Tonight brings either the end of Week #4 or the start of Week #5 - ever the optimist - I shall say it is the beginning of Week #5.
This week was an interesting week if you have read my previous post. The gym that I do my extra training and cardio at - closed their doors. A little stressful - but the good news we have been told is that they are opening up across the street hopefully by mid October ~ so creativity was the name of the game trying to figure out how I was going to get in the extra cardio as I am still on double cardio each day with exception of the weekend which consists of one cardio session. The fact the gym was closing was a convenience issue more that anything.
Eating at the moment is still seeming easy - Too easy in fact. I am used to eating fairly clean as I mentioned before, so I am not finding it a huge challenge on what to eat. I am still on every second day no carbs ~ which isn't usually a problem for me. The last few days I have found that I am slightly hungrier - I don't know what the reason is. I am eating in moderation but not weighing anything as of yet. But I am also dreaming about how to make certain recipes or what I am going to make. I think this is early to start actually dreaming about food?? How crazy is that? My friend who is doing the training as well has suggested that we take pictures of our food to see who can make it look better. Well ~ I think the challenge is on ~ I just have to figure out how to take the pictures with my iphone....remember I am technically challenged.
I was excited this week as I figured out that I could make my protein pancake at work on our panini grill ~ of course this also started because of the closure of the gym. But....I'm saved as I can make it myself. I also figured out that I can make it with out the oats on the days that I cannot have carbs.
I have also noticed this week that I am more aware of the no-carb day and the carb day as I make a point of getting my food together for the next day and calculating what I will eat. I still have been very diligent in writing everything down. I put back the coconut pieces at Costco yesterday as the package says it contains sugar. What a shame!! ;(
I felt strong during training this week and I really look forward to the days that I have bootcamp and spin together. Yes - I feel that I worked hard, and yes I sweat bullets like there is no tomorrow ~ another Lake Willson; but training felt good - my stomach growls halfway thru spin class tho. Of course the only weight training I am getting is on bootcamp days so that may be another reason I am really excited about going, My personal training session went by fast which consisted of cardio (what else) and ab work. I think this was because we were talking the whole time about the closure of the gym. I had to switch up some of my cardio at the end of the week because of the circumstances of the gym, but I still managed to get it all in. I went to the track with my friend on Saturday and according to her - kicked her ass! Really ~ what a compliment ~ but that wasn't the intention ~ I knew that I had an hour of cardio to do, and that was the goal. Get 'er done!! But secretly that made me feel pretty good.
My shoulders are slightly sore and not all the time. I believe this is aggravation from my job not from training.
I've stepped on the scale a few times this week as my clothes seem to fit a little different, my boobs seem to be getting smaller (yeah!), my abs seem to be a little more defined, but I can't tell if that is wishful thinking or I am just imagining that, but I still think my scale is broken. This week is the week that we are to do more measurements and see what my body has done in the last month. I am excited but at the same time a little nervous. This is only the beginning, and am I going to be on the right track where I should be? Only my friend and trainer can tell me that. It will be interesting to hear if I have to stay on the double cardio or introduce the weights. What ever he tells me to do ~ I'll follow.
I look at each week as an exciting challenge and am taking one week at a time.
Bring it on Week #5!!
Sunday, 30 September 2012
What?? Gym closed??
We are such creatures of habit ~ whether we drive the same route to work every day, stop at the same coffee shop, religiously have the same drink order, or have the same routine for getting ready in the morning. Of course every personality is different ~ but as I have described my Type A personality can you imagine my surprise, and STRESS when I found out my gym closed??
I was lucky ~ I had a few days to get my head wrapped around it before they closed the doors, but unfortunately they did not give their members much notice. What I learnt from this was, I wasn't the only one that was stressed about the change that was going to happen to routine because of the gym closing.
*Gym rats*, athletes, elderly looking to just keep their bodies moving, or just *normal Joe* who has made the gym part of their every day routine or life style. Exercise can be fun ~ but it has become a part of many peoples every day routines. Add into those routines, their working hours, their travel time, their home time - there really isn't much room left in the day to allocate that hour one can make time for getting to the gym and working out, let alone spend the extra time driving to a gym that is out of the area where you live. Some people are lucky enough to find a gym on their way to work; or have the time to drive to their gym of choice or even have a gym at their place of business. Other people have equipment in their homes (me) but do prefer the gym atmosphere or feel motivated going to a gym. Other people have their day scheduled to the hour, to the minute. Convenience is such a factor. Yes - there may be many gyms out there - but again, options, price, convenience, equipment play into every equation.
