Technically this is only day 2 for me, since I missed a workout. But rather than have the numbers all mixed up between the training calendar and here, I'm just calling it day 3.
I mis-read my training plan in my rush to get to the gym on my lunch hour. I thought it said 2.5 miles, but it really said 25 min of running OR X-training. I did the 2.5 miles which worked out to about 25 min anyway, so we'll call it even. Here's the stats:
Time: 5 min warmup + 28 min + 5 min cooldown = 38 min total
Avg Heart Rate: 133
Max Heart Rate: 162
Calories Burned: 312
I also took Sculpt today and here are the stats for that:
Time: 57 min
Avg Heart Rate: 117
Max Heart Rate: 143
Calories burned: 327
I probably burned more than 327 cals in Sculpt but I forgot to start my monitor until the second or third track. Close enough though.
The run was a struggle today and I'm gueesing that's because I ran 3 miles yesterday, which was a lot for me. So today I had to take a few breaks walk twice for 0.10 - 0.25 miles. But I finished strong, taking the last quarter mile at 4.8 mph, which is fast for me.
Tomorrow's a rest day and my legs could definitely use it. Friday is another workout and then our 4 mile run on Saturday. Wahoo! Keep fingers crossed it stays cool and overcast Saturday morning until my run is done. Then the sun can shine all he wants.
Happy Hump Day All!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Mixing it up a bit
Since the Transformation Challenge has ended, I have been hovering around the same number on the scale for weeks now. I just can’t seem to break past to a new low. I know my body can get there, it’s been there before and way beyond. But I’m on somewhat of a plateau. Even with the stomach flu last week, I’m right back up to where I was the week before. I had rather hoped a few of those pesky pounds would just take the hint already and stay gone.
I mean, really, it’s not that surprising that I lost 10 lbs in those three days given that I was so dehydrated and ate nothing for two of those days. And I expected to gain a few back…sadly, my body had other ideas.
Ok, ok, maybe it was the ice cream and French fries I had the first day I got my appetite back. But c’mon! Even if you say those two items were 5000 calories, which I think is a little high, it seems that couldn’t possibly counteract the four days straight of averaging less than 500 calories in saltines and jello, could it? Could it?? COULD IT???? Just agree with me here, I guarantee things will move along much more quickly if you do. Thanks.
In any event, I’m stuck. Can’t get past that number-that-shall-remain-nameless on the scale. So I’ve decided to mix it up a bit. Make some changes. What’s that definition for insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results? Ok, then.
Changes to my food plan:
1. No eating after 7:30 PM. This has been very successful for me in the past, I just have a hard time sticking to it for longer stretches. It is challenging because sometimes I don’t get to eat until after the kids are in bed. But I’ll just have to make more of an effort.
2. No sweets. I don’t eat a lot of them right now, but I do have a small goodie about every other day if it fits in my points for the day/week. No more. I’m allowing myself one treat a week on Friday nights. Not gonna go overboard, not gonna eat all my flex points and then some in ice cream, but a normal-sized portion of a treat once a week should be okay.
3. No white flour; only whole grains. Nuff said.
4. Try harder to get at least 6 servings of fruit/veggies per day
5. No more diet coke!!! I have said this before and I hopefully won't have to say it again. I'm quitting the diet coke habit once and for all. Water, water, water, water!!!
As for mixing up the exercise, I am hoping the cardio boost I’m getting from the City to Sea training is sufficient as far as that is concerned. I am still going to hit Combat once or twice a week, Fight Club from time to time and of course, Sculpt and Rock Bottom.
Wish me luck. Watch here for -hopefully– weekly updates on my battle with that stubborn scale.
I mean, really, it’s not that surprising that I lost 10 lbs in those three days given that I was so dehydrated and ate nothing for two of those days. And I expected to gain a few back…sadly, my body had other ideas.
Ok, ok, maybe it was the ice cream and French fries I had the first day I got my appetite back. But c’mon! Even if you say those two items were 5000 calories, which I think is a little high, it seems that couldn’t possibly counteract the four days straight of averaging less than 500 calories in saltines and jello, could it? Could it?? COULD IT???? Just agree with me here, I guarantee things will move along much more quickly if you do. Thanks.
