Bucket List of Health

Katie posted her bucket list yesterday and a link to a contest.  Contest or not, I thought it would be cool to do one ... I never have before. 

               15.  To reach my mini goal of having my Daily Mile ticker say 300kms for 2011

               14.  To change my eating habits to a healther, cleaner style - and not just half way like I have been.

               13.  To be able to do 5 continual minutes on Jacob's Ladder before my next birthday (Jan.)

               12.  To start journalling the ups and downs of this journey.

               11.  Work out more at home and find ways to use what I have to get it done.

               10.  Start training for an all day bike trip in the spring

               9.  Begin Couch to 5k training (again) in preparation for the 2012 Army Run. 

               8.  Take one of Katie's fitness classes ... because she will be an awesome teacher.

               7.  Join Weight Watcher's online since doing it on my own clearly isnt working anymore.

               6.  Get to the point where I can get more hand-me-downs from Katie  :)

               5.  Start riding my bike to and from work this spring.

               4.  The first logical step .... GET A BIKE!

               3.  Take swimming lessons to improve my swimming abilities and techniques.

               2.  Join a Master's Swim Group

               1.  By the fall, be ready to take an all weekend biking adventure with a group.

              

Meet Jacob

Jacob ... meet your next victim.

Seriously - an amazing machine even if it is the machine from HELL ... and one that, without a shadow of a doubt, intimidates me the most in the entire gym. I think the only reason I put my brave girl panties on was because it was 12:20 am (yes ... A.M.) and there were only three other people in the gym with me. I had the entire cardio section to myself which was actually kinda eery. There is always so much movement in there - machines humming, people talking, sweat flying - that to see it so still just didn't seem right

BUT

because of that eery, unnatural silence,

i did

JACOB'S LADDER!!!

If you don't know what Jacob's ladder is, it is a machine that looks somewhat effortless but it is really quite a workout. My heart was racing. I could feel the sweat starting to bead towards the end. My legs were on fire. It works you harded than you expect, faster than you expect. It was great.

Truth be told, I didn't last more than two minutes on it and I had to have a 20ish second break around the 1min 19sec mark but that is okay ... right? I mean .. I conquered my second fear that night and gave it a shot. That is what matters so I will allow myself a pat on the back with a mental 'yay me' if you will. (btw ... my first fear was that the belt wouldnt fit. it did. phew!)

To see what Jacob's Ladder is, watch the video below. Even if you already know what it is/how it works, watch it and see a few variations they do to focus on glutes and abs. Maybe it'll add something new to your next workout!

Oops.  THIS is the video that shows a few different moves to work different body parts.  Sorry about that. 

Bad fatty, fat, fat

It's been a trying-ish several days.  Thursday night I started up with a bladder infection.  blech!  By mid morning Friday it was unbearable ... inside and out.  I was supposed to hang out and crash and Stéphanie's house but opted to come home where I could find more comfort in my own bed with my own pillows.  I have to admit ... it did help but the thought of moving around and breaking out in a sweat didn't appease the discomfort I had left.  Needless to say, it was a low key Saturday followed by Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday where in it seems that I have a new problem ... digesting fats.

My Mom bought a Butterball turkey and, in all seriousness, steer clear of them if you can.  The grease that sat on top of the gravy was nothing less that gross.  A big suprise to me since Butterball is always advertised as being the bird of choice.  Even to stir it whisk it before stirring didn't completely mix it in with the rest of the liquid.  After my meal - in which I neither over ate or went back for seconds - things just weren't right.  On Monday I had a plate of leftovers, smothered in gravy.  I would say 3x the amount of gravy I had on Sunday.  Ouph.  A lead ball in my stomach and other digestive issues.  I felt awful!  It still didn't click as to what it could be ... until the movies on Tuesday.   I had a small popcorn and asked for butter in the middle (the real stuff .. not Becel) and they over did it.  Now you have to understand that I really do like buttery popcorn.  i LOVE buttery popcorn actually but even I have my limits.  That being said ... it wasnt at the point of being unedible so I nibbled away as we watched out flick.  Double ouph.  Here came the digestive issues again.  NOT FUN. 

And that is when I realized it ... the fats are not agreeing with me.  All in all, that is not a bad thing.  It just shows me how working out and changed eating habits (albiet not the best changes but good changed none the less) have affected my body.  Once able to stomach these foods, I am no longer able to.  It's like my body was screaming at me "STOP EATING THIS SH!T" and quickly trying to get the toxins out. 

