Yet again the lyrics of Nickelback have struck a chord with me. The title is a line from "If Today Was Your Last Day" off their new CD Dark Horse.
Other lines I like: "Let nothing stand in your way because the hands of time are never on your side" and "What's worth the price is always worth the fight" and "Don't take the free ride in your own life"
This just got me thinking about all kinds of stuff lately. Globally: The news declaring depression and recession constantly. Locally: Apparently two people were shot at a bus stop where I frequently catch the bus. Personally: Why is it so damn hard to eat perfectly every day and exercise all the time.
This is not blah post, this more about taking stock of your life and realizing (in my case anyway) how freakin' blessed I am. I have a roof over my head, heat, water, food, people who love me, a fantastic city, province and country. Find joy in the little things and keep your life moving forward is my mantra from now on.
Alright back to your regularly scheduled post: The Black Forest Cake went over really, really well it was the star of the potluck. I was told by many that it was the best black forest cake they ever had. My camera was dead so I couldn't take a picture for you. I suspect I will now be requested to bring baked goods to pot lucks.
Killer workout on Thursday. Not sure if it was because too much food at the pot luck but I thought I was going to toss my cookies. Now pot luck was a noon and workout was at 5pm. Now I know how the biggest loser contestants feel.
Alright so trainer had me do this:
The Warm UP
Then:
25 Squats
20 Push Ups
15 Dumbell Swings 15lbs
10 Dumbell Thrusters (with a 10lb dumbell in each hand)
5 Burpees
I had to do as many sequences of this I could in 20min.
I did 4 in 22min and it was tough all the way through. I had sweat in my eyes and felt nausesous through half of it. But dang it I did it. That's 100 squats my friends. I am Xena Warrior Princess.
He wants we to do this again in one month to see if I can increase the number of sequences.
Doing the thrusters with two dumbells is way harder than using the longer 20lb one. You can definitely tell that your arms are not equally strong.
I was down 1 lb today which is alright. I didn't get all my workouts in but this week there are no trips and no cakes to be made so it will be better.
Trainer also gave me a food plan, well more a list of foods to eat over the next two weeks. I think it's based on The Zone. He's not claiming to be a nutritionist and when I looked at the list it was all common sense and incredibly like the filling food list of WW. I use it as my grocery list for the next two weeks and see what happens.
Alright I have to go put clothes in the dryer. I'll talk to you later.
Hugs!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Crazy busy
On Monday I was up at 3:30am, my goodness that's early. Cab came at 4:30 is and I was on a plane at 5:30am, got to site at 7am. I looks really different when it's pitch dark outside.
I really don't mind going there but when I go there and back in one day I'm totally knackered by 2pm. I swear I felt like I could nap anywhere.
We get this amazing banana bread on the plane and as 3:30 is a wee early for me to feel like eating breakfast I always opt to eat the BB. Well my first stop was the camp kitchen with my colleague the HRA (human resource analyst). I watched him eat half a plate of scrambled eggs and sausage. I got excited when I saw they had raisin toast but I wasn't hungry.
I then sat through a half hour safety video to get my official I.D. This thing totally reminded me of an afterschool special. There was a quiz and I swear some of the questions were not covered by the video. The security guard marking my test made a little fun of me but in a very good natured way. I'm just happy I have the I.D, no more visitor stickers for me. My colleague sat and waited for me while I did this thing and I thought that was really sweet. I now have a wee crush on the guy even though he's totally lousy at returning emails when you really need information.
Then the last two days have been a blur, we're smokin' busy the day flies by and tonight I had to make a Black Forest Cake for potluck tomorrow. Tomorrow is also trainer day so I'm so excited about lugging a cake and gym gear to work tomorrow.
I've been wrapping my head around all the stuff that's happening at work and I've volunteered myself to be a fly in/ fly out recruiter. As the whole area I supported originally is now on hold for goodness knows how long. I thought it's wise to keep my options open.
It is very easy to eat healthy in camp, they have 9 gyms on the complex and one heck of away to save money as there's nothing to spend it on. We'll see what happens. You'd be in the middle of nowwhere for 4 days and living in a trailer but hey it could be fun.
Alright nothing else to share, if I'm coordinated enough tomorrow morning I'll take a picture of the cake.
Later
I really don't mind going there but when I go there and back in one day I'm totally knackered by 2pm. I swear I felt like I could nap anywhere.
We get this amazing banana bread on the plane and as 3:30 is a wee early for me to feel like eating breakfast I always opt to eat the BB. Well my first stop was the camp kitchen with my colleague the HRA (human resource analyst). I watched him eat half a plate of scrambled eggs and sausage. I got excited when I saw they had raisin toast but I wasn't hungry.
I then sat through a half hour safety video to get my official I.D. This thing totally reminded me of an afterschool special. There was a quiz and I swear some of the questions were not covered by the video. The security guard marking my test made a little fun of me but in a very good natured way. I'm just happy I have the I.D, no more visitor stickers for me. My colleague sat and waited for me while I did this thing and I thought that was really sweet. I now have a wee crush on the guy even though he's totally lousy at returning emails when you really need information.
Then the last two days have been a blur, we're smokin' busy the day flies by and tonight I had to make a Black Forest Cake for potluck tomorrow. Tomorrow is also trainer day so I'm so excited about lugging a cake and gym gear to work tomorrow.
I've been wrapping my head around all the stuff that's happening at work and I've volunteered myself to be a fly in/ fly out recruiter. As the whole area I supported originally is now on hold for goodness knows how long. I thought it's wise to keep my options open.
It is very easy to eat healthy in camp, they have 9 gyms on the complex and one heck of away to save money as there's nothing to spend it on. We'll see what happens. You'd be in the middle of nowwhere for 4 days and living in a trailer but hey it could be fun.
Alright nothing else to share, if I'm coordinated enough tomorrow morning I'll take a picture of the cake.
Later
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Embracing the inner super hero
That's what I did today by heading out in -20 for the gym. I know it took super hero effort to get myself out the door and I walked to the gym so that took about 15-20min.
Did my warm up plus weigh training homework. I got through 4 reps today so that's one rep better than last time.
I added it up including warm up I did 120 sit ups, 60 dumbell squats, 60 dumbell swings, 60 push ups, 30 chin ups, 30 tricep dips, 30 back extensions and 30 lunges. Did I tell you the warm up now consists of 20 sit ups each set as opposed to 10.
Then I headed to the treadmill to do cardio homework. I was listening to my itouch and Nickelback came on with "Next Go Round" and a couple of lines were very fitting. Example" Yeah we're gonna go until our legs give out". I know they weren't talking about sweating on the treadmill but it was strangely inspiring especially at the 7 degree incline part. This song was followed by a slow Micheal Buble tune and what this tells me is I need a playlist specifically for the cardio homework. I really liked this treadmill workout, the 2min are perfect and challenging. Many times I heard Bob/Jillian in my head counting down.
After the gym I walked to the post office (15min) picked up my parcel and then went to the grocery store (15min) picked up some groceries and the walked home with a 25lb backpack (20min). On the way home the wind was brutal and it was far colder than on the way out.
I believe that was a super hero workout for the day.
My plan when I got home was to bake the cake I need for Thursday. Alas I had vanilla cake mix and not chocolate cake mix. I'm making a Black Forest Cake so that won't work. I'm thinking Tuesday I can pick up cake mix and still be good to go for Wednesday assembly. We're having International pot luck day at work and I'm of German decent so that's the first thing that popped into my head and when I asked if that would go over well I got a resounding "Oh yes".
I have the Cake Mix Bible cookbook and with a few added ingredients people swear up and down that this chocolate cake is homemade. I don't correct them.
My parcel was from Amazon bringing me the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga dvd and a bunch of Sookie Stackhouse novels. I love this series and can't wait for True Blood to be aired in Canada.
I'm going to watch the DVD before I try it. The writing on the back is pretty cheesy "Take your practice to the next chakra" but it stars Bob so I'll forgive that. I'll give you my report when I have an opportunity to try it out.
Scale was down 2lbs this morning, why can't my weigh in days be Sunday?
I hope the inner super hero sticks with me tomorrow. Calgary is warming up to -8 but where I'm going it's -30, I'm coming back in the afternoon but there's nothing quite like a 20 degree difference in one day. Thank goodness we Calgarians, Albertans, Prairie dwellers are fairly used to it. Just remember layering is key :)
A new week begins may yours be fantastic.
