Day 110 - Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween! I had to switch up my routine a little today in order to take Michael trick-or-treating, but it worked out great.  I went to my regular muscle challenge class and worked really hard.  At one point, I was using 20 pound weights.  I’ve never done that before!  I was so tired when I was done.  I have a feeling I am going to be really sore tomorrow.

When I got home, it was time to get Michael ready to go out.  We walked all around the neighborhood, and it was definitely at least an hour of walking.  My poor legs were ready to collapse when we finally walked back in the door.  But, it was a fun way to get all my exercise in, and Michael had a great time.  I am very proud to say that I wasn’t even tempted to tax his haul.  With all his food allergies and sensitivities, he won’t be eating any of it, but that doesn’t mean I get to break my diet.  And, on another note, we gave out glow sticks, mini card games, and mini tubs of play dough.  Most of the kids were really happy to get something different.  That felt nice.

The challenge of the day was coming home after an especially intense class and heading right back out the door.  But, since Michael was so excited, it definitely helped me get moving.

The surprise of the day was just enjoying how much fun Michael was having.  This is only the second year that he has wanted to go door to door.  He’s always loved giving out toys and candy, but never really wanted to go out.  It just makes me happy when he gets to act like all the other kids.

Day 108 - Sandy Begins

I figured I’d do my blog entry early again today.  I just finished my second hour on the bike, so I can report that I did get all my exercise in for the day.  Even if I was silly enough to want to go to my classes tonight, they were cancelled.  Both gyms closed around noon today.  I’m sitting here listening to the wind and watching the trees sway, very happy to be safe and sound at home.

The challenge of the day is once again staying focused.  With everything going on with the storm, seeing the pictures coming in from all over the east coast, it’s easy to get distracted.  But, I was able to plan on riding the bike once at lunch time and again after work.  It definitely helps to plan out my exercise times!

The surprise of the day is simply that we still have power.  On our block especially, it seems like the second a drop falls from the sky, power goes out.  So, I am very thankful that we are still fine, the power is still on, and life is fairly close to normal.  I am really hoping for a miracle and that we keep power for the duration.  I really don’t want to have to drive to the office tomorrow!

Day 107 - Preparing for Sandy

I figure I better post my blog early today, just in case Sandy gets here soon.  It was a good day, exercise wise.  I actually did a one-hour session on the elliptical, and was trying to do a second.  I only made it forty-five minutes into the second session and finished with fifteen minutes on the bike.  So, I got all my exercise in, even if it wasn’t how I had planned.  I do have to say that I am really excited that I did last so long on the elliptical!

The challenge of the day was keeping focused despite all the news about Hurricane Sandy.  We spent a lot of the day making sure that everything was charged that needed to be, that all the laundry was washed, folded, and put away, and that everything that could be put away outside was put away.  Then Steve had to go out for a bit.  I’ll be happy when he’s home safe and sound and everything is locked up tight.

The surprise of the day was just how calmly Michael accepted that the power was probably going to be going out and that we needed to prepare for it.  He hates when the power is out because everything sounds so different.  And, he really hates that he can’t predict all the noises that happen when it comes back on.  But, we needed to warn him about the storm, and to make sure his toys were charged.  He took it really well and has been making sure to keep everything charged and ready to go.  Very nice!

Day 106 - Fifteen Week Results

Today was a much better day.  Steve and I had to wake up early to go to a TACA presentation by Dr. Usman.  As much as I hate waking up early on a Saturday, the presentation was wonderful.  No matter how many times I hear a speaker, I always learn something new.  And Dr. Usman is one of my favorites.

We had a bunch of errands to run after the presentation, so it was after four by the time we got home. I quickly did one hour on the bike and then did a few things around the house.  After dinner, I did a second hour on the bike.  Nothing special, but I got all my cardio in.  Yeah me!

The challenge today was not being upset when I got on the scale.  I only lost one pound this week.  It was definitely disappointing since I’ve been working so hard.  But, I do know that my weight goes up and down daily, and it will head back down again soon.

The surprise of the day was just how nice it was to spend some time with Steve going to the presentation and running around after.  Even though it’s very mundane, sometimes it’s nice to just have time to be alone.  Ever since I started this journey, it seems like all I do is work, exercise, and do chores.  I do miss having more down time with Steve, but was happy to sneak some it today.

