This week as I was leaving the Y after working out, the sign by the door caught my eye. I stopped and read the first "headline". It said, "The Amazing Race". I continued to read. The Amazing Race includes 5 miles of swimming, 224 miles of biking, and 50 miles of running. At least that is what I think. I am recalling this from memory, so I may be off a bit with the miles.
After reading this the first day and then the next couple of days the excitement grew. This is a new challenge to keep me going towards my goal of getting healthier. I look at the numbers and think, what am I getting myself into? That is a lot of work. Then I think, what a great challenge! This is something to keep me motivated for about the next 6 weeks. It is a challenge I am looking forward to completing. I am already calculating numbers so I know how many miles I will need to complete each day to stay on track and complete "The Amazing Race".
So, now here is my challenge to each of you. To my Chillicothe friends, I challenge you to sign up for "The Amazing Race". The cost is $25, but I think that is nothing compared to a healthy life. For some they are probably thinking that is a lot of swimming, biking, and running. I say try. Sign-up and try. For my friends who are not in Chillicothe, create your own tracking sheet and embark on this challenge with me. "The Amazing Race" officially begins on April 11. The end date is around May 21st.
This challenge, this journey, I am about to embark on would be great to share with others. I would love to hear about accomplishments, struggles and challenges during "The Amazing Race". I hope to log my miles on here each week and to also share my accomplishments, struggles and challenges.
Let me know if you plan on doing "The Amazing Race" at the Y or on your own by commenting on this blog post. You never know what rewards you my receive!
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My journey...
I am on a journey that started about 11 weeks ago. This journey includes weight-loss, exercise and a life style change to eating healthier. In these 11 weeks I have lost 14 pounds.
These pounds have not come off easily. It has taken work and dedication, but it is also rewarding. There are days when I feel like this is part of my daily routine and wouldn't give it up for anything. And then there are the days that I don't want to workout, but I do anyways. Some days are difficult, some days are just there, some days are good and some days are great.
Today was a great day. I have come to discover I have a cheering section on this journey. I have family and friends who provide encouragement and support each day. Thank you to all of you who have cheered me on, encouraged me and provided support. Today I also came to the realization that I have people cheering for me who I would consider acquaintances. One of them came by to talk and to give me encouragement during my workout today. WOW! It was refreshing to have that person provide support in so many ways and he probably does not even know it.
My journey will continue on and I will take it day by day. I know that to be healthy there is no "dieting", it is a change in eating habits. Changes include healthy eating...fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal carbs and lean meats. It also means exercise. For me I enjoy the exercise for many reasons. I feel refreshed when I am done. I feel energized. I also get some time to myself. I put my ear buds in, turn my iPod on and start my workout. I try to change-up my workout each day. I may just change one little thing or I may change-up the whole work out.
Thru this journey I am learning a lot about myself. I feel great and I can't wait to keep this journey going for 11 more weeks, then 11 more, and more and more and more.
Thank you to everyone who has given me support, I could not do this on my own!
These pounds have not come off easily. It has taken work and dedication, but it is also rewarding. There are days when I feel like this is part of my daily routine and wouldn't give it up for anything. And then there are the days that I don't want to workout, but I do anyways. Some days are difficult, some days are just there, some days are good and some days are great.
Today was a great day. I have come to discover I have a cheering section on this journey. I have family and friends who provide encouragement and support each day. Thank you to all of you who have cheered me on, encouraged me and provided support. Today I also came to the realization that I have people cheering for me who I would consider acquaintances. One of them came by to talk and to give me encouragement during my workout today. WOW! It was refreshing to have that person provide support in so many ways and he probably does not even know it.
My journey will continue on and I will take it day by day. I know that to be healthy there is no "dieting", it is a change in eating habits. Changes include healthy eating...fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal carbs and lean meats. It also means exercise. For me I enjoy the exercise for many reasons. I feel refreshed when I am done. I feel energized. I also get some time to myself. I put my ear buds in, turn my iPod on and start my workout. I try to change-up my workout each day. I may just change one little thing or I may change-up the whole work out.
Thru this journey I am learning a lot about myself. I feel great and I can't wait to keep this journey going for 11 more weeks, then 11 more, and more and more and more.
Thank you to everyone who has given me support, I could not do this on my own!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Another week...another weigh-in
So, yesterday I had another weigh-in for the Get Fit challenge at the Y. I have not written about my exercise and weight-loss recently for a number of reasons. One, I haven't made great progress in my weight-loss and two, not much has changed in my exercise routine. This week my weight didn't change from last week, that is good in that it didn't go up, but it also means it didn't go down. I just remind myself to keep moving forward.
