tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86008072716529435102024-02-19T04:08:44.662-08:00Lucky Loses ItEat the Food, Lift the Things. Losing weight or losing my mind - it changes daily.Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-89173337669132597692018-02-27T15:09:00.005-08:002018-02-27T15:09:54.417-08:00Triggered by Jeggings I was out clothes shopping the other day when I had an experience and reaction that surprised me.<br />
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I was in a store looking for an item that I had tried on at another location but just needed a different color. It was a high-waisted jegging that fit me like a glove and finally didn't make my calves hulk out or roll down my stomach because the rise was too low. The pair was sized like regular jeans: zipper, button, and all. Finally, an acceptable pair outside of yoga pants I could wear!<br />
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Normally I don't venture into trendy shops or stores that skew younger, but this one makes jeans just how I like and need 'em. As it was, I was already a little self conscious walking in there sans makeup, in a baseball hat and older than most of the shoppers and retail employees there. Le sigh.<br />
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I found what I was looking for but not before an employee found me. I was asking to check out but fell prey to the "buy one get one 50% off" tactic. I figured I'd go for it, since I knew this style of jean would probably get some good mileage. Why not get another pair?<br />
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The clerk let me go back to meandering the store, lingering over the same sections...I wanted another high-waisted pair, but was looking for a different style. I must have been taking a long time when I heard a phantom voice behind me ask loudly, <i>"And what size are we looking for today?"</i> I didn't want to turn around. I felt my cheeks get hot. I felt my shoulders rise and scrunch up realizing I'd have to say my size aloud. <i>"Size 10, regular,"</i> I mumbled. God, why was that so hard? Why did it suddenly feel like I was on stage about to give a presentation about my pants?<br />
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Now, it shouldn't matter what size I was looking for but I felt embarrassed. I felt both large and small at the same time. When the largest size in the store is 14 and I'm in the double digit territory, I get really aware of how close I am to being generalized as a "bigger woman" and I hate it. If I was still a size 8 I would have had no problem saying my size out loud. 8 is great! This bothers me. That, and the extra 15 pounds that requires a little more room in the waist... but that's a different story.<br />
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The clerk didn't stop there though. <i>"Are we ONLY looking at high waisted?"</i> I felt like he being was ridiculously loud for 11 am. I somehow felt like it was a dig at me...<i>I know middle aged women your age need higher waisted pants to keep all that muffin top at bay! </i>That's what I heard in my mind. I didn't even want to make eye contact as I said yes. I literally wanted to disappear into the jean wall like Homer Simpson into a hedge.<br />
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There is literally nothing wrong with preferring or liking or needing high waisted pants. The sane part of my brain knows this. In a day and age where stores are purposely carrying lines of actual "mom jeans" I need to relax.<br />
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I emerged unscathed with my two pairs of jeggings, but my dignity was not so much in tact. I have some work to do to figure out why I had such a guttural reaction. I couldn't get out of that store fast enough.<br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-67898805783879299282018-02-11T12:34:00.002-08:002018-02-11T12:34:44.316-08:00Things are a little intimidating. Starting off a new year with the same point of view. I always aim to write more, to track more, to do more, but in the end it's the same old me, taking way too many <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-is-a-depression-nap_us_5a54e4c8e4b01e1a4b19fdad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">depression naps</a>, keeping a stash of pizza rolls in the freezer and wavering between extreme productivity and self-doubt.<br />
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The end of 2017 was a doozy. I lost my dog in September suddenly to what we think was a brain tumor and I lost my job in December. Technically I'm still working, but my job is officially over on 2/15. However, once operations stopped, so did my daily duties.<br />
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I kind of spent October in a haze, not really sure what to do, but just going through the motions of losing a pet and a furry shoulder to rest upon on a daily basis. It's true what they say, silence is deafening. Not hearing his paws on the wooden floor, his snores from across the room or the jangle of his collar really hit me hard. I was working from home a lot at the time, so I had plenty of opportunities to stare into the distance at an empty dog bed from the couch. I was in the <a href="https://www.shmoop.com/bell-jar/title.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bell Jar,</a> and it wasn't pretty.<br />
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The holidays came and went, which I hate anyway since my family is dysfunctional, I don't travel and my partner works retail with no reprieve. Once December hits, all bets are off and I go into full hibernation mode. I thought it would be good for me to slow down, take this time to work on myself and start feeling whole again. I signed up for professional development classes online to make myself more marketable. I started working out more regularly and overall gave myself permission to just...be.<br />
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I found myself being more busy in January than I had in a long time -- even with not working my full time job! I took a workshop on coding, I re-upped some marketing certifications that had lapsed over the last year, and continued to learn new things via online classes. I managed to have a few phone interviews and even an "assignment" for one job early this month. I picked up some freelance work in graphic design and lost a few weekends to endless edits, studying and putting together a presentation for said interview process. It was pretty exhausting mentally!<br />
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Things seem to be slowing down a bit now, which is good. I filled my life with distractions and things I thought I "should be" doing, since you know, I'm useless without a job or office to go to. I neglected to really take the time to "do me" though. I turned 40 this summer and made a vow to myself that this was the year I'd finally put into action all the things I've talked about since my 20's.<br />
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I have goals I'd like to accomplish, such as doing a real pull-up, bench pressing 150 pounds or squatting my own weight (trust me, that is a feat in and of itself -- hence the pull up issue) and finally see Europe in some capacity. To my credit, I've been working out and getting stronger and booked a trip to London and Amsterdam in March -- my first time ever overseas. I should be happy, but I'm still in a funk.<br />
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I don't like the way I feel. I don't like the way I look. I don't like feeling "old". By no means am I heading to Shady Pines any time soon, nor do children or small animals recoil when I pass them on the street, but things start to weigh heavier (pun intended) when you're a woman who has hit 40. Self-criticism is at an all time high especially when you're jobless and looking for work in a high tech, highly expensive and youthful area like the Bay. When you're expected to know how to code or have experience in start ups or years of marketing growth prowess and still be a sprightly "under 30" to boot, things are a little intimidating. Things like the gym, the job search and well, just life in general.<br />
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I know it's silly, but I go through this every time I am out of work. It creeps up on you like a tight pair of capris, and when I look in the mirror, it takes every bit of energy to tell myself, I'm a fucking bad ass unicorn. Deep down I know it, but I surely do not show it. I'm working on another post in my mind regarding this, but need to stew on it a little longer. I needed to organize my thoughts and wade back into blogging with baby steps with an inaugural post. Also, I think it's time for a nap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-UifRtyk13Kulsx5UcBvIM-Y5Qi7wuwhx4N_m0icA6NzPYDl0l6GNNM-xHW4s_1ZuwrWytKeThe-7f0Uq9ZteAM0Bdk9UlZlq3R4syL6j0wyKMPMHHAhT8u0NwKEollFGAenhZ4QSc0/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-UifRtyk13Kulsx5UcBvIM-Y5Qi7wuwhx4N_m0icA6NzPYDl0l6GNNM-xHW4s_1ZuwrWytKeThe-7f0Uq9ZteAM0Bdk9UlZlq3R4syL6j0wyKMPMHHAhT8u0NwKEollFGAenhZ4QSc0/s320/IMG_0257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was the best at naps. </td></tr>
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-73583278631366066692017-06-16T07:30:00.000-07:002017-06-16T08:54:14.706-07:00The LeftoversSomeone asked me today where my "leftover tradition" came from. I tend to leave a little bit of food in the pan of the meal I've created, be it for me or me and someone else. I have a few reasons why, it turns out. Who knew my obsession with food went levels deep?<br />
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<b>Sneaky Diet Shade</b><br />
Sometimes I'll break up a single serving into two, just to make myself feel like I'm eating more or really "going back for seconds". I try to trick my brain into thinking I'm getting a treat of MORE FOOD! When I'm with someone who's watching their weight, I do the same. For some reason it makes me feel good.<br />
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<b>I'm Cheap and Lazy</b><br />
Rather than leave a single serving of pasta or a few fingerling potatoes around, I'll cook more than the amount my man and I will share. That way I'm guaranteed left overs for lunch or even later that night. If I ziplock, tie, tape or freeze any remaining ingredients, it's a surefire way to wasteland because I'll never touch those ingredients again and a future meal has been wiped out of the running.<br />
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<b>It's My Gift to the World</b><br />
Growing up, I never really had an outstanding skill. I didn't play an instrument, I wasn't inclined to play sports (though my mother would probably say I had a body like a linebacker) and I wasn't classically beautiful offering up my visage to the pedestals of prom, student government or the boys in the band.<br />
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I could cook though. When I got to college I experimented with meatballs in my dorm kitchen toaster. When I had a summer apartment, it was fresh scallops and garlic from the farmer's market in Boston. I was known for bringing rice-a-roni to dinners, but as I grew it was chili, meatballs, fancy pastas or quinoa salad friends would request.<br />
