I ran outside last night. First time in a couple weeks probably. I've been almost exclusively training with weights with a few HIIT cardio sessions scattered in between.
My girls were with me on their scooters. I love when they want to come with me. But not 5 minutes into it I was so winded. WHAT UP WITH THAT? It was SO hot out. And I am not used to running in the heat. Most of the time I run on the treadmill in our cool basement. So anyway, when I got home (after just one loop around) I felt like I was going to die.
I just don't get it. I do aerobic and anaerobic exercise with this routine I'm on so I should be conditioned enough to handle a stinkin' jog! Sheesh!
That drama aside, I'm starting to really enjoy running outside more and more though. It's nice to be out enjoying nature while you are doing something good for your body. Plus, I sort of feel this camaraderie (or is it comradery?) with all the other runners (and there are a lot around here). That makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
It's always interesting to hear what other people do to improve their health and get in shape. Whether it's a brisk walk, swimming, weight training, or belly dancing, it doesn't matter. The key is MOVE! Break a sweat! Don't just think that parking your car farther away from the entrance to the store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator is enough. Mayo Clinic says 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily can help you live longer and healthier. Who wouldn't want that!
Oh, and don't forget about your diet! Eat good at least 80% of the time along with that 30 minutes a day and you're golden!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
picture
From the waist up I'm happy with where I am. Toned arms, chest, back, abs. Of course, there's always room for improvement and I would love even more definition on my arms and abs especially. From the waist down....that is quite another story. It needs work people.
Working out has been going well. Steady. I am averaging 3-4 times per week. That isn't ideal (I prefer at least 5 times), but it is WAY better than 0.
I'm still on Ripped 1000 and I really enjoy it. It's still hard, but I have noticed some improvement in strength and stamina. Don't think I have "noticeable" results from that past few weeks but that is probably due to a less than perfect diet.
Why is it SO HARD to drop the sugar in the summer??? HELL-O....ice cream!
Besides giving in to temptations all too frequently, I've been a tad lazy. I should go for a nice hour long power walk every night, but I don't. I usually walk, but it's so slow paced because I have at least one kid and a dog with me. The dog has to stop and smell the roses every 3 seconds. Not much of a workout.
My goal for weekly exercise was ripped 3 times a week and shorter 20 minute cardio on off days. Weekends off. Now, I'm certain that if I can keep my cravings for ice cream (damn you DQ) and NutThins (damn you Blue Diamond) under control, AND keep up with my 'cising goals, I would notice improvement. It's just so DAMN hard!
Sometimes I can muster so much control over myself, it's a bit robotic and scary. Then other times, I just find myself thinking I'm already fit enough, I can sneak an ice cream sand which (or 10) into the week. Ugh!
I hate thinking I can fall back on the fact that I'm already in pretty good shape. Pretty soon, it's gonna catch up to me.
But anyway, before I had my ankle injury, my goal date was June 1st. At that time I was to show off my toned body in a bikini (this was all the motivation I needed...scary accountability). But, of course, the ankle threw my goal into a black hole somewhere as I hobbled around for the next month with hardly any exercise.
Feeling sorry for myself in the process.
Now that I'm about 98% back to normal, I probably need to set a new goal for myself. Next summer is too far off into the future, I think somewhere in the vicinity of 2 months is ideal. I'll think about it and get back to you.
In the meantime, the picture is a way to remind myself that even though my body may be far from perfect, it still is pretty damn good for a woman my age with 3 kids. And I am proud of it. It's dedication and hard work that has gotten me to where I am today and where I will be in the future!
To quote BeachBody - "Decide. Commit. Succeed."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Doing something good
Skipped Ripped 1000 Monday due to a very active day with the kids. Long walks and bike rides....wore me out by 3:00pm! Did it Wednesday though. Had SO much energy! Cleaned the ENTIRE house afterwards, too. Must have been the coconut water! You ever tried that stuff?
I have noticed, since living in Denmark, that bike riding is SO easy here. Seriously. The little hills around this town (or should I say tiny) that used to seem like work to me, don't anymore. I used to have to stand up to pedal up these tiny hills. Not anymore...even with my 4 year old in the back seat.
We lived about 6 miles from the coast, in a wooded area with so many wonderful bike/walking trails. I mean, it was probably the BEST part of living there. But, there were some pretty big hills through the forest. The kind you definitely can't do sitting down (especially with an extra rider). Although, my little Eden, now almost 8, was pretty much a pro. She didn't have the advantage of being able to stand up and pedal, so she did it the right way. All the time. Those little muscles must have just been constantly burning between trying to keep up and those hills. I think back now and almost feel a tad guilty. But we ALL enjoyed it so much. The perfect Sunday would be biking to the coast and have a picnic in the sand while watching the ocean. Spending the day finding shells, crabs and shrimp. Eating ice cream and biking back home. What a treasure, those memories!
One hill, in particular, was just down the street from our house. I wasn't able to bike up without standing once I got closer to the top of it. My goal was always to try and make it as far as I could sitting. Until I finally did it. And could do it over and over. That's when I knew I had improved my muscle strength.
