If I ever win the lottery I am going to do a couple of things. First, hire a driver. I don't want to ever have to deal with parking again. Second, I am going to start a business that makes workout clothing for people who are not a size 12 or under. This continues to be an area of major frustration for me. I have tried just about every brand out there and am still having trouble finding clothes that fit well for workouts. I mean come on! We are the ones that need to workout, right?
My friend Michelle sent me a message the other day. She is frustrated about weight loss just like me. She has been hitting the workouts hard and has even taken he diet part much further than I have, but is also frustrated not seeing the scale move. It's good to know someone is in it with me. I guess Jared was right, but I'm just not real great when it comes to patience.
I feel a bit like I am starting from scratch. Since I took the week off running for my temper tantrum, getting back into it is proving to be difficult. This is a pretty common theme for me. I am really good at starting things. Not so good with the follow through. At least when it comes to activities at the gym.
During one of my training sessions last week Jason had me get on the scale. I hate that part. Especially this particular scale. It broke down my weight in pounds of lean muscle and pounds of fat. I don't know how it did that. I about puked when I read the report: about 40% of my body weight is fat. 40%!!!! Gross!!! When I learn things like that I fall into a funk; I want to be motivated by it, but more often find myself feeling very defeated. He thinks that we need to do some calorie cutting. I have been trying to stick to 2200/day, he wants me under 2000/day for a while to see if that helps. This translates to me as: you're going to be sooooo hungry! I picked up a couple new cookbooks to try to help. One is called The Acid Reflux Solution. That one I am really hoping lives up to it's title because acid reflux is a nightmare I have been living with for years. Waking up every night with terrible heartburn despite medicating and watching what I eat has been a less than fun reality. The other two are low carb cookbooks that boast 200 Flavorful recipes. I'll be the judge of that.
I am going to Chicago for St. Patty's Day to visit some friends. While there I am going to do a 5k. I plan on doing another 5k the first week of April. It's hard to believe the race is only two months away. Time has gone fast. Progress has been slow.
This & that from week 7:
1. Diets are hard to stick with. Even when they make you feel better. I would just rather have pizza and cupcakes. It's true.
2. I'm taking any suggestions for good recipes that are low carb and don't taste like cardboard.
3. Blisters are no longer making my life hell! YAY!!
4. Almost two months without diet coke and it didn't kill me. Also have been off beer for that long as well.
5. I'm thinking about buying a juicer. Does anyone have one that they love?
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Week 6.5
And now for a more optimistic mid-week update. I am starting to think that my trainer is paying people to give me pep talks, which is totally fine by me. I had a little bit of a freak out during one of our workouts last week. I almost starting bawling because I was so frustrated. I hadn't lost any weight, I was (and still am) having issues every time I try to set out jogging and consequently am not making near the progress I had hoped for. Take that and add an overwhelming week at work and I as kinda pissy and upset. He suggested that we change some things up and he start "pushing me harder". I agreed we needed to do somethings differently, but then before I could even stop myself I let out a stern warning: "If you go all Jillian Michaels on me and yell at me even once I will punch you in the throat." I think he may find me a little crazy.
So anyway, the pep talks. So today as I was struggling through our work out. There are always several other people around also working with trainers in the same area. When we finished up today, one of the ladies that was working out nearby caught up with me on the track and asked how things were going and we started chatting. She is definitely fit. She complimented my dedication and said that she has noticed me improving over the last few weeks and to "keep at it". That was nice to hear. Especially since I have no clue who this lady is.
Next up is Personal Trainer John, another Iron Man, much like my brother. As I am stretching he asks if I have an event coming up and pulls up some floor. I tell him which one and he knows all about that particular race and said he knows the director. He thinks it's a good one to try first. He thinks an "all girl" event is a good place to start for first time female runners. I told him about my progress (and lack there of) to date. He was encouraging and seems to think that as long as I keep doing what I am doing and stick to the training routine, even if I can't do it all in running, but meet the specified duration in cardio activity that I will be fine. This goes along with what Jared's coaching suggested as well. It's nice to get some advice that matches! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate ALL advice that I have been given so keep it coming!
