It's finally feeling like SPRING!

Workout: Walk (3.13 miles)
65 min.

Planned on doing a ChaLean Extreme workout today, but, it was so gorgeous outside, I wanted to spend that time soaking up the sun! I'm about ready to go back to work, which means minimal sun exposure.

So, I chose to take a moderately paced walk around the neighborhood.

I went to Weight Watchers meeting this morning. Haven't been doing so well with the food lately. And, the scale showed. I am committed to journalling my food intake this week. I know that helps me stay on track, and lose weight.

Tomorrow starts my last week of work before vacation. My goal is to do 10 min. of some activity when I get home tomorrow night. I will set up the coffee pot, and prepare my food as usual, but, will then spend TEN MINUTES doing an activity (spin, run up and down stairs, jump rope, SOMETHING that requires MOVEMENT).

ChaLEAN Day 4

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn It Off!
27 min.

Good workout. Nice and quick, with minimal equipment required. I finally got batteries for my HR monitor, but still haven't gotten them in the watch. So, the statistics weren't available.

But, I think I'll feel it tomorrow ... am actually already feeling it in my lower back!

Workout: Tennis
~1 hour

Had a good beginning to getting back into playing tennis today. Spent close to an hour playing a little tennis with a friend. My racket handle has degenerated, so will need to take care of that before the next game (probably Monday). I definitely felt rusty! But, it's been probably 4 years since I last played, so I guess that's to be expected.

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 3
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 3

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
39 min.

Still haven't gotten a new battery for my HR monitor. Have it on my list, just haven't gotten to the store to get it.

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
Sumo Squat w/ Bicep Curls: 15#/10
Lunge w/ One-Arm Tricep Extension: 10#/10
Dead-Lift Row: 15#/11
Sumo Squat w/ Overhead Tricep Ext.: 15#/11
Dead Lift w/ Double Row: 15#/6 (legs were shaking all over the place!!)
Bowler's Lunge w/ Single-Arm Row: 15#/10
Bicep Curls w/ Abductor Balance: 10#/10 (didn't use abductor band this week)
Forward-Lean Lunge w/ Double Row: 15#/12
Triple-Threat Push-Ups: 12 knees (my wrist was hurting before starting, so I didn't even attempt a single push-up on my toes ... next week I will)

Seemed like I chose the right weights for each of these. On the first one, I started out with 10 lbs., but on my second curl, I switched over to the 15 lb. weights. Had to work hard to push through on this workout, but I did it!

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn It Off! & Recharge
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 2

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Intervals
46 min.

ChaLEAN Ab Burner
10 min.

HR monitor battery needs to be replaced. I thought I had a spare battery, but couldn't find it, so, I wasn't able to use it today. Would have been interesting to see those results!

Wow! That's quite a great full body workout! Those muscles were burning with those workouts! I mostly kept up with ChaLEAN, there were a few of the routines that I had to pause a bit, or quit 5 or 10 sec. before they did. The Ab Burner, however, was a different story!! Actually, I was trying to do the standard workout, what Chalene was doing, and then I'd remember to watch the modification, which was definitely more doable! I'm definitely looking forward to the improvements in my abs and core that will result with that workout!

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 1

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 1
39 min. (with a few pauses to write down my workout details)
burned 269 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 127

I didn't start when I planned ... but I did start!

Workout: Burn Circuit 1
Sumo Squat with Hip Lift: 15#/12 (Not sure if I can get to 10 reps with 20#, but I think next week I need to try.)
Lunge with Posterior Fly: 10#/12 (Surprised that my shoulder didn't hurt with it ... but I think I'll wait a week before increasing the weight.)
Push-Up with Leg Lift: 5 (toes)/5 (knees) (Will add a push-up next week.)
Dead Lift with Posterior Fly: 5#/12 (Definitely need to increase the weight on this one next week.)
Lunge with Core Rotation: 15#/10 (I think I was gripping the weight too tightly, forearms got a great workout with this one!)
Bench Press & Leg Lower: 15#/11 no band (Abs really felt this one! I did the leg lifts, just without the band. I think I will focus on keeping my legs straight with my lifts next week.)
Squat with Side Bend: 15#/12 (Hands felt like they couldn't hold the weight ... kept expecting my hands to let go!)
Forward-Lean Lunge with Dbl Arm Posterior Fly: 5#/12 (Will increase my weights here, too. Looks like I can stuff the 5 pounders into the back of the closet! ... not bad, considering I haven't done any strength training in a while--except if you count work.)
Chest Fly with Hip Lift: 10#/12 (Did the extreme push-ups on my knees. Wow! Eight-count push-ups are incredibly difficult!!)

Plan for my next Burn Circuit 1 workout: No more 5#, and some of my 15# will increase to 20#.

Wow! What a workout! My body feels great! I definitely worked my arms, back, core and legs! I do love the quickness of the workout, you push yourself hard for a shorter time period. But, I do feel like I could still do some more exercise, I don't feel completely wiped out.

I've already plugged in all the workouts into my calendar, so, I don't want to shuffle them all a day or two later. So, I'm rearranging the schedule a bit, and won't take the rest day tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Intervals & Ab Burner
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 0

I am starting ChaLEAN, so here are a few pieces of information I need, before I begin the process, to remind me where I started.

Fit Test Results: . . . . . 2/15/09
Push-Ups: . . . . . . . . . 10 (toes)
Crunches: . . . . . . . . . 1
Squats: . . . . . . . . . . 26
Forearm Plank:. . . . . . . 15 sec.
Overhead Shoulder Press:. . 5#/13; 10#/9
Bicep Curl: . . . . . . . . 10#/11
Sit and Reach:. . . . . . . 2" beyond feet

I was surprised that I needed higher weights for the shoulder press. Historically, I have weak shoulders, which require slowly increasing the weight. The muscles were burning, but there was not weakness felt, or sharp pains. (Encourages me that even though my exercise hasn't been optimal, it's not been as horrible as it could have been.)

Measurements: . . . . . . . 2/15/09
Chest:. . . . . . . . . . . 40.5
Right Upper Arm:. . . . . . 13.5
Left Upper Arm: . . . . . . 13.5
Waist:. . . . . . . . . . . 37
Hips: . . . . . . . . . . . 45.5
Abductors:. . . . . . . . . 42.5
Right Thigh:. . . . . . . . 25.5
Left Thigh: . . . . . . . . 25.5
Weight: . . . . . . . . . . 173.8 lbs.
Body Fat Percentage:. . . . 34.6%

Not the greatest numbers. But I've gotta start somewhere. The bodyfat percentage was recorded using the biofitness website. I've got a bio-impedence device for measuring body fat, which I will probably use, however, it needs to be used at the same time every day. I usually use it first thing in the morning, when I first get out of bed.

Pictures:

Pictures are coming. They're on the camera, just need to get them on the computer, and then crop, etc.

Starting Over

Starting over. It does seem like a lot of my posts start that way for me. There's a certain repetitiveness in them along those lines. But, I can take comfort in the fact that I do indeed start over! That each drop-off in exercise routines doesn't mean an end, but a detour in my journey ... and it is a journey!

I went to day shift last summer, in an attempt to help me feel better, and to have more energy. All most immediately I felt better, though it took a couple months to sleep better. However, my energy continued to lag. I had finally decided to just accept the fact that I was lazy ... my lack of energy obviously had nothing to do with working the night shift for so many years since I continued to have little energy.

When I went to see my doctor for my annual physical, I brought with me a list of lab tests that I wanted ... all related to energy. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (I've been a vegetarian my whole life, with short bouts of veganism), Thyroid (any excuse is acceptable), and a CBC. Turns out, my body needed a little tweaking. My Vitamin D was extremely low, Vitamin B12 was in range, but low-ish, Thyroid was in range, Hemoglobin a little low, and on the Chemistry, my Albumin was also low. Within a week of taking Iron, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 supplements, I woke with more energy! I was surprised and impressed with how quickly it turned around for me! I've also really tried to focus on increasing my protein intake.

So, with all those additional factors taken care of, I think I'm ready to get back on a program again. With the encouragement of a friend, I have decided to give ChaLEAN a try. It looks like a little less time committment than P90X or P90X+, which when just starting out, is a helpful thing.

So, I'm starting tomorrow ... a little valentine for my body! Measurements and photos will be posted soon.

Nike+ Human Race 10K

Workout: Walk 6.92 miles (Nike+ The Human Race 10K)
Time: 2:38'53"
Calories Burned: 1011
HR max: 134
HR ave: 118

~*~*~*~

A month or more ago, while plotting out my training plan for my Half Marathon in October, I stumbled across information about the Nike+ sponsored "Human Race 10K". The concept is to have 1 million+ runners running together ... there are 26 race sites on several continents, plus all the people running on their own, using their Nike+ products to race along with those at the organized races.

Unfortunately, I've been sick for over a week. So, haven't trained at all this past week. And, have found it difficult to get workouts done, with the heat, all summer long. So, I knew there was no way that I could run a 10K ... and not pay for it later! So, I decided to walk the race.

The problem, was coming up with a route for my race. I could head out in one direction for 3.1-ish miles, and then return. Or, I could do my usual 3 1/2 mile loop twice. But, since I was afraid I might get wiped out, because of my recovery from illness, I chose to walk around the neighborhoods near my home. (Gave me the added benefit of scoping out the current home situation in one of the areas that I'm interested in purchasing.

Because I don't seem to be able to calibrate my Nike+ accurately, it seems that if there is any variance in my pace (which is most of the time), I get inaccurate mileages. I like that it uploads everything automatically to the webpage, and I can view my pace with the little graphic. But, I'm thinking about going back to my garmin ... it just takes so long to sync up with the satelites. And, I feel like such a nerd wearing 2 watches (HRM & GPS). Hmmm, maybe that's the excuse I need to buy the upgrade?

Anyway, I wandered around the neighborhood in a fairly circuitous route until my iPod told me I'd walked 6.21 miles. Having measured it with Nike's "map-it" function, it turns out I actually walked 6.92 miles. 2:38'53" was my time ... speedy 22:56 min./mi. pace!! Oh, yeah ... just call me speedy!!

It's certainly not the kind of time that I was wanting to try for. But, I'm glad I did it. I'm proud of myself for completing it.

8 Rules for Change

Found this article that I had clipped, from the Aug. 1, 2007 Woman's Day magazine. Thought I'd share ...

8 Rules for Change

1. Follow your bliss. Think about what you like to do in your free time, what you're naturally good at, what you enjoyed before marriage or children. If you're not passionate about your new pursuit, you might be quick to give up if you don't see success right away.

2. Dream big. If you want to be an art collector, for example, see yourself with a gallery in many cities. "This way you're more likely to come up with a plan that excites you," says Karla Freeman, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of Creating Magic in Midlife.

3. List your barriers and concerns. Putting obstacles down on paper gets them out of your head and into the open, where you can start dealing with them. Think of tools you used in the past to overcome similar obstacles, such as lack of time or money.

4. Act your way into your next life. Every day, take a few minutes to stand up and teach that yoga class or gather inventory for your shop. "Pretending to be the person you want to be strengthens your actions and builds your sense of yourself," explains Freeman.

5. Give yourself the OK to be a little selfish. As a woman, you've likely spent years putting your family's needs ahead of your own. Midlife is a time to put your needs first, at least part of the time, and not feel guilty because you want to be happy.

6. Try not to think about how hard it is. "If you only focus on how much time or effort it will take to put your plan into action and make it happen, you're not going to want to do it," says Freeman. Alternate difficult tasks with ones that are relaxing and fun.

7. Align yourself with the right people. Discuss your plans only with family and friends who offer encouragement and believe in your ability to make over your life. Also, find people who are already doing what you want to do, and ask how they got started.

8. Ask yourself, "If not now, when?" If you don't start now, you will still be a year older next year "Once you take the first steps, momentum builds, things start happening and you start seeing your life in a new light," Freeman adds.

P90X+ Day 3

Total Body Plus (45 minutes)

Squat/Glute Challenge:
Wall Squat: 1:46
Dumbbell Squat: 30/15# (forgot to do single leg!!)

Started out feeling pretty stiff and sore from the previous days workouts. The warm up felt good. Definitely had more mobility after I warmed up. Because of the sore muscles, I had a little difficulty getting those assisted pull-ups done; and, the push-ups were difficult to get many because I was afraid I was going to crash and not get up! Toward the end, my right wrist started hurting a little, also, so, I backed off.

Total Body Plus:
O Crunch Push-Ups: 4
Pull-Up Crunch: 1 (assisted)
Dead Lift Curl Press: 8/10#
Step Kick Back Chair position: 12/5#
Sumo Chair: 10
Chuck-Ups:8
Position 1: 4
Position 2: 2
Position 3: 2
Clink On Run: 1 ... in the dangling position
Lunge Press Bella Twist: 7/10#
Balance Curls: 12/10#
Running Man: 14/5# (each side)
Hindu Pike Push-Ups: 2 ... I was afraid of a crash-landing on my head!
Lunge Squat Lunge: 6/no weight ... for some reason, this one was confusing to me, so I didn't use weights this time so I could just focus on form, and movements; I kept forgetting to do that squat in between
Mr. Moon: not done ... no balance at this point in the workout!
Kid Play: 3 each
3 & 3: 2 sets of 3 each/10# on the squat, pull-ups were assisted
1/2 Dervish: done ... the twisting worried me a little (fear of back strain or injury), but it actually felt good!
Weighted Warrior: 2/5#; 5/no weight ... shoulder was popping with the weights, so, I decided to not use any weight until my shoulders are stronger
1 & 1: not done ... just didn't have it in me to do another push-up or assisted pull-up (muscles were shaking even when not engaged)
Lara Lunge Crunch: 8/no weight ... it looked confusing to me, so, I wanted to take one element to focus on out of the equation ... I probably could have used weights, next time I will
Spiderman Jumps: not done ... again, just couldn't do another push-up without laying on the floor
BONUS: Plyo Push-Ups: not done ... next week my goal will be to do every exercise in the workout

It feels good to have accomplished another workout. Four-in-a-row for me! It may be difficult to work tonight, with these sore, stiff muscles ... but, I can feel the fat melting away! So, that's a good thing.

Now, I need to fix my food for my night at work.

I've been doing some reading about food. A lot of reading, actually. And, I'm going to give a "no-wheat/gluten" diet a chance. Considering that I am vegetarian, it's going to be difficult, especially, attempting to get in all the protein servings of the P90X Phase 1 diet!! But, I'm going to give it a chance, and see how that makes me feel. I'm also going to try to drop the creamer in my coffee ... I bought Silk Creamer to try.

I'm going to give it a week-long trial. And, if I'm not totally sick of tofu and eggs (about my only protein source) by then, then I'll continue it. At that point, I may try to drop the dairy products, too.

Plans for tomorrow:
Abs/Core Plus
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

P90X+ Day 2

Interval X Plus
44 min.
burned 382 cal.
HR max: 164
HR ave: 143

Abs/Core Plus (deferred)

Squat Challenge (baseline assessment):
Single Leg Dumbbell Squat: 15/10#

Wow!

That was quite a workout. I was doggin' it toward the end, a few of those moves got my variant of running in place or jumping jacks, because I just didn't have it in me, to push through another 20 seconds!!

Actually, while I was sitting on the couch, waiting for the infomercials to finish before starting Abs/Core Plus ... I fell asleep!! Talk about recovery!! A nice little 30 minute power nap!

I started to attempt Abs/Core Plus ... but my core didn't have it in me. So, I've decided I need a rest day in between. I'll give it a try with tomorrow's Total Body Plus workout, or, on Thursday instead of PHH. Gotta listen to the body! I think I'll have a more efficient workout if I wait a day or so.

I didn't push through on my single leg dumbbell squats, only because I mainly just wanted to see where I was at, and what I could do (and if my goals are realistic). Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the next 4 weeks are going to be squat challenge days for me. So, tomorrow, I'll push through to muscle failure, along with doing the wall squat.

Food was a little closer on-target today. I went and bought some cottage cheese to help me get some of the dairy in (I can eat only so much yogurt!!). I'll continue to work on that aspect of my process. I've done it in the past, I know I can get back on it, again!

Plan for tomorrow:
Total Body Plus
Squat Challenge: Wall Squats, Single Leg Dumbbell Squats
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

P90X+ Day 1

Upper Plus (50 minutes)
Abs/Core Plus (12 minutes)

Squat/Glute challenge: Wall Squat 1:23.75

I started my workout with the Wall Squat. I surprised myself with how well I did with it. I put a song on my iPod, and propped myself while singing along ... hoping that by singing, I would distract myself.

Then, I moved into the X+ workouts. Upper Plus required a lot of pausing ... partly because I was pooped, and partly because I had to see what they were doing! I ended up cutting Abs/Core Plus short, due to time constraints.

Upper Plus:
Double Double Dip'll Do Ya: 6 ... my chair situation isn't real steady
Dead Leg Switch Pull-Up: 5 assisted
2-Direction Circle Flies: 18/5#
Lunge Curls: 12/10#
Hammer Kick: 10/5#
Frog Push-Ups: 7
"L" Chin-Ups: 3 (freefall) ... poor form, and definitely no control on the way down!
Fly Blaster: 8/5#
Lean Back Curls: 15/10# ... these will take a while to master, my elbows wanted to come forward
1-Legged Bridge Dips: 12 (2-legged) ... I chose to not lift my legs (yet), to get more quality and quantity
Spiderman Push-Ups: 3 ... uh, yeah ...
7-Point Pull-Ups: 5 (assisted)
Warrior Swim: 5/5# ... balance was an "issue"
Pumper Curls: 12/10#
Side Hammer Kick: 10/5#
Iso Climber Push-Ups: 5
Clean to Negative: 5/1
Shoulder Everything: 9/5#
Bicep Everything: 10/10#
Combat Push-Ups: 3

Abs/Core Plus:
Hanging Toe Tap Knee Raises: 4
Tip Toe O Crunch: 8 ... took me a little bit to get it ... or my numbers probably would have been bigger
Scorpion Plank: 6
Banana Cannonball: 2 ... all I can say, is, at least I tried
Hanging Up & Overs: 2 ... hands were hurting ... gotta remember to wear my gloves
Discus Throwers: 8/5#
Warrior Bow: 6
Scissor Climbers: 0 ... I watched
Hanging Knee Kicks: 2
Wood Chopper: 8/5#
-- cut the workout short --

I can say that this workout today was a good baseline workout. A beginning. I can only go UP from here! Actually, in 12 weeks, I think I'll be cranking these exercises out much more effectively.

Already this evening (I just finished 5 hours ago), I am feeling the effects of the workout!! My core is going to be sore in the morning!! Not sure how I'm going to do that workout again tomorrow. With all the discussion about recovery, I do find it odd that the schedule has the Abs/Core workout on back-to-back days.

My shoulders were surprisingly tolerant of the workout. I did chose to go with slightly lighter weights, mainly because I didn't want any of my injuries to flair up on me and cause me to have to sit out, again. I think by week 2 I can feel more confident in pushing myself to my max again. (Part of my hesitation to workout, during the last 2 weeks, was mainly because I was afraid of re-aggravating the injury. So, for me to feel comfortable, I think I need to ease into it, for right now.)

Food was better today. Not as great as it could have been ... not that I ate "bad" stuff ... I just didn't fill in all the boxes today. And, it's late enough, I'm not eating any more!! Tomorrow, I'm going to work a little harder at getting all the servings in. I've planned a slightly higher protein-content breakfast for the morning, which should help.

Plan for tomorrow:
Interval X Plus
Abs/Core Plus
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

The beginning

Life has gotten in the way, lately. Between a very painful muscle strain in my back (rhomboid) and bursitis in my shoulder, and then the occasional (chronic) pain in my wrist I had managed to get away from working out, and the body that I was actually starting to become proud of.

