If you need some weight loss or running inspiration, watch this video:
I think it's EXTREMELY inspirational and it brought tears to my eyes. This week I really need some extra motivation with my scale not budging and cake parties almost every day at work, so I might just watch it a few more times. Enjoy! :)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Ups and downs
This weekend I was at a game festival and I had a lot of fun and lots of new experiences. What I didn't have lots of, though, is candy, and I'm SO proud of myself for that! I go to this festival almost every year, and foodwise I did a great job compared to other years. One year I lived almost entirely on cheez doodles (they sold supersize ones and I'm a sucker for those cheesy devils). My goal for this year was to maintain my weight throughout the weekend (I knew better than to hope for a weight loss!), and I'm happy to report that my weight today is the same as it was on Friday. :)
How did I do it? I think it came down to planning. I planned my main meals in advance and brought a chicken pasta salad with me the first day. Since I wasn't staying at home, I had to settle for the less than healthy warm food they sold. Mainly hamburger and toasts, not the most healthy things to eat. But I did bring diet bars as alternatives to smaller meals. I wish the stores would sell more dinner stuff that can be eaten cold, then I could have avoided the worst calorie traps alltogether.
Another accomplishment was that even though I was sleep deprived and tired to the bone when the festivities ended, I did manage to squeeze in a level 3 session none the less. It was HARD though, my legs felt like jelly, I had to take lots of breaks and I was totally beat afterwards. But it's the effort that counts, right?
On the down side, even though I've been really good this last month, I'm only down 0.4 kg and that bugs me. I have a body media fit that tells me how much calories I use throughout the day, and I log all my food. For this, I've calculated that I should be down 2 kg, which is a much more respectable number.
It feels really unfair when you've put in so much hard work yet you're not rewarded. Yes, I know that I'm probably healthier now than I was a month ago. And more fit. But still, no matter how important those things are, I still want that scale to move! I yearn to see myself getting closer and closer to my dream body. Right now all my goals feel unattainable and that's never good. I can keep going a while longer on faith that things will turn around, but each week the scale refuses to budge it gets a little harder to keep going.
The worst part is that I feel like I'm doing good, so I'm not sure what to do differently. Maybe add some more cardio? I'm planning to start C25K soon, hopefully that will shake my body up from its routine. Until the scale starts to cooperate again, I'll just have to focus on the positive things I HAVE achieved. After all, the habits I'm learning now are for life, so there's no quitting!
How did I do it? I think it came down to planning. I planned my main meals in advance and brought a chicken pasta salad with me the first day. Since I wasn't staying at home, I had to settle for the less than healthy warm food they sold. Mainly hamburger and toasts, not the most healthy things to eat. But I did bring diet bars as alternatives to smaller meals. I wish the stores would sell more dinner stuff that can be eaten cold, then I could have avoided the worst calorie traps alltogether.
Another accomplishment was that even though I was sleep deprived and tired to the bone when the festivities ended, I did manage to squeeze in a level 3 session none the less. It was HARD though, my legs felt like jelly, I had to take lots of breaks and I was totally beat afterwards. But it's the effort that counts, right?
On the down side, even though I've been really good this last month, I'm only down 0.4 kg and that bugs me. I have a body media fit that tells me how much calories I use throughout the day, and I log all my food. For this, I've calculated that I should be down 2 kg, which is a much more respectable number.
It feels really unfair when you've put in so much hard work yet you're not rewarded. Yes, I know that I'm probably healthier now than I was a month ago. And more fit. But still, no matter how important those things are, I still want that scale to move! I yearn to see myself getting closer and closer to my dream body. Right now all my goals feel unattainable and that's never good. I can keep going a while longer on faith that things will turn around, but each week the scale refuses to budge it gets a little harder to keep going.
The worst part is that I feel like I'm doing good, so I'm not sure what to do differently. Maybe add some more cardio? I'm planning to start C25K soon, hopefully that will shake my body up from its routine. Until the scale starts to cooperate again, I'll just have to focus on the positive things I HAVE achieved. After all, the habits I'm learning now are for life, so there's no quitting!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A new mindset is slowly creeping in
Today I noticed that I have changed in the last months, and not just physically. I've been ill for a couple of days, and today I found myself thinking "I have to get well so that I can work out". Previously, I would have used my not feeling well for all it was worth, thinking it was the perfect excuse to avoid working out and maybe even to eat a little something sweet. Today, however, I completed level 3 even though I still wasn't feeling 100%. I am so proud that I'm finally building a healthier mindset! (One important note: I'm not saying that working out when you're sick is a healthy mindset! I've had a cold, and even though I'm still a little off, I'm mostly better and have no fever etc, so I'm good to work out.)
