It is cold and wet outside...ugh. Somehow I managed to drag my butt over to the gym for a 90 minute power yoga class. It is a great class due to a great teacher. It is the same teacher I have for Saturday Hard Core Conditioning...she is in insane shape and just has a great/chill persona. I really liked this yoga class because she goes way past the basics and onto some poses that I can't imagine ever being able to do...and I guess that is the cool part...thinking about getting good enough to do them.
I have a three day weekend and am trying to be productive with it...however, I started it by having too many cocktails on Friday night. Too many cocktails = no weight loss. I do not think I am going to hit my 4 pounds for the week....but one never knows.
I am still struggling to find a routine and to break old habits and embrace new ones. I am not giving up and I am trying to be good to myself in the process. Some things in life are just not about "all or nothing"....a concept that I often do not grasp.
For now, I am going to take a HOT shower and curl up for a nap with my puppy (love to nap when it is raining outside!). Then going to a little get-together with friends -- no wine, no snackies for me -- just plan on enjoying the company!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Zone Schmone...
Well...I WAS in the Zone until I went out to dinner last night with a few of my Forum guys (Entreprenuer's group) and ate....wait for it....a 10 oz beef tenderloin!! Of course, I also washed it down with a few glasses of wine. WHO needs 10oz of beef at one sitting?????
What I did right...
I did not touch the fresh basket of bread that was brought to the table. I did not order one of the butter-laden dishes that this restaurant is known for...nor did I order one of their supremely delicious pasta dishes. I asked the waiter if there was a smaller filet option and was told no. I ordered a green salad with dressing on the side and just used balsamic vinegar and a dash of olive oil.
What I will correct in the future...
I should have either ordered the salmon (grilled, no butter) OR cut the tenderloin in half when it arrived at the table and put it in a to-go box (or had them do this in the kitchen).
The good news is that I burned so many calories during my workout yesterday that I still did not exceed my daily calorie goal. I will also spend some QT with my treadmill today...just to be on the safe side!!!
What I did right...
I did not touch the fresh basket of bread that was brought to the table. I did not order one of the butter-laden dishes that this restaurant is known for...nor did I order one of their supremely delicious pasta dishes. I asked the waiter if there was a smaller filet option and was told no. I ordered a green salad with dressing on the side and just used balsamic vinegar and a dash of olive oil.
What I will correct in the future...
I should have either ordered the salmon (grilled, no butter) OR cut the tenderloin in half when it arrived at the table and put it in a to-go box (or had them do this in the kitchen).
The good news is that I burned so many calories during my workout yesterday that I still did not exceed my daily calorie goal. I will also spend some QT with my treadmill today...just to be on the safe side!!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
In The ZONE!!
It has taken me an entire week...but I am finally in the ZONE!! With the assistance of some Tylenol PM, I am even managing my sleep better. My weigh in on Monday was much of what I was expecting...2 pounds. I will take that with a BIG smile since my workouts were not consistent (that is my nice way of saying that I was a lazy a** last week!!). I kept my eating in pretty good check aside from a little too much vino. So, like I said...happy with 2 pounds. Let us not forget however...these two pounds are holiday weight and do not count toward my grand total!! I think that by the end of this week, I will be back to chipping away at that bigger number!!
I had a great workout this morning (thanks Adrien)...have a feeling I will awake to sore quads and glutes. I did 20 minutes of intervals on the treadmill at home (got up too late to do 30...oopps), then did a 50 minute training session at Fitness on the Run (www.fitnessontherun.net) and then another 30 minutes of intervals on the Precor. It is still SO hard to get out of bed on these dark, freezing mornings...but nothing feels better than when I return home after my workout and get to enter all my calories burned into MyPlate!!! Nothing, except of course a great weigh in that is!
I really want to stay focused this week and get all of my holiday weight off...and maybe some more. I am shooting for a killer week of 4 pounds....there I said it. It is on the record...now, I have to lose it!!!
I had a great workout this morning (thanks Adrien)...have a feeling I will awake to sore quads and glutes. I did 20 minutes of intervals on the treadmill at home (got up too late to do 30...oopps), then did a 50 minute training session at Fitness on the Run (www.fitnessontherun.net) and then another 30 minutes of intervals on the Precor. It is still SO hard to get out of bed on these dark, freezing mornings...but nothing feels better than when I return home after my workout and get to enter all my calories burned into MyPlate!!! Nothing, except of course a great weigh in that is!
