Day 202 - Made My Reservation!

Today was a long, late day at work.  By the time I got home it was late and I was cranky and hungry.  By the time I had dinner, it was too late to exercise.  That’s one of the reasons I gave myself an ‘out’ for Thursdays.  But, I will make sure I have an extra intense session tomorrow to make up for it.

The good news of the day is that I did it.  I made my reservation for the Biggest Loser Resort in Niagara!!  I am so excited.  The lady I spoke with answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable with the whole process.  Now, I can’t wait for March to get here so I can go! 

Day 201 - Sleep! Beautiful Sleep!

I actually slept last night!  I think I figured out what has been going on.  At my last doctor’s visit, he had told me to take the desiccated thyroid three times a day.  I think the last dose, if taken too late, was interfering with my sleep.  So, I am taking two in the morning, one in the afternoon, and none at dinner.  This was an alternate schedule that he had offered, so I feel safe making the change.  Hopefully, I’ll sleep well tonight and confirm the change!

As for exercise, I did my favorite two classes tonight – muscle challenge and yoga.  Both classes were grueling, but amazing.  I am totally exhausted tonight, but I really have a feeling of accomplishment.  It is so nice to know that my body is getting stronger every week.

As a reward for making it through the last six months, and for hitting the 50 pound mark, I am looking into a huge reward for myself.  I am thinking about going to the Biggest Loser Ranch for a week.  They are having a special right now and I really want to take advantage of it.  I am so excited about going.  Now, I just need to find someone to come with me.  Anyone? 

Day 200 - Not Sleeping - AGAIN

I had really wanted to write a special blog for my 200^th day.  But, I’ve gone two nights now where I haven’t slept, so my mental focus is a little lacking.  Let’s just say that I am really, really glad it was a rest day today.  I am on my way to bed and am hoping for a much better day tomorrow.   Please send good sleep rays my direction?

Day 199 - Another exhausting day

All I have to say tonight is that I’m completely spent.  My muscle challenge class wore me out to the point that I was exhausted going into yoga.  Then, yoga was beyond challenging.  I came home, asked Steve to carry in my incredibly heavy yoga mat, and collapsed in a little heap.  Make that a big heap under a blanket.  I don’t remember the last time I came home so exhausted.

What was the surprise of the day?  Before I went to the gym I was bursting with energy.  I had a full, busy day at work, but still managed to fold a load of laundry and empty the dishwasher at lunch time.  I know, that’s not very exciting.  But, for me, once I come down the stairs in the morning, going back upstairs is not an option.  So, I’m thrilled that I am finding more energy during the day to just get things done.

My plan for the night is to finish this blog, get into the sauna, and pray that it helps my muscles.  Otherwise, I might not be walking tomorrow.  And the sad thing is, I’m not exaggerating.  I’ve been sitting now for at least 45 minutes and my thighs are still throbbing.  Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.

 

Day 198 - Finally!!!!!

I couldn’t help myself – I got on the scale this morning.  I was so happy to see a number just a tiny bit below 300 – 299.75!  I was so happy I made Steve come see it, and even take a picture.  It’s silly how a number can make me so happy.  But then again, it’s been a lot of years since I was below 300, and I worked really, really hard to get there.

I figured the best way to celebrate would be to have two really good workouts today.  The first one was an hour on the elliptical, and the second was an hour on the bike. And, for the first time, I set the bike to random mode.  That meant that the workout did random intervals, from a low of level three to a high of level twelve.  I didn’t think I’d survive the level twelve, but I did.

So, all in all, it was a great day.  I got a good night’s sleep last night, had a great surprise on the scale, and had two great workouts.  I think I’ll be heading into this week well prepared.

Day 197 - Week 28 Results

I’m a little disappointed with this week’s results – I only lost one pound this week.  Normally, that wouldn’t bother me too much.  But I’m now at 301.  I want so badly to be in the 200s.  I really don’t want to have to wait another week.  But, I will.  And, 47 pounds down isn’t too bad.  What I really like is the before/now picture.  I love that more of the lines are vertical every week.