This week one of the gym's closed their doors as of Wednesday. OMG!! I have my routine, I have my goals, and I did not factor in the fact the gym was going to close. Yes - I did have a few days notice as they are in the same complex as my business. We have been assured that they are re-opening under a different name across the street - hopefully by the middle of the month. This sequence of events has now left many people including myself, looking for alternatives with their training.
I am lucky as I also train in at my trainers' gym as I have mentioned in previous posts. Whew! But what was I going to do in between those times, especially when I am to be doing double cardio, and I don't have a lot of extra hours in my day. Thankfully, my friend who is also training for the same show, suggested that she had a treadmill at home that I was more than welcome to use. My trainer offered me an older stair climber that I am welcome to borrow in the interim. The community centre we do have in our area has a treadmill and some other older cardio equipment - and of course the other alternative is the track. It just means that you have to start being creative. Yikes!! A change in routine - this is always good, but when we are set in our ways....OMG!!!
In the time the gym has closed its doors - I have used my friend's treadmill. I went to the track with my friend and ran stairs and laps (which is much better with a friend than alone), and since my husband has started bike riding, I have humoured him and joined him on his route twice.
I can say cardio has not been boring ~ it has been different changing it up, and of course the weather has been nice to be able to take advantage of being outside - which is an actual bonus.
The owner of the gym has invited me to train in the chaos as they are getting ready to open their new location. When they have their cardio equipment set up I will take her up on this as it is still in a convenient distance from my business.
But until then....I'm learning ~ variety is the spice of life.
I was lucky ~ I had a few days to get my head wrapped around it before they closed the doors, but unfortunately they did not give their members much notice. What I learnt from this was, I wasn't the only one that was stressed about the change that was going to happen to routine because of the gym closing.
*Gym rats*, athletes, elderly looking to just keep their bodies moving, or just *normal Joe* who has made the gym part of their every day routine or life style. Exercise can be fun ~ but it has become a part of many peoples every day routines. Add into those routines, their working hours, their travel time, their home time - there really isn't much room left in the day to allocate that hour one can make time for getting to the gym and working out, let alone spend the extra time driving to a gym that is out of the area where you live. Some people are lucky enough to find a gym on their way to work; or have the time to drive to their gym of choice or even have a gym at their place of business. Other people have equipment in their homes (me) but do prefer the gym atmosphere or feel motivated going to a gym. Other people have their day scheduled to the hour, to the minute. Convenience is such a factor. Yes - there may be many gyms out there - but again, options, price, convenience, equipment play into every equation.
This week one of the gym's closed their doors as of Wednesday. OMG!! I have my routine, I have my goals, and I did not factor in the fact the gym was going to close. Yes - I did have a few days notice as they are in the same complex as my business. We have been assured that they are re-opening under a different name across the street - hopefully by the middle of the month. This sequence of events has now left many people including myself, looking for alternatives with their training.
I am lucky as I also train in at my trainers' gym as I have mentioned in previous posts. Whew! But what was I going to do in between those times, especially when I am to be doing double cardio, and I don't have a lot of extra hours in my day. Thankfully, my friend who is also training for the same show, suggested that she had a treadmill at home that I was more than welcome to use. My trainer offered me an older stair climber that I am welcome to borrow in the interim. The community centre we do have in our area has a treadmill and some other older cardio equipment - and of course the other alternative is the track. It just means that you have to start being creative. Yikes!! A change in routine - this is always good, but when we are set in our ways....OMG!!!
In the time the gym has closed its doors - I have used my friend's treadmill. I went to the track with my friend and ran stairs and laps (which is much better with a friend than alone), and since my husband has started bike riding, I have humoured him and joined him on his route twice.
I can say cardio has not been boring ~ it has been different changing it up, and of course the weather has been nice to be able to take advantage of being outside - which is an actual bonus.
The owner of the gym has invited me to train in the chaos as they are getting ready to open their new location. When they have their cardio equipment set up I will take her up on this as it is still in a convenient distance from my business.
But until then....I'm learning ~ variety is the spice of life.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Isn't technology great?
Isn't Technology grand??
A well dressed customer in business attire comes into my store this morning and as per the usual question asks, *Do you have wifi*? I proceed to take her order, give her and her associate their coffee, and the *secret* code to the internet.
