Snow

I hate snow. I want to move some place where it never snows but my family does not. It started snowing late Friday night and snowed into the early hours of Sunday morning. I thin we have close to 20 inches out there. Fortunately it doesn't snow like this often. I did go out for a bit yesterday with the girls. It's just not fun for me. I'm cold, miserable and just plain unhappy. Today is sunny and very windy and cold. I was planning on spending this weekend getting my Christmas shopping and wrapping and baking done. The baking is almost done. And I can't wrap until I have bought the gifts, so no luck there. So instead I watch and take pictures/video's of my family in the snow. Last night we ventured out in our bathing suits to get in the hot tub. That really felt good, until we ha to get out and walk through the shoveled path of snow back into the house. Today my plan is just to stay warm.

I also did Week 1 Day 3 of my 200 sit ups yesterday. It was tough to do 87 situps. I'm not sure how I am going to do it.

83

Sit-ups today. I just did Week 1 Day 2 (level 3) I only did 2 more then the minimum on the last rep. This is hard!!! I really started to feel it yesterday in my abs. I almost forgot to do them this morning. I am so stressed out about everything else in my life, I'm hoping that this will just be a little something for me and something I won't stress about having to do.

200

That's the number of sit-ups I hope to complete. Sit-ups have always been fairly easy for me, as opposed to the 200 push-up challenge. So I took my initial test Sunday and did 27 sit-ups. Today I started Week 1 Day 1, and according to my initial test, on Level 3. That's quite impressive for me, usually I am on the lowest level for any type of physical activity. I am excited about this challenge, it's only 6 weeks, so I hope to be able to complete it. With the c25k, I was able to complete 6 weeks before I started slacking. Today's sit-ups were a bit challenging by the time I got to the 4th & 5th reps. But I am proud to say that I did 68 sit-ups today. On the last rep I did one more then the minimum and that was really pushing it. I'm sure I will feel it tomorrow.

Stressed

But I guess is comes with the territory this time of year. But I usually am able to take things in stride, but not currently. I am beginning to become stressed beyond my limits. I don't even know where to start.

I guess I'll start with my job. I love what I do at work to help my patients. Helping them makes me feel good, but lately not so much. The stress at work is increasing everyday and I am at the point I am ready to quit. At work they have started piling my work up an hour before I even get in, so I start behind every morning and it has been almost impossible to catch up each day. I did recently complain about this and was told it would be looked into and taken care of by my supervisor's until I get in, but that has yet to happen. There's nothing like starting behind the 8 ball every morning, what a great feeling. I have been looking for a new job, though. My work is merging with the hospital. As of Jan 1, we will be employee's of the hospital. Not so bad, except I worked for them for 10 years before they fired me (for taking a medical leave of absence that they denied paying for). So not looking forward to going back to someplace where you are so easily replaced. I am invaluable at my office now. Ask any doctor and they will tell you, but once Jan 1 gets here, my bosses are no longer my boss. While they would have no reason to fire me at this point, it's just the thought of having to go back to those politics again. So this past week I had to apply for my same position at the hospital. It was created just me, so no competition. I had to go for an "interview" and fill out recommendation cards for a job I already have. I had to get blood work done, get my shots updated, do a drug test, show proof of residency for Homeland Security screening, and have a background check done on me. All of this for a job I have already been doing for 3 yrs. I also had to fill out the paperwork for my new health insurance, the cost per pay period will go UP $70. I am not going to be paid any more, but I have to pay out more in benefits. I've been stressing a little over that, because another thing that is a source of stress for me is money.

Money has been a little tight lately. I'm not sure why, we haven't been buying Christmas gifts or anything. I still have all of that to do yet. I tried applying for a home equity loan but was denied. We have more then $100k in equity in our home and I couldn't even borrow a measly $10k to help get caught up on the bills. After the holiday's I may talk with someone and try again. In the mean time will just keep paying the minimum until we can get caught back up again. That will be tough with buying Christmas stuff too, but it will all work out, it always does. But this brings me to another point of stress, money for out upcoming vacation.

We leave in about 6 weeks for our Disney Cruise!! I am very excited about this, for many reasons. 1. I hate winter and can't wait to be where it is warm. 2. We have never been on a cruise before and it seems like a lot of fun. 3. I am really going to need a vacation after the upcoming merger at work Jan 1. But there is still so much I still need to do to prepare for this trip. I still need to book a flight, with the money I've yet to come up with yet. I still need to book a hotel and get a rental car for the drive from the airport to the port and another car for the return trip to the airport after the cruise. I can't really reserve those things, until I know when our flight will be. Which brings me back to the not having money thing again. It is such a vicious cycle.

I am so stressed out, I have been unable to exercise. Seems like an excuse I know, and I guess in some ways it is, but I have been having chest tightness associated with my anxiety of things, which prevents me from exercising. I usually take medicine to help with those symptoms but have been unable to with my recent drug test that I had to take. That is the reason I couldn't work at the hospital to begin with. I couldn't take my "anxiety" medicine and still work as a nurse at the hospital, so they let me go. Now I am back and still taking the medicine. I did disclose that information to them at the interview but I didn't want it to show up in my drug screening. I didn't need to give them a reason for them to not let me do my job again. I am just so overwhelmed, that I just feel like crying all the time. And in fact many times driving home form work over the last few weeks I have.

So annoyed

I think I was not meant to be a runner. I still have not been able to get my runs in. It was Wednesday before I was finally feeling well enough to eat again. But I woke up Tuesday with the worse rash ever. (I have never had a real rash before) It is from my thighs to my armpits on both sides. Thank goodness it's not itchy and only slightly painful to touch. Turns out that I have folliculitis form being in our new hot tub for only 15 mins. What makes me the most annoyed is that everyone else has been in it everyday up until Tuesday and I am the only one that this has affected (not that I want anyone else to have this). It is so bad, that I have been on antibiotics since Wednesday night. It is slightly better, but it is still bad. I still don't want any clothes rubbing on it, so running is still out. I won't let anyone get back in the hot tub now until my husband does something to get rid of what ever caused this to me. I am so annoyed!!

