As you all know, I am 52. I have gone through menopause which is when most of my weight gain occurred. You also know that I work out. This has helped with my weight and muscle mass, but I still have some weight around the belly. When I was younger, at the rate I work out, I would have drop pounds fast. That flat stomach I long for would have appeared quickly. So I can only believe that some of my issues are post menopause related.
Today I went on a research of menopausal products spree. I do not really have hot flashes or night sweats, but I do have brain fog. As I read the responses to the top 3 products recommended, I noticed that most people only talked about the above symptoms. I really am looking for relief in the weight gain, brain fog and word memory area.
The top 3 products listed as the best are Menoquil, Menersa, and Amberen. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried these. Please write and give me your opinion.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful for New Friendships
Each month as we complete our monthly OBC training, our team leaders host a graduation party. On that day early we complete a Physical Test showing the vast improvement to each camper. It is always so amazing to watch their faces when they see how much they have grown stronger. That evening is our party. The faces are bright and shiny; hair is fixed and the dress is perfect. We gather as a group of friends now. The process of the past month bonds us and forges our friendships. The room is filled with laughter of the memories of the past; our experiences, our accomplishments, our comedic moments.
I love this time, as each camper shares what the month has meant to them. At the end of the evening, I thank the Lord that He gave me these people to enter into my life. And I thank Him for allowing me to be a part of assisting their goals to be accomplished.
So on this day before Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my family, extend family and friends. For without these people life truly has no meaning.
Happy Thanksgiving.....
I love this time, as each camper shares what the month has meant to them. At the end of the evening, I thank the Lord that He gave me these people to enter into my life. And I thank Him for allowing me to be a part of assisting their goals to be accomplished.
So on this day before Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my family, extend family and friends. For without these people life truly has no meaning.
Happy Thanksgiving.....
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Energy Bars
As I am getting healthier and more aware of the calories and fats that I am eating, I am longing to make more foods at home. I recently found this energy bar recipe in Prevention Magazine. I just made them and I would recommend not using as much sugar/honey/brown sugar as recipe. I would use 1/4 cup and substitute this ingredient with Ajave Nectar.
I choose to use dark chocolate instead of the second dried fruit as this gives me that chocolate fix that I sometimes want. Go to this link and see what you think of this recipe; http://recipes.prevention.com/Recipe/raising-the-energy-bar.aspx.
Also for my chocolate "fix"; I will melt dark chocolate and then drop whole walnuts into the chocolate. I remove the covered walnut to wax paper to cool. I then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When I am longing for just a bite of chocolate, I will eat two of them straight from the freezer. I love the crunch and it slows down my eating so that I enjoy the treat.
I hope you enjoy these tips. I would love to hear your recipes so I can share with readers
I choose to use dark chocolate instead of the second dried fruit as this gives me that chocolate fix that I sometimes want. Go to this link and see what you think of this recipe; http://recipes.prevention.com/Recipe/raising-the-energy-bar.aspx.
Also for my chocolate "fix"; I will melt dark chocolate and then drop whole walnuts into the chocolate. I remove the covered walnut to wax paper to cool. I then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When I am longing for just a bite of chocolate, I will eat two of them straight from the freezer. I love the crunch and it slows down my eating so that I enjoy the treat.
I hope you enjoy these tips. I would love to hear your recipes so I can share with readers
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday morning
I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Mine was busy with classes and then....hoorah....having to shop for a new suit to fit me. Dropped a dress size and needed a new suit for work. It was so wonderful looking for clothes.
This morning after OBC, a group of women met for breakfast. What a wonderful fellowship of new friends. In our conversation we came to the conversation of eating better. I thought I would share with you some of the ideas that were discussed so that you might incorporate them into your daily life.
Instead of using a yogurt with fruit or sugar, try Greek yogurt. It is a different taste and texture. I use the plain one since it has less sugar. In the beginning it was such a different taste from my previous "healthy" sugar yogurts, that I had to add Ajave Nectar to mine. As time has gone on, I no longer use the Ajave. But Ajave is a great staple good for your pantry. It is a natural sweetener that is truly healthy and a better choice than sugar.
We also discussed the use of eggs and vegetables into our breakfast. My new friend and I split a wheat toast, spinach, egg and cheese sandwich. And then added our fruit with it for a complete meal. For variety at home, I will add red, yellow and green peppers to my egg whites with a slice of hard white cheese. I stay away from yellow or soft cheeses.
What you eat today shows up in your workout the next day. For our intense workouts, I have to eat the required protein, vegetables and fruits. If not, I can barely make it through the workout.
I hope these few tips will help you as you evaluate your food plan.
This morning after OBC, a group of women met for breakfast. What a wonderful fellowship of new friends. In our conversation we came to the conversation of eating better. I thought I would share with you some of the ideas that were discussed so that you might incorporate them into your daily life.
Instead of using a yogurt with fruit or sugar, try Greek yogurt. It is a different taste and texture. I use the plain one since it has less sugar. In the beginning it was such a different taste from my previous "healthy" sugar yogurts, that I had to add Ajave Nectar to mine. As time has gone on, I no longer use the Ajave. But Ajave is a great staple good for your pantry. It is a natural sweetener that is truly healthy and a better choice than sugar.
We also discussed the use of eggs and vegetables into our breakfast. My new friend and I split a wheat toast, spinach, egg and cheese sandwich. And then added our fruit with it for a complete meal. For variety at home, I will add red, yellow and green peppers to my egg whites with a slice of hard white cheese. I stay away from yellow or soft cheeses.
What you eat today shows up in your workout the next day. For our intense workouts, I have to eat the required protein, vegetables and fruits. If not, I can barely make it through the workout.
I hope these few tips will help you as you evaluate your food plan.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hello again
It has been a while since I have written. I hate to admit this....but I fell from grace. As I wrote in July I was busy staying active. Then August hit and everything went to the wayside.
We had family deaths, family illnesses and I fell into a depression. I was no longer motivated to exercise, eat right or write. Thank goodness my OBC leader sensed that things were not going good and called to check on me. In a sense that simple phone call changed my life. We spoke and I was totally honest with her about what was going on. And thank the Lord, September a new bootcamp near my home started up. I quickly signed up and challenged myself to pull myself from the deep well of misery I had fallen into. With prayer and encouragement I was back on track.
The first month, I struggled. But I lost a lot of inches. The second month, I lost 7 lbs. And the third month, my thoughts (as expressed on earlier blogs) of becoming an instructor came to be. I am now an instructor in training. And this month I have lost 5 more lbs. to date and more inches. I am now down two dress sizes and one shirt size.
I am happier again and I see hope. It is amazing how exercise can change your outlook. I say "exercise" because those who are thin or at their desired size continue to exercise. They are happy and energetic. I think of one of my fellow instructor. She has always been a runner and has run in races across the country. She plays tennis....single tennis. She has probably always been at the perfect size she is. But she is there every morning at 4:45 am with a smile on her face. She is an inspiration to me. And I find myself drawn to her kind and sweet personality. I am very fortunate that the director and the two lead instructors are so uplifting and positive. Their energy radiates through their encouragement and their leading our new group to their new goals.
As December begins, I am also adventuring into a new career path. I will continue to do the one thing I love, but I wanted to spread my wings and try the "other" career of choice that I have always wondered if I would have preferred more. I am starting an internship a few days a week. I am excited with new body form. fitting in fun clothes and new challenges.
For me, falling off the wagon was devastating but as God promises there is always hope. Thank goodness, He put my OBC director in my path to guide me ever so gently to hope.
And with that said, my blogging will begin again with more variety and hopefully, insight that will help you along your journey to becoming fit and thin.
Til next week....I have class tomorrow and training for my first 5K.
We had family deaths, family illnesses and I fell into a depression. I was no longer motivated to exercise, eat right or write. Thank goodness my OBC leader sensed that things were not going good and called to check on me. In a sense that simple phone call changed my life. We spoke and I was totally honest with her about what was going on. And thank the Lord, September a new bootcamp near my home started up. I quickly signed up and challenged myself to pull myself from the deep well of misery I had fallen into. With prayer and encouragement I was back on track.
The first month, I struggled. But I lost a lot of inches. The second month, I lost 7 lbs. And the third month, my thoughts (as expressed on earlier blogs) of becoming an instructor came to be. I am now an instructor in training. And this month I have lost 5 more lbs. to date and more inches. I am now down two dress sizes and one shirt size.
I am happier again and I see hope. It is amazing how exercise can change your outlook. I say "exercise" because those who are thin or at their desired size continue to exercise. They are happy and energetic. I think of one of my fellow instructor. She has always been a runner and has run in races across the country. She plays tennis....single tennis. She has probably always been at the perfect size she is. But she is there every morning at 4:45 am with a smile on her face. She is an inspiration to me. And I find myself drawn to her kind and sweet personality. I am very fortunate that the director and the two lead instructors are so uplifting and positive. Their energy radiates through their encouragement and their leading our new group to their new goals.
As December begins, I am also adventuring into a new career path. I will continue to do the one thing I love, but I wanted to spread my wings and try the "other" career of choice that I have always wondered if I would have preferred more. I am starting an internship a few days a week. I am excited with new body form. fitting in fun clothes and new challenges.
For me, falling off the wagon was devastating but as God promises there is always hope. Thank goodness, He put my OBC director in my path to guide me ever so gently to hope.
And with that said, my blogging will begin again with more variety and hopefully, insight that will help you along your journey to becoming fit and thin.
Til next week....I have class tomorrow and training for my first 5K.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
This Week of Being on My Own
This week I have been on my own. It is amazing how your body longs for exercise after it becomes acclimated to it. On Sunday, I ate unhealthy and I felt horrible. Not angry or disappointed in myself, but just horrible. I am taking this as a good sign.
I went to grocery store to replenish my pantry and refrigerator with healthy eats again. On Monday, I started back to my regime and today I feel energized. I woke up early and when the sun rises I will begin my run.
I have decided that for myself I need to set goals. To keep myself on track for OBC starting near my home in September (due to school schedule I will not be able to attend the one I started with) I must set an August goal. I have now ran almost 3 miles when I was at the beach, on flat ground. And I have ran over 2 miles in my mountainous neighborhood. So I think I am getting my goal for 3 miles run in my neighborhood, projecting to run a 5K in the fall.
Do you really think I could make an instructor for OBC by October?
I went to grocery store to replenish my pantry and refrigerator with healthy eats again. On Monday, I started back to my regime and today I feel energized. I woke up early and when the sun rises I will begin my run.
I have decided that for myself I need to set goals. To keep myself on track for OBC starting near my home in September (due to school schedule I will not be able to attend the one I started with) I must set an August goal. I have now ran almost 3 miles when I was at the beach, on flat ground. And I have ran over 2 miles in my mountainous neighborhood. So I think I am getting my goal for 3 miles run in my neighborhood, projecting to run a 5K in the fall.
