Long Weekend

I'm going away for the long weekend, so I won't be posting much, if at all. I think I'm going to take an exercise break, too. I'm still feeling completely beat up, and I don't think a few days off will kill me. Hopefully, I'll be back better and stronger next week!

Ahhhhhh

My heel is finally starting to feel a little bit better.  It's still really tender, but I was able to go to yoga tonight and do all the poses I normally do.  That made me really happy.  Also, it was a more strenuous class tonight, so I definitely got a great workout.  In fact, what I really love about yoga is that you work really, really hard.  Then, you get to relax and collect yourself before you move back into life.  It's just so nice to have that chance to breathe and transition.

Other than yoga, it was a quiet day.  I still don't want to wear shoes with back to them, since any rubbing really hurts.  I'm not sure what I will do tomorrow, but I will worry about that tomorrow.  Right now, I'm just really thankful that I had a great class tonight, and I feel wonderful.

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Yoga
Gratitude:  Enjoying yoga tonight

More ouches

I decided to be brave and go to my Monday night classes tonight.  I put a tegaderm strip over the blister, and then added a bandage to that.  I couldn't find a blister bandage big enough to cover it!  Walking in a shoe still hurt, but I decided to tough it out, as long as I was careful.

The first class was pretty good.  There were a few things I couldn't do, especially backward lunges.  I'm thinking anything that really extended the heel was suspect, but I was suprised that I was able to get through the class with only minor modifications.  And, it was a good class, too.

The problem started when I took off my sock and shoe for yoga.  The bandages wanted to come off right away.  Fortunately, I was able to find some scotch tape and tape it back in place.  It held OK for most of the class.  But, I found out pretty quickly that I just couldn't do down dog.  It put too much pressure on the heel, and I couldn't make it work.  But, that's OK.  I made the class work, and I'm proud of myself for sticking to it.

When I came home, I put a new tegaderm strip on it, and it feels so much better.  I'm definitely going to have to get another box so I don't worry about running out!  But, to be completely honest, I'm really glad tomorrow is a rest day.

Diet: Great
Exercise:  Muscle Challenge and Yoga
Gratitude:  Being able to modify and keep going with my classes

Ouch Ouch and Ouch

I wasn't feeling really well yesterday, so I decided to take the day off.  And, my legs were still sore today, so I wanted to do something a little more gentle than the elliptical machine.  So, I thought I'd go for a nice walk this afternoon.  I had a new pair of walking shoes, so I thought I was pampering myself when I headed out the door.

Boy was I wrong! About fifteen minutes into the walk I realized my right heel was lifting in the new shoes, and was rubbing.  I stopped and tied the shoe tighter thinking that would help.  Again, I was wrong.  A few minutes later I decided to call Steve and ask him to pick me up.  I've never had to do that before.  When I got home, I had a huge, open blister on the back of my heel.  So much for a gentle walk!

I was lucky in that we had some tegaderm bandages, and I was able to get the whole thing covered really quickly.  But, it's still been hurting for most of the afternoon.  But, the good news is that I got almost half an hour of walking, at a 3.1 pace.  For me, that's a pretty good pace.  I would have been happier with an hour at pace, but you live and learn.

Diet:  Perfect
Exercise:  30 minute walk
Gratitude:  Having Steve come get me when I realized I was hurting.

Up and Down Friday

I'm not sure what to make of today.  I was really sad most of the morning.  And, still having a lot of muscle soreness from Wednesday.  I talked with Steve, and we both decided I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself, and that something had to give.  Otherwise, I will end up depressed, sore, and frustrated.  So, I am going to give myself a bit of a break.  If I'm honestly too tired to work out, I won't.  If I'm still sore from my last strength workout, I'll wait until I've recovered.  Maybe if I'm not so stressed, just maybe the scale will decide to move again. 

So, tonight I went to my favorite Friday night yoga class.  That's all I did today, but it really did feel good.  I love the flow of the poses, the feeling of pushing myself, and the relaxation at the end.  It was a great workout, but seemed rejuvinating at the same time.  That's exactly what I need right now.

