Ok, so it is now official, and a sad, sad, day. I am doing the half instead of the full. Today I went for a 10 miler and the time off for my back did quite a number. The level of conditioning that I had at the beginning of the month has been set back by a month, and I don't think there is any plausible way for me to get back to where I need to be with only 25 days to go.
As a result I am sending off the email tonight requesting that I be moved from the full to the half. But, I will be doing this again and get that full conquered, but I need to listen to my body, and right now it is telling me that 13 is totally doable but the 26.2 will take more out of me than I am willing to give.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
31 Days to Go - 3 Mile Bike Today
I did a quick 3 miles on the stationary bike today. I haven't used a stationary bike much at all in my life, but I enjoyed it today. It certainly was good cardio, and my legs felt great afterward. I'm trying to mix it up with running every other day, and some other type of exercise on the off days.
31 days before the big day.
31 days before the big day.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Feeling Human Again - 32 Days to Go!!
I thought that it's about time we start a countdown since WE ONLY HAVE 32 DAYS LEFT before the big day!!! How exciting.
The weather here in Houston was beautiful, so I went for a 5-mile jog around our new neighborhood. It was pleasant - people out with their dogs, the usual hippies hanging out by the museum, cars going at a slower pace than usual. I'm so grateful that our new apartment is in a neighborhood with sidewalks, which is a rare thing indeed in inner loop Houston.
The weather here in Houston was beautiful, so I went for a 5-mile jog around our new neighborhood. It was pleasant - people out with their dogs, the usual hippies hanging out by the museum, cars going at a slower pace than usual. I'm so grateful that our new apartment is in a neighborhood with sidewalks, which is a rare thing indeed in inner loop Houston.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weekend Warrioring
I figured I should post an update as to how the weekend went after being on hiatus for my back. I thought that I would be slower and have a hard time, but as it turns out that two weeks off was awesome. I felt great after doing my walks (that is all I've done), and it would seem that my back is starting to snap back into shape (literally). I haven't done any cardio or strength because that involves a lot of bending, and I know that I'm not 100% yet to be able to tackle that without risking another episode.
I'm off to get in another walk.
Oh, the time at 24HF, as long as it was after 10pm, it was fine. I went on Sunday afternoon and it was relatively quiet as well. I think my time is either early am or late pm so that I don't have to give up the treadmill after a mere 30 minutes.
I'm off to get in another walk.
Oh, the time at 24HF, as long as it was after 10pm, it was fine. I went on Sunday afternoon and it was relatively quiet as well. I think my time is either early am or late pm so that I don't have to give up the treadmill after a mere 30 minutes.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Back Won, But Traci is Back
Ok, so my back clearly won. It kept me on the floor until last week Friday, and still sleeping on the floor today. My back is slowly starting to loosen back up - I was able to get a crack out of it today for the first time in over two weeks ... which means it is starting to get back to normal. While I still cannot bend like I was, I am not at 100%, tomorrow I am going to go for a walk and see how things go.
I am going to get in some video workouts as well, but I need to keep the bouncing and bending to a minimum until my back is at 100% again.
I am going to start hitting up 24HF and give my membership its first workout so that I can use the bikes and treadmills when it is too treacherous for me outside. Clutz and ice do not mix - especially with my back.
We shall see how it goes ...
I am going to get in some video workouts as well, but I need to keep the bouncing and bending to a minimum until my back is at 100% again.
I am going to start hitting up 24HF and give my membership its first workout so that I can use the bikes and treadmills when it is too treacherous for me outside. Clutz and ice do not mix - especially with my back.
We shall see how it goes ...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
3 Miles & My Gym Dilemma
Forgot to post this yesterday: I managed to get 3 miles in at lunch hour.
24 Hour Fitness
I've been meaning to give 24 Hour Fitness a try by signing up for one of their 7 day free passes. Everyone else I know who works out has a membership there, but something about the big box atmosphere turns me off. Picky, picky, I know. I just get self conscious working out around a lot of other people. And something about the 24 Hour Fitness gyms just seems so testosterone, if that makes sense (this is coming from the girl that used to work out at "Flirty Girl Fitness").
