1.1. Again...

OK so, I have been running off and on the last month. I am holding steady at 178. I am ready to get serious about training and my diet. Here are my monthly pics to keep me on track. I am looking a little bit smaller, I think, but I would like to BE a lot smaller! 

Tonight's workout was 30 minutes including a 5 minute warmup and cool down. (20 minutes of actual running) I felt pretty strong during the run and recovered quickly. After my run, I did 10 "wimpy" push ups and 10 knee ups. Tomorrow is a holiday so I plan to do my long run, 3 miles. I will walk the first 5 minutes the kick it up to a fast jog (5.1) until I hit 3 miles and finish up with a 5 min walk. I am so ready to do this!!!!

I've got my eye on a new treadmill, a NordicTrack! It's pretty pricey but it is super duper cool. I'm hoping to get it in the next 6 months or so, we will see.

1.0 Third Time's the Charm

Well, I'm starting over for the 3rd time. I feel like I am taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. I signed up for the 1/2 marathon training group and start running with them next month. I am ready to get the program rolling!

Week 2.0 Summary

Weight 177

I only ran 3 times this week. I did my first "hill run" this morning and whew, my legs are wet noodles. I did OK with my diet, but could have done better. All in all I'm pretty happy with this week. I am hoping for a better week with a bigger loss, but we will see. Keep on moving!!!

1.5 I made it!

5 min warm up
25 min @ 5.0 with about 4 @ 6.0
5 min cool down

First off I'm thrilled I made it all 25 min of running! I absolutely did not want to run, but I did it. I am starting to feel pretty good while I'm running so I can tell my body is getting stronger.

Week 1 done. I'm taking Saturday and Sunday as rest days. Bring on week 2!!!

1.4 Hanging in There

5 min warm up
20 min @ 5.0 (with about 4 min of 5.6)
5 min cool down

I finally made 2 miles! Tomorrow I am shooting for a total of 35 min including my warm up and cool down. I used yesterday as my rest day, and I think I will use Sat and Sun as rest days as well.

1.2 Working it!

Good run today. I walked 5 minutes for a warm up and 3 minutes for a cool down, and still made it almost 2 miles! Feeling strong and am on the wagon!

1.1 For Real This Time!

OK, seriously, it's time to start training.  I technically did this workout yesterday (Monday), and will post my workout for today, later tonight. Here are my "Before" photos/weight. I plan to post my photos/weight monthly so I can track my progress. And away we go!!

Weight: 179

1.1 Let's try this again

I "wogged" 1 mile on the treadmill tonight. This will be a short week since I'm headed to SLC for a quick visit. Time to get serious!

My plan this week is to just get moving.  I'd like to add about a half mile or so each day but that is not as important as actually getting on the treadmill.

5.5 Crash and burn huh Mav?

Let me start off by saying, I only hit the treadmill once this week. Not my finest week. Generally I do not like to rationalize why it's OK that I missed my goal, however, let my list the things I did this week working outside:

Moved all of my tack into Varro's stall
Dissasembed the stall panels in the barn
Removed all of the stall mats from the 2 panel stalls
Scrapped all of the old shavings and poop that got trampled under those mats
Scrubbed the walls of both stalls
Ran another electric fence line (single strand)
Cleaned both corrals outside
Cleaned the chicken coop

I really feel that my activity level this week is a valid reason for not getting my treadmill miles in. All of those chores were done in the heat too, so I totally got my sweativity on 😄

Seriously though, since I missed all of week 5, I feel like week 6 should just be a repeat of week 4 in order to get myself back on track safely.

5.1

I know what you're thinking, "What happened to 4.5?" Well, I got stung in the face by some nasty little wasps. My face swelled up like Rocky Balboa after a fight. I did not in any way feel like a workout. I also ate an entire bag of Cheeto puffs and a pint of ice cream over the weekend. Needless to say I'm up today, but it's just motivation for me to kick it up a notch this week.

5.1 went quite well. I was happy to break the 2 mile mark. I like my playlist so far and was happy to be jogging.

I do need to incorporate some stretching before my runs. I do some beginner planks after, but need to warm up, before the warm up walking.

I had my final follow up appointment with my back surgeon. They took Xrays and he is super pleased with how well the fusion has healed. I am now free to do whatever I'd like to, keeping in mind that although my back is healed, it is not normal, nor will it ever be. I really realized that when I started riding again. I am very happy and content to just be able to ride and run. Those are my passions. Bring it on!

