Just Sharing

Me: Why do I hurt some much tonight??

DH(dear husband): Well you did do a lot of walking today.

Me: (snarky) Don't talk to me about walking!! 3 months ago I could walk 3 miles w/o a problem! 2 months before that I could still run 6!

DH: (completely ignoring my snappyness)Well, Baby, the baby has grown a lot since then.

Me: *sigh* Ya think I'll ever run 6 miles again? (looking for my feet to put socks on them)

DH: Babe, you'll run 20.

I love my man! And I cannot wait to be able to MOVE AGAIN! Bending at the waist is soooooo underrated!

Monday!

Well, a sinus infection held me back... but today I did Body Sculpting! Well. I did 3/4 of it. When I cut the workout short I always remind myself- Christina- you DO have 6 children, you ARE pregnant, and doing all of the regular things your job entails... if you don't have the energy for the entire workout it's OKAY!!!

Does this make me feel better about not working the full hour? Sometimes. But then one of the kids will say something or do something cute to remind me why I try to pace my day.

Sweat on, baby!

Tuesday-

I got one schooler just finishing up and all the other outside! One of the kiddos outside is practicing her ballet! So fun. So what happens when I get them all out, and done with readin', writin', and 'rithmatic? Workout, buddy!

Today? It's yoga, General Flow. I LOVE Deni Preston! Don't you? Could there be anyone on the planet who doesn't just adore her work? Okay, I'll admit the downward facing positions were VERY uncomfortable with the sinus headache I have today... so I skipped a lot of that and substituted more comfortable poses.

I feel like I just did restorative... which is possible since I altered a lot of the poses to suit my head and my bulgy belly. So a little stretching at the end, and yeah- I usually skip the relaxation part... too much to do. And someone woke up the baby at that point. So... you fill in the blank.

Thanks for reading! Seat On!

Monday MADDDDDNESSSS!

By 2:15 pm school was over, lunch was done. And I put the youngest down for a nap. Time to workout, baby! Oh yeah! I think I like this new schedule!

A workout with Deni was just the ticket today! Sweaty sweaty sweaty! Whew! I did strength training... tomorrow probably yoga. We'll see.

Anyway, it was great! I made a few promises to the children if they gave me this hour to workout (time on the computer to play a few games) so I gotta go make good on those! Then while they do that I'll get to shower...

and maybe even organize the children's clothing closet! My fingers have been itching to fix that mess in there for a week. Something or someone always comes up though. I guess, again, we'll see.

The point I think Im trying to make here is that this workout, re-energizes me in the middle of my day. Helps me get through the rest of it, with more umph. I'll admit I lay down for a few minutes before dinner. But that is a great improvement on how I was feeling with this pregnancy. It re-energizes me and brightens up my mood if it has begun to droop.

Thought for the Day: The way our bodies feel has so much to do with how WE feel in our day, don't you agree?

Friday- Hmmmm.- Longer than usual

I worked out with Deni Preston for an HOUR today!!! WHOO HOOOO!

Okay here's the deal. I got the flu, school started (we homeschool, you can imagine the energy involved), and golly this pregnancy has just tuckered me out. So I have not been able to drag myself out of bed early enough to give myself the workout I need. So, basically, what I've been doing is trudging through, my friends. Trudge, trudge, trudge.

But this morning I declared my stress level too high - I'm not a nice Mommy when this happens. So I made a plan while brushing my teeth. I decided that after school, during the 2 yr old's naptime I would workout, instead of laying down. I know, I know. It sounded NUTZ, even to me. How was I going to finish the day after I expended that energy when I'm short on it enough as it is. Well, 2 o'clock rolled around, the older kids ran outside to play, and I remembered my plan. I did it!

An HOUR of Deni's strength training, hey I figured if I was gonna kill myself I'd do it doing an episode I love, my body enjoyed. The stretching, because it has been so long since I had a good long workout out - felt like a trip to the chiropractor's.

I still have some time before the toddler gets up, so I'll shower and maybe, if I'm in need, I'll still be able to lay down for a few minutes. So if this workd out today, this will be the plan. Workouts no longer in the morning but in the middle of the day. Why? Why you ask, would I KILL myself for this workout everyday? Well, I'll tell you why...

Because this is the third week of school, and my stress level skyrocketed (blame the hormones or whatever) and if I don't murder my body I'm going to drive my brain over a cliff. So... maybe I'll get lucky and this will help my energy levels now that I'm in the second trimester! Yeah!! Let's look at the positive possibilities!

This is a great idea!

So, I'm breaking with tradition in order to stay sane! I'll let ya know if it really works... oh look the youngest is up from her nap...

Behind- Catch up!

Okay I'm behind in posting- did ya notice?

Friday- walked and jogged all over creation at a Civil War reinactment with the children! Lots of fun, but boy! Was I tired by the end of the day!

Saturday - Yoga!

Sunday? After church I took a NAP!

Monday- Prenatal Yoga! Very nice.

Tuesday - Prenatal Yoga, again. I enjoy it in my expanding state. What else can I say?

Wednesday - I had a terrible headache! Took meds, crawled back into bed till it took some of the edge off, breakfast was late, school was late getting started - you can guess at the rest, right?

So my thought for the day is: Whew! I am looking forward to quiet time!!! And that laundry? No it may not fold it itself, but it won't run off either!

Sick

do I need to type it again? Fainted 3 times today, felt ill all day... so needless to say - no workout. Oh, and why did I faint? I dunno. I thought I fixed it- hadn't fainted in at least 2 weeks!

Hoping that if I don't feel better by tomorrow I will by Friday because we have our first field trip planned and it involves a LOT of walking!

Cheers!

Tuesday

Yesterday was exhausting... light easy prenatal yoga was the order of the day.

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Monday!

TREADMILL!!! Instead of moving the treadmill, we graduated our youngest to the big girls' room. She's delighted.

So I got to get on the treadmill this morning and not disturb anyone's sleep. 30 minutes. First Day Homeschool is starting, so I did NOT want to overdo it and run out of steam around lunchtime!

Warmed up, stretched. Feel GREAT! LEt's Go, PEOPLE! Move it Move it!

Sweat on!

Sunday-

RESTORATIVE... really, need I say more?

Thursday-

Free Yoga... with added stuff. Let's see I did those Awful Leg Lifts, Pigeon, Pelvic Tilts, ButterFly Pose, Rock Pose, and a few other things I don't know the names of. Then I did some ab work. Side Lifts, and Pilates 100. WHEW! I can still do the 100 though! Yeah, Baby!

Then stretching. So all in all about 30 minutes. I seem to be doing well with a shorter workout everyday. I have more energy to get through the day, without feeling as tired as I did when I was working out an hour or more. So, for now, half an hour it is.

My side ligaments, the ones that stretch during pregnancy and hold onto the uterus, they were NOT happy with Pigeon, or the Side lifts. Dunno why. Didn't care, did them all anyway. It wasn't incapacitating pain, obviously. And those of you who have experienced this know it can be incapacitating pain. Now? They just feel stretched a bit. WHich is probably a good thing. Why Pigeon? RELIEVE STRESS! Am I feeling ultra stressed? No, not really. But I haven't been running lately, so I've fallen out of the Pigeon practice and I could certainly tell this morning. TIGH TIGHT TIGHT! Can we say, "OUCH"? It was almost like the first time I did them. Yikes.

So starting out me day feeing great, energized, and I am sooo happy to say that dispite not working out as much the only part of me expanding is my middle! WHOOO HOOOO.

Sweat on!!

Wedesday

Yoga and weights again. Spinal Twists are still my fav!!! The weather is cooling... looking forward to getting outside again sometime soon.

Cheers, Everyone!

Sweat On!

Monday-

Our house got zapped in a storm Friday, so the Internet has just been restored. YAY!

I'm not gonna try to go back and figure out what I did over the weekend... my memory is fuzzed. BUT!

This morning I did 30 minutes of yoga and 15-20 of weights. Nice. I woke up early, and got right into it. Yeah, next week I need to wake up earlier... but that can wait till next week, right?

Thought for the Day: In your efforts to take care of every one's needs in your home, don't forget to take care of yours too!!

Friday

Free Flow Yoga- which is my fancy way of saying I did 30 minutes of whatever I felt like this morning. Low key stuff, running out of steam this week and I still have loads to do.

Anyway- I did workout. Gave myself that physical and mental lift I needed this morning, while our youngest watch a few minutes of Pooh Bear. Hurray for Winnie The Pooh!

Thought For the Day: Do what you can when you can and be satisfied. If it's only parking further from the door to work, that's a step. If it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator, that's a step. If it's taking a walk during your lunch break, or getting on the treadmill while your toddler take a nap, or playing tag with your kids... One step at a time. Where you are is PERFECT for you! You'll get better with time, give yourself time and the patience it takes.

Cheers!

Cows?

Does milking a cow count as exercise?

