On That Wagon

It regards to my gym routine and exercise on a whole I had fallen off the wagon and had been run over by it as well.  As a friend said today, she fell off the wagon and cannot even see it in the distance.

Well today is the day that I hopping back on that wagon.  This time for good.

I went to the gym to day and although I have been fighting a headache and I wasn't really excited about going I am so glad that I did.  It felt good.  I did a little cardio and bunch of core.  The amount of sweat that came off of my way really uplifting.  I just knew that I was doing a good job.  I am sure that tomorrow at this time my abs are going to be screaming at me.  But I deserve it!  It has been too long.

They have a new machine at the gym that I LURVE!  It resembles an eliptical machine.  But it is so nice.  Very fluid in the motion and has a BUNCH of difference interval exercises on it.  The best part...... it has a built in fan!  It was like heaven.  I have just found me to new home for indoor cardio.  I think that we might can be friends.

Tonight is a ride night and tomorrow is a trip back to the gym.  I am looking forward to getting back to the shape that I was in a year ago.  Well it happen?!  Of course.  I just have to stick with it. 

We stick together

My little story for the day that made me smile.

I was sitting in my truck reading my book, while enjoying my turkey sandwich and carrot sticks (healthy lunch!) when a young man on a bike walked up to my window. At first he scared the crap out of me, it is a really good book and I was completely enveloped in the story.  I rolled down the window and he said hi. 

"I need a favor, please?  Can you give me a ride to the LBS down the street?" 

Me first reaction was NO.  Not just no but hell no.  I have a hard time trusting a lot of people.

"I have a flat tire and I broke my tire tool trying to change it.  I will ride in the bike of the truck if you are willing to take me down there."

I am sure that my bike being in the back of the truck was a dead give away that I was a cyclist.  I have a feeling that if it hadn't been back there he would have never asked.  What the hell, why not.  There is a new bike shop down the street in Winter Park, it was on my way back to work and it was really hot outside.  NOW if I had been really polite I probably would have just gotten a tube and my tools out and changed in the parking lot but since I was going back to work anyway I gave the man a ride.

He was very nice and was happy that he was going to make it to work ontime.  So I have earned my merit badge today.  I guess just because we don't ride the same kinds of bikes, and as much as we complain about how each of us rides we are still cyclists.  AND I found a new bike shop out of the deal.  It is a good day.

Pain and a scary ride

This week has been painful for me on my bike.  I even tried a shorter stem on my bike but I think that it is too short.  Going to have to give Coach Houle from D2 Cycling a shout to see if he can help.  I have a sharp searing pain in the my shoulders.  Both sides and it is really bothering me even off the bike and days later. 

I had a couple of great rides this last week and one very scary one.  Wednesday was my normal St. John's Cycle ride, 22 miles of really good riding.  Had a great time.  Feeling stronger and faster each and every week.  THis is a good thing.  Saturday I did solo 21 miles leaving from the house.  I just didn't have to desire to drive 30 minutes to Lake Mary that morning.  I left the house at 7:45 and was back just after 9.  I felt strong and happy.  Averaged 16.5 miles solo.  The experts say that in a pace line that would be more like 18+.  Hell yeah.  I was happy.

Now on to my scary ride.  Since I live on the East side of town, I decided to check a LBS (local bike shop) ride.  They have just started this ride.  It a new "thing" for them.  I was nervous to say the least.  My first clue that this was going to an "interesting ride" was when we rolled out of the parking lot and 5 of the 25 riders didn't have helmets on!  But once we got on the road my nerves turned to fear.  Running red lights, no communication, no pace line, you name it.  Just a mass of riders riding on the road together.  I should have turned around and gone back alone.  I talked myself out of it several times honestly.  I stayed was in the back and just stayed ever vigilant of my surroundings.  The beginning of the ride started off on the trail which for any road cyclists this is just scary unless you are alone.  A big group of cyclists on a very busy trail with other cyclists, runners, families.... it just isn't safe.  ESPECIALLY when no one is calling out ANYTHING.  wow

We finally made it on the road.  Things calmed down a little.  I got in the back of the pace line and just spun.  We were hauling ass!  It was somewhat of a relief to be on the road in a single file line getting some speed on my tires but that was short lived.  We started dropping people.  Riders that had never been on the road before.  Riders that weren't on road bikes.  The group of 25 people split into 4 groups!  I was shocked.  Because I had been riding in the back of the paceline (trying not to DIE) I ended up in the last group.  We didn't go over 17 / 17.5 on the way back to the trail.  Once we hit the trail the speed dropped to 15.  By this time people it was dark outside.  Pitch black, on a trail, in a group of 7 trying to get back to the shop.  I was so done mentally by this point.