Because any little workout seemed to cause my back to flare up I got completely away from working out. I would walk, occasionally, but even that had to be fairly sedate ... or I risked triggering more spasms.

Because walking was such a different workout style than I had become used to, with the P90 and P90X programs, it almost seemed "too lame" to me ... so, instead of accepting the benefits of a workout that I could do, I mostly did nothing.

Even my eating was starting to get out of control.

My shoulder no longer hurts when I raise it above my head. I can lift patients without feeling any discomfort under my shoulder blade. And, the "normal" mobility is back in my wrist. I'm actually feeling good. So, I've decided I'm ready to get back on a "program" (that seems to be how I function best). Actually, I've been ready for two weeks, but, have been afraid of causing all the pain to come back.

Beginning tomorrow, I am starting a round of P90X+ Classic. I'll start slow this first week, and see how things go ... if I have to do the shoulder exercises with water bottles instead of weights, because I'm afraid of bringing back the bursitis ... that's what I'll do.

Basically, I've decided I need to (in the words of Nike) JUST DO IT. Jump in with both feet. (You know all the cliches ... so do I.)

***

My Workout Details:
Jog/Walk (3.5 miles)
59 min.
burned 548 cal.
HR max: 176
HR ave: 149

Starting Over

The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. ~ Vince Lombardi

Workout:
P90 Sweat 3/4
41 min.

November Push-Up Challenge: 60 of 10,000 (84 total)

Today, I woke feeling pretty good! What a nice change!! It felt good to finally not hurt, or fear back spasms when I moved! And, because I only had motrin before going to bed (no narcotics or muscle relaxers) I woke with a clear head!

Decided to start out a little easier today. By that, I mean, not start out with a P90X workout. So, today, I did the P90 Sweat 3/4 workout. Felt good to burn some "goo" ... as Tony Horton would say.

I have gotten a slow start on my push-up challenge, because of injury, and not working out. I'm going to do my best during the rest of the month and see where I'm at. I may repeat the challenge in December, or, I may continue with my plan of challenging another part of my body.

Not sure what workout I'm going to do tomorrow. But, I'm doing something!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

starting over

Workout:
Walk (3.5 miles)
75 min.

November Push-up Challenge: 12 of 10,000

My back is still bothering me. But, I wanted to do something. Since I'm able to walk without much difficulty, I decided that was where I would start.

I also decided to put in a beginning effort on my 10,000 push-ups ... I've started, slowly, doing them. Not too much, I notice a little twinge in my back with them.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms
57 min.
burned 367 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 122

Fear.

I think that's what's been keeping me from doing this workout. Even though I knew I could modify the exercises, lighten the weights, or just skip the shoulder ones, if it was too much, I still couldn't bring myself to do this workout.

I'd schedule the workout into my day ... and then procrastinate until either I'd run out of time, or, I'd just do something else!! I had actually decided, today, if I couldn't face my shoulder fears, then, this week I'd skip the workout, and move on to the next one.

But, this afternoon, I just made myself do it. I definitely lightened the weights, but pushed myself (within reason), and got through most of it. The later exercises in the workout got lighter weights, and then, the last 3 times, I skipped them ... I was having more pain. I couldn't tell if it was something in my shoulder, or from the muscles being worked, so, I opted to bale on the workout.

I'm glad I did the workout. It felt good. This has always been one that I enjoy doing ... increases in muscle definition show quickly.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 14 reps; 15#, 11 reps (I pushed myself on this one)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 12 reps (this was difficult for me to push through)
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 10 reps (shoulder hurt a little ... heard popping with some of the movement)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 10#, 11 reps; 10#, 11 reps
Chair Dips: 7; 8 (I was a little hesitant to do these, with my shoulder problems, but, I did bent-knee chair dips ... and made it! No shoulder pain, like usual.)
Upright Rows: 5#, 12 reps; 5#, 13 reps (really dropped the weights on this one ... I normally struggle with the upright rows ... shoulder really felt it at the top of this)
Static Arm Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (the last 4 were a struggle)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 12 reps; 5#, 10 reps (I worry that my form isn't right on these, with heavier weights ... next time, I should increase the weight though)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 5 reps; SKIP (I didn't get very far with these before I felt pain with movement, bot just at the top of a move ... decided it would be better not to push my luck on the shoulder)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 9 reps (I find my quads hurt before my biceps are ready to give out, but then, if I rest the quads, the biceps are too tired when I try to push through to do a few more!)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 8 reps
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: SKIP; SKIP (decided if the other shoulder flyes hurt, these wouldn't be any better)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 10 reps; SKIP (feeling pooped)
Side Tri-rises: SKIP; SKIP (was worried that I might be tweaking the shoulder with this ... even though it is a tricep exercise)

Overall, I think I had a pretty good workout. There were some decreases in weights and reps from the last time I did the workout, but, there was definitely some positives that I can take from this, too!

I suspect the shoulder will be a little more sore than usual tonight, I may take some prophylactic motrin so I can sleep ... since I didn't sleep too well last night.

I'm skipping Yoga X tomorrow. I've been slacking on these workouts. And, so, I think I'd like to get through strength workouts, since I'm so far behind. Yoga seems like an acceptable workout to skip this week. My flexibility isn't so great, so, I don't think I'll probably skip many of them. But, I just feel like I need to really rev-up my workouts.

I didn't get to Ab Ripper X today ... so I'll do it tomorrow.

I've got a busy day tomorrow ... so will have to get the workouts done in the morning, or they won't be done.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

None ... again.

Workout:
None.

I was going to do my shoulder stretches and exercises today. But I was afraid!

I did them late Friday afternoon (the stretches), and had difficulty sleeping part of the night, because my shoulder ached ... no matter what position I put it in!! Laying on it, or not; supported, or not! I know ... in order to have a chance to get better, I must do them.

I do have motrin ... I suppose I should use it!

Today was spent watching football, doing some paperwork (catching up on the piles "to attend to" that tend to accumulate if I'm not careful), and then, because I was tired, and cold ... there was a nap, as well. I'm resting up ... I guess(?) ... Monday and Tuesday are going to be busy days, that won't include much downtime, except in the evening when I'm doing my teenager-sitting.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

No Workout

Workout:
None.

I have no excuse.

I did some deep-cleaning (spring-cleaning type housecleaning) and then headed out for my day with friends. Probably should have done my workout, instead of scrubbing my floors and counters in the kitchen.

I did walk a lot (shopping), but, that probably doesn't really count for a workout, since I didn't get my heart rate up!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Too Tired

Happy Birthday, Laura!! (My niece turns 14 today!)

Workout:
None.

Those were some crazy nights at work this week!! Wednesday night I was busy, I didn't get a chance to eat until about 11pm!! (Not good! ... Blood sugar was dropping!) And although Thursday was a little better (for me), some of my coworkers were crazy-busy!!

So, I decided to flake out on my workout today, as well. I got up a little early ... hoping for a good night of sleep ... got some housework done, fixed dinner, and then was exhausted! So, I vegged out until I headed to bed.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Just give me sleep!!

Workout:
None.

Wow! Those stretches I did yesterday didn't feel like much when I did them, but, my shoulder ached enough last night, that I took a couple motrin to cut through the pain!

Today, I was so tired, I just couldn't get up early. I actually, set my alarm for my later time, when I went to bed this morning ... so I got 6 hours of sleep today!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

"How to Treat Your Rotator Cuff"

Workout:
None.

Got a new book on shoulder injuries today, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" by Jim Johnson. I'm anxious to get rid of the pain/discomfort with the shoulder, in certain movements ... I want things back "the old way" ... before pain!

So, instead of working out, I ended up reading the book. Interesting read. A lot of research-based information (the research discussed on strength gains, follows what P90X does). I did the stretching exercises in it. I only have pain in my right shoulder, but, I'm going to work on both shoulders.

The stretches didn't feel strenuous to me. I went through them, but, didn't hold them for the full 30 seconds recommended. (Mostly, because I was just testing them out.)

Between nap-time, and reading the thin, little book, I ran out of time to do a "real" workout. I am going to try to do the stretches on most days. And, the strength exercises are to be done once a week.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Wii Workout

Workout:
Wii DDR (Dance Dance Revolution)
70 min.

I needed an hour long workout today. So, instead of HHAs, I decided to give my newly purchased DDR a chance! I played with it for a few minutes, and then, put it into workout mode so it wouldn't stop for so long between songs, with a workout goal of 30 minutes. And then, I played around with it a little more at the end trying to push myself (skill-wise).

I attempted to keep my core engaged during the workout. And ... I had fun!

Since this was my first time playing it, I disabled the hand movements. I wanted to be able to focus on the feet only, for this time. But, next time I play ... I'll be moving my hands as well!!

Not sure how many calories I burned (I didn't wear my HRM), but, I was sweating like crazy, and was feeling whipped afterwards!

I've been rereading Tosca Reno's book, "Eat Clean Diet". I enjoyed it the first time ... and am enjoying it again. I wanted to refresh my memory on clean eating. Plus, I remember feeling totally pumped and motivated last after I read it last time ... and I wanted that feeling again.

I've got some great meal and snack ideas, and think I'm ready to focus on getting that extra effort with the clean eating, that I've been missing. Consistency is my biggest problem. When I work, I can stay focused on the food (harder for the exercise). When I'm not working, food is much harder ... I tend to fall back on old habits.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Run, Sheri, Run!

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.5 miles)
58 min.

Didn't sleep too well last night. I might have gotten 6 hours of sleep total ... it's my usual M.O. on my first night off. A positive note on that, is, I didn't require a nap today! (So maybe tonight I can sleep well ... all night long, not just the beginning and end!)

I was busy catching up on stuff from my weekend working. So, I nearly missed my workout. The plan had been to do Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X. But, I didn't have the time for it. So, I went for a neighborhood run, instead!

I got it done!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another missed workout

Workout:
None.

Usual Sunday ... watching football, and falling asleep on the couch.

My team had a bye, so, that should have been an excuse to skip football for a weekend, and get that workout in. But, I was dragging, after my weekend of work, so, I don't know that I would have gotten a workout in, even if I didn't watch football.

Didn't get the workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

OOPS!

Workout:
None.

Well, today I fixed my lack-of-sleeping dilemma! I apparently didn't hear my alarm (I can tell it went off) ... fortunately (?) I live under the helicopter flight pattern of the local hospital. I woke, thinking, "wow, that's 2 days in a row that I've heard a helicopter heading to Hazel". Rolled over, glanced at the clock ... and was suddenly wide awake, flying out of bed!!

I had about an hour to shower, dress, eat, gather food for the shift ... and head off to work!! I had eight lovely hours of sleep!! (I did make it to work on time!)

So much for my plans to workout! I was really glad I had food ready to add to my lunch cooler!

Except, a day shift coworker mistook my lunch cooler for his own. (They are the same color ... but are shaped differently.) So, I didn't have much access to clean food! I walked down to Starbucks (yes, we have one in our hospital lobby) and got a bagel and cream cheese, and some roasted, salted almonds (I was good ... I didn't get any of the evil coffee cakes, or bars, or anything). The healthiest thing I could find in the vending machine was pretzels. And, then, there was leftover baked ziti from the potluck, the night before!

I was going to go to the cafeteria when it opened at 12:30 ... but, I had enough, that I was full. I went down in the morning when they re-opened, for oatmeal.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

I ... can ... barely ... move ... my ... butt ... muscles ...

Workout:
None.

Oh my! My thighs hurt a bit from yesterday's workout ... what I feel the most, though is my butt!! Wow! Reminds me of the "old days" when I'd get a new gym membership, put a plan into place, and workout to failure ... because I could. And then would be so sore that I couldn't move for a week!!

And then, a month later, I'd find my way back to the gym again ...

Between being so sore, being really tired (5 hours yesterday caught up to me ... I got my 6 hours today, though), and having to fix food for potluck (a couple of the coworkers are being sent to the other weekend) ... I didn't have time, energy or desire for a workout today!!

But, tomorrow, I'm doing PHH Arm Toner. I'm planning on it! I love how powerful these short, 30 minute workouts are!

Goals:

1. PHH Arm Toner
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another PHH Workout

Workout:
PHH Thigh Trimmer
33 min.
burned 288 cal.
HR max: 163
HR ave: 141

Got to sleep a little later than usual today ... had my annual health screening/PPD for work ... after work. Surprisingly, I woke before the alarm went off.

I only had 5 hours of sleep, and although I feel pretty good at this point, I've got a feeling that's going to get me later!

Today I did the PHH Thigh Trimmer ... what a workout!! Wow!

I pushed until I felt muscle failure on my legs. I know I'm going to feel this one tonight!!

Lots of different lunges on that one! And some simulated machine exercises ... I could see (in the distant future) the usefulness of ankle weights on some of the exercises! I really liked the workout. A lot! This one's definitely a "keeper"!

Goals:

1. PHH Workout
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Focused on Food

Workout:
None.

I didn't get my workout done. Wednesdays are rather difficult for me. I have a long list of things to do, and short amount of time to do it ... before heading off to work.

Today, I chose to fix food for the week instead of working out. Prepared meals, and put them into containers, in the fridge, so I could just gather the food when it was time.

Goals:

1. PHH Thigh Trimmer
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

PHH workout

Workout:
PHH Ab Burner
31 min.
243 cal.
HR max: 157
HR ave: 131

This morning I woke feeling really good. Yes, I was tired, and I pushed snooze once. But, my body and my head felt awake, not cloudy like yesterday. Guess I just needed the sleep. I didn't get to sleep as early as I'd hoped (10), but, I was asleep earlier than sometimes (10:30) ... so I managed 7 1/2 hours last night.

Even with feeling better ... I did take a hour-long nap this afternoon.

Got a workout in. Not quite as planned, but, it was something, which to me, is success. And, it's enough, that I'll be feeling it for a day or two, I think ...

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Sleep

Workout:
None.

I went to bed early (for me) last night ... and got up later than usual. I actually got 9 1/2 hours, and then went back to sleep for another 1 1/2 because I decided I could still be productive, even if I didn't get up until 10.

And, I probably could have ... except that once I was up, I didn't feel very good. I had a headache, was tired, dizzy and had no energy. I ate breakfast, and then continued to feel bad. Ended up falling asleep on the couch for a while, before finally making myself get up.

I decided maybe I was dehydrated, because I was filling about the same ... not as dizzy, though. So, I downed a couple bottles of water in a short amount of time. Hoping that would help.

I'm still not feeling very good. Nothing specific that I can pinpoint, I just don't feel right.

I'm planning on going to bed early again tonight. Tomorrow, I get back on track.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X. PHH Ab Burner.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Football

Workout:
None.

Another short night. Got 5 1/2 hours of sleep.

Headed to the game. Tailgated with my friends. It was an easier tailgate than some weeks ... since it was just 4 of us (and I had a Raider fan with me) we went with the easy way of doing cold sandwiches, chips, and potato salad. After the game, we had another sandwich, and then coffee and cake.

It was a better game than last week. At least we had a touchdown!! And, it was in my endzone! That's what I like to see!! The O-Line plugged those holes that we had last week, so our QB had more time to throw. But, our running game still is stagnate. And our offense is nearly non-existant. At least our defense is awesome ... and keeping us in the game for most of the game!!

The weather was great. The wind didn't even pick-up like usual during the 3rd quarter. I never put my sweatshirt on ... until we were tailgating after the game, waiting for traffic to subside (at 5pm Candlestick Point is ALWAYS cold and windy).

On my way home, I was thinking about working out. I didn't have to "babysit", so I was going to be home in the evening. But, as I pulled into town, I was really feeling tired, and sleepy ... the last few days of not-enough sleep were really catching up to me!!

I got home. Unloaded the car. Put the perishable items in the 'fridge.

Then, I collapsed on the couch.

Totally whipped.

Fifteen hours of sleep over the last 3 days. Probably not enough.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Maybe I should call it Rest Weekend ...

Workout:
None.

I tried to go to bed early yesterday ... but didn't fall asleep until fairly late. And then had to get up early.

I had thought I might spend the day working out. But, because I'd only had about 5 hours of sleep last night (and 5 hours on Friday morning) ... I took a nap.

Poker tonight. Had fun. Didn't eat too horribly. Definitely could have been worse! I didn't stuff myself, like sometimes.

Goals:

1. Football game ... tailgating.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another Rest Day?

Workout:
None.

I woke up early ... so I could hopefully sleep well tonight, and to workout.

I had no energy for working out.

Pretty much had no energy for anything ... yes, I know that's kind of written in the double negative.

I got some grocery shopping done, for my weekend activities ... and very little else. I'm going to try to be productive tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Rest Day ... Already?!

Workout:
None.

Fasting labs today ... except that I wasn't feeling good last night at work. Body was aching (beyond the sore muscles), and I was very tired.

I didn't have the energy to walk over to Employee Health to get signed up for the labs. Besides, I got a notice from Employee Health that I am due for my annual screening, which includes PPD test ... I have to do that on my weekend to work so I don't have to make a separate trip in to get that read.

So, I chose to sleep a little longer today. And just plan on the labs, and annual screening for next Thursday morning. Besides, my physician is leaving the middle of next week for 3 weeks in Scotland ... so, I won't be able to schedule my annual physical with her until after that ... so there's no rush to get the lab work done now!

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Workout:
Plyometrics
58 min.

PHH Ab Burner
15 min.

I got my workouts in today! Yeah!

Ab Ripper X hurts my lower back when I do it, so I decided to give the PHH Ab Burner a try. It whipped my butt! I only did 15 minutes of it!! It was cool to see P90X people on it ... looking much younger, and not nearly as ripped!

Plyometrics was crazy ... I know I'll be feeling that one for a while. I'm a little sore from Chest & Back yesterday.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to get some lab work done. Don't know if I'll be successful at staying up that long. Or staying fasting when I get up in the afternoon.

Goals:

1. None ... fasting labs tomorrow.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Workout:
Chest & Back
53 min.

Didn't sleep well last night. Had a lot of stuff on my mind, I guess. I was tired, but, just couldn't let go. I made the mistake of staying up to watch Jay Leno's "Headlines" segment. I think if I'd let myself go before that I might have been able to just fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.

Once I spent the time laughing about the Headlines, I was awake. And, then I just couldn't drift off ... even knowing that I had to get up at 6am!!

Took my car in for service this morning. A little past the time for 90,000 mile service, and really past the 60,000 mile timing belt ... so it was time for some preventative maintenance for the car. I'm going to have it paid off in another month ... I need it to keep running for a few more years!!

Then, because I was so tired, really dragging booty. I decided to take a nap ... today, I actually had difficulty getting up after my hour and a half nap. That is usually the perfect amount of time for me ... a little bit more or less and I'm groggy! But, increments of 45 min. seem to work well.

I did finally get my workout in. But, I made a deal with myself. If I did nothing else today, I was going to do Chest and Back. After I got the workout done, I had only about an hour or so left to get productive. So, I've deferred the Ab Ripper X for tomorrow. I can do it tomorrow with Plyometrics.

Between today and tomorrow, any movement I make will be difficult without great discomfort ... I love that feeling. I've been missing it.

Today I decided to do the workout a little different. Normally, I start out doing "regular-style" push-ups (on my toes) until failure, and then I drop to my knees and finish. I was reading in the book where Tony says to start out on your knees, and when you can do 12 reps, to get up on your toes.

So, just as an experiment to see where I am right now, in my fitness/strength, I decided to do all the push-ups on my knees (next week I'll do regular-style push-ups on the ones that I was able to do more than 12 ... and on the other ones, I'm going to work at getting to 12 ... or beyond). For the pull-ups I used my black band (it says "heavy") around my pull-up bar, and I stretched it as far back as I could, to add to the resistance.