Later!
Did my warm up plus weigh training homework. I got through 4 reps today so that's one rep better than last time.
I added it up including warm up I did 120 sit ups, 60 dumbell squats, 60 dumbell swings, 60 push ups, 30 chin ups, 30 tricep dips, 30 back extensions and 30 lunges. Did I tell you the warm up now consists of 20 sit ups each set as opposed to 10.
Then I headed to the treadmill to do cardio homework. I was listening to my itouch and Nickelback came on with "Next Go Round" and a couple of lines were very fitting. Example" Yeah we're gonna go until our legs give out". I know they weren't talking about sweating on the treadmill but it was strangely inspiring especially at the 7 degree incline part. This song was followed by a slow Micheal Buble tune and what this tells me is I need a playlist specifically for the cardio homework. I really liked this treadmill workout, the 2min are perfect and challenging. Many times I heard Bob/Jillian in my head counting down.
After the gym I walked to the post office (15min) picked up my parcel and then went to the grocery store (15min) picked up some groceries and the walked home with a 25lb backpack (20min). On the way home the wind was brutal and it was far colder than on the way out.
I believe that was a super hero workout for the day.
My plan when I got home was to bake the cake I need for Thursday. Alas I had vanilla cake mix and not chocolate cake mix. I'm making a Black Forest Cake so that won't work. I'm thinking Tuesday I can pick up cake mix and still be good to go for Wednesday assembly. We're having International pot luck day at work and I'm of German decent so that's the first thing that popped into my head and when I asked if that would go over well I got a resounding "Oh yes".
I have the Cake Mix Bible cookbook and with a few added ingredients people swear up and down that this chocolate cake is homemade. I don't correct them.
My parcel was from Amazon bringing me the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga dvd and a bunch of Sookie Stackhouse novels. I love this series and can't wait for True Blood to be aired in Canada.
I'm going to watch the DVD before I try it. The writing on the back is pretty cheesy "Take your practice to the next chakra" but it stars Bob so I'll forgive that. I'll give you my report when I have an opportunity to try it out.
Scale was down 2lbs this morning, why can't my weigh in days be Sunday?
I hope the inner super hero sticks with me tomorrow. Calgary is warming up to -8 but where I'm going it's -30, I'm coming back in the afternoon but there's nothing quite like a 20 degree difference in one day. Thank goodness we Calgarians, Albertans, Prairie dwellers are fairly used to it. Just remember layering is key :)
A new week begins may yours be fantastic.
Later!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Winter wimp
Today I woke up at 10:30am, that is weird for me. I generally don't sleep in that late but I definitely needed it. Yesterday I practically fell asleep at my desk. The thing that bugs we about sleeping in is it tosses off my day. I sort of started my day with lunch and I don't want to be up late so Sunday doesn't go pear shaped. I have very early flight on Monday.
I had an amazing breakfast/lunch today. I used to be a big fan of McDonald's western omelette bagel. It was evil points wise but very filling and has since been discontinued.
Today I grabbed a WW Bagel (2pts), scrambled up one egg with green onions and red pepper (2pts) and one slice of light Kraft single cheese (which I think is 2, if not 1). It was delicious and half the points of the McDonald's version.
Speaking of food. I found 100cal packs of Jos.Louis in Safeway the other day. In Canada we don't get the 100cal Hostess Cupcakes so I was thrilled when I found these. I can't find a picture for them but I'll keep looking so you know what I'm talking about. It's sort of like the Canadian version of a Hostess Ding Dong.
I should go to the gym and I should pick up a parcel but I have declared stay in PJs day and chill. Greatly influenced by the -24C outside. I don't know what the winchill is but it would be lower and therefore I'm just into it today. Tomorrow is supposed to be -16, slightly better for running around outside.
I will do a yoga practice today as I need the stretch nirvana. Trainer and I were talking about yoga the other day and I don't think he considers it a workout. It might not be sweaty (unless you're doing hot yoga) but there are benefits at any rate my friend. I think of it has a workout for the soul.
Weigh in resulted in a gain of .2, I was expecting that as my week was not fantastic. When all hell broke loose in work world so did my food choices. I am definitely an emotional eater. I didn't go crazy but I could have made more of an effort.
There's no point looking back, one must live in the now.
Today is the first day of a new week for me so even better.
Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you later.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
You're increasing the weight?
This is the question that ran through my mind as my trainer increased the weight on practically every exercise. Strangely I do feel stronger. I knocked out the chin ups and triceps today feeling challenged but not about to die....progress.
Tonight workout was:
The Warm UP
Then I did:
Squats holding a 15lb weight under my chin
Dumbell swings with 15lbs
Lat pull down (facing the machine, tilted slightly back, pulling bar toward collarbone) 27.5 lbs
Did all three 21 times, then 15 times, then 9 times.
Then:
Squats holding a weighted a bar, squat down and then on the way up raise the bar over your head.
Step ups, one leg at a time on a step that had 6 rises underneath it.
Lower ab exercise, where your supporting your upper body and swing your legs up.
Did Squats and Lower Body 21 times, 15 times and 9 times.
The step ups were one leg at a time, 10, 7, 5 per leg.
Then:
Chest press machine and medicine ball/ stair exercise.
The stair exercise was go to the bottom (2 flights), smack that medicine ball into the ground as hard as I could starting with the ball above my head, then run up the stairs, walk down the stairs and do it again.
Did that 3 times - smacking that ball 10 times, 8 times and 6 times.
In between we did chest presses , I have no idea what weight but my arms were screaming.
He's given me homework for the (21,15,9) week as I have to miss Monday and I'll share that with you.
Cardio: On the treadmill
Warm Up: 3mph, 0 incline - 4 mins
Then:
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 0 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 5 incline
Repeat
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 1 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 6 incline
Repeat
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 0 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 7 inline
Repeat
Cool down (which is programmed into the treadmill - They're fancy.
Weights:
Is the homework from last time.
He is suggesting
Cardio on Friday and Wednesday
Weight homrwork on Saturday and Monday or Tuesday
One problem on Monday I'm flying in and out from site and then straight out to dinner.
Friday I need to lug my work computer home in order to take it to site.
Ah, I could go to the gym downtown on Saturday, then go pick up my computer or go home and do yoga on Friday instead of cardio. I'll probably go option b, I'm knackered lately and the weather has dipped to -30 with windchill (it was -4 yesterday).
However I'm thrilled this is turning into a plan vs. just singular workouts. I think adding the cardio will help on the weight front.
Okay kids, I'm exhausted - this workout thing is also great for making you sleep well :)
Tonight workout was:
The Warm UP
Then I did:
Squats holding a 15lb weight under my chin
Dumbell swings with 15lbs
Lat pull down (facing the machine, tilted slightly back, pulling bar toward collarbone) 27.5 lbs
Did all three 21 times, then 15 times, then 9 times.
Then:
Squats holding a weighted a bar, squat down and then on the way up raise the bar over your head.
Step ups, one leg at a time on a step that had 6 rises underneath it.
Lower ab exercise, where your supporting your upper body and swing your legs up.
Did Squats and Lower Body 21 times, 15 times and 9 times.
The step ups were one leg at a time, 10, 7, 5 per leg.
Then:
Chest press machine and medicine ball/ stair exercise.
The stair exercise was go to the bottom (2 flights), smack that medicine ball into the ground as hard as I could starting with the ball above my head, then run up the stairs, walk down the stairs and do it again.
Did that 3 times - smacking that ball 10 times, 8 times and 6 times.
In between we did chest presses , I have no idea what weight but my arms were screaming.
He's given me homework for the (21,15,9) week as I have to miss Monday and I'll share that with you.
Cardio: On the treadmill
Warm Up: 3mph, 0 incline - 4 mins
Then:
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 0 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 5 incline
Repeat
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 1 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 6 incline
Repeat
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 0 incline
2min @ 4.0-4.5 mph 7 inline
Repeat
Cool down (which is programmed into the treadmill - They're fancy.
Weights:
Is the homework from last time.
He is suggesting
Cardio on Friday and Wednesday
Weight homrwork on Saturday and Monday or Tuesday
One problem on Monday I'm flying in and out from site and then straight out to dinner.
Friday I need to lug my work computer home in order to take it to site.
Ah, I could go to the gym downtown on Saturday, then go pick up my computer or go home and do yoga on Friday instead of cardio. I'll probably go option b, I'm knackered lately and the weather has dipped to -30 with windchill (it was -4 yesterday).
