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!
Friday, February 25, 2011
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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....
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....
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