Monday, December 28, 2009

Oh blast!

Re-reading my posts I'm reminded of my 1-dessert a week goal. Where did that go?? When did it go?? I'm having multiple junks a day now!! Ugh!! I'll try starting with only one a day! I saw a license plate I liked today: Aaarrgghh!!

Old Year Ending

The end of the year is upon us and I'm hoping I can feel the renewal to exert some effort for the new year. In the past, resolutions have really boosted me into new fitness habits! I'm feeling so sluggish now & I frankly don't feel the urge to do anything. I just know I have to. The scale says I've gained 1-3 pounds since Halloween... not terrible, but doesn't feel good.

My big sister is getting skinnier (over age 50!!) and passing me former large sized clothing. Next time I'd love to say, "Oh, I don't fit into size 10's any more. Thanks anyway!"

I did successfully upload an audio book onto my mp3 player, though it hasn't grabbed me yet. I will continue to use it to get me down to the treadmill. One problem is that when I get up to running speed, this old treadmill is so load I can't hear my story unless I put one hand to my ear. Sooo, I've found yet another reason to walk, not run. I think if I switch to headphones, I should be able to hear OK.

I'm thinking of setting this standard for the treadmill: either 20 minutes hard, or 30 minutes easy... on most days. I should also try to instill my little 6 minute workout on most days. Oh, didn't I tell you of that:

It's so simple & beautiful in it's simplicity:

-15 full regular push-ups (or however many I can manage... usually 12 ish)
-a Pilates 100
-15 Superman lifts for my back
-15 lunges (on both legs).

DONE!! It takes me about 8 minutes!! It really does something to me & if I did it regularly I'd build on it, but I'm haphazard with it. Plus I tend to add stretches and some yoga poses in between so that it turns into a big deal. But I won't apologize for stretches and yoga... that is wonderfully good stuff!!

OK, just writing has helped me feel a little more determined. I'm thinking maybe I should devise a charting and reward system. I like dollars for clothing shopping, so I'll think on that! Hmmmmm.....

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dark & Cold

We usually have very cold mornings from November to March around here. We occasionally have a 30 something degree morning with safe roads, so I can sometimes go outside, but I use my treadmill many days.

About the dark, you can get lights and reflective vests so that you can be seen by drivers. A teen I know was hit by a car when she crossed the road on a run to return home. A neighbor of mine expressed how alarming it is for her to come upon me suddenly running in our circle in the dark, even though I get off the road when the rare car comes by. So, over the years, I've learned to be safe! Now I have a reflective vest I can put over everything. I have a clip on light that goes right on my front. My favorite item is my wind-breaker cycling jacket I bought when I was training for a 100 mile bike ride. It is awesome quality for weather protection and it is totally BRIGHT Yellow/greenish! That was totally worth the high-price I thought I was paying at the time. I've also just purchased a white running cap. I've also carried a flash light... awkward, but potentially life-saving.

I've been comfortable going outside down to 22 degrees. I have a tech l/s shirt to layer under the jacket and lined work-out pants that do a nice job. Mittens and head covering are essential.

I usually check the weather, moan, and if I do push myself to get out there, I am usually always invigorated and proud of my fortitude! I only regret it when there are high winds.

Today I thought about doing some weight training! At least my brain got exercise. : )

Sunday, December 13, 2009

I Can Do This!

Spent some time cleaning, vacuuming & dusting the treadmill and vicinity in the basement today. We have 3 cats down there, so they track cat litter dust everywhere. Plus there were cobwebs and general dust everywhere. The treadmill is quite old, but it still works. The programs are limited, but today and yesterday I enjoyed the 30 minute interval program with 3.6 as my max mph. It seems pretty lame as I don't even have to run, but I did get a work out. I'm going to aim for most every day to go down there. I put an old pair of sneakers, so when I wake up, I can put on a pair of socks and go straight down there. I'm going to try to load an audio book into my mp3 player now and leave that down there, so I'll be all set. I weighed in at 129.5, and that seems really high.

At the doctor's the other day, I weighed in at 138! What is up with that? I know I gain weight as the day goes on and as I get dressed, but 8 pounds??!!?? Some of my dress pants are seeming a bit tight around the middle. Yuck!! Must do something about that.

I had a bowling appetizer party and I bought peppers. I loved them! I also honestly enjoyed a simple salad for two meals this weekend... with fresh mozzarella, yum! I made a chicken sausage, cannellini bean, and Kale soup for dinner exchange & that's pretty good! The Kale is a superfood, so I'm proud to be eating & serving that! We were out all three nights this weekend... fun, but tiring!!

OK, let's see if I can really purchase and download an audio book & then get it onto my mp3 player... on your mark, get set... go!

Monday, December 7, 2009

OK, OK, I'll Go...

I started running at age 39 and now at 44 I'm still barely getting started. I was recently run/walking 2-3 miles every other day, but with the cold weather, I've just sort of stopped. I don't have an appealing treadmill, but I'm thinking I might as better resurrect it so that I can use it when the weather is formidable. I actually have good warm gear and have run through the winter before, so I know I can do it. I've been feeling lowly and slight-sickly recently too, so there are my excuses. Sorry to dump.

When I stop I think, "I'm not a runner". When I run I think, "Well, I'm out here, so I guess I'm a runner... of sorts." Even when I'm on a good stretch of habit, I wait for the urge/stamina to run further/faster, and it really doesn't come or it's so hardly noticeable. I keep thinking I'll build up gradually to a 'respectable' distance/time/frequency, but it hasn't happened yet. Now as I get older (yes, 44 feels old much of the time) I'm resigned to be content with walking since I can get my heart rate up and a really good feeling after a walk anyway.