4.4 Oh, so close!

I left my note up next to the display so you can see the break down. I cheated ever so slightly by bumping it up to 5.0 for 1 song. I am nearly at 2 miles. I probably won't make 2 miles this week but will for sure next week.

Tomorrow is my weigh in and I think I might keep even, not much of a loss if any. If so, I am still happy with my non-scale wins this week. I am feeling very strong on the treadmill and my diet is pretty good, but can be better. I'm riding Varro and getting on and off him is much, much easier than it was a week ago. My clothes are fitting quite loosely and I might even be down a size in my pants! The scale is not the only thing I am focused on. My overall health is more important that what the scale says.

I'm excited for week 5 to start!

4.3 A Little Bit Faster, A Little Bit Farther

I actually lost track of all time blocks, I didn't use a note next to the display so I just winged it.

On a positive note, my new playlist is going to work great. So far I like the songs and the order they are in. I can't wait to add another 5 minutes next week so I can hear more of my list!

So far my diet is on track, weigh in is Friday.

Keep on keepin' on

4.2 The Playlist

5 @ 3.0
5 @ 3.5
4 @ 4.0
6 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 3.0

I felt pretty good on this run. I downloaded Amazon Music and have created a playlist of mostly cadence and a few regular songs. Today I gave it a go and found a lot of those cadence were MARCHING cadence! That will never do. As I listened to each one I removed the ones that didn't fit so spent more time paying attention to that, than actually running.

I have also decided that CrossFit during the winter will not be a good fit for me. Since I have been riding, I am learning that my back does not move... I won't be able to execute most of the exercises. Oh well, my back up plan is to run "THAT" hill every Tuesday (my half day off) after work. *Karla, you know that first hill on the Half Marathon route, yes, THAT hill!

I am hoping to be able to run 2 miles in 30 minutes by the end of the week. We shall see....

4.1 I'm on my way!

5 @ 3.0
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.0
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 3.0

HAHAHA I forgot to remove my note before I took the picture.

This was a great run. I really feel like I can go farther, faster, but am determined to stick to my schedule and not push myself (like I normally do). I am using my incredible discipline to NOT push myself. That part has been hard, but really it is paying off. I have not been sore, AT ALL. I look forward to my runs and am looking at the big picture of my long term health.

I finally subscribed to Amazon Music for make my running playlist. I have tons of cadences and a few other songs. I am hoping to have a 4 hour long playlist for the CCHM. Any suggestions???

This was my first run at 30 minutes and also increasing speed to 4.5. I am really getting into my psychological groove and am ready for some TEAM running! Who's with me???

3.5 There may or may not be a Sisters Half next year

5 @ 3.0
5 @ 3.5
9 @ 4.0
1 @ 3.5
5 @ 3.0

Great run tonight. I am looking forward to adding time and bumping up speed next week.

I am extending an invitation to you all to come visit and run the Capital City Half Marathon with me next year.... walkers welcome! 😉 just tossing it out there for now.

3.4 Best Run Yet

5 @ 3.0
5 @ 3.5
8 @ 4.0
2 @ 3.5
5 @ 3.0

I felt strong and calm the whole run. I actually lost track of the time and went a few seconds over during my 8 min block on 4.0. I cannot wait to increase my time next week. I also bump up to a 5 min block of 4.5. Any suggestions for building a running play list on a droid phone???

3.3 Right on Schedule

5m @ 3.0
5m @ 3.5
7m @ 4.0
3m @ 3.5
5m @ 3.0

I am really hitting my groove. I am anxious to add speed and time, but know that slow and steady will win the race. I think it is time to build a running play list. I am finding a ton of songs that I'd like to try out! Tomorrow is weigh in day and I'm feeling optimistic.

3.2 Still Going Strong

5 min @ 3.0
5 min @ 3.5
6 min @ 4.0
4 min @ 3.5
5 min @ 3.0

So, tonight was a one woman concert. I wonder why both dogs decided to stay upstairs tonight? They would have had front row seats! HAHAHA OK, so I sound like a tractor, stuck in 1st gear, under water hee hee.

I started doing beginner planks tonight after my "run" for 30 seconds. Ugh, I am so out of shape. Good thing I have all summer to get back into shape!

