Monday, October 31, 2011

Warming up....

This time of year is fascinating to me.
Snow this weekend.... and today, sunny and warm. Perfect fall weather. This is expected on the coast. Further north and west, they are under snow. Don't get me wrong.... I like snow. It is fun. I just prefer the warm, sunny days, and warm, sunny fall days.

Yesterday ended with an easy run. Today began with a new training protocol. The goal is to move to training condition, so that I can be in racing shape on 26 February.

I am planning my races for next year. I am taking one day at a time. I am moving to a better me, with each step.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

RoadWork....

This is a term used by boxers for the distance run they perform almost daily.

I am using road work to get back into my running condition, before I start training for the hyannis half-marathon on 26 February.

Roadwork is going to be my new friend.... in addition to swimming, rowing and cycling. My weight training will continue, as I need to be strong to run fast.

And so, this morning.... I ran 40 minutes. It was hard... but I took it slow and just worked on continuous movement for the duration. And I finished.

I anticipate going to the ymca later today to cycle indoors or row.

Also, I am up a pound. Not cool. Not sure how that happened. But I will accept it and step forward.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hot Lemon Water

I am starting the day with a cup of hot lemon water.

This is to help wake me up. This is to cleanse the intestines. This is to warm me up.
This is to replace a cup of coffee during the day.

I enjoy coffee. But I realize I can spend the calories better elsewhere.

I will be focusing this week on two main meals during the day.....

Breakfast and an evening meal.
What that means, is protein and fats in those meals.... to start the day and to end the day. And then during the day fresh fruits and veggies. A different thought. Well, a little. I have been eating a hard boiled egg or yogurt or some cheese normally for breakfast, with a piece of fruit. And steamed veggies with lean meat at dinner time.

Fresh fruit during the day. Love it. Tastes good.


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Eight Weeks....

Did you realize that there are eight weeks (give or take one) until the end of the 2011?


Two solid months to regroup and regain focus for the coming year. Two months to evaluate the goals and accomplishments for 2011. Did we manage to be successful? Where did we trip up?

I shared in my last post, how I have fumbled and tripped.
I am sharing now, how I am regrouping. I have started training again. I started Monday. And well, after doing 3 sets of 20 prisoner squats, I knew that my legs would thank me later. They did!!! It is pretty bad when your legs are wobbling and you haven't finished the workout yet..... I guess that is what happens, when you hit a road block..... And yesterday, I rode the bicycle for 20 minutes with each of my spin classes. There were three. My legs were really thanking me this morning.
I was absolutely exhausted this morning, as I am after Tuesdays.

I had a diet coke. I am still working on managing the drive and the caffeine needs for it.

Today, I rested. I needed it.

Tomorrow, I will attack and conquer again.


Saturday, October 22, 2011

Six Months to get 'In Shape'

This morning.....

I weighed in. I reflected on the last couple of months: inactivity (or not as active as I want to be), weight gain, eating is less than stellar, stress is high, commuting to and fro NJ from MA.... and I am not satisfied.

I currently weigh 230.0#. This is not good. I would like to see 165# again.

I haven't run in two or three weeks. I am not swimming consistently. I am not cycling consistently, even indoors. I am not happy with me.

I am now taking that energy and going to use the next six months to get back to where I am supposed to be. I hope to share this journey with you.

My goals: to be able to buy new clothes next summer because the ones in storage are too big, I want to wear a size 8. The only clothes I want to buy are smaller ones. I am going to compete in the hyannis half-marathon on 26 february, to compete in the jersey girl triathlon (a sprint), and a half ironman at the end of 2012. I will keep you posted on my goals and my progress.

I am also building and expanding my work in athletic development. I want to be financially able to leave the college at the end of the semester. I want to be able to pay cash for grad school. I want to continue to explore and enjoy this amazing planet around me.

I hope you join me in my journey, as you commence one of your own to achieve your fitness, and wellness goals.








Sunday, October 16, 2011

When a Set Back Happens.....

Sometimes, things happen... an injury, stuff, life..... things that prevent us from completing our goals in the time frame that we desire to do so. I have been in the midst of such. Hurdles and roadblocks in the form of an injury, travel and work have created the slowing of my goals.

In fact these have bounced me back to last year this time. I have gained 20# since I relocated to MA. UGH! The good news is.... it is no one's fault but my own. And the better news.... I am the one who is capable of making those changes.

So.... I am frustrated because I weighed in on Friday and was down 2.2# (and i got on the scale this am.... and I am up 4#). How does that happen? Well, yesterday..... I enjoyed a plate of chicken fingers and fries. And felt exhausted the rest of the afternoon. And then I enjoyed carrot cake. The result of the full day-- I felt full, tired and sluggish. One should not feel that way after eating.... it was not the feeling I get when I eat fresh veggies in the middle of the day. The chicken fingers were not the best choice for me at that time of day.

The bottom line-- when set-backs happen. Just get right back up and keep going.