Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Forgot to show you guys...

but here's the dress Jason got me for my birthday back in June. This is about 20 minutes before the party started, and I'm being goofy.


birthday girl


If you look closely, you can see a picture of Erica's son on our fridge in the background!)

The training for pbj sandwiches is going great so far. I'm eating a little below maintainance and exercising Monday through Friday in order to drop a few of those summer pounds. I'd like to get back into my skinny jeans again at least for a little while, if I can. The eating has been easier than I thought, but I've got one more big picnic to go to (tomorrow--work-related) and then this holiday weekend.

Still, I find it easier to work out and diet when I have such a clear goal in mind. Plus, I know I have a break coming in about four weeks, and that makes it a lot easier, too.

Love ya all!

Monday, August 28, 2006

The Running and Such

I did get out everyday last week, but I don't think it qualifies as quality running time. This week I've set up a little more of a schedule, so hopefully I won't have to scramble around as much.
Saturday, Sunday, long runs on a flat surface
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, walk/pilates/weights (I'd like to do all three, but two per day is probably more realistic)
Tuesday, Thursday, run probably hills because that's my only choice close to the house

I really shouldn't be running hills yet, but I have to drive to get to a flat surface, and that's too much hassle to do all the time. I like running because I can walk outside my door and do it.

I desperately need to work on the weights and pilates this week.

Good luck, ladies.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

I am wondering if it's a good idea to rest a day in between runs. Monday we went to the lake and I ran the trails there. Tuesday I ran on the treadmill. Yesterday I ran again, but wasn't able to go nearly as long before the burning calf muscles started in. I took today off. I bought some new running shoes, but they need to be broken in. I have been doing all my stretching and trying to add another stretch session in durring the middle of the day because I sit at a desk all day now. It's really frustrating to feel like I could keep going forever but be stopped the horrendous burning in my calf muscles. Maybe I am just running wrong?!?

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Seth and I had a killer workout last night. We cranked up Queen and pumped iron...

He puts me to shame when it comes to endurance but I am stronger than he is. I did 3 x 12 leg curls, 3 x 12 leg lifts with 20 pounds; 2 x 12 one armed rows (both right and left), 12 curls, 12 over-my head lifts (don't know what to call that one)with 25 pounds.

Seth did twice as many upper body exercises as I did but with less weight and while I would rest he would be doing set-ups... show off.

My back is a little sore today but not too bad.

It felt good. It's in the 80's again today. If the weather stays decent we will start walking next week.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

I rented and watched a Kathy Smith work out video this weekend Lift Weights to Lose Weight. It confirmed that most of what I am doing I am doing right. She added some aerobic stuff into the workout which I'm not going to do but it helped me to watch her work out. She said all the same stuff about weight lifting that Kristen has told us... using lighter weights to tone and for endurance, heavier for strength training and shaping. They only used 3 and 5 pound dumbells in the video. I use 25 pounds for the same things they were doing and I think you guys use even heavier than that, don't you?

I've missed working out the last couple of weeks and am ready to get busy. She also said that if you are working out with heavier weights you shouldn't lift but 3 times a week. I plan on doing Mon., Wed., and Friday this week.

How's the running coming?

It actually cooled down here today into the high 80's. It felt like fall weather for us. If it keeps this up we will back to walking soon. Mark and I are both looking forward to being able to walk again.

Friday, August 18, 2006

I've been running every morning since Tuesday and it feels great! Yesterday I ran my longest time which was 10 minutes. (I know that isn't much.) In the past, I've walked for a few minutes and then ran for a few and never really pushed myself beyond that, but yesterday, I decided to just go for it. My breathing and heartrate were good. My burning calf muscles are what made me quit after ten minutes. I'll get better as the time goes by.
How are the rest of you doing?
My eating has been much better now that I work next to our apartment. It's so much easier when I don't have to prepare a lunch and snacks to take to work. My new favorite breakfast addition is cottage cheese with rasberries and a sprinkle of splenda. YUM!
I met my friend Nicky for dinner and she is looking hot! She's going to OA meatings and walking everyday. She looks amazing!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Is it really a better idea to run first thing in the morning before eating anything? I tried it this morning and felt like I had no energy at all for the run. Can I eat something small and still be okay?
Also, what do you ladies recomend for burning calf muscles while running? This morning they were burning so much I had to stop twice. This was after a 10 minute walking warm up.
One more question and then I'll let you go. Everyone recomends putting the treadmill on an incline for an effective run, but when I do this my lower back starts to hurt. I've tried correcting my posture and making sure my shoulders are back, but it doesn't seem to help much. Any suggestions?
My eating was off today. After my run I was in a hurry to meet a friend for coffee. After coffee I was in a hurry to meet with the boss to go over my taking over the job. I ended up not eating anything until 2p.m. I know that is crazy!!! I've never done that and let me tell you I won't do it again. I had a screaming headache and felt nauseas. It took me a few hours after eating something to feel better.

Hoo-boy

Trying to run after a leg workout is a recipe for disaster. I think I'll stick to riding the stationary bike or walking after a leg workout and leave the running for after an upper body workout.

