Raise your fruit smoothies this New Year morning and say cheers... to the new you that has already accomplished so much and is looking forward to a wonderful year ahead.
Thanks for your support in the past year and I look forward to reading about all your successes in 2010.
I think about were I was one year ago or six months ago... 264 pounds, couldn't run for 1 minute, consuming way too many calories on a daily basis, and burning very few. Today I am under 200 pounds (I weighed in this morning at 192), I can run for 6 miles, I watch my calorie intake and I exercise... these accomplishments are real. I have done things I didn't know I could and that makes this new year so much more hopeful because these aren't the same old resolutions I've made every year since my 12th birthday. This year I am already half way there (over half way there if we are talking about weight).
Raise your fruit smoothies this New Year morning and say cheers... to the new you that has already accomplished so much and is looking forward to a wonderful year ahead.
Thanks for your support in the past year and I look forward to reading about all your successes in 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Perfect 10
A new year and a new goal.
Steve at logmyloss.com has a new challenge beginning this week. The Perfect 10 for 2010 challenge. I was already planning on making some New Year fitness resolutions so why not call them goals and take a chance at winning a fabulous prize. Beside the Hot 100 challenge really helped keep my motivated through the years end. Boy-oh-boy do I need motivation when it is cold outside... there are always those icy mornings when it would be so much easier to just stay in bed, turn the heated blanket up to 10 and pull my comforter over my head rather than head out to Zumba class or running on the treadmill. But then I remember I have to account for these things so I pull myself out of bed.
Here are my Goals...
1) I am going to try at least one new fitness activity every week... even if it is just a new piece of equipment at the gym or some group exercise class.
2) I am going to workout a minimum of 4 hours each week... even when I work everyday.
3) I will lose at least 10 pounds.
I look forward to reading about your goals too so head over to logmyloss.com and join the challenge.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Quick update
Christmas is over and I did not weigh myself this week because on Friday I am doing a New Year Day weigh-in for the first day of 2010 (btw how are we saying this? "Two thousand and ten" or "twenty ten"? I think I am leaning toward "twenty ten"). I have done pretty well over holidays but I have to admit to eating way too many cookies over the past week. Exercise has been good so hopefully I will come out ahead in the calories burned over calories consumed department.
I have sent out a couple emails in an attempt to get a few sessions with a personal trainer in the new year. I feel like I have done pretty well on my own with the cardio, burning calories and losing weight but I want to get a little more serious about the toning and getting strong.
I have one non-fitness related new year resolution... I am going to take more pictures this year.
I have sent out a couple emails in an attempt to get a few sessions with a personal trainer in the new year. I feel like I have done pretty well on my own with the cardio, burning calories and losing weight but I want to get a little more serious about the toning and getting strong.
I have one non-fitness related new year resolution... I am going to take more pictures this year.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
That Felt Great
Today was the calm before the storm... we are supposed to get hit with a big blizzard tonight and into Christmas. Today was hovering around 30 degrees with no wind and the snow from the last storm is off the roads (if not the sidewalks). One of my goals for the week was getting in at least 4 workouts (two 90 min. and two 60 min). Yesterday I had a great 90 min. workout at the YMCA and today I decided I would try hitting the road for a run since running outdoors is not going to be an option for the next few days.
I am working nights this week so when I woke up I had to convince myself it was a good idea to get out of bed... that was a tough sell. But I let the devil and angel on my shoulders duke it for a 15 minutes and I pulled myself out of bed. It is always such a struggle to get myself moving. The thing that gets me moving is how wonderful I will feel when I am done. There is a natural high I get from running outdoors that I don't get with any other work out. I love Zumba and I really get a good work-out with it but I don't get that euphoric accomplished feeling I get when I am running. I am not sure what that is but I love it.
I did another 6 miles today and I am still under 200 pounds so the "Hot 100 goals" still great! Thanks to South Beach Steve for the idea it was a great motivator during the tough holiday season.
I am working nights this week so when I woke up I had to convince myself it was a good idea to get out of bed... that was a tough sell. But I let the devil and angel on my shoulders duke it for a 15 minutes and I pulled myself out of bed. It is always such a struggle to get myself moving. The thing that gets me moving is how wonderful I will feel when I am done. There is a natural high I get from running outdoors that I don't get with any other work out. I love Zumba and I really get a good work-out with it but I don't get that euphoric accomplished feeling I get when I am running. I am not sure what that is but I love it.
