ALIMESSA

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Week 8: Detailed Exercise Log GOAL 350 minutes

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Week 7... I finally reached my exercise goal...logging 355 minutes. This week my goal is 350 again...hope to get as many as 400 minutes in!

5/30: 30 minutes elliptical (1.5 miles)...was supposed to walk with Tiff, but didn't
5/31: 45 minutes elliptical (2.27 miles)...was supposed to get back on elliptical in evening, but didn't...obviously need to do my full workout in the morning!! Hoping someone will start walking with me in the evenings, as well!
6/01: 60:30 minutes elliptical (3 miles)
6/02: 60 minutes elliptical (3 miles)
6/03: 61 minutes elliptical (3.03 miles)
6/04: 62 minutes elliptical (4.26 miles) 58 MIN. 4 MILE!!! Last wk I did it in 61:54.
6/05: 60 minutes elliptical (3.1 miles)
6/05: 45 minutes elliptical (2.57 miles) ***second workout of day....YEAH!! At least I got one dbl. workout day in for the week!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RAVENSONG37 6/1/2010 8:54AM

great goal! you can do it!!!

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LILY_SPARK 6/1/2010 7:58AM

I love that you write it all out. I track like a maniac but it's all over the place. It's nice to see it written out like you do!

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BEFIT013 6/1/2010 5:35AM

on 350 minutes last month!

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SRABANTI 6/1/2010 2:10AM

Wow.. 350 minutes a week is a great Target!!! I also try and finish my workput in the morning itself. Later on , instead of all the efforts I couldnt even manage for a 30 minutes walk--- I looovveeeeee walking so much.

How I wish i was there with you for the evening walk~~

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Week 2: 4 mile results

Friday, May 28, 2010

Last Friday, 5/21...4 MILES IN 50:33 MINUTES!

TODAY, 5/28...4 MILES IN 61.54 MINUTES!

WOW...that was a bit of a surprise...I knew it was not going to be as good as last week because of the fact that I have gotten so little sleep this week...but a whole 10 minutes different...that seems a bit much...but then again I was not pushing myself AT ALL....in fact, it was really hard to keep going the entire time! I'm proud of myself for doing it at all, quite frankly!

Well, this makes my new goal of doing the 4 miles in 45 minutes by 6/15 seem not quite as doable as before...I think I am just going to not worry about this week's results and work towards improving my time next Friday!

I am definitely going to work on getting 8 hours of sleep most nights next week...

Come check out a new team...Team Popeye...we are brand new, but very active and full of motivation and encouragement. Here is the link: teams.sparkpeople.com/TeamPopeye

Would love to see you there!

As always,
Stay Strong!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SRABANTI 5/31/2010 5:58AM

You are simply doing great and im glad that all these hard work is FInally paying off. The only thing you need to accelerate it even further is some good rest. Do it together, then it will work wonders. I also did the same mistke of tearing me out with exercises(some times i woulld work out for 2- 3 hours a day, every day for weeks), buit it Did Not Work, because i was not allowing my body to breathe.

You are doing AWESOME.. Keep going buddy

Comment edited on: 5/31/2010 6:00:09 AM

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LILY_SPARK 5/30/2010 9:38AM

I burn far different calories doing the same DVD wo every time -- a lot depends on how we feel, so don't let that get you down. You may feel very light, quick and rested by that date!

Don't forget if you're wanting a particularly long or fast run on a specific day to REST 2 days prior! That should have your body healed up enough from other exercise that week and the muscles raring to go!

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PRINCESS_TWISTY 5/30/2010 7:27AM

At least you got out there and did it! Sometimes a step backwards is needed to get to the end goal - especially when your body is tired.
Look after yourself, and just keep at it!!

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JEANAJO 5/29/2010 11:21PM

BUT....You were out there RUNNING those four miles!!! That's AWESOME in and of itself. You go, girl!

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TEENY_BIKINI 5/29/2010 9:34PM

Wow. You are rocking it, gorgeous.

Woot!!