 

The best part of the day was a yoga class though.  There is a yoga class for kids on the spectrum in Columbia, and it’s free.  Michael and I went today.  It was a great class.  The moms are welcome to participate as well as coach.  I think we both had a great time.  It was definitely more of a workout for me than it was for Michael, though.  The next one will be in two weeks, and we’ll be there!

I also did a session with the new Just Dance 4 game.  It was quite a workout.  I ended up quitting after half an hour because my knee was really throbbing.  Steve saw me limping and declared that was the end of exercise for the day.  I will be going into the HBOT with Michael in a few minutes, and the sauna later.  That should help.

For now, I am going to focus on the good stuff and be really happy with the changes in my picture.  I’ll glare at the scale later, and hopefully intimidate it into the 200s for next week.  That’s my goal at least!

 

Day 196 - Surprising Myself Again

Today was another great day.  I knew they were calling for snow this afternoon, so I figured I had to make plans to work out at home instead of going to the gym for yoga.  I hate missing my Friday night yoga class, but I would have felt really silly getting into an accident over it. 

But, the good news is that I ended up getting in three hours of great exercise in today.  I did one hour on the bike, two half hours on the elliptical, and another hour on the bike.  I am so proud of myself.  I love that my body is getting stronger and stronger.  I was able to sustain a level 8 on the bike for about an hour and a half, total!  When I first started, level 2 was challenging. 

I think the best part of the day was just knowing that I can do more; that my body is capable.  When I first started this journey, I was terrified of the commitment to two hours of exercise a day.  I wanted to push myself like they did on tv, but I was so scared.  Now, I find myself wanting to do more again.  Most of the time that ends up with me pushing harder at the gym, and raising my levels during cardio.  But twice this week I’ve added extra sessions.  I love it!

I feel like my body is trying to tell me something this week.  I’m not 100% sure what it is yet, but I am definitely listening.

Day 195 - Totally Exhausted

As much extra energy as I had yesterday, I was completely exhausted today.  I really wish I could figure out what happened yesterday and bottle it.  But, that didn’t quite happen today.  I had a pretty long day at the office, and my stress level was pretty high.  I’m sure that didn’t help my energy level.

When I got home, I needed to just relax for a little while.  I did manage to get on the bike for an hour, but that took every ounce of strength I had.  I will be going into the sauna soon and heading to bed early.  Maybe a good night’s sleep will make tomorrow a better day.

The best part of the day was just kidding around with Michael.  His sense of humor is growing every day.  He understands humor more, and knows when I am teasing him.  It’s such a good accomplishment for him.  And, it makes me happy.  So, I will think about that tonight and have good dreams.

Day 194 - Oddly Energetic

Today has been a crazy day for me.  I wanted to be cautious with my knee, so I decided to ride the bike at lunch time for an hour instead of going to yoga tonight.  I really like my classes, but felt that two hours might be a bit much since my knee is still really tender.  I did the hour on the bike with no problems, and it actually felt really good.

What happened after I got off the bike is where things start to get strange.  About an hour later I noticed I was feeling energetic.  This is very odd for me since I am normally tired all the time.  I wake up tired.  I force my way through the day, and I go to bed exhausted.  This is every day for the last several years.  So, when I found myself looking at the elliptical and wondering how it would feel to do a short interval workout, it was practically an out of body experience!

I ended up doing a twenty minute workout in the middle of the afternoon.  I did one minute of warm up, one minute as fast as I could followed by one minute of recovery (repeated many times), and then two minutes of cool down at the end.  Other than being hot and sweaty, I felt wonderful!  I haven’t felt good after exercise in a long, long time.  And, when I admitted to Steve that I had ‘snuck’ in a workout just because I felt like it, it was surreal.  I sneak snacks, not workouts!

