Monday, November 22, 2010

here we go again....

I broke my ankle 2 weeks ago. It is still sore. I have been utterly depressed. Not able to run or workout. Pain is a real shitty thing. However, I am going to physio and RICE-ing as much as possible. The 12 hour shifts at work are probably not helping, but money talks. I've got an ankle brace to wear so I will be using that to do some home workouts. Still gonna take time off of running for another 2-3 weeks. I want to be good to go by the end of January as I am starting a marathon training course with the Running Room here in the beaches.
Today, I am formally becoming a "bodyrocker" (thanks to www.bodyrock.tv). I will be doing my own version of their 550 Rep Fat Massacre. I will post it after I complete it.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Back from vacation and back on the bandwagon!

Well, I just got back from vacation in Athens, Greece and Barcelona, Spain. It was fabulous! I had a great time seeing all the sites, shopping, and of course, indulging in TONS of delicious food and fancy drinks! I exercised in my hotel room only 4 out of the 14 days we were away, ooops! We walked everywhere at least. I found it very difficult to eat healthy. I think that while we were in Greece, I probably ate my weight in olive oil...
Anyway, now I am back and getting into my daily exercise routines and heading back to work (yuck!). I went to the gym Monday and did my weight training and 50minutes of cardio. Whoa was I ever sore yesterday! Today, is weight training day again so I am off to the gym later this afternoon. I am actually finding the exercise part easy to get back into...It's the eating part that is the most difficult. I am finding that I feel hungry all the time, I guess because my body is used to eating more now after 2 weeks of indulging. I am trying to find ways to distract myself, but I am struggling. I found this article so I'll give it a try... http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/appetite-control
Anyway, the fall weather is gorgeous! I find it so motivating to get outside!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Day8: yesterday

Late entry. Oh well. Life is busy!
Who am I kidding? I went shopping yesterday and got pedicures with my friend. Ha. I am spoiled. I am going to have to start working overtime to keep up this lifestyle! It was cardio day yesterday. I procrastinated for quite some time, but I finally got off my ass and headed to the gym around 8. Lucky for me, the place is open til 11pm every night. Anyway, I rode the bike and did two sets of 5 intervals. 15seconds of hardcore biking at about 135rpms then 1minute of regular biking. Also, make sure you are not doing it at level 1, that is for people who want to read a book and bike at the same time. I did it at level 1o. Next, I jumped on the treadmill. Walk 5, Run 10min. And I did this twice. But the most important part is the stretching afterwards. It's good for your muscles and it helps you relax. There's no reason to skimp out on the stretching.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447

Benefits of stretching

Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and flex. That's why regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Consider this:

  • Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
  • Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls — and the related injuries — especially as you age.
  • Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
  • Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Day 7: New Week!

Well, it's been a rough weekend that's for sure.
Day4: I walked for 1.5 hours. No weight training or yoga though.
Day 5: Went to the gym, ran for 20min, walked for 25. Did the bodysculpting workout for that day with abs.
Day 6: OFF. I was working nights and then no sleep and a funeral. It was not happening. Went out for dinner and much-needed drinks.
They say sleep is a HUGE contributing factor for weight gain. So I went to bed and slept 9 hours last night.
Day 7: Ahhh...massage today. It was just what I needed. I felt relaxed finally. She massaged my hamstrings. I didn't even think they were tight until she touched them! Ouch. Too many lunges last week. I went to the gym this afternoon, 10min warm-up run. Weight lifting as per the bodysculpting workout with abs. Then 20min on the treadmill of interval running: 1 minute at 6mph then 40seconds at 7mph. Sweated up a storm then had a nice, long stretch afterwards.
It feels good to be back on track. I am looking forward to the rest of the week!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Day 4


It's difficult to feel motivated in the wake of loss. My best friend's sister died yesterday. The world has lost a beautiful and care-free spirit. Life is short and unfair. It's hard to accept when it hits so close to home.

From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no man lives forever,
That dead men rise up never;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.

