Not a great week.
October 30 - 248.8
November 6 - 247.2
November 13 - 248.0
So I'm hovering around this plateau. Need to get to the edge and leap over to start sliding down the scale again.
My poor puppy dog is a little limpy this week. I had to give him some Vetprofen the other night. I think part of it is the weather change - we've had a little cold spell this week and even had the first freeze of the fall.
So we've been walking in the evenings. I need to get a picture of us in all our reflective gear - my neon yellow shoes, my neon yellow jacket, Gus' GloDoggie collar, Gus' cool new reflective "bracelets" (they are reflective elastic bands that slide onto all 4 legs). Apparently, it looks really cool when they catch the light from headlights going by. I'm too close to him to see the reflective properties but as long as others can see him, that's the important part!
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Gus' weight loss
I was able to take the morning off today since I worked on Saturday, so I ran some errands and took Gus to the vet to get some Vetprofen for when his 'old dog' arthritis kicks in. I think he has a little arthritis in his right shoulder because every now and then, he won't bear weight on it for a few minutes, but he is usually able to walk it off pretty quickly. He hasn't limped much at all in the last few weeks, but I figured I'd better take advantage of the morning off and the fact that it's the first of the month (meaning I have a little extra $ cushion in my account). I like to have the anti-inflammatories on hand, just in case, and we used the last one after our trip to Fort Worth.
His weight today was 111 pounds! That is the lightest he has been since we moved to Texas! And significantly lighter than he was this summer.
His recent weigh-ins at the vet:
7/15/13: 119.1
10/14/13: 113.2
Today: 111
His 'normal' weight the entire time we lived in VA was 108, so maybe we'll see if we can get him back down to that!
Gus and I have taken advantage of the time change and gotten up the last 2 mornings to go for a walk! Yesterday, we were only able to go 1.5 mile because of time constraints. Today, we were able to go 2 miles since I didn't have to be at work at 8. Tomorrow, it's supposed to be raining so I'm planning to hit the gym. I need to get off this little plateau I'm on.
Day 4: Chocolate. Yum.
Day 5: Rain. It was cloudy while Gus and I were walking this morning and it started raining right as we got home. I'm thankful for the rain and thankful that the rain held off until we got home from our walk.
His weight today was 111 pounds! That is the lightest he has been since we moved to Texas! And significantly lighter than he was this summer.
His recent weigh-ins at the vet:
7/15/13: 119.1
10/14/13: 113.2
Today: 111
His 'normal' weight the entire time we lived in VA was 108, so maybe we'll see if we can get him back down to that!
Gus and I have taken advantage of the time change and gotten up the last 2 mornings to go for a walk! Yesterday, we were only able to go 1.5 mile because of time constraints. Today, we were able to go 2 miles since I didn't have to be at work at 8. Tomorrow, it's supposed to be raining so I'm planning to hit the gym. I need to get off this little plateau I'm on.
Day 4: Chocolate. Yum.
Day 5: Rain. It was cloudy while Gus and I were walking this morning and it started raining right as we got home. I'm thankful for the rain and thankful that the rain held off until we got home from our walk.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday Weigh-In: 10/30/2013
I'm back. Still losing.... slowly, but surely.
September 4 - 257.8
September 18 - 252.6
October 30 - 248.8
so much has happened in the last 6 weeks.
Gus and I went to Kansas to visit the fam the last weekend of September. I went for my niece's baptism - her parents asked me to be her godmother, which is very cool. Here's a pic of me and my dad at the baptism.
And here's one of my sisters and brother-in-law. My sisters both got some fun palazzo pants to wear to the event - I'm tempted to get some for me!
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September 4 - 257.8
September 18 - 252.6
October 30 - 248.8
so much has happened in the last 6 weeks.
Gus and I went to Kansas to visit the fam the last weekend of September. I went for my niece's baptism - her parents asked me to be her godmother, which is very cool. Here's a pic of me and my dad at the baptism.
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That Sunday afternoon, we helped our dad put up the walls for a new shed he is building to make beef jerky. It'll be nice for him to have a new (cleaner) space for him to work on his hobby!
I spent the second week of October in Galveston for a work meeting and preparedness symposium. Our hotel was right on the Galveston Seawall, which was awesome! And it was within walking distance of the convention center and Kroger. The conference was really interesting and I got to catch up with some colleagues from around the state. I also took advantage of the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States, the Seawall sidewalk, which is supposed to be something like 10 miles long. I walked and jogged most of the mornings I was there, even doing a 5K one morning! I'm so glad it's finally cool enough to get outside to walk and jog - it's so much better than the dreadmill! Prerun selfie at sunrise! It was a little breezy off the Gulf that morning --- and definitely humid. I even forgot my iPod one day and just listened to the waves while I wogged.
Last weekend, Gus and I went to Fort Worth for the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering at the Fort Worth Stockyards. We met up with my dad and my uncle. My dad even got to ride in the chuckwagon train into the Stockyards. We had a fun time hanging out. I bought a couple fun things at the tradeshow - some more Scentsy stuff and another ear warmer.
Here's a couple comparison pics for you:
July 2011
October 2013
And last but not least, I got a new desk at work! I am actually able to sit up straight to type. So much better for my back!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wednesday Weigh-In: 9/18/2013
Minus 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Not bad.