Lesson leaned.

Next movie ... frozen yogurt!

Whoa what a trip

Last night, Tanya and I ventured to the gym for a workout ... in the co-ed gym.  Yup!  I took the plunge, put my big girl panties on (literally) and faced my fears.  I worked out amongst the buff and tough fellas and it wasn't so bad.  They weren't gawking at my oversized self or snickering as I attempted to try new machines and free weight contraptions.  They just went about their business with the occassional look and some even offered to help when we looked really stumped. 

My intentions were to do my regular workout however, that quickly changed when I saw the equipment that was up there.  It is so different than what is in the woman's only section and overwhelming.  I walked around for a bit trying to find the machines that looked like the ones I was familliar with alas ... no luck.  That is when I really decided to throw caution to the wind and just go for it.  Tanya and I started at one corner of the gym and just worked our around trying this, that and the other.  Some things I liked others ... not so much.  What new things did I try, you wonder? 

• I used a contraption to do my squats.  It stabalizes your feet and lets your calves lean against something ... much preferred doing them this way.  I just have to work on my posture a bit more.  Using the ball really helped that.
• I did a leg press thing which had me in a reclined position and my legs almost 90 degrees in the air, pushing the weights up and down with my legs.  140lbs.  Not bad (or so I think)
• Ab crunch.  OW. OW. OW. OW.  Then again ... maybe it wouldnt have hurt so much if I didn't have it set to 90 lbs.  Ah well ... at least I did it. 
• Dip Assist.  WTF?  Won't be going near this contraption for at least another 25 lbs.
• Glute Press whojamajig - Looks like I did it right but I'm not sure.  I just know that I didn't feel it in my behind like I thought I would have.

So, that was my day.  A two hour workout with about 1.5 hours of actual working out.  (I figure a half an hour of figuring stuff out seems fair. haha).  I am hoping that the next time Katie comes to my swankified gym, we can do a workout up there so she can show me what is what.  lol

In the meantime, I continue to NOT lose weight.  Argh.  Eating is still not a hundred percent but it is soooo much better.  Becoming VERY, VERY frustrated with this.  I mean, it can't be muscles buidling that is keeping me here so what is it?  All I have to is stay focused because it is moments like these that make me want to stop what I am doing ... but I wont.  I will persevere ... it just may take some time. 

See this ...

well

I   D I D   I T !!!

Seriously ... the idea of doing this scared the bejesus out of me.  I would watch in awe as all of these physically fit, toned, muscular women worked their abs.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to do it at this point.  Some day ... a long ways away ... but not today yesterday at this weight and size.  But I did.  2 reps of 12 and one rep of 10 to be exact (killer on the lower back ... where I have issues due to past injuries so I need to be careful).  I even did the last 95% hugging a 10 pound weight to my chest. 

Wait ... there's more.  Yup.  You read right.  I tried two more things that I have always been afraid of:

this

and this

Granted I was only able to get up as far as the model (1/2 way) and I was only able to do 6 of them because my breasts were falling out of my bra and risked chin injury if I continuted but at the end of the day, for me, it isnt necessarily that I tried something new.  For me, with these three pieces of equipment, it is that I challenged myself to try three things that scared the living crap out of me.  Who knew it was in my grasp?  Not me ... but Tanya did.  When I asked her to show me how it was done to make sure I was doing it right, she encouraged me right along and away I went.  I love trying new things.  What a FABULOUS feeling.

So ... that is a total of FOUR new things for me this week.  The above equipment and an Anti-Gravity Restorative Yoga class which i LOVED and will be sure to take again.  Maybe twice a month.  What a great stretch and unlike a regular yoga class.

I didn't think I was going to make it back to the big city again until the weekend but it looks like I may have time to slip in for a quick workout tomorrow afterall.  After a week of 'news,' I am feeling a tad brave, I have to admit.  Tomorrow I think I am going to go and work in the *gasp* CO-ED gym.  The equipment there is so much better and more to chose from.

