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A Big Fat *SIGH*

Monday, February 14, 2011

I'm not really sure how to start this blog. A few emotions are going on.... frustration, I'm ticked off, confused... and perhaps a hint of relief (Ha!).

I haven't posted about Insanity further, because I haven't been able to continue it. Because the Day 1 workout was pretty tough, I decided to wait a day to do Day 2 - my muscles were killing me. Until yesterday, one of my calf muscles was still not right, I guess a bit of damage was done to it - I couldn't walk on it really well. So Day 2 never showed up. And then today, I went back to the chiropractor to start acupuncture treatments again. When I told her what I had been doing, trying to figure out what aggravated the issue again, including some snow shovelling, yoga, and the Insanity workout. She asked what that was, so I told her. She flat out said not to do it anymore. And that ticks me off because I really wanted to give it a good try - and hopefully succeed in completing the cycle. Because there ain't no way that my buddy Nicholas is going to finish it and NOT ME!!! LOL
(And for the record, she advised that I NOT do abdominal crunches anymore either - whew! dodged that bullet! haha)

So I'm pretty frustrated. Just wishing that this back/disc situation clears up so I can really return to a regular workout routine. I won't be running this week after all as I'll be still taking treatments, but the weather is warming up so I'll try to get out walking.

*SIGH* emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JANETRIS 2/12/2012 12:46PM

    I was so sorry to read about your limitations and the frustration you are feeling. Is swimming and option? Or water aerobics? I'm just trying to brainstorm with you. Keep at it. You will find something that works for your body.I'm keeping you in my prayers here... emoticon emoticon

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RENEEV777 8/12/2011 7:20PM

    deep breath...

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MARINAJOY1 3/19/2011 1:12PM

    hey Carla, I share your frustration. I have prolapsed discs at l4l5,l5s1, spinal stenosis at l4 and three nerve roots are impacted by the prolapses -l4, l5, s1.

I am trying to find something that works so that I can return to running. I was training for a half when I injured my back again last year (originally had injuries in 1998. I had a fall recently and have notice additional pain on my right side (to date it was all on my left)...

I am still looking for something that works for me... Keep the faith, and keep looking! |I may try wall crunches and see how that goes...

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BTRTHANEVA 2/16/2011 5:49AM

    Carla,

There's something out there for everyone. You just need to find the right program for you!

When one door closes, another opens. Here's to you continuing and NOT GIVING UP! Perhaps day one was a good indicator and thankfully you stopped before doing any further damage to your precious body.

In the meantime, until you find that program that you can work at which will work for you, keep moving! You can burn up to 350 calories a day by keeping your body in motion! Step in place while you're brushing your teeth, take loads of laundry up in multiple trips, do leg lifts while waiting for the micro wave's buzzer, stand instead of sitting when you can. Just keep moving yourself - keep your body in motion!

Hope you're feelting better and that you sanely (hehehe... the name of that program is enuf for me not to want to check it out) find something that works! Take good care of you and your machine!

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GRACEFULIFE 2/15/2011 1:11PM

    Good point on the core strengthening. All the more modern people take inspiration from the work of Dr. Stuart McGill ( http://www.backfitpro.com/ ) who evidently now thinks your lower back has a limited number of flexures available in your lifetime (I may not have this concept exactly correct), so you shouldn't waste them on crunches. So all the newer core progressions use exercises that involve low to no risk of lower back flexure.

I've seen Mike Boyle's ab progression recommended, which you can find here: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online
_article/sports_body_training_p
erformance/anterior_core_training


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TYKXBOY 2/15/2011 12:37PM

    I can definitely sympathize with you on the back issues. I've been dealing with them for almost 10 years, now. Tore a disc in my lower back and I've never been the same. Causes me pain in my right leg and joints which can be eased by staying active and healthy and keeping my weight down.