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 15 (knees); 14 (knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (black band); 12 (black band)
Military Push-Ups: 10 (knees); 10 (knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (black band); 15 (black band)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 16 (knees); 15 (knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15 (black); 12 (black)
Decline Push-Ups: 6; 1 (need to work more on these ... I used to be pretty good with declines)
Heavy Pants: 12, 15#; 12, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 9 (knees); 8 (pulled my fingers about 5 inches apart)
Lawnmowers: 12, 15#; 12, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 3; 3 (these were done on my feet, and I went under for the return ... like the guys were doing)
Back Flys: 5, 15#; 7, 15# (for the second set, I went into "heavy pants" position, but pulled my arms up like in flyes ... seemed to be a better position for me at this time, otherwise wouldn't have gotten much lift in my arms)

Tonight, I'm planning on getting to bed much earlier than last night. Hopefully I will be able to sleep. I've had no afternoon coffee or tea, so I'm hoping that whatever stimulus that kept me awake last night will stay away tonight. Actually, even with my nap today, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight (workouts will do that to me).

Plan for tomorrow is to get my grocery shopping done ... I need more fresh veggies and fruit. And, do Plyometrics and Ab Ripper X.

Goals:

1. Plyometrics. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

----------------
Now playing on iTunes: Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart
via FoxyTunes

day 6

Workout:
HHA - Fat Burning Cardio 2
44 min.

I got 8 1/2 hours of sleep last night! I was tired, so had no trouble drifting off to sleep. Then, I had this totally cool dream (don't remember what it was about) that got interrupted by my alarm clock. That was kind of a bummer.

Even with all that sleep, I was still tired, so I ended up taking a nap in the morning. I decided that as tired as I was, I wasn't going to probably be very productive. But, if I laid down for an hour or so, I might be able to get up, and get a few things done, anyway.

It was a very effective hour and a half spent napping.

Again, I decided to skip the HR monitor, and just workout.

My original plan had been to start back on a P90X (Power 90 X) rotation on October 1st. But, between working the weekend, and then being gone all day on Sunday with tailgating/football game, I didn't have time to work on my plan of attack.

So, I stuck the HHAs DVD in, and did that, instead. I have now planned out my first week. My non-work days (when I have more time) I am doing P90X with possible doubles, if I have the time. On my work days, I'm either going to be doing PHH (Power Half Hour) or HHA (Hip Hop Abs). Even though I have not yet been consistent with it, I really do believe in my ability to spend 30-45 minutes on those work days, to work out.

Eating could have been better today. But, it wasn't horrible, either. I just didn't eat as often as I probably should have.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 5

Workout:
None.

Today was "rest day" ... and "cheat day".

Football game.

Tailgating was fun. We had a good sized group, and had an enjoyable time. The game on the other hand was rather miserable ... we lost, 23-3. How pathetic is that?!

Didn't get a lot of sleep. I had a bunch of stuff to do, but I did get 6 hours, after my 4 1/2 hour nap during the day.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 4

Workout:
None.

Cramping today. Called in sick.

Was going to try to get a workout in, but, didn't. Tomorrow is out ... tailgating and the game ... I'll be gone all day (close to 12 hours: with driving up, tailgating, watching the game, tailgating while waiting for traffic to mellow, driving back home).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 3

Workout:
None.

Today I got 6 hours of sleep!! Yeah!

But, I woke with a headache, and really needed to get myself focused on going in to work, I skipped the workout today.

Still eating clean.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 2

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.8 miles)
25 min.

Only 5 1/2 hours sleep today, but I got up and got moving.

Perfect weather for a run ... breezy, cool, slightly winter-like. And, once I got going, I was sweaty!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

new mindset follow-through ... day 1

Workout:
Hip Hop Abs (HHA) - Cardio Groove
40 min.

As much as I love statistical evidence of my workouts ... I love seeing the number of calories burned, and how my HR changes, trying to push my average HR higher, and closer to my maximum HR ... I wanted to remove as many obstacles to working out as possible. Not that putting on my HR monitor strap and watch is that labor intensive, it's one more thing that delays my workout.

So, I chose not to wear the HR monitor today.

I only got 5 1/2 hours of sleep last night. Woke 2 1/2 hours early.

And, of course, with that little amount of sleep, I was dragging fairly early in my day. So, I took my 3 hour back-to-work nap earlier than usual.

But, I got my workout in!! I've come up with a plan, and I'm pushing myself to get 'er done!

I recently bought more of the HHAs DVDs ... Ultimate Results & Dance Party. I decided to try out one of the Dance Party workouts today.

Goals:

1. Get my workout done.
   

New mindset

I slept well. Woke before the alarm ...

During my down-time (drinking coffee, waiting to take the kids to school), I sat down with a pen and notepad and did some searching inside myself.

As you all know, I've been working on my vision/mission statement & goals. I had them complete, but they really weren't much different than what I usually use (apparently my vision for myself is consistent).

It wasn't good enough for me, though. Obviously, if they were the vision and plan that I usually have ... and they're obviously NOT working, then, they weren't enough.

So, this morning, I decided to figure out what I really wanted, and why I was so driven to workout a few months, or a year ago ... but not now. I've been trying to figure out in my head (I should know better ... I do best when pen hits paper) what is different between now and "before".

So, this is what I came up with:

Reasons I was successful before:
* saw great results--muscles, decrease in BF, decreased size in pics and measurements
* I felt stronger
* blogging
* didn't want to have to tell people I was "too lazy"
* accountability - Nohad, Lori, weblog, MDB friends
* priority
* less aches and pains after working

Why it's not working now:
* enjoying my down-time too much
* unmotivated
* not holding myself accountable
* overwhelmed by all that needs to be done (not workout-related)
* don't really care
* still living vicariously through the old accomplishments.

What needs to change:
* make exercise a priority
* take the time to get measurements and pictures taken
* find a way to be accountable again
* keep up/catch up on weblog
* daily accountability posts on MDB
* daily focus on my vision for myself
* I need to live up to Laurel's nickname for me: "P90X"

I want ...
* defined muscles
* to have to go shopping for new clothes
* to be ripped
* abs that "pop"
* to look hot in a bikini in December (I live in California ... it could happen; 21 days of vacation from work in January)
* the endurance to be able to climb Half Dome (and back) in under 12 hours next summer
* a raging metabolism
* to not ache after a 12 hour shift and 6 hrs. of sleeping

How am I getting there?
* Monthly measurements and pictures to track progress and MOTIVATE
* eat "clean" at least 90% of my meals
* eat 5-6 meals every day
* drink 6 bottles (12 8-oz.) water every day
* exercise: 3 days/week for 60 minutes (minimum) on my non-work days; 3 days/week for 30 minutes on my work days
* do not eat 3 hours before sleep
* sleep: work days - 6 hours; non-work days - 8 hours

So, there's my plan ... starting today!

another excuse

Workout:
None.

I bought a propane powered portable grill for tailgating yesterday. I had to finish putting it together today. Then, I got my new cell phone in the mail, so, of course, I had to charge up the battery ... and PLAY WITH IT!! (I'm a nerd, what can I say?!)

I got the new chocolate ... a black chocolate ... you know, rich, dark 70% cacao!

It's a fun little phone!

Funny thing is, my phone, which had ceased working properly, suddenly started working again ... the day the new phone was to arrive! Suddenly, I could make and receive calls without the wired headset being plugged in. Guess I have another back-up now ... if things go wrong.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

errands

Workout:
None.

Today I ran errands. There were several things I'd been needing to get ... and it's about 20-30 minutes to the place that I buy the stuff (Costco run, Trader Joe's run ... etc.)

So, my day was spent rushing around doing all that. I thought I would be able to get back in time to workout ... but, I was too exhausted after all that to be able to get a workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Are you ready for some football?

Workout:
None.

Had a good weekend. But didn't really get a lot of sleep.

So, today, it was all about watching football ... and napping. I thought about working out. Going for a run. Something. But then I drifted off to sleep!

The outcome of the game wasn't very good, but, I thought we held on for most of the game ... our offense just really needs to get the fire that our defense has!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

catch-up

Workout:
None.

Didn't get my workout done today.

Had a good, relaxing weekend ... but it didn't include a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Housework

Workout:
None.

Today was a "housework" day. Instead of working out, I got things done.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Today I had a lot going on. Had to stay after work to get my mammogram done.

Then, we had a potluck at work, so, when I got up, I had to fix healthy, vegetarian food (couldn't go the easy, lazy way).

And, then, on the "fun" side of things ... I purchased my phone upgrade. My cellphone died this week ... partially ... I could only make or receive calls if my wired headset was in. And, the cellphone company told me that I was due for an early upgrade ... how convenient!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Too Busy Doing Other Things

Workout:
None.

Between getting ready for work: grocery shopping, cooking/prepping food for the weekend and my nap ... I didn't have time to get my workout done today (again).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Day 2

Workout:
P90 sculpt 1/2
32 min.
burned 194 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 117

I woke this morning feeling like I'd had a workout yesterday!! (Good thing ... I'd hate to think I wasted 45 min. of my life!) I'm not so sore that I can't move, but, I definitely feel it.

And, even better, is the fact that my right shoulder doesn't feel any worse, after the workout. So, I decided to push myself a little more today. I used 5 lb. weights for the shoulder workouts. I did forgo the chair dips (my shoulder hurt with those before my triceps). There was more of the mild discomfort when I was raising my arm, mostly in the stretching, not so much when there were weights in my arms. I did cut shoulder flyes short, when my shoulder started to hurt.

Based on how well I was able to do these workouts, I think I'll change my plans ... I'm bumping up to 3/4 tomorrow.

Workouts, two days in a row. The fun part of that, is that I get a big red X in 2 squares on my calendar!! Yippee! ;-)

Now, I just need to focus more on my intake. Eating clean is my next focus.

Goals:

1. P90 Sweat 3/4
2. AB200
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Restart ... again ...

Workout:
P90 Sweat 1/2
AB100
43 min.
burned 291 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 123

I decided, that since I hadn't done any of the DVD workouts in a while, I shouldn't just jump into the X. So, today I started P90. I loved that I was able to keep up with Tony, and that during the AB100, I didn't have nearly all the breaks that I remember taking, when I first did P90 (2 years ago, I think).

Unfortunately, I did feel a little pain in my shoulder ... during the stretch & power yoga sections, and during some the lower-body cardio arm-swinging exercises ... but surprisingly not during the punches. Not sure how tomorrow, with sculpt 1/2 will go, because of the shoulder. I'm going to give it a try, using the 3 and 5 lb. weights for the shoulder exercises. If that hurts too much, I will just skip the upper-body exercises that hurt my shoulder (including push-ups ... plank hurt today), and double up on the lower body stuff (squats, lunges and calf exercises).

I've scheduled 5 P90 1/2 workouts this week. And next week, another 5 or 6 (I might do running on the work days) P90 3/4 workouts.

Those 2 weeks of workouts will put me at an October start for the next round of workouts. I'll take a Sunday "rest day" (after my weekend of work ... I will be leaving for the game from work), and then plan for a new program start on Monday. I'm leaning toward another P90X round ... but I just ordered additional HHAs (Hip Hop Abs) workouts and PHH (Power Half Hour) workouts. So, there may be a month or two of those routines in there, before I start P90X again, before the end of the year.

I'm interested in the variety of different workouts. However, when I was consistently doing P90X, I felt the best (no aches and pains after a night of work, and I was able to turn my patients by myself) ... the healthiest and strongest.

Goals:

1. P90 sculpt 1/2
2. Run/Walk 3.5 miles
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Yes, football is LIFE!

Workout:
None.

Don't really have much of an excuse ... spent the day watching football and dozing on the couch!

I'd say, "there's always tomorrow" ... but that just seems to cliche!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Getting better

Workout:
Rest

I'm actually surprised at how much easier I am moving today. I was surprised that my upper body wasn't as sore as I expected it would be, with all the pulling up the cables. I'm a little stiff, and slow to move after I've been sitting for a while (like driving in the car), but otherwise, I'm moving a whole lot better!!

Goals:

1. Rest
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The day after ...

Workout:
Rest and Recovery ...

I'm pretty sore today ... doing a lot of stretching ... hoping I don't get giardia ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Half Dome

I've been writing up my experience ... I'll get it posted here, soon.

In the meantime ... here's a picture of me ... at the top!!






















I'm whipped, and tired, but totally stoked that I pushed myself ... even when I wanted to give up ... and made it to the top. I survived the personal stress of the cables (I'm afraid of heights, but, I couldn't go all that way, and NOT go to the top!!).

Bridalveil Creek

Workout:
Hike along Bridalveil Creek (~ 2 miles)

My brother & his kids & I went for a little hike in the afternoon. Breathing is easier today, but, it's still difficult with the exertion of walking up the hill to the bathroom.

Tomorrow's the "big hike"!!

I'm nervous, and worried, and excited.

Thanks to all the recent publicity of people falling off the rock, I've been having nightmares about climbing to the top. It doesn't help that my nephew is a bit of a hyperactive kind of kid ... so, that is adding to my nervousness, I'm sure!

Our plan is to start at Glacier Point, taking the Panoramic Trail to the top of Nevada Falls, and then from there, head up to the top of Half Dome. The return will be down to Yosemite Valley by way of the Mist Trail, to the van, where my mom will be waiting.

Goals:

1. Half Dome
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Vacation

Workout:
None.

I got up very early in the morning. Showered (my last one until I return on Tuesday), loaded the car, gassed up the car, and headed out!

After my 3 1/2 hour drive, I arrived at the campsite where my parents, brother & his kids were already camping. (Some of us have to work for a living!!) ;)

Today, my exercise is attempting to acclimate to the higher altitude (about 7400 feet) ... coming from just slightly above sea level, just breathing is hard work!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Getting ready for camping

Workout:
None.

I got canceled from work today. And, instead of working out, I had quite a few things to do, errands to run, that kind of thing, for my early morning drive for Yosemite, so I skipped out on a workout.

I did do quite a bit of walking (shopping), while trying to break-in my new hiking boots (I'm taking my old pair just in case I don't feel comfortable enough in the new ones).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

starting slow

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.48 miles)
54 min.
burned 479 cal.
HR max: 168
HR ave: 142

I got out there!! Last day before going to work, and I managed to get out there and get my workout in! I did the little 3 1/2 mile loop near my place. There's 1 small little hill that I hit ... in 2 different spots ... on this loop.

It felt good to get back out there again.

Now, I just need to get back into the routine again.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day down

Workout:
None.

Again, I didn't get a workout done today. I had a hair appointment with my new "hair-person" ... my coworker's sister. I think about half the hospital probably goes to her! I'm not worried. I know she'll do good ... her sister will give her a hard time if she messes up my hair too bad. Besides, my hair is pretty easy ...

First thing this morning, when I woke up ... the Omron body fat handheld measuring device says ... 33.3%

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Rest Day

Workout:
None.

Well, my plan was to do something today ... at least a walk, or yoga ... but, I was so hot, I pretty much just laid, in front of the fan all day long!!

I've started the research for training for Half Dome. Unfortunately, the last week before the hike is supposed to be "rest week". But, I'll plan some exercise without causing too much strain on the ol' bod!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Race Day!

T minus 0 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Wharf to Wharf 6 mile race
1:30:40
burned 1061 cal.
HR max: 182
HR ave: 167

Well, I did it!! I completed the Wharf to Wharf race ... and I wasn't the last one across the finish line!! That's all that matters to me, really!!

It was crazy, and crowded. 15,000+ people crammed in front of the Boardwalk is a little bit crazy!! It was a little while before I could even start walking, after the gun went off. And, even longer before I could begin to jog!

I didn't train for hills, and there were a few of them on the route. I also noticed my knee bothering me a little during the run. Afterwards, once I was done, it stopped, so, I think it was probably because of the curves in the road ... it was a nicely graded road, that is fun to drive (as I recall from my teenage years) ... not so great as a running surface.







That's me ... in the salmon colored tank top.



Well, I'm "in" now ... I'm going to get the annual invite back to the race! And, I think I'm going to accept. A few of my coworkers are now talking about maybe doing it next year, so, that will make it more fun ... if we're running somewhat close to each other, anyway!

Goals:

1. Rest
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Tomorrow ...

T minus 1 day until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None ... Rest Day

Today, I mostly took it easy. There was a little walking, but, not a whole lot. At one point, I thought I was going to have to walk about 1 1/2 to 2 miles back to my car, but, my brother was very sweet, and walked back for his car, and then came and got me, dropping me off at my car.

I'm pretty sore in the glutes, and legs today from those workouts. I didn't do much running this week, but, I definitely used the muscles!!

Unfortunately, I didn't plan ahead ... I should have stayed at my brother's house ... would have saved me an hour of sleep!! But, I had to go back home tonight to gather up my stuff!!

On a side note ... I confirmed, this weekend, that a week from tomorrow (a week after the race), I am going to be climbing to the top of Half Dome!!

So much for training, huh?

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

So close ... I can almost taste it ...

T minus 2 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Legs & Back
50 min.
burned 325 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 121

Slept a little better today. Slept in a little more than I have been. I've been trying to make myself get up early, even though I didn't have to, but because I tend to go to bed rather late, that makes for short nights!

Legs were feeling weak, and collapsing, so I quit early. I decided, since I've got 6 miles in 2 days, to not push myself to complete muscle failure!

Legs & Back:
Balanced Lunges: 12
Calf Raise Squats: 20/10#
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (black)
Super Skaters: 20
Wall Squat: done
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Step Back Lunges: 15
Alternating Side Lunges: 14
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Single Leg Wall Squat: did regular wall squats
Dead Lift Squats: 15
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Three-way Lunge: done
(went directly into cool-down)

Tomorrow, I'll be taking it easy. A little walking, perhaps, but not too much!! Don't want to use the muscles too much before I do the Wharf to Wharf!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

No "butterflies" yet!

T minus 3 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Exercise Challenge:
24 push-ups
1 min., 35 sec. wall squat
55 mason twists

Ab Ripper X
31 min.
burned 147 cal.
HR max: 129
HR ave: 106

I'm pretty sore today from yesterday's workout. Didn't notice it so much yesterday, or last night.

Ab Ripper X: (300 + 55 "challenge mason twists")
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25 (easier)
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 16
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 10

Wide-legs were easier to do this time. I also noticed that my left knee was hurting during most of ARX. Not sure what that is about. But, something to pay attention to ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Getting closer ...

T minus 4 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Kenpo X
61 min.
burned 412 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 123

Got the workout in today ... I was wondering about the wisdom, of doing KenpoX (a workout that causes me soreness in my legs) a few days before the race, but, also thought that it might be far enough out ...

I really brought it today ... including the stretch at the beginning. Usually I'm not able to complete it ... I end up flaking out. Today, I even held onto my toes!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Wait ... how many days left?!

T minus 5 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Exercise Challenge:
25 pushups
1 min., 21 sec. wall squat
61 mason twists

Run/Walk (1.89 mi.)
31 min.
burned 264 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 140

Watched a movie late last night ... "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". It was a cute one. I borrowed it from a friend quite some time ago ... hadn't gotten around to watching it.

So, I got to sleep rather late. It took me a while to get going today, with the exercise. And, compared to some of my output, it was pretty pathetic. But, I did it!!

I set new challenge goals, since it had been a couple weeks since I'd done them. I had difficulty getting there ... but, there's always next time. My goal for pushups was 35 (I did 25 ... not a bad number), I wanted to up my last wall squat numbers by 20 sec., to 1 min., 45 sec. (I didn't quite get there), and, I shot for a goal of 60 mason twists (I got just past it). So, now, I need to work on new numbers for Thursday.

