Day 290 - Complete Exhaustion (It Must Be Monday)

I think spending so long standing yesterday really took it's toll on my legs and back.  Then, I sat in a training class for most of the day.  Did I mention the air conditioning wasn't working and it was 85 degrees in the room? 

By the time I got home from class and changed for the gym, I was already tired.  Then, class tonight seemed extra intense.  For the cardio part of class, she had us doing a lot of step stuff.  I actually used two risers again.  I was sweating buckets all through both classes.  I know I got a fantastic double workout.  But now, I just want to catch up on email and get to bed.  I'm sorry if this is a pretty boring post, but it's at least coherent.  Today, that counts!

Day 289 - Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, I am not officially 43 years old.  But the thing is, I'm feeling much younger this year than I felt last year.  Over the last few weeks I've noticed that I don't have as many 'creaks and cracks' as I used to.  I'm moving so much more fluidly.  I don't FEEL like an old lady.  All this is huge progress, and makes me so happy.

When I woke up this morning, Michael gave me a card he made.  It has all the things he likes to do with me.  I loved that he had singing, playing games, and the hyperbaric chamber on his list.  But, there was nothing active on the list.  Maybe next year he'll have a list that includes going for walks, riding bikes, and swimming together.  Wouldn't that be nice?

While the card from Michael was definitely the highlight of the day, Steve and I also spent the afternoon at the mall in Columbia.  We were hanging out at the Oakley store, telling people about Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).  It was great to talk with people about an organization that I love, and to spreadd the message of healing, and of hope.  Even though I didn't get to talk with as many people as I was hoping to, it was definitely a great experience.

The Oakley session also counted as my exercise for the day.  Other than a few times when I needed to take a quick break, I was on my feet for over three hours.  That just doesn't happen all that often.  By the time we were done and back in the car, my legs, hips and feet were screaming at me.  So, even though it wasn't aerobic exercise, I'm defiitely counting it!

The rest of the day was wonderfully relaxing.  After dinner, I went into the hypberbaric chamber with Michael, and then spent time hanging out with Steve.  Plus, it seems like everyone I know sent me wonderful birthday wishes on facebook.  I am feeling very loved tonight, and that is a great feeling.  Thank you!

Day 288 - Much Better Day Today

I woke up this morning excited that I was going to get a bonus workout today.  Cathie doesn't normally teach the Saturday intervals class, but I knew she would be subbing today.  Any class that she teaches is going to push you, hard.  So, it was definitely worth dragging my butt out of bed early today!  The class was great.  Since they normally do step in the class, she integrated into the cardio part of the workout.  I was actually able to keep up with most of the moves, and used two risers!  I was shocked that I could do that. 

The strength part of the class was very similar to what we do on Monday nights.  I absolutely loved it.  It was hard, though.  I guess because the cardio part was so much more intense, I didn't have as much reserve to deal with the weights.  But, I did my best, and that's all I can ask of myself.  By the end of the workout, my face was bright red, I was a sweaty mess, but I was so proud of myself.  This was just what I need today!

After the class, I came home and took Michael to the library.  I had some items that needed to be returned, and I wanted to pick up some new things.  He just wanted to ride the elevators.  But, it was a great trip for both of us.  While I was checking out, he was watching the elevators.  A lady asked him if he was in line and he actually answered her!  I was so excited.  He normally doesn't speak easily to people he doesn't know.  So, it was great to see him answer, and interact appropriately with someone new.

The day got even better in the afternoon.  There was a Health Freedom lecture that I had really been looking forward to.  The lecture was great, and I got to see some friends I don't normally get a chance to see.  And, afterwards, Steve took me out to dinner.  It was so nice to have a 'date'!

Then, when we got home, it was time to take Michael into the hyperbaric chamber.  It was relaxing to just sit and chill for a while.  But, at one point, Michael got really cuddly and wanted hugs and cuddles.  I love that!  Then, he went back to his tablet, but I was smiling the rest of the time.

Now, it's time to finish up the day and catch up with a few chores, and spend time with Steve.  This was definitely a much, much better day!

Day 287 - Friday But Tired and Depressed

It's Friday, and I'm normally really happy for the weekend.  But tonight, I'm just rather sad.  I've been feeling down for the last few days, but didn't really figure out why until just a few minutes ago.  My birthday is Sunday, and I had big hopes for where my weight would be for this milestone.  I'm nowhere near that number.  So, I am just going to be happy with where I am and the progress that I've made.  It's silly to be depressed over what I didn't accomplish when I have accomplished so much.  Easy to say, hard to feel.