In any event, I’m stuck. Can’t get past that number-that-shall-remain-nameless on the scale. So I’ve decided to mix it up a bit. Make some changes. What’s that definition for insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results? Ok, then.
Changes to my food plan:
1. No eating after 7:30 PM. This has been very successful for me in the past, I just have a hard time sticking to it for longer stretches. It is challenging because sometimes I don’t get to eat until after the kids are in bed. But I’ll just have to make more of an effort.
2. No sweets. I don’t eat a lot of them right now, but I do have a small goodie about every other day if it fits in my points for the day/week. No more. I’m allowing myself one treat a week on Friday nights. Not gonna go overboard, not gonna eat all my flex points and then some in ice cream, but a normal-sized portion of a treat once a week should be okay.
3. No white flour; only whole grains. Nuff said.
4. Try harder to get at least 6 servings of fruit/veggies per day
5. No more diet coke!!! I have said this before and I hopefully won't have to say it again. I'm quitting the diet coke habit once and for all. Water, water, water, water!!!
As for mixing up the exercise, I am hoping the cardio boost I’m getting from the City to Sea training is sufficient as far as that is concerned. I am still going to hit Combat once or twice a week, Fight Club from time to time and of course, Sculpt and Rock Bottom.
Wish me luck. Watch here for -hopefully– weekly updates on my battle with that stubborn scale.
1/2 Marathon Training - Week 1, Day 2
After being on death’s door last week, yesterday was my first day back at the gym in over a week. I was a little nervous about being able to keep up in Combat. Adding to the anxiety was the fact that the City to Sea training starts this week and while I was up to running 2.5 miles a few times a week before I got sick, I wasn’t sure what I’d be up to this week.
Combat was much better than I expected. I tried to push myself as hard as I could and I don’t think I have ever worked that hard in that class before. It was a killer class and I am proud of myself for my effort. I only wish I had my heart rate monitor on (d’oh! Left it in the locker room!) to know how many calories I burned because I’m guessing - and keep in mind this is just an estimate – I’m guessing it was a lot! And I forgot that I was even sick last week because honestly, it felt like I hadn’t really been away from the gym at all. Well, that’s probably a lie, but just a white one. I think it was a little tough at first, but once I forced my brain to stop thinking about the fact I hadn’t worked out in many, many days, then my body forgot too. Funny how that works.
I didn’t get into the gym early enough to run before Combat, which was my intention, so I went back after work and ran then. On the training plan was 3 miles or 35 min. I picked 3 miles just to see if I could do it. Amazingly enough, I could. I ran for the first 2.25 miles, walked a half mile, then pushed through and sprinted the last 0.25 mile. It felt good. It kicked my butt…but it felt good. Here’s the stats for anyone interested:
Warmup: 5 min at 3.5 mph walking
Cooldown: 5 min
Total time: 52 min
Distance: 3.26 miles (including warmup/cooldown)
Max Heart Rate: 166
Avg Heart Rate: 141
Calories burned: 470
Two days down, sixty-seven more to go…but who’s counting?
Combat was much better than I expected. I tried to push myself as hard as I could and I don’t think I have ever worked that hard in that class before. It was a killer class and I am proud of myself for my effort. I only wish I had my heart rate monitor on (d’oh! Left it in the locker room!) to know how many calories I burned because I’m guessing - and keep in mind this is just an estimate – I’m guessing it was a lot! And I forgot that I was even sick last week because honestly, it felt like I hadn’t really been away from the gym at all. Well, that’s probably a lie, but just a white one. I think it was a little tough at first, but once I forced my brain to stop thinking about the fact I hadn’t worked out in many, many days, then my body forgot too. Funny how that works.
I didn’t get into the gym early enough to run before Combat, which was my intention, so I went back after work and ran then. On the training plan was 3 miles or 35 min. I picked 3 miles just to see if I could do it. Amazingly enough, I could. I ran for the first 2.25 miles, walked a half mile, then pushed through and sprinted the last 0.25 mile. It felt good. It kicked my butt…but it felt good. Here’s the stats for anyone interested:
Warmup: 5 min at 3.5 mph walking
Cooldown: 5 min
Total time: 52 min
Distance: 3.26 miles (including warmup/cooldown)
Max Heart Rate: 166
Avg Heart Rate: 141
Calories burned: 470
Two days down, sixty-seven more to go…but who’s counting?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Because I'm lazy...
