Good Find and Feeling Good

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I found a step -- like the kind they use in step aerobics -- in our thrift store for $2. So I have new possibilities for exercise in the living room, especially while I'm watching TV. I hope to find some of the square parts (are they called risers?) to make it taller.

If you read yesterday's blog, don't feel too sorry for me. Calling it "lower back pain" is an overstatement. Mild discomfort is more accurate and even that is improving. I had some treatment today and was told I could still run, so I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill. Felt good!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 7/15/2011 9:22PM

I love thrift stores! I get some of my best "treasures" there! I'm glad you're still running! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 7/14/2011 8:52AM

Have fun with your new exercise toy! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 7/14/2011 7:43AM

Gotta love those thrift stores! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 7/14/2011 1:23AM

Great find!! I have had my step for a long time now, and have risers for it, but don't know if you can buy them separately. Check online with the used resale places. Good luck with it and enjoy!! So glad your back wasn't too serious, way to go with the treadmill! Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 7/13/2011 9:30PM

great deal on the step! See the fun you can have shopping once you retire!!?? lol Congrats on the run and remember to take it easy on the back...we have to look after our team mascot!!! lol Hugs, Theresa Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 7/13/2011 8:50PM

That is where we got our step! We originally bought ours as an extra step for our 5th wheel and then I started to use it when I started working out at Contours. They are great. Glad the back is feeling better. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIEONLI 7/13/2011 8:23PM

Yay!!! Love a bargain!!! Good news on the back! Slow & Steady!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 7/13/2011 7:57PM

I love a great deal -- yay thrift stores!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 7/13/2011 6:25PM

I love thrift shopping and making a great "find"! Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/13/2011 6:08PM

Awesome on the step! I paid way more than that at Amazon.com when I bought mine! WTG on your back! Report Inappropriate Comment

SASSYCHRIS1952 7/13/2011 5:42PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

Water Exercise

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

I have 3 running books by well respected running experts. Each lists many issues that can arise due to running, but not one of them mentions lower back pain. So I thought it was just me. But then yesterday, while reading a SparkPeople article I read, 'Runners often times feel pain in their lower back from the tightening of their hips caused during a running motion. " It recommends 3 back-strengthening exercises. However, one of them, the back extensions on the ball, is what I was doing when my back first started bothering me.

So today I went to the Healthy Back water exercises at the YMCA. It wasn't really cardio and wasn't really strength training, mostly stretching with some ab work. Not sure if it is going to solve my lower back pain or not, but I think it is worth a try. Next time I need to go earlier and do cardio first or stay and do lap swimming after. This time I left my house at 9:20, didn't get home until 11:30, and hadn't exercised. Perhaps I'll walk tonight.

If you are interested in the SparkArticle I cited, Ouch! Avoiding the Aches and Pains, check it out: www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness
_articles.asp?id=151

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KALIGIRL 7/13/2011 12:10PM

for posting the article, I hadn't read it. Hope your back is better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 7/13/2011 12:41AM

A back is a touchy thing I sure know that. A good strong core and specific exercises for the lower back are the only way to go. Maybe this water class will help, I sure hope so, wish I had something like that here for my chronic lower back problem. I agree with massage, or best, getting physiotherapy -those guys perform miracles! I hope you solve it! Feel better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 7/12/2011 9:21PM

I hope those back exercises help!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEWATKINS 7/12/2011 7:33PM

I'm shocked by the benefits of water. Yesterday I rode the stationary bike like a mad woman (think Biggest Loser, peddling for $100,000). I burned 270 calories in 20 minutes (according to My Fitness). I then swam laps for 15 minutes, American crawl one way and backstroke the other, AND that burned 275 calories. Five minutes less time and 5 more calories. Amazing. Good old water! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 7/12/2011 6:26PM

Before my dh had back surgery, he did 12 wks of PT in the water-they wanted first to see if it would relieve the pain and if not to try to strengthen it before the surgery. It did help but did not get rid of the pain-hence he eventually had surgery. Report Inappropriate Comment

MNNICE 7/12/2011 5:42PM

Great timing, as my lower back has been nagaging a bit the last few days. From time to time I go to a chiropractor and have him stretch and stimulate the muscles (no "cracking" allowed!), but I haven't had to go for over 3 years now. Hoping I can work it out on my own! Interestingly enough, I had been a bit lax on the core exercises while I was on vacation, and perhaps that had something to do with it..... Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/12/2011 4:04PM

There is a Daily Spark today about Hamstring problems that can also cause lower back pain. Sorry you are hurting - I hope you find the solution. Report Inappropriate Comment

PMFISH 7/12/2011 2:27PM

A good massage also helps loosen the lower back if you have a good massage therapist. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

Not Cheating (Warning: For Die-Hard Trackers Only)

Monday, July 11, 2011

From time to time, usually as I'm measuring foods to be tracked, I have wondered if I have been consistently cheating. Today I took the time to experiment to answer my own question, at least for this particular situation.

