Okay, so I made it through the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's and I even managed to lose weight in the process instead of gaining! This is a HUGE first for me. I always gain about 15 pounds over the winter months, but not this year! I kept my eating sensible, and though I did indulge once in a while, I did not do it to prior excesses.
From the start of the challenge I joined for weight loss through the holidays until it ended, I lost a total of 13 pounds! I am very proud of this number as it only took me 9 weeks! These results show me that when the mix is right, even stress won't phase me as badly as it could at other times. The week I began my triathlon training I hit a plateau, but I kept pushing and eventually broke through it with a four pound loss for one of the weeks! I was so encouraged by this, so I just thought I would see how close to my goal weight of 145 I could get by the end of the challenge. Answer? I was within 16.6 pounds of goal!
I am on a five week challenge right now among other types of challenges that mesh with my triathlon training. I also joined a challenge called Be the Change You Want. I have set goal for myself this year rather than make any new year's resolutions.
These goals include, but are certainly not limited to:
* Get to my goal weight of 145 pounds by June 16th of 2011, or sooner!
* Complete my first ever sprint distance triathlon
* Quit eating fast food
* Plan my meals week by week
* Get my training, work, and personal schedules in line!
* Make a concerted effort to become a more organized person
I am currently taking a little time to myself due to moving, new work schedules and recently having been ill with a rather flu-like bug. By mid month I will be in my new place and hopefully fairly settled. Then I can sit down and figure out when and where my training schedules will fit into personal and work schedules. I am planning to use one of my two days off per week to prepare and plan meals for the week ahead. The other day I will treat myself to something I enjoy.
I am a little miffed that exercise is more or less off the table until next week, but given how ill I was earlier this week it is a good thing. I am still going to move some of my things to the new place tomorrow, and any day I can between tomorrow and the 14th. I am very philosophical about things right now and trying hard to keep them in perspective.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Training, Injuries, Holidays and whatnot....
Well, the triathlon training was going along well until I hurt my ankle, then I had to stop running unless it was in the water..... After that finally healed up, I pulled a quad moving.... Have I mentioned that moving just plain rots?
Anyway, so then comes the Christmas holiday time with family..... Managed to get in a little bit of exercise, but not much. Note to self, pulled quad muscles hurt! Oh, and yes i indulged in way too many cookies while visiting the folks,but seeing as I am back home now I can fix the damage and hopefully still show a loss for the week.....
So I asked my family to get me things that will aid in my triathlon training and preparation. My gifts included practical things like pajamas and toe socks from my little sister, herbs I can grow on the windowsill and add to my food from my parents, and then the things I was given by my grandparents..... I received my very own pair of Zoomers training fins by Finis (the red ones because my kick needs serious help!), and two books about triathlons (what else?). The first book is called: The Woman Triathlete and is aimed at the issues women face when taking on a triathlon and the attendant training schedules.... The second book is by Joe Friel and called Your First Triathlon. I think even beyond my first one, that book is going to come in super handy!
Now, back to the fitness stuff for a bit.... I hae been doing triathlon training following the 22 week sprint training plan i found on beginnertriathlete.com, and I added in the strength training my trainer at work suggested after getting set up with the system for tracking things we have. So I have been doing strength two of my lighter tri training days per week and making sure I leave one day of total rest per week.
Now, in the last 8 weeks I have been doing a lot of exercising and I've probably not been eating enough, but we shall see when i speak to the nutritionist later...... I have lost a staggering 12.4 pounds in that time.. or nearly a whole stone!
Right now my weight is sitting at 162.2 pounds. Now, remember, my goal is 145 pounds, so I am getting very close and this last bit is coming off faster than the first bit.... which is sort of the reverse of what I would expect.....
So anyway, I am planning to actually pot a bit more regularly about my journey to fitness and also the triathlon goal as well.... Hopefullymy real life will settle down enough soon that this will be possible.
Anyway, so then comes the Christmas holiday time with family..... Managed to get in a little bit of exercise, but not much. Note to self, pulled quad muscles hurt! Oh, and yes i indulged in way too many cookies while visiting the folks,but seeing as I am back home now I can fix the damage and hopefully still show a loss for the week.....
