Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Well Blow Me Over!
Last night there was a forecast for rain so I was a little worried about my morning ride. When I woke up is was a bit dark but not raining so I hit the trail. The first few minutes of my ride were pretty normal, then the wind picked up. I could see dark clouds moving across the sky as the wind picked up and I knew I was in for a treat. The drizzle of rain started when I got about 30 feet from the river. I didn't mind it as I kinda like the rain and there was no lightning in sight so on I went. After the turn that put me on the trail parallel to the river the wind was howling in my ears. Huh...hadn't expected this! I figured it was no big deal as it was just a bit of rain and wind so on I went. About 20 feet later I was literally blown off the trail by the wind and into the grass (but I didn't tip over!) I had to hop off my bike and stand there waiting for the wind to let up so I could turn back...what? Turn back? NO WAY! I went right on my merry way wind howling and all! I was smiling and laughing at myself as I must have looked crazy out in the wind and rain but I was having fun. I was only blown off the trail one more time before I turned around and headed back home. I figured the wind was bad enough on shore that the bridge must have been a wind tunnel so I skipped that today. All in all, I am happy that I went out...even if I am a bit soggy sitting here writing this post!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Taking the Low Road
Another day, another ride! The mornings have simply been wonderful the past few days-it is nice and warm and you can feel summer in the air. This morning I had to run an errand on my morning ride so I rode through town rather than taking the trail. The street that I had to ride to just happened to also be the street that led to the bridge, so I decided it was a good morning to ride the few extra blocks around to try out the bottom of the bridge. I have to say I like the bottom better for the lack of giant hills, and I like the top better for the magnificent views and the openness. I am pretty sure I will be tackling the top tomorrow because it is so beautiful. The bottom feels a bit too closed-in making it difficult to get a great picture. Either way I think I will continue my bridge rides as I have really enjoyed these past couple days.
In other fitness news, I have been reading a lot about this whole "Couch to 5k" program. My interest is quite peaked because as you all know (if you read my very first couple blog posts) enjoying running happens to be one of my goals...one that I have tried and still loathe. I planned on participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure again this year which is a 5k run/walk. Last year I walked it for the most part-there were short bursts of running but they were SHORT as they made me want to lay down on the sidewalk and die. My friend Lindsay and I said that we would run it (or run half of it?) the next year which is this year! IN SEPTEMBER! While I could totally blow off this pact that we made, I am thinking that this whole Couch to 5K thing just might be exactly what I need. Not only will it accomplish one of my fitness goals (hopefully) but I would feel awesome being able to RUN a 5k-and I would be doing it in memory of my grandmother Sandra. She never ran a 5k but she was a wonderful woman who always showed us her love in her own little ways. She died at age 56 of breast cancer-all the more reason to stay fit and take care of myself. In summary-this whole Couch to 5k thing sounds like it may just be worth $1.99/$2.99 but before I do that I think I need to work on getting some music on my phone...that is a whole new problem! Anyone use a C25K app for their phone? I have a couple in mind that I am trying to decide between.
In other fitness news, I have been reading a lot about this whole "Couch to 5k" program. My interest is quite peaked because as you all know (if you read my very first couple blog posts) enjoying running happens to be one of my goals...one that I have tried and still loathe. I planned on participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure again this year which is a 5k run/walk. Last year I walked it for the most part-there were short bursts of running but they were SHORT as they made me want to lay down on the sidewalk and die. My friend Lindsay and I said that we would run it (or run half of it?) the next year which is this year! IN SEPTEMBER! While I could totally blow off this pact that we made, I am thinking that this whole Couch to 5K thing just might be exactly what I need. Not only will it accomplish one of my fitness goals (hopefully) but I would feel awesome being able to RUN a 5k-and I would be doing it in memory of my grandmother Sandra. She never ran a 5k but she was a wonderful woman who always showed us her love in her own little ways. She died at age 56 of breast cancer-all the more reason to stay fit and take care of myself. In summary-this whole Couch to 5k thing sounds like it may just be worth $1.99/$2.99 but before I do that I think I need to work on getting some music on my phone...that is a whole new problem! Anyone use a C25K app for their phone? I have a couple in mind that I am trying to decide between.
