AndCounting

Hi All.

 I’m feeling kind of disjointed with exercise right now.  There are so many things in my head that I want to do and it’s sort of making it hard for me to really focus on one thing.  My schedule is pretty crazy and I only have a limited amout of time in my day to dedicate to exercise.  Usually 30-60 minutes in the early morning or late in the evening.  (basically before the kids get up or after they go to bed)  Generally I can’t do both morning and evening because I get so far behind on chores that I end up needing to take a day off to get caught up.  I know I could split the 60 minutes between the two times, but then I feel like I’m only getting half the workout and I generally feel better when I get a whole hour in.

Here are the things I want to do and what I hope to accomplish…maybe some of you could help me prioritize and figure out how to manage it.

1.  Lose about 20 lbs. (and I know this will happen with the diet/exercise combination, but I sometimes wonder if I should focus more on fat burning cardio versus muscle building exercises to accomplish this goal first, then move on to the others.)

2.  Get as far as I can in the Fitness Survivor #4 Challenge.

3.  Stay on plan with my 6 Week Body Makeover (which I’m not really staying with just the 6 weeks - I plan to do it till I reach my goal) - this plan includes cardio and resistance training with bands. 

4.  To be able to run on the treadmill / to be able to run by Spring so I can go running with my son when the weather warms up. (The couch to 5K plan looks really interesting and I’m kinda wanting to try it)

5.  Tone and strengthen my muscles.  I have no upper body strength and can barely do any sit-ups/push-ups/squats/etc.

So any feedback on how and where I should focus?  I mean I know I have all the tools and I’m plugging along, but I just feel like I’m kinda wandering through it.  Maybe I just need to pick one goal…focus on that exclusively, and try the rest when I’ve reached it.  Dunno….confusion and lack of focus really hurt me.  My head needs to be in the game 100%.

So…help! (please)

I’ve just stumbled on to some things that I’m totally digging right now and thought I’d share.

In no specific order:

Cadence Revolution:  http://www.thecadencerevolution.com/  This is a FREE 60 minute  podcast that I’m totally in love with for my cardio.  The music is like nothing I’ve ever listened to but it’s so interesting and engaging that I can’t wait to hear what’s next.

FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt:  http://www.thenibble.com/REVIEWS/MAIN/cheese/yogurt/total.asp   LOVELOVELOVE this stuff.  I’m not usually a plain yogurt kind of gal, but this stuff is so creamy and the sour taste is barely discernable.  My fav is to mix it up with some fresh berries. ….mmmmmm….

Stevia:  http://www.healthyshopping.com/stores/cart.asp?ItemNumber=STV-WP  I’ve known about this for years.  My 85 year old diabetic grandfather has used it for a long time, but I never really gave it a try.  I’m totally digging it now though.  Splenda gives me a headache and I love that this is a natural product.  I put it in my tea/coffee and once in awhile sprinkle a bit on some fresh berries.

Anyway…not selling anything or getting any kickbacks.  Just wanting to share what I’m really enjoying right now.

Good Morning Everyone.

I’ve had a pretty good week.  Gotten back on track with my 6WBMO.  Eating on plan and eating right.  I really kicked it up with the cardio this week and LOVIN’ it!  Never thought I’d say that but, boy - if I skip a day I really miss it.  Tomorrow is the weigh in for Fitness Survivor #4 and I’m tense and excited.  I haven’t peeked at the scale this week either so I have no idea what it will say.

Looking forward to my weekend too.  I thought it was going to be crazy busy, but found out last night that what DH thought was happening tonight isn’t actually happening till next weekend!  LOL.  The goof!!!  So it will be a nice weekend to get caught up on shopping/cooking/laundry.  Then I can start my week really prepared, which I love.  Nuthin’ drives me more nuts than to have to go back to work on Monday and nothing is ready!  It means I have to squeeze in a bunch of stuff into my evenings after working an 8-9 hour day.  grrr….   But this weekend is looking great so I’m happy.  LOL - being happy that I can shop/cook/clean!!  What a dork I am.  Tee Hee…

Hope everyone is well!  I have so much more to chat about but work is calling.  Take care everyone.

I joined Fitness Survivor #4 in the fitness challenges on the forums.  I’m nervous but excited.  I thought I’d post my beginning measurements here too.

Weight:  145.0     Inches:  181.0   Body Fat %:  37.6

Today I hope to work in an hour on the treadmill and maybe a cardio DVD too

That has been my theme lately.  Seems like I’m living more in my own head right now than the real world.  There is just so much swimming around my brain.  Thinking about my past.  Thinking about relationships.  Thinking about how *I* respond to things and why.  Everyone around me thinks I’m anti social, but it’s just that I’m totally lost in thought most of the time.

