SPY 2; Day 32: I Feel Like Chowing Down, But I'm Not Going To!

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

A very light exercise day. I skipped the Toastmaster meeting because I woke up with a sore throat that got worse as the day progressed. I thought being in a small conference room would be unfair to everyone else. Instead, I walked at lunch, not much, but more than I would have if I had gone to the meeting.

I am all over the map today nutritionally. A bit hungry, but I don't want to give in. I weigh over 2 pounds more than I did the last time I stepped on the scale and that is not acceptable. If I were kidding myself, I would say it's the KB workouts, but that's not true. I have barely started with them and I have been overeating.

The next few days at work are going to be very challenging, so I am going to bed early.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHAOTIC-KITTY 3/4/2011 6:45PM

Hope your throat is better!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHQUESTER 3/3/2011 10:57PM

Great job walking instead of enduring a meeting (and possibly getting others sick) light exercise on days you dont feel well can actually boost your immune system. Also, fantastic job on getting extra rest! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 3/3/2011 8:43PM

Sleep is better for you than food today. I hope your throat is better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/3/2011 6:07AM

St. Johns Wort is a great herb for stress, might be a good stop gap until you get to your Dr. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 3/3/2011 12:28AM

Its called stress, you are craving carbs because of it. I hope you can get some decent sleep at least.. Stress also makes it not only difficult to lose weight, but in fact, causes you to retain fat because of the cortisol hormone release. Unfortunatley, you can't do anything about how your work is stressing you out as those factors are beyond your control, but you can try to control your response to the situation. Maybe its time to look into meditation and relaxation as part of your healthy lifestyle. Recognize that there isn't anything you can do about your job situation, and just move past it and get done whatever you can.. Wishing you all the best, as always, Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 3/2/2011 11:38PM

I second what Netgnal said! You are making great choices and sometimes going to bed is the absolute best thing to do for yourself. I hope you have sweet dreams and wake up strong and refreshed! Report Inappropriate Comment

NETGNAL 3/2/2011 10:04PM

You can do it! You're being honest with yourself and that really helps! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPY 2; Day 31: Blues and Kettlebells

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

I was amazed that my Amazon order came today! As soon as I came home, I walked to the office to pay the rent, splurged on a lottery ticket (it's $88M) and then came home to load the DVD.

I learned how to do 5 exercises and did 5 or 10 of each. I want to practice those a few times to make sure I have the form down before I actually launch into the first workout.

I saw Bob Harper's KB DVDs at Target today. They look really hard, so I will use them as an incentive to keep working. When I am ready for them, I will buy them.

The blues are at work. I just feel stuck. As my VP said a couple of weeks ago, I am smart but...The workload is unchanged and the feeling that I am invisible continues. It gets harder to keep working and that adds more pressure because I sure don't want to be unemployed!

This morning, I had a huge breakfast. My tummy felt off so I ate a whole bagel with PB&J (I never do that). I ended the day way over in calories.

I did walk for 53 minutes (not all at once) and did the intro exercises on my new DVD. What a cool early birthday present to me!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JHADZHIA 3/3/2011 12:21AM

Awesome getting the DVD in and starting on it right away. Good for you being careful you have the form down.. So sorry you have such a heavy workload :( Just keep in mind you are doing the best that you can. That is all you humanly can do.. Keeping up a healthy lifestyle will help you be as productive as possible.. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 3/2/2011 9:19PM

I love that you are enjoying the kettlebells. Exercise should be something you can look forward to after a tough day at work. I'm feeling really stressed at work recently, too. I don't feel appreciated at all. I look forward all day to my strength training or yoga. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/2/2011 8:55AM

Love the sound of the DVD and I agree getting the form correct will serve you well in the long run. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPY 2; Day 29: One Kettlebell DVD Found!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Kettlebell purists are probably cringing. I found a DVD today at Target and it was the only one there! AND it was only $9.00


I went to a surplus store and did not find anything KB related. I went back to my favorite used book/music/dvd store. I saw some great fitness DVDs. They ranged from $3.95 up to $19.95. They had a used copy of the DVD I found at Target for $14.97. I found another DVD for working with weighted balls for $3.95. I picked up a small weighted ball last week, so I grabbed that DVD.

When I got home, I put the KB DVD on and worked through ONLY the KB tutorial. I need to practice my form because I am sure I am not doing it perfectly. I would love to take a class to make sure I am doing the right form. I am wiped out from just doing the tutorial!

KB purists say that you should be trained by someone who's certified in KB and use the heavier weight KBs. I plan to work up to that...

Time for a late lunch and then studying...

Update: My brother gave me a giftcard to Amazon, so I ordered the book "Kettlebells for Dummies" and another DVD. I can't wait until they arrive!