Day 105 - Friday Exhaustion

Tonight’s post is going to be pretty concise.  I went to yoga tonight and had a wonderful session.  I came home relaxed and energized. Then, I got on the bike but only made it 45 minutes before I was completely exhausted and hurting.  So, I decided to cut it short and call it a night.  I am trying another new strategy tonight to get some rest, so I’m shutting down early and heading upstairs.  Have a great night all!

Day 104 - Mixed Emotions

I feel like I’m bouncing back and forth between all kinds of emotions.  Tonight I’m depressed.  I went to a new yoga class at the new LA Fitness in Gaithersburg and it was just really, really hard.  I guess I’ve gotten used to the instructors at Healthtrax.  They do a lot of hard poses, but always have modifications or something else I can do if it’s just too advanced for me.  Normally, I leave class inspired, being proud of what I accomplished.  Tonight, I felt depressed, and upset by everything I couldn’t do.  I will go again next week just because I’m stubborn that way.  Maybe a second attempt will be better.

It was also a really busy day.  I was in the office all day and then came home to get on the bike before yoga.  So, I was tired going into class.  But, no more tired than when I do two classes back to back.  And, I actually slept well last night, so I was more rested.  Like I said, maybe it’s just an off day and tomorrow, and next week, will be better.

The challenge of the day was not breaking down in frustration in the middle of class tonight.  I’m not normally a quitter, but I really just want to take my mat and go home.  But, I will stick it out.  The surprise of the day was when I walked in the door after class.  Steve and Michael were sitting at the kitchen table playing mini duets.  Steve was playing the lap harp and Michael was playing the piano app on Steve’s phone.  It was so sweet! 

Day 103 - Exhausted but Happy

Today was a much better workout than Monday.  We used different muscles and I was able to keep up a lot better today.  I’m still going to be really sore tomorrow and Friday, but I will have earned it!  Yoga tonight was definitely hard.  My arms we so tired from the first class that I would barely hold them out in the warrior flow.  But, they are definitely getting stronger.  Tonight, when it was time to do the plan, I was able to last 45 seconds in a full plank.  Not great, but not terrible.

Today’s challenge is not getting overwhelmed.  I have so much going on with work, with Michael, with home, with family that it’s so hard to keep up.  Some days I feel like I’m one step away from drowning in it all.  I really don’t know what I would do if Steve wasn’t so supportive.  He makes sure that everything happens so I can go workout.  I feel guilty that he’s shouldering so much, but he does know how much I appreciate it.

In that vein, tonight’s surprise is realizing just how supportive my family is.  Steve goes so far out of his way to make sure I can keep up my program.  My Aunt checks in on me regularly.  My cousin comes to work out whenever she can.  Even Michael asks about my classes and we compare yoga poses.  So, even when life is totally overwhelming, I do feel loved and supported.

Day 102 - Looking back, looking forward!

Steve pointed out that I let the 100^th day go by without a major celebration.  I’ve been so busy the last few days it really didn’t sink in that I’ve been at this for 100 days now.  That’s a long time for me to be committed to diet and exercise.  The good thing is that it is starting to feel natural.  I am finding myself looking forward to moving rather than dreading it.  OK, so Mondays and Wednesdays are really, really hard.  I still actually love them.  Scary, huh?

I know I was whining a little bit yesterday.  But, based on how sore I am today, I know that I really was pushing myself very hard.  And you know what?  I like that!  I love that I am able to push myself and keep going.  Although, I have to admit, I’m really thankful it’s a rest day today.  I am seeing an Epsom salt bath in my immediate future.

Sometimes I get frustrated that I can’t seem to lose weight like they do on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  But, they are able to put everything on hold and focus only on exercise.  I have a full time job, a full time child, and a ton of obligations that can’t be put on hold.  So, when I consider everything I have been able to accomplish in the last 100 days, I’m really, really proud of myself. 