I really want to stay focused this week and get all of my holiday weight off...and maybe some more. I am shooting for a killer week of 4 pounds....there I said it. It is on the record...now, I have to lose it!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Locked n' Loaded
Great workout today, protein is cooked and portioned into 3oz bags, veggies are cleaned and chopped and whole grain pasta is cooked. I am ready for a powerhouse week!
This past week was...well...kinda weak. I did not get my workouts in and while my food was pretty good, I drank wine 3x...calorie kill!!! I "weigh in" tomorrow morning and I am not expecting much.
What was good this past week was me getting my head around things. I have made some little changes that I hope will payoff. I already blogged about my bedtime (which will be an ongoing challenge!). I have also rearranged my closet so that my workout clothes are front and center. I portioned out my daily vitamins and placed them in the front of my pantry. And of course...I am back to blogging!
Hope all of you take on the week and win!
This past week was...well...kinda weak. I did not get my workouts in and while my food was pretty good, I drank wine 3x...calorie kill!!! I "weigh in" tomorrow morning and I am not expecting much.
What was good this past week was me getting my head around things. I have made some little changes that I hope will payoff. I already blogged about my bedtime (which will be an ongoing challenge!). I have also rearranged my closet so that my workout clothes are front and center. I portioned out my daily vitamins and placed them in the front of my pantry. And of course...I am back to blogging!
Hope all of you take on the week and win!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Finding the New Norm.....
I am back, the tan has faded, a few pounds have found their way back to me and I am trying to find my "new normal". In hindsight, coming back right before the holidays was not such a great idea. I went from super structure to no structure at all!
I have enjoyed the last month..catching up with friends and family, treating myself to food and drink that was prohibited, and even taking some days to just sit on the couch with my pup and chill. To be fair to myself, I have also done an okay job with maintaining my fitness level and my food awareness. A few pounds have crept back on...I am only human. But I am ready to conquer the next 35...okay, maybe 40!!!!!!!!!!
My big challenge is figuring out how this is all going to work as a LIFESTYLE. This week has openned my eyes to many routines/habits that I have when living in the real world that are going to have to be adjusted or tossed out.
For example...I have always complained about how hard it is for me to get up early and workout during the week...and IT IS. Then I started thinking "why is it so hard for me...people all around seem to be able to do it???", and the painfully obvious answer hit me on the head...duh, stop focusing on the getting up and focus on the going to bed part!!! So now (starting two nights ago) I have adopted my strict bedtime that I relied on when I was at camp. So if any of you try to call me after 9:30...I won't be answering the phone as I will be winding down for my 10:00pm lights out.
Another thing I am struggling with is food. Not eating healthy...I am pretty good at that and I don't often crave real bad stuff. What is hard for me is that I want to eat smart to be strong and healthy. I am trying to maintain the right balance of protien, carbs and fat...while I eat whole and natural foods...while I watch my glysemic index...while I....you get the idea. There is SO much to incorporate!
I started using Livestrong Daily Plate. It is really helping me to choose the right foods and proper food combinations. It is also a great tool because it's not just a journal it is a social network site as well. A few of my friends from camp have signed up and we can all review each other's eating and workout patterns to help keep each other motivated and challenged! I highly recommend it... www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate .
Look out new year, new decade...I am building a better and stronger life!!!!
I have enjoyed the last month..catching up with friends and family, treating myself to food and drink that was prohibited, and even taking some days to just sit on the couch with my pup and chill. To be fair to myself, I have also done an okay job with maintaining my fitness level and my food awareness. A few pounds have crept back on...I am only human. But I am ready to conquer the next 35...okay, maybe 40!!!!!!!!!!
My big challenge is figuring out how this is all going to work as a LIFESTYLE. This week has openned my eyes to many routines/habits that I have when living in the real world that are going to have to be adjusted or tossed out.
For example...I have always complained about how hard it is for me to get up early and workout during the week...and IT IS. Then I started thinking "why is it so hard for me...people all around seem to be able to do it???", and the painfully obvious answer hit me on the head...duh, stop focusing on the getting up and focus on the going to bed part!!! So now (starting two nights ago) I have adopted my strict bedtime that I relied on when I was at camp. So if any of you try to call me after 9:30...I won't be answering the phone as I will be winding down for my 10:00pm lights out.
Another thing I am struggling with is food. Not eating healthy...I am pretty good at that and I don't often crave real bad stuff. What is hard for me is that I want to eat smart to be strong and healthy. I am trying to maintain the right balance of protien, carbs and fat...while I eat whole and natural foods...while I watch my glysemic index...while I....you get the idea. There is SO much to incorporate!
I started using Livestrong Daily Plate. It is really helping me to choose the right foods and proper food combinations. It is also a great tool because it's not just a journal it is a social network site as well. A few of my friends from camp have signed up and we can all review each other's eating and workout patterns to help keep each other motivated and challenged! I highly recommend it... www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate .
Look out new year, new decade...I am building a better and stronger life!!!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Yes, I am Alive and Ready to Continue Blogging!
I can't believe it has been a week since I returned home. Life has been crazy since the night I landed at DCA! It has been SO wonderful to see so many of my friends, be in my home (which I LOVE) and luv on my pup Abby!
I lost two more pounds my first week and and have found them this week... I just want to get through December...at LEAST maintaining my loss and the muscle tone that I worked so hard to develop. December makes me nervous for all the obvious reasons...welcome home get togethers, holidays, catch-up sessions, etc. I am, however, very confident that I will take off the next 35 come January. I can envision the new life -- I just need to put it into play.
On the positive side.... I have had some GREAT workouts since I am home. I have worked out with my trainer (Adrien at Fitness on the Run) three times and done some classes at Sport and Heath in the OT. Such a difference from my old workouts here at home!!! Also on Saturday, I spent about 8 hours trying on every piece of clothing that was in my closet. VERY little fit me. It was not until I did this that I realized just how much weight (and inches) I have lost. BIG emotional impact. I will close this post by sharing a few pics....
It has been VERY difficult to figure out what I do everyday. It is bazaar... I feel like I have stepped into a past life...somebody else's life. Don't get me wrong, it is a great life! I live in the same place, surrounded by the same wonderful people, work in this great place that I created...but I am a different person. I am struggling to find the right balance.
I lost two more pounds my first week and and have found them this week... I just want to get through December...at LEAST maintaining my loss and the muscle tone that I worked so hard to develop. December makes me nervous for all the obvious reasons...welcome home get togethers, holidays, catch-up sessions, etc. I am, however, very confident that I will take off the next 35 come January. I can envision the new life -- I just need to put it into play.
On the positive side.... I have had some GREAT workouts since I am home. I have worked out with my trainer (Adrien at Fitness on the Run) three times and done some classes at Sport and Heath in the OT. Such a difference from my old workouts here at home!!! Also on Saturday, I spent about 8 hours trying on every piece of clothing that was in my closet. VERY little fit me. It was not until I did this that I realized just how much weight (and inches) I have lost. BIG emotional impact. I will close this post by sharing a few pics....
First, my "before and after" of my face (someday I might show all of the pics...but for now, just my face) ( WARNING: These pics are SANS MAKE-UP!!)
Next, pics of me trying on old clothing and the MOUND of clothing that no longer fits!!!
And last, some pics since I have been home at my welcome home gathering
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Luggage packed...heading to LAX!!!
Wow...I just put make-up on for the first time in two months! I also put on my Cartier watch instead of my heart rate monitor/watch...my Gucci shoes instead of sneakers and packed up my Prada purse instead of my Northface backpack....IT'S ME...I am back!!!!
Looking forward to the next few weeks as I explore how to blend these two people into one whole, happy person!
Looking forward to the next few weeks as I explore how to blend these two people into one whole, happy person!
Monday, November 30, 2009
WOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
DONE! Done...with this part of the program anyway! It is surreal...I can't believe I just completed 8 weeks of this insanity! I am tired and sore just about everywhere...but I am DONE!
Unfortunately, my weigh in does not warrant as much fan fair. I only lost 1 pound this past week. I am confident that I will drop this week...that seems to be the routine for me. So, final "camp" numbers are (insert drum roll)....
In Eight Weeks...
32 pounds
36 inches
9% body fat (pure body fat...does not include lean mass numbers)
Like I have stated before...I am at my halfway point. I have been this weight before...probably a few years ago even...but I have never had the momentum and resolve to continue and lose the rest of the weight like I do now. Also, I am in better shape than I have been in since I was in my twenties!!!
Today, I went on a 40 mile bike ride and did a personal training session with my coach. The rest of the day was spent doing a final session with the nutritionist, getting weighed, measured, dunked and getting my "after" picks taken. I am going to try to get them digitally and MAYBE I'll post some of them...not sure...the "before" pics are really scary!!!
I also spent time with my coach finalizing a workout plan for home...which is still pretty intense...but nothing compared to here!!!!
I am going to continue to blog as I continue my journey....stay tuned world....you ain't seen nothing yet!!!!!
Unfortunately, my weigh in does not warrant as much fan fair. I only lost 1 pound this past week. I am confident that I will drop this week...that seems to be the routine for me. So, final "camp" numbers are (insert drum roll)....
In Eight Weeks...
