I know that I am a couple of days early but I have to start now! I am looking for a new goal. A new challenge to keep my heading in the right direction with my weight loss and fitness goals. Last year with the the Assault on Sugarloaf this year..... Three Gap maybe? I am not sure. Maybe even a century ride. I feel lost without having a goal to work towards. I will take suggestions.
On the weight loss side I have accepted a challenge with a group of friends to do a biggest loser challenge. I am going to win this one! Watch out girls. I want to lose another 25/30 pounds this year. Then I know that I will be one healthy and sexy momma! LOL I have already started throwing away the junk food in the house from the holidays and buying the healthier items again. Looking forward to the loss in weight. I am happy to report that throughout the holidays I have not gained any of the weight back that I had lost but I know that I have a long journey ahead of me.
So this weekend I will be buying new batteries for my scale that I can document my journey. I will also be taking some more before and after pictures. Here I come 2011!
Wish my luck.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. Mine was full of family (mostly for the good but some for the bad) and great food. I am looking forward to more family time during this holiday season.
This weekend is the Holiday Hundred in Seminole County. It is a great ride that's goal is raise enough money to give away over 300 brand new bikes to kids that need them. It is a very worthy cause. I was going to ride in it this year but because I haven't been on the bike in a really long time I decided against it. I am hoping to help out with the SAG stop though along with other Seminole Cyclists. Just waiting on the phone call. In my research for this years event I came across a blog that describes the ride from last year through the eyes of a cyclists. Good blog, bad picture of Annie. I had no idea this time last year I was so obese. It is awful. It just makes me realize how far I have come. I still have a ways to go but I will get there before I know it.
I am still working out at the gym and at home. I think that tonight (if it isn't raining) the kids and I will take a walk. OR even a bike ride. They love it and it is good exercise for mommy. ONE DAY I will make it to an indoor TNT training at D2 Cycling center and let Coach David kick my butt again. It really looks like fun to me! He is the major reason that I do not look like I did in the picture now. I am more grateful than I could ever express in words.
This weekend is the Holiday Hundred in Seminole County. It is a great ride that's goal is raise enough money to give away over 300 brand new bikes to kids that need them. It is a very worthy cause. I was going to ride in it this year but because I haven't been on the bike in a really long time I decided against it. I am hoping to help out with the SAG stop though along with other Seminole Cyclists. Just waiting on the phone call. In my research for this years event I came across a blog that describes the ride from last year through the eyes of a cyclists. Good blog, bad picture of Annie. I had no idea this time last year I was so obese. It is awful. It just makes me realize how far I have come. I still have a ways to go but I will get there before I know it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Achey Body
I am feeling it today. After the last two days of getting back into the gym routine hardcore my muscles are reminding me that it had been too long. Sore! But happy. Today is a cardio day but I will have to do that when I get home tonight. Gonna set up the trainer and ride for a bit. I am hoping to take a ride at OIA on Heintzelman's tomorrow evening. But that is still up in the air. Paul is going to try and get out of work on time and meet me there. Then it all comes down to have a sitter for the kidlets. :)
I am so happy to be back at the gym. I feel better am sleeping better. My over all sense of self has improved again.
I am so happy to be back at the gym. I feel better am sleeping better. My over all sense of self has improved again.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Health and the Holidays
I am still working on losing weight. I know in my mind that I will continue this struggle for the rest of my life. But I have decided that it isn't about the weight loss for the next month and half it is about the weight gain. I refuse to gain weight during this Holiday season. I am continuing at the gym and will have to be very vigilant about what foods I am eating. There is nothing like the holiday foods. I am already planning my pumpkin pie baking for this weekend and thinking of a Christmas cookie baking day for the kiddos.
Haven't been on the bike lately and I am really sad about that. We have been so busy since we got home from vacation that I haven't even seen my bike. I am looking forward to changing that in the next few days. :) I miss riding even if it is cold.
Haven't been on the bike lately and I am really sad about that. We have been so busy since we got home from vacation that I haven't even seen my bike. I am looking forward to changing that in the next few days. :) I miss riding even if it is cold.
Christmas Cards
I heard about this great deal for bloggers that Shutterfly is offering. You get 50 FREE photo cards! Sign me up! I'm all about free stuff. It's expensive enough to mail a card with the price of stamps so might as well get the card for free. Go HERE for more info on how you can get 50 free photo cards, too!
I always send out Christmas cards and they're almost always photo cards. We haven't taken our family picture yet this year but hopefully I can find a spare moment to do it soon. :)
I always send out Christmas cards and they're almost always photo cards. We haven't taken our family picture yet this year but hopefully I can find a spare moment to do it soon. :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
www.irunlikeamother.com
This is a great blog written by a friend of mine, Heather. She is a runner as well as a new tri-athlete. She has beef with the magazine Runner's World and I feel her pain. I could make the same comments about the editors of Bicycling magazine. Interesting read! :)
So to the folks at Runner’s World, I challenge you to show someone REAL. I’m available, just give me a call. I’ll pose for your cover, stretch marks and all, and show potential readers what most real runners look like. Moms that run. Dads that run. We’re runners, too, don’t forget about us.
This is a great blog written by a friend of mine, Heather. She is a runner as well as a new tri-athlete. She has beef with the magazine Runner's World and I feel her pain. I could make the same comments about the editors of Bicycling magazine. Interesting read! :)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Back to the Gym
I have enjoyed my time off but it is back to the gym full time for me. I feel better when I work out both emotionally and physically. I am going to take a nice jog tonight to help with the after work stress and in this weather it should be GORGEOUS!
I have decided that I am not ready for the big century ride this year. I haven't been able to get the riding in that I should be doing. Life is getting in the way but that is ok by me. I have signed Paul and I up for the Boys and Girls Club ride in November and I will completing 66 miles that day. I am contemplating doing the HH familiarization ride with Paul on the 20th of November. 50 something miles out and back through the country, no drop ride, B nice pace (not faster than 20mph). I know that I can do that. ;)
The weather is gorgeous. Now is the time to get outside and play!
I have decided that I am not ready for the big century ride this year. I haven't been able to get the riding in that I should be doing. Life is getting in the way but that is ok by me. I have signed Paul and I up for the Boys and Girls Club ride in November and I will completing 66 miles that day. I am contemplating doing the HH familiarization ride with Paul on the 20th of November. 50 something miles out and back through the country, no drop ride, B nice pace (not faster than 20mph). I know that I can do that. ;)
The weather is gorgeous. Now is the time to get outside and play!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Assault on Sugarloaf 2010
I should have written this a very long time ago but here goes
On September 19 Paul and I arrived a little late to the waterfront park but since there was no mass start for the ride we were not very concerened. It wasn't the first ride we had been late too. ;) We met up with Tony and Tosha to get the ride started. It was a gorgeous morning and I felt ready to go.
To start out of the waterfront park was pretty rough. The legs were cold and not warmed up and to start out in a really hilly neighborhood was not my idea of fun. I was starting to get that feeling that I really wasn't prepared. I was so excited to have the best people around me for support. We had a good little paceline going around the backside of the lake. The winds were there and we knew that they were going to become a factor later in the morning.
The ride through Cherry Lake I finally started to feel my legs come to me. It also helped that I knew where I was by this point of the ride. Being familiar with your surronds really seem to help, they do me anyway. Tosha and I had a really great time chatting through Cherry Lake while Paul and Tony did there things many feet ahead of us. We made it sag #1 at SR 19. This stop was a good boost for me. It made me feel like I was really going to do this and I was going to do it was style!! While I was there I met Carol, a mutual friend. She told me that Coach, DW and Paul had FLOWN by her a lot earlier in the day. LOL She assured me that if they happened to stop the next time around she would tell that I had stopped by. ;)
The next 20ish miles were rolling up SR 19, over on CR 455 passed Buckhill and finally a turn north on 561. We got to sag #2 and it was very much needed. I just needed to get off the saddle to walk a bit. My behind was getting sore. I was very encouraged by my speed and climbing up until this point. The thought did keep entering my mind that Sugarloaf was going to be at mile 50 something and unfortunately I just didn't know how I well I was going to do that far in. But I was still ready for the challenge.
The weather although gorgeous it was starting to get really windy, right in our face! We were on the flat part of the ride. It was 20ish miles of headwinds, side (blow you off your bike) winds and smelly cows. Nice roads though. Sag #3 was a potty break and nice chat with the only guy left at the stop. He was a cool guy. Off to Sugarloaf we go. The butterflies finally really took over and I started to overthink that whole thing. But I was still ready to do it! Come on Sugarloaf.
