These two days went very well. Wednesday was a rest day so I went easy, but still raised my heart rate. It wasn't as easy as it could have been, but I challenged myself to 20 minutes, walking 2 and running 2 at a slow pace. It was harder then I thought. Probably fatigue from the day before.
Thursday I really impressed myself. There was a few other intense runners, my Dad being one of them so I was psyched up. I was able to go pretty far and intense, right now though despite all the technique I have to learn, I'm finding running at a speed of 6mph very boring, its fast strenuous but I have to tick off that 20 minutes.
The point is I made 7 laps in 20 minutes and burned 170 calories. That is the farthest and most so far. I beat my former record. I'm pleased at how I'm progressing. Still, I look in the mirror and want to see myself shrinking, patient perseverence is hard.
This week I'm going to really try to drop my consumed calories, my Dad basically said to exercise, and eat only enough to recover (so say, 300 calories) then don't eat anything else before bedtime, then eat a decent breakfast... bigger lunch, smaller supper, etc... I'm working on it health wise as well, trying to figure out healthier options for optimum energy and fat burning. So far I'm not doing so good, but I'm not as bad as I could be either.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Week 4 Monday and Tuesday
Monday was quite terrible, my legs were like mud, they didn't want to keep running. I still managed to run for over 10 minutes, run/walk/run/walk. It felt bad though, jerky and for some reason it was so hot in the gym my arms were beet red. As the evening wore on I developed a terrible nerve pain in my left shoulder running down my arm, so I hardly slept ( I was half asleep and didn't think to take pain meds silly me) So I thought that Tuesday would be terrible...
And I was partially right. I was tired when I hit the gym but once I got moving I began to be more inspired.. It helped that another runner was going, he had a strong pace and was working pretty hard, its much more energetic to run 'with' someone then to do it alone.
So I walked for 2 minutes, ran straight for 8 at 5mph (cannot believe this was possible and I did it esp after yesterday being such a bad running day!!) then walked and ran intervals at 6mph (this was really hard.. I was sweating and blah but determined) then finished off at 2 minutes at 5mph. In total I ran about 14 minutes out of 20, so that is good. It still is not as easy as I would like it to be! The main part is boredom though, I have to find something to occupy my mind. Although I am having to put alot of energy into proper stepping and stride.
I have trouble with my knees so I have to make sure that I run without thunking or they will start to act up. And my Dad tells me that a long stride (my temptation... long legs) is worse on the legs and gives a low cardio workout while taking a shorter quick step is better for the legs and gives a better cardio workout.
Cardio is difficult because the lack of oxygen begins to be a problem, mental note to self: I need to learn to breath when running. I was attempting it today and overall I think that is why the run went better, because I was not desperately gasping for air. I think gasping makes the body go into panic mode, then it can't work as hard because things tighten up and each step becomes a chore because the body thinks its going to die. Even mentally panicking is not good.
So, I've been working on form, looking up instead of down, and not wearing a look of complete misery or tired defeat but one of focus and strength, or mean determination.
All in all I'm happy with my progress (especially today) but sometimes I'm impatient for even greater progress! I just have to remind myself that when I started just 3 weeks ago I couldn't run for 2 minutes at 5mph without being half dead...
I should specify Danita, that a couple posts down I posted my total running times... To clarify that is the absolute total, not the total of running with walking breaks. I couldn't run for 5 minutes without dying either! Those times were calculated at the end, with walking in between for a total of 20 minutes.. so say... 2 minutes walking, 3 minutes running, 1 minute walking, 2 minutes running.. Totaled for convenience as 3 minutes walking 5 minutes running So, ha! I am not as good as you were accidentally lead to believe :) Oops. :S
Time to hit the hay.
How is Sushi for the diet? My friend introduced me to it ( I am a former Sushi hater (ignorance not experience) ) And I loved this stuff! Its a cute little take out place with amazing friendly service down on Marine. I'd like to be a regular.. but I'll have to look up the calories and healthwise ness. They don't exactly use brown rice haha. Either way its got to be healthier then a burger and real meat is better then cold cuts.
And I was partially right. I was tired when I hit the gym but once I got moving I began to be more inspired.. It helped that another runner was going, he had a strong pace and was working pretty hard, its much more energetic to run 'with' someone then to do it alone.
So I walked for 2 minutes, ran straight for 8 at 5mph (cannot believe this was possible and I did it esp after yesterday being such a bad running day!!) then walked and ran intervals at 6mph (this was really hard.. I was sweating and blah but determined) then finished off at 2 minutes at 5mph. In total I ran about 14 minutes out of 20, so that is good. It still is not as easy as I would like it to be! The main part is boredom though, I have to find something to occupy my mind. Although I am having to put alot of energy into proper stepping and stride.
I have trouble with my knees so I have to make sure that I run without thunking or they will start to act up. And my Dad tells me that a long stride (my temptation... long legs) is worse on the legs and gives a low cardio workout while taking a shorter quick step is better for the legs and gives a better cardio workout.