I finished up the day with the muscle challenge class.  Again, it was a great workout and I really enjoyed it.  We did a lot of really difficult things, and I know I’m going to be in pain tomorrow.  But, through the whole workout I was having fun.  When it was over, I was tempted to stay for yoga.  But, as I was putting my weights away, I realized that my knee really needed the break.  So, I came home.

I plan on finishing the day with an hbot session and a sauna session.  Both of those should feel really good on my knee and, should help with overall muscle recovery.   But, the strange thing is that I am still feeling happy and energetic.  I don’t want the day to end because I’m afraid to lose this feeling.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be just as good!

Day 193 - Restful Day!

My knee is doing a little better today, but I’m still limping.  Since it was a rest day, it wasn’t so bad.  I went into the hbot with Michael after work, so I am hoping that will help.  I’ll do the sauna again in a little while.  Who knows, maybe between the two my knee will be all better by morning.  I’m not holding breath, but I’m hopeful.

The best part of the day was watching Michael develop his sense of humor.  He’s really starting to get puns and some simple jokes.  I had a lot of stuff I was sorting through on my bed.  When he asked if he could sleep in my room tonight, I told him there was no room.  He thought it was really funny that there was no room in the room.  I know it’s really late, but better late than never!  And, it made me smile.

Day 192 - More leg/knee pain.

Tonight’s post is going to be pretty concise.  I went to my two exercise classes and came out limping.  Again.  I don’t know what I did, but I’m really not happy about it.  I would have gotten in the hbot chamber when I got home, but I didn’t think I’d be able to get back out.  I did get in the sauna, though.  I think it helped some.  So, I did everything I needed to do today, but now I’m going to take care of myself and get some rest.  Hopefully, things will be better in the morning.

Day 191 - Busy, Great Day

This is going to be really short, since I’m completely exhausted.  Steve wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I spent most of the morning walking around the hotel trying to keep Michael busy.  Then, we went to the TACA lecture.  Then, we drove to Baltimore for the Aquarium Night.  Then, we finally came home.

There were so many good things today, it’s hard to narrow down just one.  Although I am guessing that it has to be this year’s aquarium trip.  When I think back to last year and compare, this year was so much better.  Michael paid attention to the exhibits this time, looked, and answered questions.  He even pointed out a few things he thought were cool.  He was still way too obsessed with the elevators, but he actually had a good time.  Even though it was bit rushed, it was definitely the highlight of the day.

The TACA lecture was great, too.  It was great to see Melody and Dr. Dornfeld again.  And, it really reinforced what we need to do as our next steps.  I’m not too excited about the logistics, but we’ll figure something out.

As for exercise, I didn’t count it, but I walked a LOT today.  More than I have in a long time.  In fact, I think my leg is going to be really hurting tomorrow.  But, it was worth it.  And now, there is a bed in my immediate future.  Have a great night!

 

Day 190 - Twenty Seven Week Results!!!!

I was happy to see the scale move down to 302 this morning, for a total loss of 46 pounds so far!  I had been hanging out around 305 for so long, I was sure it was never going to move.  So, I’m really, really happy tonight.

I started out the morning by getting to the gym for an early stretch class followed by a high/low aerobic/weights class.  It was a great way to start the day!  Then, we got in the car and drove to NJ, where there is a TACA meeting tomorrow that we want to go to.  Once we got settled in, Michael wanted to go to the pool, so I got in half an hour (at least) of water exercise.  It felt great!

Since I’m not home, I wasn’t able to get in the sauna tonight. I am definitely going to miss that, but it can’t be helped.  I did sneak a few minutes in the whirlpool, so maybe that will count.

The surprise of the day is just how chatty and happy Michael has been the whole day.  He was really anxious to leave, and nagged a lot to get going.  But, once we were on the way, he has been happy and helpful.  It’s really nice. Right now he’s happily playing the Nintendo DS, appropriately even.  It makes my heart smile.