A New Goal

Through Facebook and via Daily Mile, I have been watching the fitness activity of some of my friends ... and a few scrapbooking artists that I enjoy but do not know personally.  Not only do they inspire me creatively but athletically also.  There are a few that stand out to me right now for various reasons (and whom I will mention in a bit) but right now one in particular is Cathy Zielske.  While I only 'know' her through the industry, as well as reading the encouraging comments she writes on Katie's Daily Mile posts, I find myself excited for her achievements and/or when she reaches a goal.  One thing that Cathy's Daily Mile feeds have me really wanting to do is bike.  I haven't ridden a bike outside since I was in  my early  double digits and I have only ridden a stationary bike once since then.  Actually.  That isnt true.  I have done a couple of stints of 10 minutes or 5kms but nothing significant until last week when I biked for 12 kms.  It was tough.  It was a struggle.  But I did it.  My rump was sore then numb and my legs hurt ... but it felt great.  Throughout it all, I realized that biking is something that I could really come to enjoy and love.  Not so much the stationary, indoor kind but the outdoor, breeze-in-my-face kind.  Cathy's DM feeds inspired me to get on the bike in the first place which has led to this - my new goal ...

Next spring/summer/fall, I want to go on bike trips.  I want to start on half day ones then full day ones.  I would LOVE for the final bike trip of the season to be a weekend one.  My Dad was supposed to bike from Ottawa to Kingston, spend the night, then bike back.  That sounds WONDERFUL.  Exciting.  So much more fun than running (although I still would like to do that too ... just not at this weight and size).

... the first part of my goal was set in to motion today.  I ordered my self a pair of padded bike shorts.  That has to be good for something.  Secondly, I did a google search and found that there are a ton ... and I mean A TON ... of trails in the area to ride on.  This actually made me excited with anticipation ... literally.  Slightly excellerated heart rate feeling, fun in my tummy, happy in my head excited.  I really do live in between two beautiful communities ... I should really take advantage of it.

I am not 100% sure how to start training for this goal.  I will have to do some research on that.  All I know is that it is going to have to start on the recumbant bikes at the gym because there is no way my plus sized lady parts can handle the spinner bikes.  With the information I have, I know I can do 12kms on the fat burning setting so I will try to repeat that goal until I have more information.  As soon as I get my protective gear I will move over to the spinnng bikes.  Once I can do an hour on the spinning bike, I will move up to Spinning classes.  There is one in particular that I am dying to try - Soul Cycle.  It involves a dark atmosphere lit by candles, great music and a cathartic setting.  How can I resist?  Once spring hits, I will start biking to work (which translates to getting my butt out of bed early.  this will be interesting.  HA!)  It's a short 15 km, relative flat road trip but I will only do this while the weather is cool as there is no way I would survive the work day after a sweaty ride in.  Ew!  From there I will incorporate trips that gradual increase in distance thus preparing me for a long trip in the fall.  Sound do-able?  In my head it does.  Now I just need to make it my reality. 

I really hope I can do this.  Anyone want to join?

In other friendly news ... I am going to quickly send a shout a few of my awesome friends:

• I've mentioned Katie before.  An absolute inspiration who began her journey a year an a half ago.  Her first goal was to run 5km .. and she did it.  One year later ... otherwise known as last week ... Katie and her husband ran their very first half marathon.  INCREDIBLE.  So very proud of her accomplishments (not to mention how amazing she looks - wowza).

This is Katie and Ryan one year ago,

after improving her health and training to run her first 5k since university

This is Katie & Ryan one week ago, after surpassing their 5k and 10k goals,

to run their first half marathon.  A distance of 21 kms.

~ C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ~

• In other fitness news, my friend Stéphanie has joined the gym.  So proud of this step she is taking in her life.  So happy that she joined my swanky gym.  Ma belle - may you find love, peace and happiness on the inside and out regardless of where life takes you.  I am so happy and thankful to share this journey with you.
• Finally ... I am hoping that having a weekly gym routine will allow me to spend more time with my bestest of bests, Tanya.  (she doesnt have a fitness blog and the one blog she has hasnt been updated since Feb 2010 so no links here. teehee).  You would think that two people who love eachother's company and only live 10 minutes apart would see each other frequently.  That's not the case.  We are lucky if we cross paths once a month.  (her fault .. she is the one that moved to a town I never go to from a road that I take home that went right by her house.  oops .. did I type that outloud?  bahahaha.  love you!)  There are so many rewards to this that we/I have to make it happen at least once a week.  A travel buddy.  A workout buddy.  Guarenteed time with Tan.  How can I go wrong there? xox

So ... to sum up a long post:  a new biking goal, congrats to Katie & Stéphanie and more time with Tanya.  No matter which way you look at it, I am surrounded by some pretty awesome ladies that I am fortunate enough to call 'friend.'  Love you all. 

Happy health to all.

i have readerS ???