Wednesday-

Deni Preston's Strength Training. As you know she mixes in a lot of aerobics. I did 45 minutes of it. Gotta stay within my energy limits here. There was even a preggie girl to follow as she varied some of the exercises to more safe versions for a preggie.

Always fun, but I don't like this being out of breath. I'm going to LOVE breathing more freely after this baby comes. I know, it's a long way off... just make me look forward to it more.

So, long day planned, hope I didn't over do it :) And Sweat On!!

Tuesday...

More Yoga... I gotta move that treadmill, but I can't seem to find a suitable place for it. It's a big honkin thing and doesn't fold up or anything, so it needs a place it won't wake kids but is out of the way during the day. Obviously I haven't found one yet.

I think I am doing better with only half hour workouts right now. I feel like I could sleep all day and still be tired, so saving my energy is important. However, we do live on a small farm with livestock, so don't think this is the ONLY physical activity I get in a day.

This prenatal workout is such that I can vary things enough to make it different each day. Yeah, I'll get bored eventually. But right now I am changing it up enough that my body's not doing the exact same things every morning. I add poses, switch poses, vary the depth of the poses, etc according to how I feel and my interests that morning.

But no matter what, at the and of any workout I find myself falling asleep in Relation pose, Dead Man's Pose. I workout with Deni Preston, or the Prenatal, or Yoga Zone (I have another excellent dvd with them), I end up asleep at the end for 10 minutes minimum. I think I wake only because I'm chilly by then. Silly me.

Well, gotta go start the day for everyone else. I'm so glad I am making this time for in the mornings.

Sweat on!

Monday! -

Prenatal Yoga and weights. I know these are susually not combined, but I promise it can be done... and I felt like I was neglecting my weight lifting. Oh, and added stretches, naturally.

I was hoping to not be quite so fatigued this week, but I still am. However, I did wake a little bit earlier. Baby steps, ya'll, baby steps.

Anyway, I'm up and moving and it feels good. A little nauseaos, but I doubt that's just going to disappear suddenly, so I'll work with it.

Thought for the Day: Listen, listen, listen to your body. It speaks to you in so many ways, and we are taught to ignore it. It has some important things to say! Listen!

Brushing Teeth

Okay - I repeated yesterday's workout ... why? not feeling so hot and have a LONG day planned... and I threw up on my toothbrush. ick. does "ick" even cover that?

Anyway- so my tummy is on revolt and today is errand day... so keeping the workout low key. It may sound silly, but I need to pace myself so I can stay on my feet all day. So all that I could do sistting I did sitting! Ha Ha. But it still felt good, to get myself moving and set up for the day. It was similar to Restorative Yoga this way too. NICE!

Oh, yeah, I was mistaken - I've gained 2 lbs so far in this pregnancy. Originally I lost 7 due to the vomitting... that's why I got the math wrong... forgot how must I lost to begin with. 2 lbs. not too bad, no guilt. Just nausea this morning... which I believe will keep me from gaining too quickly.

I'm so proud of myself... I've workout out every day this week. YAY! me. Next week my goal is to wake up earlier and do it! Set myself up for our homeschool schedule before it starts. A little scared of the morning sickness increasing, but oh well. Just have to see.

Thought for the Day: Don't throw up on your tooth brush... it's gross... oh and the ickiness tends to cause you to repeat the activity. Double gross. Smile, everyone!

Sweat on!

Prenatal Yoga

By Yoga Journal I did the 30 minute energizing sequence this morning, adding a few twists and stretches at the end.

I've used this dvd during each of my last 4 pregnancies. I do it on days I'm low on energy, or low on sleep, and crunched for time. I also do it more towards the end of the pregnancy, because by then I (usually) don't feel up to the more strenuous workouts. The other things I usually do at the end of the pregnancy is walk... a LOT.

Anyway- this sequence does energize without using up that energy. I love the standing pelvic tilts, tree pose, and camel. Table's not a fav, but it's not too bad. I feel calm and energetic.

When I'm with child, my other work outs can drain my energy away and challenge my body too much. A lot of the time an hour of work is too much - which is why I shorten them most of the time, by skipping a bit here and there. With my skipping out on my workouts due to the rather extreme morning illness, I was concerned I'd gain too much weight too quickly... but I weighed myself, and I haven't gained a pound. Well, it fluctuates a pound or two, but you know what I mean. My preggie pants, which I wear because I cannot stand ANY pressure on my stomach still (makes my ill), are a little big, as I was heavier with the last 2 children. So I feel that I have not put on any extra padding even though I skipped out on a lot of workouts... and ate whatever I could to appease my temperamental tummy.

Now, my tummy is still temperamental, just less so. So I'm eating better and more often. And when the illness hits I listen to my body and try to figure out what the problem is and fix it- am I hungry? too hot? tired? over stressed? All of these things can make me ill. Funny, huh?

This prenatal yoga program is wonderful for energizing my morning, winding down my evening, and getting ready for birth. With the several different sequences offered on the dvd, I am able to pick and choose, and none of them take more than an half hour. When I got it, I wasn't so sure. The picture on the front was of the instructor with the famous belly pillow under her shirt because she was no longer prego... I mean why do that? So what, she's not preggie when she does the dvd?! There are still two others in the program who are and show all the different variations on the poses... the advertising was just irksome. But I took it home anyway and tried it, and was perfectly happy with it! It was on sale, and I think I paid $6 for it... 5-6 yrs ago?...

So... Like Deni Preston has counseled her class many many times- try something new and stick with it to see if you really like it or not. I didn't think I'd like this- and every pregnancy I'm thrilled to have it in our dvd library! Oh, and a good place to check out Yoga dvds is http://blogs.yogajournal.com/ just type in dvd in the search spot and it'll give you a LONG list to check out! You won't find Deni Preston, who is of course the QUEEN, but you will find a few goodies! Then you can take the titles to ebay and find them cheap, or some other such place!

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Treadmill!

The baby was already awake, sooooo... I put on Winnie The Pooh (her favorite) and hopped on the treadmill. 45 minutes of walk-jog-run combination. Push the treadmill back into it's corner and then STRETCH!!! STRETCH!!! and STRETCH some more!!!

I'm hot now... so cooling down in a cool shower will be nice. But it felt so good to get moving. I can't stand being hot, so I even turned the fan on while running. But it was worth it.

Preggie Moms who exercise are healthier, deliver more easily, and have healthier babies. This is a pic of our youngest, born in Nov '08, born at home.This pic iwas taken a few hours after birth. 9 lbs, pink, very healthy, labor 45 minutes (fastest yet). So I'm gonna Sweat On - all the way through this pregnancy!

Thanks for reading!

Aerobics

It is just too dark in the morning to run- I am going to have to work something out with the location of the treadmill so I can run in the am and not wake the baby... hmmmm.

Well, this morning it was strength training 119, with Deni Preston. I have to admit though, after the lunges yesterday I skipped a lot of the squats and lunges in this workout. Which worked out well, as time was tight.

One of my fav episodes! I love weights I guess.I also skipped out on the exercise that had everyone on their bellies. I know I'm only 3 1/2 mths BUT, this is the 7th child, so Yeah - I already stick out a LOT! My hormones tell my muscles- "You're prego!", and my tummy muscles just split now. After the third it's almost automatic.

Anyway, even with alterations, it was fun! Tough. But fun!

Sweat on!

Lunges Yoga!

I haven't posted in a while - DH went out of town all last week, was too busy/tired/ill to exercise. I also overdid on Saturday, as usual.

But today is a new week, and I did Yoga 105 Lunges! WHEW! I dunno what it ius but sometimes it's like I can't get enough oxygen. While preggies we're supposed to be taking in more oxygen per breath and yet everytime I exert myself I'm out of breath- for me NOT normal. So this is a little frustrating... I am also fainting. Not during workouts- not in the morning, usually at the end of the day, after 2 pm always. I'm not getting up from a sitting or laying down position any faster, and am getting up SLOWER than usual, and yet I still drop a few feet later... not every day, but often enough to expect it coming and when I find myself on the floor I know what happened even though I have no memory of it..

Can anyone explain these anomolies?

Aside from the bizzarre in my health... this morning's workout was tough! It's the being out of breath and my muscles suddenly feeling tired (which is due to lack of o2). But I got through it with many breaks in child's pose. The stretches felt WONDERFUL! I have been feeling so tight lately, I'm glad to be getting back into my regimen. Feeling nauseus now, but not whene I began. So now I just need a meal and lots to drink and I'll feel better.

I love my body and what it can do... it's a little trying when I'm carrying a child... the limitations, the fatigue, the homrnal annoyances, but we'll get through and enjoy the exercise when we can. Did you know? Babies in utero LOVE their mommies in movement? Yup.

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Strength Training Wednesday!

Can't let myself get flabby just because I'm preggie, can I? When I woke this morning I felt a bit better than I have lately - less nausea, a little more energy... so I decided to give it a whirl.

I do not regret it! I admit, I backed off a little on a few of the exercises. But I don't feel bad about it. I listened to my body... and the demands of its tenant. So I think I did well.