Day 189 - Busy, but Nice Day

Today was a pretty busy, up and down kind of day.  I managed to get everything in, plus a full, busy day at work.  Not bad for a Friday!  At lunch time I rode the bike for an hour, and then, after work, I went to my favorite yoga class.  It made for a great day.  The best thing about the bike is that if you are really cold, you warm up quickly.  I hate that I’m still having such extreme problems regulating my temperature, but it’s nice to be able to warm up quickly.  I’ll be going in the sauna before bed, so I should be nice and toasty for the night.

The joy of the day was spending time with Michael in the hyperbaric chamber tonight.  It was a quiet session, but nice.  It’s nice that he’s able to entertain himself for the hour plus that we are in the chamber.  When we first started, he needed to be entertained a lot of the time.  Now, he just plays with his tablet, or a handheld toy, or a book.  I like that he’s getting to be very self-sufficient.

But, now he needs company and it’s past his bedtime, so I will check in again tomorrow.  Good night!

Day 188 - IEP and the Bike!

The biggest joy of today had nothing to do with my weight loss journey.  We had Michael’s IEP meeting today and it went really well.  His classroom is in transition right now since he just got a new teacher this week.  I loved that he is really having fun helping her get settled and genuinely likes helping people.  I also love that she understands the importance of a sensory diet, and how it will help him focus.  I think it’s going to be a great fit.

As far as the exercise goes, I did manage to get two hours in.  I did one hour on the bike, and then was going to go to yoga tonight.  But, I also wanted to get into the HBOT chamber with Michael, so I missed yoga.  So, I did a second hour on the bike instead.  Some days there just aren’t enough hours to make everything happen.  But, I know I did the best I could and I’m happy with that.  Tomorrow is my favorite yoga class of the week, so I definitely won’t miss that one!

Day 187 - Great Workouts, but Tiring!

Today was a pretty long day.  Work was so busy that I didn’t even think about lunch until 2:00.  That NEVER happens.  The day just flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to go to the gym.  It’s great when the day goes quickly, but I could really do without the stress!

The muscle challenge class was amazing tonight. It was so hard, but so good at the same time.  I don’t know how she constantly thinks up new ways to work different muscles.  I’ve been attending these classes for almost 6 months now, and there are still new things every week.  It’s beyond my comprehension.  But, I am definitely going to feel tonight’s workout for the next couple days.  My thighs are sore just sitting here.  I can’t imagine how they will feel when I try to move.

The only bad thing is that my yoga workout was definitely impacted by my exhaustion level.  I actually considered skipping yoga tonight I was so tired after the first class.  But, my stubborn streak kicked in and I stuck it out.  There were a few times when I chose to rest instead of doing the more complicated flows, but that’s OK.  Overall, I still got a good workout.  And now, I feel like a limp, sore noodle.

The surprise of the day was that Michael got himself up this morning, got dressed, and brushed his teeth all on his own.  He normally is tired in the mornings and needs a lot of prompts to move through his routine.  It was so nice to have a relaxed, easy morning!

Tomorrow is Michael’s IEP meeting and I am really nervous.  I love his current placement, and I don’t think anything contentious is expected.  But, it’s an IEP meeting, so I’m nervous by default.  Please cross your fingers for us tomorrow?

Day 186 - Long, hard day

Today was a long, exhausting, trying day.  I got up early for work and it was just not a good day.  A project of mine was supposed to go live tomorrow, and now that is being pushed back a week.  I feel like it’s my fault, even though there are things way out of my control.  It’s only a week.  The project is still OK, but I just need to keep things moving forward.  Funny how real life and this journey tend to run in parallel sometimes.

When I got home tonight the last thing I wanted to do was exercise.  The little voice in my head was saying that it was supposed to be a rest day.  I didn’t HAVE to exercise.  But, since I only got one hour yesterday, I really WANTED to do an hour today to make up for it.  And, I needed to get out of my head.  So, riding the bike for an hour was just what I needed.  And, it worked.  By the time I got off the bike, I was out of my mood and ready to be with my family.  That worked out well!

What was the surprise of the day?  Honestly, I think it was just that I was so proud of myself for pushing and getting on that bike.  I really, really didn’t want to.  But, I needed to prove something to myself, so it became important.  And, I did it.  So, I am just really thankful for that last bit of motivation.  It was still a hard day, but a tiny bit better.