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JOYINKY 5/29/2010 7:31AM

Which one has the flatter tummy? Which one has the longer life? Enough said; take it easy on yourself! Hope you got a good night's sleep last night! Be well, Joy

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GINETTEK 5/29/2010 12:02AM

Wow Ali!!! That is a bit of a surprise. I'm sure if you sleep well it will make a ton of difference. It has to. Don't be discouraged. As a good friend always says to me...and by the way I love her think she is great, stay strong!!!! You can do this. Get some rest and do what you need to do for you and your family, btw...congrats on the car. I fell asleep on the texting. Sorry. Hugs...keep working at your goals....you are doing great. I am working on utilizing your motiviation.

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GENIEJENN 5/28/2010 11:10PM

Just keep up the good work. It can take time sometimes.

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The Climb

Thursday, May 27, 2010

My hat's off to all of you motivational bloggers out there...after about 5 attempts, I decided that my motivational blog debut was not happening today! I have too much to do, and this is obviously going to take some time for me to write!

So, instead I leave you with one of my all time favorite songs that I feel has so much meaning...it totally relates to this healthy lifestyle journey we are all on....The Climb:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_khKYx5QCY

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
The pain I'm knowing
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Come check out a new team...Team Popeye...we are brand new, but very active and full of motivation and encouragement. Here is the link: teams.sparkpeople.com/TeamPopeye
Would love to see you there!

As always,
Stay Strong!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

I-SAW-THE-LITE 5/29/2010 4:56PM

I Love it!! Thanks for sharing. Don't be too busy cuz we will miss you on here! Definitely keep climbing you will get there!!!
Corine

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BEFIT013 5/28/2010 10:52AM

My daughter sang that song for her school Talent Show last year. Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana...This year it's Selena Gomez/Wizards Of Waverly Place. Oh, well... It is a motivational song!

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JOYINKY 5/27/2010 9:27PM

I agree; when you find something motivational and share it that qualifies as a motivational blog. Loved it!

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MICHELLENRGZED 5/27/2010 6:01PM

What do mean this isn't a motivational blog entry? It is! You've posted this song, & it's motivational. It's so true, & for so young a woman as Miley to sing it with such feeling, well, that says a lot about her. Thank-you for sharing it. This is a motivational entry. :)

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AGOLDIE 5/27/2010 4:28PM

I LOVE this song and have it as the ringer on my phone! I get some pretty weird looks that a 34 year old has it on their phone but I don't care. I still cry every single time I hear the whole thing. I only wish I would get off my arse and use it as the motivation I desperately need to do this again!

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RAINDROP2000 5/27/2010 4:05PM

Love this song!!!!

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LISAALLGIER 5/27/2010 3:59PM

I love that song too!!
Life is definitely a Climb.
Have a great day.

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Why I'm soooo sleep deprived...

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Well, there are lots of reasons. The first has to do with having to replace our car. I absolutely HATE car shopping...can't stand the salesmen, and hate the whole car buying process even more! Unfortunately, we bought a lemon of a car in March of '09...has had 2 new transmission put in it and only has 20K miles on it...to make a long story short...the '09 Ford Escapes have major transmission problems, but Ford won't admit to them. The last time the transmission acted up, my husband almost got into an accident! Luckily it wasn't my 15 1/2 year old son driving!! He's the main reason I just can't get comfortable keeping this car...even if it does have yet ANOTHER new transmission in it...I just don't have enough confidence in the car to allow my son to drive it...and it was going to be his car to drive! WE finally, just last night, bought our new car...I'm very happy with it, and even happier to have that problem resolved! For those of you interested, we bought a beautiful '08 Tahoe Hybrid.

Secondly, in January of this year I developed an infection where my appendicitis scar is. Turned out that the surgeon...get this...13 YEARS AGO...had left the drain in me!! It ended up, over time, working its way into my colon...so I had icky stuff leaking in me, causing a horrible infection...it was soooo gross...puss was actually leaking out of the scar and I was blistering! Anyway...to make this story short...I am suing the surgeon from 13 years ago. I just got this huge packet of papers I am required to fill out and get back to my attorney no later than the end of this week...I'm having a hard time remembering back 13 years!! Have I mentioned....I HATE THIS KIND OF PAPERWORK...the kind where everything has to be perfectly documented with dates and times, etc...UGH!