September 4 - 257.8
September 18 - 252.6
Lots of exercise... and probably more importantly, lots of counting calories. My food scale and measuring cups have become good friends again over the last couple months.
I promised pictures so here goes:
Here are a few that I caught during one of our walks last weekend! Gus seems to really be enjoying getting back out and heading to the park for a quick walk!
What church does this picture remind you of?
It makes me think of the Catholic church that I grew up going to most Sundays. And even the inside has a similar feel, minus the huge mural at the front. But it has the same type of arches and stations of the cross and textured walls. I decided I better go to church since I am headed to Kansas for a baptism soon. They changed many of the words to the mass service right as I was moving from Virginia to Texas, so even though I was part of choir in my church in VA, it's hard to relearn songs and prayers and sayings that I have known for 25 years. I got a good comfortable feeling from this church that I didn't get from the other Catholic church that I visited in town. So I will probably go back. And then there is the coincidence that the gospel reading was the story of the shepherd looking for his lost sheep and the story of the prodigal son returning after a long absence. Sometimes, it just feels like the story is meant for you...
Yesterday, I traveled to San Marcos for a meeting with some colleagues. We met for lunch near the town square at a cute little restaurant called the Root Cellar Café. I had tomato basil quiche and a salad for lunch. Everybody else had a sandwich or wrap, but I like to pick something that I wouldn't/couldn't normally make at home on the rare occasion that I go out to eat.
And finally, my sister got me an awesome GoSport ID bracelet for my birthday last year. I am always careful to make sure I wear it when I am walking Gus or doing a 5K. But the Velcro is not sticking as well lately and I happened to 'win' a $10 gift certificate to GoSport ID from Earndit.com (a website that rewards working out and links to my bodymedia account). So I ordered the variety pack of replacement bracelets, so I now have every color! I also ordered another ID bracelet, but with a different type of band that will be better for when I start triathlon training. AND I found these motivational bands that can be used with the new ID. So I went over my $10 gift certificate but I got some cool stuff!
September 4 - 257.8
September 18 - 252.6
Lots of exercise... and probably more importantly, lots of counting calories. My food scale and measuring cups have become good friends again over the last couple months.
I promised pictures so here goes:
Here are a few that I caught during one of our walks last weekend! Gus seems to really be enjoying getting back out and heading to the park for a quick walk!
What church does this picture remind you of?
Yesterday, I traveled to San Marcos for a meeting with some colleagues. We met for lunch near the town square at a cute little restaurant called the Root Cellar Café. I had tomato basil quiche and a salad for lunch. Everybody else had a sandwich or wrap, but I like to pick something that I wouldn't/couldn't normally make at home on the rare occasion that I go out to eat.
And finally, my sister got me an awesome GoSport ID bracelet for my birthday last year. I am always careful to make sure I wear it when I am walking Gus or doing a 5K. But the Velcro is not sticking as well lately and I happened to 'win' a $10 gift certificate to GoSport ID from Earndit.com (a website that rewards working out and links to my bodymedia account). So I ordered the variety pack of replacement bracelets, so I now have every color! I also ordered another ID bracelet, but with a different type of band that will be better for when I start triathlon training. AND I found these motivational bands that can be used with the new ID. So I went over my $10 gift certificate but I got some cool stuff!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
You know it's a good workout when...
...sweat is dripping down the back of your neck even after you get home. Or maybe it's just hot and humid outside. Probably a combination of the two.
Gus and I have been walking a lot this week. It's finally cool enough that we can walk some in the mornings and evenings - mornings on the weekend, evenings during the week. He'll be back in 5K shape in no time! If anything, rather than tiring him out though, it has given him even more energy.
This evening, Gus and I walked down to the park and went around the little 1/4 mile loop. We stopped at the water fountain for water - I've been carrying along a collapsible water bowl for him - then headed home. After I dropped Gus off in the cool apartment, I headed back out. I did what I call the neighborhood loop which equals about a mile. I have found that trying to run on the treadmill is just not working for me, so I think I'm going to try to build up my running endurance during my outdoor workouts which should become more common now that it's finally cooling off a bit. So I ran (ok- jogged) several blocks of the route and will just try to increase my distance each time. I felt great when I finished!
I have photos I need to post - but I need to download from my camera first.
Gus and I have been walking a lot this week. It's finally cool enough that we can walk some in the mornings and evenings - mornings on the weekend, evenings during the week. He'll be back in 5K shape in no time! If anything, rather than tiring him out though, it has given him even more energy.
This evening, Gus and I walked down to the park and went around the little 1/4 mile loop. We stopped at the water fountain for water - I've been carrying along a collapsible water bowl for him - then headed home. After I dropped Gus off in the cool apartment, I headed back out. I did what I call the neighborhood loop which equals about a mile. I have found that trying to run on the treadmill is just not working for me, so I think I'm going to try to build up my running endurance during my outdoor workouts which should become more common now that it's finally cooling off a bit. So I ran (ok- jogged) several blocks of the route and will just try to increase my distance each time. I felt great when I finished!
I have photos I need to post - but I need to download from my camera first.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Starting September...
... with a 3-day weekend! yay!
And a trip to the gym today!