I did suck it up and went to the 24 Hour Fitness down the street from my work, free pass in hand. It wasn't too busy, though the parking lot was full because the gym shares a lot with several restaurants. I was surprised to find out that most of the other people at the gym were not really working out. There were a few strolling on the treadmill, and a few pumping out a few weights. God I hate gyms. If I have to be there, you better believe I'm going to kick my butt. If I want to go for a stroll, I'll do that in my neighborhood. I managed to get in a 3 mile run at a decent clip... all while watching Maury. Which brings me to another reason why I hate gyms: there is always someone else hogging the remote. I'm going to give 24HF another try today, and maybe for the rest of the week. But the good news is that the console arrived for our stationary bike, so hopefully I can just do that and some running outside.
24 Hour Fitness
I've been meaning to give 24 Hour Fitness a try by signing up for one of their 7 day free passes. Everyone else I know who works out has a membership there, but something about the big box atmosphere turns me off. Picky, picky, I know. I just get self conscious working out around a lot of other people. And something about the 24 Hour Fitness gyms just seems so testosterone, if that makes sense (this is coming from the girl that used to work out at "Flirty Girl Fitness").
I did suck it up and went to the 24 Hour Fitness down the street from my work, free pass in hand. It wasn't too busy, though the parking lot was full because the gym shares a lot with several restaurants. I was surprised to find out that most of the other people at the gym were not really working out. There were a few strolling on the treadmill, and a few pumping out a few weights. God I hate gyms. If I have to be there, you better believe I'm going to kick my butt. If I want to go for a stroll, I'll do that in my neighborhood. I managed to get in a 3 mile run at a decent clip... all while watching Maury. Which brings me to another reason why I hate gyms: there is always someone else hogging the remote. I'm going to give 24HF another try today, and maybe for the rest of the week. But the good news is that the console arrived for our stationary bike, so hopefully I can just do that and some running outside.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Yin Yoga
I took it easy today and did some yoga. The thing I love most about yin yoga is the feeling afterward, as though your blood flows more efficiently. You feel as though you breath easier. It is like a full breath for your body.
Here are some of my favorite poses:
Dangling - just a basic forward bend with your head cradled in your bent arms.
Sleeping Swan - this is like the pigeon pose in yoga, except your entire front body is on the floor, or at least that's the goal.
Reclining Twists - arms in a T, both legs to one side and then the other. This move feels divine!
I like to mix it up between the yin poses with some downward dog, child's pose, and plenty of plank.
Here are some of my favorite poses:
Dangling - just a basic forward bend with your head cradled in your bent arms.
Sleeping Swan - this is like the pigeon pose in yoga, except your entire front body is on the floor, or at least that's the goal.
Reclining Twists - arms in a T, both legs to one side and then the other. This move feels divine!
I like to mix it up between the yin poses with some downward dog, child's pose, and plenty of plank.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tracy Anderson Method - Day 0
New Deal
I received the book, the Tracy Anderson 30-Day Method, as a birthday gift, but only browsed through it without trying any full-length workouts. Today, I decided to give the full workout a whirl to get an idea of what it's all about. I'll call it flirting for now, since I want to get a feel for the exercises before "submitting" my body to Tracy Anderson.
The Method
Tracy Anderson's method is based off of 3 components: 1) muscle design, 2) cardio, and 3) menus. She insists on the menus as an essential part of the plan. You'll notice this is a stark contrast to Jillian Michaels, who does not include a food plan with her 30 Day Shred. Tracy also insists on being "religious" about doing her exercises. And not just any cardio will do. She says that if you want results, you must do her cardio program.
What I Tried Today and My Thoughts
Muscle Design - The moves were harder than I thought they'd be. I got a workout mirror installed, based on Tracy's recommendation, to be able to watch my form. When you do each move correctly and precisely, it really makes a difference and makes the moves harder. When you see yourself in a mirror, you feel compelled to look like you know what you're doing. All of the moves are mat-based and remind me of old-school Jane Fonda. Tracy employs what she calls cross-vectors and "attitudes" (90 degree leg angle) to train your small muscle groups. I definitely felt as though I was working parts of my body that don't normally get worked out.
