New Year's Eve Day

My Facebook feed is full of Resolution Do's and Don'ts.  They run the gamut from make huge, big picture resolutions so you can change the world to make incremental changes in your daily routine so you can change yourself. My favorite was the Resolutions for lazy people. Yes, I read them all.

Still, resolutions are just a "thing".  Most people make them, most people don't keep them.

So what are you supposed to do?  If you look back over this Training Blog, 2014 was not a great year for me. After I completed the Make Your Way Across America Challenge,  I didn't spend a lot of time in the gym.  Or focusing on making myself better.  And as I look back, I can't see that I did much of anything in 2014 but hold on.

2014 definitely wasn't the year of Me.  Maybe in 2014, I was who I actually am.  But I wasn't who I want to be.

So bring on 2015!  And resolutions that aren't really resolutions.  Changes that aren't upheavals.  

See you next year!

Back in the Saddle

It has been awhile.  

After my dedication to Making My Way Across America.  I fizzled out.  I had a lot of valid excuses in Rhode Island:  It was cold, I was tired, we were busy with end of school year activities, we were busy getting ready to move, and we were moving. They were excuses.  Mainly I lost my umph and didn't feel like working out.

At the end of June, we moved to Colorado. Yay!  And I was ready to take advantage of the great outdoors that was spread before me. Small problem.  I didn't count on the migraines.

I had my migraines (somewhat) under control in Rhode Island.  I pretty much knew what would cause them.  Hence, no running.  And I knew if I did get one how it would play out.

1) Exercise 2) A migraine aura would start 20 minutes later 3) the migraine would start 20 minutes after that.  Not the best thing in the world, but somewhat predictable and somewhat avoidable.

Surprise!  It's different here.

Migraine #1 happened at the end of a long day spent at Water World.  This water park is consistently on the Top Ten Water Parks list.  We had a lot of fun, but we had been here less than two weeks. We definitely weren't acclimated to the altitude.  We spent all day, in the sun, walking up and down hills, dragging giant inner tubes.  Fun, but I wasn't surprised when the aura began as the day was winding down.

Migraine #2 happened one week later.  Still not acclimated, but not doing any crazy exercise either.  I took the dog for a walk. There were some hills, but all I did was take the dog for a walk.  Then, an hour and twenty minutes later, the aura started.  So, two changes from my normal migraine modus operandi. Bummer.

Migraine #3 wasn't a surprise at this point.  I signed us all up to go rock climbing in the Garden of the Gods.  This would be definite exertion.  (Remember, I hadn't been to the gym since March).  I climbed the rock. I had the scrapes to prove it.  We got home and about an hour and twenty minutes later. Bam! Aura. Migraine. Done.

So I am a bit leery about exercising. Or hinting at anything that resembles exercise. Still, I don't want to be a couch blob, so I keep trying.

Last week I went on an easy hike to Monument Rock.  It took about an hour and fifteen minutes.  It was pretty flat.  We kept an easy pace.  And then I waited. Twenty minutes. An hour and twenty minutes. Two hours.  Seems I managed to do something fun outdoors with out succumbing to the dreaded migraine.

Fast forward to today.  

The view from my bike at Tri-Lakes YMCA

In Rhode Island, I discovered that Spinning was "safe".  It never resulted in a migraine.  I wanted to get back and see if that held true here in Colorado, the land of weird migraine happenings.

I didn't want to jump into a full-blown spin class.  That would have been way too intense.  Instead, I opted for a 25 minute spin on the bike, on my own.  There was no dripping sweat, but I could feel unused muscles in my legs and I was out of breath quite a few times. Then the waiting began.  I may have been pacing around the house.  

Success.  I managed to workout and not get a migraine.  

Now to keep moving forward.  I am going to keep going to my lone bike.  I am going to add minutes to my workout each time.  I may do it at night so a migraine won't blow my entire day, or I may just keep my fingers crossed.

Once I am back up to an hour, I will join the spin class.  

Eventually, I may even take the dog for a walk.

I Did It!

Day 40!!!!

