This year has certainly had its ups and downs. And that's totally a good thing.
My running has been up. I logged 485 miles this year, not including the three I plan to do today. My only mile-free month was the one in which John was born.
My weight has been down. I'm at about 165, which is 30 pounds less than I weighed when I first was pregnant with John. My heaviest not-pregnant weight was 220 (that was "before Mary", heaviest ever was 251 before she was born) so I've lost a total of about 55 pounds.
It hasn't cured my high blood pressure or eliminated my mood swings, but at least I look pretty damn good. And we all know that's the whole point, anyway.
Not all Resolutions are made to be broken. Cheers, bottom's up, and here's to 2014!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Today's Workout- Compound Lifts Routine, beginner
Group One: 3 sets, 8 reps, 60-second rest
Bent-over Row (55lb)
Barbell Squat (55lb)
Bench Press (55lb)
Group Two: 3 sets, 8 reps, 60-second rest
Dead Lift (55lb)
Shoulder Press (55lb, then 40lb)
Step Up (holding two 20lb dumbbells)
Group Three: 2 sets
Pilates Roll Ups- 15 reps
Russian Twist- 25 reps, modified with one foot on floor
Plank- 1 minute
I'm going to be feeling this tomorrow!
Bent-over Row (55lb)
Barbell Squat (55lb)
Bench Press (55lb)
Group Two: 3 sets, 8 reps, 60-second rest
Dead Lift (55lb)
Shoulder Press (55lb, then 40lb)
Step Up (holding two 20lb dumbbells)
Group Three: 2 sets
Pilates Roll Ups- 15 reps
Russian Twist- 25 reps, modified with one foot on floor
Plank- 1 minute
I'm going to be feeling this tomorrow!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Logging and Blogging
Baby John is six weeks old tomorrow, and it is time for me to get back to a fitness routine. I took my measurements, and they are basically the same as they were last time. I've gained some tummy, of course, but I expected I would.
I also did something very silly; I put on a swimsuit (a bikini, even!) and took some pictures. They aren't too bad, I guess. I should say, it is a decent starting point- kind of a weird combination of fit and flab. It will be exciting to take pictures again in a couple of months and see the difference.
I am easing back into a running routine and doing alternative cardio and/or strength training the other days, six days a week. I am logging food at My Fitness Pal but not really restricting calories yet. I'm experimenting with Intermittent Fasting. I will write more about that in another post, but right now I will say that it fits very easily with my natural hunger cues. I like knowing that skipping breakfast and eating a bigger dinner is a legitimate option.
I am also keeping a journal the old fashioned way- in a spiral notebook. I guess I'm just old and stodgy enough that I like writing with pen and paper.
I also did something very silly; I put on a swimsuit (a bikini, even!) and took some pictures. They aren't too bad, I guess. I should say, it is a decent starting point- kind of a weird combination of fit and flab. It will be exciting to take pictures again in a couple of months and see the difference.
I am easing back into a running routine and doing alternative cardio and/or strength training the other days, six days a week. I am logging food at My Fitness Pal but not really restricting calories yet. I'm experimenting with Intermittent Fasting. I will write more about that in another post, but right now I will say that it fits very easily with my natural hunger cues. I like knowing that skipping breakfast and eating a bigger dinner is a legitimate option.
I am also keeping a journal the old fashioned way- in a spiral notebook. I guess I'm just old and stodgy enough that I like writing with pen and paper.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Nothing more than feelings
I'm getting ready for my daily exercise.
Motivation is lacking today. Why am I doing this? I put on my normal gear- bike shorts, high impact sport bra, old tank top, running shoes. Opposing voices are simultaneously clamoring inside my head. "Just do it. Give it your best. What's the point? Just take it easy. You will feel so much better if you run. You will feel so much better if you sit in bed with a book and a snack." I compromised with myself and did 3 miles on the treadmill, some jogging, mostly brisk walking.
