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!