Do you really think I could make an instructor for OBC by October?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday Morning...Getting back in the Groove
It is really amazing. I can feel my hip bones. A part of my body that used to stick out so much that I would be embarrassed. Please let me be that embarrassed again.
I am in a groove. When I was on vacation and I would not eat so well, I felt horrible. I like clean eating now. This is a term that my friend and I use. I feel so much better when I am eating healthy combinations.
Yesterday was my birthday and I was overwhelmed with work after being on vacation. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth taking vacation for you work yourself to death before you leave and upon returning. Then you need another vacation from being overworked.
Today, back on track I will plan my meals. I love eating six times a day. Then head to the grocery store at some point to replenish the refrigerator and pantry.
I am looking so forward to continued success. I am really starting to myself again...
Til tomorrow....keep on smiling... even when it rains sunshine follows
I am in a groove. When I was on vacation and I would not eat so well, I felt horrible. I like clean eating now. This is a term that my friend and I use. I feel so much better when I am eating healthy combinations.
Yesterday was my birthday and I was overwhelmed with work after being on vacation. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth taking vacation for you work yourself to death before you leave and upon returning. Then you need another vacation from being overworked.
Today, back on track I will plan my meals. I love eating six times a day. Then head to the grocery store at some point to replenish the refrigerator and pantry.
I am looking so forward to continued success. I am really starting to myself again...
Til tomorrow....keep on smiling... even when it rains sunshine follows
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday All Is Good
For me this blog is a God send. I have to tell you if I thought no one was reading I would let myself not exercise. But I know that I am now accountable to you. So to my readers, I thank you.
Still at the beach so water activities again today. My arms are so sore from swimming, building sand designs (yesterday the fort to protect, today a huge wedding cake, tomorrow a city) and pulling children. We can't compete with the people two umbrellas down but we can create so form of sand building. Theirs are fantastic. One is a VW beetle that has run into a sand ditch, all details even to the license plate. The second design they have completed is a mermaid with seaweed as her hair. The last is a detailed sand castle with ramps to the different levels. Today they have started on a pyramid. I will try to take photos to share with you.
It is funny how I no longer have real desires for unhealthy food. I am so thankful. I found out yesterday that my OBC will be starting a new camp near my home. Yeah!
I think that everyone should try a new fish recipe this week. Try cleaneating.org and look for a recipe that works for your favorite fish. I am inspired by the ocean.
Til tomorrow.....smile at someone you pass on the street. Take a prepared dish to your neighbor or assist a coworker today. Life is good so share the love.
Still at the beach so water activities again today. My arms are so sore from swimming, building sand designs (yesterday the fort to protect, today a huge wedding cake, tomorrow a city) and pulling children. We can't compete with the people two umbrellas down but we can create so form of sand building. Theirs are fantastic. One is a VW beetle that has run into a sand ditch, all details even to the license plate. The second design they have completed is a mermaid with seaweed as her hair. The last is a detailed sand castle with ramps to the different levels. Today they have started on a pyramid. I will try to take photos to share with you.
It is funny how I no longer have real desires for unhealthy food. I am so thankful. I found out yesterday that my OBC will be starting a new camp near my home. Yeah!
I think that everyone should try a new fish recipe this week. Try cleaneating.org and look for a recipe that works for your favorite fish. I am inspired by the ocean.
Til tomorrow.....smile at someone you pass on the street. Take a prepared dish to your neighbor or assist a coworker today. Life is good so share the love.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Water Aerobics
These last few days have been filled with water activities. Yesterday I did run 3 miles which I was so excited about. I did note that to run in Florida you need to run earlier than 8:30 am. When I returned I was nauseated. Not sure if this was from a few sips of Gatorade before I left or heat. But tomorrow when I return to my run I will plan to leave earlier.
I have varied my exercises this week because the water in the pool or water park is so warm and inviting. I have thrown my 4 year old great nephew in the water that I honestly do not think I could lift a 5 lb. weight.
Family is so important. We have had the best time. With entertaining both a great niece and nephew I have swam more laps than I realized I could.
To keep up the energy needed to pull them in the oceans, fight the waves, walks down the beach and stairs to the lighthouse; I am thankful that I started OBC. And so glad that I now know how to fuel my body by eating every 2 hours. You can now set an alarm by my eating habits. My hunger bell goes off every 2 hours and just a small amount of food is enough It is so hard to really believe that you eat more to lose weight.
Til tomorrow....rest, sleep well and dream in brilliant colors.
I have varied my exercises this week because the water in the pool or water park is so warm and inviting. I have thrown my 4 year old great nephew in the water that I honestly do not think I could lift a 5 lb. weight.
Family is so important. We have had the best time. With entertaining both a great niece and nephew I have swam more laps than I realized I could.
To keep up the energy needed to pull them in the oceans, fight the waves, walks down the beach and stairs to the lighthouse; I am thankful that I started OBC. And so glad that I now know how to fuel my body by eating every 2 hours. You can now set an alarm by my eating habits. My hunger bell goes off every 2 hours and just a small amount of food is enough It is so hard to really believe that you eat more to lose weight.
Til tomorrow....rest, sleep well and dream in brilliant colors.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hello Monday
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I am on vacation, kinda. This morning my ole bad side almost won me over. How could I honestly ever fall for anything she says? She was very convincing. Enters my good side to save the day, or should I save the exercise plan
I was fortunate that this morning's run involved no hill. I began my run, my stretches and hit the beach. Yes, the beach. The breeze is blowing, the sun is shining and the beach we are staying on is a cape that has very little occupants. I am running. I spot the tracks from the beach cleanup truck and fall into these for my path. I can look down at the sand as there are definitely no trees to hit me.
Today I am not writing my blogs in my head. I am mesmerized by the rhythm of the waves. Entranced with only the clashing of waves, I can feel the imprisonments of life opening its gates to freedom. No responsibility, no deadlines, only the detox of me. With each step that I take I am running to a complete freedom , for a week.
I finally look up and I set my goal. As I reach it, I turn to head back to the house. I look forward to set my new goal and quickly realize that I may have overestimated my distance. I cannot see our house. I encourage myself and keep the steady pace I have set with the waves. Halfway back, my buttocks are burning. My calves are burning also, but I forge forward.
I finally reach the stairs that will lead me back to the road. As I top the stairs I can see grass. This is the place I usually long for but not today. I had noticed yesterday a sign near the ponds "Beware snakes". I think I will just stay on the landing and finish with push ups and cool down.
I walk back to the house, exhausted. I know that today I will be busy with my 4 year old great nephew playing on the beach and in the pool. I decide that tomorrow will be swimming to change up my routine. As I entered the kitchen I quickly grab the Gatorade and the rest is now history.
Til tomorrow....follow yourself to a place of relaxation and happiness.
I was fortunate that this morning's run involved no hill. I began my run, my stretches and hit the beach. Yes, the beach. The breeze is blowing, the sun is shining and the beach we are staying on is a cape that has very little occupants. I am running. I spot the tracks from the beach cleanup truck and fall into these for my path. I can look down at the sand as there are definitely no trees to hit me.
Today I am not writing my blogs in my head. I am mesmerized by the rhythm of the waves. Entranced with only the clashing of waves, I can feel the imprisonments of life opening its gates to freedom. No responsibility, no deadlines, only the detox of me. With each step that I take I am running to a complete freedom , for a week.
I finally look up and I set my goal. As I reach it, I turn to head back to the house. I look forward to set my new goal and quickly realize that I may have overestimated my distance. I cannot see our house. I encourage myself and keep the steady pace I have set with the waves. Halfway back, my buttocks are burning. My calves are burning also, but I forge forward.
I finally reach the stairs that will lead me back to the road. As I top the stairs I can see grass. This is the place I usually long for but not today. I had noticed yesterday a sign near the ponds "Beware snakes". I think I will just stay on the landing and finish with push ups and cool down.
I walk back to the house, exhausted. I know that today I will be busy with my 4 year old great nephew playing on the beach and in the pool. I decide that tomorrow will be swimming to change up my routine. As I entered the kitchen I quickly grab the Gatorade and the rest is now history.
Til tomorrow....follow yourself to a place of relaxation and happiness.
Friday, July 9, 2010
I Think I Can I Think I Can
Today I wake up at 4:58 am and am in a panic. "Oh my gosh, I forgot to set my alarm". I throw the sheet back and just as I start to get up, I remember that today is not OBC. It is too dark for me for run alone so I turn back over.
I wake up a little later and quickly arise. I am heading to get dressed when my bad side starts to say something. I abruptly turn to her and give her THAT look. You know the one. She turns and walks away. I dress and out the door.
As I start, my legs start to complain. "If you start in on me today, I am going to make this a two mile run" I say in an irritated voice. "Why can you not be like the lungs"? "They get just as tired as you but they have agreed to not to complain". I think my lungs just stuck their tongue out at the legs. Boy, my son is 26 years old but I guess Mother talk says with you.
The little speech must have worked because the legs are moving ever so quietly. I proceed through the warm up, stretches and now I am off to the mountain. I have decided to take a different mental approach toward my mountain. I am going to start with a slower jog and if I just have to stop for a moment than that is less than yesterday. I am making my way past my usual stopping point. I am past it. Within only a few steps, I am at a very slow jog. Okay, it is a walk. Virtual Dena is encouraging me "keep your arms moving wide and grab some fresh air". "You can do it". I gain my breath and I am back jogging. Yesterday when I almost had my head cropped off by the crepe myrtle, I learned my lesson. I am looking forward today. I see the crepe myrtle. *Hey people this is a sidewalk, cut back your tree" I would like to tell the owners. Since I am thinking about my conversation with of the homeowners I don't realize I have made it to the top of the mountain. I make my turn. My lungs are working great. The legs are still very quiet. But just to remind the legs to continue their silence I add the cul-de-sac into the run. I add it but not really because of my legs. My fellow camper has asked me to run with them on the weekends. They run 4 miles! So I have got to quickly add a little distance to my run. I want to be a bad mam-a-jam-a too.
I am making my second turn. I am really enjoying this run. Virtual Dena is jogging beside me. Today she is my running partner, it's nice. As I top the peak of this mound (or small hill) I look out of the mountains. I have been concentrating on just keeping my legs moving for these last few runs that I had forgotten how beautiful it is. It really must be better to look up when you run. There is such beauty that the concrete sidewalk just does not offer. Hey, I think that is the antenna of Sweat Mountain in Marietta. I used to live near it and drove up the mountain once. I remember thinking to myself, "if there was a loose railing on your deck, I just hope that someone would be coming home soon". "Because if it broke, the next time they might see you would be at the morgue". "It would take days to find someone". It is beautiful view off that mountain though.
I have made it downhill and am halfway. Back up a hill. I told you this subdivision might kill a newbie camper. And on the sidewalk, a fresh pile of yard cuttings. "What is it with the yard trash"? "I guess runners, walkers, maturing adults, and babies in strollers are just not important". "So what if they have to get in the street with oncoming traffic"?