I took the left turn and looked to the top. This is what a trained for. I was ready thanks to Coach! I started up the hill and was feeling really strong and proud of myself. Tony and Paul went up the hill like they wasn't even trying. Tosha and I took our sweet ass time getting from the bottom to the top. The funniest part of the initial climb with Paul's comment while at the bottom. "You have more gears?!" he said. "I KNOW" I said. :) I was proud to say that it took some time before I had to get down the the granny gear. Hell yeah! Everyone that has ever climbed Sugarloaf knows that once you get to the black mailbox it starts to even out and becomes not quite so steep, this is when the smile creeped across my face. Paul had come back down at that point to climb back up with me. I looked over at him smiled, and geared up. I rocked it up Sugarloaf. No one could ever take the smile off my face. The crew running the sag at the top were the best.
The only thing that sucked about Sugarloaf, was that we still 15 miles to get back to the waterfront. Off we went back to the car. I was feeling tired and a little jelly legged for about half of the trip back. But again we got to the point where I knew that we were almost there. That I was almost done. I knew that my kiddos were there waiting on me and that I come over and conquered what I wanted to do.
So after almost 4 months of training, a 25 pound weight loss and some tears I Assaulted Sugarloaf. 59 miles in less that 4 hours. I am looking forward to next year!
On September 19 Paul and I arrived a little late to the waterfront park but since there was no mass start for the ride we were not very concerened. It wasn't the first ride we had been late too. ;) We met up with Tony and Tosha to get the ride started. It was a gorgeous morning and I felt ready to go.
To start out of the waterfront park was pretty rough. The legs were cold and not warmed up and to start out in a really hilly neighborhood was not my idea of fun. I was starting to get that feeling that I really wasn't prepared. I was so excited to have the best people around me for support. We had a good little paceline going around the backside of the lake. The winds were there and we knew that they were going to become a factor later in the morning.
The ride through Cherry Lake I finally started to feel my legs come to me. It also helped that I knew where I was by this point of the ride. Being familiar with your surronds really seem to help, they do me anyway. Tosha and I had a really great time chatting through Cherry Lake while Paul and Tony did there things many feet ahead of us. We made it sag #1 at SR 19. This stop was a good boost for me. It made me feel like I was really going to do this and I was going to do it was style!! While I was there I met Carol, a mutual friend. She told me that Coach, DW and Paul had FLOWN by her a lot earlier in the day. LOL She assured me that if they happened to stop the next time around she would tell that I had stopped by. ;)
The next 20ish miles were rolling up SR 19, over on CR 455 passed Buckhill and finally a turn north on 561. We got to sag #2 and it was very much needed. I just needed to get off the saddle to walk a bit. My behind was getting sore. I was very encouraged by my speed and climbing up until this point. The thought did keep entering my mind that Sugarloaf was going to be at mile 50 something and unfortunately I just didn't know how I well I was going to do that far in. But I was still ready for the challenge.
The weather although gorgeous it was starting to get really windy, right in our face! We were on the flat part of the ride. It was 20ish miles of headwinds, side (blow you off your bike) winds and smelly cows. Nice roads though. Sag #3 was a potty break and nice chat with the only guy left at the stop. He was a cool guy. Off to Sugarloaf we go. The butterflies finally really took over and I started to overthink that whole thing. But I was still ready to do it! Come on Sugarloaf.
I took the left turn and looked to the top. This is what a trained for. I was ready thanks to Coach! I started up the hill and was feeling really strong and proud of myself. Tony and Paul went up the hill like they wasn't even trying. Tosha and I took our sweet ass time getting from the bottom to the top. The funniest part of the initial climb with Paul's comment while at the bottom. "You have more gears?!" he said. "I KNOW" I said. :) I was proud to say that it took some time before I had to get down the the granny gear. Hell yeah! Everyone that has ever climbed Sugarloaf knows that once you get to the black mailbox it starts to even out and becomes not quite so steep, this is when the smile creeped across my face. Paul had come back down at that point to climb back up with me. I looked over at him smiled, and geared up. I rocked it up Sugarloaf. No one could ever take the smile off my face. The crew running the sag at the top were the best.
Friday, September 17, 2010
2 more days
My weeks of training has lead to this. 2 more days until the Assault on Sugarloaf. I am ready. Actually looking forward to seeing how far I have come.
They just posted the revised map for the ride. I am a little surprised that is has changed so much from last year but oh well. Wanna see?
59 mile Assault on Sugarloaf
Thanks so much to Coach David from D2 Cycle Center. Your guidance and knowledge is what helped me to this point. I appreciate all your hard work and your encouragement. I feel I have come a long way and with the help you have given me I will be able to go a whole lot further!
They just posted the revised map for the ride. I am a little surprised that is has changed so much from last year but oh well. Wanna see?
59 mile Assault on Sugarloaf
Thanks so much to Coach David from D2 Cycle Center. Your guidance and knowledge is what helped me to this point. I appreciate all your hard work and your encouragement. I feel I have come a long way and with the help you have given me I will be able to go a whole lot further!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
MILESTONE
This morning the big weight in day.
185.4! I am down 20.1 pounds. :) I am so darn happy that I actually squealed this morning. Huge milestone for me since I haven't been this weight since High School! Even on my wedding day I was this little. I still have a ways to go to my ultimate goal but I am well on my way.
Only two more weeks until the Assault on Sugarloaf. I can honestly say that I am ready as I will ever be. I have resigned to the fact that I am a slow climber but I take it at my own pace and I don't try to kill myself to the top. It might take me a while to make it through the 60 miles but I will make it. That is the goal after all!
I feel strong and healthy and happy. A huge thanks to my support people. Coach David from D2 Cycling Center, my Hubby Paul, all the people that I ride with on a weekly basis (Tony, Tosha, David W, Shannon, Stacy, Chris W, Robin, Julie, BJ and so many more.) You are a huge reason why I was able to do all of this.
Ok gotta get back to work. Happy Tuesday!
185.4! I am down 20.1 pounds. :) I am so darn happy that I actually squealed this morning. Huge milestone for me since I haven't been this weight since High School! Even on my wedding day I was this little. I still have a ways to go to my ultimate goal but I am well on my way.
Only two more weeks until the Assault on Sugarloaf. I can honestly say that I am ready as I will ever be. I have resigned to the fact that I am a slow climber but I take it at my own pace and I don't try to kill myself to the top. It might take me a while to make it through the 60 miles but I will make it. That is the goal after all!
I feel strong and healthy and happy. A huge thanks to my support people. Coach David from D2 Cycling Center, my Hubby Paul, all the people that I ride with on a weekly basis (Tony, Tosha, David W, Shannon, Stacy, Chris W, Robin, Julie, BJ and so many more.) You are a huge reason why I was able to do all of this.
Ok gotta get back to work. Happy Tuesday!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Whoopsie
Note to self... when wearing a new jersey to a long bike ride (4+ hours) be sure to put sunscreen on. You will burn! Leaving you in pain for the next few days. Not good. ;) Lots of aloe and lotion to try and bring down the pain. Dumb dumb dumb!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Progress
Today was a trip to Clermont for a 50ish mile run through the hills. I had some really great things that happened today but I am still feeling really slow on the climbs. I will continue to try and improve. One day I might be able to keep up with the group.
Only 3 more weeks until the Assault on Sugarloaf. I think that I am ready. The miles is the only thing that I am going to worry about. 60+ miles is not always easy. But this isn't a race and I will have plenty of SAGs to stop at and try to stay hydrated and full of fuel.
The best part of everything is that I feel great and I currently weight 187lbs. Go me! I still have a ways to go but I am getting there one step at a time.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Picture Proof
I just looked through some old pictures of myself and I am just sick to my stomach. There is no way I will EVER look like that again. At my heaviest I was at 215 and that is just sick. When I started this journey I was 205 and I currently am hanging at 191. 14 pounds lost and more to come. Some proof of my journey so far.
Me at 210 pounds Christmas of 2008
Me at the beginning of my journey May of 2010
Me today, July 2010
Me at 210 pounds Christmas of 2008
Me at the beginning of my journey May of 2010
Me today, July 2010
The hills are alive with the sound of...
....cursing!! LOL
I am going out to Clermont this week for a training session with Coach D2 Cycling Center. I haven't been out there in about a month. But I haven't felt stronger than I do right now. This should be a good thing! The anxiety that I have had previously about the hills is a little deminished after the great week of cardio training I have had added with the best ride to date. I am really curious to see if any of this power will transfer over to making me a stronger climber. I am no Andy Schleck but I would settle for being back in the "autobus" with the sprinters just trying to finish the climb in the Alps. (Sorry for the all the Tour de France references. I am missing it already!)
So 7:30am on Sunday morning I will be leaving Winter Garden station for a 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Clermont and Lake County. It is going to be hot but this is Florida afterall! :)
I hope that everyone has a great weekend.
I am going out to Clermont this week for a training session with Coach D2 Cycling Center. I haven't been out there in about a month. But I haven't felt stronger than I do right now. This should be a good thing! The anxiety that I have had previously about the hills is a little deminished after the great week of cardio training I have had added with the best ride to date. I am really curious to see if any of this power will transfer over to making me a stronger climber. I am no Andy Schleck but I would settle for being back in the "autobus" with the sprinters just trying to finish the climb in the Alps. (Sorry for the all the Tour de France references. I am missing it already!)
