A Brisk Walk

It was cool, I was fast. It was terrific.

I have realized that exercise is a habit for me, now, and I don't feel the compulsion to write in this blog every day anymore. I am quite content to write here when I need to or are inspired to put something into words. I am proud of how far I've come in the past 6 weeks.

I appreciate the visitors to this blog who are cheering me on. If there are visitors who hope I fail, well, I won't. Life is too precious to spend lazy and getting fatter. I may never be thin, but my goal is to get healthier and live my life the way I want. I guess, though, if for some reason you check this blog for failures, you need to get a life. I'll take mine and write when I want.

Enjoy a healthful life!

Rest Day

My lower back was a little tender this morning and has not gotten totally better. I still walked to and from school and up and down a bunch of stairs, and I went grocery shopping with a crazy-assed crowd and that got my heart rate up!

Tomorrow before I head in to school, I'll pick up at least a short walk.

On the plus side--my underwear keep falling off! Yeah!!

Back In It

I woke up ready to workout, feeling back into the routine. My walk this morning was quite nice. It is cool, brisk really, and felt nice. I had to take off my gloves. I kept my hat on even if I was getting hot, because my dad taught me that lots of our body heat leaves from the head and I don't want to get sick. I have been hearing about awful flus and colds and am staying as far away as I can. Tomorrow I will add some ab/back exercises, I feel ready for that. And mmmmm, my chocolate milk was so good this morning.

Now, I have lots of work to get to and Roger is cooking breakfast for me (sweet, sweet husband!).

Late, Really Late

I walked late today, around 3 p.m. I hate walking on Saturday afternoons. There are so many stupid people hanging around. They usually aren't awake earlier on weekend mornings, so I will have to try to get back to that. After my walk, Roger and I looked at houses in some of the towns where he is applying for work. I am quite excited to be in this stage of our life. Only 5 months left here. There are a lot of things I will miss, but I cannot wait for the adventure.

Back to the workout...I'm taking it easy for awhile until I am sure my lower back is healed. It feels great and I plan to try some ab/back workouts tomorrow or Monday to help strengthen those muscles. I'm still shrinking, which I love! It doesn't go too quickly, so I think it will stay off, and that is what is important. I'll never be skinny, and that's okay. Roger says he likes my curves, and so do I. I've learned a lot about my body in the past six weeks and am quite happy with the relationship I am working toward between me and my body. Joy comes from within and I am finding it in myself. And, the best part is that I can share that joy with Roger and that's what counts in life.

Walking in the Snow

Yep, snow. It was just flakes that melted right away, but it was fun. I love snow here because it doesn't get that cold

I had to take 3 days off walking because of my lower back. My friend, Mike, is a physical therapy tech and told me to let it heal completely before resuming my workout, so I did. I really missed working out. I did some stretches at home, but that wasn't the same. Luckily, I still lost weight! I was able to buy an outfit at Target in a smaller size (and on clearance), and that felt great.

I didn't go all out and do my sprints today, but I did a longer walk and feel pretty good about it. I'll have to ease into this workout again and add some ab and back exercises. I am back on track though, and feel fabulous!

Feeling a Little Lost

My lower back is feeling much better, but it still hurts. I have decided to take a second day off to try to let it heal a little bit more. I feel strange not working out. I'm going to do some stretches and probably some other strength training later, but no cardio means I'm not sure what to do with my morning. I guess I'll just have to be a little bit more productive that usual with school work. If my back feels better by 4 p.m., I'll walk after I teach. I don't like this not working out. I don't like the rest day and this is even worse. I just want to avoid doctors and physical therapy and such. Oh well. Gotta roll with the punches.

Good Day for a Rest

My lower back has been causing me some grief. It has been sore and difficult for me to do a lot. It doesn't hurt when I am exercising, but the rest of the time it has been painful. I am feeling better today, but happy there is no workout. I think I have been pushing too hard. My workouts seem easier, but I think I have been pushing. I'll try to ease back a little over the next few days to see if that helps.

So today is a rest day, but I have to lug a bunch of stuff to school and will undoubtedly go up and down the stairs quite a few times today.

I look forward to the rest, but am ready to get going again tomorrow.

Chilli Today...