Monday, June 18, 2012
To Nebraska and Back
After a torturous week of major ear issues, I was determined to get back on my ride this morning. After my last post from last week my muffled ear seemed to spiral out of control-I woke up on Thursday with major dizziness so I ended up spending most of the morning on the couch trying to get some medicine for it from the doctor. It would appear that the muffled hearing is due to an inner ear infection. I have since been battling dizziness, irritability, and exhaustion. My husband was incredibly sweet through it all. I am normally a bright and cheery person but the ear thing turned me into a whole different person. I was happy when I woke up without being dizzy this morning. I contemplated staying in bed so that I could have one more day of rest but the warm morning was calling my name!
I hopped on my bike and about half way through my ride decided to tackle the bridge today. I wanted to try the bottom half, for obvious hilly reasons) but that would have required a 3 block detour because of some construction. So top of the bridge it was! The view was beautiful and peaceful. The hill coming back was torture but I am happy to say that I made it! We will see what tomorrow brings-fingers crossed for no dizziness! I am also going to restart a 7 day challenge on the Wii as it was hard to keep up with when I spent most of the end of the week on the couch! Wish me luck and health!
I hopped on my bike and about half way through my ride decided to tackle the bridge today. I wanted to try the bottom half, for obvious hilly reasons) but that would have required a 3 block detour because of some construction. So top of the bridge it was! The view was beautiful and peaceful. The hill coming back was torture but I am happy to say that I made it! We will see what tomorrow brings-fingers crossed for no dizziness! I am also going to restart a 7 day challenge on the Wii as it was hard to keep up with when I spent most of the end of the week on the couch! Wish me luck and health!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
No Rain On My Parade
After being woken up by rain this morning I thought for sure my ride was going to have to be put off, but when my alarm sounded at 5:30 I couldn't hear any rain. I had to drag myself out of bed this morning because I was tired from such a wonderful night with my husband celebrating our anniversary. We usually put off doing anything until the weekend after our anniversary but this year we decided there was nothing wrong with going out on a Tuesday night. I am really happy with our decision because it felt even more special than it has in the past. I will admit I ate too much but it is hard not to indulge when celebrating. We both had steak with salad and a baked potato and then we went to the Dairy Dock to share an ice cream sundae. We ended our time out with a walk across the Meridian Bridge which is slightly over half a mile one way. It was nice to get some exercise as well as go on a little romantic walk with my husband. It also helped lessen any guilt I may have had from the ice cream (or the movie popcorn and fountain pop we picked up on the way home).
This morning's ride was very peaceful. I could see the rain clouds and lightning off in the east which meant I wouldn't get to see a pretty sunrise, but the lightning was a pretty cool sight. My ride seemed pretty smooth and the only part of me that was sore from yesterday was my bum-it needs to get used to the lovely bike seat again. I am still completely amazed by the changes in the landscape in comparison to last year with all the flooding. The changes are quite astounding-I need to take some pictures so that I can post comparisons.
Now for some good news/bad news:
This morning's ride was very peaceful. I could see the rain clouds and lightning off in the east which meant I wouldn't get to see a pretty sunrise, but the lightning was a pretty cool sight. My ride seemed pretty smooth and the only part of me that was sore from yesterday was my bum-it needs to get used to the lovely bike seat again. I am still completely amazed by the changes in the landscape in comparison to last year with all the flooding. The changes are quite astounding-I need to take some pictures so that I can post comparisons.
Now for some good news/bad news:
- Good News-I weighed less at the doctor than I did at home on Monday-I think that is the first time that has EVER happened! LOL
- Good News-I do not have a double ear infection like I suspected.
- Bad News-I am having some massive TMJ pain on the left side-the joint was incredibly tender and sore when she was checking it yesterday-not much I can do other than take an anti-inflammatory
- More Bad News-She has no idea why my hearing is muffled on the right side (I thought for sure I had an ear infection because of it). I am hoping this goes away soon as it is extremely irritating and I would rather stay away from doctors for a while-I have seen enough of them in the past few months!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Forgotten
It seems like it has been forever since my last 5:30 am ride so it felt great to get back to it this morning. Last night I eagerly prepared myself for the ride-setting out my clothes, asking myself (and my husband) questions (How light is it at 5:30? How chilly is it? Do I need a sweatshirt? etc.), making sure everything was just right, and setting my alarm (I actually forgot that last thing until I went to bed so I had to get out a flashlight to set it oops!).
