Another tough week. As you know if you read my last post, I was very discouraged with my one pound weight loss after working very hard and eating very right. So, this week I decided to buckle down even more, work even harder and try to eat even less. Can you say BACKFIRE!?
I spoke with my favorite personal trainer last week and told her about my one pound loss in three weeks. Her response, as usual, was that I need to eat more! I just don't get it. She really believes that I am freaky different (in a good way!?) than NORMAL people. I know that what she (and several other people have told me) is probably right, but I just can't get my head around the fact that I need to eat more and work out less to lose weight. It just doesn't make sense to me.
So, this week I tried to eat a little bit more, but continued to work out hard. So far this week I have: swam four times for 5,700 meters; biked four times for 125 miles; spent 258 minutes doing strength/stretch/core work; rowed on the rowing machine twice for 1:38--17,000 meters; and worked on the Arc trainer for 17 minutes. I still can't run, although my leg feels like it's getting better, and I'm going nuts, so I tried rowing and the ARC trainer. They're fun and good workouts, but not the same as running. Total so far is 17 hours and 19 minutes, and I've burned 6,842 calories during workouts. And oh yeah, I weighed myself this morning: I GAINED 2.8 POUNDS SINCE LAST SATURDAY! How is this even possible? My family watches me eat, exercise and be so disciplined. I don't eat what they eat. I won't go out to eat. I eat only stuff from home that I buy that is 99% healthy. This is insane and so discouraging. Basically, I've gained about 4 pounds since I started this plan. CAN YOU SAY--NOT WORKING?
So I have to decide how to proceed. Obviously what I'm doing is not working. Should I decrease my workouts and increase my calories in relation to the workouts? Hmmmmm? Maybe? I just don't know if I can do it. I go to sleep thinking "tomorrow I'll take it easy". But then my body takes over and I think if I don't work for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, I'll gain weight. But then I think, I'm gaining weight anyway so maybe I should just take it easy. I have this big Catch-22 going on in my head. YIKES! I'm really disciplined--can I discipline myself to take it easy? That's the million dollar question!
Other than that, life is pretty hard right now. We're struggling and trying to keep our heads above water financially. I can't afford to buy new clothes--I have to be able to fit in the ones I have, which I can't do right now.
The mild weather is good for my body, although the change is not. I just wish it was here to stay, but we all know that more of the nasty stuff is on the way.
Well, I hope everyone else has a better story.
Until next time--God bless!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What Do I Do Now?!
I haven't posted for a while because, well, to be quite frank, there's not been a lot of good things to say.
My leg is still bothering me, so I haven't been able to run in over a month. I started treatment, but to be perfectly honest, it's expensive and we don't have the funds for it right now.
Peanut had a meet last Friday. She did OK, but one of the judges on one of the events was HORRIBLE! All our kids were scored incredibly unfair. Peanut got the lowest score EVER in a meet. She did win the floor event, and finished 7th in the all around, but that's not the point in my minds eye.
I've been working really hard to lose weight. I've been counting every calorie burned, every calorie eaten. I've eaten all the right stuff, and trying to eat it at the right time. I've worked out as hard as ever, haven't taken a day off since I can't remember when. I HAVE LOST EXACTLY ONE POUND IN THREE WEEKS! What the.........?
To give you an example of my workouts...this past week I rode on my trainer 149 miles (and we all know it takes a lot longer to ride on a trainer than out on the road). I swam about 10,000 meters, and spent about four hours doing strength/core training. This really stinks! I don't know what to do. I'm trying to work with the nutritionist who helped me lose 30 lbs. three years ago, but she is really busy now, and as I've stated previously, money is really tight!
I'm thinking of doing a half-iron distance race in June. But to be really honest, I don't want to race until I lose 10-15 lbs. At the rate I'm going, it may never happen. I'm supposed to start training tomorrow, which in my case means I can actually cut way back on my swimming and biking. However, I still don't think I can run yet. I may try later in the week and see how it goes.
So, not that it really matters or makes a difference, but here are my January totals:
Swim: 44,800 meters
Bike: 590 miles on trainer
Strength/Core training: 18 hours
Running: A BIT FAT ZERO!
Total work out time: 63 hours
(I didn't bother to total the calories, because it's a crazy number and it doesn't seem to matter anywho!)