You have seen the before and current pictures, and know that I’ve lost thirty-three pounds so far.  But what you don’t know is all the other benefits I’ve been experiencing:

·         My energy is really up

·         I can go up the stairs without pulling myself up with the railing

·         I am able to wear clothes that I had put away because they were too small

·         There is a gap between my tummy and the steering wheel of the car

·         My posture is better

·         Other than muscle soreness, I have fewer aches and pains

·         I am happy when I look in the mirror.

The last one is the best.  I had spent so long going between doubting I could ever lose weight and get healthy.  Now, I see progress.  And, instead of seeing failure in the mirror, I see hope.  That is a very good thing.

I am actually really excited to see what I will look like and how I will feel at the end of the next 100 days.  With the new gym opening, I have more options for exercise.  I just have a really, really good feeling that the best is yet to come.

Today’s challenge was just getting out of bed this morning.  I’m still not sleeping especially well, and it seems like I just finally got to a deep sleep and the alarm went off.  But, it was an office day so I didn’t have any choice.  Tonight will be an early night.

Today’s surprise was that I got to talk with a friend I haven’t spoken with in a while.  Her life is just as crazy as mine, if not worse.  It was nice to take a few minutes and catch up.  And, I get to see her tomorrow.  That is even better!

Day 101 - Pushing Myself Really Hard

I don’t understand how I can look forward to something and dread it at the same time.  That’s pretty much how I feel about my Monday and Wednesday workouts.  I love both classes, but I push myself so hard that I’m really worried that one of these days I will actually pass out.  Or barf.  Tonight, I came pretty close to both.

I keep hoping that the classes will get easier as I get in better shape.  Whenever I think about holding back a little, I think about all the progress I’ve made.  There are real, noticeable changes in my body, and that’s probably because I have been pushing myself so hard.  For now, I’m going to keep going and focus on how much I love the classes.

Today’s challenge was making it all the way through the second class.  There were a few times when I just had to stop and catch my breath, but I did keep going.  At the end of class, I sat on the bench for a few minutes and was just happy that I made it through.

The surprise of the day was a really simple thing.  This morning Michael didn’t want to wake up, and I got an extra cuddle before school.  It was really nice and a great way to start the day.

Day 100 - Late but Good!

I forgot to post last night before bed, so my day 100 post is a little late.  I got caught up in watching the Night of Too Many Stars on comedy central and was so focused on autism I totally forgot about my weight issues!  For what it’s worth, during the finale, I was so impressed with Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen.  They both really watched out for Jodi on the stage.  Katy pretty much had her hand on her shoulder the entire time. 

It’s not that I don’t appreciate all the celebrities that gave of their time and resources, but Katy was the only one who interacted with a child on stage.  And, seeing her go beyond the original duet and just interact naturally made me cry more than the original performance (and that is saying something!).  So, that’s my excuse for being distracted last night!

Overall, it was a great exercise day.  I did two hour sessions on the bike and had a great time doing it.  When we were looking at bikes, I made sure to buy the Life Fitness model because it was the only recumbent bike with an adjustable reclining backrest.  You wouldn’t think it would make that much of a difference, but for me, it’s huge.  Because I carry so much weight in my tummy, being able to take away some of that pressure makes it so much more comfortable.

Despite how comfy the bike is, when I go for more than 45 minutes, part of my butt does tend to hurt.  I think it’s just being in the same position for so long, and having the fat scrunched up.  (Yes, it’s a technical term).  But, I noticed yesterday that even though I did two hour long sessions, my butt was just a little sore.  By the time I got up and walked around a couple minutes after the session, the pain was completely gone.  I am thinking that I’ve actually lost enough in my butt to make a difference.  Yeah, me!

Day 99 - Fourteen Week Results!

I can’t believe it’s been fourteen weeks already!  And, I’m even more excited to realize that I’ve lost 33 pounds so far!  I only lost a pound and a half this week, but I’m still thrilled with the results.  When I look at each new side by side picture, I can see how far I have come.  I know I have so much more to lose, but I really feel like I’m well on my way.  Here is this week’s picture:

 

I can really tell that I’ve become a true convert to exercise by the fact that I signed up for a second gym just so I can go to more classes.  (I am cheaing on Healthrax with LA Fitness!)  The new gym opened yesterday and I went to a yoga class this morning.  It was so much fun to take a new class, with a new instructor, in a brand new facility.  There was some things that were different than I’m used to, but overall, it was so much fun.  If you asked me fifteen weeks ago if I would ever think exercise was fun I would have laughed at you.  Now, I find that I’m actually looking forward to it.