32 pounds
36 inches
9% body fat (pure body fat...does not include lean mass numbers)
Like I have stated before...I am at my halfway point. I have been this weight before...probably a few years ago even...but I have never had the momentum and resolve to continue and lose the rest of the weight like I do now. Also, I am in better shape than I have been in since I was in my twenties!!!
Today, I went on a 40 mile bike ride and did a personal training session with my coach. The rest of the day was spent doing a final session with the nutritionist, getting weighed, measured, dunked and getting my "after" picks taken. I am going to try to get them digitally and MAYBE I'll post some of them...not sure...the "before" pics are really scary!!!
I also spent time with my coach finalizing a workout plan for home...which is still pretty intense...but nothing compared to here!!!!
I am going to continue to blog as I continue my journey....stay tuned world....you ain't seen nothing yet!!!!!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Two more days....and a long flight home!
I don't think I have ever been more ready to do anything in my life! I am packed and counting the days, hours and minutes. So instead of thinking about what I miss at home, I decided to think about what I will miss here when I leave. Such as...
1) Riding bike along the coastline (this is a BIG one)
2) The trainers...they are all great.
3) Friends that I have met here...it is great to be able to talk with those that are fighting the same battle.
4) Being in a safe, no-judgement environment
5) Being able to work out for seven hours or more a day (...I almost wrote that with a straight face! )
That is really about it.... but I'll keep thinking.
On a completely different note... As I have shared, I am only about half way to my goals. My "Journey" is far from over. So I am trying to decide if I should continue the blog when I get home. I welcome your thoughts!
1) Riding bike along the coastline (this is a BIG one)
2) The trainers...they are all great.
3) Friends that I have met here...it is great to be able to talk with those that are fighting the same battle.
4) Being in a safe, no-judgement environment
5) Being able to work out for seven hours or more a day (...I almost wrote that with a straight face! )
That is really about it.... but I'll keep thinking.
On a completely different note... As I have shared, I am only about half way to my goals. My "Journey" is far from over. So I am trying to decide if I should continue the blog when I get home. I welcome your thoughts!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Final Friday!
As I head into my final weekend, I am feeling good. Aside from not getting enough sleep...I am like a kid at Christmas...I can't sleep because I am so excited to go home! Last night I tossed and turned for three hours!!
Today, just like every Friday, we went to the Santa Monica Stairs. I did two trips and then decided that I did not want my calves to be killing me for the next four days. So...I jogged! I jogged all through the neighborhood by the stairs which includes stunning homes and a breath taking view of the ocean....it was beautiful!!! AND I was jogging!! Suddenly, I found a comfortable pace and it just worked. I still mixed in a good bit of speed walking...but I easily jogged more than half of the time.
Back at the gym it was kind of a light day. I had a circuit, a private training session, a nutrition session and a massage. My last massage. It was good. Tonight I plan on starting to pack and I have a little bit of BRG work to complete.
I found this humorous...today within a one-hour span a guy at the gym told me that I don't even look like I need to be in the program anymore...and then...the housekeeper told me I still need to lose more weight (it was broken English...not meant to be an insult...she is actually really sweet)!!! Just goes to show you how subjective this stuff is!!! As far as my opinion...I am happy and feeling good -- have a good way to go, but am happy for where I am!
Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday weekend!!
Today, just like every Friday, we went to the Santa Monica Stairs. I did two trips and then decided that I did not want my calves to be killing me for the next four days. So...I jogged! I jogged all through the neighborhood by the stairs which includes stunning homes and a breath taking view of the ocean....it was beautiful!!! AND I was jogging!! Suddenly, I found a comfortable pace and it just worked. I still mixed in a good bit of speed walking...but I easily jogged more than half of the time.
Back at the gym it was kind of a light day. I had a circuit, a private training session, a nutrition session and a massage. My last massage. It was good. Tonight I plan on starting to pack and I have a little bit of BRG work to complete.
I found this humorous...today within a one-hour span a guy at the gym told me that I don't even look like I need to be in the program anymore...and then...the housekeeper told me I still need to lose more weight (it was broken English...not meant to be an insult...she is actually really sweet)!!! Just goes to show you how subjective this stuff is!!! As far as my opinion...I am happy and feeling good -- have a good way to go, but am happy for where I am!
Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday weekend!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I know I can, I know I can, I know I can...
I have officially moved from "think" to "know". I can't explain the how or why...but I woke up this morning just KNOWING that I could do the Bike, Hike, Bike...KNOWING that I can make it to my goal weight...KNOWING that I can maintain an active healthy lifestyle.