The question that I've pondered without answering for months - if not years - is whether the water/liquid in the can is included in the nutritional information. Today I took a can of low sodium pinto beans. I poured off the liquid which was about 1/4 cup. The label reported that the can contained 3.5 half-cup serving. So, you would expect it to hold 1 and 3/4 cups beans. When I measured the can, it held 2 full cups of water.

So, I'm thinking that when I measure out 1/2 cup of beans the nutritional info should be correct. I was concerned that if the liquid was to be counted and I always just selected the beans that I was repeatedly getting more calories and nutrients than I was tracking. Now I need to confirm this observation with several cans.

Yes, I know this experiment is bordering on the obsessive. Yes, I know that the answer for fruit in juice or syrup is different since the juice is actually higher in carbohydrates and calories than the fruit pieces. Yes, I know I don't have to be precise in order to succeed. Yes, I know all of those calorie listings are really estimates.

Nonetheless, I found it quite satisfying to find this particular answer today.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SEPPIESUSAN 7/13/2011 6:54PM

I went through a phase of being kind of obsessive about it all..I used to weigh an apple before I ate it, then weigh the core after I was done, and subtract what I didn't eat from what I did, and Spark-track the grams of apple eaten. Now I just go under apples and choose "small," "medium," or "large." Ultimately the scale will tell you if you're eating the right number of calories or not! Report Inappropriate Comment

MNNICE 7/12/2011 5:02PM

I've found, too, that there seem to be so many discrepancies. Sometimes tracking can be very tedious - but at least for me, it's a necessarily evil! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUESKY_321 7/12/2011 3:51PM

It's all about being aware! And keeping engaged! And you are obviously both! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAZINMICH 7/12/2011 2:06PM

This is something that drives me insane!!! I'm constantly going, how much, what does it say, what am I actually eating?? GRR! Pasta is incredibly frustrating. I always try to err on the side of caution, it's just so frustrating. I took the last month off from tracking altogether! I'm starting back up again in hopes of losing another 50+ lbs. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 7/12/2011 2:02PM

2 cups of water or 2 cups of beans? Report Inappropriate Comment

4A-HEALTHY-BMI 7/12/2011 1:16PM

I find measuring by weight to be less ambiguous. Amusingly enough, with some items the weight reported on the front of a can of tuna is sometimes different from the weight reported in the nutrition facts for "contents of can." The difference is the water the tuna is packed in. So if I'm not actually weighing stuff but going by the label I always go by the nutrition facts version. And yes, I do sometimes compare the weight of an item with the "serving" listed on the package. Sometimes it is quite different. If it's very different I go by the amount my scale says is there rather than the package estimate. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 7/12/2011 12:59AM

Every once in a while I do the same thing. I've found several off brands that were on sale where it didn't measure correctly. My guess is that that was the reason why they were on sale. Generally the name brands were accurate with the amount printed on the box. Report Inappropriate Comment

LAFEMMEDELALUNE 7/11/2011 6:35PM

I do the same kinds of things, hehe! It especially freaks me out if it is something I eat often over a long period of time. If I have to estimate something (like restaurant food), I estimate high, just in case. I like to think it balances out other possible miscalculations. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISTYRIVER64 7/11/2011 6:29PM

When we take the time to verify what we are being told (be it information about our world or something about our food) we are doing ourselves a great service. Sharing it means you are doing everyone a great service. Thanks Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSIEMT 7/11/2011 4:50PM

Well, now I know why you look so good! You take nothing for granted! Spark on my friend! Sometimes I like being in the dark and leave those touchy questions that might lead me to a higher calorie count alone. Maybe that is why I never have pasta!:) Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 7/11/2011 4:24PM

I don't think you are obsessive: fact is, that relatively small calorie "excesses" (100 calories a day) add up to . . . 10 pounds a year . . . which compound over the years to 50 pounds, 70 pounds and so on. And: when you see how much effort is required to burn even 50 calories on the elliptical cross trainer . . . well then!! Your diligence and attention to detail is what has made you successful, and what indicates you will continue to b successful!! I rinse canned fruit (the way Linda describes -- although I eat that very seldom) and I rinse the beans carefully too, mostly to get rid of any of the BTH (or whatever it is) plastic from the can liner, plus any excess salt. Never do use the liquid in the can, always just the rinsed beans (and I do eat a lot of canned chickpeas, lentils, black beans etc.). Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 7/11/2011 2:37PM