I am once again so engrossed in my conversation with the homeowners in my head that I don't realize that I have now made it to the bottom of the hill. Alright, the last quarter of my run! I am in my zone. Dena is still keeping with my slower pace. I make it around the turn, the next turn and back to the homestretch. I turn the corner and THERE is the last hill that my mind freaks out on. Dena is watching my face. "You can do this, just one foot at a time". "I think I can, I think I can". "I know I can, I know I can". I am the little running engine and I am making it. I am at the top. I make that last turn. I can see my yard. My legs are now sprinting without me having to encourage. Ah, cool wet oasis of green. "Come to me, I will embrace you with wet dew" it seducingly calls to me. I am almost there. I leave the sidewalk and sprinting to the shaded cool area. "I love you cool wet grass" I tell it.
I lie for a brief moment basking in the dew. It is such a wonderful feeling. I start my sit ups, I am pushing hard. With a horrible grimace on my face I finish 42 boot camp sit ups. I now start my oblique sit ups, two different variations. I transition to my push ups. I complete 30 and have to move to modified ones for the wide arm push ups. I just am not yet strong enough for real ones.
And then cool down. Wonderful loving cool down. Today I am so proud of my legs, they worked with me. And I tell them. Now it is their turn to stick their tongue out at the lungs.
And as always....til tomorrow...keep a smile on your face, a song in your heart and healthy food at your fingertips.
I wake up a little later and quickly arise. I am heading to get dressed when my bad side starts to say something. I abruptly turn to her and give her THAT look. You know the one. She turns and walks away. I dress and out the door.
As I start, my legs start to complain. "If you start in on me today, I am going to make this a two mile run" I say in an irritated voice. "Why can you not be like the lungs"? "They get just as tired as you but they have agreed to not to complain". I think my lungs just stuck their tongue out at the legs. Boy, my son is 26 years old but I guess Mother talk says with you.
The little speech must have worked because the legs are moving ever so quietly. I proceed through the warm up, stretches and now I am off to the mountain. I have decided to take a different mental approach toward my mountain. I am going to start with a slower jog and if I just have to stop for a moment than that is less than yesterday. I am making my way past my usual stopping point. I am past it. Within only a few steps, I am at a very slow jog. Okay, it is a walk. Virtual Dena is encouraging me "keep your arms moving wide and grab some fresh air". "You can do it". I gain my breath and I am back jogging. Yesterday when I almost had my head cropped off by the crepe myrtle, I learned my lesson. I am looking forward today. I see the crepe myrtle. *Hey people this is a sidewalk, cut back your tree" I would like to tell the owners. Since I am thinking about my conversation with of the homeowners I don't realize I have made it to the top of the mountain. I make my turn. My lungs are working great. The legs are still very quiet. But just to remind the legs to continue their silence I add the cul-de-sac into the run. I add it but not really because of my legs. My fellow camper has asked me to run with them on the weekends. They run 4 miles! So I have got to quickly add a little distance to my run. I want to be a bad mam-a-jam-a too.
I am making my second turn. I am really enjoying this run. Virtual Dena is jogging beside me. Today she is my running partner, it's nice. As I top the peak of this mound (or small hill) I look out of the mountains. I have been concentrating on just keeping my legs moving for these last few runs that I had forgotten how beautiful it is. It really must be better to look up when you run. There is such beauty that the concrete sidewalk just does not offer. Hey, I think that is the antenna of Sweat Mountain in Marietta. I used to live near it and drove up the mountain once. I remember thinking to myself, "if there was a loose railing on your deck, I just hope that someone would be coming home soon". "Because if it broke, the next time they might see you would be at the morgue". "It would take days to find someone". It is beautiful view off that mountain though.
I have made it downhill and am halfway. Back up a hill. I told you this subdivision might kill a newbie camper. And on the sidewalk, a fresh pile of yard cuttings. "What is it with the yard trash"? "I guess runners, walkers, maturing adults, and babies in strollers are just not important". "So what if they have to get in the street with oncoming traffic"?
I am once again so engrossed in my conversation with the homeowners in my head that I don't realize that I have now made it to the bottom of the hill. Alright, the last quarter of my run! I am in my zone. Dena is still keeping with my slower pace. I make it around the turn, the next turn and back to the homestretch. I turn the corner and THERE is the last hill that my mind freaks out on. Dena is watching my face. "You can do this, just one foot at a time". "I think I can, I think I can". "I know I can, I know I can". I am the little running engine and I am making it. I am at the top. I make that last turn. I can see my yard. My legs are now sprinting without me having to encourage. Ah, cool wet oasis of green. "Come to me, I will embrace you with wet dew" it seducingly calls to me. I am almost there. I leave the sidewalk and sprinting to the shaded cool area. "I love you cool wet grass" I tell it.
I lie for a brief moment basking in the dew. It is such a wonderful feeling. I start my sit ups, I am pushing hard. With a horrible grimace on my face I finish 42 boot camp sit ups. I now start my oblique sit ups, two different variations. I transition to my push ups. I complete 30 and have to move to modified ones for the wide arm push ups. I just am not yet strong enough for real ones.
And then cool down. Wonderful loving cool down. Today I am so proud of my legs, they worked with me. And I tell them. Now it is their turn to stick their tongue out at the lungs.
And as always....til tomorrow...keep a smile on your face, a song in your heart and healthy food at your fingertips.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I Can Zip Those Pants
Hoorah!!!! Yesterday I took a chance and went for those capri pants that I have kept in my closet for the last 4 years. I use to love those pants but had pushed them to back because...well.. there was no way I could get them over my hips and Zipped. "You know it is okay if you can't wear them yet" I gently said to myself. Just take a deep breath, keep a good mindset. I pulled them out and slid them up my legs and my hips. Yeah, okay now the real test..button, yes...I am getting elated. "Now the zipper" I encourage myself. Ever so gently I start to pull the zipper up. Over the thighs it went. I keep moving it up til I reach the waist. I hold my breath and YES, I zipped it all the way up. I am giddy with excitement. " Oh, yea, Oh, yea" I am chanting out loud as I dance around the room. "Come here mirror, you are now my friend again".
This morning when my alarm gently sang to me at 4:50 am, there was no bad side speaking to me. I am heading on this journey to fit and thin and I have kicked my bad side to the curb. Well, at least for this morning.
I wash my face and brush my teeth; quickly dress and off to OBC I head. As I start up the stairs there for my fellow campers. I love their faces. We start up the hill I love (yes I have decided to change my attitude about that hill). I am running up it...can you believe it? Half way up, Dena tells us to head to the lower hill. Yea, I am running up this baby....I quickly make my turn and head back down.
At the lower area, our other instructors are waiting. We start our warm ups and stretches. Our male instructor is telling us what we are going to do today. I am blowing through the stretches so proud that I actually can still breath after the run. He started telling us that today we were going to work on strength, agility. After that I don't remember a thing. Agility. I am horrible at that. It is going to be a long workout.
I try to keep my brain off because if I think about this workout, I might have to leave. We begin the exercises and of course, it moves to sprints and jogging. I keep encouraging myself because three of my fellow campers are next to me. They encourage me. One runs 4 miles on the weekends, and two just ran the Peachtree (which a 10K). They are my inspiration as I finish each set of drills that lead to the sprints and runs. After each set of these, we head to the curb for push ups, side planks, triceps. I am tiring but surprisingly, I am still running...a very slow run but a run. My instructor that was with me for my first PT is running beside me. I love the sound of her voice. She is reminding me of where I came from and where I am today. "Please stay next to me because I am really wanting to give in" I am thinking to myself.
We finish all the drills, runs, sprints, sit ups, push ups and head to the wet cool grass for cool down. My favorite part. I can talk during the cool down. This is a first, usually I am so out of breath that it is a miracle that I can even perform a stretch.
We are leaving and I am walking with my fellow campers. Each encouraging the other. As I pull out of the parking lot, I smile to myself. "I wonder how people you have only known for a month and have no background history of, you can love so much" I reflect. I miss them when they are not here and I hate that we do not leave in the same neighborhood. These are people I want to hang with. As I drive away I realize that I have gained so much more than just getting healthy, I have gained friends.
Til tomorrow....... keep your chin up, smile on and remember it is a great day!
This morning when my alarm gently sang to me at 4:50 am, there was no bad side speaking to me. I am heading on this journey to fit and thin and I have kicked my bad side to the curb. Well, at least for this morning.
I wash my face and brush my teeth; quickly dress and off to OBC I head. As I start up the stairs there for my fellow campers. I love their faces. We start up the hill I love (yes I have decided to change my attitude about that hill). I am running up it...can you believe it? Half way up, Dena tells us to head to the lower hill. Yea, I am running up this baby....I quickly make my turn and head back down.
At the lower area, our other instructors are waiting. We start our warm ups and stretches. Our male instructor is telling us what we are going to do today. I am blowing through the stretches so proud that I actually can still breath after the run. He started telling us that today we were going to work on strength, agility. After that I don't remember a thing. Agility. I am horrible at that. It is going to be a long workout.
I try to keep my brain off because if I think about this workout, I might have to leave. We begin the exercises and of course, it moves to sprints and jogging. I keep encouraging myself because three of my fellow campers are next to me. They encourage me. One runs 4 miles on the weekends, and two just ran the Peachtree (which a 10K). They are my inspiration as I finish each set of drills that lead to the sprints and runs. After each set of these, we head to the curb for push ups, side planks, triceps. I am tiring but surprisingly, I am still running...a very slow run but a run. My instructor that was with me for my first PT is running beside me. I love the sound of her voice. She is reminding me of where I came from and where I am today. "Please stay next to me because I am really wanting to give in" I am thinking to myself.
We finish all the drills, runs, sprints, sit ups, push ups and head to the wet cool grass for cool down. My favorite part. I can talk during the cool down. This is a first, usually I am so out of breath that it is a miracle that I can even perform a stretch.
We are leaving and I am walking with my fellow campers. Each encouraging the other. As I pull out of the parking lot, I smile to myself. "I wonder how people you have only known for a month and have no background history of, you can love so much" I reflect. I miss them when they are not here and I hate that we do not leave in the same neighborhood. These are people I want to hang with. As I drive away I realize that I have gained so much more than just getting healthy, I have gained friends.
Til tomorrow....... keep your chin up, smile on and remember it is a great day!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I AM Going To Make It Up That Mountain
This morning was an "on my own" run. I think I mentioned that I had worked a long day on Monday. I have a deadline to meet this afternoon so last night was a late night. I just could not get up at 4:50am.
It is amazing how good and bad live inside our self. My lazy (bad) side tells me first thing "you can miss today". Thank goodness for my good side "you are doing so good, don't stop now". The good side wins out.