However I'm thrilled this is turning into a plan vs. just singular workouts. I think adding the cardio will help on the weight front.
Okay kids, I'm exhausted - this workout thing is also great for making you sleep well :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Plodding along
Today was a whole lot of organizing. I received calls from a few hiring managers to put external recruitment on hold as we see who fits internally. Which really I should take great comfort in, but it's just weird going from smokin' busy to wait.
I called a bunch of people to postpone interviews or to let know that positions would be on hold for awhile. What did make my day was that people were really appreciative. It sucks to wait with no word, I always hated it.
The dust should settle in the next few weeks in the meantime I've volunteered to give hugs. I must just take things day by day.
I am incredibly fortunate that I work on a funny floor, there was some funny stuff that went down today that would make absolutely no sense if I even tried to explain it to you now.
Quite honestly food has been not so fantastic but I get to see trainer tomorrow so a good patootie kicking is in my future. He can't break the habit of yelling my name across the gym. We've settled on initials or just first name or last name. Not full name as I pointed out privacy laws to him. Plus whatever he calls me he gets back.
I finally got my scan card for the gym so I might check out the other downtown location on the weekend.
I sure feel the thigh muscles today as I seemed to encounter a lot of stairs.
Alright kids, I'm pooped and I want to back my gym bag before bed.
Hugs!!!!!
I called a bunch of people to postpone interviews or to let know that positions would be on hold for awhile. What did make my day was that people were really appreciative. It sucks to wait with no word, I always hated it.
The dust should settle in the next few weeks in the meantime I've volunteered to give hugs. I must just take things day by day.
I am incredibly fortunate that I work on a funny floor, there was some funny stuff that went down today that would make absolutely no sense if I even tried to explain it to you now.
Quite honestly food has been not so fantastic but I get to see trainer tomorrow so a good patootie kicking is in my future. He can't break the habit of yelling my name across the gym. We've settled on initials or just first name or last name. Not full name as I pointed out privacy laws to him. Plus whatever he calls me he gets back.
I finally got my scan card for the gym so I might check out the other downtown location on the weekend.
I sure feel the thigh muscles today as I seemed to encounter a lot of stairs.
Alright kids, I'm pooped and I want to back my gym bag before bed.
Hugs!!!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thinking positively
So I woke up today and checked my blackberry to see an email from the CEO of my company that says we're cutting capital spending in half and the project I support is now on hold.
What a way to wake up. This is not the time to panic however. There is much work to be done and other groups to support. My boss called me to ask me how I was feeling and I did tell her that outwardly I'm super calm, inwardly I'm freaking out. She assured me not to panic and I promised not to jump out the window of our office tower (well you can't anyway because the windows don't open and I would never actually do that). I appreciate her re-assurance as I am her only employee in Calgary in midst of my peers who report to someone else. I do work for the division that is the busiest. I told her I plan to retire with this company and really now would be a good time to buy shares.
She commended my positivity. Now I just need to keep it up. What I think is funny is I've been told twice this week that I'm positive yet I don't think of myself that way.
I think this was a good day to have a half day, less time to dwell or be surrounded by people dwelling. As I was telling my dad about todays events I kept it all positive.
If you think you will fail, you will. So don't think it.
Tomorrow I get sorted supporting my group that's being put on hold and making sure everything I'm working on currently for them is organized. I do have stuff to work on that's not on hold. One thing that plagued me all day was I can be redeployed my group (who I adore) is going through their whole project being stopped, not forever but for now and I do believe there is every intention to ressurect it but that doesn't make it any less scary.
We also had a company wide conference call. A whole whack of people are effected by this as there were a couple of projects put on hold so the times ahead will be interesting. It's interesting to see everyone's reactions. Everyone is feeling a bit vulnerable.
As I said to my boss - this is not the time to panic, cooler heads must prevail. The first step in this type of situation is cost saving and everyone can contribute to that.
So I had my doctor's appointment today and he said nothing about weight. I like him already. He did ask me about calcium and said to make sure I was getting 1200 -1500 miligrams worth. I'm thinking I may need to add in a supplement because I don't drink that much milk or eat that much yogurt. We couldn't do the pap test as it's TOM so I get to do that next Tuesday...yeah!
On the post workout front I was not that sore this morning and feeling really impressed with that epsom salt bath. When I mentioned that to my Doctor he asked if I just tried soaking because that's what probably helped not the epsom salts. I'll have to try that. As I should also be thinking cost saving mode.
Class was alright, it will be interesting doing a blended in person/online class. I've already been assigned to a group and I like them all which is good because I despise group projects. All class related things seem to land on Tuesdays which interferes with yoga. I know I have to miss 4 yoga classes due to the in class portion but there's all these scheduled online meetings that I may need to duck out early from.
This class runs half an hour later than my last one and I wasn't sure about bus timings. Tonight we finished 10min early so I made my 1st bus and I was calling teleride when the second one pulled up. I was home in less than half an hour which is incredibly awesome.
The power of positivity my friends, that's the key.
What a way to wake up. This is not the time to panic however. There is much work to be done and other groups to support. My boss called me to ask me how I was feeling and I did tell her that outwardly I'm super calm, inwardly I'm freaking out. She assured me not to panic and I promised not to jump out the window of our office tower (well you can't anyway because the windows don't open and I would never actually do that). I appreciate her re-assurance as I am her only employee in Calgary in midst of my peers who report to someone else. I do work for the division that is the busiest. I told her I plan to retire with this company and really now would be a good time to buy shares.
She commended my positivity. Now I just need to keep it up. What I think is funny is I've been told twice this week that I'm positive yet I don't think of myself that way.
I think this was a good day to have a half day, less time to dwell or be surrounded by people dwelling. As I was telling my dad about todays events I kept it all positive.
If you think you will fail, you will. So don't think it.
Tomorrow I get sorted supporting my group that's being put on hold and making sure everything I'm working on currently for them is organized. I do have stuff to work on that's not on hold. One thing that plagued me all day was I can be redeployed my group (who I adore) is going through their whole project being stopped, not forever but for now and I do believe there is every intention to ressurect it but that doesn't make it any less scary.
We also had a company wide conference call. A whole whack of people are effected by this as there were a couple of projects put on hold so the times ahead will be interesting. It's interesting to see everyone's reactions. Everyone is feeling a bit vulnerable.
As I said to my boss - this is not the time to panic, cooler heads must prevail. The first step in this type of situation is cost saving and everyone can contribute to that.
So I had my doctor's appointment today and he said nothing about weight. I like him already. He did ask me about calcium and said to make sure I was getting 1200 -1500 miligrams worth. I'm thinking I may need to add in a supplement because I don't drink that much milk or eat that much yogurt. We couldn't do the pap test as it's TOM so I get to do that next Tuesday...yeah!
On the post workout front I was not that sore this morning and feeling really impressed with that epsom salt bath. When I mentioned that to my Doctor he asked if I just tried soaking because that's what probably helped not the epsom salts. I'll have to try that. As I should also be thinking cost saving mode.
Class was alright, it will be interesting doing a blended in person/online class. I've already been assigned to a group and I like them all which is good because I despise group projects. All class related things seem to land on Tuesdays which interferes with yoga. I know I have to miss 4 yoga classes due to the in class portion but there's all these scheduled online meetings that I may need to duck out early from.
This class runs half an hour later than my last one and I wasn't sure about bus timings. Tonight we finished 10min early so I made my 1st bus and I was calling teleride when the second one pulled up. I was home in less than half an hour which is incredibly awesome.
The power of positivity my friends, that's the key.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Spent
Today was the day from heck.
I woke up at 5:30, which is exactly the time I need to be at the bus stop to get to the south location. Nothing like waking up and start swearing. Last night I made my lunch, had my bag packed next to the door and even had the bowl and measuring cup out for my cereal. The one thing I failed to do is turn on the alarm clock.
So I took a cab, then my day was alright but my last meeting ran late so I had to take a cab back downtown to pick up my gym bag. I phoned my trainer an hour before my session thinking I might be late but it turned out I was 5min early.
I could have done without the stress of thinking I was going to be late. So I'm out $80 in cab fare but other than that it was an alright day.
Oh one fun thing, I'm booked to go to site on Monday to do interviews. The hiring manager told me the two candidates would be on site that day. I discover today that is not the case. So now I'm going 2.5hrs north of Fort McMurray for fun...yippee. Hopefully I'll get to meet the rest of my hiring managers so the day won't be wasted. The flight can not be cancelled so I'm going anyway.