Getting ready to swim and take R-man to church. Both those activities usually improves my mood and mindset. I hope so, because today I really need all the help/encouragement I can get.
Hope everyone has/had a great weekend. It's actually WARM (25 degrees) now!
Until next time--God bless!
My leg is still bothering me, so I haven't been able to run in over a month. I started treatment, but to be perfectly honest, it's expensive and we don't have the funds for it right now.
Peanut had a meet last Friday. She did OK, but one of the judges on one of the events was HORRIBLE! All our kids were scored incredibly unfair. Peanut got the lowest score EVER in a meet. She did win the floor event, and finished 7th in the all around, but that's not the point in my minds eye.
I've been working really hard to lose weight. I've been counting every calorie burned, every calorie eaten. I've eaten all the right stuff, and trying to eat it at the right time. I've worked out as hard as ever, haven't taken a day off since I can't remember when. I HAVE LOST EXACTLY ONE POUND IN THREE WEEKS! What the.........?
To give you an example of my workouts...this past week I rode on my trainer 149 miles (and we all know it takes a lot longer to ride on a trainer than out on the road). I swam about 10,000 meters, and spent about four hours doing strength/core training. This really stinks! I don't know what to do. I'm trying to work with the nutritionist who helped me lose 30 lbs. three years ago, but she is really busy now, and as I've stated previously, money is really tight!
I'm thinking of doing a half-iron distance race in June. But to be really honest, I don't want to race until I lose 10-15 lbs. At the rate I'm going, it may never happen. I'm supposed to start training tomorrow, which in my case means I can actually cut way back on my swimming and biking. However, I still don't think I can run yet. I may try later in the week and see how it goes.
So, not that it really matters or makes a difference, but here are my January totals:
Swim: 44,800 meters
Bike: 590 miles on trainer
Strength/Core training: 18 hours
Running: A BIT FAT ZERO!
Total work out time: 63 hours
(I didn't bother to total the calories, because it's a crazy number and it doesn't seem to matter anywho!)
Getting ready to swim and take R-man to church. Both those activities usually improves my mood and mindset. I hope so, because today I really need all the help/encouragement I can get.
Hope everyone has/had a great weekend. It's actually WARM (25 degrees) now!
Until next time--God bless!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cold, Complaining (Again!) and Crabby
Anyone who watches the news (weather), or lives in the Midwest knows it was a brutal week here. Temperatures on Friday were -18 to -30, and that did not include the windchill. I did not leave my house on Thursday. School was cancelled both Thursday and Friday. Final exams were postponed until Tuesday and Wednesday.
My leg is still sore, although I am getting some therapy. Don't know how much I can afford, hopefully enough to get it healed. Still not able to run.
Did a lot of riding this week--136 miles. Lots of strength training. Only swam four times for 10,200 meters--too cold to go to the pool on Friday, and too crowded on Saturday. (I like to ride early when I can't run. By the time I get done, it's late morning and the fitness center is way too busy this time of year at that time of day, especially the pool!)
Did real well with my eating this week--stayed on target! Hopefully it will pay off after a couple weeks. It's soooo hard for me to lose weight. Another positive--the hot flashes have subsided--not nearly as bad. Actually had a couple nights of good sleep.
I'm going just a little bit stir crazy. Staying inside more than I like, but it's better than the alternative. The bitter cold really did a number on my body. Thank goodness we're half way through January.
Hope everyone had a great week. Keep warm, and keep up the good work.
Until next time--God bless!
My leg is still sore, although I am getting some therapy. Don't know how much I can afford, hopefully enough to get it healed. Still not able to run.
Did a lot of riding this week--136 miles. Lots of strength training. Only swam four times for 10,200 meters--too cold to go to the pool on Friday, and too crowded on Saturday. (I like to ride early when I can't run. By the time I get done, it's late morning and the fitness center is way too busy this time of year at that time of day, especially the pool!)
Did real well with my eating this week--stayed on target! Hopefully it will pay off after a couple weeks. It's soooo hard for me to lose weight. Another positive--the hot flashes have subsided--not nearly as bad. Actually had a couple nights of good sleep.
I'm going just a little bit stir crazy. Staying inside more than I like, but it's better than the alternative. The bitter cold really did a number on my body. Thank goodness we're half way through January.
Hope everyone had a great week. Keep warm, and keep up the good work.