So as I am starting week 7 I am feeling much better than last week. I am sure the roller coaster ride will continue with good weeks and bad weeks.
Lessons Learned:
1. Cramping is no fun. I repeat, NO FUN. I have been getting calf cramps in the middle of the night and boy do those wake you up in a jolt! And the soreness! That lasts for a couple days too. I hate leg cramps
2. I needs suggestions on how to prevent leg cramps. Things tried so far are foam rolling every night, trying my best to stay hydrated, NUUN is my hydration choice so far but may need to be revisited, and stretching. Lots of stretching.
3. I added some Gin Wigmore to my playlist. Some good beats to trot along with.
4. During my workouts with Jason I am having a lot of lower back cramping, particularly doing weighted squats and dead lifts. Anyone have some good exercises to strengthen this area?
Here's to a better week! Thanks for all the support!
So anyway, the pep talks. So today as I was struggling through our work out. There are always several other people around also working with trainers in the same area. When we finished up today, one of the ladies that was working out nearby caught up with me on the track and asked how things were going and we started chatting. She is definitely fit. She complimented my dedication and said that she has noticed me improving over the last few weeks and to "keep at it". That was nice to hear. Especially since I have no clue who this lady is.
Next up is Personal Trainer John, another Iron Man, much like my brother. As I am stretching he asks if I have an event coming up and pulls up some floor. I tell him which one and he knows all about that particular race and said he knows the director. He thinks it's a good one to try first. He thinks an "all girl" event is a good place to start for first time female runners. I told him about my progress (and lack there of) to date. He was encouraging and seems to think that as long as I keep doing what I am doing and stick to the training routine, even if I can't do it all in running, but meet the specified duration in cardio activity that I will be fine. This goes along with what Jared's coaching suggested as well. It's nice to get some advice that matches! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate ALL advice that I have been given so keep it coming!
So as I am starting week 7 I am feeling much better than last week. I am sure the roller coaster ride will continue with good weeks and bad weeks.
Lessons Learned:
1. Cramping is no fun. I repeat, NO FUN. I have been getting calf cramps in the middle of the night and boy do those wake you up in a jolt! And the soreness! That lasts for a couple days too. I hate leg cramps
2. I needs suggestions on how to prevent leg cramps. Things tried so far are foam rolling every night, trying my best to stay hydrated, NUUN is my hydration choice so far but may need to be revisited, and stretching. Lots of stretching.
3. I added some Gin Wigmore to my playlist. Some good beats to trot along with.
4. During my workouts with Jason I am having a lot of lower back cramping, particularly doing weighted squats and dead lifts. Anyone have some good exercises to strengthen this area?
Here's to a better week! Thanks for all the support!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Week Six
I can't mark this week as a complete failure, but it wasn't great. I didn't run at all. I couldn't do it. With the foot issue still causing problems, my trainer recommended I take a week off running and do some other cardio. So I did. I feel like I set myself back; not overall, but in the running department. I would be lying if I said I was just dying to go running. Quite frankly, I could never run again and be okay with it. I would feel guilty if I didn't go to the gym as much as I have been, but that's it.
I'm not going to quit trying to pull this off, but I really question how realistic this goal is. I was expecting bigger things at this point. Kind of a blah post, but no real excitement this week. I'll do a mid-week check in once I have some more to report.
I'm not going to quit trying to pull this off, but I really question how realistic this goal is. I was expecting bigger things at this point. Kind of a blah post, but no real excitement this week. I'll do a mid-week check in once I have some more to report.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week Five
Warning! You are about to read some complaining. Some major complaining.
Week 5 has come and gone. All I want is a pedicure. I haven't had one since before Christmas and It's killing me. I usually go every week or every two weeks. My feet look disgusting and are peeling and callused and just gross. Oh yeah, two of my toenails have fallen off completely and most of my other toenails have cracked. I wasn't expecting that this early in the game. Thank goodness it isn't sandal season.
I am very disappointed with my progress in the running department. I keep expecting my legs to catch up with me and carry me a little further each time, but it just isn't happening. I know I haven't been doing this long, but COME ON!! When will I be able to make some progress? It's getting a little annoying. AND I haven't lost a single pound. Not one. I haven't gained anything, but still I was hoping to drop at least 5-10 pounds the first month. Grrrr. Damn it.