All that to say... I'm suited up here at my computer in the 6:00 A.M. hour... temperature is in the 20's outside and.... here I go. I am once again determined to be an active fit adult. Thanks for listening,

Friday, December 4, 2009

Winter Slugs

It's not even winter, but I'm feeling lazy and skipping workouts. It's cold, damp, and I've been waking up with a headache for a few days now. This happens almost every month at a given time. Yuck! I really don't like cold weather. My treadmill is gross and disgusting downstairs, covered in junk and dust, and dirt. Plus it is downstairs in a yucky setting, plus there is NO TV that works down there. I would use and love a good treadmill upstairs in front of a TV or book I could enjoy.

On our trip to Philadelphia, the Hotel was affiliated with and connected to a world-class fitness club. This place was amazing and posh!!! I enjoyed the treadmill and nautilus once by myself. On the limited kids hours we all played basketball in their full sized gymnasium and then racketball. That went really well and it was fun. Jane & I enjoyed the spa showers and I dipped in the adult-only hot tub. Todd & Andrew swam in the olympic-sized (supposedly) pool. It was a laps only pool and didn't appeal to me. Somehow getting almost naked, and cold, and cold-wet, just to exert myself doesn't appeal to me. I aim for cozy warm plush chairs with a good book.

My weight is OK, though I did cross that 130 lb. line yesterday morning. I am slowing down on amount of food. I'll try. I love to eat and I love to munch. I think portion size control will help a lot. I've toyed with the idea of leaving a bite of food on my plate all the time. I tried once or twice but it didn't catch on. I have such a strong urge to clean my plate, whether I'm hungry for it or not. I know I should stop when I'm full, but it is freakishly difficult if there is still good food in front of me. Take popcorn for instance... there is no way on earth that I need to eat a whole bag by myself... but I usually always do. If I leave some in the bag it takes monumental effort and I seem to feel I deserve a trophy for it. OK, I'll try harder!!

Plus, when I go to Tim Horton's this A.M. I should be able to order a BELT without the B. So what if I'm paying for it? Egg and cheese on a bagel is plenty of food for me!!! OK gotta go!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Increasing Mileage

Two days ago I ran maybe an extra 1/4 of a mile on my 2 mile run. I went a few houses past the usual turning point. It wasn't hard at all and it added probably 4 minutes to my run. I came in at 33: and something. It was a nice cool morning (in the 50's) and I pulled on pants for running which I regretted. Today was a cool morning too, but I kept in my shorts and it felt terrific, even coming back in the bright sun at 8:00. I walked/ran the big block today which is about 3 miles. I was happy to be going longer without the pressure to run. Plus, I started a new audio book: An Unfinished Life, by Mark Spragg. So far, so good.

I'm loving my FlyLady water bottle. The water is always VERY cold. It's amazing. Plus the kids won't use it since it is my dedicated bottle. So I know it is always as full as I left it last.

Yesterday, I did a Power Yoga routine (Yoga Zone) which was effective. I look forward to doing the next 20 minute routine on there tomorrow.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Summer Run

8/14/09 - I ran my two miles in 29:01, easy. Picture perfect weather today. I started listening to Afternoon in a Park by Neil Simon. It's cute. I laughed at parts already. Laughter is good for us and I think some days I just don't even laugh at all. I'm working on smiling too.

I went for ice cream yesterday with my kids. We biked a bit to get there & really enjoyed it. That would be my one dessert for the week. I'll count the zucchini bread as a half dessert, so I'm at 1 1/2 desserts this week & it's Friday. That's my best yet. It was nice actually planning to enjoy that ice cream instead of resisting, resisting, then giving in and feeling guilty and then regretting it. Thanks FlyLady for the quota suggestion.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Stretch and Strength

This morning I did my stretch and strength routine in the family room while watching the morning news programs and sipping coffee. I stretch all parts of my body & focus on the legs which were extremely tight from running two days in a row. It felt terrific. For strength today, I did the Superman, for my back. I did a few pelvis lifts, and I did the Pilates 100. I also did some push-ups just with the top half of my body, for my back. These are easy & I should've done full-body push-ups, but I didn't. Also, for one commercial break I did a weight move with two hand-bells, maybe 3 pounds each: curl, lift, overhead, back down & squat. I like not having to count my reps, but to do it for the full commercial break, which feels plenty long enough.

I'm doing well this week eating real food, and trying to get off of junk. 2 1/2 weeks ago, FlyLady suggested we eat dessert once a week, so I started trying. The first week I had 3 desserts, but at least I was aware. The second week I ate a few, all on the last day... it was those chocolate chip muffins and a cookie at the neighborhood picnic. That was bad.... sneaky muffin eating! They weren't even very good. : ((( The next week is still in progress. It is now Thursday and I've had only one smallish piece of zucchini bread over at Debbie's house on Tuesday. I will count that as half a dessert. We are going for ice-cream today, so I'm not sure what I'll do. I think I'm planning on enjoying ice cream, but not a big one! Hey, at least I have a plan. At home, I'm eating smart!! I'm still eating chips & French fries in moderation. I think I may be onto a successful dietary change. Since I'm 44 I think I may really need to do this.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Healthy Living Goals

-Lose 5-10 pounds, forever
-Be able to run respectable distance and speed
-Eat real foods- get off of sugar food
-Feel Strong, fit and young