Until next time--God bless!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The GOOD Things About Winter
Since I have spent several posts lamenting winter, and how much I (and my body) do not like it, I thought I would share just a couple reasons that I do like it. (OK, I had to really reach, but who cares, huh?) It's almost the middle of January, and in my mind once I make it half way through March, it's all downhill.
So, here is my list (as feeble as it may sound):
Why winter/cold/snow can be a GOOD thing:
1) The extra exercise of shoveling. I have only used the snow blower once (yesterday a.m.--there was enough snow and it was heavy and J is out of town and R-man was sleeping and I knew I would have more chances to shovel later in the day as it was snowing like forever!)
2) I don't worry about my car(s) being dirty. Unless we have an unusually balmy, dry day (ha!) all the cars on the road are dirty!
3) I don't feel guilty staying indoors, even if the sun is out. (Chances are, it's too snowy or cold to do anything productive anyway, so enjoy the warmth of the house!)
4) I can ride on my trainer as much as I want, and no one can tell me I'm crazy for not riding outside, because who likes riding on a trainer anyway! (Me, that's who!)
5) I can run on the treadmill....see above.
6) I can spend more time reading and watching TV because there's nothing else better to do like go outside for a walk or just enjoy the sun and warm weather.
7) I can hide my body in winter clothes. Summer clothes show everything, and this time of year I NEVER like the way I look, so it's good camouflage!
8) The inside of my house is even cleaner than normal, because in the summer when I'm outside training, I let things go thinking I can always clean in the winter when I'm not outside enjoying the nice weather.
9) I enjoy swimming in the warm water in the pools. Well, everything is relative. In the summer the water always feels too warm to me, and in the winter it usually feels a little on the cold side. I like it warmer in the winter because it's harder for me to get in when the weather is cold.
10) I can spend more time strength training because I don't feel guilty not being outside swimming, biking and running in the nice weather.
I came up with ten reasons--yeah for me!
On other notes: Peanut and J are having a ball in sunny, warm, 75-80 degree, not a cloud in the sky Miami. One day at the beach in Key Biscayne, one day in South Beach visiting with other team members, and Saturday competing. According to J, Peanut did not have her best meet, the scores were all over the place, but she did well enough to win the all around, first place on beam and vault, third place on floor, and fifth place on bars. Plus, the team took first place! GO BIG! They will be flying home tomorrow--SURPRISE! (Welcome back to cold, snowy home!)
R-man went to the Bulls game on Friday with his church group. I was very grateful one of the Dads offered to drive him home from church. The weather was yukky and I hate driving in the dark and bad weather. They took a bus to the United Center. He came home around midnight tired and hoarse, but the team won, so he had a great time!
My workout time this week--18:27, which included about an hour of shoveling. My leg is getting better, slowly, but still no running yet. I had more time than usual with Peanut gone, so I did more trainer riding and strength training. I swam every day but Saturday--I chose not to go out in the snow until later in the day. I have a mat, ball, bands and weights at home, so I've been doing strength and core work at home several times a week.
I have mentioned that I love to read. I've discovered e-books. Our library has an e-library; we can check out e-books for 21 days. They have a pretty good selection, so I decided to get myself an inexpensive, small MP3 player and try it out. I really like it. I listen when I'm working--cooking, cleaning, eating, shoveling, folding clothes, etc. I find myself reading one book and listening to another at the same time. It's fun and I find I can listen to a book in one or two days, depending on my schedule.
Hope everyone had a good "back to normal after the holidays" week. Stay warm and motivated and enjoy the NFL playoffs if you're a fan. I'm hoping the Blackhawks keep up the good work!
Until next time--God bless!
So, here is my list (as feeble as it may sound):
Why winter/cold/snow can be a GOOD thing:
1) The extra exercise of shoveling. I have only used the snow blower once (yesterday a.m.--there was enough snow and it was heavy and J is out of town and R-man was sleeping and I knew I would have more chances to shovel later in the day as it was snowing like forever!)
2) I don't worry about my car(s) being dirty. Unless we have an unusually balmy, dry day (ha!) all the cars on the road are dirty!
3) I don't feel guilty staying indoors, even if the sun is out. (Chances are, it's too snowy or cold to do anything productive anyway, so enjoy the warmth of the house!)