I am an equal opportunity cyclists and I love to support my local bike shops but I just don't think that I can do this ride again.  I was more mentally exhausted after that ride than I was physically.  I rode with such tension in my body. 

I can say on a positive note that I met some very nice people on the ride.  It was nice to meet the owners and chat with them.  I wouldn't mind riding with them personally again.

Nothing New

This has been a crazy week here for me.  Work has been busy, the weather has been crazy but we are all healthy and happy.  I didn't get much physical activity in this weekend because of it.

Wednesday I did have a really great ride with the St. John Cycle Shop WWW ride.  It was a lot of fun.  I felt strong and happy.  A lot better than I did on Saturday.  I made sure to drink lots of water and ate food.  Imagine that!  Proudly I sat out front and pulled the group a few times.  This ride me regain my confidence.  I am looking forward to Saturday now.  Maybe even a Sunday ride!  Uh oh I am getting crazy!

BONK

I felt it.  I knew it was coming.  It was awful.  If you have ever been in the middle of any physical activity and felt all the energy leave your body?  Felt like your limbs weighed 500 pounds a piece?  Suddenly felt light headed, dizzy and tired?  That is how I felt on Saturday morning in the middle of my bike ride.  It was awful.

I was having a great ride.  Feeling confident, happy and ready to ride 34 miles.  That all changed at mile 11.  All the symptoms mentioned above happened.  I lost it.  I was dropped from the group of 40+ riders and was having a really hard time keeping a 13 mph pace alone, in a dead calm wind on a back road.  My pedals didn't want to work.  I was done, toast.

I made the decision to go back alone to the parking lot.  I knew that I had an 11 mile trip back by myself but what else was I going to do.  There was another group of cyclists coming but I was afraid that I was not going to be able to keep a decent enough pace to stay with them.  Meaning I would have been even further from the truck riding back alone on much busier roads.  So cycling alone was my only option.  I stopped at the stop sign at Lake Mary Blvd. drank my entire bottle of Heed, texted hubby to let him know that I was going it alone and I started out.  The start off from the sign was tough.  I was overheated, dehydrated and tired.  Mostly I was upset and frustrated.  But that feeling began to change.  Much to my delight about half a mile down the road my legs came back.  I was able to keep a 18mph pace alone and was feeling all the energy that I had previously had before the epic bonk.  I made really great time back to the truck.  I was proud of the effort that I put forth but upset at the same time for not doing that earlier. 

After having time to think and ponder what happened I think that I have (self) diagnosed the problem. 

1.  4 hours of sleep the night before.  Never a good thing for me when I am going to ride.  I need my zzzzzzzs.
2.  Not enough nurtrition.  I had a bagel thin and sip of coffee while on my way to the ride.  Surely not enough fuel for my body.
3.  Water, or lack there of.  I realized that I had NO water that morning before my ride and I had only drank about a quarter of the water in my bottles by mile 11.  The now famous mile 11 that I bonked on.

If I have just followed my own darn rules I am sure that I would have never had the problem that I had on Saturday morning.  What was I thinking?!  I will never do that again. 

Gym Day Two

Have I mentioned how much better I feel after being back in the gym just two days?!  Yesterday I was trying to find an excuse not to go and today I was really looking forward to it.  Even the walk over to the gym was nice.  It was just starting to sprinkle and it really cooled things off. 

Today was a focus on cardio.   I was on the treadmill for 35 minutes.  I jogged half of it (GO ME) and walked the rest.  It was a brisk walk but after not jogging in at least a month it was nice to know that I still could.  Still working up to being able to jog the whole time but that I going to take some practice and more gym time.  I was very pleased with what I had done and am looking forward to doing better then next time around.

PROOF

For all my fellow runners, this isn't a bad start right?!  Granted the jog was only at 5mph and the walk was at 3.5mph.  I wasn't going for the gold I just wanted to burn some calories.  WHICH by the way brings me to my next subject.  Why is it that it was on the eliptical for 30 minutes yesterday and burned close to 400 calories and only sweat a little bit, while today I was on the treadmill for 35 minutes, burned 300 calories and sweat my arse off?!  I am confused I guess.  Maybe this difference in the machines?  Difference in the work out?  

All I do know is that I really like riding my bike over being in the gym!  That is a FOR SURE.