 

Day 185 - Good Dr. Appt

I had a great day today, but only got in one hour of exercise.  I had a feeling my doctor appt might run late, so I did an hour on the bike at lunch time.  But, that was all I could do and actually get any work done.  Then, I didn’t get home from the doctor until after 8 – way too late to exercise.  But, I’m going to write this quick and then get in the sauna.  Tomorrow I’ll tell you more about the apt.  Since it’s supposed to be a rest day tomorrow, I’ll probably make up for the missed hour by riding the bike tomorrow for an hour.  That should even things out again!

Day 184 - Happy, Relaxed Sunday

Today was another fantastic day.  I dragged the wii fit out of the garage.  I realized that waiting for the new wii fit u game to come out was silly.  I had a perfectly good game just waiting to be used.  So, I ended up doing an hour of wii fit and then did an hour on the bike.  What really amazed me was that for all the yoga poses I did, I was able to stay in the yellow circle so much better than the last time I played.  My balance, posture, and strength are so much better. Yeah me!  Then, when I got on the bike, I realized I was able to go to a higher level, push harder, and still keep my heart rate where I wanted it.  This is real, measurable progress.  I was actually smiling while sweating!

The rest of the day was just hanging out doing family things.  Michael had his music class today, so that was a fun thing.  Then, we spent 90 minutes in the HBOT chamber.  Yesterday, the chamber wasn’t so much fun since Michael was in a cranky mood.  Today, he was great.  He even let me nap!  I could get used to this.

I think what I am most grateful for today is the quick cuddle I got with Michael tonight.  We were waiting for Steve to do something, and I needed to keep him out of the way so he wouldn’t get hurt.  I asked him to come sit with me, and he actually did.  It was only a couple minute cuddle, but it was so sweet.  I really miss those! 

Day 183 - Six MONTH results!!!!!!

Today was an amazing day.  It was my six month mark on this journey, and my wedding anniversary.  I could not have asked for a more auspicious day!  I was trying hard not to get my hopes up, but I shouldn’t have worried.

For my journey, I am now at 305.  That’s 43 pounds down in the last six months.  Yes, it could have been more, especially when I think about the TV show that inspired me.  But, I think it’s pretty amazing.  I am especially proud when I realize that I have accomplished this on my own – no personal trainer, no fancy diet program.  But, I do have a secret weapon – a ton of wonderful support.  My husband bends over backwards to make sure I get to the gym and get all my exercise in.  He cooks special meals for me.  My friends and family provide immeasurable emotional support.  In fact, it was my Aunt who really got me started on the journey by encouraging me to join the gym in the first place.  So, I have to say thank you to all my friends and family who support me, with extra kudos to Steve.

With that all said, here is the six month picture:

 

Beyond the picture, I really feel like a totally different person. I will try to talk about the key things that I have noticed in the last six months:

 I have energy.

 I am not depressed.

 I can climb the stairs without holding on for dear life.

 I actually enjoy exercise. 

I have made some good friends at the gym.

I am sleeping really well.

I actually crave healthy foods.

None of these things would have described me six months ago.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I was so tired, so stressed, and so depressed.  I couldn’t imagine how I was going to meet the commitments I had laid out for myself.  But, I did have faith that I would figure out a way.  And, I have. That feeling of accomplishment is pretty amazing.

To be honest, I don’t know what I am hoping for in the next six months.  Part of me still wants the miracle loss.  The other part of me just wants to enjoy the ride and see where it takes me.  I think I am going to listen to that voice.  This is such an amazing journey.  I don’t want to lessen it by having unrealistic expectations.  I am going to live in each moment and be thankful for them.  Each day might not be perfect, and I am sure I won’t always make the right decisions, but I am learning.  And, I am learning to trust myself, trust my body, and love the adventure.  Thank you for being part of it!

