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LMBARR1's Recent Blog Entries
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Monday, December 31, 2012
I began my fitness journey January 2010. The only real goal I had was to lose weight. I started exercising and really cutting back on my food, trying to make healthy, low cal choices. The weight slowly began to come off. I was introduced to sparkpeople and began setting other goals and receiving motivation and inspiration from other sparkpeople members. I read the book and realized that if I could do this, I could try/do other things too. I started running. I hated running. I slowly built up and triumphantly completed a 5k. I began running with a running group about 4 miles a few times a week. I decided to train for a half marathon. I ended up with a knee injury which took a long time to heal. Finally, in September 2012 I completed my half marathon. Never have I wanted to quit something so badly. The last mile, my knee was causing me so much pain, I just didn't think I could finish. But I did. That is a lesson I will take with me into 2013 and beyond. Sometimes you think you can't succeed, but keep one foot in front of the other and you will reach your goal!
My new goals for 2013 are to get to my goal of 158. I would like to broaden my exercise horizons and try kick boxing, yoga and learn some ab workouts. I tried paddle boarding for the first time in 2012 and loved it. I would like to continue to try new things. I especially want to become active on sparkpeople again and continue to track my food, exercise and blog steps in my journey.
Friday, July 15, 2011
I purchased new Nike running shoes, the watch and chip around 3 weeks ago. I am so happy with it that I thought I would share the info for anyone who is running and wants to track their mileage. It is the handiest little device and not too expensive. Firstly you need a pair of Nike shoes that are made with a place for the chip. Then you purchase the watch and chip together. It is super easy to set up an account online, then everytime your run, you take the part out of the watch and put it in your computer and it automatically uploads and stores your info, including distance, pace, calories, and time. I have previously only ran mostly on a treadmill and did not like the idea of not knowing how far or how fast I was running. Now with this little set, I can run outside and still track everything. Very handy and highly recommended!
P.S. I do not own stock in Nike :-)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Spark's recommendation is to write about an obstacle in a blog. My biggest obstacle is tracking my food. This should be very easy and painless, but I can't seem to consistently do it. I do know that over the past school year, I have lost 8 lbs. It could have been more and I could have reached my final goal, but I haven't been tracking my food most of the year. The times I did, I lost weight. When I don't, I maintain although I feel I should be losing. I obviously eat more calories than I think I do. That's why tracking food is so important. I believe there is an "Honest to yourself" factor to tracking and accountability. I don't have access to computer most of the day and am on dial-up most of the time. I think I will try tracking in a journal and entering it all at the end of the day.
I have overcame quite a few obstacles over the past two years. I have found a way to fit exercise into my life on an almost daily basis. I have began running and have consistently improved. I have tried many new things and broadened my horizons and joy. I have met many new people, especially at the gym who have become a part of my support group. I have cleaned out much of my clothes and rest of the house removing clutter and excess, freeing up space both physically and mentally. I have completely changed my eating habits and have educated myself on the healthiest food choices and habits. Overall, it has been two years of much progress.
In addition to tracking my food, my new goals for the summer include:
Clean out the garage (big mental burden)
journaling
learn new healthy recipes
visit new places locally
read a few books I have been wanting to read
stain the deck
cut back on caffeine
do one running event (planning for 7 mile July 9)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
I did continue the weight class. I am improving and also found what I am doing wrong to feel so terrible. I was tightening my neck for crunches, etc. After learning to relax it and really pull from my core, I have not had neck pain/headaches.
The main thing is I CAN do all of the things in the class. Maybe not great or even well, but I am challenging myself and improving and that feels great!
A few weeks ago, I reached a fitness goal of running 5 miles. I was very tired, but happy and felt mentally pumped all day. I decided I wanted to work towards a 10K.
Hubby and I ran 4.5 miles outside last week. I was so exhausted! We crossed a lot of steep terrain and kept a brisk pace. I felt a little discouraged how high my heart rate kept getting (making me slow down) and how completely spent I was after.
I decided I need to work on inclines on the treadmill, so that is one of my new fitness goals.
Then, Weds. , Hubby suggested we go for an outdoor 6 mile run. I didn't want to run 6 miles and felt afraid to try since I had only recently managed 5 mi. He said okay, we would just run 5 and walk the last one as a cool down. Well, we ran the whole thing! I was getting sore and muscles cramping, but I was so thrilled that I was once again proving to myself that I could do something I didn't believe I could!
Every time I do something I have never done before I feel such a thrilling sense of accomplishment!
What's next? I do want to do a 10 K, probably in June.
Also, I would like to try something new like Tennis. I am looking forward to warmer weather and being out doors more to see new places too!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Already feeling like I needed to mix things up a little, combined with prompting from a gym friend convinced me to take the "power pump" class at the gym. I followed her lead and set up a step bench, mat and hand weights. I followed and finished most of the sets all with 5 lb weights. I mainly was interested in "core" work, but the class was filled w/lunges, weight lifts for every muscle in the upper body and push ups. The next day I was very sore. I returned to the class and a different instructor. She seemed like a street fighter and tough trainer. I felt extra akward and uncoordinated. I did as much as I could and all day felt horrible. My neck hurt and my muscles hurt more than a "sore." I again took the class two days later with the original instructor and again felt horrible all day after. I asked myself, "Is this really worth it?" Why do I really need to work these muscles anyway? It seems too much, but what is ironic is that I feel I have "mastered" the eliptical, stair stepper and treadmill and need more of a challenge. Well, this class seems too hard for me and the chunky 60+ year old woman next to me is doing the whole workout w/heavier weights. I honestly don't know if it is worth it to me. Will I feel better as time goes on? Should I try something different? Suggestions????
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Member Comments About This Blog Post:
Although 5 lbs may not seem like so much, it is really quite a bit when you are doing the kind of workout you described!