Gym day one

I had a great visit to the gym yesterday and I am actually looking forward to going back again today.  It was a cardio day on the eliptical with a few ab workouts in the end just because.  Topped off by some great stretching.  I needed that so badly.

My attitude has been awful lately.  Maybe it is the weather.  But working out is releasing those endorphins that I need to make me feel better.  I must keep it up. Next on the agenda is a long cardio workout at the gym today.  I was going to check out a new group ride closer to home but it looks like the weather is going to be just as crappy today as the rest of the week has.  This isn't a good thing for my cycling, since I refused to go out in the rain and ride.  It is going to be to more indoor cycling and gym workouts for me.

back on the wagon

AGAIN....

I took a brisk walk during lunch today in the extreme heat.  It wasn't too bad.  I stayed on the streets with an abundance of shade.  It made it a little less like Hell.  It wasn't until I stopped to get my lunch that the sweat really started to roll.  Overall I was happy to be out of the office and working off the 5lbs of weight gain I have had since March.  I have a long way to go people.

I have my weekly Wednesday night ride tonight with St. John's Cycle.  I am looking forward to being with friends and riding my new bike again.  Tonight I might even get my name on the bike.  That will be awesome!  I missed last week because of a meeting and I didn't ride this weekend because of Mr. J and his surgery/recovery.  It is going to be fun.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately.  This time last year I was working towards a goal with the assistance of a coach (David Houle from D2 Cycling Center, the best coach in Central FL).  I did most of the work on my own.  I had a workout schedule to follow and lots and lots of advice from my coach but I went to gym on my own 5 days a week, I road 3 days a week and I was dedicated and it worked.  I conquered my goal in style and I lost almost 25 lbs doing it.  This year I have goals but no motivation.    I always find an excuse for not going.  Yesterday I actually told me husband it was too hot to walk to the gym and workout!  How stupid is that?!  I would be sweating my butt off at the gym anyway.  That is a grand excuse. 

If money were no object, I would love to be able to get a trainer to help me achieve my goals.  Someone that I would have to be honest with and in turn be honest with myself.  Sounds silly huh?  Why can't I be honest with myself?  I have so many goals that I have set for myself this year and the year is half over and I haven't achieved one of them.  I need guidance and words of wisdom I suppose.

113 miles!

In one weeks time I rode 113 miles!  I am so excited.  :)  4 days of rides, 3 of those in a row.  This is definitely a good thing.  I am happy to be back out on the road.  I feel better, stronger and happier.  I have a long way to go to get back to the cycling strength that I had in September of last year but this is most certainly a step in the right direction.

Last night was just an added bonus and what put me over the 100 mile mark for the week.  I had a quick fit at D2 and was done in time to saddle up with the Mellow Monday ride.  A nice 18 miler, moderate speeds, no pushing the pace.  It was good to ride with friends that I haven't ridden with in months.  I accomplished some things last night on my bike that I haven't been able to do ever.  It was a thrill and the highlight of my day.

Having this new bike has ignited the flame in me to accomplish my goals that I set up for myself at the beginning of the year.  I welcome the challenge now and I want to push myself to see that nothing stops me from achieving! :)

Mar 24th 2011

March 24th 2011!  That was the last time that I was in here to post anything.  Probably around the time that life got really busy and complicated. Around the time that I gave up on fitness and healthy eating habits.  Sad I know.

Since then I have received comments from friends and acquaintances regarding starting up my blog again.  I didn't realize how many people were reading my blog and we actually drawing inspiration from it.  That makes a girl smile! :D

I am back.  100% I am back.  I am going to resume to my fitness journey.  I am going to lose the 5 pounds that I have gained back. :(

I started this past weekend with an old fashioned ride withe Seminole Cyclists. I felt so great on Saturday after my 35 mile ride that I was ready for my 38 mile ride on Sunday.  Although my legs weren't ready for the back to back rides.  I haven't done that is so long that it took a lot of effort to get myself back to the parking lot. I still managed an 18 mph average for both rides.  To me that is just impressive for an out of shape cyclist. ;)

I have a new ride that I need to introduce.

I love it!  Full carbon, great response time, light and stiff.  I just have to get used to the saddle. OUCHIE  I have a bike fit appointment tonight with David Houle from D2 Cycling so that I am going to be 100% ready for the road.  I am looking forward to it.  In the process of selling my other bike.  Hopefully I can get asking price for it.  If you know anything that is looking for a really great starter bike for an awesome price send them my way.  It is posted online here www.bikeflock.com.

This week is filled with lots of activities, work, minor surgery and family time.  I will be sure to make my blog a priority not only to my readers but to myself.  I need to get back to keeping myself honest about my eating and my activities.  Wish me luck.