Amazed

I truly am. I had been running for 6 weeks straight and sporadically since. I also changed to healthier eating habits and did not loose 1 pound. Not one. I got sick Thursday night. Came on rather suddenly when I was getting ready for my run and now 3 days later, it appears I have lost 5 lbs. That's right 5 lbs!!! I can't win.

I still don't feel altogether better yet, but I am getting there.

A new begining

For my husband that is. After much harassing, I was able to get him to run tonight. He initially sad no, but after pointing out the need to exercise in graphic details for him, he gave in. I hope it's not this hard every night to get him to run. This is very much needed for him, according to a recent test he had done, he already has some permanent heart disease. He's yet to start on his cholesterol medicine, despite the dire need. I'm hoping all the info I gave him tonight will convince him to do the right thing. So far week 1 day 1 complete. Let's hope getting him to run on Friday goes smoother then this.

Week 7 Day 3

Wow another week done!!!! When does the running get easier or maybe I should say, enjoyable? I still don't enjoy it, but do it because i know I should. Tonight's run seemed to go by quicker. But that's because Hulu.com is my new favorite site. I watched Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. It really makes the time fly by. Although it was a bit hard to run while crying (I always cry watching that show!!)

My husband has been cleared to exercise now. So hopefully I can get him to start running tomorrow.

Week 7 Day 2

Does it really count if it's been a week since I last ran? But that's what the app on the ipod said, so I push on. It has been a busy and crazy weekend. I have barely had a chance to rest, so much going on and so much to do. The weekend started on Friday with Doctor appts, that were not the best, shopping for birthday party supplies and into Sat with a lot of running to do, on top of all the usual cleaning that needs to be done, as well as getting a homemade Apple pie baked to take to a baby shower in the evening. Sun was just as busy with 6 loads of laundry to get done in between having my daughters Birthday party at the pool and getting her packed for an overnight school trip today. So once all of that was done, I ran. I was tired before starting but it felt good to be able to sustain my pace for the whole 25 mins. Usually it is my left leg that gives me some trouble at times but it was my right leg last night. Nothing major, just maybe should have stretched first. The run was good and I did it!!! I thought maybe I would try to get a little running in tonight, but I am so tired after an extremely busy day at work. Got out almost an hour later then usual. On a positive note, the hot tub is almost ready for use. My husband was draining it tonight after putting the jet cleaner in yesterday. He'll wipe it all down tomorrow and fill it up and it will be ready to use after that (once the chemicals are just right) That will certainly feel good after a run, the cool air and the hot water, ah Heaven!!!

Check up

My check up went well. The doctor was very pleased with everything. I go back in 3 months and if i still haven't lost any weight, we will pursue the hypothyroidism route then. So in the meantime I will continue to run and hope the pounds come off. My husband on the other hand did not have as great an appt as me. He has been instructed to not run or to do any strenuous exercise until all of his testing is done. So for him, he will hopefully start with healthier eating habits. I will continue to encourage him in the right directions.

Short lived

That's what my recent success seems to be. After running only 1 Day, my husband is done for now. He says next week will be better when he's not so busy at work. I told him there will always be an excuse, so just DO IT. But didn't happen. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, I am hoping that the doctor really stresses exercise and healthy diet to him. I have a feeling his cholesterol is still high since he is unable to view his lab results online like I was able to. My labs were essentially good. The only thing is my TSH is a little high, which would explain why I haven't been able to loose any weight despite my change in easting habits and all the running. Hoping for big changes after our appts tomorrow.

Bug and a small Success

I seem to have come down with a slight stomach bug. Nothing like last year when I thought I would literally die, but enough to be bothersome and prohibit me from eating and sleeping normally. So no running last night. I thought I might try, but it turns out that eating dinner, no matter how hungry I was, was not a good idea. But now on to the good news.

Success!!!! My husband finally did Week 1 Day 1 on Mon night. It wasn't too bad for him, other then the fact he didn't really stretch first. He said his breathing was OK (although it sounded labored at times to me) the whole time but his shins hurt. Tonight I will be trying to get him back on for Day 2. I'm hoping if I can get him to do this long enough for him to see results and then he'll want to do it on his own. Wish me luck.

Back on track

I decided today was as good a day as any to resume week 7 day1 of c25k. It felt great and was easily doable, especially after on those incline last week. After the first 5-6 mins of running my breathing finally evened out and I was able to complete the run without being so out of breath. My legs held out for the long haul though, they were burning and numb afterwards for quite a while though. But no pain, no gain!!!! Another conclusion about running that I have come to is that semi-large boobs and running don't go together very well. I've tried a couple of different bras, and the one that works the best is also the most uncomfortableist. It is very snug, go for running, bad for breathing. But I guess I can't have everything.

My husband says he will start running tomorrow. I am going to try and hold him to that. He knows he's going to the doctors on Friday and that he will probably be discussing his weight. I don't care what it is that is getting him to run, I'm just glad he's willing o do it.

I came across another program I may try on another blog (thanks Mr &Mrs F). It is the 100 push-up challenge. I'm still looking into it, but I am seriously considering it. I love these weekly programs that advance you slowly. They seem to work, or at least c25k does. I should begin looking into 5K's that I may be interested in since i will be finished the program soon. I wonder if we have a Turkey Trot around here?