The most exciting news of the day is that I scheduled the LAST payment on what I call my stupid, stupid loan. It was an unsecured loan that I used to consolidate some credit card debt. I really needed it at the time, but I locked myself into a crazy high interest rate. I don't even want to think about how much interest I have paid over the last 6+ years. But the last payment is officially scheduled!
And a trip to the gym today!
The most exciting news of the day is that I scheduled the LAST payment on what I call my stupid, stupid loan. It was an unsecured loan that I used to consolidate some credit card debt. I really needed it at the time, but I locked myself into a crazy high interest rate. I don't even want to think about how much interest I have paid over the last 6+ years. But the last payment is officially scheduled!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
August Squat Challenge Complete!
1,960 squats in August! Thanks to my sister for challenging me to complete the squat challenge this month! Did it make my legs stronger? I don't know. Did I ever get sore? No, which was weird. Do I feel a little more muscular/toned? Yes.
Should I repeat it for September? or take on some other challenge? I do need to get back to the Couch to 5K training, but I never seem to get past the week that has me running 1 minute intervals. I think it's mental, but how do I train my brain and my body to run more than 1 minute at a time?
I look at August as a success! Here is to making September more of the same!
Should I repeat it for September? or take on some other challenge? I do need to get back to the Couch to 5K training, but I never seem to get past the week that has me running 1 minute intervals. I think it's mental, but how do I train my brain and my body to run more than 1 minute at a time?
I look at August as a success! Here is to making September more of the same!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Train my Brain
so I know that a huge part of successful weight loss is mental. Or maybe it really is all mental.
The logical side of my brain says exercise is better than carbs or chocolate for dealing with stress. Now, I just need to train the emotional/instinctual side of my brain to crave exercise instead of carbs when I'm stressed.
I know that I feel better after I exercise than after I binge on some food that I shouldn't, but how do I make that my first move when I'm stressed.
I think I have to change my surroundings even more than I already have. Now the question is:
And...
So here's to trying to figure out how to train my brain! I've been successful at it when it comes to school and work, so here's to training it to live my life to the fullest!
And I really think I'm moving toward that!
This week has had its own special weird kind of stress that I can't even describe. There have been moments where I felt like I was on the verge of a panic attack -- struggling to just breathe and not knowing what to do about it. There have been moments where I just had to wait to cry until I was alone. No clear reason why, no single stressor, no even truly big stressors -- maybe it was just the cumulative effect of all of life's challenges this week.
Anyway - instead of going to the store and getting chocolate or pizza last night, which is what I really wanted to do, I went to the gym! And I ran on the treadmill. Not a lot but I ran for the first time in a while. And I felt better --- just like I knew in my brain I would. This morning, I'm still feeling it (the stress) but instead of going to Shipleys for donuts, I took Gus for a walk - good for him, great for me!
(re)Train my Brain!
The logical side of my brain says exercise is better than carbs or chocolate for dealing with stress. Now, I just need to train the emotional/instinctual side of my brain to crave exercise instead of carbs when I'm stressed.
I know that I feel better after I exercise than after I binge on some food that I shouldn't, but how do I make that my first move when I'm stressed.
I think I have to change my surroundings even more than I already have. Now the question is:
- Do I go extreme and remove all processed carbs?
- Do I remove those things in increments?
- Do I try something like paleo and see how it makes me feel?
- Do I try something like vegetarian or raw?
And...
- I need to make sure that my iPod is always charged and ready to go with cool, new songs.
- I need to make sure I always have clean, cute workout clothes and shoes in an easily accessible place.
- I need to make sure that I always have a cold bottle of water, ready to head to the gym, in the frig.
- I need to unplug more, less screen time.
- I need to write it down!
So here's to trying to figure out how to train my brain! I've been successful at it when it comes to school and work, so here's to training it to live my life to the fullest!
And I really think I'm moving toward that!
This week has had its own special weird kind of stress that I can't even describe. There have been moments where I felt like I was on the verge of a panic attack -- struggling to just breathe and not knowing what to do about it. There have been moments where I just had to wait to cry until I was alone. No clear reason why, no single stressor, no even truly big stressors -- maybe it was just the cumulative effect of all of life's challenges this week.
Anyway - instead of going to the store and getting chocolate or pizza last night, which is what I really wanted to do, I went to the gym! And I ran on the treadmill. Not a lot but I ran for the first time in a while. And I felt better --- just like I knew in my brain I would. This morning, I'm still feeling it (the stress) but instead of going to Shipleys for donuts, I took Gus for a walk - good for him, great for me!
(re)Train my Brain!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"go back to the gym"
That's written on my bathroom mirror with dry-erase marker right now.
After a week at home for my sister's wedding and a week recovering from the week at home, it's time to get back to work!
Luckily, I have some motivation in the form of Walk Across Texas which starts tomorrow. The goal is for our team of 8 to walk the 830 miles across Texas in 8 weeks. That averages out to about 13 miles/week per team member. I managed to "pull my weight" barely last year, so I plan to do better and contribute more this year! At the end of the 8 weeks, if our team has reached our goal, I'll get 4 hours of leave!
I need to write about my sister's wedding. For now, I leave you with these pics from the wedding week.
After a week at home for my sister's wedding and a week recovering from the week at home, it's time to get back to work!
