Making Every Moment Count

So, this 12 days of Christmas Challenge that I joined at my gym is totally working. Last night I so would have blown off the gym, but I didn't because I had to go do 45 minutes of exercise to earn my sticker for the challenge. So, when my husband left to go curl, off I toodled at 8:00 at night to do my thing. There were 3 other people in the gym. It was lovely. I did a hill program on the treadmill. I upped my speed and incline from the last time I did it. It is weird. Now that I "run", I don't really feel like I've worked out if I walk. I checked my pulse all throughout my workout, and it was up where it was supposed to be, so I know I was working out, but....if you're wondering why I didn't run - it is because I'm tired. I feel worn out from Christmas. I will start running again on Jan 7.

I'm really looking forward to the fitness classes I have coming up in January. My week will look like this:

Monday: Weight training/Water jogging class (45 min of each)
Tuesday: Salsa lessons with husband
Wednesday: Fun with Fido classes with dog or belly dance (haven't decided yet)
Thursday: Personal trainer session and maybe belly dance, if not Wednesday
Friday: jogging and curling
Saturday: Yoga with husband

Plus, daughter really wants to go to the gym before school, so I will go with her Tues, Wed & Fri and do some easy peddling on the bike - which really helps my knees.

Of course, all of this moving around isn't going to matter a bit if I don't stay on plan. I'm feeling frustrated because 20 pts just seems to go so fast. I know if I add more 0 pt veggies to my diet that would help. Mmmmm, so much to ponder. So little time. 85 days till bathing suit.

Still time to join up in the SparkPeople challenge. We have a lovely group of ladies in the challenge.

OK, have a healthy day bloggers!!

After Christmas Wrap-Up

Well, the holidays have come and went. And just in time, cause my stomach needs a break!
I'm back tracking today. I was back at the gym yesterday. I don't know if I mentioned this, but my club is having a 12 days of Christmas challenge that I signed up for. I still have 3 stickers to collect before the 30th. Yesterday I did a hill program on the treadmill for 20 minutes and 20 minutes on the bike. I will likely do the same thing today.
I'm still taking people for the Spring Challenge on SparkPeople if any of you are interested. My SparkPeople name is fatinahdc. You can just send me a sparkmail.
I have 83 days till I have to put on a swimsuit. Holy crap. I'm freaking out. I have much work to do between now and then. I cannot afford to be starting over anymore. I think I'm going to focus on making my food choices from the core menu. I'm a points gal through and through, but I feel like I need to eat clean for a bit. Mostly because of all the junk over the past while. It is always so surprising to me how out of control my choices get if I take a break. It is like I have never learned anything about healthy eating. Hmpf!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

This and That

Hmm, it has been a while since my last post.
I have been busy finishing up Christmas shopping. Now I have to wrap all that stuff!
I have been having trouble getting my running back up since I was sick. I haven't been able to get past 20 minutes. But yesterday I thought of a plan. I am going to lower my speed a bit, which I think will get me back up to 45 minutes, and then I will increase my speed again.
I had stopped writing down what I'm eating. Today I start again. It is the only way I stay on track.
I likely won't post again until the New Year. Stay safe, enjoy your time with your family, and be healthy!!

Noticing the Little Things

For the past 9 weeks I have been doing a Sparkpeople challenge. I have been averaging a loss of a smiggen over 0.5 per week. Yay me. So, it is slow going, and while I want it all off today, I'm happy with my progress. Having said that - I noticed today that I have been wearing a sports bra that I haven't worn in a long time. It kinda just hit me today. I had stopped wearing it because while I could get it on, it had become so small that getting it off was a task and a half. Plus, while I had it on, I actually had trouble breathing - it was that constricting!! Anyhow, I've been wearing it for a week and a half now. Not only can I get it on and off easily, I can breathe!! I must have lost some inches around my chest. Yay me again!!



Yesterday was personal trainer day. She kicked my ass good. I am just getting over a cold, and she worked me so hard that I threw up (I had time to get to the bathroom). This is a breakthrough in and of itself. I have never pushed myself like that before. And I came back and finished the workout. We have a challenge going on at the gym and I had to finish the workout to get my sticker to put it on the board. Nothing was stopping me from getting that sticker. I have to get in 12 45 minute exercise sessions by the end of December. Because of the cold, I only have 4!! YIKES!!! I'm on my way now to do a run on the treadmill. I am going to do 5:1's, because my lungs are still congested (or something in that general area is) and I don't have much stamina. I still think that will be a kickass workout.