So 7:30am on Sunday morning I will be leaving Winter Garden station for a 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Clermont and Lake County. It is going to be hot but this is Florida afterall! :)
I hope that everyone has a great weekend.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Runnning post #2
Today was much better. I still am no fan of running but I felt better. I was able to complete 10 run/walk fast intervals. With a warm up and cool down included I was able to run/walk 2.1 miles in 30 minutes. I felt a lot stronger. I never realized that there was a technique to running though. Slowly but surely it is getting better. My arse is sore I am sure that I will feel it more tomorrow.
I have to thank my coworker Diane for being dressed out ready to go to the gym at our normal time. I have little to no desire to walk in the 100 degree heat to the gym to run for 30 minutes then walk back. But since she was ready to go I got it in gear and off we went. I always feel better once I am done. :) :)
I am working on putting together some before and after pictures for a photo blog. I can already see a big difference between the start and now. I cannot wait to see the difference in September when I am done with this phase. Then it is off to a new phase of training. I think the next one is going to be a century ride!!
ETA: No side cramps today! I focused on my breathing a lot today and drank a whole bottle of water. Coach, I know that you will be happy. :)
I have to thank my coworker Diane for being dressed out ready to go to the gym at our normal time. I have little to no desire to walk in the 100 degree heat to the gym to run for 30 minutes then walk back. But since she was ready to go I got it in gear and off we went. I always feel better once I am done. :) :)
I am working on putting together some before and after pictures for a photo blog. I can already see a big difference between the start and now. I cannot wait to see the difference in September when I am done with this phase. Then it is off to a new phase of training. I think the next one is going to be a century ride!!
ETA: No side cramps today! I focused on my breathing a lot today and drank a whole bottle of water. Coach, I know that you will be happy. :)
A great day
I wanted to do this last night when I got home from my Wednesday Night Ride with St. John Cycles but I was so exhausted that I had a snack and went to bed. Tired from working out hard and from pure excitment.
Yesterday I had a great day in the gym. The eliptical and I are becoming the best of friends. I did my 30 minutes then concluded with my upper body workout. The only thing that I would have changed was the atmosphere! The young guy next to me on the treadmill apparently was having a REALLLY good workout. He stunk! OMG it was awful. Now I ride with a bunch of guys. We all get hot and stinky but NONE of the men I ride with smell this bad. I swear he must have slept in those clothes that night before. Thank goodness he was almost done with his workout when I started mine. I don't think that I would have been able to handle it for very much longer. ;) Of course you all know that I smell like a fresh spring field when I am done working out. Never do I stink! LOL
Last night was a fantastic ride. So much fun! I knew that I was riding hard and felt great. I never really ever pay attention to the speeds we were going while on a ride. EXCEPT when I get dropped by the group. They just flat out left me off the back of the train when going around a corner. I was able to get out of the saddle and build my speed up to 23 but I still couldn't catch them. I was able to maintain a speed of 20mph all by my lonesome for about 2 miles. Oh well! I knew where I was going and I knew eventually I would catch back up to them. The best part of the ride was getting back to the truck and seeing that I had my fastest average ever (I averaged 18.7mph!!) and a top speed of 29mph. BIG smiles all around. I celebrated with a beer. ;) It tasted good.
Today is more running. My goal is to do at least 2 more intervals this week. I have been having a great week so far with my cardio so I know I can do this.
Yesterday I had a great day in the gym. The eliptical and I are becoming the best of friends. I did my 30 minutes then concluded with my upper body workout. The only thing that I would have changed was the atmosphere! The young guy next to me on the treadmill apparently was having a REALLLY good workout. He stunk! OMG it was awful. Now I ride with a bunch of guys. We all get hot and stinky but NONE of the men I ride with smell this bad. I swear he must have slept in those clothes that night before. Thank goodness he was almost done with his workout when I started mine. I don't think that I would have been able to handle it for very much longer. ;) Of course you all know that I smell like a fresh spring field when I am done working out. Never do I stink! LOL
Last night was a fantastic ride. So much fun! I knew that I was riding hard and felt great. I never really ever pay attention to the speeds we were going while on a ride. EXCEPT when I get dropped by the group. They just flat out left me off the back of the train when going around a corner. I was able to get out of the saddle and build my speed up to 23 but I still couldn't catch them. I was able to maintain a speed of 20mph all by my lonesome for about 2 miles. Oh well! I knew where I was going and I knew eventually I would catch back up to them. The best part of the ride was getting back to the truck and seeing that I had my fastest average ever (I averaged 18.7mph!!) and a top speed of 29mph. BIG smiles all around. I celebrated with a beer. ;) It tasted good.
Today is more running. My goal is to do at least 2 more intervals this week. I have been having a great week so far with my cardio so I know I can do this.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Feeling Good
I have to say that for the very first time I completley understand that high that people feel after a really good workout at the gym and why they can workout for 2 hours. I didn't want to leave the gym today but because I only have an hour for lunch and I walk 5 minutes to and from the gym I had to go. :(
I completed 42 minutes on the eliptical machine. Sweat dripping on my face and all. I was ready to keep going when the machine beeped at me that my workout was done. Does this actually mean that I am finally getting into better cardio shape? 42 minutes was unheard of before this and even walking into the gym today it sounded like forever. But I set the machine on level 6 with the hill setting and started out. It didn't take long before I realized that I was completely warmed up and I kick it up to level 7! Ya'll I feel awesome. I am ready to do that again (and I do tomorrow LOL.)
:) :) My smiles for the day :) :)
I completed 42 minutes on the eliptical machine. Sweat dripping on my face and all. I was ready to keep going when the machine beeped at me that my workout was done. Does this actually mean that I am finally getting into better cardio shape? 42 minutes was unheard of before this and even walking into the gym today it sounded like forever. But I set the machine on level 6 with the hill setting and started out. It didn't take long before I realized that I was completely warmed up and I kick it up to level 7! Ya'll I feel awesome. I am ready to do that again (and I do tomorrow LOL.)
:) :) My smiles for the day :) :)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Ready for the weekend!
It is Friday ya'll! This is the best news I have heard all day long. :) I am looking forward to it. Lots of time with my family and friends. No work for two days. Hopefully that rain stays away from us and the wind is at our back's for riding.
Finished my return week to the gym strong today. I didn't get to lunch until late today which meant that I practically had the gym to myself. It was really nice. Felt awesome today. The quads are still a little sore but they are getting better. The core workout is getting easier (NOT EASY) but easier. I still sweat buckets and still find a couple of the exercises very hard to do but I am getting there. Again the best part was the stretch at the end. It was sooooo nice.
I have a couple bike rides this weekend where I am kicking up the distance for the first time. I just hope that weather cooperates. I should have almost 100 miles of riding under my belt come Sunday afternoon. Lots of calories burned and lots of practice for the century season coming up. :)
I wish everyone a great weekend. Enjoy yourself whatever you are doing!
Finished my return week to the gym strong today. I didn't get to lunch until late today which meant that I practically had the gym to myself. It was really nice. Felt awesome today. The quads are still a little sore but they are getting better. The core workout is getting easier (NOT EASY) but easier. I still sweat buckets and still find a couple of the exercises very hard to do but I am getting there. Again the best part was the stretch at the end. It was sooooo nice.
I have a couple bike rides this weekend where I am kicking up the distance for the first time. I just hope that weather cooperates. I should have almost 100 miles of riding under my belt come Sunday afternoon. Lots of calories burned and lots of practice for the century season coming up. :)
I wish everyone a great weekend. Enjoy yourself whatever you are doing!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Running
I am going to have to get used to this running thing. I just got back to work from the gym and I am whooped. I completed 2.02 miles with a 4.2 mph average. I completed 6 intervals running/walking. I got a horrible stitch in my side about 20 minutes in my workout. I am still working that out.
On to the next phase! I will stop whining for now.
On to the next phase! I will stop whining for now.
Big update
Where to start....
Two weeks ago today I went to the doctor only to find out that I had strep throat. Just lovely. I felt horrible. The most awful I hate felt in years. I was happy to have a diagnosis but I wasnt happy about the restrictions that it put on my body. It took me over a week to finally feel 100%. No riding for a week and very little exercise. I just couldn't do it! I felt exhausted with a sore throat and ear ache. I was a mess.
Fast forward to this past Monday. I was finally feeling 100% better. Ready to hit the ground running. I only have 2 more month to Assault so I have to get my butt in gear with my training program. I received an email from Coach that morning with my training schedule for the next 4 weeks. HOLY COW! A lot of cardio and endurance training. Treadmill and eliptical machines are going to be my torture chambers. :) I am going to riding a lot longer and harder as well. I am looking forward to that though. After being off the bike for so long I am happy to get back out there.