I believe there are a couple of reasons why I've been able to keep the workout habit this time:
Limited timeframe and a clear goal
The 30 day shred is meant to be done 30 times (some crazy people think that means 30 DAYS, but that's just too much for me at the moment. Also, I want to build muscle and that requires rest between workouts). Instead of the neverending "I am going to work out and get healthy and lose weight", it has a clear goal and I know that if I just tough it up a couple of more times, I'll be done with this level.
Also, "Completing the shred" has been a crystal clear goal from the get-go. Whereas other workouts are easy to quit because after all you've worked hard for a few weeks and you deserve a break, it's much harder to quit in the middle of a set program. That makes me feel like a quitter, and I'm way too stubborn for that (at least when I have a clear and attainable goal). There was never any question about whether I'd complete the program, only how long it would take me. (it has taken me quite a while, so let's not dwell on that, okay?)
You can see the results
Another important point, is that with the shred I can see actual improvements. I do get stronger. The exercises get easier after a while. I can actually feel the results! This as opposed to spinning, which I enjoyed for a while a couple of years back. There, you can't really feel the improvements you make, because each time you do your best and you end up just as tired at the end of each session. You probably used harder resistance, but the bikes don't show the numbers so it's hard to tell. So you're exercising and exercising without actually seeing how far you've come. I haven't yet gotten around to trying level 1 again, but when I do I know I'll see a huge difference!
The way I talk, you might think I've actually completed the shred, but no. I'm only on day 2 of level 3. But I'm getting there! And really looking forward to it, and to starting couch 2 5 k, another program with limited timeframe, clear goals and where you can see the results.
I believe there are a couple of reasons why I've been able to keep the workout habit this time:
Limited timeframe and a clear goal
The 30 day shred is meant to be done 30 times (some crazy people think that means 30 DAYS, but that's just too much for me at the moment. Also, I want to build muscle and that requires rest between workouts). Instead of the neverending "I am going to work out and get healthy and lose weight", it has a clear goal and I know that if I just tough it up a couple of more times, I'll be done with this level.
Also, "Completing the shred" has been a crystal clear goal from the get-go. Whereas other workouts are easy to quit because after all you've worked hard for a few weeks and you deserve a break, it's much harder to quit in the middle of a set program. That makes me feel like a quitter, and I'm way too stubborn for that (at least when I have a clear and attainable goal). There was never any question about whether I'd complete the program, only how long it would take me. (it has taken me quite a while, so let's not dwell on that, okay?)
You can see the results
Another important point, is that with the shred I can see actual improvements. I do get stronger. The exercises get easier after a while. I can actually feel the results! This as opposed to spinning, which I enjoyed for a while a couple of years back. There, you can't really feel the improvements you make, because each time you do your best and you end up just as tired at the end of each session. You probably used harder resistance, but the bikes don't show the numbers so it's hard to tell. So you're exercising and exercising without actually seeing how far you've come. I haven't yet gotten around to trying level 1 again, but when I do I know I'll see a huge difference!
The way I talk, you might think I've actually completed the shred, but no. I'm only on day 2 of level 3. But I'm getting there! And really looking forward to it, and to starting couch 2 5 k, another program with limited timeframe, clear goals and where you can see the results.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The art of making cake less unhealthy
I learned a valuable lesson from a co-worker the other day. It was the birthday of one of my colleagues and we were celebrating with marzipan cake. Now, I HATE marzipan (one of the VERY few sweet things I don't like), but I like the main part of the cake, so I removed the marzipan top and ate the rest.
I always feel a bit silly doing this. When I noticed that one of my colleagues also left her marzipan untouched, I was a little relieved and commented "so you don't like marzipan, either, huh?". However, her reply surprised me. "I do like it", she said, "but it is just way too unhealthy so I just skipped it".
I totally love this idea! At work, we're way too often tempted with unhealthy stuff. Three cakes in two days, and then a third day full of candy and cookies! You've got to have iron will to say no to all that. And that's why I love the idea of having a little, but removing the most unhealthy part of whatever you're having. That way you can try a little of the good stuff and not feeling like the odd one out at the party, yet being in control and not getting too many calories. I'll definitely try this in the future.
 |
| Not actual office cake (I WISH!) |
I learned a valuable lesson from a co-worker the other day. It was the birthday of one of my colleagues and we were celebrating with marzipan cake. Now, I HATE marzipan (one of the VERY few sweet things I don't like), but I like the main part of the cake, so I removed the marzipan top and ate the rest.
I always feel a bit silly doing this. When I noticed that one of my colleagues also left her marzipan untouched, I was a little relieved and commented "so you don't like marzipan, either, huh?". However, her reply surprised me. "I do like it", she said, "but it is just way too unhealthy so I just skipped it".
