Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sweatin' to the oldies...

Well, I had planned to get up early enough this morning to go to the store and see about getting a new pair of goggles, because Colby decided to use my old ones as a chew toy. Terry found most of the pieces outside in the backyard! However, I kept falling back asleep, so I finally got up and fixed myself a good breakfast. Then I took my time getting around and making sure I had everything else I needed. I went to my water exercise class, then headed upstairs. Yesterday I tripped myself a couple of times while walking on the track, but I managed to catch myself before I actually fell. I really need some new sneakers, but those will just have to wait until after Christmas. So instead of walking, I added the time to my time on the bike. I was so sweaty and tired by the time I finished! Whew! I had the Newsboys playing on my phone and it was hard to keep myself from singing along, but for the benefit of all those working out around me, I restrained myself! They don't know how lucky they were today! :-)

I'm going to have a light lunch, then get a shower and head to Walmart. I missed swimming my laps. The bike is good, but swimming works out my entire body and believe me, my entire body needs the workout! I swam yesterday without goggles and quickly realized why I wear them. I have a hard enough time staying straight when I can see....there's no hope when my eyes are closed!

I also want to try out the eliptical that Terry brought home. I didn't like it much in the past, but who knows, maybe I will now. I'm also going to set up a Pandora station so I don't have to figure out where my cds are!

Have a good afternoon!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

4 weeks and counting....

4 weeks from today Elizabeth and Jon are having their formal wedding ceremony in NWA. This is a cause for great celebration and excitement! It is also a cause for consternation, because I have not been good this past month about getting my workout in each day....or any day! I've known what the date of the ceremony would be for almost 2 months, but as usual, I waited until the last minute to prepare.

Over Thanksgiving, I'm happy to say that I did not overindulge in eating, however, some of the things I ate were probably not a good choice nutritionally. I allowed myself a piece of cheesecake with cherries on top, but I did stop at just one piece. So, I will celebrate the little victories rather than berate myself with the losses.

I tried on some dresses while I was in Arkansas and that was a big part of my motivation to get back to the gym today! There were a couple in my size that I tried on, but I didn't like them. There was one that I just loved, but it was a couple of sizes too small. If I had been diligently working out and watching my diet this entire time, the dress probably would have fit. But I didn't, so it didn't. A big reminder that our daily choices  have a big impact on our overall lives.

It's so easy to say "I'll just have one little piece of chocolate. After all, a little bit is good for my heart!" And then that one little piece turns into an entire candy bar. But then I tell myself, "well, I'll just work a little harder tomorrow at the gym". But then the next day comes and I over sleep and don't make it to my class, so I skip going all together. Or I get up in time, but go by McDonalds and get breakfast on my way. Yeah, that's gonna help! I have all these good intentions, but we all know what they say the road to hell is paved with!

So, I can make all the plans I want and set all the goals in the world. But if I don't get off the couch and actually do something, it's all for naught. I'm never going to lose a single pound watching The Biggest Loser. I'm never going to get to a smaller size if I continue to eat a candy bar on my way home from the gym. It's all about the little choices I make each day.

There's a yogurt commercial running on tv with these 2 ladies at a coffee shop ordering these high calories drinks, when one changes her mind and has a yogurt instead. That's the kind of choices I need to be making. I need to be aware that every little choice I make adds up to the big picture!

So, today I chose to go to the gym and workout, even tho I wasn't feeling 100%. But I felt better after I was done because I had made a good choice. I came home and ate a lunch that was good for me instead of swinging by McDonalds and that was a good choice. Today was a good day. And if I continue to make good choices every day, by the time the 4 weeks has passed and I'm at my daughter's wedding, I will be happy with whatever dress I end up wearing because I will know that I am where I'm supposed to be.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

another day of cardio!

Whew! Am I glad my workout is finished for the day! I am hot, sweaty, and exhausted! Well, maybe not exhausted, but I'm done. I didn't swim my laps today because I got around late and didn't make it to the Y until time for my class. I don't like do my laps after class because the full size pool is heated quite a bit and the lap pool is not. So when I go after my class, the lap pool feels even colder because I've been in the warm pool. And I have a hard time putting my face in the water and doing my breathing correctly when it's that cold.

The one thing I did realize today, tho, is that I burn less calories when I don't swim. I did make it to 4 miles on the bike today, and I walked my mile in 18 minutes. So that was good. I checked my bp after I finished working out and it was 106/85. I took my meds this morning, so I'm sure that helped. I just want to keep an eye on it because last time I was consistent with my workouts, my blood pressure went down and if I took my meds it actually would go too low! So I want to make sure that doesn't happen again.

I made sure that I ate breakfast this morning before I left for the gym, and after I entered my workout on MobileFit, I had burned just over the calories I consumed for breakfast. I need to go to the store and get some groceries because our cupboards are looking pretty bare. I want to go get some healthy snacks so that I don't undo all the good I do with my workouts. I also want to make sure I'm eating the best things I can to keep my body fueled for the workouts that I am doing. It wouldn't do any good to workout if my body isn't getting the nutrients that it needs.

My dr. switched my ADHD meds, and the new one is working pretty well. I'm able to stay focused just as well as with the other one, and I'm not quite as sleepy with it as I was on the first few days. One of the possible side effects is loss of appetite, and mine has settled down some. I'm not like I was when I first started the Concerta, where I was hardly eating anything and lost 80+ pounds in about 5 months. My bi-polar meds made me eat alot and gain weight, and it looks like the ADHD meds are going to balance that out so that I can eat just what I need to eat to be healthy, but not feel like I'm starving. So that is a bonus to the medicine. Woo hoo! But the main thing is that I am able to stay focused and can concentrate on one thing for longer than a minute!

Okay, I'm all cooled down from my workout, so I'm going to head home, then to the store. Will post another update tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

back again....

Once again I am posting after not posting for quite awhile. I am going to try and be more consistent with my workouts and my posts! Especially during the next 8 weeks while I am trying to do the very best I can so I will be in the very best shape I can be for Elizabeth and Jon's wedding ceremony! Ideally, I would like to make it down to a size 14 by then, but I know that a 16 is more realistic. But I'm still going to shoot for the 14 and be happy with whatever I achieve! As long as it is not a 20, I will be happy!

I have really been good about working out this week! Not only doing my water class and my weight workout, but adding extra cardio, too! I am really trying to watch what I eat, and I have really limited my Dr Pepper intake! As in, none yesterday and so far, none today! But lots of water and Powerade! I try to limit the Powerade, too, since it does contain some calories. And I can't drink the light variations of anything because of the aspertame. It's not worth the horrible headaches to save a few calories.

Didn't swim my laps today, but did do the bike and track, along with my water class and weights. We have Judgement House tonight at church, so I will be on my feet for about 4 hours, so I think I'll be good. Just need to make sure I only eat healthy snacks tonight and not junk!

Gotta go to the store, then make some earrings this afternoon. Will try and play some ball with the puppies before we head to church. Our sweet Ella could stand to lose a few pounds, too! More tomorrow!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Making progress!