Anyway, I never do crunches because they make it worse. However, there are plenty of other core exercises you can do to strengthen your core. Stretch your back and strengthen your abs, is what the docs will say. There are core exercises (like crunches) that you should stay away from with your disc problems, but there are others that you CAN do. I had PT for my back and they gave me a print-out with certain exercises to do specifically for my back and they definitely worked. "Superman," "modified superman" (lifting 1 opposite leg and arm instead of all of them), isolated bent-knee leg lifts, "pelvic rocks" and a few others. Ask your chiro for these types of exercises that you CAN do. They will help you a lot! Promise. :)

Hang in there. It will get better!

"Don't tell me what I can't do!" ~ John Locke from Lost

Comment edited on: 2/15/2011 12:38:16 PM

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NANHBH 2/15/2011 10:55AM

    Carla,

We only get one body to go through life. Take good care of yourself. You are young and strong and you will recover. Healing takes time. Praying for you!
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CARLA0716 2/15/2011 9:07AM

    @MCSNYDER! Hey! she is my second opinion. My other chiropractor has been treating me for a year, and no results whatsoever. And this is a guy who's treated professional sports teams and players! And least with her I was pain free for just over a month. I trust what she says over the other guy. He just wants me to get out there and run run run! Never mind that I'm still in pain.

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MCSNYDER1 2/15/2011 8:51AM

    Carla, get a second opinion! Can you "tone down" the insanity? that may sound stupid because I've never tried it. Hang in there girl! Let us know how this all turns out.

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GRACEFULIFE 2/15/2011 8:28AM

    "Remember Ricardo Montalban? There was a specific type of exercise he could not do, he took isometrics to such an extraordinary level that he made it about legendary."

Yes, that and Corinthian leather. Whatever that is.

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WILLOWCAT1 2/14/2011 9:37PM

    awwwww, sweetie! that IS frustrating, I know... BUT (yep, you knew I was going to throw my but into the conversation LOL!) being able to WALK COMFORTABLY isn't negotiable! You have so much vibrancy and life in you, I would hate to see it dampened by a permanent/chronic injury. I know you can find good challenging exercise programs that don't involve possible injury to your back.

(Oh, and hey, if you're looking for a REAL challenge, here's a formal invitation for you to come help me clean my house! LMAO!!!! )

Stay well, hun! Keep us posted!!!

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RJ4HEALTH 2/14/2011 9:19PM

    My wife has some Serious(TM) back/neck issues. The kind were surgeons are ready to perform surgery to replace a disk or two. I keep telling my wife to be very careful with her back and to err on the side of caution.

We saw our primary care doc and when he initially saw my wife, he would not provide a physical therapy consult. I went back with her and mentioned that her surgeon said she could postpone the surgery and he (the surgeon) even recommended physical therapy. That doc capitulated and my wife gets the physical therapy (that helped 2 years ago when she got this initial news).

Now more rounds of MRIs soon. It pains me to see my wife not able to exercise as she wishes. We really want to exercise more together. I bought an exercise bike partly so I could be here at home - and she's at least nearby when i exercise.

Your case may not be the kind of case my wife has. Perhaps you can get a second opinion from a separate doctor. Perhaps not, perhaps that is the finality. Hopefully not. I hope perhaps you can take some of the challenge, perhaps work up to it? I get the impression from what you wrote, there is a possibility that this is out of the question.

Remember Ricardo Montalban? There was a specific type of exercise he could not do, he took isometrics to such an extraordinary level that he made it about legendary.

I see now why you wrote in your status that you're contemplating your next move. Sorry for the hard card you were dealt today, perhaps there are other cards in the deck and your hand (to to speak) that at first glance do not seem probable, but can be useful if done differently.

