Okay, March was a complete bust. With all the work and travelling that I did, there was no way that I could keep up with my workout schedule. Lucky for me, April is a completely different month. I only plan on being out of town for a weekend to visit some family, but other than that, my eye is on the prize: the end of the semester. It's just about seven weeks away, so I've linked another prize to that special shiny day of May 17th: I'd like to set up another 10 pound goal. The scale is FINALLY moving in the right direction for me, and I want to keep up that momentum and move past the weight I was at for graduation last year. Granted, I'm already 10 pounds slimmer than what I was at graduation 2008. Wouldn't it be GREAT if I was 20 pounds slimmer at graduation 2009? I think it would be :)
I'm also keeping my fingers crossed for some nice weather later this week. I want to go for my first outdoor run in a looooooooong while. I'm looking at Thursday at this point. Until then, it's the elliptical at the rec for me.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Weekly Weigh In: What a Bust
So, last week was a complete bust for me, health-wise, exercise-wise, and work-wise. I spent much of the week trying to get over my jet-lag from my Vancouver trip. At work, I was overwhelmed by our advising schedule, which basically takes on a life of its own mid semester, every semester, but I guess it caught me off guard. The end of the week was me looking forward to a number of things: my birthday and visit from a guy I've been seeing for the past month. I got both of those things, and had a wonderful weekend, but I also realized that the past week was just lost. The time just slipped through my fingers.
Therefore, I'm heading to bed, preparing myself for a 7AM appointment with the elliptical at the rec. This next week won't be written up as a bust, because I plan on accomplishing a ton and, in the process, losing a ton!
Therefore, I'm heading to bed, preparing myself for a 7AM appointment with the elliptical at the rec. This next week won't be written up as a bust, because I plan on accomplishing a ton and, in the process, losing a ton!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Post-Travel Musings
Why is eating well while travelling so hard? I stock my fridge with healthy food while I'm at home, and when that isn't accessible to me, it's like I don't know what to do. I'm hoping that today is the day that I get back on track with eating.
Jet lag has seriously ruined my life over the past two days. I was exhausted when I got back into town on Sunday night. Yesterday, I felt like I was the living dead (even to the point where I almost fell asleep during the movie I showed during my late class, how classy would that be?) and today I slept until 8:45. Weekend trips to the west coast just don't agree with me.
Which brings me to my final point: the gym. My friends, I have not been to the gym since last Tuesday. I did walk a lot while in Vancouver, but since I've returned, I just can't get up. Then I have these panic moments, like I'm forgetting something. Oh, yeah, I didn't go to the gym. I didn't sweat it out this morning. Tomorrow, I will be back at the gym. I will sweat it out. And something tells me that tomorrow will be a much better day.
Jet lag has seriously ruined my life over the past two days. I was exhausted when I got back into town on Sunday night. Yesterday, I felt like I was the living dead (even to the point where I almost fell asleep during the movie I showed during my late class, how classy would that be?) and today I slept until 8:45. Weekend trips to the west coast just don't agree with me.
Which brings me to my final point: the gym. My friends, I have not been to the gym since last Tuesday. I did walk a lot while in Vancouver, but since I've returned, I just can't get up. Then I have these panic moments, like I'm forgetting something. Oh, yeah, I didn't go to the gym. I didn't sweat it out this morning. Tomorrow, I will be back at the gym. I will sweat it out. And something tells me that tomorrow will be a much better day.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Weekly Weigh In: Spring Break Edition
Hey crew! This week is spring break at my university, and for the past two days, I've actually been enjoying the spring weather. How gorgeous! What else is gorgeous? I lost 1.4 pounds since my last weigh in, which...drumroll please... brings me back under 180 pounds AND back to my 50 pound goal! Woo! I'm so happy that I finally got back there. This is also my 10th weigh in of the year, and you might notice that I didn't reach my 10 in 10 goal. However, I did lose 5.2 pounds, which is still pretty average (0.5-1 pound a week). Right now, I'm pretty happy with myself.
I'm about to head out of town for the weekend, off to Vancouver for a work conference. I plan on doing lots of walking like I did last year in San Francisco. Unfortunately, it's going to be cold and rainy. Still, a bit of rain never hurt anyone. Hope y'all have a great weekend!
I'm about to head out of town for the weekend, off to Vancouver for a work conference. I plan on doing lots of walking like I did last year in San Francisco. Unfortunately, it's going to be cold and rainy. Still, a bit of rain never hurt anyone. Hope y'all have a great weekend!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
New Pic!!