It's Saturday, so this morning was my day to weigh and measure. I started keeping track of my weight and measurements the first of this month so I could see any progress I was making. I didn't post them when I first started, but wrote them down in the notebook I carry around with me. But today, I decided to go ahead and record it here, too.

Sat. 8/6/2011    weight-217lbs      body fat-49%    bust-46"     waist-44"       hips-49.5"     size-20.
Sat. 8/13/2011  weight-225lbs      body fat-48%    bust-47"     waist-43.5"    hips-51"        size-20
Sat. 8/20/2011  weight-221.5lbs   body fat-47%    bust-46.5"  waist-43.5"    hips-50"        size-20
Sat. 8/27/2011  weight-218lbs      body fat-50%    bust-46"     waist-42.5"    hips-46.5"     size-20

During the second week, I ended up putting on 8 pounds because I totally ate everything wrong that I possibly could! And I wasn't as good about getting to the gym and doing everything that I should. I still need to work on getting consistant at the gym and in my eating habits. But I've been trying to do better. And now I'm starting to see some real results, and that makes me want to keep doing this even more!

I missed a few days at the gym this past week, but I was really watching what I was eating. I didn't follow my meal plans exactly, but I did much better about keeping my calorie count where it should be, and I can see some positive results from that! Next week the pool is closed at our YMCA, but I can go to one of the other branches if I want. I am going to try and do my cardio on the track or the stationary bike this week and see how that goes.

Today, Terry and I went to the car show downtown and walked all around it, but the heat started to get to us, so we came on home. We're going to go again tomorrow after church and see the rest of the cars. I'm not sure how far we walked, and you can't really count it as cardio because we were strolling, but at least we were active!

After we left, I dropped Terry off at the house and went to go get my hair cut. I had missed lunch and was getting hungry, so I was tempted to stop in at McDonald's and get a burger and fries, but I talked myself out of it and came home after my haircut and had lunch here at home. I was very proud of myself for that, because before I would have eaten the burger and fries and not even thought anything about it. Then, after church, I came home and had a large salad with some of the leftover chicken from dinner a couple of nights ago chopped up on top. I'm nice and full and got my veggies and lean protein in today instead of all that fat and extra calories from the burger and fries!

I realize that these are the kinds of decisions I'm going to have to make for the rest of my life. And there are going to be days when the burger and fries are going to win. But instead of using that as an excuse to just give up on healthy eating, I instead have to just say okay and get back on track. And I have to learn how to make the things we like to eat in a more healthy manner and to eat the proper portion sizes. This is going to have to be something that I commit to for the rest of my life. Not just until I get down to the size that I want to be. If I want to stay at that size and stay healthy, this has to be a lifetime committment. And I have to make that choice, day by day. Today, I did good!

Monday, August 22, 2011

I'm glad it's Monday....

Today was a good, if long, day! I made it to bed last night by midnight and was up around 9:30,  which is a little later than I meant to be up, but earlier than I normally get up, so it's good. I spent over 30 minutes on the phone trying to make a dental appt, but they were all booked up, so I have to call back next Monday. Oh well!

Because I was on the phone so long, I left to head to the gym a bit later than I had planned, so I was able to do my weight workout before I went to my water class, but I didn't get my laps in today. I didn't do them after class because I was trying to get over to the store to do the shopping before it got too late. I managed to get almost everything on my list, so that was good. Since tomorrow is my birthday and we are going out to eat for dinner, we are going to officially start following the eating plans I printed off on Wed. I am going to follow mine tomorrow for everything but dinner. We had planned to go to Kobe, the Japanese steak house, but now I'm thinking maybe Hog Wild barbeque instead. I guess we'll see what I'm in the mood for tomorrow!

The dr. switched my heartburn medicine this past week and I'm not sure I like this new one. I'm still having some in the late afternoon and early evening. Hopefully this new one will kick in soon and take care of this. I also need to get the head of my bed elevated like the dr. suggested. I really think that will help.

My Bears are playing tonight, but they aren't doing too well. But it's still preseason, so I'm not worried. Terry and I are hoping to get up to Chicago and go to a game this season. That would be so awesome! So I need to really be good about making it to my workouts and sticking to this eating plan so that I will be able to wear my Urlacher jersey!

With that in mind, I'm going to go get my bag ready for tomorrow and then head on to bed to finish watching the game. And then, tomorrow I'm going to enjoy my birthday!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

ready to get back at it!

Well, Bailey and the kids have gone home, so tomorrow it's back to my regular workout schedule. I've been getting up around 8am this week with the kids, then dozing on the couch until 9am, which is still an hour earlier than I normally get up. And I've been heading to bed by midnight because I've been so tired. So, I'm going to try and keep that schedule and head to bed around 11pm and then be up every morning by 9am at the latest. I need to get myself on a good schedule so that I can get into a routine with my workouts and my eating.

So, this afternoon after everyone left, I went on Mobilefit and went thru the nutrition section and printed off the recommended diet plans for both me and Terry. I did some substituting on some of the meals, but stayed within the recommendations for the most part, and tried to get enough variety to keep us from getting bored. I printed off a week's worth of menu guides and will go back on later this week and go thru some of the recipes that they have so I can do some more subbing and get a bigger variety of meals. But using their substitution list, I get the right balance of carbs, fats, and proteins. And I get the right portion sizes for the amount of calories we each need each day. I do need to go back and figure in Terry's tea that he drinks and allow myself a little Dr. Pepper until I get weaned off of it altogether. But I'm not going to try and just quit because that always gives me some really bad headaches. But I'm doing better and have already really cut down on how much I drink.

Tomorrow I'm also going to make an appt to go see a dentist and get started on getting my teeth fixed. I have several broken teeth and sometimes it's hard to eat because they hurt sometimes and little pieces break off and then my tongue gets sore from the rough spot. And I've heard several times that to really be healthy, you have to have a healthy mouth. So, even tho going to the dentist terrifies me, I am determined to get something done about these teeth!

Sat. was my last swim class and we worked on our breaststroke. I started to kind of get it by the end of class. The only way to get better is to practice, tho. What I want to do is start swimming laps every day for part of my cardio workout, plus go to my arthritis water workout. Then, 3 days a week, to go upstairs and also do my weight workout. I really like the 11:30 class for my arthritis class, so I'm going to keep that. I've been doing my laps after that, then heading upstairs to do my weight workout. That means on the days I do my weight workout, I leave the house around 11:15 and don't get home until about 1:45. In order to follow my meal plan with my meals and snacks, that schedule just isn't going to work. So, I want to get up between 8:30-9am and eat breakfast, head to the Y by 10am on the days I'm going to do my weights and do that workout, then have my snack, then do my laps before my water class. Then, I will be home a little after 12:30 and can have my lunch. Then I will have a bigger block of time, too, to get things down around the house and to work on my projects. So, we'll try it out this week and see how that works, then make adjustments as needed.

I also need to remember to check my blood pressure every day. The dr. switched my bp meds this past week and wants me to keep track for the next 4 weeks and then come back and see him to go over it and see if the new meds are working. Hopefully this new one will work without some of the side effects I experienced with the last one.