At the gym, trainer kicked my patootie. It was the warm up then dumbell thrust/lift/torture (holding 20lbs in a long dumbell kind of like the olympic weight lifters. Start in a squat and push up to standing with the weight over your head and repeat. 21, 15, 9. Oh that was after the many normal squats. What wasn't helping is my nike capris have a little bit of lower waist and I kept thinking I was flashing my underwear.
Then dumbell swings - 30 in total as he made me repeat 10 because my form sucked.
Then there was these evil burpees on a step and then you jump up on to the step. I'm totally freaked by jumping on to things that have space in front of them and are made of plastic in other words I'm afraid of falling over. If it was a normal step found on a stair case I probably wouldn't have an issue. This one was the step class version with 4 platforms underneath so loads of space to fall off. He reduced it to 3 after he saw my distress.
Then there were lunges and chest presses and this thing where your holding yourself off the ground and you lift up your legs - a kind of a reverse crunch.
By the time we were done I was exhausted, beet red and dripping in sweat.
He kept talking about little nutrition tidbits like cod liver oil is good for fat loss, and some of the stuff he said I swear it sounded like Klingon.
The highlight of the night is when he said to me that even though our trainer/victim relationship has existed for 3 hours/sessions. He really enjoyed that I don't complain. That meant a lot to me.
One curious thing I noticed at the gym was this guy wearing cargo pants and a hoody pulled over his head. It was an odd workout outfit sort of like he was hiding it gave him a uni-bomberesque appearance.
My random thought on the bus was I would never survive the Biggest Loser and they're 6-8 hours of workout.
I have my first class tomorrow and the physical. In the physical I'm curious if he's going to say anything about weight. As the class goes until 9pm I'm not sure if I'll be blogging.
So I wish you all fabulour things until the next posting.
I woke up at 5:30, which is exactly the time I need to be at the bus stop to get to the south location. Nothing like waking up and start swearing. Last night I made my lunch, had my bag packed next to the door and even had the bowl and measuring cup out for my cereal. The one thing I failed to do is turn on the alarm clock.
So I took a cab, then my day was alright but my last meeting ran late so I had to take a cab back downtown to pick up my gym bag. I phoned my trainer an hour before my session thinking I might be late but it turned out I was 5min early.
I could have done without the stress of thinking I was going to be late. So I'm out $80 in cab fare but other than that it was an alright day.
Oh one fun thing, I'm booked to go to site on Monday to do interviews. The hiring manager told me the two candidates would be on site that day. I discover today that is not the case. So now I'm going 2.5hrs north of Fort McMurray for fun...yippee. Hopefully I'll get to meet the rest of my hiring managers so the day won't be wasted. The flight can not be cancelled so I'm going anyway.
At the gym, trainer kicked my patootie. It was the warm up then dumbell thrust/lift/torture (holding 20lbs in a long dumbell kind of like the olympic weight lifters. Start in a squat and push up to standing with the weight over your head and repeat. 21, 15, 9. Oh that was after the many normal squats. What wasn't helping is my nike capris have a little bit of lower waist and I kept thinking I was flashing my underwear.
Then dumbell swings - 30 in total as he made me repeat 10 because my form sucked.
Then there was these evil burpees on a step and then you jump up on to the step. I'm totally freaked by jumping on to things that have space in front of them and are made of plastic in other words I'm afraid of falling over. If it was a normal step found on a stair case I probably wouldn't have an issue. This one was the step class version with 4 platforms underneath so loads of space to fall off. He reduced it to 3 after he saw my distress.
Then there were lunges and chest presses and this thing where your holding yourself off the ground and you lift up your legs - a kind of a reverse crunch.
By the time we were done I was exhausted, beet red and dripping in sweat.
He kept talking about little nutrition tidbits like cod liver oil is good for fat loss, and some of the stuff he said I swear it sounded like Klingon.
The highlight of the night is when he said to me that even though our trainer/victim relationship has existed for 3 hours/sessions. He really enjoyed that I don't complain. That meant a lot to me.
One curious thing I noticed at the gym was this guy wearing cargo pants and a hoody pulled over his head. It was an odd workout outfit sort of like he was hiding it gave him a uni-bomberesque appearance.
My random thought on the bus was I would never survive the Biggest Loser and they're 6-8 hours of workout.
I have my first class tomorrow and the physical. In the physical I'm curious if he's going to say anything about weight. As the class goes until 9pm I'm not sure if I'll be blogging.
So I wish you all fabulour things until the next posting.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Two days is not enough
Hello, hello,
I did go to the gym yesterday and this is what I was supposed to do:
The warm up (10 sit ups, 10 back extensions, 10 toe touches, 10 samson stretches, 10 chin ups (assisted) and 10 tricep dips (assisted).
Then:
5 sets
15 sit ups
15 dumbell squats
15 push ups
15 dumb bell swings
I was at Spa Lady as my World Health is closed on Saturdays.
I did the warm up, with the exception of the back extensions because SL didn't have the appropriate equipment (after I left the gym I realized I could of used a stability ball). I squeaked out 7 chin ups and 5 tricep dips. My arms were killing me.
I managed to do 3 sets of the above before I tuckered out. I did have a good sweat going on. I swear the ladies were looking at me as if I was either odd or knew exactly what I was doing.
My workout didn't really end though as I had walked to the gym and then went to the library and then back to the mall and then home.
While I was at SL I wrote down the workouts they had given me in my workout dedicated journal and I've written down all of the WH trainer workouts thus far. I plan to write all of them down so I have a ready resource after my 24 sessions are up.
I do believe my trainer (or who I like to call -the man who is trying to kill me) will take my endurance level to the extreme when I workout with him. My alternate workouts might have to be more cardio focused if they land on days close to his.
The WH mantra is something along the lines of 3 phases, I don't remember what they're called. It seems we begin with the strenghth training paying particular attention to core, then strength over all and then cardio. I don't know how I feel about that and feel like I need to sneak in some extra cardio. If I ever get my print out of my original assessments perhaps that will shed more insight.
This week I see him twice, I have to skip yoga due to my first class starting so I'll have to squeeze that in somewhere. Next week I have to go to site on Monday so if trainer and I stick to Mon and Thur I'll have to miss a day which means the responsibility is mine to make up those workouts.
Today I went grocery shopping walked there and back and then cleaned.
The only thing left to do is wash floors which may have to wait until later in the week. I dug out my back gate so I can actually take out the garbage as opposed to attempting to fling it over the fence. There is still a whack of snow out there and what used to be half a foot of packed snow is now very soft. I've seen 3 cars stuck in three days. Note to those people, don't gun the engine you're just making it worse.
I do feel like I could use an extra day to get everything I want to get done accomplished.
I'm lovin' the feedjit link I attached to my blog, I'm always a bit surprised that people read this thing. I'm floored when someone attaches a link on their blog to say I'm one of their favourites.
Me? That's craziness :) Plus feedjit let's me know how people found me either via other blogs or google searches sort of thing.
How disappointed was the person who searched "last chance workout" got my blog with that title in which I talked about gym bags...sorry.
Speaking of last chance workout, I watched Biggest Loser yesterday. How awesome was Jerry's success at home, very inspiring. I'm liking the cast this round, but looking at Ali's baby bump makes we wonder when they filmed it. I'm thinking they were awfully close together.
I'm thinking about taking pictures of my food, I was really enjoying Angies photos. It would never occur to me to put trail mix on oatmeal.
Maybe I should see if the camera battery is charged...
Hope your weekend was fantastic and on to the adventures of a new week
I did go to the gym yesterday and this is what I was supposed to do:
The warm up (10 sit ups, 10 back extensions, 10 toe touches, 10 samson stretches, 10 chin ups (assisted) and 10 tricep dips (assisted).
Then:
5 sets
15 sit ups
15 dumbell squats
15 push ups
15 dumb bell swings
I was at Spa Lady as my World Health is closed on Saturdays.
I did the warm up, with the exception of the back extensions because SL didn't have the appropriate equipment (after I left the gym I realized I could of used a stability ball). I squeaked out 7 chin ups and 5 tricep dips. My arms were killing me.
I managed to do 3 sets of the above before I tuckered out. I did have a good sweat going on. I swear the ladies were looking at me as if I was either odd or knew exactly what I was doing.