 

Day 182 - The Miracle of Yoga

Today was a pretty good day.  I was able to exercise at lunch time and had a wonderful yoga class this evening.  I also got my sauna time in already, so I’m set for the night.  I might even go to bed before ten tonight.  How decadent!

I have to say that yoga was pretty miraculous tonight.  I was in a really, really bad mood because of some stuff going on at work.  I felt like I was just waiting to explode.  I got to yoga, sat down on my mat and was talking with some of the people there.  I felt myself calming down.  Then, my cousin and her daughter arrived.  I actually smiled.  Then, class was really good.  By the time I left I was humming ‘Ode to Joy’.  Pretty amazing stuff!

Tomorrow is the six month mark, and my wedding anniversary.  So, I am hoping to get to bed early tonight so I have a good weigh in for the morning.  And, hopefully, I will have a nice relaxing day with Steve.  Dan has already said he’ll watch Michael if we want to catch a movie.  And, Steve found some really nice grass-fed steaks for dinner.  I am really looking forward to it.  So, I’m going to take myself upstairs, go through the night time ritual, and get some sleep.  Good night!

Day 181 - Hard day, Sore Muscles

Today has been a pretty hard day.  I am so sore from the workouts yesterday I could barely walk.  And, my knee is really tender.  At one point today I found myself limping down the hallway at work.  When I got home I figured I’d rest for a little while and then get on the bike.  When I stood up to go to the bike, several things cracked and all my muscles screamed at me.  I decided that today is an unofficial rest day.  I’m just not up for much of anything tonight.

There were definite good points in the day.  But mostly, I’m grateful for Steve today.  He knows when I’m pushing because I need to, and he knows when I need to take it easier.  Tonight he told me that if I pushed, I would probably injure myself.  I love him and respect his opinion, so I decided not to push.  Tomorrow is Friday, one of my favorite exercise days.  So, I know I will have a great workout tomorrow to make up for it.

Day 180 - Worry and Gratitude

I found out yesterday that a woman I respect and admire, who isn’t far from my age, had a heart attack Monday.  She is recovering, but I am sure she is scared out of her mind.  This isn’t supposed to happen to young, active people!  For the last year or so I’ve been hearing reminders that you have to take care of yourself.  Put your own oxygen mask on first.  Breathe.  I’ve been doing my best, but wow, this is scary.

I think we all need to step back and take a look at our life and figure out where something can give.  Believe me, I know how hard it is to find someone to watch a special needs child so you can have time to exercise, or spend some time alone with your spouse.  I don’t remember the last time I had an uninterrupted night’s sleep. 

But, I am lucky.  Steve makes sure that I can exercise, and fully supports this journey.  But, a lot of other things have to slide.  It sounds silly to think of making a choice between vacuuming and doing laundry.  Cooking dinner comes before cleaning.  But that’s OK.  I am learning to make choices.  And now, making some time to relax is bumping up in the priority list. I had said I wanted to go in the sauna every day for detox.  Now, I want to go in the sauna every day to relax.  I can still multi-task!

With all this on my mind, I had a little extra motivation at the muscle challenge class tonight.  I pushed really hard.  And, it was a great class.  Of course, by the time I got to yoga I was beyond exhausted.  I had to rest a few more times than I normally do, but I made it through.  I was never so happy to hear ‘final relaxation’!  And, those five minutes do count.

Today was a really hard day, but I don’t want to say I am not grateful for something.  In truth, I am grateful for just waking up this morning.  For having a good morning with Michael.  For him learning to swim.  For having the best husband in the world.  I am grateful to exercise with my cousin.  So, there are so many sources of joy and love in my life.  Even as my heart is heavy with worry, it’s also bursting with happiness.  Yes, I’m strange!

 

Day 179 - Hanging out in the chamber

Today was a rest day and I really enjoyed it.  Muscle challenge class last night was pretty intense, and I was really sore today.  So, I was really happy to get in the hyperbaric chamber with Michael tonight.  I am so proud of him.  Whenever I needed to change positions and stretch my leg out he didn’t fuss, he just moved for me.  That’s a level of flexibility and empathy that he just didn’t have before - at least not consistently.  And, I love when my surprise of the day is something good from Michael.  It just makes it extra sweet.