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When I cook for people, I enjoy it. I like providing someone with a sense of comfort, nourishment and relaxation. You can be YOU around me. Wanna eat ramen with your bare hands? I'm in. Need to go eat bone marrow at a fancy restaurant and have white linens and warmed hand towels? I'll lick my fingers when no one is looking.<br />
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So when I'm cooking dinner, I'm a bit vain thinking folks will want seconds of what I made. I like leaving a little bit extra for someone else even if it means I'll have less myself. It's my little treat to the person enjoying a good meal. I'm extending that feel good moment for them.<br />
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Am I weird? Maybe. Am I obsessed with food and the emotional triggers attached? Probably. Do I need to lay off the Food Network and stop spending my whole paycheck on grocery store tours? Most definitely.<br />
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But I'm still going to plan and meal prep like I'm feeding an army.<br />
<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-63035624733134977082017-06-15T20:39:00.001-07:002017-06-15T20:39:04.954-07:00It's been a whileI haven't signed into this blog in over a year. I think for a while I was so caught up in what other people were doing, what they were saying, how their journey was going etc. that I basically devoted all my energy into feeding into that desire --of seeing life through someone else's eyes-- instead of my own. I need to work things out in my head.<br />
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It's been a crazy few years. I'm approaching the big 4-0 and am finding it hard to come to terms with that. I feel the restrictions my body is putting on me now. And I don't like it. But I persist. I run with chafed thighs or lady parts, I squat with sore knees and do lateral raises with a shoulder housing tendinitis. I should get a tattoo of Motrin on my ass.<br />
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I have my heroes like <a href="https://www.iamerinbrown.info/" target="_blank">Erin Brown</a>, <a href="http://www.niashanks.com/" target="_blank">Nia Shanks</a>, <a href="http://mollygalbraith.com/" target="_blank">Molly Galbraith</a> and <a href="https://gokaleo.com/" target="_blank">Amber Rogers</a> to keep me going for inspiration, resources and motivation. I'm thankful during my time avoiding my own voice I found these phenomenal women who really took up space in this world and shared their great perspectives. It's like a voice of reason in a sea of Instabootygrams and cleanses and juices and kitten mitten (intermittent) fasting. <br />
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I self-sabotage a lot. I know I should be doing more cardio. I know I need to curb my wine drinking and take my vitamins. Do I? No. I know better but I also want to defy the expectations of what "I'm supposed to do" at this age. It's not very smart, I'll admit.<br />
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We'll see if writing out my thoughts helps me get a clearer picture in the gym. I need my mojo back.<br />
<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-29201902677248190222015-03-13T16:49:00.001-07:002015-03-13T16:49:07.696-07:00Success is Never a Straight Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I'm reaching the point where I can finally start to see some progress. It's strange, when others notice it too. I've been spending this month oddly proud and somewhat embarrassed. I was chosen by my health coach and gym to be their "member of the month". I wanted to make sure my blurb talked about persistence and really overcoming obstacles. I feel like that's all I've had. My write up mentions a few things I can now do (push ups, tricep dips), things I've done (lost some weight, gained some muscle) and some challenges I've had (car accident, surgeries etc). I will admit, it's a bit odd to see my picture in various corners of the gym. Thank god no one has approached me about it -- only my coworkers who also go to the gym there.<br />
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My shoulder and arm are still bothering me so I've been back to running and squatting. I've tried to pick up the dead lifts again too, as long as my back plays along nicely. I'm still mad at myself for not getting to a yoga class yet. I desperately need to stretch and my hamstrings/hip flexors pretty much want to stab me in the heart with a spoon. </div>
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I'm feeling more and more like my old self again, and motivated. It's becoming more and more apparent how depressed I was and living under a cloud during 2012-2013. Things really picked up in late 2014, when I think my body finally started to balance out and my mind joined my team, instead of going against me. </div>
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I've seen some friends come and go in their fitness journey. There have been good and bad times, personal records and times of being benched. I've been through it all too. I've been jealous in the past while I was recovering watching the posts of people always at the gym, their favorite class or doing fitness "double headers". I felt like it made the down time even worse, it was a FOMO for fitness. </div>
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This image pretty much displays what the journey is. It's never a straight line. It's not easy. It takes a LONG TIME. You progress, you regress. You move up, you fall down. The key is to just keep moving. Now my scale isn't telling me great things, but fitting into pants from 3 years ago does. When I see a waist and wings where back fat used to be, that makes me feel better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmHWFqta744Cu78ZJys2tMmewA_2XyRSHs796G4rSOUHj6RHa60p13PwpWyqumEy4N9UV5yvVN8reMzVPBdl_g1uzpXFQJmWUcFR-nz8KREhRs5arwhoA5b0-HSYCQTDSpcqiNKcHjrI/s1600/Fitness-Success.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="path to fitness success" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmHWFqta744Cu78ZJys2tMmewA_2XyRSHs796G4rSOUHj6RHa60p13PwpWyqumEy4N9UV5yvVN8reMzVPBdl_g1uzpXFQJmWUcFR-nz8KREhRs5arwhoA5b0-HSYCQTDSpcqiNKcHjrI/s1600/Fitness-Success.png" height="185" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got my own road map as well that I track in my phone with these blog posts or pictures like the one here. The left is December, the right is this past week. It's not a huge difference, but changes are being made. I definite look more optimistic in the right too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpQ_60guh9qjSTmGWorGH9s6s6P4vxqhoBVi6myHM-pxeYDy1VRH_mG37h_fMB391d7tNH7HW0NQC1GQE1C9W8CDvZA1EF1kP5jIyp730IJTpB_jsDOZjEAvUNkcmrQzwiDm-BlIQzpU/s640/blogger-image-837391318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpQ_60guh9qjSTmGWorGH9s6s6P4vxqhoBVi6myHM-pxeYDy1VRH_mG37h_fMB391d7tNH7HW0NQC1GQE1C9W8CDvZA1EF1kP5jIyp730IJTpB_jsDOZjEAvUNkcmrQzwiDm-BlIQzpU/s640/blogger-image-837391318.jpg" /></a></div>
I guess what I'm trying to say is, stick with it. Six months from now you'll have a new bookmark in the journey. Look, I'm like a motivational speaker now.Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-63476496798071005782015-02-11T14:49:00.001-08:002015-02-11T14:52:21.125-08:00Circus Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvUrwjnTQV9ONBTj2vSiKRcHEw1-DXc4D_YDs7vbKlzP3d8RzwjxpHdWmU4p-mGdNHN4zTWnjsNE3xEclybtw0CxhndAUviSIv3NMp7etg0-zwG8fvU1qHyUEUkrN6661MKFr8ccGjdo/s1600/blogger-image--772757220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvUrwjnTQV9ONBTj2vSiKRcHEw1-DXc4D_YDs7vbKlzP3d8RzwjxpHdWmU4p-mGdNHN4zTWnjsNE3xEclybtw0CxhndAUviSIv3NMp7etg0-zwG8fvU1qHyUEUkrN6661MKFr8ccGjdo/s200/blogger-image--772757220.jpg" width="200" /></a>Things are just moving along in my world. I've still been consistent with my workouts and true to my promise of wearing loud(er) pants to the gym. My latest obsession are these wonderful orange ass spirals. (They aren't on the seller's website currently so I can't link to them - sorry! )</div>
I call them my circus pants. You really can't miss me when I wear them. I am not hiding in the gym anymore! They are particularly fun on leg day, that I will tell you.<br />
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I've been at a little plateau lately. I've been too lenient with myself and while I can feel myself getting stronger, my pants are not any looser. I'm standing in my own way, really. I enjoy my wine, I eat some carbs and have a life, so this process is taking a really long time, but it's all because of decisions I have consciously made. </div>
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That being said, cardio has been upped to 4 mile runs when I do them and I'm trying to incorporate more intervals in my workouts. My enemy the burpee is back and I've had to re-learn how to do a "<a href="http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/5-tips-for-a-perfect-push-up/" target="_blank">real push up</a>". I've gone from doing almost 20 push ups in a row to about 10. I realized my form was off, my elbows were out way too much and I wasn't working my triceps as much as I could have been doing. </div>
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I'm trying to actually follow a workout routine instead of just winging it at the gym. I've decided on this:</div>
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<b>Sun</b></h4>
</td><td><h4>
<b>Mon</b></h4>
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<b>Tues</b></h4>
</td><td><h4>
<b>Wed</b></h4>
</td><td><h4>
<b>Thur</b></h4>
</td><td><h4>
<b>Fri</b></h4>
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<b>Sat</b></h4>
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<tr><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Strength – Push
15 min warm up
4x10
-Any db press
-Push ups
-Dips or tricep push downs
-Skull crushers
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Strength
15 minute warmup
Lower Body Pt. 1
-Squats (bar or goblet)
-Leg extensions
-Leg press
-Deadlifts
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moderate Cardio
Run 4 mi
120 -150 bpm
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Strength- Pull
15 min warmup
4x10
-Wide grip pull down
-Close grip pull down
-Seated Low Row
-Face pull or bent over row
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">HIIT
Running sprints or stair master or squat circuit
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Strength
Lower Body pt. 2
-Squats (bar or goblet)
-Leg curls
-Walking lunges
-Single leg press, calf raises
</span></td><td valign="top"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Small circuit, abs or rest</span></td></tr>
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It changes depending on my schedule, but for the most part I am trying for an even split and not kill myself with cardio. I can't go into beast mode since I'm in a calorie deficit and my stupid back/shoulder/forearm issues, so slow and steady. Weights are light for upper body and I'm doing 4 sets of things instead of 3. I welcomed back my old friend the plank and the wall sit again as well. </div>
