Mastering my metabolism

I have been slack about updating all on my status...so this is where I am.  I have been continuing to mix up my workout with different forms of cardio and weight training to keep it interesting and not make me too bored of one activity.  Although, I don't really think I can get bored of my walk at Reynolda.  I got to share my walk with Mom last Sunday.  She joined Luke and I on a special lunch and walk tour...and of course we visited the gardens.  Lots of fun!

This week I have been working on writing down everything I eat in a week to make me see where I am and where I need to be.  I also have started to read Jillian Michaels "Master Your Metabolism."  (Thanks Karie for the suggestion)  It is very interesting and helpful in seeing different things that may be hindering weight loss.  I recommend anyone interested in the issues of weight loss or just making yourself healthier to check it out!

Roanoke's Sheraton Convention Center has truly helped me stay on track this week...as they have an awesome gym! Just a glimpse...5 treadmills, 3 ellipticals, 3 stationary bikes, 6 different circuit weight training stations, free weights, exercise balls, stairs for stadiums!, and TVs to entertain as you workout...not to mention the room overlooks a nice serene siting area with gardens! A++++ for the boss for putting us here!

No pain no gain...right????

I've been working in Roanoke this week, so working out has been dependent on what's available.  I did find the gym yesterday in the hotel and did some circuit weight training mixed with some elliptical and treadmill work.  Obviously I worked some muscles that were asleep and put me in a bit of pain sleeping last night.  I promise I'm not over doing it, just woke up the muscles.  So today I continued to go and workout at the hotel gym.  I walked at a fast pace on the treadmill for 30 minutes and did 3 sets of 15 around the weights.  It felt great, but man did it kick my butt!  I know I am going to feel this more tomorrow too!  I guess they say no pain, no gain for a reason.  Motrin was my friend this morning with my tension!

I have been doing really good this week on the food end.  I have not fallen off the wagon of not eating carbs at all.  I ate a very little amount of brown rice last night, but figured that was healthier than white rice.  I feel good about this week eating wise.  My fellow buddy at work and I have not eaten out much at all and have resorted to the grocery store and our mini fridge and microwave in our room.  We are rocking it out in the room, not to mention it is more relaxing and costs less!  Multiple pluses there!

Weighted down increased the calorie burn!

Well, yesterday mornings walk I decided to put my ankle weights on while walking.  It slowed me down a bit, but man did I feel the burn.  It really felt good in my hamstrings...like I was really doing more!  My pedometer even told me that I burn more than 500 calories on that walk.  I walked just over 3 miles and felt great after.  I was having a lot of trouble getting the exercise in and then not feeling exhausted.  So yesterday I walked pretty early...even had to wear a jacket while walking...and then after a few hours I took a power cat nap for 30 minutes.  This really helped.  I felt refreshed and went to work and got through the day just fine.

I have been working on the no bad carbs.  I slipped a bit last night, but hope that the rest of the week will have better results.  

Off to walk for this morning.

Coming out of a tough emotional week.

Yes, my week was extremely tough.  It probably had a lot to do with me getting on the scale and nothing budging on the weight at all.  I have decided a few things after that...no getting on the scale for a while and amping up my workout with some weight/strength training.  I am somewhat limited in this with my travel schedule for the next two weeks, but I hope that the Tony Horton video that uses the band will help with that.  I obviously need to get my heart rate pumping a bit longer with a variety of things.  Any suggestions from the peanut gallery would be great too!  

I had a few tough days at work that probably had something to do with my mental state too, but having a few days off here and there have brought me back to normal.  I also have sought out some herbal solutions thanks to my friends at the local Whole Foods.  

Today I had a good walk.  I didn't push myself to keep my 2.5 mile in 30 minutes, but pushed to get a well-walked workout in.  I have been reading up on the few techniques helpful in walking and I worked on that today to improve the overall feel of everything.  In the long run I was wiped out!  Plus, I got to enjoy the beauty of the Reynolda roses after my walk and it was all worth it.  If you get a chance, all of you should come see the gardens sometime this Spring/Summer!