I Made My Way Across America.  40 workouts in 10 weeks.  Doesn't sound like a lot and for some of you it's not, but I had to work at it.  And I did it.  Express Pump today and done.

I decided I was going to celebrate by getting my poor abused feet a pedicure.  I had been putting it off so that it could be an additional incentive to complete the challenge.  When I went downstairs after class to log the workout in the binder, I found a note from my gym buddy to check in my car for a surprise!  She snuck a gift certificate for a pedicure in there.  It was so thoughtful and so unexpected.  Now I was extra excited.  I drove right over to the nail salon and hopped into that pedicure chair.  It was lovely.  Hot stone massages are the best.

Here's the completed pedicure (a nice spring color) and my
completely used up punch card.  

One Day More!

Day 39: 

Today's workout was another midday workout.  I had a couple of things to do this morning. Dress with make-up and everything.  Then I diligently headed to the gym.  Used the make-up cleansing wipe to get the goop off my face (I started carrying these in my gym bag last week or so) and headed out to the bike. I remembered everything this time.

Except my banana.  Maybe I should keep a spare in the car.  Hmm.

At long last.  I am one day away from completing the Make Your Way Across America Challenge!  Yay me!  

I am hoping to get to the Express Pump class tomorrow and then I am going to treat myself to a pedicure to celebrate.  Sounds like a good idea to me.

Day 38

Day 38:

Today was a pretty busy.  Not as crazy busy as some, but definitely busy.  Normally, I would choose not to work out.  It's just such a hassle.  I don't have time.  I can't.

Yeah.  I didn't have a really good reason.  I went to my first events.  Went to the gym.  Worked out on the bike.  Went home and showered and got ready for the next events.  

And it worked just fine.  With the exception of missing a few items in my gym bag (let's just say I'm glad my workout pants were not see through), and the hassle of having to put make up on twice, it was fine.

Not my favorite. Not catastrophic.

This One Counts Too.

Workout: Day 37                                                                               Whole 30: Day -6

After 6, yes, it's really been 6, days of eating "regularly," meaning pasta, bread, and cheese,  I am feeling the difference.  And it's not good.

I feel bloated and full.  All. The. Time.

Hmm.  Maybe there was something to that whole no carbs thing (please don't be the dairy!).  So, with a few upcoming exceptions, it is back to restricting carbs.  

MYWAA Challenge
I should be in California by now!

And the exercise goes on.  A schedule flub on my part meant no gym today.  I was bummed because I really enjoy the Tuesday Body Pump class.  Instead, I took advantage of the nice weather outside and took my poor, neglected dog for a nice, long walk.  That was about just right for the day.  And it counts because I wasn't sitting on the couch. 

A Little Music

Day 36:

Today was back to a good workout on the virtual bike trainer.  And I remembered to bring my iPod, so I had music.  I haven't exercised with an iPod in quite awhile. And since I haven't used it in that long, it still has the same play list.

The ride went fast.  It seemed to be all hills.  Hills are good. 

And I am one day closer.

Does a Bad Workout Count?

Workout: Day 35

"The only bad workout is the one you didn't do"

Really?  Because I am pretty sure today would qualify as a bad workout.  Or maybe just a half-assed workout.  I really wasn't feeling it today.  I'll blame having to "Spring Forward".

I went to the gym.  

I got on the bike.  I pedaled.  I got off the bike.

I got on the rowing machine.  I rowed. I got off the rowing machine.

I logged my "workout".

I went to Starbucks.

Another One Bites the Dust

Workout: Day 34

 Naval Station Newport Gym

The plan was to go to the 8:00 AM spin class this morning with Brian.  But, we both thought it would be better to sleep in and go a bit later.  Then it turned out to be a gorgeous day outside (48 degrees and sunny) and Brian decided to run outside instead, so I headed off the the gym by myself.

I took another turn on the virtual bike trainer.  This is my new favorite cardio.  I also managed to complete the intermediate ultimate fitness challenge.  13 miles in under 45 minutes.  I did 14 miles in 40 minutes.  Not too shabby.   The next level is 20 miles in less than an hour.  Doesn't sound too hard.

Only six days left on this challenge.  

Lunchtime Ride

Workout: Day 33

To fit today's workout in, I went right after my class meeting on base.  I was already there so I figured I might as well jump at the chance.  It was the first time I went to the gym all dressed up.  I had packed a bag with my gym clothes.  I was trying to make it to the Pump Express class, but the meeting ran a bit long.  Luckily, I keep my cycling shoes in the car, so I had a back up plan.  

I had a great ride.  It was just a great, sweaty ride.

After the workout, I gathered all of my regular clothes, boots, big puffy coat, etc. and walked out to the car in my bike shoes and my husband's t-shirt.  I didn't plan that part very well and I didn't want to change back into my street clothes.  

Mama Leone's Chickpea Salad

Brian had been working out at the same time, so we decided to go out for lunch.  Yes, we were sweaty, but the restaurant wasn't fancy and we were hungry.  I enjoyed my favorite salad.  This salad is so good, it doesn't taste like a salad.  And it has bacon. And cheese.

And now I am wiped out.  It was a good workout. One more week.

Ack!

Today a few things happened (or didn't happen, as the case may be).

I decided to stop the Whole 30.  Nobody at our house was enjoying it.  The kids acted like they were being tortured, my husband did a lot of whining, and I was beginning to seriously crave some cheese and popcorn.  And I knew that this was not a way of eating that I would continue.  It was way too restrictive.  And I like food too much.  I will continue to LIMIT the amount of carbs and sugar I eat, but I will not have a full out ban.  If I want to enjoy a bowl of pasta, I will.  And I will still eat Chili Dog Chili!

But I will have to keep going to the gym to combat all the yummy food. 

And on that note, I now have to go to the gym EVERY day up to and including the last day of the MYWAAC.  I just couldn't fit it in today.  

So, all in all, a banner day here.  No diet. No exercise.

An Afternoon Pick Up

Workout:  Day 32                                                                         Whole 30:  Day 10

Today's schedule mandated a later start time for my daily workout.   I didn't get to the gym until after 4 pm.  And it was crowded.

I knew it was going to be crowded, so I went in with two plans:  Cybex elliptical or cycling virtual trainer. I would do whichever one had fewer people on it.  It was a bike shoes kind of day.

There were a lot of hills.  They actually felt good today.  I do not know why.

Whole 30 is still going, but I am craving cheese.  And popcorn.  Cheese and popcorn.  

I don't think the Whole 30 and I are going to have a long a fruitful relationship.

Another one in the bag

Workout: Day 31                                                                                 Whole 30: Day 9

Photo from bodyboutique.net

Tuesdays are my favorite class.  Pump & Pilates.  It looks a lot like this class.  Lots of weights, lots of reps. Today the class was held on the basketball courts because they are installing TRX equipment in the group fitness glass.  I am sure I will try that class out sometime. Stay tuned.  

I had to make a few adjustments in class.  My wrist has been hurting so much that I have been wearing a brace.  This precluded me from holding the bar on my shoulders (I substituted with dumbbells) and from doing push-ups (I did an alternate exercise). It worked out well.  

During the ab portion, I was still flopping on the mat quite a bit, but I noticed that there had been *some* improvement in some of the exercise.  (Translated: I could actually do a few reps of them).

County-style Pork ribs with sugar snap peas.

Whole 30 is still going strong.

Monday, Monday

Workout: Day 30                                                                                Whole30: Day 8

Monday morning was another cold, cold morning but I went to the gym anyway.  I did the virtual trainer for the bike to get some good cardio in.

My gym buddy did the Fitness Challenge.  It was a timed row, 20 push-ups, 20(?) Burpees, box jumps, and something else.  I would have died.  

Still going with Whole 30.  My husband complains about being hungry a lot, but I tell him he's just not eating enough.  I haven't been too hungry nor had any insane cravings. Yet.

One Week

Workout: Day 29                                                                           Whole 30: Day 7

Proof I was there

Today was one of those Sundays that should be spent in your pajamas on the couch.  And it almost was. Until the gym crept into my nice relaxing day. I had to get my workout in for the Make Your Way Across America Challenge (MYWAAC).  So, I very reluctantly out my gym clothes on and drove over to the base gym.  My plan was the virtual trainer on the bikes and that's what I did.  Perhaps I wasn't going full out, but I was peddling on the bike which is more than I would have been doing on the couch.

What' was left in the pot that my husband
spent the day dissing on Facebook

Today also marks the end of the first week of the Whole 30.  So far, so good.  The first week was a bit rough because I hadn't fully planned out what we were going to be eating, so it was pretty boring.  I went to the store after the gym today and hope to have better choices this week.  Case in point:  Yesterday, I planned to have Chili Dog Chili for dinner tonight.  And we did.  And it was delicious.  Everyone liked it except for my super picky (kindest way to describe his attitude) son who swears he doesn't like chili or hot dogs.  So obviously, not the best meal for him.  The rest of us licked the bowls.

Almost OBE

Workout: Day 28                                                                              Whole 30: Day 6

I didn't make it to 8 o'clock spin class this morning because I took my oldest to a dance store in Smithfield.

I didn't get to the gym for the virtual bike trainer because I took my middle child to wander around Game Stop.

I tried not to workout today, but I knew I NEEDED to workout today.  Not for my health (although, yeah, that too), but because I had to work out everyday if I am going to complete the gym challenge I started in January.

So I did.  I pulled out the Pilates DVD again. It is the only workout DVD in the house.  I need to look into other at home options.

Done. When I go to the gym tomorrow.  I will log this in the workout book.  And log tomorrow's workout.  And be on my way to completing what I started.

Whole 30 was a success today.  Stayed on track.  And my friend delivered some Whole 30 compliant hot dogs so I can make Chili Dog Chili.

A Hot Mess at the Gym

Workout: Day 27                                                                             Whole 30: Day 5

Today was a weird day, workout-wise.  We planned to go to the 11:30 Pump Express class.  Knowing I had some time, I joined some other ladies here for breakfast and coffee at The Island Scoop.  I had Scrambled eggs with lots of veggies and bacon.  And before the Whole 30 crowd jumps on me for eating out, they made them Whole 30 compliant. :)  

So I was well nourished.  When I got home from breakfast, I was feeling shaky for some reason.  If I felt like this in the past I would drink a glass of OJ to see if that helped.  Today I had some Sunflower Butter and an apple.  And left for the gym.

Apparently, my day was more off than I thought.  I thought we were early for the 11:45 class.  But obviously we were late for the 11:30 class.  Oops.

Luckily(?), the instructor was having an issue with her music and we had some time to get all of the equipment together.  Then I realized I forgot my headband.  Class with a big hank of hair hanging in your face isn't fun.  I was just having a hard time in class.  I felt a bit light headed.  I sat out the last set of exercises (shoulders--you don't use those muscles much, right?).

I came home and ate some leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage that Brian kindly reheated for me.  Then I headed upstairs to take a nap.  I couldn't fall asleep, but I enjoyed being in my warm, electric blanket cocoon.  Did I mention it was freezing cold today?

So to summarize:  Felt like crap.  Did it anyway.  Took a break.  Feel better now.

Now to figure out what we are having for dinner. . .

The Final Stretch

Workout:  Day 26                                                                              Whole 30: Day 4

Today there was a bit of wake-up call at the gym.  It is February 27.  The Make Your Way Across America Challenge ends on March 14th.  I need to complete 40 workouts by then.  Do the math.  I have to workout every day between now and then. Yikes.

I have blocked off all of the workouts in my calendar.  

Today I did the virtual bike trainer again. It was good to stretch out my legs since I was still really sore from Tuesday's Pump class.

Easy, delicious lunch

The Whole 30 went well today too.  

• Breakfast:  Eggs, Canadian bacon, cantaloupe, and blueberries.
• Lunch:  Rotisserie chicken, sauteed snow peas and red peppers.
• Dinner: Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage

DVD

Workout: Day 25                                                                          Whole30: Day 3

Not much to say about today.  Did a DVD workout.  Pilates.  Abs. Enough said.

Ate what I was supposed to eat. 

So much fun.

Planks and Pasta

Workout: Day 24                                                                       Whole 30: Day 2

Tuesdays are my favorite gym day.  I get to sleep  in and not leave for the gym until 9:00.  Then I get to go to my favorite class, Pump & Pilates, with a good instructor.  Because the gym didn't have group fitness classes last week due to installing TRX wall anchors, it had been two weeks since I had taken this class.  I was a bit sore and Mark (the fun instructor) had a bit of a mean streak.  And then there are the abs.  Sitz bones, roll ups , and planks.  Oh my.  I seriously need to get a handle on the abs. My planks were non-existent.

As for the Whole 30 part of the day, that was fairly successful too. 

Breakfast was my typical, pre-workout fare, with a twist:  sunflower butter instead of peanut butter (and an apple).  

Post workout was a banana and a handful of almonds.

After the gym and a trip to the commissary, my lunch was rotisserie chicken and brussels sprouts.  It was actually very good and satisfying.

Around 3pm, I had a cup of herbal mint tea.  It was the perfect break on a chilly winter afternoon.

Dinner had the possibility of being extremely problematic.  I was joining my classmates for a farewell dinner. At a restaurant called Pasta Beach.  Good luck to me. 

It wasn't as problematic as I had envisioned.  

I did not take pictures of my plate.
This is very close to what it looked like.

As an appetizer, I had Prosciutto di Parma with Melon.  Two ingredients. Delicious!

For my entree, I had an arugula, shrimp, and cherry tomato salad with lemon juice and olive oil for the dressing. Five ingredients. Also delicious.

Done and done.

Whole 30

Workout Day 23:                                                                               Whole 30: Day 1

Jumping on the bandwagon!

I hit the gym again today.  I slept in and didn't go to spin class because my gym buddy and I chose to hop on the virtual trainer bikes.  I like this option.  Something else I found out is that the virtual trainer mixes up the programs because I had a completely different workout today than I did yesterday.  And I am one workout closer to completing the challenge.

Since I have a pretty good handle on heading to the gym regularly, I am now going to work on changing my eating habits.

I have done a lot of reading about different diets, different lifestyle changes, different ways to eat.  I had been going back and forth between Paleo and South Beach, both of them having a lack of carbs in common, but hadn't fully committed to one or the other.    Since I have an all or nothing personality, I really needed to find a program that I could  commit to completely.  Then, a few days ago, a friend posted on her blog, The Patriotic Baker, about her family's results following the Whole 30 plan.  I picked up the book It Starts with Food at the library.  After reading it, it reinforced my belief that I need to get carbs out of my diet.  The hard part is going to be cutting dairy, but it's only for 30 days, right?  I am looking for some particular results which, according to the book, can be achieved through this way of eating:  1) An end to migraines, 2) reduction in inflammation (joint pain), 3) better cholesterol numbers,and  4) more energy.  According the the book, any weight loss is just a happy by-product of eating healthier and using food to heal your body.  I will take that too.

Have you joined the Whole 30 journey?

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Day 22: Not So Easy Sunday Morning Ride

I don't usually go to the gym on Sundays.  It's a lazy day around here, but my youngest wanted to go to Open Swim at the pool.  I wasn't going to get in the pool.  I don't have a swimsuit phobia or anything like that, it is just that the water is too cold.  They keep it cool for people doing laps.  Rhode Island has been cold enough this winter. 

Getting everyone up and moving sounded like a good idea though so we packed everyone up. My husband took the kids to the pool and I headed toward the bikes.

I tried the indoor cycling bikes (same bikes as the spin class bikes, but hooked up to a video screen and virtual trainers) for the first time.  I picked the outdoor riding program because the indoor spin program looked really boring.

I really liked this.  Each interval, between 3-5 minutes, takes place on a different outdoor course.  I rode along Lake Michigan in Chicago, dirt roads in Utah, trails in Grand Canyon National Park, and I rode up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.

Virtual Mt. Washington

The program lets you know positions, resistance, and rpms just like a spin instructor.  I got a great workout today.  I was a red, sweaty mess at the end.