Cardio is difficult because the lack of oxygen begins to be a problem, mental note to self: I need to learn to breath when running. I was attempting it today and overall I think that is why the run went better, because I was not desperately gasping for air. I think gasping makes the body go into panic mode, then it can't work as hard because things tighten up and each step becomes a chore because the body thinks its going to die. Even mentally panicking is not good.
So, I've been working on form, looking up instead of down, and not wearing a look of complete misery or tired defeat but one of focus and strength, or mean determination.
All in all I'm happy with my progress (especially today) but sometimes I'm impatient for even greater progress! I just have to remind myself that when I started just 3 weeks ago I couldn't run for 2 minutes at 5mph without being half dead...
I should specify Danita, that a couple posts down I posted my total running times... To clarify that is the absolute total, not the total of running with walking breaks. I couldn't run for 5 minutes without dying either! Those times were calculated at the end, with walking in between for a total of 20 minutes.. so say... 2 minutes walking, 3 minutes running, 1 minute walking, 2 minutes running.. Totaled for convenience as 3 minutes walking 5 minutes running So, ha! I am not as good as you were accidentally lead to believe :) Oops. :S
Time to hit the hay.
How is Sushi for the diet? My friend introduced me to it ( I am a former Sushi hater (ignorance not experience) ) And I loved this stuff! Its a cute little take out place with amazing friendly service down on Marine. I'd like to be a regular.. but I'll have to look up the calories and healthwise ness. They don't exactly use brown rice haha. Either way its got to be healthier then a burger and real meat is better then cold cuts.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Week 3 Friday and Saturday
Week 3 is now over. My weigh in on Friday at noon was a little disappointing, but on the up hand even though I've been working out pretty hard, I have not figured out my eating yet, and that will do it. I lost 1.5 lbs. Which is good, because thats much better then loosing nothing. I'm happy with that result but it has been nearly 3 weeks.. that is a very very slow weight loss. It will take me a very long time to reach my goal at this rate.
So, this week, I'm going to take stock of my eating and see if I can make some sort of menu or plan, last week got a bit busy and I ended up eating out a few times, and snacking on poorer choices a few times that week. I am glad for the first weigh in.. it told me I was loosing but I need to pare down even more and get a bit more strict with things.
Because I am still quite out of shape, I can't burn the amount of calories that I want to with exercise, so for now I think I need to take up a bit of that slack with limiting eaten calories.
Today is my rest day.
I have to take a rest day because Fridays workout was quite terrible. I couldn't run, my legs were quite fatigued from the two days of going at it really hard before. Which is okay, I found my limit that I can't workout super hard every day of the week. So I backed off and got a workout but an easier one. It was supposed to be an easier workout anyways.
So heres to week 3! Let the 4th begin.....
So, this week, I'm going to take stock of my eating and see if I can make some sort of menu or plan, last week got a bit busy and I ended up eating out a few times, and snacking on poorer choices a few times that week. I am glad for the first weigh in.. it told me I was loosing but I need to pare down even more and get a bit more strict with things.
Because I am still quite out of shape, I can't burn the amount of calories that I want to with exercise, so for now I think I need to take up a bit of that slack with limiting eaten calories.
Today is my rest day.
I have to take a rest day because Fridays workout was quite terrible. I couldn't run, my legs were quite fatigued from the two days of going at it really hard before. Which is okay, I found my limit that I can't workout super hard every day of the week. So I backed off and got a workout but an easier one. It was supposed to be an easier workout anyways.
So heres to week 3! Let the 4th begin.....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Week 3 Thursday
I experienced the joys of an effortless sweat.. the sauna. What a nice place to wind down after a workout or a cold day.
I am so excited that running is working out for me! I had a slight strangeness in my knee on Wednesdays treadmill, but I finished fine.. I'm able to run for more then half of the 20 minutes, which was an impossible goal before! It is boring though, the clump clump clump, breathing, flabby legs flopping around. I love running next to other people though, its so much more exciting, and I can push myself twice as hard.
I have to book my weigh in and I'm nervous that I didn't loose anything. I don't think thats possible but... I'm still a little anxious. Well. Gotta do it though, face the hard truth.. This way I will have to modify my workouts and eating even more.
I've been taking it a little too slow anyways. But it is also important for me to make it a sustainable change.
I am so excited that running is working out for me! I had a slight strangeness in my knee on Wednesdays treadmill, but I finished fine.. I'm able to run for more then half of the 20 minutes, which was an impossible goal before! It is boring though, the clump clump clump, breathing, flabby legs flopping around. I love running next to other people though, its so much more exciting, and I can push myself twice as hard.
I have to book my weigh in and I'm nervous that I didn't loose anything. I don't think thats possible but... I'm still a little anxious. Well. Gotta do it though, face the hard truth.. This way I will have to modify my workouts and eating even more.
