Sick Days!

Today is the last day of January. Sadly, I did not stick to my training plan. I’ve been sick this past week. I didn’t want to spread my germs at the gym so did not do any running this week. I’d do a few squats here and there. Did a plank or two. Today I felt well enough to do a little weight training. It was too icy to go out for a walk. I am not going to let it get me down. Tomorrow I plan to do the Elliptical and Sunday I’ll get the treadmill. I will not be deterred!

On a positive note, I am doing really well with my hydration. My food plan could use some work. I will say I am eating clean at least 75% of the time. Now, if I can just stay healthy, I’ll be okay.

Keep On Keeping On!

It’s been a while since I blogged. I’ve been running three times a week. Today was a little rough. I haven’t been sleeping or eating well. I need to stay focused. Tuesday I found out my Dad has lung cancer. He had surgery on Wednesday. I’m not making any excuses. Today while I was working out, I reminded myself that the best thing I can do for my father is take care of myself.
I will continue to train for the Peachtree Road Race. I also need to do a better job with food. I’ve been skipping meals and not eating on schedule. Tomorrow I plan to take the time to do all my meal prep.

I am a little concerned about my training and eating plan. I’m going to be traveling soon to spend time with my Dad and family. My gym membership is good anywhere so I will have access to a treadmill and weights. My meals will take some effort with planning and preparation but it can be done. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Now that the end of the month is approaching, it will be time for me to switch up my working out anyhow. I think I’m going to back to Spin class. I’m still working up my nerve to try Cardio Kickbox. I think I’m going to go to the gym on a day I can sneak a peek and check it out on the sly.

Oh, and last but definitely not least, I'm down two more pounds!

Sweaty Saturday

Yesterday I wasn’t feeling well so I saved my run/walk for today, in addition to strength training. I can’t believe I good I feel right now.

First, I was bummed. I get on the treadmill only to discover the battery on my iTouch was dead. Run without music? Well, okay…. I then realized it was going to be hard without the prompts. I decided to run ¼ mile, walk ¼ until I completed two miles. Running that last ¼ was a bit hard but I did it.

I keep reminding myself how proud I am going to feel crossing that finish line. Today my mantra was “push – pray until something happens.” I am so grateful for the willingness to work on this fitness goal.

I am so worried I lost a lot of fitness when my back and knee was bothering me. Apparently, I did not lose as much endurance as I thought. I think I could have gone a bit longer but I did not want to push it too much and risk injury.
I’m looking forward to Aquafit tomorrow.

Weigh-In Wednesday

It’s the first weigh-in of 2014 and I’m down three pounds! I have to be honest with myself. I heard that negative, scolding voice reminding me that although I lost three pounds it is weight I gained the last four months of 2013. I acknowledge what happened in the past but I am focusing on the present. I am planning for the future but taking it one day at a time.

While I am happy about the loss, I have to prepare myself mentally for the times the scale does not move. This is how the weight started creeping back in the first place. I was working my butt off and the scale wasn’t moving. So what do I do? I get discouraged and stop tracking my food. I will not make this mistake again.

My goal is to track my food intake every day this year. In fact, I have logged my food on My Fitness Pal for at least 30 days. I think the longest I’ve consistently tracked was 40 days. At this point in my journey, everything is mental. I know I can work out. I’ve completed the Couch to 5K program – twice. I know I can run. I’ve taken swimming lessons. I know I can swim.

My area of opportunity is my food. I haven’t completely given up on OA but I am not working my program the way I used to. I no longer have a sponsor, although I am in contact with her at least three or four days out of the week. I do embrace the spirit of OA that my eating/food issues are not about food and I do not need a diet.

I will continue working on my mind, spirit and body and this will help with the weight loss. It’s my state of mind that needs healing. I have to keep that number on the scale in perspective. I also did my measurements and check my body fat. As long as I am doing what I need, what I want to do to take care of myself, I will be fine.

Training Plan -- Week 1

Since yesterday's workout went pretty well, I'm going to try to run/walk this week. I'm still not feeling 100% but I'm anxious about losing my cardio fitness. I will jog as slowly as I can this week.

Now, for the dilemma. When and where am I going to train? It's freezing outside. The gym is really crowded. I am thinking I will train on the treadmill at my complex gym. Preferably, I'd like to do it in the AM but I am not sure how safe it would be. I'd be very nervous being in the alone at 6 am and I wouldn't feel too comfortable being there alone with some random guy either. So, I'm going to wait until the afternoon.

Today I'm going to try Aquafit. Hopefully, being in the warm water will help my aching back and joints.

Monday - run/walk

Tuesday - strength training

Wednesday - run/walk

Thursday - strength training

Friday - run/walk

Saturday - walk - strength training

Working Out

It's the second day of the year and I have not been to the gym or done what I would call a "great" workout. I have had a splitting headache for three days now. I have done some stretching, stability ball passes, planks, high knees, squats, etc. I have to allow the process to unfold the way it will. If I push too hard, I'll end up injured. Obviously my body is telling me I need to slow down. I am just afraid I will lose way too much fitness if I do not get some miles in. I'm eager to get back on the trail or treadmill.

I think I'll give it a try tomorrow. If it's too much, I will at least have the weekend to recover. I also found a Sunday afternoon Aquafit class to go to. This will be a good way to give my body a good workout without too much stress. Now is not the time to panic. I have six months to prepare for my dream race. I will get to that finish line.

December Bulu Box

I received my December Bulu Box a few weeks ago. I'm just getting around to trying out the products.

I am pretty impressed with this month’s box. The sample sizes are very generous.

Although I am not one for taking pills, I received a 30-day supply of Creative Bioscience 30 Day Diet. I do think it’s nice to have a full 30-day supply to see whether or not they’re effective. I know me. I don't like pills. I already did some research. They seem harmless -- herbal extracts, African mango, raspberry ketones, to mention a few. I’d rather drop pounds the old fashioned way – healthy diet and exercise. I started taking these today.

The next product is Mediterranean Snacks Tapaz to Go. I love hummus and crackers. It’s one of my favorite snacks. I hope it tastes as good as it looks. I'm taking this to work with me tomorrow. Although I've been too lazy to do it, I'd rather make my own hummus and avoid all the sodium and stuff.

I also received Barlean’s Omega Swirl Mango Peach. This is probably something I should be using. However, I have a bottle of Flax Seed Oil I've never finished.

Last but not least, I have Mestrength to try. Seems like something for bodybuilders....