For the next few weeks, I'm going to be listening to my body more carefully, and trying to give it what it needs.  I'll still keep a close eye on my weight.  If it starts to creep up, I'll re-evaulate, again.  If it starts to creep down, I'll celebrate!

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Yoga
Gratitude:  Having a husband who loves me and wants me to be healthy and happy

Wow! What a day!

When I woke up this morning, I didn't know what kind of day to expect.  If I had known, maybe I would have crawled back in bed, maybe I would have said 'bring it on'!

I had a personal training session at lunch time.  We started out with 20 minutes of hard intervals on the elliptical machine.  Then, we went into the full session.  It was crazy.  But, I was able to do a new weight for my one arm rows.  Thirty pounds!  And, I was able to go lower in my lunges than I have ever been able to before.  Definite progress!

As she was leaving, she gave me homework.  We ran out of time to do my side planks, so that was no biggie.  But then, she wanted me to get back on the elliptical for twenty more minutes of hard intervals.  I waited until the end of the work day, but I did it.  I was so proud of myself!

And, if that wasn't enough, I went to yoga tonight, too.  Mostly, I wanted a really good stretch after everything I had done during the day.  I definitely got that, and more.  It was a great class though.  So, I had three separate workouts through the day, and I'm still smiling.  This is a very, very good thing!

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Personal Training, Homework, and Yoga
Gratitude:  Being able to do all my exercise, and still be able to smile

Monday Pain and Appreciation

Today was a good day.  I had a lot of energy and did some chores on my lunch break.  So, I thought I was in great shape going into my two classes tonight.  I might have been over confident.

Muscle challenge class was definitely challenging tonight!  We spent the first half of the class doing exercises with the yoga balls.  There was one exercise where we had our feet on the ball, hips in the air, and then brought the ball in to our butt.  I don't think my hamstrings have stopped shaking yet!  Then, there were pushups, sit ups, wall squats with arm raises, anterior raises on the ball, you get the idea.  It was a hard, hard class. I will definitely be feeling this one tomorrow!

The second class was yoga.  I did notice that I'm able to hang in for more and more of the class each week.  There are still poses I can't do, but there are fewer of them.  I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to flip the dog, but I do have hope for the balancing half moon.  I'll get there.  It might take another year or two, but I will get there.

I was talking with Steve today about why I keep going, even though the scale is just not cooperating.  So, I figured I'd list out the non weight accomplishments again, just to prove to myself that the number on the scale is just a number.  The gains I have made outside the scale are what really matter in my life:

I don't need my CPAP!!  (That's the biggest one)
I can walk up the stairs without holding the railing, or getting out of breath
I don't need blood pressure medication anymore
I don't need blood sugar medication anymore
I have more energy than I used to (It's still not great, but getting better)
I can carry Michael
My balance is so much better
I am stronger
I can walk 4 miles

I'm sure there are more things to be grateful for, but that's a pretty good list.  So, no matter what the scale says, I will keep going.  I like the benefits I'm getting for all this hard work!

Weight: 298
Diet:  Great
Exercise:  2 hour long classes
Gratitude:  See list above!

Sunday Funday

Today was another great day.  I spent the day hanging out with Steve and Michael, and getting some things done around the house.  There are times when things are so busy that 'stuff' just piles up and my to-do list seems a mile long.  Today I was able to cross a few items off that list, and it felt really good.  And, I got in an hour on the exercise bike.  It's nice to feel like you accomplished something at the end of the day!

Food:  Great
Exercise:  An hour on the bike
Gratitude:  Being able to get some things done, finally!

Peaceful Day

Normally, I like to sleep in as late as possible on Saturdays.  Dan normally gets Michael so it's actually possible.  But, this morning, I knew that Kathie was subbing two classes at the gym.  So, I dragged my butt out of bed early and got to the gym for stretch and intervals classes.  So, even though I hated getting up early, I really loved having 90 minutes of exercise done by 10:30 in the morning.  That was a great thing!

