Monday, March 31, 2014

Feeling Crispy Tonight

I went to both my classes tonight, but I'm feeling really tired.  And fried.  I'm not sure what's going on tonight, but I just have no energy.  And, really, no desire to move tonight.  After the last two days of feeling good, it's a bit of a let down.  But, hopefully, it's just a blip.  I'm not used to forcing myself through every minute of class.  The good news is that my will power is still solid.  The bad news is that it shouldn't have to be.  But, tomorrow is a rest day.  Yay!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Productive Sunday

Today was another great day.  I woke up with energy, and my mood was surprisingly happy.  I'm not one to feel overly depressed, but for as long as I can remember, I've been tired - physically and emotionally.  Today I wasn't as tired.  I wasn't bouncing off the walls hyper, but there was a definite difference.

I started spring cleaning yesterday, and continued today.  I spent half an hour doing come pretty vigorous cleaning.  I scrubbed down the entire staircase railing, and cleaned three bathrooms.  That's a lot more energy than I normally spend before noon on a Sunday! 

The rest of the day was similar.  I ended up doing 2 thirty minute sessions on the elliptical, and got to a great calorie burn on both.  I was really happy with that.  But mostly, I was happy that I got a lot done today. I even cleaned out Michael's closet and folded up a bunch of clothes he's outgrown.  A very productive day!

But, it's not the productivity that I'm so happy with.  It's the fact that I'm just plain feeling better.  I can't explain it, but it's a wonderful feeling.  I just hope I can keep it!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Rough week, good day

This has been a pretty rough week.  I was so tired when I came home from work yesterday, all I could do was take the night off and rest.  But, the good news is that I felt a lot better today.  I ended up doing two 30 minute sessions on the elliptical, plus my regular yoga class this evening.  On one hand I feel bad for missing yesterday.  On the other, I realize that Thursdays are supposed to be optional.  So, I am going to stop worrying about things I didn't do, and focus on the good things that I did do this week.  So, I'm declaring a successful end to the week!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Another Monday?

OK, today was just as exhausting as Monday!  I did my 5 mile WATP video at lunch time, and it really kicked my butt.  My legs were burning for a long time afterwards.  Then, I did crunches and ball squats.  Then, I went to yoga.  I was expecting a relaxing class tonight, and that just didn't happen.  I almost laughed out loud when she called boat pose right before final relaxation.  So mean!  Overall, it was a really strenuous day.  I will definitely sleep well tonight!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Exhausted!

OK, It's Monday, so I am exhausted.  The Muscle Challenge class was really hard tonight, and it was followed by Yoga, which was just as hard.  When I left the gym, my abs were crying.  But, the good news is that I could get a little further in some of my bends.  I think my tummy might have shrunk just a little bit!  That makes all the pain and exhaustion well worth it!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Gentle Day

Today was a gentle exercise day.  My feet were still hurting from my walk yesterday, and I know that tomorrow is going to be pretty intense, so I decided that today should be an easy day.  I just did 30 minutes on the elliptical, and 30 minutes on the bike.  But, it added up to an hour of exercise, so it definitely counts.  Overall, a good day!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Another good day

Today was another great day.  I found a walking route near my house that is 3.23 miles, and easy to walk.  It has some hills, but none so steep that they are impossible.  I figure they make for great intervals.  And, I walked it in just over an hour.  Now, whenever I get the urge to do another 5k, I can just walk out my front door.  Very nice!

But, the best part of the day was when I took my blood pressure, and it was good.  I've been off blood pressure medication for a while now, but my doctor wanted me to monitor it fairly closely.  It's been high, but not high enough that I needed to go back on the medication.  Today, it was actually good.  I felt absolutely wonderful when I saw that.  Good things are happening!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Amazing Day!

Today was a perfect day.  I got a lot of exercise in, and had wonderful family time.  It couldn't have been better.  So, for the details.

I started out the day with 20 minutes on the elliptical, followed by a personal training session.  The best part on the elliptical was that I'm getting stronger.  I was able to keep it at level 20 the whole time.  That made me happy!  And, with the training session, we were back to our full workout.  My shoulder is still tender, but that didn't hold me back today.  It felt amazing! 

As soon as the session was over, I had to grab a quick shower.  Michael had a talent show at school today, so I snuck out to see him dance.  It was so much fun!  I love seeing him have so much fun moving.  If I could just bottle a fraction of his energy, I'd be skinny.