Okay, time to go get my bag ready for the gym tomorrow, then head to bed. I'm ready to get back at it!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

grandkids are here!

Bailey and her 5 precious kiddos are here this week, so I haven't gone to the gym so far. I've been chasing after the kids, tho, so I've not been totally couch-bound! Today Noah had me running up and down the driveway, pushing him in the Cozy Coupe so he could "go faster, Mosey!" And Isaiah keeps everyone on their toes! Yesteday, while Bailey and Terry went to the store, Isaiah was playing outside with the older kids. They came in and he refused. I got the kids settled in the living room, realized Isaiah was still outside, so sent Anna out to check on him. She came running in to tell me he was on top of the slide, standing up, with no clothes on! I went running outside, and sure enough! There he was, with no diaper in sight. He was not happy when I grabbed him and hauled him inside to get dressed! Terry and Bailey arrived home and I sent Terry out to find the diaper before Colby could go outside and find it instead. So much fun!

Tomorrow we may try and go over to the Hopper's and go swimming, if the weather cooperates and it fits in with their schedule. Kelle was nice enough to invite us over and the kids will be thrilled to take her up on it. I have a dr's appt. at 2:30, so that will mean that we will have to get home in plenty of time to get the little ones down for their naps.

Now, I'm going to go to the store to get a lemon so Bailey and I can try out a new chicken recipe. I sure eat a lot better when they are here!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

back at it

So, I made it to the gym today to my water workout and then upstairs to do my weight workout. I increased some of my weights today, so I feel like I am making some progress. I stayed home the past two days because my arthritis was acting up. And I was moving slow when I first got up, but I feel better this afternoon after working out. Now I have the energy to get some things done this afternoon! And that's what it's all about!

Monday, August 8, 2011

I am tired....

Early mornings all weekend, so I ended up sleeping in a little later today. Then I went to my water exercise class, then did 10 lengths of the lap pool, then went upstairs and did my weight workout. Then went and ran a few errands before I came home and relaxed for a little while. Got to talk to Mom and Daddy for a little while, then to Elizabeth. That was nice!

After the phone calls, I got busy working on my workbench and work space. It's still not exactly how I want it, and there are still a few things I'm going thru boxes looking for, but it's finally coming along! I'm getting very excited. Terry and I picked up a little tv at Goodwill and he ran a cable line for me, then programmed a remote for me, so I can watch tv while I work. He's so sweet to me!

Now, we've eaten dinner and it's time to relax. My arthritis is acting up a little because of the pop-up storms that we've had. This morning when I got up, it was in the low 70's! And it only got up to the upper 90's. That was nice. Now it's time to go play with some clay. Then it's early to bed so I can get up and make it to the gym on time. But, maybe I'll have a little snack of milk and cookies first! :-)

Saturday, August 6, 2011

8am swim class???

Yep, an 8am swim class! And I made it! It wasn't easy getting up that early, but I did it. And I'm glad I did. There were only 4 of us in the class, so even tho we're at 4 different levels, we all got plenty of feed back on what we were doing wrong and what we were doing right. I was very happy because I did much better with my breathing today. That is, until we added the arms! As long as I'm just kicking, I do fine. When I add the arms, I start rushing it and panicing. So, that's my homework for this week. To practice breathing while adding the arms.

We also worked a little bit on breaststroke this week. The kick is really weird for that one! We tried doing both the arms and the legs, but ended up working on just getting the kick down. That's another thing to work on this week with the kickboard.

I am very happy, too, because today was weight and measurement day and I lost the 3lbs I was shooting for this week! I don't know how I did on inches, because I forgot to take measurements at the beginning of the week, so we'll have to see how that goes next Sat. I know that 3lbs isn't much, but my dr. said that the safest way to lose was to just lose 2-4lbs a week. So I am shooting for 3lbs each week, and if I achieve that, I will reach my goal weight by the end of Feb. I've set a goal weight of 135, but will be happy at a slightly higher weight, as long as I make my goal size of 8! They say that muscle weighs more than fat, so if I have lots of toned muscle, I would be fine with a higher weight, as long as I get my size back down. I have some really cute clothes that I bought when I was an 8 that I really want to be able to wear again!

I was looking thru my collection of swimsuits and I realized that I need to go get a couple more before they are all gone. I have the size 20 that I'm in right now, and I have a size 12 for when I get to that size, but I don't have anything for the in-between . And I will be losing weight and needed a smaller swimsuit during the fall and winter, when I won't be able to find one in the stores! So I realized I better get a couple to have ready as I continue to lose weight and change sizes. Once I get to a size 8, I have 3 or 4 swimsuits! I had so many because I went to the beach so often, and I actually looked good in a swimsuit, so it was fun to buy them! Now I need more because I'm in the pool almost every day. And because of that, eventually I will start to look good in these suits again!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

whew!

I am very proud of myself, but very tired tonight! I went to the Y early so that I could do some laps and work on the breathing exercises for my swim lessons. I ended up swimming a total of 8 lengths of the pool, and then my legs were done! I did okay on the breathing, but not where I want to be yet. So, more practice tomorrow!

After the laps, I went to my water exercise class, and then, even tho I was ready to head home by then, I made myself head upstairs to the weight room and I did my workout! I was very tired by the time I finished, but very proud of myself for finishing! That is, after all, the goal!

I spent the rest of the afternoon running errands and now I have potatoes baking in the oven and Terry is grilling steaks out on the grill. I'm getting ready to go cook some long grain and wild rice to go with it, and get the salad stuff out of the fridge. I splurged today and had lunch at Subway, with lots of veggies! I wasn't so good with the cheese, because I had them add extra, but I skipped the chips and had a bottle of water instead of a soda, so I didn't feel too badly about the cheese. I was just really happy because the Subway in Terry's store, where I went, had both spinach and cucumbers to put on my sandwich! So I had the Italian BMT with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, spinach, bell peppers, and some provolone cheese. Add a little salt and pepper, and a small amount of creamy Italian dressing, and mmmmmm! Excellent lunch!

Now, to go finish fixing dinner. Then getting my bag ready for the gym tomorrow!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

and.......I'm back!

Wow....I haven't posted a new blog since May! I have been slacking! I have to admit that I also slacked off on my workouts, too. I really meant to workout while I was in Arkansas waiting on Elijah to arrive, but I didn't. Then, after I got back home, we had people coming to visit and it was easy to use that as an excuse to wait to go back to the gym. Then we got the new YMCA program guide in the mail, and I realized that I had run out of excuses and I had to get back to the gym.

So, I went back, and I had gotten a message from my trainer that they had gotten in some new shirts and I could pick mine up anytime. They had also started a reward program for the points that we were earning when we logged in our workouts with Mobilefit. And I found out that I had earned enough points to not only get my shirt, but to also get a free session in a class of my choice. So, I signed up for the adult swim lessons for August.