I finished out today’s exercise with two thirty minute sessions on the bike.  It’s great to break up the exercise into smaller sessions.  I feel like it keep my metabolism going all day long.  And, I’m beginning to feel like I can handle almost anything for thirty minutes.

Today was a pretty easy day, so no big challenge comes to mind.  But, I do have to say that walking into a whole new place and facing a huge new set of people was a little nerve-wracking.  Throughout this process, I’ve gotten a lot less self conscious about my weight but still there is always the feeling in the back of my mind that I just don’t belong.  But, I went, I fit right into the class, and I did it.  Yes, there were a few things I couldn’t do, but there were other people who were much smaller than me who couldn’t do them either.  And, yoga is about as noncompetitive as it gets.  That helps a lot!

The surprise of the day was definitely seeing the side by side pictures.  It’s still hard for me to look in the mirror and see a difference in my body.  I can feel it, but I can’t see it.  Every day I can do new things, and I’m even starting to wear new clothes.  But, looking in the mirror?  Not so much.  But, when I have the beginning picture next to a today picture, that I can see.

 

Day 98 - I love Friday!!!!

Yeah for Friday!!  It was a hectic day since Michael was home from school, I had meetings in Columbia, and I got a zillion emails today that all needed something.  But, it’s done.  I love finishing the week with the Friday night yoga class.  And, my cousin is back from her trip, so she joined me for the class.  It always makes it better when you have a friend in the class!

Before I left for the gym, I did half an hour on the bike.  Then, I went to yoga class for an hour.  When I got home, I was starving.  Steve made me a wonderful stuffed portabella mushroom for dinner.  Yummmm!  After that, I did another half hour on the bike, and I’m done for the day. 

Today’s challenge was just getting through all the work emergencies and keeping a positive attitude.  There were so many times I wanted to snap at someone, but that didn’t happen, thankfully.  I am hoping things come together better next week, and it’s a little easier at work.

The surprise of the day was definitely that Jeannie was able to come to yoga.  She just got back yesterday and I really thought she’d be jet-lagged.  But, she’s better than the energizer bunny and I had my workout buddy back.  It was so great to have her company again!

Day 97 - Hurry Up and Wait

Today was another intense day.  I thought for sure I’d be able to get all my exercise in.  Then I didn’t get a lunch break at all.  If Steve didn’t make me a salad to eat at my desk, I probably wouldn’t have eaten all day.  I did manage to get an hour on the bike after I finally quit for the day.  Then I had a presentation on the Autism Waiver that I had to go to.  And now, it’s almost 8:30 and I am afraid that if I try to exercise now I won’t sleep tonight.  But, an hour of exercise is still way better than nothing!

Today’s challenge was definitely the meeting.  Right now they are serving children who have been on the waiting list 9 months longer than Michael.  Those nine months could mean another year of waiting. We’ve been on the list for just about seven years now.  But you never know, we might get lucky.

The surprise of the day was that I got to talk with my Aunt.  She’d been out of the country for a couple weeks and I really missed talking with her.  While I was driving to the presentation tonight, I got to catch up with her.  That was definitely a happy surprise.

Day 96 - Long, Exhausting Day

I’ve spent the last two days in full day meetings.  Then, I came home tonight and went to the gym for my two classes.  I don’t know if it’s because of the poor sleep, the long meetings, or what, but it seemed like I was especially weak tonight.  My stamina was really bad, too.  I am really hoping that I’ll sleep well tonight and can get back to my ‘normal’ performance by next week.  Tomorrow should be an easier day with just straight cardio.  I can handle that.

I realize I forgot to do my challenge and surprise yesterday.  I guess that means I really was as exhausted as I thought I was!  Today’s challenge was definitely keeping up with the classes.  There were some new poses in yoga that I really struggled with, and some exercises in the muscle challenge class that I just couldn’t do.  But, I did my best and that’s all I can expect of myself.