As far as the whole running thing goes I am getting frustrated. My feet continue to bother me. I have had plantar faciitis for a long time. My right foot still bothers me regularly, but doesn't keep me from exercising like it use to. Now my feet have a new little trick they are trying out on me. They cramp up and even though my legs might be able to carry me for another 45 seconds (which is kinda of a lot for me), I have to lower the speed and walk it off for another 30 seconds or so, sometimes stopping all together and stretching each foot. I know this is a lot for my body to get use to, but I was really hoping to log my first continuous mile this week. I am disappointed.
As a result of the foot cramp issues, I have been spending as much time as I can stand on the treadmill then heading into the cycling studio and grinding away on one of the bikes for the remainder of the workout and concentrating on keeping my heart rate in the right zone. This is also keeping me from getting bored, which is good. I have set a new personal record for sticking with something. Usually I only make it about 3 weeks.
Personal Training: Going well. Getting stronger. Dead lifts are very heavy and push ups are very hard, even when those push ups are against a wall. Squats are like a nightmare. Planks are getting easier. We started doing box jumps this week. Yuck yuck and more yuck on those. There is a lot of lead in my butt. Even with all those negative statements, I actually really enjoy my sessions. I think I am enjoying this more because it has been easier to track my progress. I have lost 1 inch off my waist. I guess that is something to be happy about. Especially because I have only be ADDING inches to my waist over the years. :) 1 point for Hilaree!
I had a major moment of weakness last weekend. I was in Bethesda getting my hair done. Well, Dry Bar, my hair place, is right next door to Georgetown Cupcakes. If you ever have the opportunity to stop by one of these cupcake shops do not pass it up! The Vanilla Squared is to die for. I went in and was going to get just one. After all, I had survived my 80 minute workout that morning. Well, It happened to be 30 minutes before closing so all the cupcakes were half price. I bought four. Yes, four. I enjoyed ever last crumb of each of them. The guilt from that has carried through the rest of the week, but it was worth it.
Lessons learned:
1. I am starting to like my weight training workouts.
2. I miss drinking beer. I haven't had one since Christmas.
3. Vitamins that contain stimulants don't work for me. The racing heart rate and excessive sweating were kind of terrifying. No more GNC Be Hot vitapacks for me.
4. Running dreams have stopped recently. Kind of a bummer. I liked to see what Dream Runner Hilaree was up to.
5. I hate that there are full length mirrors all over the gym. It makes me self conscious.
Thanks for keeping up with me. I almost forgot: no one has confessed to sending me my care package. If you must stay silent I'm ok with that. Thanks again! Looking forward to your feedback. Have a great week.
Week 5 has come and gone. All I want is a pedicure. I haven't had one since before Christmas and It's killing me. I usually go every week or every two weeks. My feet look disgusting and are peeling and callused and just gross. Oh yeah, two of my toenails have fallen off completely and most of my other toenails have cracked. I wasn't expecting that this early in the game. Thank goodness it isn't sandal season.
I am very disappointed with my progress in the running department. I keep expecting my legs to catch up with me and carry me a little further each time, but it just isn't happening. I know I haven't been doing this long, but COME ON!! When will I be able to make some progress? It's getting a little annoying. AND I haven't lost a single pound. Not one. I haven't gained anything, but still I was hoping to drop at least 5-10 pounds the first month. Grrrr. Damn it.
As far as the whole running thing goes I am getting frustrated. My feet continue to bother me. I have had plantar faciitis for a long time. My right foot still bothers me regularly, but doesn't keep me from exercising like it use to. Now my feet have a new little trick they are trying out on me. They cramp up and even though my legs might be able to carry me for another 45 seconds (which is kinda of a lot for me), I have to lower the speed and walk it off for another 30 seconds or so, sometimes stopping all together and stretching each foot. I know this is a lot for my body to get use to, but I was really hoping to log my first continuous mile this week. I am disappointed.
As a result of the foot cramp issues, I have been spending as much time as I can stand on the treadmill then heading into the cycling studio and grinding away on one of the bikes for the remainder of the workout and concentrating on keeping my heart rate in the right zone. This is also keeping me from getting bored, which is good. I have set a new personal record for sticking with something. Usually I only make it about 3 weeks.