Apologies/Sorry if this is too much.. what I wrote, praying for you

RJ

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CARLA0716 2/14/2011 7:07PM

    @KARENZIO - Nope, she said not to do it ever. Nor the crunches. Because my future career goal requires a strong body, I need to keep everything intact. Once I have the current back pain treated, I'll have to do regular preventative treatments once a month, even when its "healthy". So I think from now on, my workout will have to consist of running (yes, it does have impact, but there isn't a lot of lateral or angular movements, I guess), yoga and strength training. I have to start loving ST again, because if that's all that I can really do, I have no choice! haha!

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KARENZIO 2/14/2011 6:58PM

    Did she say you could never do it, or just that you should wait until the back/disc situation clears up? Maybe you can get a second opinion from your primary physician too, see what he/she says. I hope things work out soon so you can get back into a routine you like -- with or without abdominal crunches! emoticon

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ABSOLUTZER0 2/14/2011 6:58PM

    Yes, we both know that Insanity is well....insane! Your body does take a beating and I often wonder how some people's body can take that punishment. You know you have to listen to your body and in your case also, your chiropractor. There is no way I'm going to allow you to not be able to do anything! I need you to rest your body. I know you will not run from working out, so when you are able to it is back to your regular workout routine.

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Insanity Day 1.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

This is a short blog because I have no energy for a long one!
Not two minutes ago I finished my first workout for Insanity - the Plyometric Cardio. Perhaps that was the wrong one to start with, because it killed me. I never was able to do quick movements in cardio workouts, even when I was twenty years younger, but I did ok with this one. There were a few that I didn't do, and just did some other moves instead. And some of them I knew would aggravate that ongoing issue with my back, so.... Still kept the heart rate up pretty high though.

But holy crapola that was a workout!!! I think this will be what my body needs to shock its system. Because if this doesn't, nothing will! LOL

ok. now I need to go shower. :)

Happy Thursday all!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ABSOLUTZER0 2/11/2011 4:12PM

    You are my insane friend for another reason! LOL! Yes, most of the workouts will punish you, but that's why it is so fun! Woohoo! KILL IT, CARLA!

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JMERLAU 2/11/2011 3:38PM

    you didnt' start with the wrong one Carla...they ALL gonna KILLYA like that!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA>
Great work girl!!

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RJ4HEALTH 2/10/2011 11:40PM

    Great going Carla
I looked up day 1, day 2 of insanity plyometric cardio and found some videos that depict a victimizing workout -- applause to you! --
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That looks like a non-trivial serious workout!

RJ

Comment edited on: 2/10/2011 11:40:12 PM

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BTRTHANEVA 2/10/2011 9:22PM

    Carla, you are crazy, girl! I wish I had half your determination! I bet you'll sleep well tonight.

I wish I could say that I'd like to try this program. I know my limits, and this is waaaaay above them. Plus, I have enuf insanity in my life already ~ I don't need anymore... lol.

Good luck with day 2!!!

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GRACEFULIFE 2/10/2011 7:08PM

    Well, hopefully you started with the Fit Test since that's the first thing on the calendar! The warmup for the fit test wasted me out the first time before I even got to the test!

And yeah, the next day is the first _real_ day, which is like whoa.

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NANHBH 2/10/2011 12:12PM

    Carla,

Glad that Insanity is challenging you! I have no idea what it is, but I know a lot of MIH people do it.
emoticon
Nancy

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KARENZIO 2/10/2011 12:04PM

    I had to google "plyometric cardio" to figure out what you were talking about. Sounds intense! Good for you for finishing it!
emoticon emoticon

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D_K455 2/10/2011 11:59AM

    emoticon

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2011 Goals - Week 1 Update

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

ok, this has to be quick, I'm already late getting out the door this morning! (crazy, addictive spark!)

Week 1 of 2011 Goals got off to a great start. Four (yes, 4!) runs done. A round of hot yoga. Alls well so far. Yesterday evening I started some upper body strength training. Meh, I could have done more - I think I need to get away from the TV while I'm doing it, to concentrate more. I was also supposed to do some running yesterday - but it was too frickin cold. I'm in a training course this week - I plan to do a 45 minute walk during my lunch break if it isn't snowing too much, as predicted. Add food has improved a bit this week as well - already starting to see the numbers on the scale shift!