Motivation Less

Last nights ride was hard.  I felt good when I got there but having to start hard out of the parking lot to catch the group and then having the pace line start out hard (18-19) on the incline, in a head wind it just killed my legs.  I was having a really hard time catching my breath and I felt really dehydrated.  Thank goodness for some really great friends and hubby that hung back to pick me up and waited for me at the stop sign.  I just don't think that I would have been able to finish all alone.  I was ready to turn around and go back.  At one point I was asked if I wanted to SAG (put my bike in the back of the assistance truck and have him take me back to the shop) but I knew that I didn't want to do that.  I wanted to push through it.  Part of me knew that this was the push that I needed to finish the ride.  At this point we were only 4 to 5 miles in and I had a long way too go.  I got in the middle of a great pace line and we took off again.  I felt great.  P was talking me through and reminding me to drink water the entire time.  I really think that his support is what helped me to finish.  Thank goodness for the tail wind once we turned around.  The added push was what we all needed.

I did go out with the faster group.  I did get dropped.  But I pushed through and made it through my 19 miles.  I feel good about my determination.  Next week will be better for sure.  I know that everyone goes through these little humps.  I have to remind myself that this is beginning of the season (at least it is for me) and I that I have a long way to go to get back into the cycling shape that I was in at the end of last year.  I look forward to that day. 

Tomorrow I will participating in a fun social ride the 3rd annual Bike Park to the Park that the City of Winter Park is hosting.  I just love this event.  It is a lot of fun.  We will see every kind of cyclists there.  Mom's with babies, hard core racers, trikes and recumbents.  The best part is the we are promoting the healthy lifestyle that comes along with the cycling.  What better way to start my Friday than with a bike ride.

Cycling Day

It is Wrong Way Wednesday today and I need it so badly.  After dealing with Strep throat for two weeks (both kiddos) and having to pick up the boy child early from school today I think that a little hard work on my part is just what I need to do recharge.  I am going to try and go out with the faster group tonight and hold on.  It might take every ounce of energy that I have in my body but it is worth a shot.  It is a gorgeous day and it should be a beautiful night.  I have been eating pretty darn good for two days so that should help.  I am already up to glass number 4 of water hopefully I will be at #6 or #7 by ride time. 

I have missed this so much.  Thank you daylight savings time for bringing back my night rides. :)

New Product

I received a free sample of new product last week in the mail.  It labeled itself as a "water enhancer."  I try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and I have to admit it gets old.  No lie.  Sometimes I mix it up with some Lipton Green Iced Tea bags and that helps but I was looking for something with a little more flavor.  This stuff is pretty yummy. MiO...

No calories, no fat, no sodium, no carbs.  Not too bad.  I love the taste . I think that I might give the other flavors a try.  It isn't an all the time "thing" but it is a nice change of pace to boring water.  You can pick it up at Walmart for $3.99 and this little container holds about 24 servings.  Give it a shot!  Let me know if you like it.

Gym Visit

I really had a good time!  25 minutes of cardio, with 15 of that on the elliptical machine.

10 minutes of walking (to and from the gym.)

My core workout was hard especially since I haven't been to the gym in a week.  But I did 12 push-ups that is a huge plus.  HATE Push-ups!!  Lots of crunches, bridges, butt lifts, planks, transverse planks, leg lifts then topped off with lots of stretching and I think that was the best part of the day.  It felt awesome!

Started up my food journal again today.  It is scary ya'll.  Of course I don't completely agree with the program that I am using but it is a start. 

Tomorrow is a new day!  Bring on the pain. OOH RAH

Blogger of the year

I cannot even find the time or determination to come in here and blog.  That is just awful!  Nominate me for blogger of the year.

I guess my sloth-likeness has translated to my fitness regime as well.  I haven't been very diligent about getting to the gym in the last week.  I have jogged a couple of days and I have walked a few days.  Last Wednesday I rode my bike with St. Johns Cycles and had a blast. But for the most part I have been playing mommy to some poor sick babies and have been being lazy. 

I have had a long talk with myself over the last couple of days.  I have too many goals that I have set for myself this year and I would hate to see myself not accomplish them.  Today I have decided to get back in the gym and I will be sure to visit there at least 4 times a week.  If I am unable to do so I will take full advantage of the afternoon sunshine to do something outside; cycling, jogging, or walking.  I have come this far I don't want to go back. I will not go back.