I totally love this idea! At work, we're way too often tempted with unhealthy stuff. Three cakes in two days, and then a third day full of candy and cookies! You've got to have iron will to say no to all that. And that's why I love the idea of having a little, but removing the most unhealthy part of whatever you're having. That way you can try a little of the good stuff and not feeling like the odd one out at the party, yet being in control and not getting too many calories. I'll definitely try this in the future.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Level 3 and golf
When I look back at my post from a couple of days ago, where I naively thought that the golf class would be a couple of days of resting (from the 30DS), I have to laugh. My body has been aching all over throughout this weekend! Even though my golfing experience didn't include any cardio, I wouldn't call it resting either. I've been using muscles I didn't know existed, but I had a lot of fun. For a while, anyways, until we got to the actual game.
Turns out, I suck at golf. That wasn't a problem when we were all practicing by ourselves, but by the time we were trying out our newfound abilities in the field, it was also pretty obvious that I suck at losing, too. I HATE feeling so inferior! It just brings forth so many (not so) deeply buried feelings of self loathing. I know I have to start working through my perfectionism and other problems before they overwhelm me, and before they turn into binge eating, lethargy and weight gain. I've been there before, and I'm certainly not going back there now that I'm slowly but steadily losing weight and getting a grip.
On a more positive note, I did level 3 of the 30 day shred for the very first time today, and I MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH! :D (thankfully, that helped a little with my sore self esteem). It is hard, and I had to take breaks and do some modifications, but I didn't have the same feeling of wanting to die as I had when I first completed level 2. I don't know if that's because I was more mentally prepared this time around, or if level 2 was so hard for me because of all the planking, and I've gotten (somewhat) used to that.
Whatever the reason, I'm super happy with myself for completing, and for actually doing it today. Because I was sore all over from golfing, I nearly skipped the workout alltogether. However, I know I'll have little time for shredding this week, and so I had to do it when I had the time, ready or not. I'm very proud of that decision, because it's not that long ago that I would have used any excuse to avoid exercising. It just shows that I HAVE come a long way, and I AM improving, although I still have a long way to go.
Now, I'm trying to focus on my accomplishments and not on my failures. And I've also decided to keep on golfing. It would be so easy to quit, but then I wouldn't get to see the improvements I can make. And golfing is a good way to get some light exercise. So I'm going to face my demons and keep on going!
Turns out, I suck at golf. That wasn't a problem when we were all practicing by ourselves, but by the time we were trying out our newfound abilities in the field, it was also pretty obvious that I suck at losing, too. I HATE feeling so inferior! It just brings forth so many (not so) deeply buried feelings of self loathing. I know I have to start working through my perfectionism and other problems before they overwhelm me, and before they turn into binge eating, lethargy and weight gain. I've been there before, and I'm certainly not going back there now that I'm slowly but steadily losing weight and getting a grip.
On a more positive note, I did level 3 of the 30 day shred for the very first time today, and I MADE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH! :D (thankfully, that helped a little with my sore self esteem). It is hard, and I had to take breaks and do some modifications, but I didn't have the same feeling of wanting to die as I had when I first completed level 2. I don't know if that's because I was more mentally prepared this time around, or if level 2 was so hard for me because of all the planking, and I've gotten (somewhat) used to that.
Whatever the reason, I'm super happy with myself for completing, and for actually doing it today. Because I was sore all over from golfing, I nearly skipped the workout alltogether. However, I know I'll have little time for shredding this week, and so I had to do it when I had the time, ready or not. I'm very proud of that decision, because it's not that long ago that I would have used any excuse to avoid exercising. It just shows that I HAVE come a long way, and I AM improving, although I still have a long way to go.
Now, I'm trying to focus on my accomplishments and not on my failures. And I've also decided to keep on golfing. It would be so easy to quit, but then I wouldn't get to see the improvements I can make. And golfing is a good way to get some light exercise. So I'm going to face my demons and keep on going!
Friday, June 10, 2011
10 facts about you
10 facts about you!