The last exercise for the day was my regular Friday Night Yoga class.  It was absolutely packed.  I have seen where some studios have to really discount Friday night classes because people don't want to exercise Friday evening.  Not for our class.  It's such a wonderful way to end the week, I don't think they could have fit another person in the room.  That tells you how amazing this class is.  So thankful to have found it!

We finished up the day with family movie night.  Pure couch potato, but fun.  And, I was so proud of myself for not snacking!  Yay weekend!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Back in the water!

I really want to exercise more consistently on Thursday nights.  It's hard because I usually come home from the office pretty exhausted, and a hard workout is not high on my list.  But tonight I came up with the perfect solution - water aerobics!  I had forgotten that there was a Thursday night class.  I feel so silly for forgetting!  But, it was perfect.

I got home from work, made a quick dinner, and even had a little time to decompress.  Then, off to the gym.  The class was pretty good, too.  And, after the class, I spent about ten minutes in the hot tub.  That's definitely a great reward for working hard.  So, score one for Thursday night workouts!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Just Yoga

Work was extra busy today, so I didn't get a lunch break.  So, I didn't exercise at lunch today.  But, yoga was extra challenging tonight, so I got a great workout in class.  I'm calling it a wash.  This will be a really short post since I'm really, really tired.  Have a great night!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Pushing

As usual, I think I might have pushed just a little too much in my classes tonight.  My shoulder had been feeling a lot better.  Now, it hurts.  But, I did make it through both classes.  For the muscle challenge class, I used my regular weights for my left hand, and just used a five pound weight for my right.  It felt weird, but that was better than nothing, right?

Yoga was actually a little harder.  You don't realize how much you use your arms and shoulders, in almost every pose.  But, I did the best I could, and modified where I needed to.  It probably wasn't my best class ever, but it was the best I could do tonight.  I can't ask any more of myself than that.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Fun Sunday

Today was a great, family day.  Michael wanted to play games with me and Steve today, so we did.  It's so rare for him to want to interact and play that I just couldn't say no.  I'm still smiling as I write this.  I did manage to sneak in two 30 minute sessions on the exercise bike.  Not the most intense workout, but it does count.  And, I'm just happy today.  I really hope this lasts!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

A Walk and Some Insights

I'm really frustrated because the scale didn't move at all this week.  So, I'm asking myself whether or not I did everything I could this week.  And, I really think I did the best I can.  Some weeks will be better than others.  But, I exercised, I followed my food plan, and even got extra rest.  I'm not sure what else I could do.

The only thing I could think of that's different is that I haven't been taking as many Epsom salt baths and I had been.  So, I'm going back to a bath every night before bed.  We'll see if it makes a difference.

For exercise, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take a walk outside.  I went for 2.7 miles in about 50 minutes.  According to endomondo, I averaged just over 3 miles an hour.  That's not bad for my first walk of the spring!  I'm hoping to walk outside a little more often, and hopefully build up some more strength in my legs.  I also did a couple strength exercises today - leg raises, crunches, and ball squats.  Overall, a good exercise day.

While I was walking, I did a lot of thinking.  I always hear in yoga to accept today's practice as perfect for me, where I am today.  I really need to expand that out into the rest of my life.  Some days are always going to be better than others.  I still hear Betty's voice in my head, urging me to do my best.  I also need to hear her voice telling me that there's no such thing as perfection.  The best I can do one day will be totally different another day.  I think if I take some of the pressure for perfection off myself, I'll enjoy the exercise more, and hopefully get more out of it.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Fun Friday

Today was another good day.  I did half an hour on the elliptical at lunch time, and then did my Friday night yoga class tonight.  I love that I'm able to move more.  My shoulder still hurts, so that is cutting down on some of my options, but I love that I'm able to find things to do.  Overall, a really good day.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Happy on the Elliptical

I only did 30 minutes on the elliptical today, but I'm thrilled with that.  Normally, I take Thursdays off since they tend to be hard days at work.  Today, I came home and actually exercised.  And, I did intervals on the elliptical.  So, I am incredibly proud of myself. Yay me!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Yoga Wednesday

I really tried to make myself do some cardio today, but it just didn't work out.  Michael had a rough morning, and then I had three conference calls back to back to back.  By the time I had lunch and could even think about exercising, I was pretty wiped.  But, I did make it to yoga, and had a great class.  That counts, right?