After that I'm off to the mall for some last minute Christmas shopping. Should be a total zoo. Blech.

Have a healthy, exercise filled, on program day bloggers!

New Year Workout Plans

It is that time of year for signing up for the winter programs at my Club. Husband & I are all signed up for yoga again. We are adding Salsa lessons to the mix. I'm pretty excited - we have so much fun taking dance lessons.

What I'm SUPER excited about though is a class I found yesterday. The write up in the registration book says it is a good cross training class for runners. It is a combination class - 45 minutes of water jogging followed by 45 minutes of weight training. You realize of course that this means that I will finally be working with weights two times a week! Woo hoo!!

I have a busy day ahead of me. Nothing fun. Lots of running around. Bleh. Oh, well. That's why I don't get paid the big bucks to stay home. ;-)

Have a healthy day bloggers.

Husband's Christmas Party

I had my husband's Christmas party this weekend. What a great time. My knees were SORE, SORE, SORE on Sunday from all the dancing I did Saturday night. I had my new black dress that I wore and I felt really good in it. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if I hadn't been so sick. I feel like crap! I didn't workout today. In fact, I haven't done anything today except sleep. Tomorrow I get back to the land of the living - regardless of how I'm feeling. Sometimes when you're sick it is easy to get into a sitting around funk.

That's about all I have for today. Hope you're all having a healthy day.

The Santa Shuffle Race Results

Saturday I ran my race. What a GREAT day I had. It was -18, but with the wind chill it felt like -26. It was unusually damp also. So, we ran the race in our fastest time yet, because I was f*cking cold! At one point my running partner "J" said "Fatinah, what's gotten into you - you're running so fast" I told her I had just lost the feeling in my ass!

Anyhow, we finished at 36:50, which is fan-freakin-tastic because we were running 10:1's. Then, when we got back inside, they were giving out FREE subway subs! I love subway subs, and they had veggie on brown. I can't even tell you how fast we both inhaled our sandwiches - neither of us had really eaten breakfast. We then called our girlfriend to tell her we were done and we all met at Starbucks for a latte. Well, they each had two cap's, but one latte is my max. It was such a fun morning.

So, now we need to find a run to do in the new year to keep us out there....so far all I've found is a 1/2 marathon - but that's not for me.

Yesterday I had a GREAT run on the treadmill (it was -26 again) - I did 50 minutes of walking and running and logged almost 7k. I felt really great after.

Oh, I stopped drinking alcohol. Not in a 12 step way, but I think that not spending points on booze will really help me stay on plan. Plus, it is cheaper to go to dinner if you don't have 3 glasses of wine to pay for, which ends up costing more than I would spend on a bottle. Of course, I have a bunch of lunches and a Christmas party, but.....eh, just means I will wake up feeling good enough to go for a run the next day!

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Outside my comfort zone

I spent the entire morning up at my club today. I had to get out of the house, because the cleaning lady was coming, so I dropped daughter off, then went up to the club for breakfast. Then I watched some curling finals of a spiel that was going on while I drank my coffee.

Then I...wait for it.....went up to the gym. I did 45 minutes on the treadmill (5.4k) of running 10:1's. I have been so intimidated to just go and work out. I go up to meet with the personal trainer, but to just go in.....Anyhow - I DID IT!!!! And it was packed - I got the last treadmill. I ran so hard that my face was beet red. I was really, really proud. Then I ran into ladies I know, so I sat and had coffee with them. One of them asked if I was going to eat. Normally I would just say yes, out of habit, but I realised I wasn't hungry so I said....NO.....look at this - personal growth all over the place!!

Plugging along

I'm still plodding along. Last week ended with my running buddy "J" cancelling our run. So, just to re-cap - cousin, friend "A" and friend "J" all cancelled. Urgh!

New week though. Yesterday "J" kinda sounded like she wanted to cancel, but I must have made it hard enough because she didn't - we just met 1.5 hours earlier. It was -25 degrees with the wind chill. That worked in our favour, because it made us run fast, and we had our fastest run to date. 5.6k in 41 minutes (that is running 10 minutes and walking 1). I was really pleased. I have to go buy some lined pants though - my upper legs were burning so much I almost cried!