Those aweful legs lifts are back to haunt me! I still feel the burn. But I'll be grateful when at delivery my butt's no bigger than it is right now. So I did every single one. I ran out of steam towards the end, but it wasn't too hard.

I really want to run, but Dh has to get up early the rest of this week for work, so if I do it'll have to be on the treadmill. I'd have to move the treadmill into another room the night before... hmmmm. But then again Dh is going to be out of town all next week- so if I'm gonna figure it out I better do it this week while he's here, right. No excuses.

Anyway- it's a great beginning to my day - feeling better and rewarding myself for getting out of bed early with a terrific workout with Deni! Whooo Hoooo!

Sweat on!

Yoga- 130

Love this one, don't you? All Abs! WHEW! I feel done in by the end of boat pose and there's still half an hour left!

But it was great!

Enjoy the day, ladies! Sweat on!

Wednesday-111

Basic Flow Yoga... I love this episode. Some unusual moving poses in this one. Made me tired, but it felt good too.

Glad I do it.

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Tuesday- and weight.

THe treadmill is calling my name, despite afternoon illness. It seem to be my body's habit to make me ill in the afternoons through evenings. But I feel like a walk. Not a run, certainly... anything right now that jerks my insides around is to be ovoided at all costs. But a nice walk would be lovely.

So later- I'm gonna get one - but things will be busy so I won't have time to post about it... If it's not as nice as I anticipate, I'll let you know tomorrow though.

Weight- gain? nope. Loss? with as little as my body is keeping down and as much as it is getting rid of... yup! But that's normal for me. Usually in the beginning I lose 10-15 lbs. But by then end of the pg I gain 20-25lbs. So it works out.

What I am concerned about is losing muscle tone. So I am doing yoga, even though I'm not posting it all... I have been so sick it's not even funny. I was ill like this with #3. Worse then, and trying not to get that bad. But it's no fun right now. And sometimes just typing, or even talking is too much effort... so forgive me if I don't keep the blog super up to date. I'm trying to post some to most of what I'm doing as far as exercise goes.

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Yoga- 108

Basic Flow. Trying to get this entry in quick before the storm hits. It is black outside.

This episode is wonderful for reminding us that yoga is very much like a dance... and who doesn't like to dance? I felt a new appreciation for triangle this morning... it felt good, for the FIRST time! Stretched out my sides beautifully. Just goes to show, you gotta stick with something to see if you really like it or not.

I didn't get super nauseous till the last 8 minutes or so... so that was great! I am sooo hoping this morning/all day sickness goes away soon. With some I've been ill all the way through, hoping I'm not this time. Well, I hope that EVERYtime to be honest. Lol.

Well, enjoy the day whether it be rainy or sunny. Sweat on!

Monday- 130

Abdominals! Whew! Everything is hareder right now. I can only hope that after the next few weeks, and I get into the second trimester it'll become at aleast a little easier. I am also praying that the nausea will back off. This 24/7 deal is no fun.

Oh, and the fainting? Down right inconvenient! Alright, I'm done.

Abs are such a good thing for me to focus on, when I can. Strong abs are GRRRRREAT for labor! So even though it was tough I suffered all the way through, and felt much better for it!

Sweat on, ladies! Sweat on!

Thursday Con...

I ran for 40 minutes! YAY! ME! I'm bushed now... But I ate well... been having trouble eating enough... eaten well for the past two days though. Yay me again!

So there ya go. Sweat on!

Thursday- Yoga

30-40 minutes of yoga... what I like to call Free Yoga. Free as in I am following no planned routine... just doing it. Let's see this morning I did lots of Sun Salutations, of course, Big Toe Pose, that crazy pose where you're balancing on one foot, bent over, holding the other ankle while staring at the floor (I like it), Warrior in all its forms, and a few others.

I did this fighting the nausea and I feel very thirsty, but better for it. My brother, in the Airforce, who is currently overseas like so many others, has inspired me to be tougher. He has lost 20 lbs, which he didn't need to, and gained a LOT of muscle. Yeah, some of this may be fluid loss as he is working in very very hot weather, but it's can't be even most of it. He is running, lifting weights (all kinds) and basically getting into mad shape while wiating to come home to his preggie wife. The bro of mine was not a big exercise guy before he left. But he has seen this time as an opportunity to do somethings he's wanted to for a while, just didn't get off his bum and do it. Now he is.

Will his example inspire me EVERY day? I doubt it. I got sick this morning, and if it had been any worse I would have crawled back into that bed! But situations are different. It's his wife who is carrying their baby, not him. He doesn't face those bouts of oh my gosh whare is the bathroom??? Or, hey?.. did I faint? - After waking on the floor of the kitchen. So while, yeah, I'm gonna try a little harder, I'm not gonna kill myself over this.

So, congrats to me for my efforts this morning. But I may be workout in the evening more, as I am less ill then. Ha Ha!

Sweat on!

Wednesday-

I ran on the treadmill!!!! This evening I ran on the treadmill for over an hour. It felt soooooooooo gooooooooood! Yeah, I'm fighting the nausea but I don't think it's gonna go away anytime soon... so I just gotta fight it.

I think my bigger problem is getting enough calories in my system... I am falling VERY VERY short! Just a mental tally, which shows how little I get down every day, but I really think I'd feel better and more energetic if I could eat enough.

If any of you have ideas, please pass them along.

But on the great side - I ran today!!! Yay me! Stretching felt sooooo yummy! So glad I did it. Gonna go eat dinner now!

Sweat on!

4th Weekend

Did I get any exercise in? You betcha!

Friday - let's just say that pushing a double strolling all over creation has it's calorie burning qualities.

Saturday I ran the nature trails in the camp ground for an hour. It was so nice! The sun finished coming up while I jogged up and down hills, over streams, through the woods. Fun. Came back to the camp sight and stretched. Then showered, heaven bless camp site with decent shower facilities!

Sunday morning I did an hour of yoga before making pancakes over the fire. The thought that I looked ridiculous to the rest of our camping neighbors did occur to me, but hardly seemed relevant somehow. I got nice and warm in the early morning temperature. It was lovely.

Came home Sunday and Today? Well, I got car sick on the way home... and have been dominated my nausea all day today. I am avoiding the kitchen at all costs. The smell of tacos are drifting into this room anyway, determined to challenge my stomach's strength. So nothing today- I think that perhaps the trip took a bit more out of me than I thought. When I got home yesterday I laid down and barely got up. Today it's been difficult to keep anything down, and it's easier when I'm laying down. At the same time, I am exhausted, even though I slept in very late this morning. Oh the joys of pregnancy :)

Hope you all had a great 4 th of July weekend, while remembering your dieting promises. And if you slipped a time or two, Like I did, no worries. Holiday's over tomorrow, start again, fresh. Miss Shirley said, "Tomorrow is always new, with no mistakes in it"- Don't ya love Anne of Green Gables?

Sweat on my friends! Sweat on!

Weekend 4th of July

We're gonna be gone this weekend - camping and stuff. So whatever exercise I get in while gone I'll update you all on when I get back! YES - I am taking my running shoes and other stuff. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a trail or something cool to try out.

Happy 4th everyone!

Thursday- Pilates

Have you ever heard of Pilates? Sometimes it's also called Body Sculpting, although Deni's Body Sculpting is very different. Pilates, or Winsor Pilates, I picked up a long time ago in a two dvd pack. One dvd is a twenty minute workout. The other dvd is the full 52 minute workout.

This is about your abs - all about the abs. Or Power House, as it's called on the dvd. I've tried it before, obviously, several years ago... let's say 4 or 5. I didn't like it much, but thought it interesting.

Lately I can't seem to drag my preggie body out of bed at 5:30, so I run in the evening or not at all. Running's hit or miss right now, and it bugs me a lot. Anyway, about the Pilates. I wanted to do an ab workout, but didn't have a full hour to work with... so I pulled this out of my pack and tried it again. I did 30 minutes of the 50 minutes workout. Got hot, and abs worked hard. So I got the workout I wanted.

Winsor Pilates is done on the floor, or mat the entire time. You are either laying on your back or front or side. And with the 50 minutes workout it's all pretty slow. I remember with the twenty minute workout it was all very fast. The longer workout gives you a chance to get used to the move before upping the speed. I enjoyed it this morning. I like how she tells you how many times you'll do each workout before you start, and how she counts aloud. There are cons to this workout though as well. ALL of the participants are one body style. The women are tiny and skinny skinny. The men are ripped and skinny. There is a woman doing modified versions of each exercise, but she doesn't look like she needs to do them. This workout also doesn't have the camaraderie that others do... the participants smile a little, but that's it. No one sounds like they are having fun, so there is no energy to enjoy from the show. She also doesn't give you a stretch in between the poses during the first 20 minutes - it's ALL work, no rest.