As it turns out this customer is going to be giving a presentation to 100 people. As she also needs to be in this area for another meeting she told me what better way to kill two birds with one stone. Multi-tasking? Time management? Who would have thought? Isn't it grand how far we have come in our technology?
We see people in our store, Face Timing. This is where they can talk on their phone and see the person they are talking to, even in another country (ie. England) and its FREE. But...if they were just to call them the *normal* way they would have to pay for the long distance.
Skype is another one. This again can be done anywhere; we have customers doing this as well, whether it be for business interviews, meetings or just catching up with a friend across the world. Again - I think this is FREE. I have never skyped - but hear about people doing it all the time.
I find all this technology fascinating. How far we have come from the dial up phone, the huge wind up phone (way before my time) the can and string... Do I understand half of this new technology? Absolutely not - do I have or have I had time to do Face Time or video chat? Nope...lol...but...you never know what may lie in the future.
Enjoy your day everyone....happy chatting!!
A well dressed customer in business attire comes into my store this morning and as per the usual question asks, *Do you have wifi*? I proceed to take her order, give her and her associate their coffee, and the *secret* code to the internet.
As it turns out this customer is going to be giving a presentation to 100 people. As she also needs to be in this area for another meeting she told me what better way to kill two birds with one stone. Multi-tasking? Time management? Who would have thought? Isn't it grand how far we have come in our technology?
We see people in our store, Face Timing. This is where they can talk on their phone and see the person they are talking to, even in another country (ie. England) and its FREE. But...if they were just to call them the *normal* way they would have to pay for the long distance.
Skype is another one. This again can be done anywhere; we have customers doing this as well, whether it be for business interviews, meetings or just catching up with a friend across the world. Again - I think this is FREE. I have never skyped - but hear about people doing it all the time.
I find all this technology fascinating. How far we have come from the dial up phone, the huge wind up phone (way before my time) the can and string... Do I understand half of this new technology? Absolutely not - do I have or have I had time to do Face Time or video chat? Nope...lol...but...you never know what may lie in the future.
Enjoy your day everyone....happy chatting!!
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Starting Week #4
Here we are ~ Sunday night ~ and enjoyable carb day. As in my last post, I told you how I even dreamt about my breakfast. One would think I would dream of other things....nope it had to be a pancake!!
My last week was slightly tiring. I hate to admit that I am tired - and if it wasn't from the incriminating photos my husband has taken of me falling asleep on the couch I would still deny it! Actually, I won't say I was tired...but maybe my body was a little fatigued. The whole week felt pretty good tho.
Tuesday I was a little fatigued in the bootcamp class - I had done cardio in the morning and then spin class prior to bootcamp. It could have been from the extra cardio or just the change in my diet. Blake and I have good communication and he is always asking how I feel, in regards to fatigue and the body. I think other than my one on one training sessions, my favorite are the bootcamp training sessions. I may be liking them more at the moment as I have not touched weights at all, with exception of my personal training sessions or bootcamp exercises - trainer's orders.
Personal training on Wednesday was holy shit....cardio/stairs for the full hour! Holy Crap Batman!!! One clean and press barbell with no weight (the bar still weighs something), then single stairs down, and doubles up. Back to the barbell, two presses and then two sets of stairs all the way to fifteen sets. I got it done - and it took the whole hour.
Friday night yoga felt great for my body and a well deserved stretch! I had come from cardio and I had missed it last week and my body recognized that. After class, I felt re-energized.
I asked in one of my previous posts, *What Motivates People*? Everything I mentioned in that post motivates me. But, on Friday and Saturday I had a few people ask if I had lost weight? How cool is that? That they would notice - and only after 3 weeks? That was a motivating moment for me...
But...it also showed me that the work that I had just started is showing already. At the end of the month we will be doing more pictures, measurements and body fat testing to start charting the progress.
I can actually say that this week was a full completed week without any hiccups thrown in as in travel, or missed cardio sessions.
Onward and upward into Week #4
My last week was slightly tiring. I hate to admit that I am tired - and if it wasn't from the incriminating photos my husband has taken of me falling asleep on the couch I would still deny it! Actually, I won't say I was tired...but maybe my body was a little fatigued. The whole week felt pretty good tho.
Tuesday I was a little fatigued in the bootcamp class - I had done cardio in the morning and then spin class prior to bootcamp. It could have been from the extra cardio or just the change in my diet. Blake and I have good communication and he is always asking how I feel, in regards to fatigue and the body. I think other than my one on one training sessions, my favorite are the bootcamp training sessions. I may be liking them more at the moment as I have not touched weights at all, with exception of my personal training sessions or bootcamp exercises - trainer's orders.