So I asked my family to get me things that will aid in my triathlon training and preparation. My gifts included practical things like pajamas and toe socks from my little sister, herbs I can grow on the windowsill and add to my food from my parents, and then the things I was given by my grandparents..... I received my very own pair of Zoomers training fins by Finis (the red ones because my kick needs serious help!), and two books about triathlons (what else?). The first book is called: The Woman Triathlete and is aimed at the issues women face when taking on a triathlon and the attendant training schedules.... The second book is by Joe Friel and called Your First Triathlon. I think even beyond my first one, that book is going to come in super handy!
Now, back to the fitness stuff for a bit.... I hae been doing triathlon training following the 22 week sprint training plan i found on beginnertriathlete.com, and I added in the strength training my trainer at work suggested after getting set up with the system for tracking things we have. So I have been doing strength two of my lighter tri training days per week and making sure I leave one day of total rest per week.
Now, in the last 8 weeks I have been doing a lot of exercising and I've probably not been eating enough, but we shall see when i speak to the nutritionist later...... I have lost a staggering 12.4 pounds in that time.. or nearly a whole stone!
Right now my weight is sitting at 162.2 pounds. Now, remember, my goal is 145 pounds, so I am getting very close and this last bit is coming off faster than the first bit.... which is sort of the reverse of what I would expect.....
So anyway, I am planning to actually pot a bit more regularly about my journey to fitness and also the triathlon goal as well.... Hopefullymy real life will settle down enough soon that this will be possible.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Just Outta the Gate and Already an Injury.... SIGH...
Well, I have decided that moving can be a serious threat to my triathlon training program and progress therein......
So I was moving a piece of furniture,more awkward than heavy really off the moving truck. No big deal really..... Or so I thought until I realized too late that I had not placed my whole foot on the concrete part of the driveway and my ankle scrunched up the wrong way, making me wince and have to set down what I was helping move.
So here's the skinny..... It's painful and swollen today, but I can still walk on it which is a good thing in my estimation. I am taking 3 weeks off my running training, which means sayonara to the "Last Run 5k" I was half considering to close out my season. I am still going to do my strength training, swimming and biking, and some non-impact aqua jogging in the pool for the time things are healing.
I'm not even a full two weeks into my training and this has to happen.... really? I suppose I should be grateful this is coming at the end of this season' activities and NOT the week of my first triathlon..... Still, I am mad as heck because I was actually starting not to dread running so much...... Oh well, such is life I suppose.
So I was moving a piece of furniture,more awkward than heavy really off the moving truck. No big deal really..... Or so I thought until I realized too late that I had not placed my whole foot on the concrete part of the driveway and my ankle scrunched up the wrong way, making me wince and have to set down what I was helping move.
So here's the skinny..... It's painful and swollen today, but I can still walk on it which is a good thing in my estimation. I am taking 3 weeks off my running training, which means sayonara to the "Last Run 5k" I was half considering to close out my season. I am still going to do my strength training, swimming and biking, and some non-impact aqua jogging in the pool for the time things are healing.
I'm not even a full two weeks into my training and this has to happen.... really? I suppose I should be grateful this is coming at the end of this season' activities and NOT the week of my first triathlon..... Still, I am mad as heck because I was actually starting not to dread running so much...... Oh well, such is life I suppose.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Triathlon, Strength, and Cardio... OH MY!!!!
Okay, so I've taken a huge first step and decided to train for a triathlon that happens in my area in July.
But wait, isn't this December? What am I doing training so much now?
Simple, I need to get my endurance up for the race. I bought a book to help me and I've been using the 22 week sprint training plan from Beginnertriathlete.com to get my butt in gear. The plan has me training six days a week for the various legs of the triathlon. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I swim and either run or bike. Tuesdays I bike. Saturdays are running only, and Sundays are biking only.
I also got signed into a strength training program my Y offers called FitLinxx. Basically, you can log every time you exercise via the machines for strength training, and manually log cardio workouts like swimming, running, biking, classes, etc.... at the many kiosks scattered around the gym.
So here's my training Week at a Glance:
Monday: Swim/Run
Tuesday: Bike/ Strength
Wednesday: Swim/Run
Thursday: REST!!!!!
Friday: Swim/Bike
Saturday: Run/Strength
Sunday: Bike
Now, add to that my work schedule of split doubles on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. I also work single shift on Sunday, and any time I am needed for covering other people's hours as well.