I'm literally cutting and pasting an email I sent some friends this morning. Read it and you'll know why. :)
-------------
Sorry I've been MIA. Here's the timeline of our last week:
Thurs: Scott picks up kids from daycare and learns three other kids puked that day. Nice.
Sat: Gracie started vomiting, felt better Sunday though...
Mon: Gracie started in again
Later Mon: Scott started
Sometime between Mon and Tues: Ian and I started
Tues pm: everyone seemed relatively well - whew!
Wed early am: I started again. And again. And again. Every 20-45 min for 12 hours. I would have gone to the hospital, but by the time it was convenient for Scott to take me, I felt I was through the worst of it. I am probably still dehydrated and would probably be recovering better had I received fluids, but I'll manage. I think I could have come back to work sooner had I done that, but oh well, it's just work, right? LOL I'm back today though dull-eyed and saggy-tailed. :)
When I called the dentist in SLO to cancel the kids' appts on Tues morning, they said I was the third parent to call and cancel because of stomach flu that morning and it was only 8:45! Watch out and stay healthy...and obviously stay away from those damn Thayers! LOL
Seriously though, if I haven't responded to email or something, that is why. I literally did not leave our master bedroom for two entire days.
On the plus side, I dropped 10 pounds (well, 9.8 to be exact and obviously all fluid, but I'll take it!) in two days and kicked my diet coke habit since I haven't been able to drink it fand now I don't even miss it. As my Nana would say, "there's some good in all evil."
Happy Friday! Hope you're all well!!
-------------
Sorry I've been MIA. Here's the timeline of our last week:
Thurs: Scott picks up kids from daycare and learns three other kids puked that day. Nice.
Sat: Gracie started vomiting, felt better Sunday though...
Mon: Gracie started in again
Later Mon: Scott started
Sometime between Mon and Tues: Ian and I started
Tues pm: everyone seemed relatively well - whew!
Wed early am: I started again. And again. And again. Every 20-45 min for 12 hours. I would have gone to the hospital, but by the time it was convenient for Scott to take me, I felt I was through the worst of it. I am probably still dehydrated and would probably be recovering better had I received fluids, but I'll manage. I think I could have come back to work sooner had I done that, but oh well, it's just work, right? LOL I'm back today though dull-eyed and saggy-tailed. :)
When I called the dentist in SLO to cancel the kids' appts on Tues morning, they said I was the third parent to call and cancel because of stomach flu that morning and it was only 8:45! Watch out and stay healthy...and obviously stay away from those damn Thayers! LOL
Seriously though, if I haven't responded to email or something, that is why. I literally did not leave our master bedroom for two entire days.
On the plus side, I dropped 10 pounds (well, 9.8 to be exact and obviously all fluid, but I'll take it!) in two days and kicked my diet coke habit since I haven't been able to drink it fand now I don't even miss it. As my Nana would say, "there's some good in all evil."
Happy Friday! Hope you're all well!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
If you let someone else pack your gym bag, double-check it before you leave the house
First, let me say that my husband is an amazing, wonderful, sweetheart. He is always so helpful and supportive. Today he was helping me get out of the house to Body Combat before work and he packed up my gym bag with my street clothes and such. Awesome, thanks sweetie!
Then he calls me on the cell when I'm just a few minutes away from the gym (and 30 miles from home) to let me know that he thinks he forgot to put my bra in the bag. Eep! Since I go to work straight from the gym and don't have time for the hour round trip, I'm thinking, what to do, what to do...
When I got the the gym, I checked my bag and sure enough, the bra wasn't there. Luckily, the gym had sports bras for sale in their little shop area. So I purchased one to wear to work since the one I had on would be disgusting once I got through with Combat.