The surprise was that I actually did sleep better last night.  It wasn’t a perfect night’s sleep, but it was definitely better than the nights before.  I am hoping and praying that tonight is another good night and I can get back to where I was sleeping like a log!

Day 95 - Restless Rest Day

I am so glad today was a rest day.  I have been having trouble sleeping again, and was really tired most of the day.  I am hoping to actually sleep tonight so I can have really a really great workout tomorrow.  If you know of a miracle sleep solution, please let me know?

Day 94 - Back to the Gym

Today I am beat.  Completely.  I did the same two classes I normally do back to back on Monday and Wednesday, but tonight, they totally kicked my butt.  Toward the end of yoga I had to sit back in child pose for a little while because I really thought I was going to pass out.  I don’t know if it’s because I missed classes last week, if I’m still not getting enough sleep, or it was just a really hard set of classes.  No matter what the reason, I am completely spent.  I guess it’s good that I worked hard.  Not so good that I am so totally exhausted.  But, hopefully, Wednesday will be better.

Today’s challenge was definitely just making it through the end of class.  Once I caught my breath, I did finish the class strong.  But wow, it was hard!

Today’s surprise is harder.  It’s been a pretty tough day all around.  But, the one good thing is that when I walked in the door, Michael was happy to see me and wanted to tell me all about the lap harp concert he’s going to give.  That was a nice thing, and a great thought to end the day with.

Day 93 - Busy, sad day

Wow!  Today was one busy day!  Michael slept in until 9 this morning, so we all got a great night’s sleep.  But then, we had to rush around to get everything done.  Michael had KEEN Music today, so we had to take him for that, and then ran a few errands.  Once we got home, we finally started the work on the garage we were supposed to do yesterday. 

For me, seeing all the toys that Michael never played with really depresses me.  It just seems so unfair that he was robbed of so many of the ‘typical’ fun things that kids do growing up.  He never played with puzzles; he doesn’t like legos; he never enjoyed coloring books or activity books.  It breaks my heart to give things away, but it’s sadder to keep them around realizing he will never play with them.  We made real progress in the garage, but I was glad when it was time to come inside for the football game.

I rode the bike for an hour during the first half, and did the elliptical during the second half.  I was going to get back on the bike after dinner, but I just ran out of time.  I still needed to take Michael into the chamber, and that couldn’t be skipped.  So, I decided that 90 minutes of exercise was going to be good enough for today. And, it really is.  It’s not like I’ve been sitting around at all today.

Figuring out today’s challenge is easy – dealing with the toys in the garage was more than a challenge.  It’s still ripping me apart inside.  The surprise is a little harder.  But, there was one really nice thing.  We had gotten Michael a lap harp when he was a lot younger, and he never really played with it.  Tonight, he saw it on the shelf we were organizing and wanted to play with it.  He actually played with it for about half an hour, and was doing a great job with it.  That was definitely a pleasant surprise!

Day 92 - Thirteen Week Results

Today was another great day.  Of course, weekends are usually pretty good.  I slept in to make up for earlier in the week, and was a little groggy for the rest of the morning.  But, once I was really awake, I did half an hour on the elliptical.  It was actually fun.  I’m getting better at using my arms the whole time and my speed is picking up. 

We had some errands to do, and took Michael to find a Halloween costume.  He made up his mind he wanted to go as a penguin, which is not the easiest costume to find.  Fortunately, we did find one, so that made the afternoon easier.  Once we were back and settled, the plan was to work in the garage.  But, when we were hanging up our jackets, the hall closet collapsed.  It’s always something.  So, Michael and I went into the hyperbaric chamber and Steve went to Lowes.  The good news is that he was able to repair the damage.  The bad news is that the garage didn’t get cleaned.

Before dinner, I did my favorite four mile walking video.  It was a great workout and actually seemed to go fairly quickly.  Then, after dinner, I did a final half hour on the exercise bike.  I was really happy that I got two hours in today and all the exercise was good. 

I guess the challenge today was definitely the closet disaster.  I am so glad Steve was able and willing to take care of it.  Even though it meant we didn’t get everything done I was hoping for, I still got my exercise in, and he still got it repaired.