My bug was this. A package of macaroni said it contains 170g. A serving size is 71g of dry mix (about 1/3 the package) that the nutrients are given for. Can you see this math does not add up??? It should contain 210 grams then!! It would be kind of hard trying to measure three separate servings, one being not big enough dry, then make it up. Problem with pasta is it varies so much depending on whether you like it firm or soft :(( so measuring the cooked product is just a crap shoot. I agree measuring is not precise. In regard to canned fruit, rinse the fruit thoroughly with water so you get no extra calories from the juice or syrup water and then you can count the fruit separate. It does make you stop and think why some people may be struggling.. Report Inappropriate Comment

CONTENTCHRIS 7/11/2011 1:45PM

Hey good call. When in doubt i always lean towards the high side ..meaning if the can says 150 and the juice may or may not count ..i count it...but I am a guy and have a few hundred more calories that I can partake in as well... p.s. Love your Art outside picture background ! Report Inappropriate Comment

T2SEE140 7/11/2011 1:28PM

Great thought! I had thought of this as well. There have been too many times where a can of soup says "about two servings" and when I measure it is only one and a half servings, talk about cheating! I myself use my own measuring tools and the nutritional information on the container and do not worry about the servings. There are too many times that I don't use the juice/fluid. I figure that I am still losing weight so my measuring style works for me. Report Inappropriate Comment

TINYFRIEND615 7/11/2011 1:27PM

I think this is interesting. I had never though about that before. I get especially confused with tracking pasta! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/11/2011 12:54PM

Obsessive? Yes. Can I relate - ABSOLUTELY! I went through the same thing with measuring frozen or cooked and decided that I prefer the cooked measuring! If you take a cup of frozen mixed veggies and then cook them, you will not have a cup of cooked veggies. So which is it? I will be interested to see what you decide with your beans! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 7/11/2011 12:51PM

I totally appreciate where you are coming from, Marcia. It's good that we are at least in close proximity in our tracking. After all, we are somewhat accountable. Yes, I believe that we could be inadvertently "cheating" ourselves. But we are only as accurate in our recording as our data is. (I have a separate issue with some of the shaky user food calorie input/serving available in Nutrition as well.) Since, I started Sparking, I have also purchased a food scale. That helped me a lot on portions among other measures. Obsessive? No, I think we just care. Thanks for sharing and I really enjoyed the insight. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIM--POSSIBLE 7/11/2011 12:35PM

I wonder the same thing, but have always just counted the measured food I actually ate. I have measured the grapefruit in a container, and found that there was less actual fruit than the number of servings listed, so I would assume that the liquid would have to count. I haven't actually measured the liquid, though, to test that theory. Report Inappropriate Comment

Two Pair of Panties

Saturday, July 09, 2011

As I took a load of laundry out of the dryer and folded 14 pair of underwear, my husband did a double take. He commented, almost under his breath, that there was proof I hadn't done laundry for two weeks. I straightened him out. I worked out every day, got good and sweaty, showered and changed. I use two pairs of panties every day now. I did laundry just a week ago. So there!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLUESKY_321 7/12/2011 3:52PM

LOVE it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 7/12/2011 3:06PM

I had visions of photos of huge bloomers and then a thong.... Report Inappropriate Comment

HAWKEYERANT 7/11/2011 9:57AM

This made me laugh!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEWATKINS 7/10/2011 9:06PM

Two things immediately come to my mind: 1) If this were written by Charles Dickens it would have been entitled "A Tale of Two Panties." 2) Your guy needs something to do! He has too much time on his hands if he's counting the clothes as you fold them! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 7/10/2011 7:53PM

The proof is in the laundry! I love it! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 7/10/2011 12:23PM

so there is right! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 7/10/2011 9:48AM

Know the feeling! It seems like I am endlessly turning socks inside out :PP Sounds like your hubby could use some exercise so he would know what it was like.. Hope you have a super Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISTYRIVER64 7/10/2011 8:09AM

So HA! Great laugh to start off the day! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWKAREN43 7/9/2011 11:47PM

Good job! Keep sweating up those...panties!!! My family comments every week about the panties and t-shirts I go through. Hey, a girl's gotta sweat!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUNEBUG150 7/9/2011 11:25PM

The title caught my eye! Very funny! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 7/9/2011 10:41PM