The BHB was amazing. I had completely head-tripped myself into believing that I couldn't do it...and I not only did it...I led the pack and finished it in THREE hours!!! To be fair...I only lead the pack that I left the gym with, while two of the more fit people had left early....they would have smoked me on the mountain (but I can beat them on bike :-) )!
I can't remember if I have described the BHB -- it is a 15 mile bike ride, then a one mile straight up hill on bike, then a 4 mile hike (climbing up almost 1,000 feet in the first mile), then a 15 mile ride home. It is the same hike that I have done in the past...however in the past I was driven to and from in a van! Here are some pics from the hike...
The BHB was amazing. I had completely head-tripped myself into believing that I couldn't do it...and I not only did it...I led the pack and finished it in THREE hours!!! To be fair...I only lead the pack that I left the gym with, while two of the more fit people had left early....they would have smoked me on the mountain (but I can beat them on bike :-) )!
I can't remember if I have described the BHB -- it is a 15 mile bike ride, then a one mile straight up hill on bike, then a 4 mile hike (climbing up almost 1,000 feet in the first mile), then a 15 mile ride home. It is the same hike that I have done in the past...however in the past I was driven to and from in a van! Here are some pics from the hike...
Since I was pretty far ahead of my group, I did the entire trip by myself. I really enjoyed it...riding along the beach, hiking to the top of the mountain where you can see LA, the oceanfront and all of the beautiful homes...but most of all, I enjoyed just appreciating what I am now capable of doing! I just got such a kick out of the fact that me...lazy, lay on the couch, don't like to sweat, don't like the bugs outside, not athletic Jane... was out there just doing it, doing it well, and enjoying it!! Granted, the bugs still suck.
So many people here are afraid to go home. They want to stay in this safe environment and don't trust themselves with their own lives. I can't wait to start my new life at home! This is how I always have wanted to live and now I KNOW I can!
So many people here are afraid to go home. They want to stay in this safe environment and don't trust themselves with their own lives. I can't wait to start my new life at home! This is how I always have wanted to live and now I KNOW I can!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Making My Final Stretch Count!
Next week at this time I will be at home playing with Abby!!! I can not wait to get home! But first, I have a few more things to accomplish. I have four more full workout days (tomorrow, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)...the gym is close on Thanksgiving but am planning on working out on my own. Monday will be a light day since I will be doing all of my final testing and getting my pics taken. In my last four workout days I want to:
1) conquer the BHB
2) jog at LEAST half of the "pier run" -- this is on the beach and we go from one pier to another
3) ride all the way to Redondo beach (next beach down from Hermosa)
4) lose at LEAST 4 more pounds
Tomorrow is BHB and I am trying not to psych myself out. I will be honest...it scares me. I know I can do it ...but it is gonna be painful!!! We are starting at 8:30 in the morning. I need to go to bed now!!
I am going to do the "pier run" on Thanksgiving and I am going to do the Redondo beach ride on Friday or Saturday....and , well, you all know when weigh in is...that's right, let's say it all together....MONDAY.
1) conquer the BHB
2) jog at LEAST half of the "pier run" -- this is on the beach and we go from one pier to another
3) ride all the way to Redondo beach (next beach down from Hermosa)
4) lose at LEAST 4 more pounds
Tomorrow is BHB and I am trying not to psych myself out. I will be honest...it scares me. I know I can do it ...but it is gonna be painful!!! We are starting at 8:30 in the morning. I need to go to bed now!!
I am going to do the "pier run" on Thanksgiving and I am going to do the Redondo beach ride on Friday or Saturday....and , well, you all know when weigh in is...that's right, let's say it all together....MONDAY.
Monday, November 23, 2009
WHAT??!!??!!
EIGHT pounds!!!! Total for seven weeks....31 pounds and 34 inches!!!! I am baffled...but thankful! Last week I thought that my original goal of losing between 35 and 40 pounds was not possible. Today, the game has changed...original goal is back on!!
I really needed this good news to carry me through this week. Now, I am focused and ready to rip through this week. Started today with a 25 mile bike ride, followed by two training sessions and 90 minutes of cardio...it was an early day for me since I cut back to only two night time boot camps.
I found out today that the gym is not even going to be open on Thursday. Kind of a bummer...I was planning on just pretending it was just a normal day. The gym is getting really empty. After tomorrow, the only people left here are going to be the international folks...Mila and me (Mila is the lawyer who moved here after 12 weeks on the program). I think there are only six of us. One woman from South Africa and one from England are talking about going to Universal Studios on Thursday. I am thinking I will get up and do a long bike ride that day and then join them.
I am off to eat yet another mediocre meal...but I can deal with that since I had a GREAT weigh in!!!!