The surprise was probably when Michael brought down a pile of board games and asked me to play them all with him.  It was a relaxing way to spend some time, and much better than him watching Netflix!  I do think we need to get him some new games though.

I was so excited about the day, I forgot all about the weigh in this morning.  This morning’s number was 316.5.  I can’t believe I’m down 31.5 pounds.  And, even though it wasn’t the best exercise week, I still lost two and a half pounds.  That is definitely something to smile about!

Day 91 - Fabulous Friday!

Today was another great day.  I woke up this morning actually feeling awake and refreshed.  It seems like forever since I woke up with energy.  I figured that was definitely a good sign.  I did a four mile walking video at lunch time and it was really, really good.  My legs felt strong, I had energy to get through the whole video, and it was just a great workout.  When it was over, I went back to work and had really good focus for the afternoon. 

After work, I went to my Friday Yoga class.  It was wonderful, as usual.  I did notice that my balance wasn’t as good as usual during the tree poses.  I am guessing that’s because I missed two classes this week.  So, even though my muscles needed the break, my balance would have preferred the consistency.  Or, it could have just been an off day.  Hopefully, next week will be better for my balance.
I think I want to incorporate two new things into the blog – a daily challenge and a daily surprise.  The challenge today was definitely the balance.  I really didn’t expect that, but it is an interesting data point.  I will track and see how I feel next week, and how I do with the tree poses.

The surprise of the day was how I felt after the walking DVD.  Normally, I’ve been really tired after each of my workouts.  Today, I wasn’t energized, but I was definitely focused.  I had a mental clarity that I didn’t have in the morning.  Again, I don’t want to read too much into it, but I do want to make a note.  It will definitely be interesting to follow.

Tomorrow is another weigh in.  I’ll be curious to see how the scale did with two missing workouts this week.  It was still a good food week, and I think I’m doing well, but the proof will be in the morning!

Day 90 - Back on Track!

It feels so good to be back on track!  I got a great night’s sleep last night, and a great day of exercise today.  And, after having a few days off in a row, my muscles were really rested and ready to go.  I did a four mile walking video at lunch time, and it was great.  I think it was probably the best I ever did it.  I could really tell that I was ready to be back.

After work, I did half an hour on the elliptical and it was really good, too.  My heart rate was where I wanted it, I kept my arms moving, and it was just a good workout.  For the last half hour, I did the bike.  Even though it was the least strenuous, it was the hardest.  I think I was probably running out of steam by then.  But, I did it, and I got all my exercise in for the day.  That feels great!

But, as annoyed as I was to have two unscheduled exercise days, I’m actually kinda glad too. Steve had been warning me that I hadn’t been giving myself enough time to recover from the strenuous workouts.  Now, I really have, and I can feel the difference.  I feel better overall, and I can feel that my muscles are stronger.  That’s a good thing.  So, I think when it’s time for a short break, I will take it.  But, only if I need it!

Day 89 - Sleep and schedule implosion

OK, this isn’t the best week.  I really don’t want to sound like I’m full of excuses, because I really am 100% committed to this.  But, this week, life just seems to be getting in the way.  I’m still not sleeping well, and my schedule is absolutely imploding.  Tonight I had to make the choice between going to the gym and going to a rescheduled back to school night.  My son had to win that priority challenge.  And, because I had to travel to meetings today, I didn’t have any flexibility.  But, I am actually looking forward to getting back to the exercise after giving my body a serious rest.  It will be nice to see what I can do tomorrow. 

Day 88 - Another Sleepless Night

Last night was another night with minimal sleep.  I really don’t know what’s going on.  I’ve gotten some suggestions from several friends, and I will definitely be trying them.  I can’t take this much longer.  I took today as my normal rest day and am hoping that tonight/tomorrow will be better.  No matter what, I will be back at the gym tomorrow afternoon.  Cross your fingers that tonight is a good night?

Day 87 - Listening to my Body

I think the last few weeks have finally caught up with me.  I just couldn’t sleep last night.  No matter what, I just kept tossing and turning.  I think I got about two hours sleep total.  I was going to try and force myself to go exercise tonight, but decided against it after talking with Steve and listening to my body.  I don’t know if I’m going to switch today for my normal rest day, or take two days.  It really just depends on if I sleep tonight and how I feel tomorrow.  As proud as I am that I’ve been sticking with the diet and exercise, I am also proud of myself for listening to my body and deciding that sometimes you just need to rest.  And, with that said, I’m off to an early bed and hopefully a good night’s sleep.