Today is gym with daughter in the evening. I will do some weights and maybe a short run on treadmill.

Food - is requiring some tweaking....starting right now. I've had a pattern for the past few days. Write down the first one or two things and then nothing.....tsk, tsk.

Anyone watch Battlestar Galactica Razor this weekend? It was SO good. I can't wait for the season I'm missing to come out on DVD - I don't know what the hold up is.....

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Tagged again...5 Random/Weird Things about Moi

1. When I was growing up I had an imaginary friend named "Fun"
2. It stresses me out to watch a movie when I don't know the ending..sometimes I won't go until I find someone to tell me the ending...I didn't do that when I watched Million Dollar Baby and I had a complete crying breakdown in the theatre!!
3. I save fitness magazines or rip out the workouts but never do ANY of them....they just pile up and up and up
4. I can be alone in the house, but get scared if I have to turn the lights out
5. I have an irrational fear of being stabbed in the shower, even though the ONLY part of Psycho I've ever seen is that particular clip in a commercial.

What Motivation????

Cousin calls me "from work" (I think she was home calling from her cell) saying that it will be a while till she gets home - maybe I just want to go without her. Nope I tell her - I have no plans for the evening - whatever time she gets home is fine. Then she says, well, it will be a while, there will be traffic and I haven't finished my articles yet for my class tomorrow.

That's right - she pulled the University card. So, she didn't run. And neither did I. I did have a great session with my personal trainer though. It was so hard, it made me nauseous! But in a good way.

So then yesterday, was supposed to go to gym with dif friend, until her furnace broke (and of course, the temp dropped!) and by the time she got the repair man in and out - no workout time.

I was really mad for a while at my cousin and at myself. The next time I see her, she is going to complain about her weight, or her lack of stamina running. Maybe I should have pushed harder, but in the end, she has to want it also.

So, from now on I'm going to make my time to do whatever, and if I can have company - great - but if their furnace breaks or their paper isn't done, then they will miss out. I over accommodated and then I missed out myself. That doesn't help anyone. And it makes me grumpy and off program. I was counting on those points. Ok, I need to let it go.

In the meantime, I have to find someone to encourage this week as part of the NewYear'sBest challenge on SparkPeople. That is really coming along, and everyone is having great progress. Of course, we all have our ups and downs, but the over all trend is down, which is awesome!! I really like being a team leader.

To my buddies south of the border: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday full of good times, small portions of quality food, and good finds at your sales tomorrow!!

Motivation

You all know that I have been struggling with my motivation. Last night I had to be someone else's motivation. Which is really built in motivation for me.

Cousin is finally back in town. You remember she is who I am doing the Running Room Clinic with. She called last night to say she doesn't want to go tonight - she didn't run while she was away and now she is too far behind. No problem I tell her. I hate that clinic anyhow - we will just get together and run whatever she is comfortable with, 5:1's, 6:1's, she can pick. But your already running so much more than that she says. But I'm just really interested in getting out, and if we don't do this together, we won't see each other I say. Well....she says. Call me when you're home from work I tell her. I want to hear about your trip anyhow. And she said ok.

She was ready to not do it at every turn, but I didn't let her off the hook. She will feel great when we are done because she will have earned activity points, and I will feel great because I will have earned activity points. Good feelings all around.

Daughter wanted me to go to the gym with her last night - she went and swam laps. So, I ended up walking for 38 minutes on the treadmill. I didn't go super fast, but I put a bit of an incline. The gym was unusually warm. And full. I ended up earning 8 activity points yesterday. And I need them - I'm out of flex, so no eating extra for me unless I've moved my butt!

I have my personal trainer today. I normally meet with her on Thursdays, but she is a football fan, and she is taking Thursday & Friday off to watch ball. So, my muscles will be surprised for sure!

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Still on Track after the Weekend!

I made it through the weekend on program. I have used all my flex points and activity points, but I'm still OP.

I actually attended a WW meeting on Saturday. Even though the leader sucks - I still left feeling re-charged. Those meetings are so important to my personal success. I had a great visit with my girlfriend while we were waiting for the meeting to start. The topic of the week was Lifestyle - in that WW is not a diet. It doesn't have an "end". It is for always and forever. I need to be reminded of that. I always think there is an end. But that is why I gain and loose the same 10 lbs.