The other great thing was that we tried Michael at a special needs karate class this morning.  He did really well during the class, but it seemed to tire him out, a lot.  In fact, he's been acting completely exhausted all day.  An eleven year old with his level of energy should definitely have more stamina.  I'm not sure what we can do to help that, but we have to do something.  He shouldn't be exhausted just from one class.

The rest of the day was nice and peaceful.  I started some projects that I've been putting off for a while.  So, right now, things are a little chaotic, but going in a good direction.  I can live with that!

Diet:  Perfect
Exercise:  Stretch and Intervals classes
Gratitude:  Getting my exercise done early!

Fabulous Friday

Just a quick post tonight.  Michael and I went for a quick walk this afternoon, and that was really nice.  I love walking by myself for exercise, but it's so much nicer to have his company.  And, I want to build up his stamina so that he'll be ready to go on a longer walk when we do the Pathfinders for Autism 5K coming up at the end of September.

Of course, I also went to my regular Friday night yoga class.  It was really good tonight, as usual.  I love feeling like I work hard during the class, and then stretch and relax completely at the end.  It's such a perfect way to end the week.

Food:  Great
Exercise:  Short walk, yoga class
Gratitude:  Walking with Michael

Surfers Healing and a Long Day

Today was a great day, but exhausting.  Michael was up early and really excited about the hotel, the pool, and surfing.  So, we played a bit, went to the pool, an then got ready for his surf time.  I ended up standing and walking a lot more than I am used to.  And I am really not used to walking and standing in the sand.  By the time the day was over, my legs were like jelly.

Of course, Michael had a great time.  I was a little disappointed that he spent most of the time just floating on the surf board.  He only actually caught one wave, the one that he came in on.  So, I was really jealous of the other kids who did a lot more actual surfing.  But, Michael had a great time, and that's all that matters.

My trainer sent me a text message with some cardio instructions as well as a few exercises to do.  I was able to do all the exercises when we got home, but I just wasn't up to the cardio.  Like I said, my legs were really tired from the day, and the long drive home.  So, I feel like a little bit of a wimp, but not completely.  Tomorrow is another day!

Food:  Great
Exercise:  Dips, Squats, Ball Passes, Side Planks, and a regular Plank
Gratitude:  Thank you, Surfers Healing for a great day!

Wednesday that's really Friday!

I just wanted to post really quickly before life gets crazy.  Yesterday I took a rest day, and I really, really needed it.  Today, I woke up rested and full of energy.  It's one of those days that comes once in a while where I feel fantastic.  I wish I could feel like this every single day.  Who knows, maybe I'll figure out the secret and get there.  For now, I am just super grateful for today!

At lunch time, I did the Jillian Beginner for Frontside workout.  I really love this workout.  In about 45 minutes I worked my arms, chest, shoulders, abs and quads.  I was tired when it was over, but even more energized once I recovered.  Life is good!

This afternoon we are taking Michael to Ocean City for Surfer's Healing.  We are all really excited!  So, I'm not sure if I'll post tomorrow or not, but it's going to be an incredible day!

Diet:  Great, so far!
Exercise:  45 minute Front Side DVD
Gratitude:  Energy and Happiness!

Reassuring Monday

The scale hasn't been moving much the last couple weeks.  And, I've been really, really frustreated.  But, tonight, when I went to my regular classes at the gym, three separate people told me I looked smaller.  That really made me happy.  The only thing I can think of is that with all the strength training I've been focusing on, maybe I have put on a little bit of muscle.  Either way, I'm happy for positive comments! And, it counts for my daily gratitude.

Both my classes tonight were great.  The muscle challenge class was definitely challenging, but I think I held my own.  By the time I got to yoga, I was really, really tired.  But, I was able to hang in for most of the class.  For a few of the more complicated poses, I did go into child pose, but that's OK.  I had a great class, and got the week off to a wonderful start.