Thirdly (that sounds dumb), I have become addicted to Derby, a game my son and I play at Dave and Busters...Dave and Busters just opened here in our area, and it was one of my rewards to go and have some fun with my son once I got below 200...well, what a mistake...I totally forgot how addicting this game is!! My son and I have gone every day for at least 3 hours since Sunday....and I TOTALLY DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS!! But, we have so much fun together! We decided last night that we'd only go on Wednesdays from now on....all games are half off on Wednesdays...and guess what today is....YEP! We're going...but only for an hour...two at the most!

One last reason, but certainly not the last, is Spark. I try so hard to respond, comment, blog, track, and participate...it is a very time consuming thing to keep up with it all!! I'm getting better, but I still need to work on keeping to my time limits on Spark so I can be productive in other aspects of my life, too, like cleaning my house and keeping food in the house!

Well, this is another long blog...sorry...just so much going on! Next blog I am going to do is going to be totally different. SparkFriend YOOVIE had blogged awhile ago suggesting that more people write motivational and inspiring blogs...that really hit me because it made me realize that, as much as I want to be a motivator, I really don't write blogs to motivate...my blogs are more of a journal for myself....so, this next blog I write...hopefully it will be more for all of you...I'm not not TEENY_BIKINI or MERALO when it comes to writing, but I'm going to try my best!

Come check out a new team...Team Popeye...we are brand new, but very active and full of motivation and encouragement. Here is the link: teams.sparkpeople.com/TeamPopeye
Would love to see you there!

As always,
Stay Strong!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRINCESS_TWISTY 5/26/2010 7:45PM

I like reading 'journal' style blogs too! That's what all mine are, it's a way of sharing our experiences with each other. And they can still be motivating, often I'll read what someone did to overcome a particular problem and can totally relate and apply their solution in my life too!
Also, you do SOOOO much on Spark, it's no wonder you feel stressed! I've learned that most people don't EXPECT a thank-you when they comment on your blog, or whatever. You don't have to respond to everybody individually ALL the time!!! You get so many comments that I'm sure you must spend hours responding!!
Take some time for yourself!!

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ERIN1128 5/26/2010 4:52PM

I don't think you should feel like you "have to be motivational" at all! I really enjoy reading "life" blogs too, because it helps me see what I have in common with other sparkers. Anyhow, hang in there!

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JOYINKY 5/26/2010 4:28PM

ALL MAJOR STRESSORS! Unless of course your son lets you win once in awhile

. Seriously, working in a little fun has probably helped keep you sane. I did wonder earlier in the week when I received something you sent in the wee hours of the morning! I am in awe of all you do; but you do need to rest. You know that "good health" triangle? A balance of healthy diet-exercise-and rest! I too have had to limit my time here; use it for breaks in activity. Rest up and be well. Thank you for all you do.

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MOCHA2470 5/26/2010 4:12PM

I totally understand what you are going through. It's hard to do everything. Just be true to yourself and know that everything else will fall into place. Have a great day!

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MISS_VIV 5/26/2010 3:58PM

Great blog. And may I add - YOU need to get some rest girl, or you are going to be forcefed your SPINACH. I won't be easy on you either.

So take some time for a nap or a good nights sleep. And that son of yours should be getting extra rest until the doctor clears him to resume normal activity.

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MERALO 5/26/2010 3:03PM

You'll rock it! Seriously, you will...just write from the heart and write about the things you learn, and we'll love you heaps for it!

I have to start limiting my time on SP too...damn it's addictive, and I'm gonna get myself fired if I'm not careful...soooo, will start exercising self-control from tomorrow! Yeah, we'll see how that goes, I'll keep you posted.

PS - I enjoyed your "journal" too, the point of blogging is to document your journey and you did that really well. Another thing I could never do - start up a team and lead it so well - pat yourself on the back for that!
xxx

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SUGIRL06 5/26/2010 2:43PM

Sorry about the car!!! I hope you have bette rluck with the new one. I also hate car shopping (I don't like to haggle, just give me a decent price!). Sounds like Wednesdays are going to be lots of fun for you! And I know what you mean about "inspirational" blogs. I try to have a balance of inspiring or interesting blogs and blogs where I just talk about my life. I don't mind either type of blog!
~Ang

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RAVENSONG37 5/26/2010 2:16PM

Your blogs about your real life ARE inspirational and motivating...and at the end of the day, the whole reason you are here is for YOU so use your blogs however you want/need to!! Never apologize for doing what you need to do to take care of yourself! The people who love you need you to do that.