Did you see my new "current" pic. I felt that December was a long way off, and I needed to put something a little more current up there. I had to wear my FSU shirt... my Noles are in the ACC championship game today. Go Noles! Beat Duke! We've done it before... let's do it again :)
Week Two Bootcamp Check In
I almost forgot to post this! Week Two of our Bootcamp Challenge proved to be challenging for ME because I spent the first half of the week NOT working out. I got overwhelmed at work again, and so, instead of the Bootcamp Challenge, I supplemented my workouts with two 30 Day Shred sessions (Level 1 of course). I figure that in these videos, I work my arms, legs and midsection, so that took care of my five minute BC workouts. I did get four days of cardio in, which made me happy in the end.
How about YOU? How's your challenge going? We're half way there!
How about YOU? How's your challenge going? We're half way there!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Weekly Weigh In: Woke Up This Morning
Good news! I lost 1.8 pounds this week! That is my largest loss since the beginning of the year! Woo!
I had a kind of Sopranos morning. If you're not a Sopranos fan, sorry for this post, but it's so true. I kind of moped around my apartment for a while, not really feeling motivated to hit the gym. I was tired because I went to bed after midnight last night after a long, but fun, phone conversation. My gym buddy wasn't meeting me at the gym. I could have had a Tony Soprano morning, and sit around my house in my bathrobe (no wife beater tyvm) drinking coffee. But one of my friends who I was chatting with via email pushed me to go to the gym. So, I went. I figured that since the rec is going to be closed over the weekend, I might as well hit it up now.
Got to the rec and picked out a treadmill. I really wasn't feeling the whole running thing today, but still, it was Friday, and so that's what my schedule told me to do. While I was warming up on the treadmill, I noticed a few objects in the pond. They were ducks! It has to be spring if the ducks are out on the pond, fighting over the females! Does this mean that we'll be able to observe some ducklings out in the rec pond in a few months? I'm so excited about this.
So, I start running. I've been doing a lot of thinking on the treadmill lately, and I've come to realize that I'm still scared of it. I ran for ten minutes at 5MPH and a 1% incline before I took a three minute walking break. My right shin/calf was killing me, and I couldn't figure out what it was. So, I took off the incline and decide to run like that. I ran for 15 more minutes, first at 5MPH, then at 5.2, and the last five minutes at 5.5. The last five minutes felt great. I think I need to start stepping up my speed. I actually think I'm running too slow, and that's what tiring me out. Sheesh. Why didn't I realize this before?
I had a kind of Sopranos morning. If you're not a Sopranos fan, sorry for this post, but it's so true. I kind of moped around my apartment for a while, not really feeling motivated to hit the gym. I was tired because I went to bed after midnight last night after a long, but fun, phone conversation. My gym buddy wasn't meeting me at the gym. I could have had a Tony Soprano morning, and sit around my house in my bathrobe (no wife beater tyvm) drinking coffee. But one of my friends who I was chatting with via email pushed me to go to the gym. So, I went. I figured that since the rec is going to be closed over the weekend, I might as well hit it up now.
Got to the rec and picked out a treadmill. I really wasn't feeling the whole running thing today, but still, it was Friday, and so that's what my schedule told me to do. While I was warming up on the treadmill, I noticed a few objects in the pond. They were ducks! It has to be spring if the ducks are out on the pond, fighting over the females! Does this mean that we'll be able to observe some ducklings out in the rec pond in a few months? I'm so excited about this.
So, I start running. I've been doing a lot of thinking on the treadmill lately, and I've come to realize that I'm still scared of it. I ran for ten minutes at 5MPH and a 1% incline before I took a three minute walking break. My right shin/calf was killing me, and I couldn't figure out what it was. So, I took off the incline and decide to run like that. I ran for 15 more minutes, first at 5MPH, then at 5.2, and the last five minutes at 5.5. The last five minutes felt great. I think I need to start stepping up my speed. I actually think I'm running too slow, and that's what tiring me out. Sheesh. Why didn't I realize this before?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
That's Not Me
KK's post about self-image has really hit home with me for a number of reasons. I've been having a lot of "fat" days lately. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. (Gentlemen who read my blog... do you get these too?) You feel humungous, like everyone is looking at you because you're so big and sloppy. I think I've been feeling this way because my weight loss has kind of grinded to a stop. But, last year when I got to this point in my weight, I was talking about how slim I was, how I felt great, blah blah blah.