I had a healthy meal tonight and nothing on the bad carbohydrate scale!

Okay, so I am writing it down, so I am going to do my best to do it...my goal for this week is to minimize my bad carb input.  I hope I can stick to this, without making myself crazy...oh how I love that bread...thank you Mom!  I will keep you all posted on the goal this week, and of course the walking!

My favorite things...

So this past weekend I took Saturday off since I was overwhelmed with work in multiple locations.  I got home Sunday and unpacked and felt the urge and NEED to walk.  So I got all my favorite things to take with me on my walk...my pedometer watch, my iPod with my favorite tunes, my Susan B Komen kicks, and my inner strength to be healthier.  I had an awesome walk yesterday, I just can't tell you.  I was so pumped and pushed myself really hard to beat my split times for my 2.5 mile walk.  I realized that when I was feeling the pain I would walk harder and stronger.  Kanye West's Stronger is very helpful at this point.  Those simple words, "...that that don't kill me, can only make me STRONGER!..."  I came home and just relaxed on the front porch with my water and the end of a special day!

The pain is starting to subside when I wake up in the morning.  I don't feel as much like an old woman anymore. 

5000 steps, 2.5 miles, 30 min...

Shelley Lake busted my butt today and got my heart beating.  I think I have finally mastered getting my 2.5 mile walk in 30 minutes. I plan to work on training to walk in a 5K.  I will keep you all posted on that.

While walking today I was thinking about some things.  Specifically, I was thinking about challenging each of you that read this to writing down a goal to reach.  You don't have to tell me, but be honest with yourself about achieving it.  I honestly can say that this blog has made me push myself harder to get to my goal.  I know that some of you have shared with me ideas to start working on goals, but I challenge you to actually write it down and post it where ever you look all day every day.  It helps.  More power to you all and thanks for keeping me empowered!

Still working...

I am still working on the goals.  I have been working with my job so much also, that I got slack on the posts.  My fellow workers are helpful in keeping me going (thank you Jennay!).  We have been doing workout in our hotel rooms in various ways and even down the hallways (lunges).  I'm definitely not going to say it is easy, but I can definitely say that it is improving me from the inside out.  I have been working more on the food this week.  Having a full kitchen in my hotel room has been helpful in not eating out every night.  I am eating less red meat and lots of fruits and veggies.  Thank you for those that sent me recipes.  I can't wait to get home and try some of them out!  Whole Foods is my friend I definitely have to say. They have some great alternatives that are much healthier than the everyday snacks. I love to watch Emeril Green on the Green channel where he gives me food ideas too! 

I felt good inside when my hubby said to me, "I can tell you've been working on this, cause you can see it in your face."  That little comment can go a long way for me!

Mixing it up

I have managed to keep this walking goal up every single day for the last week and a bit.  I did take a break Sunday since I had quite a long work day.  I have been averaging between 1.5 to 2 miles a day.  On Thursday I mixed it up a bit and did an Ab workout with the Bender ball!  Can I just say...it hurts to laugh!  Friday I mixed my walk up a bit with a short run at the beginning of my walk.  This morning, since I had to work out of town in unfamiliar walking territory I mixed it up even more.  I did my 10-minute Cardio tape with Tony Horton and then did some Ab work with the Bender Ball.  That little green ball can give some amazing pain to those abs!

Thank you for the few music suggestions.  I think I almost have the best workout music on the iPod.  I haven't received many recipes, but my sweet hubby made an awesome casserole with ground turkey the other night that I am still eating!  The fruits are abundant in the fridge and all in all I am feeling healthier about what I am doing.  I can definitely say that it has been tough...I really didn't expect it to be easy, but some days I feel like I can't pick my feet up one more time to get to my destination.  The way I get through it is I start yelling or getting angry with myself for even trying to give up...it works!  Then I think about all the family and friends behind me who keep sending messages that help me go on.  Thanks!  Just a few more days and I will have made it to 2 weeks!!! YEAH