-
Algernon Charles Swinburne

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

exercise and nutrition pitfalls

I am so good and consistent at exercising lately. I even bought a gym membership today for 6 months. The gym I joined is by my house (about 10-15minute walk). It's clean, the equipment is new, and no pressure, no contract. It's very friendly and I am excited about it. I worked out there for over an hour today testing out all the equipment and weights; and of course, steam room! Anyway, that little rant about the new gym is besides the point...
The point is, I am soo BAD at eating right. My portion sizes are astronomical and I keep eating after dinner. Snacks, crackers, peanut butter, CHOCOLATE chips, etc. I always start off with a healthy breakfast and pretty nutritious lunch and then fuck up after dinner. I have also had some bad news today about a dear friend which doesn't help. The "bored" eating is now "sad/emotional" eating with more than 1 glass of wine to go along with it! I guess admitting it is a first step.
I am going to try and keep a food journal for 1 week. Perhaps that will help me recognize exactly where I go wrong. At least it will hold me accountable for the food choices I make.

Day 3: excuses, excuses!

Unfortunately, the water is off in my building for the next three days! How can I workout at home if I can't shower afterwards?? I feel tired. My legs are sore. I am feeling just plain old LAZY! I don't have a gym membership. Can't I just sit on my ass all day until 5 when the water comes back on? I don't even have anything better to do, but I can still suffer from lack of motivation. How do you motivate yourself? I think about how I feel when I finish working out. I feel great! Proud! Fit! If I skip my workout today, how will I feel? Sad! Fat! Even more lazy!
I think those feelings speak for themselves. I want to be happy, not sad! It's an easy choice in the end.
And besides, there is a gym nearby where I live so I can go there, even though I have to pay $20 to use their facilities.
Oh well. I can't let the water issue stop me from working out. And it's pissing me off so I need some exercise endorphins to boost my spirits!
I will have to get a gym membership in the wintertime so I can use this as an excuse to shop around. Maybe they'll let me "try out" the facilities for free.. Hmmm. I'll have to look a bit cuter than I do right now.

dining out

I went out for dinner last night with my mom. She'll take the go train to TO about once a month to take me out for dinner and gossip. It's lovely. However, I don't know if there is any way possible to stay on a diet and go out to eat. I had hot and sour shrimp soup to start, which probably isn't too bad...then my entree was spicy lemongrass chicken and eggplant. It was covered in oil and sauce with white rice. ugh. It was probably a thousand calories. And it was delicious! So needless to say, we went all for it with wine and dessert of course. So I fell off the diet wagon, but back on it this morning.
I made fresh ginger tea with lemon and honey. Eggs on organic toast with fresh organic raspberries on the side. Yum!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

New Sports Bra! Woot

$41 in total. with fast shipping!
I got it from: www.activewearUSA.com

workout songs.

Remember this gwen stefani song? I listened last night while I was out for a walk. Girl power. It was a lot more motivating to walk to than sappy and depressing John Mayer.
Other workout songs I love this summer:
Lady Gaga-Just Dance
Katy Perry-Teenage Dream
Rihanna and Eminem-Love the way you lie
Always looking for suggestions...

fitness day 2

I started with my ciruit training this morning from the BBC (Bikini BootCamp). In between every three or four weight sets of exercises, you have to jump rope for 2 minutes. I have not done this in quite some time. I was sweating after the first set of jump rope! It helps to keep your heart rate up while performing the more focused exercises. I followed it with yoga and meditation for 15 minutes. I didn't realize that meditation would be the MOST difficult part of following this program. It's hard to keep your thoughts from interrupting your time for relaxation. I thought about what I was going to do today, what to write in the blog, when is the most optimum time to take the subway, etc. I had to keep refocusing to positive thoughts; reminding myself to focus on my health and happiness...and not compare to anyone else's!
Well lucky me! According to the body sculpting guide, I don't have to do weights until tomorrow. However, it is cardio day (20-40 minutes) and it's pouring rain outside. This makes it difficult with NO gym membership.
I'll think of something for sure. Last night, I went for a power walk in the rain so I guess that proves I won't melt.