Food Journaling

I began my food journal again.  So far so good.  The only thing that I noticed is that according to myfitnesspal.com I have gone over the amount of protein I should have in any given day?  I am confused.  Isn't it a good thing to have the lean protein?  I guess I am going to to have to look this one up and research it further.  So it looks as though i will be having a salad for dinner.  Lots of fruits and veggies but no protein. 

What is your thinking on this?

A New Day, A New Me

First of all I would like to thank all my friends and family and responded to my "poor pitiful me" post from yesterday.  I was having a bad day. :(

This morning I woke up with a new attitude, it was most likely caused by the 7 hours of sleep that I was able to get last night.  It really does reset your system. 

I have started up my food journal again and I am determined to keep it up throughout the weekend.  I have got to see where I am going wrong with my intake.  I don't have any big plans for working out this weekend but I am sure that jogging and cycling will be involved.  We are going take the kiddos on the trail on Saturday along with my mom, which isn't really an aerobic workout but it is something.  Sunday morning I am planning on a solo cycling event down to the airport and back.  Unless I can talk the hubby in going with me then I will have to find a sitter.  That would be fun to get back in the saddle with Paul as my drafting partner.

I have decided that this is just the push that I needed to keep my motivation.  I have a goal and I will succeed.  Hopefully without all the drama that yesterday brought.

Discouraged

Just discouraged.  I feel like all the hard work that I am doing at the gym and eating healthy is not doing me any good.  I cannot lose the weight!!  I actually am gaining it back.  I have heard that it is muscle weight or water weight or that time of the month.... but I am just over it really.  I understand why people give up.

I started a food journal last week.  I did it for two days then the weekend arrived and haven't been back since.  The two days that I did the journal were really good.  I was able to keep the calories  under the recommended range and I was eating a lot of good food.  Trying like hell to keep my metabolism up.  This weekend I worked out a lot including a bike ride on Sunday.  But the weight didn't go down, it went up.  Which made me angry and I didn't go back to the food journal.

That is when it started to bring me down.  I work out at least 5-6 days a week.  I rotate between cardio, core and strength, but mostly cardio.  I average about 40 minutes a day at the gym.  If I don't get to the gym I work out at least 30 minutes at home.  Maybe I am not doing enough?  Maybe I still need to work on my food intake?  Maybe I just need to only drink water and eat saltine crackers?!  It really is bothering me.  I feel lazy when I sit down on the couch at night especially when I have a weight gain for the week.  My brain is telling me to get my fat butt up and doing something.  But my body is tired.  I know that I cannot work out all the time but maybe it would help. :(

I try to keep this journal upbeat and positive but today is just a not a good day.  I have been coached and given so many great ideas as to what I should be doing but I just don't think that it is enough.  Tomorrow is a new day, maybe it will be better.

RIDING!

I went riding this morning...... outside...... on the road.... with friends.  It was great!  I have really missed it.  It wasn't a very fast ride it was more casual and social but oh so much fun.  We rode for 22 miles.  This ride was just the boost I needed.  Even though I hadn't been on the bike for such a long time the time that I have spent in the gym and running kept me in cardio shape for riding.  I didn't feel like I was dying like I did last year at the beginning of cycling season last year.  I have a long way to go in order to complete my goals for this year but this is the first step.  Next a faster ride, then a longer ride.  Bring on the warmth.  Bring on the rides! 

Friday!!

Oh how I have wanted to see you.  It has been such a long week.  This week has been the first week in over a month that I have worked every single day.  Between illness and doctors appointments I have had been missing too much work.  I am happy that I didn't use any personal time this week.  Hopefully this trend will continue and I will be able to build up my personal leave bank again.  Keep your fingers crossed.

So the busy weekend is about to commence.  Tonight is soccer practice, tomorrow is a soccer game, a cycling yard sale, shopping for a baby shower, and a trip to the local rubber hose store (lol).  Sunday is a baby shower.  Hopefully I will be able to grab some down time and some workout time in there.  Maybe even jump on my bike for a quick ride on Saturday or Sunday morning. That would be awesome.  I miss my bike.

Time

Time is the most precious thing right now.  I just cannot seem to find enough of it.  The kids are getting older now so they have lots of parties, hobbies, sports and school functions to go to.  I feel like we are being pulled in all different directions.

Problem is trying to find time in there for us.  For the adults to do what we like to do.  Sounds selfish right?!  I am not trying to come across that way but lately I have been feeling very down when I realize that we will not be able to ride with the Seminole Cyclists on Saturday mornings until the end of May (at least).  J has just started league play and will have a game every Saturday morning for the next few months.  I love that he getting to do this but part of me is unhappy that Paul and I will not be able to ride. 