I am still exercising 5 days a week for at least an hour a day. I do at least 35 minutes of elliptical each day and then I do weights. Some days I also do the bike for 10-15 minutes or the stair stepper for 10 minutes. Some days I am more motivated than others to workout. Earlier this week I wasn't feeling motivated, but I kept going. It took 18 minutes to finally feel motivated. That day I went for 45 minutes on the elliptical. After that I lifted weights. Wow, did it feel good. But I couldn't figure out why I didn't feel motivated. I was ready to workout when I got to the Y, so why did things change or slow down when I got on the elliptical.
Thru this journey, I am discovering things about myself I never knew and what motivates me. I find the first song that plays on my iPod sets my mood for my whole workout. The day it took me 18 minutes to get motivated a soothing, slow tempo song came on first. Today, when I was able to get a great workout in the first song that played was a very upbeat, motivating song. So, now I need to make a playlist for just songs to listen to during my workout. I have some that I know I want on the list, but I am open to suggestions of songs that others like to listen to while working out.
What else I have discovered is that I can move and get into tight spots that I struggled with before. The Y here has an indoor play park. The kids love it. It is great to have this area available for the kids to burn off energy when we can't be outside. William is getting more comfortable in the play park, but he usually goes up once, comes down the slide and is done. Today that was not the case. He went up and came down the slide and then went back up. When he was up in one of the tunnels he spit up a bit, so up I went with some wet wipes to clean it up. I was amazed and how easy it seemed to get up the stairs and thru the tunnels. It was nice to be able to do it. I even got to go down the slide! So, while the weight may not be coming off quickly, I am noticing a difference in my body and I LOVE it.
So, another week and another weigh-in has passed. I found my motivation this week and will keep working towards my goal of losing a few more pounds next week!
I am still exercising 5 days a week for at least an hour a day. I do at least 35 minutes of elliptical each day and then I do weights. Some days I also do the bike for 10-15 minutes or the stair stepper for 10 minutes. Some days I am more motivated than others to workout. Earlier this week I wasn't feeling motivated, but I kept going. It took 18 minutes to finally feel motivated. That day I went for 45 minutes on the elliptical. After that I lifted weights. Wow, did it feel good. But I couldn't figure out why I didn't feel motivated. I was ready to workout when I got to the Y, so why did things change or slow down when I got on the elliptical.
Thru this journey, I am discovering things about myself I never knew and what motivates me. I find the first song that plays on my iPod sets my mood for my whole workout. The day it took me 18 minutes to get motivated a soothing, slow tempo song came on first. Today, when I was able to get a great workout in the first song that played was a very upbeat, motivating song. So, now I need to make a playlist for just songs to listen to during my workout. I have some that I know I want on the list, but I am open to suggestions of songs that others like to listen to while working out.
What else I have discovered is that I can move and get into tight spots that I struggled with before. The Y here has an indoor play park. The kids love it. It is great to have this area available for the kids to burn off energy when we can't be outside. William is getting more comfortable in the play park, but he usually goes up once, comes down the slide and is done. Today that was not the case. He went up and came down the slide and then went back up. When he was up in one of the tunnels he spit up a bit, so up I went with some wet wipes to clean it up. I was amazed and how easy it seemed to get up the stairs and thru the tunnels. It was nice to be able to do it. I even got to go down the slide! So, while the weight may not be coming off quickly, I am noticing a difference in my body and I LOVE it.
So, another week and another weigh-in has passed. I found my motivation this week and will keep working towards my goal of losing a few more pounds next week!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Perseverance
Do you ever have one of those mornings that when the alarm goes off you don't want to get out of bed? I mean really DON'T want to get out of the bed. Not the I am just too tired to get out of bed, but the I just want life to pause for one day so I can just stay in bed and be lazy, not have to worry about getting the kiddos ready, or remember who needs to be where at what time. This morning was one of those mornings for me. I do not really remember the last time I had one of those mornings, but if I was going to guess, it would probably have been sometime last February when William had about a 6 week stint of ear infections and burst ear drums and I was also sick.
Anyways, today, I DID NOT WANT TO GET OUT OF BED!
I had to though. I got up, got the girls moving, and got ready. The morning routine is pretty normal around here. However, if you were watching somedays you wouldn't think that. It is not uncommon to hear, "Mom, what do I do next?". So, I once again repeat myself.
Out the door we went this morning, my butt dragging along. I am not sure why the sudden laziness, but it was there. I tell myself, I need to keep moving. First stop, Dewey school to drop Julianne off. Second stop, the post office to put pictures in the mail. Third stop, the Y. Hopefully I can gain some energy. My workouts seem to help with that. However, this morning that was not the case. I started working out and I just wasn't moving as fast as I usually do. I think to myself, come on muscles and brain work together! I am 6 minutes into my workout on the elliptical and I am still struggling to keep my normal pace. I keep pushing. I keep telling myself one more song and you can be done. I do this until the timer on the elliptical beeps at me. YES! I made it thru. I made it thru and persevered. Instead of my normal 35 minutes plus cool down, I did 40 minutes and cool down. It was a struggle every minute, but I did it.