Monday, September 27, 2010

in the pursuit of total body fitness: Day 1

I've taken two books out of the library to jump-start my fitness routine. The Body Sculpting Bible for Women and Bikini Bootcamp. Both of these books boast 14 days to better bodies. We'll see about that, but I think it's a good way to get on the fitness band wagon. The books both have good outlines for each day's workouts and diet plans. I am using both books and combining the information I find most helpful.
Despite the focus on physical perfection, there is a common theme of mindfulness; connecting your mind and thoughts to your desire for better fitness/body/whatever.
So I began my morning with some lovely sun salutations and yogic breathing. During my final asana (corpse pose/savasana), I focused on my intentions for my workout and goals.
1. I want to improve/enhance muscular tone and lose fat.
2. Lose weight (Ultimate goal would be a healthy and fit: 140-150lbs)
3. Feel better about myself, look in the mirror and like what I see.
As women, we need to accept what we have, but recognize we all have potential to change.
The potential exists in all of us to be happy (thank you, Dalai Lama for that wonderful piece of advice!!)

Post-yoga and meditation, Start with a nice warm up. Jump around, DANCE, sweat! It's kinda fun when you're all alone.
Now it's time for the fun part, workout with weights. The body sculpting workout outlined day 1. It was easy to follow and worked up a sweat. Included shoulders, biceps, and chest as well as a couple leg workouts and abs.
Breakfast was a protein shake with 1tbsp flax, 1 low-fat activia yogurt and frozen fruit. Yum!
The workout still requires active walking for at least a half hour. Will do that later this afternoon. Time to clean and tidy the apartment. It's laundry day for sure.

Also, check out this great website: www.yogatoday.com. Each week a new *free* yoga video is posted. Today's yoga routine is totally applicable here. "Inspire Transformation: Honor your body as your temple and let each pose become your prayer! Sarah leads an intermediate sequence that will awaken your inner dancer and inspire transformation"
Nice!

Half-Marathon Virgin No More!

Well, I did it! I ran my first half-marathon (http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com). I have to confess, I've signed up for this same run the past 3 years and I've always chickened out. So it feels that much better to have finally completed it. I thought my legs were not going to carry me any further at about the 16km mark. I made it though. It helps with all of the fans on the sidelines cheering everyone on. I guess you could say, I've made a PB (no, not peanut butter....Personal Best), I think that counts even thought it is my first run ever. haha. I did it in 2:02 which is a lot better than I expected. I am planning on running the Toronto Women's half in May with some girlfriends. Should I try to make a new PB or just have fun and run with the girls? I've got time to figure that out. And time to train. I feel motivated to sign up for running room training for a full marathon. Has my mind and body already deleted the memories of pain and exhaustion from yesterday's run??
You have to have a bit of crazy in you to run that far. So I probably qualify on that front. We'll see...

PS. This is a video. It was supposed to be a photo op, but the guy I asked to take my picture cannot use an iphone properly and took a video by accident! oh well.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

this one's for you.


to LoMo:
Here is my honest attempt at blogging. I need your continued push just like you need mine. Encourage! Take hold of new opportunities and pursue them!
Life is good.
Love is all around us.

Friday, July 16, 2010

hiatus

Can I think of something good to put here to excuse myself for falling off the wagon?
No.
But I am back on it (the wagon).
I've been pretty good at being active, but my eating and drinking habits need a change! I am slowly learning that I am the one CHOOSING what to put in my mouth. No one is forcing it. "Willpower." I hate that word. It's kicking my ass.
But anyway, time to be happy and healthy. I choose to be that way. Every day.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Day 12

Nada. I can't believe it's only been 12 days of my health challenge, I am not even halfway done and I have fallen off the wagon so many days.
My eating habits need improvement. I am going to start tomorrow writing down everything that I am eating and drinking. I've heard many times that it is very helpful when losing weight. I hope it will help me.