Weight:  297
Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Muscle Challenge, Yoga
Gratitude:  People noticing me getting smaller!

Happy Milestone

Today was unusual in that I hadn't planned my exercise ahead of time, and I hadn't gotten any text messages with suggestions.  I played around with the idea of taking the day off since I didn't get one last week.  But, I was feeling a little energetic, and didn't want to waste the energy.  So, I decided to go for a walk.

It was a little warmer than my ideal walking temperature, and the sun was hot, but I was ready for a walk.  And, as soon as I got going, I decided that I wanted to focus on pace today, and not really how long or how far I ended up walking.  So, I just walked as fast I could without panting.  I was mildly out of breath, but not panic breathing.  And, it felt good to be moving, and pushing my comfort zone.

What I wasn't counting on was the last hill before the end.  It was pretty steep, but I was determined to make it.  All in all, I walked 2.34 miles in 43:22.  That ends up being an average pace of 3.24 miles per hour and my fastest pace ever.  Not bad!  In fact, I'm really, really proud of myself.  I had been hoping to average around 3 miles an hour, so I was able to push past that.  Now, if I could just do a whole three miles at that pace, I'd be on top of the world.  Of course, then I'll want to go even faster, but for now, I'm just happy.

For my gratitude of the day, it was a nice family dinner with my Mother-in-Law.  Her birthday is later this week, and we wanted to have a birthday dinner for her.  She came over and spent the afternoon playing with Michael and we had a steak dinner.  It was nice.  We don't have celebration meals all that often, and it was definitely a nice change.

Meals:  Great
Exercise:  Fast paced (for me) walk
Gratitude:  Spending time with family

Happy Saturday

As bad of a mood as I was in last night, I'm feeling so much better tonight.  I woke up early this morning, had a cup of coffee and a small breakfast, and went straight to the gym.  I went to a 9am stretch class followed by a 9:30 intervals class.  Between the two classes, it was 90 minutes of exercise.  And, the same instructor that teaches the muscle challenge class was subbing for both classes, so it definitely counted as a strength class.  I definitely met my goal of three strength sessions this week.  Happy!

The rest of the day was just hanging out with Michael and Steve.  It felt so good to get the exercise out of the way first thing, and then be able to enjoy the rest of the day with family.  And, the best part is, I'll get to do it all again next Saturday.  I wish it could be every week, but then I'd be getting greedy.

Food:  Perfect
Exercise:  30 minutes stretch class, 60 minutes intervals class
Gratitude:  Being able to have the classes this morning.  Bonus!

Lousy Mood

I'm in a really lousy mood tonight, so I'll just post quickly.  I managed to do 40 minutes of hard intervals on the elliptical today.  It was really ugly, but I finished.  Then, tonight I went to my Friday night yoga class.  A very good exercise day.  Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow.

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Elliptcal and Yoga
Gratitude:  Knowing when to call it a day

Good Day, Good News

Today was a pretty laid back day.  It was an office day, and I had a meeting first thing this morning that took most of the morning.  The rest of the day was fairly low key.  Except, of course, when I got a text message telling me I should do 45 minutes of easy cardio when I got home.  My first thought was that I didn't want to.  My second thought was that I should. 

When I got home, I was actually feeling pretty good, and it was easy to get on the elliptical for 45 minutes.  When I know it's just a slow, easy pace, it's much more managable.  So, even though I was definitely sore from yesterday, I still got in some decent cardio today.

Then, when I got home, I found even better news.  The lady who teaches the Muscle Challenge class on Mondays is going to be subbing for both the stretch and interval classes on Saturday.  When she teaches intervals, it ends up being very similar to the muscle challenge class.  So that means I'll get three great strength sessions this week.  I am really looking forward to this!

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  45 minutes easy elliptical
Gratitude:  Bonus Strength Session on Saturday

So Tired

Today was a session with my personal trainer.  Frankly, after Monday night's class, I was scared.  But, I am fully committed to this path.  So, when I was on the elliptical at a 1400 calorie/hour burn, she said that the whole point was to break me out of this plateau.  At that moment, I was afraid of spontaneous combusion.  If this plan doesn't work, nothing will.