Cut to the shower room after class. I get out of the shower and dry off and start to get dressed. I start to put the new sports bra on and get it over my head and my arms partially through when I realize that I'm stuck. The combination of the snug fitting sports bra (they didn't have my size so I had to go one smaller and cross my fingers) and my semi-damp, fresh from the shower skin had caused the bra to twist around itself as I pulled it down and it was now stopped around my neck and upper arms. I was standing there with my elbows flailing in the air in an attempt to get the damn thing to either move up and off or down and into place where it belonged.
After much grunting, tugging, and pulling...success! Thank god there weren't any other women in the locker room because I'm sure that would have been quite the show. My second attempt went a bit more smoothly. Having learned from that first experience, I put my head through first, then one arm at a time and was able to get it on without too much trouble that time. Whew!
And I tell you what, I am looking STYLIN' now. Because I have such an awesome figure to start with, that smooshing my boobs down with a too-small sports bra to make me look even more frumpy is really working for me. Girls, watch your men cuz they're all gonna be wanting me looking like this!
Then he calls me on the cell when I'm just a few minutes away from the gym (and 30 miles from home) to let me know that he thinks he forgot to put my bra in the bag. Eep! Since I go to work straight from the gym and don't have time for the hour round trip, I'm thinking, what to do, what to do...
When I got the the gym, I checked my bag and sure enough, the bra wasn't there. Luckily, the gym had sports bras for sale in their little shop area. So I purchased one to wear to work since the one I had on would be disgusting once I got through with Combat.
Cut to the shower room after class. I get out of the shower and dry off and start to get dressed. I start to put the new sports bra on and get it over my head and my arms partially through when I realize that I'm stuck. The combination of the snug fitting sports bra (they didn't have my size so I had to go one smaller and cross my fingers) and my semi-damp, fresh from the shower skin had caused the bra to twist around itself as I pulled it down and it was now stopped around my neck and upper arms. I was standing there with my elbows flailing in the air in an attempt to get the damn thing to either move up and off or down and into place where it belonged.
After much grunting, tugging, and pulling...success! Thank god there weren't any other women in the locker room because I'm sure that would have been quite the show. My second attempt went a bit more smoothly. Having learned from that first experience, I put my head through first, then one arm at a time and was able to get it on without too much trouble that time. Whew!
And I tell you what, I am looking STYLIN' now. Because I have such an awesome figure to start with, that smooshing my boobs down with a too-small sports bra to make me look even more frumpy is really working for me. Girls, watch your men cuz they're all gonna be wanting me looking like this!
Friday, July 17, 2009
I have been remiss
I haven't been blogging much lately. Probably because I've been really busy just trying to juggle work, exercise, kids, home, etc, you know, the usual drill we all juggle every day. But things have just been busier than usual of late. My apologies to the few people who follow this blog because I am just sure you breathlessly await every post from me. HA! :)
Anyway...I will post soon, I promise, with a summary of my progress in the TC, measurements, what I'm doing for workouts and nutrition now, etc.
Other news in my life...I've finally gotten back into scrapbooking and I am so, so excited about. I have done about 18 pages in Ian's (yes Ian's, haven't gotten close to Daniel's yet) baby book and I can feel the creative mojo coming back to me. I'm going on a crop weekend next weekend with some friends and we have ideas to use our Cricuts to make all kinds of adorable word books and all sorts of things. I can't wait! So you'll probably start seeing some posts on crafty stuff up here soon too.
Ok, off to Body Combat at the gym to take out some workplace agression in a more appropriate place than my cubicle wall or a particular software engineer's face. Have a good one!
Anyway...I will post soon, I promise, with a summary of my progress in the TC, measurements, what I'm doing for workouts and nutrition now, etc.
Other news in my life...I've finally gotten back into scrapbooking and I am so, so excited about. I have done about 18 pages in Ian's (yes Ian's, haven't gotten close to Daniel's yet) baby book and I can feel the creative mojo coming back to me. I'm going on a crop weekend next weekend with some friends and we have ideas to use our Cricuts to make all kinds of adorable word books and all sorts of things. I can't wait! So you'll probably start seeing some posts on crafty stuff up here soon too.
Ok, off to Body Combat at the gym to take out some workplace agression in a more appropriate place than my cubicle wall or a particular software engineer's face. Have a good one!