Husband & I took the puppy on a 6k hike yesterday. He was so tired after - it was funny. He is such a barker though - it can be stressful. In any case, it was a good walk on the hill which provided some good challenge, and I burned over 600 calories.

Daughter passed her Bronze Cross class last night. We were so proud of her. She is now eligible to take the assistant teacher course. And one step closer to being a life guard.

I had my run today with my friend J. We totally rocked it. Our pace was greatly improved, even though I had to walk twice. My new shoes were a dream. It was really cold when we started because the wind was in our face, but by the time we were on our way back it was nice. I made sure to stretch.

Well bloggers, hope you're all having a healthy day!

TGIF

Mmmmm, I'm glad it's Friday. I haven't posted for a whole week. I've thought about it a couple of times, but it felt like a burden. I decided that I don't want to talk about food anymore. I will discuss recipes and such, but not, "oh, I ate this bad thing". So, if that is the kind of blog you're looking for, this won't be it.

I haven't been running much this past week - my knees were SO sore. I also ended up with shin splints one day. I decided that I had put off getting new shoes long enough. So, off I went. I'm really happy with the service I got at the store. And no, I didn't go to the Running Room. I ended up with Nike shoes. They not only feel like a little piece of heaven on my feet, but they are pretty.

I met with my personal trainer yesterday. Another great workout. I'm really surprised at how much I enjoy it. $$ well spent I think. My next step is to concentrate on going one other time on my own. I haven't done that. Why do I feel so intimidated at the thought of doing that?

So, about my new recipe book. OMG!!! We have had 4 recipes so far, and my family has loved them all! I'm not going to re-type them all, cause I'm lazy, but if you e-mail me (fatinahdc@hotmail.com) I will happily send you a pdf of the recipe. But, seriously, the joy of this book is in the grocery list that comes with it for each week. Friggen genious!

The recipes tried so far are:

• Sweet & Tangy Chicken with Rice and California Veggies
• Beef Enchilada Casserole with Tomato-Avocado Salad (daughter loved, loved, loved the salad)
• Teriyaki Chicken Toss with Spaghettini Pasta
• Lean Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Veggies.

Tonight we eat the last of the 1st week of recipes: Glazed Pork Chops with Rice & Baby Carrots. I can't wait for that one.

Each recipe is for 4-6 people, so we've had left overs from every meal, which I've frozen for lunches in the next week. All of the recipes are easy-peasy.

My puppy got his schnauzer cut this week. He looks so different, and still so cute! Today, at doggy daycare they are having Santa come in for pictures. He is, of course, going to have his done. Husband informed me today that we've turned into "dog people" - all I will say is that I have resisted the urge to buy him little dress up clothes!

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Friday again so soon??

Yesterday I met with my personal trainer - today I can hardly sit down or stand up - my hamstrings hurt so much! I did my run, listening to Harry Potter. The time passed quickly. I made sure to include some inclines in my run - took the pathways that went up - and then really enjoyed the coming down part! I'm not really looking forward to my run today though. I'm thinking of asking the gal I run with if she wants to do the treadmill - it is so cold and icy outside.

So, I just bought myself the best cookbook EVER. It has 13 weeks of recipes (5 recipes to a week) and then has a grocery list for each week. You just photocopy the grocery list and off you go. I have lots of good recipes, but I hate making the grocery lists. So, today I go shopping for week one. I am going to do all 13 weeks. A former co-worker's wife uses the book and he said that he loves everything in it. And the meals are all either make in 30 minutes, or 60 minutes in the oven. I've gone through and figured out the points for each meal - they range from 7 to 11 - for the first week. I will just then plan the rest of my day accordingly.

Tomorrow is husband's birthday. He has requested roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. I will also do mashed potatoes and asparagus - his favourite veggie. Mmmm, should be yummy.

Well, I must away. The dog wants in, and I have to start getting myself psyched for my run. Wish me luck!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

130'ish days.....

till I have to put on a bathing suit on my spring vacay. I need to loose 1.9 lbs a week. I didn't go to WW yesterday with my friend, since the meeting was in the middle of my massage, but my girlfriend picked up a 3 month journal for me. I used it yesterday. I will use it today. I will use it tomorrow.