Cardio - I have never felt more like I had two left feet than while trying this video. Granted, it was a lot of fun bouncing around looking like a lunatic leprechaun on a sugar high. But just pause a minute and picture how that looks. Then tell me if you want to be seen in public like that. I guess this is the beauty of home DVDs. The cardio portion of the method is on a DVD that comes with the book. It consists of two 10-minute routines that Tracy wants you to do twice through each for a 20-minute workout. I tried each one once through today, and broke a mild sweat. I did not nearly keep up with any of the steps because I simply don't have that type of coordination. My goal was to keep on bouncing and doing my best impression of a Russian dancer for the kicking moves.
Menus - This is the part I am really not ready to commit to. Horrifying. Juiced kale leaves for lunch. Ummm.......
Overall
Trying out these moves was really fun and I will give them a shot again tomorrow.
I received the book, the Tracy Anderson 30-Day Method, as a birthday gift, but only browsed through it without trying any full-length workouts. Today, I decided to give the full workout a whirl to get an idea of what it's all about. I'll call it flirting for now, since I want to get a feel for the exercises before "submitting" my body to Tracy Anderson.
The Method
Tracy Anderson's method is based off of 3 components: 1) muscle design, 2) cardio, and 3) menus. She insists on the menus as an essential part of the plan. You'll notice this is a stark contrast to Jillian Michaels, who does not include a food plan with her 30 Day Shred. Tracy also insists on being "religious" about doing her exercises. And not just any cardio will do. She says that if you want results, you must do her cardio program.
What I Tried Today and My Thoughts
Muscle Design - The moves were harder than I thought they'd be. I got a workout mirror installed, based on Tracy's recommendation, to be able to watch my form. When you do each move correctly and precisely, it really makes a difference and makes the moves harder. When you see yourself in a mirror, you feel compelled to look like you know what you're doing. All of the moves are mat-based and remind me of old-school Jane Fonda. Tracy employs what she calls cross-vectors and "attitudes" (90 degree leg angle) to train your small muscle groups. I definitely felt as though I was working parts of my body that don't normally get worked out.
Cardio - I have never felt more like I had two left feet than while trying this video. Granted, it was a lot of fun bouncing around looking like a lunatic leprechaun on a sugar high. But just pause a minute and picture how that looks. Then tell me if you want to be seen in public like that. I guess this is the beauty of home DVDs. The cardio portion of the method is on a DVD that comes with the book. It consists of two 10-minute routines that Tracy wants you to do twice through each for a 20-minute workout. I tried each one once through today, and broke a mild sweat. I did not nearly keep up with any of the steps because I simply don't have that type of coordination. My goal was to keep on bouncing and doing my best impression of a Russian dancer for the kicking moves.
Menus - This is the part I am really not ready to commit to. Horrifying. Juiced kale leaves for lunch. Ummm.......
Overall
Trying out these moves was really fun and I will give them a shot again tomorrow.
Resetting the Clock
No Excuses
I have completely lost track of what day it is in our exercise/training regimen, and I'm sorry to admit, that I have not been keeping up. Unlike Traci, who has been legitimately debilitated for about a week, the only thing holding me back was me.
After that SPX class a while back, my in-laws came to visit, and then I don't have an exact excuse for what happened after that. I'd come home from work, attempt to organize the chaos in our house, then land in front of the tv to watch awful shows like Animal Hoarders... and awesome shows like Tosh.O. I didn't grow up with cable, so having cable for me is like a kid in a candy store. I think I've reached an equilibrium though, and I'm gaining some self-control. The saving grace will be when the console arrives for my stationary bike. I have a workout area set up near the tv including a stationary bike. Josh put it together for me the other day, but somehow the console was fried, so we're waiting for the replacement part to come in. Then, I can have the best of both worlds.
What Next
I think it's high time I started some new exercises because I feel like I really hit a rut there towards the end. I was bored with the moves. As much as I like Jillian, there comes a point when there is just too much repetition. I'm going to give it some thought today, and decide on something new to try by this evening, and reset my clock at day 1. Any ideas Traci? And how are you feeling today? Much better I hope!
I have completely lost track of what day it is in our exercise/training regimen, and I'm sorry to admit, that I have not been keeping up. Unlike Traci, who has been legitimately debilitated for about a week, the only thing holding me back was me.