Is it my favorite? Nah. But some of those exercises were really challenging, so I have to do it again. I like the pilates 100, I found it much easier than it was 4 yrs ago... I mean it was EASY! And when I last tried it, it was a challenge. The lifting your legs up into the air, balancing on your shoulders... that was tough! I can't do it right yet... so I'll have to practice that one... why? Because it was hard and fun. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't bother. So I'll be doing it again. I need to ab work, and my pack for Deni's Total Body workout only give one for just abs. Granted every yoga pose has some ab work and every Aerobics episode has some ab work... but I really need to focus on mine. They are in sad shape. I want stronger abs before this baby comes, and I want stronger abs to start the recovery time as well. The more muscle I have when the baby comes, I believe the easier it will be to lose the excess weight. So I'll probably alternate between the two.

Wednesday- 119

Strength training!! Feeling nauseous when I began... and even more so during... but I pulled through. Yesterday I had the same thing going on. And I'll tell ya- the nausea has become my almost constant companion... I get 5-10 minutes reprieves throughout the day. Just long enough to fall asleep at night, then wake up at 2 am because of the abdominal distress. But I'll take what I can get.

So today I got up and made it through. Maybe I'll do it tomorrow... maybe I'll be too busy throwing up... sometimes I am better at controlling that than at other times. We'll just have to wait and see.

The point is - it was fun, I enjoyed it. Even though it feels harder than it used to. I enjoyed it. I enjoy it everytime.

Now? Well, I'll go eat something and begin the battle to keep it down; shower; and go on with my day :) Pregnancy is not for sissies. I know some women make it through with little or no discomfort at all... good for you! But most of us suffer through it, with periods of relief and periods of serious discomfort. It's always worth it. - As was the workout this morning.

Sweat on my friends! Sweat on!

Tuesday- 101

Yoga! Basic Poses! Ooooh sooooo NIIIIIICE! I thought if I didn't exercise I might go a bit batty. This was wonderful.

My body feels rejuvenated by all of the rest I have allowed it and I think I may be able to get in some regular exercising this week... I'm excited!

I loved everything in this episode except Triangle pose. It feels so unnatural for me. Dunno why. But I'm still doing it, if as seldom as possible ;)

So I am going to continue my day with this great feeling of energy and relaxation.

Sweat on!

Sunday/Monday

Sunday? nausea reigned supreme... ALLLL DAY LONG!

Monday- exhaustion keep me abed. And I made a decision. If I need to rest every extra minute I can for the next few weeks, I am not going to begrudge myself. This illness will pass. It will be short lived and when it does end I can get back to my program, knowing that I've taken care of myself.

So that said- from here on out I will post ONLY on days I actually am able to exercise. Able, meaning not vomiting my guts up or sleeping for what seems like forever!

Thanks for bearing with me, and for reading! Please keep up your own programs, be healthy! Keep up the great work!

Sweat on!

Exercise while Preggie?

You betcha, Baby !!! Lots of things come into play when talking about exercise. let alone when you talk about exercising while preggo. So let's get into it!

Firstly: Did you exercise BEFORE you conceived? This is very important! Yes, you can begin an exercise program while pg. But it would start out being VERY VERY low key! You can NOT start running 5 miles a day, if you NEVER ran before! If you are somewhat in shape- you can go ahead and begin a program in the 1st trimester. But you need to be careful about what you start out with. You're all intelligent women, be thoughtful and careful and I am sure you'll pick the right program for you.

If you have been exercising then you can continue with the program you've got. Now, unfortunately, is not the time to set up bigger goals for your body. Your body has a big enough goal as it is, building a baby. So stick with your workouts as it is. Listen to your body. And you'll be fine, and your baby will be fine too.

Exercise is a great way to minimize pregnancy complaints, infuse yourself with more energy, aid in keeping the weight gain on track, set you up for a better labor. An extra bonus is, that it will also help you knock off the weight after the baby is born.

Better labor? Yup! You're body will be strong. Strong abs, especially help out with bearing down. Strong legs help as well. Strength helps, let's just sum it up like that.

Secondly, Hydration! Big consideration to bear in mind! No matter what exercise you enjoy Drink Drink Drink! Don't worry about having to pause to pee either. You need as much water as you can consume. Right now, while running, I have to stop and find a bush along the way. That's okay with me. It's more comfortable for me to run w/ an empty bladder.

Thirdly: Eating... WOW! Do we preggies have to eat! And, ladies, ice cream and cookies, does not cut it! We need to find more and more and more ways to get those healthy calories in, what with the smells, the nausea, the taste bud changes, and the fatigue. Inventiveness is KEY here! Remember- cravings are good, so long as they are healthy cravings! If you crave dirt, naturally you won't fulfill that. A craving for one piece of dark chocolate, or even two, that's doable. But cravings for entire bags of candy, or cookies is not to be indulged! Please Note: if in a moment of weakness you give in... not all is lost! Just do better next time.

Fourthly: Energy Levels. This is one of the most important times you need to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! If you're just too pooped, that's okay. Don't do the entire workout, cut it short. Do something less draining. Don't drive yourself into the ground! You'll be miserable. But again, if in a moment of weakness you give into the drive to do too much... it's OKAY! Just rest up, and do better next time!

Along with energy, do your best to get plenty of rest and sleep! Your body will not thank you if you don't.

So, summing up. Remember to take into consideration your fitness level, hydration, caloric intake, and your energy levels when you exercise and you'll be able to exercise safely while being an incubator. But hopefully, you were already doing all of that BEFORE you conceived anyway, so it will just be more of the same!

Weight Gaining Trap!

I fell into it AGAIN! Everyone has their own trap they fall into sometimes, or at regular intervals. What's mine? Pregnancy. Yup. I got knocked up... again. Yeah, buddy, this will be number 7.

For those interested, this is alittle off of the Exercise topic, we have 2 boys and 4 girls. The ages range from 12 yrs to 18 mths. I've heard it all before... yes we know how this happens. And maybe if we didn't enjoy it so much... you fill in the blank. Seriously though, we just want lots of kids.

Am I happy? YES Yes YES ! ! ! Am I the weensiest disappointed? Truthfully... yes. I won't make that half marathon goal this year now. Maybe in another 2 yrs, now with the 9 mths and recoop time. But definitely not this year. And I can't lose anymore weight now, and try to slip into some smaller jeans. *sigh*

Now why is pregnancy my weight trap? Because it is the only reason I ever gain weight. People complain about the diet yo-yo's. Diets have never been my problem. I don't diet. I change my diet from not as healthy to healthier as I learn more about it. But I always gain weight when I carry a baby, and something's seriously wrong if you don't. Then it takes me about yr, or more, to get rid of all of it post partum.

So here I am. I've fallen into my weight trap and I can't climb out... for 9 months!

Friday- FINALLY!

Yoga- yeah I did something today!!! Arm balancing poses! Whew! Whooo hooo too. Our eldest daughter participated. Too cute.

Then I ran about 3-4 miles. Yummy. Lots of stretching. But I am reminded that not all is lost while preggie. Even with the almost constant nausea. I am still capable! Well, so long as DH folds and puts away the laundry for me once in a while.

Thought for the day: Have patience with yourself, eventually it pays off.

Thursday-

Good Grief. First I needed rest and now the nausea has set in. It may take me a while to fgiure out the delicate balance... I'll be stashing some light snax next to the bed for morning relief. This morning it took so much effort to drag my sorry bum out of bed... because my stomach was on revolt.

That's okay... really. I'm almost convinced. I have a treadmill and we can renew our relationship this evening. And until I figure out this balance of tummy upset versus food I can work out in the afternoons instead of mornings. When I do figure out a way to get myself to laugh at the nausea and go run anyway, I'll enjoy it that much more, right? That's the theory anyway.

Note: I was going to keep this pregnancy to myself for a while... but my going away from the training program would have looked like failure... and that bugged me too much. So, I've come clean and confessed. I'll just have to deal with the consequences.

Thought for the day: Mind games... sometimes they are a good thing- especially when you are trying to forgive yourself for weaknesses. It's like painting our nail... why do we do it? Waste waste waste? right? Nope, it makes us feel good... just another mind game.

Wednesday-

REST! Slept in this morning... why? because my body at 5am said it was TIRED. So now that I've taken care of it, I should be up and unning in the morning!

Enjoy the day!

Tuesday- 107

I did 30 minutes of strength training... enough to get my arms in and do squats... but I am tired this morning. *sigh*

Oh well. Maybe I'll feel more energetic tomorrow.

Sweat on!

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - Monday

LSD- Long Slow Distance. You thought I was talking about something else, didn't you? This morning I did a nice slow recovery 5 miles. Enjoyed the fragrant Spring morning at 6 am. I interupted a breakfast. A herd of horses was nibbling at a hay bale when I jogged by, and they are just like people. Had to stop doing what they were doing and watch. Both times I passed. So I treated them just like people. I continued to sing along, waved, and even said "Hi!".

My mosquito bitten ankles itched mildly every step of the way... but after my shower I painted them with clear finger nail polish again and Ahhhhhh. Relief. Yes, after they are scratched open fingernail polish is just the thing to keep you from permenently scarring yourself.