My alarm went off without fail at 5:30 but it did not actually wake me until 5:35-I must have needed those last 5 minutes! I quickly got ready and headed out the door. It was chilly but not too bad, the sun was just coming up, I could smell the summer flowers in the air-IT WAS WONDERFUL! I had forgotten all about so many of the things that I loved about my morning rides and also about some of the little hiccups. Here is a review of what was forgotten:
All in all, I would say that I am thrilled to get back to riding and back working toward my fitness goals. I started a new 7 day challenge for Just Dance yesterday and this time I am determined to complete it! I think it is time for an apple and some Belvita so that's all for this morning!
My alarm went off without fail at 5:30 but it did not actually wake me until 5:35-I must have needed those last 5 minutes! I quickly got ready and headed out the door. It was chilly but not too bad, the sun was just coming up, I could smell the summer flowers in the air-IT WAS WONDERFUL! I had forgotten all about so many of the things that I loved about my morning rides and also about some of the little hiccups. Here is a review of what was forgotten:
- Sunglasses-they may not be needed for the ride down to the park but they are needed for the ride home!
- The peacefulness-I had forgotten how calming and wonderful the early morning it.
- The sprinklers-I was able to bob and weave around them without getting hit with more than a mist.
- The beauty-the colors of the sky, the birds, the splashing fish-everything was so refreshing.
- Water bottle-it seems the need for hydration just completely slipped my mind!
- I still don't like the hills but I don't hate them near as much as I remember hating them last year.
- I love this just as much as I did last summer.
- I am now pretty positive that I have an ear infection.
All in all, I would say that I am thrilled to get back to riding and back working toward my fitness goals. I started a new 7 day challenge for Just Dance yesterday and this time I am determined to complete it! I think it is time for an apple and some Belvita so that's all for this morning!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Well, it looks as if nearly 7 months have passed since my last post...I really hadn't realized it has been that long! After reading my last post I noticed that some updates are in order.
YankTON update: Our team placed second in the competition and we were extremely proud! We donated the $750 in Chamber Bucks to two different local organizations. I was one of the top 5 as far as total weight loss is concerned-I lost a total of 18.8 pounds-10% of my starting weight. I was extremely proud of myself. I don't remember my exact ending weight (because it was 7 months ago) and I have the number on my work computer but not my home computer. I do think I just barely broke into the 160s though!
Winter/Debate Season update: This has always been my pitfall. We eat out of gas stations and it is extremely hard to eat healthy (and stick to any sort of budget) this way. I tried to do my best by bringing my own fruit and healthy snacks but I was usually exhausted and craving comfort food. Exercising also took a back seat when I started having some foot pain-it seemed to be the worst when using the elliptical so I stopped and the pain seemed to wane. Then I discovered Just Dance 3 for the Wii and thought I was going to finally get back into a regular workout routine. Shortly after starting, the foot pain was back with a vengeance to the point where it could no longer be ignored. I also noticed a bump on the top of my foot where the pain was. I really wanted to be able to work out so it seemed a trip to the doctor was in order. I visited Dr. Pederson the local foot doctor fearing a stress fracture and was relieved when he told me that the x-ray was normal. It turns out I had a cyst that had formed at one of the joints in my foot. After a shot of cortisone in my foot I was immediately feeling better. After a week the cyst had completely dissolved and my foot pain was gone! I was back to dancing in no time.
I would love to say that I hit my stride and got right back into a workout routine but another setback was right around to corner. In the beginning of May I had to have some surgery that left me out of commission for a few weeks while I healed-it also prevented me from working out for about 4 weeks prior to the surgery. So after all that I bet you wonder where I am at...
I am currently at 180.8 pounds as of this morning. I could say that I am disappointed that I gained back around 12 pounds but that just isn't the case. I am proud of myself for not looking at that number as defeat. I am still in a better place than where I started (192.6 pounds starting last summer in July). Even if I yoyo a bit I still know what I want and I am still going to go for it-I want to be HEALTHY! I plan to hop back on my bike tomorrow morning for a nice little morning ride and as soon as I finish this post I plan to go start a new 7 day challenge in Just Dance 3. I am looking forward to getting back into writing and back into working out-I hope you enjoy following along!