It was a cold morning to start walking a couple hours earlier than I have been. I wanted the extra time for school work. The walk was good. I was cold. I listened to Janet Jackson and felt peppy. I saw lots of birds and squirrels, and lots of pissed off cats because I scared their prey away. It was a fun walk. Sunny. Gorgeous!

Forgot to Post

I did my workout today. It was tough to get started, but once I was on my way it was great. I think my allergies are messing with me. Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow.

Fucking Weather!!!!!

When I woke up this morning it was thundering and pouring, so I decided to delay my workout. I figured if the rain didn't let up, I'd end up at the gym. But, after a drive up to Trader Joe's in Newport News, the sun was shining bright. I decided to head out the door. Well, after the downpour earlier, the temperature had increased to almost 80, so it was MUGGY!! I took off anyway, and a few blocks away it started getting darker with a breeze; then came rain, light at first, then quite steady, then it stopped and started again a few times. I kept walking and ended even more humid than when I started. I am dripping with sweat and feel quite spent. My walk was much longer than usual, which adds to the need to recover. Well, music, water, chocolate milk and positive words from my husband will do wonders. I can't wait to go out tonight with friends! yeah!

Soggy Progress

It was wet and drizzly again today. Yuck! But I am able to cut my recovery time between sprints from 5 minutes to 4 minutes, which means I have to do more to make over 30 minutes total. But that's all good. I feel sooooo good today. What a fabulous time for me!

Hot

I wore too much when I worked out. I am hot. It was drizzling, too, so I am also wet. Ick. I feel itchy sweaty and damp. I need a shower, but will wait a few minutes to cool down. Still elated after my weight loss, I did not sit on my laurels (ass), but worked harder than before. I am motivated by my loss to work harder to lose more. My lower back still hurts and I'm a bit concerned for my running day tomorrow. But Aleve and rest should help and get me fired up and ready to go tomorrow.

I think if I missed my workout I would be sad. My student in his persuasive speech said exercise is addictive, and I think I'm an addict. I'm not crazy overboard, but happy and feel good about myself. I am liking the outside more, maybe it will catch up with my love for my inside. I hope so.

Overslept

I got out of bed almost 2 hours after I had planned. I hit the off button instead of the snooze button. I hope that doesn't happen again anytime soon. I did a long walk and it felt good. My lower back is a little sore, but I feel okay. I am 7 pounds lighter than I was last Wednesday...that feels good! I hope to keep losing the pounds. My clothes are so loose and it feels so good!

New Week

Monday starts the new week for us. Roger is off to a conference to judge a communication competition (I know sounds like I should be doing it, right?). He's making some good job connections, which is important. But, I started off walking listening to the Rolling Stones, always a favorite. The pounds keep coming off. It looks like over 6 in a week...YEAH! Of course, I wish it came off faster, but my clothes are almost falling off and I am feeling better all the time. I get very tired by the evening, but have been sleeping my 8 hours fairly hard and awaken feeling quite rested, which is a good feeling. I guess it is all coming together. By finishing this workout I am halfway through my 8 week program. Of course I won't stop after the 8 weeks, but it is nice to be halfway through the program and know I haven't missed any workouts. Pat myself on the back!

When It's Not First Thing

I think it is much harder to work out when I don't get to it first thing in the morning. We met some people for coffee early this morning and so I had to put off walking until a bit later. I still did it and feel good about it, but it seems more challenging. I guess my brain is already working and distracts from my walk. Oh well, it's done.

Slow and Steady Saturday

I woke up feeling like crap. The sinus pressure was causing a headache and my neck is stiff on the left side. The pills I took before eating made me nauseated. But, those were not excuses to skip my workout today. I went for a longer walk, but slower. I still sweat, but not too much. I feel good that I walked, but still feel crappy. Maybe a shower and some breakfast will help.

I have decided that it isn't democrats or republicans that rule the US; cats are the true leaders. The attitudes of the cats I saw today made me truly believe that they are in charge!

Lovely Saturday!!

I (heart) Fridays!

I had a terrific walk today. I am sweatier than ever and feel fabulous. It has been so warm here this past week, all of my gym shorts are in the dirty clothes. I had to wear pants, but it is even warmer today than the past few days, so I opted for my ultra thin, jammie like, I heart Jets pants. They are too long, and now too loose, but are cooler than my other options. I ran my first sprint, walked the next three, and was about to run my final sprint, when a young girl waiting for the bus said, "You have a heart on your butt, do you love someone?" I answered, "Yes, I love lots of people." She replied, " You must also love you because you are walking so fast." I thanked her and had to run. I heard her yell, "Run, girl, run." I felt so warm inside. I ran my 5th sprint, and decided that I do love myself and I speed-walked a 6th. I have been in a funk mostly due to school stuff, but her young voice pulled me out of it.