Today I went to my first swim class. Since I was the only one, they cancelled the class and put me in the Sat. morning class, which I didn't pick in the first place because it's at 8am! But I really want this class, so I agreed to go on Sat. But I did get my class today and it was a very good class! I have always had problems with my breathing when swimming with my face in the water. We worked on that for most of the class. I also told my instructor that I tend to go with the backstroke because I feel more comfortable with it. He watched me do my backstroke and said it looked good! I was very happy to hear that because I wasn't sure I was doing it properly. The only thing he suggested was to try and get my kick closer to the surface of the water so that my feet didn't pull my body down. By the time my session was over, I was tired! And then I went to my arthritis water class after that.

I was planning on heading upstairs to do my weight workout after my water class, but I was just too tired. Tomorrow I'm going to go to my water workout, then do my laps in the lap pool, working on the things that we covered in my swim class today. I'm going to try and go upstairs and do my weight workout, too. Then, I need to try and figure out what my workout routine is going to be.

I think the main thing that I need to do now, is to get into a routine. It needs to be so ingrained that it is automatic. It has to be such a habit that it feels wrong to not workout. That's my goal.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I'm sore

Today I did my alternate workout using the stability ball, hand weights, and the resistance bands and I sweated more and am more sore than any day working out on the weight machines! And I used lower weights! However, I also had my own body weight to figure in there, and let's face it, that is considerable! However, if I keep up this workout, that body weight should start to get smaller.

I tried to be more conscious of what I ate today and how much, but I'm not sure how I did. I downloaded an app on my phone that will keep track of my calories consumed and burned, so I will start using that tomorrow.

Next week we are going on vacation, so I have gone thru the stuff in the house and garage and found the resistance bands and hand weights, and I bought a balance disk. I thought I had a stability ball, but I couldn't find it. We may have sold it in our garage sale before we moved to Kansas. I'm going to see if Bailey still has the one she had and just borrow it while I'm over there instead of buying one. I know she has a pilates mat I can use. But I am determined to make sure I workout while I'm gone. I think the kids will get a kick out of it and want to workout with me. I will have to make sure to get some pictures of it if they do.

I have been carefully monitoring my blood pressure this week, too. On Monday I was feeling a little off and I took it and it was way low. I hadn't taken my meds yet, so that was a little surprising, and I'm not sure why it went so low. But today was the first day that I took anything because it was the first day that it was high enough to need anything. I've been keeping a log of my bp, too, and will continue to monitor it closely. If it continues to stay down, I'll need to go see the dr. and have my meds adjusted. I'm hoping that soon I will be able to get off of it completely! Even tho I haven't really lost any weight yet, I can tell that I'm starting to get a little stronger. And as soon as I get my eating under control, I should start to see a difference on the scale!

I was telling Terry today about my workout, and how I was doing wall sits and my thighs weren't very happy with me. Then I moved on to lunges and my knees were starting to rebel. Finally, came the ab workout and my entire body was like "did we sign up for this? I don't think so!" But I perservered and my body is in rebellion tonight, so I promised we would only do cardio tomorrow. (which was the plan all along, but shhh! Don't tell my calves!)

So, it's time for some Tylenol, then off to bed. I'm sore, but I'm also very proud of myself for sticking to this!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday, Monday.....

Today I met with Cierra for my final free session. It was a really good session. She helped me set up my nutrition page on MyMobileFit and then we went over some alternative exercises for my lower body and core. My abs are very sore tonight! My thighs are doing a little complaining tonight, too. But that's okay, because I needed to step it up a little bit.

The biggest thing now is to stay with the exercise program that Cierra and I have set up for me, and to add the nutritional portion we set up today. If I follow it and stick to it, I should be able to lose 2-3 pounds per week. If I do that, I will be at my goal weight by mid-November of this year! So, that would mean that for Christmas I would be asking everyone to give me clothes or gift cards to go shopping! :-)

I've taken my blood pressure several times today and it has been low. I didn't take my medicine today because my pressure was already so low. It wasn't too bad when I first took it, after my water class. After my workout, I was feeling a little light-headed, so I took it again and it was even lower. I need to get out and go to the store here in a little bit, so I'm going to check it again when I go out and see if it has come up any. I came home and ate some chips, hoping the salt would help it go up some. We'll see, tho. I still have a slight headache. But right now, Terry's home, so it's time to go spend some time with him!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

I survived!

I went to the Zumba class and I made it thru the entire class! I couldn't do everything they did, but I did as much as I could. I forgot my water bottle, so that is a mistake I won't make again! Fortunately, there was a water fountain just outside the studio door.

And the class was huge! I didn't count to see how many people were there, but I bet there were 50 people easy! And I wasn't the only new person there tonight. There were about 5 others, so that made me feel better because they didn't know how to do everything either. And there was this one guy in the class that I was next to and he didn't do everything. He just did what he was able to do and he kept encouraging me and that really helped. One mistake I made, tho, was getting toward the back of the room so no one could see me, but the problem was I couldn't always see the instructor and what she was doing. So the next time I go, I'm going to move closer to the front and not let myself worry about what anyone thinks about me.

So, today was a good day for me, workout wise. I just hope that I'm not too sore in the morning. But even if I am, I'm going to keep going!

new, new, new

I met with Cierra, my trainer, yesterday and she showed me some alternative workouts if I don't, or can't, do the weight machines. We just covered upper body yesterday, altho several of the exercises also worked my core muscles, too! And my back can really feel it today! So that was new.

Terry is in Wisconsin this week, so it is just me and Colby here at the house all week. That is new, because usually I don't like to stay by myself and I go stay with the kids. But I wanted to do this and show myself that I could. The days aren't so bad because there's always something to do. It's the nights, when it's dark, that bothers me.

Another new thing is that I'm going to go try the Zumba class tonight! It's from 5:30-6:30, so I should get back in time for my show, The Biggest Loser. I'm looking forward to it, but of course, I'm a little nervous because it's something new. So I'm am trying very hard not to talk myself out of it!

So far I haven't lost any weight since I started this blog. I've probably even gained a few pounds. But yesterday I started keeping a food journal and keeping track of my calories in and calories burned. I knew that I would do better if I focused on getting started on one thing at a time. And now I'm going to workout regularly, so now it's time to address the diet. *SHUDDER* This is probably the part I have dreaded the most, which is why I addressed it last. But I have to get control of myself and what I eat. No more rebellion. It's time to learn self control!

I'm also getting ready to go out and go do shome shopping. I'm going to hit all the Goodwill stores in our area this afternoon and find me some shorts and some summer tops that are in my size. I'm tired of wearing the same 2 pairs of shorts and big sloppy t-shirts everyday. It's hard to stay motivated when I look so fat and sloppy. I think it would be easier to feel better about myself if I looked good. And when I feel better about myself, it's easier to workout and eat right, because I want to continue to look and feel good!

And as I leave, I'm taking my stuff with me for the Zumba class, that way I can't use that as an excuse not to go! So.....off I go, in search of "new" stuff!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

it's a beautiful day!