Diet has been crap the last couple of days.  I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve gain back after all my weeks of maintaining.  I know it’s just because I’ve let my guard down and lost focus.  Kicking it into gear this weekend though and getting back on plan.

On a good note, I’m enjoying the treadmill more and more everyday.  I’m trying not to push myself to hard to quickly though.  I want to build up to more intense workouts.  I’m not just strolling along.  I definitely get my heart rate up, but I know I could push myself so much more.  Trying to keep it all in balance.  I don’t want to get burned out like I did the last time I tried the Body for Life plan.  Boy did I crash and burn on that one. (about 3 years ago)

Anyway…Happy New Year Everyone!!!  Lookin forward to a better one all around.

I’ve been thinking lately about things I’m afraid to do/try.  I’ve never really considered myself a fearful person, but now that I’m taking a really hard look at some things…I really DO let fear control what I do.  This is quite an eye opener for me.  That I really am afraid to try new things.  To set new goals.  To be disappointed.  To look foolish.  Wow…the list is getting longer now that I’m writing it down….

My 15 year old son loves track.  He’s in off season training now.  He likes to do the long distance running and he’s really good at it.  Usually comes in the top three.  Even as a freshman he has a good shot at making Varsity this year.  Anyway, he’s as excited about the treadmill as I have been.  His interest and excitement over something we can share makes me really nervous.  How could I ever keep up with a 15 year old boy who been doing this for two years?  I told him that I was old and out of shape and needed to work up to his level.  I mumbled something about maybe by the spring I’d be in good enough shape to go on runs with him.

Even admitting this now, makes my insides cringe.  ME?  Running by spring??  Come on…tell me another one!  I’m almost paralized by the thought of trying.  Even more by the thought of failing….letting him down….looking like a fat fool….~sigh~

I guess the next step is to confront these fears now that I’m starting to get a good look at them.  One small step I took was to join the Fitness Survivor #4.  This is so not the type of thing I usually get involved in.  I’m kinda excited and terrified at the same time.  Can I really keep up?  Will I fall out in the first round?….grrr…..There’s that fear thing again……

I think my New Year’s Resolution will be “No Fear.” (How funny that even thinking of making such a bold statement scares me….like I’m temping the Gods or something!  LOL!!!  I’m hopeless!!! TeeHee)

I guess you can’t be tentative about this kind of thing…so here goes…fate forgive me.

2009 will be my year when I stop letting fear get in my way!

NO FEAR 2009!!!  Bring it on!!!

This Christmas DH got a new MP3 player and gave me his old one.  I have no idea what to put on it.  I generally listen to a mix of things on the radio, but I’d really love to get some great walking/workout music.

So, does anyone have any favs or “go to” songs for an upbeat workout?  Please share!!!  I’ll even gladly post a master list here on my blog….unless someone else already has a good list going.

 Thanks Buddies!!!!

Tee Hee….

You’ll NEVER guess what DH got me for Christmas!!  LOL!!!

I’m so excited.  My goal this week is to do at LEAST 30 minutes a day.  I hope to try for 45-60 but thought I should probably start a bit slower since I haven’t exercised/worked out in ages.

This weekend I’ll get my menu back in shape and all my cooking done.  That means I can jump back into my plan 110% next week. :D:D:D  I can’t wait.  All this holiday stuff has so messed with my schedules.  On a good note, I am still maintaining my weight which is amazing due to all the wrong carbs I’ve been eating!!!

I’m so happy to be restarting from where I left off instead of having gone backwards.  ~Whew~  I was so stressing that.

Hope all is well and recovering from the long Holiday!

Hey buddyslimmers and all the folks out in cyberland!

Stay strong, safe and warm.

Enjoy your family. 

Breath. 

Live each moment fully and have a wonderful Holdiay!!!!

See you on the other side! 

The good news is that despite all the craziness at least my weight is maintaining!

 Other than that I’m in full blown holiday freak out mode.  Not enought time/money/energy!!  UGH!!!!

 Work is driving me up the wall.  We merged with a larger firm this year and their “approval” process is driving me to distraction.  I know it has a purpose and at it’s core is necessary, but darned it makes my job so much more difficult.  What I used to be able to manage and take care of in a matter of minutes now takes me days!!!!  GRRRRRR…..

 Anyway, other than that I have a ton of baking to do tonight and some office gifts to finish up a gift that I need to take back to the store and exchange for the correct size.  Then there is dinner, baths, bedtimes, etc. for the children…..  Man, I’m going to be up waaay late again tonight and I’m already running on empty.

I can’t wait for Christmas so all this will just stop and I can actually rest and enjoy my family!