I'm also in the process of moving, and then trying to find another place to live because the room mate situation has just gotten out of hand entirely. So yeah, busy girl here!
I get up before 5am most days and I am working usually in the early morning, but days i don't I am at the gym when it opens so i can get in my training then go home or run errands or whatever. Days i work i either get in my workout between my doubles, or after my shift... before if I work a later in the day shift.
My weight is goin the right direction and if things keep up, I will be at or very near goal by the time I hit one year using Jillian Michaels' online diet/exercise program on er website.
But wait, isn't this December? What am I doing training so much now?
Simple, I need to get my endurance up for the race. I bought a book to help me and I've been using the 22 week sprint training plan from Beginnertriathlete.com to get my butt in gear. The plan has me training six days a week for the various legs of the triathlon. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I swim and either run or bike. Tuesdays I bike. Saturdays are running only, and Sundays are biking only.
I also got signed into a strength training program my Y offers called FitLinxx. Basically, you can log every time you exercise via the machines for strength training, and manually log cardio workouts like swimming, running, biking, classes, etc.... at the many kiosks scattered around the gym.
So here's my training Week at a Glance:
Monday: Swim/Run
Tuesday: Bike/ Strength
Wednesday: Swim/Run
Thursday: REST!!!!!
Friday: Swim/Bike
Saturday: Run/Strength
Sunday: Bike
Now, add to that my work schedule of split doubles on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. I also work single shift on Sunday, and any time I am needed for covering other people's hours as well.
I'm also in the process of moving, and then trying to find another place to live because the room mate situation has just gotten out of hand entirely. So yeah, busy girl here!
I get up before 5am most days and I am working usually in the early morning, but days i don't I am at the gym when it opens so i can get in my training then go home or run errands or whatever. Days i work i either get in my workout between my doubles, or after my shift... before if I work a later in the day shift.
My weight is goin the right direction and if things keep up, I will be at or very near goal by the time I hit one year using Jillian Michaels' online diet/exercise program on er website.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Day After The Race....
So I woke up this morning and went to get out of bed.... I found myself grunting and groaning my way to the bathroom and even waddling! My butt and my hips are totally sore this morning! My legs are not on full range of motion as yet either...
Despite all of this I am going to the gym for my turbo kick class and then hitting the hot tub! I suppose the stiffness and soreness will hold me back a bit during turbo kick, but I promised myself I was starting my new fitness regimen today and by golly I'm going to do it!
Aside from that, I still have about 18 more biking miles for leg #2 and around the distance of a 5k to do on the treadmill or elsewise for the final leg of a biathlon challenge I am doing. It's a lazy man's biathlon, but it's no cake walk! I participated in a Lazy Man Triathlon back in July/August and that one was tough as well..... Here's the skinny on the Lazy Man challenges....
Lazy Man Triathlon:
Running - 26.2 Miles
Biking - 112 Miles
Swimming - 3.1 Miles
BUT! You have five weeks to finish this one, and there are plenty of substitutions for each portion of the total race.
Lazy Man Duathlon (Biathlon really)
Leg #1 - 5k Run (3.1 Miles)
Leg #2 - 93.2 Miles Biking
Leg #3 - 18.6 Mile Run
BUT! You have an entire month to complete this one and just like the tri, there are substitutions for the various exercises.
I love challenging myself and one of these days I'm going to do a sprint distance triathlon for real! I did one of my own design once and managed to finish it in a little over an hour total.... Not bad really.... But anyway.. I need to go get my but in gear for the workout stuff today!
Despite all of this I am going to the gym for my turbo kick class and then hitting the hot tub! I suppose the stiffness and soreness will hold me back a bit during turbo kick, but I promised myself I was starting my new fitness regimen today and by golly I'm going to do it!
Aside from that, I still have about 18 more biking miles for leg #2 and around the distance of a 5k to do on the treadmill or elsewise for the final leg of a biathlon challenge I am doing. It's a lazy man's biathlon, but it's no cake walk! I participated in a Lazy Man Triathlon back in July/August and that one was tough as well..... Here's the skinny on the Lazy Man challenges....
Lazy Man Triathlon:
Running - 26.2 Miles
Biking - 112 Miles
Swimming - 3.1 Miles
BUT! You have five weeks to finish this one, and there are plenty of substitutions for each portion of the total race.