The run was pretty pathetic. I did actually leave my house with the 2 mile or 30 min. goal. Unfortunately, half of it was walking, not running. But, since it had been a while since I've been running, I felt I should start out a little slower ... get back in the groove.

It felt good to get back out there, doing some exercise. But, I was also exhausted. I sat down to look through a magazine ... and ended up falling asleep. So, I decided to take a nap ... ended up being an hour and a half. Got up and ate, since it had been a while. And, started drifting off again, once I sat down.

Today, I'm not beating myself up over my lack of energy. I'm more puzzled by it. Yes, I realize I got only 6 1/2 hours of sleep last night. But, I don't think I should be this tired. I've been drinking my water, and taking my vitamins regularly, lately.

I just hope this isn't how I spend my days off from work this week!

I did eventually get busy ... and productive. Got a few easy tasks done.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The countdown continues ...

T minus 6 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None.

I still seem to have no energy. It wasn't even my weekend to work, and I'm still recuperating on Monday!!

I spent a lot of down-time not doing a whole lot. And, was ready to fall asleep rather early in the evening. Actually, I wanted a nap in the morning ... or afternoon ... too!! I didn't get one, but, neither was I very productive.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The countdown begins ...

T minus 7 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None.

I should have gotten back on track with the running. I've got 7 days until the Wharf to Wharf race ... 6 miles. But, I was so exhausted from my lack of sleep for the last few days, I ended up sleeping until 1:30 pm!!

I spent the afternoon with the family. Had a nice time. Saw some friends I hadn't seen in a while.

But, I didn't workout.

In the evening, when I should have stepped things up ... I fell asleep on the couch, watching TV!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

weekend

Workout:
None.

Got up early this morning. Didn't sleep well last night. Kept waking up. I was hot. Was afraid I'd oversleep.

Got everything done I needed to do this morning, before heading off for the day. Spent time with the family.

I ended up staying longer than I probably should have. Which got me home pretty late.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

weekend off

Workout:
None.

I had planned to get a little workout in when I got up today. But, again, I got to bed later than usual.

I went out to breakfast after work, with friends (coworkers). Had a lovely breakfast. When I got home, I discovered that someone was there to power-wash the building. So, I had to move the car out of the carport so it wouldn't get power-washed. And, I had to go around shutting all the windows (5 of them), and pull out the A/C from the window, as well ... before I could go to sleep.

I was a little worried about how I was going to get to sleep with the power-washing going on ... I've tried before, and it's pretty difficult. But, thanks to the fact that I've got 2 fans in my bedroom ... I put them both on high ... they make great "white noise". I didn't hardly hear a thing!! And, I slept cool, which was a good thing, considering that I had to have the windows closed!!

I got up in time to run to the grocery store for a few items for Saturday. And then I had to get ready for Bill Maher. Good show. He was at De Anza College, at the Flint Center. We ate dinner at a restaurant across the street ... didn't even know Hobee's still existed ... all of the ones I know about are no longer there!! Then, got to the show just in time!

Got home a little bit late ... not as late as I thought it might be, though. I went right to bed, because I had to get up early in the morning (6 am).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Today, I chose sleep. I needed it. I ended up getting to bed a little later than usual, so, I slept the whole day.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

scheduling

Workout:
None.

Had another day of scheduling issues getting in the way of my workouts.

After my two days of running on the treadmill, I felt that my knees needed a break. So, my plan was to sleep in a little, and then do a P90X workout. But, instead, I had to get up at 5:30 to give a ride to football practice. I went back to bed, only to get another wake-up call at 7:45 for a pick-up from football practice ...

Anyway, due to some other circumstances beyond my control, that came up, I didn't get home until about 11:30 ... and then needed to take a nap because I was so exhausted from the lack of sleep last night. And, staying up 28 hours straight is just way too difficult for me anymore ... so I HAD to have my nap.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Sheri's Boot Camp

"Don't take anyone else's definition of success as your own." ~~ Jacqueline Briskin, author

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.5 miles)
41 min.
burned 336 cal.
HR max: 166
HR ave: 136

Ab Ripper X
30 min.
burned 176 cal.
HR max: 136
HR ave: 107

Shoulders & Arms
76 min.
burned 524 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 125

In some ways, today was harder than yesterday, but, also easier! Getting up was easier. I didn't have to take anyone anywhere, so, although there was this tempting thought of not getting up, I very easily just told myself to get up. So, physically getting out of bed was easier today.

Mentally the workout was harder. I was bored with the treadmill by today, and a little sore, so I didn't push myself as hard. I spent more time walking with little bursts of jogging/running.

But, I did it. And, by my measure of success ... I was successful.

I was pretty tired yesterday afternoon and evening, with getting up early, and the short night of sleep. Today, I've scheduled in a nap after my workouts, because it appears I'm going to need it with these early-morning wake-ups! Even with the nap, I'm pretty tired, so at least for this week, I'm not getting up early on Wednesday (staying up 26 or more hours in a row is pretty difficult, even with a nap in there).

Ab Ripper X: (296 + 50 "challenge mason twists")
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 10
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 12

I had to take multiple breaks with Ab Ripper X ... but, I increased my numbers a little more. I'm almost to the point of doing all of the exercises ... then I'll focus more on form.

I'm sure I struggled more, because of doing the 50 mason twists for my "challenge" earlier. But, I pushed myself ... even though the couch was calling!!

Drinking a little bit of recovery drink before hitting Shoulders & Arms. Actually, I feel like I probably need to eat a snack, as well!!

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 15 reps; 15#, 10 reps
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (increase the weight next time)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 10 reps
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15#, 9 reps; 15#, 8 reps
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 15#, 10 reps; 15#, 8 reps
Chair Dips: 12; 12 (right now, it looks like the bent-knee ones are the way to go for me)
Upright Rows: 10#, 13 reps; 10#, 12 reps
Static Arm Curls: 15#, 8 reps, 10#, 8 reps; 15#, 8 reps, 10#, 8 reps (tried to go with the 15s here ... starting with 10s would have been too easy, though)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 2 reps, 5#, 12 reps (here, 8s would be useful)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 10#, 6 reps, 5#, 10 reps; 5#, 16 reps (another spot where 8s would be useful)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 9 reps (quads give me more pain than the biceps on this one!)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 11 reps; 10#, 7 reps
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 10#, 11 reps (I thought I might be too tired to do more than 5s ... but they were almost useless!)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 12 reps (I just focused on my arms)
Side Tri-rises: 10-10; 9-9 (in the words of Tony ... I was "toasty toast")

It looks like I may have to break down and buy myself some 8# weights. There were a couple of the exercises that the 10s were just too much, but the 5s weren't enough. I've tried to avoid getting the 8s, since on most things, I'm past that weight, but, I would probably benefit more from the workouts, if I'm lifting the proper weight (and, it's not like 8s would "break the bank").

Over 1000 extra calories burned today. I met my goal! Now, I just need to make sure I eat enough good, wholesome food so I can do this all over again!! I'm finishing off my workout with recovery drink.

Plans for tomorrow:

I'll get up at my usual time, not the early time (I work tomorrow night). My knees are feeling well used today, so I'm going to take a break from running tomorrow. On the agenda is Kenpo X & Yoga X. I won't be burning the calories, like today, but it will be 2 1/2 hours of working out ... and an attempt to make "doubles" a habit.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

the beginning of a new week ...

Workout:

Run/Walk (3 1/2 miles)
50 min.
burned 503 cal.
HR max: 174
HR ave: 153

Today's horoscope for Aries: Luck is certainly on your side these days. You possess fairly consistent energy to implement your plans, but be sure to get enough rest and quiet to avoid burnout.

I woke up early this morning ... 5:20 am. I bought the Omron Body Fat calculator ... wanted to check it out first thing in the morning ... 34%. I'd like to do measurements, and see how close it is to the numbers I've been getting.

I had to get my friend's son to football practice by 6 ... and then I headed for the gym. I got there right at 6 am. I haven't been to the gym that early in the morning, so I had no idea how crowded it might be ... it wasn't.

I had a good run on the treadmill. I started with a 5 min. warm-up, and then eased into a 13 min./mile pace, which I held for the completion of the 1st mile. Then, I upped it to a 12 min./mile for the 2nd mile. After a short brisk-walk break, I got back up to the 13 min./mile pace until it was time for the 5 min. cool-down.

On my way out of the gym, I stopped at the pull-up assist machine, and did 3 sets of assisted pullups.

It felt good to get up early and get it done this morning. I am quite proud of myself for getting up early and working out. I didn't get as much done as I'd planned/hoped, but, I got up and burned some calories.

I had to drop off my car to get the oil changed, and the brakes replaced ... so my exercise included the approximately 3/4 mile from Speedy to Target and then home. Plus, the 1/2 mile return trip a few hours later to get my car back.

So, I decided to take the advice of my horoscope (something I normally read for the humor in how off the mark it is) ... and take a nap today!! ;-)

Tomorrow, I'm planning on getting up early again. I'll go running at the gym again. I'm going to stay on a little longer tomorrow. I should be getting more sleep tonight, so, I'm hoping for more energy to get an additional workout--a P90X workout--done tomorrow, along with all the other things I need to do tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day down

Workout:
None.

I woke up too late today to get a workout in.

But, I'm getting my mind right for a great start tomorrow.

I've got exactly 2 weeks before the Wharf to Wharf 6 mile race. And my training has been pathetic.

It's time to step-it-up. I know I'm capable. I've done it in the past.

Tomorrow is going to start early with a run. Then, there's going to be a P90X workout. And, the exercise challenge of push-ups, wall squats & mason twists.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another work

Workout:
None.

Again ... sleep was more important than working out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another work day

Workout:
None.

Almost got a chance to come home early tonight.

Would have been nice!

Again, I opted for sleep instead of working out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Weekend to work. Opted for sleep instead of a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy 4th of July ... Independence Day!!

Workout:
Jillian Michael's Cardio Kickboxing
25 min.
burned 222 cal.
HR max: 164
HR ave: 143

I had an invitation to attend some Independence Day celebrations, run a 10K, and eat apple pie & coffee for breakfast. Decided I wouldn't have any time to do the things I need to do on Wednesday before going to work for the weekend. So, I passed on the Spreckle's Town Independence Day celebrations. I'd already decided to pass on the 10K!!

I took my nap early ... by sleeping in, instead of getting up early. It was supposed to be pretty hot today ... pushing 100. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep later in the day when it was nap time ... and much hotter.

Most of my afternoon was taken up by installing my A/C in my bedroom window.

It was pretty warm when I got working out. But, it ended up not being as hot as it was supposed to be. 80s. I decided to give the workout a try. But, I was afraid that the intensity required for running, or a P90X workout would be too much with the heat. I pulled out the Jillian Michaels DVDs (Biggest Loser) and gave the Cardio Kickboxing a try.

I didn't like that I started the DVD having no clue how long it was (nothing was written anywhere). There was too much talking to begin with ... I'd like to be able to cut out the "social time" ... during the first couple minutes or so of the DVD. But, otherwise, it was a pretty good workout. The intensity can definitely be adjusted on it.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

errand day

Workout:
None.

I did errands today. It was getting pretty hot today. Well into the 90s. I ran my errands today, thinking that it would cool off enough in the mid-afternoon for me to workout.

It didn't.

Even in the evening, it was pretty warm. And, by then, I wasn't in the mood to workout!! I had a few things to do, and then I just wanted to veg-out & then go to bed!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

gardening

Workout:
gardening

I was exhausted from my late night last night, with little sleep Saturday night. I did actually take a nap in the late morning.

Probably would have kept pushing "snooze" at 1pm if the earthquake hadn't hit!! (I'd been pushing snooze for the last 30 minutes!)

It was enough of a jolting that it got me up off the couch!!

So, then I got busy ... in the backyard, doing gardening things. It was so hot ... I was sweating like crazy!! Rivers were rolling down my face. I had droplets falling in my eyes. And, when I tried to shake my head to get my hair out of my face, I saw the sweat drops go flying!! (Hope the plants don't mind a little salt-water!!)

It was a nice day. I was actually fairly productive, considering that I spent a few hours in the late morning, early afternoon sleeping!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Birthday Party

Workout:
swimming in pool at my parents'

Today was a party for my Grandpa. He turned 94 on Friday. So my parents, aunt & uncle threw a party for him at his house. A couple friends were there, but mostly it was family. My dad's got a cousin near-by, and his nephews are also in the area ... so I met a few "cousins" that I hadn't ever met.

My brother and his kids went, so, I had my brother stop by and pick me up. I drove part of the way back home ... it's 4 hours from my brother's house (3 hours from my place).

Went swimming in my parent's pool with my brother, nieces and nephew. My little cousins (my cousin's kids) were there swimming with us, too. Had fun ... had to work hard, to keep up with the kids, though!! ;-) Mostly, I joined them, doing cannonballs off the diving board, and then swam laps when I started feeling a little cool ... when the sun was going down.

I got home pretty late. Nearly 1 am. But, it was a good day!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Hike

Workout:
6 mile hike to Frog Lake and back (up a big, never-ending hill on the return)

Today I went for a hike with a friend of mine. She'd never been hiking before! Seems strange to me, because growing up, my family went on hikes ... a lot.

I packed a picnic lunch for us. We hiked in on a fairly moderate, mostly flat trail to Frog Lake, 3 1/2 miles. We snacked at Frog Lake. Then, hit the trail again, opting for the slightly more brutal, shorter route back to the car.

Poker was later. Had a good time. I did actually win a little, but I mostly lost money. But, I had a good time. I made my veggie lasagna & veggie 9-layer dip, with multi-grain chips.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

nothing

Workout:
None.

I had plans to do my exercise challenge of push-ups, wall squats & mason twists today. Along with another workout, if I could.

I was drained. I didn't have the energy ... or desire.

And then, I headed back to bed soon after ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

back to work ...

Workout:
None.

Today, I chose sleep, instead of a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

third new workout

Workout:

Exercise Challenge:
26 push-ups
1 min., 54 sec. wall squat
59 mason twists

SSE Cool It Off
29 min.
burned 94 cal.
HR max: 129
HR ave: 93

Today I did the 3rd DVD of the Slim Series Express workouts. Cool It Off ... stretching. It was a good stretch, some lower back discomfort with some of the stretches. I thought it was a good 30 minute stretch overall. And, again, I liked the music. I do feel more stretched, though, after X Stretch.

Overall, I think it's going to be a no-go for me, though ... seems a little crazy to spend that kind of money on 1 30 minute workout.

I set my challenge goals at what I thought was just out of reach for me. And, I met or surpassed most of them. Which tells me, I need to push myself a little harder to achieve my goals. I can go farther than I thought possible.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another new workout

Workout:
SSE Cardio Sculpt
27 min. (I quit it a little early)
burned 156 cal.
HR max: 144
HR ave: 118

Ab Ripper X
28 min.
burned 136 cal.
HR max: 135
HR ave: 107

Ab Ripper X: (281 ... big jump-up here)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 16
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 14
Oblique V-Up: 20x2
Leg Climb: 8x2
Mason Twist: 20

Today was the Slim Series Express Cardio Sculpt workout. I didn't care so much for the dancing with the weights. To me, it felt like the dancing gave me too much momentum with the weights. And, I felt too loose ... like I didn't have control with my movements. I was afraid of injury because of it. I did like the music on this one, as well ... it was easy to move to.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

new workouts

Workout:

Exercise Challenge:
20 pushups
1 min., 13 sec. wall squat
50 mason twists

SSE Cardio Core
29 min.
burned 225 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 134

My challenge numbers were a bit pathetic. But, I tried!

I tried out the Slim Series Express DVD today. Cardio Core. It's a good, quick core workout. I liked the music, and my core was sore this evening. If I needed a short, supplemental workout (less than 30 min.), I would do this one.

Had a party to attend, at a friend's house, for another friend of ours.

I was kind of dreading going. Mildly stressful getting life ready to attend. Food to prepare. That kind of thing. But, once I was there, I really had a good time. I did break down, and had 1 1/2 Mike's Light Lemonades with a bottle of water between them, and lots of water and a cup of coffee afterwards.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

do we see a pattern here?

Workout:
None.

I had scheduled and planned on working out today. A long run, or Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X. I don't work tonight, so I can usually get through sleep deprivation for a few hours.

But ... I pushed snooze ... or turned off my alarm ... something.

I woke up barely in time for me to leave for my Sunday evening responsibilities. Oops!

I got 9 1/2 hours of sleep, though!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

and some more sleep ...

Workout:
None.

Again, I woke up a little bit early ... but not enough for me to get moving in time to get a workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

more sleep

Workout:
None.

I got up a few minutes early ... but didn't get moving soon enough to workout.

I had planned to work some more on the challenge, but, I forgot about it!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

sleep

Workout:
None.

I thought about trying to get up a little early to do a quick, 30 minute workout. But, I've noticed that when I push myself too hard after the first night I work, it's that much harder for me to try to get up the other days ... or in my recovery on Monday and Tuesday after my weekend.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

back to work

Workout:
12 pushups

I'm feeling sore from Chest & Back yesterday. I'm doing a pushup, wall squat & mason twist challenge ... but, didn't get started. Except for a quick attempt of pushups before heading for work.

I am so sore, my muscles were hurting as I was reaching out to the floor to do the pushups! Any more, and I would have fallen on my face!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

no "just a second" today ...

Workout:
Chest & Back (minus cool down)
Plyometrics (minus warm up & last 2 sections)
1 hr., 28 min.
burned 615 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 126

"What counts in the battle is what you do once the pain sets in." -John Short.

I planned for a little more than I had time for today. But, I got quite a workout in, anyway! (Even if I did have to drop the 30 minute run ... a break is probably good for me, anyway!)

Just before the cool down of Chest & Back, I noticed the time. I could either go for my run, but not have enough time to do anything significant in Plyo, or I could not run, and do most of Plyo. I chose Plyo. Besides ... from a training standpoint, it's like running 5 miles ... or so I've heard.

So, instead of doing the cool down, I popped the DVD out, and started up Plyometrics. Then, skipped ahead to after the warm up (I figured I was warm enough!!).

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 14 (6 reg., 8 knees); 14 (3 reg., 11 knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 4 (4 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Military Push-Ups: 8 (3 reg., 5 knees); 10 (knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 3 (4 sec. count); 3 (4 sec. count)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 15 (5 reg., 10 knees); 19 (knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 3 (4 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Decline Push-Ups: 5; 0 (collapsed ... arms wouldn't hold me up)
Heavy Pants: 16, 15#; 15, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 3 (2 reg., 1 knees ... not very low); 0 (tried on my knees ... collapsed ... my arms wouldn't hold me)
Lawnmowers: 16, 15#; 10, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 8; 4
Back Flys: 7, 15#; 6, 15#

Tomorrow, I'm going to do another 5-miler. I'm going to push myself a little harder. Monday's run was at a 16:36 pace average. Tomorrow, I'm going to beat that. I'm going for a 15 min/mile pace for the same run. When I think I need to stop and walk, because I can run/jog anymore, I'm going to push ahead.


Goals:

1. 5 mile run
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

... and the momentum continues ...

Workout:
Ab Ripper X
22 min.
burned 106 cal.
HR max: 133
HR ave: 106

Run/Walk (5.02 miles)
1 hr., 23 min.
burned 782 cal.
HR max: 172
HR ave: 147

Ab Ripper X: (237)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 17 (I did a little better today)
Fifer Scissor: 16
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 15
Pulse Up: 16
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 12 (I just focused on doing what I could while they were doing their 25)
Oblique V-Up: 15x2
Leg Climb: 6x2
Mason Twist: 19

I didn't have enough time in my day to fit in the Chest & Back workout. But, I'm ok with it. I had a good run, and did ab work.