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I do see some baby biceps remaining and even though I do not have the body I want, my hair gave me some crazy body for the workout this morning. Also bewbs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3a1LDyww2is4Mo1iZ-_eOcBpTO7IMGFIxSK94Vb0wTfMPKMGDiWmzaAYr_IYmYCYEMVpjfmZbYweLq8SHdrbNg5OvRNQ30mCW0Xm5sOaXgHJPZZyX8pEICzVlBpg0MpoMOGdOSXrYZ4/s640/blogger-image--845514020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3a1LDyww2is4Mo1iZ-_eOcBpTO7IMGFIxSK94Vb0wTfMPKMGDiWmzaAYr_IYmYCYEMVpjfmZbYweLq8SHdrbNg5OvRNQ30mCW0Xm5sOaXgHJPZZyX8pEICzVlBpg0MpoMOGdOSXrYZ4/s640/blogger-image--845514020.jpg" /></a></div>
Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-20965352821663645882015-01-28T14:33:00.004-08:002015-01-28T14:33:49.084-08:00Mini Milestone<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mELvFwEVBr7g8tTX8uPidpSCt-Q1f2OXqtHITOrTZe6Mk0CnRm5wxif4aTTxk4bHlzdeA9dFQsGybWCPwmd_lVI4U3kZtxyJuziXEMBGy6s9XlZLVJIX_2bY-jbqfytxsx8Bp5NZQMQ/s640/blogger-image--1702689811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mELvFwEVBr7g8tTX8uPidpSCt-Q1f2OXqtHITOrTZe6Mk0CnRm5wxif4aTTxk4bHlzdeA9dFQsGybWCPwmd_lVI4U3kZtxyJuziXEMBGy6s9XlZLVJIX_2bY-jbqfytxsx8Bp5NZQMQ/s200/blogger-image--1702689811.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's been about 8 years since I have been able to run 1 mile in under 10 minutes. I didn't wake up thinking this was the day or that I'd even try. I just knew it was leg day, and I wanted to run 1 mile as my warm up. Maybe it was the pre-workout beverage I drank giving me the extra initiative, but I just got on that treadmill, walked one minute and started running. I kept cranking up my speed every few minutes and by the last 3, I was running 7 mph. </div>
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The last time I even attempted this was 2006 I believe, when I decided to train for a half marathon. Of course I was 8 years younger and a few surgeries shy, but the fact that I could complete it this morning gave me a little glimmer of hope of the year to come. </div>
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Afterwards, I was glad to see the squat rack free. I managed to get in about 6 rounds of 6-8 reps starting with 2 rounds of just the bar at 10 reps. It went 45-65-85. I'm still taking it easy and not going full weight (95lb or above). I headed over to the free weight section and grabbed a 35# barbell and did some lunges, good mornings and ass-to-grass squats. I did side lunges and then 2 sets of 20 rapid fire squats til burn out. Needless to say, it was hard for me to walk down the gym stairs to the locker room. </div>
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We had free lunch at work today so I refrained from going crazy, but I did indulge in half a mini burrito and a piece of chocolate cake. I ain't even gonna sweat it, because I was dripping sweat this morning. Eat the food, lift the things. </div>
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-74355437160953129102015-01-21T13:25:00.001-08:002015-01-21T13:29:37.636-08:00The Trackin' Wagon<br />
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Well, 2015 is in full effect and I'm back on the wagon. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hPL6EgFjK4" target="_blank">Fun time is over</a>, as said best by Red Foreman.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkvl4qb2oRYKq4vVDrqMQeZ5syVh7-j7OZkkzF5hAq_HqsUfdodS4LxqLAeohetD8eV13JNilEp4joVSXliPnlPmZDxDvhUhYliBCs7HSIHIkuKBKPxcmazXYRe1qk5TgFnCots_Fs-M/s1600/blogger-image--239777006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkvl4qb2oRYKq4vVDrqMQeZ5syVh7-j7OZkkzF5hAq_HqsUfdodS4LxqLAeohetD8eV13JNilEp4joVSXliPnlPmZDxDvhUhYliBCs7HSIHIkuKBKPxcmazXYRe1qk5TgFnCots_Fs-M/s200/blogger-image--239777006.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mmm poke.</i></td></tr>
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I let myself have a week off for vacation. No tracking, highly caloric booze intake, carbs were eaten, long walks were had and though I indulged, I also made smart choices throughout my fun times. Even though I did partake in some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loco_moco" target="_blank">loco moco</a> in Hawaii, I also enjoyed a fantastic tuna poke and avocado salad as well for dinner one night. I'm sure it doesn't make up for the amount of Mai Tais I had every day starting around 2pm. While they were delicious, I could totally tell the sugar and juice intake were going to be the death of me. That, and when you eat out at a restaurant, food is so much saltier than when made at home. I felt like a giant salt lick a couple of times, but it was worth it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxWGgbKPJ7g9KUkP7ERc8jCc7G_0vmm4ClOTrEThYqZzDmA1MguQtfG3WOA8vogBS04LwiID48Hz3LnWtdEtXHjfWwBRbEylGRVcuYBM2U1pOOObQSWakVGPG5G89ScHSQxZzrQTKqN4/s1600/blogger-image--256328376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxWGgbKPJ7g9KUkP7ERc8jCc7G_0vmm4ClOTrEThYqZzDmA1MguQtfG3WOA8vogBS04LwiID48Hz3LnWtdEtXHjfWwBRbEylGRVcuYBM2U1pOOObQSWakVGPG5G89ScHSQxZzrQTKqN4/s200/blogger-image--256328376.jpg" width="200" /></a>While it was a beach vacation, I didn't bust out into my usual hives thinking about getting into a bathing suit like I usually do. I actually wore a two-piece...<i>twice!</i> Sure I refused to wear a non-skirt bottom and never pranced around a populated area, but I tried to relax and not give a flying fuck what people thought of me, or what I was happy/unhappy with. That worked for the most part, but I was still self-conscious and picking apart images like these with thoughts of how much farther I have to go. But you know what? Do you know the major non-scale victory here? I ALLOWED myself to be photographed like this. In daylight. Without my face covered. By my boyfriend. Thar she blows, my belly, in all its glory. Also, my belly button is now huge. I blame the hernia surgery for that one. Grrr. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyw0vu-TgX6GiF97z2pYpuKqx1VIkmf7hfJ3ez6aSxqqksgy0QtEEJ2JBX0VcAsCzt4pc6prh54PlU-WHP21uU9uqLLOd5oSq0OeZSJaqZPo7q5WM8cFiaUafr0W9RWMj-POaa_Fb_5M/s1600/blogger-image--1488487666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyw0vu-TgX6GiF97z2pYpuKqx1VIkmf7hfJ3ez6aSxqqksgy0QtEEJ2JBX0VcAsCzt4pc6prh54PlU-WHP21uU9uqLLOd5oSq0OeZSJaqZPo7q5WM8cFiaUafr0W9RWMj-POaa_Fb_5M/s200/blogger-image--1488487666.jpg" width="200" /></a>The day after we got back, I hit the gym and ran 4 miles. I chugged a ton of water. We were leaving for a wine tasting trip in Central Coast the next day, so I had to do something. I overindulged yet again and didn't track ANY thing on myfitnesspal, but sometimes you need to do that. I met with my health coach yesterday and had to face the music. I got on the scale and was pleasantly surprised.<br />
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According to her metrics, I actually lost .2lbs. My fat percentage went up (I knew it would) and my muscle LOSS was a sad 3 pounds, but I can get that back soon I think. I managed to run 4 miles again in under 45 minutes on Tuesday, which is a time I have not seen in YEARS. This gives me hope. My body seemed to be bouncing back from excess instead of harboring onto it like an old Russian woman with a grudge. </div>
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Today I tried a day of strength training, it's been a few weeks. My shoulder and tendinitis still give me pain, so I'm going super light on the weights and trying to maintain. I meet with my trainer for some circuit training tonight after work and I'm dreading it. I don't think I can go through a hellish workout tonight and not pay for it...oy. </div>
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Overall, I think I'm back on track. I logged back into myfitnesspal and it's back to meal prep. I have a goal to lose 2 lbs by next weigh-in, putting me in the 160's. I haven't seen that range in 2 years. I'm going to see if I can run 4 miles now instead of the usual 3 I do for my cardio. It's time to up the game. </div>
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In other news, I may actually sign up for my first nutrition class at a nearby college. It's only a seminar/overview of the curriculum, but I gotta start somewhere. I'm also getting my CPR certification this weekend. This is all crap I should've done 2 years ago, but better late than never.</div>
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Also, say hi to Richard. </div>
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-55761038125583921842015-01-08T13:16:00.003-08:002015-01-08T13:16:24.662-08:00Hungry Like the WolfPerhaps I should title my 2015 entries as 80s songs? Alas, too much pressure.<br />
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I just finished my lunch. I'm amazed at myself that I only hate 75% of it, considering I was starving around an hour ago. I don't claim to know everything about weight loss, but I know one thing, I'm trying to not stress about what I eat. I'm also trying really hard to listen to my hunger cues, as well as my "<i>I'm full even though there's food left!</i>" cues.<br />
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I had a smoothie today for breakfast along with a skinny caramel latte from the 'bucks. See, I drink caffeine AND have dairy. I chugged my water and got wrapped up in work and by 12 I was starving. I know I'm heading to a happy hour tonight (see, I DRINK too!) so I'm trying to budget my calories. I tried to keep within a normal range of carbs since it's my day off from the gym and I don't need a TON of calories, but I need enough to help me recover and feed my muscles. See, it's about balance.<br />
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I'm trying to not count calories or obsess over things, but I figured out my calorie intake via this handy online <a href="http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/" target="_blank">Calorie Calculator</a>. I'm basically eating at a 20% deficit right now, which would equal about .9lbs loss a week. This is pretty much on point based on your goals. It's a LOT less than what I was eating before, and I don't want to restrict anymore, so I hope I don't plateau for a while. <br />
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I had brought some cheese and crackers to munch on today (portioned out) but
haven't touched them yet. I had some tomato soup with a small square of
focaccia (bread!) and some chopped chicken breast to throw on a bed of
butter lettuce. Doesn't seem like much, but I couldn't finish the soup
to my surprise. I was just kind of...done. So I here I sit, staring at
my perfectly portioned 8 pita crisps (omg, carbs!) and cheese and feel
ok without them. I may not even eat my meal bar for a late snack either.Normally I go by the "<i>If I have it, I'm gonna eat it</i>" mentality, but today I'm not. This is a big step. I may not be this way tomorrow, but for today I'll take it.<br />
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I weighed myself this morning on MY scale, and it was only a pound off from the gym...so I guess I feel ok knowing I am indeed losing weight. While eating real food. Imagine that.<br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-91905699231344731732015-01-07T13:25:00.002-08:002015-01-07T13:38:32.637-08:00I get so emotional, babyToday I met with one of my "health coaches" to check in at the gym. This is just someone that is a part of my cheerleading team, like the bf, or my trainer in this journey to get back to a place where I am happy.<br />
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I got weighed and lost a few more pounds since our last weigh in. This is a huge victory considering I've been drinking my normal amount, the holidays came and went and I had my own little treats and indulgences here and there. I also felt like a salt lick a few days here and there, but a small loss is a big win for me.<br />