I dress and I am telling myself I am going to make that mountain today. Yes, I am going to do it!!! I start off with a light jog to warm my muscles...they are a little tight and sore from yesterday. I do my stretches and I am off. My virtual instructor Dena shows up. "You can do this today, I know you can". I am running..I am going to do this. I am the little engine that could as my instructor refers to me. I am going up that mountain. I pass the place where I usually give out. Yea, and then a few steps and I have to walk...I suwannee. "Keep your arms moving, you can do this" Dena encourages me. "What are you doing?" my legs are asking me. "You worked us too hard yesterday. "Us too" screams my hips. Just turn off the brain I tell myself. Dena nows adds "you have to get past your comfort zone". "Hey, I got dressed and am running". "That is where past my comfort zone today". I know she is right. So I continue to move forward.
I am pushing, putting one foot in front of the other. I am only looking at the sidewalk. I know if I look at that top of this mountain I will let my brain turn back on. "What the heck?" I am hit in the face and then the head. Okay, don't take my advice, look up. I just ran into a crepe myrtle and then the sprinkler.
I am at the top of the mountain....I kinda did it? Thank you for level ground, I want to get down and kiss it. I am in my zone now. I had mentioned to Dena about having an OBC here in my subdivision. I am now rethinking this. We don't have a lot of level ground and I would be responsible for killing a camper :-).
I am writing this blog and my blog for work in my head now. Everything is working just fine. My breathing technique is even getting better. Around the curve and on to the small hill. My ankle is now complaining but I keep moving. What is it with the body parts today? I really wish they would keep their opinion to themselves.
I am one-half of the way through and I am doing it. My legs are complaining again. So my good side speaks up "you know you are naive and yesterday even you finally realized that you were being hit on by that man". Yes, I was being hit on and I am not a flirt. But it was nice. "I don't remember you calling your best friend last month to tell her of any such incident" my good side reminds me. "This working out is really showing" she says. "You can do this". What, does my good side and Dena have a pack?
I am now on the down hill heading to the last quarter of my run. "I really wish people would put their cut limbs and stuff on the street". Now I am getting a tired and getting a little bitter. But I keep running. I am on the last leg (no pone intended) of my run. My legs are now screaming at me. Why when you need them the most do they want to bail on you? "My lungs are doing great, why can't you be like the lungs" I yell back at my legs. Dena must sense my distress. "Just keep moving, keep running". I am running I tell her and then I look down. My legs have decide to disconnect with my brain and they are just walking. I slap them back into my brain control. "We are going to finish this run..running" I tell them. "Just turn your brain off" I tell myself.
I can see the wet grass. Oh my wet grass. It is calling to me. I am sprinting at this point to lie in that wet grass. My legs have shut up and we run to the place we will call rest. I am down, I am starting my situps. I break my record from the last few days..40 today. Then over for abs -pushups on elbows and I am rocking. I count to 30. Then my obliques, I twist my hips kinda of touching the ground. I am tired...It is now time for cool down. I am moving to my stretches. I complete my runners stretch and move into my next stretch. I cannot move to the next stretch.."You told me to turn off" my smart alec brain tells me. "Cute, real cute" I respond back. "Turn back on so I can finish this cool down".
I am finished and ready to move to the next part of my day. I have this blog to write, my work blog and then a lunch meeting.
Tomorrow I will be back at OBC, I really need my fellow campers and live instructors to push me. There my brain and body keep their mouths shut.
Til tomorrow......have a great and happy day.
It is amazing how good and bad live inside our self. My lazy (bad) side tells me first thing "you can miss today". Thank goodness for my good side "you are doing so good, don't stop now". The good side wins out.
I dress and I am telling myself I am going to make that mountain today. Yes, I am going to do it!!! I start off with a light jog to warm my muscles...they are a little tight and sore from yesterday. I do my stretches and I am off. My virtual instructor Dena shows up. "You can do this today, I know you can". I am running..I am going to do this. I am the little engine that could as my instructor refers to me. I am going up that mountain. I pass the place where I usually give out. Yea, and then a few steps and I have to walk...I suwannee. "Keep your arms moving, you can do this" Dena encourages me. "What are you doing?" my legs are asking me. "You worked us too hard yesterday. "Us too" screams my hips. Just turn off the brain I tell myself. Dena nows adds "you have to get past your comfort zone". "Hey, I got dressed and am running". "That is where past my comfort zone today". I know she is right. So I continue to move forward.
I am pushing, putting one foot in front of the other. I am only looking at the sidewalk. I know if I look at that top of this mountain I will let my brain turn back on. "What the heck?" I am hit in the face and then the head. Okay, don't take my advice, look up. I just ran into a crepe myrtle and then the sprinkler.
I am at the top of the mountain....I kinda did it? Thank you for level ground, I want to get down and kiss it. I am in my zone now. I had mentioned to Dena about having an OBC here in my subdivision. I am now rethinking this. We don't have a lot of level ground and I would be responsible for killing a camper :-).
I am writing this blog and my blog for work in my head now. Everything is working just fine. My breathing technique is even getting better. Around the curve and on to the small hill. My ankle is now complaining but I keep moving. What is it with the body parts today? I really wish they would keep their opinion to themselves.
I am one-half of the way through and I am doing it. My legs are complaining again. So my good side speaks up "you know you are naive and yesterday even you finally realized that you were being hit on by that man". Yes, I was being hit on and I am not a flirt. But it was nice. "I don't remember you calling your best friend last month to tell her of any such incident" my good side reminds me. "This working out is really showing" she says. "You can do this". What, does my good side and Dena have a pack?
I am now on the down hill heading to the last quarter of my run. "I really wish people would put their cut limbs and stuff on the street". Now I am getting a tired and getting a little bitter. But I keep running. I am on the last leg (no pone intended) of my run. My legs are now screaming at me. Why when you need them the most do they want to bail on you? "My lungs are doing great, why can't you be like the lungs" I yell back at my legs. Dena must sense my distress. "Just keep moving, keep running". I am running I tell her and then I look down. My legs have decide to disconnect with my brain and they are just walking. I slap them back into my brain control. "We are going to finish this run..running" I tell them. "Just turn your brain off" I tell myself.
I can see the wet grass. Oh my wet grass. It is calling to me. I am sprinting at this point to lie in that wet grass. My legs have shut up and we run to the place we will call rest. I am down, I am starting my situps. I break my record from the last few days..40 today. Then over for abs -pushups on elbows and I am rocking. I count to 30. Then my obliques, I twist my hips kinda of touching the ground. I am tired...It is now time for cool down. I am moving to my stretches. I complete my runners stretch and move into my next stretch. I cannot move to the next stretch.."You told me to turn off" my smart alec brain tells me. "Cute, real cute" I respond back. "Turn back on so I can finish this cool down".
I am finished and ready to move to the next part of my day. I have this blog to write, my work blog and then a lunch meeting.
Tomorrow I will be back at OBC, I really need my fellow campers and live instructors to push me. There my brain and body keep their mouths shut.
Til tomorrow......have a great and happy day.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Operation Boot Camp...I am back
I hope everyone is recouping from the holiday. Yesterday, as I stated, I was kicking tail at work. Why do you have to work twice as hard before and after a holiday just to take off? And then call it a holiday?
I worked a 12 hour day and got to bed way after my normal 10 pm. So when the alarm went off this morning at 4:45 am, I almost talked myself out of OBC. "This is not the real OBC, this is just a few workout days before REAL OBC start". "No one will know if you decide to just stay in bed and run later". I am my own worst enemy!!! "Get your behind up, with the first stitch of workout clothes on, you will be alert". Thank goodness my good side spoke up.
I am up and off to OBC. As I turn down the street, I am looking for the cars that welcome me. There I see my instructors in their black. I love my instructors. The head instructor (Dena) meets me with a hug and my new food diary. I love their food diary, I NEED their food diary. It makes me accountable.
There is a new group this morning, only a few familiar faces. I am happy for the new campers but I really wanted my group there. :-(. It is so weird how they become part of your daily life, like family.
We start up the d*#* hill. I know we are going to run that hill, ugh! "Today, let's try having positive thoughts about the hill" my good side tells me. "Okay, I love that hill". "I am going to make it up that hill!" I scream in my head. Hey, I am not the last one and I ran up the hill!!!! Yeah to me. Wait, we don't have to run all the way up? "I'm the woman, I'm the woman" I sing to myself as I am RUNNING down the hill to the stretches. Yeah, I am going to get to that workout area without stopping. No, walking for this ole gal. Hoorah as I channel Dena.
I am pushing through the stretches. "Who is the woman" I chant to myself. Then on to the field of exercise. Today we are working our lungs. Boy, do I need this part of my body worked out. I have never smoked, but my lungs act like it. Do you think being 52, almost 53, has something to do with it?
We are doing sprints, jumping jacks, jogging, push ups, sit ups. Quickly, we are moving through to the next set of exercises. And guess what? I am still jogging between each set. I am not fast but I am not walking. This is great. I AM going to be that size 4-6 again. At my age, my desired weight is probably too little. I read in Preventive magazine that when you are in your 50's you need a couple of pounds more for the fullness in the face. But honestly, I am not going to weigh.
All I care about is the size of the clothes and how I feel.
Til tomorrow my fellow readers......And remember, food journal....and "run Forrest run".
I worked a 12 hour day and got to bed way after my normal 10 pm. So when the alarm went off this morning at 4:45 am, I almost talked myself out of OBC. "This is not the real OBC, this is just a few workout days before REAL OBC start". "No one will know if you decide to just stay in bed and run later". I am my own worst enemy!!! "Get your behind up, with the first stitch of workout clothes on, you will be alert". Thank goodness my good side spoke up.
I am up and off to OBC. As I turn down the street, I am looking for the cars that welcome me. There I see my instructors in their black. I love my instructors. The head instructor (Dena) meets me with a hug and my new food diary. I love their food diary, I NEED their food diary. It makes me accountable.
There is a new group this morning, only a few familiar faces. I am happy for the new campers but I really wanted my group there. :-(. It is so weird how they become part of your daily life, like family.
We start up the d*#* hill. I know we are going to run that hill, ugh! "Today, let's try having positive thoughts about the hill" my good side tells me. "Okay, I love that hill". "I am going to make it up that hill!" I scream in my head. Hey, I am not the last one and I ran up the hill!!!! Yeah to me. Wait, we don't have to run all the way up? "I'm the woman, I'm the woman" I sing to myself as I am RUNNING down the hill to the stretches. Yeah, I am going to get to that workout area without stopping. No, walking for this ole gal. Hoorah as I channel Dena.
I am pushing through the stretches. "Who is the woman" I chant to myself. Then on to the field of exercise. Today we are working our lungs. Boy, do I need this part of my body worked out. I have never smoked, but my lungs act like it. Do you think being 52, almost 53, has something to do with it?
We are doing sprints, jumping jacks, jogging, push ups, sit ups. Quickly, we are moving through to the next set of exercises. And guess what? I am still jogging between each set. I am not fast but I am not walking. This is great. I AM going to be that size 4-6 again. At my age, my desired weight is probably too little. I read in Preventive magazine that when you are in your 50's you need a couple of pounds more for the fullness in the face. But honestly, I am not going to weigh.