Personal Training: Going well. Getting stronger. Dead lifts are very heavy and push ups are very hard, even when those push ups are against a wall. Squats are like a nightmare. Planks are getting easier. We started doing box jumps this week. Yuck yuck and more yuck on those. There is a lot of lead in my butt. Even with all those negative statements, I actually really enjoy my sessions. I think I am enjoying this more because it has been easier to track my progress. I have lost 1 inch off my waist. I guess that is something to be happy about. Especially because I have only be ADDING inches to my waist over the years. :) 1 point for Hilaree!
I had a major moment of weakness last weekend. I was in Bethesda getting my hair done. Well, Dry Bar, my hair place, is right next door to Georgetown Cupcakes. If you ever have the opportunity to stop by one of these cupcake shops do not pass it up! The Vanilla Squared is to die for. I went in and was going to get just one. After all, I had survived my 80 minute workout that morning. Well, It happened to be 30 minutes before closing so all the cupcakes were half price. I bought four. Yes, four. I enjoyed ever last crumb of each of them. The guilt from that has carried through the rest of the week, but it was worth it.
Lessons learned:
1. I am starting to like my weight training workouts.
2. I miss drinking beer. I haven't had one since Christmas.
3. Vitamins that contain stimulants don't work for me. The racing heart rate and excessive sweating were kind of terrifying. No more GNC Be Hot vitapacks for me.
4. Running dreams have stopped recently. Kind of a bummer. I liked to see what Dream Runner Hilaree was up to.
5. I hate that there are full length mirrors all over the gym. It makes me self conscious.
Thanks for keeping up with me. I almost forgot: no one has confessed to sending me my care package. If you must stay silent I'm ok with that. Thanks again! Looking forward to your feedback. Have a great week.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Week Four
I either have a secret admirer who has a strange knack for picking running related gifts or one of you is very thoughtful blog follower. I received a care package of sorts today in the mail; Body Glide and a water bottle. There was no note, so I am not sure who to properly thank. So which one of you was it? Who done it??? This is going to drive me bananas. I have already ruled out my brother. I do love a good mystery. :) But, in all seriousness, thanks very much. It made my day and I really do appreciate all of the support I have received. I was so thrilled just to find out people were reading along! You guys are the best. Thank you so much. Mean while, back at the gym...
This week went much better than last week. I feel I need to personally thank Dave Grohl and The Foo Fighters for getting me through each workout. I feel great! Finally, the daily pain has subsided and I am only a little sore after each personal training session.
I achieved a milestone the other day. It's not a big one, but the first one I am going to keep track of. I jogged .3 miles without stopping. I know that is not very far, but to me it is kind of a big deal. Hoping to track my first full mile sometime next week! Tomorrow I have to do my first longer work out. It's supposed to be an 80 minute run, but since I can't run very far just yet I am going to try to break it into two 40 minute sessions. I am trying to run as long as I can, then walk until I recover a bit, then start up again. Luckily, the recovery time is getting shorter. Progress!
Since my PT sessions are only 30 minutes, this week I started doing some cycling afterwards for about 45 minutes. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have had the energy, but somehow this week it seems to have shown up. So that is the good news from personal training land. The bad news is that I embarrassed the shit out of myself on Tuesday when I fell down during my session. I was doing these speed step things and the box got away from me and I went down. Flat on my ass in front of about 100 people. Awesome. I'm that girl. The director of the gym wanted me to fill out an incident report. I swore i wasn't injured and told him I just really wanted to disappear. He tried to assure me that it "happens all the time." I kinda doubt it. My bruised butt and ego will survive I'm sure.
Lessons learned:
1. Foam rollers are our friends.
2. Plantar Faciitis is not our friend.
3. I really like Nuun tablets. I think that is going to be my hydration choice.
4. Finally finding some good recipes that are filling, high protein, low carb, and actually taste good.
5. I will no longer make fun of someones workout apparel. Even if it looks ridiculous, it is probably serving a purpose.
6. I really appreciate an "off day". They are glorious.
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