4) I can ride on my trainer as much as I want, and no one can tell me I'm crazy for not riding outside, because who likes riding on a trainer anyway! (Me, that's who!)
5) I can run on the treadmill....see above.
6) I can spend more time reading and watching TV because there's nothing else better to do like go outside for a walk or just enjoy the sun and warm weather.
7) I can hide my body in winter clothes. Summer clothes show everything, and this time of year I NEVER like the way I look, so it's good camouflage!
8) The inside of my house is even cleaner than normal, because in the summer when I'm outside training, I let things go thinking I can always clean in the winter when I'm not outside enjoying the nice weather.
9) I enjoy swimming in the warm water in the pools. Well, everything is relative. In the summer the water always feels too warm to me, and in the winter it usually feels a little on the cold side. I like it warmer in the winter because it's harder for me to get in when the weather is cold.
10) I can spend more time strength training because I don't feel guilty not being outside swimming, biking and running in the nice weather.
I came up with ten reasons--yeah for me!
On other notes: Peanut and J are having a ball in sunny, warm, 75-80 degree, not a cloud in the sky Miami. One day at the beach in Key Biscayne, one day in South Beach visiting with other team members, and Saturday competing. According to J, Peanut did not have her best meet, the scores were all over the place, but she did well enough to win the all around, first place on beam and vault, third place on floor, and fifth place on bars. Plus, the team took first place! GO BIG! They will be flying home tomorrow--SURPRISE! (Welcome back to cold, snowy home!)
R-man went to the Bulls game on Friday with his church group. I was very grateful one of the Dads offered to drive him home from church. The weather was yukky and I hate driving in the dark and bad weather. They took a bus to the United Center. He came home around midnight tired and hoarse, but the team won, so he had a great time!
My workout time this week--18:27, which included about an hour of shoveling. My leg is getting better, slowly, but still no running yet. I had more time than usual with Peanut gone, so I did more trainer riding and strength training. I swam every day but Saturday--I chose not to go out in the snow until later in the day. I have a mat, ball, bands and weights at home, so I've been doing strength and core work at home several times a week.
I have mentioned that I love to read. I've discovered e-books. Our library has an e-library; we can check out e-books for 21 days. They have a pretty good selection, so I decided to get myself an inexpensive, small MP3 player and try it out. I really like it. I listen when I'm working--cooking, cleaning, eating, shoveling, folding clothes, etc. I find myself reading one book and listening to another at the same time. It's fun and I find I can listen to a book in one or two days, depending on my schedule.
Hope everyone had a good "back to normal after the holidays" week. Stay warm and motivated and enjoy the NFL playoffs if you're a fan. I'm hoping the Blackhawks keep up the good work!
Until next time--God bless!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Facing the Giants....and a New Year
Saturday when I was riding on my trainer, I watched a movie I had recorded the night before, "Facing the Giants". I had seen the movie before, and I remembered I really liked it. I didn't have much at home to watch the next morning during my ride, so I decided to record it and watch again.
If you haven't seen or heard of this movie, it is a very inspirational, faith-based film. It is the story of a high school football coach who is in his 6th losing seaspm at a Christian high school. The staff and parents have lost faith in his ability to be a winning coach. The team has no confidence in their own abilities as football players. Financially, he and his wife are struggling. They've been trying to start a family for four years with no success, and he discovers he is the reason they can't conceive.
There is a second story in the film that involves a new student. His sport is soccer, but the school does not have a soccer team. His father, who is confined to a wheel chair, convinces him to try out for the team as a kicker. He has never kicked a football, but decides to try anyway. He's too small to play football. In a conversation with his father, his father shares that he has been praying all his son's life that God would use him for big things. He asks his Dad, "If God has such big plans for me, why did he make me so small and weak?" Dad answers, "To show others how big He (God) is!"
If you are not a person of faith, you may not understand the significance of this statement. It hit home for me. I know intellectually that God is in ultimate control of my life. I am a Christ-follower, and know that my purpose on this earth is to glorify Him, and do His will. But it is soooo easy to be discouraged in the world we live in. Our world teaches that TODAY is what's important; go for what you can get in this world. Success is measured my what we do, how much we have, what others think of us, what we accomplish. I know that my success is measured by how I follow God's plan for my life.