But, on my way to feeling better, I did have a wonderful yoga class tonight.  I worked up a really good sweat, and worked out some of the feelings I've been dealing with.  There is no way around the fact that it's going to be a rough weekend, but I will get through it.  And, somehow, I am going to be proud of everything I've done so far on this journey.

Day 286 - Being Good to Myself

Tonight, instead of working out, I went and got a much needed massage.  It felt so good to relax and be pampered a little bit.  Plus, my muscles were so sore.  As I get better at doing the down dog in yoga, I really feel it in my shoulders.  All along the top of my back just aches.  It was painful for her to massage the area, but once she worked out all the tension, I felt so much better!  It's a shame that I'll mess it all up tomorrow night at yoga!

The best part of the day had to be this morning, bright and early.  Michael came in around 6:15, bright eyed and full of energy.  I was due a little more sleep and was not overly perky, to say the least.  Steve, being the wonderful husband and father that he is, slipped out of bed and let me sleep.  By the time I got downstairs a little before 7, Michael was dressed, ready for school, and eating his breakfast.  Now that is what I call husband of the year!  Thank you, sweetie!  I love you!!

Day 285 - Great Yoga Class

Monday night's yoga teacher subbed tonight, so I got a taste of what it is like to do her yoga class without a different class preceding it.  It was great.  I had so much more energy, and my poses were a lot better.  I guess the first class really does take a LOT out of me.  But, even knowing that, I'm still going to keep doing both classes on Mondays.  And, I still miss the extra strength session on Wednesdays.

The good news is that she's also subbing the interval class on Saturday.  That means that I'll be able to get in a second great strength class this weekend.  That makes me really happy.  Even if it does mean I'll be getting up early on Saturday.

Other than yoga, it was a pretty normal Wednesday here.  Nothing special to tell you about.  But, the week is half done, so that's a good thing.  And, if I can get moving, my butt will be in bed before ten.  Now that's a good thing!

Day 283 - Monday, Exhausting Monday

I actually had some energy this morning.  I had enough energy that it definitely counts as the highlight of the day.  I went upstairs three or four times this morning.  Before, once I was downstairs, I was down for the day.  I really like this new level of energy.  And, it lasted all through the morning and most of the afternoon.  Then, I went to the gym.

I had two really good classes back to back.  In the muscle challenge class, she pushed us really hard tonight.  I'm frustrated though.  Since the class is only once a week, I'm not able to increase my weights like I used to.  I have to figure out a consistent strength workout for later in the week.  I've been experimenting with a few different things, but I really need to settle on something and be consistent.

Then, yoga was really intense as well. I remembered to bring my yoga socks, so my feet didn't slip on my mat.  It sounds like a simple thing, but it really does make a difference.  I was able to hold my poses a lot easier tonight, and did the down dogs a lot longer than normal.  I'll count that as progress.  But, when class was over, I was completely exhausted.  I manged to limp into the house and collapse in a heap.  It's a good thing Steve made dinner tonight or I'd still be quietly whimpering to myself.

So, overall, it was a great day.  I'm tired, so as soon as I post this, I'll be sneaking off for an early bedtime.  If I was more patient, I'd go in the sauna first, but I just can't wait that long tonight.  Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be able to get in the sauna.  That always makes me feel better.

Day 282 - Low Key Sunday

We were supposed to spend the afternoon with friends, but our plans were cancelled.  I was a little disappointed, but can understand that when you're not feeling well, socializing isn't much fun.  I just hope we can reschedule soon.

But, since the afternoon opened up, I was able to get a lot of things done around the house.  For the longest time, I've been meaning to go through the piles of clothes in my room.  I made a significant dent in them today!  Now, I have a box to go into storage, and a box to go to goodwill.  That makes me feel so much better.

I also put in an hour on the exercise bike today.  Since tomorrow is the hardest workout of the week, I didn't want to push too hard today, so I figured the bike would be perfect.  It felt good to push on the bike but still have energy after the workout.

The best part of the day was deifnitely hanging out with Michael.  We spent time in the HBOT together, and then just hanging out this evening.  He's a little drippy with spring allergies, but was especially sweet tonight.  I like that!

Day 281 - Getting Back on Track

Today was a good day, but a hard day.  I got to sleep in this morning, and had a really low stress day.  But, my body really wanted to give in to the cravings for comfort food.  But, I was strong and stuck to my guns.  I know it's going to be hard the next couple days.  But, once I get through, I'll be feeling good again. 