After that SPX class a while back, my in-laws came to visit, and then I don't have an exact excuse for what happened after that. I'd come home from work, attempt to organize the chaos in our house, then land in front of the tv to watch awful shows like Animal Hoarders... and awesome shows like Tosh.O. I didn't grow up with cable, so having cable for me is like a kid in a candy store. I think I've reached an equilibrium though, and I'm gaining some self-control. The saving grace will be when the console arrives for my stationary bike. I have a workout area set up near the tv including a stationary bike. Josh put it together for me the other day, but somehow the console was fried, so we're waiting for the replacement part to come in. Then, I can have the best of both worlds.
What Next
I think it's high time I started some new exercises because I feel like I really hit a rut there towards the end. I was bored with the moves. As much as I like Jillian, there comes a point when there is just too much repetition. I'm going to give it some thought today, and decide on something new to try by this evening, and reset my clock at day 1. Any ideas Traci? And how are you feeling today? Much better I hope!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Back 4, Traci 0
Ok, so it's been about four days since the hot spot grew and this is a recount of me passing the time.
Monday - I got home from work and felt it slipping. I got into some comfortable clothes, got my blankets on the floor and my remote controls ... voila, instant new place. I stayed here the rest of the night . . . got some sleep, although not much because I couldn't roll over so I was pretty much stuck staring at the ceiling (how fun it can be) and hoping my back wouldn't slip the rest of the way.
Tuesday - I was up around 5 according to my phone, and my entire day was spent on my back, staring at the ceiling and cricking my head to the side to watch Mythbusters until my neck couldn't stand it any longer ... then back to the ceiling. Absolutely no movement today.
Wednesday - so today was a huge plus. Around 5 or so in the evening I was finally able to roll over. You know what this meant, I could rest on my side or stomach instead of staring at the ceiling. It also meant I could move a little bit and grab some rub for my back. My day consisted of PS2 and Mythbusters.
Thursday - I figured I would try a little more today and see what I could manage. I was able to push up onto all fours and with the assistance of a chair, table, counter and wall I was able to pull myself up and finally make it to the bathroom. I had not gone since Monday morning, and today was also the first time I had anything to drink. Gotta love it when you start hurting and everything shuts down so you don't have to risk blacking out to make it to the bathroom.
Friday - so today I wanted to try moving around a little bit. I managed to, with assistance, get up and move around a little bit. Once I'm up, I can move around for a few minutes before my back starts complaining - but hey, this is a staunch improvement over staring at the ceiling. I'm drinking water today because I am about as dehydrated as they come, and using my balance ball to help stretch out my back. It's awkward and it hurts, but I need to be upwardly mobile come Monday and this is the only way I know how to do it without causing further problems. It's only 2 in the afternoon right now, and I've hit my ibuprofen limit for the day ... so it's down to rub, stretch and hopefully being able to walk more than 10 feet at a time.
Monday - I got home from work and felt it slipping. I got into some comfortable clothes, got my blankets on the floor and my remote controls ... voila, instant new place. I stayed here the rest of the night . . . got some sleep, although not much because I couldn't roll over so I was pretty much stuck staring at the ceiling (how fun it can be) and hoping my back wouldn't slip the rest of the way.
Tuesday - I was up around 5 according to my phone, and my entire day was spent on my back, staring at the ceiling and cricking my head to the side to watch Mythbusters until my neck couldn't stand it any longer ... then back to the ceiling. Absolutely no movement today.
Wednesday - so today was a huge plus. Around 5 or so in the evening I was finally able to roll over. You know what this meant, I could rest on my side or stomach instead of staring at the ceiling. It also meant I could move a little bit and grab some rub for my back. My day consisted of PS2 and Mythbusters.
Thursday - I figured I would try a little more today and see what I could manage. I was able to push up onto all fours and with the assistance of a chair, table, counter and wall I was able to pull myself up and finally make it to the bathroom. I had not gone since Monday morning, and today was also the first time I had anything to drink. Gotta love it when you start hurting and everything shuts down so you don't have to risk blacking out to make it to the bathroom.
