Workout: 30 Day Shred Level 2
Figured I should probably do some updating up in these parts...
Have moved on to Level 2 of 30DS and it is a killer. It is a lot of shoulder work and plank poses for abs & cardio. I can't maintain the plank stuff during the cardio and abs - only because my shoulders are burning so bad I need to get out of the pose. I really like level 2, though, its good.
Have continued with hundredpushups.com. I'm stuck on week 3 day 2, but did well last night. W3D2 sets are 20, 25, 15, 15, max (at least 25). I can't get that last max set completed without taking a couple seconds of rest. Last night I did the most I've done consecutively in that set though - 20 - and then finished it out after a short break. Hoping I can move on soon, but W3D3 is going to be even worse. I enjoy it - great workout and I'm getting noticeably stronger (by the fact that my numbers are increasing). These workouts also contribute to being unable to do the plank stuff with 30DS.
I haven't run for a while. Last week I tweaked my hamstring so bad I was limping, so I took the rest of the week off of working out. This week, because Nora has basketball at 9, I've opted to just do the 30ds workout in the interest of time. I went out and bought new running shoes the other night and look forward to going out this weekend at the summer regional - the first time since March. I'm going to take it slow and go without music and focus on my breathing - noticed that when I consciously breathe using my diaphragm instead of my chest, my heart rate is lower. Looking forward to getting out there and testing the new shoes.
Dave began Weight Watchers this week. I think I'll start today. The girls sports schedules make it difficult for me to eat decently - I forget or I am gone when I should eat a meal, or I'm so hungry because of that that I eat bad stuff. I need to grab some breakfast and get started on this WW thing. Weight was up to 127.8... had gotten down to 122.2 a few weeks ago and then Memorial Day bbq at the in-laws happened and there was ice cream dessert with graham cracker crumbs and malt balls. And really, who can say no to that? I didn't - 3 or 4 times. Ugh, sometimes I have 0 self control.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday June 7, 2011
Workout: 30DS + 2 miles
Friends: The One With The Engagement Pictures
Both workouts were fine. I slept so great last night... and I didn't have to get up early to work out because it is summer break! So I worked out at 7 - SO nice! I think I would prefer to get started between 6 & 6:30, but I couldn't get myself out of bed that early this morning.
Neck is still incredibly sore and stiff. Dave massaged it last night and it didn't help at all. I took some back pain pills this morning and it is still sore, but I can at least turn my head now. Hamster is still hanging on for dear life. I've given him permission to go, but apparently he doesn't care about what I say. Dave and I have gone round and round about what is the best thing to do for him - he wants to poison him, but I can't stand the thought of that. So ultimately, he thinks it is more humane to allow him to die naturally in his own environment - where he is fed, watered, warm and safe. I defer to him, because I can't stand the thought of intentionally killing an animal (costs $49 to have the vet do it!!!). I think the stress of this situation is manifesting itself in my still, sore neck... so I need him to get on with it already!!!
Ran in shoes today. Heart rate was slightly higher than when I run barefoot: 160ish bpm. Still much lower than that 176 it was when I first started. I think I'm doing the right thing by going slow. Maybe by the fall I'll be able to run a decent pace again without wanting to kill myself the whole time.
When I think back to the three years I spent trying so hard to be a runner, I know that I truly enjoyed running on very few occasions. It was more a matter of sheer determination and will to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. A matter of pride in being able to tell people that I ran 5-12 miles. A matter of obsession in burning calories or keeping to a training plan. I started out with good motivation - wanting to run and enjoy it. I had that very briefly until last summer when I became obsessive about it all. I need to not be like that. My family needs me to not be like that. I am enjoying my workouts and my eating right now. I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm trying to be healthy. And truly, I don't NEED to lose weight... I'm good where I'm at. I NEED to get my cholesterol lowered and to be in a place where I enjoy working out so I get the benefit of exercising everyday, but don't do it for fear that if I don't I'll get fatter. I've been at this weight (although tend to gain 5lbs at christmas and then lose it in January) for 4 1/2 years, I think I can be confident that I no longer have to run away from those 15 pounds.
Friends: The One With The Engagement Pictures
Both workouts were fine. I slept so great last night... and I didn't have to get up early to work out because it is summer break! So I worked out at 7 - SO nice! I think I would prefer to get started between 6 & 6:30, but I couldn't get myself out of bed that early this morning.