I've been taking it a little too slow anyways. But it is also important for me to make it a sustainable change.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Week 3 Tuesday
Okay. I'm back on track with the GYM but not with eating. I'm not eating terribly but today I just ate too much. Brownies, chocolate, skipped oatmeal for breakfast, had a disgustingly salty cold cut sub for lunch (ick)
BUT! I ran and walked for a total of:
7 minutes at 6 mph
5 minutes at 5 mph
8 minutes at 4mph.
I'm so pleased about this! After three days of sleeping nonstop and being a sicky I thought all my muscle would be gone.
Its so great to work out at the gym when there is other people running as well. Yesterday was really hard because for half my workout the gym was almost empty, I was struggling so bad 5 minutes into it to push myself that I felt like never doing it again! Good thing that feeling passed.
Today I'm feeling pretty pleased although I probably broke even with eating to much so I can't expect to loose weight today. Thats ok. I gained muscle... although over this next week I definitely need to be more strict with what I eat and don't eat.
BUT! I ran and walked for a total of:
7 minutes at 6 mph
5 minutes at 5 mph
8 minutes at 4mph.
I'm so pleased about this! After three days of sleeping nonstop and being a sicky I thought all my muscle would be gone.
Its so great to work out at the gym when there is other people running as well. Yesterday was really hard because for half my workout the gym was almost empty, I was struggling so bad 5 minutes into it to push myself that I felt like never doing it again! Good thing that feeling passed.
Today I'm feeling pretty pleased although I probably broke even with eating to much so I can't expect to loose weight today. Thats ok. I gained muscle... although over this next week I definitely need to be more strict with what I eat and don't eat.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 3 Monday
So I slept and slept and slept. Then the fever left. On Sunday I went for a hike up part of the Sunshine Coast trail, up steep treacherous trails and gorgeous views. As I was not quite feeling up for the gym, that was a good cardio exercise to get me back in the swing of things.
Today I am still tired, but not sick anymore, so I went to the gym, warmed up and hopped on the treadmill. I have to say that it went better then I had thought but at about 5 minutes in I wanted to quit forever. The running seemed jerky and too slow, but when I sped up I got to tired, and there was no one else on the treadmills, which really helps me to keep pace with someone or 'compete' (without either of us knowing it) it gives that extra energy.
I ended up running a few minutes at 6mph a and several at 5 mph and walking at 4mph for 20 minutes total. I'm excited that running takes up about half that time, I did not know that was possible.
I went a little easier on the bike today, and did several different weights. I was pooped though, and after that went to sit in the hot tub.
Approaching the first weigh in (this Saturday) I'm nervous that it won't be any different, because I can really only count one week of good workouts so far. Week 2 had 5 very tired or sick days, so I need to get down to business this week and hope to gain some ground.
Either way, though, I have gotten in a noticeable bit more in shape, and that is exciting for me.
I hope the rest of you are doing well, I want to hear from you! I need moral support!
Today I am still tired, but not sick anymore, so I went to the gym, warmed up and hopped on the treadmill. I have to say that it went better then I had thought but at about 5 minutes in I wanted to quit forever. The running seemed jerky and too slow, but when I sped up I got to tired, and there was no one else on the treadmills, which really helps me to keep pace with someone or 'compete' (without either of us knowing it) it gives that extra energy.
I ended up running a few minutes at 6mph a and several at 5 mph and walking at 4mph for 20 minutes total. I'm excited that running takes up about half that time, I did not know that was possible.
I went a little easier on the bike today, and did several different weights. I was pooped though, and after that went to sit in the hot tub.
Approaching the first weigh in (this Saturday) I'm nervous that it won't be any different, because I can really only count one week of good workouts so far. Week 2 had 5 very tired or sick days, so I need to get down to business this week and hope to gain some ground.
Either way, though, I have gotten in a noticeable bit more in shape, and that is exciting for me.
I hope the rest of you are doing well, I want to hear from you! I need moral support!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Week 2 Thursday
So, I am officially sick, and staying home from work. I didn't do much else today besides lay in bed, sleep and eat chocolate. (I ate other healthy things as well) This is an unusual feeling but its not just my body, my mind is sad for some reason as well.
I trust though that it will be over in a few days, and I'll get back quickly into working out. Overall I am happy with my progress so far.
I've been reading a book called The 100 Thing Challenge. Its about a guy who lived with less then 100 things for an entire year to cure himself of American Style consumerism that was cluttering and distracting his life. I've started downsizing as well. I got rid of my fat jeans yesterday, when I'm feeling better I'm going to make a move towards useless clutter. Having all this stuff is as bad as being overweight, its a weight on my mind all the time.
Living simply is another theme of this blog: My weight struggle is complex because I want to have what I want when I want it, be it ice cream or fast food, or unhealthy choices. It takes effort and self denial to get to my ideal weight (never have before) in the same way that living simply without clutter or excess baggage takes discipline to avoid all of the 'good deals' and 'needs' and 'wants' and 'I would be happier if I had...'