Day 86 - Sunday and Great Exercise!

I really wish every day could be Sunday!  It was so nice to sleep in this morning, and then just have a nice, quiet family day.  The only thing that could have made it better would have been the Redskins pulling out a win at home.  But, I can’t have everything. 

During the first half of the game I did 45 minutes on the elliptical.  For the first half, my heart rate was consistently in the 140s, and for the second half it was in the 150s.  It was a great workout.  And, I think this was the first workout where I was able to use the arms for the entire time.  Normally, I use them for a little while and then take a break and then start again.  This time, I was able to go the whole 45 minutes.  That’s a big accomplishment for me.

During the second half, I did 45 minutes on the bike.  My average heart rate for the whole session was 136.  Not bad!  I was able to bump up to level 6 today, which was another first for me.  I’ve experimented with different levels in the past, but today was the first time at level 6 for the whole session.  It felt really, really good.  I love that my strength, endurance, and stamina are all improving.

After the game, I took Michael into the chamber and had a rest for a bit.  It felt really good to just lie still for an hour.  Although, I was more stiff getting out that usual.  I asked Michael if I should do another half hour on the elliptical or if I should do a two mile walking DVD.  He voted for the DVD.  It took me a while to find the 2 mile video, since I’ve been doing mostly 4 and 5 miles lately.  But, it was really nice.  It felt like meeting up with an old friend.  I will definitely have to remember to keep it in rotation!

So, overall, it was a great day.  I got all my exercise in and still had time to do other things.  Who knows, I might even get to bed early tonight!

 

Day 85 - Twelve Week Results!

Well, it’s officially been 12 weeks now.  And this morning I weighed in at 319 pounds.  So, in twelve weeks I’ve lost 29 pounds.  I’m really, really happy.  And, if you look at the pictures, you can see a big difference now.  I love that there is starting to be a little space between my waist and my arms in the pictures!

 

The nice part is that some of the women at the gym are starting to see changes in me.  Not only do I look smaller, but I am able to do more in class. My energy is lasting a little longer, and my form is a lot better.  I think it goes along with how I tend to use every drop of energy, making it hard to tell if I actually have more than I started out with.  I always try really hard at the gym, so my effort level is the same, but now I get more done.  It makes it harder to measure progress, but really does keep me going.

Today has been really hectic.  I got up this morning and Michael was tired and grumpy.  He actually took a little bit of a nap this morning.  While he was sleeping, I was able to sneak in a 4 mile walking video.  After that, he wanted a lot of attention while we waited to pick Steve up from metro.  Then the afternoon got away from me.  I was able to do half an hour on the elliptical before chamber time, but then had to do half an hour on the bike pretty much right before bed.  Something tells me I won’t be sleeping especially well tonight!

Day 84 - HOPE!

It’s Friday!  Today was a great exercise day – a four mile walking video and my favorite yoga class of the week.  But, more importantly, I can’t believe that tomorrow I’ll be posting my twelve week results!!!  I am so excited.  I don’t think I can even come close to last week’s results, but I am hopeful that tomorrow’s picture will really show the progress I’ve made.

Tonight I found myself thinking about hope.  I was referring someone to the nutritionist we take my son to, and I caught myself explaining that she was the first person to offer us hope after my son’s autism diagnosis.  Before we met Kelly, everyone who met my son was full of dire predictions – he would never talk, we’d have to consider an institution, his life (and ours) was going to be really, really hard.  Kelly was the first one to tell us that there were physical symptoms we could treat, tests we could do, and that he could heal.  She never promised us a full recovery, but she did offer us hope.  At that point in my life, hope was better than all the money in the world.  It still is.

So, what does all this have to do with losing weight?  I realized tonight that for a long time, I had totally given up hope for my own health.  I’d been researching everything possible to get my son healthy, and had sacrificed hope for my own health in the process.  Making the decision to start this journey was a public statement of hope for myself.  I just didn’t realize it at the time.