Well I for one, am gobsmacked and, I must admit, a tad excited.  I thought for sure Katie was the only one who read this blog but low and behold, my last post had comments from an anonymous read and Maranda.  Ladies ... you have NO clue the encouragement I got from your comments.  THANK  YOU.  I have been waivering on whether or not to keep this blog going but now ... maybe I will for a little while longer. 

Thank you for energizing my motivation.  It's been a rough week going back to work and adjusting mentally and physically to it along with the other struggles I am facing in life.  I know I am not alone in the journey but it is nice to see support outside the wonderful support I already have. 

Enjoy your sunday.

*** Viewer Discretion Advised ***

(this post was started on Wednesday August 31st.  It has taken me this long to actually get up the guts to publish it ... to put myself out there in my physical sense.  It is for this reason I have left it in the present tense and, come to think of it, it is actually funny since I have all of ONE reader.  why do I do this blog?)

This is me.  All of me.  The real me.  And I promise you this ... there are no other photos like it on the internet.  I can not believe I am doing this have done this.  I am very careful of what I put on websites (ie blogs. facebook, etc) because there is NO way I want anyone from my past knowing who I have become and what I look like.  I am embarrased that I look like this.  Dumbfounded how I not only let it happen, but stayed this way for all of my adult life.  Disgusted.

Today was a good day.  I started training with a personal-trainer (as soon as she gets her CPR) today and it was awesome.  She took me through a foundation strength program and I am feeling it.  I am a bit stiff ... but a good stiff.  I also did leg and arm work while I was swimming for the cardio part of my workout so that is a contributing factor I am sure.  What is even better is that my new personal trainer is also a good friend so it is a double bonus.  We now have a long standing bi-weekly workout date to touch base, track my progress and change things has needed --- and hang out and laugh and have fun.  (see ... double bonus)

Time to make a plan

AND STICK TO IT!!!

You've read me moan/whine/complain about all the ailments I have had over this past year and, while they were all legitimate, I lost the strength of my mind and allowed it to defeat me.  I am working out bits here and there but I am eating poorly so one counteracts against the other. 

WHY IS THIS SO HARD?

My friend Katie, who has been on a fitness journey of her own for the last (almost) year and a half and been very successful and amazes me.  She has lost 72 lbs and, as of today, can now run 17.6 kms - wowza!  Her midset is so strong, so realistic and, what is even more encouraging is that her whole family is doing it.  She and her hubby run marathons today and her two young girls even play gym at home.  Cute.  What's more impressive about Katie is that she is one step away from becoming a personal trainer.  In her 30's and no where near being a 'juice monkey' like so many PT's are, she sat through the training with a goal in mind.  To help others like her .... and me.  So, here is the general plan:

Every other Monday, Katie and I have a long standing date to get together, talk about what I am doing and the progress I am making ... or not making.  Katie gets to practice different things on my as she works towards fine tuning her PT skills and I get the benefit of having my very own personal trainer who will make me accountable.  I have even given her the go-ahead to get all 'Jillian Michaels" on my ass if she needs to.  One other perk about our bi-weekly date is that it will be a workout date.  YAY!  I love working out with Katie.  Between her and my bestest, who is a member at my gym and is great to work out with too, this could be a fun journey.  Okay .... more enjoyable journey.  Thats sounds realisitic. lol

Along with out bi-weekly meetings, I am going to start keeping a food journal to track what I am eating.  If I want a treat, I will have a treat but this will keep me in check.  Also, I have decided that, after I lose 50 lbs, I will treat myself to something wonderful and will continue to do so at 25 pound increments after that.  It will be alot of hard work but I think I will be deserving, no?  haha.  I think my first reward will be a day spent here.  Definitely something to look forward to.

So, where will this week take me?  It's a busy one BUT there is room for it to become a little busier.  I will reevaluate my swim times tomorrow or Monday and I will also search out plus sized bike shorts with mega padding so I can jump on a bike.  I would love to cycle more ... especially outdoors.  (maybe a goal for the spring?  Get my very first real bike and start biking outdoors.  That would definitely be better than stationary biking, that is for sure.    Hmm --- here is a question that just popped in my head with regards to biking:

• if a person is going to ride a bike for the purpose of weight loss as well as wanting to get to the point where she can bike long distances out doors, what is the best type of stationary bike to use? 

At my gym with have three types of stationary bikes.  Regular, recumbant and spin bikes.  I will have to research this one out since I really don't know anyone in this position.  Maybe I will pop over to the Midlife Swimmer's blog and ask her.  (she that's an inspirational lady, let me tell you!).  I always find it so helpful to learn from others.  I am just really not much of a book learner.  Do and see.  That's my way.  All I know is that I want to get fit all around and be able to do alot of things.  I don't even need to do them well ... I just want to be able.  Biking might be a fun goal too.  Something to think about.