Personal training on Wednesday was holy shit....cardio/stairs for the full hour! Holy Crap Batman!!! One clean and press barbell with no weight (the bar still weighs something), then single stairs down, and doubles up. Back to the barbell, two presses and then two sets of stairs all the way to fifteen sets. I got it done - and it took the whole hour.
Friday night yoga felt great for my body and a well deserved stretch! I had come from cardio and I had missed it last week and my body recognized that. After class, I felt re-energized.
I asked in one of my previous posts, *What Motivates People*? Everything I mentioned in that post motivates me. But, on Friday and Saturday I had a few people ask if I had lost weight? How cool is that? That they would notice - and only after 3 weeks? That was a motivating moment for me...
But...it also showed me that the work that I had just started is showing already. At the end of the month we will be doing more pictures, measurements and body fat testing to start charting the progress.
I can actually say that this week was a full completed week without any hiccups thrown in as in travel, or missed cardio sessions.
Onward and upward into Week #4
The Protein Pancake
I dreamt about the protein pancake last night. Seriously, I am not a foodie. I love to cook, just ask my family and friends. I have requests at Christmas time and everyone wants their favorite goodie made. My chocolate chip cookies are *the bomb*. My son has introduced me to the TV show, CHOPPED; But...I have now discovered the Protein Pancake...and the best part - it's good for you and I can eat it.
A few years back I was told I had *sensitivities* to certain foods, mostly dairy, wheat & gluten. This meant watching what I ate, and being more diligent than I had been in what I was eating. I already had an idea of what foods irritated me and I tried to stay away from those. When the girl from the gym told me she wanted to make me this pancake...being polite, I agreed. In the back of my head, I was thinking, *I'll be polite, but I won't be able to eat it*. You see, I hate pancakes - even as a kid, they were not a favorite of mine, and to eat them, the syrup was too sweet and I usually felt sick.
Alora made me this wonderful Protein Pancake - it was actually heaven....and it didn't bother me at all. I honestly thought I had died and gone to heaven. Knowing that it was good for me was even better. I attempted to make one at home the following weekend. It didn't taste as good, didn't look the same, but for the first try I already had ideas how I would change it for the next time, not to mention the huge mess I made of the microwave!! The worse part about making a mess is it is usually means you have to clean it up! I neglected to tell you, as I love to cook, I seem to not be able to follow a recipe. I ALWAYS have to change it and modify it.
I've talked about my training diet at the moment, which involves every second day *no carbs*; which now means the pancake is even more delicious, as I can only have it every second day....because is has oats in it....oats are the carb factor.
The first secret of this amazing pancake is the pan. You need to have a small 8 - 10" round frying pan as the batter spreads. Combine all the ingredients in a blender: 1/2 c. egg whites, 1 egg, 1/3 c. oats, 1 scoop protein, cinnamon and blend. Pour into heated pan. When little bubbles start to appear in the batter, flip pancake. Cook over medium heat so as not to burn it. You can experiment and add either a banana or other fruit to the batter, or even a scoop of almond or peanut butter. The topping I use is about 1/2 c. of blueberries and a teaspoon of coconut oil, warmed in the microwave. When pancake is ready, remove from pan and top with your topping of choice. Add extra cinnamon if you desire, and you have heaven on a plate.
The best part...its' good for you!
A few years back I was told I had *sensitivities* to certain foods, mostly dairy, wheat & gluten. This meant watching what I ate, and being more diligent than I had been in what I was eating. I already had an idea of what foods irritated me and I tried to stay away from those. When the girl from the gym told me she wanted to make me this pancake...being polite, I agreed. In the back of my head, I was thinking, *I'll be polite, but I won't be able to eat it*. You see, I hate pancakes - even as a kid, they were not a favorite of mine, and to eat them, the syrup was too sweet and I usually felt sick.
Alora made me this wonderful Protein Pancake - it was actually heaven....and it didn't bother me at all. I honestly thought I had died and gone to heaven. Knowing that it was good for me was even better. I attempted to make one at home the following weekend. It didn't taste as good, didn't look the same, but for the first try I already had ideas how I would change it for the next time, not to mention the huge mess I made of the microwave!! The worse part about making a mess is it is usually means you have to clean it up! I neglected to tell you, as I love to cook, I seem to not be able to follow a recipe. I ALWAYS have to change it and modify it.