Day 11.

Biked home from work, took me 35 minutes along the beach. Lovely despite being tired post-night shift. Did some arm exercises when I got home then went to bed.
Keep eating too much. I need to start eating better!
I also went for a run before bed yesterday night because I was still in night-shift mode. Unfortunately, this provided me with even more energy. I slept about 3 hours. Ew. Then worked a 12 hour day shift. Holy shit. Nursing is making me fat and tired.

Day 10

Sunday. Working a night shift tonight.
Did not do anything today, but went to ribfest.
...depressed.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Day 8 and Day 9

June 18th and 19th.
It's been a rough few days coming off and on night shifts.
I made sure to do an hour of walking both of these days.
But I've been eating poorly and the binge drinking seems to be a problem for me on the off weekends.
I really need to consider more what I am eating and drinking because I am pretty good at consistency in regards to exercising.
:( Not feeling it today. I am on nights again tonight and I am going to bring my exercise stuff to work. Hopefully, that will make me feel a bit more motivated.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Day 8

I am working nights right now. It is making me a sad and tired woman! Before my shift last night, I went out in between the bangs of thunder and risk of rain for a two hour long bike ride through the Don Valley trail. It was amazing. My goodness. It's a small escape from the constant buzz of the city. When I got home, I was covered in mud and rain, but feeling pretty good. My butt is a bit sore from sitting on the seat for so long, I might have to do something different for day 9. I'm thinking it's been awhile for hot yoga.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Day 8

Today is my well-deserved (or not) day off. I rode my bike maybe a half hour today for transportation purposes only so that doesn't really count.
I ate healthy all day including 3 large glasses of wine with dinner. what can you do?
Anyway, I am feeling good today. My bra seems to be not as tight and my shorts did up without the usual suck-in first. Am I imagining it? Not sure. But that's ok. I think the weight shouldn't matter as much as how you feel about yourself. So if you are happy with your body today, then celebrate it! Women are beautiful and smart and deserve to be happy with themselves and their bodies.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Day 7

Finally woke up without feeling utterly exhausted like I have the past few days. Not sure why. Could my 27yr old body be unable to handle a night of binge drinking? I wonder...
Anyway, good day. I am a spoiled girl and went for a pedicure today. I am going to be working my ass off for the next week at work doing nights so I need a couple days to do nothing! ha.
I made dinner, tried to be healthy fish, veggies, and quinoa. But the fish was nasty. Apparently, I hate mackerel. Eric went to play baseball and I went for a run. It didn't go as well as I had planned. I think it could be the lunges I've been doing are slowly killing me. My legs were sore, but I ran for 40 minutes or so and did a couple hills at the end to make up the time. Stretched it out and hoping to be ok for hot yoga tomorrow.
We'll see. ..

Day 6

Late entry-I had no access to internet yesterday (is that even possible?!)..Anyway, I wrote some bullet points down to remember to talk about.
More and more I realize how much of a lifestyle change is required to become healthy and active. Yesterday (day 6), I had a birthday party to go to for my grandpa (90 years old!!). There were cakes, cookies, chips, everywhere! I stayed by the veggie and fruit tray, but I managed to eat a big piece of carrot cake (healthy right? carrots?).
Anyway, I felt completely exhausted that evening. I wanted to stay on the couch and read, but I made myself get up and get active. It took about an hour of convincing myself before I left the couch. But I did it!
Fortunately for me, my sister's dog needed a walk so I took him to the park. We ran and we played. I didn't worry about time or kilometres. I just went for it. I found a bench and did push-ups and tricep dips. I used the space around the bench to do some more core exercises while intermittently throwing the dog's stick into the creek. It worked out great for both of us, plenty of exercise! I need to keep reminding myself how good I feel after exercising. But it still seems to be hard to stay motivated.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Day 5

Unfortunately cyber friends, I have let you down. Today was a hung-over, pizza and couch potato day. I was not even going to post this because I felt so disappointed in myself. But according to a wise woman I know, "we are all human" so there you have it, I fell of the weight-conscious wagon...
Tomorrow is a new day! I will be back to it. I am getting out of the city for the day. I hope to go for a long bike ride or run. And plan to wake up a lot more positive and a lot less hungover.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Day 4!