** Just keep Swimming * Just keep Swimming **

Recognize that?  It sits in my mind with stroke I take and each flutter I kick.  I even try to think it to myself in Ellen DeGeneres' voice.  (Finding Nemo is one of my faves ... as is Dory.)  Now if only I had a character to relate to for walking and weights. 

With regards to walking, one thing is clear ... it becomes rather boring when you are doing it on the treadmill.  Walking to music is defnitely reserved for the great outdoors but, when inside, an hour long show does the trick. 

With regards to weights, I think I want to get those cute lil gloves.  Becauses of the excess weight, and the over-sized breastsesess, a good grip takes some maneuvering at times.  I also wonder if it will allow me to lift more reps or heavier weights. 

Lots to wonder, I know.  All I know is that I need to STOP wondering and START doing.  My weight is creeping up.  I havent been eating regularly or properly.  I have no routine.  Come September, and my return to work and routine, I will be back on track and revvying to go. 

Tonight, I walk 5km with some weights to follow and a leisure swim to finish.  Gotta get me in the water .. no ands, if's or buts.  Tomorrow will hopefully see me swimming as far as I can in an hour at the local outdoor pool.  Finally ... a Tuesday where the weather is good enough to take advantage or that I am not busy.

Last night,  I swam 1.44 kms in 40 minutes.  It was not what I had intended for a workout but it is what my body was calling me to do.  I was actually in the gym doing other things but my head just wasn't in it so I listened to what it wanted.  I actually thought I was doing poorly for time because my arms were very tired after tubing on Saturday .... but I was wrong.  I also would've kept going for more laps but my workout buddy had finished her gym time and was joining me for some leisure laps.  I can feel myself getting stronger in this department.  Now I just need continue to improve in the pool and apply it to the gym with hopes of getting back where I was in the very early spring.

Stay healthy

Back in the saddle?

HELLO KATIE!!!!!!  (since I think  you are the only one who reads this, I can say a personal greeting to you.  If by chance there are others here ... yay.  please comment so I know you are around! haha)

It's been 4 months since my last post (i know, i know) and while there is no real good reason for it, I have plenty of excuses.  My main one being that I have been struggling since getting those chest infections only to lose out on a vehicle for 3 weeks which meant no gym time.  It completely and totally broke my mojo.  Going to the gym became a chore and workouts didn't give me the high I once had.  Followed by an extremely busy June, I was lucky if I made it to the gym twice a week and, lets face it, at that point it wasn't hard to twist my arm to keep me away from there.  Because of it, I not only lost my mojo ... by I found 15 of those pounds that I had lost.  SO disgruntled.  No routine.  No meal planning.  No activity.  No good.  I began forcing myself to get to the gym at least twice a week.  This was a few weeks ago.  Now I am ailed with something that causes me to become very discombobulated when I get hot and/or exert myself.  (because this doesnt happen when I do laps or aquafit, I tend to lean more towards the body temperature and not the exertion).  Needless to say it has affected my workouts but I am doing the best I can with what I can do. 

Because of my mindset, lane swims were a chore and it near killed me to do it for 30 minutes straight.  My stress has also been high and, because lane swimming leaves you with only the thoughts in your head to occuppy the time, I often felt like I was drowing in my problems.  Fortunately, all of that changed today when I received something that I had been waiting five weeks for.  Thanks to the best fitness purchase I have ever made, I am excited to do lanes again.  Today I swam for a total of 1.5 hours and did 3 kms -- and all because I had music to drown away my stresses and get lost in the beat of my favourite songs.  I purchased a (generic) waterproof mp3 player from one of the online, Asian based stores.  For one third (or less) of the price of a Finis, Swimp3 or speedo, I now have a 4gb piece of workout heaven to clip on to my goggles and swim along to.  Justin never sounded so good and lane swims were never more enjoyable.  I cant wait to get into the water again!

A few months ago I expressed an interest in signing up for the Army Run 5km marathon.  I had began the training process and, just after week three, got sick with my chest colds which stopped that dead in it's tracks.  My lack of mojo took over and the goal of running my first 5k in September went out the window.  That being said ... I still plan on entering the run ... only walk it instead.  I have to make sure my head no longer gets discombobulated but, once cleared by the doctor, I will be ready and revvying to go.  Even better ... I'm going to use my waterproof mp3 player again!  Why not?  It's smaller than my iPhone, which I currently also use as an iPod to work out to, and can clip right to my sunglasses so I am hands free.  And, if it rains, I will have ZERO worries about protecting and/or ruining my phone.  Brilliant!