After the 'warm up' on the cardio machines, it was time for the real workout.  Today seemed to be 70% upper body.  And it was intense.  I don't think I've ever done so many arm and shoulder exercises in a single session.  Plus abs.  Plus hamstrings and glutes.  When she left, my arms were literally shaking.  I guess it was a good workout!

So, tomorrow has to be a rest day.  I don't think my body has anything left to give.  But, it is definitely worth it. And my gratitude of the day is for being able to do this.  There are a lot of people who want to work out, who just can't, for whatever reason.  I have so many people in my life making this possible, I am full of gratitude.

Food:  Perfect
Exercise:  One monster personal training session
Gratitude:  Being able to do this journey

Not a Rest Day!

I don't normally post on Tuesdays because it's supposed to be my rest day.  But, unfortunately, my trainer had other ideas.  She sent me a text message with instructions for the day.  And yes, I could have said no, this is my rest day.  But, the scale is starting to move again, I don't want to mess with my weight loss karma.  So, I did the workout.

The first part of the text message was to do 45 minutes of easy cardio.  But, because today was an office day, I didn't have access to my cardio equipment.  So, at lunch time, I decided to go for a walk.  It would have been a really good idea, except for the fact that the humidity was close to 100%.  I ended up walking for an hour, covering 2.77 miles, and getting back to the office a sweaty mess.  Thankfully, my coworker took pity on me and brought me a huge glass of cold water.  Thank you, Tatiana!

When I came home, I was in a hurry to knock out the rest of the instructions.  I did fifteen bench dips and then started on the ball passes.  I was supposed to do 20 of them, but needed to stop and rest a few times.  But,  did all twenty of them.  And, writing this post hours later, my abs HURT. 

Finally, all I had left was my 90 second plank.  As soon as I started, I realized that my feet were burning inside my shoes and there was no way I was going to be able to hold the whole time.  So, I asked Steve to let me know when I got to 45 seconds, took off my shoes, and then did the remaining 45 seconds barefoot.  It felt so much better.  Then again, I doubt if I could have made it one extra second.  But, at least I fininished.

So, it was not a rest day by any stretch of the imagination, but it turned out to be a really good day anyway.  Of course, I'm not sure my legs or abs are going to forgive me any time soon.

Food:  Perfect
Exercise:  2.77 mile walk, dips, ball passes, and plank
Gratitude:  Tatiana and the water

Challenging Evening

Tonight was hard!  I went to my normal Monday Muscle Challenge class.  I don't know if I was just weak tonight, or the class was twice as hard as normal.  But, either way, I thought I was going to die.  There were actually a few exercises I had to sit out and just catch my breath.  That hasn't happened in a long, long time.  I'm choosing to believe the class was extra hard tonight.  I wasn't the only one who couldn't keep up.

After class,  I had to skip yoga and head to my parent support group.  It's once a month, but it really is a lifeline for me.  Sometimes it just helps to know that other parents have the same issues, struggles, etc. that you do.  That you aren't alone.  So, as much as I hated missing yoga, I needed to go to my group.  In fact, just having the group is my gratitude for today.  I have made friends there that I cherish, and that's important!

Weight:  298
Food:  Excellent
Exercise:  Muscle Challenge Class
Gratitude:  My Parent Support Group.

Easy Day

After the last several days being so strenuous, I decided to take things a little slow today.  For cardio I vacuumed and steam cleaned the downstairs.  It took about thirty minutes, and I definitely worked up a sweat doing it.  So, that counts.  Then, I did an hour yin yoga class, mostly for relaxation.  It's really different from the more active classes I am used to, but felt really, really good.

My gratitude for the day is just for being able to sleep in.  My brother in law took care of Michael this morning so Steve and I could sleep in.  That extra time to sleep really does make a difference.  When I woke up this morning, I felt rested and relaxed.  And, I had the energy to take on cleaning.  That never happens!