2 years ago I wouldn't have had a problem with this.  I was fat and happy so to speak.  The only hobby that I had was scrapbooking and being a wife and mommy.  I didn't do anything.  But now things have changed.  I have changed.  I enjoy my recreation time.  My sweat equity time.  I enjoy the feeling of working off the pounds and being around my friends.  Mostly I enjoy my time with my hubby.  Cycling has given us a hobby that we can do and enjoy together.


For now I will keep doing what we are doing.  I work out at lunch during the week because it is the only free time that I have (or I ride the trainer at home after the kiddos go to bed.)  I have secured a babysitter for Wednesday nights when daylight savings come so that Paul and I can ride during the week. :)  The weekends will be a "do whatever I can" kind of workout.  Running in the morning before a game, or cycling on a Sunday morning.  I must remember that my kids come first but momma must make some time for herself and her hubby!

Clearing the Dust

It has been way too long since I have been in here.  Over the last few weeks I have been dealing with illness (both mine and my families), zero weight loss, cold weather and busy lives.  BUSY LIVES.

I made a trip to the gym today during lunch to try and sweat out some of the germies that I currently have.  Maybe even find my voice.  I didn't find my voice sadly but I did find some strength that I thought for sure was gone.  A nice brisk walk over to the Rollins Gym, 30 minutes on the Eliptical averaging 9mph, 40 stability ball crunches, planks, and stretching, then a nice brisk walk back to the office.  I feel good!  I am going to sleep good tonight and I am looking forward to going back tomorrow.

Looking to the weekend

Weighed in this morning and I am 190.9.  Inching ever close to the 180s again.  I am looking forward to it.

Went to the gym on Tuesday and had a great workout.  Did a little cardio and a lot of core work.  I am feeling it today but it feeeels good.  I learned a few new moves thanks to T and L.  I will do those again.  Hurts so good I think is the cliche.  Yesterday was a cardio day.  I started to walk over to the gym where I was going to walk/jog on the treadmill for 35 minutes.  But instead I did my workout outside.  The weather was gorgeous and I just couldn't pass it up.  So I walked/jogged for 40 and went 2.57 miles (according to mapmyride.)  It was so much nicer than being inside. 

Today I have to take C to the dentist for her initial consultation. She has a cavity and I am hoping that going to a pediatric specialist will get it taken care of.  This just means that I will not be able to go to the gym today. :(  I am going to do a little ride on the trainer at home this evening.  Coach David from D2 Cycle Center posted a new article on the Armada Blog yesterday about indoor training and how it can be a really boring thing to do.  I have to concur that it really is not the most exciting thing to do for a cardio workout.  But after reading his latest article I have something new to try to keep it interesting.  One leg drills sounds like they will be challenging but if it helps with my strength especially during this time that I not able to get on my bike I am willing to give it a whirl.  I will update tomorrow on how it goes. 

It is almost the weekend and I have a lot of fun things planned.  I am looking forward to every minute of it.

What a Day

Yesterday was a day.  My poor hubby is sick sick sick.  He started feeling bad about 3am and it just got worse from there.  Of course both kids woke up in a grumpy mood so neither of them wanted to get ready for school/daycare.  J got in trouble for lying so he was punished and of course was crying when I dropped him off at school.  C got in trouble for not listening and plain ol' 3 year old temper and we was also crying when I dropped her off at daycare.  The day didn't get much better.  P was just sick and miserable after I got home from the dentist with C so dinner was quick and easy and asian.  I called the local Chinese restaurant and had them deliver.  Not a great dinner choice but after the day that I had I just wasnt in the mood to cook.

This morning I weighed in at the same weight I was last week.  So no weight dropped last week but I am ok with that.  I didn't get a lot of workouts in because of being sick myself.  Oh well.

sick

The last two days have been just awful.  Today I feel better but I am still very queasy.  I hope that throughout the day today I will start to feel myself again.  I wanted to lose weight but not this way.  Everything that I eat makes my stomach go in knots.  I have reverted back to the BRAT diet to try and help but nothing does.  I hope that this isn't contagious and that I don't pass it on to my children and hubby.  It is just awful.  I stayed home from work yesterday but came in today to try and get some work done.  Of course yesterday was a gorgeous day and today is a very icky and rainy day.  Oh well.  That is the way it goes. :)

Here's wishing everyone a great weekend!

MidWeek

Thank goodness that means that the week is almost over.  I need my weekends just to recoup.  I know that most people do.

