Motivational Monday

Last night I spent some time looking over my March training plan and creating my April plan. I feel pretty good about where I am with my training plan. Yesterday I completed Week 7, Day 2. I am halfway through the plan and will have a full and half month to work on distance. I should be good.

I was planning to walk four miles today but stopped at two. My right knee didn't feel right and I don't want to risk injury. My calves and quads are starting to feel tight and sore. I've got to be more consistent with stretching and using the foam roller.

I'm looking for to April. The weather is nice. I'm so happy to be away from that treadmill. I saw the following on Facebook and I think about it often while I train. I am making it my mantra for the month of April:

Motivational Monday

I finally "finished" my vision board for the Peachtree Road Race. I left some white space so that I can add to it over the next six months.

I have six months to train for the Peachtree Road Race. I've had this race on my bucket list for three years. I have more than enough time to get myself together. Unfortunately, I feel like I'm falling apart. I've been having issues with my back and knee. Yesterday I did some light exercise. Earlier today I went for a quick ten-minute and decided I take the day off. Tomorrow I will do my strength training and get back on cardio on Wednesday. My biggest challenge is getting sleep. I've been doing better but I can still make improvements.

November Update

I’m still here. I’ve been very lazy about logging my exercise. I’ve been mainly walking and lifting weights. My right knee is bothering me a bit. I am a bit concerned about not running but it will be okay. Truthfully, I’ve also been lazy about running because it’s getting cold out. I realize I need to get some warmer workout gear. I just can’t afford it right now. I’m thinking about taking my running indoors. I haven’t had much success running on the treadmill but I do not want to get so out of shape with running that I have to start all over again. My next 5K is on Thanksgiving day. I'm beginning to have doubts. It will be okay. All I can do is try.

Weeked Workouts

My November workouts have gotten up to a pretty rough start. Yesterday I lasted 10 minutes. There was sharp pain in my left hip area. I didn’t want to risk serious injury so I stopped, went home, and did some stretching. I also used my massage ball.

Today I was just plain lazy. I did not want to go to the gym or to the park. I procrastinated until about 5 pm and then I headed to the park. I initially said I was going to walk four miles but decided not to overdo it. I still ended up overdoing it a bit. I did a slow jog for the last .25 mile. It felt pretty good. I worked out the kink on my left side with my massage ball.

I definitely need to stay on top of this. My left side feels better but my right knee gave me a little trouble coming down a slight incline. As much as I focus on my form and have been fitted with three different brands of sneakers now, I still have this imbalance problem.

I know part of the problem is my inconsistency with the exercises and stretches Dr. Smith gave me. If I can do my part, I am sure it will help the situation. I have 25 days until my next 5K.

Kneeling Psoas Lunge

I went to the chiropractor today for an adjustment and a massage. Boy, did it hurt so good! He kneaded my left glute like it was hardening Playdough. I could feel the release right away. He gave me some exercises to stretch the Psoas. He also recommended I start doing lunges. I am always afraid of lunges because I am afraid I am going to hurt my knees. Then again, I felt the same way about squats and I can do them now without any problems. He looked at my chart. Besides the time I hurt my knee trying to avoid not tripping over Rascal, I haven’t been to see him about my knees since September 2011. Now if I can get rid pesky tight glutes. I showed him the hip flexor stretch I’ve been doing. The stretch I was doing was static. He said it is fine but wants me to start lunging forward. I will eventually work up to a standing lunge.

Anyhow, this is what I will be working on for the next couple of months:

Running in the Rain

I was sooo looking forward to Week Five, Day Three today. I was up at 5:15 am and ready to go. Then I noticed the sound of raindrops against my bedroom windows. I contemplated running anyhow but it was coming down pretty hard. A light drizzle is one thing. I did not want to get drenched! Plus, I have this overwhelming fear that I am going to slip and fall while running in the rain.
Hopefully, the rain will hold off and it won’t be that humid later on this evening. If it does, I plan to run outside. If not, I will be hopping on the treadmill.

Couch to 5K: Week Four, Day Two

Workout complete! Even though I haven't been feeling well the past few days, I was determined to complete today's workout. It's over and done with. I feel awful! I was sweating profusely! I thought I was going to throw up! I am not sure if I am feeling this way because of the workout or what. Anyhow, I am going to ice my legs, take some cold medicine, and go back to bed!