My workout didn't really end though as I had walked to the gym and then went to the library and then back to the mall and then home.
While I was at SL I wrote down the workouts they had given me in my workout dedicated journal and I've written down all of the WH trainer workouts thus far. I plan to write all of them down so I have a ready resource after my 24 sessions are up.
I do believe my trainer (or who I like to call -the man who is trying to kill me) will take my endurance level to the extreme when I workout with him. My alternate workouts might have to be more cardio focused if they land on days close to his.
The WH mantra is something along the lines of 3 phases, I don't remember what they're called. It seems we begin with the strenghth training paying particular attention to core, then strength over all and then cardio. I don't know how I feel about that and feel like I need to sneak in some extra cardio. If I ever get my print out of my original assessments perhaps that will shed more insight.
This week I see him twice, I have to skip yoga due to my first class starting so I'll have to squeeze that in somewhere. Next week I have to go to site on Monday so if trainer and I stick to Mon and Thur I'll have to miss a day which means the responsibility is mine to make up those workouts.
Today I went grocery shopping walked there and back and then cleaned.
The only thing left to do is wash floors which may have to wait until later in the week. I dug out my back gate so I can actually take out the garbage as opposed to attempting to fling it over the fence. There is still a whack of snow out there and what used to be half a foot of packed snow is now very soft. I've seen 3 cars stuck in three days. Note to those people, don't gun the engine you're just making it worse.
I do feel like I could use an extra day to get everything I want to get done accomplished.
I'm lovin' the feedjit link I attached to my blog, I'm always a bit surprised that people read this thing. I'm floored when someone attaches a link on their blog to say I'm one of their favourites.
Me? That's craziness :) Plus feedjit let's me know how people found me either via other blogs or google searches sort of thing.
How disappointed was the person who searched "last chance workout" got my blog with that title in which I talked about gym bags...sorry.
Speaking of last chance workout, I watched Biggest Loser yesterday. How awesome was Jerry's success at home, very inspiring. I'm liking the cast this round, but looking at Ali's baby bump makes we wonder when they filmed it. I'm thinking they were awfully close together.
I'm thinking about taking pictures of my food, I was really enjoying Angies photos. It would never occur to me to put trail mix on oatmeal.
Maybe I should see if the camera battery is charged...
Hope your weekend was fantastic and on to the adventures of a new week
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Down .5 and how to make the list on the sidebar
I'll be quite honest, I'm disappointed. I realize that by dedicating more time to weigh training vs. cardio will do strange things.
The Trainer did warn me that now we're in the process of building strength in their 3 phase plan (which I'll try to find to show you all) and that won't show necessarily show on the scale. It's a 3 month process.
I'm shaking it off, having breakfast and then going to the gym.
This is just the beginning of the BBLE challenge and we've got a long way to go.
Go Team Angie!!!
I'll be back later with tales of the homework workout...mwhahahahaha!
To make the weigh in list. Go into your layout and on the right hand side you'll see a bunch of "add a gadget". Choose one and it will give you loads of options but you want configure list. Then pick a title and choose 16 items/entries and name each of them. When I first entered mine I went in chronological order but it posted them reverse. So start from end date and you'll save your self some time.
You can edit each entry individually so that's how I update the weights.
If any of the above doesn't make sense let me know and I'll post step by step.
The Trainer did warn me that now we're in the process of building strength in their 3 phase plan (which I'll try to find to show you all) and that won't show necessarily show on the scale. It's a 3 month process.
I'm shaking it off, having breakfast and then going to the gym.
This is just the beginning of the BBLE challenge and we've got a long way to go.
Go Team Angie!!!
I'll be back later with tales of the homework workout...mwhahahahaha!
To make the weigh in list. Go into your layout and on the right hand side you'll see a bunch of "add a gadget". Choose one and it will give you loads of options but you want configure list. Then pick a title and choose 16 items/entries and name each of them. When I first entered mine I went in chronological order but it posted them reverse. So start from end date and you'll save your self some time.
You can edit each entry individually so that's how I update the weights.
If any of the above doesn't make sense let me know and I'll post step by step.
Friday, January 16, 2009
What are the next 3 months going to be like?
Alright, woke up feeling alright. Just really sore in upper arms and chest muscles. Well after sitting at a desk for the half the day I could feel it from my toes to my head.
It's a good sore, knowing that the muscles are in there somewhere. But am I going to be sore after every workout? Probably, as I recall saying last night that this will get better and trainer said "yeah and then you'll bench press 45lbs".
This is the purpose of a trainer to push you I say.
So tomorrow should be fun as I'm heading to the gym for my homework workout. I'll tell you all the details tomorrow so I can also give you all the grunting details.
Now all I need to do is get this food thing in gear and I may actually achieve great things in 3 months.
I'll admit food was hard this week probably fueled my hormones. I need to get this lunch game plan down.
Tonight when I got home I dug out my healthy slow cooker cook book and will see what's in there.
I'm in the South office on Monday so my plan is to drop off my gym bag in my office on Saturday so I'm not lugging too much stuff on Monday. Then when I drop off my computer grab my workout stuff. This way I have no reason not to pack a lunch because I won't be lugging tons.
So here is tomorrow waking up sore, sucking it up and hitting the gym.
It's a good sore, knowing that the muscles are in there somewhere. But am I going to be sore after every workout? Probably, as I recall saying last night that this will get better and trainer said "yeah and then you'll bench press 45lbs".
This is the purpose of a trainer to push you I say.
So tomorrow should be fun as I'm heading to the gym for my homework workout. I'll tell you all the details tomorrow so I can also give you all the grunting details.
Now all I need to do is get this food thing in gear and I may actually achieve great things in 3 months.
I'll admit food was hard this week probably fueled my hormones. I need to get this lunch game plan down.
Tonight when I got home I dug out my healthy slow cooker cook book and will see what's in there.
I'm in the South office on Monday so my plan is to drop off my gym bag in my office on Saturday so I'm not lugging too much stuff on Monday. Then when I drop off my computer grab my workout stuff. This way I have no reason not to pack a lunch because I won't be lugging tons.
So here is tomorrow waking up sore, sucking it up and hitting the gym.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
First full hour with trainer
OMG I don't think I'll be able to move tomorrow.
We started with the warm up of the other day. Three sets once again. (Which if you all remember caused me to have to roll myself off the sofa for two days).
Then we did push ups off the weigh rack, squats and this move where you're in the squat holding a dumbell with two hands and then you swing up snapping your hips. We did 21, 15 and 9.
Then it was chest press, shoulder press and lunges 21, 15, 9.
I was sweating like crazy which is good because that's what I'm paying for.
Plus I told him that I don't mind the encouraging statements just not yelled across the gym, which he's cool with. I told him I strongly believe he will become my brotha from anotha mother.
He gave me homework, very similar to what we did today. I'll do that on Saturday at Spa Lady.
Then I see him again on Monday and Thursday. I used up the two free sessions today so as of Monday I start counting down to 24.
On the way to the bus, I walked down an escalator and my legs felt like jelly.
It only gets better from here.
As I was working out there seemed to be only guys in the weight section and one dude kept watching what I was doing. I don't know if he was watching the training session or thinking "what's with the fat girl". What I started thinking was "Look out dude, I'm going to kick your a$$".
Boo yah!
Worked my last day in the SE today so tomorrow I get to sleep in a bit
We started with the warm up of the other day. Three sets once again. (Which if you all remember caused me to have to roll myself off the sofa for two days).
Then we did push ups off the weigh rack, squats and this move where you're in the squat holding a dumbell with two hands and then you swing up snapping your hips. We did 21, 15 and 9.
Then it was chest press, shoulder press and lunges 21, 15, 9.
I was sweating like crazy which is good because that's what I'm paying for.
Plus I told him that I don't mind the encouraging statements just not yelled across the gym, which he's cool with. I told him I strongly believe he will become my brotha from anotha mother.
He gave me homework, very similar to what we did today. I'll do that on Saturday at Spa Lady.
Then I see him again on Monday and Thursday. I used up the two free sessions today so as of Monday I start counting down to 24.
On the way to the bus, I walked down an escalator and my legs felt like jelly.
It only gets better from here.
As I was working out there seemed to be only guys in the weight section and one dude kept watching what I was doing. I don't know if he was watching the training session or thinking "what's with the fat girl". What I started thinking was "Look out dude, I'm going to kick your a$$".