 

Day 178 - Busy, chasotic, but good day

This is going to be a really short blog again tonight.  Today was a really busy day with lots going on for work, this journey, and my personal life.  Tonight was my monthly parent support group meeting.  I’ve been going to this group for more than 6 years now, so I can’t just skip it.  But, it meant juggling a lot of things to be able to go.

At lunch time I did an hour on the bike.  It was hard to tear myself away since work was really busy today.  But, when you know you have to do it, you figure out a way. So, I got a great hour in at lunch, and I think it really helped me focus for the afternoon.

Then, after work, I hurried over to the gym for my muscle challenge class.  It was really intense tonight, but class definitely counts as my surprise of the day.  We did both regular planks and side planks, which is fairly typical.  But, because there were so many new people, she started the count-up over again.  So, we only help the regular plan for two minutes and thirty seconds for each of the side planks.  Maybe this time I’ll be able to keep up with the gradual increase!  I know I shouldn’t have my joyful moment of the day be about not having to hold the planks for three minutes, but it felt so good to be able to keep up with the two minutes.

I had to skip yoga tonight because of the meeting.  So, I rushed from the gym to the meeting, hoping I didn’t smell too bad.  I changed my shirt quickly and made sure I was mostly presentable.  It helped.  And, the meeting was good.  It really helps to be able to talk with other parents who know exactly what you’re going through.  As much as I love yoga, I’m going to have to miss is once a month for my meeting.

Now, I am writing this while the sauna heats.  I’ll go upstairs, sweat in the sauna, get a quick shower, and then head to bed.  I need all the sleep I can get because tomorrow is another killer day.

Day 177 - Bittersweet Sunday

Today was a much better day for exercise.  I did an hour on the bike this afternoon, and then another after dinner.  It felt really good.  I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think my knee is almost back to normal.  It hasn’t been popping and cracking, or giving out today.  So, I’m pretty happy.  And, my knee definitely counts as my surprise for the day.  I really didn’t expect it to heal so quickly.

Another part of today was bittersweet.  I was so happy the Redskins made it to the playoffs, but wasn’t terribly surprised when they lost in the first round.  And, when RGIII’s knee gave out toward the end of the game, I really felt it.  Not just the fact that I knew they were going to lose.  The way his knee bent just made me shudder.  And, my knee didn’t like it much, either.

But, other than that, it was a nice, fairly quiet day.  We spent some time with family and just hung out a bit.  I really wish we could have more quiet time, and less drama.  That would definitely be a nice thing!

Day 176 - Twenty Five Week Results

OK, this wasn’t the best day in my diet.  I got on the scale this morning and I was up two pounds.  I have no idea why.  I had family over and then spent the evening with friends who just moved into a new hour.  I got no exercise at all.  So, it was a terrible day on the journey.  But, it was a wonderful day spent with family and friends.  I can’t do it all the time, but for today, it was a special treat and I really appreciated it.  And, I will make up for it by getting in some great exercise tomorrow.  Now, I will go get in the sauna and plan for a great day tomorrow.  Good night!

Day 175 - Pretty Typical Friday

Today was a fairly easy day.  I rode the bike at lunch time and I went to my favorite yoga class.  I had to be extra careful with my knee at yoga, but other than that, it was pretty standard for a Friday.  One nice thing was that my cousin came to yoga, and she always makes me smile. 

Today’s surprise was just spending a little extra time with Steve today.  We both work from home a lot, so we’re always around, but sometimes it seems that we don’t get much time just for the two of us.  So, sneaking a little alone time tonight actually made is seem like a date night.  Nothing spectacular, but it does make me happy.  Tomorrow is the start of a really busy weekend, so having some extra cuddle time tonight is definitely appreciated.

Day 174 - Bike, HBOT and Sauna... nice!