Monday, March 10, 2014

Great Wonderful Day

I didn't realize how much I missed my Monday classes.  When I got to the gym tonight, it was great to see my "Muscle Challenge Friends".  They all wanted to know about my week at BLRC, and a few said they could see a difference in me.  Yay!

I was gentle with my shoulder, and didn't use as heavy weights as I normally do.  But, I still got a great workout.  And, I have a better idea of which exercises really use the shoulder, and which don't.  Until I hurt my shoulder, I just never really paid attention.  So, I guess a little knowledge is a good thing, right?

Yoga was really good, too.  We started off with some gentle stretching before we got into the hard work. It was a nice way to transition from one class to the next.  Of course, when we got into the serious poses, it wasn't quite as relaxing.  But, I still missed it.  I do love my Monday classes!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Proud of Myself

I was really proud of myself this morning.  We had to leave the house at noon to take Michael to his music class, and the morning was getting away from me.  I knew that if I didn't get any cardio in before I left the house, the whole day would slip away.  So, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical before we left.  I was cutting it close time wise, but I got it done.  And, I even cooled down enough to be semi-presentable before leaving the house.

When we got home, my MIL came over for the afternoon.  But, as soon as she went home, I went back on the elliptical for the other 30 minutes.  That took a lot, but I did it.  I have a feeling I will definitely sleep well tonight!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Better Day

OK, today was a much better day.  I got to sleep in this morning.  (Thank you, Dan!!)  By the time I did get up, I felt almost human again.  I even got some laundry folded.  Yay me.  I knew I didn't have a lot of free time before it would be time to leave for CST, so I did half an hour of intervals on the elliptical.  I really do like the shorter, more intense workouts.  By the time I was done, I was a sweaty mess, but I felt great.

Then, I took Michael to his yoga class this afternoon.  After missing two classes, I wasn't sure if we'd actually make it through today.  There were a few rough spots, but he made it through the whole class.  And, we both got in a good workout. I love doing yoga together!

The rest of the day was pretty much playing catch up from the week.  I'm finally feeling like the world is getting back to 'normal'.  I'm not totally exhausted, the laundry is mostly caught up, and the chores around the house are getting done.  This next week will be a good one!

Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday!

Today was finally a little more normal of a day.  I had a personal training session scheduled, but I was a little nervous because my shoulder has still been hurting, ever since BLRC.  But, she said she had a plan, and I trusted her.  Good thing, too.

I started off with 20 minutes on the elliptical.  I love that I'm still able to push to a higher level than I ever did pre-BLRC.  And, by the time my session started, I was definitely warm. We started the session with some ab exercises, and then moved more into shoulder work.  She had me do a bunch of rehab type exercises.  By the time we finished, my shoulders we definitely warm from the exercises, but there was no sharp pain.  That helped a lot!

We finished the session with a few ab/knee strengthening exercises.  They were hard, and my quads were burning, but it was a really good session.  And, for the rest of the day my shoulder felt really good.

I finished off the day with my regular Friday yoga class.  It felt so good.  I love that the class is fairly predictable and relatively low key.  By the time I left the gym I was feeling like a relaxed noodle.  And that was exactly what I needed.

So, overall, it was a great exercise day, and a great therapy day.  Hopefully, I'll be able to sleep in tomorrow and get back to my 'normal' exercise routine.  That would be a really, really good thing!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Completely Exhausted

I had every intention of coming home from work and going to yoga. But I'm exhausted and my shoulder really hurts. I think I'm going to listen to my body and just go to bed early tonight. This isn't a race. I don't have to meet all my exercise goals this week. And, I never gave myself a chance to rest since coming home. So, tonight, it's rest. Good night!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Terrific Tuesday

Tuesday is normally my rest day, but I decided to work out today.  Mostly because I got a bonus work from home day.  So, I did a workout that a friend recommended, and it really kicked my butt.  I love that I can get a really intense workout in just half an hour.  I'm planning on varying the amount of exercise, as well as the intensity.  I don't want to get stuck in a rut again.

I'm also tracking my food with My Fitness Pal.  It's mostly for a group challenge.  But, if it works, I'll stick with it.  I'm feeling so reenergized and hopeful.  It's almost scary.

The down side is that my shoulder is really, really sore. I think I might have pushed it over the limit today.  Tomorrow will definitely be an easier day.  Probably just yoga.  Maybe the shoulder will get better quick.  I can push myself really hard, but when there is sharp pain, I turn into a wimp.  But, I'll figure something out, right?