I've talked about my training diet at the moment, which involves every second day *no carbs*; which now means the pancake is even more delicious, as I can only have it every second day....because is has oats in it....oats are the carb factor.
The first secret of this amazing pancake is the pan. You need to have a small 8 - 10" round frying pan as the batter spreads. Combine all the ingredients in a blender: 1/2 c. egg whites, 1 egg, 1/3 c. oats, 1 scoop protein, cinnamon and blend. Pour into heated pan. When little bubbles start to appear in the batter, flip pancake. Cook over medium heat so as not to burn it. You can experiment and add either a banana or other fruit to the batter, or even a scoop of almond or peanut butter. The topping I use is about 1/2 c. of blueberries and a teaspoon of coconut oil, warmed in the microwave. When pancake is ready, remove from pan and top with your topping of choice. Add extra cinnamon if you desire, and you have heaven on a plate.
The best part...its' good for you!
Where does Motivation come from?
Another epiphany or random thought... Where does motivation come from? Is it a motivational saying, someone saying something derogatory, a complimentary word or an encouraging hug, a blog we have read, http://tofatandback.com/, or a video we have seen, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqmASFA7eB0&feature=share or even a tv show/movie that might have inspired us. http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-weight-loss-edition. On my drive home from training last night, this was my question to myself? What inspires and motivates me? Money motivates me, nice weather motivates me, a day off can be motivating, working towards a vacation can motivate me...but what else motivates me?
Take away the fact I LOVE a challenge, don't count that I am competitive by nature, don't include that I HATE someone telling me I CAN'T do something, because I will prove to you I CAN, exclude my Type A personality; I seem to have found that there is a fine line between what & who motivates me and who my mentors are and what people inspire me.
The more I think about the Motivation side of things ~ I think this can be day by day, month by month, to how long one's goal may be. Mini goals, short term, and long term - What does it take to keep anyone on track? For me, I know that I am an over thinker and analyse everything! My mind is sometimes my greatest enemy ~ NOT my cheerleader! But...I can sometimes have it work for me as well (I think I mentioned in a previous post I am an optimist not a pessimist) ~ go figure! lol....
Let's start with motivation before I get way off topic....
My children motivate me - making me want to be the best parent to them I can, regardless of their ages (21 & 24). I want them to be proud of me just like I am proud of them.
My friends motivate me - I don't want to let them down, I want them to know that they can depend and count on me regardless of the task.
The scale motivates me....I HATE it! But...to step on it, and be accountable - motivates me.
In relation to my *challenge to myself* - the sheer fear of looking out of place on a fitness stage motivates me to work hard, to train to the best of my ability and then some.
My friend and trainer Blake Venechuk http://www.totalbodydevelopment.ca/blake-venechuk.php who makes me sweat and pushes me pass where I think I can go - and believes that I can do it motivates and inspires me...but we haven't yet talked about inspiration. Motivation and inspiration - are they the same? Hmmm...makes one think...
The more I think about it, I am inspired by what I see & hear depending on the context and what my focus is at the time. I am motivated by a wide variety of things.
Some years back when I was doing home sales, I used to say, *Motivation was necessity and necessity was Motivation*. Depending on circumstances or mind set at the time. At that point and time, I was *Motivated* to go and work in home sales out of the *Necessity* to bring money in, so that my kids would have the extras that we did not have the money for. I still believe this ~ but really what motivates the average person or the not so average person? And why are some people more motivated than others? Is it what is important to them at the time?
The question is - "Where do you get your Motivation & What Motivates You?"
Take away the fact I LOVE a challenge, don't count that I am competitive by nature, don't include that I HATE someone telling me I CAN'T do something, because I will prove to you I CAN, exclude my Type A personality; I seem to have found that there is a fine line between what & who motivates me and who my mentors are and what people inspire me.
The more I think about the Motivation side of things ~ I think this can be day by day, month by month, to how long one's goal may be. Mini goals, short term, and long term - What does it take to keep anyone on track? For me, I know that I am an over thinker and analyse everything! My mind is sometimes my greatest enemy ~ NOT my cheerleader! But...I can sometimes have it work for me as well (I think I mentioned in a previous post I am an optimist not a pessimist) ~ go figure! lol....
Let's start with motivation before I get way off topic....
My children motivate me - making me want to be the best parent to them I can, regardless of their ages (21 & 24). I want them to be proud of me just like I am proud of them.
My friends motivate me - I don't want to let them down, I want them to know that they can depend and count on me regardless of the task.