Week Two, Day Three

It's been raining almost nonstop this week. I didn't feel too confident about running on the wet pavement today so I went to the gym. I wasn't too thrilled about running on the treadmill but I had to complete my workout. It went fine but, as usual, my knee was bothering me. I iced it a few times today and now it's fine. Week Three here I come!

Squats Challenge Update

Quick update on the squat challenge: Today I did 70 squats. This is a personal best. I’ve never been about to do 70 straight squats. The down side is that my left knee and right ankle are starting to give me a little trouble so I need to pay better attention to my form.

C25K: Week Two, Day Two

I really did not want to do today’s workout.  I didn’t sleep well.  My knees were bothering me yesterday.  I iced them; cycled for 30 minutes; and did water aerobics for about an hour.  This morning I did a gentle stretch and warm up.  Today’s workout was just okay.  I was happy it was over and very grateful my knees cooperated.  Either I’m getting used to them or some of the intervals seemed really short.  Anyhow, I completed all of them.  I did stop about 2 seconds before two of the 90-sconds runs.  (Not sure if this means I should repeat this work out.  I'll assess how I feel on Wednesday.  I'm thinking that with proper rest and I'll be fine to move onto Week Three on Saturday). 

It started raining during my last walk and five-minute cool down.  So, I’m planning to go to the gym to walk two miles on the treadmill.  Very grateful for the courage to continue moving forward.

C25K: Week Two

I'm schedule to begin Week Two tomorrow.  I'm filled with some self-doubt.  Yesterday I did a 30-minute Elliptical workout and increased the resistance. Today my knees are bothering me a little.  I'm going to go a lot of stretching, drink a lot of water, and pray.  I'll play it by ear in the morning.  If my knees don't feel any better, I'll repeat Week One. 

I'm thinking maybe I pushed it with increasing the resistance.  I probably did because I started getting a cramp in my calves while stretching yesterday.  I'm praying it's just my body getting used to my training and not an injury. 

Motivational Monday

I had a great workout on the Elliptical today - 17.5 mins 2x. I also did 25 mins on the stationary bike. My knee feels pretty good. I have to keep up the stretching too. I decided I'm going to start posting motivational quotes each Monday again. I also started working on a vision board this weekend. I completed an online version but I think I'm going to like having one that I can display in my office. I'll post a photo once it's completed.

This week's quote:

The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. ~John Bingham

Chasing The Night/Chasing A Dream

Today I signed up for the Atlanta Firefly 5K Run. I'm excited and nervous. I've tried to complete the Couch to 5K twice. I'm hoping, no, I'm praying, I can make it to the end this time. This all started with an innocent comment I made to someone I met at a retreat. We became Facebook friends and now I'm on her team to run in this race in October. I'm grateful I met someone who is so willing to help me achieve my dream. This is the wonderful thing about meeting people who understand food/weight challenges. It's a great reminder to me that there are so many people out there experiencing the same challenges on this journey to health and wholeness. I'm still working on strengthening my knee by working out on the Elliptical three times a week.

September Update

Not much going on.  Two weeks ago I decided to push it a bit and start walking four miles.  Now, my knee is starting to bother me again.  I've been stretching and icing and praying. 

My endurance is great!  I just need to see what's going on with my knee!  I've been paying attention to my gait.  I have the right shoes.

So....I'm back to the doctor next week. 

***

My birthday was Monday.  I did most of my celebrating over the weekend because I wanted to spend a quiet, reflective day alone.  It was wonderful.  I spent the entire day at Jeju Spa.

It may have been a little mistake because now I am quite dehydrated.  Saturday I had a birthday lunch of fajitas, margaritas, and a shot.  I was determined.  I went to the park and walked four miles before going out to the movies.  Sunday a did a little more drinking.  I should have been doing a better job with my hydration considering all the walking and drinking I was doing.

Bottom line...I had fun but my body is paying for it.  It felt great to sit and meditate while detoxing.  It's been a challenging and wonderful year. 

***

So I decided to look up what Louise Hay had to say about knees.

Knee problems - Stubborn ego and pride. Inability to bend. Fear. Inflexibility. Won't give in. "Forgiveness. Understanding. Compassion. I bend and flow with ease, and all is well."


Sounds just right.  So, I had to swallow my pride and admit I made a mistake about something and did something I really didn't want to do.  While my action is justified, I still feel awkward about it.  However, I am accepting life on life's term.  Hopefully, now that I've moved forward, so to speak.  My knee will begin to feel better.  I really want to get back to my Couch to 5K running goal before the end of the year.
 