It seems like when I do my various loops in my neighborhood, when I get near my house, I'm ready to stop. So, instead of trying to figure out a loop that I'd be tempted to quit early on, I decided to head out for half my distance (2 1/2 miles) and then turn around and come back. That would ensure that my 5 mile run would be 5 miles, not shortened to 3 or 4 miles!

It was a struggle, heading out, however. I didn't want to get out there!! If I could have been, I would have been dragging myself out the door, kicking and screaming! But, I told myself I had to do it. I think, when I headed out, I was telling myself I could cut the run short if I didn't feel better. However, in my mind, my plan was to really stick to the 5 miles.

At about 2 miles, it suddenly dawned on me ... I felt great! I wasn't feeling cruddy like I was at home, before the run. It was this total epiphany ... I was "sightseeing" looking around, watching for cars, and listening to my tunes ... and I felt great!

I remembered to walk for my warm-up and cool-down. My pace wasn't great (I've definitely done better) ... 16:36 ... but I don't really care. I got out there and did my thing. And stuck with it for the full 5 miles. I'm getting a nice tan on my shoulders (running in a tank top).

During the last 15 minutes, or so of my run/walk, I noticed that the bottom of my foot was hurting. I fear injury ... not really training enough to be an "over-training" injury. So, I think I will change my plans for tomorrow (was going to do another 4 or 5 miler) ... and will do a shorter run, 25-30 minutes around the neighborhood. Along with a P90X workout, or two.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

a fresh week ... a fresh resolve

Happy Father's Day!

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.92 miles)
48 min.
burned 405 cal.
HR max: 168
HR ave: 138

Totally messed myself up today. I took my running route backwards! I headed left from my front door, instead of the usual right! That made my running so much more difficult! Not physically, but mentally I had a harder time keeping my pace and intensity up! How crazy is that?! It's all flat, so there weren't hills that messed me up ... it was totally and completely a mental struggle for me!

I've been reading the book "Running for Mortals". For some reason ... not sure why, but I had stopped "warming up" with my runs. Not that I'm a speed-demon, by any stretch of the imagination. Normally, I start out at a jog, and then push myself based on my HR & the pace showing up on the gps watch. But, the book reminded me that I should be taking 5 minutes to warm up ... so, I did today.

I started out walking ... and I did it in the wrong direction. Now, maybe it wouldn't have been as noticeable had I gone my usual direction (I added an extra loop, so it's not like it was the same exact route I take). But, I had a harder time pushing myself today.

The other thing I'm trying to do, is stay in my HR zone ... and not push harder, to the point of nearing 100%, but keeping my HR in the 70-80% range. I was able to keep my HR max lower than usual (I kept it in the 160s) ... but, my average was considerably lower than it should have been, also!

But, I'm not going to beat myself up any over the lower intensity. I'm going to learn from it, and be proud of the fact that I got out there and ran!

Tomorrow, the plan is more of the same. I'm going to run ... I am shooting for 5 miles. I'm hoping to stick with it for at least 4 miles. And, then, I'm going to do the Chest & Back workout ... or some altered form of it (I might go to the gym for the pull-up part) ... and Ab Ripper X.

I noticed my abs hurt a little from Friday's Ab workout ... but what I really noticed, was my hip flexors ... raising my knees made me feel the workout in my hips!

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4-5 miles.
2. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

another back-sliding

Workout:
None.

Again, today, I didn't get a workout in. I did "pencil" one in on my palm, but, it didn't get done. I slept poorly last night. (That always impacts my day!)

I got a new Wii game that I was playing ... Paper Mario ... but, I headed to bed by 11:30. I even got up early yesterday ... when the alarm went off at 2 pm, I got out of bed! So, I should have been sleep-deprived enough to sleep the whole night!

I finally fell asleep at about 1 am. And then woke at 4 am. I laid in bed, wide awake for another hour before heading downstairs to play more Paper Mario. Slowly working my way through it. I headed back to bed, at about 8:30 ... should have probably just stayed up, and muddled through the day. Instead, I slept from 9 am to 11 am. I didn't want to get up at 11 when the alarm went off, but, I forced myself to ... didn't want another night of poor sleep because I slept the day away!!

I had some shopping to do today. And, then, I got busy with some housecleaning. My bedroom hasn't been vacuumed and dusted in a while. I had accumulations of clothing, and other stuff, that just hadn't gotten put away. So, that was pretty much my day!!

Not that I eat at McDonald's a lot ... or eat meat at all ... but, to remind myself to focus more on nutrition, I watched "Super Size Me" tonight, before going to sleep.

All I can say is ... glad I'm a vegetarian!! ;)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

a slight effort

Workout:
Ab Ripper X
19 min.
burned 91 cal.
HR max: 132
HR ave: 107

Ab Ripper X: (214)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 13 (I have a hard time sitting up with these)
Fifer Scissor: 14
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 10
Pulse Up: 15
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 6 (I continue to struggle with the V-Up part of this exercise)
Oblique V-Up: 15x2
Leg Climb: 6x2
Mason Twist: 14 (I kept getting my thumb caught on the pocket in my shorts ... I stopped because my thumb hurt)

I need to be more consistent with the ab-work. It's one of my weaker areas, and the poorest-looking areas, so I don't want to work on it ... it's not as fun. Even though, I do know I need to, and should.

I expect to be pretty sore tomorrow, after the work I did!

Again, I wasn't able to get away. I don't think they were as busy last night as they were the night before, but, it still didn't workout for me. And, again, when the charge nurse would have been available to watch my patient for me, I had things to do with her and couldn't get away.

Of interest, even though I wasn't able to get away to run the stairs ... over the 2 days, I logged about 21,000 steps on my pedometer! (I take it off when I get home, and put it back on after I'm dressed, when getting ready for work ... so there are probably 100 or more non-exercise steps that aren't getting logged each day.

One of these days, I need to get back into wearing it around home, too. I'm pretty sure on my non-work days, I'm not usually hitting anywhere near 5,000 steps (not counting my running). But, I should!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

slowed progress

Workout:
None.

My plan was to hit the stairs during my break, at work. But, because of the patient I had, I couldn't leave for very long ... and, when the charge nurse was available to cover for me, it wasn't really a good time for me to leave.

But, I wore my pedometer and I got close to 10,000 steps!

Tomorrow, will try again.

Goals:

1. Workout.
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
   
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
   
6. Take my vitamins.
   

two-in-a-row

Workout:
Run/Walk (treadmill)
55 min.
burned 507 cal.
HR max: 169
HR ave: 145

When I was ready to head out, at 10 this morning, it was already nearly 90 degrees ... 89!! So, today was definitely going to be a "gym day" today ... and I wasn't going to feel crazy DRIVING to the gym, either!! ;)

I forgot to look at the mileage on the treadmill when I got off ... but I know it was somewhere between 3 and 4 miles. My plan had been to go at it for an hour and a half ... but my foot started hurting ... like there was something in my shoes scratching it.

I was wearing my new Nike Free 5.0 shoes ... not the first time, but, I haven't worn them much.

When I got to my car, I discovered that I had a blister starting. So, I guess it's probably a good thing that I didn't push through ... wouldn't want a real excuse impeding my progress!!

I'm going to try to hit the stairs at work tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

getting back out there again!

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.44 miles)
50 min.
burned 448 cal.
HR max: 171
HR ave: 142

Today I decided to run to the gym and then workout. The gym is a little over a mile away and it seemed silly to drive there to workout when I could get a workout in getting there & on my return!!

Unfortunately, it was 85 degrees when I left my place ... I was dying by the time I got to the gym. It took very little effort to get my heart rate WAY up! I got to the gym, got some water, went to the bathroom, did a very short set of pull-ups on the pull-up assist machine, and then headed back home again!

For the return trip, I mostly walked ... I didn't want to have a heart attack out on the streets somewhere!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 8

Workout:
None.

I recently finished reading a book I just got (Saturday, actually), called The Eat-Clean Diet. (Maybe that's why I didn't have time to exercise this weekend?)

Anyway, there were a few interesting things in there that I wanted to check into. That requires a bit of a drive to my "local" Whole Foods Market ... I wish there was one closer! And, of course, while I was driving by the Trader Joe's exit, I figured I should stop there, too!

I've now got a fully stocked kitchen, with some interesting, "clean" foods to work with. Not that I didn't have a fully stocked kitchen before ... it's just more fully stocked now! A lot of the grains (anything other than oatmeal or 7-grain cereal) I can't get at my local large-chain grocery stores (Nob Hill, Safeway or Albertson's).

Then, I completely cleaned out my refrigerator. Took everything out, cleaned the shelves. Tossed the stuff that had expired. There wasn't much "bad" stuff in there ... I generally eat fairly clean on a regular basis.

At the end of the night, I thought about a late-night run ... but Jay Leno & bed won out!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 7

Workout:
None.

I had planned on working out this morning. Had it scheduled into the calendar.

My parents stopped by in the afternoon, later than I expected them. I did need to straighten up a little, from the last week and a half of slacking (housework). I could have squeezed in a workout before they got here ... but, they got stuck in traffic ... 2 separate accidents ... so they were delayed.

I actually dozed off while reading a magazine, while waiting for them. Then, after they left, I ended up falling asleep on the couch, while watching the Mythbusters marathon!

Yeah, I've got an incredibly exciting life, alright!! (The family joke is that they all want to live vicariously through me ... not sure why, anymore!!)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 6

Workout:
None.

I put myself on the cancel list, since we'd had such a low census. Turns out, by the time the weekend rolled around, we apparently had more patients! I got off, but, it looked like barely! I didn't end up knowing if I was getting off, until time for me to be dressed!

I didn't workout. But, I did head out, and hit the mall for a little wandering around! It wasn't very brisk walking, but, I wasn't just sitting on the couch!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 5

Workout:
None.
9,000 steps on the pedometer (from when I got dressed for work last night, until I got home this morning).

Again ... a "sleep day" for me.

I kept forgetting to go hit the stairs. I need to make that into a habit. Maybe an alarm at 2 or 3 am on my watch will remind me to do that, instead of sitting there reading my magazine!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 4

Workout:
None.
8,000 steps on the pedometer (from when I got dressed for work, until I got home this morning)

Today was a "sleep day" ... I worked last night & I work again tonight. So, today, I chose sleep.

I didn't get a chance to hit the stairs last night. I wasn't particularly busy, but, others were, and I was helping. It doesn't feel right (or look good), when the 1 coworker is so busy she doesn't get to eat anything until 3am, for me to leave for a break.

Maybe tonight.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 3

Workout:
Walk (1.8 miles)
35 min.
burned 179 cal.
HR max: 128
HR ave: 118

This was my compromise today. I thought about going for a run. Or, maybe doing Chest & Back. But, I felt I should let my muscles heal, and get back to the place that they're supposed to be.

So, I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 2

Workout:
None.

I had visions of working out today. Of getting back on track again.

Really.

My left wrist has been bothering me the last few days. And, getting worse each day ... to the point that actually it hurt to run yesterday, because any movement of my wrist caused a lot of pain.

I was pretty sure it was related to my shoulders. When they're tight, my wrist bothers me more ... though not usually this bad. I've been trying to get my shoulders to loosen, with Tiger Balm. But, it wasn't working for me.

So, I lined up a massage this evening.

Wow!

Umm, I don't say that in a "good way" really. Well, it was a mixed good-bad kind of thing. It was probably the most painful massage I've ever had. I just kept yoga in mind, and tried to breathe through it! That was the negative part. The positive part was that I walked out of there!! Whoopie! haha! No, that wasn't the positive part ... I mean, yes, it was positive, but, the really positive part was that when I walked out of there, I could twist my wrist, and move it back and forth, and it didn't hurt anymore than it usually does!!

Another interesting thing about this massage, was that usually, I'm totally relaxed when I leave, after getting a massage. After this one, though, I felt totally energized! Totally pumped.

My massage was in the evening ... so it was almost 8pm when I left. My mind was going crazy, with the lists of things I was going to do when I got home!!

Unfortunately, the massage was about 45 minutes away from where I live. About halfway home, I was getting tired, and just wanted to get home so I could lay down and go to sleep!!

As far as tomorrow goes, I want to workout. But I suspect that I should allow my muscles to heal, and get back into "place" so I don't waste the money spent on the massage, and need to get another one soon!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

the beginning ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.69 miles)
41 min.
burned 326 cal.
HR max: 173
HR ave: 150

This morning, I was of the mindset that I was going to workout. A P90X workout, and running. I got home, and my place was warm. I had to cool down before I could workout. Then, I was tired and took a nap.

Nothing. I did nothing productive today. I thought about the fact that I had a full day scheduled with things to do. It also occurred to me that in order to get the body I want, I do actually have to work for it.

But, there was no motivation to action.

Finally, I kicked my butt in gear. Loaded the shuffle with good tunes. Put on my HRM & other running gear. Decided to try running in the new Nike Frees ... I've been wearing them around, getting my feet used to them, but I hadn't run in them yet.

And so, I headed out ... was going to do my usual 3 1/2 mile route. But, about halfway into it, I needed to go to the bathroom. And, there wasn't anywhere on my route to stop! So, I headed home. Dropped my route by a mile, but, I got out there!

Tomorrow is more running. I'm noticing my feet hurt a little bit tonight, after the run, so I'll use my regular running shoes for tomorrow's run. (Gotta work those feet muscles slowly!) And, a P90X workout.

My new daily read is from a friend of mine from the BB boards ... "Marathon_Phil".

"Just a second he says - there is no 'just a second'?" - Tony Horton, PlyoX

You know I love really good Philosophy. I even love really good theology. Wanna know how weird I am - I have a double major undergrad - Engineering and Theology - there weren't many of those. This statement above is as good as I've read or heard anywhere, and I look hard.

It says it all to me. All we have is right now, right this instant, that's all we have. We all have such goals, we all have dreams. You know what the perfectly right time to pursue them is, with all your heart, mind, body and soul - NOW. "Just a second he says - there is no 'just a second'!"

There will ALWAYS be something blocking our total commitment to ourselves, to our big dreams. ALWAYS. That is the law of existence. Emotions, injury, depression, divorce, lost jobs, lost loves, loss of every sort will hit every day - "there is no just a second."

You know what the most brutal loss is that occurs everyday, almost every single day, at least for me - the loss of the fire. When you are driving in your car, or praying in church, or daydreaming in a line at the market, dreams are on fire inside. Everyone wants to be ripped in the checkout line. Everyone wants to be great kneeling in church. Everyone wants to be a hero stuck in traffic.

But then the moment comes, the alarm goes off, and that burning flame - is nowhere to be found. What you wake up with - if you are like me - is a little disappointment, a little depression, a little un-nameable fear and terror, a sense that somehow you are not enough today, that today is NOT the day to push for those dreams. That happens EVERYDAY. That is the law of existence. That is the most tragic loss we face daily, the loss of our flame.

"There is no just a second." We are dying kids. I am in the best shape of my life, in the best physical, mental, spiritual and emotional state in my life - but I am dying. My seconds are slipping away. This very second will not come again. It is time to push for my dreams - today. It is time to define them, to visualize them, to write them down, and to think about them with my whole heart and soul. It is time to do scary things, to walk into fearful situations, to push for exhaustion, suffering (as Mike and Tami say) and nausea (as my brother Mark says).

"Just a second." I say that everyday. I say that everytime I push play and just want to cruise. I say that everytime I slide into work for another not so tough day. I say that in every situation that confronts me everyday. "There is no just a second." Awesome. So I will push right now, and dive into the fear, into my dreams right now.

So many of you do that here. I really idolize so many of you. Your intensity and the way you live is how I wish I could live - so I really idolize you, and try to copy you. But since I don't want to offend anyone, let me pick Amy, my buddy Amy who is doing a fitness competition this week. She is the VP of a bank - her job takes her away from her dream. She experienced marriage "separation" (she wrote about online so I feel OK saying it - I share it for a purpose of course), she is sad about where she recently moved to - so many things are wrong. She has so many reasons to say: "Just a second" and all of us would grant it to her. But she never took a second. She kept pushing through everything, and she's making her dreams come true: now, today, this second.

"Just a second he says - there is NO 'just a second'". Tony is quite the philosopher - because there truly is no just second. Not for any of us.

phil

Sheri ... there is no "just a second" ... the previous days are just lost, never to be recaptured. Start here ... in this moment ... to become the best me possible.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 5 miles
2. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

what's the excuse today?

Workout:
None.

I was up late last night ... so I slept in today. I don't get to do that much. Between all my tasks and responsibilities, I have to get up earlier than I prefer, so when I get the chance to sleep in ... I have to take it!!

The local christian school that is associated with my church was having their Spring Fling today. It's usually in the spring, instead of almost summer, but, I guess they had to postpone it for some reason. I usually go over for my lunch, to help support the school. (I am a product of Christian Education, so I try to continue the support.)

So, I spent about an hour there. Last year's food was better, they had veggie burgers. This year, my options were pizza, nachos or pop corn! I had two slices of pizza (an olive one & a cheese one). I was going to leave ... was trying to give my tickets to a friend of mine to give to her sons ... instead she tried to get me to use them. I tried to dunk the principal in the dunk tank. Then, she had me make a "button" (I gave it to a friend's daughter ... it was green with a monkey on it, she loves the color green & she loves monkeys!).

I got home, and did some work in the backyard. Pulled weeds, trimmed up some of the plants. Watered. It was sunny and warm. So, of course I spent some time swinging in the hammock, reading the paper, and just relaxing in the sun.

I've still got a collection of plants that I haven't gotten into the pots.

Then, there was naptime.

Again, I ran out of time, and didn't get the workout or run in ... other than working in the garden.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day lost ... on the exercise front

Happy Birthday, Rachel!! (Sweet 16!)

Workout:
None.

My niece turns 16 today!! Woohoo! I thought I was going to be hanging out with the family, but, she just wanted to hang-out with her friends. She didn't want a birthday party. (Saved my parents $50 for their roundtrip drive!)

So, I had other things planned today. Planned. Yeah, it sounds like the day was packed with appointments and to-do lists!! It was mostly a "me-day". Hey, we all need those, once in a while!

I had to get up early, for my church responsibilities. Then, I hung out with a friend of mine. We ended up going out for dinner, and then vegging-out and watching movies ...

Got home at nearly midnight. I put on a DVD I've got from Netflix ... "New Rules". It's the "New Rules" segments from the first 3 seasons of Bill Maher's "Real Time" show. A quick 45 min. video. Good laughs.

While I was watching the DVD, I planned out my schedule for tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

OOPS!

Workout:
None.

My plan had been to start "fresh" with June. A new month, a new, stronger focus on the workouts.

But, instead, I turned off my alarm and slept later than planned! I got 7 hours of sleep in today, as well!!

I slept late enough, that I didn't have the time I needed for the run I planned on doing. Instead, I had to get busy and ready for the company I had coming over for dinner!

I grilled on the BBQ tonight. Veggies, tofu, and bread.

Tomorrow is well planned for me, so I'm not sure what I might be able to do tomorrow ... but we'll see!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

break-time at work

Workout:
Stairs/Walking
10 min.
** 5 flights of stairs, twice; walking around the "quad" **

Today I did it ...