So, what does that mean?  It means that I finally realize that the reason I’ve started and stopped so many diet and exercise programs is that I have always had hope.  I’ve never truly given up on getting fit, strong, and healthy.  It’s just been buried pretty deep, and I’ve gotten sidetracked really easily.  But now, I am really committed to this program, but also I am full of hope.  I just know deep inside that this time is different.  I have the tools, the support, and the ability to do this.  But most important, I have hope.

Day 83 - Office Days are Hard!

I was so proud of myself getting up really early and riding the bike for 45 minutes before work.  I thought that would give me a jump start and getting everything done today would be easy.  If only!  I had a late conference call at work, so I got home late.  Then, Steve couldn’t do the chamber with Michael tonight, so I had to.  Then, I finally had time for dinner and exercise.  I got in another hour on the bike, for a total of 1 hour forty five minutes.  Not perfect, but pretty good, considering.

I wish I had some magic potion that would give me energy on office days.  As it is, it’s all I can do to drag my butt through the day and get everything done.  Through in an hour in the chamber and exercise and the day is just gone.  But, I really am happy that I have made exercise a priority.  If I hadn’t, I don’t think I’d ever find the time.  This way, I always end up making the time, even if it’s hard.  That definitely counts as progress!

Day 82 - Inspiring Stories and Thoughts on the Gym

I love my gym classes, but I hate coming home and feeling completely exhausted.  I know that I am getting stronger and I can do more in each class, but wow.  Even sitting down, I can feel my muscles twitching.  I have a feeling I’m really going to feel tonight’s workout tomorrow and Friday! 

I was watching a video about a woman losing more than half her weight.  It was really inspiring that she was able to do it completely on her own.  She lost over 205 pounds!  I loved watching her story and knowing that I can have the same success.  And, I have you all cheering me on.  That makes it so much better!

When she was talking about being the fat person in the gym, and now being the fit person, it really resonated with me.  It was so hard at first being the biggest person in each of my classes, but I realized everyone has to start somewhere.  I don’t know the stories of the women in class, but I know some of them have achieved really great weight loss.  Some of them have probably been thin all their life.  But, we all work hard and enjoy each other’s company.  So, never be intimidated by the people at the gym.  Make friends, find allies to keep you motivated, and celebrate each other’s success.

Day 81 - Another long, busy day

Today was a rest day, which is really good since I’ve been running ever since I woke up!  It was an extra long office day because I had a conference call that didn’t end until five.  Then, I had a doctor’s appointment at six.  I didn’t get home until eight, and by then I was totally exhausted.  Thankfully, Steve took Michael into the chamber for me (again), so all I had to do was eat dinner and do nighttime chores.  So, I’ll be writing this blog, updating the facebook page, and going to bed.

The good news is that my doctor is really happy with how well I’m doing with the diet and exercise.  She likes both plans.  She wasn’t as happy with me for taking myself off some of my medication, but as long as I monitor things carefully, she’s OK.  She wanted to know if I had more energy from all the exercise.  I really wish I could say yes.  Then again, I have enough energy to do the exercise, and that’s a definite improvement.

Tomorrow is another busy day, so I am going to get a good night’s sleep tonight and I’ll be ready for tomorrow.  Good night!

Day 80 - Great Exercise Day!

Today was a great exercise day!  In the muscle challenge class I was back to lifting my regular weights.  I am sure I will be sore by Wednesday, but it will be a good sore!  Then, yoga was wonderful.  At the beginning of class we did a back release that felt so, so good.  Basically, you lie on your back, go up into a bridge, place a yoga block under your sacrum, and then rest on the block.  I still can’t get over how good it felt!  Of course, then she took us through all kinds of poses that had me wishing for a stretch break.  But, it felt so good, even if I was a drippy mess.

I keep telling Steve that one day I’m going to weigh myself before and after class just to see how much water weight I lose during those two hours.  And, I bring a big bottle of water with me!  It’s funny.  It is so much hard work, but when it’s over, I feel so good.  And I know I have accomplished something.  It’s also extra motivating now that I am starting to be able to do something in each class that I hadn’t been able to do before.  I get so proud of myself when I can do something new!