For exercise today, Michael and I went to the ASD yoga class.  It's a light workout, but I still work up a sweat.  And, I love doing yoga with Michael.  It just makes me happy to see him getting better each time, and Ifeel so close to him.  Especially today - there were more people than ever, so we were really crowded together.  But that's OK.  It really was a great session, and we had fun.

The other thing we did today was work on our deck garden.  Steve and Dan did all the heavy lifting, but I did my share of breaking up the dirt and getting the planters ready.  We planted tomatoes, grapes, lettuce, beans, cilantro, and parsley.  We still have one planter left, so I'm not sure what will go there, but we need to decide soon.  I love spring!

Day 280 - Depression and Confession

It's been a really rough week this week.  With everything going on in Boston, I just haven't really felt on top of my game.  I've been forcing the exercise, but I realized today that I let my diet slip and I'd been reaching for comfort foods without really realizing it.  So, now that I know what I've been doing, it's time to get to damage control and get back on track.  That might not be as easy as it sounds, but I have to do it.

Today I did get to my Friday night yoga class.  It was a great workout tonight, just what I needed.  But, she also started class with a healing moodra, and that really helped.  Sometimes, just knowing that other people are as affected as you makes a difference.  And, knowing that they caught the second guy tonight, also makes a huge difference.  So, starting tomorrow, I will be back on track and hoping that I didn't do too much damage this week.

Day 279 - Another Lunchtime Walk

Today at lunch I went for another walk.  I left the building and walked a new route.  Before I left, I turned on the GPS and told the endomondo app that I was starting.  It was great - it told me every mile how far I had gone and what my average pace was.  I ended up going for 50 minutes and 2.47 miles.  Not too bad for the middle of an office day! 

When I got home tonight, I pretty much collapsed in a little heap.  I actually took a nap, too.  That's how tired I was!  But, when I woke up, I felt a little better.  I had dinner and then went into the hyperbaric chamber with Michael for an hour.  It felt good to just rest.  So, I am thinking that tomorrow I will go to my Friday yoga class and give my legs a break for the rest of the day. 

The best part of the day today was coming home and having Michael tell me he had a perfect day at school.  It's so hard for him to focus and pay attention all day, so when he does well, I'm really, really proud of him. Tomorrow is Friday, so if he can have another good day, we might celebrate with a trip to the library this weekend.  Michael loves the library because they have a public elevator.  But who knows, maybe one day he'll figure out there are books there, too.

Day 278 - I Like Walking?!

Today at lunch I decided to go for a walk.  I kept a slower pace and ended up going 2.99 miles in exactly an hour.  That's not bad!  I would have rathered that I could go faster, but still, it's respectable.  I am most surprised by the fact that I'm actually enjoying my walks.  That is something I never expected.  I have to keep this short tonight since Michael is waiting for me to take him in the HBOT, but I didn't want to miss sharing this new discovery.  Have a great night!

Day 276 - Prayers for Boston

Today I was actually paying attention to the Boston Marathon because of of my favorite trainers from the Biggest Loser Resort was running.   When I found out what happened, I was so scared that something happened to her.  I quickly found out that she was OK, but the magnitude of the attack was growing bigger by the minute.  I am so sad and scared for everyone who was hurt, maimed, or killed.  As well as their families and loved ones.  It's been such a rough afternoon.

I did manage to get to the gym tonight for my regular Monday night classes.  The instructor has a lot of family in Boston, and she hadn't been able to get through to them.  So, you could tell she was incredibly worried.  The workouts were good, but I am just praying that she gets good news for her family.  So, tonight, I am just praying for healing and peace.

Day 275 - Round and Round

Today was one of the days that Michael goes to KEEN music.  It's only once a month, so he really looks forwrd to it.  I guess he was excited to go today, because we got there about twenty minutes early.  Steve said he thought there was a track we could walk around.  I was a little skeptical because I never heard of a middle school having a track.  What did I know?  There was a track after all, and Steve gets points for being right, and being gracious about it.

I was curious how much running Michael could do, so I asked him to run around the track twice.  His arms don't move fluidly, so his gait is off, but he ran half a mile.  He was definitely slowing down toward the end, but it was great to see him just casually do it.  Anyone local know of any special needs running groups?  I would love to see him run more.  It would be so good for him, and I would love to see him enjoy a sport.