One week into my 3rd trimester and I have gained about 13 pounds so far. After I had Lucy I was down to "starting weight" very quickly. Here's a journal entry from a week after she was born:
Some days I just don't get in the groove, but that's OK. I have a personal belief that feelings can be controlled; even when they can't be eliminated, my emotions do not have to rule my world. I didn't feel like doing anything today, but I did it anyway. I am in charge.
Motivation is lacking today. Why am I doing this? I put on my normal gear- bike shorts, high impact sport bra, old tank top, running shoes. Opposing voices are simultaneously clamoring inside my head. "Just do it. Give it your best. What's the point? Just take it easy. You will feel so much better if you run. You will feel so much better if you sit in bed with a book and a snack." I compromised with myself and did 3 miles on the treadmill, some jogging, mostly brisk walking.
One week into my 3rd trimester and I have gained about 13 pounds so far. After I had Lucy I was down to "starting weight" very quickly. Here's a journal entry from a week after she was born:
Pre-Lucy weight was 205. My heaviest pregnancy weight was 224. I was 222 three days before the birth. At six days PP I weigh 210. Haven't tried on any real pants yet, but I did go ahead and pack away all the maternity clothes.This time around my pre-baby weight was 185; still heavy, but closer. So close to my goal of "normal" weight for my height. That's why I'm doing this, today anyway. There are other reasons, but that's what got me on the treadmill this time. I have to keep remembering the bigger picture.
Some days I just don't get in the groove, but that's OK. I have a personal belief that feelings can be controlled; even when they can't be eliminated, my emotions do not have to rule my world. I didn't feel like doing anything today, but I did it anyway. I am in charge.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Today's Workout 3-10
Entering my 27th week of pregnancy with a full body strength training session. Allow me a moment to bask in my own awesomeness....
Thank you.
This is the routine I followed. Some exercises I performed to near failure, others I took a more moderate approach. I started by warming up on the treadmill, brisk walk at 2% to 5% incline for 1/2 mile. Then:
Push Ups (modified)
"Bird Dog"
Bicep Curls (standard)
Triceps Kickbacks
Hammer Curls
Chair Dips (I hate these!!!)
Alternating Cross-Body Curls
Overhead Triceps Extensions
Standing Side Crunch (holding onto the door frame helped isolate core)
Standing Crossover Crunch
One-Armed Row
Chest Flies
Pull-over
Chest Press
Reverse Fly
Squats (standard and then wider stance)
Shoulder Press (Military Press)
Jump Squats
Lateral Raise (to front and side)
Forward Lunge
Upright Row
Plie Squat
Split Lunge
Cool down, stretch, and that's it! The strength training aspect took me about 45 minutes moving quickly from one exercise to the next. I did take a short (30-45 second) break after some of the more "energetic" moves, like those damn jump squats!
Thank you.
This is the routine I followed. Some exercises I performed to near failure, others I took a more moderate approach. I started by warming up on the treadmill, brisk walk at 2% to 5% incline for 1/2 mile. Then:
Push Ups (modified)
"Bird Dog"
Bicep Curls (standard)
Triceps Kickbacks
Hammer Curls
Chair Dips (I hate these!!!)
Alternating Cross-Body Curls
Overhead Triceps Extensions
Standing Side Crunch (holding onto the door frame helped isolate core)
Standing Crossover Crunch
One-Armed Row
Chest Flies
Pull-over
Chest Press
Reverse Fly
Squats (standard and then wider stance)
Shoulder Press (Military Press)
Jump Squats
Lateral Raise (to front and side)
Forward Lunge
Upright Row
Plie Squat
Split Lunge
Cool down, stretch, and that's it! The strength training aspect took me about 45 minutes moving quickly from one exercise to the next. I did take a short (30-45 second) break after some of the more "energetic" moves, like those damn jump squats!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
M. I. F.
I tried a new workout video today, thank you Netflix. Moms Into Fitness, Third Trimester. Maybe it's because I'm still in my 2nd Tri, but I had a hard time getting into M.I.F.
