Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Motivation’ Category

Oh, how I feel like a writer sitting here at a table in the cafe of Books-A-Million with my laptop, sipping on a skinny mocha latte…observing people, tapping out words galore, getting lost in my thoughts. Aaaah! I could get use to a writer’s life. At this point, my only obstacle is myself. So, how do I go about changing this? How do I get out-of-the-way of myself? What do I need to do to feel more like a writer? These are the questions I must answer, and answer soon. Okay, that sounds a bit dramatic. Soon…really? I’m thinking it will have to be a gradual process. I’m thinking it will occur to me the same way my weight loss journey occurred to me. I have to affirm it, and then keep my word to myself. More on this later.  

In the meantime, I want to discuss a couple of changes. There was a major weather change over the weekend. I admit, I am a bit of a weenie when it gets below 60 degrees. I like cold weather provided I’m not in it for any length of time. So, I have to make a slight change to my running schedule, and I have to get some warmer running clothes. As much as I like to run, I just could not make myself run this morning in the dark, in the cold at 4:30AM. It was 51 degrees. Then, I had an epiphany…run after dropping Andrew off at school since I did not have to substitute today. It will still be cold; however, the sun will be out. So, this is exactly what I did this morning. Now, Wednesday I will not be so fortunate. Either I will have to invest in some warmer running clothes, or I will be running Wednesday afternoon. Now, I do live in Louisiana, and the weather could change back to warmer temperatures by then. So, I’ll just have to wait and see. HA!

I may still get up at 4AM. I could do all sorts of things with the time, especially since I’m not sleeping. Perhaps, I could write on those cold mornings since I’m being too weenified to run.   

Sometimes, I think I prefer routine. Other times, I think I prefer change. I think it really depends on how the change comes about and if I have control over the change. When it comes to my workout schedule, I thought I wanted more of a scheduled routine. I’m finding, except for my runs, my mood and time of day determines what other type of exercise I want to do, whether it is walking, biking, strength training, etc. Running is something I would do every day if I could physically do it. So, I’m again mixing up my schedule. As long as I get at least three runs in per week (four runs would be ideal), as well as two strength training days per week, I am thrilled. So, I’m cutting myself some slack and allowing for more flexibility. This is definitely a change for me, and my lovely type A personality.

Well, my faithful readers, I have lost some more weight. I’m now 132.5 pounds. *Applause!* I have 7.5 more pounds to go before I reach my goal weight. This is a total of 20.5 pounds lost. I’m ready to reach my goal. For the first time in a long time, I’m actually looking forward to shopping for new clothes. My clothes are baggy, even my bras. Hee Hee! I must say that this has been an extremely wonderful change. I feel better physically and mentally. I’m repeating the run/walk schedule from last week: Walk 10 minutes, run 9 minutes. Walk 1 minute, run 9 minutes (repeat twice).

What other changes are in store for me in the next few weeks? Will I finally find a steady job? Will I be able to stay the course I’m currently on and spread my wings even further to discover more of myself? Or, will an unexpected windfall come my way? Don’t laugh! It could happen. Happiness!

Oh, and one final change goes out to mon frere, Moonius Maximus, who officially changes today from 42 to 43 on the celebration of his birth. Love you, mon frere.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~ James Baldwin

Read Full Post »

The day is absolutely gorgeous. The sun is shining brightly. There is a slight breeze. Hummingbirds are right outside my window, darting here and there, chasing each other away from the hummingbird feeder. Grocery shopping, a trip to the bookstore, and laundry are some of the things on today’s agenda. For my household, we are getting back to normal.

I woke up early to go for a run/walk. Afterwards, I stretched my lower body and did a 15-minute upper arm power circuit. Then stretched my upper body. I love starting my day off with a workout. My schedule for this week is to run/walk on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (bonus day). Walk 10 minutes, run 7 minutes. Walk 3 minutes, run 7 minutes (repeat twice). I’ll walk and strength train on the other days.

I’m trying something new this week with the power circuits/strength training. I’m trying to find the right balance for me, as well as trying to get my exercise in before work. I find it difficult to workout twice in one day, and this is without me working a job outside my home. Too many things come up in the afternoons. Also, if it rains in the morning on one of the days I run/walk, I’ll need to rely on the afternoon/evening to get my workout completed for the day. Therefore, I’m thinking about splitting up the power circuits to maximize my time. This is what my week would look like:

  • Monday:   Run/Walk. 15-minute Upper Body Power Circuit
  • Tuesday:   Walk (about 20 minutes). 15-minute Lower Body Power Circuit & 15-minute Ab Power Circuit
  • Wednesday:   Run/Walk. 15-minute Upper Body Power Circuit    
  • Thursday:   Walk (about 20 minutes). 15-minute Lower Body Power Circuit & 15-minute Ab Power Circuit 
  • Friday:   Run/Walk.
  • Saturday:   Total Body Power Circuit (or another Jackie Warner DVD)
  • Sunday:   Run/Walk. 15-minute Ab Power Circuit.