Having a really good day today! I got up early and got around in plenty of time to go to the Y this morning. So I didn't have to rush and that was nice. I went to my water class first, then showered and headed upstairs to do my weight maching workout. Day 2! I printed out my workout so I would have a sheet with the weights printed on it that my trainer and I had decided on, and then I went to work. It felt good, even tho it's still a little slow because I had to keep referring to my printout to see what I was supposed to do next. Also, had to go downstairs to use one machine because the one upstairs is out of order. Oh well, going up and down the stairs a few times is just a bonus to my workout!

I took my blood pressure after my first class and then again after my weight workout. It was right around where it should be and I only took 1 med this morning. So, hopefully this working out is helping with my blood pressure and I really wouldn't mind if I had to go see the dr. again soon to get my meds adjusted for that! My goal is to eventually not need to take blood pressure meds at all!

Right now, I take medications for ADD, bipolar disorder, asthma, acid reflux, and blood pressure, plus a magnesium supplement and a glucosimine/condroitant supplement. I would love to get rid of as many of these as possible! Realistically, tho, I probably will have to stay on at least the first 3. But that would still be better than the 7 things I take now! And it would be a whole lot cheaper!

I wasn't too sore after Monday's workout, so we'll see how it goes after this one. Mom and Daddy are coming for a visit tomorrow and staying for several days. I won't want to take time away from our visit, but I also don't want to miss my workouts. I think what I'll do is just go on MWF while they are here. I might see if they want to come with me one day, too. It's just so expensive for them to go! $10 for just one of them and $18 for both of them! Of course, that's probably good for all day, and it does mean that they have full use of the facilities, so that's probably actually a really good deal, but it's just too expensive to pay almost $20 for them to come with me 3 times. Plus, we want to go fishing and bowling while they are here, too, and that will take money. But I may get up early while they're here and go back to the 9:30 water class so that I can be done with my total workout by 11:30 and back at the house for the rest of the day.

I'm very excited about my parents coming for a visit. They've only been over here once since we moved here and that was just for the day. There's alot to do around Wichita, and I'm looking forward to showing them around!

And now, I'm going to get my book and head out into the backyard to sit in my hammock chair and enjoy the beautiful day!

Monday, May 2, 2011

I feel good....for now!

Met with the trainer today and we went over the workout routine for the weight machines that she had worked out for me with the mobilefit program. I did one set of reps with her so that she could explain the use of each machine and make sure that I was using proper technique. Then, after we went over a few other things, I went back and finished up the second set of reps. Tomorrow I just do my water workout as my cardio, then Wed. and Friday I repeat the routine we went over today. I can also go to mobilefit.com and print off an alternate routine, but I think I will just stick with this one for now. It's a total body workout, so I only need to repeat it 3 times a week. I'm feeling pretty good right now, but I know that tomorrow morning I'm going to be sore. The main thing will be to get thru these first couple of weeks of being sore and adjusting to a new routine.

I know that I'm going to be sore, but it's going to be worth it! Eventually I want to focus on losing weight, but right now my main focus is to start getting stonger. Especially my core muscles. But if I want to be able to do the workouts to lose weight, I have to be able to have the strength. I just need to keep reminding myself of the ultimate benefits....lower weight, lower blood pressure, possibly less meds, better health, and feeling better about myself.!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I smell like chlorine!

So, I'm pretty happy with my workout today. I went to my water workout class, then went over to the lap pool. I've been wanting to try swimming laps since my knee has been hurting so much. So, last night Terry and I went to the store and I got a new swimsuit that fits a little better and a pair of swim goggles. They worked great! I think I'm also going to go back to the store tomorrow and get some ear plugs and a nose plug. I kept getting water down in my left ear today and by the time I got out of the pool today it was hurting a bit. I got it to come out, fortunately, so I don't think it's going to cause an infection. I mostly swam a backstroke today, and the water dripped in my nose a few times, which was not pleasant either.

I was really wanting to try swimming laps, but was hesitant because I've never been a really strong swimmer. I can swim, but I'm not real confident about whether I'm doing the strokes correctly. There's also the fact that I don't have much endurance or strength anymore, so I wasn't sure how I would do. But last night I did alot of praying that I would stop being so self-conscious and just try it! So, I did. At first I had the lap pool all to myself, so I didn't have to wonder if anyone was watching me and wondering what in the world I was doing. Then, 2 other women came, but I realized that if you're swimming, you can't really see what the person in the lane next to you is doing. That made me feel alot better. The main thing was, I just did it. I had to stop for a minute or two at each end, but I finished 10 lengths of the pool. 18 lengths is 1/4 mile, so I did just over 1/8th of a mile. It took me about 30 minutes, but that's okay. I'm very happy with what I did today. And if 10 laps is all I can do for now, that's okay.

When I met with the trainer on Monday, one of the things that we talked about was the fact that I have no real strength or endurance right now and that is a big part of what I am going to be working on with my workout routine. My water arthritis class meets every day and it really helps me to keep my joints loosened. And I feel so much beter after I go. And now that I'm going to the 11:30 class, it's easier to get up and get around and make it on time. I meet with my trainer again next Monday, when we'll go over the exercise program that she has come up with for me. I'm really looking forward to it, even tho I know that once I start working out on the weight machines, I'm going to be sore for a few days. That's one reason I think it's so important to get into the habit of going every day, so that when I really don't feel like going, I will be in the habit of going and that will keep me motivated.

I am very glad I have gotten back to my class and am getting moving again. I just want to feel good again, and to have some energy and stamina. And I want to not be embarassed to have my picture taken or to see myself in the mirror. And more than anything, I want to feel like my old self again!

I'm off to a good start....even if I do smell like chlorine! :-)

Monday, April 25, 2011

starting over

Starting over....how many times in our life do we get the chance to start over? I guess it depends on what we are doing. Some of us start over in new schools, in new towns, in new jobs. We start diet/exercise programs, quit, and start again. But after celebrating Easter this past weekend, another time that we get a chance to start over occured to me, and it is the most important "starting over" that we could ever experience--Starting over with Jesus!

The great thing about it, is that Jesus accepts us just as we are. No matter what our past, when we come to Jesus, He forgives us and wipes the slate clean! And then we get to start over. And no matter how many times we fall or turn away, He is always there, waiting for us to come to Him and start over again. With our family and friends, there are times when they get so tired of us failing, that they wash their hands of us and turn away from us. But God will never do that! Can it get any more awesome than that?

So, that brings me to my new page. We joined the Y several months ago and I started working out. Then, we had to go out of town a few times, the girls came to stay, you know...life happened. So, last week I headed back to the gym and today I met with a trainer. We set some realistic goals for me and I began again. I'll meet with her for 4 weeks, then go from there. I really hope that I'll be able to keep meeting with the trainer on a regular basis after my 4 free weeks are up, to help with the motivation and accountability. But the thing I'm really happy about right now is that I am getting off the couch and get started again.