Neck is still incredibly sore and stiff. Dave massaged it last night and it didn't help at all. I took some back pain pills this morning and it is still sore, but I can at least turn my head now. Hamster is still hanging on for dear life. I've given him permission to go, but apparently he doesn't care about what I say. Dave and I have gone round and round about what is the best thing to do for him - he wants to poison him, but I can't stand the thought of that. So ultimately, he thinks it is more humane to allow him to die naturally in his own environment - where he is fed, watered, warm and safe. I defer to him, because I can't stand the thought of intentionally killing an animal (costs $49 to have the vet do it!!!). I think the stress of this situation is manifesting itself in my still, sore neck... so I need him to get on with it already!!!
Ran in shoes today. Heart rate was slightly higher than when I run barefoot: 160ish bpm. Still much lower than that 176 it was when I first started. I think I'm doing the right thing by going slow. Maybe by the fall I'll be able to run a decent pace again without wanting to kill myself the whole time.
When I think back to the three years I spent trying so hard to be a runner, I know that I truly enjoyed running on very few occasions. It was more a matter of sheer determination and will to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. A matter of pride in being able to tell people that I ran 5-12 miles. A matter of obsession in burning calories or keeping to a training plan. I started out with good motivation - wanting to run and enjoy it. I had that very briefly until last summer when I became obsessive about it all. I need to not be like that. My family needs me to not be like that. I am enjoying my workouts and my eating right now. I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm trying to be healthy. And truly, I don't NEED to lose weight... I'm good where I'm at. I NEED to get my cholesterol lowered and to be in a place where I enjoy working out so I get the benefit of exercising everyday, but don't do it for fear that if I don't I'll get fatter. I've been at this weight (although tend to gain 5lbs at christmas and then lose it in January) for 4 1/2 years, I think I can be confident that I no longer have to run away from those 15 pounds.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday June 6, 2011
Workout: 2 1/2 miles barefoot
Yoga for Flexibility
push up challenge
Ugh, everything about me this morning was painful... waking up, back, shoulders, ankles, calves, shins. I didn't sleep well at all last night - full night of tossing and turning & restlessness. Hamster is dying and I felt like I was thinking about that all night. Got up to workout at 5:50 because I was awake anyway.
Running barefoot was fine. I felt pain all throughout my lower legs - shins & ankles, but over time it dissipates and moves somewhere else. Still interesting to realize how much more I can evaluate how I'm really feeling while I'm running, simply because I'm running slower & easier. Heart rate was consistently in the upper 150's. I"m going to stay at 5.0 this week yet and if it is still in the 150's, I'd like to move up to maybe 5.5 and see how that goes.
Pushup challenge was a challenge. Sets were 14, 14, 10, 10, max (at least 15). I maxed at 15 and that was a struggle. I was struggling through the first set of 14. Last week seemed pretty easy, this was pretty difficult.
I did not do the entire Yoga dvd because I had such an incredible kink in my neck that I couldn't turn my head. It was hurting pretty bad throughout my run, too. I got through all of the sun salutations, but stopped after doing the hamstrings stretches at the end. I really didn't cut that much out, I guess. The sun salutations were also somewhat difficult this morning because my body was already tired and I had just exhausted my arms on the pushup challenge... downward dog takes a lot of arm strength and was hard to do this morning.
Better workout on the horizon tomorrow - hopefully a better night of sleep tonight.
Yoga for Flexibility
push up challenge
Ugh, everything about me this morning was painful... waking up, back, shoulders, ankles, calves, shins. I didn't sleep well at all last night - full night of tossing and turning & restlessness. Hamster is dying and I felt like I was thinking about that all night. Got up to workout at 5:50 because I was awake anyway.
Running barefoot was fine. I felt pain all throughout my lower legs - shins & ankles, but over time it dissipates and moves somewhere else. Still interesting to realize how much more I can evaluate how I'm really feeling while I'm running, simply because I'm running slower & easier. Heart rate was consistently in the upper 150's. I"m going to stay at 5.0 this week yet and if it is still in the 150's, I'd like to move up to maybe 5.5 and see how that goes.
Pushup challenge was a challenge. Sets were 14, 14, 10, 10, max (at least 15). I maxed at 15 and that was a struggle. I was struggling through the first set of 14. Last week seemed pretty easy, this was pretty difficult.