I have officially lost 14 pounds. I am very happy about that. Hopefully in the next 8 weeks I will be able to double that number if not triple it. My overall goal is to lost another 30 pounds. I would be a very happy camper if I am able to accomlish that. I know that it will take a lot of dedication on my part not only from an exercise standpoint but also from a diet standpoint. So far I am still doing really well with both. Gotta kick up the fresh fruits and veggies again. I slacked off while I was ill and still haven't gotten back full force.
Monday's workout
All core work. Took me a long time since I have been out of practice. But I felt surprisingly good.
Tuesdsay's workout
Lower body blast #2. Super sore from Monday's workout but I pushed through. The weights felt really heavy! The best part of the whole day was the stretch at the end.
Wednesday's workout
Cardio and upper body. Finally recovering from Monday's workout but the legs were uber sore from Tuesday. In my sick little twisted mind I knew that being sore was a good thing. Building up that muscle that I surely need. I was able to complete a 5k in 30 minutes on the elipitcal machine and that made me smile like a little girl.
Wednesday's ride
It was really nice to be back on the bike. It was awfully hot but there is something about being with a group of friends riding. You forget almost that it is 95 degrees outside. We had a really great time. Ended up breaking off into a really small group, Glenn's bitches! LOL We averaged 17.4 mph for 18 miles. The wind was swirly and was always in our face. I felt awesome. The legs were a little tired but a nice spin did my body good. Top it off with a beer and some friendly conversation and I can honestly say that this was the highlight of my week!
So if you made it all the way through this I applaud you. :) Dry topic I know but I needed to put it down on "paper" so to speak. On to Thursday's workout looking forward to the weekend.
Two weeks ago today I went to the doctor only to find out that I had strep throat. Just lovely. I felt horrible. The most awful I hate felt in years. I was happy to have a diagnosis but I wasnt happy about the restrictions that it put on my body. It took me over a week to finally feel 100%. No riding for a week and very little exercise. I just couldn't do it! I felt exhausted with a sore throat and ear ache. I was a mess.
Fast forward to this past Monday. I was finally feeling 100% better. Ready to hit the ground running. I only have 2 more month to Assault so I have to get my butt in gear with my training program. I received an email from Coach that morning with my training schedule for the next 4 weeks. HOLY COW! A lot of cardio and endurance training. Treadmill and eliptical machines are going to be my torture chambers. :) I am going to riding a lot longer and harder as well. I am looking forward to that though. After being off the bike for so long I am happy to get back out there.
I have officially lost 14 pounds. I am very happy about that. Hopefully in the next 8 weeks I will be able to double that number if not triple it. My overall goal is to lost another 30 pounds. I would be a very happy camper if I am able to accomlish that. I know that it will take a lot of dedication on my part not only from an exercise standpoint but also from a diet standpoint. So far I am still doing really well with both. Gotta kick up the fresh fruits and veggies again. I slacked off while I was ill and still haven't gotten back full force.
Monday's workout
All core work. Took me a long time since I have been out of practice. But I felt surprisingly good.
Tuesdsay's workout
Lower body blast #2. Super sore from Monday's workout but I pushed through. The weights felt really heavy! The best part of the whole day was the stretch at the end.
Wednesday's workout
Cardio and upper body. Finally recovering from Monday's workout but the legs were uber sore from Tuesday. In my sick little twisted mind I knew that being sore was a good thing. Building up that muscle that I surely need. I was able to complete a 5k in 30 minutes on the elipitcal machine and that made me smile like a little girl.
Wednesday's ride
It was really nice to be back on the bike. It was awfully hot but there is something about being with a group of friends riding. You forget almost that it is 95 degrees outside. We had a really great time. Ended up breaking off into a really small group, Glenn's bitches! LOL We averaged 17.4 mph for 18 miles. The wind was swirly and was always in our face. I felt awesome. The legs were a little tired but a nice spin did my body good. Top it off with a beer and some friendly conversation and I can honestly say that this was the highlight of my week!
So if you made it all the way through this I applaud you. :) Dry topic I know but I needed to put it down on "paper" so to speak. On to Thursday's workout looking forward to the weekend.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Long weekend
but a great one. Saturday was the race in Daytona so there was A LOT of walking and stair climbing. It felt good especially since I didn't ride that moring. Sunday was a day to recoup. We didn't get home from the track until 3:30am so I slept in. No riding again. :( I know it is awful. We didn't do much arond the house but I didn't end up washing both the car and the truck also helped wih the pool cleaning chores. Not really exercises but it was better than just sitting on my keister.
Monday I rode! I met a bunch of my fellow cyclists in Lake Mary and we did 34 miles arond the Lake. It was an awesome ride. A couple of milestones for me. I pulled the line of riders around the Lake for a little ways and I rode the fastest ever up Orange and over I-4. I really had a good day. Felt good. The weather was good and I was happy to be on my bike. I came home and worked around the house and did my core workout as well. Very well rounded day.
Back to work today though. I just got back from the gym. It was Lower Body Blast day. It is amazing how my legs still feel like jello. I know that I must be doing something right though when they feel like that.
The amazing thing about this whole process is how I feel after I work out. There are days that I just don't want to go to the gym but I always feel so much better after I go. AND when I step on the scale. No weight loss this week but I am ok with that. I have seen the inches come off and I feel the stregnth in my core and lower body. This is a good thing. Next week I will have a good weight loss I can sense it!
Monday I rode! I met a bunch of my fellow cyclists in Lake Mary and we did 34 miles arond the Lake. It was an awesome ride. A couple of milestones for me. I pulled the line of riders around the Lake for a little ways and I rode the fastest ever up Orange and over I-4. I really had a good day. Felt good. The weather was good and I was happy to be on my bike. I came home and worked around the house and did my core workout as well. Very well rounded day.
Back to work today though. I just got back from the gym. It was Lower Body Blast day. It is amazing how my legs still feel like jello. I know that I must be doing something right though when they feel like that.
The amazing thing about this whole process is how I feel after I work out. There are days that I just don't want to go to the gym but I always feel so much better after I go. AND when I step on the scale. No weight loss this week but I am ok with that. I have seen the inches come off and I feel the stregnth in my core and lower body. This is a good thing. Next week I will have a good weight loss I can sense it!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Happy Friday
Headache! That is how today is going. I went to bed last night with one and woke up with one. Maybe it is the rain. My workout today was very hard because of it. I took it easier than I should have but at least I went.
Tomorrow is the Daytona. It is going to be a very long day of walking and sweating and dodging raindrops. I cannot ride in the morning because we are leaving at 9am to head over that way. I am hoping to make up the ride by riding on Sunday morning and Monday morning. I love 3 day weekends. :)
I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend!
Tomorrow is the Daytona. It is going to be a very long day of walking and sweating and dodging raindrops. I cannot ride in the morning because we are leaving at 9am to head over that way. I am hoping to make up the ride by riding on Sunday morning and Monday morning. I love 3 day weekends. :)
I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Week in Review
I am bad at this updating thing. I was going to come in here days ago and update but I got really busy at work and I didn't get around to it. Today is a much better day.
So since last Friday I have gotten my voice back and I am feeling much better.
It was a blistering hot weekend in Central Florida but we made do. Sunday I took a ride through Lake County. All the while trying to not cough up a lung. I was still feeling kinda icky on Sunday and still had very little voice but something (someone) made me get out of bed and go riding. I am really glad that I did. I was toast by the time that I returned from the 40 miles but I had a couple of accomplishments for the day. I climbed The Wall faster than I have ever done before and I completed a 40 mile loop. Neither one I have done before. Pretty cool.
Monday it was back to the gym during lunch time. I felt pretty darn good actually. I flew through my core workout with no problems. I am able to do all the exercises assigned now. It takes some effort but they get done.
Tuesday was my lower body blast day. UGH! That is just so hard to do. Someone of the exercises make you question why you are doing them in the first place. They also remind you how sore they are going to make you feel the next day. At least my goal is still intact so I was able to complete them, my cardio warm up and cool down and of course my stretching. I LOVE stretching! :) It feels good and it reminds me that I am DONE for the day. YES!
Wednesday is my fun day. My cycling day! I look forward to this day every week. Last night though the weather was looking a little iffy and the wind.... oh the wind! It was awful. We made it about half way through the ride and turned the train around. The sky was pitch black and we still had 3 more miles to ride out before we were supposed to turn around. We all had that feeling that if continues to ride that we were going to get soaked or worse struck by lightening. I ended up only getting 8 miles in last night but I had to ride so hard into the headwind that my heartrate averaged 161 bpm!!! I got my work out in a very short amount of time. AWFUL! OH and it never did rain. sigh
So that leads me to today. 30 minutes of cardio in the gym. 12 minutes on the eliptical at 11 mph (I averaged 10.5mph) and then 18 on the treadmill. HA I didn't do some hot on the treadmill. I would speed walk and jog in intervals. I couldn't keep the jog going. My legs are super sore still from Tuesday and my heart was trying to escape from my chest. Hopefully I will get better at this but today was just not a lot of fun. Running is for the birds.... and cheetas..... and greyhounds.