Friday - so today I wanted to try moving around a little bit. I managed to, with assistance, get up and move around a little bit. Once I'm up, I can move around for a few minutes before my back starts complaining - but hey, this is a staunch improvement over staring at the ceiling. I'm drinking water today because I am about as dehydrated as they come, and using my balance ball to help stretch out my back. It's awkward and it hurts, but I need to be upwardly mobile come Monday and this is the only way I know how to do it without causing further problems. It's only 2 in the afternoon right now, and I've hit my ibuprofen limit for the day ... so it's down to rub, stretch and hopefully being able to walk more than 10 feet at a time.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Punishment
Ok, so today marks the end of the second round, and my back is on its way out the door. I don't know what happened, all I know is the hot spot is growing and I have been here far too many times to not know what is about to happen.
If it goes, I'm looking at 10 days minimum of not being able to do anything, and by that I literally mean it. When my back goes, it disappears.
I feel like a total slacker by not being able to keep up (the back thing started last night, so yesterday was out as well - and this morning it just escalated). But on the bright side, every single movement I make, from breathing, to attempting to walk a few steps is extremely taxing.
I'm taking it easy with ice and heat in an attempt to stave off the inevitable disappearing act, but I don't think I'll make it through the night.
If it goes, I'm looking at 10 days minimum of not being able to do anything, and by that I literally mean it. When my back goes, it disappears.
I feel like a total slacker by not being able to keep up (the back thing started last night, so yesterday was out as well - and this morning it just escalated). But on the bright side, every single movement I make, from breathing, to attempting to walk a few steps is extremely taxing.
I'm taking it easy with ice and heat in an attempt to stave off the inevitable disappearing act, but I don't think I'll make it through the night.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Cheater - Who Me? Day 28
Well today I got the hell out of dodge and went up into the mountains in an attempt to clear the cobwebs from my self-loathing. I think it worked, at least enough to snap me out of my funk. While my mood is not as lively as it was back in October/November, it is a definite improvement over the last couple of weeks when I've been sucking gravel.
I went and did some snowshoeing at one of the resorts in the mountains, and I really enjoyed myself. I think I am definitely going to have to do that again - just wish there was more daylight. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get there, then you can play in the snow, and depending on traffic can take even longer to get home ... and this is for some of the closer resorts. I didn't want to go to some of the really good ones because they were further up the mountains and there is a rather large storm that's going to hit at some point tonight, and I didn't want to get caught in it.
The nice mountain air did wonders for me - I only hope it continues through the rest of the week.
I should've gotten in a long walk today given the weather was so fantastic, but I will have to settle for a treadmill in a boring 'ole gym tomorrow to get the miles in (sigh).
I went and did some snowshoeing at one of the resorts in the mountains, and I really enjoyed myself. I think I am definitely going to have to do that again - just wish there was more daylight. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get there, then you can play in the snow, and depending on traffic can take even longer to get home ... and this is for some of the closer resorts. I didn't want to go to some of the really good ones because they were further up the mountains and there is a rather large storm that's going to hit at some point tonight, and I didn't want to get caught in it.
The nice mountain air did wonders for me - I only hope it continues through the rest of the week.
I should've gotten in a long walk today given the weather was so fantastic, but I will have to settle for a treadmill in a boring 'ole gym tomorrow to get the miles in (sigh).
Friday - Cheater - Day 27
Ok, so day 27 was a total wash. I was in the most foulest of moods and let it get the better of me. I totally cheated and didn't do a damn thing yesterday (unless you count Guitar Hero some form of exercise). I got home from work and just felt defeated in all respects. I changed, played GH3 and then crawled into bed and watched a couple of movies before dozing off around 1am. I am hoping that today is a little different. I need to find a way to nip this in the butt before it completely takes over on a daily basis (that would not be good).
So, day 27 = failure. I hope Janet had better luck with motivation yesterday...
So, day 27 = failure. I hope Janet had better luck with motivation yesterday...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 26 - SPX Workout
I'm with Traci, wasn't this round of exercise supposed to go better than the last? Have we plateaued? My mood hasn't been great lately either and I really feel as though I need a boost in terms of mood and exercise.