Lazy Man Duathlon (Biathlon really)
Leg #1 - 5k Run (3.1 Miles)
Leg #2 - 93.2 Miles Biking
Leg #3 - 18.6 Mile Run
BUT! You have an entire month to complete this one and just like the tri, there are substitutions for the various exercises.
I love challenging myself and one of these days I'm going to do a sprint distance triathlon for real! I did one of my own design once and managed to finish it in a little over an hour total.... Not bad really.... But anyway.. I need to go get my but in gear for the workout stuff today!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
First 10k... Results and Reflections....
Well, I decided to try my very first 10k race this morning. The run is primarily sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and is appropriately called... The Dunkin' Run!
I arrived early, and dined on a bagel with cream cheese and coffee for breakfast... had a few munchkins too..... Then I checked in and tied my chip up in my shoe laces, and put on my bib... #53! Afterthat there was lots of wandering and stretching before lining up for the start of the race.
We all started going and it was so awesome! The 5k racers made one loop around the course while the 10k people did two loops.... I think I figured out what people mean by "hitting the wall" today.... I hit that wall about a mile and half from the finish and I let out a war whoop and shoved myself hard as heck right on through it!
I finished the race dead last, but at least I finished it! Ultimately, that is my goal with every race... Just finish, don't worry about the time!
So for those curious about it, my result are listed below.....
Official Time: 1:32:43
Official Pace: 14:56
Not too shabby for my first 10k race!
I arrived early, and dined on a bagel with cream cheese and coffee for breakfast... had a few munchkins too..... Then I checked in and tied my chip up in my shoe laces, and put on my bib... #53! Afterthat there was lots of wandering and stretching before lining up for the start of the race.
We all started going and it was so awesome! The 5k racers made one loop around the course while the 10k people did two loops.... I think I figured out what people mean by "hitting the wall" today.... I hit that wall about a mile and half from the finish and I let out a war whoop and shoved myself hard as heck right on through it!
I finished the race dead last, but at least I finished it! Ultimately, that is my goal with every race... Just finish, don't worry about the time!
So for those curious about it, my result are listed below.....
Official Time: 1:32:43
Official Pace: 14:56
Not too shabby for my first 10k race!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Turning Over a New Leaf....
Well, it is Friday once again and time for accountability. My weight is down this week, and I am happy!
Last Week - 181.9
This Week - 179.7
LOSS of 2.2 pounds.
I have my very first 10k race on Sunday morning and will post results here. On Monday I begin a new training program which I outline below.....
Monday - Turbo Kick
Tuesday - Zumba
Wednesday - Weight Circuits and Swimming
Thursday - Zumba
Friday - Rest Day
Saturday - Cardio Kickboxing and Zumba
Sunday - Rest Day
I am also seriously considering starting up with a local Roller Derby team. They practice two nights per week (Monday and Thursday) and I spoke to one of the girls last night.... She told me she's lost 25 pounds since starting derby..... I looked on the listing the team has on Facebook and she's listed under "fresh meat" on their roster. I love the names the girls use too.... I have a name I'm thinking of for my derby name, but not telling right now. Going to work with a friend of a friend in two weeks on derby stuff and see what I can do and can't do of that before making my final decision. He coached a derby team before so he can tell me one way or another....
Last Week - 181.9
This Week - 179.7
LOSS of 2.2 pounds.
I have my very first 10k race on Sunday morning and will post results here. On Monday I begin a new training program which I outline below.....
Monday - Turbo Kick
Tuesday - Zumba
Wednesday - Weight Circuits and Swimming
Thursday - Zumba
Friday - Rest Day
Saturday - Cardio Kickboxing and Zumba
Sunday - Rest Day
I am also seriously considering starting up with a local Roller Derby team. They practice two nights per week (Monday and Thursday) and I spoke to one of the girls last night.... She told me she's lost 25 pounds since starting derby..... I looked on the listing the team has on Facebook and she's listed under "fresh meat" on their roster. I love the names the girls use too.... I have a name I'm thinking of for my derby name, but not telling right now. Going to work with a friend of a friend in two weeks on derby stuff and see what I can do and can't do of that before making my final decision. He coached a derby team before so he can tell me one way or another....
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