All I care about is the size of the clothes and how I feel.
Til tomorrow my fellow readers......And remember, food journal....and "run Forrest run".
Monday, July 5, 2010
Reflection
Today, I have to hit the floor running for work. It was a great last few days off so I was at work early. It is odd that I really feel guilty that I did not get up earlier to run. I really did not think I would feel this way.
Tomorrow I start back at OBC. I am so ready. I have really pushed myself while on vacation from OBC but I miss the friendships. I look forward now to seeing my instructors and co-campers. I really want someone to check my food journal...:-)
I am taking a brief moment from work to write to you. I look at my shoulders (which I will go sleeveless now) and see the strength that is developing. I can tell how I am not as puffy in my upper chest area. And today I am wearing a skirt to show off my calves that I am liking again.
I hope that you had a chance to check out the website I sent you yesterday. I cooked yesterday for the holiday and all the foods were simple and clean. It is amazing how we add too much sauces to our food. Though I truly enjoy some of these, I am realizing how we camouflage what we are cooking by overdressing it. This time of the year, we have farmer markets near. It is great to grill fresh vegetables only adding some fresh herbs and slight olive oil. And the fruits that are available right now are so sweet and juicy. It makes me want to grow a garden, except where I live it will have to be in the community garden in town.
This is the Iron Flat Steak recipe I grilled yesterday:
1 lb. flat iron steak
fresh cracked black pepper (amount based on your personal taste)
1 tsp. cumin
First, rub fresh cracked black pepper into both sides of the steak. Mix fresh cracked black pepper and cumin together. Sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the meat. Let marinate for 4 hours. Place on grill until the desired temperature you prefer. Remove steak from grill and let it rest before slicing.
Refrigerate any leftovers and place some of the sliced leftovers over a salad.
You might want to look at Cooking Light's website for salad dressing recipes.
Bon Apetit...til tomorrow
Tomorrow I start back at OBC. I am so ready. I have really pushed myself while on vacation from OBC but I miss the friendships. I look forward now to seeing my instructors and co-campers. I really want someone to check my food journal...:-)
I am taking a brief moment from work to write to you. I look at my shoulders (which I will go sleeveless now) and see the strength that is developing. I can tell how I am not as puffy in my upper chest area. And today I am wearing a skirt to show off my calves that I am liking again.
I hope that you had a chance to check out the website I sent you yesterday. I cooked yesterday for the holiday and all the foods were simple and clean. It is amazing how we add too much sauces to our food. Though I truly enjoy some of these, I am realizing how we camouflage what we are cooking by overdressing it. This time of the year, we have farmer markets near. It is great to grill fresh vegetables only adding some fresh herbs and slight olive oil. And the fruits that are available right now are so sweet and juicy. It makes me want to grow a garden, except where I live it will have to be in the community garden in town.
This is the Iron Flat Steak recipe I grilled yesterday:
1 lb. flat iron steak
fresh cracked black pepper (amount based on your personal taste)
1 tsp. cumin
First, rub fresh cracked black pepper into both sides of the steak. Mix fresh cracked black pepper and cumin together. Sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the meat. Let marinate for 4 hours. Place on grill until the desired temperature you prefer. Remove steak from grill and let it rest before slicing.
Refrigerate any leftovers and place some of the sliced leftovers over a salad.
You might want to look at Cooking Light's website for salad dressing recipes.
Bon Apetit...til tomorrow
Sunday, July 4, 2010
It was hard today!!!
Okay, I have to admit I did not want to run today. I thought about using the excuse that it was a holiday and Sunday. Then I thought about my goal. Then about the clothes I fit into yesterday, I Suwanee....okay I will get dressed.
I drank a few sips of Gatorade and off I go. It is so hard this morning. "Maybe I ran too much yesterday and my body is telling me to not do this". I am very good at rationalizing what I don't want to do. I sprint, stop, do my stretches and on to the mountain. Okay, for those people who live out west this is not a mountain. But, hey, I live just north of Atlanta, Georgia, this could be a mountain :-). I start up the hill, Dena-my instructor, voice is ringing in my head. "Yes, you are going to make it up this hill"!. Well, almost up the hill. My lungs are burning. I am bending forward I know not allowing the oxygen I need. I have to walk for just a few steps. But today, the steps are less than yesterday. I am only looking down, the thought of trying to look at the goal is too much for me. Just one step in front of the other. "You can make" say Dena, my virtual instructor.
I am at the top. "I can do this" I scream elated to myself. I am in my zone. Around the curve and I am jogging upright. I even am getting some of the fresh breath I need by breathing in through my nose. Yeah!!! I turn back to the main road. "Oh, no, not another hill!" Really it is just a very small hill but my legs are starting to feel very weak. "I am not sure I can make it today". "I think I should turn back or I may have to crawl home". "No, I started this and I am going to finish". I am really having a lot of conversation with myself. Thank you Lord, I am going down the hill (a real hill). My legs are feeling better, I may just make this.
The next part of my run is flat with only a small hill. Up the hill I go and I am again at a flat span. And here comes another small hill. "Why did I move to this subdivision?", I ask myself. I am at the last fourth of my run. Gosh I love the flat areas and am so thankful for both. I head back towards home. And of course, there is the last small hill. "You own this run, you can do this, just one step at a time" my virtual instructor encourages. I am looking down, okay just get to the fire hydrant, the mailbox, the next mailbox. I am at the top, yeah!! Dena smiles and says "you did it". I now am heading to the grass still wet from the morning dew. I LOVE that wet grass.
I drop to the ground and start my sit ups. I am going strong. Turn over and up for push ups. I am on fire now. Then obliques push ups and sit ups. Now for my favorite part...cool down. I so enjoy those stretches.
At home, I am so thankful that I did not like my lazy inner self talk me out of my run today. I am heading to my goal. I am going to fit and thin!!!!!
Til tomorrow my fellow readers. And have a great Fourth of July
I drank a few sips of Gatorade and off I go. It is so hard this morning. "Maybe I ran too much yesterday and my body is telling me to not do this". I am very good at rationalizing what I don't want to do. I sprint, stop, do my stretches and on to the mountain. Okay, for those people who live out west this is not a mountain. But, hey, I live just north of Atlanta, Georgia, this could be a mountain :-). I start up the hill, Dena-my instructor, voice is ringing in my head. "Yes, you are going to make it up this hill"!. Well, almost up the hill. My lungs are burning. I am bending forward I know not allowing the oxygen I need. I have to walk for just a few steps. But today, the steps are less than yesterday. I am only looking down, the thought of trying to look at the goal is too much for me. Just one step in front of the other. "You can make" say Dena, my virtual instructor.
I am at the top. "I can do this" I scream elated to myself. I am in my zone. Around the curve and I am jogging upright. I even am getting some of the fresh breath I need by breathing in through my nose. Yeah!!! I turn back to the main road. "Oh, no, not another hill!" Really it is just a very small hill but my legs are starting to feel very weak. "I am not sure I can make it today". "I think I should turn back or I may have to crawl home". "No, I started this and I am going to finish". I am really having a lot of conversation with myself. Thank you Lord, I am going down the hill (a real hill). My legs are feeling better, I may just make this.
The next part of my run is flat with only a small hill. Up the hill I go and I am again at a flat span. And here comes another small hill. "Why did I move to this subdivision?", I ask myself. I am at the last fourth of my run. Gosh I love the flat areas and am so thankful for both. I head back towards home. And of course, there is the last small hill. "You own this run, you can do this, just one step at a time" my virtual instructor encourages. I am looking down, okay just get to the fire hydrant, the mailbox, the next mailbox. I am at the top, yeah!! Dena smiles and says "you did it". I now am heading to the grass still wet from the morning dew. I LOVE that wet grass.
I drop to the ground and start my sit ups. I am going strong. Turn over and up for push ups. I am on fire now. Then obliques push ups and sit ups. Now for my favorite part...cool down. I so enjoy those stretches.
At home, I am so thankful that I did not like my lazy inner self talk me out of my run today. I am heading to my goal. I am going to fit and thin!!!!!
Til tomorrow my fellow readers. And have a great Fourth of July
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I RAN!!!!!
Today, I was very motivated. I did sleep late, but I did not let myself talk me out of running. After all, are we not all our worst enemy?
I ran, with the exception of a brisk walk for about 1 minute up the hill, 1.5 miles. And as I was running up the hill, I could hear my really thin instructor says "don't give out on me, you can do this, you got it, only a few more steps". I ran...I ran. I am still so happy.
I am really liking my body again. We are becoming friends again. I looked in the mirror half dressed and there before me were legs that I was started to like. I am loving my calves. And the cellulite is disappearing. I am in shock. Even when I was thinner, my cellulite was ugly. As I told you earlier, I did not know how to eat healthy.
Then today after I showered, I went to my closet and thought "okay, try on one outfit and if it is still tight that is okay". I tried on four different outfits, some fitting correctly and some that at least I could button them. I am so happy with the results I have from OBC. This is a program that I can live and eat the rest of my life.
I am a widow, and the guy I am dating has been out of town for almost a month. With my schedule and his he will not see me until the end of July.... He will be shocked.
I am more motivated than ever now.
Til tomorrow's run....have a great Saturday.
I ran, with the exception of a brisk walk for about 1 minute up the hill, 1.5 miles. And as I was running up the hill, I could hear my really thin instructor says "don't give out on me, you can do this, you got it, only a few more steps". I ran...I ran. I am still so happy.
I am really liking my body again. We are becoming friends again. I looked in the mirror half dressed and there before me were legs that I was started to like. I am loving my calves. And the cellulite is disappearing. I am in shock. Even when I was thinner, my cellulite was ugly. As I told you earlier, I did not know how to eat healthy.
Then today after I showered, I went to my closet and thought "okay, try on one outfit and if it is still tight that is okay". I tried on four different outfits, some fitting correctly and some that at least I could button them. I am so happy with the results I have from OBC. This is a program that I can live and eat the rest of my life.
I am a widow, and the guy I am dating has been out of town for almost a month. With my schedule and his he will not see me until the end of July.... He will be shocked.
I am more motivated than ever now.
Til tomorrow's run....have a great Saturday.
Friday, July 2, 2010
On My Own Now
Well, the 30 day program at OBC is officially over. I have to honestly say I am sad...does this mean I would be a great instructor?
I passed my PT yesterday beyond my expectations. I RAN the whole 1 mile, first, and finished a 1:3 faster than my original PT. I also, completed 30 situps, first I could not do any. Then on to the pushups. I completed 30 and 10 modified, in the beginning I did 20 and 15 modified. I am on the way to be a machine :-).
So now on my own til next week, I want to continue my food journal. Last night was the first night we could have alcohol. I ordered a glass of wine and took two sips. I looked at it and thought "I really am not enjoying this". So I left it on the table....a bad way to waste money :-).
Tomorrow I will websites and recipes along with my progress. I hope that this blog is helping or at least entertaining someone???????