For my workout today, I switched things up and took an SPX class. It's like an extreme Pilates class, and as Josh likes to say about JM, it "breaks you off." I bet I'm going to be aching in strange places tomorrow.
For my workout today, I switched things up and took an SPX class. It's like an extreme Pilates class, and as Josh likes to say about JM, it "breaks you off." I bet I'm going to be aching in strange places tomorrow.
Four to Go - Day 26
Well round two is almost at an end with only four days to go. I thought that I'd see more results the second time around, but that was just wishful thinking. It would seem progress, like my mood as of late, has soured.
Wasn't the new year supposed to bring on change??
Wasn't the new year supposed to bring on change??
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 25 - Commitment
While I was doing the level 3 workout today, I kept thinking about the word commitment. You see, I really didn't want to workout today. Much more than usual. I felt like there was a running list of things I had to do. Everything that I planned on doing tonight got thrown off, and I didn't end up doing any of it. At 11:30, I could stay up, finish those things, go straight to bed, or workout. I chose the one thing that I really didn't want to do: workout. My thinking was if I can get this one thing down and right, it will make me feel better. Commitment begets commitment in other realms. If I can get this one thing down every day, then it is like my anchor, even when the waters are turbulent.
I finished the workout and I do feel better. The workout wasn't easy though. I don't think there's been a single day where I have felt those scissor ab moves were even remotely easy. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, so I had to take it a bit easier on some of those moves. In the end though, I'm glad I worked out. I can get a good night's sleep and be efficient tomorrow.
I finished the workout and I do feel better. The workout wasn't easy though. I don't think there's been a single day where I have felt those scissor ab moves were even remotely easy. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, so I had to take it a bit easier on some of those moves. In the end though, I'm glad I worked out. I can get a good night's sleep and be efficient tomorrow.
Your Spine is Your Lifeline ... Day 25
Truer words were never spoken. I used to do Denise Austin VHS tape workouts quite often and I always passed off her little limericks as nothing more than that ... but in reality, everything that she has to say bears a lot of truth. Not to step on Jillian's toes here, but Denise was doing everything Jillian does now, but she did it years ago and in a much nicer tone than Jillian.
Which do I like better? Well, I guess that all depends on the day. There are some days when the nice, relaxing voice of Denise Austin helps you get through the moves, and there are other days when you are feeling great and just need someone to beat you up - ala Jillian. It's funny, Bob is a lot like Denise Austin in that he has a calming voice about him. Jillian is the polar opposite.
I did another round of yoga today with Suzanne Deason in order to loosen up some parts of my lower body that have been tight since the "snowy encounter" and I felt great after the session. I then proceeded to pick up Denise Austin for some much needed change, and I did her "Shrink Your Female Fat Zones" ... its really quite amazing how much 3DS overlaps with her workouts. No Bob today, Denise took care of it for me.
I'm seriously trying to change things up so that I don't get bored, and today was definitely a welcome change. Not only did Suzanne and Denise get my mind off of Jillian for a while, but they made it possible to dive into Level 3 without giving it a seconds thought just so that I could get it over with. Did my performance improve - of course not - but my mental attitude improved for the day, and given the length of this journey, that is the most critical component for me, personally.
Which do I like better? Well, I guess that all depends on the day. There are some days when the nice, relaxing voice of Denise Austin helps you get through the moves, and there are other days when you are feeling great and just need someone to beat you up - ala Jillian. It's funny, Bob is a lot like Denise Austin in that he has a calming voice about him. Jillian is the polar opposite.
I did another round of yoga today with Suzanne Deason in order to loosen up some parts of my lower body that have been tight since the "snowy encounter" and I felt great after the session. I then proceeded to pick up Denise Austin for some much needed change, and I did her "Shrink Your Female Fat Zones" ... its really quite amazing how much 3DS overlaps with her workouts. No Bob today, Denise took care of it for me.
I'm seriously trying to change things up so that I don't get bored, and today was definitely a welcome change. Not only did Suzanne and Denise get my mind off of Jillian for a while, but they made it possible to dive into Level 3 without giving it a seconds thought just so that I could get it over with. Did my performance improve - of course not - but my mental attitude improved for the day, and given the length of this journey, that is the most critical component for me, personally.