Luckily, I have some motivation in the form of Walk Across Texas which starts tomorrow. The goal is for our team of 8 to walk the 830 miles across Texas in 8 weeks. That averages out to about 13 miles/week per team member. I managed to "pull my weight" barely last year, so I plan to do better and contribute more this year! At the end of the 8 weeks, if our team has reached our goal, I'll get 4 hours of leave!
I need to write about my sister's wedding. For now, I leave you with these pics from the wedding week.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wednesday Weigh-In: 2/15/2012
Minus 2 pounds the week ending 2/15/2012 - finally!!! It's not much but maybe the scale is finally moving again!
I've been going to Zumba 1-2 times per week.
Gus and I have been training with the hands-free leash. We're getting better. He managed to drag me off the sidewalk once today because I wasn't prepared but I still think that having him pull at my waist is better than having him yank my arm. And when we jog, he does great. I need to start the Couch to 5K program again now.
Meeting my friend at Gym B at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow. craziness.
I've been going to Zumba 1-2 times per week.
Gus and I have been training with the hands-free leash. We're getting better. He managed to drag me off the sidewalk once today because I wasn't prepared but I still think that having him pull at my waist is better than having him yank my arm. And when we jog, he does great. I need to start the Couch to 5K program again now.
Meeting my friend at Gym B at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow. craziness.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Wednesday Weigh-In: 02/08/12
0 on the weight loss again this week. I'm thinking of changing the day I weigh-in because Wednesday just doesn't seem to be working out for me.
So I have totally failed at the February Photo A Day challenge. I did well for the first couple days, then the challenges got hard (like hands, a stranger) and I am unwilling to ask people to "pose" for pictures if I don't have a really good reason. Oh wells.
The hands-free leash I talked about last week was delivered earlier this week. Gus and I tried it out on Thursday and it seemed to work pretty well! The only concerns I have are due to the length which will get longer as my waist/hips get smaller. The leash is 6 feet long and the clip slides along the leash to fit around the waist, so since it has to go to from my waist to Gus' chin, he winds up pretty close to me. So the concerns are these:
1. That if he darts in front of me, I will either kick him or fall/trip over him.
2. That if he stops to pee, he might end up peeing on my leg/shoes (ga-ross)
We only jogged about a block and he did well with that. I loved that I could swing both arms. I still want to get a backpack for crazy dog so that he can carry my phones, keys, etc because it'll be harder to hang them with a carabiner on the leash because I don't want too much hanging on the leash and banging against my legs. I'm planning to take him to a local trail tomorrow (if it's not too cold) so we'll test it out some more. More feedback to follow.
I joined the other gym (I'll call it Gym B, and my original gym will be Gym A, not to be confused with the actual Gym X in Temple) last week. $32/month. I still have my Gym A membership. I need to figure out which one is going to work better for me. I only went to Gym B once last week for a non-class workout. The elliptical machine next to my friend was open and it looked like the ones in my Va gym, so I told myself to try it out even though I haven't been on an elliptical machine in a while (because the ones at Gym A are a different brand and there is something about the set up or the stride or something that makes them super hard for me to even balance on). I set a goal of 20 minutes even though the time on the program automatically set to 60 minutes. When I got to 20, I decided to try to get to 30 minutes. Then I wanted to meet the next .5 mile or the next mile or the next 5-minute mark. I finished the whole 60 minutes plus a 5 minute cool-down!! Yay me! My calves could definitely feel it the next morning.
I also got a 15-class punch card to Zumba. Here's hoping I don't lose it. I guess that's my plan for Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the next several weeks. Good for crosstraining, even though I'm still not sold on it.
One week until the See Spot Run 5K!
So I have totally failed at the February Photo A Day challenge. I did well for the first couple days, then the challenges got hard (like hands, a stranger) and I am unwilling to ask people to "pose" for pictures if I don't have a really good reason. Oh wells.
The hands-free leash I talked about last week was delivered earlier this week. Gus and I tried it out on Thursday and it seemed to work pretty well! The only concerns I have are due to the length which will get longer as my waist/hips get smaller. The leash is 6 feet long and the clip slides along the leash to fit around the waist, so since it has to go to from my waist to Gus' chin, he winds up pretty close to me. So the concerns are these:
1. That if he darts in front of me, I will either kick him or fall/trip over him.
2. That if he stops to pee, he might end up peeing on my leg/shoes (ga-ross)
We only jogged about a block and he did well with that. I loved that I could swing both arms. I still want to get a backpack for crazy dog so that he can carry my phones, keys, etc because it'll be harder to hang them with a carabiner on the leash because I don't want too much hanging on the leash and banging against my legs. I'm planning to take him to a local trail tomorrow (if it's not too cold) so we'll test it out some more. More feedback to follow.
I joined the other gym (I'll call it Gym B, and my original gym will be Gym A, not to be confused with the actual Gym X in Temple) last week. $32/month. I still have my Gym A membership. I need to figure out which one is going to work better for me. I only went to Gym B once last week for a non-class workout. The elliptical machine next to my friend was open and it looked like the ones in my Va gym, so I told myself to try it out even though I haven't been on an elliptical machine in a while (because the ones at Gym A are a different brand and there is something about the set up or the stride or something that makes them super hard for me to even balance on). I set a goal of 20 minutes even though the time on the program automatically set to 60 minutes. When I got to 20, I decided to try to get to 30 minutes. Then I wanted to meet the next .5 mile or the next mile or the next 5-minute mark. I finished the whole 60 minutes plus a 5 minute cool-down!! Yay me! My calves could definitely feel it the next morning.