So, that is the sermon for the week. If you're interested, it is an amazing movie. I won't give away the ending, but suffice to say things work out. I believe God intervenes in a miraculous way. There is a revival in the school, which I feel is the most amazing story. It was great to watch the film at the beginning of a new year. It has helped me confirm what is really important in my life, and help me set some goals for the new year.
I have made several "resolutions" for this year. I won't share most of them. The one I will share is that I'm going to try to be kinder to myself this year. I'm going to try not to beat myself up so much regarding my weight and appearance. I will do the best I can, with the Lord's help, and I'll be satisfied with whatever happens.
As far as racing this year, I'm still not sure how much I will do. My "A" race, as I've said before, will be the Redman Halfmax 1/2 Iron Distance in Oklahoma City on September 19th. I'm going to train for a 1/2 Iron in Appleton, WI on June 20th. Not sure if that will happen, mainly do to financial issues. Hopefully I will get in a couple local sprint/olympic races, and I would like to do one other 70.3 (maybe Steelhead?).
Physically, I'm a little beat up. January in Chicago is the number one reason--cold and snow. In addition to winter issues, I've injured my left adductor (aka groin) somehow. Probably running a couple weeks ago. It doesn't hurt to swim or ride, but it does hurt to walk, so I haven't run for almost two weeks. I should rest it completely for a couple days to see if that helps. I don't believe riding and swimming is making it worse, but it's not getting better either. I think my RA is a contributing factor. I've never had this injury before (at least, not that I can remember!).
Training will start in earnest February 2nd, which for me means cutting back. I need a plan to follow so I don't overdo it. My main goal from now until then is to improve my eating habits and let my leg heal.
My sleeping has been really bad--thanks to menopause/hot flashes/night sweats. I can track my current hot flashes to about every 30 minutes, day and night! YUK! It's really become a terrible nuisance. I don't know how women survive this. I'm not dealing well. Having a hot flash in the pool, while riding, running or doing other exercise is unbelievable! It's bad enough when you're sitting at the computer blogging--like right now!
Last week I trained about 15 hours. No running, but a couple long swims and bike rides. I did my strength work at home, not at the fitness center--too crazy busy there during the day during the holidays, and why get up at the crack of dawn when I really don't have to? I would like to keep the hours at around 14--average 2 hours per day.
For the first time ever, I tracked my workouts for the entire year. According to my best calculations, I: swam 453,450 meters (281.76 miles); cycled 5,644 miles; ran 936 miles; for a total of 903 hours (including strength training). This averages about 2.47 hours per day for 365 days. I don't really know what this means, or if anyone really cares!
Today is kind of back to normal. However, my wonderful 13 year old, 190,000 mile car decided to stop working yesterday. It died when J and Peanut were on their way to church. I knew there was a problem, so R-man and I took the "newer" car to church. It's some kind of voltage thing. We brought it to the shop this a.m. Please God, don't let it be too expensive to fix!
So J (hubby) is working from home, I dropped R-man off at school early (he was happy to get back, not because he loves school, but because he was bored!), and Peanut has started her school work. I'm going to try to do an easy, short bike and swim today. My leg is still sore!
J and Peanut leave for Miami on Thursday. FYI--temperature in Miami today and tomorrow--81 and 82 degrees! Wish you were coming with us, Mom!
Hope everyone had a safe and happy new year.
Until next time--God bless!
If you haven't seen or heard of this movie, it is a very inspirational, faith-based film. It is the story of a high school football coach who is in his 6th losing seaspm at a Christian high school. The staff and parents have lost faith in his ability to be a winning coach. The team has no confidence in their own abilities as football players. Financially, he and his wife are struggling. They've been trying to start a family for four years with no success, and he discovers he is the reason they can't conceive.
There is a second story in the film that involves a new student. His sport is soccer, but the school does not have a soccer team. His father, who is confined to a wheel chair, convinces him to try out for the team as a kicker. He has never kicked a football, but decides to try anyway. He's too small to play football. In a conversation with his father, his father shares that he has been praying all his son's life that God would use him for big things. He asks his Dad, "If God has such big plans for me, why did he make me so small and weak?" Dad answers, "To show others how big He (God) is!"