I thought long and hard yesterday while I was wallowing in self-pity. I have been exercising like friggen crazy. Totally wasting my time because I haven't been eating properly. I had a nutritionist tell me 2 weeks ago that healthy weight is from 20% exercise, 80% diet. And yet.....In the end, it comes down to laziness. If I can get off my butt to run as much as I have been, if I can spend $$ on a personal trainer every week, if I can curl and go to yoga once a week, surely, surely, surely I can make nice meals for me AND my family so that we all stay on track.

Here we go again.

In other news, I took the dog for a nice walk yesterday. He is getting really good at walking. Now that he is healed from being fixed, I think next week I will start taking him on short runs. I haven't been to a running room clinic since my cousin has been away. I will be glad when the clinic is over. I really don't like the way it is run, and I won't be signing up for anymore.

My massage dude told me yesterday that my right hip was so tight - he couldn't believe it. I noticed when I was changing that my club is holding 30 minute yoga sessions for $10 each. They are all specific - backs, chair work, necks...and....hip openers. I'm going to go on and see if there is still room in that one. Sounds like I need it!

Have a healthy day bloggers. Today I will be working with personal trainer and running. Wooohooooo!!

I've been tagged

1. When I was pregnant and in the birthing class, I got so dizzy watching the movies that I had to leave - the lady running the class came out in the hall and said she had never met anyone like me, and that she didn't think I'd be able to do it! (I was over 8 months at the time!)
2. The hardest I've ever laughed was when my husband & I took two-stepping lessons. I just love to be twirled.
3. My biggest fear in life is not seeing my daughter's life
4. Whenever someone famous dies, I can't help but think about what my nanny's reaction would have been, if she was still alive
5. Thinking about knees makes me nauseous
6. Sometimes when I hear people talking a different language, I think in French
7. I worry that I will die without ever having found my passion

Hopefully this insight into me won't stop you from reading!

Have a healthy day.

Lost.....

Ugh. I have been sitting here all morning trying to figure out how to motivate myself. I feel like I've reached the end of my rope - but I'm still hanging on. I don't seem to be able to exercise and keep my diet under control at the same time.

My girlfriend figured out that we had run over 60k since we had been training and burned over 3900 calories. And I think I gained a couple of lbs this week.

I just don't understand why I can't commit. Hmm. Will have to give this much thought. In the meantime my other girlfriend has asked me if I want to go to Weight Watchers tomorrow. I haven't answered her yet.

In other news.....my puppy has gained 1kg since his operation one week ago! He has my metabolism - I also gain weight when recouping!! HA!

Well, I'd better get tidying up - my husband has a co-worker spending the night - he is in town for a business meeting and couldn't find a hotel!

Have a healthy day!

The Sun is Shining

Phew. I'm glad the weekend is over. I need a fresh start.

I did my run today with my friend. Our 5.6k route. 465 calories gone. Yay!! Part of the run was hard because of the ice and snow. Yes, that's right. It snowed this weekend. Crap. My legs are a smiggen sore just 'cause I was so tense on the ice.

I found a rather large knot in my back yesterday. I have to book a massage. I'm putting it off because I know it will really hurt. But, it has to be done. I can feel other parts getting sore because my body must be compensating.

I've been tagged by Cory - I need to think a bit of some things to tell you all about.

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Friday

Could have called this one "Ho'er, Hum'er".

Noticed when I was commenting on Tigerlilly's blog that I was really talking to myself. I am struggling with having all this candy in the house. I shouldn't have to deal with this. And like Tigerlilly, I feel guilty taking the crap away from my daughter...even though it is ludicrous to let her eat all that. Ugh. Plus I'm grumpy that my husband munches away and doesn't gain.

Ran today with "J". 5.6k. We beat our time from last go (Monday) by just over 2 minutes. Woohoo! Have to remember to turn the clock back this weekend or I will be way too early for my running room clinic on Sunday!

I curl tonight. I'm only looking forward to it because of the drinks after. Is it wrong to think that, or just to admit it????

Well, I'm off to snack on an apple. What I really want is a bag of mini Doritos...... I'm sure the apple will be equally if not more satisfying. F*ck.

Have a healthy day!