Well, this morning, I had a bit of an epiphany at the gym. I finished my morning run and was returning my towel to the service desk, which is when they give your ID back to you. I told the guy at the desk my name, and he went through the IDs and was looking at my ID for a moment before I finally said, "Yes, that is me." That picture was taken in August 2006, and (obviously) I had a lot of weight in my face, considering I was just about 50 pounds heavier (as of this morning, I'm about four pounds away from my 50 pound mark). I use my ID every day, to get in the rec center, to get a towel, to access the classroom technology when I teach. I try to avoid looking at my ID, because I know which face is smiling back at me. It's my fat face. It's not my current face. And, yes, I'm too cheap to shell out the $20 to get a new ID right now... that's not going to happen until another 50 pounds are gone :)
Well, this morning, I had a bit of an epiphany at the gym. I finished my morning run and was returning my towel to the service desk, which is when they give your ID back to you. I told the guy at the desk my name, and he went through the IDs and was looking at my ID for a moment before I finally said, "Yes, that is me." That picture was taken in August 2006, and (obviously) I had a lot of weight in my face, considering I was just about 50 pounds heavier (as of this morning, I'm about four pounds away from my 50 pound mark). I use my ID every day, to get in the rec center, to get a towel, to access the classroom technology when I teach. I try to avoid looking at my ID, because I know which face is smiling back at me. It's my fat face. It's not my current face. And, yes, I'm too cheap to shell out the $20 to get a new ID right now... that's not going to happen until another 50 pounds are gone :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Real Quick!
Because that's all the time I have while I'm finishing up this other conference paper! I didn't work out at all over the weekend. Saturday, I had other plans (hee hee!) and Sunday and Monday were swamped with work. I finally got off my butt and did the 30 Day Shred today, but only after I figured out some data discrepancy and ran some new tests. When I get home tonight, I'll be catching up with my Boot Camp videos. Craziness!!! That's all I have to say :)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
March Boot Camp Check in
How are you doing with your five cardio sessions and seven workouts? Is it too little? Too much? Did you find any of the sparkpeople videos challenging? Check in in the comments below!
As for me, I find the strength training to be a little easy and not enough. Six minutes of lifting, for me, is not enough. Granted, I'll admit that I haven't been doing that much lifting over the past month, so something is better than nothing. I also skipped the Thursday and Friday videos because I was too busy and made up for it by doing the 30 Day Shred on Friday. I'm going for a run today, and when I get back, it's all about the core video, which I found the most challenging.
As for me, I find the strength training to be a little easy and not enough. Six minutes of lifting, for me, is not enough. Granted, I'll admit that I haven't been doing that much lifting over the past month, so something is better than nothing. I also skipped the Thursday and Friday videos because I was too busy and made up for it by doing the 30 Day Shred on Friday. I'm going for a run today, and when I get back, it's all about the core video, which I found the most challenging.
Weekly Weigh In: I am a runner
The best response I got to some of my previous posts are the ones that just say You ARE A Runner (thanks Cammy and Jason). But, one of my non-blog friends read that post and sent me an article about what makes you a runner. You can read the whole article here on Runner's World, but I picked out the reasons that I felt made me a runner.
I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit. (Trust me, the Brooks Dyad? It almost looks like an orthopedic sneaker. But it works!)
I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner. (One of my biggest fears as a runner is being a loud breather. Who wants to be that person? Well, guess what? If that's what makes me a better runner, then so be it.)
I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on. (And if that means that I can't push it to be a faster runner just yet, well then, so be it.)
I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far. (Trust me, I can run faster and farther than what I used to run at this time last year. That definitely doesn't mean I'm the fastest one out there!)
I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.
Excuse me, it's time for my Saturday run :)
I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit. (Trust me, the Brooks Dyad? It almost looks like an orthopedic sneaker. But it works!)
I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner. (One of my biggest fears as a runner is being a loud breather. Who wants to be that person? Well, guess what? If that's what makes me a better runner, then so be it.)
I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on. (And if that means that I can't push it to be a faster runner just yet, well then, so be it.)
I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far. (Trust me, I can run faster and farther than what I used to run at this time last year. That definitely doesn't mean I'm the fastest one out there!)
I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.
Excuse me, it's time for my Saturday run :)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Crazy Links
My post on Monday (Fly on the Wall) hit home with a lot of you, whether you've been obese or not. This is taking it to the extreme: A trainer in Australia is gaining weight so he can "empathize" with his clients. Um, not cool.
