Resisting Temptation

Why does it seem like when you are trying to eat right and exercise that there are folks that want to sabotage your efforts? I really don't make that big of a deal about trying to do better but it almost feels like when people find out they go out of their way to put a stumbling block in the way. Today for example, I declined an invitation to go out for lunch and when I was pressured to go I mentioned that I am trying to eat better. I almost felt that I was being made fun of because of it. Then these same people brought cupcakes from a new bakery back with them. While they looked yummy, I once again declined. The response that I got was, "Well, you have been working out you deserve one". I am trying to change the way that I think about food. I don't want to look at food as a reward. My reward will be getting to that level of fitness and health that I deserve.

I worked out with my Wave on Sunday and again on Monday. I took off from work on Monday and worked in my yard all day after doing a 30 minute workout. I am beginning to notice that my muscles are starting to get more toned. I haven't lost any pounds yet but I think that my clothes are fitting better. I have a 40 minute workout planned for tonight.

The Wave

I did survive a 40 minute session with my new Wave last night. I did the 10 minute ab video and a 30 minute cardio sculpting video. The ab video was not all that challengeing for me. Probably because I don't have each exercise down and it took me too long to get in postion for the next move. After I have seen it a few times I know that it will be more fluid. The 30 minute video is the same one I did the first night so I kind of knew where the changes were and could anticipate them better and as a result I think that that work out was more effective. I woke up this morning and my hamstrings and arm muscles were sore. Today is supposed to be a rest day accordnig to the training guide. I guess it will have to be because I have to travel today to get my kids to their grandmother's house for part of their spring break. It will be nice to have a couple of days without having to worry about where they are at and when they are coming home.

Tomorrow night I am going to do the extreme cardio work out. It really feels good to have an exercise plan again.

I'm Still Here!

It has been crazy lately. Work has been insanely busy. This is always my busiest time of the year. It starts in January and doesn't end until the second week in May. About this time each year is crunch time. We are in the midst of planning a huge conference and I am the point person. It always turns out fine but until it is over I stay stressed. The night after it ends I usually unwind with a hot bath and a bottle of wine. Probably not the most healthy way but it works.

I started a new exercise program last night. I ordered it from an infomercial which is something I never do, at least not in the recent past. It is called The Wave. The system comes with a curved device that you must stand on and balance while going through various moves with and without hand weights. It comes with 4 work out videos ranging from 10 minutes to 40 minutes. I did a 10 minutes one and most of a 30 minutes one last night. I think that it is going to be good for me. I woke up this morning and my glutes were hurting. This is what it looks like.


The work out reminds me of Jazzercise. Lots of cardio along with weights. Many of the moves are the same as Jazzercise. I did Jazzercise for about 2 years. I lost weight and my husband told me that I was buff. Hopefully I can stick the routine out, drop a few pounds and maybe get back to running.

I have been walking during my lunch breaks at least two days a week. I always feel like I need to walk at least 3 miles. The route that I take starts by going downhill toward the river and the return is up hill all the way. The first couple of times I could really feel it in my hip flexors and calves.

I have 54 days until my beach trip. The good news is that I could button a pair of shorts this weekend that I wasn't able to 2 weeks ago. Surely in 54 days I can drop a few pounds and firm up a little.

I'll probably do the Wave again tonight. I'll do the ab work out and attempt the 40 minute cardio.

If I can move tomorrow I'll let you know how that goes.

Merry Christmas

It is so hard to believe that the holidays are here. Last year at this time I had all my shopping and house cleaning taken care of. It is a very different story this year. December has flown by. It's all good. After Friday it will be time to start thinking about next Christmas.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. My oldest son graduated this month with his master's degree. My second son is going to start college in January after a very rocky couple of years of self-destructive behaviors. My daughter is growing into a beautiful young lady with aspirations for her future. My daughter-in-law is on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming an early childhood educator. She will graduate in May.

In spite of my lack of exercise and the weight that I have gained this year, I have managed to stay healthy. I am looking forward to 2009 and getting back into shape. I have a beach vacation planned in May. My husband and I are going to vacation with my sisters and their families and I don't want to be the fat one. With that to keep me motivated I know I can do it!

Happy Holidays!

Not Just Yet.

The medication the doctor gave me for my arthritic toe is helping. I haven't yet put on the running shoe and hit the road. I feel like I need to wait a couple of days for that. I have been riding my recumbent bike. I rode for 30 minutes yesterday and got up at 5:30 this morning and rode for forty. Yesterday I did 8 miles and today I did 11.5. I'll probably try to get on it again tonight. I have really been watching my caloric intake. I have been feeling a little lethargic and I know that it is must my body adjusting to fewer carbs and sugars. I haven't completely cut anything out of my diet. I am just watching it. I can't help but think that if I drop a few pounds that my feet will thank me and I will feel more confident about myself.

I'll get there. It may take more time than I would hope for but I'd rather get there healthy and uninjured.

Can you say OUCH!?

That is what I have been saying for the past week and a half. I have had problems with bunions on my big toes off and on for several years but lately my left toe has been hurting pretty much constantly. I went to the doc today, I almost talked myself out of it because it seems so stupid to have toe pain. Anyway, I have a bone spur on my toe and have developed a bit of athritis. OUCH! He prescribed some anti-inflamortory medication and I hope that it will work. I just took my first pill a few minutes ago so we shall see. I almost cried when I saw my weight. I have really got to get this under control with some serious exercise. Women in my family (my dad's side) tend to "puff up" after they hit 40. I don't want to be a fluffy grandmother so I need to get to work before grandkids come along.

If this medicine is helpful I'll be back on the road tomorrow.

See you then!

What the Heck?!

That's what my legs were saying this morning after only .66 miles. "You mean to tell us that you have been sitting on that big rear end of yours all summer and NOW you expect us to carry you while you attempt to get rid of some of it? NO WAY! We quit!" Then they did. I have never had shin splits that bad before. It seemed like the pain went all the way up my leg. I wasn't sure that I could even walk home. I was determined to get at leas 1.5 miles one way or the other. I tried running a couple of more times but there was no way. It is so strange that one day can feel so good and the next be so terrible. I guess maybe I am expecting too much too soon. I'll keep trying though. I think that I am going to go ride the bike for a little bit and burn a few more calories. That might help stretch the muscles in my calves out a little bit.

I'll hit the road again tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be nice all week. I'll just try to pace myself and give myself permission to gradually build back up my distance. I didn't get out of shape overnight and I won't get back in shape quickly either.