Daily Double - Day 24
I just finished reading Janet's post about heating up, and I completely understand. My apartment stays around 58 degrees right now, so layers are an absolute requirement for me. I have a ceramic heater that I use to try and keep it a little warmer, but it is only on for short stints of time.
Even when I do these workouts I keep the layers on . . . sure, I warm up, but I need to keep the layers on because once the sweat wears off, the chill sets in again.
Tonight I didn't have the luxury of starting off nice and warm because I didn't go on a walk before doing Jillian. With my layers on I started up and warmed up rather quickly. Janet is feeling the burn with the lunges, and I am pretty sure you are going all the way down (ala Natalie). Me, I am still in Anita mode when it comes to the lunges, and perhaps that isn't why they are killing me quite as much. I don't know if I will ever be able to go all the way down, but for now, my little movements are quite enough to get me burning.
Oh, and get this - I know someone who can do the moves just like Natalie ... granted she is a Pilates instructor so her core is about as rock solid as they come, but it was still impressive to see the oblique twists and those side oblique ups (whatever you want to call them - the ones where I don't even move) done properly and without even breaking a sweat. So, it is humanly possible ... just don't know if it is my form of human.
Even when I do these workouts I keep the layers on . . . sure, I warm up, but I need to keep the layers on because once the sweat wears off, the chill sets in again.
Tonight I didn't have the luxury of starting off nice and warm because I didn't go on a walk before doing Jillian. With my layers on I started up and warmed up rather quickly. Janet is feeling the burn with the lunges, and I am pretty sure you are going all the way down (ala Natalie). Me, I am still in Anita mode when it comes to the lunges, and perhaps that isn't why they are killing me quite as much. I don't know if I will ever be able to go all the way down, but for now, my little movements are quite enough to get me burning.
Oh, and get this - I know someone who can do the moves just like Natalie ... granted she is a Pilates instructor so her core is about as rock solid as they come, but it was still impressive to see the oblique twists and those side oblique ups (whatever you want to call them - the ones where I don't even move) done properly and without even breaking a sweat. So, it is humanly possible ... just don't know if it is my form of human.
Day 24 - My Own Heating System
The weather here has been pretty cool lately, about as cool as Texas gets in the winter. We decided not to turn on the heat, so it's been quite cool in the house too. I was wearing a couple layers of clothing until it came time to do the Level 3 workout. Now I've peeled those layers off and I'm still burning up.
I think when I began this second round of JM, I noted that the lunges seemed easier. I don't know if my few days off really made a big impact or what, but lunges were killer today. I was huffing and puffing through them and my quads were burning up.
I think when I began this second round of JM, I noted that the lunges seemed easier. I don't know if my few days off really made a big impact or what, but lunges were killer today. I was huffing and puffing through them and my quads were burning up.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 23 - Back in the Game
Hello! I'm still alive!! This holiday has been a bit hectic with moving... and unpacking. I missed a few days, but got back into it today. (There was another day too when I got in a JM workout, but Internet wasn't up and running yet, so I didn't get a chance to post.)
I did the Level 3 workout and it kicked my butt harder than usual. If you don't use it you lose it I guess. I did notice that I've gotten better at planks, but all the quad moves and lunges felt very difficult today.
.... gonna go catch up on reading your posts now Traci. Sorry for being awol for a few days there!
I did the Level 3 workout and it kicked my butt harder than usual. If you don't use it you lose it I guess. I did notice that I've gotten better at planks, but all the quad moves and lunges felt very difficult today.
.... gonna go catch up on reading your posts now Traci. Sorry for being awol for a few days there!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Don Flamenco tryouts - Day 23
Ok, so what do you get when you mix rubber and ice? Give up? One hell of a ride. That is what I went through tonight - one hell of a wild ride. Details, if I must.
Today the weather was great - in the 40s. So, what does this mean? The five inches of snow we got over the weekend started to melt. Then, the temperature began to drop ... it was 15 when I started my walk and 11 when I got home. You know what happens to all that wonderful melting snow when it freezes - the damn sidewalks turn into nightmares on ice.