Gone for a nice long run on the beach today and remembered to wear sunscreen. Nothing beats the beach. It was lovely. I stretched like crazy afterwards. My hips and butt are still sore from hot yoga.
Not sure how good of an idea this is, but I am planning on drinking a large amount of red wine tonight. It's supposed to be full of anti-oxidants. So that is what I am using to justify my indulgence.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Day 3...oh day 3...

Well, I worked 12 hours today in a busy emergency department. I walked home from the bus and walked to shopper's...total of 20minutes "exercise". I am disappointed that I could not go for a run tonight after work (which was the plan in my head). However, I am so so sore all over my body from hot yoga yesterday!! I can't sit on the toilet without help. My ass is sore, my ribs are killing me, and it hurts to turn my head left. What a great workout that must've been, right? No pain, no gain? I can't wait to go to the class next week. I'll need that time to recover.
Tomorrow, I am thinking that I'll bike ride. We'll see. I'll dream of exercise and see how that helps.
Also, I did eat very healthy today if that is any consolation...which I will convince myself that it is.
goodnight!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

physio/chiro/massage

Thank you nursing benefits. I have finally started to take the time (and money) to fix my dislocated shoulder and subsequent back pain.
Turns out, the main way to heal my body is through physical exercise. Recommended most to me from my health therapists and yoga instructor is "work on your core strength." ugh. another challenge...

Day 2

Well, despite the rain, I rode my bike to yoga. I have not participated in a yoga class since last fall. I drank lots of water before class and arrived with a positive attitude. That's about all you can do to prepare for Moksha Hot Yoga! Basically, I sweat(ed) my ass off for 90 minutes. I also made myself sign up for 5 classes (and paid for them) in order to remain motivated to go. I will try to attend at least once per week.
There was a girl in my class just rockin' the headstands during warm-up. I found myself intrigued and super jealous. I hope with some practice and dedication, I will one day attempt a head stand. That would be amazing!
Speaking of awesome fitness goals that I've always wanted to achieve, I have always wanted to be able to do a pull-up. We've got one of those pull up bars on the door. I will begin my training on that tomorrow. Let you know how it goes...

http://www.mokshayogadanforth.com/

WOW!! Check this woman out. She's my inspiration....

http://www.bodyrock.tv/

Day 2

Today is raining which really spoils my plans of a long bike ride. I will have to to exercise differently. I am also sore from yesterday. I'm on a mission later this afternoon to find some interesting at-home fitness routines. I'll be back to let you know what I find. I don't know who I am talking to, but hopefully someone out there in cyber world so then I won't feel so crazy...

Day 1 over.. moving on.

Well, I completed day 1 successfully. I ended up walking down to the beach, running for 45 minutes, and walking back to the apartment. and feeling so proud of myself, I went for an easy bike ride later in the evening when my boyfriend came home from work.
Now, I wake up this morning feeling pretty sore. I am going to physio to work on my old shoulder injury. I've only done my exercises twice since last week (oops!). Another something, I need to change on my journey to health!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Day 1

I am off from work today. I woke up late this morning. I managed to make myself a healthy breakfast of oatmeal and blueberries sweetened with honey. I've decided to quit using artificial sweeteners for the next 30 days. I also have quit using my french vanilla flavoured coffee whitener. I will miss it, but it is full of hydrogenated oils and sugar.
So far this morning, I've been browsing the internet and checking the weather. Trying to think of excuses not to exercise...what if it is hot out? I shouldn't run in this weather, etc. I can't believe how much time I can waste just doing nothing.
Well no more excuses. It's 18 degrees, sunny, and I live by the beach! It's time to exercise!