If you are not a person of faith, you may not understand the significance of this statement. It hit home for me. I know intellectually that God is in ultimate control of my life. I am a Christ-follower, and know that my purpose on this earth is to glorify Him, and do His will. But it is soooo easy to be discouraged in the world we live in. Our world teaches that TODAY is what's important; go for what you can get in this world. Success is measured my what we do, how much we have, what others think of us, what we accomplish. I know that my success is measured by how I follow God's plan for my life.
So, that is the sermon for the week. If you're interested, it is an amazing movie. I won't give away the ending, but suffice to say things work out. I believe God intervenes in a miraculous way. There is a revival in the school, which I feel is the most amazing story. It was great to watch the film at the beginning of a new year. It has helped me confirm what is really important in my life, and help me set some goals for the new year.
I have made several "resolutions" for this year. I won't share most of them. The one I will share is that I'm going to try to be kinder to myself this year. I'm going to try not to beat myself up so much regarding my weight and appearance. I will do the best I can, with the Lord's help, and I'll be satisfied with whatever happens.
As far as racing this year, I'm still not sure how much I will do. My "A" race, as I've said before, will be the Redman Halfmax 1/2 Iron Distance in Oklahoma City on September 19th. I'm going to train for a 1/2 Iron in Appleton, WI on June 20th. Not sure if that will happen, mainly do to financial issues. Hopefully I will get in a couple local sprint/olympic races, and I would like to do one other 70.3 (maybe Steelhead?).
Physically, I'm a little beat up. January in Chicago is the number one reason--cold and snow. In addition to winter issues, I've injured my left adductor (aka groin) somehow. Probably running a couple weeks ago. It doesn't hurt to swim or ride, but it does hurt to walk, so I haven't run for almost two weeks. I should rest it completely for a couple days to see if that helps. I don't believe riding and swimming is making it worse, but it's not getting better either. I think my RA is a contributing factor. I've never had this injury before (at least, not that I can remember!).
Training will start in earnest February 2nd, which for me means cutting back. I need a plan to follow so I don't overdo it. My main goal from now until then is to improve my eating habits and let my leg heal.
My sleeping has been really bad--thanks to menopause/hot flashes/night sweats. I can track my current hot flashes to about every 30 minutes, day and night! YUK! It's really become a terrible nuisance. I don't know how women survive this. I'm not dealing well. Having a hot flash in the pool, while riding, running or doing other exercise is unbelievable! It's bad enough when you're sitting at the computer blogging--like right now!
Last week I trained about 15 hours. No running, but a couple long swims and bike rides. I did my strength work at home, not at the fitness center--too crazy busy there during the day during the holidays, and why get up at the crack of dawn when I really don't have to? I would like to keep the hours at around 14--average 2 hours per day.
For the first time ever, I tracked my workouts for the entire year. According to my best calculations, I: swam 453,450 meters (281.76 miles); cycled 5,644 miles; ran 936 miles; for a total of 903 hours (including strength training). This averages about 2.47 hours per day for 365 days. I don't really know what this means, or if anyone really cares!
Today is kind of back to normal. However, my wonderful 13 year old, 190,000 mile car decided to stop working yesterday. It died when J and Peanut were on their way to church. I knew there was a problem, so R-man and I took the "newer" car to church. It's some kind of voltage thing. We brought it to the shop this a.m. Please God, don't let it be too expensive to fix!
So J (hubby) is working from home, I dropped R-man off at school early (he was happy to get back, not because he loves school, but because he was bored!), and Peanut has started her school work. I'm going to try to do an easy, short bike and swim today. My leg is still sore!
J and Peanut leave for Miami on Thursday. FYI--temperature in Miami today and tomorrow--81 and 82 degrees! Wish you were coming with us, Mom!
Hope everyone had a safe and happy new year.
Until next time--God bless!
Monday, December 29, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's been a challenging 10 days to say the least, but I made it through--so far. Suffice to say that Christmas was as stressful as ever, but I tried to keep it all together.
I've managed to keep my workout hours to 17.5 and 16 hours the last two weeks. This last week I only ran once--my RA is in a major flare, and I'm really hurting, so more swimming, which is normal for me during the winter.
Like most people at this time of year, my "schedule" has been interrupted with the kids off school, and hubby (J) is on vacation this week from two of his three jobs. I'm getting ready to take Peanut to the gym--she has two full practices today and Wednesday. The team heads to Miami on January 8th for a meet that weekend, so they need to keep the schedule as normal as possibe. I'm planning to head to Lifetime for some kind of workout, and a swim.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday. Have a very happy new year! I'll be spending it home with the kids, as J has to work at his third job that night!