I took a break, and headed for the stairs. The stairwell I chose (closest one to the unit) goes up to the roof (but there's a barricade between floor 5 and the roof). I started by running up the stairs ... by the 3rd floor, my quads were screaming in pain, so I had to slow it down. I stopped briefly at the top, to look out the window toward the parking garage (trying to figure out what part of the hospital I was in), and then headed back down. (Going downstairs is so much easier!!) At the bottom, I headed back up again ... again, had to slow it down as I was rounding the corner of the 3rd floor landing.

When I got back down to first floor, I headed back to the unit ... the long way around. Walking around the "quad" above the courtyard.

I noticed that my left knee was a little sore after the stairs. Not sure what that was about. And, my quads were definitely feeling used!

But, this little break totally worked for me. It was small enough, I didn't feel guilty leaving. And it wasn't so aggressive that I had nothing else to give. It energized me a bit.

I'm going to work up to 2 breaks of 15 minutes.

And, I got 7 hours of sleep today!

Tomorrow, I'm going to get up a little early and go for a run.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

gettin' back in the saddle ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.5 miles)
58 min.
burned 410 cal.
HR max: 171
HR ave: 138

I did it!

I accepted no excuses today. And I went running and walking in my neighborhood.

It felt good to just do it. To make a plan ... and follow through again.

Food needs work. It's not that I've been "bad" with my food ... I just haven't been as "good" with it. So, I'm going to get back on track with it starting tonight, at work.

Tonight, the plan is to take my break away from the unit, and go walking around the courtyard area ... or run up and down the stairs.

Goals:

1. Sleep ... get at least 7 hours of sleep
   
2. Get bursts of exercise during my breaks at work.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had a bunch of errands to run today. I was exhausted when I got home.

All this focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep on my workdays ... I need to focus on getting 8 hours on my non-workdays!!

I took a nap for about an hour or so. Then, I had housework and things to do.

So, I ended up blowing the workout off, again today.

Tomorrow, though, "no excuses". I'm working out.

I start back to work, for my "short week" tomorrow, as well. So, assuming I don't have a busy patient assignment, and am able to get away, I am planning on my 30 minute exercise break for tomorrow night, at work.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I had thought about trying to squeeze in a run this morning. But, I ran out of time. I went to my brother's to hang-out with him and the kids. The girls were busy. So, it was just my nephew ... and he was very busy with his computer game.

Which, actually, was nice, it gave my brother & I a chance to catch-up.

I got home in time to finish a few things before heading off to my evening responsibilities.

But, again, no workout. It's been a week now. And, I'm not finding the motivation that is creating action. Yes, I've got all kinds of inspirational and motivational things to read and push me, but this week, they don't seem to be doing it.

So, here it is, "Day 5" and I haven't done a single workout, yet!

Struggles. Seems like I have them a lot. Work and sleep come first. P90X and running and anything else gets pushed aside more frequently than I care to admit. This week, despite all my planning, I didn't start P90X on Thursday.

And, I learned that sleep is really important, too! In fact, after all my struggling to get myself to workout on my work-days, I am thinking about abandoning that plan!

Sleep is important for a safe nurse, and a safe driver. And, there is plenty of research about how important sleep is, when it comes to losing weight and/or keeping it off. I know ... I've read it.

So, I'm thinking about another plan of attack. In the process of venting to a friend of mine ... The realization that I really prefer to have sleep, over the chance to workout, but, feeling pulled to workout because it's healthy for me (like sleep isn't?!) ... she brought to my attention a good idea!

I rarely ever take my 30 minute break. I'm allowed a 30 minute break, and 2 15 minute breaks during my 12 hour shift. I don't smoke, so, I don't take more than my fair share of breaks. And, I don't nap, so I'm not taking it that way. I usually go briefly to the break room to grab my food, and then sit in the nurses' station to eat it (the break room is usually dirty, and the TV is usually blaring and not necessarily on anything I want to watch, anyway).

So, I'm going to start taking my 30 minute break (or even 2 15 minute ones) and running up and down the stairs. That is exercise and cardio and will definitely get my HR up!!

As far as the home workouts go, I'm going to focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep on my work-days. If that means I've got time to workout (not likely, but, maybe there will be a 30 minute window I can squeeze it in) ... getting more sleep, I'll definitely be moving faster. On my days off, I'm going to attempt a combination of P90X and running. (I'm now down to 8 weeks until my 6 1/2 mile race.)

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4 miles.
2. Kenpo X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Yesterday, with my second day of 8+ hours of sleep, I felt great!

At work, I wasn't sleepy. And, driving home I didn't struggle!

Today, I slept later than I planned. I really had planned on getting up to do Yoga X today. But, I guess my body needed the extra sleep. I usually allow myself to be more sleep deprived when I'm going to be off that night, because I can sleep during the night.

But, today, I ended up waking again, at 4:30 pm ... not enough time to do Yoga X before I was supposed to be at my friend's to watch her kids.

Tomorrow is a new day. I'll get back on track then.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 3 miles.
2. Legs & Back.
3. Ab Ripper X.
   
4. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
6. Drink 6 bottles of water.
7. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
8. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Because I felt so great yesterday with the extra sleep, I decided not to sweat it. I was going to go for sleep, instead of working out.

I set my alarm for my "usual" later time of 4 pm, and went to bed. I happened to roll over, and look at the clock at 4:30 ... and jumped out of bed! I decided that I had screwed up the setting of my new alarm clock (the danger of setting an alarm when you're tired ... especially if it's a new one!).

After my shower, I was on the other side of my bed getting my clothes out of the closet, and I looked at the alarm clock on that side ... the time was flashing, which means the power went out. And, the new system doesn't have a battery back-up. (Guess I probably set it right, afterall! ... I am usually pretty tech-savvy, but, when I'm tired, all bets are off!)

Goals:

1. Yoga X
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Today I overslept.

The alarm went off, and since I was so tired ... again, I struggled to drive home safely ... I reset my alarm. Except that I didn't hear it when it went off later. So, I ended up oversleeping! Woke up in a panic ... actually, I wasn't panicked until I looked at the clock! ... it was 6:25. I usually leave for work between 6 & 6:15.

Oops!

Gotta tell you, though, I felt so good! I didn't get sleepy at work. And, driving home, I wasn't fighting sleep or having to eat sunflower seeds the whole way home!! I loved it! Guess that's what happens when you get 9 hours of sleep ... instead of the usual 5 or 6!!

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I was exhausted today. Originally, I had scheduled into my day, to do Ab Ripper X in the morning when I got home, and then to wake up early and do Chest & Back.

I was so exhausted ... it took every bit of effort on my part to stay awake for the drive home. So, I didn't stay up to do Ab Ripper X. And, when I got up this afternoon, I managed to make it to the recliner to sit for a while before finally getting in the shower & getting ready for work.

I know, not a good use of my time. But, I felt like crap. Really, wanted to call in sick. Contemplated it for a while. Even after I took my shower, I almost called in!! I had a headache (probably sinus), and started feeling a little lightheaded and achy.

I am proud of myself for sucking it up, and getting in to work, however!!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 27

Week 4, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Today ... I'm still sore. My butt & quads, mainly.

I tried to get going early, today, so I could get my stuff done, but, I didn't.

Mostly, I think it probably comes down to being too lazy. I know I could have squeezed it in, but, I ended up putting it off, and then running out of time. By the time I might have been motivated to workout, it was time for my nap & then time to get ready for work.

Plan is to start P90X tomorrow.

Measurements:

The measurements never cease to amaze me. It just goes to show, really, that the scale means nothing! I mean, to figure out my body fat percentage, I need my weight, but, beyond that, it doesn't matter.

Over the past month, my body weight went up a pound. But, looking at the numbers, I'm up 2 1/2 pounds of lean mass (muscle), and down 1 1/2 pounds of fat!


















Pictures:

I didn't get around to taking pictures. Not sure what my mental block is with that. But, I didn't.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 26

Week 4, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I'm feeling the workouts from yesterday. Between Plyo and rollerblading, my lower body is feelin' it!!

I ran out of time today. Ran errands, and housework ... that kind of thing today. Had more time today to get my workouts in ... which means I kept putting them off, and didn't get it done.

I did take some time for myself and gave myself a manicure! I haven't done that it years. I actually bought some new "tools" specific for nail care today. So, it was totally fun!

But, instead of doing that, I probably should have gone running, or something!

Goals:

1. Kenpo X
2. P90X Fit Test
   
3. Pictures
4. Measurements
   
5. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
7. Drink 6 bottles of water.
8. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
9. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 25

Week 4, Day 4

Workout:
Plyometrics
61 min.
burned 442 cal.
HR max: 162
HR ave: 141

Rollerblading (2.97 miles)
32 min.
burned 306 cal.
HR max: 182
HR ave: 165

I was so not in the mood to workout today.

I got dressed in my gear, and then just didn't want to do it! I went to the beachbody message boards for inspiration, and got inspired to go rollerblading, instead of running!

I brought it, with Plyometrics ... the sweat was dripping off my hair! With every jump, my hair hit my face, and the sweat splattered on my cheek!!

I had to go to Santa Cruz today for my haircut today. So, I decided to blow-off my housework, and go early so I could rollerblade along West Cliff Drive! Haven't done it in a while. Haven't been on my 'blades in a really long time ... they were at the bottom of my closet, underneath a football, snorkeling gear, backpacks & my tent!

I felt a little rusty on them, when I got on! But, it ended up being ok ... I didn't fall on my face, or anything!! ;) My knee pads smelled, so, I didn't want to wear them. I know ... stupid. I'm a nurse, I know what can happen to a person who is speeding along on rollerblades without any protection!! I rode out a mile and a half, stopping occasionally to take pictures. Then, headed back.

Here are a few pictures from my day ...

Looking toward the Boardwalk & Wharf.

Surfers at Steamer Lane.


Sea Lions sunning themselves on the rock.


Looking back toward Lighthouse Point. This was taken from my turn-around point.


Me ... after rollerblading 3 miles.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4 miles
2. Core Synergistics
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 24

Week 4, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Today ended up being a lazy-butt day.

I woke up at about 6 this morning. My back ached. Last night, at the party, everyone was surprised that I wasn't sore. Well, I'm stiff and sore today. Went to the bathroom, and crawled back in bed ... and fell asleep. The alarm went off at 11 this morning.

The only reason I got up, was because a few minutes later, my brother text messaged me to see if I was awake. I texted him back. And, then he called me! Hadn't talked to him in a couple weeks. Surprised me that he called. He's more than happy to talk, but he doesn't tend to initiate phone calls "just because".

It was nice talking to him. I told him about my 5K. He was impressed with me. Asked how often I was running. (Not as often as I should.) Then, asked if I was doing any other cross-training, or just running. (Told him about P90X.)

Once I got up, I realized that my lower abs were a little sore today, too. Guess I may have been "engaging my core" while I was running! But, really, I'm not too bad off for really pushing myself like I did!! The only reason that I was wiped out, was because of the lack of sleep of the previous few days. I usually need a day to completely vegge-out and not do anything, after my work-week. And, I didn't allow myself that ... Friday was a little, but I did get up and get going fairly early in my day.

***

This week is supposed to be "recovery week" ... in the P90X rotation. Of the last 24 days, I've done P90X workouts on 4 days, and non-P90X workouts (mostly running) on 7 days. That's hardly effective enough to require recovery ... or to have elicited much of a physiologic response on my body. Yes, I feel leaner. And my clothes fit better. But, that's more a product of running, and not so much theP90X program.

So, I had pretty much decided that after my 5K, I would pick a new start date for the P90X program. On my work-days, my limit is an hour of working out ... and actually, realistically, more like 30-45 minutes. I think Yoga X will be most effective for me on a Sunday. So, I've chosen a Thursday re-start date for P90X. I am going to do my own version of "doubles". There is no way, at this point in my life, that I can do a "double" on a work-day ... no matter how inspired I may be. So, instead of focusing on "running-doubles" on strength training days, I will fit them in on my non-work days ... no matter what the P90X workout is.

Beginning on Thursday, I will be doing the P90X workout rotation (double). On Mondays & Tuesdays, and as I am able to make time, Wednesdays (or any other day I can fit it in) will have a "running-double" workout.

My next scheduled race is the 6 1/2 mile Wharf to Wharf race. At the end of July. I signed myself & a friend that I talked into doing it with me, up for the race. I figured if I went ahead and signed her up, she wouldn't bale on me!! ;) My brother had mentioned maybe doing it with me, as well, so, we'll see. So, I'm going to start looking to the training plans for 10Ks (since it's just slightly more than a 10K) ... especially now that I know that I really can run for 3.1 miles straight!!

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 3 miles
2. Plyometrics
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 23

Week 4, Day 2

Workout:
5K race
36:17 (unofficial time)
burned 396 cal.
HR max: 193
HR ave: 177

I got a little later start from home than I planned. But, I got to the hospital in plenty of time. I parked. Found were registration was. Got my number, and packet with my t-shirt in it. Looked at the map with the route marked on it. Then, headed back to my car to drop off the non-essential items, and to eat my breakfast of pumpkin bread, a banana, and a small handful of almonds. Decided I didn't want to use the port-a-potties that were out in the parking lot across the street, so I grabbed my badge, and went downstairs in the parking garage, to use the restroom there.

On my way to the registration area, I saw 1 of my coworkers with her husband and kids. She had mentioned to me that she was going to walk it, with the stroller. As I was wandering around, one of my coworkers punched me in the arm as she walked by. Then, I saw another one of my coworkers ... the one I used to go trail-running with. So, I hung out with her and her old neighbor.

We positioned ourselves fairly near the front ... but, when we headed off, I discovered there were a lot of strollers and children ahead of us. At 8:30, the emcee was still thanking the various sponsors. Finally, at 8:40, the played the National Anthem ... makes me wonder, sometimes ... the hospital slogan is "Neighbor's Who Care" ... but, making all the noise, that early on a Saturday morning makes me wonder how caring the neighborhood really thinks we are!!

The gun went off, and I started my HR monitor. I decided not to use the gps watch, because there would be mile markers laid out. Though, being able to overlay my route on google maps would have been fun, I suppose. It was slow getting going. Though it only took a block or so for the crowds to break up a bit. Though trying to pass kids & adults who don't know how to run straight, is quite annoying. This one lady was zig zagging with the stroller. I finally got beyond the slower people, and found my pace. I briefly thought about trying to keep up with my coworker, C, and then decided ... it's my race, I'm running at my pace!

The first mile marker seemed like an especially long time. As I ran past it, I glanced at my watch. 11 minutes. Good time. Put my focus back on my gait, and keeping my core tight. Crossed the 2 mile marker, glanced at my watch. 23 minutes. A little slower, but still excellent time ... better than practice. But I also know that I tend to really slow down between mile 2 and 3. I just tried to enjoy the experience, smile at the neighbors sitting out watching us run. Thought about how much harder the guy carrying some heavy-looking piece of equipment to his truck must be working, than I was. Keep running. Don't walk. You're doing fine. Almost there. Mile 3, a coworker of mine was a volunteer ... I waved as I passed. Forgot to look at my watch. One of the kids sitting there with her was calling out times. And, then it hit me ... THIS IS IT!! I've only got a TENTH OF A MILE left to run!! I need to turn on the jets!!

So, I picked up my pace. Balls-to-the-wall. Full-out sprint to the finish. The lady and her daughters that have been running with me during the race are just ahead of me. I can see the finish line. I'm thinking about C. She's running the 10K ... she's gotta do this all over again. I hear a siren off in the distance. I'm thinking, they're probably going to the ER. There's 1 street between me and the finish line. I'm about 4 houses away. I look to my left and see the fire truck. I have to slow down ... I can't dart across the street in front of the truck! There was a guy standing on the corner. Makes a comment about it not seeming fair. I agree ... "it's just not right!" The firetruck passes, and I take off again, at a full-on sprint.

I head for the 5K chute and cross the finish line.

I am totally dying. My heart is racing like crazy. I'm just focusing on breathing, and walking as I'm being asked to tear off a tag on my bib.

I grab a bottle of water and start drinking it. Getting food ... 1/2 a bagel & some cream cheese, strawberries, a couple orange wedges, and a box of raisins. There are bags of produce to take, as well ... spinach, salad mixes ... I get a small bag of celery sticks (I love celery sticks, but hate preparing them). As I'm wandering around eating my fruit, it dawns on me that all my coworkers should be coming in behind me ... so I head down just past the finish line, so I can cheer them on. Along with the little kids who are doing the 5K ... grade-schoolers.

Another one of my coworkers showed up later ... she had overslept, but had planned to come watch us. (She's riding a century race tomorrow.) She took a picture of us ... she's going to be emailing to me, so I can put it here.

Had a party to go to tonight, as well. Birthday party for a friend who is turning 35 in a few days. I had planned on taking a nap, since I was expecting to be out late because of the party (and had been up early). But, I was a little busy. Had to buy a birthday card, and stuff to wrap her present. As well as buying food to make to bring with me. I was asked to bring a fruit salad. So, I made a HUGE salad. And, since I wasn't sure how much protein I would find there, from a vegetarian source, I decided to make my 7-layer dip that I turn into a 10-layer dip, and add veggie crumbles to. With multi-grain Tostitos (my favorite).

Ended up having about 20 minutes of down-time, but not enough to nap.

The party was fun. White peach margaritas were on the menu for the party. They aren't bad. They were supposed to be white nectarine, but apparently those aren't available for another 2 weeks.

Look at us, living in California, we expect any and all produce to be accessible to us ... no matter the season!! (Yes, I want RED tomatoes in winter ... why would I want those hideous anemic looking ones?!) ;)

Got home quite late.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 22

Week 4, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I didn't sleep too well today. Kept waking up, thinking that I might have overslept. So, when it was time to get up ... at 2 pm ... I was pretty tired.

I drove to my friend's house for my massage. An hour and a half. (I don't schedule anything less ... unless I'm desperate for a massage, and that's all that's available.)

It was totally wonderful. Felt great. My shoulders were still a little sore from those dips I did at the gym. And, of course, my hip flexors/thighs were still sore from Core Synergistics. So, the massage helped loosen that all up.

KO informed me that when she was working on me, she was visualizing me being carried by the wind! Cool.

Headed home. I was getting hungry ... I didn't eat before I left. Only had water with me. I tried to remember what kind of food I had at home, and whether there was anything I was interested in eating. I decided to treat myself (don't eat out much anymore) ... and stop at Foster's Freeze. I buzzed through the drive-thru. Ordered a garden burger without the sauce ... and a twister (I couldn't resist!!). I ordered something new. Didn't care for it. Should have ordered my usual. I didn't finish it, because I didn't really like it ... and I've learned, life is too short to eat food that I don't like! Especially if it's not healthy food!!

I pretty much just vegged out on the couch until I started falling asleep ... then I headed upstairs to bed!

Tomorrow I have to wake up early. Have the clothes I'm going to wear already laid out. Registration starts at 7:15, the race starts at 8:30. I should be there somewhere between those 2 times.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 21

Week 3, Day 7

Workout:
None.

I had planned on doing a 2-3 mile run today. But, I was just too exhausted. So, I opted for sleep, instead of a workout.

Not sure what I'm going tomorrow. It's the day before my run, so I don't want to be doing anything too strenuous. I've got a massage scheduled with a coworker/friend of mine. If I've got the time and energy, I will probably do X Stretch.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 20

Week 3, Day 6

Workout:
Core Synergistics
50 min.
burned 260 cal.
HR max: 160
HR ave: 118

Today, the sweat was trickling down my face! I don't normally have mobile sweat. I will sweat & perspire, and soak the clothes, but my hair is thick enough that it usually seems to absorb it!!


Breakfast was again on-track. Today's oatmeal had a scoop of protein powder, though.

I also had to get moving a little more quickly today. I had to go in early to work for a "required" class. Surprisingly, I did manage to get my workout done, and the other little things I needed to do, so that I was able to take my nap before heading in to work.