Boo yah!
Worked my last day in the SE today so tomorrow I get to sleep in a bit
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Craziness and snackapalooza
Oy vey,
There have not been enough hours in the day for the past two days.
Yesterday was ridiculous every restaurant I passed I mentally thought of a food item. Then I realized...it's snackapalooza time. I love TOM for that, where rational brain goes out the window. I didn't act on any of these food thoughts but it was ridiculous. I was following some guy along the train platform because I could smell his coffee.
Working in the south location is a long day as it takes longer to get there and longer to get home. Plus it's so much more quieter than my normal environment that I get completely absorbed in what I'm doing. Yesterday was an 11 hour day.
I'm on the bus in the morning with the "steel toes", all these people heading off to manual labour jobs and me. I have total respect for the tough work they're going to and in all kinds of weather. It's a quiet commute, everyone lost in their thoughts. It amazes me how far some of us go together. You see I take a bus downtown and then a train to the SE and then a 2nd bus. The steel toes and I often travel with each other on the first bus and the train. Then they get on the bus to the industrial park and I get on the bus to the almost completed business park.
I love the group I work with there and the building. It's funny two companies are in that building. Mine and the blue people. I call them blue people because their scan cards are blue and my company's is green. We live harmoniously together.
Tomorrow will be a long day as well as I work my last day this week at the south location then must go meet trainer for first workout. Luckily Friday is downtown, shorter commute.
I've taken a bizillion mental notes over the last few days of things I want to blog about but now I'm tired and should head to bed but first pack the gym bag.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Hugs!
There have not been enough hours in the day for the past two days.
Yesterday was ridiculous every restaurant I passed I mentally thought of a food item. Then I realized...it's snackapalooza time. I love TOM for that, where rational brain goes out the window. I didn't act on any of these food thoughts but it was ridiculous. I was following some guy along the train platform because I could smell his coffee.
Working in the south location is a long day as it takes longer to get there and longer to get home. Plus it's so much more quieter than my normal environment that I get completely absorbed in what I'm doing. Yesterday was an 11 hour day.
I'm on the bus in the morning with the "steel toes", all these people heading off to manual labour jobs and me. I have total respect for the tough work they're going to and in all kinds of weather. It's a quiet commute, everyone lost in their thoughts. It amazes me how far some of us go together. You see I take a bus downtown and then a train to the SE and then a 2nd bus. The steel toes and I often travel with each other on the first bus and the train. Then they get on the bus to the industrial park and I get on the bus to the almost completed business park.
I love the group I work with there and the building. It's funny two companies are in that building. Mine and the blue people. I call them blue people because their scan cards are blue and my company's is green. We live harmoniously together.
Tomorrow will be a long day as well as I work my last day this week at the south location then must go meet trainer for first workout. Luckily Friday is downtown, shorter commute.
I've taken a bizillion mental notes over the last few days of things I want to blog about but now I'm tired and should head to bed but first pack the gym bag.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Hugs!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Do Monday have more hours?
It was a long day today, I did a whack of phone screens which I always find a bit exhausting and not fun on the body with a phone on my shoulder for the most part of the day.
I did have my ergonomic evaluation and she recommended I get a head set, wonder how long that will take.
Two of my hiring managers with the highest number of open positions have decided they need to interview now. Oh boy I'm going to have a busy couple of weeks.
I felt a bit off today and this afternoon felt a little quesy so I decided to come home after work. Which wound up being a good idea because my two backpack situation wouldn't have fit in the locker. So note to self days I have to lug the work computer not ideal gym days. On Thursday I'll leave a little earlier so I can drop my computer off at my normal work location and then hit the gym. I must check into my after hours access to my floor maybe I can pick up the computer after workouts next time.
It will be an early night tonight as I have to be out the door by 5:30am tomorrow.
I tried to watch some of the Golden Globes yesterday but I got bored. I haven't seen half of the movies and found it a bit of a gong show. I think the celebs like this awards show the best as they all seemed to be chatting together while people tried to present the awards.
I am looking forward to the next In Style as it will have all the fabulous dresses.
Perhaps I will have more exciting adventures to entertain you with tomorrow.
Later!
I did have my ergonomic evaluation and she recommended I get a head set, wonder how long that will take.
Two of my hiring managers with the highest number of open positions have decided they need to interview now. Oh boy I'm going to have a busy couple of weeks.
I felt a bit off today and this afternoon felt a little quesy so I decided to come home after work. Which wound up being a good idea because my two backpack situation wouldn't have fit in the locker. So note to self days I have to lug the work computer not ideal gym days. On Thursday I'll leave a little earlier so I can drop my computer off at my normal work location and then hit the gym. I must check into my after hours access to my floor maybe I can pick up the computer after workouts next time.
It will be an early night tonight as I have to be out the door by 5:30am tomorrow.
I tried to watch some of the Golden Globes yesterday but I got bored. I haven't seen half of the movies and found it a bit of a gong show. I think the celebs like this awards show the best as they all seemed to be chatting together while people tried to present the awards.
I am looking forward to the next In Style as it will have all the fabulous dresses.
Perhaps I will have more exciting adventures to entertain you with tomorrow.
Later!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
And the soreness continues
Of course the 2nd day is always worse, it's hysterically funny when I attempt to get up from sitting on the couch. Good thing I live alone.
I did a bit of cleaning yesterday and planned my grocery list. Actual grocery shopping will happen today. However I'm quite pleased that I actually have a list. Probably for the past month I've had very very rudemental grocery lists with things like: milk, bread.
No real meal plan on said list.
Today I have a plan. I'm going to make veggie samosas in wonton wrappers (baked) and turkey meat loaf. Combined with veggies I have two work lunch/dinner options. Baby steps my friends.
Last night I had a treat night and had Panago's Veggie Pepperoni pizza it was - eh. I like my pepperoni crispier and this pizza was not quite what I was expecting. I also ordered their garden salad - I love this. I used 9 Flex Pts. So today is a low point day.
I guess I've started a Wendy Plan week.
This week I have to spend 3 days at the southeast location so that will complicate my life a bit (transit adventures) with yoga on Tuesday night and Trainer on Thursday night so I have to pay very close attention to travel times, sleep and food. There's nothing like a plan falling apart to encourage snacking.
Based on my conversation with my trainer on Friday it looks like the plan for me is 3 days doing weight resistance type of exercises (free weights) and the one day completely dedicated to cardio. Add in my weekly yoga session and I've got 5 workouts a week. Yes - Planning will be key here.
I think Mother Nature beat the treadmill. I walked to the grocery store navigating various levels of snow (icy, slurpee, hard) and then I walked home lugging 30lbs of groceries with intense chinook winds blowing right at me while navigating snow. I think that will suffice as my 30min Cardio homework for today.
Enjoy your Sunday!
I did a bit of cleaning yesterday and planned my grocery list. Actual grocery shopping will happen today. However I'm quite pleased that I actually have a list. Probably for the past month I've had very very rudemental grocery lists with things like: milk, bread.
No real meal plan on said list.
Today I have a plan. I'm going to make veggie samosas in wonton wrappers (baked) and turkey meat loaf. Combined with veggies I have two work lunch/dinner options. Baby steps my friends.
Last night I had a treat night and had Panago's Veggie Pepperoni pizza it was - eh. I like my pepperoni crispier and this pizza was not quite what I was expecting. I also ordered their garden salad - I love this. I used 9 Flex Pts. So today is a low point day.
I guess I've started a Wendy Plan week.
This week I have to spend 3 days at the southeast location so that will complicate my life a bit (transit adventures) with yoga on Tuesday night and Trainer on Thursday night so I have to pay very close attention to travel times, sleep and food. There's nothing like a plan falling apart to encourage snacking.
Based on my conversation with my trainer on Friday it looks like the plan for me is 3 days doing weight resistance type of exercises (free weights) and the one day completely dedicated to cardio. Add in my weekly yoga session and I've got 5 workouts a week. Yes - Planning will be key here.
I think Mother Nature beat the treadmill. I walked to the grocery store navigating various levels of snow (icy, slurpee, hard) and then I walked home lugging 30lbs of groceries with intense chinook winds blowing right at me while navigating snow. I think that will suffice as my 30min Cardio homework for today.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
OMG - I'm sore
I didn't really think I exerted myself all that much yesterday but wowsers I can feel it today. I feel every muscle in my body protesting - kudos Lincoln the Trainer.