More later when I'm not feeling like the world is caving in on me!
Take care and until next time--God bless!
I've managed to keep my workout hours to 17.5 and 16 hours the last two weeks. This last week I only ran once--my RA is in a major flare, and I'm really hurting, so more swimming, which is normal for me during the winter.
Like most people at this time of year, my "schedule" has been interrupted with the kids off school, and hubby (J) is on vacation this week from two of his three jobs. I'm getting ready to take Peanut to the gym--she has two full practices today and Wednesday. The team heads to Miami on January 8th for a meet that weekend, so they need to keep the schedule as normal as possibe. I'm planning to head to Lifetime for some kind of workout, and a swim.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday. Have a very happy new year! I'll be spending it home with the kids, as J has to work at his third job that night!
More later when I'm not feeling like the world is caving in on me!
Take care and until next time--God bless!
Friday, December 19, 2008
More Cold, Snow, "Snow Day" and "MADE" on MTV
It's Friday, which is usually a really good thing. But today, well, some extra challenges.
If you live in the Chicago area, you know we got walloped with a snow/ice storm overnight. The temperature rose and the snow turned to ice and now we have a big mess on our hands. Of course, the school district phoned at 5 a.m. to let us know that school was cancelled. My son was really sad--because he likes school, it keeps him busy, and today was "party day"--last day before Christmas break. At least he got to sleep in.
Peanut, being homeschooled, was "lucky" and got her work done. No parties at home, but there will be a party at the gym tomorrow for the team. She missed practice on Tuesday due to the first snow storm of the week. We tried to drive to the gym--made it about 2 miles in 45 minutes and nixed that idea. My poor husband left work at 3:45 from Hoffman Estates. He walked in the door at 10 p.m. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I would have died. They didn't stop once for a potty or food break. If I'd been in that van, you know we would have had to stop. I cannot go that long with out peeing or eating! He had about enough time to eat, shower, go to bed, and start over again.
This morning he was driving the van to work. They left a little early. It took them about an hour longer than normal, but at least they made it without too much trouble.
I slept in, and against my husbands advice, decided to shovel. I really just went out to get the paper, but decided I would give it a try. You know when the snow is really just packed ice, and when you walk on it you don't sink in? Yeah, that's what it was. It took me about 1:45, but with the help of the "ice pick" (it's not really a pick--its heavy, rectangular and you can chop and scoop into the ice with it) my driveway and sidewalk was clean. Add a little salt, what a job!
Now, I'll have you know that two of my neighbors (male, 20's) came out to shovel while I was working. They both lasted about 10 minutes. Gave up. Quit. Too Hard! HA! But here I am, a 53 year old woman with RA--NO PROBLEM! These young kids are way too soft!
After shoveling, I rode on my trainer for two hours. I will swim later on after I drop Peanut off at practice. Not including the two days of shoveling, I have "worked out" 12 hours, 18 minutes so far this week. I'm shooting for under 16 hours. I think I'll be close. After my swim tonight, I plan to run and do strength training tomorrow; Sunday will be an easy swim (rest day)!
When I came up from riding, my son had MTV on. It was a show called "Made". In this particular episode, a 19 year old man (but he really looked like a 12 year old boy!) wanted to be "made" into a triathlete and complete a sprint race. He weighed 271 lbs. and had type 2 diabetes and an under active thyroid. I had to watch the whole program to see how it ended.
He was training for a sprint distance tri in August. He started in June. He had a "made" coach; a woman named "Amanda" as a swim coach, who swam in the Sydney Olympics (it wasn't Amanda Beard); and a triathlete who coached him on the bike. This young man struggled every step of the way. He wasn't taking his thyroid medicine, so his doctor told him if he didn't get it under control, he wouldn't be able to race. This scared him silly, so he followed orders.
It was hard to watch him struggle. He barely knew how to swim, was scared to death of falling of the bike, and could only walk at first, and even that was a struggle. Of course, the show had a happy ending. He lost over 25 lbs, 5 percent body fat, and four inches off his waist. He struggled, but he finished the race in 3:22:05. I admit I cried when he crossed the finish line. Talk about inspiration! TOTALLY!
