I caught some sort of nasty bug (half flu, half cold) last week, and within 7 days I'd lost 5 pounds. Let's just say my fitness goal does NOT involve losing weight since I'm already a petite gal, and I'm trying to build muscle tone. GRRRRRR.
At least my abs look flat in the mirror. I do not recommend this approach, however.
Oh, and of course, I couldn't work out while sick. So I'm way behind in my workouts. Yesterday I did a lot of walking, though, and my quads are actually sore. That's a good thing.
My goal is to get in a few good workouts within the next week. And also to stop coughing.
Hope you are all faring better than me!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Getting out of the Doldrums
I haven't posted since pretty much the beginning of this blog, so I thought I better at least say something.
I was in quite a serious exercise funk for a few months where the only thing I'd really accomplish was ultimate frisbee once a week. This is partially due to my job--it's not a particularly strenuous job, but I was unemployed for quite awhile before getting it, so I was spoiled by daytime hours at the gym. It's very hard for me to want to go to the Y right when I get home because I know it will be ridiculously crowded. BUT, if I wait awhile until it clears out, then it's hard to convince myself to leave the house. Especially in this wintery season where it's probably dark and extremely cold.
I'm happy to say that I've gotten through the doldrums--I went to the Y this past Saturday, Sunday, and yesterday and have every intention of heading out again tonight.
What broke my laziness spell was something that I think can help everyone--another person being involved. Saturday morning, I sent a text to two friends asking if they wanted to meet up. They agreed. So, there was no turning back. Well, I could've still backed out, but not without feeling like a huge jerk.
When we met up, they admitted that they probably wouldn't have come if not for me, so it was good motivation for all of us.
Now, I just need to keep it up!
I was in quite a serious exercise funk for a few months where the only thing I'd really accomplish was ultimate frisbee once a week. This is partially due to my job--it's not a particularly strenuous job, but I was unemployed for quite awhile before getting it, so I was spoiled by daytime hours at the gym. It's very hard for me to want to go to the Y right when I get home because I know it will be ridiculously crowded. BUT, if I wait awhile until it clears out, then it's hard to convince myself to leave the house. Especially in this wintery season where it's probably dark and extremely cold.
I'm happy to say that I've gotten through the doldrums--I went to the Y this past Saturday, Sunday, and yesterday and have every intention of heading out again tonight.
What broke my laziness spell was something that I think can help everyone--another person being involved. Saturday morning, I sent a text to two friends asking if they wanted to meet up. They agreed. So, there was no turning back. Well, I could've still backed out, but not without feeling like a huge jerk.
When we met up, they admitted that they probably wouldn't have come if not for me, so it was good motivation for all of us.
Now, I just need to keep it up!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Baby steps
Today I...
Ate breakfast (cheerios)
Walked to school
Walked home from school
Ate lunch (Pierogies and bacon with chives and ranch dressing)
Ate dinner (spinach salad with black beans and corn, and carrot ginger soup)
Took the dog for a walk!!
Took my vitamin
Drank lots of water all day
Drank ZERO caffeine!
(I also did off-topic stuff like read for school, etc.)
I feel so proud of myself today! The only thing I didn't do that I would like to do is yoga. I know it seems like such a simple routine, and such simple meals and everything, but this is where I need to start. On top of not being very good at following through with my goals, the fatigue of pregnancy makes staying active much more difficult. Eventually, my workout and nutrition routine will get more complicated, but for now I just need to reach the point of actually doing stuff. From there, I will become the healthiest woman in the world!!
Just a pregnancy sidenote: On Sunday I hit my 11 week mark, which means just this week and next week and the first trimester is over. I hear that from then on, my energy level will be up and I won't have to deal with the fatigue I've been battling. Also, my belly is starting to round out a bit. An onlooker would not be able to tell, but Maic and I can! How exciting!
Ate breakfast (cheerios)
Walked to school
Walked home from school
Ate lunch (Pierogies and bacon with chives and ranch dressing)
Ate dinner (spinach salad with black beans and corn, and carrot ginger soup)
Took the dog for a walk!!
Took my vitamin
Drank lots of water all day
Drank ZERO caffeine!
(I also did off-topic stuff like read for school, etc.)
I feel so proud of myself today! The only thing I didn't do that I would like to do is yoga. I know it seems like such a simple routine, and such simple meals and everything, but this is where I need to start. On top of not being very good at following through with my goals, the fatigue of pregnancy makes staying active much more difficult. Eventually, my workout and nutrition routine will get more complicated, but for now I just need to reach the point of actually doing stuff. From there, I will become the healthiest woman in the world!!
Just a pregnancy sidenote: On Sunday I hit my 11 week mark, which means just this week and next week and the first trimester is over. I hear that from then on, my energy level will be up and I won't have to deal with the fatigue I've been battling. Also, my belly is starting to round out a bit. An onlooker would not be able to tell, but Maic and I can! How exciting!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Inspiration
Reading Joanna's post made me think of the people who inspire me to be fit and stay active all throughout my life. One such person is my dad's friend and our former neighbor, Joe. His birthday is the same as mine, and he just turned 67 this past year. I looked forward to getting "happy mutual birthday" cards from him when I was just 10 years old, and playing tennis with him from the time I first learned at age 14. He and my dad were my first opponents, and let me tell you, they taught me to be competitive and made me run more than anyone else ever has.
Now, I see him just a few times a year, but he always looks energetic and still talks of the long runs he takes on a regular basis. As a kid, rarely a day went by when I didn't see him jogging down the street, smiling and waving as he passed. Seeing someone so enthused and active makes me determined to be just as enthusiastically fit 40 years from now. I can hope as much as I want, but I know all the hope in the world won't strengthen my muscles. So on days when I would rather take a nap or do something non-active, I need to remember Joe and others like him and remind myself that the time I invest in fitness now will pay off when I need it most.
Now, I see him just a few times a year, but he always looks energetic and still talks of the long runs he takes on a regular basis. As a kid, rarely a day went by when I didn't see him jogging down the street, smiling and waving as he passed. Seeing someone so enthused and active makes me determined to be just as enthusiastically fit 40 years from now. I can hope as much as I want, but I know all the hope in the world won't strengthen my muscles. So on days when I would rather take a nap or do something non-active, I need to remember Joe and others like him and remind myself that the time I invest in fitness now will pay off when I need it most.
Going to Milwaukee for some motivation!
This weekend my husband and I are going to Milwaukee to visit his Godmother/Aunt and many of his cousins. His Godmother is one of the most in-shape women I've ever seen in my life and she's at least 60 years old. She could honestly pass for 40. Part of the reason that she looks so good is because she always has so much energy, triggered by good nutrition and workout habits. I've never seen her even appear tired, and she has raised 5 (ish) children and now has 12 grandchildren, most of whom live near her and she takes care of on a regular basis.
Maic told me that the last time he was in Milwaukee visiting her, they speed-walked to church in the morning and his legs couldn't move as fast as hers and he was sore the next day.
Anyway, the reason for making my praise into a blog entry is that I wanted to tell you that I'm going to ask her for some motivation and a few tips this weekend to get into a more consistent workout and nutrition routine. Let's see how this goes!
As an update for how I've been doing . . . let's just say I suck.
Maic told me that the last time he was in Milwaukee visiting her, they speed-walked to church in the morning and his legs couldn't move as fast as hers and he was sore the next day.
Anyway, the reason for making my praise into a blog entry is that I wanted to tell you that I'm going to ask her for some motivation and a few tips this weekend to get into a more consistent workout and nutrition routine. Let's see how this goes!
As an update for how I've been doing . . . let's just say I suck.
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