Abs day 2 :p

If you read my blueberry post, my computer was bazerk last night so didn't get much bloggin done.

Tuesday evening I did the 300/30 day Ab workout from the previous blog again. Holy moley my tummy was screaming in the process & today I thought I was going to puke from the soreness overload. It's kind of bitter sweet to me though... when I feel sore it's like my body telling me I actually did something. In addition to the 300 torcher tests, I added 50 side crunches (25 each side) & 20 push-ups. I was pretty proud last night. I also ate pretty well today - for once - woot woot! In workout senses today was my day off.
Stay tuned for this weeks Four Legged Friday... Paul & I have a surprise ;)

Get Fit quote of the day:

Ab - Packed!

No, I'm not talking about the movie Magic Mike releasing this Friday... Although, I can't wait to get a glimpse of all those 6 & 12 packs on the big screen.
I'm actually talking about a pin that I found, the 300/30day ab challenge. I completed day one! annnndd .... OUCH! My core is feeling it. Along with my lower back. Yes, I know I have been slacking lately but I feel like I have some motivation back since my knee & ankle are feeling better. I have been doing my 6 pages of therapy exercises... yay! Haven't done much else besides swimming at the lake! (Blog later). Reason for choosing this pin: I'm a sucker for before & after photos, like on this blog. Plus, the links to the blog, "2012...My last fat year,"which I don't think this program originated here but her blog is cute & I like the exercise pictures. Supposibly, this is the P90X ab program... I wouldn't know, haven't gone that hardcore... yet ;)

This 15 minute challenge consists of:
NOTE: It took me longer than 15 & before looking at the pictures I had NO clue what some of these even were.

• In-N-Outs - 25 reps Did good with these
• Bicycles - 25 reps  tough but do-able
• Reverse Bicycles - 25 reps
• Crunchy Frogs - 25 reps one I have never done but was kinda fun
• Cross leg/Wide leg Sit-ups - 25 reps scheesh! haven't done a FULL sit-up in ages
• Scissors (hold 3 sec) - 25 reps ouch! these were hard as my flexibility is awful (can't keep legs straight)
• Hip Butt Ups - 25 reps haha! felt a little dirty doing these
• Heels to Heavens - 25 reps started to really feel 'em after 15
• Roll-up V-ups - 25 reps ha! could only do the first part... I have no balance to do the 'V' part
• Leg Climbers - 12 reps each side did but needs more work due to my legs not straightening
• Kayakers - 50 fast or as many as you can... I got in 30, these are also one of my favorite, like to add the medicine ball or any weight.

 

the pin I followed

Oh Joy

This last week was my worst since starting my Get Fit Program. However, my knee & ankle were killing me. As I mentioned last post I did an ab & arm work out on Monday. After that it was down hill, all that the schedule held was icing my ankle & dosing on ibuprofen. Thursday, I weighed in at 202 :( not too happy with that again! I have got to stop slacking. I hate being injured too! Friday, I had my doctor appointment... Ha! Weighed in there at 210. I made sure to inform them their scale is busted. Doc says he doesn't think its too bad of a weight gain with the meds I've been on & the lifestyle changes I've made in the past 5 months. Anywho, turns out I had a sprained ankle the whole week. Then my left knee I have a patella issue. Good news exercising will fix it. I actually left the Doctor feeling good. I mentioned the 5K to him & he told me to go for it. It was nice having that professional push.
Today, I did my first round of therapy exercises. 6 pages worth. Oh yay!

On another seriously joyful note, is my awesome fiancé was able to fix my Betty's stereo. Now I get to cruise with the top down WITH tunes! I'm pretty excited about it!!!

Lower Postponed. Upper Crunch.

UGH!!!
 
I am extremely bummed! Notice the picture. Right ankle. Yep, that would be my Achilles tendinitis flaring up. AHH!

Not only that, but my left knee is killing me too! When it's bent. When I'm sitting. When weight is on it.
Here I have done everything by the book: stretching constantly, taking it slow, drinking more water, & spreading it out. Yet, I still have leg issues! My head is telling me that my body & joints aren't meant for jogging, but my heart just wants to go for that damn 5K... JOG SOMETHING! Well, I have a doctor's appointment Friday (luckily I was already going for a med check - I like to save multiple issues for one trip = one co-pay :). Plus, I've kept off my legs today (had too! It was killing me!) & most of yesterday with ice soaking & stretching. Because if I don't, I walk like a toy soldier... Knee feels like a noodle & ankle doesn't bend = ouch. The sooner this bull heals, the sooner I can get back to C25K'n it & then roller derby!

However, this is no excuse for me to not get in any work outs. Today, I did a Pinterest workout; The Love Handle Blaster pin which originates from flatmytummyworkouts.com site. It didn't include any leg stuff so I was golden.

It consisted of:

• Side Crunches (15 each side)
• Oblique Crunches (10 each side) It says to hold these 20 seconds, at first I thought, 'Ya like that does anything!' but after a few you can really tell.
• Abdominal Bicycles (30 elbow/knee touches)
• Trunk Twists (10 each way)
• I added:
• 20 push ups
• 20 Triceps dips
• 30 second abdominal leg hold (don't know the real name but where you hold your legs off the ground while laying on your back)

All-in-all it took me about 25 minutes (not including stretching). I tried to do them one after another to get my heart rate up. Hopefully I'll feel it tomorrow, because I felt it during... felt exactly where my scar is & the connective tissue (owie!) (note: the scar goes from my sternum to belly button).

Get fit quote of the day:

I'm in pain & I just have to keep this in mind.

Triceps, Biceps, & Deltoids. Oh My!

While hosing at work today, I looked at my arms & decided it's an arm day! Pinterest arm search brought me to this:

It's originally from a Women's Health Magazine article, "Arm Exercises for Women: Get Sleek, Sexy Arms." I especially enjoy workouts with pictures, because who knows what all those laterals, burpees, extensions, kickbacks, & climbers are. This routine called to do each exercise 15 times then start over & do each one 3 times (ie. 3 sets - 15 reps). Do without stopping in between. I also added 10 push ups into the routine (30 total). Then ended with 7 tricep dip things (hold a chair, w/knees bent, & dip your butt & feel the burn in your tri's).
It took me about 15 minutes to complete.
During my arm search, I found a new motivation/tip site, Skinny Ms. It has daily workouts, monthly challenges, slow cooker recipes, nutrition information, tips, and FAQs. I am now following them on FB & bookmarked the site to return to for tips, recipes, & different routines.

Paul & I also completed Week 2 Day 2 of Couch-to-5K.
        Results:  2.16 miles at 14.21 per mile.
The path we took was a slightly different one in our neighborhood. Still has hills - every path around our house has them - & lots of shade. We totally thought we were faster but oh well. Overall, this one I felt great afterwards... my breathing is becoming better during the jogging part & I don't get as exhausted. After Wk 2 Day1 my knee was killing me, hence not doing anything yesterday to give it a rest. So, I was a little hesitant to start today, but after the first jog/walk rotation the pain went away. Although, I can feel it coming back so I'm gonna go drink water & chill with a bag of ice & my book (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson). 

Today's Get Fit Quote:

"My Fat is Crying!"

I like to say that when I'm working out. Only then because I sweat all the time regardless of physical activity, humidity, or temperature. The reason for the stinky talk is because Saturday & today's workouts were some wet ones.  Saturday, I went out around 4pm (minus Paul) for Week 1 Day 3 Couch 2 5K work out & it was hot!!! I learned a few things:
#1. DRINK MORE H20
#2. Listen to my program.
#3. Turn around regardless.
Explanation: I was severely dried out not even half way in. On top of that, I didn't even hear when I was half way in. I knew we had covered at least a mile & a half, ignored it & kept on truckin until I heard her say "alright, cool down." Then Dallas & I headed back towards the house. My feet hurt. My lips were dry. The dirty pond to the North look appealing. Dallas' tongue was almost to the ground. My stomach was starting to hurt - & not the sore sit-up kind, like the 'I need a john ASAP kind.' We just wanted to cut through my work, unfortunately I didn't know who was working & they'd make me go around anyway. So, there we were, like a couple stranded in the Sahara... left. right. left. right...
Results 2.14 miles at 14 minutes a mile then on top of that was 1.62 miles in 29.49 minutes

Today's workout went better. Paul accompanied me for our Week 2 Day 1 Couch 2 5K. I like it a lot more when he's there. There's this hill that he rocks & I lag on, but he gives me the umph to finish it... along with a tiny, little 'I think I can, I think I can,' voice. Pretty proud I haven't walked that darn thing yet!
Results 2.16 miles at 14.19 minutes per mile. So, as a team we have improved our time 22 seconds!
Not only that but our shirts were soaked which brought me to Google how much water a human is supposed to intake a day. We have all heard the 8-8 ounce glasses. Paul told me to take your weight & divide it in half & that's how many ounces (mine would be 100!!!). According to an article by Mayo clinic the Institution of Medicine states men should have around 3 liters & women 2.2 liters. Basically if I drink 3 of my Tervis cups at the very least... well, I've done that & with the way I sweat, I think it should be 5 Tervis.'
While reading I also found out that if you're doing a lot of exercising &/or sweating you should drink something with a little extra, like Gatorade or Propel.
Gatorade (or any sports drink) will give you 3 needed items:
1. Hydration.
2. Fuel (carbohydrates which will also delay the fatigue- 14g per 8ounce recommendation).
3. Electrolytes/minerals - since sodium, potassium & chloride are all lost in your sweat.