We’re only three days into 2013 and it feels like we’re all settled back into our familiar routines.  Michael is back in school, the gym is back to its regular schedule,  work is crazy as ever, and life is jam packed.  Business as usual.  As chaotic as it is, I like it.

I decided to skip yoga today since last night’s classes put a little more pressure on my knee that I am happy with.  So, I did two hours on the bike and feel really happy with that.  And, I think the bike really is good for my knee.  It seems to be healing faster now that I’m doing the bike more.  Or, it could just be time for it to start feeling better.  Either way, it was a great day.

Between the first and second hours on the bike, I went into the hyperbaric chamber with Michael.  When I needed to change positions or stretch my legs out, he was really accommodating.  It makes me smile to realize how much more flexible he’s getting, and how his empathy is real.  So, even though it was a long time in the chamber, I came out smiling.  He came out hungry!

So, the only things left to do today are post my blog and get into the sauna before bed.  I have to say that I really am finding my before bed sauna routine to be really, really relaxing.  I am sleeping so well since I started using it.  I’ve always known how Michael likes his before bed routine.  Now that I am developing my own, I can really understand.  So, relaxation, detox, and good sleep; I can definitely get used to this!

Day 173 - At the gym with a wrapped knee

Today was a good day.  My cousin joined me at the gym tonight, so that was extra motivating, and just made me happy.  It was a little strange working out in the knee wrap, but it mostly worked. There were only a few things I couldn’t do, but I managed pretty well.  I guess the true test will be to see how I feel in the morning.  Normal stiffness will be a good thing.  Not being able to walk, not so much!

I had been expecting both classes to be really crowded tonight with people working on new year’s resolutions.  While there were a couple new people in each class, there were definitely not as many as I was expecting.  I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.  I never want the classes to be so full that you can’t get a good workout.  But, I hate to think that not as many people are resolving to be fit this year.  Of course, maybe they all joined the gym and haven’t found the group classes yet.  I guess we’ll see what next week brings.

The surprise of the day has to be working out with my cousin.  I’m not sure why it’s so motivating.  I know pretty much all of the women in the muscle challenge class now.  And, everyone is really supportive and welcoming.  But, there is just something extra special about family.  Maybe I’m just sentimental;  maybe I just really love my cousin.  Either way, it was great having her there!

Day 172 - Tweaks for the New Year

Happy New Year!  As part of my new year’s resolutions, I wanted to take some time and tweak my program a little.  I’m realizing that this journey is more about my health than my weight.  My new doctor has a strong emphasis on detoxing  and avoiding new toxins.  I’ve been following his recommendations, but now I want to really incorporate them into my overall program.  So, going forward, this will be my program:

·         Follow the paleo diet and choose organic, ‘clean’ options wherever possible

·         Exercise 6 days a week, 2 hours a day wherever possible with a mix of strength training, yoga, and aerobic activities

·         Recognize that on Thursdays, 1 hour is good enough

·         Take Tuesdays as my rest day

·         Use the hyperbaric chamber 3 times a week

·         Use the far infrared sauna 30-45 minutes a day

I also want to make sure that I am flexible with myself.  I have a feeling that whatever I did to my knee was probably because I was pushing too hard. I should have stopped last week when I realized my knee was hurting, instead of pushing through.  I am going to try harder to listen to my body and genuinely take care of myself.  That is probably going to be the hardest part.

I also want to continue to recognize the joy and beauty that is in my life.  I think I’m going to skip the challenges in my daily reports and really focus on the surprises.  Not that I won’t mention the challenges when they are important, but I definitely do not want to give them the same emphasis as the good things. 

Today’s surprise was that Michael really enjoyed our traditional new year pork and sauerkraut dinner. He had a little bit of everything, and even let things on his plate touch.  He wasn’t crazy about the sauerkraut, but at least he tried it.  That made me really happy.

So, that is where I am with life and this journey.  I’m really looking forward to this new year and seeing where it takes me.  And, with these few tweaks, I think the second half of this journey is going to be even better than the first half!