I'm 8 weeks along now and man, this little Lima bean has taken a toll on my body. I never realized just how exhausting it is to grow a little human inside you.
Of course, in the first trimester it's not just the fatigue that knocks you on your butt, but there's the nausea to contend with as well. I must admit morning sickness has been kind to me compared with many of the stories I've heard from other pregnant women. I learned quite early on that the trick to dealing with the sudden urge to vomit is to immediately EAT SOMETHING!! ANYTHING!!! which is rather the exact opposite of what your sick stomach is encouraging.
The compulsion to eat is impossible to resist. I've been known to wake up from one of my now necessary afternoon naps between shifts to run to the fridge, grab the brick of cheese and just bite off a hunk. Who needs a knife? Am I right?
Since peeing on a stick on sept 20th, I have managed to do 15 mins on my elliptical machine and I went for one 30 minute walk. I'm really hoping my energy levels improve come second trimester as simple tasks such as carrying a basket of laundry upstairs now cause me to pant and need a 10min rest. Consequently, I haven't even entertained the thought of going for a run.
October 19, 2011
September 19, 2011
Fall fitness
I have been active this summer if not posting. I was quite busy with work but there was lots of camping and hiking and swimming on the weekends.
Now that summer is over, I'm working on getting back into a routine. Last week I went for my first run since May (yikes!) and was pleased to find I could still run 3km straight, albeit at a very slow 8:10/km. The 2nd run that week showed my pace dropping to a better 7:50/km. And hopefully today's run will either be faster or further. I haven't decided what route to take yet. I'll know when I hit the road I guess.
For once, I'm actually working on eating healthier as well. Not so much because I feel the need to lose weight, and not even really for myself. But because my husband and I are trying to get me knocked up. Every time I pick up a piece of food now it seems like all I can think about is the ingredient list and wonder if it would be good for the theoretical baby. I've been having smoothies for breakfast a lot lately, and today I've tried my first Green Monster. And I am definitely now a spinach-in-your-smoothie convert. You truly can't taste it.
It's funny thinking back to my first few posts which were about the 30 Day Shred and how grueling and painful that program was. I really am in way better shape than I was 2 years ago when I started this fitness journey.
Now that summer is over, I'm working on getting back into a routine. Last week I went for my first run since May (yikes!) and was pleased to find I could still run 3km straight, albeit at a very slow 8:10/km. The 2nd run that week showed my pace dropping to a better 7:50/km. And hopefully today's run will either be faster or further. I haven't decided what route to take yet. I'll know when I hit the road I guess.
For once, I'm actually working on eating healthier as well. Not so much because I feel the need to lose weight, and not even really for myself. But because my husband and I are trying to get me knocked up. Every time I pick up a piece of food now it seems like all I can think about is the ingredient list and wonder if it would be good for the theoretical baby. I've been having smoothies for breakfast a lot lately, and today I've tried my first Green Monster. And I am definitely now a spinach-in-your-smoothie convert. You truly can't taste it.
It's funny thinking back to my first few posts which were about the 30 Day Shred and how grueling and painful that program was. I really am in way better shape than I was 2 years ago when I started this fitness journey.
April 19, 2011
On your marks, get set......
Anger. I somehow just deleted the entire post. So, once more, with feeling.
I ran my first road race this weekend. It was trial by fire....or more accurately, trial by sleet. My husband and I both registered; he for the 10K, and I for the 5k. I spent the month leading up to the race training as best I could - there is a very convenient 5k loop at the end of my driveway that I ran 2-3 times per week. My consistency improved a good amount, and I also improved my running posture a tad as well. Any time I came back from a run with aches and pains or questions, my husband was there to help fix my running and answer inquiries. It was like having a free personal trainer. Very convenient.
Now I say I got into a very consistent pace, but by no means was it a fast pace. I run about a 12min/mile. I learned just how slow that is one day during a run. There was a woman speedwalking about 500m ahead of me. It took me 2.5km to catch and pass her. Oh dear.
In the week before the race I got a very ill-timed visit from Aunt Flo, who decided to stick around for the race. I also began checking the weather....snow? Oh dear.
Finally, April 17th rolled around. I had spent the night living dream after dream about different ways the race would turn out. I must say, by the time I finally woke up I was more than a little confused but, I think, less nervous than I would have been if I hadn't already woken up, gotten ready, and run the race 3-4times in my sleep. I ate a small breakfast of bread and molasses, then my husband and I headed out.
We arrived at the fitness centre which was to be the starting point, and picked up our t-shirts, numbers, and little ankle bracelets with chips in them to track our finishing times. And at 9:50am we headed out into the miserable 3*C sleet pelting us in 40km/hr winds. What a joy that was.
At 10am sharp, we lined up and were, in short order set off to the sound of the airhorn. I decided to line up near the back of the pack, since I knew I'd be among the slowest. I turned on my Nike+ GPS app as I waited for those in front of me to begin moving, then I started running as well.
About 0.5k into my run I fell into my usual pace. There were 3 participants behind me and 2 about 20m in front of me. About 1k in, I realized that the race website's promise of, and I quote, a very flat out and back course, was bull crap. We were constantly running up and down small hills, and the mid point was a long uphill battle into the wind. How I managed to keep moving forward is a mystery. But my perseverance paid - I forced myself to continue at an even pace uphill allowing me to pass the 2 running in front of me. I kept them at my back the rest of the race. I even came close to catching 2 more further ahead who had stopped to walk up the hill.