Changes

I plan on restarting some kind of diet tomorrow. I need to make changes, not just for me but for others to see and hopefully follow. I am concerned about my husband. I have been asking him since I started C25K to please join me. He always has an excuse. He is becoming more overweight, not obese by any means, but certainly overweight. He is only 36 yrs old and very much out of shape. As was I. I notice now how short of breath he becomes with physical activity. I see his unhealthy eating habits. I can't make him change. I try citing reasons why he should exercise or not eat the junk food, but it falls on deaf ears. A year and a half ago his cholesterol was dangerously high. He was having another issue and the doctor said to come back after that was resolved to start on medicine. He has never been back. I was able to get him to go get blood work this past weekend and we will both be seeing the doctor on Friday. I am hoping he can talk some sense into him. You see his father died at age 50 of a heart attack and his grandfather died in his early 60's of a heart attack. I fear he may be next.

Day of rest

Not sure that is what I really need after 2 weeks of not running, but that is what I am doing today. I have plans for a run tomorrow so I can get back on track for Week 7 on Mon. I have been trying to loose weight and that has not been happening. This has been very discouraging for me. So this week I have started to keep track of what I have been eating. I have "an app for that" on my phone. After only 2 days of keeping track I and see why I have not lost any weight. I love this app, it shows me in graph format what my intake is verses my exercise. My intake is way more the my output (so to speak). I either need to decrease what and the amount that I eat or increase my physical activity, or both!!! So I plan to start anew on Mon. I know, I know why wait until Mon, but I have no will power and so if I set a date I can plan for it and I am more likely to stick with it. So for a few more days I'll continue to track my foods, so I can formulate a plan of change for next week.

Climbing a mountain

At least that what it feels like to be on the treadmill again. I can still remember week 1 and how hard those runs seemed and how far I've come. But stopping for 2 weeks had me slowly slipping down that mountain. I ran on the treadmill yesterday. I choose a pre-programmed run. It was for 30mins, with a max speed of 4 and a max incline of 6. Sounds easy, huh? Well let me tell you, it most certainly was not, but I made it through the whole program. What I am most proud of is the fact that I did it without holding on to the railings to get me through the tough climbs and I actually ran during the running segments instead of stepping off and letting the program continue. Although I completed the run, it was difficult and I was tired. I thought it was because it was so late, 9:30pm. I was awake for hours after that, it was close to 1:30am before I fell asleep. Needless to say, I was tired cranky and exhausted when I woke up. So today I decided to run when I got home. This time I choose a shorter but more intense program. It was 20 mins, with a max speed of 4 and max incline of 6. I once again was able to complete the program without cheating, but thought I was going to fall over from exhaustion when it was done. My legs were numb and my chest was tight. I think tomorrow I will go back to the "easier" 30 min program. I plan to resume week 7 next week, if all goes as planned. I have decided that running for 10 mins on an incline is harder then running 23 mins on a flat surface. So I should be in good shape to resume. I still don't enjoy running but I know for my own health I need to continue.

Wake up call

It's been obvious that I have not been running. There have been no posts. I could make up a million excuses for why I didn't, but the truth is, I just didn't want to. I really don't enjoy running, but I was getting better at it. When I say better, I mean the runs were becoming easier for me in terms of breathing through them. I knew I couldn't pick up where I left off 2 weeks ago, so I thought I would do pre-programed run on the treadmill. One I have done many, many times before. Only 20 mins. But I didn't make it all the way through. I gave up. My chest started to get tight and it was hard to breath. While I was running 20 mins straight on my last week of C25K, it was all with no incline. The program had me doing inclines and I just couldn't handle it. I will try again tonight to do a program with inclines. I think ultimately it will be good for me. But boy do you realize how quickly you loose that endurance of you stop. So when I do get back on track and finish this, what am I going to do to keep it up? I need a plan.

The reality (or finality) of H1N1

It been a long week. My daughter's friend from school died of H1N1 on Wed morning. It is the most heartbreaking story I have heard. I didn't know the boy. She just met him this year. He graduated last year but came everyday to help in the drama dept after school. He was like a mentor to these kids. He loved acting and wanted to be an actor. He was also loved by most everyone in the school, I think. He was Homecoming King last year, what makes that amazing to me is he was not a jock, not particularly handsome and he was even gay. But he had charisma and charm, so much so that everyone wanted to be his friend. Now he is gone. His parents did everything right. After he got sick with fever and cough that didn't get better in a few days they took him to the emergency room. They gave him an antibiotic and sent them home. The next day he had difficulty breathing so they took him back. He was immediately transported to a trauma hospital. He journey from there is something you only hear about in movies. He went into resp failure after his lungs filled with fluid and was placed on a ventilator. He body couldn't fight the infection and ultimately his legs were amputated to help conserve blood flow to his vital organs. If he had survived, he would have lost his hands/arms next. But his heart gave out and he died at the age of 18. From everything that I know, he was healthy and had no underling conditions. My heart breaks for his family. I am afraid to send my children to school or out in public because I don't want them to be next. The H1N1 vaccine is not readily avail in our county yet. A very few have gotten it, but there are many children out of school each day with what is prob the Swine Flu. While most cases are mild, you just never know. Tonight is the viewing. My daughter wants to go, so I will be going with her. I will be coming face to face with the reality of this virus. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

As you can plainly see I have not been running, as I have not been posting. There does appear to be some direct correlation there. I knew I was going to have a busy week this week and had already planned on probably not being able to get all my runs in. Since Sunday I have been working on the rainbow cake and then icing it on Monday. Tuesday was the big birthday day. The birthday girl woke up with a runny nose, so I sent her to school with her cupcakes to share and a new pack of tissues. Luckily I was able to leave work a little early to come home a clean up for the party, only to get home and find out the birthday girl now has a fever, sore throat, headache and cough. Who knew turning 10 could be so difficult. After some medicine the fever was down and headache was gone so the party was still on. But since then the fever has come and gone a few times and the cough gets pretty bad at night. All of this wouldn't be so bad if we weren't going away tomorrow to Great Wolf Lodge. So here's to hoping for the best. Hope you had a Happy Birthday anyway baby girl!!!