I did not do the entire Yoga dvd because I had such an incredible kink in my neck that I couldn't turn my head. It was hurting pretty bad throughout my run, too. I got through all of the sun salutations, but stopped after doing the hamstrings stretches at the end. I really didn't cut that much out, I guess. The sun salutations were also somewhat difficult this morning because my body was already tired and I had just exhausted my arms on the pushup challenge... downward dog takes a lot of arm strength and was hard to do this morning.
Better workout on the horizon tomorrow - hopefully a better night of sleep tonight.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday June 2, 2011
Workout: 30DS + 2 1/2 miles
Friends: The One with The Proposal
Tired today. And sore. Debated about getting up - had quite the argument in my head before I finally got myself out of bed. Ultimately, it is so much nicer to just be done and have it over with rather than trying to find time during the day to get a workout & shower in.
30DS was fine. I could tell my body was sore & tired while I was running though. I ran 2 miles at 5.0 and then walked the last half of a mile because I was sick of it.
Calves are sore today. Bottoms of my feet are still tender. I like being sore in different places because I feel like I'm getting a different or better workout, so I like it that my calves are sore - they normally are not. And they're sore on the inside of my leg, rather than the back. Body. is. tired.
Had an interesting conversation over email with a friend yesterday. She is the same height is me and weighs 155. She, too, has been trying to lose weight by eating 6 small meals throughout the day. She has had some initial success, but then it stopped. Anyway, while going over things via email she says: Wait - do you see that you're 122??? Are you not getting that? I mean is it the frustration of not being able to figure out how to lose those last couple of pounds? or are you seeing something in the mirror that doesn't match what is actually there?
Made me pause. Here was my response:
Friends: The One with The Proposal
Tired today. And sore. Debated about getting up - had quite the argument in my head before I finally got myself out of bed. Ultimately, it is so much nicer to just be done and have it over with rather than trying to find time during the day to get a workout & shower in.
30DS was fine. I could tell my body was sore & tired while I was running though. I ran 2 miles at 5.0 and then walked the last half of a mile because I was sick of it.
Calves are sore today. Bottoms of my feet are still tender. I like being sore in different places because I feel like I'm getting a different or better workout, so I like it that my calves are sore - they normally are not. And they're sore on the inside of my leg, rather than the back. Body. is. tired.
Had an interesting conversation over email with a friend yesterday. She is the same height is me and weighs 155. She, too, has been trying to lose weight by eating 6 small meals throughout the day. She has had some initial success, but then it stopped. Anyway, while going over things via email she says: Wait - do you see that you're 122??? Are you not getting that? I mean is it the frustration of not being able to figure out how to lose those last couple of pounds? or are you seeing something in the mirror that doesn't match what is actually there?
Made me pause. Here was my response:
- Yes, I see that I'm 122! Believe me, its not lost on me! I"m happy with 122, but based on my body type, I wish I was slightly less... however, I've never been willing or able to get down past 119 and stay there. I'm just not willing to do what it takes, I guess. And I have to remind myself that no matter what my weight - 122, 110, 135, 145, I will always have the same body issues - just on a smaller or larger scale. I have big and long muscles but short distances from joint to joint (elbow to wrist / knee to ankle). So instead of being thin and lean, my long, big muscles look huge & I don't have those shapely calves/ankles that I would love to have and I feel like my arms look fat - even though I know I'm strong, it just doesn't translate. And I carry my weight in my hips and thighs... so while I have a small waist, which is awesome, my thighs always look huge. And finding jeans and shorts? Ugh - if they fit my thighs and butt, there is a gigantic gap in the waist. I need to have drawstring bottoms, but you can't find them very easily - when I do, I buy several in different colors. Anyway, all that to say - I'm definitely thrilled with 122, I guess I would - like you - like to be lean and fit with sexy definition! Just not sure that could ever happen for me. Based on that, though - I want you to tell me EVERYTHING those trainers tell you!!!!!! And I am so excited for you to do this - its going to rock! You're going to rock!