Tomorrow is Friday, that is the best news of the day!
So since last Friday I have gotten my voice back and I am feeling much better.
It was a blistering hot weekend in Central Florida but we made do. Sunday I took a ride through Lake County. All the while trying to not cough up a lung. I was still feeling kinda icky on Sunday and still had very little voice but something (someone) made me get out of bed and go riding. I am really glad that I did. I was toast by the time that I returned from the 40 miles but I had a couple of accomplishments for the day. I climbed The Wall faster than I have ever done before and I completed a 40 mile loop. Neither one I have done before. Pretty cool.
Monday it was back to the gym during lunch time. I felt pretty darn good actually. I flew through my core workout with no problems. I am able to do all the exercises assigned now. It takes some effort but they get done.
Tuesday was my lower body blast day. UGH! That is just so hard to do. Someone of the exercises make you question why you are doing them in the first place. They also remind you how sore they are going to make you feel the next day. At least my goal is still intact so I was able to complete them, my cardio warm up and cool down and of course my stretching. I LOVE stretching! :) It feels good and it reminds me that I am DONE for the day. YES!
Wednesday is my fun day. My cycling day! I look forward to this day every week. Last night though the weather was looking a little iffy and the wind.... oh the wind! It was awful. We made it about half way through the ride and turned the train around. The sky was pitch black and we still had 3 more miles to ride out before we were supposed to turn around. We all had that feeling that if continues to ride that we were going to get soaked or worse struck by lightening. I ended up only getting 8 miles in last night but I had to ride so hard into the headwind that my heartrate averaged 161 bpm!!! I got my work out in a very short amount of time. AWFUL! OH and it never did rain. sigh
So that leads me to today. 30 minutes of cardio in the gym. 12 minutes on the eliptical at 11 mph (I averaged 10.5mph) and then 18 on the treadmill. HA I didn't do some hot on the treadmill. I would speed walk and jog in intervals. I couldn't keep the jog going. My legs are super sore still from Tuesday and my heart was trying to escape from my chest. Hopefully I will get better at this but today was just not a lot of fun. Running is for the birds.... and cheetas..... and greyhounds.
Tomorrow is Friday, that is the best news of the day!
Friday, June 25, 2010
sssshhh you might not be able to hear me
Workout was good yesterday today should be even better. Feeling pretty good today but I still have a sore throat, runny nose and ear aches. But my latest issue is the lack of voice. Laryngitis. Yippee fun. What a way to start my weekend.
I have a doctors appointment on Monday morning thankfully so if I am not feeling 100% by then I will be able to find out what is going on.
I am happy to report that I have lost 10lbs so far since the beginning of this journey. Not as much as I would have liked but I am happy. I am still working on getting enough fiber in my diet. It isn't that easy ya'll. I love my raisin bran and my grape nuts thankfully. I also have become a fan of black beans! YUMMY. For all that know me I have always had a huge gripe with beans. I just never liked the taste, texture, feel etc. I think that tonight we will be having some black beans and brown rice.
I have a confession to make. I am nervous and scared. I need to go back out to Clermont and climb but I am just awfully nervous. I ride with a lot of great people, some of the best in the world. But almost all of them are all fantastic riders (much better than I) and climb the hills in Clermont just like they were overpasses. Whereas I am the one saying prayers and drooling from the mouth just to make it up. I have the fear of falling over. The fear of the pain. The fear making it up all the climbs but not having the energy to make it back to the car (like the last time I was out there.) Was this is stupid idea on my part to make this goal for myself? I am doubting myself big time. I just want to crawl under a rock some days. I know that I am stronger and lighter that I was before, but is it going to be enough? I have 3 more months to train for this journey. Will I make it!?
I have a doctors appointment on Monday morning thankfully so if I am not feeling 100% by then I will be able to find out what is going on.
I am happy to report that I have lost 10lbs so far since the beginning of this journey. Not as much as I would have liked but I am happy. I am still working on getting enough fiber in my diet. It isn't that easy ya'll. I love my raisin bran and my grape nuts thankfully. I also have become a fan of black beans! YUMMY. For all that know me I have always had a huge gripe with beans. I just never liked the taste, texture, feel etc. I think that tonight we will be having some black beans and brown rice.
I have a confession to make. I am nervous and scared. I need to go back out to Clermont and climb but I am just awfully nervous. I ride with a lot of great people, some of the best in the world. But almost all of them are all fantastic riders (much better than I) and climb the hills in Clermont just like they were overpasses. Whereas I am the one saying prayers and drooling from the mouth just to make it up. I have the fear of falling over. The fear of the pain. The fear making it up all the climbs but not having the energy to make it back to the car (like the last time I was out there.) Was this is stupid idea on my part to make this goal for myself? I am doubting myself big time. I just want to crawl under a rock some days. I know that I am stronger and lighter that I was before, but is it going to be enough? I have 3 more months to train for this journey. Will I make it!?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sickies
Today I finally feel better. I started feeling pretty sick on Monday afternoon. Sore throat, runny nose, ear ache, headache pretty much the gamit from the neck up. My workout on Monday was a little difficult to do but I completed it in addition I went for a nice 18 mile bike ride on Monday. But that was it for the week.
I woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I had been run over by a truck. I came to work only because I knew that I had a meeting for thing and so much work to do. But it very soon became evident that I wasn't going to make it through the day. I left to go home at 10am. I spent the rest of the day and evening on the couch sleeping off and on. Waking up only long enough to get the kids from school/daycare and get them some dinner.
Wednesday came and I felt worse. Why o why was this happening to me!?
Today I feel better. Still have a little bit of an earache but overall I don't feel like roadkill anymore. The only thing that I regret is that I haven't been in the gym since Monday and that I missed my ride last night. I have a feeling that today's workout is going to be a long one. Hopefully I have some muscle memory and I can pick up from where I left off with my workouts. It is going to be a long weekend I think.
I woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I had been run over by a truck. I came to work only because I knew that I had a meeting for thing and so much work to do. But it very soon became evident that I wasn't going to make it through the day. I left to go home at 10am. I spent the rest of the day and evening on the couch sleeping off and on. Waking up only long enough to get the kids from school/daycare and get them some dinner.
Wednesday came and I felt worse. Why o why was this happening to me!?
Today I feel better. Still have a little bit of an earache but overall I don't feel like roadkill anymore. The only thing that I regret is that I haven't been in the gym since Monday and that I missed my ride last night. I have a feeling that today's workout is going to be a long one. Hopefully I have some muscle memory and I can pick up from where I left off with my workouts. It is going to be a long weekend I think.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Who Knew
I didn't think that yesterday when I posted how sore I was that it would get worse today. I have zero appetite. I can barely move. It sucks. ;) At least I know that just like the saying goes, No pain No gain. I have to pain so I should receive the gain right? Buck up Annie. Stop whining.
Today's workout will be all cardio. Eliptical and treadmill. Hopefully by the time that 12:30 comes around I will be able to put my shoes on. ;)
Last night my bike ride was rained out. I was really bummed. I was looking forward to it. Hanging with friends and cycling is a great pairing. Wednesday is my night out! Oh well. I came home had some dinner and relaxed for a while until it was time to put kiddos to bed. Then I hoped on the trainer. I rode my little heart out spinning as best I could. I will not lie, it hurt. A little work out at home while watching the Tour de Suisse. I pretended that I was riding with Lance and Levi. It was actually fun. :) That will be the only time that I will ever ride with those guys.
Today's workout will be all cardio. Eliptical and treadmill. Hopefully by the time that 12:30 comes around I will be able to put my shoes on. ;)
Last night my bike ride was rained out. I was really bummed. I was looking forward to it. Hanging with friends and cycling is a great pairing. Wednesday is my night out! Oh well. I came home had some dinner and relaxed for a while until it was time to put kiddos to bed. Then I hoped on the trainer. I rode my little heart out spinning as best I could. I will not lie, it hurt. A little work out at home while watching the Tour de Suisse. I pretended that I was riding with Lance and Levi. It was actually fun. :) That will be the only time that I will ever ride with those guys.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sore :(
How does a body get so sore?! I knew that I worked out hard yesterday but I am just shocked how sore I am this morning. To the point that I am sick to stomach from the intense pain coming from my quads and my arse! I have to ride a bike tonight people?! I am going to have to stretch out or walk some today to try and minimize this pain. Right now I cannot even THINK about pushing those pedals.
Do you feel sorry for me yet!? LOL :D Ah well this is just one more hurdle. I am that much closer to my goal.
Do you feel sorry for me yet!? LOL :D Ah well this is just one more hurdle. I am that much closer to my goal.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Beginning of week 5!
Can you even believe it?! This has got the be longest I have ever put forth this much effort to bettering myself and getting into shape. I am enjoying the extra energy that I have and most of all the 9lb weight loss that I have seen. Not too shabby.