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Per usual, I can't be 100% happy. I don't trust it. I don't trust it's working, even though I am seeing results. My scale at home does not match the scale at the gym. When I'm naked and standing on it in the morning, it is not the same as the number in the gym. It's heavier by at least 1.5lbs. Is this some mean way the universe is playing with me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIF4lfWnocV-JUXd9F3fAx3xSpoQs8fzBB3FiH3l91K06m1lL7kJcoBSehENJvIz-dPZ2JL9kBEb1CXlQyTX1ZdFs1yhSZXbSXijxsXY0-zrkt2fY8jCYlTx_Q7Xtw5kpudgpDaYQ5kQ/s640/blogger-image--983690402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIF4lfWnocV-JUXd9F3fAx3xSpoQs8fzBB3FiH3l91K06m1lL7kJcoBSehENJvIz-dPZ2JL9kBEb1CXlQyTX1ZdFs1yhSZXbSXijxsXY0-zrkt2fY8jCYlTx_Q7Xtw5kpudgpDaYQ5kQ/s200/blogger-image--983690402.jpg" width="190" /></a>I started to get emotional in that little cramped room on the second floor of the gym. I could hear the instructor teaching Zumba a few doors down and the thumping of bad pop music through the walls made me feel like a bad after school special. Jenny, Eat Something, or Billy, Don't Tell seems to be the way my story is playing out. My movie title could be Jessica, Love Yourself. I know I'm hard on myself. I get it. I know I gotta stop comparing myself to the me from 3 years ago. I am a different person. I am in a different time, and many different things have happened to me along the way. There is no way, physically or mentally, I can be the girl in this picture again. <br />
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I need to come to terms with the fact that it's OK. I can be better. I can be different. I can be bigger, I can be smaller. And it's fine. I like my hair better now anyway. I can be buff, beautiful and bitchin' another way, another day.<br />
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We talked about goals, and what my motivations were on this journey. I had actually been thinking about that this weekend. Why am I doing this? Why am I pushing so hard? Why am I up at the crack of dawn 6 days a week to get my ass to the gym? It's like I'm protecting myself from something. I'm trying to build a wall around some unforeseeable next catastrophe or accident or injury that I am sure is coming my way. I'm walking around waiting for the other shoe to drop on me, which I know is ridiculous. I'm building strength and endurance to endure whatever life is going to throw at me.<br />
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The stronger I am, the more lung capacity I have, the better I can protect, recover and repair myself. This is my thinking. I'm also thinking down the road when I'm an old lady and I want to be able to carry my groceries, run 5ks in a tutu and be able to lift gallons of milk over my head like a granny She-Hulk. Only I won't be a grandma, I'll just be a buff lil old lady who can take care of herself. That's my ultimate goal I guess. It's neither good or bad, it just is what it is.<br />
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I had to stop myself from crying a bit today. Coming to terms with things on this "weight loss journey" is part of the process. Finding out what got me here, what makes me stay here and where I want to be after is all part of the plan. Sometime it's not so pleasant or warm and fuzzy and wrapped in loud yoga pants. It's red faced, blotchy, hive-y and tearful. And tiresome. I am so very tired, but I will keep pushing.<br />
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11.6 pounds lost since November 5th. 6% body fat gone. Let's see what the next few months bring. Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-3403662851751067032015-01-02T11:18:00.002-08:002015-01-02T11:18:11.197-08:00Here we go again...Well, well, well. I'm finally free and clear. The holidays are over. I seriously can't stand the time from November 1 to December 31st. The pressure, the expectations, the comparisons, the time off or lack there of, the temptations, the money being spent etc...It's just such a drain on me. <i>I'm spent.</i><br />
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I don't travel during the holidays and my family phone calls home require a heavy dose of patience or several glasses of wine prior to dialing and I'm just...over it all. New Year's Eve was no exception. When I phoned home and all 3 members of my immediate family were soused beyond belief, I was annoyed and they were incredibly tiresome to talk with. It just cemented my choice to stay in, not drink heavily myself and have a quiet evening. It made me a bit sad too, but that's another post for another time.<br />
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On the upside, I managed to come out of the holiday blur 8 pounds lighter. This in itself is a major victory. There would have more pounds shed, but yes, wine was drunk, carbs were eaten and every day was not spent at the gym. I'm happy with what I've been able to do after stalling for so long. I could have been drinking more water and I haven't been as strict with my meal plan, but now all the excuses are out the window, just like 2014. Good riddance!<br />
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Now comes the onslaught of gym newbs hogging all the cardio machines, all the proclamations of new year's diets, cleanses, restrictions and the like on social media or media in general. I just have to tune it out. Already healthy people denying themselves or "challenging" themselves to more restrictive eating and encourage <a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/orthorexia-nervosa" target="_blank">orthorexia</a> just aggravates me. My own BF is not exempt either. It's tough to live with someone who comments on every carb, has to "move or be active" every day and just doesn't understand the concept of REST periods longer than a day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously. First 2015 meme created by ME.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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Since I'm dealing with two injuries now, I have to take it easy and practice self-care moreso than ever. This doesn't mean I'm not going to the gym, I just have to know my limitations. I went a little hog wild on New Year's Day and worked out for 2 hours. Mostly cardio, but I attempted some weights which I shouldn't have. It's just hard when I'm there, seeing things I want to do, feel a bit ok and push myself too far too soon. Hello ibuprofen my old friend...and steam rooms...and pain patches....and heating pads. Lesson learned. I started out strong, then got a bit upset and let down at the aftermath of it all.<br />
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Here I am again, a new year with new goals. Another year will go by in the blink of an eye. I look forward to this time next year and to see what changes have happened. <br />
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-19061294184383235832014-12-30T09:12:00.004-08:002014-12-30T09:12:28.546-08:00Wrap it Up 2014When I last checked in, (over a month ago, eek!) I had some goals to cut down on my wine intake. Let's be honest, it's the holidays, and going cold turkey was not going to happen. It didn't happen. I'm ok with it. What I did do, was practice more moderation and it worked. I made an effort to not go hog wild at a Christmas brunch even, bringing a water bottle to hydrate between sips of bad champagne. The BF even noticed. I'm growing. <br />
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I started out strong in December. I lost about 6 lbs from the beginning of November and my coach was impressed. I was working out, lifting weights, cutting back to one glass of wine a night and eating less at night, along with eating <i>earlier</i> at night. This worked wonders. Simple, doable steps.<br />
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Then, for some reason, mid-December and Christmas week hit and I was sort of hanging on by a pinky toe on the wagon. I wasn't fully off, but I was pretty damn close. I had happy hours. I gained a pound or two, I lost that pound or two. I haven't lost any weight in two weeks and I guess I'm ok with that. I logged my weight today and it was the same as last time. That is a victory in my book. I've loosened the grip on the diet program and snuck some more wine in there. I bought cheese. I didn't have any cheese in the house for about 5 weeks. Then, suddenly I was the proud owner of lite Irish cheddar, mozzarella, and light shredded mozzarella. Some of which was under the guise of "But I want that for new years!" or "I need it for that Christmas monkey bread I'm making!" And so it went, and so it goes...It's still sitting there in my fridge and if I want a little piece, I have it. I'm not going to beat myself up over it. The last few days of the year I refuse to stress about the weight though.<br />
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The fates threw me for another loop this month, in terms of showing me my age or lack of form in lifting perhaps. My right arm tendinitis will not go away, and I've seemingly stressed my rotator cuff, which in turn has created a sharp pain in my right clavicle muscle (my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subclavius_muscle" target="_blank">subclavius</a>). I can't put any pressure on my right side (no side planks), I can't carry weights down (tendinitis) and I can't lift weights UP on my right side (any dumbbell work), so I pretty much am off the lifting program for a good two weeks...just to start. This hurts, both physically and mentally. I won't whine about it, but it just sucks to start the new year off maimed.<br />
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We're also planning a quick getaway to Hawaii in a few weeks and I was hoping to confidently strut my stuff and award tickets to the gun show to passerbys on the beach, but alas, my guns are shrinking. Pew pew. I've started to just focus on cardio and befriend my arch-nemesis-- the stair master--again. I'm just alternating between that, the elliptical (again, gripping is an issue for righty) and jogging. All of which I still have to take into consideration the repetitive movements and gauge how my shoulder/arm reacts to it. Wah. The struggle is real.<br />
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All in all, I'm sustaining, but on a modified routine. Starting in January, I will be back on track. We have no plans for New Year's, so my "goal" dress will have to be pushed to a later date. I fit into it (a medium nonetheless!) but have nowhere to wear a backless, lace dress on the fly. However, we ARE having a dinner and show in February to see my favorite <a href="http://www.yoshis.com/jazzclub/artist/show/4642" target="_blank">Rufus Wainwright</a>, so perhaps I will put my phone on vibrate and make fancy for him. To be continued...Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-12977349678294745552014-11-14T12:36:00.002-08:002014-11-14T12:36:40.421-08:00Cutting out Wine to Lose WeightOk, so this is one thing I simply won't do. At least for now. Let me whine about my wine for a bit. Call me crazy, say I don't "want it bad enough" or have no self-control, but I love my glass (or 2) of wine at night. The past 5 days though, I have been very good and only had 1 glass per night. Well, there was one night I had two, but I hadn't eaten as much during the day and I just simply wanted some more.<br />