I passed my PT yesterday beyond my expectations. I RAN the whole 1 mile, first, and finished a 1:3 faster than my original PT. I also, completed 30 situps, first I could not do any. Then on to the pushups. I completed 30 and 10 modified, in the beginning I did 20 and 15 modified. I am on the way to be a machine :-).
So now on my own til next week, I want to continue my food journal. Last night was the first night we could have alcohol. I ordered a glass of wine and took two sips. I looked at it and thought "I really am not enjoying this". So I left it on the table....a bad way to waste money :-).
Tomorrow I will websites and recipes along with my progress. I hope that this blog is helping or at least entertaining someone???????
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Today at OBC
Today was my final workout with OBC. I have to truly tell you that I am going to miss it. I know that I will do the workout next week but will be out of town in July. I do know that if my instructor does not find a location near me, that I am going to have to be able to find a way to make the other location work. I feel so much better about myself. I feel stronger and sleeker.
I just want to continue to workout and eat healthy. For me, I have to have the push that OBC gives me. I will not push myself on the treadmill or classes.
I will start sharing some of the great food choices that I have learned. I hope you will enjoy this.
Till tomorrow...will let you know how my PT turns out.
On the way to being fit and thin
I just want to continue to workout and eat healthy. For me, I have to have the push that OBC gives me. I will not push myself on the treadmill or classes.
I will start sharing some of the great food choices that I have learned. I hope you will enjoy this.
Till tomorrow...will let you know how my PT turns out.
On the way to being fit and thin
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Seeing Changes from Operation Boot Camp
I am proud to announce that I am seeing changes. I have not yet weighed, as OBC requested we do not until 30 days. I am not really sure I want to weigh honestly. My visible changes are in my chest, I no longer look swollen at this area. My shoulder blades are showing again and I look thinner at the shoulders and top of arms. Also, I did measure my waist and I have lost 1 inch....yeah. My clothes are fitting looser and I am wearing shorts that I could not button last summer. I am even liking my legs again.
OBC has not only made me push myself to REALLY exercise but to become very aware of what I am eating. As I stated earlier, I really could not understand why I was not losing weight. I don't really eat junk or large meals. But I was really eating a lot of carbs. I had no real balance.
I am nearing the end of my 30 days. Unfortunately due to my travel schedule for July I will not be able to attend OBC. My instructor is looking for a venue near my home so that I can continue when school starts. I get my niece off to school and there is no way I can get from the present workout location to my house in time to get her up. I am really so excited if she can. My sister-in-law has even said she will think of attending if it is near our house. And as I stated in an earlier post, my goal now is become an instructor.
I truly want the way I eat and workout now to continue to become an everyday part of my life. I want to get stronger and healthier. This started out as a way to lose weight, but now I am wanting this to be a healthy body for life.
OBC has not only made me push myself to REALLY exercise but to become very aware of what I am eating. As I stated earlier, I really could not understand why I was not losing weight. I don't really eat junk or large meals. But I was really eating a lot of carbs. I had no real balance.
I am nearing the end of my 30 days. Unfortunately due to my travel schedule for July I will not be able to attend OBC. My instructor is looking for a venue near my home so that I can continue when school starts. I get my niece off to school and there is no way I can get from the present workout location to my house in time to get her up. I am really so excited if she can. My sister-in-law has even said she will think of attending if it is near our house. And as I stated in an earlier post, my goal now is become an instructor.
I truly want the way I eat and workout now to continue to become an everyday part of my life. I want to get stronger and healthier. This started out as a way to lose weight, but now I am wanting this to be a healthy body for life.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Weekend the hardest
Yesterday I did great. I even added a swim to my day. We went out to eat last night at a Mexican restaurant and I ordered a pulled chicken salad, no beans, no condiments, only a light dressing. At the movies, no buttered popcorn.
This morning things have been going pretty great. I was able to put on two skirts that last summer I could not button. I measured my waist and I have lost 1 inch. This is the only place I have measured but I am on the road....yeah.
I do hope that my blog is helping someone. It is making me accountable which is the only way I will get on track.
This morning things have been going pretty great. I was able to put on two skirts that last summer I could not button. I measured my waist and I have lost 1 inch. This is the only place I have measured but I am on the road....yeah.
I do hope that my blog is helping someone. It is making me accountable which is the only way I will get on track.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Final day of the third week
I have not written in a while. I have been lazy in my writing. I have been attending OBC and I can see a huge difference. I am learning so much about food combinations and eating. It is a miracle that I have not gained more weight over the years. I would eat wheat pasta and throw in spinach thinking I was doing great for a dinner selection. I was only eating 2 carbs!!!! The way I was eating I was consuming more carbs than anything. It has been an eyeopening experience.
Okay about the instructors. I have learned to love the really thin one. I found out yesterday that she has been working with OBC for a year. Okay if I stick with this and keep building my knowledge of food I will be really thin and I want to be an instructor. Do you think I can do this. I so would love to hear from someone so I know that I am not just writing to myself.
Oh I forgot to mention, my pants are getting to big.....a family member mentioned it to me!!!1
Okay about the instructors. I have learned to love the really thin one. I found out yesterday that she has been working with OBC for a year. Okay if I stick with this and keep building my knowledge of food I will be really thin and I want to be an instructor. Do you think I can do this. I so would love to hear from someone so I know that I am not just writing to myself.
Oh I forgot to mention, my pants are getting to big.....a family member mentioned it to me!!!1
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thank Goodness It Is Friday
Well, fellow readers, it is now Friday and I have completed my second week. Since I was out on Tuesday, and I was lazy, I am working out with OBC tomorrow. This morning I worked really hard and I am sore and tired even as I write. But I am getting my money's worth, I can say that for Operation Boot Camp. And I have learned more about my eating and nutriution that I have ever learned.
Today we did circuits and no run for THAT hill. I guess you can tell I hate the HILL. We ran steps, jumping jacks, leg stretchs. Then off to our real workout which was the circuits...jumping jacks, short run, sprints, strength exercises, mission impossible, spiderman pushups and on. I was so tired but I finished. And today, I was not the last one to finish. I made a point of being the first to start the circuit and I really pushed the sprint.
More tips on my food intake. I am starting to get use to eating every 2 hours. And I felt my hip bone today when I laid down! One news of encouragement was that I would probably not start to see results until the fourth week.
Happy exercising. And if I can do this you can too.
Today we did circuits and no run for THAT hill. I guess you can tell I hate the HILL. We ran steps, jumping jacks, leg stretchs. Then off to our real workout which was the circuits...jumping jacks, short run, sprints, strength exercises, mission impossible, spiderman pushups and on. I was so tired but I finished. And today, I was not the last one to finish. I made a point of being the first to start the circuit and I really pushed the sprint.
More tips on my food intake. I am starting to get use to eating every 2 hours. And I felt my hip bone today when I laid down! One news of encouragement was that I would probably not start to see results until the fourth week.
Happy exercising. And if I can do this you can too.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Middle of Second Week
This week has been an odd week. As I mentioned, on Tuesday I sprain my foot. On Wednesday, when I finally made it to the pool for my swim, the thunder and lightning came. Yesterday, I did manage to fit in my swim and strength exercises. You know what? I remembered how much I used to enjoy swimming. The time went by fast. The only problem was that I honestly do not push myself. I work out so much better with my instructors and fellow campers.
Today, I was back at OBC. I think the instructor changed to workout for my ankle. Our bums were still worked out and I know I will be sore, but we did not have to run THAT hill.
Today, I was back at OBC. I think the instructor changed to workout for my ankle. Our bums were still worked out and I know I will be sore, but we did not have to run THAT hill.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday and I am hurting
I think I forgot to mention yesterday that I twisted my ankle in my up and down run. I kept moving and did not notice pain until much later in the day. By midday, I was hurting. I knew the procedures as this was not my first strain. So I came home, put my feet up, added an ice pack to my foot and started an antiflammatory pain med. This continued on into the evening and I slept with my foot elevated last night. Great, I thought so myself, I should be fine for tomorrow.
My alarm rang as it's usual time of 4:50 am and I gingerly rolled over. Boy were my abs hurting. My feet hit the floor and OH MY. Okay, maybe I would not be good for OBC today. I quickly sat and laid back down. I guess all the pain medicination was still making me sleepy as I did not wake back up until 7am.
Mid morning I called my instructor and left a message stating why I was not in attendance this morning. I also asked what form of cardio would work for the next two days. She quickly returned my call and wanted to make sure that I knew I only had a strain. After this discussion she was content that I was okay. Swimming will be the sport for me the next two days which I will enjoy. The pushing myself is what I am most worried about.
My six meals a day are becoming easier. I actually am starting to get hungry and can set a clock by my stomach. I can see why my healthy choice are so important. The days I add in my junk, I cannot perform as well. I am not enjoying some of the bad food I used to love. Hopefully I am making that turn.
Til tomorrow...
My alarm rang as it's usual time of 4:50 am and I gingerly rolled over. Boy were my abs hurting. My feet hit the floor and OH MY. Okay, maybe I would not be good for OBC today. I quickly sat and laid back down. I guess all the pain medicination was still making me sleepy as I did not wake back up until 7am.
Mid morning I called my instructor and left a message stating why I was not in attendance this morning. I also asked what form of cardio would work for the next two days. She quickly returned my call and wanted to make sure that I knew I only had a strain. After this discussion she was content that I was okay. Swimming will be the sport for me the next two days which I will enjoy. The pushing myself is what I am most worried about.
My six meals a day are becoming easier. I actually am starting to get hungry and can set a clock by my stomach. I can see why my healthy choice are so important. The days I add in my junk, I cannot perform as well. I am not enjoying some of the bad food I used to love. Hopefully I am making that turn.
Til tomorrow...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Second Week of Operation Weight Loss and Fitness
Good Morning at all readers,
The weekend was tough. I have to be honest, I exercised only on Saturday. After my exercise program I went to the local farmer's market to purchase organic locally grown vegetables. I was very fortunate that one booth consisted of organic, all natural and low fat hummus and a three bean salad. I even went out to eat and to a party and did very well. Sunday though, I did not exercise. I told myself I would at the cool of the day but I did not. The only person I hurt was me. Why did I do it? Am I really that lazy?
This morning I was up bright and early, 4:30am, before the alarm went off. I was dressed, out the door and early to OBC. My really thin instructor is not there, so I am thinking that today I am off the hook with the food journal. The instructor that worked with me on Saturday is the first to arrive at the journals. "Good" I think to myself, "she was so much easier on Saturday". But she picks up another attendee's journal first. Okay, next another instructor comes up the stairs and he picks up a different journal. And then, the really thin instructor mounts the stairs to our post and the next journal is mine. So much for that thought. Okay God, is this a conspiracy?
She walks over and smiles ever so sweetly. "I went to the WOMETEC meeting on Friday and I was hoping I would see you there" she says to me. "I had a prior meeting I had to attend" I respond. She is really very nice and her thinness both intimidates and inspires me. "You did good, it looks as you need to add more fruits in and ... what is the apple muffin" she asks. Busted again.