As I raise my glass of Gatorade.... CHEERS to Week 2!

Pinterest Workout #1

This afternoon, since I didn't have my C25K buddy here (he doesn't get off work till 6 & we're meeting up for dinner) I opted to try out my first Pinterest work out.

Here it is:

Looks short & sweet huh!?!
NOT! I could only do one repetition (my legs were burning & could not pick me back up!), then I added 40 side leg lifts (20 each leg - works your saddle bags & love handles). I also have to do 'girl push ups' (on your knees-I don't think I have ever done a regular one in my entire life- they still work my arms though!)

 

  Make sure when doing the side lifts to tilt your hip bone in just slightly & bring you leg back a little. I like to be against a wall, that way I lean forward slightly then when my leg is as far up as I can take it I touch the wall - hope that makes sense, I guess just try till you feel the difference & trust me you'll feel it in your love handle area (obliques I believe they're formally called). Overall, it was a great workout. Took me 15 minutes to do the one rep. I will try this one again soon & see if I can get another 2 cycles in & maybe add a walk in the end.
Note: lock up or kick out your animals. I had a cat playing with my laces for the sit-ups & an Aussie thinking I was going to pet her belly for the push ups (she tries to put her belly over you when you're laying on the floor).

GO get 'em! I sure did... let's hope my legs are able to cycle to work tomorrow. Oh, by the way my damn alarm got the best of me this morning so I had to take Betty. The missed 3 mile ride was totally worth today's Jeep cruising weather.

Gotta Love...

... that soreness, jiggle, tight feelings.

Today, I was successful in riding my bike to & from work!
         TO: 1.55 miles in 11:01, it was a little chilly out & I was sore from Monday night
         FROM:  1:58 miles in 10:39, a little warm but that doozie of a hill wasn't as bad.
I also got Paul to join me in doing Couch to 5K... I started over
         WEEK 1 DAY 1: 2.04 miles at 14.40 per mile. Not as good as Monday's but it was a tougher road.

Soreness: I'm talking about that little triangle in your crotch & butt crack from the bicycle seat when you haven't ridden in a while.

Jiggle: I'm talking about while you're jogging, that's all I'm thinking about is my butt & thighs going up & down. Then when someone drives by I'm thinking that they're thinking 'gee look at that jiggle.' BUT then I'm like, 'well, at least I'm out here working on this jiggle!'

Tight feelings:  I'm talking about after you've been going for a while & you go to squeeze you're hand & you realize water didn't play a big enough role in my day. I think it's my hands swelling but I'm not sure.

OH! Last night after my post, Paul & I signed up for The Color Run!!! I am extremely excited, I'm going to pop my 5K cherry & be a virgin no more! Not only that but get messy doing it too. ;) hehe.  July 1st, KC, here we come, whether or not I'm able to run the whole thing it'll be a blast. If you'd like to join us, just ask but get signed up before it closes!

Happy Memorial Day!

First & foremost. Thank you to all those that have served & are serving our country. I come from a family with one grandparent flying B52s in WWII & another grandparent running telecommunications in the Korean war. I am very proud to be from the Red, White, & Blue!

Second, I hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend. Smores, fire, & Bud Light summed up my weekend. Ha! got some working to do on those calories for sure! Paul & I had some good bonding conversations Saturday & Sunday night out by the fire till 3am...everyone was either busy or went home early.

Third, today was such a nice evening & all those home-made cookies I decided I better do something. Leashed up Dallas, stretched & started my Couch-to-5K program. Probably should have turned around at the 'you're half way done' voice but I was just thinking 'eh, what's a little extra walking. Made it through the Day 1 of Week 1 of C25K = 2.14miles at 13.58 a mile. Well, after that we were no where near home. Dallas was wearing out & we had at least 3 good hills in 2.54 miles to go (I didn't know that starting out). 1 hill down & I'm movin pretty good, Dallas is lagging a bit. Then, all the sudden she picks up pace (I have my ear phones in = not hear quiet things), I look to my right & there's this young, sweaty, ripped guy. Smiles & jogs on by. I don't even care to act tough & pick up my pace but apparently my little hussy of a dog wants to show off & gets all perky & jogging... ha! As soon as he's out of sight she's back to the end of the leash. 2 hills later & a third mile to go, I was half tempted to call Paul... Dallas was fighting me on the speed, so I added 30 lunges so she could walk slow. We made it in one piece, her giving me the 'F you' look. So, now I know I can handle the 5 mile jaunt, Dallas on the other hand, at 85 degrees can only go 3 miles.

I would have to say good day for sure! I think Paul & I are even going to sign up for the Color Run in KC on July 1st! I know it's not much time but I have always wanted to do one & it says they're up for ALL types of people. If you would like to join us, please let me know we could be a team... like The Sweaty Balls or ... 5K Virgins or.... ????

First Bike Ride

Well, tested the route to work this early afternoon. Tucked my phone into my bra (as I don't have one of those fancy arm band thingys) after I started the MapMyRun application. It can gps track your walks/runs/biking/etc. It's other features include sharing online, all your plugged in workouts, a nutrition area (yuck! How sad is it that I even feel bad plugging in what I ate - that's probably the point though), & your profile.
My route was 2.61 miles to my 'campus' front gate, to my door I would make it a full 3. There are also some hills, they way home is rougher then on the way there for sure! It took me 16 minutes. I don't think that's too bad for someone in my condition & that hasn't ridden a bike since 2009. Oh, and I did NOT get off & walk up the hill - as much as I wanted to though.
I also learned a few things about my bike.... I need a new one.
 - Breaks... front = weak, rear = ummm all I see is rust & a spring
- Tires ... front = good, rear = are you flat or am I just a lard butt looking downward?
- Gears ... turn with my hands = click. click. no change. click. click.
Oh well, it works for the time being I suppose. I am actually kind of excited to roll in every day.

Get Fit Quote of the Day:

If you're tired of starting over, Stop giving up.

Bearing It All!

If you noticed the blog is & will be changing a bit. I am going to be taking you through my own little 'get fit challenge.' I will share with you the ups & downs of my process. Including the parts I would usually keep to myself. All doing with out paying a gym membership or trainer - after all I have a wedding to pay for & after that, an amazing pre-baby making trip. See I actually like working out, it's the motivation, & food habits that I struggle with. This way if I am documenting it for others to see, I should be motivated...
I have learned a lot from life this past year. I'm weak (compared to what I used to be). I'm lacking confidence in my strength. I'm weighing in at 195 pounds. I want & am going to finish something big for once in my life. I am ready to change! No, this is not a pity, I wanna be skinny trek. It's a 'I want an ass kicking booty back - well, I had a flabby one before but it was stronger. Just want it to look it  & no not body building look.' :)

GOALS:
1. Lose 10% of my body weight (get to 175)
2. Tone my legs & arms
3. Sorry love handles you need to go!
4. Decrease my Cowgirl Tuff jeans one size (in every fit!)
5. Run - yes I said run - a 5K
6. 25:5 or LESS (for non-roller peeps, that's skate 25 laps in less than 5 minutes.)
                                    1 lap on the inside = 148.5 feet
                                    25 laps = 3712.5 feet
7. Skate around Lake Shawnee (a little stepping stone since I'm coming from ZERO)
8. Ride my bike to work for 1 week (at least)
9. Become strong again
10. Get Paul to work out with me for a whole month!
11. To become more flexible, starting with touching my toes.
12. Lose inches (yeah, it ties in with most of the others)

CURRENT MEASUREMENTS:
- Morning weight: 195lbs
- Wrist (Left right behind the bone): 6.5 in
- Bicep flexed: 12.25 in
- Ankle (above the bone): 9.5in
- Calf flexed (at the largest point): 16.75 in .... that's right 16 INCH calves baby!!!
- Knee: 16.25 in
- Quadriceps (5in from the top of my kneecap): 23.75 in
- Thigh (I like to call it my butt crease): 28 in
- Chest (across the nipples-bra less): 41.5 in
- Ribcage: 36 in
- Waist (at the skinniest, NOT sucking it in): 34.5 in
- Love handles/bottom of my paunch: 41.5 in
- Butt (I measured at the widest part from the side view): 45.6 in
- Widest part of me from the front: 47 in

Whewwee... well, there I bared it all! I even have pictures that will later be the 'Before Pictures' after I'm done.

Tomorrow's Work Out Quote of the Day:

Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.

Through this I will be 'testing' out videos, Pinterest work outs, healthy recipes & any other physical activities... So, if you have any that you recommend or need a partner in doing let me know!