Thanks, everyone, for your comments on my recent blogs. Some of you really touched my heart and brought me to appreciative tears!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HANDSPK 3/1/2011 12:43PM

Nice! Nothing like a new fitness regimen to spark some excitement for it! Good ideas! And thanks for the positive comments on my blog. Means a lot ... :) Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 2/27/2011 11:10PM

That is awesome you are getting into this and being very careful about it too. It is best to practise form and make sure you get it properly as this work out can easily lead to injuries. Its always so exciting trying something new! I do envy you, as weights is something I will ever be able to do and improve at. I am limited to 5 lbs lifting only with my new artificial elbows :( Enjoy your new DVD's!! I can't wait for summer to hit the garage sales and find some great bargains (I found some DVD's, not even opened for $!) Good night, have a great week! Hugs, Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 2/27/2011 9:02PM

WooHoo I love successful shopping trips! I was just looking on Amazon for a couple of things too. I put them in my shopping cart, and now will think about it for a day or two. I have to decide if I really need them, or merely want them. Have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 2/27/2011 8:31PM

right back to you! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPY 2; Day 28: Kettlebell DVD Hunt Continues (A Good Day!)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

I started the day with a little strength training. I used my kettlebells and was discouraged that some of the exercises seemed really tough. Then, I realized I was using the 10 pound weight instead of the 5 pound one. No wonder! Yet, WOOHOO! How cool that I could even use it at all! That got me pretty excited!

I went shopping and did not get much walking in then. I was going to take a walk when I got home, but it was soooo cold outside and I suddenly could not keep my eyes open. A short nap was not particularly refreshing.

Surprisingly, BF wanted to go with me to see if I could find a DVD for beginners about kettlebells. He hurt his knee the other day, but said he could handle the walk through the shopping district. We did not find any, but I got in a lot of walking. We did find some "sweet black rice" and "red" rice. That should be fun to try.

We're going to a larger bookstore tomorrow and, if I don't find one, I'll order one from ebay or Amazon as an early birthday present to myself...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 2/28/2011 4:20AM

Looks like you are onto a winner here! Well done. Good luck with the DVD hunting! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 2/27/2011 10:39AM

I'm glad you're back to the kettlebells. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 2/27/2011 1:55AM

WOOHOO is right! I definitely think you have found your exercise! Good luck on the hunt Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 2/27/2011 12:40AM

Way to go with the kettlebells! Good luck finding a video! Have a fabulous Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPY 2; Day 27: I Feel as if I am Chasing Mercury

Friday, February 25, 2011

I feel as if my role in life right now is trying to corral mercury from a shattered thermometer. Of course, you're not supposed to touch mercury, but I remember from science class that it is really hard to round up!

I've blogged ad nauseum about my work situation. I just don't think I will ever be on top of my work load and all the other stuff surrounding work does not help.

My living situation has challenges (but whose doesn't, right?).

In short, as I commented on someone's page or blog yesterday, I feel as if I can control nothing in my life save that part of it that is SparkPeople. Yesterday and today, I abdicated my responsibility. I did not eat as if I care about me and I have not exercised much. Amazingly, I got nearly 10K steps today, but that was more accident than planned.

I am not proud today...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 2/26/2011 8:28PM

You should be proud. You got nearly 10K steps in - I never even come close. You're still on Spark People, still trying. You have a strong work ethic, whether it's appreciated or not at work. You are a kind individual, and ultimately, that's worth more than all the rest. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWHORIZONSR4ME 2/26/2011 2:01PM

Today is a new day! Rejoice in it and take care of yourself. Having control of yourself is very empowering. That sense of control gives great satisfaction and it sounds like that would really fit well in your chaotic life. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYSTERY4EVER 2/26/2011 10:41AM

Take a deep breath, look forward - not back, and enjoy your weekend. You can do this. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 2/26/2011 8:43AM

Sorry to see that things have not improved for you. There are things you can control, and how you think is one of them. Google "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" and have a look. There are some really helpful strategies on how to change the way we think and view the world. Report Inappropriate Comment

NONIE_C 2/26/2011 2:45AM

There is so much in life that we have no control over, but that's not what's important...what's important is what we do with the things that come our way. And one or two decisions on a bad day do not define us. Things have been stressful for you lately and you're finding it difficult to make good choices about food and exercise - this happens. I'm beginning to realize that it will probably always happen. But don't jump into the cycle of self-destruction. You have come too far!!! Just because you make some choices that don't necessarily reflect the kind of self-care you want to be showing yourself, doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. When you are feeling down, you don't need negative self-talk, you need encouragement, belief in your abilities, acceptance of the fact that mistakes will be made and are not the end of the world...you CAN tell yourself it's OK!!! YOU CAN YOU CAN YOU CAN!!!! Try it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 2/26/2011 12:52AM

Keep in mind exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boredom! When you feel like eating something bad, drink water and get moving instead! This is just a bump in the road. We all have them. Time to own your weekend and get back on track! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 2/26/2011 12:00AM

Don't allow a bad day or two too derail you from eating well and exercising. Reflect on what choices you are making and why, and then move on. Every time you need to make a choice you have the opportunity of making the better choice. Do what you can, and don't berate yourself when you fall short. The work stuff not many of us have total control over, unless we own our own business, and then you are at the whim of customers or clients. After all work is a four letter word for a reason! I hope you have a good weekend my friend. Report Inappropriate Comment