YankTON update: Our team placed second in the competition and we were extremely proud! We donated the $750 in Chamber Bucks to two different local organizations. I was one of the top 5 as far as total weight loss is concerned-I lost a total of 18.8 pounds-10% of my starting weight. I was extremely proud of myself. I don't remember my exact ending weight (because it was 7 months ago) and I have the number on my work computer but not my home computer. I do think I just barely broke into the 160s though!
Winter/Debate Season update: This has always been my pitfall. We eat out of gas stations and it is extremely hard to eat healthy (and stick to any sort of budget) this way. I tried to do my best by bringing my own fruit and healthy snacks but I was usually exhausted and craving comfort food. Exercising also took a back seat when I started having some foot pain-it seemed to be the worst when using the elliptical so I stopped and the pain seemed to wane. Then I discovered Just Dance 3 for the Wii and thought I was going to finally get back into a regular workout routine. Shortly after starting, the foot pain was back with a vengeance to the point where it could no longer be ignored. I also noticed a bump on the top of my foot where the pain was. I really wanted to be able to work out so it seemed a trip to the doctor was in order. I visited Dr. Pederson the local foot doctor fearing a stress fracture and was relieved when he told me that the x-ray was normal. It turns out I had a cyst that had formed at one of the joints in my foot. After a shot of cortisone in my foot I was immediately feeling better. After a week the cyst had completely dissolved and my foot pain was gone! I was back to dancing in no time.
I would love to say that I hit my stride and got right back into a workout routine but another setback was right around to corner. In the beginning of May I had to have some surgery that left me out of commission for a few weeks while I healed-it also prevented me from working out for about 4 weeks prior to the surgery. So after all that I bet you wonder where I am at...
I am currently at 180.8 pounds as of this morning. I could say that I am disappointed that I gained back around 12 pounds but that just isn't the case. I am proud of myself for not looking at that number as defeat. I am still in a better place than where I started (192.6 pounds starting last summer in July). Even if I yoyo a bit I still know what I want and I am still going to go for it-I want to be HEALTHY! I plan to hop back on my bike tomorrow morning for a nice little morning ride and as soon as I finish this post I plan to go start a new 7 day challenge in Just Dance 3. I am looking forward to getting back into writing and back into working out-I hope you enjoy following along!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Nearing the end of YankTON
This is the final 3 days for me for the YankTON challenge. My final weigh in is on Wednesday (not Friday as I will be in Chicago!) I am excited but nervous for the end. It has been a long and difficult journey working hard as a team! It will not be then end of my fitness journey though! I hope to continue the good habits I have picked up and continue to reach my fitness goals.
One goal that I have not yet met is to learn more about fitness. I have been reading and learning more about healthier eating but not so much about physical fitness. I am hoping to reach that goal through a "gift to self" of Women's Health magazine. Matt and I got a dual subscription through junior class magazine sales.
Speaking of my husband, I have to compliment him on his own journey toward fitness. He has some crazy workouts that make me giggle a little but I am enjoying watching him work so hard toward his goals. He is doing wonderful and I am very proud of him!
I went shopping again today for pants as I seem to have them dropping off me every time I need to grab a pair for anything so I headed to the store and did pretty well. I was able to get three pairs of nice dress pants for $20 each! I am hoping that I can wear them a bit longer than some of my other pants that I bought only this summer. While it is fun to drop sizes, my wallet would appreciate a break! I had to turn down a perfectly fitting pair of jeans because I just couldn't convince myself to pay $40 for them.
One goal that I have not yet met is to learn more about fitness. I have been reading and learning more about healthier eating but not so much about physical fitness. I am hoping to reach that goal through a "gift to self" of Women's Health magazine. Matt and I got a dual subscription through junior class magazine sales.
Speaking of my husband, I have to compliment him on his own journey toward fitness. He has some crazy workouts that make me giggle a little but I am enjoying watching him work so hard toward his goals. He is doing wonderful and I am very proud of him!
I went shopping again today for pants as I seem to have them dropping off me every time I need to grab a pair for anything so I headed to the store and did pretty well. I was able to get three pairs of nice dress pants for $20 each! I am hoping that I can wear them a bit longer than some of my other pants that I bought only this summer. While it is fun to drop sizes, my wallet would appreciate a break! I had to turn down a perfectly fitting pair of jeans because I just couldn't convince myself to pay $40 for them.
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