Today was lower body blast #2 which includes using 15lb weights to do some pretty insane exercises. My legs are jello right now. LOL I will most certainly feel the burn tomorrow afternoon. I figure that soreness will start to come about the time that I am getting ready to go for my 18 mile bike ride tomorrow night. :) We shall see. I will update you because I am sure that you would all like to know.
Today was lower body blast #2 which includes using 15lb weights to do some pretty insane exercises. My legs are jello right now. LOL I will most certainly feel the burn tomorrow afternoon. I figure that soreness will start to come about the time that I am getting ready to go for my 18 mile bike ride tomorrow night. :) We shall see. I will update you because I am sure that you would all like to know.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The new curse word
Over the last couple of weeks I have decided that the word Interval is really a curse word. I just hate them! LOL I understand that reasoning behind them but they just suck.
That’s all for right now. I just had to get that out there.
:D
That’s all for right now. I just had to get that out there.
:D
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Week 4
I shouldn’t wait this long between updates to my blog. Things are busy busy busy around here. Lots of family time and lots of work outs. Both good things but it means that I have been slacking on my blog. tisk tisk tisk
I happy announce that in 3 weeks I have lost 8lbs. I feel really good about that!! Very good about that!! I am well on my way to my goal weight. I am interested to see what comes in the next few weeks as my workouts get harder.
This week began week 4 of training. Core workouts increase by 2 and I started running on the treadmill! Yes you read that right. Today I officially RAN on the treadmill. Not for very long but I was doing minute intervals at 5mph (12min mile pace) down to 4mph. It was hard ya’ll. Even though I have increased my cardio health in the last few months it was still hard to run. I have NEVER been a runner. EVER! Ask anyone who has known me. I was semi nervous about it (mostly because I didn’t want to fall off the treadmill.) I was very excited to be done and happy that I was able to accomplish what I did. Next time I will try to run longer. Who knows one day I might even do that 5K?! maybe
This weekend I go back to Clermont to the hills. I am just sick to my stomach thinking about it. I have been having trouble sleeping this week. I want to be a better climber. I want to be able to go out there and excel at climbing but I am scared to death of the pain that this climbing brings! My quads and butt are already hurting just remembering the last time that I was there. Hopefully this time will be better. I am 8lbs lighter and a lot stronger (I think!) I just want to be able to get some sleep between now and then.
I happy announce that in 3 weeks I have lost 8lbs. I feel really good about that!! Very good about that!! I am well on my way to my goal weight. I am interested to see what comes in the next few weeks as my workouts get harder.
This week began week 4 of training. Core workouts increase by 2 and I started running on the treadmill! Yes you read that right. Today I officially RAN on the treadmill. Not for very long but I was doing minute intervals at 5mph (12min mile pace) down to 4mph. It was hard ya’ll. Even though I have increased my cardio health in the last few months it was still hard to run. I have NEVER been a runner. EVER! Ask anyone who has known me. I was semi nervous about it (mostly because I didn’t want to fall off the treadmill.) I was very excited to be done and happy that I was able to accomplish what I did. Next time I will try to run longer. Who knows one day I might even do that 5K?! maybe
This weekend I go back to Clermont to the hills. I am just sick to my stomach thinking about it. I have been having trouble sleeping this week. I want to be a better climber. I want to be able to go out there and excel at climbing but I am scared to death of the pain that this climbing brings! My quads and butt are already hurting just remembering the last time that I was there. Hopefully this time will be better. I am 8lbs lighter and a lot stronger (I think!) I just want to be able to get some sleep between now and then.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Hill Repeats
Last night I didn’t do my normal WWW St. John’s ride. I did miss riding with my peeps but I needed to get some hill training in. It wasn’t too horrible. I am feeling a lot stronger than I used to when it comes to inclines but I am no where near feeling like superman yet.
I left from my house last night and rode 6 miles out towards the airport. The only “hill” that is close to my house is the overpass on Heintzelman Blvd that goes over the 528. I know that it is sad to think that I am doing hill training on a overpass but it seems to work. I felt a lot of burning in my quads all the while I was repeating to myself, push and pull the pedals, push and pull the pedals. Amazingly enough it worked. It also kept my mind off the fact that I was climbing the incline. I made it to the top in record time! (for me anyway) The way down was a lot more fun but it was short lived because of the red light at the bottom. OF course I hit the red light. On ever repeat that I did (4 of them) I found the red light. What a pain in the butt. LOL
In all I did 4 repeats of the overpass and 19.5 miles. I averaged 16 mph amazingly enough. That was will a horrible headwind on the way out and down Heintzelman’s and a wonderful tailwind on the way back. Mother Nature did play a cruel game on me though. I was the furthest point out on my ride when I started to get sprinkled on. As refreshing as it felt I was really concerned that I was going to get caught in a downpour. Thankfully it held off until I get back to the house. I love you Mother Nature.
I did pretty good last night. I still am worried about the strength that I am lacking when it comes to climbing the hills or even pulling a slight incline. I am just hoping that in the next few weeks as the weight continues to come off and the strength training continues that I will find a little more confidence in my ability. Keep your fingers crossed.
Today is my rest day and so far I am loving it. I had a nice picnic lunch with a book and tonight I will be working on cleaning up the pool for a big graduation party we are having for my niece on Saturday. Who knows I might even be able to stay awake until Paul gets home from work.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Beginning of Week 3!!
Good afternoon blog followers!! :) (OR lack thereof! LOL) I am happy to report that as of this morning I have successfully lost 6 pounds. GO ME! This is mostly in thanks to my fabulous coach and trainer, David Houle owner of D2 Cycle. So far he has taught me how and what I need to eat and what exercises I need to do in order to increase my strength and my metabolism. With his guidance I have been able to come this far. I know that I am going to a much healthier and skinnier person when my 18 weeks is complete.
This week begins my hill interval training. On Wednesdsay evening I will be going out to the closest hill that I have to me and completing several repeats up and down the hill. The funny part of this is my hill is the 528 overpass on Heinztelman Blvd. at the new Goldenrod extension into around Orlando International Airport. I can't help that I live in Orange County and everything here is flat! :) It is a good place to start and I am looking forward to riding close to home. 5.5 miles out and 5.5 miles back. Some hill training in the middle and a circuit of Heintzelman's to follow.
My smile for the weekend came while I was on my ride Saturday. Paul and I rode out with a small group (8 riders) on a special ride for a little boy named Caden, Caden Epps Caring Bridge. Caden is 2 years old and ran out in front of a car and is now paralized from the chest down. The Seminole Cyclists were raising money to support him and his family on their journey. I am so proud to say that we were able to raise $1700 and two airplane tickets for Caden. While on our ride I learned pretty quickly that I was not the least experienced rider in the group. Halfway through the ride I worked my way up to the front. For the first time ever I was able to pull a line of riders at 20mph for 3 miles. :) I felt amazing. You couldn't have wiped the smile off of my face.
Today's workout made me smile again! I did a total of 38 minutes on the eliptcal machine (including a 3 minutes cool down.) I was able to complete a 5K in 34 minutes. Not too shabby. It really makes me wonder if I would be able to jog a 5K? Maybe in the fall I will find a nice fun 5K to test this theory out. Maybe
Only 15 more weeks until the Assault on Sugarloaf. Even though I am still somewhat scared about climbing the hills on my bike I am feeling a teeny tiny bit more confident that I will be able to accomlish it in record time.
This week begins my hill interval training. On Wednesdsay evening I will be going out to the closest hill that I have to me and completing several repeats up and down the hill. The funny part of this is my hill is the 528 overpass on Heinztelman Blvd. at the new Goldenrod extension into around Orlando International Airport. I can't help that I live in Orange County and everything here is flat! :) It is a good place to start and I am looking forward to riding close to home. 5.5 miles out and 5.5 miles back. Some hill training in the middle and a circuit of Heintzelman's to follow.
My smile for the weekend came while I was on my ride Saturday. Paul and I rode out with a small group (8 riders) on a special ride for a little boy named Caden, Caden Epps Caring Bridge. Caden is 2 years old and ran out in front of a car and is now paralized from the chest down. The Seminole Cyclists were raising money to support him and his family on their journey. I am so proud to say that we were able to raise $1700 and two airplane tickets for Caden. While on our ride I learned pretty quickly that I was not the least experienced rider in the group. Halfway through the ride I worked my way up to the front. For the first time ever I was able to pull a line of riders at 20mph for 3 miles. :) I felt amazing. You couldn't have wiped the smile off of my face.
Today's workout made me smile again! I did a total of 38 minutes on the eliptcal machine (including a 3 minutes cool down.) I was able to complete a 5K in 34 minutes. Not too shabby. It really makes me wonder if I would be able to jog a 5K? Maybe in the fall I will find a nice fun 5K to test this theory out. Maybe
Only 15 more weeks until the Assault on Sugarloaf. Even though I am still somewhat scared about climbing the hills on my bike I am feeling a teeny tiny bit more confident that I will be able to accomlish it in record time.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hump Day
I am very happy that it is wednesday. Only 2 more days this week and they are both half days at work. Then it is a long weekend ahead!