I really needed this good news to carry me through this week. Now, I am focused and ready to rip through this week. Started today with a 25 mile bike ride, followed by two training sessions and 90 minutes of cardio...it was an early day for me since I cut back to only two night time boot camps.
I found out today that the gym is not even going to be open on Thursday. Kind of a bummer...I was planning on just pretending it was just a normal day. The gym is getting really empty. After tomorrow, the only people left here are going to be the international folks...Mila and me (Mila is the lawyer who moved here after 12 weeks on the program). I think there are only six of us. One woman from South Africa and one from England are talking about going to Universal Studios on Thursday. I am thinking I will get up and do a long bike ride that day and then join them.
I am off to eat yet another mediocre meal...but I can deal with that since I had a GREAT weigh in!!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Legs on Ice for the Weekend!
I am getting lazy on my blogging! It was a very relaxing weekend. Friday night I had some friends over to watch movies. We stayed up until after midnight...which I have not done since being here!! It is really great talking with others going through the same struggles. Although sometimes the conversation can backslide into gossip and complaining...negative energy is NOT what I need or want.
Saturday and today I really just chilled. I watched movies and worked on jewelry while continuously icing my legs. They are starting to feel a little better. I actually walked over to the store today like a normal person!! I am a little nervous about taking two days off, but my legs really did not give me a choice. On Friday, one of my trainers told me that I should take the two days to recover...he was speaking "off the record" of course!
Tomorrow will conclude week 7 and start MY LAST WEEK!!!! I am so excited to go home. I want to be in charge of my life again! The routine here is very stale...as is the food. I have been figuring out my workout and eating plan for regular life...and I am actually optimistic about living a healthy life...while still having some fun ;-) !!
Abby went to the pet resort today. I have been watching her on the cybercam all day until they turned off the lights at 9:00 EST...don't they know mommies might be on the west coast???? She seems to be doing okay so far. I wish the camera had audio so I would know if she was whimpering or not. Maybe I am better off not knowing!
I hope all of you have had a good weekend and are looking forward to a short week and LONG weekend!!
Saturday and today I really just chilled. I watched movies and worked on jewelry while continuously icing my legs. They are starting to feel a little better. I actually walked over to the store today like a normal person!! I am a little nervous about taking two days off, but my legs really did not give me a choice. On Friday, one of my trainers told me that I should take the two days to recover...he was speaking "off the record" of course!
Tomorrow will conclude week 7 and start MY LAST WEEK!!!! I am so excited to go home. I want to be in charge of my life again! The routine here is very stale...as is the food. I have been figuring out my workout and eating plan for regular life...and I am actually optimistic about living a healthy life...while still having some fun ;-) !!
Abby went to the pet resort today. I have been watching her on the cybercam all day until they turned off the lights at 9:00 EST...don't they know mommies might be on the west coast???? She seems to be doing okay so far. I wish the camera had audio so I would know if she was whimpering or not. Maybe I am better off not knowing!
I hope all of you have had a good weekend and are looking forward to a short week and LONG weekend!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Taking on the Coast
I woke up at about 3:00 AM with insane cramps in my rigth calf...so that pretty much nixed my plan to do the BHB. I did however do the bike part. I rode up to the mountain that we hike...which involved getting up a long, steep street that leads to the base of the mountain...it was a wicked bi#*%!! Then for some reason...I think it was guilt...I decided to take on the coast. I knew I needed to burn more calories so I rode back down the street and proceeded to ride all the way from Palisades to Manhattan Beach -- I later found out I rode 44 miles!
As a result of my adventure, I am so miserably sore that I had to make it an early day. I felt like hell ...sore, achy, freezing...I came home took a hot shower and crawled in bed. I keep telling myself that this is what my body needed...but another voice in my head keeps mocking and taunting me about my crappy weigh in and the fact that I am not close to my goal. BTW, weighed this morning and have only lost one pound so far this week...which means unless something mystical happens, my Monday weigh in is going to low again. This place is making me crazy...on what planet is a 44 mile bike ride NOT ENOUGH?????
As a result of my adventure, I am so miserably sore that I had to make it an early day. I felt like hell ...sore, achy, freezing...I came home took a hot shower and crawled in bed. I keep telling myself that this is what my body needed...but another voice in my head keeps mocking and taunting me about my crappy weigh in and the fact that I am not close to my goal. BTW, weighed this morning and have only lost one pound so far this week...which means unless something mystical happens, my Monday weigh in is going to low again. This place is making me crazy...on what planet is a 44 mile bike ride NOT ENOUGH?????
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
One Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty...