Feeling really off today.  My tummy is very upset and I have this ever annoying metallic taste in my mouth.  I woke up this morning feeling this way.  Very weird.  It isn't going to stop me from completing my workout at the gym during lunch time.  I need a good hardcore cardio workout today.  I slacked off yesterday so there is no such thing as slacking off today.

On a positive note I completed my medical testing yesterday.  I had an EEG to see if I had a brain and the good news is that I do.  It took over an hour to complete the test but the good thing is that I got to take a nap while doing it.  BONUS  It was severely needed.  In order to get ready for the testing you have to abstain from caffeine and you have to get little to no sleep the night before.  As hard as it was I completed both of those.

Now I just wait for my follow up with the cardiologist and my primary then I can be 100% that there isn't anything wrong with me.  Which of course I am not worried about anyway.

Monday Morning Check-In

That is a weight loss.  Not much but it is a loss over top the original weigh in.  I am getting back in the swing of things with working out and eating better.  I am already feeling better and the clothes are fitting better.  Every day is a little better.  :)

Another Dr Appt Done

Check the Neurologist off the list.  I met with Dr. Aragon today and went over a few things including the day that I passed out.  He did a few quick tests on me and I passed with flying colors.  I am scheduled for an EEG next Tuesday just to get a baseline result just in case I were to pass out showing seizure like symptoms again.  But at least I know that one more Dr. doesn't think that there is something wrong with me.

So since November I have completed two EKGs, an Echo cardiogram, a stress test, a visit to my primary, 3 visits to the Cardiologists office, and a visit to the Neurologist.  I am so done with all of this.  I still have a scheduled EEG and a follow up with Dr. Arias, my cardiologist and a final follow up with my primary Dr.  The amount of money that I have paid out for copays is just shocking.  I am ready for all of this to be over.

The funniest part of this WHOLE thing.is that 8 months ago I was 25+lbs heavier and didn't visit the Dr near as much as I do now.  The joke is that I was "fat and happy" back then, maybe I should have stayed that way. ;)  LOL

OK there is no way.  I like the way I feel and the way I look now.  I am going to be even happier 25 lbs lighter! 

Today is another cardio day.  I am going to get on the treadmill and run my little heart out. 

A good day

Despite my better judgment I stepped on the scale this morning.  I usually don't step on the scale but once a week especially when I am really monitoring my weight.  My weight fluctuates so much from day to day (as do many people's) so I usually pick one day a week to weigh in and then don't step on the scale again.  BUT this morning I got on the scale.  I am back to the 191.6 weight that I was a week ago.  That 40 minutes of cardio helped yesterday. ;)  LOL

Today is going to be a weird day for my workout.  I have a stress test at the Cardiologist's office at 1pm.  I will be on the treadmill for an unknown amount of time.  That will be part of my cardio for the day.  I think that once I get home this afternoon I should have time to go for a run prior to having to get the kiddos.  I haven't been able to do that in months.  I am actually looking forward to it.  The weather should be nice. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Monday morning blues

Today is weight in day and this morning I weighed 1.1 lbs more than I did last Monday.  Spectacular right?!  I know that I worked hard last week and I ate really good but apparently I put my body in a state of shock?  I am really bummed.  This isn't the way that I wanted to start my new year out.  I guess that I will just have to work harder at it. 

January 3rd 2011

January 10th 2011

Normally I think that I would just give up and have a huge breakfast because what I was doing last week apparently isn't helping but I am bound and determined to have a nice weight loss next week.

I brought all my snacks today and my gym clothes.  I will be at the gym all week (like last week) but maybe I will have to add more cardio since I am not on the bike as much as I was the last time that I did this program.

This weekends activites restricted my working out to walking.  I did a lot of walking but nothing much else.

Oh well this blog is getting wordy so I will stop here. ;)

Rest Day

It didn't start off that way but I took the day off from my workout yesterday.  I feel SOOOOO much better today.  The soreness is just about gone and I got a good night sleep last night.  I would say that I feel guilty about it but..... I really don't!  I have the gym for lunch on the agenda today and a jam packed weekend of exercise and family fun.  It is going to be the cold for us Floridians but it will be a good weekend to get outside and enjoy it. 

I ate really well yesterday too.  I felt full most of the day and that was just amazing.  I did have a sweet tooth craving yesterday afternoon (which is normal!) but thanks to the 7-eleven down the street from work I was able to purchase a Skinny Cow dessert and it fixed that.  Only 140 calories and 3.5 grams of fat.  It was cold and delish.  No candy bars for me Miss. Tina!  As much as you wanted me to get one. :D

I hope that everyone is having a great first week of 2011.  I know that we are for sure!  I am well on my way to conquering my goals this year.