Anchoring
Weight Watchers defines anchoring as “a process for creating cues and triggers to remind yourself of your weight goal and the inner resources you have to achieve it.” Your “anchor” is an object that reminds you to stay on track, something that can re-focus you when the going gets tough. A little something you can keep with you and look at or touch when you need it.
I’ve always had a tough time in my previous WW experiences to come up with an anchor. Ideally, it’s something that’s with you always so whenever you are tempted, feeling out of control, etc, you can bring yourself back. I don’t carry a purse, don’t even always have my keys if Scott drives, so attaching something to one of them wouldn’t work. I never really gave it too much thought. Yeah, it was a tool WW gave us to help us succeed, but I did okay without it, so whatev, right?
Lately, I have found myself touching my muscles. Not in a Divinyls, “I touch myself” kind of way – get your mind outta the gutter! But in a wow, I have muscles kind of way. You can’t always see them, but they’re there, believe it or not, under the layers of flab and they are getting stronger all the time. Occasionally I even catch a glimpse of them before the flab shimmies back over them, trying to hide them from the world. They’re just waiting for their moment to shine…when all the flab is gone for good and the muscles can bask in the glory of the sunshine. Ok, that last bit was a little corny, but you get what I’m sayin’, right?
In any event, when I’m sitting at my desk, or waiting at a stop light, I frequently find myself squeezing my biceps, or poking my quads. Sounds weird, I know, but I just can’t get over how firm and strong they feel. Me. The girl who has been struggling with her weight for so long, has muscles? Now, who’da thunk it? Even ask my family, I make Scott, my sisters, my mom, all of them, feel my muscles whenever I see them. It’s not unusual at a Voigt family gather to hear, “Feel my butt!” And they do. Now, that’s real love!
Last night driving home, I caught a glimpse of my bicep bulge out of the corner of my eye as I turned the steering wheel on a corner. And I thought…”there’s your anchor, Heather.” My muscles. They’re always with me and when I touch my bicep and feel that strength beneath the skin it reminds me that I am strong. I am stronger than any temptation that comes my way. I am strong enough to make it to the gym, even when I just want to go home and eat ice cream. I am strong enough to get myself healthy for my kids, for Scott, my sisters and parents, and most of all, for me. Ok, that last bit was corny too. But it’s the truth, so there!
I’ve always had a tough time in my previous WW experiences to come up with an anchor. Ideally, it’s something that’s with you always so whenever you are tempted, feeling out of control, etc, you can bring yourself back. I don’t carry a purse, don’t even always have my keys if Scott drives, so attaching something to one of them wouldn’t work. I never really gave it too much thought. Yeah, it was a tool WW gave us to help us succeed, but I did okay without it, so whatev, right?
Lately, I have found myself touching my muscles. Not in a Divinyls, “I touch myself” kind of way – get your mind outta the gutter! But in a wow, I have muscles kind of way. You can’t always see them, but they’re there, believe it or not, under the layers of flab and they are getting stronger all the time. Occasionally I even catch a glimpse of them before the flab shimmies back over them, trying to hide them from the world. They’re just waiting for their moment to shine…when all the flab is gone for good and the muscles can bask in the glory of the sunshine. Ok, that last bit was a little corny, but you get what I’m sayin’, right?
In any event, when I’m sitting at my desk, or waiting at a stop light, I frequently find myself squeezing my biceps, or poking my quads. Sounds weird, I know, but I just can’t get over how firm and strong they feel. Me. The girl who has been struggling with her weight for so long, has muscles? Now, who’da thunk it? Even ask my family, I make Scott, my sisters, my mom, all of them, feel my muscles whenever I see them. It’s not unusual at a Voigt family gather to hear, “Feel my butt!” And they do. Now, that’s real love!
Last night driving home, I caught a glimpse of my bicep bulge out of the corner of my eye as I turned the steering wheel on a corner. And I thought…”there’s your anchor, Heather.” My muscles. They’re always with me and when I touch my bicep and feel that strength beneath the skin it reminds me that I am strong. I am stronger than any temptation that comes my way. I am strong enough to make it to the gym, even when I just want to go home and eat ice cream. I am strong enough to get myself healthy for my kids, for Scott, my sisters and parents, and most of all, for me. Ok, that last bit was corny too. But it’s the truth, so there!
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