Just a quick recap of last week: Hurricane Isaac threw a monkey wrench in my week, as well as everybody else who happened to be in its path. However, I did NOT use it as an excuse to eat poorly. I ate clean all week. My hubby, Andrew, and I did venture out to a Mexican restaurant for lunch on Saturday. Yesterday, I wanted dessert. I was dreaming about Baked Apple Dumplin’ from Cracker Barrel. Luckily, the ice cream truck passed through our neighborhood, and I indulged my taste buds with a Big Dipper instead. Baked Apple Dumplin’ will have to wait for another time.  

I did get to run/walk on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday of last week. Of course, I took a rest day on Wednesday when we were being pounded by Isaac. I walked on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. I did NO power circuit workouts OR strength training all week. Honestly, my body thanked me because I needed the break. My weight is still 142 pounds. This means I didn’t lose/gain any weight this week.

I have to keep reminding myself that getting fit is a process or journey. Each person has to find what works best for him/her to get fit and healthy. My goal or destination is really to live a healthy lifestyle. The journey to get to that destination is exercising and eating clean. Losing weight, looking great, feeling energized, and gaining more self-confidence is definitely a plus. However, being PRESENT and enjoying the journey is what is important. Enjoy the ride! 

“That’s why it is important to enjoy the journey not just the destination. In this world, we will never arrive at a place where everything is perfect and we have no more challenges. As admirable as setting goals and reaching them may be, you can’t get so focused on accomplishing your goals that you make the mistake of not enjoying where you are right now.” ~ Joel Osteen 

Read Full Post »

I have completed six weeks of eating clean and exercising on a regular basis, and I’m loving the results. I lost 4 pounds this week bringing me to a total of 11 pounds lost since making this lifestyle change. My jeans are no longer choking me at the waist. I can wear shirts I put in the back of my closet because they are no longer too tight. I am starting to see definition in my body. And, I feel better not just physically, but also mentally. I no longer feel sluggish or worn out. I have more energy, which makes me happy.

Even though Jackie Warner recommends doing her power circuits three days a week, I am dropping down to two days a week. Power circuits combine cardio and strength training. I’m increasing the number of minutes I’m running, and I don’t want to injure myself. So, I’m listening to my body. I will replace one power circuit day with regular strength training. This will also allow me to take off more days in between the power circuits for recovery.   

My plan for this week is to run/walk on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and possibly Sunday (bonus day). Last week I ran ALL four days. Woo-Hoo! This week may be a bit more challenging since a hurricane is coming our way. I’ll just have to adjust my schedule. I’ll be happy as long as I can complete three run/walk workouts. My run/walk workout this week: Walk 10 minutes, run 6 minutes. Walk 4 minutes, run 6 minutes (repeat twice). You may notice, I’ve upped walking at the beginning to 10 minutes. Since my running is increasing, I need to warm up my legs longer. It makes a big difference for me. I don’t feel so stiff when I start running.

Nutritionally, I must confess this week I started adding 1 tsp of light brown sugar to my oatmeal. This sets me back an additional 15 calories, which is not very much. There is no fat and 4g of sugar. I  had no negative effects from adding this to my breakfast. I also ate plain greek yogurt twice this week. Yuck! I just cannot get use to the taste. So, one day I added honey, and another day I added light brown sugar with walnuts and apple. It definitely made the greek yogurt more palatable; however, I have to figure out another alternative, or I’m nixing the plain greek yogurt from my diet. Believe it or not, plain greek yogurt contains 9g of sugar for a 1 cup serving. I can tolerate eating fresh fruit with a 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt. The solution may be to eat a 1/2 cup instead of a full cup. Perhaps, I could  incorporate oats or whey protein powder. Something to think about.

This weight loss journey is definitely a work in progress. I enjoy getting up early to run/walk, experimenting with strength training workouts, as well as discovering healthy foods and trying out new recipes. While at times, this journey can be challenging and a little frustrating to stay the course, it also can be energizing and very satisfying. 

“A ship is always safe at the shore – but that is NOT what it is built for.”       ~Albert Einstein

    

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts

Mybookworld24

My Life And Everything Within It

Marcelo Oleas

Self-Love Champion and Life Coach

The Cozy Burrow

Books, Writing, & The Cozy Life

In Dianes Kitchen

Recipes showing step by step directions with pictures and a printable recipe card.

Grace Thoroughgoods life musings

Mostly Theatre, Books and Travel

Edge of Humanity Magazine

An Independent Nondiscriminatory Platform With No Religious, Political, Financial, or Social Affiliations - FOUNDED 2014

HappierHealthier.Blog

Creative personal growth toward better health and happiness

The Kat Files

Finding Adventure in Everyday Life

Get On With It

Writing and drawings by Nick.

theleadlesspencil

Doing the best that I can, at writing, running and living

Li. A. Wake

Author and Screenwriter

dastardly.reads

procrastination.queen

This West London Life

Attempting to live a better story ... and scrapbooking it.

Ask Dr S.

Lifestyle, Performance, Physical Medicine

ilovemyhomebusiness.wordpress.com/

Helping families one family at a time.