My left wrist was hurting today before I even started working out!

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (4 reg., 8 knees)
Bow to Boat: done (I cont. to struggle with "Bow")
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 3
Side Hip Raise: 15 each side
Squat X-Press: 10#, 30 (took a break @ #11 ... then pushed through)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 1 plank ... running during the rest)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 10#, 16 (nearly killed me--took a break in between!)
Towel Hopping: done
... ran out of time to complete the rest of the workout ... had to get my nap in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 19

Week 3, Day 5

Workout:
(actual)
Run/Walk ... around neighborhood & town (5.08 miles)
1 hour, 26 minutes
burned 682 cal. (total)

(expected)
Run/Walk in the neighborhood (2.73 miles)
38 min.
burned 347 cal.
HR max: 183
HR ave: 160

I find it interesting (and sometimes entertaining) when the "universe" ... or in my case, FATE ... gives us the nudge we need ...

I did as planned ... had my oatmeal this morning, with a small handful of dried cranberries (maybe a tablespoon) & cinnamon along with my coffee (only 1 cup, today). I was going to try running fueled with easy-to-access energy.

My plan was for a 3.1 mile run (thinking 5K practice). Normally, since I'm not gone for very long, I don't lock my front door, but today, I decided that I should lock it (there are some "interesting" [read: suspicious looking] visitors to the neighbors' across the street) ... if anyone paid attention, they would know that when I'm "in my gear" I'm gone for 30 minutes or more. In 1 easy trip, they could have my laptop, purse, palm, cellphone, the Wii & PS2 (along with games) & an armful of CDs or DVDs ... so imagine what damage they could do in 20 or 30 minutes!

Instead of taking my larger set of keys to feel jangling in my pocket, I quickly grabbed the single key with my gym card attached that I used yesterday to go to the gym, and ran out the door.

I was doing pretty good in my run, feeling in the zone, not too burned out, according to the GPS, I even (briefly) broke the 10 min./mile barrier and hit 9:45!! About halfway through ... I started cramping. I'm thinking, great, the monthly pains are here a couple days early ... but I'm going to work through them. I actually managed to keep running without walking until mile 2 (the longest I've gone straight). I ended up deciding to cut out of my run a little bit early (2.7 miles, instead of the planned 3.1).

I walk up to my door, pull out my key, and realize ... it's my car key that I grabbed, not the house key!! A friend that lives about 2.5 miles away from me, has a spare set of keys, but she worked last night, so is sleeping, and won't be up until a little before 3 when her kids need to be picked up (& being a night-shift nurse myself, there's NO WAY I'm waking her up early ... not that I had change to make a phone call, and the cell was safely locked inside). So, I head for the rental company that I rent from, I think it might be closer.

GPS is saying it's a little over 1 mile down there ... and I've got to head back now!! I pick up the key, sign it out, and head back. I make it back home, and I've been out running or walking (most of the key-getting was walking) for 5 miles. (So much for backing off the week before the race!)

Of course, the frustrating (or so I thought) thing was that I couldn't get any of the 3 keys on the keyring to turn in the knob and open my door. I was beginning to get really annoyed that I was going to have to go back down there ... but then it worked.

So, even when I've personally decided to back-off a little ... I wasn't "allowed"!! All I can say, is that I'm glad it wasn't hot today ... like last week!!

I actually had planned on doing the Core Synergistics workout later today. But, I ended up being too wiped out for it.

Tomorrow is definitely a "break-from-running" day. I'll be doing a P90X workout. I'm leaning toward Plyometrics (except that it's equated to the equivalent of running 5 miles ... doesn't sound good for a "rest" day!). but, I might go ahead and do Core Synergistics. I do love that workout, in a masochistic sort of way ... my core is weak, but they're all exercises that I can really push myself to improve on, so I do. And, the fact that my core then hurts for a few days, letting me know it is rebuilding and getting stronger helps!!

No matter what the workout is, I'll be eating my breakfast of oatmeal again in the morning. I'm going to be losing out on a couple hours of my day tomorrow ... I've got another class to attend before work. I'm really getting tired of these!! It's some lame-oh class that's being required. The only reason I am caving, is that it sounds like everyone really is expected to go to it ... and they actually set a class time that is convenient for the night shift (5:30-6:30 ... before I have to be at work at 7).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 18

Week 3, Day 4

Workout:
gym combo routine
30 min.
burned 222 cal.
HR max: 175
HR ave: 142

I had several errands to run today, so my workout got put off until the late afternoon when I was no longer in the mood. It was a little warm for working out ... comfortable to be swinging in the hammock with a glass of iced tea, though.

I decided to change things up a little (that one was for you, Nohad!) ... and go to the gym. But, I really didn't get into it. My body showed up, and I went through the motions. I've been wanting to use the pull-up/dip assist machine at my gym (part of the reason for joining that gym, as opposed to a different one ... that would have been cheaper & is open 24 hours).

So, I did a quick warm-up jog/run on the treadmill for 5 minutes. Then, I used the pull-up assist ... took me a little while to figure out what counter weight I needed to be able to pull myself all the way up and get my chin above the imaginary bar. But, I ended up doing 3 sets, 8-8-6. Between pull-up sets, I used the lat. pull-down machine, at 70 lbs., I did 2 sets of 8-8. And, ended with 1 set of dip assists of 8. I finished out my 30 minutes with a run on the treadmill ... I got bored with it, though I was proud of myself for being able to "comfortably" run at a faster pace then I've ever been able to before (5.1 miles/hr) ... I think I lasted 11 minutes on the treadmill until I decided I was "over it."

Tried to figure out why I was so against working out today. I did it, but it was really dragging my feet ... you know, kicking and screaming the whole way there.

What I came up with was:

1. I only got 7 hours of sleep last night, so I was tired ... except that doesn't work, because I often only get 7 hours of sleep (I'm on here too late at night).
2. Not enough carbs ... makes more sense, since I've been trying to avoid them (other than the fruit & vegetable kind).
3. Not enough calories ... when I'm not working, especially, that could be true, I'm not sure I eat enough on those days off.
   

I had gotten so focused on "fat burning" that I forgot about "energy source". This past week, I've really focused on eating protein, dairy, vegetables & fruit; and keeping the carbs to 1 serving a day ... if that. I didn't miss the carbs ... I was getting by without my whole wheat pasta. But, I forgot, with my running, I need carbs for energy ... and it helps with that drive to push myself. I wouldn't say I was "bonking" ... like I have in the past ... it was more a lack of motivated action.

So, this week, I'm going to try something new. (Well, it's not really new, but, I haven't done it in a while.) I'm going to actually work on getting "breakfast" in my body within an hour of waking. And, that "breakfast" is going to be oatmeal. Then (hopefully) I'm going to have the energy to hit the pavement!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 17

Week 3, Day 3

Happy Mother's Day!

Workout:
None.

I spent a large portion of the day sleeping. And then headed out for some shopping that I've been putting off, but needed ... umm, I mean, wanted to do.

I was going to workout in the evening ... go for a run, and maybe do a P90X workout. But, I was a good daughter and called my mom ... 2 hours later, I was too tired to workout. I went back to bed, instead!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 16

Week 3, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I've been exhausted ... having difficulty staying awake while at work, and while driving home. Plus, my shoulders are hurting even more ... got those heavy patients to lift and turn, still. So, I opted for sleep. Felt it would be better (and healthier) for me to get my sleep so I don't fall asleep on the way home from work.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 15

Week 3, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Today, I woke with a headache. My shoulders were hurting, too, from lifting heavy patients.

So, I decided to get a little more sleep instead of working out.

Probably should have worked out ... at least gone for a run, but, I didn't have it in me!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 14

Week 2, Day 7

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.82 miles)
25 min.
burned 219 cal.
HR max: 173
HR ave: 157

I was awake for 26 hours by the time I got to bed this morning. I didn't change the alarm time, but I really wasn't planning on getting up to run. When the alarm went off, I had the mental dialog going on in my head ... and the pro-get-up-and-run part of me won out! Imagine that!

So, I went for a little run around the neighborhood. And, I actually beat my best time for the route, by 1 minute!!

Eating has been clean.

They had Jamba Juice at work yesterday ... it's "Nurse's Week" ... and I didn't have any!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 13

Week 2, Day 6

Workout:
None.

They called me from work. Needed staff to come in early.

I'm trying to get my car paid off, and money saved so I can buy a house (now that there are several houses in foreclosure in my neighborhood, I might actually be able to afford it!). So, I agreed to come in early.

Losing 4 hours of my prep-time meant I sacrificed the workout ... had food to prepare for my weekend of work.

Will plan on getting up early tomorrow for a workout ... probably a quick little run, around the neighborhood.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 12

Week 2, Day 5

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.96 miles)
29 min.
burned 254 cal.
HR max: 174
HR ave: 156

Today was another hot day. I was sweating, just walking from my car to my house!! After yesterday's run ... and my inability to do anything productive afterwards made me re-think my run plan for today!!

So, instead of working out with exercise this afternoon, I spent about 2 hours (minus breaks) planting a bunch of plants into pots. It was a very productive day today. I got everything in except for the pineapple sage which looks to be doing ok in their current temporary pot, and 3 of the 4 iris pots. (I planted "Dance for Joy") And, I'd like to pick up a bell pepper to grow, as well.

I went searching online, since I have no clue what my irises are going to look like, other than the 1 that was in bloom when I was given them, almost a month ago. This is apparently what "Dance for Joy" will look like:

I drank a lot of water today, trying to stay hydrated with the heat. And, I'm trying to eat every 3 hours ... and mostly, I think I succeeded!

I decided, instead of totally blowing off my run, that I would postpone the run until evening, when it would be cooler. Of course, when it came time to do my evening run, I wasn't in the mood! Fortunately, I made myself do it ... I'm glad I did.

I ran a totally different route this evening. There were hills. And, doing it once only gave me a little less than 1 mile, so, then I reversed it and did it again, the other direction. According to coolrunning.com, my pace is, 14:47 min./mile. It's not great, but I was quite warm, and there were hills involved, and I haven't been doing much hill running.

I'm ready for bed ... all this heat, and the runs have wiped me out!! I have even been getting 8-9 hours of sleep each night!!

But, unfortunately, I can't go to bed just yet. I need to plan out my meals for the next few days ... through Sunday would be best, since I'm working the next few days.

Tomorrow I am going to be resting from running. (I've gotten nearly 7 1/2 miles in this week, which is quite a bit, for me!!) But, instead will do a P90X workout. Not sure which one, yet. I was going to rest on Friday again, and try to squeeze in Plyo on that day. I'm concentrating pretty heavily on lower body, so I think it should be an upper body workout. I'll pick it tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 11

Week 2, Day 4

Workout:
Run/Walk (5.41 miles)
85 min.
burned 842 cal.
HR max: 180
HR ave: 160

Went for a run today ... had a good time. Mostly. I mean, it was really hot, and I went the longest I've gone yet ... so, it wasn't perfect, or anything!! It was pretty hot today. I should have gone earlier, but I needed to get some grocery shopping done. I think it was about 85 degrees while I was running!

Coolrunning.com says my pace today was: 15:43. The good news is that I ran the first 1.5 miles without slowing to walk. I was very hot ... face was red (because of the heat, and a touch of sunburn) ... and I was glistening wet!!

I was too whipped to do any other workout today. And, I ended up taking a nap in the afternoon!

Tomorrow I'm going to go for a shorter run ... 2 miles. And, am planning on doing my P90X workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 10

Week 2, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I finished pulling the weeds in the backyard.

My family came over today. My church had a Mother-Daughter Tea, so my parents came over so my mom could go to the tea with me. They brought my niece with them. My brother and nephew came to pickup my niece.

So, I got to see them all ... almost! ;) My other niece was home doing homework.

The tea was fun. My mom & I both won prizes ... I won a scrapbook kit & she a tea gift set ... we swapped, since she scrapbooks & I don't!

Goals:

1. Long Run.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 9

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Again ... I was a little too busy & tired today to workout. Ended up vegging-out & falling asleep early ... watching Christmas movies (Christmas With The Kranks & Home Alone).

Yeah ... talk about a wild & crazy Cinco de Mayo!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 8

Week 2, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I was halfway sitting up in bed ... leaning back against the headboard ... telling myself I needed to get up ... I needed to stop dozing off and do my workout! Finally I turned & looked at the clock to discover it was 12:30!! Grrr!! I hate when I dream about getting up, and alarms going off! (Almost as annoying as dreaming about earthquakes when they're happening!)

So, I rolled over & went back to sleep. When 2:30 came along and the alarm went off, I was in no mood to wake up!! So I reset my alarm for a later time.

When I did finally wake up, I had to get busy straightening up my place because a friend of mine was coming over to hang out in the evening. Other than barbecuing veggies on the grill ... it's a vege-out kind of night!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 7

Week 1, Day 7

Workout:
HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
30 min.
burned 153 cal.
HR max: 134
HR ave: 118

I was rather sluggish getting up this morning. So, I didn't have time for a full hour workout. I popped in the HHAs Fat Burning Cardio DVD today.

I think I may not have been tightening my core as well as usual ... I didn't feel the burn like sometimes. I didn't get my HR up as high as I have in the past with this workout, either!!

Eating last night was pretty good. I ended up missing 1 of my snacks. I bought some new (unflavored) protein powder that I tried in my oatmeal. I wasn't crazy about it, but I was able to get it down!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had visions of at least doing a 30 minute workout today. But, the class I attended went longer than expected ... by nearly an hour ... so, when I got home, there wasn't time. Especially since I had to wake up so early (for me) I felt it was very important to get my nap. (Or I would have been up nearly 27 hours straight!!)

Tonight at work, I'm going to focus on eating every 2-3 hours. It may be difficult to get that done, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms
66 min.
burned 417 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 129

Ab Ripper X. Not done.

I dragged my feet all day, in regards to working out. I was very close to taking a nap instead of working out. I talked myself into it. Along the lines of, "you're the one that wanted to start this new round of P90X. You had planned on doing other stuff, but, nooooo, you wanted to start a new round. You might as well just go ahead and do it, and stop delaying the inevitable. Besides, you know it's going to be a good workout ... it always is when you go ahead and workout even if you don't want to."

Yeah, I use sarcasm with myself.

Anyway, it got my butt moving. Unfortunately, it didn't get my butt moving soon enough to do Ab Ripper X. I need to work on that. It's a workout I don't like doing ... so I find any excuse not to do it.

I pushed myself pretty hard ... and was surprised by some of the results. My numbers really increased in the first part of the workout, and the second part I was fatigued enough that I had to back off a bit, but still had some improvements from the last time I did the workout. I also found it interesting in a few of the exercises that I got more reps in the second round of the workout then the first.

Historically, my shoulders have been weaker. Partly because I've "babied" them ... fearing injury I haven't pushed myself (or been consistent enough with them to get results). So, increasing my weights to 15 lbs. was a first for me, I think.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 15 reps; 15#, 10 reps (didn't feel the burn with the first round, so I decided to up the weight)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 15#, 12 reps (more weights increased)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 12 reps (tris are still pretty weak ... though getting stronger)
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15#, 7 reps; 15#, 9 reps (wasn't apparently quite ready for the 15s ... but I'll get better)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 15#, 16 reps; 15#, 8 reps (I upped my weights ... second round was pretty difficult for me)
Chair Dips: 12; 12 (decided to listen to Tony ... he said to bend my legs to get down deeper, so I did ... and I was able to crank out more, too! I usually struggle with these ... wrists and shoulders usually hurt ... today it was the tris that gave out on me!)
Upright Rows: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 12 reps (those last few were very difficult for me)
Static Arm Curls: 15#, 16 reps; 15#, 8 reps ... 10#, 8 reps (that first round I made it through ... barely ... the notes on my paper say "killer" ... I tried on the second round, only got out 8 at the higher weight, so I did a second 8 with the "old" weight)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 6 reps (against my better judgement, I decided to try an increased weight here with my tris ... form was poor on the second round, so I stopped ... should probably pick up a pair of 8 lb. weights)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 16 reps (I pushed through and got to the 16)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 8 reps (had to rest toward the end of each of these rounds)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 15#, 2 reps ... 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 11 reps (I tried the 15s ... but I didn't want to "smash my face" ... so I quickly lowered the weights)
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 10#, 10 reps (since I was tired, and a "straight-arm" exercise, I was afraid to increase the weights ... but the first round was almost easy, so on the second round I increased the weights)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 13 reps; 10#, 12 reps (slight increase in reps)
Side Tri-rises: 10-10; 15-15 (by this time, I was totally "whipped"! ... I just lay, sprawled out on the floor!)

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me. I've got a class to attend from 8-12. (At least I don't have to teach any of it like I'd first been told.) And, since the hospital paid for me to go to that conference in San Diego, I kind of have to do whatever they tell me to do now. Then, I get to go back for my 7p-7a shift later that night. (At least it's my short week, so I'm only working 2 nights this week!!)

The problem with all that is, because I'm waking up so early for the class, I have to get my nap in. By the time I nap & get ready for work & fix my food for work I will have used most of that time up. But, I think I should be able to squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise in there.

Tonight I'm noticing more soreness in my thighs, down to my knees ... I'm sure Plyo is to blame for that!! ;)

***

This weekend, I read an article, "The Great Weight Debate" in the May 2007 issue of Fitness magazine that really hit home for me. Lately, I've been trying to take my focus off the number on the scale ... and actually, I'm working toward taking my focus off of any number related to body image (clothing size, for example).

The article talks about how American women are hyper-focused on the extremes ... super-skinny, this "unrealistic brass ring". We can't achieve it so then we go to the other extreme of "why bother". We've lost sight of what is really important ... being fit and healthy. There was a quote from Rene Zweig, PhD, director of eating disorders and weight management at the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City, that I am trying to make my new focus.

"When it comes to body image, the key is to focus on how you feel, not on the number on the scale. There's a broad range of numbers and weights that are healthy. Some skinny, some heavier. Not just one. Exercising and eating right--if you do those things, then you're at your healthy weight."

Goals:

1. 30 minutes of exercise.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
Plyometrics
59 min.
burned 405 cal.
HR max: 155
HR ave: 137

I did it! I made it through Plyometrics!!

I didn't keep up with Dommie at all, but, I didn't have to "modify" the whole time, either!! I was in the middle ground area ... feel good about what I brought to the table, but know there's plenty of room to improve.

I'm hoping Tony Horton is right about that being a good workout for all other movement & endurance sports!! I chose to do regular P90X rotation, instead of lean because Plyo is supposed to be so good for my running!! I expect to see great strides of improvement (pun intended) in my running now that I'm doing Plyo once a week!!

Nutrition-wise I did fair. Actually, that's good for me on a non-work day!! Normally the eating isn't so good. I really tried to eat every 2 hours. Toward evening, I slacked off ... I missed the 6 pm eating and ate at 7 instead. I haven't checked off my macro-nutrient boxes yet, so I'm not sure where I stand on my ratios, but I've got a feeling I didn't eat enough food today.

I will definitely have to work on that. Not eating enough today will definitely affect my ability to do "triples" tomorrow!! ;)

Actually, with all the things I think I need to do tomorrow, I don't know that I'll have time for triples!! ;) I'm going to do Shoulders & Arms along with Ab Ripper X. I'll see how my time goes from there. After that, if I have the time, I'll probably do YogaX (tomorrow's regularly scheduled workout, which would mean I'm caught up on my slacked-off workouts). If I don't have enough time, I'll go for a run instead.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
2. YogaX.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Got another compliment at work tonight ... actually, a couple compliments. Somehow, the conversation got around to the topic of "butts". Anyway, one of my coworkers informed me that she had noticed that my butt was shrinking! :) Way cool!! Another one of my coworkers has taken to calling me "skinny" ... so actually, I get that one, 2 or 3 times a pay period!!