The instructor was OK. Too much talking, but they all tend to jabber. She kept saying "buncakes" instead of "butt", which was just puerile. Her cueing was off or absent altogether. It's pretty bad when the ladies making your video with you are getting confused. But her energy was pretty good; enthusiastic but not overly perky.
The workout itself was pretty basic. I'm sure I'm going to feel it in the morning, but it was easy. The toning/cardio section was only about 34 minutes long. There is nothing wrong with a short, intense workout, but there was no intensity, just lots of slow repetition. So it's not a huge calorie burn but a decent strength training session. She did a lot for the upper back, which is an area I tend to forget.
The 26-minute yoga session was similar; not impressive but not at all bad. My conclusion- I need to give it another try. I'm thinking this will be a good workout to do when I can't decide what I need my focus to be for that day.
The instructor was OK. Too much talking, but they all tend to jabber. She kept saying "buncakes" instead of "butt", which was just puerile. Her cueing was off or absent altogether. It's pretty bad when the ladies making your video with you are getting confused. But her energy was pretty good; enthusiastic but not overly perky.
The workout itself was pretty basic. I'm sure I'm going to feel it in the morning, but it was easy. The toning/cardio section was only about 34 minutes long. There is nothing wrong with a short, intense workout, but there was no intensity, just lots of slow repetition. So it's not a huge calorie burn but a decent strength training session. She did a lot for the upper back, which is an area I tend to forget.
The 26-minute yoga session was similar; not impressive but not at all bad. My conclusion- I need to give it another try. I'm thinking this will be a good workout to do when I can't decide what I need my focus to be for that day.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Measurements, March 2013
OK, I get it that this is really silly, but I still wanted to compare my current measurements to those I posted a year ago. Since I didn't make much progress with weight loss or toning in 2012 (long story) I'm pretty sure that these measurements are representative of my pre-tenth-pregnancy size. It's not like I'm going to use these measurements in any meaningful way; it's all in good fun. Here they are:
Weight: 193.6
neck: 13.75 (-.25)
shoulders: 43 (-.5)
bicep: 12 (both sides, no change)
chest: 39.5 (+.5)
bust: 42.25 (+2)
@ braline: 36.5 (+.75)
waist: 36 (+2.75)
@ bellybutton: 38 (+3.75)
low ab: 40.5 (+3.25)
hips: 42.5 (+1.5)
thighs: R- 21; L- 21.25 (-1 each side)
calf: R- 13; L- 13.25 (no change)
No surprise, at five months gone I've gained serious inches throughout my torso. But while I've gained 2 inches of boobs and almost 4 of belly, I've only gained an inch and a half of hips. That tells me I'm not gaining too much butt fat. Also my arms and legs have stayed roughly the same, and I've lost two inches of thigh meat.
Overall, I feel I am taking very good care of myself. Just four-ish months to go!
Weight: 193.6
neck: 13.75 (-.25)
shoulders: 43 (-.5)
bicep: 12 (both sides, no change)
chest: 39.5 (+.5)
bust: 42.25 (+2)
@ braline: 36.5 (+.75)
waist: 36 (+2.75)
@ bellybutton: 38 (+3.75)
low ab: 40.5 (+3.25)
hips: 42.5 (+1.5)
thighs: R- 21; L- 21.25 (-1 each side)
calf: R- 13; L- 13.25 (no change)
No surprise, at five months gone I've gained serious inches throughout my torso. But while I've gained 2 inches of boobs and almost 4 of belly, I've only gained an inch and a half of hips. That tells me I'm not gaining too much butt fat. Also my arms and legs have stayed roughly the same, and I've lost two inches of thigh meat.
Overall, I feel I am taking very good care of myself. Just four-ish months to go!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Like a Pug
I made it outside for a run today, and I've still got it!
By "it" I do not mean speed, or endurance, or any other markers of athleticism. I was slow, I had to walk about a fourth of each mile, my easy pace kept me in a Zone 2 to 3, and I felt the need to pee pretty much the whole time. No, "it" is something else entirely.
