I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Definitely got back the exercise/food stuff, still working on the productivity thing. As usual.

Yesterday, I ran for the first time since the half-marathon. About 2 miles. I definitely felt the sciatic nerve at first, and I made some adjustments and got it to stop hurting. However, it's going to take a lot more leg muscle than my previous running stance, which is probably good. Most running injuries come from the body being lazy and putting pressure on joints and nerves when it should really be muscle. Now, I just have to build up the muscle with both strength and endurance. That will mean weights and sprints and endurance running, whew!

UFC trainer is apparently already on top of that because there were lots of lunges in my routine today. Lots. My legs are going to ache tomorrow. Oh, and I joined a push-up challenge on fitocracy. I think there's something wrong with me, because I see a challenge button, and I just have to press it. Like, "oh, cool, I can do that too!". It certainly makes life more interesting.

Today is a fast day, and I'm dragging the husband along. Shouldn't be too hard since he slept all morning anyway. Just 6ish hours to go until dinner. Drinking tea and he's having artificially sweetened coffee (which isn't quite cheating but it walks the line). We'll do it again on Friday when he has work and can't really eat on the job easily anyway.

Link to more info on me fasting for new readers:
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=4579039

Okay, today I have nothing outside of home to do, and no food to prepare, so I better get some serious work done. That means getting off here.

Onward and upward!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EAGLES_WINGS 3/13/2012 8:00PM

Your scientific approach to things has got my interest piqued. I have been blinding stumbling around with my life for many years after a fashion. I am trying to become more sensible about nutrition and fitness. It is coming gradually. Thank you for your post. Wishing you all the best with your productivity. Have a great evening. Take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 3/13/2012 2:03PM

Have a good day. Hope that sciatic quiets down!! Report Inappropriate Comment

All That's Left is a Band of Gold

Sunday, March 11, 2012

That song was on the Now and Then soundtrack. I know this, because one summer drive to Disney World from NJ to FL, I'm pretty sure my best friend and I listened to that soundtrack about 50 times. Also includes Sugar, Sugar; I'l Be There; Daydream Believer, and, my personal favorite, Knock Three Times.

It was also just on the radio. Now it's in my head. I'm not sure I like it as much as I did 15 years ago.

Anyway, on with the update. I've now done three days in a row of UFC Trainer again, so I'm back in the zone. I also biked yesterday. I ought to run today considering the weather, but it's a bit late and I have to make dinner soon, so probably not. I am going to run 3-4 days this week though. It's time to get back after my two weeks off. I just have to watch my stance and stick with the balls of my feet.

In terms of my 85% paleo, things are going well. I have created an amazing breakfast salad. It now has mixed greens, red and green pepper, cucumber, beets, hard boiled egg, bacon, sunflower seeds, and homemade hot bacon dressing. Salad for breakfast is surprisingly awesome. Also, it's really easy to make, because of the lack of cooking. I usually throw a side of fruit, typically 4-5 wedges of grapefruit, on the side. This morning it was three strawberries.

Last night I made beanless chili. It had celery in it, which turned out to be really good. I still throw cheese on my husband's portion, but not mine.

I think tonight is Buffalo chicken salad night, but I should check Evernote to be sure.

In other news, I'm working on my productivity this week since I'm not teaching (yay Spring Break!) so I'm going to make two lists, one of things that are "work" and one of things that are "fun". Then I'm going to try 45 minutes "work" and 15 minutes "fun" all day tomorrow. Also, with interjections for food and working out. Let me put up a mini schedule so I know what I'm thinking.

4:00 wake up, brush teeth, quick email
4:30 Spark stuff
5:00 UFC Trainer
6:00 Shower
6:30 Breakfast
7:30 Nap
8:00-11:00 Work/Fun mix
11:00 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Work/Fun mix
1:30 Run
2:30-3:30 Work/Fun mix
3:30 Snack
4:00-6:00 Work/Fun mix
6:00-7:30 Make/eat dinner
7:30-8:30 Work/Fun mix
8:30 Nap
9:00-11:00 Work/Fun mix
11:00 snack, chill time
12:00-12:30 Bed time

Okay. I like it. I won't work that much every day because other things will happen, but that's a good framework. Like, tomorrow from 4-6pm is a Magic the Gathering event at the Library. Now all I need is my two lists, and I'll be set.

Okay, time to really go make dinner.

Onward and upward!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1STATEOFDENIAL 3/11/2012 8:31PM

Just a thought - what happens if the plan doesn't work, or you go over on your times? Just playing devil's advocate, as I've tried this before and it didn't work too well unless I set alarms constantly and was willing to instantly drop everything when it went off. Is it possible to make the times more flexible, have less switching back and forth, or something like that? Just some thoughts in case you find yourself not quite meeting the time changes. I do hope it works though. As for the food, wow I wish I could have some of that stuff. I haven't had chili or beans (of any type!) in so long! I hope you enjoy it all! Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 3/11/2012 8:17PM

I LOVED those songs, too. OMG, now **I** can't get them out of myhead! LOLOL Salad for breakfast sounds good to me. I generally have oatmeal, but sometimes switch off with soup. Have a good week off. Seriously . . .up @ 4 am and to bed at midnight of 12:30am? Man, I'd be in zombieland . . . more than I already am! LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

EAGLES_WINGS 3/11/2012 7:55PM

Your meals sound tasty. Your productivity ideas sound great. You are making it happen! Report Inappropriate Comment

Where I'm livin' it's hard to say

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wow have I been busy. Here's the quick version:

2/25 - turned 30! W00T! I'm probably more excited than most people hitting a milestone, but that's just me.

