I'm still here

I have less than a week to go before my next 5K. I haven't been working out as much as I'd like. I'm swamped with work. Not good. I'm tired. I really need to take the time out to get some rest. I know I have a tendency to overeat when I'm tired and stressed. So far, I have been conscious of this and it hasn't happened. The best thing I can do for myself right now is stay hydrated and get some rest.

What's up, Doc?

Well, my appointment this morning went well. No news is good news. My blood pressure was a little elevated. I have a cuff here but I rarely use it. She wants me to start monitoring it. She was happy with my gluclose readings. I'll get my lab results back in a few days.

I'm still shooting to be off most of this medication by the end of the year. I went four months without incident. I don't have to come back for another four months. I can't wait until I only have to go once a year for a check. I shouldn't complain. There was a time I was going every month.

She seemed surprised when I told her about the 5K. I'm sure she's used to patients not following through on things. I told her I would bring in pictures of the 5K on June 3rd.

The One-Minute Timed Walk

Realistically, I'm doing better than I thought. Yesterday I was frustrated because I'm only down to 18 to 19 minute-mile.

It appears a 15-minute mile may be a bit much for me, at this stage.

Slow and steady wins the race.

The One-Minute Timed Walk



What it measures: Cardiorespiratory fitness.

Why it's important: "High cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with fewer health problems," says Steven Farrell. That includes strokes, heart attacks, and breast and colon cancers.

What you need: Stopwatch or watch with a second hand.

How to do it: Find a place to walk an uninterrupted mile―a treadmill; four laps of a standard, quarter-mile school track; a flat, quiet road that you've clocked with your car's odometer. Walk as fast as you can, maintaining a steady pace. Keep your shoulders back, your abdominal muscles slightly contracted, and your posture upright. As soon as you finish, record your time to the nearest second. Keep walking for a few minutes, but slow your pace to cool down.


Your Score: One-Mile Timed Walk*
(In minutes and seconds)

Time for Women Under Age 40
Well above average: 13:30 or less
Above average:13:31 to 16:00
Average: 16:01 to 18:30
Below average: 18:31 to 20:00
Well below average: 20:01 or more

Time for Women Age 40 and Over
Well above average: 14:30 or less
Above average: 14:31 to 17:00
Average: 17:01 to 19:30
Below average: 19:31 to 22:00
Well below average: 22:01 or more

*Adapted from the Cooper Institute and used by the American Council on Exercise

Source: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/one-mile-timed-walk-10000001573071/

Walking in the rain

Yuck! It's raining out. I do not feel like walking in the rain today!

Yesterday's walk went well. I was disappointed in my time. It took me 39 minutes to walk 2 miles. It's still taking me about 20 minutes to walk a mile. My goal for this upcoming 5K is to finish within 45 minutes. I won't complain. I'm grateful I can at least walk a mile.

My friend DJ, who started doing a Couch to 5K program, asked me to sign up to do the Pride 5K with him. I registered yesterday.

The Good Life

Well, it's been a while. I'm still here.

Florida was fun. I didn't do as much walking as I thought I would. It was H-0-T! My sister and I managed to get in one nice walk. I was happy she could see the results of all my hard work.

Monday we went to exercise class with my 77 yr. old aunt. She goes to goes to these classes at the senior citizen center near her home three times a week -- twice on Mondays. I'm 46 and my sister is 38. There were some of the exercises my sister couldn't do. I kept thinking to myself...a few months ago you wouldn't have been able to do this, Sheila. It was an eye-opener for us both. It was inspiring to see these elderly people exercising and enjoying life. My sister reminded me that Dad is turning 75 next year. He's still very active. He still rides his bike most days. I've been away from home so long I often forget how much he likes bicycling. I know he's pretty healthy. However, I forgot how much exercise he gets on the regular.

I see I have 19 days until my event. I need to get some timed walks in to see how much my pace has improved. At this point, I think the best thing for me to do is focus on hydration.

I have my 3-month check up with my doctor next week. I'm looking forward to seeing how well I'm doing medically. Hopefully, I can get another dosage lowered on my medication. I really can't tell the difference since the last reduction -- which is a good thing. My goal is to get off these meds by the end of the year.

The Woman Challenge

I saw this challenge on another blog and decided to join.



This May, thousands of women across the country will embark on an eight-week physical activity challenge for better health. The Woman Challenge encourages women to get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week.

The Biggest Loser

During my last training I watched the documentary Spirit of a Marathon as motivation.

This round I have found myself watching reruns of The Biggest Loser as motivation. I love seeing the transformation--both physically and mentally--of some of the contestants.

Although a lot of people don't like Jillian, I like her style. One of these days I'm going to work up the encourage and stamina to join a boot camp.

*****

Today's workout can be summed up in one word--sweaty. I don't know what's going on but my legs were burning, burning, burning during today's walk. Those little inclines are still challenging. However, I am happy to say my pace has increased.

I'm going to Florida this weekend. I have already told my sister to bring her workout clothes because we're going to do some walking. It will be nice to share my new lifestyle with her.

*****

I went to a party on Saturday. It made me smile when one of my friends noticed my weight loss. It's good to get some positive reinforcement and feedback for all this sweat I'm enduring.

Here we go again!

Lol! I just saw that I have 29 days until my next 5K and all those feelings of self-doubt are creeping in.

I'll be okay. I am just a little frustrated that it has been raining and I don't feel like walking in the rain.

Plan B - Circuit training.

When I woke up this morning, I was a little annoyed. I can't believe how stiff and achy I'm still getting after all these weeks of walking and stretching. Will it ever end???

I'm going to treat myself to a nice hour-long massage after my next 5K.