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! I thought I was the only one that hit that quota every week! Comment edited on: 7/9/2011 10:42:58 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 7/9/2011 9:19PM

Hi Marsha I had to laugh, as a single person, I have no one to make comments to , But I can understand your husbands comment. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 7/9/2011 8:55PM

Yeah, my husband doesn't understand changing undies after a workout either! Report Inappropriate Comment

DINGALLSTOO 7/9/2011 7:42PM

funny, had to read, just because of the title! keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 7/9/2011 7:31PM

you tell him! fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 7/9/2011 7:05PM

Very cute!! We've got way more laundry too -- with the gym and golf . . . work and "around the house" clothes. Report Inappropriate Comment

LAFEMMEDELALUNE 7/9/2011 6:13PM

Hee hee! We never know quite how a healthy lifestyle will change our lives until it happens. :o) Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 7/9/2011 5:49PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 7/9/2011 5:41PM

Woo Hoo! Report Inappropriate Comment

REBCESS 7/9/2011 5:23PM

wow this is really funny :) Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/9/2011 5:18PM

Too funny! I know, I go through clothing faster now too! I get all sweated up! I thought you were going to say how much tinier your panties are now! You got me! Report Inappropriate Comment

Speeding Up

Friday, July 08, 2011

Yesterday on the treadmill at my gym I did the intermediate program to increase running speed that I found here on SparkPeople:

Intermediate Speed Program

What to do For how long Intensity (1-10)
Warm up at 5 mph pace 5 minutes 3.5
Jog at 5.5 mph pace 2 minutes 5
Jog at 5.8 mph pace 2 minutes 6
Jog at 6.2 mph pace 5 minutes 7
Jog at 6.4 mph pace 3 minutes 7.5
Jog at 5.5 mph pace 4 minutes 5
Jog at 5.8 mph pace 2 minutes 6
Jog at 6.2 mph pace 2 minutes 7
Jog at 6.4 mph pace 5 minutes 7.5
Jog at 5.5 mph pace 2 minutes 5
Cool down 5 minutes 3.5
Total Workout Time: 37 minutes


I found it quite easy and that tickled me. The last time I had tried it, probably 4 weeks ago, I got through it, but it was a struggle. I will admit, though, that I tried the advance program and I'm not quite ready for it. I plan to create a program based on these principles that is more challenging than the intermediate, but not as challenging as the advanced. But I hope to keep going. Who knows. Someday I may have to create one that is more challenging than the advanced program. Maybe. My body will tell me if and when I am ready.

If you are interested in these workouts check out the following article:
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness
_articles.asp?id=1147

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MONTY68 7/9/2011 9:28PM

Hi Marsha Thanks for sharing this. Knowing you for a while I see no reason why you won't advance to the next level and as you say perhaps even greater levels. You have a special drive within you that is so awesome and a inspiration to others to increase what they do. As a walker , what you do is so impressive, but for me I am having some difficulty with a faster pace. You continue as you have since we met, inspire and motivate me to do more. Thank you. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

SCRAPPINPHARMD 7/8/2011 6:23PM

That is Great idea to adjust according to your level. If I have learned anything...it's to set challenging yet attainable goals to keep the motivation going and build the confidence. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 7/8/2011 3:51PM

Way to go Marsha! I'm totally jealous! I wish my fake knees could run but I know better. At least they allow me to do a brisk walk without pain. You go girl! See you tomorrow at the team walk! Report Inappropriate Comment

WRITEFROMHOME 7/8/2011 3:39PM

good for you! I am just starting my transition from walking to jogging and not sure I'll ever go for the full ot running but I am enjoying the journey so far! Good to know that enjoyment never ends! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 7/8/2011 3:22PM

Wish I could run . . . and cheering you on with your amazing progress!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 7/8/2011 2:48PM

WOW!! That is fantastic progress in just four short weeks!! I have no doubt you will reach the advanced stage and then some. But always be careful and listen to your body to make sure you are not overdoing it! Then you will know when its time to advance safely!! I join the other slow pokes on the trail watching you speeding by, Go Marsh, GO!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RWALTON730 7/8/2011 2:42PM

That is Keep on and speed and endurance will come with time. I run outside, at a decent 11 min. mile pace. I would like to go faster, but for now am just glad to be running. Keep up the good work! Rhonda Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 7/8/2011 2:22PM

I have to agree with Raylin. A walker I will always be but I am thrilled with your progress as a runner! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 7/8/2011 2:09PM

You are one of my favorite motivators, even if I cannot run! I am just so thrilled for you that you can run!! Run Marsha Run! Report Inappropriate Comment