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  Cleaning and Yin Yoga
Gratitude:  Sleeping In

Loving Jillian for Beginners

Today was a busy day and I didn't get to start exercise until 7pm.  Well, I did do my 90 second plank this morning, but that doesn't count for a lot.  But, I had promised myself that I would do the second Jillian Michael's Beginner DVD, so I dug deep into my stubborness and forced myself to put the DVD in.

I am so glad I did! Within minutes I was dripping sweat and really feeling the workout.  Fifty minutes later I was soaking wet, exhausted, and beaming with pride.  I love that I can do this, and I can use real weights.  I also like that all of the exercises are adjustable.  Even though I am starting out at the beginner version of most exercises, I know that I will be able to get to the more advanced versions eventually.  That makes me happy.

The point of gratitude today was that I got to spend some time with Steve's other brother, niece and nephew.  I don't get to see them very often, so that was nice.  And, while I was exercising, Steve went with them to Chopt and brought me back a salad for dinner.  Very nice!

Exercise:  90 Second Plank, Back Side DVD
Food:  Perfect
Gratitude: Spending time with extended family

Back to Tired

Today wasn't as good as yesterday, but still a pretty good day.  I had a lot less energy today, but did get a lot done.  I am planning on going to bed early tonight, and hoping for lots more energy tomorrow.

I was planning on just going to yoga tonight, but then I got a challenge from my trainer.  So, at lunch time I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, 20 ball passes (from legs to hands over head) and 15 bench dips.  A little later, I did another 90 second plank. I had to wait until I cooled down some, so I wasn't so slippery!  I was exhausted!  But, also really proud of myself.  It felt good to get an exercise challenge, and then do it. 

Then, tonight I went to my regular Friday night yoga class.  When I remember back to my first few classes, and that I couldn't even get into down dog, I am so excited.  I still can't hold the pose for a really long time, but I am so much better than I was.  And, when I first started, I dreaded pigeon pose.  It hurt so bad!  Now, I actually enjoy it.  The hip stretch feels good.  So, it's defiitely nice to reflect back on the progress I have made.

The best part of the day was a simple back rub from Steve.  It's amazing how just a few minutes can relax me and make me feel completely loved.  Definitely something to be thankful for!

Food:  Perfect
Exercise:  45 Minutes Elliptical, Dips, Ball Passes, and Yoga
Gratitude:  Steve's back rub

Finally Energetic and Happy

For the last few weeks, it's felt like I have been moving through sludge.  Every day I've been so tired, physically and mentally.  Today, for the first day in ages, I felt like myself again.  I didn't have to force myself to get up, exercise, get through the day.  Today, I felt happy, and ready to attack my workouts, and my life.

I started the day with a quick 30 minutes on the elliptical.  After the check in with my trainer yesterday, I really wanted to get it over with.  So, first thing this morning, even before breakfast, I got it in.  I chose the easier set of intervals, with 30 seconds hard and 60 seconds of recovery.  But still, it was a heck of a workout!

Then, at lunch time, I did the other Jillian Michael's DVD - front side for beginners.  It was really tough, but so doable.  I am finally getting excited about my program again.  I love that I have a plan and I can stick to it.  And, I will be able to get strength training three times a week.  That is an awesome thing.

And, to make things even better, I did another plank tonight.  After the DVD this afternoon, it was definitely a challenge, but I made it the full 90 seconds.  My plan is to do 90 seconds a day for a while and see when I can up it to 105 and then two minutes.  Eventually, I'd love to get to three minutes.  But, that's a ways away right now.

So, for gratitude, I am just so thankful for today.  I needed to know that I was still capable of being happy, feeling rested, and having energy.  I know that we all go through ups and downs, but I really needed this up day.  I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I am hoping for a repeat!

Food:  Perfect
Exercise:  30 Minutes Elliptical, 45 Minute DVD, 90 Second Plank
Gratitude:  Feeling good!