The name of this blog has something to do with this as well. It seems a little like opposites at first but the more I live it, the more I think life is the two things at the same time:
Fresh: not tired or fatigued; brisk; vigorous... in how we bound through parts of life, getting excited or making progress in weight loss, or finding a new freedom here, or reaching small goals
and
Travail: painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil... things that don't work out right, struggles, dark secrets, or the discipline and training it takes to become strong and fresh.. welcome to another viscous circle.
I do not think it is possible to become fresh without travail. The less a person exercises for instance, the weaker and more fatigued they get. But as a person buffets their body and brings it under their control the more it is able to serve them, and the more fresh times they will have. Its a strange enigma, wherein only the elementary idea of it has dawned on my mind.
Hoping that you all are making good strides in your efforts! We can do this thing!
I trust though that it will be over in a few days, and I'll get back quickly into working out. Overall I am happy with my progress so far.
I've been reading a book called The 100 Thing Challenge. Its about a guy who lived with less then 100 things for an entire year to cure himself of American Style consumerism that was cluttering and distracting his life. I've started downsizing as well. I got rid of my fat jeans yesterday, when I'm feeling better I'm going to make a move towards useless clutter. Having all this stuff is as bad as being overweight, its a weight on my mind all the time.
Living simply is another theme of this blog: My weight struggle is complex because I want to have what I want when I want it, be it ice cream or fast food, or unhealthy choices. It takes effort and self denial to get to my ideal weight (never have before) in the same way that living simply without clutter or excess baggage takes discipline to avoid all of the 'good deals' and 'needs' and 'wants' and 'I would be happier if I had...'
The name of this blog has something to do with this as well. It seems a little like opposites at first but the more I live it, the more I think life is the two things at the same time:
Fresh: not tired or fatigued; brisk; vigorous... in how we bound through parts of life, getting excited or making progress in weight loss, or finding a new freedom here, or reaching small goals
and
Travail: painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil... things that don't work out right, struggles, dark secrets, or the discipline and training it takes to become strong and fresh.. welcome to another viscous circle.
I do not think it is possible to become fresh without travail. The less a person exercises for instance, the weaker and more fatigued they get. But as a person buffets their body and brings it under their control the more it is able to serve them, and the more fresh times they will have. Its a strange enigma, wherein only the elementary idea of it has dawned on my mind.
Hoping that you all are making good strides in your efforts! We can do this thing!
Week 2 Wednesday
The morning started fine, then the rest went downhill. I began to feel feverish and highly uncomfortable in my own skin. I stuck it out at work though because I knew that I needed to work out afterwards. I couldn't really tell if I was sick either, or if it was a case of indigestion or craving for sweets or emotional fulfillment.
Because of the snow I had taken the bus into town, so by the time I walked the half hour walk to the complex from work, I was a little tired. I warmed up quickly with leg exercises, then hit the treadmill for 20 minutes, which was all that I could handle. I managed to jog for five minutes at 5 mph without too much difficulty, which is unheard of for me (even that I can do it when I'm feeling crummy is amazing haha I surprised myself oh joy!) After that, my speed slowed down from a brisk walk at 4 mph to a lazy one at 3.5. My legs were having a hard time keeping up and my foot hurt from the boots I was wearing before.
I felt at this time much to weary and hot to do anything else, so I left, and ended up walking another half an hour to a friends house to chill out for the evening. ( I wasn't worried about infecting them in case you were wondering, as they were the one that gave it to me!)
I am satisfied with my eating for this day, although I did throw in about 300 calories of cheesecake, I limited my caloric intake in other areas and went to bed somewhat hungry. So all in all, even though it wasn't the best day, it was a good day. I was able to keep focused, and make it through a day at work, doing a good job there, and I was able to keep focused and at least get to the gym even to just raise my heart rate for a little bit.
This commitment has already helped me in serious ways. Knowing that I have to make it in the gym keeps me on track, and from feeling lost. It brings meaning into my life and commitment. Part of my fat struggle has been the mentality that 'things don't matter' I'd taken away all the rules and lived however I 'felt' like it at the time, and if that 'feeling' was to devour a bucket of ice cream or not exercise for days on end, I'd be doing it.
Little did I realize that structure is there for a reason, it provide safety and meaning, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. A reason to set down the ice cream and take the painful option of exercise or facing the actual problem, be it emotional or hormonal. This is a harder way, but the benefits will pay off. And it is not impossibly hard. It just takes being aware.
I have not spent every day weighing myself because that quickly becomes into the weighing game, not the healthy lifestyle reality. Also, my scale is different then the one at the society, it makes me alot lighter. So I'll just have to be patient until the next official weigh in!
Because of the snow I had taken the bus into town, so by the time I walked the half hour walk to the complex from work, I was a little tired. I warmed up quickly with leg exercises, then hit the treadmill for 20 minutes, which was all that I could handle. I managed to jog for five minutes at 5 mph without too much difficulty, which is unheard of for me (even that I can do it when I'm feeling crummy is amazing haha I surprised myself oh joy!) After that, my speed slowed down from a brisk walk at 4 mph to a lazy one at 3.5. My legs were having a hard time keeping up and my foot hurt from the boots I was wearing before.
I felt at this time much to weary and hot to do anything else, so I left, and ended up walking another half an hour to a friends house to chill out for the evening. ( I wasn't worried about infecting them in case you were wondering, as they were the one that gave it to me!)
I am satisfied with my eating for this day, although I did throw in about 300 calories of cheesecake, I limited my caloric intake in other areas and went to bed somewhat hungry. So all in all, even though it wasn't the best day, it was a good day. I was able to keep focused, and make it through a day at work, doing a good job there, and I was able to keep focused and at least get to the gym even to just raise my heart rate for a little bit.
This commitment has already helped me in serious ways. Knowing that I have to make it in the gym keeps me on track, and from feeling lost. It brings meaning into my life and commitment. Part of my fat struggle has been the mentality that 'things don't matter' I'd taken away all the rules and lived however I 'felt' like it at the time, and if that 'feeling' was to devour a bucket of ice cream or not exercise for days on end, I'd be doing it.
Little did I realize that structure is there for a reason, it provide safety and meaning, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. A reason to set down the ice cream and take the painful option of exercise or facing the actual problem, be it emotional or hormonal. This is a harder way, but the benefits will pay off. And it is not impossibly hard. It just takes being aware.
I have not spent every day weighing myself because that quickly becomes into the weighing game, not the healthy lifestyle reality. Also, my scale is different then the one at the society, it makes me alot lighter. So I'll just have to be patient until the next official weigh in!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Week 2 Tuesday
Today I felt ill. But not ill enough not to work. Business kept me occupied but as 4:30 crept up on the clock feelings of hunger, moodiness and overwhelming tiredness started to overwhelm me, I started to reason my way out of working out, since yesterdays workout was harder then I had planned, maybe I needed a rest so that this sickness didn't completely take me over. So I decided to to the the gym and warm up in the hot tub, since I was feeling really chilled.
I ate some applesauce for a quick pick me up, and made my way across town to the gym. By the time I was in the parking lot, I knew what I had to do. I at least had to go walking. So I donned my shabby workout cloths and surprisingly, a feeling of excitement and anticipation began to creep up on me.
By the time I entered the workout room I was ready, there was people on bikes, pedaling away, power walkers, runners, weight lifters, the room was packed with the intensity of people serious about buffeting their bodies. The tiredness subsided as I warmed up with leg presses and other funky leg exercises plus a bonus upper body one. (I know not the names yet) When I hit the treadmill I couldn't walk but for 2 minutes until I broke into a jog at 5 mph I surprised myself by breaking my small record of 5 minutes and going for 7 minutes straight.
I have not been able to run before, and did not know this was possible, plus, I'm super happy about it because even though tiredness and muscle fatigue set in at the end, I was not panicking for air or hating my life and thinking how much I was killing myself. This is exciting, as I've always wanted to be a runner but did not know it could be a reality. I still have a long ways to go but this mini goal is well, GREAT!!!
I cut it short on the weights today as it was busy, and the fatigue was coming back. After the hot tub came the drive home on snow powdered roads, a small healthy supper with lots of veggies and simple rest by a crackling wood stove.
Another day of good eating, working out and positive change to add to the past ones. I hope soon to have a nice little pile of these.
I ate some applesauce for a quick pick me up, and made my way across town to the gym. By the time I was in the parking lot, I knew what I had to do. I at least had to go walking. So I donned my shabby workout cloths and surprisingly, a feeling of excitement and anticipation began to creep up on me.
By the time I entered the workout room I was ready, there was people on bikes, pedaling away, power walkers, runners, weight lifters, the room was packed with the intensity of people serious about buffeting their bodies. The tiredness subsided as I warmed up with leg presses and other funky leg exercises plus a bonus upper body one. (I know not the names yet) When I hit the treadmill I couldn't walk but for 2 minutes until I broke into a jog at 5 mph I surprised myself by breaking my small record of 5 minutes and going for 7 minutes straight.
I have not been able to run before, and did not know this was possible, plus, I'm super happy about it because even though tiredness and muscle fatigue set in at the end, I was not panicking for air or hating my life and thinking how much I was killing myself. This is exciting, as I've always wanted to be a runner but did not know it could be a reality. I still have a long ways to go but this mini goal is well, GREAT!!!
I cut it short on the weights today as it was busy, and the fatigue was coming back. After the hot tub came the drive home on snow powdered roads, a small healthy supper with lots of veggies and simple rest by a crackling wood stove.
Another day of good eating, working out and positive change to add to the past ones. I hope soon to have a nice little pile of these.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Week 2 Monday
Work was BUSY today. Lots of lifting, walking and driving. 4:30 sprung upon me with relief and a sense of satisfaction. It was so steady that I didn't have time to pay attention to my feverish body. In the afternoon I started feeling queasy and hot and flushed, maybe it was my body saying "I don't like what you've been doing to me, its time to rebel!" Or it could have been the green curried chicken with coconut milk I had for lunch, or the fact that I've been hanging out with sick people.
Funny thing is, I never get sick. Last time I can't really remember. On the other hand, I'm not known for my fantastic memory. Sometimes I catch myself thinking "If only I would just get sick, I could get a rest from all this busyness!" Silly really, seeing as health is a blessing, and should never be taken for granted, it can change overnight, besides, I am not getting any younger and who knows what my future in health will be. I was feeling a little worried though, because of the progress I've made over the last week it would be a bummer to go backwards. I consoled myself with the fact that if it was vicious enough I would perhaps loose some weight by the time it was over.
So I decided that unless I felt seriously incapacitated I'd dismiss it as a little tummy rumble and forget about it. After work I was starving and got some quick energy : A Bacon Cheeseburger at McDonalds. I'm not advertising, but those little burgers pack a punch, and they're tasty and extremely affordable. The only downfall? When I get to the DriveThru my eyes start to wander to the fries, milkshakes, pies, and side dishes as 1.39 seems like such an insignificant amount to process, and I begin to wonder if I need more food to fill me up. The answer was a predetermined no. I had a small fruit cup that I had brought with me and a tiny piece of chocolate for dessert.
Sometimes I have to choose between the lesser of two evils, a small fast food burger (350 calories or so with the cons of high fat and sodium ) or waiting till after the gym, going home exhausted from an energy crash, to tired to prepare anything, and eating chocolate and ice cream for supper.
Of course, option C always stands: Be smart and think of something healthy to eat before gym time. This requires fore-planning, which goes on my list of things to slowly start making a habit.
Funny thing is, I never get sick. Last time I can't really remember. On the other hand, I'm not known for my fantastic memory. Sometimes I catch myself thinking "If only I would just get sick, I could get a rest from all this busyness!" Silly really, seeing as health is a blessing, and should never be taken for granted, it can change overnight, besides, I am not getting any younger and who knows what my future in health will be. I was feeling a little worried though, because of the progress I've made over the last week it would be a bummer to go backwards. I consoled myself with the fact that if it was vicious enough I would perhaps loose some weight by the time it was over.
So I decided that unless I felt seriously incapacitated I'd dismiss it as a little tummy rumble and forget about it. After work I was starving and got some quick energy : A Bacon Cheeseburger at McDonalds. I'm not advertising, but those little burgers pack a punch, and they're tasty and extremely affordable. The only downfall? When I get to the DriveThru my eyes start to wander to the fries, milkshakes, pies, and side dishes as 1.39 seems like such an insignificant amount to process, and I begin to wonder if I need more food to fill me up. The answer was a predetermined no. I had a small fruit cup that I had brought with me and a tiny piece of chocolate for dessert.
Sometimes I have to choose between the lesser of two evils, a small fast food burger (350 calories or so with the cons of high fat and sodium ) or waiting till after the gym, going home exhausted from an energy crash, to tired to prepare anything, and eating chocolate and ice cream for supper.
Of course, option C always stands: Be smart and think of something healthy to eat before gym time. This requires fore-planning, which goes on my list of things to slowly start making a habit.
Week 2: Sunday
Sunday was a sleepy day, I like to call it rest. Overall I felt like I was coming down with some dread illness, which couldn't make up its mind and confine me to the couch, but instead taunted me by putting a slight drag on things. The other thing going on was a sense of lost-ness: I'm one of those who works basically an 8-5 job, every day. Sunshine or Rain I am obliged to show up ready to work. I used to be one of those who would rather leave the workaday world to the male species but it just didn't work out that way.
Work keeps me stable, I wake up in the morning, and despite all the other things or moods going on, there is one thing certain: I have to get to work, and I have to make it through the day, with at least a few smiles on my face. Its a terrible enigma, work is. Part of me wants to shake free, be footloose and govern my own time, but the other part realizes just how important work is for discipline, structure, and a sense of meaning, as well as money to do the things I want to do, and provide for my needs as well as how my life intertwines with the lives of my co-workers and customers.
So as I lay around giving into the temptation of chocolate that I wasn't actually enjoying, I put mind over matter, and decided to throw all the excuses like "I think I've worked out too hard this week" "I might overdo it, wouldn't want to burn out" "I'm sort of sickish, I should just take this day of rest and call it good" and follow the advice of my trainer (Dad) "Make sure you work out on Sunday, but take it easy"
Stepping into the gym is such a comfortable feeling excitement is in the air, the temperature is controlled just right, there are other people sweating and training their bodies to obey them. Its very inspiring. Once inside, one thing lead to another, until I found myself in the hot tub, massaging my tired muscles with the water jets and watching daring kids launch their bodies off the high dive, plunging into the water. I was never daring enough to try that. I always liked to keep my feet on the ground. I wonder if I could challenge myself to change this?
Work keeps me stable, I wake up in the morning, and despite all the other things or moods going on, there is one thing certain: I have to get to work, and I have to make it through the day, with at least a few smiles on my face. Its a terrible enigma, work is. Part of me wants to shake free, be footloose and govern my own time, but the other part realizes just how important work is for discipline, structure, and a sense of meaning, as well as money to do the things I want to do, and provide for my needs as well as how my life intertwines with the lives of my co-workers and customers.
So as I lay around giving into the temptation of chocolate that I wasn't actually enjoying, I put mind over matter, and decided to throw all the excuses like "I think I've worked out too hard this week" "I might overdo it, wouldn't want to burn out" "I'm sort of sickish, I should just take this day of rest and call it good" and follow the advice of my trainer (Dad) "Make sure you work out on Sunday, but take it easy"
Stepping into the gym is such a comfortable feeling excitement is in the air, the temperature is controlled just right, there are other people sweating and training their bodies to obey them. Its very inspiring. Once inside, one thing lead to another, until I found myself in the hot tub, massaging my tired muscles with the water jets and watching daring kids launch their bodies off the high dive, plunging into the water. I was never daring enough to try that. I always liked to keep my feet on the ground. I wonder if I could challenge myself to change this?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Week 1
I soon bought a month pass, to see how far I can get in one month. After that, maybe it will be better weather and I can be more active outside with my new muscles!
I completed 5 workouts this week, which was alot of work even though every other day was a very easy day. I am leaving the weekend to rest completely. I'm the type that can burn out if I take it to hard at first.
I was able to make it to the Photo Shoot, and if you read this, THANK YOU Steve Grover, for taking the time to do this! I can't wait to see the results...
Chocolate is constantly finding ways into my hands, as are doughnuts at work and other fattening foods. This is not good! I do not believe in cutting sweets entirely because that leads to binging, but the goal is to limit myself to about two small pieces a day. Which means more working out to compensate. I can handle that :P
The first week has been pretty exciting to see my change in energy, learning new things at the gym and getting some good endorphin rushes. I think next week will be harder as a bit of boredom sets in and that nagging desire to look in the mirror, weigh ten times a day and see if there is any changes happening.
Oh impatience!
Either way, with only 11 weeks left and I plan on finishing, changes or not. Next week I also need to tweaking my diet even more, but that's pretty tough to do.
To all you exercisers and losers out there, I look forward to reading your blogs, and if you would, comments!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ending the Endless Cycle..
Emotional eating is a particularly strong captivation for many people. Eating food spikes hormones and pleasure centers in our brain: It really does work to cure sadness or stress. The problem? Its only a short term remedy that has terrible side effects, such as weight gain, energy drops...
We all understand this logically, its so easy why can't it be conquered? My conclusion? Life is not lived Logically.
Feelings are very powerful they often take a stand over logic. We don't always do what we know.
This is why I have started to think about methods: tiny acts of discipline that snap one from a state of despair or laziness, into a state of discipline and clear thinking.
For instance: You've had a crummy day at work, binged on greasy spoon food, gotten home, the house is a wreck, you are tired, your feet are killing you, and ice cream is the only food (you want) in the house.
You lay on the couch TV gabbing, spoon and bucket in hand, sadder then life, and begin to loose control... You pick up the remote and pause the scene. Just for a moment.
You set the ice cream down. Then you pick one task. This decision alone can cause a new spark in brain activity, it causes thinking about something else other then the problem at hand.
Tasks can be anything: but they must be small and always attainable according to ability, even in a very dark state of mind.
Examples:
Task 1) Do 15 sit ups -or- fake crunches --- always according to ability, it must not be a horrible strain.
Task 2) Do 15 Jumping Jacks
Task 3) Walk or Jog in place for 50 steps.
Task 4) Do 15 dishes.
Task 5) Pick up 15 things and put them in the proper spot.
Task 6) Do a small task for someone else.
Task 7) Your task here.
By the time the task is done you look for your ice cream and its melted. Congratulations, you have just jumped out of the endless circle.
If you constantly struggle, make 10 tasks suited to your place in life and write them out. Post them on the refrigerator and use them. Doing a task can keep you from continuing on in this viscous circle, it restores control and sanity, and it gets the dishes done!
We all understand this logically, its so easy why can't it be conquered? My conclusion? Life is not lived Logically.
Feelings are very powerful they often take a stand over logic. We don't always do what we know.
This is why I have started to think about methods: tiny acts of discipline that snap one from a state of despair or laziness, into a state of discipline and clear thinking.
For instance: You've had a crummy day at work, binged on greasy spoon food, gotten home, the house is a wreck, you are tired, your feet are killing you, and ice cream is the only food (you want) in the house.
You lay on the couch TV gabbing, spoon and bucket in hand, sadder then life, and begin to loose control... You pick up the remote and pause the scene. Just for a moment.
You set the ice cream down. Then you pick one task. This decision alone can cause a new spark in brain activity, it causes thinking about something else other then the problem at hand.
Tasks can be anything: but they must be small and always attainable according to ability, even in a very dark state of mind.
Examples:
Task 1) Do 15 sit ups -or- fake crunches --- always according to ability, it must not be a horrible strain.
Task 2) Do 15 Jumping Jacks
Task 3) Walk or Jog in place for 50 steps.
Task 4) Do 15 dishes.