I have noticed my waist is starting to really appear when I'm looking at myself in the mirror. Woohoo!! And, there's a little definition starting to show in my abs ... lines that didn't used to be there!

I didn't workout yesterday. I caught up on sleep instead ... if you can call 7 hours catching up!! ;) So, I planned on working out today. I had either a make-up Plyometrics workout to do, or today's Shoulders & Arms. I was actually thinking about trying to get both of them in if I could get that energetic between 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm!!

Before my alarm even went off, I woke up, and was laying in bed. I could feel my heart beating very fast. Similar to the feeling when I've had too much caffeine or not enough sleep ... or when I'm sick.

So, I decided I needed to listen to my body. It was telling me loud-and-clear that I needed to back off a little. So, I reset my alarm for an hour and a half later.

I'll figure out workouts for tomorrow.

Nutrition-wise, not so good today. It wasn't bad ... I didn't eat any ice cream, or other evil thing. I did make a protein shake so that I could get some additional calories and protein in. The problem on this Sunday (and next Friday) is that it's my first night off from work. I'm not typically up for more than 6 hours ... being up for more is very unusual. So, I just don't have the time to get all the food intake that I'm supposed to. Guess it keeps my body & metabolism guessing that way!

Tomorrow's workout is supposed to be YogaX. I've only got a few things I absolutely have to do tomorrow, but 1 of the things is going to take me a while ... at least 2 hours, but I should allow 3 just in case I run into problems with it. That means I don't have time for 3 3/4 hours of P90X workouts, along with running.

So, I'm going to do what I can do, and not worry about what I think I should have tried to do. Depending on the time I have, I'm going to first do Plyometrics (I'm a Plyometric-Virgin ... it's my first time doing "the MOTHER of all P90X workouts"). Then, if there's time, I'll do my other "make-up" workout, Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X.

Goals:

1. Make-up workouts: Plyometrics. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
None.

When I got home this morning from work, I was feeling pretty dizzy. As I was swaying and staggering my way into my house it occurred to me that I was lucky to have gotten home safely!! It wasn't so much that I was sleepy (I was, but I wasn't fighting sleep ... my eyes were definitely open) ... my head was spinning, though!! Even once I laid down.

Anyway, because of the dizziness, I felt I should listen to my body. Particularly since I haven't gotten my usual 6+ hours of sleep the last couple days, I decided to not workout today. I set my alarm for my usual 4 pm, instead of 2:30 pm.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
Chest & Back
56 min.
burned 311 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 122

Ab Ripper X. Not done. Don't have much more time than an hour on those work days for workouts.

I slept so good today! A solid 5 1/2 hours!! Oh, yeah!! Bring it on!

Yeah, I know, it doesn't sound like much. But, I slept solidly throughout the whole thing ... I think I may not have moved the whole time, either (my back hurt when I woke up). In order to get an hour-long workout in, though, that's the kind of sleep I get. If I could get moving a little quicker once I was awake, or up, I'd have more time, but it really takes me a while to get moving ... and then I've got to shower & get ready for work, as well as fixing my food to eat before I leave & to take in with me.

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 16 (8 reg., 8 knees); 6 (3 reg., 3 knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 3 (3 sec. count); 4 (3 sec. count)
Military Push-Ups: 14 (7 reg., 7 knees); 8 (4 reg., 4 knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 3 (3 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 11 (5 reg., 6 knees); 10 (2 reg., 8 knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 4 (3 sec. count); 2 (3 sec. count)
Decline Push-Ups: 3 (no bars); 3 (no bars)
Heavy Pants: 15, 15#; 11, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 6 (not very low); 6 (knees ... much lower)
Lawnmowers: 15, 15#; 15, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 5; 5
Back Flys: 15, 10# & 7, 15#; 5, 15# (10# weights are too easy, 15 is very difficult to keep good form)

Again, another solid performance in the workout. I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel it like I'm feeling yesterday's workout now!!

Nutrition was mostly good. One of my coworkers brought cake in ... like my birthday cake at potluck (my childhood favorite), so of course, I had 1 piece. I was hot going into work, and had a cold coffee drink that I probably shouldn't have had, either. But, otherwise, it was a good day!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

T minus 1 ... P90X revisited

Workout:
Core Synergistics
65 min.
burned 372 cal.
HR max: 161
HR ave: 125

I totally didn't sleep well today. I was awake every 30 minutes, I think. But, I made myself get up anyway ... might as well, there wasn't any point in trying to sleep!! 'Cuz I couldn't.

Tonight's going to be difficult at work ...

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done (I cont. to struggle with "Bow")
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 5
Side Hip Raise: 14 each side
Squat X-Press: 10#, 20 (I ended up taking a break and only doing 20)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during chaturanga)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 10#, 5 sets (nearly killed me--but I made it!)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 4
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 6
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: done (shaking on chaturanga iso)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: 10 (elbows hurt so I stopped)

It felt good to get up and do this workout. Well, actually, sleep would have felt better, but planning on doing the workout, and then making myself follow-through felt good.

I started focusing on the P90X nutrition ... getting started on it.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

so close I can feel it ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.44 miles)
48 min.
burned 440 cal.
HR max: 176
HR ave: 160

I did the same route as Monday. For some reason, the gps recorded .03 less miles than before. Good news is, I managed to cut my time by 1 minute!!

Woohoo!!

I wanted to try to get more exercise in, but, it is my first day to work ... so I've got things to do and a nap to take before going to work.

Tomorrow I'm going to get up early to do Core Synergistics as my pre-P90X workout ... you know, to get in the groove.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

moving in closer ...

Workout:
None.

I had originally planned on doing a short run today (2 miles), but when the alarm went off, I was so not ready to get up. When I did get up, I could feel the effects of the run in my spine, hips, and feet.

I decided not to run today ... don't want to overwhelm my body too much. I'll do the longer 3 1/2 mile run tomorrow.

No Weight Watcher's for me today.

I decided to get off the WW train. I've got a couple reasons for going ahead and doing it.

1. I need to get my head right, as far as the scale is concerned. So, I don't need the weekly weigh-ins ... that really messes with me, especially when I've been especially good about working out and my eating.
2. My focus for the next 3 months is P90X and running. For those, I need to fuel my body properly, and I need time (to get the workouts in). The WW meetings seem like they take a lot away from my day and my ability to do what I know I need to do. Besides, for P90X, I fuel my body differently than WW ... I eat more. I need to eat more. Basically, when I'm doing P90X, I'm not eating WW-style. So, why waste my time and money?

As much as I'd like to start P90X on Thursday ... I don't see myself consistently doing YogaX on Sundays. Every other Sunday, I'm getting off my weekend of working. It's hard enough for me to get up and get done what I need to get done in the evening ... without a 90+ minute workout. So, it looks like a Friday start to me!!

Mondays are pretty lazy days for me, anyway, so doing YogaX should fit right into that!

Tomorrow I'm going to do my run. And, I'm going to do the Fit Test. Seems a little crazy to take pictures (I just did that on Saturday), but I will go ahead and take new measurements since I have been doing a lot of cardio and running.

I have decided to do the Classic rotation with running doubles. I think the only time I do Core Synergistics in Classic is Recovery Weeks, so, I'm going to do Core Synergistics on Thursday as the pre-P90X workout.

Friday begins another "wild ride" on the P90X-train!!

Today I spent some time working on a good playlist for working out. I mostly had running in mind, but I think this workout will work for the P90X workouts, as well.

Looks like the ground-work has been put into place ... nutrition, music and the workout plan. I'm ready!! ;-)

Goals:

1. Run/Walk the 3 1/2 mile route.
2. P90X Fit Test.
3. Take measurements.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Getting psyched ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.47 miles)
49 min.
burned 432 cal.
HR max: 178
HR ave: 158

I had a great run today. I pushed myself a little farther today. I've been sitting back on my 2 mile (or 30 minutes, whichever comes first) runs. I've been pushing myself in that increment of time, but, today I decided to increase my time out running.

I managed to keep up my 13 min./mile pace for the first 2 miles, but then my efficiency dropped off. But, even with that, I managed a 14 min./mile average for the nearly 3 1/2 miles. So, it's just a matter of building on that.

It was a little cooler this morning when I headed out, so my lungs were hurting a little when I first got started, but about 1/2 mile into it my chest and lungs felt better, and the sweatshirt came off.

Today I spent a lot of time (too much, probably ... when I look at the list of things that I didn't get done today) going over the nutritional aspect of the P90X program. I fit into the Level 2 category (approximately 2400 calories). I've set up 2 basic menu ideas (the specifics of either of them are changeable for variety ... I didn't write in WHAT fruit or vegetables I'll be eating) that I can easily adjust from day to day to give myself variety.

I've started my grocery list of things I need to buy. And, I've cleaned my cupboards of the "non-plan" foods that I don't need to have around to tempt me.

So, nutritionally I'm ready to start the program!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

musings from limbo-land

Workout:
None.

Once again, I only made it partway through the 6-day slim-down! I think I'm going to stop trying to get through the slim-down, and just focus on working out, and doing my best.

I have been waffling back and forth, on what I'm doing for my next workout routine. Thinking about changing it up, but not doing anything specific ... my own hybrid workout. But then today, I was reading a thread on the beachbody website, of a group who have now restarted their next round. It's got me psyched, and ready to start a new round now!!

I lost 2% body fat in this last one. Not bad. But, I know, if I take what I've learned about myself, and attempted to get more of the workouts in, and really focused on the nutrition part of the program, I could do even better.

I mean, just imagine how awesome my results would be if I really brought it, 100% for the full 3 months! And, if I start now, I could be looking totally hot before the end of the summer!! (Yeah, that might be the real motivation.)

One of my personal goals is to drop another 7% body fat. I'd like to get down to 20%. I also want to do well with my running. Both of those personal goals can be helped with the P90X program. So, it makes sense that I start soon ... the sooner, the better for reaching my goals.

I need to plan my start so that YogaX is on Sunday or Monday, when I've got the time to devote to a 90 minute workout. I also need to plan better the nutrition program. I want to put 100% into the nutrition. I also need to figure out how to add my "doubles" workouts of running. I've got 1 month before my first 5K. So, I've got motivation there, to focus my workouts, too!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 6)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 6

Workout:
None.

I woke a little late, groggy from the drugs. Well, and groggy from working ... it usually takes me a day to recover.

I did get my pictures taken ...

They're still sitting on my camera. I'll get them uploaded and cropped and put onto the entry with the measurements in a couple days.

Friends of mine from work surprised me with dinner and a comedy show tonight. I was told to be dressed somewhat nice, and to be ready at 6:15 tonight. I was picked up, and driven ...

We went out for Thai food. Then to the IMPROV to see Bruce Fiennes & Shawn Wayans. They were totally funny!! I had a great time. My stomach hurt afterwards, from all the laughing!!

Here are some pictures of Shawn Wayans from the show (took them with my cell phone):




































Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 5)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 5

Workout:
None.

Last weekend, I tried to buy a purse. The store I was at didn't have it in the color I wanted. So, they ordered it from another store, and had it shipped to me. It came on Thursday afternoon. But it wasn't the right one.

I spent some time contemplating about just going ahead and keeping it. It's really a minor difference. The leather trim is brown on this one, as opposed to the reddish-brown that I want. The interior is pink on this one, as opposed to red in the one I want.

After a little contemplation, I decided to return this one, and try to get the one I want (if nothing else, it's available online). So, instead of waking early to workout, I drove to the mall to return the purse. Then, I drove to another mall where there is a Nordstroms, a Macy's, and a Bloomingdales ... hoping someone had the exact purse I want.

They didn't. I did have fun shopping, though ... the Stanford Shopping Center is a fun place! When I got home, I went online, and purchased my new purse ... hopefully it'll be shipped on Monday.

My neck and shoulders hurt tonight. My neck was stiff ... it hurt to look over my shoulders while driving today. I'm not working out ... I put Tiger Balm on my neck and shoulders, took a Naprosyn & a Tylenol #3 with Codeine ... and then a heating pad across my shoulder blades, where I couldn't reach to put the Tiger Balm on.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 4)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 4

Happy Birthday, Larry!! (my brother)

Workout:
None.

First night back is pretty difficult! The alarm went off at 2:30pm, and I just couldn't do it. I reset the alarm for 4pm, and went back to sleep!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 3)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 3

Workout:
HHAs Ab Sculpt
23 min.
burned 148 cal.
HR max: 158
HR ave: 131

HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
29 min.
burned 207 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 139

What a good workout! I had fun today. I did one HHAs workout after the other. The Ab Sculpt workout was new to me. The whole thing really kept me sucked in and working out. But, because I did those 2 workouts, I didn't get around to running today ... had to take my nap.

Tonight's my first night of work after being off for a week and a half. I really needed to be sure I got the nap in so I could stay awake all night!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 2)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 2

Workout:
HHAs Total Body Burn
42 min.
burned 230 cal.
HR max: 144
HR ave: 120

Another HHAs workout done!

I should have gotten a run in, as well, but, I had a dental appointment in the middle of my day. Then, when I got home from my hour-long drive from where my dentist is, I was so exhausted, I chose a nap, instead.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 1)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 1

Workout:
HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
29 min.
burned 169 cal.
HR max: 138
HR ave: 124

Run/Walk (2 miles)
26 min.
burned: 220 cal.
HR max: 179
HR ave: 154
13.00 min./mile

I didn't get my HR up like last week. I'm getting the moves down better. It feels like it's flowing easier and better.

Good news with the running ... I felt great while running. The GPS even said at one point, I was running a 10:13 min./mile! That invigorated me to keep going ... it felt good to run. I think that's what they call a runner's high!! Coolrunnings.com said my average was 13 min./mile ... suhweeet!!

Yes, I realize that it was only for 2 miles. Nothing prolonged. But, it's a start! Besides, it's better than I have been!! It's an improvement. A measurable improvement!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Denitra & Me!

Workout:
None.

Today is my birthday ... and Denitra, my "little sister"--a friend from childhood who is 5 years younger than me ... exactly.

I had a nice day. Slept in a little longer than I had planned.

My younger niece had a soccer tournament today. So, my brother and his kids, and my parents were there. I joined them during her last game. She did a good job! Then we went out to eat at Cilantro's. (My birthday is today, my brother's is Thursday ... my mom didn't think it would be right to have either of us cook our birthday dinner.) Then, we just hung out and talked for a couple hours.

My parents got me irises ... 4 pots with 2 irises each ... that I now need to pot into bigger pots!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 6)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had a nice day today. Other than the rain, it was a relaxing day for me. I woke late, had leisurely couple cups of coffee, and then headed off shopping with a good friend of mine.

She bought me a new palm ... the T|X. My Tungsten T has been acting unusual lately. It's about 5 years old ... and as much as I really wanted it when I got it, it did occur to me that the sliding parts on it might eventually "go bad". But lately it's been doing things, like not turning off when I turn it off, or not always turning on when I try to turn it on. And, the frequent "resets" ...

So, I've been given a replacement.

It's totally cool. It'll take a little getting used to. It's set up slightly differently than the old one. And the writing style is a little different. But, it's totally cool!! If only I could get the mail to work properly for me!

Well, it looks like I've blown the 6-day slim-down ...

I got 2 days of workouts done. With the eating close to on target. Tomorrow, I'm going to try it again ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 5)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 5

Workout:
None.

Today was "me-time" ...

I slept in, did some shopping ... and then some cooking!

A friend of mine came by for dinner. I grilled my "famous" grilled veggie sandwiches ... yum! Had a nice dinner ... that was actually fairly healthy ... lots of grilled veggies, some olive oil drizzled on the whole-grain ciabata bread that was grilled over the flame, and a slice of colby-jack cheese.

Not sure that I'm getting a workout in tomorrow ... unless mall-walking counts! I'm being taken shopping for my birthday! Woo hoo!!

Goals:

1. Birthday shopping ...
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 4)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 4

Workout:
None.

Again.

I got the last of my housecleaning done, downstairs. I finished a couple hours before my company was to show up ... so I played with the Wii for a little while. My reward for my hard work.

I had a nice visit ... all that work for a 30 minute visit ... oh, well!! ;-)

It takes things like that to get me to really focus and get the work done. Because otherwise, I'm able to postpone the inevitable, and I get derailed by other things. So, I'm glad I got it all done!

But, this evening, my reward was to play the Wii. I opened up a game I'd bought, but hadn't had time to play ... "Trauma Center". This one isn't active, like the Wii Sports & Wii Play. But, it's entertaining ... I get to be a resident physician!

I took this weekend off from work ... it is my birthday on Sunday. So, officially, tonight begins my "vacation time"!

I'm going to bed early ... I woke up early today. So, I think I deserve some "me-time"!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 3)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 3

Workout:
None.

I should have squeezed in a workout today. But, I was doing some serious deep-cleaning. I have company coming to visit me tomorrow, so, I needed to do the major stuff ... dusting, and scrubbing, and vacuuming ... stuff I do as infrequently as possible.

I did a lot of stuff today. I stayed focused. Played music as my motivation. Didn't turn on the TV ... as entertaining as the TV can be, I'm more likely to stop and watch ... instead of continuing to work, like I do with music.

I got almost all of the work done ... just a few more things around that I've put off, and the living room left for tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 2)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 2

Workout:
Total Body Burn
41 min.
burned 241 cal.
HR max: 146
HR ave: 126

Wow! What a workout! I was feeling completely wiped out after that workout! I love that the time totally flies by. I note the time remaining when I start the workout, and then I happen to notice it again, about halfway through ... and then suddenly it says "cooldown"!

I was feeling some definite burn!!

I did the workout without weights this time. Mainly, because I'm just trying it out for the first time. But, also, I didn't realize I needed them, and I was already running a little behind schedule, and didn't want to take any additional time to pull any of them out of the closet. Now that I know what the workout is, on Thursday, I'll pull out the 5s and 10s. I want to try it with the 10s, but I'll have the 5s nearby just in case that's too much.

I got the Fit Test and the measurements done this morning. (Almost didn't make it to my Weight Watcher's meeting because I was trying to get that stuff done!!)

So, yes, I know what you all are interested in ...

The numbers, and the pictures ...

They weren't too bad. As far as measurements go, I'm down body fat percentage, and fat lbs., and up slightly on the lean mass. We're talking about 2% body fat less ... which, when you think about it, isn't too bad. Ninety-plus days ago, I decided to make a change in my life that would impact my body in a positive way. I did. My favorite body fat calculator website (biofitness) is back online again, so, all the numbers are reflective of using the same calculator.

Overall, there was a 4 1/2 inch loss, and a 2% fat loss as well.

I typed them up in Word, and then took a screen shot and cropped it in PhotoShop ... makes the columns look better! Much easier to read then the way I was doing it!! (Plus, if you can't read it, you can click on it, and get a bigger version of it!!)

Here are the measurements:















Now, for the Fit Test Results. My resting HR is improved. I can never remember to check it while in bed ... besides, when the alarm wakes me up, I'm not so sure that isn't a slightly elevated HR! ;) I also noticed, with the HR Maximizer, in anticipation of the next minute interval, when I looked at my HRM, my HR went up. (That would definitely be a good one for me to use help with, so I'm not looking at it!!)












The pictures will be here later. I ran out of time to get them done. Actually, doing my workout was more important to me than doing that. So, it's scheduled into my day tomorrow to take the pictures. I've got a pretty packed schedule tomorrow, so it may be Thursday before I get them uploaded here.

Comparison Photos: