Trying to Become Active Again

Hi everyone!

I don't necessarily consider myself as starting over right now.  I guess when it comes to blogging, I am definitely coming back after a long absence.

PERSONAL CATCH UP STUFF:
I am still in NYC, and still working on a PhD.  My first year in the program was tough, but I got through it and I am still here.  I have really enjoyed the city in the spring/summer.  I honestly was not too pleased during the winter.  Really cold temps are not for me.  I survived my first blizzard.  Well, I think it was a blizzard.  It set records for snowfall in Manhattan.  I still think snow is really pretty, but only when it's fresh lol!  After people get out and walk in it, it looks disgusting lol!

These are the only pics I have left from the blizzard.

As I have already said, the city this time of year is amazing!!!  I have spent a lot of time just walking around and exploring.  I have fallen in love with Hudson River Park and the beach/boardwalk at Coney Island.  I leave when Coney Island begins to get crowded later in the day though.  Everything this summer seems to be going perfectly.

Coney Island Beach

WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH:

About two months ago I had fibroid surgery.  I completely underestimated recovery time.  It was awful, but 8 week later, I am so happy I did it.  I also saw an endocrinologist right before the surgery, and my glucose levels were technically normal, but at the highest number for what is considered normal.  So, she told me to cut the sugar and drop some weight, which is what I have been doing.  I am currently sitting at 229.  So, I've lost 31 lbs since my high of 260 last Jan.  The lowest weight I can remember seeing on the scale in the last decade was 223, so I am excited about being close to that again and surpassing it.

During the past two weeks, I have really been working hard at working out and eating at home.  For exercise I am hitting the gym, and planning to start C25K again.  My body has gotten used to walking around the city, so my everyday walking is no longer enough for me to see results.  In the gym I normally use the Life Fitness Flex Strider, which I enjoy more than the normal elliptical machine for some reason.  Depending on the day, I am on it for 30-60 min.  I have not started C25K yet, but hopefully, I will be blogging about it soon.

I am still figuring out my strength training routine.  I love weights, but I still feel intimidated using free weights, so I have not been squatting or deadlifting, which is what I really want to do, but can't work up the nerve to just go grab a rack with all of the guys around.  I'll work on that.

GOALS:

Short Term: I would really like to see 225 by my birthday, but my birthday is less than a week away, so that probably is not going to happen.  So, I am readjusting to simply losing weight by my birthday.

End of the Year: Before I go home for Christmas break I want to be in Onederland.  That means I need to lose about 30 lbs in just under 6 months.  I know this is a completely reasonable and doable goal.  I just have to stay committed, active, and disciplined.  It would be a wonderful Christmas gift to myself.

In general, I am in a good place right now and extremely happy.  Exercise is a great mood booster, so even on days when I feel like doing nothing, I remember how I feel after working out and I go anyway.  Here's a sweaty workout picture from yesterday.  I must admit that I get a sense of pride from knowing I pushed myself physically, and still survived lol!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Prince - Baby I'm A Star

Just Feeling Good

I have no idea why, but I woke up feeling pretty awesome today.  Someone called and woke me up early, I am sore, my scale isn't really moving much, I have reading to do for class, BUT I feel great and motivated.  Isn't it odd how that works sometimes?

I went for a walk/jog this morning.  I almost did not go, because it is so cloudy and supposed to rain.  I went and was very happy that I did.  I am starting to get back into it.  Years ago I loved it, so getting back to that place would be nice.  This time I am doing it without an official program (like C25K).  I am just going out there and doing what I can, while pushing myself to do just a little more every week.  In a sense that is basically what C25K is, I am just doing it without keeping track of official times.  It takes some of the pressure off of me.  I am also learning to enjoy jogging and working out in general without headphones.  My super old (1st or 2nd generation) ipod shuffle died and I have not replaced it.  Now I am not sure if I will.  The shade produced by clouds and the breeze right before it rains was wonderful.  It was just a nice morning.

Yesterday I had another instructional class at my gym.  We did some deadlifts and squats.  The thing that really wore me out was my introduction to the rowing machine.  After getting comfortable with the machine and making sure we were using it properly, our coach made us do a 2000 meter row.  He just said do what you can, but do your best.  We are going to use it later to see how much better we have gotten.  I completed my row in 9 min 11 sec.  Of course, the coach was cheering everyone on and pleased with what we did.  I looked it up online though, and 9 minutes does not appear to be very good lol!  To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me.  I am my only competition right!  It gives me a goal to beat next time.  For someone out of shape, I know that I gave it my all and I am looking forward to smashing that time when we test again in the future.

This morning I was standing in front of the mirror and I don't know if my body is changing or if I only think it is changing because I feel so much better about myself.  I know it sounds crazy, but I am really not sure which it is lol!  I think confidence and pride in yourself does show, so maybe that is it.  I am really excited about the changes I am making for myself.  It is hard...really hard some days, but I am enjoying it.  While working out I wonder what have I gotten myself into, but afterwards I feel like a rockstar!  For me that feeling is worth it!

Don't you just love Soul Train?!?!  The video quality is awful, but in honor of his birthday.....

Marvin Gaye - Got to Give It Up

Whoa, That's a lot of Cardio!

Yesterday was supposed to be strictly cardio, so that's what I did.  At the beginning of this year my New Year's resolution/goal was to try a new food and a new exercise, activity, or fitness class every month.  I started out well, but eventually I got away from it.  I remembered that resolution on Monday and decided to do something about it before the end of July.  I don't think I'm going to make the new food this month.  I did try a new class though.

I decided to try a spin class for the first time.  When I went in I could automatically tell these ladies have been going for awhile and are pretty close knit.  They were very welcoming though.  They seemed quite happy to have a newbie.  They told me to just go at my own pace, and they warned me that my bottom would be sore.  When the instructor came in she adjusted my bike for me, and we got started.  It honestly wasn't too too bad.  45 minutes in and I was spent though.  Thank the Lord it was only a 50 min class lol!  They were right about that seat.  It did not take long for my bum to hurt.  I was thankful for the times we were told to stand up.  I don't know what I expected, but it was an arm and leg workout, because of all the standing up and leaning forward.  Like I said, it wasn't too bad though.  I would go again.

After spin class I went jogging.  I moved up in intervals this week.  I went from jogging 1 min and walking 2 min to jogging 1 min, walking 1 min, jogging 3 min, walking 3 min.  I kept cycling that for about 20 min.  I completed 1.4 miles in 19:49, which is a little faster that last week, but not by much.  To be honest, I would love to be faster, but my #1 goal is to be able to jog a 5k in its entirety.  After I can do that, I would like to jog a 5k under 40 minutes.  I know if I keep jogging, I'll get there eventually.  When I tried this last year I made it to the point where I was jogging 30 minutes nonstop, and then I quite.  So, I know I can do it.  I just have to keep working out.  Yesterday's jog started out a little rough.  My legs felt heavy from the spin class.  As I got into jogging the 1st 3 minutes, things started to get back to normal though.  I did notice that I walked slower during the walking breaks.  I'm still pleased that I finished my session with no major problems and I didn't quit.  Go Me!

After the jog, it was 9:55 and my zumba class starts at 10.  So, although it was not in my plans, I decided to go to zumba.  I finished the class, but I definitely did not have my normal amount of energy.  It was rough.  I was definitely tired from the new class and the jog.  All totaled I did over 2 hrs of cardio yesterday.  I was worn out!  looking back, it doesn't seem that bad, but I know how I felt yesterday and I was exhausted when I got home.  I probably will not do that much cardio again anytime soon lol!  It was good to push myself though.

M.O.P. feat Busta Rhymes - Ante Up  *Warning Explicit Lyrics*

I Conquered the 20 min Jog!!!!!

This blog is almost a week late, but I finally did it!  I did all of the 20 minute jog that is part of the couch to 5k program.  I did it this past Sunday.  I was planning to meet my mom to walk that afternoon, but something in me just felt like jogging.  My mother has not even gone walking in almost a year, so I knew jogging was out of the question for her.  What to do?  What to do?  I decided to go 30 minutes early. 
I had previously jogged with Sam for 11 minutes, so that is what I was planning to do.  I did a few quick stretches and I started with my warm-up.  I usually do a 10 min walking warm-up, but I really felt the urge to jog so after 5 min I took off.  I told myself I was not even going to look at my watch until I jogged to a certain point (which is about 1.4 miles).  I didn't make it lol!  There came a point when I was thinking I need to stop, so I checked the watch.  I was at 12:14.  I immediately thought, hey this is longer than I jogged with Sam, so I can stop now and feel like I accomplished something.  My calves were starting to burn, and I remembered Sam telling me that he knew I could do 20 min if I really put in the effort.  I also thought that I only had 8 min until the 20 and if I stopped now that I would always wonder if I could do it.  So, I kept going.  I looked at the watch again at 14:36 and I was really at my stopping point (or so I thought), but then one of my favorite workout songs came on the ipod (Janet Jackson - Make Me).  This gave me the burst I needed.  Not too much longer after that I saw my mom drive up.  I looked at the clock again and I was just over 18 minutes.  At this point I realized I was really going to do this.  I jogged by my mom and held up 1 finger so she knew I would be back in a minute and kept jogging.  The next time I looked at my watch it said 20:36. 

I forgot where I was and I screamed and pumped my hands in the air.  I was literally on the verge of tears.  I told my mom what happened and got words of encouragement and a hi-five from her.  Then I sent a text to Sam and he sent 3 or 4 "I'm so proud of you," "I always knew you could do it" kinds of texts.   I can't even explain how I felt when I finished.  I felt like some kind of warrior princess!  I never thought I would be able to jog 20 minutes nonstop.  I remember when jogging 60 seconds was a struggle, and I'm not exaggerating.  My legs used to hurt and I would be out of breath after jogging 60 seconds.  In some ways that seems like a lifetime ago, but I can remember it like it was yesterday.  I ended up jogging 1.6 miles in 20 minutes.  When I was done I walked another 1.5 miles with my mom.  So, to anyone doing Couch to 5k, or any other running program, stick with it.  If you have to repeat weeks, who cares, repeat it.  JUST KEEP GOING!  You can do it!  You can do so much more than you can ever imagine.  DO NOT GIVE UP EVER!  Whew!  I got excited all over again writing about it lo!

Quick Look at January Goals:
Try new exercise:  I tried the Plank Knee Raise  
I liked it.  It was something different and it was challenging.  I realized how much trying just one new thing can spice up a workout

Try a new food:  I failed at this.  I'll try to remember to try 2 for Feb to make up for it.

Oh, I have not jogged since last Sunday because I was supposed to jog again on Tuesday and ended up in a minor car accident.  I guess the woman behind me decided a red light means keep your foot on the gas and she rear ended me as I was stopped at the light.  I'm not cleared for exercise until tomorrow.  I basically ended up with a lot of soreness in my neck, shoulder, and back and a headache.
I hope you all have a fantastic day and remember NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!

I think this is the 3rd time I've posted this song, but since it's the song that made me keep going:
Janet Jackson - Make Me

Measurements, Comparisons, and Goals for the New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

Technically it has not been a full 6 weeks since my last measurements, but I like to do this at the beginning of every year and compare.  So...here you go.

I gained weight for the first time since June.  I could have waited another 8 days and had a real "6 Week" measurement.  If I had done that I would have worked out hard and eaten perfectly to get the weight down.  I really would have just been playing mind games with myself though.  Measuring today shows exactly what I've been doing since 11/28/11...not much of anything.  If I'm being honest, I am shocked that I only gained close to 4 lbs.  I feel like I should have gained 10.  I worked out here and there and paid no attention to what I ate.  I'm also shocked that overall I lost 0.5 inches.  The number I pay the most attention to is the measurement around my belly button, and I gained there.  Overall, I definitely could have done better, but looking at this is a good reminder that if I slack off it will show.

Weight and Inches Since 2009

Starting Weight-------02/??/09-249.0

First 2010 Weigh In--01/04/10-228.4
First 2011 Weigh In--01/01/11-243.6
First 2012 Weigh In--01/01/12-227.8

Starting Total Inches----02/??/09-285.00
First 2010 Total Inches-03/02/10-274.25
First 2011 Total Inches-01/01/11-282.25
First 2012 Total Inches-01/01/12-269.0

Looking at these numbers make me happy.  Strictly looking at these numbers I have not started off a new year better.  I've lost a good bit of weight and a nice number of inches.  Here's hoping that Jan 2013 will look even better than this.

Fitness/Health Goals for 2012:

-run a 5k under 35 minutes

-jog a half marathon

-wear a swimsuit...in public without a coverup over that covers the entire suit lol!

-try 1 new healthy food a month

-try 1 new exercise or aerobic class a month

-navel measurement under 33 inches

-weigh under 180

-have more fun and laugh more

-find something I enjoy as a celebration that does not revolve around food or drinking

Goals for next 6 Weeks:

-5 total inches lost

-5 lbs lost

-consistent with Couch to 5k

-consistent with strength training

-up the fiber, lower the salt

-drink more water

-take my own luch to work more often

Suggestions to help with my goals are ALWAYS welcome.  I'll probably be reading your blogs for ideas about new foods and exercises anyway!  

 

I did Zumba on Wii again today for about 30 minutes. 

Pitbull - Pause (the Keenan Cahill version)

I thought this was cute lol!  One of the zumba trainers from the videos and game is in the background doing the routine you would see on the game.

New Measurements

First, are you all getting little ads at the bottom of the screen when you log on to Blogger now?  I am and it is sooooo annoying.  I am really not a fan of this.  Ugh!

I have taken new measurements and here they go:

I did not expect very much with my measurements this time, because I know I have not been as dedicated.

Positives:

-still lost around my belly

-lost an inch total

-lost 3 lbs

-have lost 15.25 inches overall

-have lost 23 lbs since this summer (began the summer at 247)

I don't see that much of a difference in the month to month photos, but I definitely see a difference when I put the heaviest photo and my most recent photo side by side.  Yay me!  lol!

This next 5 weeks or so I am going to make a commitment to do better than ever.  I have become complacent and I know I can do better, so I am going to do better.  I have jogging and a really good strength training routine from Oxygen Magazine.  I really have everything I need.  I just have to get dedicated again.  I'm expecting great results next time!

Goals for next time:

-lose 5 inches total

-lose 5 lbs

-workout at least 4 days every week

-stay on track with my jogging

Ester Dean - Drop It Low

Goals

This will be a short post, because I'm actually in the middle of typing and researching a 16 page paper that's due Monday.  I'm such a procrastinator.  I needed a break though and decided to blog.

I've been thinking about goals lately.  Without Sam, my exercise dedication has been losing steam.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still doing it, but I don't have quite the same amount of joy.  It's like I have nothing to look forward to.  So, I need goals.  For the past year or so I have had dreams of becoming a runner.  I have attempted and quit the Couch 2 5k program twice out of sheer laziness.  With that being said, I am signing up for a half marathon in April 2012.  I am really hoping that 6 months is enough to get me in decent shape.  I will either be doing the Rock 'n' Roll in Nashville, TN or the Oak Barrel Half in Lynchburg, TN.  at the moment I am leaning towards the Lynchburg race.  The Nashville race will feature country music, which I'm not a huge fan of (but if Keith Urban or Kenny Chesney will be there then sign me up lol).

I can currently jog for about 12 minutes nonstop.  At the end of that time I think I'm going to pass out though lol.  So, I am probably going to give the C25K program a shot again.  I'm going to use next week and this weekend trying to figure out just where in the program I should start.  I'll try Week 1 Day 1 and see if it's too easy, or a pretty good fit.  I am going to look for shorter distance races to schedule before the half in order to keep me motivated, but the half is my ultimate goal.  Wish me luck!

On another note, I did a workout from Oxygen Magazine on Wednesday and I am so sore.  The workout I used was from the Jan 2010 issue.  I have close to 5 years of Oxygen magazines at home.  I have read each of them in its entirety at some point, and I am still overweight.  That just goes to show that you can know what to do and have all the right tools, but you will not change until you are ready to do so.  Anyway, it was a full body strength training routine and boy am I feeling it.  The soreness makes me feel alive though, in some odd way...go figure.

I tried to make this pic extra large, so everyone can read the words.  I hope they are not too blurry from my enlarging it.  No song today...Happy Friday!