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The one thing about diets I hate is the restriction. I hate authority. Well, I hate shitty authority, but if I know if it's for my best interest, I'll deal with it. Same with diets. I know that I can cut out drinking and lower caloric intake, but I also know I've lost weight while indulging on it as well. Balance is key, as it is with everything else in life.<br />
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I'm not noticing any dramatic changes or shifts in my mentality though. I eat my dinner before my wine so I can digest it first, then I drink tons of water. This is making it hard for me to sleep through the night with a gallon of pee knocking on heaven's door at 3 am. I am nursing that one glass though as well. I'm really appreciating it and letting it stretch out for a good 30 minutes.<br />
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I will have my weigh in for week one on Monday. Since I don't plan on going hog-wild this weekend like last weekend, I'm optimistic of the scale. I think taking baby steps to not drinking wine every night is important. I want to gradually feel the need less and less rather than have the glass ripped out of my hand. My next step is to choose 1 day a week where I do NOT have wine. I will have to pick this day very carefully, that's all I can say. <br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-48232732523565479322014-11-11T16:28:00.003-08:002014-11-11T16:28:27.247-08:00Sticking to a Weight Loss ProgramI woke up 2 pounds lighter today but I'm not going to get too excited. That is the equivalent of a lot of water, a ton of wine or maybe a giant bowel movement. I could be up 3 tomorrow, who knows. It was nice to see the scale actually move though, but I'm not going crazy until at least I'm out of the 180's. <br />
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I realized today that even though I plan meticulously and dabble in a bunch of programs (both eating and workout related), I've never really followed one to the T. Back in the day, I tried Atkins and South Beach. And while I was 10 years younger and 20 pounds lighter, it worked for me then, but it won't work for me now. It also wasn't sustainable.<br />
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A few years ago I had joined Weight Watchers. Again, while it worked for some friends famously, it did not work for me. I already ate healthily and exercised a lot and the program just didn't seem to boost me past any plateau I had hit. It was also a little too easy for me to have things just because "my points allowed it".<br />
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I don't believe in excluding anything from your diet unless you have a medical reason. That being said, I gave up booze for a bit (let's be honest - 10 days), I tried going gluten-free when it was still trendy and I punished myself by trying to go dairy free to lose weight. I even did some crazy woo-filled "Candida Cleanse" I succumbed to after being at home too long and reading too much on the internet. All that ended up happening was that I resented whatever program I was on and inevitably bounced right back to my normal eating habits, and tacked on some forbidden snacks that I had missed in the interim. You know, <i>because I deserved it.</i><br />
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I trained for a half marathon two years ago and lost a bit of my weight. I tried out boxing, couldn't stick with it due to surgery. I tried out Bikram yoga. It didn't light the heated flame under my ass hot enough to commit to that either. I had tried Jamie Eason's <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live Fit Trainer</a> for a while to get into weight lifting and enjoyed her "eat the food/lift the things" approach to life. The thing is, I'm not a body builder. While I loved the fact she tells you to meal prep (which I DO still do) and eat 6 x a day, it wasn't helping me lose weight. <br />
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This is not to say I won't go back to it when I am ready. I think the program is great for beginners who want to learn their way around the weight sections of the gym or for folks who have the time. Phase 3 was daunting and I don't have over an hour to spend at the gym every day, but if it works for you, hurray! I think it helped me plan out my meals and eat for strength, but not for fat loss. I believe I've been eating at maintenance for a while now. Combined with my wine intake, I was probably evening out the amount I drank in calories a week to the amount I burned. No wonder I wasn't losing.<br />
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While it's still early in the program that I am on, I can see myself making changes for the better and sticking with it for a while. Already, I'm drinking more water and I'm eating dinner earlier. I'm drinking ONE glass of wine, compared to my nightly 2.5. I'm eating a LOT less, but not starving. These are simple things, I know. Yet these are things I was not doing. I can still bench press and squat 95#, but I'm not going to go for strength gains until I lose some fat first. My main goal is to lean out, but not lose my muscle. <br />
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I really wonder if there is such a thing as "jump-starting your metabolism" and if I am really "carb-sensitive" but only time will tell. I feel like for the past few years I've tried all sorts of programs, or combined bits from several into my own, or just tried focusing on too many things at once. I've never just stuck with one goal, one program and one process. I'm optimistic something good will come of this round. Let's see how I feel next week...Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-78669023375415042242014-11-09T18:46:00.001-08:002014-11-09T18:46:30.198-08:00Biting the BulletI haven't written because I feel as if I'm in some sort of a slump again. That, combined with being busy socially kind of let the blogging priority fall to the wayside. I'm still plodding along, working out, meal prepping, lifting and running, and not seeing a change. Friends in and out of the area have gotten married, work is busy and I had a guest for a few days last weekend, so things have been all up in the air and are now settling down. <div>
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Since I haven't seen change or loss of fat in so long, I decided to do something about it. Note how I am focused on FAT, not "weight". I could care less what the scale says these days, I just want to fit into my clothes again and see muscle. </div>
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I went against every fiber of my being, everything I stand for, everything my wallet could handle and decided to join a weight loss program. I won't mention what it is in case it does or doesn't work. I'm still not sure how I feel about such caloric restriction, but honestly, since nothing else I'm doing is working, this was my last shot. I have committed to it for six months. Let's see where I am May 1 after all is said and done. I envision my man and I on a beach somewhere and I'm looking mighty fine in a bikini with a nice high, tan ass.</div>
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My health "coach" in this program is also taking me on as a project or challenge. Considering how healthy I eat, how meticulously I plan, how active I am at the gym as well as in regards to lifting weights, there is no reason I should not lose weight. Perhaps the answer really is that simple: I'm eating too much. Too many calories, too big of a portion? Is it truly the wine I drink that is preventing me from shedding fat? Time will tell.</div>
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I'll be focused on habit changing. I aim to eat dinner earlier, drink more water, eat less at night and curb my wine intake. These are all big changes and goals that will not be easy. This program has me doing a lot of self-reflection. I sort of hate that. On one hand, it makes me accountable since I have emotional "homework" to do, and things to talk about every other week with my one-on-one meetings with my coach. On the other hand, it's just another chore on my to-do list.</div>
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Already, I feel hesitation because I never stick with anything -- blogging, writing, tracking on myfitnesspal, etc, nothing sticks for more than a few days or few weeks. I get bored. I get irritated. I get annoyed with the fact I have to take time out of my day to "track these things", or "feel these thoughts". I shouldn't though, since it's about ME. What is being done is for the benefit of myself - yet I can't seem to get with the program so to speak. This will be a challenge. For as much as I focus on myself and my downfalls or limitations, I don't really help myself up all that much. </div>
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I will officially start tomorrow. I had gotten some meal replacements and ideas on Thursday, and actually followed through on Friday with eating before 7pm. I had a low cal dinner and was good all day carb-wise. I royally screwed up Saturday out with friends though. I realize I cannot put myself in social settings where there is alcohol and/or chicken wings. My excuses are countless: </div>
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<li>It's so and so's birthday, time to celebrate!</li>
<li>As long as I eat low carb, it'll be fine</li>
<li>This will be my last hurrah</li>
<li>No, really, I'll start tomorrow</li>
<li>I don't want to be the only one not drinking</li>
<li>I should really eat if I'm going to be drinking…</li>
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The list can go on. At the end of the day, I drank about 5 drinks, had about 12 chicken wings to myself, ate dinner late at home and it involved bread, and I drank 2 glasses of wine. Even though I drank water throughout the afternoon (and like a fish), I was still battling a migraine at night and I felt like crap today. I immediately hated myself when nighttime rolled around Saturday and I was pretty much more down on myself or feeling depressive this afternoon. Oh, I've also decided to up my antidepressant medication to see if that helps. </div>
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Today was good though. I rested, prepped all my food with lean meats and veggies, planned my meals, organized my things for the week, took my vitamins, and tried to get a run in outside. It was a sucky run though, so I felt like crap. I took a rest day from the gym Saturday and knew I had to do something today. The weather was so nice that I felt like it would be a waste to not do something outdoors. </div>
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I dusted off my old Garmin gps watch but it would not--for the love of all things holy--sync with the location satellites. My phone apps were not working. Map My Run was not tracking the right pace. Nike running wouldn't run and my phone wouldn't recognize the app. Everything sucked. To make matters worse, about 10 minutes in, my shins started to kill me. I have been running on the indoor track at the gym or the treadmill for my runs. My body is not used to the concrete and it seriously took a beating. I tried to do at least 2 miles (I hope) and limped back home. </div>