3.1 25 Minutes and Counting

Tonight's workout was really good. Here's the breakdown:
5 min @ 3.0
5 min @ 3.5
5 min @ 4.0
5 min @ 3.5
5 min @ 3.0

I am feeling pretty strong still and am looking forward to adding 5 minutes next week. I didn't sing tonight, but will tomorrow!

Here are my 3.0 pictures minus 6 pounds LOL. I will post pics every few weeks to keep myself motivated. What plans do you have for the week?

Gear Review: Capris

These Capris are DA BOMB! They fit like a glove (I ordered the Large). The fabric is wonderful, soft and has the perfect amount of compression. The biggest thing I love about these Capris is the fact that they have 2 count them 2 pockets on the outside of each upper thigh. The pocket is big enough to fit my phone. I cannot say enough about them. Give them a try and you will love them too!

They are slightly longer than the picture shows which is fine with me. I like to wear compression socks when I run (review on them next week) and they overlap the capris with ease.

These capris come in so many colors you are bound to find something you like. I bought the basic black size large and have a fuchsia pair in my Amazon cart waiting for me to buy them next payday.

Here is the Amazon link.

2.5 A Killer Headache

I've got a killer headache today. It started at about 0930 this morning. We have a storm front moving in and I am sure it has something to do with that. I had to talk myself into doing my walk tonight, but did it. It's only 20 minutes. Right?

Diet was the same: smoothie, protein bar, lean cuisine, cheddar cheese snack and some homemade trail mix (cashews and raisins). I am skipping dinner and going right to bed.

Here is to maintaining my -2 over the weekend! We can do this!!!

2.4 1-2-3-4-United States Marine Corps

Spoiler alert! I love these capris, but will post a full gear review this weekend, complete with a link!

Most of the songs I listened to today were cadence and I sang them all "loud and proud," just like the good ole days! I was having so much fun, I hated to stop at the 20 minute mark. Today I walked a tad over a mile again. I am hoping that next week I can get up to 1.5 miles.

My diet was good today: the normal smoothie and protein bar for breakfast. Peanut butter sandwich and spinach salad for lunch. For snacks I had celery sticks and cheddar snacks. I also drank so much water I have gills. HAHAHA

Tomorrow is my weigh in day and I am a little nervous. I am hoping for a loss and will be a bit disappointed if I hold steady or gain....

2.3 Easy Peasy

The walking is getting pretty easy. I have to fight myself not to advance any faster than I am. I have a plan and must stick with it!

I had the day off work and it was marvelous. I did chores around the ranch and played with the horses and dogs. I just kept moving most of the day.

I ate fairly well too. I did have a small bowl of Capt Crunch for breakfast, but the rest of the day went very well. Tuna and crackers for lunch, cottage cheese for a snack and spinach salad for dinner. Tomorrow is back to normal.

Happy 4th everyone!

2.2 Finding My Groove

I am starting to really enjoy my walks. I had some good music playing and was singing at the top of my lungs the entire walk. It probably helps that I got to ride Varro today and he was such a good boy (pictures are posted on facebook). Today was also my half day. I got home early and had a great lunch. I had a spinach salad with garlic dill cucumber spears and cherry tomatoes and a corndog. For breakfast I had my normal fruit smoothie and a protein bar. I am not sure I am having dinner, but if I do it will be a fried egg with toast. Honestly I just want some water, take a shower and head to bed early. I am looking forward to sleeping in.

2.1 The 20 Minute Walk!

My first 20 minute walk. I am really happy to have broken the 1 mile mark. I was a little nervous about adding 5 minutes to my time, but it felt great! My diet yesterday was spot on and I also am eating quite well today. I am going to ride Varro tonight then walk on the treadmill for another 20 minutes. I hope to increase my distance slightly each day this week until adding another 5 minutes next week. Tomorrow is the 4th and Chris will be working, so I don't have anything planned but doing chores... which is my happy place. I am going to take Saturday off (see SkinnyBassettGirls post) and make a great dinner WITH dessert! I might even have some chips and dip to top it off!

1.5 The Home Stretch (for the week anyway)

Well, I made it all 5 days! I'm quite pleased with my week. I ate fairly well and walked 5 days. Next week I will add 5 minutes to my walking time. I'm feeling great! Bring on 2.0!