The exercise program begins with a different routine. I am glad I do not have to run that hill, I hate that hill! We run, though, but down and up stairs. At least my lungs are giving me air. I am the last to finish. My fellow attendees that fall into the run last category are missing today. Where are your friends when you need them the most?
We quickly move to our warm up stretches. Then run again to our workout field. We are paired with a partner to encourage each other. We move to our "square", I am paired with a man. A man, can you believe it? I am not strong enough to workout with a man, my brain is screaming. I am telling myself I am really going to look bad today. But I understand as we begin, we are both in the same shape, thank goodness. We are working in the areas of strength which I can stay with the group. Then in between every three different sets, we run. Which, do I need to state again, I am horrible. I am doing pretty good today. Then last set, run again and now to our cool down. At this point, once again I am the last. I am really tired of being last.
Cool down is great day, we are using yoga positions. I really do love yoga. Why am I not doing yoga at home in the downstairs???? If I had been doing yoga all these years I would not be in this shape and having to do this. I am so angry with myself.
Class is over and I head home to begin my day. I really hope I can get this food journal right! I realize that this 30 day jump start I thought would be the key is going to need to be a few months. I really have alot of bad habits to change. Maybe I should be an instructor I happily think. My brain brings me back to reality "let's just work on today eating right". Okay brain I was just dreaming :-).
Till tomorrow. I should have more healthful hints for you.
And by the way, thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me.
The weekend was tough. I have to be honest, I exercised only on Saturday. After my exercise program I went to the local farmer's market to purchase organic locally grown vegetables. I was very fortunate that one booth consisted of organic, all natural and low fat hummus and a three bean salad. I even went out to eat and to a party and did very well. Sunday though, I did not exercise. I told myself I would at the cool of the day but I did not. The only person I hurt was me. Why did I do it? Am I really that lazy?
This morning I was up bright and early, 4:30am, before the alarm went off. I was dressed, out the door and early to OBC. My really thin instructor is not there, so I am thinking that today I am off the hook with the food journal. The instructor that worked with me on Saturday is the first to arrive at the journals. "Good" I think to myself, "she was so much easier on Saturday". But she picks up another attendee's journal first. Okay, next another instructor comes up the stairs and he picks up a different journal. And then, the really thin instructor mounts the stairs to our post and the next journal is mine. So much for that thought. Okay God, is this a conspiracy?
She walks over and smiles ever so sweetly. "I went to the WOMETEC meeting on Friday and I was hoping I would see you there" she says to me. "I had a prior meeting I had to attend" I respond. She is really very nice and her thinness both intimidates and inspires me. "You did good, it looks as you need to add more fruits in and ... what is the apple muffin" she asks. Busted again.
The exercise program begins with a different routine. I am glad I do not have to run that hill, I hate that hill! We run, though, but down and up stairs. At least my lungs are giving me air. I am the last to finish. My fellow attendees that fall into the run last category are missing today. Where are your friends when you need them the most?
We quickly move to our warm up stretches. Then run again to our workout field. We are paired with a partner to encourage each other. We move to our "square", I am paired with a man. A man, can you believe it? I am not strong enough to workout with a man, my brain is screaming. I am telling myself I am really going to look bad today. But I understand as we begin, we are both in the same shape, thank goodness. We are working in the areas of strength which I can stay with the group. Then in between every three different sets, we run. Which, do I need to state again, I am horrible. I am doing pretty good today. Then last set, run again and now to our cool down. At this point, once again I am the last. I am really tired of being last.
Cool down is great day, we are using yoga positions. I really do love yoga. Why am I not doing yoga at home in the downstairs???? If I had been doing yoga all these years I would not be in this shape and having to do this. I am so angry with myself.
Class is over and I head home to begin my day. I really hope I can get this food journal right! I realize that this 30 day jump start I thought would be the key is going to need to be a few months. I really have alot of bad habits to change. Maybe I should be an instructor I happily think. My brain brings me back to reality "let's just work on today eating right". Okay brain I was just dreaming :-).
Till tomorrow. I should have more healthful hints for you.
And by the way, thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Third Day of Operation Boot Camp
Today is Friday.....TGIF. I attended an event last night, which I might add, I did not partake of any alcohol. I was so pleased with myself then I thought after I drank the tonic water, should not have done that, too much caloric intake. At the dinner, I ate blackeyed pea hummus with sweet potato chips for our shared appetizer and salmon for our shared dinner. I was so happy. On the way home, it occurred to me that the chips were fried...so much for doing great.
Our event put me in bed an hour later than my normal these days. When the alarm sounded at 4:50am I just wanted to pull the cover over my head. But I knew if I did not show I would get a call to check on me. And really I am doing this for ME! So up, dressed and out the door. I even arrive early. YEAH for me!
I noticed that the meeting place was staying very still and that most of the attendees were wearing black (our instructors uniforms). It seemed that others must have had the same thought I did. My name being called breaks me from this spell and I see that my really thin perky instructor is beckoning me. Time for the food journal review. But I am really proud of my listing. "You did really good, but tell me about this muffin" she smiles to me. "The muffin?", oh no, it was not wheat I think as I respond. "Yes, the muffin, was it wheat and what about this cream cheese on it" my perky sweet instructor asks. "I saw the whipped cream cheese in the refrigerator and thought that would cover my dairy" I quickly respond covering my bum. "Let me show you some better breakfast choices" she responds knowing exactly what I am doing. So we go through different choices, which I will list below for you. "I keep a cooler in my car for my snacks" she adds. "This will help you to make healthy food choices" she tells me. I am thankful for these lessons as I was really thinking I was doing good. No wonder when I stopped exercising a few years back I was able to gain 35 lbs.
We begin our usual run. I tire easily. Must have been that white flour muffin, cream cheese and fried sweet potato chips I had yesterday. After my meeting with my really thin instructor I am beginning to see how much my food choices affects my body. We are doing circuits today. I am much better at this cardio. Not great or good, but better than running. I just give out running. Our circuits are quick, we move through various stations, then crunches, push ups, quick jog, and back to circuits. At this point I am really mad at myself for eating the junk. "I am paying to be worked to death and I am making horrible food choices" I am thinking to myself.
We head to cool down. As we are going through our usual routine, our young instructor throws us a curve ball. "Roll over and start boot camp crunches" she pants. Where did that come from, we are in COOL down. "Move to plank position" she states. "Now transition to side plank". What is a side plank? We have never done this before. One of the other attendees shouts, "this is cool down". Our young instructor responds "you were talking so I thought you still had enough energy to keep working out". Please other attendee stop talking.
Our morning ends and another instructor comes to remind me we are meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 to do my PT. And one more final note from young instructor "remember you have 30 minute cardio and strength homework for Saturday and Sunday". And so ends the workout.
I know that I have made humorous comments about the thinness of our instructors but I am really thankful they are. It reminds me when I want to pack up and call it quits, what my reality is.
So I head for home. Today I have two meetings at lunch and dinner. Lunch I can find something but dinner is Italian....oh no!
SUGGESTIONS for better eating:
Oatmeal with peanut butter (Natural More PB)
Mini wheat bagel with peanut butter (NMPB)
Greek yogurt with drop of Agave Nectar with berries
Poached egg with wheat toast
Oatmeal with eggs whites (this is one that I don't think I could stomach)
Green Giant has a line of small servings called "Healthy Digestive"
Wasa crackers with NMPB or string cheese
Frozen mixed berries for smoothies
Laughing Cow Light with lowfat wheat crackers
Til tomorrow....Remember there is a fit and thin person inside screaming to get out.
Our event put me in bed an hour later than my normal these days. When the alarm sounded at 4:50am I just wanted to pull the cover over my head. But I knew if I did not show I would get a call to check on me. And really I am doing this for ME! So up, dressed and out the door. I even arrive early. YEAH for me!
I noticed that the meeting place was staying very still and that most of the attendees were wearing black (our instructors uniforms). It seemed that others must have had the same thought I did. My name being called breaks me from this spell and I see that my really thin perky instructor is beckoning me. Time for the food journal review. But I am really proud of my listing. "You did really good, but tell me about this muffin" she smiles to me. "The muffin?", oh no, it was not wheat I think as I respond. "Yes, the muffin, was it wheat and what about this cream cheese on it" my perky sweet instructor asks. "I saw the whipped cream cheese in the refrigerator and thought that would cover my dairy" I quickly respond covering my bum. "Let me show you some better breakfast choices" she responds knowing exactly what I am doing. So we go through different choices, which I will list below for you. "I keep a cooler in my car for my snacks" she adds. "This will help you to make healthy food choices" she tells me. I am thankful for these lessons as I was really thinking I was doing good. No wonder when I stopped exercising a few years back I was able to gain 35 lbs.
We begin our usual run. I tire easily. Must have been that white flour muffin, cream cheese and fried sweet potato chips I had yesterday. After my meeting with my really thin instructor I am beginning to see how much my food choices affects my body. We are doing circuits today. I am much better at this cardio. Not great or good, but better than running. I just give out running. Our circuits are quick, we move through various stations, then crunches, push ups, quick jog, and back to circuits. At this point I am really mad at myself for eating the junk. "I am paying to be worked to death and I am making horrible food choices" I am thinking to myself.
We head to cool down. As we are going through our usual routine, our young instructor throws us a curve ball. "Roll over and start boot camp crunches" she pants. Where did that come from, we are in COOL down. "Move to plank position" she states. "Now transition to side plank". What is a side plank? We have never done this before. One of the other attendees shouts, "this is cool down". Our young instructor responds "you were talking so I thought you still had enough energy to keep working out". Please other attendee stop talking.
Our morning ends and another instructor comes to remind me we are meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 to do my PT. And one more final note from young instructor "remember you have 30 minute cardio and strength homework for Saturday and Sunday". And so ends the workout.
I know that I have made humorous comments about the thinness of our instructors but I am really thankful they are. It reminds me when I want to pack up and call it quits, what my reality is.
So I head for home. Today I have two meetings at lunch and dinner. Lunch I can find something but dinner is Italian....oh no!
SUGGESTIONS for better eating:
Oatmeal with peanut butter (Natural More PB)
Mini wheat bagel with peanut butter (NMPB)
Greek yogurt with drop of Agave Nectar with berries
Poached egg with wheat toast
Oatmeal with eggs whites (this is one that I don't think I could stomach)
Green Giant has a line of small servings called "Healthy Digestive"
Wasa crackers with NMPB or string cheese
Frozen mixed berries for smoothies
Laughing Cow Light with lowfat wheat crackers
Til tomorrow....Remember there is a fit and thin person inside screaming to get out.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Second day at Operation Boot Camp
I went to bed hungry last night, wanting to eat the pantry. Why is that when you say you are going to lose weight or use the "d" word that you automatically crave food. Two days before you could go without eating all day and then, you go on a weight loss program and you are starving. It is crazy.