...steps!!!! That is right, we did the Santa Monica Stairs today and I completed ELEVEN trips! That tops my best by two! I also had one of the hardest personal training sessions that I have had since I arrived...thought I was gonna die!!!
I am going to do a mid week weigh in to see what is going on. I figure that if it is good, I will be happy and it will renew my purpose for being here. If it is bad, perhaps it will kick me in the a**
and make me kill it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!
Tomorrow I am scheduled to do the Bike, Hike, Bike...I am ASCARED!!!! It is a very intense 3-4 hour workout (depending on how fast you move). I told my coach (who is also responsible for our schedules) to keep hour five open for me as well...just in case!!!
I realized when I got home last night that in two weeks (from last night), I will be home with my sweet doggy!!!!! I can't wait! I also can't wait to be able to take a hot bath in my wonderful bathtub. I will not miss having to break my bath time in two parts...upper and lower body...the tub in this apartment is like 4 ft. !!!!
I am going to do a mid week weigh in to see what is going on. I figure that if it is good, I will be happy and it will renew my purpose for being here. If it is bad, perhaps it will kick me in the a**
and make me kill it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!
Tomorrow I am scheduled to do the Bike, Hike, Bike...I am ASCARED!!!! It is a very intense 3-4 hour workout (depending on how fast you move). I told my coach (who is also responsible for our schedules) to keep hour five open for me as well...just in case!!!
I realized when I got home last night that in two weeks (from last night), I will be home with my sweet doggy!!!!! I can't wait! I also can't wait to be able to take a hot bath in my wonderful bathtub. I will not miss having to break my bath time in two parts...upper and lower body...the tub in this apartment is like 4 ft. !!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
PATIENCE...Not One Of My Greatest Virtues
Okay...let me get this out of the way...I only lost two pounds last week. Yes, I am disappointed, frustrated, yada, yada, yada...but it is what it is. I worked really hard last week in my workouts and I stuck to the meal plan. I just have to be patient for my body to get the message. The good news is that I lost another 5 1/2 inches -- so something is happening!
My coach reminded me that I have lost 14 pounds in the last three weeks. Then I reminded her that I have only lost 23 in six weeks. She responded that four pounds a week is really good for a woman. Funny, they didn't mention that when I was researching the program!!
I am also really bummed because Mariah finished the program today. She is going to stay with Milla (another good friend of ours who has been in the program for 12 weeks and just moved here) through the end of the week -- but she won't be at the gym. Mariah did really well on the plan -- she lost 42 pounds in 8 weeks. I will be lucky to lose in the low 30s!!! But I can't compare, she was able to do level 2 and 3 since her second week and she is also 8 years younger than me. But still!!!!
SO...I am trying to muster up some positive energy and get my head straight. I have two weeks to make the most impact possible. Since the scale is unreliable, I am going to focus on things that I can control -- sticking to the eating plan and stepping up my workouts. I have the Bike, Hike, Bike this week and really pushing myself on jogging....both really good for the calorie burning!
My coach reminded me that I have lost 14 pounds in the last three weeks. Then I reminded her that I have only lost 23 in six weeks. She responded that four pounds a week is really good for a woman. Funny, they didn't mention that when I was researching the program!!
I am also really bummed because Mariah finished the program today. She is going to stay with Milla (another good friend of ours who has been in the program for 12 weeks and just moved here) through the end of the week -- but she won't be at the gym. Mariah did really well on the plan -- she lost 42 pounds in 8 weeks. I will be lucky to lose in the low 30s!!! But I can't compare, she was able to do level 2 and 3 since her second week and she is also 8 years younger than me. But still!!!!
SO...I am trying to muster up some positive energy and get my head straight. I have two weeks to make the most impact possible. Since the scale is unreliable, I am going to focus on things that I can control -- sticking to the eating plan and stepping up my workouts. I have the Bike, Hike, Bike this week and really pushing myself on jogging....both really good for the calorie burning!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
I Think I Can...I Think I Can...I Think I Can...
Don't know how many of you are familiar with the children's story "The Little Engine That Could", but I think of it often...especially every time I look at the calendar and count how many more days (17), hours of workouts (80+), etc I have left before I go home. I know my Mom will especially appreciate this because she had to read this book to me several thousands of times when I was little!!
I just realized it has been a few days since I have posted. Thursday and Friday were not great for me...low enthusiasm, tired, sore and REALLY HUNGRY. Honestly, I eat my tiny little meal and my stomach is growling 30 minutes later!! And now the CRAVINGS have started. I had a dream that I was eating at Chili's last night!!! That is probably because I was craving a margarita, chips, salsa and guac....and a really good burger and fries all day yesterday...and I could order both at Chili's!!