I know, I stopped watching Biggest Loser. But I have been reading updates other places online, and I was amazed to hear of kicked off contestant Dane running a marathon since he's been off the ranch. Then I read this. Oy. You either DID run a marathon or didn't. It'd be like me saying I ran a 5K because I went out and ran three miles one day. WTH? I'm a girl who likes a side of honesty with her cup of fitness.
I know, I stopped watching Biggest Loser. But I have been reading updates other places online, and I was amazed to hear of kicked off contestant Dane running a marathon since he's been off the ranch. Then I read this. Oy. You either DID run a marathon or didn't. It'd be like me saying I ran a 5K because I went out and ran three miles one day. WTH? I'm a girl who likes a side of honesty with her cup of fitness.
Running Mad Libs
This morning, I hit up the gym for my usual Monday, Wednesday, Friday run. Got my towel, put my stuff in the little cubby I use, and walked up to my treadmill (isn't it funny that my treadmill has become "mine"?). As I started to run, I got tired. Granted, I'm still getting over this bug that has had a hold on me for the past week, so even though I had planned on running for 25 minutes, around 13 minutes, I was beat. Then, I got to thinking, I AM A RUNNER. But what kind of runner am I? Am I a competitive runner? I've never been much of an athlete, especially a competitive one. I was the kid who used to cringe at the mention of field day, hoping that it consisted of games of kick ball not 100 yard dashes. I would love to run a 5K, and I thought that goal was within my reach, but the more and more I run, I feel like I'm not moving along... I'm not getting much faster, I'm not running for longer periods... I'm just running. So does that make me a runner who just runs for exercise? And if that's what I am, so what? What's wrong with running for my cardio fitness? Isn't it the same as spinning? I'm "cycling" with no real place to go, other than to burn calories, be healthy, and look hot? Is that what I'm doing with running? There are lots of people who fall into this "non-competitive" category. So, by the end of my run (which ended up being a 13 minute run, 90 second walk, 5 minute run, 2 minute walk, 3 minute run, cool down), I started thinking, "I AM A ____________ RUNNER". I just need to figure out the blank.
Boot camp peeps! It's Day 4, and you should have done the core workout today. Yesterday's upper body workout was, again, too short, but I did feel challenged by today's core workout. Holy cow! Planks ON the balance ball? Who created that?
Boot camp peeps! It's Day 4, and you should have done the core workout today. Yesterday's upper body workout was, again, too short, but I did feel challenged by today's core workout. Holy cow! Planks ON the balance ball? Who created that?
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Fly on the Wall
It's kind of interesting to "hear" what people think and say about obesity when they don't realize your history. For instance, I've made some new friends since I've dropped these 50 pounds. In the back of my head, I always wonder, would they like me if they knew me when I was 50 pounds heavier? According to the BMI index, I'm still obese. Granted, I've moved from "morbidly obese" to "severly obese" and now I'm just plain old "obese". I can't wait to be just plain old "overweight"... granted, that's 30 pounds away.
Back to my original observation about people and their thoughts on obesity. A few months ago, all these "notes" on Facebook started going around. (Since when did it become kosher to start "forwards" on Facebook? Oy!) A girl I knew since high school who has always been thin "confessed" that one of her biggest fears is getting fat. Are you kidding me? I mean, no one wants to get fat. But, when we talk about biggest fears, for me, it includes plane crashes, losing loved ones, not making enough money to pay my bills, etc. Then again, I'm very conscious of treading that line where health is a part of my life and how it can easily become an obsession. A few weeks later, I read on someone else's facebook page (another thin... and I mean THIN... girl) about how she takes that hydroxicut daily to be able to eat what she wants. Um, okay.
Another blog I follow had a discussion earlier this week about our state proposing a law like the one in NY where calories have to be posted on the ordering board in fast food restaurants. I'll gladly admit that the discussion spun out of control and has moved far far away from the original topic, but what stood out was one of the commenters saying how he won't look at obese people because they lack beauty. OMG. When I was morbidly obese, I knew there were people who thought I was disgusting. *I* thought I was disgusting, even though I dressed up, took care of myself, and put on a good face every day. I'm sure there were some people who found me repulsive. It's just different when you hear someone say that out loud.