Have a great day all!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLBEACHBUM14 1/20/2011 9:06AM

    I am glad you are off to a great start and hope you continue to do what you can and make good choices! I have never done resolutions, they seem like ultimatums but goals are good. Keep Making It Happen!
emoticon emoticon

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NANHBH 1/11/2011 8:27AM

    emoticon emoticon
You're off to a great start, Csrla! Good luck in your class this week.

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FARMCHIK 1/11/2011 7:32AM

    Well done your doing great!!!!!

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2011 Goals

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

2011. Wow. How did we get here!

This is the time of year when we start or renew our goals, say THIS TIME it is going to work. THIS TIME will be different. I'm guilty of that, we all are. I don't know what the magic wand looks like, but I wish I had one! Because each time, it takes a lot of work, both physically and mentally.

The physical won't happen if the mental isn't showing up for the game. I think that most of the battle IS mental, because if your mind has to be in the right place, for the right reasons, at the right time. That probably takes more work than any workout that I've ever done.

So that is my main goal for 2011 - focus on the why. Focus on what my reason is. Focus on the getting past myself and my excuses for not getting out there and moving. Because I know I (90% of the time) eat healthy and within reason, so my problem is movement.

I. Have. To. Move. Plain and simple.

So far this month, I've started back into running after back and hip injury. I'm starting from scratch so I don't overstress the muscles and joints in that area, and all looks good - no back ache or hip stiffness!. I don't want to set myself back again. Each week for the month I plan to add something to my routine:
Week 1 - running approximately 5 km every other day, starting at a 1:1 program. Each week will see an increase in a running portion of 1 minute increments, to a ultimate maximum of 10:1. Of course, that will increase my running distance accordingly. Each Saturday, its increments of an all out run, with a 1 minute rest period. For a distance of 10km. (that distance will increase in a couple of months)
Week 2 - adding upper body strength training 3x week. Each week will see an increase in weight and/or reps. Haven't fully worked that one out yet - it starts Jan 10.
Week 3 - a re-attempt of the 100-Push up Challenge.
Week 4 - Starting the 200-Squat Challenge. That one will be tough!

Why am I not starting all of this at once? Because I know that if I run in with my heels on fire, I'll burn up within two weeks. Maybe not even that. Its the mental! One step at a time.

What is it they say? Slow and steady wins the race?
I want to win.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BTRTHANEVA 1/5/2011 4:53PM

    Carla!
MOVE IT, MOVE IT! YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!!!

And you will! Great plan... Now go, MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Best of luck!
Christelle

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SOUTHIE2010 1/5/2011 2:34PM

    Great blog! I'm so happy to be out here again and gaining inspiration from you.

I'm starting the running again, but doing the C25k again since that worked really well the last time.

The push up challenge. . . almost . . . a little bit tempting!

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GRACEFULIFE 1/5/2011 12:52PM

    The biggest thing for us all? Just. Do. Something.

Nice job on completing the challenge from the J-man.

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TODDJAMES 1/5/2011 12:24PM

    It all starts with a plan...you were a winner anyway...this will just ENSURE you finish on top!

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BTWCOACH 1/5/2011 12:22PM

    Carla
Great plan, girl!!! You ROCK!!!

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MCSNYDER1 1/5/2011 11:21AM

    Great job, Carla!

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RJ4HEALTH 1/5/2011 12:31AM

    Go Carla Go!!! Be flexable with the plan if needed for unexpected things - sounds like a good plan :)

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MFOLAND1 1/4/2011 11:46PM

    Great plan Carla! You can do it!

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MICHCLEARY 1/4/2011 11:01PM

    Sounds like a well thought out plan. Good luck. Take one day at a time and you will win.

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JMERLAU 1/4/2011 10:54PM

    YOU my friend are a WINNER already!! Keep at it Carla, you've layed out a GREAT plan!