My trainers and nutritionist agree that me being hungry is a really good sign that my metabolism is kicking up....it is about time!!! Six weeks in...thanks for finally joining the party!! Well, I have weigh in on Monday...we will see...
Today was a really good day. I got up and had breakfast at the apartment then went to the gym and worked out for two hours (1 hour of strength circuit and 1 hour of cardio boot camp) then I took off for a 30 mile bike ride. It was beautiful outside. I even stopped at one of the piers and just "took in" the scenery...something I don't get much of a chance to do here. I accomplished all of this before lunchtime. At home, in the past, I would just be starting my second cup of coffee after sleeping in way too late!!
I am really ready to go home. I am anxious to start implementing my new habits into my life. I feel like it is time to take the training wheels off!! Only two more weeks to get through here...two more LONG weeks. Make that LONG, HUNGRY weeks. I am going to see how my weigh in goes and then potentially ask for them to move my protein up to at least a level B.
I am off tomorrow. I am thinking about heading to the beach...to RELAX for once, instead of sweating at boot camp. I don't even feel like I am near the ocean...time to fix that!!
I just realized it has been a few days since I have posted. Thursday and Friday were not great for me...low enthusiasm, tired, sore and REALLY HUNGRY. Honestly, I eat my tiny little meal and my stomach is growling 30 minutes later!! And now the CRAVINGS have started. I had a dream that I was eating at Chili's last night!!! That is probably because I was craving a margarita, chips, salsa and guac....and a really good burger and fries all day yesterday...and I could order both at Chili's!!
My trainers and nutritionist agree that me being hungry is a really good sign that my metabolism is kicking up....it is about time!!! Six weeks in...thanks for finally joining the party!! Well, I have weigh in on Monday...we will see...
Today was a really good day. I got up and had breakfast at the apartment then went to the gym and worked out for two hours (1 hour of strength circuit and 1 hour of cardio boot camp) then I took off for a 30 mile bike ride. It was beautiful outside. I even stopped at one of the piers and just "took in" the scenery...something I don't get much of a chance to do here. I accomplished all of this before lunchtime. At home, in the past, I would just be starting my second cup of coffee after sleeping in way too late!!
I am really ready to go home. I am anxious to start implementing my new habits into my life. I feel like it is time to take the training wheels off!! Only two more weeks to get through here...two more LONG weeks. Make that LONG, HUNGRY weeks. I am going to see how my weigh in goes and then potentially ask for them to move my protein up to at least a level B.
I am off tomorrow. I am thinking about heading to the beach...to RELAX for once, instead of sweating at boot camp. I don't even feel like I am near the ocean...time to fix that!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Picking up the Pace!
Whew...I hiked that mountain so fast you'd think there was a Neiman's having a Last Call shoe sale at the top!! I shaved another 12 minutes off my time to the top. It felt really good and my legs were strong the entire time. Of course Mariah was JOGGING in front of me...yes, UP the mountain....but still, it was my personal best.
I had a posture and alignment class today. It is amazing...the coach worked with me for a half hour and completely opened up my lower back and hips. Then she put each leg in traction for 15 minutes which completely re-aligns the body. I try to have this class at least once a week. I have also asked for the coach to send me all the exercises so that I can do them at home.
The rest of my day was pretty easy which is a good thing because I have been going pretty hard this week. Tomorrow is looking challenging as well. Now that I am doing well on the hike, my next big challenge is Bike, Hike, Bike (see description in one of my previous posts). I think I am going to try the "Bike" part of it tomorrow to see if I can handle it. I am only worried about the very last part of it which is a long street leading up the mountain that is entirely uphill.
Almost done with week 6.... the weeks are starting to go a little faster. I can't wait to come home and see everyone. I hate being so far away from all my peeps!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!
I had a posture and alignment class today. It is amazing...the coach worked with me for a half hour and completely opened up my lower back and hips. Then she put each leg in traction for 15 minutes which completely re-aligns the body. I try to have this class at least once a week. I have also asked for the coach to send me all the exercises so that I can do them at home.
The rest of my day was pretty easy which is a good thing because I have been going pretty hard this week. Tomorrow is looking challenging as well. Now that I am doing well on the hike, my next big challenge is Bike, Hike, Bike (see description in one of my previous posts). I think I am going to try the "Bike" part of it tomorrow to see if I can handle it. I am only worried about the very last part of it which is a long street leading up the mountain that is entirely uphill.
Almost done with week 6.... the weeks are starting to go a little faster. I can't wait to come home and see everyone. I hate being so far away from all my peeps!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