That means that this week, I have had the opportunity to start over in both my physical life, and my spiritual lfe. What a great week!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I'm back

I haven't posted anything on here in over a month....I didn't realize it had been that long until I logged in today. It has been a busy past month and I have done alot of traveling and not as much exercising as I would have liked. I haven't been to the Y in more weeks than I would have liked, too. This past week has been especially busy. Last weekend we went to Branson, MO to celebrate the girls' birthdays that are coming up. Then, I had to go to Mom and Dad's to pick up Colby and Mom wasn't feeling well, and since Terry was out of town, I stayed a few days to visit and help out. Then, I went to Tulsa on Wed. and stayed until yesterday to help Mother. She had surgery on her knee to replace some parts of her artifical knee.

So, I did alot of walking the day we were at Silver Dollar City....all of it up and down hills, I might add!....but not much the other days. But my right knee has been bothering me so much even had I been home, I would not have been able to run on the track or treadmill. So basically I'm going to have to start over on my couch to 5k. But not yet, because there is just no way my knee will allow it at this time. However, I do need to need to work out. I've been thinking about swimming laps. That way I will get a good workout, but not have to put so much weight and pressure on my knee. My best stroke is the back stroke, but there's another way to swim that I like, but I can't remember what it's called, or exactly how to do it. I'm thinking about taking a swim class so that I can learn the proper way, so that I can get the most out of a workout.

I have managed to lose a few pounds, even without the exercise. I had gotten up to 216.5 a couple of months ago. Today I weighed in at 212.5. It's not much, but I haven't gained any more, and  I'm 4 pounds less than I was, so I will be happy with that for now. And tomorrow, back to my morning water workout so that I can get my joints loosened up. Then I can take a look at resetting my goal dates!

Here we go!

Friday, February 25, 2011

end of the week

Well, I made it to the gym today and tried to have a strong finish to the week, since the middle of it I kinda slacked off. I got up early and had a light breakfast before I went to the Y, then I went to my water workout, then up to the treadmill for my Cto5K workout. I almost didn't make it thru the Cto5K workout. My calves weren't cramping today, and that was great, but my head was really hurting.

I took my bp while I was at the Y and it was pretty high, which is probably why my head was hurting during my workout on the treadmill. I called my dr's office and left a message after I got home, so hopefully she will call me back this afternoon and we can get it stabilized. I'm so paranoid about my bp now with all that has gone on with my kidneys.

I'm not sure how much time I will get in at the gym this weekend, but I'll try and get in some. Then next week I'll be at my mom's for the better part of the week and will have to be creative with my workout. But I am determined to get it in!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

blah

I don't think I'm going to make it to they gym today. I can barely walk today because my knees hurt so much, as do my wrists, fingers, hands, and feet. Stupid arthritis! This will be a very brief entry, too, because I am having to make so many corrections because my fingers don't want to type what they're supposed to be typing. At least the arthritis strength Tylenol takes the edge off. I had to get my wrist braces out to sleep in last night. Tomorrow is my water workout and that will help loosen up my joints so that I can do my Cto5K afterwards. I'm repeating week 1 because I know I'm not ready to move on, but hopefully that will be the only week I have to repeat.

As for today, I'll try and keep my fingers from stiffening up too much by knitting, but I'll be keeping the heating pad on my knees. And praying that spring will come soon!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Home again

Today was a good day...just beautiful outside! I went down to the pool at the hotel this morning to get my water workout in, even tho I couldn't go to the Y. The pool wasn't heated, tho, so I didn't get the entire workout in because it was way too cold! Then, I was going to get into the hot tub to warm up a bit and stretch my legs out, but it was way too hot....wow...this is starting to sound like the 3 Bears story!

Tomorrow I'll be hitting the Y again, it's Couch to 5K day! Going to drink my orange juice, eat my banana, and stretch really well both tonight and tomorrow and see if that helps with the cramping in my calf. Will try and get a good night's sleep tonight, too, because I'm sure that will also help. Last night wasn't too bad, but I forgot to take my pillow with me and had to use the ones from the hotel. They weren't too bad, but they weren't my pillow. And of course, the bed wasn't a memory foam mattress, so that didn't help. But at least it was a king-size bed, and that was nice! I would love for us to get a king-sized bed, but a new bed costs alot of money, and there's so many other things I need to spend that money on!

While I was waiting on Terry to finish up today I went to Hobby Lobby and looked at their yarn selection, which I must say was more extensive than I thought it would be! I picked up some free pattern sheets to add to my collection of patterns, and looked at the different yarns I would like to get to make each one of them! But, one project at a time, and right now it's the poncho I'm making for Syble. I hope to have it finished by this weekend and get started on the one for Anna next.

I'm not excited about the weather forecast for the next couple of days....winter weather makes another appearance....boo! My joints are letting me know that the forecast isn't too far off, which is not a happy thing. But as long as I can make it to the Y tomorrow to get my workout in, it should all be good.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Dodge City

Well, we are in Dodge City, KS tonight! Right after we arrived, Terry had a conference call for work, so I changed into my workout clothes and headed for the hotel's fitness center. I had it all to myself at first, which was great, because it is a very small area! 2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, and 1 elliptical. I did most of my Couch to 5K workout, but my right calf kept cramping up, even tho I made sure to stretch really well today. My hands and fingers are very swollen today, too, and the longer I was on the treadmill, the puffier they got! By the end of 1 mile/15 minutes, my hands were throbbing. I drank an entire bottle of water while I was working out, too! So, I walked the last of the workout, cooled down, and called it a day. I'll try again tomorrow and see how things go. I'm going to go by the store and pick up some bananas when we go out to dinner and see if that helps any. I think I will also pick up some Gatorade and see if that helps. It sure helped during softball games!

I'm very proud of myself for not using being away from home as an excuse to not work out. This Sunday I am going over to my parents' house for a few days and I've already been talking to myself about how much fun it's going to be to run outside for my workouts! Just pray that there's no more snow, or I'm not sure I'll be able to convince myself. And I know from experience that if you miss one day, it's sooo much easier to make excuses about missing more days until once again, you're a couch potato! So if I can just push past this week 2 achiness and stick to my workouts, I know I'll be much more likely to stick to it long-term.

Tonight we are going to go to Boothill Casino and check out their buffet. Also, we want to check out the casino, too. I'm sure we won't gamble tonight, because we have no money to waste, but it's still fun to walk thru and see all the different machines and hear all the commotion that is in a casino. So, if we're going out, I better go get a shower. Even tho I didn't do my full workout, I still worked up a sweat! And I may hit the hot tub tonight after we get back to the hotel. That would sure feel good on my poor hands and fingers!

I heard on the radio on the way here that the forecast has changed once again, and there is a possibility of snow/wintry mix at the end of this week! Hopefully that will not happen, but if it does, I'm glad I drive a Jeep! I just hope that the Y will stay open. But, for now, the sun is shining and it's another beautiful day! So, time to hit the shower! Ciao!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Week 2 begins

It was so hard to wake up this morning, but I still made it to my water class. I slept pretty well last night, but just couldn't seem to wake up this morning. I thought it was Sunday for some reason and kept thinking Terry was going to come in and tell me it was almost time to leave. Then, I finally woke up and realized it was Monday and I had to hurry or I was going to be late to class! But, I made it just fine and was very glad that I did.