1- You're reading this right now
2- You're realizing that this is a stupid fact
4- You didn't notice I skipped three
5- You're checking now
6- You're smiling
7- You're still reading this even though it's stupid
9- You didn't realize I skipped eight
10- You're checking again and smiling about how you fell for it again
11- You're enjoying this
12- You didn't realize there's only supposed to be ten facts
Shamelessly stolen from this blog because it did indeed make me smile, and I wanted to share it with others. :)
1- You're reading this right now
2- You're realizing that this is a stupid fact
4- You didn't notice I skipped three
5- You're checking now
6- You're smiling
7- You're still reading this even though it's stupid
9- You didn't realize I skipped eight
10- You're checking again and smiling about how you fell for it again
11- You're enjoying this
12- You didn't realize there's only supposed to be ten facts
Shamelessly stolen from this blog because it did indeed make me smile, and I wanted to share it with others. :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Weehee - I just completed level 2
I just finished my last session of level 2 of the shred, and I did it without ONE SINGLE BREAK! :D Go me!!! :D
I have to say, it was hard and if I weren't so stubborn and so set on finishing strong, I probably wouldn't have made it. But it is good to push yourself and it helps to have a goal in mind.
Now I'm "well on my way to being shredded" as Jillian would say, and I'm supposed to start level 3 next. I'm more than a little scared, though. I vividly remember what a shock that first session of level 2 was on my body and mind. And I have no illusions that level 3 will be any less trying. However, like I said earlier, it IS good to push yourself. And level 2 has been getting more and more bearable the last sessions, so it is about time to move on.
This weekend I'm taking a golf course, so I probably won't be able to start level 3 until Monday. That should give me some time to rest up. Even though I'm scared of level 3, I'm also excited to feel my body getting stronger, to be closer to finishing the shred and to be able to start the Couch 2 5K soon. :)
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
I have to say, it was hard and if I weren't so stubborn and so set on finishing strong, I probably wouldn't have made it. But it is good to push yourself and it helps to have a goal in mind.
Now I'm "well on my way to being shredded" as Jillian would say, and I'm supposed to start level 3 next. I'm more than a little scared, though. I vividly remember what a shock that first session of level 2 was on my body and mind. And I have no illusions that level 3 will be any less trying. However, like I said earlier, it IS good to push yourself. And level 2 has been getting more and more bearable the last sessions, so it is about time to move on.
This weekend I'm taking a golf course, so I probably won't be able to start level 3 until Monday. That should give me some time to rest up. Even though I'm scared of level 3, I'm also excited to feel my body getting stronger, to be closer to finishing the shred and to be able to start the Couch 2 5K soon. :)
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Not quitting
I guess anyone reading this blog might have thought that I probably just died from doing level 2 of the 30 day shred, or if, in fact I did survive, I'd just quit alltogether. I have to say, I nearly did. I have trouble with tense neck and shoulder muscles, and all those planks were killers. I had tension headaches for days afterwards, and it took me a week to muster the courage to try again. However, the next time was easier, and since then I've been doing it mostly every two or three days, and while it's still hard, it is bearable.
I'm more than halfway done with level 2, and already dreading level 3. When I think how much of a shock level 2 was for my body, how much worse will level 3 be? On the other hand, I'm dying to go back to level 1 and see how much easier it has gotten. I could do about 15 "real" pushups when I'd completed level 1, can I do more now? I really hope so! :D
I'm really looking forward to completing the shred, as I'm planning to start Couch 2 5K. I've never been able to run, and the thought of being capable of running 30 minutes straight is REALLY motivating. Although I HATE running, I can't wait to try this program and see if it will work for me. I have to admit that I have my doubts that it will, but I've talked to others who felt the same way before starting, and they managed it. So I'm giving it a try, I'm more into working out now than ever before, so that at least is a plus.
While it's very tempting to drop the shred in favor of C25K, or try doing both at the same time, I'm holding back a little. I don't want to be a quitter, the shred is a good workout and I really need the strength training. Also, I know I'm not in good enough shape to do both, especially now that level 3 is right around the corner. However, I do hope that level 3 will be bearable after a while, and at that point I plan to start the C25K. Looking forward to it! :D
I'm more than halfway done with level 2, and already dreading level 3. When I think how much of a shock level 2 was for my body, how much worse will level 3 be? On the other hand, I'm dying to go back to level 1 and see how much easier it has gotten. I could do about 15 "real" pushups when I'd completed level 1, can I do more now? I really hope so! :D
I'm really looking forward to completing the shred, as I'm planning to start Couch 2 5K. I've never been able to run, and the thought of being capable of running 30 minutes straight is REALLY motivating. Although I HATE running, I can't wait to try this program and see if it will work for me. I have to admit that I have my doubts that it will, but I've talked to others who felt the same way before starting, and they managed it. So I'm giving it a try, I'm more into working out now than ever before, so that at least is a plus.
While it's very tempting to drop the shred in favor of C25K, or try doing both at the same time, I'm holding back a little. I don't want to be a quitter, the shred is a good workout and I really need the strength training. Also, I know I'm not in good enough shape to do both, especially now that level 3 is right around the corner. However, I do hope that level 3 will be bearable after a while, and at that point I plan to start the C25K. Looking forward to it! :D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)