Freakin' Great Friday

Today is great! I am tired from my walk but I ran 2 out of 5 short bursts. Usually I walk fast, but today I felt like trying to run a couple. Wow, I can run. I was a little unsure, as my size usually prohibits running, but it felt awesome! I think my heart has gotten stronger. I'm not sure if it is from the joy of a healthy baby grandson, or the exercise. I think I'll go with a combination of both. I just feel so good about myself. Probably, better than ever before in my life!

Finally

Some pounds are coming off. Slowly, but at least headed in the right direction. I find my clothes seem looser every day. I am breaking from my sweetener addiction, which means no sugar or Nutrasweet. That means no diet soda...argh!! I cannot say how much I miss Diet Coke, but on the other hand, I crave sweets less without it. I do allow myself a squirt of honey on my Greek yogurt. But for now, no sweets or crackers or anything. Just fruit and veggies and complex carbs and proteins. I am looking forward to that avocado on my eggs tomorrow!

The walks are getting better all the time. I really enjoy walking in the cooler weather. It was 42 this morning and felt invigorating. We'll see when it drops a few degrees--but not this week! For the next 10 days, we should get warmer, nice weather. I love fall in Virginia!

I did have a hard time catching my breath this morning. Usually, right after I walk I get a water and sit and blog and cool down, today, however, I got breakfast, showered and got ready to get to school, where I am now. I need that cool down period, I think to feel good. Now, I am fine, breathing is good. I just keep learning new things about my body and my needs. I can adjust, I am flexible.

New Shoes

I finally got some new shoes and they helped tremendously. My feel felt light and I walked even further distance than ever before in the same amount of time. I am so happy with myself...tickled, as my Grandma would say. I finished my walk smiling and feeling quite happy. It was a bit cool, but that was even better. I have been thinking about working out while in Minnesota and North Dakota for 3 weeks in December. I'm hoping there's enough snow for some snowshoeing. I'll figure something out. My sister-in-law and Elise both have gyms at their complexes, perhaps that will work. I love working out in the outdoors though. I feel it is natural and better for my body. Last night on The Biggest Loser, Jillian said working in the gym can be somewhat artificial. I try to avoid artificial if possible. But, better to work out in a gym than not work out at all!

Yesterday was my rest day, but I went up and down the stairs at school at least 20 times, so I guess that counts for something. I have to say for the past couple of weeks I have finally been sleeping well. I don't know if it is the exercise, ridding myself of stress or both. Whatever, I love sleeping!

Make-up Time

yesterday's walk was cut short by a loose dog, a call to 911 and the decision that I felt safer at home. I still made it 20 minutes and my heart rate was high with a little bit of fear. However, I spent all the rest of yesterday on my ass working or watching a movie for school. These German films are a lot of fun, although yesterday's was extremely depressing.

So, today, sore and feeling old, I strapped on my old tennies (new ones on the way) and went for a longer, faster walk than is prescribed by my fitness plan. It felt good to get out there...listening to Def Leppard helped. I feel sweaty and worked...Good!

I've decided I have to watch what I eat to lose pounds and not just inches. My hips, legs, tummy and boobs have all shrunk even though I weigh only slightly less. Changes from fat to muscle are great, but I want to lose pounds as well, and that means better eating, which means much better planning and a lot less sugar. I can do it. I have all the motivation and am extremely happy with life, so it is time to make sure it is a long, LONG life!

Late means Wet

I started my walk way late today--after 4 p.m. I had been in Suffolk in the morning and had taken a nap when I got home. Although it was a struggle, I got myself out there for my walk. And it rained the whole time. A nice light, but constant rain...thankfully I wore a hat! I'm not as sweaty as normal, I don't think I walked as hard. I still feel tired so that is probably part of it.

Rest for a few minutes before I start dinner, pork stir fry...yum!

Focused

As I walked Roger to the corner this morning, all I wanted to do was turn around and come back to bed. The last thing I said to Roger was "I don't want to do this." As I rounded the corner and started speeding up my walk, I realized I could fight it the whole time and concentrate on why I didn't want to do this and that my legs hurt and that my sinuses were stuffy. But, instead, I decided to focus on why I wanted to walk this morning. I have lengthened the distance I walk in the same amount of time. I sweat constantly, and will for several more hours. Pants that were snug a week ago are now loose. While my sinuses are tight, a weather front is moving in, I don't feel nearly as bad as I did a week ago. I feel strength in me that I did not know existed. I want to take hikes with loved ones without wondering if I will make it back to the beginning. These are just a few of the reasons I walk. Focusing on the positives rather than the negatives gave me the strength to finish, and finish with a smile on my face. And that smile will last all day.