I also got a 15-class punch card to Zumba. Here's hoping I don't lose it. I guess that's my plan for Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the next several weeks. Good for crosstraining, even though I'm still not sold on it.
One week until the See Spot Run 5K!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wednesday Weigh-In: 02/01/2012
Minus 1 this week.
I've become a little obsessive about weighing myself, as in weighing myself 2-3 times a day. So the scale is getting put in the cabinet until next Wednesday.
I tried Zumba for the first time last night. It's always intimidating to try something new, especially for a girl who was never an athlete in school and has zero rhythm.
It makes me think of my first step aerobics class in Virginia, which I never would have gone to if not encouraged by a wonderful friend who went with me. I had to get over my self-consciousness and embarrassment. I couldn't keep up for the first month or so but I kept going back and eventually I figured it out and was one of the "veterans" in the class who could keep up with the instructor.
So back to Zumba. I've been wanting to check out this new gym anyway so when one of my neighbors asked if I wanted to try out Zumba with her, I said sure. There were definitely people in the class who have been doing it a while and know the routines. There were other newbies like me. There were parts where I was so confused by what was going on that I had to stop and regroup. But I did NOT have to stop because I was tired or out of breath, so my cardio work has been working!! I'm not sold on it but I enjoyed it and people have told me to try it a couple more times to see if it grows on me. My neighbor asked if I wanted to go back tomorrow night. I think I'll go. It's $5 for each class or if I join the gym, I can get a pass for 15 classes for $30. $2 per class sounds much more economical.
I didn't get to do a tour of the gym while I was there last night but I did scope out the cardio equipment and they have rowing machines! In my mind, I remember enjoying rowing when I was in high school. My gym in Virginia had just gotten a rowing machine a couple months before I moved to Texas. I was in horrible shape when I tried it then and it was super hard but I burned tons of calories, so I'd like to give it another shot and mix it up a bit. That gym is $32/month and I don't have to lock into a contract so I think I'll try it for a month or two. I'll probably hold onto my current gym membership for now until I figure out what's going to work best for me. Maybe I can put in a suggestion for a rowing machine at my current gym and get the convenient hours along with the equipment I want!
This evening, Gus and I went for a walk with my neighbor and her daughter. We walked a couple miles around the neighborhood. My February fitness purchase is definitely going to be a hands-free jogging leash! I hope it's worth the $25!
Here's what Gus is doing now.
I've become a little obsessive about weighing myself, as in weighing myself 2-3 times a day. So the scale is getting put in the cabinet until next Wednesday.
I tried Zumba for the first time last night. It's always intimidating to try something new, especially for a girl who was never an athlete in school and has zero rhythm.
It makes me think of my first step aerobics class in Virginia, which I never would have gone to if not encouraged by a wonderful friend who went with me. I had to get over my self-consciousness and embarrassment. I couldn't keep up for the first month or so but I kept going back and eventually I figured it out and was one of the "veterans" in the class who could keep up with the instructor.
So back to Zumba. I've been wanting to check out this new gym anyway so when one of my neighbors asked if I wanted to try out Zumba with her, I said sure. There were definitely people in the class who have been doing it a while and know the routines. There were other newbies like me. There were parts where I was so confused by what was going on that I had to stop and regroup. But I did NOT have to stop because I was tired or out of breath, so my cardio work has been working!! I'm not sold on it but I enjoyed it and people have told me to try it a couple more times to see if it grows on me. My neighbor asked if I wanted to go back tomorrow night. I think I'll go. It's $5 for each class or if I join the gym, I can get a pass for 15 classes for $30. $2 per class sounds much more economical.
I didn't get to do a tour of the gym while I was there last night but I did scope out the cardio equipment and they have rowing machines! In my mind, I remember enjoying rowing when I was in high school. My gym in Virginia had just gotten a rowing machine a couple months before I moved to Texas. I was in horrible shape when I tried it then and it was super hard but I burned tons of calories, so I'd like to give it another shot and mix it up a bit. That gym is $32/month and I don't have to lock into a contract so I think I'll try it for a month or two. I'll probably hold onto my current gym membership for now until I figure out what's going to work best for me. Maybe I can put in a suggestion for a rowing machine at my current gym and get the convenient hours along with the equipment I want!
This evening, Gus and I went for a walk with my neighbor and her daughter. We walked a couple miles around the neighborhood. My February fitness purchase is definitely going to be a hands-free jogging leash! I hope it's worth the $25!
Here's what Gus is doing now.
Just over 2 weeks until the See Spot Run 5K in College Station and just under 2 months until my sister's wedding.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday Weigh-In --- 12/21/11
Minus 1 pound this week.
And today is the last day of the 21-Day No Junk Food challenge! I'm looking forward to some M&Ms from Aa's party favors tomorrow! And frozen yogurt from Gogo's! And I'm definitely looking forward to downloading some new songs from amazon.com for my mp3 player.
It rained on Monday so I headed to the gym for a workout on the dreadmill and the bike.
Yesterday, Gus & I walked around the neighborhood, back into the new subdivision and over into the subdivision next to the apartment complex. It was chilly but bearable.