Ok, so watch this and at about 1 minute in you will see the Don Flamenco one footer on his way to kiss the mat. This was me walking tonight - except a bit more comical. The slip and slide, the feet doing the cartoonish back and forth in an attempt to stay vertical and the "Woa" moments where you catch yourself just before you face plant ... well, this was me tonight. The good news, I stayed vertical, finished the 6 miles and stayed warm because I was keeping a relatively decent pace given the environment I had to work with.
On the Jillian front, I knocked level three out of the way and didn't do anything more - still working on getting my lower body back into fully functional status. One thing to note, level three is definitely easier for me this time around than last time. I am finding that I'm not struggling with the moves as much as I was the first time around - yay me.
Today the weather was great - in the 40s. So, what does this mean? The five inches of snow we got over the weekend started to melt. Then, the temperature began to drop ... it was 15 when I started my walk and 11 when I got home. You know what happens to all that wonderful melting snow when it freezes - the damn sidewalks turn into nightmares on ice.
Ok, so watch this and at about 1 minute in you will see the Don Flamenco one footer on his way to kiss the mat. This was me walking tonight - except a bit more comical. The slip and slide, the feet doing the cartoonish back and forth in an attempt to stay vertical and the "Woa" moments where you catch yourself just before you face plant ... well, this was me tonight. The good news, I stayed vertical, finished the 6 miles and stayed warm because I was keeping a relatively decent pace given the environment I had to work with.
On the Jillian front, I knocked level three out of the way and didn't do anything more - still working on getting my lower body back into fully functional status. One thing to note, level three is definitely easier for me this time around than last time. I am finding that I'm not struggling with the moves as much as I was the first time around - yay me.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Changing it up - Day 22
Well, today I decided to try something different since my lower body still feels like it was run over by a Mac truck. I did some Suzanne Deason and Denise Austin instead ... yoga and pilates. It got my heart rate up, but instead of the pounding that I got from Jillian with all the jumping, it was easier on my lower body, thereby giving me some time to recover a little bit more.
I forgot how relaxing yoga can be ... granted, I don't have full mobility with a majority of those moves, but it still worked me out while leaving me mobile at the end. I didn't want to pound my legs again today, so I am very sorry BFBM, but I will have to save you for another day when my lower body is actually cooperating.
On another note, I have to say how much I love Netflix. Over the weekend, I have watched so many movies it's ridiculous. My Wii is working into overtime, but I've been on a bit of a campy horror wave, so I'm carrying it on today with really campy ones from the '80s. My oh my, am I glad things in the film industry have changed :-)
I forgot how relaxing yoga can be ... granted, I don't have full mobility with a majority of those moves, but it still worked me out while leaving me mobile at the end. I didn't want to pound my legs again today, so I am very sorry BFBM, but I will have to save you for another day when my lower body is actually cooperating.
On another note, I have to say how much I love Netflix. Over the weekend, I have watched so many movies it's ridiculous. My Wii is working into overtime, but I've been on a bit of a campy horror wave, so I'm carrying it on today with really campy ones from the '80s. My oh my, am I glad things in the film industry have changed :-)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
And the End Begins - Day 21
So, I didn't do anything today other than start level 3. My lower body is still very much protesting my every move, and it was difficult making it through level 3. I am not sure why the aches have been lingering, but I took it easy just in case ... I certainly didn't want to venture into the snow again if my legs are going to feel like this after the fact (not fun at all).
I'm also taking it easy because the aches from the lower body also extend to my lower back, and that is dangerous territory for me . . . better safe than sorry.
I'm also taking it easy because the aches from the lower body also extend to my lower back, and that is dangerous territory for me . . . better safe than sorry.
A New Year - Day 20
Well, after the little stint yesterday my lower body is on strike today. I don't know if it was the cold or the trudging through the snow that got my muscles in a bit of a tizzy, but whatever it was, it worked. Today, I got through the last bit of level two this morning and then the rest of the day I spent watching movies on Netflix as the temperatures remained subzero.
Every muscle in my lower body is punishing me, so after a bit of stretching, I'm heading off to bed for another day tomorrow.
Here's to a great 2011 ... may good things come our way.
Every muscle in my lower body is punishing me, so after a bit of stretching, I'm heading off to bed for another day tomorrow.
Here's to a great 2011 ... may good things come our way.
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