My hippo dragged a bit, but as this was an LSD run, it was just fine. No walking for me. I have conquered on of my monster hills, so I don't think I'll name it... but the second? It's called : SKUNK. Cuz it's a stinker! Focused on posture going up this evil thing. Nice a slow.

I would like to revisit something... it was pointed out to me that 5K and 10K were "really far" this weekend. I don't agree... BUT for those of you who feel this way I have a few things to say, or rather repeat. I am by no means a string bean. I am a very typical female. My thighs rub together, I've got the dreaded muffin top of many moms, I'm well endowed, and I have a J-Lo-ish bum. I'm short, 5 foot 1 inch... It's so sad I know the exact figure. And I started this whole running thing with a walk/run postpartum. I found 1 mile to be a chore. Monthes later, of what DH calls self torture, I can enjoy a 6 and even an 8 mile run with enthusiasm.

I do some strength training, aerobics, and anaerobics. I play with our kids, work with the animals, labor along side DH and love life more and more as I become a healthier person.

My thought for the Day is: 1 miles is far, only if you think it is. I don't say to myself- I'm going to run 6 miles today, I say I'm going to go for 3 and see how I feel as I go. Then at each spot/hill/whathaveyou I remind myself that I just need to go past the next telephone poll, or mailbox, or ten more feet up this blasted hill and then I can recover. I'm slow. I'm not super fit. But I'm in love, so I run. Find something you can love. Fall in love and then it will never seem like an impossibility again.

Sunday ! - 125

Restorative! Mmmmmmmm. Yum! I LOVE these restorative sessions. Don't you?

In this episode there are a few twists, one of which (the one with the strap) was challenging but worth it. And these was the finger release, always nice. Then we did the side stretches, which my sides sorely needed! And I mean SORELY! Yoga does a wonderful job of showing you which side is weaker or tighter than the other. For some things it was my right, even though I am right handed, for other poses it was my left.

Wonderful session! I hope you enjoy Restorative Yoga sometimes too! It's fantstic!

Thought for the Day: Sunday is the day to refill one's cup in many ways. Drink up and enjoy!

5K 10K

I ran my 1st PUBLIC run this morning! I registered for the 5K... but I ran the 10K! Go me! Go Me! GO ME!

My times... nothing to brag about- 5K : 37:11
10K- 1:17:change. My brain couldn't register that many numbers.

I met my friend there, we ran separately. But she stayed to watch me finish, isn't she sweet. Another friend showed up and cheered! So cool. It never occur ed to me that it might be nice to have cheerleaders... but it was. Borderline embarrassing, but I got over it quick.

So I did it. I want to do it again tomorrow! I am going to run every 5K, 10K I can locally this summer. I am stoked! It was so much fun. I didn't expect it to be fun at all. But somewhere along the way I just settled into my music and sang/danced along and just ignored the group thing. I was waved at and waved back... and the entire PUBLIC deal I was nervous about wasn't a deal at all. It was FUN! So I HAVE to do it again!

The run itself? Oh, it was interesting to watch most people take off like a shot, then see them walk later, and pass them while I maintain my snail-like jog. I'm glad I held myself back though - I didn't need to walk at ALL! So proud of myself. Lately I've felt heavier... and running with an (even if it's just in my head) heavier hippo draggin along in the back is a bit of a chore. But my hippo pounded the pavement all the way.

Congratulations to my hippo and me!

Deni Preston's Total Body Workout!

I have now gone through all exercise episodes on this 7 disc season. This is my evaluation of the season!

I posted about all the ones I did during my exercise sessions. The ones I did not post about? Those were the ones with the Stability ball, and the step... because, don't get mad, Deni!- I didn't think I'd like them. And... ummmm... I didn't.

The one with the big ball, well I don't have one, and using a chair was very annoying when I tried it. That was 109 and I don't do it.

The Step sessions? My Linkin Log box is higher than the step used on the program and Deni get into pretty complex patterns and with my box I didn't keep up and got frustrated. 104, 112, 127 and I don't do them either.

That's about 4 out of 24 episodes I didn't like and don't plan on repeating. Although if I ever get a stability ball, or step, I will try them again. So that leaves me with 20 other episodes I WILL repeat, several of which I have many times already.

The ones I LOVE are the Strength Training, Kick Boxing, Basic Flow, and Restorative sessions! I love the challenge of the kick box and strength training, the warmth of basic flow, and the powers of the restorative yoga! Those are my favs, but I have to say I like the in between ones as well, and will revisit them too.


This Season 1 was $25 and change for shipping. I have to say that it was worth the price. I will on occasion go onto BYU TV and do some new routines with Deni Preston and her gang of getinshapers! I am thrilled with my purchase months afterwards! AND I am looking forward to the release of season 2.


Thank you Deni and your team! This is a terrific product! I have become a HUGE fan! I would, and have, suggest this program to anyone who wanted to try yoga, aerobics, a little of everything, or switch up their work out. I love how she helps us to know how to up the energy if we feel powerful that day, or lower the difficulty on a weaker day. It's a great way to keep your routine fun and new.

Friday - 119

A few days ago I did Strength training, but it was a different episode. This is the one with the medi-ball. Always a fun one.

I wanted to run yesterday morning, but DH had to be at work SUPER early, so that plan got canned. I am not running today... why? 1- No time and 2- I'm running my first run in the morning. BUT_ if I find the time this evening I may take a short jog or walk a while. I'll be nervous enough in the morning as it is.

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Thursday- 121

Sun Salutations. After all of the arm and back work yesterday downward facing dog became quite a chore. So when it got to be too much I did half down dog. During the partner bit of the episode, the three yr old helped a little :). Fun. But for the rest I did balancing poses.

I enjoyed it. The sun rose as I worked. Feeling the sun rise as I do yoga always lifts me somehow. I'm glad our home has so many windows.

Wednesday Continued...

Logged in an hour on the treadmill. Nice.

Stretching. Lot os stretching. I always do Pigeon after a run, as it keeps my legs from aching the next day. And I went into the FULL position! Wooo hoooo. I thought it was sooo cool, I showed DH. He said it looked painful. But it wasn't, which was why I was so thrilled. It just felt GOOOOOOOOOD. So maybe the pics not me, but it could be.

So cool. I love my improvements. Every single tiny little one.

Wednesday-

Strength training. YAY! Those AWFUL leg lifts are getting soooooo much easier! I did 20 reps of each position of those- and it didn't feel like I was in complete agony! My legs MUST be getting stronger. SWEEEEEET! I did a little extra ab works as well. I like those side lifts Deni showed us in another episode, so I add those whenever. I am still trying to figure out how to breathe easily through them.

Lots of Squats and calf work. Which is FINE! I don't need bulkier legs, but stronger is always a plus.

Don't worry though. I'll be on my treadmill this evening. I figure on going a slow 5 miles or so. I may go less, we'll see.

Thought for the Day: Listen to your body.. and mine right now says- SHOWER! ICK!

Sweat on!

Tuesday-

3 miles. A slow 3 miles. But that's okay. I feel good. That's what matters.

Thought for the Day: Comfort never brought growth. Push a little beyond the comfort zone... There you will find growth!

Sweat on!

5 K

Forgot to mention... I'm running my first public 5 K this Saturday! Yip Yip Yippie!

Just had to say it once :)

Monday-

After 3 days of illness I did YOGA this morning! I was gonna go running - but it was raining AND I didn't feel that it would be best for my body. So - - - Restorative! Mmmmmmmmmm. Yummy. Although pigeon, screaming and all of the other variations almost made me cry. But I did it! And it was worth it! Feel so much better. The picture? Screaming Pigeon, I can't go quite that deep yet- almost, but not yet... so, obviously, that's not me. But she makes it look so simple, doesn't she? Try it- but I'd advise just holding the back ankle, and reaching the front hand forward, not going for the full depth the first try.

Tomorrow? Run run run. How far? Well, I figure 3 -4 miles, If I'm feeling up to it. Don't want to over do it, so not too far. But If in the morning I only feel energetic enough for 2 miles, I'll be satisfied with that as well. Gotta listen to my body, honor it's needs. If I push too hard I'll feel terrible again. So, not gonna do that!

Thought for the day: Forgive your limitations, enjoy your abilities, and strengthen your weaknesses!

Friday-

Sick Day. I'm calling in sick today, everyone. I've been sick since 5 am. I guess the internal clock works in more than one way. I just want to curl up under the covers and drift into oblivion...

Thursday Continued...

Estimated 5 mile run this evening. Maybe a tad over, perhaps a tad under. But I'm counting it as my long run for the week. Next week my schedule says my long run is 6 miles. I'm definitely doing it in the morning! The heat and humidity is aweful right now.

I stopped at the bridge, can you picture a bridge on a dirt road?, to stretch my calves which were tensing up on me. Then I walked up the Brute, at the top of which I had a nice little play time with some Jack Russels. Next time she has a litter, I'm gonna have to ask for one.