It was on my way up the hill that I felt a strange snapping sensation in my calf and thought "this is going to hurt later."
The way back was easier as I was now running downhill with the wind pushing me forward. I almost tripped over my feet a couple times from the forward momentum. It was during the last 200m before the finish line that the road became a wind tunnel between the buildings. I swear there came a point when I was putting all my effort into running on the spot so as to keep from running backwards! I was near the limit of my endurance by this point but somehow managed to finish strong and finally cross the finish line. Ah, sweet relief.
I kept a very consistent pace of 7:35/km the entire race and finished in 38:31 - meeting my inspired goal of not finishing dead last. In fact I finished 22 of 27.
I moved up the crowd a little bit to cheer on the rest of the 5K finishers and to greet the first of the 10K racers. Somehow the sun had come out right at the end making the outdoors endurable again. I watched as my husband and six other 10Kers were directed up the wrong street (!) by one of the volunteers right at the end and had to double back, adding a good 3mins to their times. My husband lost 20 places to that mistake and is still bitter about it.
We went inside together and discovered that the volunteers had put out fruit trays, which was unexpectedly wonderful. We both grabbed some orange slices and stretched and sat. By now I was starting to feel whatever it was I'd done to my calf during the run, and I spent the rest of the day hobbling around quite painfully. Amazingly though it worked itself out and I was walking mostly fine on Monday.
Before leaving, we went out to the finish line again and cheered in the last of the 10K runners - a 90yr old woman who finished in 1h20, probably faster than I could have done!
So that was my race experience. We are running another race together in 2 week's time, and I'm quite excited. Apparently racing is addictive!
I ran my first road race this weekend. It was trial by fire....or more accurately, trial by sleet. My husband and I both registered; he for the 10K, and I for the 5k. I spent the month leading up to the race training as best I could - there is a very convenient 5k loop at the end of my driveway that I ran 2-3 times per week. My consistency improved a good amount, and I also improved my running posture a tad as well. Any time I came back from a run with aches and pains or questions, my husband was there to help fix my running and answer inquiries. It was like having a free personal trainer. Very convenient.
Now I say I got into a very consistent pace, but by no means was it a fast pace. I run about a 12min/mile. I learned just how slow that is one day during a run. There was a woman speedwalking about 500m ahead of me. It took me 2.5km to catch and pass her. Oh dear.
In the week before the race I got a very ill-timed visit from Aunt Flo, who decided to stick around for the race. I also began checking the weather....snow? Oh dear.
Finally, April 17th rolled around. I had spent the night living dream after dream about different ways the race would turn out. I must say, by the time I finally woke up I was more than a little confused but, I think, less nervous than I would have been if I hadn't already woken up, gotten ready, and run the race 3-4times in my sleep. I ate a small breakfast of bread and molasses, then my husband and I headed out.
We arrived at the fitness centre which was to be the starting point, and picked up our t-shirts, numbers, and little ankle bracelets with chips in them to track our finishing times. And at 9:50am we headed out into the miserable 3*C sleet pelting us in 40km/hr winds. What a joy that was.
At 10am sharp, we lined up and were, in short order set off to the sound of the airhorn. I decided to line up near the back of the pack, since I knew I'd be among the slowest. I turned on my Nike+ GPS app as I waited for those in front of me to begin moving, then I started running as well.
About 0.5k into my run I fell into my usual pace. There were 3 participants behind me and 2 about 20m in front of me. About 1k in, I realized that the race website's promise of, and I quote, a very flat out and back course, was bull crap. We were constantly running up and down small hills, and the mid point was a long uphill battle into the wind. How I managed to keep moving forward is a mystery. But my perseverance paid - I forced myself to continue at an even pace uphill allowing me to pass the 2 running in front of me. I kept them at my back the rest of the race. I even came close to catching 2 more further ahead who had stopped to walk up the hill.
It was on my way up the hill that I felt a strange snapping sensation in my calf and thought "this is going to hurt later."
The way back was easier as I was now running downhill with the wind pushing me forward. I almost tripped over my feet a couple times from the forward momentum. It was during the last 200m before the finish line that the road became a wind tunnel between the buildings. I swear there came a point when I was putting all my effort into running on the spot so as to keep from running backwards! I was near the limit of my endurance by this point but somehow managed to finish strong and finally cross the finish line. Ah, sweet relief.
I kept a very consistent pace of 7:35/km the entire race and finished in 38:31 - meeting my inspired goal of not finishing dead last. In fact I finished 22 of 27.
I moved up the crowd a little bit to cheer on the rest of the 5K finishers and to greet the first of the 10K racers. Somehow the sun had come out right at the end making the outdoors endurable again. I watched as my husband and six other 10Kers were directed up the wrong street (!) by one of the volunteers right at the end and had to double back, adding a good 3mins to their times. My husband lost 20 places to that mistake and is still bitter about it.