The upside to this is you can do it when you want.  When I choose this option, I don't have to get up at 5:00 in the morning to get to spin class.  You can also pick your own music.  The downside to this is no one watching to make sure you stay on the bike for the entire workout.

I needed to do 45 minutes on the bike for it to count on the Make You Way Across America Challenge.  I flirted with the idea of doing 30 minutes and doing a 15 cool down as I walked out of the gym to my car.  Another gym patron was on the bike at the end of the row and she wasn't stopping.  That gave me the extra motivation needed to do the full 45 minutes. So there is that.  

Over the Hump

Day 21:  I went to the gym today.  Spin class was cancelled, but that gave me a chance to complete one of the pitstop challenges.  Today's choice was the Cybex machine.  It's basically a souped up elliptical trainer.  I took it slow and easy, not because it was hard, but because I wasn't feeling great.  Another Rhode Island headache.  Even if I had been feeling 100%, I don't think this will become a fitness favorite. Hoping the gym is back on track with the group classes next week.

Halfway

Day 20:  Spin class this morning marked my 20th workout for the Make Your Way Across America Challenge at the gym.  I need to get 20 more workouts in between now and March 14th.  It's going to be tight.  

Between sick days, snow days, and the gym not having group classes this last week, I am a bit behind the schedule.  But I looked at the calendar and it is doable.  I just need to make sure I am not missing any workouts for the next few weeks.  

As for the shoes, it was better today.  My right foot was not exactly right.  I think I just need to loosen the straps on the shoes next time, not change the clips. Yet.

Got My New Shoes On

Day 19:  I did not sleep last night.  I was looking for any excuse not to go to spin. Seriously. Any. Excuse.  But I figured since my gym buddy would be waiting for me to pick her up, I needed to be there.  So I got into my freezing cold car and went to pick her up. At her dark house.  

I waited. And waited.  No light, no movement.

My cool new shoes.

Now the question:  do I turn around and crawl back into bed or head over to the gym by myself.

I made the right choice.  I went to the gym.  I wanted to try out my new spin shoes.  

I got them in the mail on Tuesday.  I had Brian help me put the clips on the bottom (according to the directions I received) and then I went to the gym to see how they were adjusted and try to figure out how to clip in and out of the pedals without looking ridiculous.  I am very glad I did this.

Wednesday morning, I clipped into my pedals just fine.  Unfortunately, as the class progressed, I could tell that the clips were adjusted quite right.  I ended up pulling my right foot out of the clip and using the regular pedal.  I didn't want to cause any type of injury if I could avoid it.  

I was glad I went to class, but knew I would need to readjust my shoes before I went back on Friday.  This necessitated a trip up to Warwick.  They centered my clips a bit more and checked the alignment.  I should be good to go.

I am heading back to spin on Friday.  

Pump It Up

Day 18:  Tuesdays are the best!

Went back to exercise class at the gym on Tuesday.  I took a hiatus after my migraine on Friday.  I needed it.  Both the break and getting back to class.

The weights are good.  I get a good sweat going.  I still intensely dislike the abdominal workout.  

Stick figure not drawn to scale.

Done.

Day 17: 

Went into the gym today to complete one of the Pitstop Challenges for the Make Your Way Across America program at the gym.  Today's challenge was to complete one of the Google Map runs on the treadmill. 

This sounded like a good way to ease back into running.  My training for the Army 10 Miler was to begin on Sunday.

My gym buddy and I stepped onto the treadmills and picked the "Road to Hana" video workout and set off on a 35 minute run/walk workout.  

2.4 Miles

As you can see, it was a slow 2.4 miles.  And then the treadmill emailed the workout to my phone.  Pretty cool.

Gym buddy and I decided to celebrate our run with a trip to a super yummy burger joint. After I placed my order, I started to get a migraine aura.  We got the burgers to go ( I donated mine to her husband) and she drove me home and dropped me off.  I headed up to crawl into bed.  This was a bad one.  Six hours later, I was able to crawl back out of bed.

So now what?  I think I am done running.  I just can't keep getting migraines after I run.  I have had a lot of success with other forms of exercise and not getting migraines.  I will stick with that for now.  It's not worth the pain.