It was really chilly today when I left for the Y, and it's still rather cool outside, but it's still a nice day. I'm very glad I made it to class. I was so stiff last night and this morning and it really helped to go to class and stretch out and move my muscles. I got in the hot tub for a few minutes after class, and that was really nice, too! I was thinking about going  back over this afternoon to go ahead and do my Couch to 5k day 3, but I don't think I'm going to make it. We're leaving around 11am tomorrow, so I'm going to try and get up and go do it tomorrow morning before we leave.

I have also gotten alot done on the poncho that I'm making for Syble. It's knitting up fairly quickly, so I'm thinking that I might even have it done by the end of the week! Then I think I want to make another one for Anna. After that, I'm going to try a pattern that involves some shaping and see how that goes.

Since it's been a week since I started this journey, I weighed myself today. I only lost a half a pound this week, but that's really about what I expected. I haven't checked my measurements because I've misplaced my tape measure, but I'm sure I'll find it this afternoon. For the first week I was more concerned about getting used to getting up and going to class. Now, this week I'm going to be doing that, plus starting to watch my portion size and making sure I drink lots of water. I'm also going to cut down on the sweets! All the yummy chocolates Terry brought me home for Valentine's Day are all gone, so pretty much all I have left in the house are healthy snacks, like fruits and nuts, and yogurt. So, next week's weigh in should be better!

So, here's to week 2!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Beautiful day!

Today was such a beautiful day! It started off with services at Newspring Church and an excellent sermon from Jonathan Hoover, our associate pastor, finishing up the series "Going Pro". Then we fixed brunch and Terry spent some time playing fetch with Colby in the backyard. Colby is so good about bringing the ball back and not making you wrestle him for it.

About mid-afternoon, we loaded Colby up and headed out to the park. It wasn't a brisk walk, because Colby is still learning how to walk on a leash, but at least we were active today. I can tell that the weather is about to change again because of the way my joints are aching and my hands, fingers, and feet are so swollen. I did find some arthritis strength Tylenol at Walmart, and it helps a little bit. And since that's all I'm allowed to take, then I will appreciate any relief it can give me, no matter how small.

After the park, we stopped at the store because I finished my first knitting project and was ready to start my next one. I bought some heavy weight purple yarn and am making a poncho for Syble. Since it's a thicker yarn, and I'm using bigger needles, it's knitting up quite quickly. The knitting also helps to loosen up the stiffness in my hands and fingers, so it makes me more eager to knit.

In the morning I have my water class, so that will help with some of the stiffness, too. So, I'm off to bed so that I will be ready to get up in the morning. Good night!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

it's the weekend!

I didn't make it on the blog yesterday, but I did make it to my water class! And I was very excited because there was another lady there that was more my age! (she's a couple years younger than I am, but once you get to be our age, a few years doesn't really matter.) We are hoping that next week we'll both have a free day after class to go out and get a bite to eat or something. It's so much fun making new friends!

So, I made it to class yesterday, but didn't make it to the gym today for Day 3 of Couch to 5K. Terry and I did go bowling, tho, so it wasn't a total "couch potato" day. We have to go to both services at church tomorrow because Terry is running camera for both services. He went to first service tonight while I was at 628, and I'll be at 628 again for first service tomorrow, then I'll go to second service. I love how our church has 4 services each weekend and they really encourage everyone to attend one service and serve one service. It really gets more people involved because they can serve, but not miss any services! Terry and I are so blessed to be a part of Newspring Church and get to serve like we do! God was really working in our lives when he brought us here to Wichita!

Today when we went bowling, I could really tell that my water workout classes are really helping. Last week when we went bowling, I could barely lift my ball and it wasn't until the end of the second game that I had any kind of control. This week was so much better! I still am having a little bit of trouble getting my wrist turned all the way over and am still pulling the ball to the left, but I did much better. In the class we have been working on stretching and turning our hands and wrists. My left wrist doesn't bother me as much as my right one does, so some days it's a real struggle to be able to turn my hand palm up. So I've been trying to remember all the exercises my rhumetologist taught me all those years ago to keep my hands, fingers, and wrists loosened up. We are doing several of them in the water class and it makes it so much easier to do them in the water. And seeing the difference that it makes is really a good motivation to keep working out.

Well, it's off to bed now. Have to get up early tomorrow for church. Good night.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

I made it thru today!

So, I made it thru the workout today! It was Day 2 of the Couch to 5K workout and I wasn't sure a couple of times if I was gonna make it! I willl admit that I walked a little longer than the 90 seconds a couple of times, but then jogged a little longer than the 60 seconds to make up for it! My calves were screaming at me from the first step of jogging! I think I should have spent a little longer stretching today, which I will remember on Sat. for Day 3! I also forgot to take my mp3 player inside, so I had no music to listen to to help take my mind off the fact that I was working out. I really worked up a sweat today, so I am very proud of myself!

Talked to Terry before I went to the gym and he mentioned that the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure in Fayetteville, AR is coming up in a couple of months. Right about the time that I should be ready to run a 5k! What a coincidence! So, we are planning to get a few more people to run with us, maybe our son-in-law, Wes, and our son, Terry, Jr, and whoever else wants to join us. We want to run in memory of Miss June, and in honor of Sandy and Doris, who all worked for Terry down at his store in Rockport, TX. They were, and are, a great bunch of ladies! And that gives me another goal to shoot for....to be able to run the 5k and not just do the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk that I've done in the past. And so, when I think that I can't run another step, I can just think of what these 3 ladies have gone thru and that next step won't seem quite so big a deal.

I really don't think I've lost any weight this week, because Terry brought me home some chocolates for Valentine's Day and I have indulged myself. But they are almost gone (at least, the ones that I like) and this week for me has been more about actually getting up off the couch and going to the gym. I know myself, and if I try and do everything at once, I will get overwhelmed and quit. So, first I get in the habit of going to the gym, drinking more water, and eating more fruits and veggies. Then, next I will start to really watch my portion sizes, and concentrate on eating fewer calories and fat. And as long as I haven't gained this week, I will call it a victory!

Tomorrow is my water exercise class and I'm looking forward to that. While I'm doing it, it doesn't seem that hard, but I can sure feel the effects after I get out of the pool. And already I have learned the names of 3 people in the class, so I'm very proud of that, too! I think Sat. when I go to the gym, I will see about signing up for my first session with the personal trainer. We get 3 free sessions and Terry has his first session on Sat. I haven't signed up yet because I wanted to kind of get used to the place first. And I wasn't ready to jump into working on the weight machines yet, but I think I'm almost there. There's a room where they do the circuit training similar to how they do it at Curves, and I'm interested in doing that. I'm thinking of adding it on the days that I do my water exercise class. So, I'll sign up on Sat. for my first session and then we'll see what the trainer thinks. But ultimately, it has to be something I enjoy, or that I see some results in, or I won't keep doing it. Evenutally I want to try the Zumba class, too. That looks like a lot of fun! But I'm not going to rush it, because I don't want to get overwhelmed with too much stuff! But I will say that this has been a good week!