I've had the same feeling so many times - I just want someone to fix me. Just tell me what to eat and exactly what to do and I'll do it. I'm so sick of trying to solve the puzzle! At the same time, I get frustrated with the cost and inconvenience of eating a plant based diet. I don't care what people say - it is NOT cheaper. And it is totally a pain in the ass to replenish produce every 3-5 days instead of grocery shopping once a week. But I think it is the most healthy way to eat, so I need to suck it up and get past that.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday June 1, 2011
Workout:
30:00 barefoot running
pushup challenge
25:00 Rodney Yee yoga for flexibility
Friends: The One With The Ring
Running was interesting this morning. I felt good and my heart rate actually stayed around 156bpm, which is pretty awesome. I wonder why it was so much lower today? Breathing and heart rate felt good, the bottoms of my feet are a little tender right now, though. I didn't feel that way on Friday when I ran barefoot, but I added an extra 6:00 today - maybe that is why? The running was interesting though, because I could feel aches and pains come and go. My left ankle hurt for the first portion and then after a while the pain was gone. Then my right ankle started hurting. Its kind of fun to be in such a state of awareness while running, rather than trying so hard to mentally block every single detail out.
I skipped day 1 of the pushup challenge (Monday - Memorial Day) and did day 2 today. I accidentally reversed the first sets, but I think I'm still good. 10, 12, 8, 8, max (19 for me today). I love feeling strong!
I think Yoga definitely helps with strength - even this yoga focused on flexibility. Downward dog is a lot of shoulder and arm strength building. We also do a lot of pushup position (plank with your arms bent - holding yourself just barely off of the ground), which is great for triceps. I enjoy this yoga video - it is a nice, easy flow with fantastic cues and I feel like it is a great way to stretch after running. Loving it!
Started to count calories yesterday and I"m just not sure I can do it. I'm not sure I can focus on eating more plants, more fiber, less white starch & sugar and then count calories, too. I COULD if all of my stuff was already in the database, but I have to enter recipes for the meals that I make and that is such a pain. Like yesterday we had a salad with dinner - it was 3 kinds of lettuce, yellow peppers, onion, dates, peas, almonds & tomatoes. I didn't measure any of it. Not sure how I'm supposed to count all of that. We also had tilapia fillets coated in bread crumbs (and baked). How do I account for the bread crumbs when the recipe called for 1 1/2 cups, but there was probably 1/2 cup left in the dipping plate & a bunch left on the baking sheet? I guess for me it is going to come down to eating healthy & creating better habits. I think I do both already, its just a matter of sticking with it and not going too far overboard when I splurge (like having 3 pieces of whopper ice cream dessert the other night instead of just one).
30:00 barefoot running
pushup challenge
25:00 Rodney Yee yoga for flexibility
Friends: The One With The Ring
Running was interesting this morning. I felt good and my heart rate actually stayed around 156bpm, which is pretty awesome. I wonder why it was so much lower today? Breathing and heart rate felt good, the bottoms of my feet are a little tender right now, though. I didn't feel that way on Friday when I ran barefoot, but I added an extra 6:00 today - maybe that is why? The running was interesting though, because I could feel aches and pains come and go. My left ankle hurt for the first portion and then after a while the pain was gone. Then my right ankle started hurting. Its kind of fun to be in such a state of awareness while running, rather than trying so hard to mentally block every single detail out.
I skipped day 1 of the pushup challenge (Monday - Memorial Day) and did day 2 today. I accidentally reversed the first sets, but I think I'm still good. 10, 12, 8, 8, max (19 for me today). I love feeling strong!
I think Yoga definitely helps with strength - even this yoga focused on flexibility. Downward dog is a lot of shoulder and arm strength building. We also do a lot of pushup position (plank with your arms bent - holding yourself just barely off of the ground), which is great for triceps. I enjoy this yoga video - it is a nice, easy flow with fantastic cues and I feel like it is a great way to stretch after running. Loving it!
Started to count calories yesterday and I"m just not sure I can do it. I'm not sure I can focus on eating more plants, more fiber, less white starch & sugar and then count calories, too. I COULD if all of my stuff was already in the database, but I have to enter recipes for the meals that I make and that is such a pain. Like yesterday we had a salad with dinner - it was 3 kinds of lettuce, yellow peppers, onion, dates, peas, almonds & tomatoes. I didn't measure any of it. Not sure how I'm supposed to count all of that. We also had tilapia fillets coated in bread crumbs (and baked). How do I account for the bread crumbs when the recipe called for 1 1/2 cups, but there was probably 1/2 cup left in the dipping plate & a bunch left on the baking sheet? I guess for me it is going to come down to eating healthy & creating better habits. I think I do both already, its just a matter of sticking with it and not going too far overboard when I splurge (like having 3 pieces of whopper ice cream dessert the other night instead of just one).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)