Weekend Product Review

As promised here is my weekly product review:

The first thing I wanted to post about is Zantrex Black. I have been taking it for about a week and a half and honestly I think it might be more trouble than its worth. The directions say to take 2 pills, with a full glass of water 15 minutes before meals and do not exceed more than 6 pills per 24-hour period. They are not kidding around! Here are my experiences:

The first day I took 2 pills before lunch, since I really didn’t have breakfast. I spent the rest of the day feeling awful. I had an upset tummy along with jitters and a headache. The next day I took 1 pill before lunch and felt better.

Through trial and error, I found 1 pill with my morning smoothie and 1 or 2 pills 15 minutes before lunch is the trick. DO NOT under any circumstances take the pills more than 15 minutes before you eat. When I do, I get a hot flustered feeling on my arms, face, and neck that feels like a bad sunburn. It lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. (On a good note it makes me lose my appetite all together)

While I did lose 4 pounds this week, I am inclined to think it was because I stopped drinking soda, not necessarily because I am taking Zantrex. If I were you, I would not waste my money. After this bottle is gone I will not buy it again.  

1.4 Slow and Easy

I kind of tweaked my back this morning so I took it really easy tonight. Since my weigh in is tomorrow I had to do something. I ate fairly well, but not the best. I had a protein bar for breakfast, salad for lunch, apples and grapes for a snack as well as a handful of yogurt covered pretzels. Ugh. The munchie monster is horrible.

I still think I can add 5 minutes to my walks next week. Week 1 is nearly done!

1.3 Third workout, is that a trend?

So my walking workouts are getting pretty easy. I think I will definitely be able add 5 minutes to my walk next week. I am still eating quite well. Smoothie for breakfast, banana for a mid morning snack, lean cuisine for lunch, protein bar for a snack and tuna with crackers for dinner. I am drinking so much water... 128 ounces! (and still no soda) I walked around the block on both of my breaks today. It was fun especially since I walked with my 2 horsey girl friends.

I have my weigh in on Friday and am hoping for a 1-2 pound loss. I also have a gear review planned for this weekend. I have a few things to review and plan to post one review every weekend:

1. A dry weave running shirt
2. Zantrex Black
3. Compression socks

Any requests on what to review first?

1.2 Something about slow and steady...

So, another 15 minutes is in the books. It does feel good to be moving. In my heart I am an active person. As for activity today, I did ranch chores. Not really anything strenuous, but a kept moving all afternoon. For food I had a smoothie, a protein bar, a small salad and a peanut butter sandwich. I drank plenty of water and No Soda! Let me say that again. NO SODA! Woot Woot! Next week I will be doing a gear review, so stay tuned.

1.1 The New Hotness...or maybe lukewarmness

First workout of the Summer Shape Up '19. I am a lot disappointed that I am this out of shape, but hey, not for long!

My plan is to walk 15 minutes every day this week, then evaluate an increase next week. I feel I should be able add 5 minutes each week until I hit 30 minutes. Once I hit 30, I will add a few minutes of jogging during that 30 min.

My ultimate summer goal is to jog/run 3 miles in that 30 minutes. Goal date is October 1st. I will need some motivation to get there!

Summer Shape Up (SSU)

So, after seeing the video of me on Varro yesterday and the pictures of me out for a walk with my coworkers, I must get back in shape. I am very unhappy with the way I look.

Baby got back... and it's not a good thing.

Next week starts 1.1 of the SSU. For the rest of the week, I will prep my body for the changes in activity. I increased my Fitbit goal to 15,000 steps per day and I would like to start walking on the treadmill as well. Tonight I did 15 minutes after my horse chores.

I'll post all my updates on Skinny Bassett Girls too. Let's get started.

I feel the need.... the need for speed!

Now that I am 2 weeks post surgery, I am feeling pretty good. (Thank you to Mom and Janelle!) The Capital City Marathon is in about 10 days and I do wish I were running it, BUT am anxious to get training to run it next year.

It looks like I will be able to start "wogging" 8 weeks after surgery, June 18th. I am looking forward to hitting the treadmill and start getting back into shape.

The diet starts June 1st. I plan to cut out ALL soda, (OH THE HORROR!!!) and processed/fast foods. I will have 1 "cheat day" per week, but hopefully the cheat day will naturally wane once I get into better shape.

Although it is nice to have a goal, like running the Capital Peak Ultra (50 miles) or the Capital City Marathon (26.2 miles), I just want to spend the summer getting healthy. Who's with me????