Workouts are going well I am still very sore but nothing that I cannot handle. Lots of sleep at night and tylenol are still my bestest friends. I am looking forward to getting on my bike tonight and riding. Hopefully I will be able to keep up tonight. Last week because I was so sore I had a hard time keeping the pace. ;) Tonight is going to be different!
Question to coach! I am going to have to leave early both Thursday and Friday. I will not be able to go to the gym. I don't have issues with doing my core workout and stretches at home especially since I have a stability ball but I will not have the eliptical machine. Suggestions for other forms of cardio. Bike on a trainer? Running? Walking? And for how long?
Food is going really well! I am starting to get the hang of it. I was a good girl this morning and brought all of my snacks and lunch so that I don't have to go out. But I do have a confession to make.... I want a soda! :) An ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper. I haven't had a soda in over a week and haven't really thought about it until today. OH and I have pretty much given up caffeine and coffee. I know that this will be a shocker to some of you but I have. Coffee really screws up my tummy and the caffeine I just don't need anymore. Go me!
Workouts are going well I am still very sore but nothing that I cannot handle. Lots of sleep at night and tylenol are still my bestest friends. I am looking forward to getting on my bike tonight and riding. Hopefully I will be able to keep up tonight. Last week because I was so sore I had a hard time keeping the pace. ;) Tonight is going to be different!
Question to coach! I am going to have to leave early both Thursday and Friday. I will not be able to go to the gym. I don't have issues with doing my core workout and stretches at home especially since I have a stability ball but I will not have the eliptical machine. Suggestions for other forms of cardio. Bike on a trainer? Running? Walking? And for how long?
Food is going really well! I am starting to get the hang of it. I was a good girl this morning and brought all of my snacks and lunch so that I don't have to go out. But I do have a confession to make.... I want a soda! :) An ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper. I haven't had a soda in over a week and haven't really thought about it until today. OH and I have pretty much given up caffeine and coffee. I know that this will be a shocker to some of you but I have. Coffee really screws up my tummy and the caffeine I just don't need anymore. Go me!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Beginning of Week 2
As I posted in my email to my coach, I lost 2lbs last week. That is a great start!
This weekend was hard because it was a pretty laid back weekend so I had a lot of down time. Luckily the pool is nice and inviting so that helped a little bit but it was hard to stay away from the food. I did ok. Just ok. I kept up with my healthy snacks and I rode on the trainer one day and with the group on the other. That helps me feel better about the one chocolate chip cookie I had this weekend. Let me tell you how yummy that tasted. ;)
Today is day one of week 2 and I am excited! I just returned from the gym. What a great workout!! I was able complete ALL of my core work and stretching, including doing 8 hanging leg lifts (!!!!) and 8 transverse planks on each side! I wasn't able to do that last week ya'll. This is good news. I am sure that I will be sore tomorrow though. Which is all part of the process and it makes me remember that I am doing my body good.
I am going to grocery store this evening to get some supplies to make some new recipes. They sound really yummy! I am very happy that my family is so open to trying new things. Paul has even turned to eating the more healthy options. Wraps for sandwiches instead of bread/rolls, coffee is at a minimum, soda is prety much non-existant. I am really proud of him. He has started taking vitamins again too. The big kicker is that I started buying 2% milk for the house and he is open to it! I am so proud of him.
I hope that everyone had a great weekend!! :)
This weekend was hard because it was a pretty laid back weekend so I had a lot of down time. Luckily the pool is nice and inviting so that helped a little bit but it was hard to stay away from the food. I did ok. Just ok. I kept up with my healthy snacks and I rode on the trainer one day and with the group on the other. That helps me feel better about the one chocolate chip cookie I had this weekend. Let me tell you how yummy that tasted. ;)
Today is day one of week 2 and I am excited! I just returned from the gym. What a great workout!! I was able complete ALL of my core work and stretching, including doing 8 hanging leg lifts (!!!!) and 8 transverse planks on each side! I wasn't able to do that last week ya'll. This is good news. I am sure that I will be sore tomorrow though. Which is all part of the process and it makes me remember that I am doing my body good.
I am going to grocery store this evening to get some supplies to make some new recipes. They sound really yummy! I am very happy that my family is so open to trying new things. Paul has even turned to eating the more healthy options. Wraps for sandwiches instead of bread/rolls, coffee is at a minimum, soda is prety much non-existant. I am really proud of him. He has started taking vitamins again too. The big kicker is that I started buying 2% milk for the house and he is open to it! I am so proud of him.
I hope that everyone had a great weekend!! :)
Week One Check In Email to Coach!
Good morning
Week one was good! I was sore most of the week but that I expected. :) I am looking forward to week 2 starting today. I lost 2lbs last week. Not too shabby. For now I cannot think of anything that needs to be changed. I was able to complete 2 transverse planks on Friday which was a miracle for me and I am still working on the hanging leg lifts.
There are only a couple things that I struggling with, one being tired and two what foods to eat. I am eating the same things over and over again because I know that they are "safe" to eat. Getting boring. I have cooked a couple of meals and they were pretty yummy hopefully they were pretty healthy. The kiddos don't care for the brown rice but they will get used to it. ;) The weekends are harder on my food choices than the week days because I am at home.
I didn't make the ride on Saturday morning because I just plain overslept (tired!!) but I did get on the trainer for 45 mins and rode my little heart out. It is so much harder on the trainer than on a group ride! Sunday was a good ride. I felt really strong for a change. I usually feel sluggish in the mornings but this was a good day.
I think that is about it! I will let you know what else I am thinkin. ;)
Annie
Week one was good! I was sore most of the week but that I expected. :) I am looking forward to week 2 starting today. I lost 2lbs last week. Not too shabby. For now I cannot think of anything that needs to be changed. I was able to complete 2 transverse planks on Friday which was a miracle for me and I am still working on the hanging leg lifts.
There are only a couple things that I struggling with, one being tired and two what foods to eat. I am eating the same things over and over again because I know that they are "safe" to eat. Getting boring. I have cooked a couple of meals and they were pretty yummy hopefully they were pretty healthy. The kiddos don't care for the brown rice but they will get used to it. ;) The weekends are harder on my food choices than the week days because I am at home.
I didn't make the ride on Saturday morning because I just plain overslept (tired!!) but I did get on the trainer for 45 mins and rode my little heart out. It is so much harder on the trainer than on a group ride! Sunday was a good ride. I felt really strong for a change. I usually feel sluggish in the mornings but this was a good day.
I think that is about it! I will let you know what else I am thinkin. ;)
Annie
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Eliptical is my friend
Workout is over for the day. I did 30 mins on the eliptical machine today. Normally I wouldn't have been able to do 30 whole minutes without stopping but today was a good day. Everyday I am feeling stronger and more confident. I averaged a 12 minute mile. Not to shabby for me! Next week I will be even more strong and faster. :)
WWW Ride
It was a beautiful night for a bike ride. I was in such a bad mood yesterday that I knew that I needed to go! We started off with a pretty good sized group of riders. Skill levels ranged from advanced to newbie. The pace was pretty decent going out International and down Wayside but then it kicked up a few notches going down Sylvan Lake (max speed 25.7mph). At that point I was being dropped by the front group. I knew that I had tried to push myself too hard too fast especially since my legs are so very sore from my workouts this week. But I was able to catch back up at the the stop sign to regroup. I have finally come to the realization that I am not always going to be with the front group but I am a lot stronger than I used to be. I don't have to kill myself to keep up with the guys that have been riding for years in order for me to have a good time. On the ride back to the car I stayed with a very small group and had a great time. I even helped "coach" a new rider back. I was able to get out and spin my legs without dying. I still have an 18mph avg last night and felt wonderful when we hit the parking lot. :)
The speed and the strength will come! :)
The speed and the strength will come! :)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ride Night
I am have been looking forward to ride night all week long but now... I am just tired. I had a bad day at work and I just wanna go home and curl up in bed. This stinks. I even had to cancel lunch with my bestest friend because of work that just isn't right!
I think that the hardest part about today is that I just don't wanna eat. I have zero appetite because of my mood. BUT I still ate. Whole wheat bagel and low fat cream cheese for breakfast, with a small cup of OJ, my left overs from yesterdays lunch with some more carrots for lunch with a nice big glass of green tea and I had two snacks today one being and apple and two a yogurt with fresh strawberries. ALTHOUGH I would have loved to have had the free pizza that we ordered in for lunch and about 4 of the cookies from my afternoon meeting. The temptation was there! :) But I was a good girl.
Tonight is the St. John Cycle's ride. About 19 miles at a 18mph avg pace. It should be fun minus the initial muscle soreness I will feel. Paul and Josh will be there and that is always fun.
