January

It turned out to be a stormy month.We had 3 snow storms in 3 weeks, and there is another one in the forecast for this week.

In between all those storms, things have been busy. Some fun stuff and also some work stuff, so I ended the month feeling pretty tired out.

I have also been trying out some new workouts – from The Female Body Breakthrough by Rachel Cosgrove. I had followed along with great interest as Charlotte and her gym buddies tried it out. I read the book for myself in early December.

I won’t go into any detail about the book here – because it’s been so long since I read it – but I will say it was a quick read. I actually got through it in an evening, though I skimmed/skipped some parts. The ‘why you should lift weights’ arguments are not new to me, and I found the client success stories got repetitive. Hence the skimming. I guess the ‘Revolutionary’ bit is the reduced cardio in Cosgrove’s program.

I can’t claim that I have been following the program; basically I’ve been trying out the strength training routines. I’ve done 3 of the 4 phases so far. A lot of it feels pretty familiar to me, especially having worked with Lindsey last winter & spring. Again, the difference would be the reduced cardio – and reduced overall training time.

I do think it is a solid program and would probably be good for someone looking to get started on a weight training plan. I’ve enjoyed the workouts, I find they go by pretty quick – though that may have something to do with my discovering The Great Buffy Rewatch on Nikki Stafford's blog; I’ve been inviting Buffy and the Scoobies along on my workouts (Yes I own all of the DVDs. Shut up.) which keeps me entertained.

I should mention here that I was able to skip through the early phases as a lot of this is familiar to me. The 3rd phase is definitely more difficult – Ms. Cosgrove increases both the difficulty and the reps for a lot of moves. Seems a little unfair.  :)

Also, these workouts are designed for a gym, not for a home exerciser. I was able to adapt/adjust/substitute based on past workouts (Lindsey in particular is good at adapting gym moves to home equipment). And I did the same thing if the difficulty level proved to be impossible – either adjust to make the exercise doable or reduce the reps. It’s good to challenge myself, but trying to do something that is too hard for me is just going to lead to frustration or injury – neither one of those is good. So my philosophy is to back off and work my way up.

Workouts

Jan 31: RC Dial It In Workout B[40 mins]
Jan 29: RC Dial It In Workout A + Treadmill Walk[60 mins]
Jan 27: RC Dial It In Workout B[45 mins]
Jan 24: RC Dial It In Workout A + Treadmill Walk[75 mins]
Jan 21: RC Define Yourself Workout B[45 mins]
Jan 18: Treadmill walk[40 mins]
Jan 16: RC Define Yourself Workout A[40 mins]
Jan 13: Burn & Firm Pilates DVD[45 mins]
Jan 11: UB Circuit + Abs[40 mins]
Jan 10: LB Circuit + Treadmill walk[40 mins]
Jan 08: RC Define Yourself Workout B[40 mins]
Jan 07: Treadmill walk[45 mins]
Jan 05: RC Define Yourself Workout A[60 mins]
Jan 03: RC Base Phase Workout B[40 mins]
Jan 01: RC Base Phase Workout A[40 mins]

 

I also read The Hormone Diet this month. That one took a bit longer to get through than the Cosgrove book. Still mulling that one over, but I will post my thoughts eventually. Maybe there will be a shoe post as well. You never know.

Welcome to March

I picked these up at the Superstore weekend before last and I’ve been enjoying the colors and the scent every time I walk through the entry way.

The weather for the last bit of February was quite mild and it’s been so easy to think that spring is right around the corner.

This morning we woke up to winter again though.

I hadn’t actually seen any weather forecasts all weekend, and it was a bit of a shock to see first thing this morning, I have to say.

But, but the end of the day it had warmed to rain and all the new snow is pretty much gone – though we may get some more flurries tomorrow morning.

As much as I would have liked to crawl back into bed and hide from the snow, we had to head off to work. We left Zappa, looking very smug that he did not have to go out in the weather…

And Frank hiding in the closet, firmly in denial. Snow? I don’t see any stinkin’ snow!

Where did February go?

When I said that I was going to be blogging less, I did not intend to disappear altogether. The past couple of weeks have been kinda crazy ‘round here. I’ve been stressed out and exhausted and the days just seemed to disappear on me.

I finally started to feel more like myself this weekend, thankfully. I actually had some energy to get some things done around the house – and things were in pretty desperate shape. Hopefully I’ll catch up one of these days.

My workouts suffered somewhat, along with everything else. It was a bit of a tough schedule in February, but I did the best I could.