The scale motivates me....I HATE it! But...to step on it, and be accountable - motivates me.
In relation to my *challenge to myself* - the sheer fear of looking out of place on a fitness stage motivates me to work hard, to train to the best of my ability and then some.
My friend and trainer Blake Venechuk http://www.totalbodydevelopment.ca/blake-venechuk.php who makes me sweat and pushes me pass where I think I can go - and believes that I can do it motivates and inspires me...but we haven't yet talked about inspiration. Motivation and inspiration - are they the same? Hmmm...makes one think...
The more I think about it, I am inspired by what I see & hear depending on the context and what my focus is at the time. I am motivated by a wide variety of things.
Some years back when I was doing home sales, I used to say, *Motivation was necessity and necessity was Motivation*. Depending on circumstances or mind set at the time. At that point and time, I was *Motivated* to go and work in home sales out of the *Necessity* to bring money in, so that my kids would have the extras that we did not have the money for. I still believe this ~ but really what motivates the average person or the not so average person? And why are some people more motivated than others? Is it what is important to them at the time?
The question is - "Where do you get your Motivation & What Motivates You?"
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Week #3
This blogging thing is still new to me ~ when I think of something that I want to write down, I am not near my computer....and when I have a moment to write...something else takes precedence - but here I am, ready to write....until too many topics are exploding in my head and staying on one subject is getting harder already.
Week #3 of my decided personal transformation posed a few minor challenges. My husband and I went away for the weekend to visit family - a definite over due visit. My challenges were being regimented on getting my needed cardio in as my schedule for the month of September has me doing dual cardio during the week for the month and single cardio on the weekends - I felt this shouldn't be an issue I could find time to do this. When I have a *plan*, I get anal if I can't follow it thru - I usually can handle change well, but when I have a goal - full steam ahead!! I would even put off going away to be able to stay in the routine of something that needs to be done.
I did improvise a little - did a double cardio on Saturday which made up for missing my last one on Friday night - BUT...after running on the pavement on Saturday, I chose not to do any cardio on Sunday - which was also a travel day. I was concerned my shins would ache too much and it would take away from the rest of my training. Did I feel guilty? Absolutely!!
Eating was not too bad of a challenge - as my diet isn't extremely strict at the moment. Within reason, I am one day carbs, one day no carbs - once again to see how my body is going to respond to this it was recommended that I try to stay away from the alcohol - which really isn't a problem for me anyway. No alcohol because of the sugar...but who can resist 1/2 a glass of Sangria? I allowed myself to enjoy it...knowing it probably was the last one until 9 months from now.
I must tell you about my protein pancake that I have discovered - mmm....that is for a later post.
My body isn't feeling any different with the change in diet. I am writing everything down, as this keeps me on track and accountable for what I am eating. I am not missing anything or having any cravings for sweet items. My legs are tired from the cardio, spin and bootcamps but the rest of my body feels good. I will give my meal information to my friend and trainer Blake at www.totalbodydevelopment.ca at the end of this week - only because I am impatient and can't wait till the end of the month, trying to remind myself that this is the experimental month.
Any noticeable changes after 2 1/2 weeks of hardcore training...hmmm...this is where one chooses to dissect themselves in the mirror - not always a pretty sight - remember the photos I wrote about?? Or if one can stand back and find the small subtle changes - this can be encouraging and motivating or depending on the mind set, deflating and depressing, but I am more of an optimist than a pessimist so I choose the high road. The scale sometimes fluctuates, there are days I think its broken!! I also need to remind myself that my proposed start date with myself was September 1st. Taking that into account I *think* I have noticed a few small changes. My boobs I think are getting smaller (yeah), the inside of my thighs I think are taking more shape, and maybe just maybe my shorts are a little looser.
Reminding myself I have just started Week #3 - and tonight is my personal training session where I seriously need to bring my own *mop up crew* for the amount of sweat I leave behind.... Onward & Upward!
Week #3 of my decided personal transformation posed a few minor challenges. My husband and I went away for the weekend to visit family - a definite over due visit. My challenges were being regimented on getting my needed cardio in as my schedule for the month of September has me doing dual cardio during the week for the month and single cardio on the weekends - I felt this shouldn't be an issue I could find time to do this. When I have a *plan*, I get anal if I can't follow it thru - I usually can handle change well, but when I have a goal - full steam ahead!! I would even put off going away to be able to stay in the routine of something that needs to be done.