This evening, MM was feeling up to walking for the first time in a while. She got sick after Thanksgiving and it really knocked her energy down. So we all walked around the apartment complex because it got dark so darn early tonight.
Definitely ready for longer days!
And today is the last day of the 21-Day No Junk Food challenge! I'm looking forward to some M&Ms from Aa's party favors tomorrow! And frozen yogurt from Gogo's! And I'm definitely looking forward to downloading some new songs from amazon.com for my mp3 player.
It rained on Monday so I headed to the gym for a workout on the dreadmill and the bike.
Yesterday, Gus & I walked around the neighborhood, back into the new subdivision and over into the subdivision next to the apartment complex. It was chilly but bearable.
This evening, MM was feeling up to walking for the first time in a while. She got sick after Thanksgiving and it really knocked her energy down. So we all walked around the apartment complex because it got dark so darn early tonight.
Definitely ready for longer days!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
5K and trying to run
I went to Bryan for a meeting today and then got to have lunch with one of my college roommates! She and her husband recently adopted a dog, a Blue Lacey named Bluebonnet. I wanted to meet Blue so I headed over to their house after the meeting. Blue is super sweet and so tiny compared to Gus! My friend cooked us a healthy lunch and we discussed many things, including the 5Ks that she signed up for and is training for - one in January, one in March. She is doing Couch to 5K. After talking to her, I think I need to revisit the training plan and see if I can follow it.
I did go to the gym tonight because it has been raining for the last 2 days. I decided to test myself and do intervals on the treadmill. I was able to run 1.5 minutes at 5.0! That reassures me that the walking/jogging that Gus and I have been doing outside has been somewhat effective!
Hoping to get back outside this weekend!
I did go to the gym tonight because it has been raining for the last 2 days. I decided to test myself and do intervals on the treadmill. I was able to run 1.5 minutes at 5.0! That reassures me that the walking/jogging that Gus and I have been doing outside has been somewhat effective!
Hoping to get back outside this weekend!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday funday
Oops. I didn't write about today...
Gus and I slept late. Then we met LS and her kids at the new trail we went to last weekend. We walked not quite 2 miles and Gus got to play in the water at the "waterfall."
And LS's kids both got to walk him a little bit.
After lunch from Whataburger (Jr. Whataburger and small fries), I took my old school mp3 player and went to the gym for a while.
When MM got back to town from visiting her family, she wanted to go walk. Because it was so windy, we opted to go back to the trail that we had walked at this morning. Gus got to play in the water again! He is so spoiled rotten. I definitely met this goal for myself today though.
This is hanging on my door so I see it every time I go out!
Gus and I slept late. Then we met LS and her kids at the new trail we went to last weekend. We walked not quite 2 miles and Gus got to play in the water at the "waterfall."
And LS's kids both got to walk him a little bit.
After lunch from Whataburger (Jr. Whataburger and small fries), I took my old school mp3 player and went to the gym for a while.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Pain in the Back
Gus and I did not work out today, because starting last night, my back decided to remind me that it has arthritis and a herniated disc. When my back decides to act up, I cannot even stand up straight. I have a definite tilt to my posture. What a mess. I don't know what aggravated it but it was frustrating not to be able to exercise today.
We did go for a couple walks yesterday - once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning walk took us to a different trail in town that we had not tried before. MM, Gus and I met LS and her daughter at the trail. It was a nice walk - wide path, relatively flat, shaded, quiet, peaceful, and with water elements. Gus even got to play in the water at the encouragement of MM and LS.
He was nice and wet and cool when he got finished playing in the water. And he left sandy footprints in MM's car...
In the evening, MM, Gus and I opted to walk at our normal trail. Gus and I jogged a little bit --- it felt good at the time.
I took laundry over to MM's apartment (oh, to have my own washer and dryer again...). We went to Chipotle for supper - I got a steak bowl, rather than a burrito. Saved myself the nearly 300 calories that the tortilla would have cost me. We also stopped and got frozen yogurt. Gogo's didn't have pumpkin fro yo, so I mixed together fat free chocolate and vanilla with Heath bar and almonds on top.
Even though I didn't exercise, I did go to the grocery store this afternoon. I made it out of the store for less than $100 which surprised me because this was the first time I'd shopped this month. And I got all the fixin's for my version of my Dad's award-winning chili. That is a project for one evening this week.
It's only 8:30 p.m. and I'm starting to get tired. I hope I can adjust to this time change ok. I'm planning to get to sleep early tonight and wake up and start the week off right by heading to the gym tomorrow morning. Advil and Biofreeze will be good friends this week, I'm afraid.
We did go for a couple walks yesterday - once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning walk took us to a different trail in town that we had not tried before. MM, Gus and I met LS and her daughter at the trail. It was a nice walk - wide path, relatively flat, shaded, quiet, peaceful, and with water elements. Gus even got to play in the water at the encouragement of MM and LS.
In the evening, MM, Gus and I opted to walk at our normal trail. Gus and I jogged a little bit --- it felt good at the time.
I took laundry over to MM's apartment (oh, to have my own washer and dryer again...). We went to Chipotle for supper - I got a steak bowl, rather than a burrito. Saved myself the nearly 300 calories that the tortilla would have cost me. We also stopped and got frozen yogurt. Gogo's didn't have pumpkin fro yo, so I mixed together fat free chocolate and vanilla with Heath bar and almonds on top.