***
I haven't forgotten about swimming lessons.  Right now I do not have a bathing suit that fits.  It's just a matter of purchasing a bathing suit and signing up for lessons.  I'm working on the nerve and will probably sign up when I return from my last trip at the end of October.

Patience

The Universe has really been offering me lessons of patience.  Sometimes I think, Ha! After the last 10 years, you still have some lessons on patience for me.  I think I've passed that course with flying colors!

Think again.

Anyhow, just when I think my knee is all better and I can start jogging again, it acts up.  I'm glad I get these little reminders outside of the gym.  I was just walking and felt a slight pang.  It's probably time for another adjustment.

Things are wonderful.  My workouts have been great. I've been focusing on building my cardio endurance.  I also decided to start hitting the weights on a regular basis. My food plan has been tight. I cannot believe I haven't had any sweets or potato chips in 300 days.  I'm amazed! 

Oh, one thing I am working up the nerve to do is sign up for swimming lessons. I need to add it to my fitness bucket list. One of my fitness pals is burning mad calories in the pool.  Another friend on Twitter recently conquered her fear of swimming in a lake.  Both have been so inspiring.  Okay, so, I've put it out there.  Thank you, Universe. I see swimming pool laps in my future......

C25K - Week One, Day Three

Week One – Day Three


I did it! So very grateful! I definitely need to tackle this on the treadmill for a while. Last night I spent some time viewing some YouTube videos about running form and stretching for runners. Having the correct form and avoiding injury is very important. I just remembered while I was reading about stretches for runners that I had Osgood Schlatters Disease when I was younger. I totally forgot about it. I don’t have any problems with it now but I do see how I’ve probably always had problems with my quads and hamstrings…which manifest as pain in my knees.

I’ve been very conscious about doing squats and lunges. I’m doing my best to keep my quads and hamstrings loose.

Today I slowed down my walking pace to 2.5 mph instead of 3.0 mph and kept my “running” pace at 4.0 mph. Based on most of the things I read last night, the most important things to focus on right now are proper stretching, correct form, and sticking with the routine. I was able to apply some of the techniques I learned last night to my session today and I felt pretty good. So, I plan to move forward to Week Two on Monday.

Here are the stretches are worked on this week.

How to stretch before and after a run

Avoiding shin splints

Attitude of Gratitude

Very grateful today.  I've been walking on a regular basis for the past week.  Yay!  My knee is much better.  I'm doing my best to be consistent about the stretches the doctor gave me.  I haven't done more than a mile because I don't want to push it. 

I'm also very grateful that I have been following my OA food plan for 54 days now!  While it's not about weight loss with OA, I am at the lowest weight I've been in about five years. 

I am so grateful for all the friends I've made while blogging and tweeting.  Thank you all for your encouragement.  Thank you for sharing your stories.  I am blessed to be on this incredile journey with such incredible people.  Thank you!

November Update

I really need to make a commitment to update my blog more regularly.

I'm doing okay. My knee is still giving me trouble. I haven't been doing much exercise. I have been attending OA meetings and working on my eating. This is going tremendously well. I'm done another three pounds. Even though OA is not a weight loss program, it is enforcing to see some physical results from working the program.

I went in for my four-month check up last week. I haven't received my labs yet.

Once I'm moved into my bachelorette pad, I will be able to get back into a regular routine. I'm really torn about getting rid of some of my equipment. I'm moving from a four bedroom house into a two bedroom apartment. I just won't have room for everything. There's a fitness center in the complex so I think it's going to work out okay. I just have a lot of sentimental attachment to the items. They are symbolic of a new chapter in my life.

Hopefully, I can make it back later on this week and catch up with my followers. I've missed following everyone's journey and pray you've been doing well.

October Report

This has been a rough week. Things are finally settling down with the break up. I'm sleeping much better.

I've been having a problem with my lower back and right knee. I went to the doctor on Friday. He said it's being caused by rotation in my pelvis. I've had this issue before. He gave me some stretches to do.

I'm supposed to be doing a 5K next week. I can barely walk a mile. Today I thought my knee was going to give out on me.

***

I'm still attending OA meetings. Today I've been abstinent, following my food plan for 30 days. I'm working Step Four. OA is not about weight loss. It's a spiritual program. It's been great to deal with the emotional aspect of my eating and weight problem. I've loss 5 pounds.

Now that I know it's nothing too serious with my knee, my plan for November is to start exercising more often. Since I really can't do that much walking. I'm going to do the Last Chance Workout DVD. It's something I enjoy doing.