After Michael ran his laps, Steve took him in for his music session and I kept going around the track.  Then, Steve came back and walked with me.  We ended up walking for a little over an hour at the track, and closer to an hour twenty in total.  It was nice.  Steve and I don't get the chance to just walk and talk with no distractions very often.  I never thought of exercise and a date in the same sentence.  But, it did work out really nicely.

Next weekend, there is a glo run not that far from here.  It looks like a lot of fun, and, it has the bonus of not having to get up ungodly early for the event!  Normally, Steve and I go out to dinner for my birthday, but maybe this year, we'll do a walk together instead.  It's a week early, but it will still count.  I really do love the idea of getting more active as a family.  Of course, if anyone else would like to come with us, we'd love to have the company!

Day 274 - My First 5K

I did my very first 5K today.  I walked it with a good friend and had a great time.  We finished in one hour and one minute.  If we had seen the time a little earlier, we could have sped up enough to finish in under an hour, but that's OK.  I think we did great!

Before the race started, there was a kid's fun run.  Michael was very brave and ran a quarter mile with the other kids.  I was so proud of him, and he was proud of himself.  He wore the little medal they gave him for a long time when he got home.  Then he decided to put it away in his room so he could keep it.  I love it!

Here is a picture of me and Michael before the race.  Isn't he adorable?

Overall, it was a great day.  I actually had more energy today than normal.  I got a lot of stuff done around the house, and that felt great.  I guess I'll find out how my feet feel in the morning.  But no matter what, I'm really proud of myself!

Day 273 - Starting to Get Nervous

I woke up a little sore this morning.  My legs and my feet were hurting from Wednesday's walk.  But, it was a relatively easy day, and I got through just fine.  I went to my Friday night yoga class and came out feeling so much better.  I love the feeling of being pleasantly tired, but loose and relaxed.  I know I say it every week, but I love ending the week with this class.

Tomorrow is the big day - my very first 5K.  I am excited and nervous.  Michael is going to run the kids fun run with Dan.  I'm a lot happier knowing they can run together.  He even seems to be looking forward to it.  I hope it works out well.  And then, it will be time for me to walk.  I know I have walked more than 5K before, but the idea of doing it all at once, with a timer is a little bit intimidating.  But, it's also excited.  Tune in tomorrow for all the details!

Day 272 - Gearing Up for the Weekend

My feet were a little sore today from yesterday's walk.  So, I decided to keep things a little easy today.  I did a new exercise DVD, specially designed for Type Bs.  It was interesting - a bit of cardio, a bit of strength, and a bit of stretching, for a total of an hour.  I really liked it. I don't follow the blood type diet, but it might be interesting to follow the principles for exercise.  I'll have to see how it goes!

The other big news of the day is that I picked up the race packet for Saturday.  The people manning the pick up desk were really nice and gave me some good advice.  And, I think Michael will be running the kids fun run before the main race.  Dan said he would run with him.  Michael wasn't too excited about the idea until I told him he'd get a medal.  Then, his eyes widened and he asked if it was gold.  Once he got over the disappointment that it wasn't gold, he decided he still wanted to try it.  So, Saturday will be a family affair.  I'm very excited!

Day 271 - An amazing, intense, and fast walk!

Short and sweet.  The lady who teaches my favorite classes on Monday offered to walk with me once in a while to train for the 5K.  She met me at the gym tonight and we walked 2.4 miles in about 45 minutes.  We even stretched after the walk.  It was a great workout, but now my feet are throbbing.  I am going to go soak.  Have a great night!  And, thank you Cathie!!!!!!

Day 270 - A Nice Lunchtime Walk

Since today was Tuesday, it was supposed to be a rest day.  But, since I was sick over the weekend, I missed two workouts.  So, during lunch today, I went for a 2 mile walk.  It only took about 40 minutes, but it was a nice way to spend my lunch break.  I also felt really good this afternoon.  I think the exercise really did help wake me up and help me find my focus for the afternoon.  That’s a great thing.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful.  My sinuses are finally clear, so I was able to go into the hyperbaric chamber with Michael this evening.  It felt nice to get in with him.  I’m not sure why, but does get extra cuddly in an enclosed space.  As he gets older, that gets much more precious.  So, nothing remarkable for the day, but still a really good day.

Day 269 - Manic Monday!

Today was another busy day!  I worked all day, then went to the gym for my muscle challenge class, and then had a parent meeting to go to.  So, I didn’t get home until after 9:30.  I’m tired!  But, the class tonight was great.  We did a ton of body weight work, 3 sets of 90 second planks, and lots of weights.  I have a feeling I’ll be remembering tomorrow when my muscles are really sore!