Week 6 Day 3

These weeks just seem to be flying by. I now have another week under my belt. It took me until today to be able to get it in. Things have been a little busy here lately with my daughters birthday coming up on Tuesday and also we've been shopping for bathing suits. Hard to find now that summer is over, but we will need them for Great Wolf Lodge this weekend. I spent the weekend doing some much needed cleaning for the party this week and baking a cake. I recently saw a recipe for a rainbow cake, so I thought I would try it. There are 6 layers (for all the colors of the rainbow). I will icing it tomorrow. It was early evening by the time I got on the treadmill. 25 mins seemed like a long time. But by watching King of Queens, I was able to run with out much struggle. I did run at my previous speed of 4mph. For week 7 I will try to up my speed with the longer runs. What I did discover is that my iPhone app really only works if my iPod is playing, otherwise it doesn't tell me when to run/walk unless I look at it to check. Luckily I do check my time pretty frequently. Next time I will have my iPod running as well, even if I am watching a movie. I am still debating whether or not i will do any runs this week or not. I have so much to do just about every night until we leave. If I have time I will run but I'm not getting up early to do it this week. Too much to do!!

Week 6 Day 2

Running, running, running!!! That's what I have been doing. Today was no exception. I have found that on the longer runs, that watching something on my laptop helps make the time go by faster. I have been going about 2 miles each time. I have been trying to up my speed. So far so good. Friday will be tougher.

Week 6 Day 1

Wow, I have been running for 6 WEEKS!!! Why have I not lost a pound? Could the scale be stuck? Seriously. I had to make my watch band smaller today, it was practically sliding all the way around.

Anyway, back to my run. I decided today since I was able to run for 20 mins at my normal speed (4mph) that I should step it up a notch this week. So I ran today at the whopping speed of 4.3mph!!!! I know, amazing I could go that fast!!! But seriously, it kicked my butt. I felt like it was weeks 1&2 again. I really had to push my self to get through my runs. But I guess that's the point of this whole program, huh?!! Apparently by the end of week 9 I will be running 10 min miles. I'm not so sure about that, right now I'm at about 15 mins miles. I am so glad that I have stuck with this. I am psyched about completing this and actually being able to run a 10 min mile!!!

Week 5 Day 3

I can hardly believe I am saying this but, I DID IT!!!!! I ran for 20 mins!!!! I am so proud of myself. I wasn't sure I would get my run in today. We have been so busy. We got up early and took the kids to the museum. The Disney Christmas Carole train was here. We had a really good time walking around and looking/touching the old trains. When we got home, I still had all the cleaning to do, vacuum, dust, straighten, clean the bathrooms, kitchen, etc. It was after 6pm by the time I got all done. After relaxing for a bit, I decided it was now or never. Instead of listening to my iPod, I got my laptop and put it in front of the treadmill. I put a King of Queens DVD in and started my program. Needless to say. The show helped immensely. The time went by and I was able to run the whole time. The first few minutes were rough and I had my doubts but then it got easier. The last few minutes were rough too and I was certainly glad when they were done. Now I will be able to get back to my M-W-F sched nest week. We go back to run/walk intervals on Mon. I defiantly like those better. But at least I know now that I can do it.

Still no luck in getting my husband to run. I'll keep suggesting it though.

Week 5 Day 2

After much thought, I finally made myself run tonight. I am so glad I did. It feels great to have made it this far. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to run the full 8 mins, but I did. What may have helped is that during the the last 3 mins or so I was helping my daughter with her spelling homework. I read her her words while she wrote them in the book. When the 8 mins were up, I was surprised but glad. So when the next 8 min run came up, I knew I could do it. Although this one seemed much longer, probably because it was just me and my ipod. I really need to create a playlist with good running songs, things that are upbeat. That really makes a lot of difference in how long the runs feel. I am a bit nervous about running for a full 20 mins. I will probably put that off until Sat and get back on my regular sched on Mon. Now it is time for me to rest, since my legs are burning. I am so proud of myself tonight!!!

Issues

This should be a post about how my runs went, but I didn't run yesterday. There have been a few things going on this week and I just couldn't do it. For starters my husband and I have been having some issues and now they seem to be interfering with my ability to do the things that need to be done. I have also been having some health related issues going on as well. Nothing serious, but just enough to make running an unpleasant experience. I was planning on trying to run this morning, I set my alarm and everything. But these issues with my husband seem to have me a little depressed and I just didn't want to get up. I am going to try and run today after work. It's also hard to get out of bed in the morning now, when it's so warm and toasty under the covers and it is freezing (I'm a summer girl) outside!! There is so much on my mind, it's hard to think straight, so before I say to much...

Week 5 Day 1

What a way to start the week. Good thing I didn't look at the program for the whole week or I may not have made it through today's workout. I have to say it was hard getting up when the kids didn't have to get up and go to school. But I dragged my butt out of bed and did it. The 5 min runs were not bad at all. I'm not sure if it was because I finally brought the fan up and put it by the treadmill or not,but it felt great to not be all sweaty. This weeks programs will either make me or break me as a runner as by Day 3 this week I will be running for 20 mins. Not looking forward to that at all!! On a positive note, while I have not seemed to have lost any weight, my clothes seem to be looser and my husband told me I feel smaller when he put his arms around me this weekend. All inspiration to continue running. Another good thing was how much energy I had this weekend while cleaning and helping my husband out in the yard. I didn't need to stop once for a breather while moving the shed and reassembling it, granted he did most of the work, but before I would have had to stop a second. Yea me!!

I have been having some problems with my left foot recently. I'm concerned about stress fractures. I broke my L foot 2 years ago. It took over 3 months (because I continued to complain of pain) before they confirmed, with a MRI, it was broke. I haven't had any real problems with it. Sometimes it aches in the winter when it's cold, but nothing serious. But lately I have been having some pain in that foot when I walk. Sometimes now my whole L leg hurts, not sure if related to my foot or not. So for now I will continue to take it easy on my days off from running and hopefully will be able to get some real running shoes soon. That may help.

Accountability

Even though I know no one reads this blog, I still feel that by writing here helps to keep me running. I feel like I have to put something here, like it's expected. There are mornings that I really don't want to get up and run, but knowing that I have to write about it here keeps me going. Why is that when no one reads it. Am I lacking that much inside of me that I need to "make up" a reason to do it. You would think just getting healthy would be enough. But if this is what it takes, then that's OK with me, as long as I can get it done. I guess another thought is that maybe one day in the future there will be someone looking for encouragement and that they will find this blog with my journey. After reading maybe they will realize that they can do it too.

Week 4 Day 3

The 4th week is complete!!! I love this exercise/running program. It really does what it says it will do (so far). I am amazed each week when I am able to complete a week and the 3rd day is easier then the 2nd and certainly the 1st day. I never believed when I started this 4 weeks ago that I would actually be able to run. I hope that I would, but never really expected it. What is a surprise today is that I was able to get my run in. Last night was a bad night. I was up for a while not feeling well, having abd pains and nausea. My alarm went off this morning @6am to run, but I just turned it off and rolled back over. I barely made it to work this morning, but by the end of the day I was feeling better. When I got home I got my run in be fore dinner. I felt great. I was even able to increase my speed a bit tonight. I went almost 2mi in the 30 mins. That was the furthest yet!!

Week 4 Day 2

I can hardly believe that I am writing about Week 4!!! I did do my runs on the treadmill yesterday. It is still a struggle to get up at 6am to run, but I do. It was easier then Monday. I can make it through almost the whole 5 mins before I really start dreading the running. That last 1 min or so are really a struggle. But I push myself and I get through it. I really do not enjoy running, it's just not fun. What I do like is the increased stamina that I have. I love that I am able to do things for extended periods without getting out of breath. Even carrying the vacuum up the stairs is easier. I love it!! Another thing that I am not liking is the achyness that I have been feeling in my left leg. It doesn't feel like muscle aches, so I'm not really sure what it is from. But I will try again Friday. Hopefully this won't stop me from running. Besides I want to be able to say that I did it!!

Week 4 Day 1

It's a good thing there are 2 rest days before I start a new week. Today's runs were particularly hard. I mean, 5mins. I have never run 5 mins before in my life. And to think i did twice today. I really had to push myself the last 1-2 mins of each 5 min run. But I did it. I was exhausted today when I was done. But I love the face that I am sticking to it and pushing myself. I still think I should take some measurements. Better late then never, I guess. I still need to get new shoes too, but money prevails on that one and they will have to wait.

Week 3 Day 3

Whoo Hoo!!!! I am done week 3. It feels great. Today's run were so doable for me. I didn't get nearly as out of breath as Wednesday. I also considered doing an extra 90 sec run on the end. But due to the time I decided not to push it. Besides, since Wednesday my left upper leg/hip has been hurting. Actually it's the leg that I commonly refer to as my "achy leg", it's not new for it to ache. It's just I'm not sure if it was from my running that day or if it's more arthritis like and was responding to the change in the weather. I know sounds stupid for a 35 yo to be c/o arthritis type pain, but this has been going on for years with this leg and I don't know why or what sets it off. But I was able to run today with out it bothering me and it still feels OK now. I have been feeling great lately and feel like I have more energy. I love this feeling. I guess this is the "healthy body, healthy mind" thing my Psychologist always referred to. Now I get it. Tomorrow we are taking the kids to an amusement park with their friends. Lots of walking tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to it. Well since I have off, I need to get to cleaning since the man to do the final inspection for our house is coming today. (After 2 yrs, it's about time!!)

Week 3 Day 2

I can't believe I forgot to write about this yesterday. Well, I did get up and run yesterday morning. This week has been easier then I had anticipated. I feel great when I'm all done. Not just from my workout but from my feeling of accomplishment. I still have not seemed to have lost any weight when I step on the scale, but my clothes tell a different story. My "fat" jeans no longer fit at all without a belt. My upper arms don't look as far as they did. I kinda wish I had taken measurements when I started, but that's OK. My watch can almost spin around my wrist by itself, so I will have to make it smaller soon too. With all these changes I am really looking forward to Friday's workout and continuing on to next week.

Shoes

Well my shoes are definitely in need of an upgrade. I was hesitant to buy new shoes since I didn't know how long I would actually stick with this, but everything seems to be going well so I think it's time to invest in some decent shoes. These are what I am trying to run in now. They prob look OK, just a little old and worn. When actually it is probably more of a work out just trying to keep them on my feet. That's right, there are no backs on these "running" shoes of mine. I have been making out OK, but maybe "OK" is just not good at anymore. So maybe this weekend I will be heading to a shoe store to be fitted for running shoes. This is a big step for me and a huge commitment. But I am ready!!!

Week 3 Day 1

All I can say is, I DID IT !!! I was nervous for really no reason. I'm not saying it wasn't hard, but it was doable. I was so worried about the 3 min run, that I didn't fully look at the running schedule. I thought that I was doing 2 90 sec runs followed by 2 3 min runs, when actually it was a 90 sec run followed by a 3 min run. I was almost done the 3 mins when I realized that I had been running that long. The second 3 min run was a little harder, but only because I knew it was coming. The mind is a powerful enemy. I am actually looking forward to Wednesday's run. I can barely believe that I just said that, but I am. I am even seriously considering buying some good running shoes. I'll have to post a pic of the shoes I run in now. It's hard to believe that I am even able to run with them on. Didn't do so good on the eating part today, but tomorrow is another day.

Nervous

That's an understatement. I just don't know how I am going to run for that length of time tomorrow. I know I shouldn't be worrying about it, but I am. Even though I am nervous about it, I am still going to try an attempt the runs. I will do the best I can, besides that all I can do. I feel like this has been looming over me all day. I have tried to keep busy to distract myself from thinking about it. We had everyone over today for a small party for my daughter's dad's birthday, and to watch the football game. S was really surprised everyone was here to celebrate his birthday. He's been feeling kinda down lately, even though he should be rejoicing that he is alive to celebrate his birthday this year. I mean, it's only been a little over 2 months since his near fatal accident. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Everything is all cleaned up and now I'm getting ready for bed and can't stop thinking about what lays ahead of me for the morning.

Week 2 Day 3

Another week down. I was really tired this morning but I got up and did it anyway. The runs were definitely easier then they were on Monday. I am really surprised about that. At work I have been taking the stairs (3 flights) for over a year now and this week is the first time I noticed not being winded after I ran (hurried) up the stairs. It felt good. I'm a little concerned about being able to do week 3. Even though the runs seemed easier then Monday, they were not a piece of cake. I didn't feel like I could have run longer. But I will try on Monday because I really want to succeed. I have two trips planned that I will be in bathing suits a lot and I want to feel comfortable in a bathing suit. What I am a little surprised about, is that I have not seemed to loose any weight. I have been dieting for 3 weeks and running now for 2, but my weight seems to stay the same. I guess I should just be pleased that I have not gained any weight. Like I've said before, I really don't care about how much I way as long as I feel good about myself. I still feel the same, not any smaller :(

Excited

I have not been this excited for a while. We (mostly me) have been busy looking up information to get away and go on a vacation. We have a small trip planned in Oct to go to Great Wolf Lodge with my sister and her family. I am only minimally excited about that trip. The kids are pretty excited though. My hope is that I will be in better shape by then and will be able to enjoy going to a waterpark. The bigger excitement goes along with the trip I am planning for Jan. We will be going on a cruise. Not just any cruise but a Disney cruise. It will be for 4 nights. The kids are not excited about going on a cruise at all. The younger one is a bit nervous I think because she doesn't know what to expect. The older one is afraid the the boat will sink like the Titanic or that pirates will hijack the boat. I have been reassuring her constantly that the chances of the those things happening are slim to none, since there are no icebergs in the Caribbean. She seems to be coming around. I am so excited!!!!! I also plan on being in better shape and actually being able to enjoy myself on this trip. No more sitting out or having to push myself because I don't feel good. I already am feeling less short a breath when I do things now, so I can't wait to be able to just enjoy myself and my kids. Disney cruise here we come!!!!!!!

Week 2 Day 2

Is complete, but barely!! This morning did not start out so smoothly and I almost didn't workout. I'm thinking now, I just should have stayed in bed. I had asked my husband to wake me up today @ 6am, since the kids were going in late to school today (had dentist appts). He woke me up at 6:20am, which didn't leave me enough time to be done before the kids had to get up and get ready. After waking fully, I decided I had time to workout and could shower while they ate breakfast. Seemed like a good plan, right? So I change to workout and as I am doing my warmup walk (1 min 30 sec into the warm up), I closed my eyes for a minute to re-think how I should best plan my time for the morning. I was just thinking I should probably hold on while walking with my eyes closed, when my left foot stepped of the treadmill and my right foot shot out behind me and got stuck under the plastic edging on the treadmill, but I was able to catch myself with the hand rails. So no real harm was done it seemed. I retrieved my iPhone from across the room (I may need a new one by the time I get done with this program), and restarted my walk. All seemed to be going well, except the one time had to stop and let the dogs out, be/c they would wait. When I got to the cooldown walk, then started to notice my right foot and ankle were beginning to hurt. By the time I was all done and showered, I realized that almost all the muscles in my body hurt from the fall. I have been so sore most of the day, I have just been taking it easy. I will do the same for tomorrow as well, since Friday is another work out day.

Fell of the wagon

The diet wagon that is. Today has not been a healthy eating day at all for me. The morning started out good. I even though today is a rest day from running, I got up and did my 10 total body workout dvd. Had my usual cereal for breakfast, showered and headed off to my doctors appt. But since I've been home, I think I've eaten everything I see. Not good, not good. The only half gone, so there is still time to turn this wagon around for me to hop back on.

Wish me luck!!!

Week 2 Day 1

It really feels good to be able to say that!!! I was a little skeptical about today's workout, with today being a holiday and all. But I did it anyway. It was easier then I though it would be, but also hard at the same time. The first week really did prepare me for the one min runs and then some. It was the last 20 secs of each run that I would sorta struggle with in my breathing and feeling it in my legs. But I persevered through it and I now feel great that I did it. I'm actually looking forward to Wednesday's run!!!

I didn't weigh myself today, because I'm afraid of what I might see. While I have been OK on my diet up until Saturday, it was really bad Saturday and Sunday. But it is a holiday weekend, so I know it won't be like this every weekend.

As for the rest of my family, they all say they want to work out too, but I have yet to see any of them actually do it. So for now it is just me and I will continue to jog along by myself!!

Stats:
Time - 30 mins
Distance - 1.68
Walking Spd - 3.0
Running Spd - 4.3

Week 1 Day 3

WOW!!! Feels so good to complete week 1. I am nervous about week 2 but I have faith in myself that I can do it, or at least attempt it.

This morning started out a little rough. I forgot to set my alarm, so I got up about 10 mins later then usual, so I felt like I had to rush to get going on the treadmill ( I like to be done by the time my daughter leaves for school). The running went great. I seem to have found a good pace. All was going well until about a minute and a half left in the cool down and i reached up to wipe my face and pulled my iPhone out of the cup holder and the plugged yanked out of the phone ( believe it or not but the ear buds stayed in my ears) as well and it went shooting off the back of the treadmill. So i stopped the treadmill and got off and tried to find it under the machine. Luckily it was ok. But I decided that I was done with the cool down. I still felt great that I had actually completed 1 whole week. I still can't believe it.

Unfortunately I didn't feel as good as I usually do during the day. While running I noticed a slight twinge in my left side, where I normally have some discomfort, but I continued to run anyway. Not sure if that had anything to with it, but my side as been hurting more then usual today. So I plan on just taking it easy tomorrow

Week 1 Day 2

Sure does feel good to be another day closer to my goal!!! It is still a struggle to get up and get going but I am determined to do this. This mornings run started out a little rough, despite the fact I had on my old tennis shoes and a new sports bra this time, because I forgot to get my water bottle before I started. So about halfway through I was so thirsty I could barely swallow, so I jumped off and got a sip out of an old bottle of water that was next to the bed. Not refreshing but it got me through the workout. This morning was certainly easier then Mondays run. I hope this trend continues, b/c I don't want to be the only one in history that has to repeat week 1.

As for my husband joining me on this journey, it has yet to happen. He says he wants to do it too but that his hip is really bothering him from bowling on Sunday. So I'll just keep encouraging him to join me.

I have also decided that I am only going to weigh myself once a week. I like to see big results, little aren't enough to keep me going. So today's stats don't look much different then Mon.

Stats:
Time - 30min
Distance - 1.6 mi
Running Speed - 4.2-4.3
Walking Speed - 3

Day of rest

Boy that is what I needed this morning. Running yesterday was great and I felt good energy wise all day. I was really surprised about that, I heard it could happen, I just never believed it was true. But what I didn't really care for yesterday was how bad my muscles hurt. I didn't realize I had muscles in some of those places. But I took an ibuprofen at lunch and felt much better. I'm not sure what I plan on doing on my off days yet. I'm thinking maybe my 10 min yoga DVD might be good. Staying stretched out seems like a good idea to me!!!
As for hubby, he said he was going to start with me yesterday after dinner, but when I got home form work he said he just could, his hip was bothering him still from bowling the day before. So hopefully today he will, he says he wants to do this with me. It will be nice to have something in common like this!!

It's official - Week 1 Day 1

I am a c25k'er!!!! I did my first workout this morning. After how my night last night was going, I wasn't sure I would be up for it, but I persevered. Last night it felt like I was coming down with something and felt just plain awful, and 6am sure did come early today. But I got up and started walking ( despite the irritated looks I got from my husband for being up so early and using the treadmill. I guess he thought it would wake our youngest daughter up, but it didn't). At first I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through the whole workout, but I had downloaded the running plan on my iPhone yesterday and I love it. It's the Couch to 5k app ( I think it was $1.99, but well worth it). With this app, you can listen to your ipod and there is a voice that tells when to run, walk, and cool down. It was actually enjoyable. The first 2 run cycles were hard, but after that, It got easier and I was able to increase the speed a little on the runs. I weighed my self yesterday and the scale said 164, before I got in the shower today, I thought I would just double check my weight since I knew I was going to post my stats. Well today the scale reads 160. I know I didn't loose 4 lbs overnight, besides I 'm not a weight addict. I go by how I look, feel and how my clothes fit, so it's just for guidelines for me anyway. I am only going to be checking my weight weekly anyway, so it's a place to start!!

Stats:
time - 30mins
distance - 1.59 miles
walking spd - 3
running spd - 4 - 4.2
wt - 160-164

Goodbye Couch...

Hello new healthy lifestyle!!! My plans are to workout in the mornings, so 6am tomorrow I will be up and getting ready for my first workout. I will be following the plan on http://www.coolrunning.com. I also downloaded the c25k app on my iPhone as well. I am committed this time to sticking with it. Now I will have to add more music to my ipod that is worthy of working out to. I am so excited to get started I am tempted to do day 1 of the plan tonight, but I really want to stay on a M-W-F sched. Besides I need to get used to waking up early and working out. I am not a morning person, so I hope that doesn't interfere with my plans ( I guess it only will if I let it, huh?). My plans to get my husband to join me seem to be fizzling out as we speak. But I won't give up on him yet either. Maybe I can get my daughter to join me too. We can make it a family affair. So the next time I write, I will be an official c25k'er.

I did it!!

I made it through the whole day at work following my diet (which is hard since we have lunches catered 4 days a week). I also walked on the treadmill tonight. It felt good. But I didn't push myself to hard. It was just a nice long walk. In fact it took me 44 mins to go 2 miles. But none the less it felt good.Would probably feel better if I invested in some good walking/running shoes, seeing how my feet are kinda throbbing now. But I guess that is expected when you walk in bare feet. I think I may almost have hubby convinced to do this with me. By this time tomorrow we will both be officially training!! (wishful thinking or a goal to work for, not sure which but I'll take it either way).