So ... there is an update.  Hopefully my regime and mental state will return to the point where I do things I can feel proud enough to blog about (even if it is only with you, Katie) and my Daily Mile will start getting a workout of it's own as I return to the activities I long to become addicted to again.  In the meantime, here is what my mp3 player looks like.  The one I have is black what I wanted to also show what it looks like clipped on.  It really is a great little contraption!

okay ... how cool is this?  when looking for an image to share with you, i came across this gadget.  Again ... brilliant!

Stay Healthy!

I'm lovin' it

Nope.  No McDonald's commercial here.  Just me going to the gym and loving every single second of it.

I am officially done week 2, day 2 of Couch to 5 k and I still can not believe that I am running.  Really, really running.  I am a bit skeptical about week three though.  Week one I jogged for 60 seconds, walked for 90.  This week I am jogging for 90 seconds followed by a walk for two minutes.  Next week ... week three ... they want me to be able to do two repetitions of this:

• brisk warm-up walk for 5 minutes
• jog for 90 seconds
• walk for 90 seconds
• jog for 3 minutes
• walk for three minutes.

I'm sorry.  What was that?  Three minutes ... IN A ROW? I just cant see it happening but, that being said, I never say 90 seconds happening either so I have just basically summed it up to 'what do I know?'  What do I know ... this.  I know that I am going to give it my all.  My 100 percent.  In less that one week from now I am going to be able to post on my Daily Mile that I ran 2+ kms, at speed of 4.0 - 5.0 with a 2.0 - 2.5% incline. Thats what I know. 

** Ahem **

Well it's been a very slooooow process but I am finally fully recovered enough to do almost anything I want to at the gym.  Nothing worse than back to back chest infections followed by a sinus/head cold to stop you right on the spot.  During those 6 weeks I did manage to work out twice.  It was difficult but lanes were swam.  This past week though ... I'm on fi-ya!  (fire for those who arent as cool as I .... lol)

I am dying to get to the gym today but decided that 4 days in row was good enough right now and I needed to give my legs and arms a break because the legs are kinda of yelling at me.  In the first three days I swam approximately 7.5 to 8 kms  (3rd day is a guestimate since my lane counting was interrupted too many times by people who lack simply pool etiquette and I was defintely moving at a slower pace than the previous two days.  45 minutes it was.)

The forth day --- Now that was a special day.  Because I drove in to the city with my Hubs, I had limited time and decided that it was time to try something once again.  Something that I attempted on November 15th.  Remember this post?  The one where the earth moved?  Well not only did the earth not move this time but I completed ALL of week one, day one of the Couch to 5k training program.  Unlike my second attempt in December, where I managed to run one full minute then a couple of 30 second stints (all while being beyond breathless), I ran the each entire minute with a comfortable breathing level and no physical discomfort.  The last time around I 30 seconds felt like f-o-r-e-v-e-r but this time around .... I couldnt believe how quickly the minute passed and before I knew it, I was walking again.  If I could have jumped in the air and yelled, I would have ... but I did have a HUGE grin on my face as I started my cool down.  I did it.  I really, really did it and, for the first time in my entire life, I really do think that I can run a 5k run.

Speaking of 5 k runs ... a while ago my friend Katie encouraged me to set the goal of running in the annual 5k Army Run held in September.  I quickly agreed to it then thought myself to be a lunatic.  I mean, look at the size of me.  To run 5k ... what a joke?  I quickly reassured myself saying "I will at least try.  Worse case scenario, I can walk because I know I can walk 5k very easily."  Well you know what?  SCREW THAT.  There will be NO walking.  There will ONLY be jogging and I WILL DO IT!!!!!!  No allowing myself to have that escape clause at the end of the sentence.  To easy to fail.  Best part.  I mean ABSOLUTE BEST PART ... I didnt know my Mom volunteers at that race every year until I told her about my goal yesterday.  She will be there at the finish line helping ... she will see me.  What's more motivating that my Mom at the finish line.  Oh how I love my Mom and I just know how proud she will be of me. 

Tomorrow is day two and I am so stoked - cant wait for it to get here.  I am going to skip the gym though and run outside. The weather has been gorgeous so why not fill my lungs with fresh air?