ETA:  I have been asked to the 6 Gap Century in September?  Am I crazy for even considering it?!

I miss my bike

Got on my bike last night!!  It was really nice even though it was only on the trainer.  I felt awesome afterwards but during my legs were really getting tired.  It has been so long since I was on my bike that it was almost as if I had forgotten how to pedal.  I was able to make it 9 miles with a 17mph average.  Next time I will go for a longer distance at the same average.  It is much harder (in my opinion) to ride inside on a trainer.  Two reasons - no one to draft off of (yes I am a wheel sucker, I admit it) and you cannot stop pedaling.  When you are the only thing running the machine you cannot coast or you will stop the tires from spinning.  Which makes it much harder to get going again. 

I will pat myself on the back for even pulling the bike out and putting my shoes on.  Maybe one day soon I will be able to get out with a group and remember what it was like to ride in a paceline.  That would fantastic. 

SORE

"Pain is weakness leaving the body."

Thank you for the quote David @ D2 Cycling.  That quote has been swirling through my head for two days now.  With all the pain that I am enduring I should be strong enough to lift a 747!  My muscles are sore.

I began my old workout routine this week.  Monday core, Tuesday lower body, today some cycling (indoor on the trainer) in addition to the Yoga class Monday evening.  My legs and abs are screaming at me because of the two week hiatus that I took from the gym.  I cannot take that much time off again.  I didn't sleep well last night because everytime I rolled over the pain in my body woke me up!

WOW I sound like a whiner. LOL

The food choices are going well.  Still working on getting enough fiber in my diet but I am eating my 3 meals with 2 small snacks in between.  Lots and lots of water and veggies are being consumed.  We shall see what the scale shows on Monday.  Hopefully I will see a loss that I am so desperate for.

Yoga

I went to my second yoga class ever last night and had a great time.  It really is the instructor that makes the class.  Julie rocks!  I am looking forward to making this a weekly event.

When I first arrived last night I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to do that poses but I soon learned that wasn't anything to be concerned with.  I am way more flexible than I thought.  I need to work on my balance and my breathing but that will come soon I hope.  I stretched a lot and laughed a lot too.  Walking out of class last night I felt really great.  My body and mind were relaxed.  Fabulous!  Now I need to talk Paul into it.  I think that he actually might attend a class!  We shall see.

Monday Morning Weigh In

I started off with a fresh weight in this morning.  In my birthday suit (which is the best way) and was happy to see that it wasn't as bad as I thought.  191.6.  I have photographic proof but I will have to upload the photo tonight as I forgot my cable for my camera this morning.  WTG Annie.

I am looking forward to the plans for today.  Gym at lunch and Yoga tonight.  I even remembered my clothes for each occasion and my mat for tonight.  Lets just hope that this enthusiasm sticks around for awhile.

I think that the hardest part is remembering to eat.  I have to get that metabolism going again.  After a big glass of water this morning I had a bagel and am enjoying a cup of coffee right now.  Gotta snack today and get a good dinner.  Did some shopping this weekend and got everything that I need for wraps including lots of veggies.  The plan tonight is to go home and unload the kitchen of all the Christmas goodies that are still there.  The cookies have got to go.  I will make Paul take them to work with him. ;)

So this blog entry has turned into a stream of thoughts from a tired mommy.  If you read this, I am proud of you!!  HAPPY MONDAY!

Sunday night

It is Sunday night the kids are in bed, Shooter on the TV, watching with the hubby.  It is a perfect night.  Getting ready to start my week off on the right foot.

Tonight we bought new batteries for the bathroom scale and after some small repairs made my Paul it finally work again. :)  I love my Mr. Fixit.  Not loving my weight, 194.  Gained back some weight people.  Thanks to the Holidays, overeating, and not enough exercise.  Things will change and they began today.

I refuse to make New Years Resolutions but I will make 2011 Fitness Goals. 

#1 lose 30 lbs (if not more)  but we will start hear
#2 riding goals, complete 3 Gap in September and the century ride at either the Boys and Girls club ride or the Horrible Hundred (depending on the weather!) LOL  Momma doesn't like riding in the cold.... brrrr.
#3 fitness goals, complete 5 pull ups/chin ups.  I have NEVER been able to those even back in middle school.

So here we go.  See you all on the road and in the gym.  Going to Yoga tomorrow.  Should be interesting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR