Decisions and minor frustrations

I know I must sound manic.. ecstatic one day and frustrated the next and I'm sure some of it is hormones but well.. such is life.

Today's frustration and confusion came from my workout. I've been noticing that I burn WAY more calories in 30 minutes on the elliptical than 30 minutes on the treadmill.

For example, yesterday in 30 minutes on the elliptical I burned 400 calories, and I stayed "at a higher level of aerobic activity" for an additional hour, burning a total of 580 calories.

Treadmill (on Monday) for 30 minutes burned 294 calories and the lasting effect after an hour netted only a total of 425 calories.

In addition to the NUMBERS, I feel a lot better after an elliptical workout. I have that extra hitch in my step and feel like bouncing off the walls. After a treadmill workout, I'm exhausted - ready for a nap! So.

I guess I've made my decision, I'm just looking for support on it. At least for now, until I shed some more weight, I'm going to focus on Elliptical workouts. As the weather breaks, and races get closer (and I'm MUCH lighter) I will resume my 5k training. But for now, my main goal is to lose weight and so that's what I'll do.

The down side to this is that I won't have any neat little nike+ graphics for the elliptical (it doesn't work on ellipticals) I've also found myself paying less attention to elliptical mileage and just pushing as hard as I can and I listen to Great Big Sea --- my inspiration :)

So there it is, now I'm going to go get some yummy BBQ chicken and brown rice.

I leave for Columbus tomorrow...


My last (for awhile) run data:

New things... bring Excitement

I have a new plan I'm trying. Well I did it today and I really liked it. I'm not a morning person- ask anyone who knows me, I'm a late night owl and I prefer to sleep in. BUT, I've decided that I'm going to start working out BEFORE work. That means getting up at 5, being at the gym by 5:30, so I can return home shortly after 6 to get ready for work. I did it today.... I LOVED IT. I felt great all day long!

I will try it again next week. (I"ll be at a conference so everything will be kinda messed up for awhile)

The second excitement is I changed my plan for life.. or at least the next few credit hours. I decided instead of pursuing technology- I want to add high school math to my license. In short this means I WILL HAVE MATH HOMEWORK this semester.. and I'm totally PSYCHED about it :) I'm a nut, ok I admit it. I love math, I enjoy doing math, and I'm actually GIDDY that I will get to do math homework. I believe this is further proof that I belong in a MATH classroom even more than a computer lab. I'll explain more about this later.. but right now-I have a nice warm bed to crawl into and a couple of math books to start reading.. HEE HEE =)

Feeling better

Well, my weigh in this morning was just as dismal as last night's. However, I had a good talk with the lady from BodyBugg and I had a great workout (only 30 mins) at the gym and I think I've got it figured out.

It's that time of the month - AND I think I was pushing myself too hard. I was tired all last week and my workouts never exhausted me like that. I'm all about being exhausted as I'm working out... but not in the aftermath- that's not right.

So my goal this week is to eat a little more (within my budget), workout HARD for 30 minutes a day, and get 8 hours of sleep each night. I'm hoping the snow storm will help me with getting lots of sleep tonight. In fact, as soon as I write this, I'm going to watch the end of Biggest Loser, then crawl into bed and read my book -- and be ASLEEP by 11 if not sooner!!

Thanks for listening.. I'm off =)

Blah.. what a letdown

Today was rough. I woke up late, and it went downhill from there. I was in a fog all day long. Unfortunately the fog turned into a migraine. I fended that off with my best friend - Aleve- and managed to complete my Walmart shopping trip. I found a cute pair of pajamas to use as a goal outfit, and some luggage for my little excursion next week. (To Columbus for a technology conference).
My headache being gone, I came home, got psyched up for the gym, and went to get weighed in. I don't know... I hate that scale. I've been working my butt off, showing calorie deficits over 1000 almost every day, and yet, according to their scale I've only lost 1 pound. ONE. That's it. ONE!

So off I headed to the treadmill for my run. I don't know if it was the aftermath of the migraine (I forgot they can be draining) or the disappointment of the weigh in, but my workout felt terrible. My calves were cramping, my feet were aching, and my time ended up... well pardon my "french" sucking! I know I pushed myself hard during the run portions, but then I seem to go even slower in the walk portions. I think I'm dehydrated, or at least dried out. Partially from the cold weather and hot showers. I've been getting better about putting moisturizer on, and I'm trying to drink more water. I'm just frustrated.


I keep reminding myself that TOMORROW is the weigh in that counts. Tomorrow is the one that I use to keep track of my success.

In other news. I started a new experiment. I know other people have done it before, but I thought I would try the "picture a day" thing. So I'm going to take a picture of myself everyday for a year. You are welcome to check out my experiment. Of course today's picture will be lovely since I forgot to take it BEFORE I worked out! oh well.

Here's to KNOWING tomorrow will be better than today!

Blast from the Past

So today I got an IM from an old friend. The premise was business but the result was great. It was so nice chatting and catching up and things are really go well for both of us! It's strange how just that tiny reconnection with a friend can make you smile... minutes... after the conversation is over - and of course, no one can even see that I'm smiling. In fact one of my favorite quotes is "If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it." By Andy Rooney I think it's very true. If no one is around you are smiling for yourself, because it's what you REALLY feel. (this conversation also proved to be a much better alternative than the ice cream sundae I was going to have!)

OK enough of that .. back to business...
It looks like I get to start reading a new book tomorrow - I think I"ll end VERY close tonight, but not quite enough. I did however go out and buy the book today.. so it will be ready and waiting for me.
I learned an important lesson today - or rather figured out a potentially disasterous problem. The last few days, when I've been kicking my own butt at the gym, I 've come home and had a terrible upset stomach. I've eaten like I should but both Wed and Thur I headed to bed early in an attempt to make it go away. Today when I got home from the gym, it happened again, after successfully devouring a pita with turkey and cheese and strawberries (The strawberries weren't in the pita!) . So I did some research and found that one cause of an upset stomach after a workout is dehydration. UH OH. So today, as I was feeling rotten, I re-filled my water bottle and continued sipping on it... and tada! it went away. I now know (especially on days when I really push myself) I need to keep drinking water, long after my workout is over.

Today on the treadmill (and the 3 mins or so on the bike) the bottoms of my feet were killing me. Any ideas why? I also got on the new Precor elliptical/stepper machine. I didn't like it. It's cool, it adjusts to your strides so you can be doing steps, a short stride, or long stride like skiing. But I had a hard time keeping it where I wanted it. After running on the treadmill, I wanted to just work my quads - my calves were beat up enough. I think I'll stick to the regular ellipticals from now on.

Yesterday was my rest day - and I decided I really deserved it. So I curled up on the couch and watched "Catch Me if You Can"

I guess that's all for now. This week's motivational quote has been "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over is you just sit there." I have to remind myself to get up an move sometimes!

Book Store.. here I come

I guess I'll be heading to the bookstore after school tomorrow so I can start reading the prize I'm sure to earn in the next two days =)

Things have been going well. Today I took a step and sculpting class at the gym - it truly kicked my butt and felt great.

I'm so tired though, all this activity is making me crave sleep all the more!

Another Sole Sisters connection - today I decided that I needed a new sports bra so I figured I would look and see what kind the one was that I liked. It was Moving Comfort. There was actually a story in Sole Sisters about the founders of the company. It makes me very glad that I wear their stuff and I will definitely buy more from them.

Well I'm bushed.

54 Days until Great Big Sea!!!

13,732

That's the number of steps I did today! I blame it all on my rekindled love of the elliptical and an unending basketball game. Really, Virginia Tech needs to work on their Free Throws! :)

Tonight's post is going to be short because it's already 10:30 and I need to get up extra early.

I kicked some butt today.
I did my regular treadmill run - 30 mins
Then I got on the elliptical for about 45 minutes.

I met my calorie burn goal, my step goal, and my exercise time goal. Pretty good day I'd say. But now I'm understandingly tired.

Talk to you all tomorrow!

My Girl, I Second That Emotion, The Way You Do The Things You Do

All great songs! Those are the kind of Temptations I like. Not the kind I had to face today. A fellow teacher of mine had an "Inauguation Party" for her students complete with DELICIOUS smelling pizza. She offered me some... and it did smell so good... but I have a goal. I have a destination to get to and random pizza does not fit.

Feeling proud of myself for skipping the pizza, I went on with my day. We had a meeting after school when this SAME (unnamed) teacher plopped a box of Oreos and Fudge Striped Cookies on the table next to me. I could just smell the chocolate begging me... but.. I only looked once - and it wasn't even close to wanting one - it was just to see exactly what they were. YAY for me!

Today I also tried Water Aerobics, the jury is still out on whether or not I like it. I mean it was different, but I don't know if it's "enough" of a workout for the amount of time I put in. I'll see how I feel in the morning. Although I did ride the recumbent bike for a half hour after because I didn't feel like I had worked out at all.

So much to tell.... Last night I finished Sole Sisters (recommended to me by Irene). Some stories were more inspirational than others, several made me at least tear up if not completely break down. One story inspired me so much, I'm going to run in the race that it presented. Chapter 4 is about the Allentown Women's Classic 5K. It's a very girly race held in October. It sounds like a blast. I informed my parents that we are taking a mini vacation that week, to the Lehigh Valley so I can run in that race. This will be the first race that my parents will be at (unless they decide to come to some this summer) But my goal is to truly RUN this race. To be a fit, runner.

I mentioned above that I have a new drive- a new passion. Last night as I was blogging about music, I realized how much I miss "Great Big Sea" I really want to see them in concert again. I've known about a concert about 4 hours from where I live and I've been debating about it. I don't have anyone to go with. But after listening to them last night, I REALLY want to go. It feels right. So I bought my ticket - with the condition that I WILL BE UNDER 200 POUNDS by the time of the concert. (March 17). So there it is - I get to go see my Band if I stick to my routine!

That's all I have for tonight. I need to get some sleep. Goodnight.

Moving Along

So I went to the gym tonight. Still not really "feeling it" but went out of habit - and the fact that I had to weigh in for Biggest Loser. Success! According to the scales at the gym I lost 2.8 pounds this week! Now I'm thinking.... "imagine what I could do if I actually got my butt there more and worked out more often!!"
I ran on the treadmill again-

I was much happier with this run. I finally broke the 3k mark on the treadmill. Yay. I 've started listening to music more. I find I get A LOT more done listening to music - rather than watching tv and there are songs that make me HAPPY. I find myself smiling - and even singing along. Plus even as sit here typing this I'm listening to "Charlie Horse" and I know I'm gonna be dancing as I sit here. Music is good! Man do I want to see them again!

Anyway, I think I'm going to go to bed early tonight... so with that.. goodnight.

P.S. Irene gave me a "fabulous Blogger award". Thanks!!

Jersey Boys... and stairs

The past few days I have done a whole lot of computer work- but not much actual physical work - like working out! However- I did manage to have a calorie deficit each day.(as measured by my Body Bugg) :)

Today we went to see Jersey Boys in Pittsburgh -- the city was alive with the game going on, and at intermission everyone was checking phones, tvs, etc to get the latest updates. I'm glad the Steelers won. I don't care for Baltimore very much. Lol. But anyway the point of my story... besides seeing an AWESOME show, I managed to get a bit of a workout in. We parked on the 9th floor of the parking garage and I decided that I was going to take the stairs when we left. Ok - I was a bit overzealous. 9 stories in a parking garage is HUGE. and of course being the crazy self that I am, I didn't just meander up the stairs. Oh no, I RAN up the stairs- well the first 5 flights, then I huffed and puffed the rest of the way. I made it up in less than 3 minutes and man was I sucking air! Whew! But I'm proud of myself for taking advantage of the opportunity.

We also ate at Buca di Beppo. I probably ate more spaghetti than I should have, but I did well limiting what I ate.

Ways to Earn Points

I have devised a new system to earn points. I have included some other (not physical fitness or food related) items. I consider them to be for my "mental fitness." It's a way of MAKING me, make time for myself.

Here we go.Most of these are daily, but some can only be earned at certain times during the week.

Wear Body Bugg - 2 point
Track all food - 2 points
Fruit- 1 each
Vegetables- 1 each
Fruit & Veggie Bonus point if each is 2 or more, and veggie is greater than fruit.
Take Vitamin- 1 point
Daily Reading* - 1 point
Meet Protein Goal (20%) - 2 points
Meet Protein Goal within 2% - 1 point
Meet Carb Goal (65%) - 2 points
Meet Carb Goal within 2% - 1 point
Meet Fat Goal (15%) - 2 points
Meet Fat Goal within 2% - 1 point
Meet/Exceed Fiber Goal (21g) - 2 points
Meet Saturated Fat Goal (<20g) - 2 points
Meet Water Goal (64oz) - 3 points
Meet Water Goal ( 1/2 water, 1/2 other liquid) - 2 points
Meet Water Goal (1/2 water) - 1 point
Calorie Deficit (1000+cal) - 3 points
Calorie Deficit (500-999cal) - 2 points
Calorie Deficit (1-499 cal) - 1 point
30 Mins of Cardio - 2 points
30 Mins of Weights - 2 points
30 Mins of Yoga - 2 points
30 Mins of Running (outside) - 5 points
30 Mins of "activity" on body bugg (if not in another category)- 2 points
Wii Sports/Wii Fit- 1 point for every 15 minutes
Steps Taken Daily 10,000 - 4 points
Steps Taken Daily 5000-9999 - 2 points
Steps Taken: More than the day before- 1 point
Write a blog - 3 points (can only earn once per day)
Sleep (the night before) 7+hours - 3 points
Sleep (the night before) 5-7- 1 point
Piano Practice - 1 point for every 15 minutes
Positive Weigh in (Tuesdays only) -2+lbs -5 points
Positive Weigh in (Tuesdays only) 1-2lbs - 3 points
Positive Weigh in (Tuesdays only) .1-.9lbs - 1 point

So there you have it. :) Since I have made more points available I'm thinking of shifting some of my "Prize levels."
*Daily Reading- I have several books that I've been reading. If I sit down and read at least one of them - a chapter or more- it counts.

Today's Run... more details in the morning.

And we're off!

Lots of things new...
Yesterday started the Biggest Loser competition at the gym. I'm on the team "Life is Good". Well the way I view it... it's getting better all the time.
My starting weight there was 220. YUCK! But my goal is to be at 205 by March 8.

To help me along the way this time, I bought a new toy. Hee hee. Ever watch the Biggest Loser on Tv? Know that armband they all wear? Well I got one of those. Yep! So far today I know that I've burned 616 calories (I got a late start figuring out how it worked) The program's pretty cool too. It's called a bodybugg. They were also running a special, so I go the digital display for free. The DD (Digital Display) can be worn as a watch or a clip. I'm up to 621, burned 5 calories typing this paragraph!

Last night at the gym they also had a guy there who did our body composition - talk about being a little emabarrassed. However- I was pleased that his results are right about the same that my bodyfat scale reports. I feel more confident relying on my scale now- rather being pinched everywhere!!

Also last night at the gym I noticed something unusual - and I don't like it. I did my "week 1" run that I usually do outside on the treadmill and I didn't go nearly as far, nor did I burn as many calories. Is it normal to go slower on a treadmill than on the road? Should I be concerned about this?



Well that's all I have for now. I am in the middle of a gigantic project (and have to go to the eye doctor - yearly checkup)

Later!

Goal ACHIEVED

WOOHOO. I finally got to 150 pts!! Yippee. I'm going to take the rest of the evening off, play my new DS game, and go to bed early. 

Tomorrow will be spent in front of the computer working on my new webpage. Check it out if you have a minute - just remember it's under MAJOR construction. :) 

So many new things.

I don't seem to ever have enough time to tell all the things I need to.

Today when I got to the gym, the place was PACKED. So I ventured into the "Ladies Only" section in hopes of finding an open treadmill. No such luck. However I did find an open recumbent bike and sat down to ride for 3o mins. It's better than nothing right?

I learned an important lesson - I will never workout in that room again. Too much chatter and not enough exercise going on. I blasted my music and tried to tune them all out. I guess I do better when I can see guys... it helps to motivate me :)

When I came home I had a nice Yoga session with Maya. ( I had done yoga with her before on the Playstation. But since I don't have a Playstation I had to come up with another solution.





I didn't like the Yoga on Wii Fit. I mean it's great for learning moves, but it doesn't flow like a yoga session should. I was pleasantly surprised to see Maya appearing in the Wii game, My Fitness Coach!










Here's a screen shot...

That's all I have for now. I'll be back with more later...

New Beginnings

Today's Run:
Very very slow. However, I'm not complaining too much. My shins are still sore from my 5k, my feet hurt because sometimes my brilliant ideas ... aren't (my running pants are too long, so I had them cover part of me feet - unfortunately, this caused bruises on the bottom of my feet-eek!)



But I've decided to start fresh with my training. I will not worry about where I was before and how I'm not there now. I am going to use my playlists I created last summer but instead of advancing once a week, I'm going to do a playlist for a whole month. I need to stop rushing things.

Stay tuned for details on how I can earn points. :)

Ready to get rolling....

Well, today... I did a little activity- I did some Wii Fit (broke a sweat), lifted a few weights - no where near the 45 minutes I was supposed to, and played some bowling, tennis, and golf.(on the Wii)
I do plan to go running tomorrow - it's supposed to be in the upper 30s.

Today's quote:
"Find that inner fire inside of you that will keep you focused and motivated. Maybe it's your children, a loved one, or even yourself. Having something that reminds you of why you want to better yourself keeps you going." - Neil Tejwani

Wow. Umm. Yeah, I need to re-evaluate why I'm doing this. Or more correctly REMIND myself WHY I'm doing this. I'm very unhappy with myself - more so than in the last year. I want to be happy. I want to be healthy. I want to feel like I could be wanted. What I mean is, sure maybe people will like me for who I am - but I don't like who I am right now, so I don't want other people to like this version of me either.

Someone (maybe me) needs to remind me that this is HARD WORK. I'll need to sweat, to push myself, to not be lazy, to not get sucked in to a mundane existence. I will also be more diligent and honest in my record keeping. I have been successful in this last area over the past few days. I've made myself record EVERYTHING I've eaten on my Biggest Loser site, no matter how bad it was, or how far over my goal it was. I've found that my success comes best when I am honestly analyzing everything - good and bad. I know I need to exercise more- and as much as I don't want to go back to work Monday, I am looking forward to having a routine- a schedule - and less time for munching.

Ok I need to go to bed - my new year's resolution (I've just decided) is to GET MORE SLEEP. I've read that one of the things that helps weight loss is to get enough sleep and I know I haven't been. So with that...

Goodnight.

Points Competition

I mentioned earlier that I bought a couple Biggest Loser Calendars. One of my goals is to reflect on the quote of the day each day. Now I'll mention up front that there is a joint Saturday/Sunday page, so I'll only have one post.

Jan 2 - "If it grows out of the ground or you can pick it off a tree, chances are it's good for you." - Bob Harper

Well today I had two bananas, both of which I'm sure were picked from a tree (not by me) I also had some shrimp. I'm sure there is something healthy about things that swim in the sea, right? I'm not 100% on track. It's that time of the month and I get an insane, insatiable hunger. My legs are still sore from 2 days ago, but I'm going to go workout tomorrow.

I'm going to be keeping a point tally. I'll earn points based on proper eating, following my exercise plan and doing extra exercise stuff. I've also been working on setting up a series of "prizes" that I will earn as I reach point totals. I'm hoping that by focusing on staying on track, (and not on actual pounds), I'll be less likely to get frustrated.

In fact I will be adding up my points (so far it's not good) and will post them somewhere on my blog.