Even though I didn't exercise, I did go to the grocery store this afternoon. I made it out of the store for less than $100 which surprised me because this was the first time I'd shopped this month. And I got all the fixin's for my version of my Dad's award-winning chili. That is a project for one evening this week.
It's only 8:30 p.m. and I'm starting to get tired. I hope I can adjust to this time change ok. I'm planning to get to sleep early tonight and wake up and start the week off right by heading to the gym tomorrow morning. Advil and Biofreeze will be good friends this week, I'm afraid.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Dreading the Time Change
So daylight savings time ends this weekend, which will shorten the already too short evenings. We need to find a well-lit track or trail so Gus and I (and MM and LS) can keep up our outdoor training. We can walk/jog around the perimeter of the apartment complex (it's ~0.4 mile), but that will get boring really fast.
Let's see. I didn't post yesterday, but exercise-wise, Gus and I walked with LS at the track in the morning and walked with MM at the park in the evening! Yesterday was a beautiful fall day --- and then a cool front moved through during the night. It was definitely cooler today but it's supposed to be back in the 70s by this weekend. We're loving the fall weather, especially because we know it won't last long. It is really nice to have the windows open. Gus spends his evenings like this:
Except when he looks like this:
This is a look I like to call the "grimace" --- he gets it every time I put the nose part of his Gentle Leader on his face. And he pretends to hate it, but he also gets super excited when he sees the Gentle Leader because he knows he gets to go for a walk!
Today, we took our boss to lunch at a local restaurant. We went to BJ's Brewhouse --- so I made today a "cheat day." I had a mini pizza with mushrooms and black olives - they have yummy pizza crust.
This evening, Gus and I walked at the park with MM. We had to wear jackets, but it was still a nice evening for a walk. On the drive home, we passed the pumpkin patch near our house. Lots of pumpkins left. MM had mentioned before that we should stop and take Gus' picture with the pumpkins so this evening, we stopped. Gus may or may not have peed on one of the pumpkins...
Let's see. I didn't post yesterday, but exercise-wise, Gus and I walked with LS at the track in the morning and walked with MM at the park in the evening! Yesterday was a beautiful fall day --- and then a cool front moved through during the night. It was definitely cooler today but it's supposed to be back in the 70s by this weekend. We're loving the fall weather, especially because we know it won't last long. It is really nice to have the windows open. Gus spends his evenings like this:
This is a look I like to call the "grimace" --- he gets it every time I put the nose part of his Gentle Leader on his face. And he pretends to hate it, but he also gets super excited when he sees the Gentle Leader because he knows he gets to go for a walk!
Today, we took our boss to lunch at a local restaurant. We went to BJ's Brewhouse --- so I made today a "cheat day." I had a mini pizza with mushrooms and black olives - they have yummy pizza crust.
This evening, Gus and I walked at the park with MM. We had to wear jackets, but it was still a nice evening for a walk. On the drive home, we passed the pumpkin patch near our house. Lots of pumpkins left. MM had mentioned before that we should stop and take Gus' picture with the pumpkins so this evening, we stopped. Gus may or may not have peed on one of the pumpkins...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Blank Slate
I try to look at each month like it is a blank slate, a new start to the next step in my journey to health.
There were no stickers on my November calendar this morning. I plan to have a picture of this same calendar at the end of the month and the days will all blur together because of all the fall-themed stickers.
November marks less than 5 months until my sister's wedding and 6 months until I'm 31.
And I started off November right - got up before the crack of dawn and headed to the gym to meet LS for our morning workout. The treadmills were full so we headed for the stationary bikes. I did 30 minutes on the bike. She did a warmup on the bike then lifted weights. I have found that cardio is my best bet in the mornings because it doesn't require as much thinking as strength training does. After she left to get her kids ready for school, some eye candy came in (I'd never seen him before) and got on the bike next to mine. Of course, I'm sure I looked lovely, seeing as all I did was brush my teeth and put in contacts and pull my hair into a ponytail before I went. Oh well, the goal is not to pick up a man at the gym (although that would be an added bonus); the goal is to get healthy!!
So I love seeing those dogs who balance a treat on their noses and toss them up and eat them on command. Gus will never be one of those dogs. However, because his head is so big, I discovered that if I distract him, I can set a treat between his ears and it will balance there for a while.
I didn't have my camera ready the first time I did it and it was perfectly spaced between both ears. He must have good posture because it stayed balanced there for a while! This one did not stick around quite as long.
It was a gorgeous fall evening. MM was not available to walk this evening so Gus and I took a walk/jog around the new subdivision being built behind our apartment complex. Pretty low key.
Now, I'm watching The Biggest Loser and Gus is snoozing on the kitchen floor. The windows are open and I'm hoping the apartment will be nice and cool when we go to sleep.
Oh, as a follow-up to the October challenge to lose 12 pounds. I didn't meet the goal, but I did lose 7 pounds in the last 4 weeks! Any loss is a gain! I just have to keep going! And I will try again. November challenge to myself is 12 pounds!
November marks less than 5 months until my sister's wedding and 6 months until I'm 31.