I did another 6 miles today and I am still under 200 pounds so the "Hot 100 goals" still great! Thanks to South Beach Steve for the idea it was a great motivator during the tough holiday season.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Weigh-in Week 24
Today is a weigh in day and when I stepped on the scale this morning there was this voice in my head that told me I was going to gain some weight this week. I didn't do too bad in the eating department but I did have one meal of Americanized Chinese food (and I didn't stop at eating only half like I said I would) and I did have a couple cookies. What worried me was my lack of really tough work-outs this week. I had one really great 90 minute work out and a good 60 minute work-out but that was it for the week.
Well it is weigh day so I stepped on the scale and was pleasantly surprised to see 192.2 appear between my pink freshly painted toe nails. I little over a pound gone since last week (1.2 to be exact) and I am happy with that.
What will next week hold? I have no clue right now I am just hoping I can get in at least two 90 minute workouts and two 60 minute work outs. I am sure there will be cookies and cakes galore at work this week and my goal is to not eat any food at work that I didn't bring in myself.
BTW... The photo doesn't have anything to do with anything my blog was just feeling a bit boring this morning. I don't take enough photos which means I don't post enough interesting images on my blog which probably gets a little boring so I added a chair of puppies this morning. Is there anything cuter than a chair of Golden Retriever puppies?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Great work out night
I went to the gym for Zumba class last night and for some reason I got the time wrong... What? I have been doing this for months now and suddenly I forgot what time the class started. I was 30 minutes early for class so I decided to jump on the dreaded treadmill. I picked one in front of the television thinking the mindless chatter of a game show would distract me. I started by walking and the first question popped up... "What President comes last when alphabetizing by last name?" Hmmm... I should know this. So I started thinking and I guess drifting because suddenly I stepped off the moving part of the treadmill and stumbled a bit (you are probably wondering why I considered this a great workout, trust me it's coming). I had this image of falling and causing a domino effect across all the treadmills, which were full. Luckily that didn't happen and I decided watching television was dangerous (the answer was Woodrow Wilson by the way).
At minute 3 I increased my pace to 5.5 miles an hour and on the treadmill next to me a woman (with a rocking body) gets on and starts running. She looks over and says hello. I am a pretty friendly person so I smiled and we starting chatting back and forth. She was regretting eating nachos before running and I was regretting eating that chocolate chip cookie. It turns out she runs marathons and she gave me a lot of good tips and a lot of motivation. Before I knew it my 30 minutes was up and it was time for Zumba.
I think I need a workout buddy.
I head over to the gym for an hour of Zumba (which is always a good time) and find out that on New Years Day the YMCA is going to have a Zumba-thon. FUN! What a great way to ring in the new year.
One last thing I would like to say congrats to Fat Free Me who reached her goal weight this week. That is so exciting and such great motivation for the rest of us who are almost there, or half way there or no where near there. She did it and so can the rest of us! You Rock!
At minute 3 I increased my pace to 5.5 miles an hour and on the treadmill next to me a woman (with a rocking body) gets on and starts running. She looks over and says hello. I am a pretty friendly person so I smiled and we starting chatting back and forth. She was regretting eating nachos before running and I was regretting eating that chocolate chip cookie. It turns out she runs marathons and she gave me a lot of good tips and a lot of motivation. Before I knew it my 30 minutes was up and it was time for Zumba.
I think I need a workout buddy.
I head over to the gym for an hour of Zumba (which is always a good time) and find out that on New Years Day the YMCA is going to have a Zumba-thon. FUN! What a great way to ring in the new year.
One last thing I would like to say congrats to Fat Free Me who reached her goal weight this week. That is so exciting and such great motivation for the rest of us who are almost there, or half way there or no where near there. She did it and so can the rest of us! You Rock!
Monday, December 14, 2009
160 days
This is week 23 and to recap after Thanksgiving I was up a pound hovering just below the 200 pound mark at 199.8. Last week I completely forgot to weigh myself and then decided I would skip it.
OK... now we are updated. This week I was back on the scale and it showed 193.4, that is a 6.4 pond loss over the weeks since Thanksgiving. Losing weight during December what a novel idea I don't think I have ever done that before. I am totally enjoying myself this holiday but having the ability to shop in "Normal" stores does have it's dangers. When I go Christmas shopping I tend to spend a little too much time looking for things for myself and that has put me three presents behind. How many days until Christmas? WAIT... don't tell me, I don't want to know.