I could have just went home this morning and skipped the Y, but I didn't. I pushed myself. Success for me is going to come thru determination. Today determination WON! The little devil on my shoulder fell off for the day. I made it thru my workout and was productive at home. Another workout done and another day of living! Tomorrow will be tomorrow, but today I will celebrate because it is a present.
Becca
PS. I hope no one construes this as whining or complaining. It is my motivation to keep moving and I have to remind myself that is okay. I also hope that it may be motivation for others to push thru when they want to quit or take a break. Have a great day!
Anyways, today, I DID NOT WANT TO GET OUT OF BED!
I had to though. I got up, got the girls moving, and got ready. The morning routine is pretty normal around here. However, if you were watching somedays you wouldn't think that. It is not uncommon to hear, "Mom, what do I do next?". So, I once again repeat myself.
Out the door we went this morning, my butt dragging along. I am not sure why the sudden laziness, but it was there. I tell myself, I need to keep moving. First stop, Dewey school to drop Julianne off. Second stop, the post office to put pictures in the mail. Third stop, the Y. Hopefully I can gain some energy. My workouts seem to help with that. However, this morning that was not the case. I started working out and I just wasn't moving as fast as I usually do. I think to myself, come on muscles and brain work together! I am 6 minutes into my workout on the elliptical and I am still struggling to keep my normal pace. I keep pushing. I keep telling myself one more song and you can be done. I do this until the timer on the elliptical beeps at me. YES! I made it thru. I made it thru and persevered. Instead of my normal 35 minutes plus cool down, I did 40 minutes and cool down. It was a struggle every minute, but I did it.
I could have just went home this morning and skipped the Y, but I didn't. I pushed myself. Success for me is going to come thru determination. Today determination WON! The little devil on my shoulder fell off for the day. I made it thru my workout and was productive at home. Another workout done and another day of living! Tomorrow will be tomorrow, but today I will celebrate because it is a present.
Becca
PS. I hope no one construes this as whining or complaining. It is my motivation to keep moving and I have to remind myself that is okay. I also hope that it may be motivation for others to push thru when they want to quit or take a break. Have a great day!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Weigh-in #3
Last Thursday I had my third weigh-in for the Y-Fit challenge. I was a little (okay, quite) nervous to weigh-in after the gain the week before. I decided to weigh-in before working out. I thought maybe the 32 ounces of water I drank, while working out, before weighing-in the previous time may have hurt me.
So, I am excited to announce I lost 7 pounds, for a net loss of 6 pounds so far! I am so excited. The hard-work has paid off. Though, I must admit it is not hard-work, it is enjoyable and I feel GREAT!
When I started this 2.5 weeks ago, I went for it all. No one change at a time for me. I changed my eating habits and began working out at least 5 days per week! I try and do some type of workout every day, but the weekends are a little more challenging, so I am more creative with my workout. Though, thanks to all the snow we have gotten it doesn't take too much creativity.
As far as eating goes I didn't cut anything out completely. I am just changing my portion size and munching. I have found that if I cut something out completely I usually end of craving it more after a period of time.
Diet Changes
Step 1: Use a smaller plate
Step 2: Smaller portions
Step 3: When I start to feel full, I quit eating
Step 4: Fruit or Veggies for snacks
It is nothing major and it is not scientific, but it is something I CAN stick with.
Working out has become a big part of my life. I enjoy it because it is time for me. I put my headphones on and just go....usually for about 3.5 miles or 35 minutes on the elliptical. Then I move to the weights. I want to lose fat, not muscle!
Yesterday (Saturday) I did not work out and I found myself with a headache mid-afternoon. I couldn't figure out why, but as I thought about it I figured out it was because I hadn't worked out. So, I got up and moving more than I was. Up and down the stairs a few times. Around the circle of the house. Back to my bedroom. Back to William's room. My headache started to go away. I kept moving and it was gone.
My body is adjusting to the changes I have made and my weight-loss is proof.
What I have learned in the short 2.5 weeks is, each person is different. Each person's motivation is different. Each person needs to do what WILL work for him/her. No two people are alike and that is why no two exercise/weight loss plans should be identical.
I hope that I can motivate others to use the gym, control portions, and to become healthier.
My only regret in all of this is not taking advantage of the Y membership we purchased four years ago!
I DO feel better! I AM more patient! I HAVE more energy!
So, Tuesday morning I will get to the Y again and continue my workout so I can continue on my new journey. (Tomorrow, Monday, I am taking William for his 15 month check-up.)