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Tomorrow I'll try to run again, do some squats and push ups. I have my "walking test" with my coach to see where I am at pace-wise for walking and cardio ability. This will be easy. I hope I get to meet with my trainer soon too. I have big goals all around and would love to get started on them. </div>
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I think November 10th will be my new "Day 1". I know I'm setting myself up for a hell of a time with the holidays coming up, but I guess it's a good thing we never have plans and don't see family during this part of the year. What usually upsets me could actually be used to my advantage now, go figure! </div>
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I've got ground turkey and vegetables for breakfast with a pear, some chicken and broccoli for lunch with a salad, I'll do my program meals for a snack and dinner (before 7) and be watchful of my wine. I want to start the week off strong. Here goes nothin'...</div>
Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-21002062904709748452014-10-06T13:00:00.001-07:002014-10-06T13:00:27.802-07:00Monday GrindBack to the work week. Another case of the Mondays. We let a team member go at work today, so I have more duties to look forward to. Yay.<br />
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Took yesterday as a rest day since it's been so HOT in the Bay Area and I was still sore in the calves from Saturday's work out, I knew not to push it. I worked out after work on Friday and just jogged for 30 minutes, did 70 push ups. I got up early on Saturday and hit chest/back/legs. I managed to PR on a bench press, 105 pounds. It was 3 reps, but I gotta take it easy on my tendinitis. I hate it!<br />
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Again, I've been told by my PT to lay off heavy weights and any back exercises, so I'm sticking to upper body and lighter weights, higher reps. No dead lifts, no thrusts, no KB swings etc for a while :(, but I can surely work out my shoulders and upper back and glutes! I'm seriously obsessed with growing my ass. I try to squat at least 3 times a week seriously (at the rack) and try to incorporate a few body weight or light barbell movements in some upper body compound movements. Gets the old heart rate up!<br />
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<u><b>Today's workout:</b></u><br />
Y Raises 3x10 @8lbs<br />
T Raises 3x10 @8lbs<br />
Rear delt fly 3x10@12.5 lbs<br />
Seated Arnold Press 3x10 @20lbs<br />
DB Bench Press 3x12 @20lbs<br />
Barbell (BB) Bench Press 3x12 @45lbs<br />
BB bicep curls, 3x10 30lbs<br />
BB shoulder pulls, 3x10 @30lbs<br />
BB squat to bench, (narrow and wide) 4x10 @45lbs<br />
and just for fun, kettlebell (18lb) <a href="http://www.fitbie.com/sites/default/files/kettlebell-single-arm-front-squat-ex.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">squat shoulder press</a>, 10 reps each leg <br />
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By the end my shoulders had burned out, so I didn't want to push it anymore with the KB.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, how I love you.</i></td></tr>
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I meal prepped a little cleaner this week, with ground turkey and Bragg's amino acids with some brown rice, peas and steamed broccoli. I ate half an english muffin with some peanut butter pre-workout and I think it helped me out.<br />
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I also have found my new love, pumpkin ice cream from Trader Joes. Oh, the spoon I ate it with was clean...<br />
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-23824920223229798532014-10-01T10:24:00.000-07:002014-10-01T10:24:55.830-07:00Just a Wednesday WorkoutI really feel like I need to get into another program or start meeting with a trainer. There are days when I am strictly cardio, there are days when I work on particular body parts and there are days where I haphazardly go into the gym and do whatever I think won't make me hurt. Today was a mix of the later two.<br />
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I'm giving my legs and back a rest today and went with upper body training. I decided to focus mainly on chest and triceps with a little shoulder work. I have also made a goal for myself to do 36 push ups a day every day for the month of October. That's just 3 sets of 12, or one day, I can do more than the 20 in a row I can do now. I just have to remember to NOT end my routine with the push ups like I did today, or else I literally feel like I am pushing the world away from me. Collapse was inevitable.<br />
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It was a welcome surprise to see the weight area so empty on a Wednesday morning. I'm guessing the throes of men or sports fans who watched the wild card game last night of the A's vs the Royals were either up celebrating or crying into their whiskey and Bud Light all night. I just drowned my sorrow in mushroom ravioli.<br />
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I know, I know, carbs! Carbs are evil! <i>"Why are you eating pasta late at night?"</i> you may ask. Pfft. Whatever. I knew I was going to lift this morning and I had done squats earlier on Tuesday with 95 lbs, so I wanted to feed my muscles. After tracking with myfitnesspal that day, I realized I had only net about 1200 calories. That is below what my <a href="http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BMR </a>is, so I knew I had some leeway to eat that night.<br />
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I am also still struggling to find that sweet spot with caloric intake. For me, I'm not losing or gaining at 1800 calories a day (wine is included in that count). All the calculators I see tell me I should be eating 2200, so I'm going to give that a go for two weeks and see where that gets me. It means more carbs, more protein and more fuel for my workouts. After my trial run, I will go back to an 1800 calorie day assuming that deficit will help my body release some fat. Fingers crossed.<br />
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Overall, I had a good workout. I could barely lift my arms while making breakfast later at the office. I still have to baby my right arm though bc of the tendinitis. I stayed with lighter weights and higher reps today.<br />
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<b>Todays' workout:</b><br />
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Barbell bench press, 45#, 3 sets of 15<br />
Overhead press, 45# 5 sets of 5<br />
Squats, 45#, 5 sets of 12<br />
High cable pull, 50#, 3 sets of 10<br />
Skull crushers, 30#, 3 sets of 10<br />
Dumb bell chest press, 20#, 3 sets of 10<br />
Standing shoulder dumbbell press, 20# dumb bells, 2 sets of 6<br />
Tricep overhead press, 20#, 3 sets of 10<br />
Toe push-ups, 3 sets of 12<br />
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I pretty much felt like She-Hulk on the way out of the gym.<br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-24598143567570222292014-09-29T16:17:00.001-07:002014-09-29T16:17:05.692-07:00A case of the MondaysBanner day, today. First I get told by dermatologist that losing weight would help with a skin condition (gee, thanks) and then I got turned down for a job I had gone through two phone interviews with. Coupled with not being able to work out this morning, forgetting my gym socks for tonight and other work woes, Monday royally fits the stereotype of suckage today.<br />
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This weekend I rallied though and did my first 5k in a long time. I survived the 3.1 miles and did it in about 36 minutes. Not bad, not great. I got home and iced and rested and took a bunch of ibuprofen. I had done some mild weight lifting in the morning, so jazzing myself up for a 6pm run through the streets of Oakland was not on my list of favorite things, but it was fun.<br />
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I'm glad I did it though. I ran it alone and made a new friend via Twitter. I enjoyed seeing all the other women run, in costume or not and just the vibe of being downtown on a Saturday night and not going to a bar, but sweating my ass off, plugging along the city streets, huffing and puffing and waving at cute cops at traffic stops.<br />
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Taking a day off today--unintentionally--but maybe I need it. I'm still in a hermit mode. I fear that it will only get worse now that the holiday season is approaching and I have some goals I'd like to work on in the gym before January. I got 3 months to keep my rally going.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLwwvzD-QFh_KpY_xJ6Yxbl7M5Z8pMyOHmKLMEb8M5xHpjAS4TnRFWsqakexTYZsqBGMeitLajgEdK46983cJha1g4GwsP7Rlknmcs-2nOsEGGvlWd_935pevqblgWWvTiaxPllF6eE/s640/blogger-image-1726778083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLwwvzD-QFh_KpY_xJ6Yxbl7M5Z8pMyOHmKLMEb8M5xHpjAS4TnRFWsqakexTYZsqBGMeitLajgEdK46983cJha1g4GwsP7Rlknmcs-2nOsEGGvlWd_935pevqblgWWvTiaxPllF6eE/s640/blogger-image-1726778083.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This broad ran Broadway.</td></tr>
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-16679218943407408432014-09-25T13:23:00.001-07:002014-09-25T13:23:27.854-07:00Down in the DumpsSome days, you throw the shoes you wore to work in the trash by your desk because they are falling apart. Some days, you kneel in front of an open fridge <i>after</i> work and eat ham straight from the deli package in front of your dog. Some days, you rush home and go to the liquor store to buy wine because you've run out and dammit, now is not the time to be sober.<br />
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Last week I had all of those days and needless to say, I was thrilled the weekend came. I saw my physical therapist on Thursday to make sure my back was okay. It's been hurting me for the past week or so and I didn't want it to affect my workout routine. Even with a few days off, I managed to have a personal best on my squat on Saturday. 100 pounds! I also have been maintaining my bench press at a steady 105lbs so I'm not losing muscle. The only thing that sucks is that I haven't lost any fat either.<br />
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I've been in that slump again. It started last week and I can't get the funk out. I'm falling down that slippery slope of self-hate again. I'm not thinking nice things about myself or my body. I'm avoiding the mirror. I'm having food guilt. I'm struggling between cutting my calories again since 1800 a day is NOT letting me lose weight, but I don't know if that's ENOUGH to fuel my workouts to continue to squat triple digits. Sigh.<br />
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I'm taking a break again. My PT basically shot me down and said my workouts are "too aggressive" for a someone with back pain. Granted it's low level though chronic pain, I am trying to build my strength and stay active. This, in the long run should help me. I realized I haven't really taken a full week off of working out. I mean, nothing, zip, zero, nada. I took about 7 days off from weights due to my forearm pain (oh tendinitis) but I just picked up the leg days and running in replace of that. <br />