I think that the hardest part about today is that I just don't wanna eat. I have zero appetite because of my mood. BUT I still ate. Whole wheat bagel and low fat cream cheese for breakfast, with a small cup of OJ, my left overs from yesterdays lunch with some more carrots for lunch with a nice big glass of green tea and I had two snacks today one being and apple and two a yogurt with fresh strawberries. ALTHOUGH I would have loved to have had the free pizza that we ordered in for lunch and about 4 of the cookies from my afternoon meeting. The temptation was there! :) But I was a good girl.
Tonight is the St. John Cycle's ride. About 19 miles at a 18mph avg pace. It should be fun minus the initial muscle soreness I will feel. Paul and Josh will be there and that is always fun.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sore
Yes that is the title of days journal entry, sore.
My body is sore. Only day two and I am sore. LOL Guess that means I am doing something right. It will all be worth it in the end.
Today was my lower body blast day. Some walking lunges, tabada squats and step ups to a 12"box (someone was using the 18" box and they were very stingey) mixed with some time on the eliptical machine. It was a great workout and I perspired (that's sweat people) a lot. I am just thankful that I didn't have to do any core workout today. My core doesn't like me much today. Even sitting here typing this blog entry I am thinking that it is time to get some more tylenol. ;)
Still working on the food issues. I have to think a lot right now about what I can and can't eat. What a should and shouldn't eat. It makes dinner prep harder but I know that this will all come with time. This morning I had a bowl of grapenuts (MY FAVORITE and 14g of fiber) and a big glass of water. Pear was my morning snack. Half a HUGE chicken breast sandwich with a little olive tampanade and a tossed spinach salad, carrott for a little more crunch was lunch! Then to top off my day at work I finished with a lowfat yogurt and some fresh strawberries. That helped me cool down from my workout. YUMMY! I am drinking lots of water and at least one glass of green tea a day. Amazingly enough, green tea is very yummy. Dinner will be a surprise since I will be dining at my mom's tonight. Hopefully I will find something good to eat.
I am feeling good energy wise. I am certainly not tired until I sit down at night then I sleep pretty darn good until my kids wake me up. :( Their little colds are just killers. Tonights goal is to have Paul help me take some body measurements. I want to be able to document that lose as well at the pounds.
I have been asked if I want to participate in a century ride (100 mile bike ride) at the end of this year. I think that I will do it (or attempt it anyway.) I told her that as long as the ride doesn't in 'gap' or 'horrible' I would do it. 100 miles. That is a long way. :)
My body is sore. Only day two and I am sore. LOL Guess that means I am doing something right. It will all be worth it in the end.
Today was my lower body blast day. Some walking lunges, tabada squats and step ups to a 12"box (someone was using the 18" box and they were very stingey) mixed with some time on the eliptical machine. It was a great workout and I perspired (that's sweat people) a lot. I am just thankful that I didn't have to do any core workout today. My core doesn't like me much today. Even sitting here typing this blog entry I am thinking that it is time to get some more tylenol. ;)
Still working on the food issues. I have to think a lot right now about what I can and can't eat. What a should and shouldn't eat. It makes dinner prep harder but I know that this will all come with time. This morning I had a bowl of grapenuts (MY FAVORITE and 14g of fiber) and a big glass of water. Pear was my morning snack. Half a HUGE chicken breast sandwich with a little olive tampanade and a tossed spinach salad, carrott for a little more crunch was lunch! Then to top off my day at work I finished with a lowfat yogurt and some fresh strawberries. That helped me cool down from my workout. YUMMY! I am drinking lots of water and at least one glass of green tea a day. Amazingly enough, green tea is very yummy. Dinner will be a surprise since I will be dining at my mom's tonight. Hopefully I will find something good to eat.
I am feeling good energy wise. I am certainly not tired until I sit down at night then I sleep pretty darn good until my kids wake me up. :( Their little colds are just killers. Tonights goal is to have Paul help me take some body measurements. I want to be able to document that lose as well at the pounds.
I have been asked if I want to participate in a century ride (100 mile bike ride) at the end of this year. I think that I will do it (or attempt it anyway.) I told her that as long as the ride doesn't in 'gap' or 'horrible' I would do it. 100 miles. That is a long way. :)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day One
It is the easiest place to start. Day one.
What does that mean to me? The start of a new me. The start of something I have always wanted to do. The start of my goal to a healthier and happier person.
I have started training with David Houle from D2 Cycle http://www.d2cycling.com/. I have two goals that I would like to achieve in the next 18 weeks. Goal 1, to be able to complete the Assault on Sugarloaf in Clermont, Fl. 60 miles of riding and climbing through the hills of Lake County. It is going to be a long one. ;) Goal 2, to lose about 45 lbs. I think that this might be the more difficult of the two. But I am positive that I will be able to do them.
I am armed with a training/workout schedule for the next four weeks to start and a lot of knowledge about the foods and nutrients I need to put into my body. I have learned from the week of food diary that I just completed that I am undereating. NO wonder I was so damn tired. ;) Makes sense now.
Today was day one in the gym. After a long weekend of cycling it was kind nice to do something else. Even though my body was tired my muscles weren't all that sore. But I know that this is going to change soon. I started with 5 mins on the eliptical machine at level 3 and honestly at the end of 5 minutes I was shocked that it was over. Next time I will bump it up to level 4 maybe. HR stayed under 130 the entire time. Good warm up. Next came the core work out. I was able to complete them all except for 2. The hanging leg lifts and the tranverse plank. HARD! I tried them both but I just don't have the ability to lift from my core yet. I did some extra crunches instead. I will try them again on Thursday. Finally it was stretch time. This was awesome. It felt some wonderful to stretch out. I did them all except for one. I couldn't remember how I was supposed to do it. LOL Gotta google it again to remember. It was an awesome first day at the gym. I am looking forward to it again.
So far so good with the food today too. I had to go and have blood drawn this morning at the lab so breakfast had to wait until 9:30. I stopped at subway and got one of their new sandwiches. Very yummy! Egg whites a piece of cheese, some bell pepper, onion, tomoato and cucumber. It was really good. For lunch was a chicken breast pita with lowfat swiss cheese and a piece of ham. LOADED with spinach, mushrooms, peppers and tomatos. Very good and very filling. My am snack was an apple and my afternoon stack will be a yogurt. Overall I am FULL! Lots of water today and getting ready for some green tea.
I wanna keep this blog for two reasons. The first being a place for me to come and keep track of my progress. The second so I can communicate with the blogosphere how this training really can help.
Currently I am a 34 year old woman that is 50lbs overweight and I AM going to change my life starting now.
What does that mean to me? The start of a new me. The start of something I have always wanted to do. The start of my goal to a healthier and happier person.
I have started training with David Houle from D2 Cycle http://www.d2cycling.com/. I have two goals that I would like to achieve in the next 18 weeks. Goal 1, to be able to complete the Assault on Sugarloaf in Clermont, Fl. 60 miles of riding and climbing through the hills of Lake County. It is going to be a long one. ;) Goal 2, to lose about 45 lbs. I think that this might be the more difficult of the two. But I am positive that I will be able to do them.
I am armed with a training/workout schedule for the next four weeks to start and a lot of knowledge about the foods and nutrients I need to put into my body. I have learned from the week of food diary that I just completed that I am undereating. NO wonder I was so damn tired. ;) Makes sense now.
Today was day one in the gym. After a long weekend of cycling it was kind nice to do something else. Even though my body was tired my muscles weren't all that sore. But I know that this is going to change soon. I started with 5 mins on the eliptical machine at level 3 and honestly at the end of 5 minutes I was shocked that it was over. Next time I will bump it up to level 4 maybe. HR stayed under 130 the entire time. Good warm up. Next came the core work out. I was able to complete them all except for 2. The hanging leg lifts and the tranverse plank. HARD! I tried them both but I just don't have the ability to lift from my core yet. I did some extra crunches instead. I will try them again on Thursday. Finally it was stretch time. This was awesome. It felt some wonderful to stretch out. I did them all except for one. I couldn't remember how I was supposed to do it. LOL Gotta google it again to remember. It was an awesome first day at the gym. I am looking forward to it again.
So far so good with the food today too. I had to go and have blood drawn this morning at the lab so breakfast had to wait until 9:30. I stopped at subway and got one of their new sandwiches. Very yummy! Egg whites a piece of cheese, some bell pepper, onion, tomoato and cucumber. It was really good. For lunch was a chicken breast pita with lowfat swiss cheese and a piece of ham. LOADED with spinach, mushrooms, peppers and tomatos. Very good and very filling. My am snack was an apple and my afternoon stack will be a yogurt. Overall I am FULL! Lots of water today and getting ready for some green tea.
I wanna keep this blog for two reasons. The first being a place for me to come and keep track of my progress. The second so I can communicate with the blogosphere how this training really can help.
Currently I am a 34 year old woman that is 50lbs overweight and I AM going to change my life starting now.
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