Wow.  feeling good about yourself is an amazing thing, isnt it??

Out of Commission

It's been a quiet week. 

Came home from work on Tuesday ... went to sleep.  Fever, soooo tired.  Slept until 9:45 then back again at midnight.

Up for work at 7am on Wednesday ...... and in bed again from 3pm to 10pm and 11:30 until 7.  Still fevered ... wtf?  I don't like this.  I want to do things.  I WANT TO GO WORK OUT.  I very, very rarely get fevers so this isnt fun.

Hello Thursday morning.  Time to go to work again.  *yawn*  Still at 100+ fever.  Common sense would stay home.  Apparently I am not that person.  It's better for my student if I am there.  Came home after drs appointment for something else and into bed.  tired but not sleepy.  fever reaches the weekly high of 102.5 - maybe I should stay home.

It's Friday and I am home.  I WANT TO WORK OUT.  I am so bummed that I am sick ... again.  I am eating healthier than I have in forever.  I am working to become healthier physically and feel stronger in the heart and lungs ... yet I have been more sick this year than previous years.  I don't get it. 

On the plus side, my fever finally broke a hundred for the first time since Tuesday - 99.7 AND i am on a computer for the first time, at home, since Tuesday.  To make it better, I am feeling creative for the first time since last weekend and think I am going to spend the day watching missed tv shows while painting, scrapping and getting messy. 

So, thank you bloggers (or Katie since you are the only one reading my vent).  Felt good to unleash my frustations somewhere.  Here's to a healther me by the end of the weekend so I can get my ass to the gym again! 

Can't think of one.

As I came here to type this today, I tried so hard to think of a catchy title for this post but I can't.  Katie stole the show with her Namaste intro a couple of weeks ago and there really just isn't another one that opens it properly.  I know.  I googled it.  That being said, I now know exactly what Namaste means other than it being a salutation of some sort.  It is a traditiona Indian greeting of respect and thank you.  It has a spiritual and symbol meaning that is dont with your palms pressed together in the middle of your forehead or at your head with a light bow to your head and shoulders.  It means “I bow to the divine in you”.

"I bow to the divine in you"

I like that.  It sounds very spiritual.  I may adopt that for my post departures. 

"Namaste"

Very serene; very peaceful sounding.

I did .... that???

Yup!  I did it.  It was awful.  It was great.  It made me hopeful.  It made me question my sanity.  What did I do, you ask?  Well anti-gravity yoga, of course. 

"Anti-gravity?"  uh huh!

Like ... hanging from the ceiling?  yup!

And so started many a conversation in the staffroom at lunch today. 

My goal yesterday was to go to a beginners yoga class that started at 4.  Unfortunately I arrived 5 minutes too late so off to the gym, I went.  I cycled for the first time (ouch) then did a short amount of time on the treadmill, alternating between running and (mostly) walking.  Naturally, I was itching to get into the water but wanted to check the schedule to see if it was aquafit or if I could do lanes.  That's when I saw it on the schedule and began to feel a moment of bravada.  I, the person who has never taken yoga in her life, was going to make her first experience a dramatic one.  As are most classes at my club, Anti gravity yoga rated 'E' for everyone.  HA!  If that wasn't the most stupid thing I had read all day.  It turns out, as I learned at the end of the class, that there are 3 levels of AGY (much faster than typing anti-gravity yoga ) and the class that I was just finishes was level 3.  Strength and cardio ... and that it was!  While I didn't flip or hang upside down, I did swing, balance, shake and sweat with the rest of them.  I am many, many workouts away from taking that class again but I will definitely pay more attention and clarify the class level next time before signing up for the first level AGY class.  (on the upside .. it wasn't just me who didn't know it was a strength and cardio ... it was about 75% of the class)  After that, I soothed my overheated skin with some laps in the pool.  *bliss*

To my facebook friends who got 4 daily miles in their daily feed today ... I apologize.  I want everything to be accounted for and I just don't think that there is a way to enter more than one activity therefore you get the multiple entries passed. 

In the meantime, I hurt a tad from all that I did yesterday but its a good hurt.  I feel good.  I cant wait to go tomorrow and work out again ... but maybe not for as long.  Maybe I'll spend more time in the gym and skip the pool .... maybe.

Here's to a happy and healthy week for everyone.

P.S.

When searching for a video to share, I found one that is from my club, just a different location.  It is actually a local news group talking about what was coming to here when these facilities opened ... which they are now and are totally awesome.  If course, the moves in this video are the ones I couldn't do but I did swing like the move in the beginning.  cant wait for more ... eventually.  :-)

Who's getting healthier?