And I notice that new found strength even now, a year later. I am happy for that. Because there are a LOT of "those days" where I don't feel like I've improved at all for as much as I workout with weights. It tends to get me down at least once a week. I have those moments when I'm tired, sweating my butt off and have many more reps to go. I think, why do I bust my butt day after day, week after week, year after year, for nothing? Well, it isn't for nothing. It's for health. You'll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density (which reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis) and better manage your weight. Also, it can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30. But let's not forget the feel good endorphins weight training increases, as well as the improved self esteem. Many, MANY benefits. Too many for me to list right now!
I AM doing something good. I HAVE improved my fitness. And I am proud of myself for that.
I have noticed, since living in Denmark, that bike riding is SO easy here. Seriously. The little hills around this town (or should I say tiny) that used to seem like work to me, don't anymore. I used to have to stand up to pedal up these tiny hills. Not anymore...even with my 4 year old in the back seat.
We lived about 6 miles from the coast, in a wooded area with so many wonderful bike/walking trails. I mean, it was probably the BEST part of living there. But, there were some pretty big hills through the forest. The kind you definitely can't do sitting down (especially with an extra rider). Although, my little Eden, now almost 8, was pretty much a pro. She didn't have the advantage of being able to stand up and pedal, so she did it the right way. All the time. Those little muscles must have just been constantly burning between trying to keep up and those hills. I think back now and almost feel a tad guilty. But we ALL enjoyed it so much. The perfect Sunday would be biking to the coast and have a picnic in the sand while watching the ocean. Spending the day finding shells, crabs and shrimp. Eating ice cream and biking back home. What a treasure, those memories!
One hill, in particular, was just down the street from our house. I wasn't able to bike up without standing once I got closer to the top of it. My goal was always to try and make it as far as I could sitting. Until I finally did it. And could do it over and over. That's when I knew I had improved my muscle strength.
And I notice that new found strength even now, a year later. I am happy for that. Because there are a LOT of "those days" where I don't feel like I've improved at all for as much as I workout with weights. It tends to get me down at least once a week. I have those moments when I'm tired, sweating my butt off and have many more reps to go. I think, why do I bust my butt day after day, week after week, year after year, for nothing? Well, it isn't for nothing. It's for health. You'll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density (which reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis) and better manage your weight. Also, it can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30. But let's not forget the feel good endorphins weight training increases, as well as the improved self esteem. Many, MANY benefits. Too many for me to list right now!
I AM doing something good. I HAVE improved my fitness. And I am proud of myself for that.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Ripped 1000
Last week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday I did the Ripped 1000 DVD. I don't recall that I was sore at all, it didn't take long to get used to that! It's a great workout. Almost an hour long, great compound weight training movements with bursts of cardio in between muscle groups. Keeps you going, no time for boredom! I can't wait to see if I notice a difference in a few weeks. Now, if I can just keep eating clean...
I do SO good with my diet until around dinner time and after dinner. I just don't know WHAT is up with that. Seriously! Every day, this is what I eat:
Breakfast: oatmeal with unsweetened almond milk, wheat germ and 1/2 grapefruit (yes, every day)
Snack: whey protein smoothie with frozen strawberries, almond milk, frozen spinach (you heard me)
Lunch: 2 eggs, 1 slice whole wheat toast (yep, every day)
Snack:(now, here's where the food starts to vary) usually a couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes, a light babybel cheese, and some nuts. Maybe some turkey, but all in all, clean and healthy.
Dinner: I might cook a healthy meal, but it seems as though I like to go overboard here. Even though I have obviously gotten good nutrition throughout the day. Just don't know what that is all about. For instance, I might have fish and some salad but then I just don't feel satisfied. So I'll eat crackers, or I'll have a big helping of carbs (which I try not to do in the evening).
And gall darn it, it's summer. Know how hard it is NOT to eat ice cream treats with the family during summer?! I love the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and bars. MMmmm, and only 100 - 160 calories.
Well, if I can get a handle on my evenings, and keep going strong with the DVDs, I should see improvement over time. It's all about what I'm eating. AND, staying off the dang computer!! Hahaha....
I do SO good with my diet until around dinner time and after dinner. I just don't know WHAT is up with that. Seriously! Every day, this is what I eat:
Breakfast: oatmeal with unsweetened almond milk, wheat germ and 1/2 grapefruit (yes, every day)
Snack: whey protein smoothie with frozen strawberries, almond milk, frozen spinach (you heard me)
Lunch: 2 eggs, 1 slice whole wheat toast (yep, every day)
Snack:(now, here's where the food starts to vary) usually a couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes, a light babybel cheese, and some nuts. Maybe some turkey, but all in all, clean and healthy.
Dinner: I might cook a healthy meal, but it seems as though I like to go overboard here. Even though I have obviously gotten good nutrition throughout the day. Just don't know what that is all about. For instance, I might have fish and some salad but then I just don't feel satisfied. So I'll eat crackers, or I'll have a big helping of carbs (which I try not to do in the evening).
And gall darn it, it's summer. Know how hard it is NOT to eat ice cream treats with the family during summer?! I love the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and bars. MMmmm, and only 100 - 160 calories.
Well, if I can get a handle on my evenings, and keep going strong with the DVDs, I should see improvement over time. It's all about what I'm eating. AND, staying off the dang computer!! Hahaha....
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