The view was terrific. I focused on keeping my posture correct on the hills. The flock of turkeys was fun to watch. I startled a deer. Then on the way back a deer startled me. She was 15 feet from me, after the initial jump, just staring. Beautiful. I think she had a fawn in the bush I ran next to which may have been why she bounced away till I passed. Because after I passed, she bounced back.

It was a euphoric run. Just lovely.

Thursday- 119

Strength Training! WHew! Kicked my butt too. But felt great! I did extra arms, and those ab workout are soooooo hard, but soooo worth it !

The plan is to run this evening when it's cooled off, after hubby gets home... because we had a late night watching AVATAR. Red Box rental. AVATAR. Worth the time. But that meant I couldn't drag myself out of bed at 5 am. So I'll run this evening. YAY!

I'm supposed to run 5 miles today, according to the schedule... I'm behind on my mileage this week... so I doubt I'll make 20 for the week by Saturday. Especially since running Sat morning is out. Hubby will be on a father/son camp out. I can go on the treadmill, the only draw back is - it would take FOREVER. I'm not gonna sweat it though. Next week is another week.

Thought for the Day: Forgive yourself for being human!

Wednesday Continued...

Extra mileage in my day. Met hubby at the park after work. While he played with the kids I went for a quick 1.36 miles. At least that's what the sign said, red route - 1.36 miles. So Total for the day : 5.36 miles. Cool.

Why did I run that last 1.36 miles? Well, I've never run in town before, and I have never run on such a flat surface before! I live around hills, and MONSTER Hills. They are such monsters I'm going to start naming them. That awful, terrible you need 4 wheel drive after a drizzle to go up is called Brute.

Anyway, in town run - It didn't take hardly any time at all. But I have to say, "I Hate running in the afternoon during the summertime". I got hot quickly, my mouth became parched quickly, not the most comfortable run despite the flat land. So I ran around people. A black labbish thing tried to either rub against me or run me off the path. I agilely sidestepped the walking rug. I felt a little self conscious at the start, but even more so when it came time to stretch. Now, I don't know about you, but I do not mess around with stretching. I NEVER skip it! But I felt a little stupid at the park stretching in front of these other chics who were sitting around watching their kids and/or reading/chatting.

While we picnicked I did see an older gentlemen hit the pavement. And before I began I saw a tiny little chica running along too. So I was the only chunky monkey? So what? I was also the only one with 6 kids. I'm sure there are a dozen other ways in which I was unique this afternoon. But in the end we're all just people, right? Maybe no one thought I was cool. If I'm lucky no one noticed at all. Doesn't really matter though. I know I'm cool.

Once I got going it didn't matter. I just kept thinking, "I'd rather eat asphalt that be seen walking". I walk with my family- totally cool with it. But on my own? I run. So I'd laugh at myself and suddenly it didn't matter if anyone else was there. I ran. I enjoyed it, parched mouth and all.

1 Question answered today. Can I run in public? Yup. Good to know.

Wednesday-

I got up at 5:30 am as promised :) I ran 4 miles. For some reason it was a tough 4 miles. But it was up those two monster hills. And I DID do it! YAY! It feels so good to get to the top of them.

My hubby thinks I'm nutz. I told him last night, yeah - it might be insane. He says I must like pain. I don't really. I just LOVE what comes after the pain. Growth! Strength! Stamina! Yeah, Baby! I do not know a single other person who runs for fun or enjoyment. But that's okay. I've always been a little left of center, I don't mind. As I puffed along this morning I danced and sang along to my MP3 player, whoohoooed at the top of my hills, and just kept chugga luggin' along. I don't care how long it takes, I don't care how sweaty I got in that humidity, I just like to go go go. It's fun. It's a stress release. It's peaceful. Two deer stared at me for quite some time this morning trying to figure me out. It took me a while to get where they were, and that's okay by me.

LSD- Long SLOW distance. I'm down with that. I'm diggin it.

I will admit that when I stop the sweat starts to congeal on my skin, and my muscles turn jelly-ish. That's what showers and stretching are for.

Thought for the Day: Do what feels good! Move! Yummy.

Sunday/Monday/Tuesday

Saturday Continued - I ran 4 miles. Concurred 2, yes TWO monster hills ! WHOO HOOO! I know the distance isn't impressive, but, dude, those hill ARE! Go me Go me!

Sunday - went camping! Did a little yoga. Ankle sore. Ace bandage and ICE!

Monday- still camping. Ankle still a little sore. When we got home I did get on the treadmill, and also did some arm weights. But I was fatigued so I didn't do much.

Tuesday- TIRED! Stayed in bed this rainy morning. But I am feeling more rested. Come tomorrow morning I will be back on the road running.

Results VI

I lost 2 and a half inches! and 2 lbs. Some people fluctuate their weight, but I think this may be because they don't weigh themselves the same way. I weigh myself after I work out and am warm, before I shower, I'm well hydrated, and usually after a bowel movement (it just happens that way, if that's too TMI pretend you didn't read that part). But you'd be amazed at how much junk you carry around in your intestines. Exercise will regulate that too, if that's a concern of yours.

So I lost a few inches in 3 weeks, and 2 lbs. However those 2 lbs I gained over a month ago, so should I really count them? Sure. I think I gained muscle and lost fat, so they count. My butt, thighs, calves are all more compact. I like my calves right now. My bum's not bad, but my thighs? Let's not go there and instead focus on the positives. I can ALMOST see some muscle definition in my arms. Woot Woot. My waist hasn't gotten any smaller, but I like it for now. I like my ankles a lot. Funny, huh? I am probably the only one who looks at my ankles.

I am fitting into a smaller size jean comfortably. And I picked up a couple of super cute tees at a garage sale this week. One's a brown Grateful Dead T, another hot pink with horses, and the one I'm wearing now light blue has a pic of a little girl praying on it saying, "Jesus, Please Holla back." Apparently the little girl doesn't realize she needs to listen quietly for the still small voice, Hee Hee. So congrats to me Tees, because most of my other shirts are getting pretty baggy. How cool is it that I get to pack things away or get rid of them because they are too BIG? So cool!

"Do you best and leave the rest to fortu-ocity!"

Calorie Counting - a Thing of the Past

I was counting calories, doing my best to make every one count. Choosing complex carbs over simple, choosing healthier snax. Now that I am running 20 + miles a week, I have abandoned writing down what I eat and adding up the calories.

I have learned to trust my body. It tells me when it's full, in need of fuel, tired, thirsty, and energetic. I am learning to feed these needs, and doing my best to make wise food choices. I drink TONS of water now! During workouts, after, before, all the time! My urine is clear all the time, I know TMI, but I'm trying to illustrate a point here. I'm comfortable with that much water - and UNcomfortable w/o it.

I used to not eat anything for breakfast. Food in the morning made me feel nauseous. Now I eat BIG breakfasts. For example yesterday morning I ate half a packet of oatmeal w/ a tsp of molasses and 1/2 a cup of cottage cheese w/ a slice of pineapple. I was full. This morning I ate the entire packet of oatmeal, the cottage cheese w/fruit, AND 6 ozs of yogurt. After the oatmeal was gone, 20 minutes later I was still hungry. So I ate again. The yogurt was enough. These breakfasts are huge compared to what I used to not eat. During the rest of the day I tend to pick here and there: an apple, a few carrots, handful of nuts, yogurt with an oatmeal cookie for lunch (yesterday), salad, etc. I've noticed a need for more protein in my diet as well. SO I sneak in nuts and dairy where I can. Yes, I do give in and eat cake sometimes. The occasional brownie. The piece of chocolate yesterday... and the day before. I don't believe in deprivation, to the point of madness... and let's face it - NEVER eating chocolate is MADNESS! Now when I eat the naughty items I don't feel the guilt that usually comes with them. I feel indulged instead. A little self indulgence is okay.

The point is, I am learning how to respond appropriately to my body's signals without being overly concerned with how many or how much. I'm running pretty regularly now and increasing my distance. I'll burn it off.

Another thing that seems to have changed is - when I want down time, instead of closeting myself away with a book, or a bubble bath, I find myself craving an extra run, an hour of yoga, or a 15 minute nap. After the run, yoga, or the power nap I feel great! Yesterday is an excellent example. I'll need to do something again today I know it! It's rainy, the kids are indoors, I may run in the rain today, just for some time to think without a little person hangin on my leg.

Don't get me wrong, I love everysingle one of the little monsters. But sometimes time off is best. Think about it. EVERY OTHER JOB IN THE WORLD GETS TIME OFF! Even in jail you can get time off for good behavior! I'm a mom 24/7, 8 days a week. To keep my sanity intact I need time off. A trip to the bathroom ALONE! A few hours where someone ELSE changes the diapers. You're moms out there! You know what I'm saying.

So these are things that have changed, are changing, and I have noticed them. I have not forced any of these changes. I have observed my body's needs and done my best to fulfill them healthfully.

Saturday 126 - and Training and books!