Not Enough Calories

I finished my walk and was about to lift weights, when I felt a little dizzy and light-headed. I realized I had hardly eaten anything all day and was short of calories. I had some orange juice and some cheese and crackers. I took a shower and lie down for a while. I still felt crummy. I decided to make some whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella. I feel happy, full and a little better.

I've been working very hard. I am motivated and enjoying myself, but need to watch myself so I don't overwork. It is a fine line that I must learn to navigate.

By tomorrow, I will be back, strong as ever!

Fiber...Ugh!

So in an attempt to increase my fiber intake to between 25 and 30 grams per day, I thought I was increasing gradually. Perhaps not. I awoke today with stomach cramps and a headache. And, after several trips to the bathroom have realized my body is not happy with the sudden increase in fiber intake...ugh! I am finally starting to feel better. I could not do my workout at 6 a.m. as I had planned, but luckily have the afternoon off to fit it in. I am working very dilligently at following the 8 week workout plan, and so far so good...no misses. I have the best support from Roger and it has helped me keep on track.

So, after the Love My Body Campaign day today, I will go home and walk, then eat dinner then see Frank Deford, the sports writer. I really have no excuse not to work out and all the motivation to do it. I do love my body and do want to be an athlete, so all in all a good day for me.

Lighter?

Is it possible to feel lighter without really losing any significant pounds? On my walk today, I felt lighter, with a new spring in my step. I get so much farther in my walk than I did 2 weeks ago. I am so proud of myself. I ran into the cutest of cats in the neighborhood, new ones. I am amazed at how many cats live in Colonial Place. I just hope they all have owners as well.

The weather is getting cooler and my walks feel more refreshing. I am actually starting to enjoy myself...until Friday, that is.

Rest Day

I don't like rest days. I feel lazy and unmotivated. Luckily, I'll be walking back and forth the school twice. That helps.

I feel that I am getting on the right track with food. My weapon of choice is Greek yogurt. I used to like Fage, but like Oikos much more, and love Trader Joes brand the best (when I get it). It is low in carbs and high in protein. I have to add some raw honey because it is just too tart, but raw honey helps my throat during allergy season.

I am learning to listen to my body. I want to live a long and healthy life with Roger. I know it will be filled with joy and love, and really what else matters in life?

Walking Therapy

Walking causes such dramatic changes in my mood and my total outlook on life. I enjoy every minute I have on this earth. Relationship issues cause the most emotional grief in my life. I have held on to friendships that were past their prime for the sake of loyalty. I need to start being loyal to myself. That is the key. I know of marriages that have been the same. And dragging things out just makes the inevitable breaks that much worse. I refuse to keep toxic people close to me anymore. Maybe I'm the bitch, but I need to do what is best for me and for Roger and my relationship. My marriage is as strong as it has ever been. Not a day goes by that I don't tell Roger how much I love him and hear the same in return. My life is terrific and I refuse to be held back by the wrong people, the wrong relationships.

My legs felt strong today. I felt strong today. I am strong!

Weighed Down Legs

Today on my walk my feet and calves felt like they were filled with lead. Heavy. I made my walk and am proud to say that I cover much more distance in the same amount of time as last Sunday. Progress, I love it. I am feeling good that I have been faithful to this routine. It hasn't been easy. Sunday morning TV and a warm blanket sounded good today. But, I pull myself up and work it out.

My walks have been a sort of therapy for me as well. I have solved many problems on these walks and can honestly say that my mind is clear of emotional clutter. It helps to sweat it out. Life changes all the time and I just go with the flow. It works out pretty well, with only a few minor disasters.

My eating has been so poor. I need to get that on track. I'll get there. I need to find a pedometer to measure my distances. I won't drive the distance to track it that, that is environmental idiotism if ever there were one...walking, then driving the same path. I'm trying to lower my carbon footprint, not increase it.

It was windy, it still is windy, today. I stuck mostly to the inside streets. I started out cold, but warmed up quickly. I'm walking faster and feeling better every day.

Roger told me I was walking too fast yesterday. That made me proud of myself.

Wine Fest Day

I probably could have skipped the workout today. I'll be on my feet and walking all day around the Wine Festival. But I did it anyway. I only walked for 30 minutes, but it felt good to get me out. It woke me up. Got some stuff moving.

I am looking forward to a day of wine and food and friends. It will be so nice to get out with other people.

Tomorrow I have to start the diet to go along with the workout to speed up the weight loss. It will be tough, but I know I can do it. I feel strong and powerful an have Roger to cheer me along.

FUCKING FRIDAYS!!!!