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Unfortunately, now I can't run, do any sprints, intervals, high impact work or lift heavy. Upper body workouts can stay, but my form has to be perfect. Body weight squats are fine, but anything else is asking for trouble. Now I've got myself a challenge to pick up some new classes, variations and workout routines. I think swimming or water aerobics, yoga and Pilate's are in my future. I'm thankful my gym has a pool and reformer classes. I'm willing to dish out the cash if it will be helping my core strength and alignment.<br />
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I just wish I could get out of this negative thought process. Every morning I dread finding an outfit. My internal dialogue is to the effect of: <i>My pants don't fit. My face is fat. I have jowls. My workout top rides up when I run. My work clothes from last year don't fit STILL. My stomach is huge. What's wrong with me? I'm tired all the time.</i> I posted somewhere the other day that I was tired of feeling like a "before" picture. That's what I honestly feel like. I'm at the precipice of something--and have been for a year--with no change. I've taken many a plunge, changed routines, diet etc and yet, here I am, unhappy again. The only thing I can do is to just keep waking up, working out and testing out different things to see what could work.<br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-21853988154269843252014-09-10T11:53:00.002-07:002014-09-10T11:53:48.992-07:00Finding Flexitarian I realized today I have a new favorite Starbucks drink. I also realized it is the longest name to ever order: "Sugar-free, Cinnamon Dolce Nonfat Coffee Frappuccino." That, my friends, is a mouthful --albeit a delicious mouthful. It's my latest obsession at around 110 calories for a tall. It's better than 200 cal for my beloved pumpkin spice latte though...the sacrifices I make.<br />
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I'm stuck in the land of cardio these days. A bit of overuse or who knows what I did to my forearm, has given me some pain and therefore I'm laying off of any weight training :(. I can't even do dips or push ups really without straining my arm and causing inflammation and pain. It sucks, plain and simple.<br />
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With my back being moody as well, I have to go easy on the treadmill and watch my movements. My "let's go September!" momentum has faded. I don't feel any closer to dropping a pants size, nor am I making any strength gains this month. I'm just in sustaining mode. Not gaining, not losing. Again.<br />
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One change I made this month is eating less meat. I don't really eat red meat anymore and I am going to see if this helps my digestion, my diet and how I feel. If I don't feel better doing this, I'll go back. I am trying to not really buy any meat this month (just use up what I have in the freezer/fridge) and only eat it at one meal during the day, usually lunch. A usual for me is Trader Joe's "Healthy Ham" with some eggs for breakfast, or organic boneless/skinless chicken thighs from Costco for lunches and some ground turkey for my tacos or as a snack post-workout. Time to kiss them good bye.<br />
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I have kicked up my fish intake though, so here I am welcoming in all those Omega-3's, Mr. Salmon. Hopefully I can get to a point where maybe I'll eat meat once in a while, or only while out. I'm trying to not freak out over "where is my protein coming from??" or FOF (Fear of Farting) from so many beans/veggies, but it will get me to be creative with how I feed and fuel my workouts. I guess we'll just have to see how this <a href="http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/f/flexitarian.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flexitarian</a>/Pescatarian world treats me. <br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-70772088014504495192014-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:002014-08-28T11:58:19.031-07:00A Look BackCrazy to believe I started this new blog one year ago today. I thought I would see myself a bad ass lifting machine by now, but that's not how life works, is it?<br />
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I remember those first days in the gym after a 3 month hiatus due to the car accident and lots of chiropractic visits. I had just literally already come off a month long hiatus prior due to hernia surgery before then, so it really did feel like starting from scratch. The days of just walking on the treadmill. The dread of going to the gym after work and hoping I didn't re-injure myself...I remember the hesitation and the feeling of being let down when I couldn't run or walk uphill due to back pain. I still have issues, but the more I remain active the more hopeful I am they will resolve themselves with time.<br />
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I remember the day I took this picture. It was early September 2013. I had gone to the gym after work and really wanted to push past 30 minutes. I also bought this purple short sleeve shirt from H&M ahead of time because none of my old work out tops fit or flattered me. I was embarrassed of my stomach and fat arms. I didn't want anything to cling to me. I had this look of determination though, I was so serious. I can see the sadness in my eyes too though, the struggle and the thought process behind them that says, <i>"Please let this work."</i><br />
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In those days, I sometimes left the gym with tears welling up in my eyes. The frustration, the pain, the anger when I thought how exactly one year prior I was in the best shape of my life.<i> </i>My current gym selfies are a bit more sweaty now, maybe more smirky, but I'm still determined.<br />
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What I internally fight with now is that for all the time I've put into my workouts, I believe I should see more of a change in my body. I took the photo on the left on 8/28/13. I took the photo on the right on 8/24/14. Pretty much one year apart, pardon the shitty quality but it really depressed me. It's been really hard to not be down on myself or upset with myself for not seeing a more obvious changes in myself this week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXc9Jog0lE5Ap78GzFVmx5uPHSHJeXIDYZ45rQ2TIhyphenhyphenL_i73BYpeOa_-tawJVSNuMi0Nr3xjB5c35MCUyPyfKUa3pkyoozTyfa0uDjsyMHSDjk3jETBSY2PCL0nMwnCVqBIIIjKxDk9g/s640/blogger-image--1573749409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXc9Jog0lE5Ap78GzFVmx5uPHSHJeXIDYZ45rQ2TIhyphenhyphenL_i73BYpeOa_-tawJVSNuMi0Nr3xjB5c35MCUyPyfKUa3pkyoozTyfa0uDjsyMHSDjk3jETBSY2PCL0nMwnCVqBIIIjKxDk9g/s640/blogger-image--1573749409.jpg" /> </a></div>
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I can see a teeny more definition in my waist. I notice some leaning out in my back and the beginning of some back muscles! I get discouraged since I follow other motivational accounts on social media and see so much more done in so much shorter of a time. Argh!! I know, eyes on my own journey. Eyes on my own workout. </div>
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I'll try to take some more pics this weekend after a hopefully more active workout and with better lighting. Getting a shot of your own back and ass is hard, I gotta say. All I can do is keep doing what I'm doing. Stay consistent. Stay the course. Keep lifting heavier and trying to get my cardio in. I may also attempt to go vegetarian for 90% of meals nowadays. I'm trying to make it as easy as possible for my body to take in, digest and fuel my body with what I need.</div>
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-30364895630815617122014-08-26T09:33:00.002-07:002014-08-26T09:35:52.134-07:00Shake, Rattle and RollTo say I am looking forward to this upcoming three day weekend is an understatement. I only wish I was going away somewhere for a quick trip, but a staycation is probably just what the doctor ordered.<br />
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I'm taking it easy this week on the weights since I seem to have given myself a tiny case of <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/basics/definition/con-20027964" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">golfer's elbow</a> somehow. The tendons between my forearm and bicep are not happy with me on my right arm. I may have been overdoing it with front squats or some bar action :(. My legs are also still killing me from my 90 minute workout on Saturday.<br />
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For the first time in a while I was able to work out alone at the Y and do a good, solid 60+ min workout. I was in the zone. I did so many squats (sumo, goblet, bench) and lunges (side and reverse) with the 40lb barbell, along with some chest and back work. Someone was taking up the squat rack for the entire time, so I was a bit peeved, but I managed to kill it on my own in the free weight section. I sweat so much I had a little puddle where I was working out. Gross, I know....<br />
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I also started and ended with a mile run on the treadmill. 700 calories burned. I was pretty much down for the count on Sunday though. I skipped the gym since I was up at 3:30 in the morning anyway due to our NorCal <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_26396961/6-0-earthquake-bay-area-napa-damage-quake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earthquake</a>! It was centered 30 miles from where I live, but we definitely felt the rolling for a good 10-15 seconds and falling back asleep was not an option! <br />
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I did a bit of meal prep instead and made my simple salsa chicken stew. I always think my food looks better than it really does, but despite the terrible picture, this is actually quite tasty and easy for my lunches. I think this pic can qualify for the food horrors of Instagram if I really try...<br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA-4CLplI_ggCOtD0uljfqjy2q-4XgXJn7et5PX4EiCvCR2If3kNeoTE9Mhdk5r4eVpZHiayfcxvsTf7b0ABGInsXEcWc0mxm4gwZCOIRsihRA4bTvE-rvL-jii8Lb0LiHjO3yDoLkdI/s640/blogger-image--2048798298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA-4CLplI_ggCOtD0uljfqjy2q-4XgXJn7et5PX4EiCvCR2If3kNeoTE9Mhdk5r4eVpZHiayfcxvsTf7b0ABGInsXEcWc0mxm4gwZCOIRsihRA4bTvE-rvL-jii8Lb0LiHjO3yDoLkdI/s640/blogger-image--2048798298.jpg" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trust me, it's really tasty.</i><u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<i><u><b>Salsa Chicken Stew</b></u></i><br />
<i>1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs</i><br />
<i>1 tbs olive oil</i><br />
<i>2 cloves of garlic, chopped</i><br />
<i>2 cups of broth</i><br />
<i>1 small red onion chopped</i><br />
<i>1 can of black beans, rinsed</i><br />
<i>1 can of organic corn kernels (no sugar added)</i><br />
<i>1 can of diced green chilis</i><br />
<i>1 roasted poblano pepper, chopped (optional)</i><br />
<i>2 roma tomatoes, chopped or 1 can of diced tomatoes</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup of salsa of your choice</i><br />
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<i>Shredded cheese and green onion to top it off.</i><br />
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<b>The How-To</b><br />