Hip Opening emphasis. There was triangle (ick), warrior, a tree-like pose, and something else... but honestly, I thought there would be a few more hip opening poses. We did lots of forward folds. I don't know much about yoga- maybe some of these other poses also helped open up the hips in a more subtle manner. But it wasn't what I expected.

However, I did enjoy it! Just because I expected something different, doesn't mean I won't repeat it!

I was tired this morning. Probably due to the rain and thunder. It just make me feel like staying in bed all day. So I went into child' pose a few times to rest. And I stayed in shavasana (that resting pose) for a long while. Maybe 15 minutes. Very nice.

We're going camping tonight. I am looking forward to a different run in the morning. My training schedule says 3 miles. But it also said 4 for yesterday, and I bet altogether I went 7 or 8. Last night's run was the best I've had all week. I am wondering if I am starting off the training a little too easy peasy. Maybe I need to up the intesity and jump ahead a week or two. Or maybe consider another schedule. I seem happier with a schedule that allows me to run more often that the one I'm on now. Not 7 days a week, but instead of having 3 days of rest, maybe 2 would suit me better. I found a runner's book in the library I've been reading. I read a lot folks.

In this book it talks about Fartleks (Swiss term for speed work), which is something I've been doing naturally. Neat, huh? It talks about LSD, not the drug! LSD is a term used by runners to describe people who enjoy the run for running's sake. They enjoy just getting out there and going. They don't need the races, or the motivation of staying fit. They just like to run. Which I think may apply to me as well. Not that I'm the carbon copy of a great runner. I'm a chunky chica who just likes to go go go. Anyway, in this book it gives acouple of sample training schedules for a marathon. I'm thinking of adapting the beginner's schedule to suit my half marathon goals. It allows for more distance and 2 days of rest. Thinking Thinking. I'll think some more about it.

I've read about yoga. I've read about weight lifting - as a matter of a fact I own a copy of Selene Yeager's Perfectly Fit. I love her book. For several reasons. 1- She looks like me. No, I am not that cute. Her build is like me, though she may be taller, as most people are. I can look at her and say to myself, that's a body I can attain. I can do that. 2- Simple instructions make each exercise easy. 3- None of the exercises are too complicated. Like with yoga- I have to SEE someone assume the poses so I know how to get into and out of them. These exercises aren't like that. They are all really simplistic. Good book. I am waiting for my Complete Women's Book of Running. I've read the Complete Book of Running, great reference. But as I am a woman, I thought this one might suit me even better. I have not yet found a yoga book I even remotely like. Not that I NEED one. My dvds are great. I'd just like to be more familiar with the terms and the benefits of each pose. So if you know of any, share the title!

Thought for the Day: Do some movement this weekend that feels good!

Friday Conitnued - Mirror Moment

I just had a great run! I didn't time it, or measure it... I even tried a new route with a KILLER hill. I've been running on the roads. But tonight I felt like going a new direction. There's a gravel road down the road a bit. So that's where I headed. I saw a deer on the way.

At the first mailbox there is a MONSTER hill. You'd need four-wheel drive after a drizzle to get back up this thing. As I ran down I reminded myself, "If ya run down ya gotta run back up it, dingbat!". At the bottom of the hill off to the left is a dirt road. No gravel. So I took a left. I've never been down these roads.

Down the dirt road I found plants I've never seen before, deer tracks, fox and coyote tracks, and wild turkeys. 3 of them. They lit off when they saw me coming, but left me some nice tracks. Did you know wild turkeys have some BIG feet? The track was half the size of my size 8 shoe.
Anyway-I ran down that way for a while. The road is really long. Don't where it goes yet, or if it goes anywhere. But eventually I turned around and came back.

It was lovely on the way back as well. Then came that hill. I walked. There was no way I could have even pretended to jog up that hill.

New route? I'm gonna go back first chance with a truck and measure it out. I'm gonna run that till that hill is a piece of cake. If I can run that one the other will be a breeze. Especially since I can already jog up the other one. Nice new scenery and everything. I'll have to post pics. It's nice.

Stretched and now I'm ready for a shower. But first- I had a mirror moment. What's that? Oh you've had many I'm sure. We all have. That moment when we look in the mirror and mentally scream- What the HECK? That can NOT be me! In my head is a picture of me... and that reflection does not match. It's not an unreasonable picture either. I'm just not there yet.. so I will just keep pluggin along till I get there. It's good to have moments where we remember all the padding we need to get rid of. Let's not dwell on it. But a little reminder now and then is good.

And yes, that run made me feel all better! I love endorphins and stress relief of running!

I measured myself too- I'll post the result in the morning! Cheers!

Friday Continued--

Feeling premenstruallyrustrated by events of the day and weekend... so I gave into a craving and ate chocolate... which will go oh so well with the birthday cake I ate yesterday at a kid's party! I only crave this junk when I'm hormonal! Darn it! And yes, eating it made me feel better in one way... but didn't alleviate the irritable mood. So...? What now??

I'm feelin unfocused, annoyed, and just stressed out. I'm going to move my treadmill (dvd player busted a couple of weeks ago) to a room where I can at least watch or listen to something. Then I'm going to do some yoga to center myself, and then run! I dunno how far. Tomorrow is a rest day, so if I run too far, it won't make any difference as tomorrow was going to be a cross training day... still is.

So away I go to do some yoga and treadmill. If hubby ever makes it home from work I may just go outside and run again... maybe it'll feel better to imagine running away from my irritation (not the kids or family- just junk). Note- when I am irritaed or angry I am the freakin energizer bunny. Nothing can put me to sleep or help me wind down except expelling even more energey. Weird huh?

Mantra-
"irritaion go away.
My frustration fly.
happy fuzzies welcome here.
Irritation DIE!" I know, not so clever, but whatever works, right?

Friday- Day 6 Training

4 miles, Baby. Oh yeah. Very easy week. But it worked out well what with the lack of sleep and I think this weekend of the beginning of next I'm gonna get my period. Next week should prove fairly easy as well. Only doing 5 miles at the end of the week, and for the rest of the week 4 and 3. Last week and the week before I was pushing a LOT harder. SO I guess I'll continue to enjoy the slow start.

Oh and after the run I did lots of arm weights. Darn wings!

Day 6 Week 1 Complete! Yeah!

Sweat on!

SHOES ! ! ! !

I posted a long while back that for running you need a good shoe. Well, what I had was good enough at the time. It was affordable and I wasn't running 20 + miles a week. But now, in taking my own advice, and the advise of so many other runners, and I have a runner blog list the length of my arm that I follow!- I got new shoes!

Let me say thay again - I have new running shoes! I have REAL running shoes! There is actually a real shoe store out here in the middle of nowhere Missouri. And the gentleman who runs the store knows his shoes! He's a serious shoe guy. He asked if I was a geek runner... meaning that I would run no matter the weather to get my miles in. I confessed that I wasn't and used the other day's weather to prove it. But I did share that I was training for a half marathon... whether or not that made me a "real runner" I don't know. I got to thinking about it... do I consider myself a "real runner"? Answer: Nah. Real runners are those super fit people who have next to no meat on their bones and have thos running shirts and skirts. YEs, there are women who run in those skirts. Of course there's nothing to their legs, let alone anything to be ashamed to show off.

So, what am I? I dunno. A wannabe runner? I mean what exactly are the qualifications? ANd heck, what difference does it make? I love to run, so I do. Isn't THAT the point?

Anyway, back to the shoes!!! I tried a few pairs on. One pair, almost like the ones I brought home, had an arch the dug into my foot, and it was hard. Another pair were like a quarter size too big, and my feet were slipping around. Bu the ones I bought? They are darn near orgasmic! Go ahead and laugh. It's true! They not only support my feet but caress them as I move. I think I'm beginning to understand why runners freak out about shoes.

Gel! Who knew they put gel into shoes? So smart! The shoelaces are even at an angle, so as to not dig into my foot when pushing off the ground. So clever! They're ugly. But I think all sneakers are ugly. Mine even have purple on them. Purple? Oh so NOT my favorite color. But hey- it doesn't matter.

I have awesome shoes! If anyone is interested I got asics. I'm in love!

Eating Habits-

Mine change... often. This week breakfast has been 1/2 cup cottage cheese w/ a slice of pineapple (canned), with a package of oatmeal, tsp of molasses, with skim milk. I am going the vegetarian route. Not really on purpose. But the meat make my stomach feel heavy. And running with e heavy stomach is uncomfortable.