I got up at 6 a.m. today. It wasn't fun, but it was great not to feel rushed through my workout or getting ready for work. I'm hoping I can do this every day. Yesterday I read that if a person is happy, they want to get up early in the morning because they have so much to look forward to out of life for that day. I want to feel like that, excited and eager to start the day.

Monday, August 14, 2006

And so I begin again. I made a very important discovery today, oatmeal and eggwhite omlets taste much better at 8 a.m. than they do at 5 a.m. I'm pretty sure anything would taste better at 8 a.m. Maybe it's because my tastebuds are actually awake. I'm excited about not having to wake up until 7 and being able to get my workout done in the morning. I'm contemplating running at a local park after I drop Erin off for school in the morning. It has dirt trails so it won't be so hard on my knees. We'll see what happens.
Becky & Kristen, I found this page with links to several of Hal Higdon's training plans. Should we all just pick on and go for it?

Running

Okay, after looking at all of my old training stuff. It looks like I need to get up to 2 miles 3 times a week before I start training. Do you guys want to start a program on September 1? I should be close by then -- I think.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Well, I worked out Monday and Tuesday and it felt so good but then I started my period so I didn't work out anymore all week long. I would like to think I would start all over fresh tomorrow but I doubt that I will since I am going to the dentist tomorrow afternoon, knowing he is going to hurt me. I really don't think I am going to be feeling like lifting weights by tomorrow night.
I miss working out, which is something I thought I would never say and as soon as I get over this next hump I will get busy.
My eating has been crap, too. Slackin' all the way around. I've noticed that the last couple of times we've been grocery shopping I allowed the kids to put cheetos in the cart one week and this week Seth picked up some tortilla chips (which I haven't been into, I promise)... that has got to stop.

They say confession is good for the soul but it doesn't do much to help you get in shape...

Hope ya'll are doing better than I am.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Last Night

I RAN!

Well, sort of, not far, and not for long, but it was still a run.

This is how the miracle happened. I finished preparing dinner, and Sam was still asleep. The chicken needed twenty-five more minutes in the oven, so I flew upstairs threw on shorts, shoes and a t-shirt, grabbed Nate's cell phone, so he could call if me Sam woke up fussy and ran out the door with a few instructions for Nate. The minute the door shut, Sam's mama-radar went off and he howled. Nate shooed me out the door anyway. I now had twenty minutes. So, I just ran, down the driveway, past the neighbor's house, down the side-road. Eleven minutes later I walked, and then ran again. Miracle of miracles my body still remembers how to move. When I walked in the door, the timer on the oven was beeping and Sam was fussing about his breasts not being within three feet. Perfect timing.

Eleven minutes is a start for a woman who hasn't ran in ten months, and this morning I'm not sore, so if the universe aligns I'll try it again.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

My butt is gonna be sore tomorrow

Today I worked out with weights in my own garage for the first time. It was awesome. (My weights were over at my parents' house before.) I can't believe what a time saver it is to workout in the mornings at home instead of driving somewhere else.

Afterward, I went for a walk and prayed. I love to walk and run and pray. It's a great way to start the day.

I really need to get the eating under control. I've been thinking about lowering my carb intake--I always feel better when I eat less processed food with little added sugar. But I keep reading that refined carbs (bagels, cereal, etc.) are good for runners...not sure what I think about that. Any thoughts?

Monday, August 07, 2006

Happy Monday!!! I feel like I did such a good job with my workouts last week that I'm ready to tackle the issue of eating once again. Plus, I have felt so icky with my eating habits and schedule thrown out of wack. I think it will be much easier to start this week because I don't have a job and Erin will be out of town. I've asked David if he would like to try the healthy eating plan with me and I'm pretty sure there was a muffled yes underneath the long sigh he let out. :) It'll be good for him. He really needs to do some cardio too. His hearbeat is really fast even when he's just sitting on the couch! That's probably a lot more than he wants me to proclaim here in blogerdom, but oh well. He never reads this anyway.
Here's to a new week and a new start!

Friday, August 04, 2006

It's Time

Because I feel human, I'm posting some workout goals for this week.

1. Do Pilates three times.

2. Try to walk every day.

Notice how vague I am.
As far as eating, I need to stay away from the chocolate.
I ran monday, and tuesday, worked out at Curves wednesday, and gave myself yesterday off because it was my last day at work and I was emotionaly drained. Eating is still crazy! I'm finding it very hard to form any type of plan with David home. I know that once the job situations are settled we will relax into a routine and it will be easier to stick to a plan. Until then, I'm doing the best I can do and making sure I get in some form of cardio every day. I'm looking forward to working out at Curves without working there. :)

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Question

It is so freakin' hot here I can hardly make myself cook or eat for that matter. Like today all I have had is a blueberry muffin (homemade with all good stuff) and I just don't want any more.

My question is... will I damage what little muscle I've managed to work up over the last 6 months by continuing to work out and not eat enough??

I'm not working out very hard, a 20 minute walk 3 days a week, about 20 minutes of lifting weights 3 days a week.

What do you think?

p.s.
I usually eat a pretty good supper, trying to make sure we all get plenty of protein.