Almost a year ago, I rambled on about whether or not I could consider myself a "real" Runner. Is a 10- or 11-minute-mile really running, or just jogging? The famous Dr. George Sheehan (Never heard of him? Then you're just a jogger.) once said that the difference is a signature on a race application. But was he right? Am I really a runner because I've participated in a few races?
I've decided that the difference is a little more subjective than that; I believe "real" Runners are the ones that get out there and do what they do for the enjoyment of it. Not to lose weight, not to look fab at the reunion, not for any specific benefit or goal that may or may not be attained. And certainly not that every run is pleasurable, because all real Runners know that some runs are absolutely miserable and most are pretty humdrum. Maybe we can't even define what it is we actually like about running. Much like a cherished dog who is so ugly he's cute, we love it "just because" and need no further reason why.
That love, I've decided, is what makes me a Runner. That is the "it" I still have.
By "it" I do not mean speed, or endurance, or any other markers of athleticism. I was slow, I had to walk about a fourth of each mile, my easy pace kept me in a Zone 2 to 3, and I felt the need to pee pretty much the whole time. No, "it" is something else entirely.
Almost a year ago, I rambled on about whether or not I could consider myself a "real" Runner. Is a 10- or 11-minute-mile really running, or just jogging? The famous Dr. George Sheehan (Never heard of him? Then you're just a jogger.) once said that the difference is a signature on a race application. But was he right? Am I really a runner because I've participated in a few races?
I've decided that the difference is a little more subjective than that; I believe "real" Runners are the ones that get out there and do what they do for the enjoyment of it. Not to lose weight, not to look fab at the reunion, not for any specific benefit or goal that may or may not be attained. And certainly not that every run is pleasurable, because all real Runners know that some runs are absolutely miserable and most are pretty humdrum. Maybe we can't even define what it is we actually like about running. Much like a cherished dog who is so ugly he's cute, we love it "just because" and need no further reason why.
 |
| No cute, just pugly. |
That love, I've decided, is what makes me a Runner. That is the "it" I still have.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
February Thaw
We are predicted to get three whole days with no snow and temperatures just around or above freezing.
I know Somebody who is going to put the ice tracks on her shoes and get outside!
I know Somebody who is going to put the ice tracks on her shoes and get outside!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Prenatal Abs and Core
I've been searching for good core routines that are appropriate in the second half of pregnancy, but not too easy for somebody who is not new to strength training. Apparently, such routines are impossible to find! I'm sure that simply sucking in your tummy while sitting or on all fours would be better than nothing, but just doesn't feel adequate for me.
So, I've been sticking with planks and variations, even though I hate them. They are unbeatable, though, if you are looking to target every muscle in your core! So, take 'em like medicine- not because it's tasty but because it's good for you!
Standard Plank- top of classic push up position. Hold 30 to 60 seconds, rest, repeat for three reps.
Rocking Plank- start in Standard Plank. Slowly rock forward on your hands and toes, then back for a count of one. Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Toe Tap Plank- I usually give my shoulders a rest here by going to my elbows. In this modified position tap right toe out to your right side, then left toe out to your left side. That's one. Keep your legs straight; do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Shoulder Tap Plank- start in Standard Plank. Tap your left shoulder with your right hand, then your right shoulder with your left hand. That's one. Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Side Plank- also known as One-Arm Balance. It's a tricky balance pose, I open my feet just a little wider and keep them both on the floor for better stability. In Standard Plank (feet wide) shift your weight to your right arm, lifting your left arm up straight; your feet will also shift so that you are not twisting in your body but hips are facing the same direction as the shoulders. (This lady explains it better than I do, and with pictures of the Pink Panther!) Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, two or three reps each side.
So, there ya go... the ab routine that Baby and I are currentlyenduring enjoying. So far I've had no sign of my abdominal muscles separating so I have no idea if this routine is appropriate if that condition is present. Hopefully I won't have to find out, not for a while at least!