I did improvise a little - did a double cardio on Saturday which made up for missing my last one on Friday night - BUT...after running on the pavement on Saturday, I chose not to do any cardio on Sunday - which was also a travel day. I was concerned my shins would ache too much and it would take away from the rest of my training. Did I feel guilty? Absolutely!!
Eating was not too bad of a challenge - as my diet isn't extremely strict at the moment. Within reason, I am one day carbs, one day no carbs - once again to see how my body is going to respond to this it was recommended that I try to stay away from the alcohol - which really isn't a problem for me anyway. No alcohol because of the sugar...but who can resist 1/2 a glass of Sangria? I allowed myself to enjoy it...knowing it probably was the last one until 9 months from now.
I must tell you about my protein pancake that I have discovered - mmm....that is for a later post.
My body isn't feeling any different with the change in diet. I am writing everything down, as this keeps me on track and accountable for what I am eating. I am not missing anything or having any cravings for sweet items. My legs are tired from the cardio, spin and bootcamps but the rest of my body feels good. I will give my meal information to my friend and trainer Blake at www.totalbodydevelopment.ca at the end of this week - only because I am impatient and can't wait till the end of the month, trying to remind myself that this is the experimental month.
Any noticeable changes after 2 1/2 weeks of hardcore training...hmmm...this is where one chooses to dissect themselves in the mirror - not always a pretty sight - remember the photos I wrote about?? Or if one can stand back and find the small subtle changes - this can be encouraging and motivating or depending on the mind set, deflating and depressing, but I am more of an optimist than a pessimist so I choose the high road. The scale sometimes fluctuates, there are days I think its broken!! I also need to remind myself that my proposed start date with myself was September 1st. Taking that into account I *think* I have noticed a few small changes. My boobs I think are getting smaller (yeah), the inside of my thighs I think are taking more shape, and maybe just maybe my shorts are a little looser.
Reminding myself I have just started Week #3 - and tonight is my personal training session where I seriously need to bring my own *mop up crew* for the amount of sweat I leave behind.... Onward & Upward!
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Anxiety over The Dreaded Photos
So it begins....I have completed my first week of my new challenge that I have set for myself; the beginning of my journey I will embark on for the next 9 months. And what is this challenge I have referred to in previous posts? I have committed to *train* for my first body building show ever! I guess there is always a bucket list - and previously mentioned it has always been a secret passion I would have loved to have explored when I was younger but there were other priorities in my life at the time. I have always been involved in sports and fitness - so why not one more adventure?
My goal *start* date was decided as September 1, 2012. My trainer/friend suggested the more time that is taken to prepare cannot hurt - but only help my body. The first month's platform of training is to only consist of cardio - twice a day. Yikes!! It's not the fact of cardio twice a day - but the time commitment - I am still looking to cram 36 hours in my 24 hour day. Sure - I'm up for a challenge - I haven't quite figured out how to do that one yet. With the help of my friend who coerced me into starting this new adventure with her, she came up with the brilliant idea that I could leave work, when she starts, which allows me to get my morning cardio in. Keep in mind, I am the boss, so technically I should be able to do this guilt free...(note to self: Type A personality needs to work on *guilt-free*). In the evenings I do another cardio of 1 - 2 hours consisting of either spin, bootcamp, personal training, or plain cardio on a cross trainer and even karate thrown in there for good measure.
My first week was rather enjoyable in a sick sort of way. I am not going to lie... there were parts thru spin class I was thinking to myself, *What the hell was I thinking*? but as quickly as that thought came to mind, it was gone...this is only the beginning. The idea behind the heavy cardio in the first month is to see how my body will respond and also try and lose some fat mass. A positive is that my body can build muscle fast and we have time for this.
Of course on a transformation like this, documentation is nice to have. Something to look back on, to see how far you have come and be able to see the changes in ones body. BUT...it still does not mean that there is no anxiety over the fact that you still need to have the start photos done. One may like to pretend by sucking in ones stomach, holding the head up, shoulders back, it will help with making them taller, slimmer, and have abs of steel and disguise all the other flaws that we tend to ignore. Well if that is the case, just try and have your picture taken and have a reality check. I say this as I have often wondered what people see in their own mirrors and then leave their homes dressed a certain way - that is just completely wrong!! Another topic for another blog.
I, myself, LOVE looking at before and after pictures of people's transformations. It is a testament of the tenacity, perseverance and all the hard work and commitment that has gone into their training, dieting, etc.