The parent meeting was good, and I love going.  But, it meant that I had to skip yoga tonight.  But, one of the women said she will probably walk with me for my practice 5k this weekend!  It makes me so happy to have company!  And, another person might go as well.  I know that I won’t chicken out, but I feel so much better knowing I can’t!

So, the thing I am most thankful today is my network of friends.  I know so many amazing friends, and have wonderful family.  Thank you all for the love and support.  It means the world to me!

Day 268 - 38 Week Results

Sorry I missed posting yesterday.  I managed to pick up a spring cold.  Or, I have early allergies.  I can’t really tell the difference, and I feel pretty miserable.  I spent most of the day at the conference yesterday trying not to sneeze, and pretty much napped for most of the day today.  I am hoping to get back to some exercise tomorrow.

The good thing is that Steve was finally able to do a before/now picture for me.  So, this is me at 294, and a total of 54 pounds down.  The great thing is that cutting back on the exercise doesn’t seem to be hurting my numbers.  I’m still going down slowly, but have a tiny bit more energy.  At least when I’m not sick!

Day 266 - Fun in NY

It's really late so this will be super short.   We spent the day with a friend in NY so I didn't get in any scheduled exercise.   However,  she took me on a tour of mid town Manhatten.  I'm guessing we walked at least two and a half hours.   My legs are so tired!   But it ended up being a great day.  
After we left NY, we drove to PA where the TACA conference is tomorrow.   As soon as we checked in I ran into fellow moms I never get to see in person.  Then we went to dinner with a wonderful couple.   It was a great night and tomorrow will be a great day too.  Sweet dreams!

Day 265 - Thursday, But Not a Rest Day

Today was an office day, and was supposed to be a scheduled rest day.  But, Steve and I are going to be traveling tomorrow and Saturday.  I’m not sure if I’ll be able to exercise either day.  So, I decided to exercise today.  I got on the treadmill, intending to go for an hour.  But, I was so tired that I only got 30 minutes in.  Still, I figure, thirty minutes was better than nothing.  I’ll have to play the next two days by ear, but if I can get exercise in, I will.

 

Day 264 - Busy Day, 800 Calories Burned

Today was a really busy day.  At lunch time, I did an hour on the elliptical.  Then, after work, we had an appointment with Kelly Dorfman, a wonderful nutritionist.  After Kelly, we made a quick stop at the library, came home, had dinner, and then got into the hyperbaric chamber.  Now, it’s pretty much bed time.  Some days go really, really fast!

I actually had fun on the elliptical today.  I did a five minute warm up, then did 50 minutes worth of intervals, then five minutes for cool down.  All in all, I burned over 800 calories.  Not bad!  And, I’m getting better at the intervals.  When it was time to go all out, I pushed really hard.  And, I found myself going fast again as soon as I had caught my breath.  I might just be able to get myself ready for the July 5K after all!

One really good thing that happened today was that Steve finally got himself a new pair of shoes.  The ones he had been wearing were really worn, and his feet and knees were getting sore because of it.  So, he went to a local running store and got new shoes.  I’m very happy just with that.  But, he also came out telling me that there is going to be a 5K a few miles from our house in two weeks.  I think I am going to sign up for it and just walk it.  I like the idea of getting a feel for the length before the race in July.  I really want to run in July, and this would be a zero pressure practice.  I like that.  Now, if I can convince my cousin to walk with me….

Day 263 - Planned Rest Day

Today was a planned rest day.  I like that I’m feeling a little bit better, and have a little bit more energy.  I’m actually looking forward to getting on the scale this weekend and seeing if this experiment is going to work.  Cross your fingers for me?

Day 262 One Great Class, One Hard Class

Normally on Mondays I love my double class schedule.  And today, the first class was really great.  I walked in with tons of energy and had a great workout.  But the second class, yoga, was a different story.  It seems like the last few weeks, she’s really been going into a lot more advanced poses.  There were a couple times tonight when I just had to go into child pose and wait to move forward.  So, I’m really conflicted about the class.  For now, I’m just going to keep doing my best and hope that I’ll be able to do some of the more complicated poses soon.

The highlight of the day was a burst of energy that I had this afternoon.  When I left the house to go to the gym, I was excited and ready to work out.  It was such a nice feeling to really want to exercise and to know that my body was ready for it.  I want more days like that!  And, it really worked well going into the first class.  I was able to keep up with the class better than ever, and, I really challenged myself on the weights tonight.  That felt really, really good.