We went inside together and discovered that the volunteers had put out fruit trays, which was unexpectedly wonderful. We both grabbed some orange slices and stretched and sat. By now I was starting to feel whatever it was I'd done to my calf during the run, and I spent the rest of the day hobbling around quite painfully. Amazingly though it worked itself out and I was walking mostly fine on Monday.
Before leaving, we went out to the finish line again and cheered in the last of the 10K runners - a 90yr old woman who finished in 1h20, probably faster than I could have done!
So that was my race experience. We are running another race together in 2 week's time, and I'm quite excited. Apparently racing is addictive!
February 04, 2011
Omg yay!
I got promoted :D I'm going to be training at the call center now :) Which means I can count on a regular (though backshift) mon-fri schedule. So excited!
It also means I have no excuse not to work out regularly, heh....
It also means I have no excuse not to work out regularly, heh....
January 30, 2011
Back to the Races
Well, I'm not literally racing yet... but after about 3 months off I'm finally back into running. My Dad lent us an elliptical machine which has been extremely useful now that the ground is quite snow covered and the trail I usually run in is impassible to all but snow mobiles. I've also been doing some free runs on wii fit - which isn't the most accurate (or effective) way to run, but hey, at least it gets my blood pumping a bit.
My husband and I also just re-registered for the Run Nova Scotia series and he's currently training for a 10K in April. He wants me to run with him, but I'm not confident I'll be ready for that length of run by then. I just don't have a consistent enough work schedule to train effectively. I try to get as much exercise in on the weekend as I can but when I work from 9am-11pm all week with a 1hr commute, there is just no way I can get up early in the morning to workout and still function all day.
Looking forward to trying for it though.
My husband and I also just re-registered for the Run Nova Scotia series and he's currently training for a 10K in April. He wants me to run with him, but I'm not confident I'll be ready for that length of run by then. I just don't have a consistent enough work schedule to train effectively. I try to get as much exercise in on the weekend as I can but when I work from 9am-11pm all week with a 1hr commute, there is just no way I can get up early in the morning to workout and still function all day.
Looking forward to trying for it though.
July 14, 2010
mini adventure time
The husband and I just celebrated our 2yr anniversary on July the 12th :) Yay us. Unfortunately we were unable to see eachother the day of (just another perk of working 14hr days with a 1hr commute both ways) so we decided to make up for it by leaving on what we have dubbed the "Road trip of Loooooove."
And what will this roadtrip involve? Well, a fair amount of exercise. We're heading across the province for 2 days to go hiking, swimming, geocaching and camping. There will probably be some romantic wine and dining going on as well as it is an anniversary mini-vacation. I'm quite excited. Some of the places we hope to check out are the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct, The Ovens National Park, Rissers beach, and of course the various museums and parks from Liverpool to Lunenburg. We'll be visiting some old college friends along the way too. I'm really quite excited - although I know I will be super exhausted come Friday night when we get home - and then I have to get up at 6:30am to go to work.....Meh, not thinking about that now!
Anyway, it should be really quite fun - and a good entry back into gentle physical activity. It appears that my ribcage injury is going to be with me for some weeks more, so it seems this summer I may be out of the races, pun intended.
And what will this roadtrip involve? Well, a fair amount of exercise. We're heading across the province for 2 days to go hiking, swimming, geocaching and camping. There will probably be some romantic wine and dining going on as well as it is an anniversary mini-vacation. I'm quite excited. Some of the places we hope to check out are the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct, The Ovens National Park, Rissers beach, and of course the various museums and parks from Liverpool to Lunenburg. We'll be visiting some old college friends along the way too. I'm really quite excited - although I know I will be super exhausted come Friday night when we get home - and then I have to get up at 6:30am to go to work.....Meh, not thinking about that now!
Anyway, it should be really quite fun - and a good entry back into gentle physical activity. It appears that my ribcage injury is going to be with me for some weeks more, so it seems this summer I may be out of the races, pun intended.
July 10, 2010
Injuries and Maladies
Where have I been the last 3 months you ask? Well, I have no excuses up 'till late May, and to be quite honest I was too busy to blog. But my runs were getting great, I could do 20mins nonstop at about 10min/mile...and then.....I caught a cold
And I suffered laryngitis...sore throat....laryngitis....sore throat....nausea and fatigue.....sore throat....coughing and muscle aches.....coughing.....laryngitis and diarrhoea (tmi I know)...coughing and sore throat(did I mention I work at a call centre?)......coughing and nausea......sore throat and fatigue......stuffy nose and coughing......more coughing......DISLOCATING the cartilage in my RIBCAGE by COUGHING(!)......sneezing and stuffy nose....and finally, coughing. For the record, I still have a bad cough and my ribs still hurt. I'm pretty sick and tired of being sick and tired. In fact, I've felt so horrible that I've gone twice to outpatients for the first time in memory, and the cough syrup bottle count has reached a whopping 25bottles. That's approximately 2.5L, nearly $150....
So yeah, it's been a long time since I went for a run
And I suffered laryngitis...sore throat....laryngitis....sore throat....nausea and fatigue.....sore throat....coughing and muscle aches.....coughing.....laryngitis and diarrhoea (tmi I know)...coughing and sore throat(did I mention I work at a call centre?)......coughing and nausea......sore throat and fatigue......stuffy nose and coughing......more coughing......DISLOCATING the cartilage in my RIBCAGE by COUGHING(!)......sneezing and stuffy nose....and finally, coughing. For the record, I still have a bad cough and my ribs still hurt. I'm pretty sick and tired of being sick and tired. In fact, I've felt so horrible that I've gone twice to outpatients for the first time in memory, and the cough syrup bottle count has reached a whopping 25bottles. That's approximately 2.5L, nearly $150....
So yeah, it's been a long time since I went for a run
April 20, 2010
New toys
My husband and I got a wonderfully large tax return this year (thank you first time homebuyer's tax credit) and after quite responsibly putting 2K on our student loans and into our emergency fund, we split the remaining $800 and went shopping. Among my more relevant purchases is the Ipod Touch. And ooooh what an engrossing little device that is.
I bought an armband to carry it in while running, and the Nike+ sensor is on it's way. I'm looking forward to testing it out - it looks really quite informational. I went for my first run using the armband today, and other than some confusion regarding what to do with my headphone cords (i eventually ended up feeding them through my sleeve and up the back of my t-shirt), everything worked out fairly well. Seems I am slowly getting back into shape after the winter months of inactivity. I no longer feel nauseous halfway through my excursions.
Now for those people out there with Ipods looking to start running, there is a C25K app that you can download (unfortunately it is not a free app, and does cost $4) that allows you to listen to your own music and chimes at the appropriate intervals. I think that if I were still doing that program I would likely download it, as the one complaint I had with the c25k podcasts I listened to is that I didn't really like the 20mins of repetitive techno, useful though the podcasts were.
I've also discovered that there is a free SparkPeople app, convenient since I've already set up a profile through that particular site. But I've also discovered Lose-it, which is an easier app to use and which remembers the food that you have previously entered so that you don't have to search every time.
I bought an armband to carry it in while running, and the Nike+ sensor is on it's way. I'm looking forward to testing it out - it looks really quite informational. I went for my first run using the armband today, and other than some confusion regarding what to do with my headphone cords (i eventually ended up feeding them through my sleeve and up the back of my t-shirt), everything worked out fairly well. Seems I am slowly getting back into shape after the winter months of inactivity. I no longer feel nauseous halfway through my excursions.
Now for those people out there with Ipods looking to start running, there is a C25K app that you can download (unfortunately it is not a free app, and does cost $4) that allows you to listen to your own music and chimes at the appropriate intervals. I think that if I were still doing that program I would likely download it, as the one complaint I had with the c25k podcasts I listened to is that I didn't really like the 20mins of repetitive techno, useful though the podcasts were.
I've also discovered that there is a free SparkPeople app, convenient since I've already set up a profile through that particular site. But I've also discovered Lose-it, which is an easier app to use and which remembers the food that you have previously entered so that you don't have to search every time.
March 31, 2010
Fatter and out of shape
This morning I finally overcame that part of my brain which insists laziness is my best friend. I went for my first run of the season (2.8KM according to Map My Run) and it nearly killed me. But it felt good to be out and about getting my blood flowing. Although I must say the overwhelming nausea I experienced on the side of the road wasn`t too pleasant. But now that I consistently have 3 days off a week, I have no excuse but to run often and get my butt in gear.
Now, regarding Curves....I won`t be getting a membership. The facility is very nice, the staff is friendly, the hours are good, the cost is reasonably. But I didn`t realize that Curves is not a normal gym. You actually have to follow their 30min circuit training plan. Don't get me wrong, it is well planned out and I`m sure it`s very efficient at burning fat in the shortest time possible- which I well imagine is the goal for most women with normal jobs. But alas, that is not my intention.
I wanted to join a gym where I could just hop on a treadmill, or elliptical, or stepper, and just go. I don`t want to follow a regimented workout listening to gym music and waiting for a voice recording to say "Change station." I don't want to lift weights and then hop up and down on a converted trampoline as part of my cardio circuit. I want to be left alone in my own little world, listening to my mp3 player and just productively passing the 3hrs between my shifts.
I have therefore resigned myself to the fact that until I have more tenure at work, I will be passing my afternoons sitting in my car, in a parking lot, with a book. On the brightside, I'm catching up on a lot of reading I've wanted to do in the last few years.
Now, regarding Curves....I won`t be getting a membership. The facility is very nice, the staff is friendly, the hours are good, the cost is reasonably. But I didn`t realize that Curves is not a normal gym. You actually have to follow their 30min circuit training plan. Don't get me wrong, it is well planned out and I`m sure it`s very efficient at burning fat in the shortest time possible- which I well imagine is the goal for most women with normal jobs. But alas, that is not my intention.
I wanted to join a gym where I could just hop on a treadmill, or elliptical, or stepper, and just go. I don`t want to follow a regimented workout listening to gym music and waiting for a voice recording to say "Change station." I don't want to lift weights and then hop up and down on a converted trampoline as part of my cardio circuit. I want to be left alone in my own little world, listening to my mp3 player and just productively passing the 3hrs between my shifts.
I have therefore resigned myself to the fact that until I have more tenure at work, I will be passing my afternoons sitting in my car, in a parking lot, with a book. On the brightside, I'm catching up on a lot of reading I've wanted to do in the last few years.
March 22, 2010
Well, I'm getting fatter
Long time no post. Which, as I'm sure you have already predicted, means that I have not been exercising. The return to the 30DS lasted about 2 weeks. And I was faithful to that plan for those whole 2 weeks.
And then I got thoroughly drowned in my new job. Not a step up in the world by any means, but it is higher paying and more hours. It is also primarily backshift. For the last 2 months I have been working 4-1am, and have a 45min commute. My days have been consumed with exhausted sleeping, and my nights spent in training, wishing I was home with the husband I only see a couple days a week.
Lucky him, he works weekdays, and unfortunate me, I work nights and weekends. It's become rather lonely in our big empty house with no one but our cats for company - not that they really come indoors that much now that spring has swooped in with its many flocks of birds in tow.
As can well be expected, the loneliness and exhaustion (I've always been that strange girl who likes to go to bed at 9pm) have manifested themselves as stubborn laziness. Why would I work out if I could instead be sitting on the couch eating chocolate and watching Stargate Universe?
As can also be expected, this change in lifestyle has resulted in tighter pants, uncomfortable panties (tmi, I know) and acne. Par conséquent, my self esteem isn't where it was at the peak of my fitness pursuits. Leading to a spiral of self pity induced snacking and sci-fi movie watching. A vicious cycle indeed.
However, I do have one chance to escape this ever tightening noose about my neck. My savior? Split shifts. Now that I am out of training I have 2 options for getting in a 40hr work week; work five 8-hour days each week, or work four 10-hour days (a combination of two 5-hour shifts separated by a 3-4 hour break.) Considering the money I've been wasting on gas commuting 100km every workday, the money conscious decision is to work four days a week. Which is exactly what I'm doing.
So now, every workday, I am stranded in a town 50km from home, with seemingly nothing to do but sit in my car in a parking lot listening to an audio book and dozing off. Or, I could join the local Curves and spend my time between splits in a productive fashion. The only drawback is that $40/mo gym membership that I'm not entirely certain I can afford.
So that is where I sit at the moment. I haven't been into the gym for information yet - it took me 2 days of wandering through town to find the place, and when I finally did locate it, it was of course closed. For now I have 2 days off work, so I'll be leaving the final decision for Wednesday when I make my final Curves pilgrimage.
And then I got thoroughly drowned in my new job. Not a step up in the world by any means, but it is higher paying and more hours. It is also primarily backshift. For the last 2 months I have been working 4-1am, and have a 45min commute. My days have been consumed with exhausted sleeping, and my nights spent in training, wishing I was home with the husband I only see a couple days a week.
Lucky him, he works weekdays, and unfortunate me, I work nights and weekends. It's become rather lonely in our big empty house with no one but our cats for company - not that they really come indoors that much now that spring has swooped in with its many flocks of birds in tow.
As can well be expected, the loneliness and exhaustion (I've always been that strange girl who likes to go to bed at 9pm) have manifested themselves as stubborn laziness. Why would I work out if I could instead be sitting on the couch eating chocolate and watching Stargate Universe?
As can also be expected, this change in lifestyle has resulted in tighter pants, uncomfortable panties (tmi, I know) and acne. Par conséquent, my self esteem isn't where it was at the peak of my fitness pursuits. Leading to a spiral of self pity induced snacking and sci-fi movie watching. A vicious cycle indeed.
However, I do have one chance to escape this ever tightening noose about my neck. My savior? Split shifts. Now that I am out of training I have 2 options for getting in a 40hr work week; work five 8-hour days each week, or work four 10-hour days (a combination of two 5-hour shifts separated by a 3-4 hour break.) Considering the money I've been wasting on gas commuting 100km every workday, the money conscious decision is to work four days a week. Which is exactly what I'm doing.
So now, every workday, I am stranded in a town 50km from home, with seemingly nothing to do but sit in my car in a parking lot listening to an audio book and dozing off. Or, I could join the local Curves and spend my time between splits in a productive fashion. The only drawback is that $40/mo gym membership that I'm not entirely certain I can afford.
So that is where I sit at the moment. I haven't been into the gym for information yet - it took me 2 days of wandering through town to find the place, and when I finally did locate it, it was of course closed. For now I have 2 days off work, so I'll be leaving the final decision for Wednesday when I make my final Curves pilgrimage.
January 25, 2010
Busy Busy
The 30DS actually kicked my butt last week. I don't know why, but it did. Maybe because it is 20mins of straight exercise while the P90X allows for 30sec breaks every now and then. Maybe it's because the warm-up is really insufficient. In any case, I got a good couple workouts in last week. I'm thinking about actually sticking with just the 30DS for awhile just because it is just SO much easier to fit in to my day then the P90X.
Time will tell.
Time will tell.
January 18, 2010
P90X Lean - Week 2
I've decided to post weekly rather than Daily, since I assume you don't want to read the same thing every day. I've already posted my opinions on all the videos I've followed, no need to repeat that info.
Week 2 was good. I was rather impressed with my improved endurance, particularly at the first of the week in Plyo. I don't know where the energy or strength came from so quickly, but it was marvelous.
This week, I don't expect to accomplish much. I'll be working the next 14 days straight including 3 days where I'll be working twice (scheduled at both my old and new job) so I'm going to be kind of beat. In order to avoid losing all of that great improvement last week, I'm going to try the 30DS Level 1 & possibly 2 if my knees can handle it. It's a lot easier to squeeze in a 22min workout than it is to find the time for 60+mins. And I should at least see some improvement in the push-up department.
Week 2 was good. I was rather impressed with my improved endurance, particularly at the first of the week in Plyo. I don't know where the energy or strength came from so quickly, but it was marvelous.
This week, I don't expect to accomplish much. I'll be working the next 14 days straight including 3 days where I'll be working twice (scheduled at both my old and new job) so I'm going to be kind of beat. In order to avoid losing all of that great improvement last week, I'm going to try the 30DS Level 1 & possibly 2 if my knees can handle it. It's a lot easier to squeeze in a 22min workout than it is to find the time for 60+mins. And I should at least see some improvement in the push-up department.
January 08, 2010
P90X Lean - Day 6 - Legs & Back
I missed half my workouts this week, bad me. But at my interview yesterday I was offered a job on the spot and, of course, happily accepted. YAY.
So today I was motivated enough to clean and workout. Goodstuff. I`m feeling pretty good about today`s efforts. I really brought it though most of the video, although my legs became rather wobbly near the end and I couldn`t complete the last set of due to constantly falling over. Whoops.
I upped the weights on my exercise machine for the `pull-ups` by 10 lbs over what I used during the Classic program. I also did 3 more sets/pull-up than I did previously. Yay, pride. I haven`t lost it all apparently.
I don't have much more to say so for your amusement I`m posting pictures my husband took of me attempting to stretch while my cats tried to cuddle. They are usually pretty good about keeping to the walls when I'm actually working out (I think they sense the possible danger of being kicked or stepped on) but when I'm standing still or lying down I guess I'm just too hard to resist. This is a daily adventure. Goodtimes!
Trying to stir a pot of kitty stew
Downward dog...sorta
I got a good wiff of Cat Butt on that one
And lastly, he finally found a good spot to lie down
So today I was motivated enough to clean and workout. Goodstuff. I`m feeling pretty good about today`s efforts. I really brought it though most of the video, although my legs became rather wobbly near the end and I couldn`t complete the last set of due to constantly falling over. Whoops.
I upped the weights on my exercise machine for the `pull-ups` by 10 lbs over what I used during the Classic program. I also did 3 more sets/pull-up than I did previously. Yay, pride. I haven`t lost it all apparently.
I don't have much more to say so for your amusement I`m posting pictures my husband took of me attempting to stretch while my cats tried to cuddle. They are usually pretty good about keeping to the walls when I'm actually working out (I think they sense the possible danger of being kicked or stepped on) but when I'm standing still or lying down I guess I'm just too hard to resist. This is a daily adventure. Goodtimes!
Trying to stir a pot of kitty stew
I got a good wiff of Cat Butt on that one
And lastly, he finally found a good spot to lie down
January 06, 2010
Stress breeds inactivity
Or so it would seem.
When I get home from work, all I want to do is lay on the couch, play spider solitaire and lurk on my fav internet message board.
I don't want to think about the fact that I'll be phased out of my current job in 2 weeks when the new girl starts working alone. I don't want to think about the fact that of the 20jobs I've applied for only a call center has called me for an interview (is there a spelling mistake on my resume or something?!?!?!). I don't want to think about the fact that even though I feel I gave my employer 2 months notice, I was ambushed yesterday and told that as far as their records are concerned I didn't give them a specific end date, so I still owe them a full 2 weeks notice. I don't want to think about the fact that IF I'm offered a job at the call center, they're starting training this coming Monday. I don't want to think about the fact that I'll likely end up going from a 5min jaunt to work to a 45min commute. I don't want to think about the possibility that I may, somehow, get turned down for the call center job, even though it's a call center and they hire everyone! I don't want to think about how badly I'm going to want to shoot myself in the face everyday dealing with customer complaints.
So I go home from work, I lay on the couch and I play Spider solitaire and browse the Internet until I go to bed. I can't sleep, can't think about making supper, can't motivate myself to work out and am living in near panic attack mode.
Let me get through this.
When I get home from work, all I want to do is lay on the couch, play spider solitaire and lurk on my fav internet message board.
I don't want to think about the fact that I'll be phased out of my current job in 2 weeks when the new girl starts working alone. I don't want to think about the fact that of the 20jobs I've applied for only a call center has called me for an interview (is there a spelling mistake on my resume or something?!?!?!). I don't want to think about the fact that even though I feel I gave my employer 2 months notice, I was ambushed yesterday and told that as far as their records are concerned I didn't give them a specific end date, so I still owe them a full 2 weeks notice. I don't want to think about the fact that IF I'm offered a job at the call center, they're starting training this coming Monday. I don't want to think about the fact that I'll likely end up going from a 5min jaunt to work to a 45min commute. I don't want to think about the possibility that I may, somehow, get turned down for the call center job, even though it's a call center and they hire everyone! I don't want to think about how badly I'm going to want to shoot myself in the face everyday dealing with customer complaints.
So I go home from work, I lay on the couch and I play Spider solitaire and browse the Internet until I go to bed. I can't sleep, can't think about making supper, can't motivate myself to work out and am living in near panic attack mode.
Let me get through this.
January 03, 2010
Let's try this again...
P90X Lean - Day 1 - Core Synergistics
As I suspected, I wouldn't really get back into this until the New Year. Well, here I am again. I had a good holiday - a nice and relaxing 13 days off with my husband. We ate, we visited family, we partied...all in all, quite nice. He has committed to getting back into running and to start a weight lifting regime, he's even begun counting calories. It's inspiring. Also his new resolve helps me to eat well since I'm the cook and "have to" make meals that fit in with his (...our) diet.
Enough about life. All you really care about is what I thought of Core Synergistics right? Well, I'll keep you waiting no longer...
This was my first encounter with Core Synergistics as I always skipped it during the recovery weeks in the P90X Classic program. I was excited to switch on a new video to spice things up a bit but, quite frankly, it bored me.
The exercises seemed uninspired and either completely impossible without severe modification (a testament to my pathetic upper arm strength) or ridiculously simple. I only started getting a bit out of breath near the end when it came time for the Lunge Kickback Curl Press (which was excellent), the Superman Banana (ouch but woah) and the Steam Engine.
I will give it a 2nd chance though. I felt the same way after finishing Kenpo for the first time and, as I discovered a couple weeks ago, that snap judgement was perhaps too harsh. On the other hand, I gave Yoga a 2nd (and 3rd) chance and I still hated it, so really this could go either way.
As I suspected, I wouldn't really get back into this until the New Year. Well, here I am again. I had a good holiday - a nice and relaxing 13 days off with my husband. We ate, we visited family, we partied...all in all, quite nice. He has committed to getting back into running and to start a weight lifting regime, he's even begun counting calories. It's inspiring. Also his new resolve helps me to eat well since I'm the cook and "have to" make meals that fit in with his (...our) diet.
Enough about life. All you really care about is what I thought of Core Synergistics right? Well, I'll keep you waiting no longer...
This was my first encounter with Core Synergistics as I always skipped it during the recovery weeks in the P90X Classic program. I was excited to switch on a new video to spice things up a bit but, quite frankly, it bored me.
The exercises seemed uninspired and either completely impossible without severe modification (a testament to my pathetic upper arm strength) or ridiculously simple. I only started getting a bit out of breath near the end when it came time for the Lunge Kickback Curl Press (which was excellent), the Superman Banana (ouch but woah) and the Steam Engine.
I will give it a 2nd chance though. I felt the same way after finishing Kenpo for the first time and, as I discovered a couple weeks ago, that snap judgement was perhaps too harsh. On the other hand, I gave Yoga a 2nd (and 3rd) chance and I still hated it, so really this could go either way.
December 18, 2009
Life keeps getting in the way
Motivation seems to have been the main antagonist in my fitness story. If I am not in the mood, or feel like my day is already busy, I just skip my workouts.
I must stop this. I must gain some self control. But how?
This week's preoccupation is knitting. I'm making these for my grandmother for Christmas. Hopefully I finish them soon or I'll have wasted last week's return to the P90X.
I think it best I start from Day 1 again in January. It would be a more honest countdown.
I must stop this. I must gain some self control. But how?
This week's preoccupation is knitting. I'm making these for my grandmother for Christmas. Hopefully I finish them soon or I'll have wasted last week's return to the P90X.
I think it best I start from Day 1 again in January. It would be a more honest countdown.
December 13, 2009
Glorious rest day
I'm so glad it's Sunday :)
Last night before bed I was starting to feel a foreboding stiffness in my back and shoulders - not surprised considering all the twisting, jabbing and insufficient warm-up/cool-down in Kenpo. As expected, this morning I am dealing with twinges in varying degrees of painfulness throughout my upper body.
On the bright side, my quads seem to have finished healing after Wednesdays' first plyo workout in some months.
So how shall I spend my rest day? Work from 8am-2pm, run quickly to town to find out if Super Mario Wii is still in stock anywhere, come home and lounge on the couch with my husband and kitties.
Sounds like a decent day to me.
Last night before bed I was starting to feel a foreboding stiffness in my back and shoulders - not surprised considering all the twisting, jabbing and insufficient warm-up/cool-down in Kenpo. As expected, this morning I am dealing with twinges in varying degrees of painfulness throughout my upper body.
On the bright side, my quads seem to have finished healing after Wednesdays' first plyo workout in some months.
So how shall I spend my rest day? Work from 8am-2pm, run quickly to town to find out if Super Mario Wii is still in stock anywhere, come home and lounge on the couch with my husband and kitties.
Sounds like a decent day to me.
December 12, 2009
P90X Lean Day 6 - Kenpo
So, as previously mentioned, I did the Kenpo video today for the 2nd time ever. It wasn't as terrible as I remember it being. Perhaps it's because I'm just more accustomed to following workout videos now or maybe I'm in slightly better shape. I don't know. But I was able to accurately perform all but the 3rd last sequence with acceptable form. The kicks were a tad painful as I am still recovering from Plyo earlier this week, but all in all, a decent work out.
It's far from being my favourite video but I am glad I gave it a 2nd chance.
It's far from being my favourite video but I am glad I gave it a 2nd chance.
I`m Back.....
I can`t believe I haven`t posted since August, I didn`t realize it had been that long. In anycase, I made it to about week 10 of the P90X Classic before giving up (so close yet so far) - life got in the way. A coworker quit rather suddenly so I was working 6-7days a week, school started up so I was busy with that. Then when we finally had someone new trained...she quit. It`s been a long fall.
But now it`s over. I finished the final course in my program and my hours at work have steadied out simultaneously. I find it interesting that I literally started working out again the day after I passed in my schoolwork and the week that my new coworker started working on her own. I thought that I was experiencing a motivation problem and that`s why I couldn`t be bothered to turn on a video, but it would seem that it was more of a burnout problem.
In anycase, I`ve restarted with the P90X Lean. Well... more or less. I`ve decided to substitute the videos I like for the ones I don`t. So this will be my Phase 1 schedule:
So there you have it. It's pretty well the same with some minor substitutions. I had the intention of replacing Kenpo with Plyo, as I hated Kenpo the first time through and skipped it pretty well every single week. But, I decided to do it today and actually sort of enjoyed it. Mostly because the 1hr workout seems to be the only one that really flies by. More on that later. So I decided instead to replace Cardio with Plyo as I love plyo and needed to sneak it in there somewhere.
And while I generally enjoy the Shoulders & Arms video, I would really like to continue to improve my push-up count for the motivation aspect of things, and I feel that the Chest & Back video will accomplish this better.
Another thing I've learned from my first round of the P90X is that I burn out if I work out 6 days straight, and I'm likely to just skip yoga anyway. So I've decided to build a 2nd guilt-free rest day into my plan.
But now it`s over. I finished the final course in my program and my hours at work have steadied out simultaneously. I find it interesting that I literally started working out again the day after I passed in my schoolwork and the week that my new coworker started working on her own. I thought that I was experiencing a motivation problem and that`s why I couldn`t be bothered to turn on a video, but it would seem that it was more of a burnout problem.
In anycase, I`ve restarted with the P90X Lean. Well... more or less. I`ve decided to substitute the videos I like for the ones I don`t. So this will be my Phase 1 schedule:
| Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday | My Plan Core Synergistics Plyometrics Chest & Back, AbRX Rest Legs& Back, AbRX Kenpo Rest | P90X Lean Core Synergistics Cardio Shoulders & arms, AbRX Yoga Legs & Back, AbRX Kenpo Stretch or Rest |
And while I generally enjoy the Shoulders & Arms video, I would really like to continue to improve my push-up count for the motivation aspect of things, and I feel that the Chest & Back video will accomplish this better.
Another thing I've learned from my first round of the P90X is that I burn out if I work out 6 days straight, and I'm likely to just skip yoga anyway. So I've decided to build a 2nd guilt-free rest day into my plan.
August 25, 2009
P90X - Week 3
Considering I've been ridiculously busy at work recently (worked 101hrs this pay period)blogging has not been at the top of my priority list. Somehow, I have only missed 2 workouts in this time - both Kenpo coincidentally.
I am starting to see some changes in my shape and feeling really good about my body. Unlike the 30DS where I just kinda noticed random muscles popping out in strange places, the P90X really seems to be working everything to slim me down evenly. My waistline is looking very smooth and I'm noticing muscle definition all across my abs. My arms haven't changed in appearance much, but my performance in the "Chest & Back" video has improved threefold. My thighs & (miraculously) my calves are also quickly showing some definition. I've also lost 2lbs - which, considering I really don't need to lose weight, is a pleasant surprise. I could probably lose 3lbs more without becoming sickeningly thin. Chances are I'll gain some muscle weight anyway and get back up to my regular 125lb.
Now I'm on my rest week. I probably won't do any P90X related videos even though I should continue to follow the program. But after the last 2 weeks I've survived through, I'm just exhausted and need to just relax and have some down time. It also seems I have planned the workout very well so that the rest weeks correspond with Auntie Flo's visits. It's complete chance but works out very well since she pretty well knocks me on my butt with aches and pains. So at least I'm not going to have to worry about missing "real" workouts.
I'll hopefully be updating regularly in the next couple weeks once some new videos get thrown into the mix.
I am starting to see some changes in my shape and feeling really good about my body. Unlike the 30DS where I just kinda noticed random muscles popping out in strange places, the P90X really seems to be working everything to slim me down evenly. My waistline is looking very smooth and I'm noticing muscle definition all across my abs. My arms haven't changed in appearance much, but my performance in the "Chest & Back" video has improved threefold. My thighs & (miraculously) my calves are also quickly showing some definition. I've also lost 2lbs - which, considering I really don't need to lose weight, is a pleasant surprise. I could probably lose 3lbs more without becoming sickeningly thin. Chances are I'll gain some muscle weight anyway and get back up to my regular 125lb.
Now I'm on my rest week. I probably won't do any P90X related videos even though I should continue to follow the program. But after the last 2 weeks I've survived through, I'm just exhausted and need to just relax and have some down time. It also seems I have planned the workout very well so that the rest weeks correspond with Auntie Flo's visits. It's complete chance but works out very well since she pretty well knocks me on my butt with aches and pains. So at least I'm not going to have to worry about missing "real" workouts.
I'll hopefully be updating regularly in the next couple weeks once some new videos get thrown into the mix.
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