So many of us take what we do daily for granted. A sprint race, we laugh at. No big deal. ANYONE can do that. NOT TRUE! Yes, we've worked hard to get where we are, but when we really think about it, NOT everyone can do what we do--regardless of the reason. I feel I am extremely blessed. When I share my experience at Louisville, people are amazed that I was able to go as far as I did. I forget about the discipline, commitment, training, time, expense it cost just to get to the start line. Even though I didn't finish, I know I didn't "fail".
Christmas is less than a week away. I hope everyone is enjoying the season. Stay warm and stress-free (if possible)!
Until next time--God bless!
If you live in the Chicago area, you know we got walloped with a snow/ice storm overnight. The temperature rose and the snow turned to ice and now we have a big mess on our hands. Of course, the school district phoned at 5 a.m. to let us know that school was cancelled. My son was really sad--because he likes school, it keeps him busy, and today was "party day"--last day before Christmas break. At least he got to sleep in.
Peanut, being homeschooled, was "lucky" and got her work done. No parties at home, but there will be a party at the gym tomorrow for the team. She missed practice on Tuesday due to the first snow storm of the week. We tried to drive to the gym--made it about 2 miles in 45 minutes and nixed that idea. My poor husband left work at 3:45 from Hoffman Estates. He walked in the door at 10 p.m. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I would have died. They didn't stop once for a potty or food break. If I'd been in that van, you know we would have had to stop. I cannot go that long with out peeing or eating! He had about enough time to eat, shower, go to bed, and start over again.
This morning he was driving the van to work. They left a little early. It took them about an hour longer than normal, but at least they made it without too much trouble.
I slept in, and against my husbands advice, decided to shovel. I really just went out to get the paper, but decided I would give it a try. You know when the snow is really just packed ice, and when you walk on it you don't sink in? Yeah, that's what it was. It took me about 1:45, but with the help of the "ice pick" (it's not really a pick--its heavy, rectangular and you can chop and scoop into the ice with it) my driveway and sidewalk was clean. Add a little salt, what a job!
Now, I'll have you know that two of my neighbors (male, 20's) came out to shovel while I was working. They both lasted about 10 minutes. Gave up. Quit. Too Hard! HA! But here I am, a 53 year old woman with RA--NO PROBLEM! These young kids are way too soft!
After shoveling, I rode on my trainer for two hours. I will swim later on after I drop Peanut off at practice. Not including the two days of shoveling, I have "worked out" 12 hours, 18 minutes so far this week. I'm shooting for under 16 hours. I think I'll be close. After my swim tonight, I plan to run and do strength training tomorrow; Sunday will be an easy swim (rest day)!
When I came up from riding, my son had MTV on. It was a show called "Made". In this particular episode, a 19 year old man (but he really looked like a 12 year old boy!) wanted to be "made" into a triathlete and complete a sprint race. He weighed 271 lbs. and had type 2 diabetes and an under active thyroid. I had to watch the whole program to see how it ended.
He was training for a sprint distance tri in August. He started in June. He had a "made" coach; a woman named "Amanda" as a swim coach, who swam in the Sydney Olympics (it wasn't Amanda Beard); and a triathlete who coached him on the bike. This young man struggled every step of the way. He wasn't taking his thyroid medicine, so his doctor told him if he didn't get it under control, he wouldn't be able to race. This scared him silly, so he followed orders.
It was hard to watch him struggle. He barely knew how to swim, was scared to death of falling of the bike, and could only walk at first, and even that was a struggle. Of course, the show had a happy ending. He lost over 25 lbs, 5 percent body fat, and four inches off his waist. He struggled, but he finished the race in 3:22:05. I admit I cried when he crossed the finish line. Talk about inspiration! TOTALLY!
So many of us take what we do daily for granted. A sprint race, we laugh at. No big deal. ANYONE can do that. NOT TRUE! Yes, we've worked hard to get where we are, but when we really think about it, NOT everyone can do what we do--regardless of the reason. I feel I am extremely blessed. When I share my experience at Louisville, people are amazed that I was able to go as far as I did. I forget about the discipline, commitment, training, time, expense it cost just to get to the start line. Even though I didn't finish, I know I didn't "fail".
Christmas is less than a week away. I hope everyone is enjoying the season. Stay warm and stress-free (if possible)!
Until next time--God bless!
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