I'm so sore!

Made it to my water workout again yesterday, but never made it on here. We had a different instructor yesterday than we had Monday, and I was able to hear her better, so I was better able to keep up with what we were doing. After class I hit the track for a few laps just to get the feel of it.

Today is day 2 of Couch to 5K, and I'm going to go to the Y after lunch. It's not as busy then so it's easier to get a treadmill. I have my mp3 player (yes, mp3 player...not an ipod...I'm so old!) loaded with some old school Christian music from DC Talk, Newsboys, and Mercy Me and that gets me going!

Which is a good thing, because right now I'm very sore! I used to always hate the first week of track or basketball season because no matter how much I told myself that I would keep working out in the off season, it was never the same and I was always so sore the first week or two of getting back to my regular workouts. So, I know this will pass and will actually pass sooner if I stay with my workout. It's just not fun in the meantime!

So, I'm going to go get my stuff for my workout, then head over to the store first to pick up a few things. Then, it's off to the gym! Go me!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Day 2

So, I didn't get up at 8am this morning and go to the gym. I went to bed early (before 11pm!), but woke up multiple times during the night and just wanted to sleep this morning. But I DID go to the gym! Just not this morning.

After I woke up late (it was noon!) I started telling myself all these reasons I should just skip today, but I'm very proud of myself for not listening. After some fruit for breakfast, I headed out. It's sooo nice outside today, too! The temp is in the 50's, so it feels like spring! It is a little overcast, and there was a light rain earlier, but it's just wonderful outside! So that was an encouragement to get moving, too.

Right after the new year, Steve Wells, a guy I went to high school with and now go to church with, sent me a link to a site http://www.coolrunning.com/ for the Couch to 5k running plan. I had mentioned that I really want to start running again. When I first read the plan, I thought, this is too simple. How am I going to make it last 9 weeks? And the plan said not to skip ahead, but that if you needed to slow down and repeat a week, that was fine. So, for the first week, you do a brisk 5 minute warm up walk, then alternate 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, then cool down. You do that 3 times the first week. I thought this will be a piece of cake if it's only for 20 minutes! Yeah, right!

I decided to try the treadmill today, since the timer on it would help me keep my times right. It took me the entire 5 minute warm up to feel comfortable on the treadmill. Then, I started my workout. I kept it on no incline and never got up to 4mph, but I still was sweating out those last few minutes, let me tell ya! I felt all rubbery when I finally finished. But the point is, I FINSHED! I was very proud of myself.

So, for the next few weeks, the plan is to go to the water workout on M/W/F, and do the Couch to 5k on T/TH/S, and then do something relaxing on Sundays with Terry, like maybe go bike riding, or bowling, or walking....whatever, just as long as we spend some time doing something together.

I also have to remember to take a water bottle with me from now on! I had to stop half way thru my workout today to go to the water fountain. It would be much better to have my water there with me at all times.

Last night we had a wonderful dinner for Valentine's day...steak, baked potato, rice, and rolls. And even tho I didn't eat all my steak, I still felt so fat after I finished eating. It doesn't help that my joints are hurting and swollen because of no arthritis meds, either. But I also noticed at church the other day how I have to open the car door, put both feet out, then heave myself up to get out of the car. And it takes an effort to get up off the couch, or up onto my bed. I breath heavily just walking from my bedroom to the kitchen. And that is just that much more motivation to get myself out of bed and to the gym! I'm tired of it being a struggle just to tie my shoes!

I love to play softball. I'm not really good at it, but I used to be okay. Not the player who got picked first, but certainly not the player who got picked last. Our church has it's own softball league and so Terry and I signed up, thinking it was something that we could do together and it would help us meet new people. Well, it was all that, except that I really couldn't play. Everyone was supposed to play 2 innings, at least, and I could barely make it thru 1! And if it was hot that day, forget it! One day, they had to call the EMT's because I almost passed out! I want to play this year, and I want to really play! Not just my two innings that I have to play, but the whole game! The season started in June last year. That's just under 4 months from now. If I keep working out, by then I should have the stamina to make it thru a one hour game! And I should be able to run the 90 feet from base to base! And I should be at least 30-35 pounds lighter than I am right now! So, that's another goal set!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day and I am giving myself a gift this year. Today I got up before 10am and I went to my first class at the YMCA. My gift to myself is to get started back on the road to being in shape.
I started putting on weight years ago. At first, it just crept up, a pound or two here, another couple there. And it seemed each year as we went back to school, I had to buy my clothes one size bigger than the year before. Until one day I realized that I was not just chubby, not just a little overweight--I was considered obese! And actually, I was knocking on the door of morbidly obese! I'm only 5' 3", and I was weighing over 200 lbs! But my exercise habits were pretty off and on....mostly off. Then, after I was diagnosed with ADD and started medication for it, one of the side effects was that I was hardly ever hungry. And when you're not eating, you lose weight, even if you're not really exercising!

The problem is, you also lose muscle! I lost all the way down to 137 and went from a size 18 to a size 8! I had more energy, I could get down on the floor and play with the grandkids and still be able to get back up! I felt so good and I swore I would never let myself get that big again!

But then my medicine for my bipolar disorder had to be changed and one sife effect of it was that I was hungry all the time! This time I put the weight on very quickly! I went from that size 8 right back up to that size 18 in a fraction of the time it took to lose the weight. And I just kept going.

So, here I am, back in a size 18 (and should probably actually be in a size 20) and weighing in at the heaviest I have ever weighed in my life....215.5! All my measurements are in the 40's. I get tired so easily because of all the stress on my joints  from all this weight.

About 2 months ago, I thought I was having a heart attack and Terry had to call 911. I didn't have a heart attack, but the dr's did find that my kidney function was not what it should be. After years of being on medicines for my arthritis, my kidneys were irreversibly damaged. So my medicines had to be adjusted, my blood pressure has to be gotten under control, and I have to lose weight. I'm 47 years old and I am in pitiful shape. I have 7 absolutely incredible grandkids, with another due this summer. I want years of time with them and I want to be able to play with them!

So, the YMCA had a special in Jan. where they would waive the signup fee if you joined. So we joined, then all the snow and bad weather came and I was able to make one excuse after another as to why I hadn't gone yet. But the excuses have run out. There's no more time to lie to myself and say I'm not that big yet, because I am!

In the past I've started exercising with all good intentions, and I would keep it up for awhile, then I would start missing days, then weeks, then pretty soon I wasn't exercising at all. So I am trying to set very short-term goals for myself, to keep myself motiviated this time. I'm setting a goal for each month and will figure out what my rewards will be each time I reach a goal.

My February goals are simple :  1. I want to get up every morning before 10 am and go to the gym.  2. I would like to lose at least 6 pounds  by the end of the month.  3. I want to start drinking more water.  When I reach these goals, I will reward myself by downloading a new game on my phone!

So, this begins my weight loss journey....