I have come to hate Fridays. My workout is so difficult. I woke up with a sinus headache. It is now much worse. I almost threw up the banana I had eaten. I am hot and tired and sweaty and cranky. I feel like crying, but don't really know why. I need to eat so I can take some drugs for the headache. I need to cool down to eat so I don't puke. I know that this too i will survive.

Ugh!

I've been bothered by stuff at school and have had a difficult time shrugging it off. I thought the walk would help, and it did some.

It is supposed to be HOT today, so we got up at 6:30 for the walk. Roger came with me. I haven't decided if that is good or not. I like his company, but he is not very animated until he has some coffee. He made it most of the way with me before heading home. I finished my last 5 minutes alone which was fine.

I find that I am a bit sore and quite tired, but not as draggy or drowsy as a few weeks ago. I realize I've only finished one out of eight weeks, but I'm going strong. I think I am a little faster than I was a week ago. Working out is good for my body inside as well. It helps move some things along when needed and I feel my lungs getting stronger each day. When I take the stairs at work, they don't seem so hard.

I am sure my school things will get worked out. Walking gives me the time to think and problem-solve, though.

Weight Training

Today I added weight training to my routine. I was tired, sweaty and very hot, but did most of the circuits. I don't want to be too sore to work out tomorrow. Today I've also started eating better. Time to drop the pounds.

I watch The Biggest Loser on T.V. and weigh more than most of the women on that show. If they need to lose that much weight, I must have to lose even more. It freaks me out a little.

Also, I am having trouble with chafing from the sweat. Lesson learned: you need to wear underwear! I hope nobody reads this blog, or at least admits it to me.

Lots of cats, dogs and babies again. Lovely walking days.

Rest Day

I don't really like the rest day. Probably because I don't have school so I've just been hanging out at home. Roger and I walked to campus for a few groceries. It was nice to do some walking. I hope that normally Tuesdays won't feel so lazy. I am already feeling the compulsion to exercise. Tomorrow is redlining, which is difficult. I've set up a couple of music mix's on my I-Pod and that will help.

Okay, tomorrow, back to it.

Cats, Dogs, People and Babies

I saw many more cats than usual on my walk today. I saw a pregnant tabby cat who was cranky. The others all seemed friendly. Some little dogs decided I should be their friend today. My bassett hounds were jumping around the yard...I got too close to the fence, I guess.

My legs still hurt. I had to go to the bathroom so bad I got some cramps, but made it home. 38 minutes, not bad. I am tired and my tummy still hurts. Water is helpful.

Another day, tomorrow I rest.

Sluggish Sunday

I slept in until 10:30 this morning, which is too late. I've gotten up at 6 the past two mornings to cook eggs for Roger before he heads to Kidder's. Yesterday, I stayed up, but this morning I was out cold. It was nice to get the rest, but!

Getting up later means my workout is later. The sun is out shining brightly, which means the walk was hotter than if I'd gone in the morning. I didn't get to eat much, just a Kashi bar before my walk, so I am hungry.

I'm sweaty and my legs are screaming at me. Tomorrow I walk, Tuesday is my rest day and I really can't wait. I sure hope this all gets easier as the days and weeks go on. This is just the first in 8...ugh!

Hopefully, I'll be out for my walk bright and early tomorrow. The time sure flies.

Saturday

Got up really early to cook eggs and sausage for Roger before he headed to the Kidder's to lay a bamboo floor. I did my 35 minute walk and felt good, but have felt tired all day. Partially lack of sleep, partially boredom. I bought a frozen pizza for supper. While not the best choice, it was available at the 7-11 and I don't have a car. Tomorrow is another workout day...yeah?!?

3 pounds

I am three pounds lighter than I was on Tuesday. I have eaten poorly (ice cream last night) so feel the exercise is helping a lot. That and no alcohol. That seems to be the worst for me in terms of losing weight, especially around the belly. I'll eat better. That combined with the exercise means the pounds will come off, I am confident (and hopeful).

The Paradox of Friday

Today is Friday...yeah. One class then a 4 day weekend. However, my workout today was grueling. I had to walk at a medium-high pace and every 5 minutes walk or run at an all-out pace. Ugh! I did it 5 times though. I am pretty proud of myself. I have only worked out 3 days in a row, but that's more than I had been before. I walk to school every day, which is very helpful. I was ashamed of myself and how out of shape I was on the hike last weekend. It was a little embarrassing. I hope next time is much better.

Diet, well, I tried Roger's high protein/low-low carb diet and it was awful. I am now working something out on my own. And no, it should not include the buffalo wings and fries I had last night before watching CSI, but it did.

I feel like I am on a road to healthier living, and that's what counts, right?