I am also making the guys on my crew very happy because I have had this urge to bake Christmas cookies... I don't know why I guess I just think a house should smell like cookies during the Holidays. I have baked twice this week and instead of having the entire 2 dozen to eat myself I had one and then packed up the rest for the crew at work. They seem to enjoy them.
I bought two very cute skirts are Goodwill this week... one is a size 12 and the other a size 10. When I got home I decided I would try on the size 12 skirt, figuring I wouldn't be able to get it pulled over my butt. Surprisingly it pulled all the way up but couldn't zip it yet... next month I'll be wearing it.
The Hot 100 goals
Running 10K is happily complete... I have run the 10K route about 5 times in the last two weeks so I am considering that goal accomplished.
Being under 200 pounds also happily complete... unless I go off the deep end and eat nothing but cheesecake and potato chips this week I think I can stay under 200 pounds. I am hoping to be in the 180's by the new year.
I am off to grocery shopping and if you are looking for some great food ideas head over to A Forty-Somethings Weight Loss Journey I felt particularly enlightened about healthy food ideas after reading.
Enjoy!
OK... now we are updated. This week I was back on the scale and it showed 193.4, that is a 6.4 pond loss over the weeks since Thanksgiving. Losing weight during December what a novel idea I don't think I have ever done that before. I am totally enjoying myself this holiday but having the ability to shop in "Normal" stores does have it's dangers. When I go Christmas shopping I tend to spend a little too much time looking for things for myself and that has put me three presents behind. How many days until Christmas? WAIT... don't tell me, I don't want to know.
I am also making the guys on my crew very happy because I have had this urge to bake Christmas cookies... I don't know why I guess I just think a house should smell like cookies during the Holidays. I have baked twice this week and instead of having the entire 2 dozen to eat myself I had one and then packed up the rest for the crew at work. They seem to enjoy them.
I bought two very cute skirts are Goodwill this week... one is a size 12 and the other a size 10. When I got home I decided I would try on the size 12 skirt, figuring I wouldn't be able to get it pulled over my butt. Surprisingly it pulled all the way up but couldn't zip it yet... next month I'll be wearing it.
The Hot 100 goals
Running 10K is happily complete... I have run the 10K route about 5 times in the last two weeks so I am considering that goal accomplished.
Being under 200 pounds also happily complete... unless I go off the deep end and eat nothing but cheesecake and potato chips this week I think I can stay under 200 pounds. I am hoping to be in the 180's by the new year.
I am off to grocery shopping and if you are looking for some great food ideas head over to A Forty-Somethings Weight Loss Journey I felt particularly enlightened about healthy food ideas after reading.
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hate it Hate it Hate it
So if you can't tell... I hate "it". With "it" being running on the treadmill at the YMCA. I love having a membership to the YMCA mostly because I enjoy the variety of classes. Having the ability to take any class from aerobics to zumba has really helped me stay motivated. When the bad weather hit this week, dumping a foot snow over the area it was enough to keep off the roads (probably a wise decision). Then freezing winds kept me indoors for several more days, it was really getting me itchy for running. So I headed to the YMCA early and jumped on a treadmill before Zumba class. I could barley stand 20 minutes but struggled through 30. It wasn't more difficult, I wasn't more winded or more sore. I just hated it. I was bored and the treadmills are directly in front of a mirror so I just stare at myself running. I had my ipod on but it wasn't helping I was just plain annoyed.
When I run outside I think about things... like what my wardrobe will be like when I get to my goal weight, what I would do if I won the lottery, what it will be like to show up at my class reunion thinner than I was in high school... and I run. I don't get bored or frustrated. I enjoy it. I can easily do over an hour without realizing how much time has passed.
I either need the weather to change and the ice to disappear from the sidewalks or I need to learn to enjoy the treadmill. I don't want running to become a chore but I also don't want to stop running for the winter months.
When I run outside I think about things... like what my wardrobe will be like when I get to my goal weight, what I would do if I won the lottery, what it will be like to show up at my class reunion thinner than I was in high school... and I run. I don't get bored or frustrated. I enjoy it. I can easily do over an hour without realizing how much time has passed.
I either need the weather to change and the ice to disappear from the sidewalks or I need to learn to enjoy the treadmill. I don't want running to become a chore but I also don't want to stop running for the winter months.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