Today started off better than yesterday. Camp was much more fitting for me, with the exception of the morning look over your food journal. "I see you had coffee with sugar for breakfast" the thin counselor says to me. "Yes, but it was RAW sugar" (because this is so much healthier) I respond. "Sugar is not good for losing weight so do you think you could leave it off" she asks me ever so kindly. If I thought I wanted to leave it off, I would have already done so; I think to myself. I just look at her and she moves on. "You did really great on your food" she replies as we move past the awkwardness of the sugar conversation. "I see you had watermelon, berries have much less sugar contents so you might want to try these instead". I smile and respond "I know I need to drink more water" changing the subject.
I know that she means well, but could we try this just a little at a time. Hey, I know that I have 30 days to lose two dress sizes (my goal) but it is only my second day...
Today is a different workout. Up the hill with our usual run (since I am such an old timer now). I make it to the top and don't want to scream when one of the instructors tells me I am doing great. Down the hill we head, but this time our really thin instructor has a surprise. Wake up brain, I know you are not use to being up at 5:30 am, but if you do not pay attention you are going to run over the nice thin instructor. She stops abruptly and starts a different regiment of lunges down the hill. Okay I say to myself, I got this. Then she starts running again. Okay change is good. She stops again and one of my classmates tells her she has got to give us more warning. I think this girl feels like I do, I can tell we will be friends. Our really thin instructor who I would guess is use to this kind of abuse, just replies "okay let's SLOWLY jog to our next exercise". We finally make it down the hill with varies changes in types of exercises with SLOW jogging in between.
Today we are concentrating on strength building. Yeah, something I am finally good out. I give out with the cardio stuff...you know the one that makes you lose weight. They are kicking our bums with crunches, band exercises for our legs and arms, push ups (plank style) and lunges. "Great workout, let's take our final run before we head to cool down" our beautiful fit instructor says to us. Thank goodness the instructor running next to me can tell that I have really pushed today and when I am halfway up the hill, behind the others, he tells me to cut through the grass. I am loving this grass. We get to cool down, my favorite part. I look across and there is our beautiful fit instructor and I am inspired and praying that it is true that your muscles have memory.
Our class is over, we head to pick up our food journals and keys. I hop in my car and head home. I arrive and jump out of the car.....wait, I slowly move with all my body aching out of the car. Guess that means I really worked hard :-).
So food journaling (is that a word) I will go today and pray that I am not starving all day long.
Til tomorrow fellow weight loss journey persons.
Today started off better than yesterday. Camp was much more fitting for me, with the exception of the morning look over your food journal. "I see you had coffee with sugar for breakfast" the thin counselor says to me. "Yes, but it was RAW sugar" (because this is so much healthier) I respond. "Sugar is not good for losing weight so do you think you could leave it off" she asks me ever so kindly. If I thought I wanted to leave it off, I would have already done so; I think to myself. I just look at her and she moves on. "You did really great on your food" she replies as we move past the awkwardness of the sugar conversation. "I see you had watermelon, berries have much less sugar contents so you might want to try these instead". I smile and respond "I know I need to drink more water" changing the subject.
I know that she means well, but could we try this just a little at a time. Hey, I know that I have 30 days to lose two dress sizes (my goal) but it is only my second day...
Today is a different workout. Up the hill with our usual run (since I am such an old timer now). I make it to the top and don't want to scream when one of the instructors tells me I am doing great. Down the hill we head, but this time our really thin instructor has a surprise. Wake up brain, I know you are not use to being up at 5:30 am, but if you do not pay attention you are going to run over the nice thin instructor. She stops abruptly and starts a different regiment of lunges down the hill. Okay I say to myself, I got this. Then she starts running again. Okay change is good. She stops again and one of my classmates tells her she has got to give us more warning. I think this girl feels like I do, I can tell we will be friends. Our really thin instructor who I would guess is use to this kind of abuse, just replies "okay let's SLOWLY jog to our next exercise". We finally make it down the hill with varies changes in types of exercises with SLOW jogging in between.
Today we are concentrating on strength building. Yeah, something I am finally good out. I give out with the cardio stuff...you know the one that makes you lose weight. They are kicking our bums with crunches, band exercises for our legs and arms, push ups (plank style) and lunges. "Great workout, let's take our final run before we head to cool down" our beautiful fit instructor says to us. Thank goodness the instructor running next to me can tell that I have really pushed today and when I am halfway up the hill, behind the others, he tells me to cut through the grass. I am loving this grass. We get to cool down, my favorite part. I look across and there is our beautiful fit instructor and I am inspired and praying that it is true that your muscles have memory.
Our class is over, we head to pick up our food journals and keys. I hop in my car and head home. I arrive and jump out of the car.....wait, I slowly move with all my body aching out of the car. Guess that means I really worked hard :-).
So food journaling (is that a word) I will go today and pray that I am not starving all day long.
Til tomorrow fellow weight loss journey persons.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
First Day of Operation Boot Camp
Today was my first complete day at Operation Boot Camp. And I finished the training. It was not easy and yes I wanted to call it quits. I even wanted to say something to the nice THIN girl that kept telling me I could....Could what? I know she was just encouraging me but hey, I was tired and pushing about as hard as I could. Why could she not see that? I was red faced, panting, sweating...if I was her I would see that I was pushing as hard as I able.
But I did not yell and I finished. They had a look at my food journal...okay maybe I should not have had that slice of cheese pizza for breakfast. I was hungry and it was the first thing I laid my eyes on. I had not eaten for a day, remember me, I am the one who left and threw up all day.
Today, I am going to do better. I have got the set my one month goals...lose 40 lbs..duh? Realistically the thin woman says to me again, smiling ever so sweetly. And she added "you need to figure out your REE and write it down. Where was that in the book? You want me to write down what I eat and read this little book? "And remember, eat a protein with a carb". Can't I just have the carb? Great, as sarcasm spills off my tongue.
Okay, figure out my REE. I have to read that email again...wondered why she had sent it. At least, I burned 400 calories this morning. Now off to figure out my REE.
But I did not yell and I finished. They had a look at my food journal...okay maybe I should not have had that slice of cheese pizza for breakfast. I was hungry and it was the first thing I laid my eyes on. I had not eaten for a day, remember me, I am the one who left and threw up all day.
Today, I am going to do better. I have got the set my one month goals...lose 40 lbs..duh? Realistically the thin woman says to me again, smiling ever so sweetly. And she added "you need to figure out your REE and write it down. Where was that in the book? You want me to write down what I eat and read this little book? "And remember, eat a protein with a carb". Can't I just have the carb? Great, as sarcasm spills off my tongue.
Okay, figure out my REE. I have to read that email again...wondered why she had sent it. At least, I burned 400 calories this morning. Now off to figure out my REE.
Til tomorrow.....
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Morning Glory Muffins
I just received this recipe from my Operation Boot Camp Instructor. I have to go to the grocery store but thought you might like to try it.
Morning Glory Muffins
Servings: 18 +/-
2 ½ cup(s) flour, all-purpose can also do half in WW flour
½ cup(s) brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon ground
½ teaspoons salt
2 cup(s) carrot, finely grated
1.5 cup(s) applesauce I use Publix unsweetened
¾ cup(s) raisins
1/3 cup(s) pecans chopped not used for OBC/allergies
¼ cup(s) coconut flakes flaked, sweetened
1 8 oz. pineapple, canned, crushed, in juice, drained
1/3 cup canola oil
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg (can use egg sub)
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350°.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl.In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients. Add wet mixture to dry stirring just until moist.
Spoon the batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove muffins from pans immediately; cool on a wire rack.
Morning Glory Muffins
Servings: 18 +/-
2 ½ cup(s) flour, all-purpose can also do half in WW flour
½ cup(s) brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon ground
½ teaspoons salt
2 cup(s) carrot, finely grated
1.5 cup(s) applesauce I use Publix unsweetened
¾ cup(s) raisins
1/3 cup(s) pecans chopped not used for OBC/allergies
¼ cup(s) coconut flakes flaked, sweetened
1 8 oz. pineapple, canned, crushed, in juice, drained
1/3 cup canola oil
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg (can use egg sub)
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350°.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl.In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients. Add wet mixture to dry stirring just until moist.
Spoon the batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove muffins from pans immediately; cool on a wire rack.
Tuesday
Well I did not start off to a very good start. I woke up in the middle of the night on Monday and started throwing up. I got up and went to Operation Boot Camp but in the middle of orientation, a wave of nausea started again....so off to bathroom I went. I did not get in my exercise or my PT. Came home, threw up all day, did not eat and finally late in the afternoon went to the doctor.
The shot he gave me helped and I slept all night long and no more nausea. But I am still not well enough to handle going to OBC today. I will at least get dressed today.
My camp director did send me a list of groceries for shopping so if I can I will get to the store today.
I have started reading other diet blogs which I am listing on the side of this post. I need all the encouragement I can get.
I would always love for you to leave a comment of encouragement or advice.
Thanks for reading
The shot he gave me helped and I slept all night long and no more nausea. But I am still not well enough to handle going to OBC today. I will at least get dressed today.
My camp director did send me a list of groceries for shopping so if I can I will get to the store today.
I have started reading other diet blogs which I am listing on the side of this post. I need all the encouragement I can get.
I would always love for you to leave a comment of encouragement or advice.
Thanks for reading
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Day Before
Hello All,
I am a 53 year old woman who used be love her body... What the heck happened? I say....shut the front door...
Five years ago, I was 40 lbs. lighter. I am a widow and my only child was off at college. In November of that year I choose to move to my hometown to care for my elderly father...A year later depression and his various hospital stays I was gaining weight. Five years later I look at myself and wonder who is in the mirror.
Two weeks, I attend Operation Boot Camp...I am out of shape. For someone who at one time was in training for a triathlon, I gave out with just a little jog. That day I made up my mind that the time had come for excuses to leave and "fit and thin" to arrive.
I joined the Operation Boot Camp. Tomorrow is the first day of my new adventure to the me I am missing. I hope you will join me, encourage me and add comments as where you are in your life.
I hope that I can inspire and hope to be inspired.
Til tomorrow....after my 5 am start
I am a 53 year old woman who used be love her body... What the heck happened? I say....shut the front door...
Five years ago, I was 40 lbs. lighter. I am a widow and my only child was off at college. In November of that year I choose to move to my hometown to care for my elderly father...A year later depression and his various hospital stays I was gaining weight. Five years later I look at myself and wonder who is in the mirror.
Two weeks, I attend Operation Boot Camp...I am out of shape. For someone who at one time was in training for a triathlon, I gave out with just a little jog. That day I made up my mind that the time had come for excuses to leave and "fit and thin" to arrive.
I joined the Operation Boot Camp. Tomorrow is the first day of my new adventure to the me I am missing. I hope you will join me, encourage me and add comments as where you are in your life.
I hope that I can inspire and hope to be inspired.
Til tomorrow....after my 5 am start
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