I have gone veggie before for periods of time... just because it felt good at the time. Then I would go back into meats. I have had one piece of poultry this week. Oh, and not vegan. I have a dairy cow, who is going to calf soon (thank you friends!) , and a dairy goat, and a small flock of chickens. Vegan just isn't realistic for me, as the eggs are free and Tofu (or whatever - and don't get me wrong I make a mean tofu stir fry) is expensive. Just veggie, not vegan. I did eat fish last week. Not as tasty as I had anticipated, but I'm the one who cooked it, so I can only blame myself.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is: I think I may be giving up meat for a while. Red meat certainly. So what's with the cottage cheese and molasses? I'm trying to get all my nutrients and vitamins in. Molasses is high in iron too! Which can be depleted in women fairly quickly and leave us feeling sluggish and fatigued. Cottage cheese? Calcium, obviously, but also protein! And yes, I take calcium pills too, but not all of the pill is assimilated into the body- the sad side of most pills. Pineapple? Vit C. Never can have too much! Oatmeal? Fiber and other good stuff, including more calcium from the milk. And yeah- if the oats are clean they are gluten free. Though there are many GF people, like our second daughter, who cannot tolerate oats either.

I don't follow any plan- it's like against my nature or something. If I have rules, I break them. Can't help it, just happens. I don't follow any ideal diet out of a book or anything. It's all trial and error for me.

So things are a-changin'. But those of you who know me, know that changing is something I constantly do. And yet I manage to be predictable (according to hubby)... How DO I do that?

Though of Diet? D o you feel good? Do you feel like you think you should? If not then perhaps you should take a look at your diet. Figure out what makes you feel good/bad. Wean off the bad feeling foods and gradually increase good feeling foods. That's my motto anyway.

Sweat on!

Thursday-

3 hours of sleep (more like 2), cramps, and a 3 mile run on my schedule for this morning. So... did I run? Darn right I did!- After I took a little choice painkiller. Well, truthfully I had to walk about an 8th of a mile. But the rest of it I ran. A Brad Paisely instrumental tune revved my hippo into high gear for a while too.

I feel pretty good about this morning's run/walk. I was tempted not to go. I was tempted to cut it short. But I didn't. Why? Because the idea felt like a cop out instead of a physical need. Sure, I'm tired. One could even say I'm a little pissed off because of the entire ordeal of last night. But the fatigue is due to lack of sleep, not overexertion. And my being a wee bit pissy is a VERY good reason TO run.

If I had stayed in bed, I would not have gotten enough sleep to improve my edginess, I just would have had more of what I got last night. Children waking me up over and over and over and over again. I don't see how that would have improved things. And honestly, the thing that's going to get on my nerves is THEIR crankiness because of THEIR lack of sleep. Oh well. We'll get through it.

Thought for the Day: I run for my sanity. What do you do to keep yours?

Wednesday- No electricity? No run?

Okay we had a big storm last night and this morning. The electricity was out for a while, and there was no way I was venturing outside in that. So what did I do at 5:30 in the morning? Fight the urge to stay abed!

I did some yoga to warm up, weights, then more yoga and stretching. Lots of arms, some abs, PIGEON!, Lots and LOTS of leg stretches. And after I stretched and cooled down? Dead man pose... I was so relaxed I didn't want to move to get breakfast started. That rain still coming down made me want to just lay there boneless.

Eventually I did get up and shower to get myself going! Had a busy day, not unusual. Hope yours was fun too!

Monday!- Day 3

Day 3 training. 3 miles. Done. I did not wrap my ankle. And my ankle didn't bother till the last half mile, nothing major, just a little soreness.Once I slowed to a walk for cool down, it stopped hurting. Stretched out a lot. Felt very good.

This week the runs are only 3 miles each, except for Friday's run which is to be 4 miles. So pretty slow beginning to my training. I am refusing the inclination to do more that the training requires. I am sure I will be grateful later, when I am running much farther.

Thought for the day: There are tribes who are able to run for days, covering distances that I can only imagine. Surely in 10 weeks I can conquer 13.1! Run Run Run.

Sweat on, my friends. Sweat on!

Memorial Day !

Day off from the running program. Strength Training! 107 again. Now because I am working my legs pretty hard for the next several weeks, I did the squats w/o weights, and skipped the calf exercises altogether - I did more ab work instead. I also substituted more ab work for those terrible leg lifts. Not because I don't enjoy the, heavens no. But because I know if I do them I won't be running very well in the morning.

The next 10 weeks are about running. Run Run Run. About making myself a better runner. So all that running will take care of my tushy and thighs and calves. I do NOT need extra leg work. Oh, and for the second set of squats I did extra Bicep work.

For my biceps curls and tricep lifts I increased my weight be a pound, so I'm lifting 6 lbs. I have no idea where this rates compared to others - and let's face who REALLY wants to compare. I just know I'm not going for super bulging muscles, but I do was STRONG ones. Lift, lift, up, down, 1, 2.

I love how this episode works the back big time. I need that so much.

Well, I've showered and we're gonna have a late family breakfast... I am so looking forward to eating.

One thing to mention before I go though: I now have a new skinny capri goal. My other skinny pair are no longer tight, I no longer have a muffin top sticking over the waist band. But I do have a pair I used to wear (eons ago). So that's my new goal. To squeeze my hippo into those babies!

Thought for the day: Enjoy the Holiday, everyone! and SWEAT ON!

Sunday-

My stomach felt WONDERFUL this morning. Looks like the fast did the trick. Felt great. Wrapped my ankle this morning and headed out the door and ran my 3 miles. when I got back I did a lot of stretching, and restorative poses. PIGEON, and variations. I just love Pigeon. Plank, side stretches, hand poses, and more I cannot remember. Including the run it all took about and hour and a quarter.

Ankle did fine. Later though, I think because I was on it a lot at church, it became pretty sore. So when I got home I iced it.

The run felt good. This has been a really good day all in all (meaning there's sick baby, so that not good- but everything else was). There were moments when my body worked hard while my brain just observed - instead of contemplating the day, breakfast plans, week's schedule, children, weather, garden, book, movie, friends, relatives, and all of the other stuff that fills my mind 120% of the time. The sensation brought a tremendous feeling of freedom. And joy. I'm looking to repeat the experience.

Thought for the day- While running I find a tranquility that eludes at all other times. It's a beautiful peaceful feeling. I feel in unity with all that is around, at peace with the world and more importantly myself. What brings you serenity? Find it. Then repeat as often as possible !

Sweat on!!!

Broke Fast -

I began my juice fast yesterday afternoon. At dinnertime I broke it. So I had a salad, with raisins and almonds, a little bit of rice, and tiny piece of pineapple upside down cake, gluten free of course. Added bonus, this one was made with Agave !!! I'm gonna one day be sugar free, or as close to as possible.

"Sweet little upside down cake,
Cares and woes, you've got 'em.
Poor little upside down cake,
Your top is on your bottom.

Alas little upside down cake,
Your troubles never stop.
Because little upside down cake,
Your bottom's on your top." -Anyone else a Disney fan?

So tomorrow I will be running 3 miles and probably doing some restorative yoga. Does my stomach feel better? You betcha. However, I am going to eat very very VERY VERY lightly for a while. I feel like I need to go vegetarian for a while, and steer clear of heavy foods. We'll see how well I do.

Cheers!

Juice Feast - Today

Okay, now I mentioned that the Chinese food I made last week tasted AWESOME, but also seemed to gunk up my system... even days later I still feel heavy in the gut. So I'm going on a juice fast. Just a quick one.

I will be running in the morning and working out on Monday, so fasting longer than a day or two just isn't wise. Especially with this training beginning. It's just not smart to fast when you're on a workout regimen that is pushing you hard. A little light work during a fast isn't a bad thing, but you can't overdue it. Food is Fuel. Without fuel, there is no energy, right? Right. So I'm using common sense here.

This morning I juiced, with a borrowed juicer, a cabbage, a bag of radishes, 8-9 carrots, a handful of green grapes, and some very green romaine lettuce. The radishes added kick, the cabbage is just a sweet clean flavor, the carrots are sweet, the grapes were added for tartness, and the romaine is like liquid chlorophyll. Awesome. I added an ice cube. But I got full after drinking down about 5 ounces. So I guess I'll be milking it all day. I've got some oranges too for later or tomorrow.

It's funny - if I ate solid food this morning it would have taken a lot more to fill me up. But right now I'm satisfied. Everytime you fast - it's different. Maybe this will be a one day thing, but it may end up being two days. I dunno. I'll just wing it.

Thanks for reading ! !

Saturday- Ankle Pain

Now I'm not a sissy, but I do know that I need to listen to my body so I can take care of it. Last night the ankle I rolled on Wednesday was hurting, so I put a hot pad on it, hubby rubbed it (heaven), and then a hot shower made it feel much better. But this morning it was super stiff and hurting again. So I'm going to give it today to heal up. I'm going to wrap it, to give it support, and go about my day. Then tomorrow morning I'll do 3 miles to get it back into action.

But today I'm going to honor the need for rest, and wait. Tomorrow is soon enough. Let's face it, I do NOT want to make myself lame. Why? Because, my friends, I HAVE to run. It has become a need. Not a want. A Need.

I'll do extra stretching today and in the morning, to help it along. It does feel better than it did last night, I think I should have worn a bandage yesterday but didn't think of it because it was only a tiny bit sore. I wonder if I've learned my lesson? We'll have to wait and see.

Sweat on!