I'm not too sure it's me.  I am getting yet ANOTHER chest infection.  This will be the third one since the fall and I've never, ever been sick this much before.  So far I am not horrible so I am going to work out tomorrow after a funeral, lunch and a few errands.  I am tempted to go and work out today too but I'm afraid that if I push myself while I am feeling 80%, I will quickly decline. 

First things first ... a shout out to my friend Katie who tried Yoga for the second time.  The first time she hated it.  Then, she was bigger and not as in shape as she is now.  This time .. not only did she love it, she rocked the positions and even did advanced ones.  (you'll know who Katie is because she is the only one that reads and/or comments on this blog.  lol).  We are going to go to my club one day and do a Hot Yoga class together.  I figure the best way for me to prepare for that is by doing regular yoga first.  Good idea, eh?

On the plus side (plus side ... no pun intended  hahaha), I ventured over the the US of A last night.  I was a tad disgruntled to find out the the store I went for was actually closed early.  Not sure why.  Its always been open until 9 ... for years.  I called today to find out what their hours were ... 8pm Mon-Thurs for winter hours.  Well then.  So much for that sports bra and those athletic clothes.  Before going there I stopped at the mall because runners are usually cheaper there than in Canada.  (an average of $30-$40/pair).  Double bonus, I found a pair that I liked that was $30.00 cheaper than here and they were on sale for 50% off.  So I got a pair of Asics for $40.  I loved Asics in high school.  Best volleyball shoe ever!.  I managed to pick up a couple of workout clothing items from WalMart but the plus size pickings are super slim.  I didnt try them on so hopefully they fit.  If not, then I will just have to shrink into them.  Not a bad goal, I think.  For now I will leave you with a photo of my shoe because I just feel like 'spicing it up' with a photos so ... enjoy and have a happy heart healthy day.

It's 3:25 am ...

..... and I'm still awake.  Well, truth be told, I was in bed early for a change.  9:30.  So early for me but washroom then dogs and husband followed by my mind wondering what comes next in the book I am reading kept me awake after my eyes popped open at midnight.  The final chapter of the book is read, internet is surfed, you tube tutorials are watched ... want to now where my mind is now?  Working out.  I want to get in my car, make the 30 minute drive to my 24 hours athletic club ... and work out.  Logically, I know I cant because I have to go to the art store and that doesnt open until 9:30 but this is where my mind is at right now.  Plus I am supposed to meet up with my sister for the workout we postponed from yesterday but that isnt until 2pm.  I have to say though .. the idea of leaving in a few hours, working out for a couple, showering and dressing, shopping, commuting back home and all my noon has appeal to it.  That being said, I will likely fall back to sleep soon, dreaming until mid morning before getting up, shopping and meeting my sister as planned but the fact that I have the urge counts ..... right????

Enjoy the day.  Can you believe we are 6 days into 2011 already?

And I'm Off..

Well it's three days into the new year and I did my first work out of 2011.  After a month of nothing, it felt sooooo good to be in the water again.  Amazing, really. 

I am also pleased to share that my first workout of the year started in a brand spanking new 14 million dollar club.  Now this place is pretty swanky.  It has a coed area and a womans area, with salt water pools in both.  Pilates, anti-gravity yoga, hot yoga, spinning and more.  While I certainly wont be hanging from the ceilings anytime soon, I pan on working my way through as much as I can there.  Aquafit classes, house league sports, spinning.  And all this is included in my membership.  Seriously stoked. 

Did you read that right?  Did I type that right?  Stoked?  Moi?????  About working out?  Who'da thunk, eh?  What is even better is that one of my sweet friends already goes and another is about to join as soon as her current membership expires at the end of the month.  Can it get any better?  Of course!!!  My sister works there so that means random moments shared when we least expect it. 

Next week I have an appointment for a fitness consulation & assessment.  It comes with every new membership and I am a little scared.  I mean, I know I'm extremely out of shape and overweight but there is something about being told you have the body of a 70 year old that scares me.  Ah well ... I'm going to turn that fear into motivation.

Speaking of fear, I was challenged by a friend to do something that I never, ever, EVER would have considered before and, although I am not ready to share quite what that is just yet, I will tell you that I accepted the challenge which again translates into MOTIVATION.  Seriously, what am I thinking?

Here is to a happy and healthy start to 2011. 
*cheers*