February Workouts:

Feb 28: Cardio Intervals[35 mins]
Feb 25: Supersets + Abs
Feb 24: Cardio Intervals[35 mins]
Feb 23: Hyperbolic RT + Abs + Steady State Cardio
Feb 22: Steady State Cardio [35 mins]
Feb 18: Supersets + Abs + Steady State Cardio
Feb 16: Cardio Intervals[25 mins]
Feb 15: Hyperbolic RT + Steady State Cardio + Abs
Feb 14: Cardio Intervals + Steady State Cardio[45 mins]
Feb 13: High Intensity Circuit x1 + Abs [35 mins]
Feb 10: Supersets
Feb 09: Cardio Intervals + Abs
Feb 08: Hyperbolic RT + Steady State Cardio
Feb 06: High Intensity Circuit
Feb 05: Cardio Intervals + Abs
Feb 03: Supersets + Abs + Steady State Cardio
Feb 01: Hyperbolic RT + Abs + Steady State Cardio

The workout schedule for March is even tougher. I’m a bit scared to tell the truth, and starting to wonder if Lindsey is trying to kill me.  Ok, not really, but the schedule looks kinda painful.

I survived my first workout after work today – the first of two High Intensity Circuits on the schedule for the week. It took me about 55 minutes to complete. At which point I was ready to collapse. Fortunately tomorrow is just Hyperbolic Resistance Training and Cardio. Just, I say. Ha!

Now it’s time to finish up a few little things and crawl into bed. Good night everyone!

Week 3 - Done

This week has been hard. Not necessarily the workouts – it was a repeat of the Week 1 Schedule – but motivation was on the low side.

When I started off the month, I thought if it went well I would plan on sticking with it for the next few months – probably up to the end of April. And things did seem to be going well. The plan is definitely doable and it’s good to be pushing myself a little bit.

Then I got an email from Lindsey yesterday asking that we let her know if we were planning to continue next month so she could get to work on everyone’s plans. Up until that email came in, I had been fully planning to continue. Suddenly I got cold feet.

I’m tired. I don’t like having to go home and do a workout from a schedule. I want a break.

This afternoon I really was tired. My head was aching. I felt like I wanted to curl up and take a nap. I was feeling sorry for myself.

I decided it was time for a break from the office.

While I was out walking around I had a little talk with myself. I know that some weeks I’m raring to go, and some weeks I have zero energy. It’s a familiar cycle. So I’m having a bad week. Most days by the time I got home I would talk myself into doing a workout anyway – it might as well be one that is scheduled for me, then I don’t have to think about it.

I am the one setting the expectation here. Lindsey designed the workout schedule based on my goals and how much time I said I had for exercise. Yes, I check in with her once a week, but if I decide I don’t want to do a workout, that’s my choice. I can skip it if I want. Or I can substitute something else if I want. I’m choosing to do this.

So, I came home and did my workout. I won’t say I was enthusiastic, but once I got going it wasn’t so bad. That’s Week 3 down.

And then I went and signed up for the next 3 months.

Done.

Today’s food pics:

Decided to try for a carrot muffin again, but no luck.

Last of the Beef Curry Hotpot & Basmati Rice from last night. There was also a container of cauliflower that I ate before I remember I was supposed to take a picture.

From the freezer – Tex Mex Taco Soup with Cheddar and Light Sour Cream.

There may also have been a raid on the candy stash, but I’m not telling.

Fitness and Felines and Food! Oh My!

A little something for everyone. There’s even a new pair of shoes to be seen…

Fitness…

First up, a quick recap of Week 2 of my online fitness coaching experience. I mentioned a bit of this during the week, but I thought it would be good to have it all in one spot.

Sunday – Started off week two with the first Hyperbolic Resistance workout of the week, which was a circuit that I was supposed to complete as many times as I could in 20 minutes. By the time I was finished, my legs were shaky. I still managed to get in 40 minutes of Steady State Cardio (starting off very slowly until I was sure my legs would continue to hold me up) and Abs.

Monday – Intervals. This was meant to be a 45 minute workout, but I knew as soon as I started that I was in trouble. Ankles, shins, calves, all were complaining. I tried, but I ended up cutting it short, getting in 5/10 intervals and a total of 30 minutes of cardio.

Tuesday – Supersets Weight Workout plus Abs, plus a very cautious 30 minutes of Steady State Cardio.

Wednesday – intervals again. I stuck to walking and managed to do the full 45 minutes. It felt ok.

Thursday – Hyperbolic Resistance workout #2 – Another circuit, this time 5 sets as fast as I could. Then Abs. Then, for my cardio workout of the day I decided to take a break from the treadmill and did my Fat Burning Pilates DVD.

Friday – Rest.

Saturday – Yoga.

…And Felines (and shoes)…

I sat on the couch with my breakfast and coffee this morning, all covered up in my comfy, fuzzy blanket. Frank came and curled up next to my feet for a snooze. When I got up, Frank stayed put, and stretched right out.

I was doing some cleaning and tidying and came out of the kitchen to see this, which for some reason made me laugh.

I don’t know, just something about that face, those eyes peeking out from the comfy blanket…

Sorta looks like he’s posing for a photo shoot, doesn’t he?