I have been losing about a pound a day for almost a week. I hope to continue that for awhile, but I know it will get tougher and tougher. I have lost so many inches, especially around my belly, and feel healthier almost every day. I need to take care of myself. This morning I told Roger I may wait until after class to walk today. I realized if I waited, I risked talking myself out of it. I left with him for work. He said he was impressed that I have kept up this long (not missing a single day) and said he would have stopped before now. That made me feel strong. I am strong, I just have to be reminded of it sometimes.

Tina and Tears

Listening to Tina Turner as I walked was strange. I love her; I love her music. For some reason listening to her made me cry...that's different for Tina, that's for sure. I am stressed about school and am having a difficult time. This part of the semester always seems to be difficult, emotionally and academically. I get through it, it is just hard.

My walk was okay. The weather sucked, rain and wind, but I'm done. Now for a shower and to work.

Nasty Weather--No Problem

The weather today is pretty shitty. It is fairly warm, but windy and rainy--blustery. It didn't matter. I got outside and started working out and actually added 15 minutes to my routine. I can't believe in beginning week 4, I am already outgrowing my workout some. Not that it is easy--it's not. It is tough. I'm soaked in sweat and have to take a few minutes to catch my breath, but I feel better in all aspects of life. I have been sleeping so well for the past few weeks, which has been a welcome change. I'm not as hungry as I have been in the past and I have loads more energy throughout the day. I am quite pleased and proud of myself.

I stayed up late last night for the election results. I also ate crap--cheeseburger and fries--but feel the change I helped elect last night will also translate to change in me. I want good health and I know I can achieve it. It is so wonderful to know that I can do this...yes, I can!

It's All Up to Me

I've realized a few things doing these workouts these past three weeks. Mainly, that it is all up to me. Roger is a great support and helps me in all ways possible, but I'm the one who has to get up and do it. And it is just me and a few handweights and my tennis shoes. No trainer, no gym equipment, I took this job on myself and have to turn to myself to continue. I like this power I have over myself. I feel powerful rather than powerless. I can change things. Support from Roger and my parents and anyone else who supports me is just extra fuel. I fuel myself.

Fleetwood Mac songs are too slow and too short. I ended my workout almost 5 minutes early, but lifted weights so I guess it works out.

And my #1 post workout treat is Organic Low Fat Chocolate Milk...the perfect way to refuel...protein, fat, carbs...and it tastes soooooo good! It seems to give me that restart for the rest of the day.

No Excuses

Today sucked! First of all, I was enjoying my morning and working on teaching prep while thinking about the rest of the homework I must get done, and I did not want to work out. I ate a banana, finished my teaching prep work, changed and headed out the door. This was one of the hardest walks so far. I don't know if I was pushing myself harder than before or my body feels it's later than it is because of the time change or if the past three weeks are just catching up with me, but my body fought me the whole walk. I still did it. I completed my prescribed program. I feel a bit nauseated right now and need to cool down, but overall am glad I didn't skip it. I have not skipped any days so far and Roger told me he was proud of me and that made me feel so special and so loved. I am beginning to feel proud of myself as well. Well, no excuses!

Celebretory Hangover

Since Thursday afternoon, I have consumed beer, buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing, french fries with cheese and bacon, pepperoni pizza, Halloween candy, more pizza, Indian food--including Naan, and finally, Claimjumper cake...UGH! So, in starting today's workout I was concerned that all that food was weighing me down, mentally if not physically. So, I knew I had to choose my music wisely. I needed something to lift me up and feel good about myself. I didn't have to think too hard, the Indigo Girls, of course. For 20 years (and 5 concerts) they have been lifting my spirits and making me both happy and contemplative. I cranked up Swamp Ophelia until it got to slow and switched to Rites of Passage. And, with a little help of fast forward, ended my walk on the most uplifting song--Joking! I finished my workout feeling cheerier than I imagined I would. Thanks Amy and Emily for making me feel good once again!