I have a few students who are morbidly obese and I feel bad for them. I'm sad when I see them stuff themselves into those fun desk/chairs. I'm really sad because they are smart kids (one of them has the highest average in a certain class) and I know how hard it is to go through life when people meet you and the first thing they notice about you is your weight. I also know how hard it is to lose weight, and how easy it is to fall back into bad habits and to give up when you hit a plateau. I wish it was as easy as "calories in, calories out", but we all know that it's a bit more than that, emotionally. We have to change our relationship with food.
Sorry to be such a downer, but this has been brewing for a while. I finally hit the gym today... did a 20 minute run for my first day back post-cold and I also did the boot camp lower body challenge video. OMG... one footed squats? Those lunges with the balance ball? This one was a challenge!!! BTW, I got a balance ball at Walmart for $8! Just wanted to share with y'all. How's it going with you?
Have a good Monday!
Back to my original observation about people and their thoughts on obesity. A few months ago, all these "notes" on Facebook started going around. (Since when did it become kosher to start "forwards" on Facebook? Oy!) A girl I knew since high school who has always been thin "confessed" that one of her biggest fears is getting fat. Are you kidding me? I mean, no one wants to get fat. But, when we talk about biggest fears, for me, it includes plane crashes, losing loved ones, not making enough money to pay my bills, etc. Then again, I'm very conscious of treading that line where health is a part of my life and how it can easily become an obsession. A few weeks later, I read on someone else's facebook page (another thin... and I mean THIN... girl) about how she takes that hydroxicut daily to be able to eat what she wants. Um, okay.
Another blog I follow had a discussion earlier this week about our state proposing a law like the one in NY where calories have to be posted on the ordering board in fast food restaurants. I'll gladly admit that the discussion spun out of control and has moved far far away from the original topic, but what stood out was one of the commenters saying how he won't look at obese people because they lack beauty. OMG. When I was morbidly obese, I knew there were people who thought I was disgusting. *I* thought I was disgusting, even though I dressed up, took care of myself, and put on a good face every day. I'm sure there were some people who found me repulsive. It's just different when you hear someone say that out loud.
I have a few students who are morbidly obese and I feel bad for them. I'm sad when I see them stuff themselves into those fun desk/chairs. I'm really sad because they are smart kids (one of them has the highest average in a certain class) and I know how hard it is to go through life when people meet you and the first thing they notice about you is your weight. I also know how hard it is to lose weight, and how easy it is to fall back into bad habits and to give up when you hit a plateau. I wish it was as easy as "calories in, calories out", but we all know that it's a bit more than that, emotionally. We have to change our relationship with food.
Sorry to be such a downer, but this has been brewing for a while. I finally hit the gym today... did a 20 minute run for my first day back post-cold and I also did the boot camp lower body challenge video. OMG... one footed squats? Those lunges with the balance ball? This one was a challenge!!! BTW, I got a balance ball at Walmart for $8! Just wanted to share with y'all. How's it going with you?
Have a good Monday!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Boot Camp Challenge Day 1
Today, we tackled the 10 minute workout with Coach Nicole. My main complaint is that it isn't 10 minutes long. It's more like 7 minutes long with a two minute cool down. That really disappointed me because by minute seven I was working up a good sweat, and she cut it short. Ugh! So, I did a Walk Away the Pounds video to keep my momentum going for at least a half hour.
My suggestion on the Spark People non-music issue? Pull up pandora.com, set the "station" to a workout song you like (for me, it's Britney's Womanizer) and they'll play a whole bunch of songs that are similar to that song. On the Womanizer station, I hear a lot of Kanye, Christina, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls, etc. Helps me move rather than hearing the tapping of Coach Nicole's feet.
So, I bought a balance ball at TJ Maxx and it was a complete bust. The damn thing wouldn't inflate. I'm returning it later today and hitting up Walmart instead. Saving $10 vs. having an inflatable ball? Hmm, no contest there.
How are YOU doing with the first Boot Camp workout? Ready for some cardio tomorrow?
My suggestion on the Spark People non-music issue? Pull up pandora.com, set the "station" to a workout song you like (for me, it's Britney's Womanizer) and they'll play a whole bunch of songs that are similar to that song. On the Womanizer station, I hear a lot of Kanye, Christina, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls, etc. Helps me move rather than hearing the tapping of Coach Nicole's feet.
So, I bought a balance ball at TJ Maxx and it was a complete bust. The damn thing wouldn't inflate. I'm returning it later today and hitting up Walmart instead. Saving $10 vs. having an inflatable ball? Hmm, no contest there.
How are YOU doing with the first Boot Camp workout? Ready for some cardio tomorrow?
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