So, I've been sticking with planks and variations, even though I hate them. They are unbeatable, though, if you are looking to target every muscle in your core! So, take 'em like medicine- not because it's tasty but because it's good for you!
Standard Plank- top of classic push up position. Hold 30 to 60 seconds, rest, repeat for three reps.
Rocking Plank- start in Standard Plank. Slowly rock forward on your hands and toes, then back for a count of one. Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Toe Tap Plank- I usually give my shoulders a rest here by going to my elbows. In this modified position tap right toe out to your right side, then left toe out to your left side. That's one. Keep your legs straight; do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Shoulder Tap Plank- start in Standard Plank. Tap your left shoulder with your right hand, then your right shoulder with your left hand. That's one. Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.
Side Plank- also known as One-Arm Balance. It's a tricky balance pose, I open my feet just a little wider and keep them both on the floor for better stability. In Standard Plank (feet wide) shift your weight to your right arm, lifting your left arm up straight; your feet will also shift so that you are not twisting in your body but hips are facing the same direction as the shoulders. (This lady explains it better than I do, and with pictures of the Pink Panther!) Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, two or three reps each side.
So, there ya go... the ab routine that Baby and I are currently
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Little to None, and Little One
Where did my motivation and good intentions go?
I put in 43 miles in January. Granted they were slow, and almost all on the treadmill, but I did them! So far in February- zero.
It is still my intention to put in a few miles every other day. I just need to get back to it.
Baby and I are a little more than halfway through. So far I have gained just about 9 pounds, very respectable, I think! I was able to slim down quite a bit after Lucy was born, and I am hopeful that it will be the same after this one. Just about 4 months to go!
I put in 43 miles in January. Granted they were slow, and almost all on the treadmill, but I did them! So far in February- zero.
It is still my intention to put in a few miles every other day. I just need to get back to it.
Baby and I are a little more than halfway through. So far I have gained just about 9 pounds, very respectable, I think! I was able to slim down quite a bit after Lucy was born, and I am hopeful that it will be the same after this one. Just about 4 months to go!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year!
Happy New Year!
I gotta say, 2012 was not very good to me. Even down to the final few hours, last year was nothing but trouble! But I'm always excited to greet the new year.
Checking with the local runner's club, I saw there will be a trail half-marathon in Silver City. I haven't done much trail running, and the race is scheduled only about four months after Baby is due, but I think I'm going to send in my registration and go for it! Assuming I can at least keep up with something of an exercise routine through the rest of this pregnancy, I think I can be ready for it. I should also be able to run the Ed Hansen again; I would have about three months to train for that one. I probably won't be able to run the other two races I've done the last couple of years: the Breakers to Bay 5 mile is right around my due date, and I'll be lucky if I'm able to walk, much less run, by 4th of July. But just maybe I'll be able to do the Norway Spring Classic, even if I do the 5k instead of 10k. I really hope I can, just for the shock value of running a race preceded by my 7-month belly.
New year, new life, new goals. I pray we all make the best of it!
I gotta say, 2012 was not very good to me. Even down to the final few hours, last year was nothing but trouble! But I'm always excited to greet the new year.
Checking with the local runner's club, I saw there will be a trail half-marathon in Silver City. I haven't done much trail running, and the race is scheduled only about four months after Baby is due, but I think I'm going to send in my registration and go for it! Assuming I can at least keep up with something of an exercise routine through the rest of this pregnancy, I think I can be ready for it. I should also be able to run the Ed Hansen again; I would have about three months to train for that one. I probably won't be able to run the other two races I've done the last couple of years: the Breakers to Bay 5 mile is right around my due date, and I'll be lucky if I'm able to walk, much less run, by 4th of July. But just maybe I'll be able to do the Norway Spring Classic, even if I do the 5k instead of 10k. I really hope I can, just for the shock value of running a race preceded by my 7-month belly.
New year, new life, new goals. I pray we all make the best of it!
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