Down 1lb today which I guess is my official start weight for this challenge so I've updated my weigh in tracker on the right.
Things I did well this week:
Tracking
Things I need to work on next week:
Water
I hit my water target twice this week, definitely room for improvement.
Today the plan is to grocery shop and clean my house so tomorrow I can do cardio at the gym near my house and just chill a little. I should do some cooking as well. Last week I have low point combo of Wendy's small chili and a side salad (4pts) a number of times. While that's a good go to I'm getting a bit bored.
I might be back later we'll see if anything interesting happens.
Later
Down 1lb today which I guess is my official start weight for this challenge so I've updated my weigh in tracker on the right.
Things I did well this week:
Tracking
Things I need to work on next week:
Water
I hit my water target twice this week, definitely room for improvement.
Today the plan is to grocery shop and clean my house so tomorrow I can do cardio at the gym near my house and just chill a little. I should do some cooking as well. Last week I have low point combo of Wendy's small chili and a side salad (4pts) a number of times. While that's a good go to I'm getting a bit bored.
I might be back later we'll see if anything interesting happens.
Later
Friday, January 09, 2009
That was the warm up?
So I accidentally took a 90min lunch today as I wasn't expecting to start a workout when I met my trainer.
The first thing he did is hook me up to this machine with sensors attached to my foot and hand. It measured my body fat percentage. Which was 36% by the way - My goal to get it to a minimum of 26%.
Then he took my measurements: neck, shoulders, ribs, abs and right thigh (right where it connects to your hip).
Then he checked my blood pressure.
Then he taught me the warm-up: (I had to do this sequence 3 times).
10 sit ups
10 back extensions
10 toe touches (take 3 small steps then touch the toe of the foot that's in front)
10 Sampson stretches (take a giant step and do a lunge then link your hands together and stretch your arms up, palms facing the ceiling - repeat with the next step)
10 pull ups (on that weird machine that does help you support your body weight)
10 dips
Farmer's walk (walked from the back of the gym to main reception and back weaving past people. 1st time holding a 25lb weight in each time. 2nd time 25lb over my head with arms straight. 3rd time 45lb weight in right hand then switch to left hand for the trip back.
By the time I was done I was knackered, and this my friends is just the warm up.
I have my first 60min session on Thursday. In the meantime I have homework. One day do 35-40min on the treadmill at 3.8mph and an incline of 2.5%, on day two repeat the above warm-up.
I like this guy, though I could have done without the "Great Job Sylvia" being yelled across the busy gym. It was encouraging but I didn't want anyone to look at me.
I'm definitely never going at lunch time, it was busy and apparenlty Friday is a slow day.
I saw some people who looked they were killing themselves and I wondered about the healthiness of their form. Of course these were all boys, it's like they have something to prove to each other.
I had to get milk on the way home and I discovered a new chocolate bar (yes probably not the best thing to do) but it intrigued me. Kit Kat Senses - real milk chocolate, crispy waifer and creamy hazelnut filling. The NI 170cal, Fat 9g, Fibre 1g =4pts. That's actully not that bad for a chocolate bar. It's definitely a step up from a normal Kit Kat.
First offical BBLE2 weigh in tomorrow and the challenge begins :)
The first thing he did is hook me up to this machine with sensors attached to my foot and hand. It measured my body fat percentage. Which was 36% by the way - My goal to get it to a minimum of 26%.
Then he took my measurements: neck, shoulders, ribs, abs and right thigh (right where it connects to your hip).
Then he checked my blood pressure.
Then he taught me the warm-up: (I had to do this sequence 3 times).
10 sit ups
10 back extensions
10 toe touches (take 3 small steps then touch the toe of the foot that's in front)
10 Sampson stretches (take a giant step and do a lunge then link your hands together and stretch your arms up, palms facing the ceiling - repeat with the next step)
10 pull ups (on that weird machine that does help you support your body weight)
10 dips
Farmer's walk (walked from the back of the gym to main reception and back weaving past people. 1st time holding a 25lb weight in each time. 2nd time 25lb over my head with arms straight. 3rd time 45lb weight in right hand then switch to left hand for the trip back.
By the time I was done I was knackered, and this my friends is just the warm up.
I have my first 60min session on Thursday. In the meantime I have homework. One day do 35-40min on the treadmill at 3.8mph and an incline of 2.5%, on day two repeat the above warm-up.
I like this guy, though I could have done without the "Great Job Sylvia" being yelled across the busy gym. It was encouraging but I didn't want anyone to look at me.
I'm definitely never going at lunch time, it was busy and apparenlty Friday is a slow day.
I saw some people who looked they were killing themselves and I wondered about the healthiness of their form. Of course these were all boys, it's like they have something to prove to each other.
I had to get milk on the way home and I discovered a new chocolate bar (yes probably not the best thing to do) but it intrigued me. Kit Kat Senses - real milk chocolate, crispy waifer and creamy hazelnut filling. The NI 170cal, Fat 9g, Fibre 1g =4pts. That's actully not that bad for a chocolate bar. It's definitely a step up from a normal Kit Kat.
First offical BBLE2 weigh in tomorrow and the challenge begins :)
Thursday, January 08, 2009
When will the snow go away
Exciting day today. First fire alarm at work and announcements that some floors needed to be evacuated but 2min later they said the alarm is off. Happy my floor didn't have to evacuate as it was pretty cold today.
For 3 hours it snowed and the view from my window looked like a blizzard. This type of weather makes me want to snack. I bought lunch at Wendy's today (small chili and side salad=4pts) and I was so tempted to get a frosty and then I had a little self talking to myself "You don't need a frosty".
The personal trainer is costing me $50 a session, so it's not cheap but if it leads to results it will be worth the money. I feel for the guy I have the schedule from hell. So I hope he's flexible.
So I'm watching the Biggest Loser and why do they have to tell you all the main points of this episode in the opening credits.
One of my favourite lines "I can't believe I'm in the 24hr Gym where Jillian and Bob try to kill people".
I'm a bit nervous about my first session with the trainer. I'm curious as to what they'll assess. I'll fill you in of course.
The other thing I love about my new computer is the fingerprint scanner. I can program all my login information like blogger, weightwatchers, webmail and then all I have to do is scan my fingerprint.
Not knowing a thing about wireless routers I picked a fantastic one D-Link Extreme N Router. I have no dead spots in my house and my Itouch could still get a wifi signal 2 houses down. Not that I need wireless access two houses down but at least I know I can use the computer on the patio in the summer.
I think this weekend will include some food prep. Even something simple like cutting broccoli and cauliflower into bite size pieces for quick steaming during the week.
Alright that's all I got for today, talk to you tomorrow.
For 3 hours it snowed and the view from my window looked like a blizzard. This type of weather makes me want to snack. I bought lunch at Wendy's today (small chili and side salad=4pts) and I was so tempted to get a frosty and then I had a little self talking to myself "You don't need a frosty".
The personal trainer is costing me $50 a session, so it's not cheap but if it leads to results it will be worth the money. I feel for the guy I have the schedule from hell. So I hope he's flexible.
So I'm watching the Biggest Loser and why do they have to tell you all the main points of this episode in the opening credits.
One of my favourite lines "I can't believe I'm in the 24hr Gym where Jillian and Bob try to kill people".
I'm a bit nervous about my first session with the trainer. I'm curious as to what they'll assess. I'll fill you in of course.
The other thing I love about my new computer is the fingerprint scanner. I can program all my login information like blogger, weightwatchers, webmail and then all I have to do is scan my fingerprint.
Not knowing a thing about wireless routers I picked a fantastic one D-Link Extreme N Router. I have no dead spots in my house and my Itouch could still get a wifi signal 2 houses down. Not that I need wireless access two houses down but at least I know I can use the computer on the patio in the summer.
I think this weekend will include some food prep. Even something simple like cutting broccoli and cauliflower into bite size pieces for quick steaming during the week.
Alright that's all I got for today, talk to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
I got my new toy
I got this today, it was Christmas present to myself and it's purple. Now I can blog while watching tv or take this baby on the road. It's got a huge screen- 17 inches, backlit keyboard and I'm in tech heaven.