So, I am excited to announce I lost 7 pounds, for a net loss of 6 pounds so far! I am so excited. The hard-work has paid off. Though, I must admit it is not hard-work, it is enjoyable and I feel GREAT!
When I started this 2.5 weeks ago, I went for it all. No one change at a time for me. I changed my eating habits and began working out at least 5 days per week! I try and do some type of workout every day, but the weekends are a little more challenging, so I am more creative with my workout. Though, thanks to all the snow we have gotten it doesn't take too much creativity.
As far as eating goes I didn't cut anything out completely. I am just changing my portion size and munching. I have found that if I cut something out completely I usually end of craving it more after a period of time.
Diet Changes
Step 1: Use a smaller plate
Step 2: Smaller portions
Step 3: When I start to feel full, I quit eating
Step 4: Fruit or Veggies for snacks
It is nothing major and it is not scientific, but it is something I CAN stick with.
Working out has become a big part of my life. I enjoy it because it is time for me. I put my headphones on and just go....usually for about 3.5 miles or 35 minutes on the elliptical. Then I move to the weights. I want to lose fat, not muscle!
Yesterday (Saturday) I did not work out and I found myself with a headache mid-afternoon. I couldn't figure out why, but as I thought about it I figured out it was because I hadn't worked out. So, I got up and moving more than I was. Up and down the stairs a few times. Around the circle of the house. Back to my bedroom. Back to William's room. My headache started to go away. I kept moving and it was gone.
My body is adjusting to the changes I have made and my weight-loss is proof.
What I have learned in the short 2.5 weeks is, each person is different. Each person's motivation is different. Each person needs to do what WILL work for him/her. No two people are alike and that is why no two exercise/weight loss plans should be identical.
I hope that I can motivate others to use the gym, control portions, and to become healthier.
My only regret in all of this is not taking advantage of the Y membership we purchased four years ago!
I DO feel better! I AM more patient! I HAVE more energy!
So, Tuesday morning I will get to the Y again and continue my workout so I can continue on my new journey. (Tomorrow, Monday, I am taking William for his 15 month check-up.)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Changes for Mommy!
So, about a week and a half ago a friend told me she was going to the Y to workout. I said that sounded like a good thing. I then asked her if she would like to go with me on Thursday. She said yes. So, on Thursday, off to the Y we went. First, we dropped off kiddos at preschool. Second, we took our boys into the daycare area at the Y. I didn't know how William would do when I left, but he did fine! Then we were off to workout.
I have to admit, we have had a Y membership for around 4 years and this is the first time I have used the Y solely for myself. Both girls have used it for gymnastics, swim lessons, basketball, and t-ball. It is sad when I think about it that I never used this wonderful facility for myself! But now I am and I will continue to until we move.
When we got upstairs to the workout area we walked a few laps for a warm-up. Next, we went to the elliptical machines and did 30 minutes there. Finally, it was off to do some weights. While we were on the ellipticals my friend brought up the Y-Fit Challenge and asked if I would be doing it. I told here I didn't know it was starting. She informed me that it was starting that day and you could weigh-in Thursday or Friday. So, I said sure. After our work out we headed downstairs and weighed-in.
When I weighed-in, I was happy because I was at the weight I was at before I got pregnant with William, but I was also disappointed with my weight. Right then and there I told myself I was going to do something about this. I needed to, so I could show my kids a healthy mom. Now, I must admit, I have vowed to lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise before so what would be different? This time I am going to do it. I want to live a long life and be around for my kids. I WANT to be comfortable looking at myself in the mirror.
So, on Thursday, January 6, 2011I began my exercise program and eating healthy. I worked out for 8 days straight, doing a combination of cardio and weights. I also started eating healthier and watching what I eat. It is amazing how my body and mind have changed in the first 8 days! While I am exhausted, it is different than the exhaustion I felt a month ago. I am exhausted because my body is working. My mind is clear, I contribute this to healthy eating (lots of fruits and vegetables) and a chance to clear my mind without worrying about the kiddos. I JUST FEEL BETTER!
Today was my first day off, although I was up and moving quite a bit. My exercise wasn't on a machine it was around the house, up and down stairs, and chasing kiddos. My body needed a bit of rest. It is adjusting to all these changes and I need to give it time to figure out what is going on. I still feel good today, but I am ready to get back to the gym. I DID MISS THE GYM TODAY, maybe I'll head to the gym tomorrow before Brian leaves.
I am a convert, I love the gym and will keep working forward towards the goal of a healthier self!
Oh and by the way, I had my second weigh-in and it did't go so well. I was disappointed at first, but I do know that my body is going thru a lot of changes right now. IT WILL TAKE TIME, but the important part is to stick with it and I will see results!
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