I will have you know - I braved that damm camera, had those pictures taken and then subsequently refused to look at them for 5 days until I took pictures of my son who will also compete in the same body building show. I then, sneaked a peek. As I write this, they are still on my camera, reminding me that I need to upload them. Am I ready to share them with the world? Not as of yet, I haven't made my blog complete public knowledge yet. I have been told that we will be doing pictures every 4 weeks so I am hoping my anxiety will simmer down and as the changes start shaping up I will be able to share these pictures, anxiety free.
Bring it on Week #2!!
My goal *start* date was decided as September 1, 2012. My trainer/friend suggested the more time that is taken to prepare cannot hurt - but only help my body. The first month's platform of training is to only consist of cardio - twice a day. Yikes!! It's not the fact of cardio twice a day - but the time commitment - I am still looking to cram 36 hours in my 24 hour day. Sure - I'm up for a challenge - I haven't quite figured out how to do that one yet. With the help of my friend who coerced me into starting this new adventure with her, she came up with the brilliant idea that I could leave work, when she starts, which allows me to get my morning cardio in. Keep in mind, I am the boss, so technically I should be able to do this guilt free...(note to self: Type A personality needs to work on *guilt-free*). In the evenings I do another cardio of 1 - 2 hours consisting of either spin, bootcamp, personal training, or plain cardio on a cross trainer and even karate thrown in there for good measure.
My first week was rather enjoyable in a sick sort of way. I am not going to lie... there were parts thru spin class I was thinking to myself, *What the hell was I thinking*? but as quickly as that thought came to mind, it was gone...this is only the beginning. The idea behind the heavy cardio in the first month is to see how my body will respond and also try and lose some fat mass. A positive is that my body can build muscle fast and we have time for this.
Of course on a transformation like this, documentation is nice to have. Something to look back on, to see how far you have come and be able to see the changes in ones body. BUT...it still does not mean that there is no anxiety over the fact that you still need to have the start photos done. One may like to pretend by sucking in ones stomach, holding the head up, shoulders back, it will help with making them taller, slimmer, and have abs of steel and disguise all the other flaws that we tend to ignore. Well if that is the case, just try and have your picture taken and have a reality check. I say this as I have often wondered what people see in their own mirrors and then leave their homes dressed a certain way - that is just completely wrong!! Another topic for another blog.
I, myself, LOVE looking at before and after pictures of people's transformations. It is a testament of the tenacity, perseverance and all the hard work and commitment that has gone into their training, dieting, etc.
I will have you know - I braved that damm camera, had those pictures taken and then subsequently refused to look at them for 5 days until I took pictures of my son who will also compete in the same body building show. I then, sneaked a peek. As I write this, they are still on my camera, reminding me that I need to upload them. Am I ready to share them with the world? Not as of yet, I haven't made my blog complete public knowledge yet. I have been told that we will be doing pictures every 4 weeks so I am hoping my anxiety will simmer down and as the changes start shaping up I will be able to share these pictures, anxiety free.
Bring it on Week #2!!
Monday, 10 September 2012
An epiphany
In the last few days I have had this epiphany ~ why did I decide to start a blog just to write about *stuff*? The stuff that floats around in my head throughout the day, humorous encounters that I have with customers, and just everyday *stuff*like previously mentioned - but why? My sister-in-law does it, my cousins do it...
Thru my many random thoughts I realized, since my youngest had just moved out, it might help me with the depressing feeling I was having of losing a *baby from the nest*. A loss that was consuming me. I assume every mother goes thru this, but regardless, I don't like the feeling - and I believe I am entitled to feel this way - Another subject for another blog. But...enough about the *pity train* ~ alot of people have it a lot worse than I, so I am jumping off this train at the moment and on to another...
My thoughts are that this blog may go in a totally different direction than planned. I plan on documenting and talking about my challenge and the journey that I will be on for at least the next 9 months. Of course there should also be random blogs about, *who knows* - whatever comes to mind...
Thru my many random thoughts I realized, since my youngest had just moved out, it might help me with the depressing feeling I was having of losing a *baby from the nest*. A loss that was consuming me. I assume every mother goes thru this, but regardless, I don't like the feeling - and I believe I am entitled to feel this way - Another subject for another blog. But...enough about the *pity train* ~ alot of people have it a lot worse than I, so I am jumping off this train at the moment and on to another...
My thoughts are that this blog may go in a totally different direction than planned. I plan on documenting and talking about my challenge and the journey that I will be on for at least the next 9 months. Of course there should also be random blogs about, *who knows* - whatever comes to mind...
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