Don't know where I read this , but I took it to heart: it's almost always better to trade 30 minutes of sleep for 30 minutes of exercise.
Good night.
- iPhone uPdate
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Commitment
Two miles every day for a week! The weather has been optimal and I'm very happy with what I've done. So I'll keep it up for a while. How long? As long as I feel like it.
I just caught up with a post from Jacksh*t that says it all: "two years down and forever to go". (I'll edit in a link when I get to my computer.)
- iPhone uPdate
I just caught up with a post from Jacksh*t that says it all: "two years down and forever to go". (I'll edit in a link when I get to my computer.)
- iPhone uPdate
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Bunny Strategies
Some foods I just can't be trusted around. Jourdan Almonds, traditional food of Easter, is one of them. Chocolate bunnies - when made of good chocolate - also a problem. Peeps, which I don't remember from my childhood, have no attraction whatsoever. Luckily, I like egg salad, so there is a place for colored eggs that survive the hunt.
I bought ahead of time, and then carefully hid the supplies in my brother-in-law's bedroom. Tonight, preparing the baskets for my sometimes infantile children to find upon awakening, I did nibble a bit, but all the leftovers stayed behind for tomorrow's festivities.
Had I left anything in my house, it would be preying on me right now. Sometimes its better to just set things up so you don't have to exercise any willpower.
Happy Easter!
I bought ahead of time, and then carefully hid the supplies in my brother-in-law's bedroom. Tonight, preparing the baskets for my sometimes infantile children to find upon awakening, I did nibble a bit, but all the leftovers stayed behind for tomorrow's festivities.
Had I left anything in my house, it would be preying on me right now. Sometimes its better to just set things up so you don't have to exercise any willpower.
Happy Easter!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Commitments
I'm so very sensitive to the weather, and the volatility this time of year is driving me nuts. Wednesday it was in the 80's, but today never got to the upper half of the 40's! Plus, it just rained. Dark and dreary. Sucks the energy right out of me. Oddly, once the sun went down and it was truly night time, it seemed less oppressive to me.
Here's what I've been thinking about: Can I make a commitment to specific exercise goals, without signing up for a class or specific appointments? Can I "insource" some willpower and start moving more, regularly, sustained, motivated and reminded only by myself? The idea of committing publicly to follow through on something specific is very scary, but its also part of why I do this blog, so I'm partly motivated by wanting to have a successful report.
I like the gym and personal training which has really helped my strength and my shape. I think I'm going to like yoga, which should give me flexibility and balance (and perhaps serenity?). But I need to be in better aerobic shape - I want to build up my endurance. I haven't been running on the treadmill or walking much, at least until the last couple of weeks. Finally, I'm getting out of the office at lunch, and even my 20 minute mile garden circuit is good.
I'm thinking two miles a day minimum is what I want to do. I've been thinking about trying to get in at least a mile before going in to work (on non-gym days). So far, I've thought about it while lying under the covers not making a move. Then I've been thinking about committing here is what I'm going to do. First I thought I should do two miles for a month. Then I thought, maybe a week. Then I thought, let's give it a couple of days and see if I can do it at all.
So I've done it since Tuesday - four days in a row. The first two were at the beach - so easy. Yesterday was a bit slower at work, so I got in time at lunch. But I looked out my office window at lunchtime today, and it was dark and dank, but probably not raining because pedestrians were not holding up umbrellas. Still, I didn't go out. Tonight, it is 43 degrees and drizzling, and I went out at 9 pm anyway and got in 2.25 miles, up and down the serpentine steep streets of my 'hood. I was dressed for it - foul weather gear, fleece, and an ipod - and the dog really enjoyed it too and I like letting the dog get some exercise. So just the weekend and Monday, and I will have done a week of walks. Then I'll see about making it to the end of the month... But long term commitments have not been my strong suit in the past. We'll see.
Two miles is really nothing. Forty minute or less. My quick lunchtime mile through the sculpture gardens for twenty minutes and then walking between my house and the kids, and I'm there. I've decided this has to be "walks" meaning adding up all the times I walk between my office and my bosses' during the day won't count - has to be outside, and has to be at least a half mile at a pop. I have in mind to sometimes jog a bit, and always at least hustle. I have to have rules. But they are my rules, and I can change them whenever I like.
Off to bed with the sense that at least I did something today while the day lasted.
Here's what I've been thinking about: Can I make a commitment to specific exercise goals, without signing up for a class or specific appointments? Can I "insource" some willpower and start moving more, regularly, sustained, motivated and reminded only by myself? The idea of committing publicly to follow through on something specific is very scary, but its also part of why I do this blog, so I'm partly motivated by wanting to have a successful report.