2/26 - ran my 3rd half-marathon, finished in 2:48:50. My slowest time, but only by 3 minutes. Considering how much my sciatic nerve hurt, I'm surprised I did so well.

3/3-3/7 Went to Philadelphia for a conference on innovative teaching. Loved it! However, internet was spotty at best.

Anyway, so now I'm here. It's spring break, thank goodness! I have so much grading and such to catch up on. I'm hoping to get it all done so I can get back to a normal life again.

So, my half-marathon could have been better. I'm in great aerobic shape, and even decent physical shape. However, the sciatic nerve problem is bad news. A pinched nerve sends pain straight up and down the back of my leg, which then throws off my step, and forces my calves to be overworked, and then they cramp.

Anyway, I do have a plan for this.
Item 1) I put on almost 20 lbs over the last year and half of new job interviews and moving. I haven't gained since I got here really, but I haven't lost either. Anyway, I need to be a good girl and lose the weight. So, I'm going mostly paleo. What's that mean? Cutting grains and starches. Out, not just down. No pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. Also, minimal dairy, and emphasis on whole foods and veggies. I'm aiming for about 85% paleo, which means I'll have a little hard cheese, some dark chocolate, and not worry about sauces and salad dressing having a little sugar in them.

Item 2) Increasing my strength program to up my leg strength so that my muscles can carry me longer, thus keeping my posture up and keeping the pressure off the sciatic nerve

Item 3) Adjusting my running stance to keep this from happening again. Need to stay on the balls of my feet more and build up slowly again so that I'm not "lazy" when I run distances.

Item 4) I've got a good yoga routine for the sciatic nerve, I just need to do it daily. Possibly twice daily.

So, that's about where I'm at. Weight down, exercise up. Rollin' along.

Glad to be back.

Onward and upward!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUGARSMOM2 3/11/2012 2:27PM

sounds like you are a very busy person . good luck Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPESINGH 3/11/2012 6:05AM

Good luck with all those changes, and with handling this nerve problem. And congrats for the half-marathon! Sounds like quite an achievement, given the circumstances. Report Inappropriate Comment

EAGLES_WINGS 3/11/2012 4:12AM

Good for you persevering. Hang tough! Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 3/10/2012 8:12PM

Well happy, happy belated birthday! Good luck playing catch up during your break. Hope it works! And your plan sounds spot on. Sciatic pain is such a . . . well . . . PAIN! Hope it clears up fast for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 3/10/2012 2:49PM

You made it to spring break! Woot! You did what you could through all the 'craziness' and activity over the past week and a half. Grab a few good breaths then get working on your plans. You're doing good! Report Inappropriate Comment

EGALITAIRE 3/10/2012 10:52AM

Sounds like a solid plan - go get'em. Report Inappropriate Comment

Let My Love Open the Door

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I've been watching a lot of Burn Notice lately, and their theme song is eerily reminiscent of my title song.

OMG I haven't blogged in FOREVER!

Good Things: I've been mostly eating well. I've been exercising like crazy. I ran 10.5 miles in anticipation of the half-marathon (11 days!), and I'm feeling pretty good.

Things That Need Improving: I'm behind on everything, and this past weekend was an eating disaster.

Fortunately, I'm back on track again, and need to stay that way until Disney for the half-marathon!

On my list: getting back on here and blogging.

So ... hi!

Okay, gotta run.

Onward and upward!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EAGLES_WINGS 2/16/2012 11:25AM

Love that song, too! Great work on making things happen for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

CINCYDORA 2/15/2012 10:32AM

I LOVE that song but have not picked up on the similarity to Burn Notice. I'll have to listen closer. Hope you had a wonderful VDay and continue having good training sessions for your 1/2 marathon! Report Inappropriate Comment

1STATEOFDENIAL 2/15/2012 10:20AM

Wow - almost time for the race! Best wishes on it! (I won't say good luck because it's all about preparation and the will to keep going.) Be sure to grab a picture to share with us! Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 2/15/2012 7:56AM

Hi there!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Like a Firefly Without a Light

Friday, January 27, 2012

Yikes! I'm still not really used to this schedule, but I'm getting better. I had both of my powerpoints posted before class this week. Now, I need to spend the weekend making up all my work for next week, including an exam, so I can actually get ahead.

The scale and me are having some issues, like it's lack of reasonable movement. Seriously. I can only imagine I'm due for a reasonable drop at some point in the near future.

I've been good on most every front. Exercise is rolling, UFC trainer is great! I can't quite do fast enough T-pushups. I've been running, and doing yoga. Today I'll either run or bike, we'll see.

I made my new favorite veggie dip this morning. It's cream cheese, artichokes, spinach, chickpeas, parmesan cheese, a little whey, onion, garlic, salt. Yum! I also need to make new honey peanut butter and yogurt this weekend.

I'm trying to adjust my sleep schedule again, because what I've been doing ain't quite working. I find that when I sleep longer, I feel worse and more tired, so I'm going to kick back the hours a bit and make a point of getting out of bed when the alarm goes off.

I'm watching season 2 of Burn Notice, and Michael Shanks is on it. Hehehe, geek crossover love.

Time for shower, breakfast, and a lot of working from home with a little exercise and shopping thrown in.

Onward and upward!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1CRAZYDOG 1/27/2012 10:53AM

Yeah, stress is a bugger! Even GOOD things that are a change can cause the body to feel like it's a stressor. Well, hope that getting up with the alarm helps your sleep a little. I have to do that too. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUPERSYLPH 1/27/2012 10:35AM

Maybe it's stress? I know that when I'm not losing while I seem to be doing everything right, I'm most likely not losing because I'm so stressed out! Report Inappropriate Comment