Back at It

I've been working with a personal trainer, Shawn. It has been wonderful for me. I see my fitness progressing and am actually proud of myself. Today was the Fargo Marathon weekend and I'm thinking of starting now to train for thr half next year. With the guidance of my trainer and the support from my family, I know I can do it. Now, to start...

Yesterday, 12/4/2009

60 minutes walking

12/3/2009

58 minutes walking

12/1/2009

55 minute walk

Becoming the Runner

I am slowly becoming the runner. I ran almost half of my 3 miles yesterday at the gym. It may not seem like much to seasoned runners, but it means a lot to me. I am very proud of myself. I enjoy running. When I got pain in my side running yesterday, I was quite disappointed that I had to stop running. It was almost the end of my workout, but I had been so happy with my running and really wanted to run over half the time. Next time.

I don't listen to music when I run; I listen to my body. My breath, my heart, my muscles and my tendons. It works for me. My body tells me what I can do and when I must slow down or walk. My body doesn't lie to me. I fear that listening to music will distract me and I'll injure myself, and I do not want this.

I realize I should fail at this. I've never kept up any exercise program for very long. I don't have the body of a runner. I don't have the expensive bras or shorts. But, I am trying and I will keep trying. I'll continue to do my best.

Continuing to Train

I did the longer run/walk training session this morning. Roger accompanied me, which makes it so much easier for me to do continue working for some reason. I ran my farthest distance, which isn't all that far, but I am proud of myself. I never thought I would be a runner, but am liking it. The book "Running for Mortals" really helped to put it in perspective for me. I realize I don't have to be an elite athlete to be a runner, and I'm not alone. I like that.

Monday's are rest days, but I'll be back at it stronger than ever on Tuesday. Happy Sunday!

Wicked 10k Training

I signed up for the Wicked 10k and have begun training. Training was somewhat derailed during our vacation, but I am back on track. I find that I feel stronger every day I walk or run and am optimistic about the end results. The end result being that I am stronger, leaner and more healthy. I'm not asking for a rail-thin body, just good health.

Vacation

I walked and walked all over Louisville last week. It was terrific. I ate like crap, had too much beer, and managed to lose a pound! Yeah, me.

I did a power walk today. It has been awhile. It felt good. Back on track!

IPod Random

Walking today, I listened to my IPod on random. It was fun to hear such a different variety of music. I decided to only forward through Holiday songs. I heard music I didn't even know I had. I'm now listening to Weezer's "Buddy Holly Song." Great way to end the walk.

Equation

Stress+Sun+No Workout+Smoothie Lunch+Cheez-Its+Late Supper+2 Buffalo Wings+1 Nacho+1/2 Blue Cheeseburger+1 Cup of French Fries+1 Margarita=Hives, Poor Sleep, Upset Tummy and Hard Workout the Next Day!!!

I Need a Break

So today I will closely watch my calories, walk around Ghent a little and rest my weary muscles. Tomorrow...it will be raining, so back to the gym for cardio and strength. Woohoo. I'll be back outside on Tuesday, hopefully.

Back Outside

I am so happy to be walking outside again. I hope I can continue working out in the great outdoors. I feel much happier about it. that's all for now.

The Gym

It is rainy and cold so we headed to the gym today. We are members of the Norfolk Wellness Center, which is pretty nice (and pretty inexpensive). I got a good workout, but would rather be outside. It was nice that Roger went too. I like to workout with someone near. It is some motivation. It is hard to walk with Roger, but I like it when we walk together. I wish I had a buddy that walked at my pace, but I don't and likely won't find one for the 7 weeks I will still be here. I'll just keep plugging alone!

Hot Today

Whew. I just finished my walk and am quite hot. This weather is messed up. I'm hoping for a few cooler days to work and work out before this heat stays. Ugh! I'm getting farther in the same amount of time. It is deceiving, because I see how far I've walked and realize I still have a long way to go. It is all good. I'm shedding water and fat. I'm almost 10 pounds lighter than I was 10 days ago. I can't ask for much more than that. I just have to keep it up. And I will.

Relief from Pain and Stress

Working out has helped to relieve my pain, my tendonitis pain anyway. I now have the good aches and soreness that comes with a well-done workout routine. I am quite proud of myself, actually, and that is a very good feeling.

The stress of writing a thesis, an unknown future and packing up this shithole apartment, has been getting to me. I've had a couple of very cranky days. But, I believe that because I am working out regularly, that stress is not as bad as it was. I am feeling more confident in my strength, and in my writing ability. I am amazed at this emergence. I've always lacked some self-confidence and it is nice to build it back up. I have always known that it comes from me, nobody can tell me great things and make me more confident, I have to find it myself. And I am, and it makes me joyful!

Back to work...lots to do.

Hot Already

Whew! It was a hot walk today. There was a wind that helped cool me down, but I am sweating! I'll need a longer cool down before showering. It is supposed to cool back down tomorrow...and I am glad. I like a day or two of hot weather, but am not ready for full-blown summer. I hope it doesn't come until we leave in May.

Avoiding the Jehovah's Witnesses

My walk today was all about avoiding religious zealots trying to sell me their religion. The only thing I got from them is a coughing attack because one woman was wearing way too much perfume.

Otherwise it was wonderful walk. People were outside working or relaxing. Everyone was friendly with greeting on every block. I listened to the Indigo Girls for inspiration. I ended with The Airplane Song and thought of flying to Hawaii. Made me smile!

Is It Spring? or Summer?

Two days ago I was walking in two pairs of sweatpants and several layers with a polar tech hat. Today, I word shorts, a t-shirt and a baseball cap. Talk about a change in weather...whew! I am really proud of myself this week. I have overcome some big barriers, both mentally and in eating. I have had no artificial sweeteners in 5 days, this includes Diet Coke. I have limited my caffeine to morning coffee (sometimes it sneaks into early afternoon). I have upped my fiber and vegetables (yes, vegetables) and have had NO fried food. I feel pretty good. I had a few headaches earlier in the week, but they seem to be easing up as well. The walking has been going really, really well. I feel stronger every day and a definite bonus is that I feel happier every day. I am planning to buy some new nail polish as a reward. With our limited budget, I can't get a professional pedicure, but I can do one at home. I think I'll get to that on Sunday after I have finished a full week of exercise and food control. Yeah, me!

Out of My Funk

I've been down the past few days. Between school, an uncertain future and cloudy, rainy-snowy weather, I just had a difficult few days. Today is the second day of sunshine. I walked yesterday, but the cold weather made me walk to fast and lose my breath. Today, it is not as cold and I walked at a slightly slower but steady pace. I feel good. I enjoy turning on my Ipod and taking off. It is fun to see what is different in the neighborhood. I am looking forward to exploring new neighborhoods. I'm hoping we know where those neighborhoods will be. Fingers crossed.

I'm really committed to working out and eating better. It is tough with so much other stress to keep it up, but with Roger's assistance (he is both a great comfort and a great motivator), I'll do it. Hawaii in just 10 weeks...YIKES!!

Hot and Cold

It is cold (at least for Norfolk) today...in the 20s feels like 16, but I walked. I did my workout. When I stretched after, though, my legs hurt from being so cold. It was quite an experience. Luckily, I listen to my dad and wear a hat which keeps me toasty warm. I can feel the steam escape from the top of my head when I get inside and take my hat off. I haven't been sick in a long time (knock wood) and I believe, at least in part, it is because I wear a hat whenever it is cold. Also, being happy in life keeps sickness away, so I have that going for me.

Tomorrow is supposed to be colder. I think I'll wear two pairs of pants, but otherwise, I'm ready to go.