Well I did I joined World Health yesterday and signed up with a personal trainer for 24 sessions. That's right I'm taking BBLE2 seriously baby. I have my assessment session on Friday at lunch time where I get to find out my body fat...yippeee. I already know that thanks to my home scale but now I get to share it with Lincoln (my trainer). I've only talked to him on the phone but he's got a great sense of humour and hopefully we'll become great friends. The location I joined is apparently the executive club so you get towels...ooohh ahhh. There's also a second location 2 blocks away that's double the size so I have some options. Spa Lady will be good option for the weekends or if I don't want to go all the way downtown.
I only caught about 10min of the new Biggest Loser season but it's on PVR. I did see the weigh in and boy Bob wasn't kidding when he said it was the biggest season. I'm seriously routing for the orange team at this point. How crazy to find out your weight on national television.
Yoga was fantastic last night and I felt every sore muscle as we stretched but it was a good sequence of poses. Food was a bit goofy yesterday but today was totally on point.
Tomorrow's workout will be cleaning my house for sure.
Have you seen the new WW commercials? I think "hungry" is kind of cute, I wonder if they'll sell the plushed animal?
Now I must go plug in my food for today.
Later!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Somethings got to give
Oy vey everyone is back at work that's for sure. It took an hour to get to the gym today. I was grumpy by the time I got there but I went in. Trust me for a brief moment I debated going home instead of climbing over 7 people to get off at the stop by the gym.
Alas I did and did one killer lower body and core workout. My legs felt like jelly and I was feeling a little wousy, so I skipped the 20min on the Arc Trainer and did 30min on the Treadmill instead of 20min. Watched tv on my ipod touch, I should have started that earlier. At Spa Lady they have 4 televisions all on news channels. You can't change them. By watching something I found entertaining I didn't stare at the timer on the treadmill.
All the way to the gym I kept thinking I could be working out right now if I get that membership at World Health. So tomorrow I'll call the chicky about the 2 week free membership. The only way to know if this will make a difference is to test it out. Maybe my co-worker will get a free backpack out of it.
I broke one New Year's resolution today. Right after the gym I stopped in at Safeway and picked up a couple of Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones. Yes my plan is to eat more clean has been derailed, not completely just gym nights. I just can't beat under 4min in the microwave when I get home late. One of these days I'll be sorted enough to clean out the freezer and pre-prep a bunch of easy to reheat meals.
So far so good tracking wise, on plan for 3 days this week. I bought lunch today but kept it at 4pts by getting a small chili and side salad from Wendy's. I put the dressing in the lid and dipped fork first. I barely used any of it and it was the light version also. I'm seriously thinking about doing that again tomorrow.
Wowsers, did you hear - 162 people signed up for BBLE 2. That's awesome!!!
Alright I'm knackered and that's all I have to say today.
We will conquer my friends!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
And it begins BBLE Season 2
You must sign up by midnight Jan 4th (they didn't mention time zones) if you want to participate so click on the logo on the right and go for it. Read all the details there and check out the twist for this time.
Speaking of the twist, I wouldn't want to let down Angie or Lynn so that's added to the motivation.
I completely blew the last challenge, the only thing to blame is myself. I gave up, what makes that truly sad is I gave up on me. So I have a point to prove with this challenge. The point to prove is that I can stick with this for the next 16 weeks through the good, the bad and the ugly.
My goal for the end of this challenge is down 30lbs, ambitious? Perhaps but I'm thinking go big or go home. Plus that's less than 2lbs per week.
I don't think I've even ever tracked for 16 weeks in a row. Well they say it takes 3 months to make or break a habit so 4 months should cement something.
I'm going into this erasing last time, this is a fresh start and the road goes forward from here.
On that note down 2.2 today, haven't had a loss like that in a while. This tracking thing works I tell ya. For the first week since I joined WW online I tracked for the whole week. I'm giving myself a mental bravo sticker.
Have a groovy Saturday my friends and let the games begin!
Friday, January 02, 2009
So maybe a 2nd gym is justifiable
Today was dead, so dead I had all I needed to do done by 10am. My phone didn't ring once and the only email I got was about a meeting change in 2 weeks. So I went home at 3pm, I was on my way to the gym and then I waited for the bus.
OMG is it cold!!!! -37 with windchill my friends. If any bus other than the bus that takes me 4 doors down from my house came I was going to the gym. Well the bus that stops 4 houses down came. Am I wimp, hell ya in this kind of weather. Which got me thinking maybe a membership at World Health attached to my work building is not a bad thing especially in Winter.
I passed one of my colleagues this morning and she was on her way there. She said I should come with but my start time is 7:30am and I didn't have time. I have a pass for 2 weeks at World Health perhaps I'll use it and see if I like it. 10,000 square feet and treadmills that have individual tv's. Yes I'm impressed with the bling. The thing is half my co-workers go there. I'm not a group workout kind of person. I like to get workout hard enough to sweat and I've noticed many who don't feel the same. Mind you it doesn't take much for me to break a sweat which is why I need to work on my endurance. I prefer to workout alone, then I'm not comparing myself to anyone. However they all go in the morning or at lunch, so if I stick to after work I may still have serenity. That gym is closed on the weekends so I'd still have Spa Lady for that. I know I'm talking crazy but I'm trying to work it out in my head.
On the food front I'm happy to report I have tracked every single day and I still have flexpoints left. I haven't eaten any of activity pts (still sitting at 7).
I plan to go to the gym tomorrow as the day high is -15 and sunny, that I can handle. The thought of exiting the gym all sweaty into -37 gave me thoughts of hypothermia. Hey I already admitted to being a wimp.
I got in the habit of watching Days of our Lives over the Christmas break and I've been taping it. This what I think will happen Nicole will "adopt" Sammi's baby and then when they catch the killer and Sammi comes home all heck will break loose. It's a guess.
Did you know if you ask for the Skinny Vanilla Latte at Second Cup it's full sugar syrop? You have to specifically ask for sugar free. I did this the other day and the guy in front of me gave me a look like "Oh geez another resolution".
This morning I went to Starbucks and got a 9pt latte (of course checked the NI after I drank it, never getting that again) and when I said no whip the guy behind me says "part of your New Year's resolution?" I turned to him and said "No, it just melts by the time you get to where you're going so what's the point".
I'm so looking forward to finding out more of Blogger Biggest Loser 2 toon in to that Blog tomorrow morning apparently. I'll be there.
Have groovy evening everybody.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year!
Hello hello,
First of all best wishes to all of you for the upcoming year and way you achieve what you set out to achieve.
I did make it to the gym on Tuesday and did the upper body, core, cardio workout and I can still feel the muscles in my arms today. The gym was closed today of course and I had planned do to some sort of exercise but wound up going to Twilight. The book is better. Tomorrow I shall go to the gym as they're back to regular hours and now my plan also includes a gym visit on Sunday. So that will be 3 visits this week.
I was in bed by 9pm yesterday just couldn't be bothered with ringing in the New Year, sleeping seemed like so much more fun. I wound up making a very low key dinner than I had originally planned. We wound up going out for a Japanese lunch on Wednesday and I wasn't particularly hungry so I did make the grape tartletts. Couldn't find whole wheat wonton wrappers but the regular ones are 20 calories each so point friendly at least. Now I'm not so sure what to do with the giant package, maybe bake some to have crunchy bits in salad or make samosas - baked of course.
I'm dreading the gym a bit for next week as I expect it to be crazy busy with all the new year resolutions. All day to day I've noticed more weight loss related commercials.
I do have some goals for 2009 which are as follows:
Got to the gym 3 days a week
Bring my lunch to work for 4 days a week
Start meditating
Do more yoga ideally days in between the gym
Track every day
I'm keeping it simple and adopting the stickers on the calendar philosophy to track my progress. I started up the journal again a week ago tracking my thought patterns and try to curtail emotional/ boredom eating.
I realize I'll still have a somewhat up in the air schedule so I'm not planning specific days just number of times a week.
I had an amazing discovery the other day. Kozy Shack Sugar Free Rice Pudding (4 in a pack) are 1pt each. I think they just started to put fibre on their NI label so I'm beyond happy. This is my favourite "dessert" treat and for 1pt it's a bargain.
I'm also staying away from a lot of processed food with a focus on eating clean.
The only thing that will stop me from reaching my goals is me. So I have to make sure I'm on my side. Make it simple and straightforward.
I also want to get back to daily blogging. It's you all who keep me accountable.
When the second Blogger Biggest Loser starts I vow to stick to it no matter what. Health is an unbreakable commitment or it should be.
Alas we're on to a new year. Look forward not back. Believe in yourselves and let's conquer!
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