Task 5) Pick up 15 things and put them in the proper spot.
Task 6) Do a small task for someone else.
Task 7) Your task here.
By the time the task is done you look for your ice cream and its melted. Congratulations, you have just jumped out of the endless circle.
If you constantly struggle, make 10 tasks suited to your place in life and write them out. Post them on the refrigerator and use them. Doing a task can keep you from continuing on in this viscous circle, it restores control and sanity, and it gets the dishes done!
Donate Weight!
Its a challenge. But I couldn't avoid it, from the first moment to when I read Shirley's story to the last when I called the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society and officially completed my first weigh in.
I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Surely I am not enormous, but according to my BMI at about 185 I was at a dangerous 29.1 definitely overweight, and close to the cliff of obesity.
Various efforts had kept this in check but never brought me down to my optimal weight. But 185 is even better then 195 (my top weight) so ten pounds thinner but not nearly as close to the goal as I would like.
Being overweight has lots of problems:
It costs more: grocery bills, eating out bills, snack foods, and CHOCOLAE. Mmm.Oops. :S
Its stressful: to find modest flattering cloths is hard, and we all ask "What should I wear!?"
Its embarrassing: when your slim friend says, you forgot your jacket? Mine should fit you...
Its a drag: I went walking with 3 lb weights. I could not believe how fatigued they made me. Only 6 lbs!
Its demotivating: being overweight is like having a dirty, cluttered house, it constantly weighs on the mind, taking up brain power, and energy from thinking potentially creative or inspiring thoughts.
Its impossible: to look good in a swimsuit.
Its discouraging: because it seems like it will never change.
Its undisciplined: which leads to a nasty unending circle... being fat leads to sadness or depressive thoughts, which lead to eating, which leads to not being able fit nice cloths, which leads to energy drops because of unhealthy foods and poor fitness, which leads to sleeping in and being late to work, which leads to not getting a raise, which leads to eating more ice cream, which leads to short term happiness,
which leads to really not fitting that favorite pair of jeans which leads to mood swings and being a grouch, which leads to bad relationships, which leads to sadness, which leads to eating, which leads to sticking in a dead end job because the motivation isn't there to pursue what you really love, all the energy is sapped in thinking about loosing weight but never doing it. Which leads to eating chocolate, which leads to.....
There is only one way to stop this cycle: Find wrong beliefs and crush them.
1) Redefine how I think about food (realize just how many calories there is in my favorite junk foods)
2) Redefine how I feel about exercise... this burns more calories so I can eat my favorite foods! It also balances out metabolism and hormones, and gives energy and stamina.
3) Find the triggers and crush them.
This blog is open to the public, during this 12 weeks I hope to get to know you and generate discussion, so that we can support each other and spur each other on... Feel free to leave your comments here.
May the best woman win! (But may we all loose lots of weight!)
I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Surely I am not enormous, but according to my BMI at about 185 I was at a dangerous 29.1 definitely overweight, and close to the cliff of obesity.
Various efforts had kept this in check but never brought me down to my optimal weight. But 185 is even better then 195 (my top weight) so ten pounds thinner but not nearly as close to the goal as I would like.
Being overweight has lots of problems:
It costs more: grocery bills, eating out bills, snack foods, and CHOCOLAE. Mmm.Oops. :S
Its stressful: to find modest flattering cloths is hard, and we all ask "What should I wear!?"
Its embarrassing: when your slim friend says, you forgot your jacket? Mine should fit you...
Its a drag: I went walking with 3 lb weights. I could not believe how fatigued they made me. Only 6 lbs!
Its demotivating: being overweight is like having a dirty, cluttered house, it constantly weighs on the mind, taking up brain power, and energy from thinking potentially creative or inspiring thoughts.
Its impossible: to look good in a swimsuit.
Its discouraging: because it seems like it will never change.
Its undisciplined: which leads to a nasty unending circle... being fat leads to sadness or depressive thoughts, which lead to eating, which leads to not being able fit nice cloths, which leads to energy drops because of unhealthy foods and poor fitness, which leads to sleeping in and being late to work, which leads to not getting a raise, which leads to eating more ice cream, which leads to short term happiness,
which leads to really not fitting that favorite pair of jeans which leads to mood swings and being a grouch, which leads to bad relationships, which leads to sadness, which leads to eating, which leads to sticking in a dead end job because the motivation isn't there to pursue what you really love, all the energy is sapped in thinking about loosing weight but never doing it. Which leads to eating chocolate, which leads to.....
There is only one way to stop this cycle: Find wrong beliefs and crush them.
1) Redefine how I think about food (realize just how many calories there is in my favorite junk foods)
2) Redefine how I feel about exercise... this burns more calories so I can eat my favorite foods! It also balances out metabolism and hormones, and gives energy and stamina.
3) Find the triggers and crush them.
This blog is open to the public, during this 12 weeks I hope to get to know you and generate discussion, so that we can support each other and spur each other on... Feel free to leave your comments here.
May the best woman win! (But may we all loose lots of weight!)
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