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LILY_SPARK 5/26/2010 1:51PM

Woah!

I had a lemon from GM that they never admitted to (24 repairs in the 1st year--couldn't afford an attorney, so I just kept having to take it back til the warranty ran out and then MY personal mechanic managed to fix things better, so that I only needed to come in every few months for tweaking--long story, sorry!).

What a bunch of JERKS! They should own that stuff, ya know?

And the DOCTOR? Holy cow. I'm so sorry for all of that. My goodness, that had to be wearing you down (immune system/ energy) this whole time. I'm so happy you got fixed up yourself!

Better luck to you for car and health!

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Update on the kids exercise...and a few new exercise goals of my own!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

My son, Matthew, is still down with mono, so nothing to report on him, other than the fact that he is doing exceptionally well for having it...thank goodness! AND, he hasn't given up on getting healthy and fit with me, either! He wants me to start the P90X with him this Summer...hopefully first week in June...as long as the doc clears him this coming Thursday...and I am going for it! I'm really nervous because I haven't been doing any strength training and I KNOW P90X is not for beginners...I hadn't planned on starting any PT until early July, but I say "Bring it on!"...I am TOTALLY up for the challenge...Matthew did it last Summer with his father, so he knows what to expect. He says I will do just fine and that he'll be there to help me push through it...gotta love him!

Well, my daughter, Lyndsi, started off strong last week, getting in 3 days in a row of ellipticla, but then got sick herself...haven't taken her to the doc to see if it is mono yet, but I don't think it is...there is some bug going around her school right now that has hit a lot of the kids....so I'm hoping that's what it is and she'll be back to normal by mid to end of this week...crossing my fingers! She can't afford to miss many of her tumbling classes for cheer!

Boston has its Marathon... Pamplona has the bulls... New Orleans has Mardi Gras...
My sister, who is not Sparking with me, but IS trying to make a healthy lifestyle change, has suggested that we make it a goal to run in San Francisco's Bay to Breakers 12k next May. The Bay to Breakers just finished its 99th race...it is one of the world�s largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the traditional course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of the downtown area near The Embarcadero (the "bay" side of the city) to the west end of the city and the "breakers" of Ocean Beach. The 7.46 mile (12 kilometer) race features world-class athletes in addition to costumed runners and 'fun-loving' folks out for a great day of running and walking through San Francisco.

So, my three new exercise goals:

1. To start the P90X by June 7th
2. Train for the Bay to Breakers...probably start with the C25K so many reccommend...July 1
3. To run in the Bay to Breakers race in May 2011

Come check out a new team...Team Popeye...we are brand new, but very active and full of motivation and encouragement. Here is the link: teams.sparkpeople.com/TeamPopeye
Would love to see you there!

As always,
Stay Strong!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUSTFOXXY 5/26/2010 6:18AM

plan. I like p90x. It's tough, but you can tell how you will benefit.

Good luck!

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JOYINKY 5/25/2010 9:53PM

Impressive goals!

Hope the kids are feeling better soon; they sound like a terrific support system!
You are ALL

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GENIEJENN 5/25/2010 8:34PM

Great goals!

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FITKAT2010 5/25/2010 7:51PM

You have some

'ng goals.

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JEANAJO 5/25/2010 5:14PM

Yes! C25K is a great way to start! (I'm just on week 2, but I love the concept!) I wish I could do the P90X. I've heard nothing but good things from it...that is, if you WANT to work hard! Good for you!

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LILY_SPARK 5/25/2010 3:20PM

woohooo! Big goals!

I do the non-ST P90X stuff and it's NOT EASY. Not saying that in a bad way, I mean it's a solid, GREAT program!

Tony annoyed me at first but now I just sort of roll my eyes and sometimes even laugh at him. He's a goofball ;p

While I can't comment on the ST side of it, I *love* the non-ST stuff! You will, too!

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RUNBAREFOOTMAMA 5/25/2010 3:08PM