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Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces of your choice. In a sauce pan (or pot), warm the olive oil and brown the chicken on all sides. Add the onions and garlic until the onion is translucent. Add in the broth, tomatoes, salsa, black beans, corn and poblano if you have it. I just happened to have one lying around that I grilled and it really kicked up the spice level of the stew for me.<br />
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Bring the stew to a boil and then lower the heat and cover for 15 minutes. Add the green chilis last since they tend to disintegrate if over cooked. Cook for another 10 minutes. Scoop out into bowls and top with green onion and cheese (if desired).<br />
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I made a batch of this and it's good for at least 4 bowls of 1.5 cups of stew. It gets better each day!</div>
Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-61700796009081662982014-08-22T10:31:00.003-07:002014-08-22T10:32:17.568-07:00Friday Shoulder WorkoutThis week has seriously been the longest.week.ever. I am excited to do NOTHING this weekend. All I plan to accomplish is the gym, a few naps, grocery shopping and house cleaning. After two crazy weekends in a row, mama needs some down time. The hermit in me cries out.<br />
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I ended up taking a full rest day yesterday. Who am I kidding to think I'll actually make it to the gym during lunch or after work sometimes? My hatred of a packed gym and hunger override the desire to go. It happens. If you're starving and sore, chances are your body will thank you for not going to work out.<br />
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After work we've been having lots of protests downtown so my natural instinct is to get the hell out of here as soon as possible to avoid any public transit delays. Once I get home, it's all snuggles with my dog, dishes and getting dinner ready. I just can't motivate hard enough (yet) if I don't work out in the morning. I still can't shake this constant exhaustion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxV7pAEEcVpsVHn2stbkQzp-zfsi2apywRg52_tmY53tCLwEyPOb7AzarX24c_7-4QeimncXcuXLriPTJMfdEXFDALpKiELmFIxqRKsSMi9NxhUOxdeoL7Ily7Z-BLcpGbh1ckDhJlXs/s1600/lift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxV7pAEEcVpsVHn2stbkQzp-zfsi2apywRg52_tmY53tCLwEyPOb7AzarX24c_7-4QeimncXcuXLriPTJMfdEXFDALpKiELmFIxqRKsSMi9NxhUOxdeoL7Ily7Z-BLcpGbh1ckDhJlXs/s1600/lift.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Today was shoulders and a little back action. I had originally intended to do some running, but figured tomorrow will be leg day and some cardio, so today was arms. I was craving some muscle building. The fact that I can barely lift my protein shake right now means I did something right. I worked on rotator cuff strengthening too. Ever since my car accident I have the now wonderful affliction of a rib that pops out or upper/lower back aches. My goal is to grown and strengthen the muscles around my shoulder blades and core to help with that.<br />
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All through my workout though I noticed my gloves STANK. Seriously. I had no idea hand sweat could turn so odorous while sweaty gym gloves sit in your already moistened gym bag. I cannot wait until my gym bag <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Gear-Bombs-Deodorizers/dp/B003KVPUOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408725323&sr=8-2&keywords=sports+bag+deodorizer" target="_blank">deodorizers</a> get here from Amazon. I feel so funky...like funkmaster flex. And tomorrow I will be sore. Time to protein up! <br />
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<u><b>Friday Workout:</b></u><br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/main/popup/name/arnold-dumbbell-press" target="_blank">Arnold Presses </a>2x10 @15lbs, 2x10@22.5</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weighttraining.com/exercises/incline-y-raise" target="_blank">Incline Y Raise</a> 3x10 7.5lbs</li>
<li>Incline W Raise 3x10 @ 10lbs</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/front-incline-dumbbell-raise" target="_blank">Front incline dumbbell raise</a> 3x10 @10lbs</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/reverse-flyes" target="_blank">Reverse Flies on the bench</a>, 2x10 @10lbs </li>
<li>Single arm row, 3x10 @22.5lbs</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o26kUhLvD0A" target="_blank">Lying single dumbbell french press</a>, 3x10 @20lbs </li>
<li>Chest press, 10 reps, 15lb, 22.5lb, 25lb</li>
<li>Upright rows, 3x10 @15lbs</li>
<li>Standing shoulder press, 3x10@15lbs</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUMsYC_W3aI" target="_blank">90 degree dumbbell external rotation</a> 3x10 @5lbs</li>
<li>Side raises 3x15 @5lb</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weighttraining.com/exercises/combo-shoulder-raise" target="_blank">Simultaneous combo front/side raise</a> 3x15 @5lb</li>
</ol>
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-5719187061431170442014-08-20T09:50:00.002-07:002014-08-20T09:50:59.573-07:00Weddings, Workouts and Wine<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-rXSm-ya99aMeu7D8C8A7W16i-OG7XNVmrEwQAIYeI2nGOJ1Y639cEEtTJgZkhoUCAxf5-9Ki8gAs0XwYQ07TewnUnU8wGec8C3WN1ocWxGuU-gHsFOxTkR2gBQfdqYGeoQ1wf5smFs/s640/blogger-image-1037769237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-rXSm-ya99aMeu7D8C8A7W16i-OG7XNVmrEwQAIYeI2nGOJ1Y639cEEtTJgZkhoUCAxf5-9Ki8gAs0XwYQ07TewnUnU8wGec8C3WN1ocWxGuU-gHsFOxTkR2gBQfdqYGeoQ1wf5smFs/s640/blogger-image-1037769237.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My lovely veggie plate.</i></td></tr>
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That was my weekend. Apparently it's taken me 3 days to recuperate! I got to see one of my very best friends get married last Saturday and had a wonderful vegetarian reception to enjoy as well afterwards. I made sure to partake in everything and not feel any guilt!<br />
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I took Sunday as a rest day and met up with some friends for a bit before doing a quick essentials only grocery run. I didn't do a whole lot of meal prep outside of boiling some eggs and making 3 lunches with brown rice/ground turkey with taco seasoning. I am falling in love with grilled scallions though...but I digress. <br />
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Monday was back at the gym for 3 miles on the treadmill but my lower back is acting up again so it was a slow 3 miles. Tuesday was squats, chest and tricep day. I finally made my way to the big girl squat rack at my Monday-Friday gym near work. It's usually overrun with guys who take way too long or the rare girl who hogs it for squats and lunges. Tuesday that girl was me.<br />
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I did a few ass to grass reps with just the bar and then added 10lbs. I have to start slow, but we all gotta start somewhere. Hopefully in a few months I'll smile at all the weight I've begun to pile on the bar...<br />
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I'm now using 40/45lb barbells for my overhead press and skull crushers. This excites me. It's a real chore just getting to 8 reps, but I'm building strength. I don't really see any progress in my arms (I swear they are getting bigger and that is NOT what I want!) but I feel stronger. <br />
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My hips are really tight though and I'm realizing I really need to get some yoga back into my life regularly. A few stretches here and there help a tiny bit, but I need a good hour long class to really help me back into the habit. Today I started with some assisted pull ups and tricep dips at 70lb resistance. I ran on the treadmill for 25 minutes and then did some leg raises. Tonight I aim to go to the gym again after work for a warm up and then some arm/shoulder work. Light weight, high rep day. <br />
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Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600807271652943510.post-23085643420014864082014-08-15T11:25:00.000-07:002014-08-15T11:25:06.076-07:00A Stranger's InspirationWell, I made it to Friday. I almost didn't work out today since the BF crawled back into bed post alarm and decided he was not. Given the fact I was already awake and two other alarms kept going off, I took it as a cue to get my ass out of bed and go to the gym anyway. I may try and pull a double if I can.<br />
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I ran for 35 minutes on the treadmill, followed by some leg raises (3x10) and tricep dips (2x5). I then hit the mat and did 4 variations of push ups. Ugh. 10 at wide stance, 10 at narrow stance, 10 <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/files/images/0511_pyramid_pushup.jpg" target="_blank">pyramid push ups</a> and a very painful 8 reps in <a href="http://www.bodyweighttraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pike-push-up.jpg" target="_blank">pike position</a>. Those are the devil. <br />
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While I was headed to the treadmill, I saw a woman I see mostly every day doing her thing, walking uphill. She does this for about 30-40 minutes each day, or sometimes hops on the elliptical next to me. What's different about her is that she is obviously going through or underwent some sort of treatment (my guess is chemo therapy). At first, her stature startled me. She appeared weak and frail, a tiny thing. She has a disfigured back and barely any hair on her body or meat on her bones. Yet she walks. She moves. She commits every day.<br />
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Sometimes she makes me sad. I'm not sad for her, but for the state she is in. I can smell the medication on her. I can sens the frailty in the locker room. I hate it for her. A eucalyptus breeze mixed in with menthol pain relief--reminiscent of a Salonpas patch or Icy-Hot--travels down the line of cardio machines or when she walks by.<br />
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I wonder about her. Was she in the peak of her life when something out of her control hit? Was she a fitness enthusiast who loved to work out when she was blindsided by illness? Or is she just trying to get better, maintain momentum and not give into whatever is ailing her? It's none of my business, but she is tenacious. She is inspiring. She is motivating. I am glad I woke up and forced myself to the gym just because I could.<br />
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There must have been a time when this stranger so desperately wanted to but couldn't. I'll never know what she went through or what she goes through on a daily basis. I can only see her getting faster every day. I think back to my own hurdles now and they pale in comparison in my mind. The days of being laid up in bed with hundreds of healing sutures, not even able to sleep on my back fade in the distance. Remembering the pain of an out of place rib or sore back, the summer spent at the chiropractor...it seems far behind me now. I still pull from those memories though. I still wake up half hating where I am in this journey, but also quite thankful for the energy I have now to be and stay ON this journey. <br />
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<br />Luckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11332884522681087500noreply@blogger.com0