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NANHBH 1/4/2011 10:17PM

    Carla,

You ARE a winner! This is a great plan. I'm going to plan to join you in week 3 with the 100 push-up challenge. My tootsies should be well enough by then. So glad that your back and hip are better.
emoticon emoticon
Nancy

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SLOLOSER 1/4/2011 10:14PM

    Sounds like you have a great plan!

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Well, duh.

Monday, November 29, 2010

So I'm going to put it out there. I gained a whole six pounds in a matter of a couple of weeks.

Six. My clothes don't fit well. I feel gross. Six pounds on a 5'1" frame looks more like 10 pounds.

And why did this happen? Because I can't move very much at the moment, and when I do, I pay for it afterwards with heaps amount of back/hip pain. And because I'm not moving, I'm bored, and therefore I eat. And not always good stuff. Like peanut butter dipped in chocolate chips. Yes its ohsogood, but who am I kidding? THAT'S the reason why I gained six pounds. emoticon

I just have to figure out how to get rid of this, because in the past getting rid of this took forever. Still does. I only originally lost it because of high stress levels about a year and a half ago. Can't go through that again. I'll have to ponder this conundrum as I sit here munching on baby carrots and drinking my water. blech. boring.
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLE_TAILOR 12/13/2010 3:50PM

    You could always dip your carrots in the peanut butter . . . I think it's yummy.

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LUCKYDOGFARM 11/30/2010 8:13PM

    you just had to go mention peanut butter dipped in chocolate chips. arggg! i have a VERY weak spot for that! that is why we do not keep chocolate chips in our house. that is what helped me get up to 202 pounds last year. well, that and my lack of self control...
hope you are feeling better soon. don't beat your self up, just get up and moving as soon as you can!!

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TEENY_BIKINI 11/30/2010 7:39PM

    So sorry to hear about your back. Once you are well you can kick those pounds to the curb.

Hang in there.

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JMERLAU 11/30/2010 11:21AM

    Take care of the back Pain Carla...THEN you can attack the 6 pounds. I know you will drop it during training for a half marathon in Kansas. Bottom line - you gotta get healthy first.

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MSANITAL 11/30/2010 9:34AM

    ok 6 pounds that is a bag of flour and 4 sticks of butter. hmm well you can get rid of it.. you ate its over thats it..
there are 1000s of tips on spark and ready made meal plans pick one adopt it. and workit cuz you can do it.. another thing you might want to try is visulize you loosing that bag of flour and 4 sticks of butter. you can do it..
Good Luck

Comment edited on: 11/30/2010 9:36:52 AM

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SILLYBERRY 11/30/2010 1:56AM

    I'm right there with you! It's hard, but we can do it!

and I like cucumber or lime in my boring water! :)

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GRACEFULIFE 11/30/2010 12:04AM

    I've gained about 5-6 lbs over the last 3 months myself. But I've been taking it a little easier, not tracking intake, and in flux with my workout plan. So I'm going to turn the screws and drop it off this month. You! Down! Now!


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FLBEACHBUM14 11/29/2010 9:05PM

    Y'know that Nancy is serious about her offer- and you know how it is less difficult to handle some things when you are not alone. Like being injured and losing weight. Accepting her offer could be great for both of you! You would be helping her too and I bet you would both enjoy the time together over the holidays. Besides, carrots and water are not near as boring when they are shared with a friend!
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NANHBH 11/29/2010 11:09AM

    OK, Carla,

December 17, get in your car and drive to Chicago. Come and stay with me over the holidays. I'll be recovering from foot surgeries and won't be moving much either. Together we can eat carrots and drink water -- and do our Spark DVD's to the best of our ability! And, we'll try to stay out of trouble!

Your being honest about what is going on is the first step to remedying the situation. I'd hate to see go through more extreme stress to lose weight. I'm holding you in prayer, my dear friend.
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Nancy

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