And I started off November right - got up before the crack of dawn and headed to the gym to meet LS for our morning workout. The treadmills were full so we headed for the stationary bikes. I did 30 minutes on the bike. She did a warmup on the bike then lifted weights. I have found that cardio is my best bet in the mornings because it doesn't require as much thinking as strength training does. After she left to get her kids ready for school, some eye candy came in (I'd never seen him before) and got on the bike next to mine. Of course, I'm sure I looked lovely, seeing as all I did was brush my teeth and put in contacts and pull my hair into a ponytail before I went. Oh well, the goal is not to pick up a man at the gym (although that would be an added bonus); the goal is to get healthy!!
So I love seeing those dogs who balance a treat on their noses and toss them up and eat them on command. Gus will never be one of those dogs. However, because his head is so big, I discovered that if I distract him, I can set a treat between his ears and it will balance there for a while.
It was a gorgeous fall evening. MM was not available to walk this evening so Gus and I took a walk/jog around the new subdivision being built behind our apartment complex. Pretty low key.
Now, I'm watching The Biggest Loser and Gus is snoozing on the kitchen floor. The windows are open and I'm hoping the apartment will be nice and cool when we go to sleep.
Oh, as a follow-up to the October challenge to lose 12 pounds. I didn't meet the goal, but I did lose 7 pounds in the last 4 weeks! Any loss is a gain! I just have to keep going! And I will try again. November challenge to myself is 12 pounds!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Happy Howl-oween!
So this is not actually a Halloween costume - it was for a Relay for Life fundraiser. And it was supposed to be a Hawaiian shirt but we didn't get the measurements quite right and every time he sat down, he popped open the velcro at the front. Just showing off his "manly" chest.
I think I'm just going to have to acknowledge to myself that Monday mornings are not meant for working out in my world. I did not sleep well so that 5 a.m. alarm was way too early. Luckily, it was too early for LS too.
But today was a beautiful fall day in central Texas, so MM walked at the park with me and Gus. We walked about a mile. I think the exercise is good and the socializing is even better for both of us.
After our walk, I headed to the gym for some more cardio and strength training.
20 minutes on the treadmill, with some jogging intervals
Chest Press
Seated Row
Fly
Seated Dip
20 minutes on the stationary bike
500+ calories burned!
I was bad and stopped to get a Diet Coke on the way home. I am still drinking far fewer diet drinks than before but I definitely still like my pop. I made homemade pizza again - Canadian bacon, black olives, mushrooms. Like I've probably said before, I get stuck on a food and eat it until I get tired of it. This few weeks, it seems to be homemade pizza.
I put my last butterfly sticker on the calendar for the month. Each sticker represents a workout. You'll notice that I took off that week when Gus was sick, but I think I made up for it.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Weekend
Gus and I got up early (ok - it was 8 o'clock but that's early for a Saturday) and met LS & Chili and her husband & Rocco and her daughter at the track. It was pretty chilly yesterday morning, but we did our walk the curves, jog the straights routine. Good way to start the day!
After I got home, my neighbor came down to borrow a short leash to walk her boyfriend's new super cute German Shepherd "puppy" that she was dog-sitting. She was super sweet and complimented me on my weight loss. It was nice to hear, especially from a person that I see nearly every day.
I watched the A&M versus Mizzou football game. Tough loss for the Aggies in overtime.
I went to the gym during the OU versus K-State game. I was the only one there for most of my workout. I did more intervals on the treadmill - like the C25K program - followed by a little strength training.
Exceeded all my GoWear Fit goals again!! And got a new battery for the display so it stays synced with the armband much better now!
Last night, I got frozen yogurt from Gogo's! One of the feature flavors right now is pumpkin - yum! And I added Heath bar pieces and pecans.
Gus wanted some.
But I didn't share.
Today was a lazy day. I didn't work out and Gus didn't make me take him for a walk despite the fact that it was a beautiful fall day in central Texas.
I had Chipotle for lunch while I did laundry. I should have gotten the bowl but the burrito is so much better. There is just something about the tortilla - probably all the carbs!
Like I said, it was a gorgeous fall day in central Texas so I opened up the windows. Gus enjoys all the fresh air!
After I got home, my neighbor came down to borrow a short leash to walk her boyfriend's new super cute German Shepherd "puppy" that she was dog-sitting. She was super sweet and complimented me on my weight loss. It was nice to hear, especially from a person that I see nearly every day.
I watched the A&M versus Mizzou football game. Tough loss for the Aggies in overtime.
I went to the gym during the OU versus K-State game. I was the only one there for most of my workout. I did more intervals on the treadmill - like the C25K program - followed by a little strength training.
- Hip Adductor 4x10x55 + pulses
- Hip Abductor 4x10x70 + pulses
- Leg Press 4x10x130
- Calf Raises 3x10x70
Exceeded all my GoWear Fit goals again!! And got a new battery for the display so it stays synced with the armband much better now!
Last night, I got frozen yogurt from Gogo's! One of the feature flavors right now is pumpkin - yum! And I added Heath bar pieces and pecans.
Today was a lazy day. I didn't work out and Gus didn't make me take him for a walk despite the fact that it was a beautiful fall day in central Texas.
I had Chipotle for lunch while I did laundry. I should have gotten the bowl but the burrito is so much better. There is just something about the tortilla - probably all the carbs!
Like I said, it was a gorgeous fall day in central Texas so I opened up the windows. Gus enjoys all the fresh air!
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