Gearing up

I am on my way to a healthy(er) lifestyle. I have restarted my special K diet (YUM, YUM). I have cleaned up my room, so now I can actually get to my treadmill and use it(and no, it was not being used as a clothes rack). I have printed out my walking/running plan, I still need to pin it up on the wall in front of the treadmill. I also printed out the course plans for the 5k in Disney World, I may pin that up in front of the treadmill too. I am trying to come up with other inspirational things to pin up there as well. I have been contemplating taking before pictures. I am not sure if they would be motivating for me or not, it may just have the opposite effect!! I have been speaking to my hubby about him getting ready to do the the 5k with me, he's not quite on board yet. But I will continue to work on him. Besides he could use the exercise as much as me, his chol was really high last year and this regular exercise could really help. My hopes would be that we could do the marathon as a family as it is called The Family 5k. I love having a goal to aim for!!!!

I'm Back!

Wow, it sure has been a long time since I last posted anything. What I have also noticed is that when i stopped writing, I also stopped walking. Not good. All that hard work and commitment went right down the drain and I have no one to blame but myself. Luckily I havenot gained more then 5lbs or so back, which is really hard to believe, but the scale doesn't lie, no matter how fat I feel. So I decided that I am starting over again, with the walking and the diet. Special K here I come again!! I am also thinking about changing my walking routine. I think I am going to try and do it in the mornings before work. I have found a workout from coolrunning.com, it's couch potato to 5k in 9 wks. The workout plan is for 3 days a week. So starting on Sun or Mon (I know I should just pick a day) I will start and hopefully write about it too as I go.

Marathon? 5k, maybe

I have been pretty consistent with my treadmill since I have decided to go for the marathon. I have found a new regimen to follow to get ready for the 5k. It says from the couch to 5k in 2 months, so we will see. Since starting it, I have actually run on my treadmill. I have never done that before. So I guess next will be buying a real pair of running shoes!! I also have been doing some research on elliptical's. I really would like to mix it up a bit. The treadmill gets a bit monotonous. I hope to purchase one with the next month. I don't know enough about them yet to just buy one. So far my weight has not really gone down much since Thanksgiving. But the good new is, that I have not really gained any either. I will continue to work out regularly and hopefully as I see results, it will encourage me to eat a little better. I do okay most days during the day, it's my dinners that could use some help. But now that I have a goal, I know that I can do this. Mickey has not really been supportive at all, but maybe after he see's how much I want this, he'll come around.

A new goal?

While walking on the treadmill yesterday, I was contemplating new goal's for my self. I still have the overall goal to loose 20-30 more lbs and get healthy. But I've kind set my self up for a time frame. My short term goal is to be able to do my pre-programmed walks on the treadmill ( there are 3 that I do, that range from 20-30 mins) with out having to hold on for my life to finish them. My original goal was to be able to just finish the pre-programmed walks. I have been successful in that. Now I want to be able to do it with out having to support myself through out the program.
Now my long term goal is a bit bigger. I want to do a marathon. There are 2 I am considering. The date for them are already set for Jan 2010. The more reasonable one is the Family 5k. The harder part of this, will be getting the family to agree to do it too. The second is a Half Marathon. Now both of these marathons are in Disney World. The 5k is though one of the parks, the half marathon in from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom and back. So I have my goals set now. And I know I can do this!!!!!

Finally here

I'm so glad that the work week is over. It seems to have dragged on. I guess because it was just so emotionally draining this week, and all the drama at home with Mickey. It's been 4 days and we still are not speaking. If he would just apologize for his rude behavior and bad temper, then maybe things could go back to the way they were. Although I don't think they will ever be right again. Something is missing in our relationship. We've talked about what changes needed to be made to make it work for each of us. I tried but after 1 day that's all I saw of his efforts. So if things go back to the way they were, it will at least be tolerable.

But on a brighter note, I stuck to my diet today and walked on the treadmill again!!! Yeah me!!

I did it

I walked on the treadmill. I finally stopped making excuses for not walking. I gave myself a lecture today. I don't understand why I could be so stubborn when it come to some things, but couldn't be disciplined enough to just walk on a treadmill regularly. I figured I must not have wanted it bad enough. But I do, I need to loose weight. I am determined to loose weight. i kinda lost my will after I decided not to have another baby not matter how much weight I lost. But i need to loose the weight no matter what my future holds. I need to be healthy. Healthy body = Healthy mind.

This has been a rather tough week at work. My boss had a recurrence of her breast cancer last year after many, many years in remission. She had surgery and chemo and as been doing well. Worked through all of her treatments. Very upbeat and optimistic. This week she learned that it has spread to her brain and has started radiation. She also has a taken a leave of absence from work. She has 2 girls in their early 20's. She may never she her grandchildren or even see them get married. I have had a hard time taking this all in. It certainly brings home the need to cherish everyday for what it is, a blessing. I want to have many more days, so that has been my motivation for wanting to be healthy. I hope that i will be able to tel her what a motivation she had been for me after I have lost my weight and gotten back into shape. I guess I better get my ass in shape soon, so I CAN tell her.

Too long

That's what it's been since I've last written. The holidays were a bit busy. Everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a little stressful for me, since money has been a little short this holiday, but it turned out nice anyway. Now time to play catch up with some of the bills.

Cinderella had an awareness project due after the first of the year. She choose to raise money for the SPCA. Since she waited until a week before the project was due, her options were limited. But in one week she was able to raise $116 and almost 100lbs of food to donate. i was very proud of her. She was very proud of herself too. Now to see what kind of grade she gets. The grading will all be on the written part of the project and not how much money was raised. So we will see.

As for exercising, it has been almost non-existent since I last wrote. It was busy through the holidays and the last time I walked a week ago or so, my foot that I broke a year ago really started to hurt again. Maybe next time I should wear my shies when I walk on the treadmill.

Mickey is getting excited about the Superbowl. He's hoping his team will make it this year. We'll find out today. Everyone will be here today to watch the game. Last weeks game was very exciting here. Afterwards we went to the airport to greet the team when the got home. There were a lot of other fans there too. The energy level there was amazing. So we wait for today's games to start. I think the waiting is the worst part.