Not to be outdone, Zappa got in on the action when I was trying to take a picture of my new boots – which I know some of you will appreciate.

I’d been eyeing these since the fall, but they were a little pricey so I just kept admiring from afar…Then on Friday I happened to walk by the shoe store and see sale racks…And there they were, just waiting to come home with me.

Not the best picture, but they are all shiny and pretty and very comfy. Happy JavaChick.

…And did someone say food? Oh My!

I didn’t photo all my food today – I was going to but then I forgot. However, what I did get was good.

First, breakfast…The fruit trays were calling my name when I went to the grocery store yesterday and I thought it would be a nice treat. Along with the fruit, my favorite Liberte Mediterranee Moka Yogurt.

I also had coffee, but I was all excited by my pretty plate of fruit and snapped a picture before I thought to pour coffee.

Then for supper, I did a Slow Cooker Experiment – I wanted to adapt a favorite meal that my Mom used to make (ok, she probably still makes it, I just don’t live there anymore so I don’t get to eat it. Boo.) .

I told Husband I was experimenting for supper and asked if he was scared. He said no. The man is no fun.

But he was also right.

I give you: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken & Potatoes.

It was very good. And we made enough to have leftovers tomorrow! Happy JavaChick! Again!

…And Finally…

I just thought these apples looked pretty.

That’s all folks…Hope you had a great weekend!

Week 1 Down

First week back to work after the holidays, first week on the new workout plan from online fitness coach Lindsey.

To recap, this was my week:

Monday – Pulse Pyramid + Steady State Cardio + Abs. The Pulse Pyramid is made up of 5 different exercises. You do exercise #1 for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds, then do exercises #1 + #2 for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds and so on until you work your way up to all five exercises. Then you start taking an exercise away each time, until you work your way back down to one. You count your total reps of all exercises.

The pulse pyramid took about 20 minutes, then I did 25 minutes on the treadmill and my Ab exercises – Single leg extension, side plank, plank.

Unfortunately, I kept messing up on my counting. I’d be counting along 50, 51, 52…36, 37, 38…Wait a minute…something’s not right here…

Tuesday – Cardio Intervals. Very similar the intervals I had been doing, though definitely a bit more challenging. Where I had been doing run/walk, these intervals are sprint/walk/build up (ie. go faster in preparation for your next running interval). Also, a longer duration. I was feeling great though, after a couple of weeks of rest. So of course I decided I could go faster…which I did for a couple of intervals and then had to slow right back down. I ended up with a couple of run/walk/walk intervals in there.

We’ll just call that testing my boundaries, and consider the lesson learned, shall we?

Wednesday – Supersets followed by Steady State Cardio. I was supposed to do Abs, but got carried away with my walk on the treadmill and ran out of time. Oops.

Thurday – Cardio Intervals + Abs. Less rested, not feeling quite so easy today. But this time I kept my paces steady. Did my Abs to make up for skipping on Wednesday.

Friday – Timed Circuit + Steady State Cardio + Abs. I had a circuit of 4 exercises, and had to do 4 rounds as fast as I could. This involved jumping rope 100 times. The first time I actually got up to 97 without missing a beat. I was pretty proud of that since it’s something I hardly ever do. The next 3 did not go quite as well, and I did manage to whip myself on the butt quite hard a couple of times; I almost expected it to leave a welt. Also, burpees. I really suck at burpees. I was laughing by the end as I was almost falling over trying to do the last few. I don’t imagine that did much for my time.

I really had to force myself to get on the treadmill after the timed circuits though. I felt about ready to collapse in a heap. But I told myself I’d do 20 minutes. About 17 minutes in, I got my second wind and ended up doing 40 minutes instead. And then the final Abs session.

Whew! I made it.

Saturday – Just for the heck of it, because I have a couple of new DVDs that I want to try out – Ellen Barrett’s Fusion Flow. The back of the DVD describes Fusion Flow as a peaceful workout that “feels like a warm embrace.” Some of it was very relaxing, but there were a couple of challenging segments in there too. But overall, I’d say an enjoyable workout.

There was no – or very little food blogging last week. Part of it was no real grocery shopping or meal planning, part of it was getting back into the swing of the work week, and part of it was not wanting to spend time on blogging due to this…

I had planned to get back on track with things this week, but here it is almost 1:30 on Sunday and I have yet to get out to buy groceries because I have not had access to the car (one of the down sides of being a one car family).

Husband went out computer gaming at a friend’s house yesterday afternoon. I woke up this morning to find that he had not come home. Turns out there was a fire up the street from the friends’ apartment and Husband has not been able to get the car out because every thing is blocked off. Hopefully he’ll make it home sometime to day, and hopefully in time for me to get out and buy some groceries.

Edit: Husband got home around 2:20, safe and sound. It was an apartment building that caught fire, no fatalities but 5 people lost their homes.