Monday, March 3, 2014

Snow Day, So Improvise!

When I made out my plan for the week, I fully intended to go to my Muscle Challenge class at the gym tonight.  I certainly didn't plan for the gym to be closed due to weather.  But, Betty taught us to always have a backup plan.  So, at lunch time, I broke out my pictures, found a workout I liked, and did it.

I started with a five minute warm up, then went right into the Pyramid Challenge workout.  It was 1 minute of cardio, 10 burpess, 2 min 9 squats, 3 min 8 pushups, 4 min 7 plank ups, 5 min 30 sit ups, and then back down.  I found out a lot of new things today. 

First off, my old workout is now my warmup!  I used to think level 15 was hard.  Now, I use it as my warm up and was using level 30 for my workout.  And, when I wanted to really push for one minute, I bumped it all the way to 65.  That hurt, but, I did it!  And, when it was time for the burpees, I did less modification.  They were ugly, but they were intense.  And, since there were no witnesses, I was really happy. 

So, it wasn't the workout I was planning for the day, but it was definitely a success.  And, the support group for those of us who went last week has already started the first challenge.  I'm recording everything I eat and all my exercise in My Fitness Pal.  The challenge is only for a week.  But, who knows, maybe I'll learn a new habit.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

BLRC - Results!

I'm home.  I'm mostly unpacked and settled in.  I still have a ton of laundry to do, but I'm really, really tired.  I'm sure I'll be back to my normal routine tomorrow, but today was definitely a rest day.  I'll probably have some wrap up thoughts tomorrow, but tonight, I just need to spend time with my guys and get to bed early.

The good news is that I lost 9.7 pounds, 7.7 of which was fat loss.  I'm really, really happy with that!  Now, the starting weight was probably higher since it was at the end of the day, and after getting off a plane.  But still, I'll take it!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

BLRC - Day 7

Well, the official program is finished and people have started going home.  I won't have my final weigh in until tomorrow morning, and then I'll head to the airport.  But the hard part is all done.  I can't believe I made it through.  I am incredibly proud of myself, and incredibly tired.  Right now, I can't imagine how people stay for more than one week.  I guess that's why weekend's are so light.  You're pretty much finished by noon Saturday, and then have all day Sunday off.  There's a chance I'd be ready to go again by Monday.

Anyway, this morning was just one workout, but what a workout it was!  It was two hours long, and amazing.  First we warmed up on cardio equipment, and then the real workout started.  We alternated between one minute of hard cardio and weight bearing exercises like pushups, burpees, planks, etc.).  While we were doing the exercises, two people had to run the hall.  They did 10 ball slams at one end, put on a weight, ran down to the other end, ran back, did 10 ball slams, then came back into the room.  Those in the room had to keep doing the exercises until both people were back.  That was the first half of the workout, and went on for about an hour.

The second half of the workout was shorter, about 45 minutes.  This time, the majority of the class was doing exercises against a wall with an 8 or 10 pound weight.  That doesn't sound like much until you try doing overhead presses with it, forever.  The rest of the hallways was set up as an obstacle course, and two or three people ran it at a time, while we did wall exercises.  My course was fairly simple.  There were two ladders on the floor to step in and out of quickly, a stop for pushups and a stop for more ball slams.  Then, I got to run back as fast as I could to 'rescue' the group.  You read that right.  I actually ran.  Fast.  One of my friends said I had a look of pure joy on my face while I was running.  I can believe that.  It felt so good to actually be able to run.  Not a long distance, but still, it was huge for me. 

The last event was Graduation.  It's a good thing they pass out boxes of tissues!  We wrote ourselves a letter that they will mail at some point in the next month or two.  That was really emotional.  I wonder what it will be like when I get mine in the mail.  Then, we watched a video montage of everything we did this week.  Again, emotional.  But, the most emotional part was the last part.  We went around the room and told something we were leaving behind.

For me, I am leaving behind my fear and doubt.  I have learned that I can do hard things.  I also learned that I don't need to modify every exercise.  A lot, yes.  But, I really am stronger than I give myself credit for.  I really want to push myself more often.  Do a short run every now and then.  Push harder on my intervals. Maybe I'll even try that kickboxing class at the gym.  I want to stop limiting myself based on fear and see what I really can do.

Now, I am going to hang out with some friends and enjoy the rest of the day.  I probably won't post my results until I get home tomorrow night.  But, no matter what the scale says, I know my week here was successful beyond my wildest hopes.