I like the gym and personal training which has really helped my strength and my shape. I think I'm going to like yoga, which should give me flexibility and balance (and perhaps serenity?). But I need to be in better aerobic shape - I want to build up my endurance. I haven't been running on the treadmill or walking much, at least until the last couple of weeks. Finally, I'm getting out of the office at lunch, and even my 20 minute mile garden circuit is good.
I'm thinking two miles a day minimum is what I want to do. I've been thinking about trying to get in at least a mile before going in to work (on non-gym days). So far, I've thought about it while lying under the covers not making a move. Then I've been thinking about committing here is what I'm going to do. First I thought I should do two miles for a month. Then I thought, maybe a week. Then I thought, let's give it a couple of days and see if I can do it at all.
So I've done it since Tuesday - four days in a row. The first two were at the beach - so easy. Yesterday was a bit slower at work, so I got in time at lunch. But I looked out my office window at lunchtime today, and it was dark and dank, but probably not raining because pedestrians were not holding up umbrellas. Still, I didn't go out. Tonight, it is 43 degrees and drizzling, and I went out at 9 pm anyway and got in 2.25 miles, up and down the serpentine steep streets of my 'hood. I was dressed for it - foul weather gear, fleece, and an ipod - and the dog really enjoyed it too and I like letting the dog get some exercise. So just the weekend and Monday, and I will have done a week of walks. Then I'll see about making it to the end of the month... But long term commitments have not been my strong suit in the past. We'll see.
Two miles is really nothing. Forty minute or less. My quick lunchtime mile through the sculpture gardens for twenty minutes and then walking between my house and the kids, and I'm there. I've decided this has to be "walks" meaning adding up all the times I walk between my office and my bosses' during the day won't count - has to be outside, and has to be at least a half mile at a pop. I have in mind to sometimes jog a bit, and always at least hustle. I have to have rules. But they are my rules, and I can change them whenever I like.
Off to bed with the sense that at least I did something today while the day lasted.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Scale
So I tell myself I'm just maintaining. Two days of vacation eating, hardly wild, and the scale is up three pounds from when I left.
I know it bounces around based on water more than anything else. But seriously, three pounds? I'm sure it will bounce back down, if I get right back to it. But I'll pay attention to how fast it does. I want to understand how sensitive my body is to off course. Does it take a week to settle down from two days?
- iPhone uPdate
I know it bounces around based on water more than anything else. But seriously, three pounds? I'm sure it will bounce back down, if I get right back to it. But I'll pay attention to how fast it does. I want to understand how sensitive my body is to off course. Does it take a week to settle down from two days?
- iPhone uPdate
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
In the O.C.
I took a couple of days off from work to go to the beach with my girl and her dog. This was her idea: "Let's take Tops to the beach!" and so the dog was kind of the whole point. I get it, but there are incredibly cheap deals at the luxury ocean front hotels right now, but only one spot - not so luxury, near but not on, the beach takes dogs. Three hours drive and poof! away from worldly things, to a honky tonk built up beach town. I've never been, and this is the only season I'd really like to come.
Up early, and Tops and I had the beach to ourselves. Not ready to let her swim yet, we jogged along the surf for a few blocks, then a nice walk back through the city blocks. Our room (with tiny terrace) on the fourth floor looks out over the bay side (this is a barrier beach island) and there is plenty of traffic on the main spine of the island.
The room has a fridge and microwave, so I brought some rudimentary provisions. I ate cold baked lemon chicken in the car last night, along with some clementines and a couple of the chocolate chip cookies my girl had baked. Now, seagull noises over the traffic, me and my laptop are on the terrace with my motel-room coffee - but out of my own china mug from the car, not their styrofoam thing. Breakfast of my fancy cheese for me, pomegranate yogurt with granola (from Trader Joe's) for my girl, and we'll go exploring.
Crab cakes, cream of crab soup, ice cream, and a beer are likely in my future today. My plan is to to go with it, but try to walk and walk and walk. The boardwalk starts a couple blocks south of us, and stretches for three miles. It's what you are supposed to do in the O.C. - make the scene on the board walk. Hooray for road trips and hooray for out of my routine!
Up early, and Tops and I had the beach to ourselves. Not ready to let her swim yet, we jogged along the surf for a few blocks, then a nice walk back through the city blocks. Our room (with tiny terrace) on the fourth floor looks out over the bay side (this is a barrier beach island) and there is plenty of traffic on the main spine of the island.
The room has a fridge and microwave, so I brought some rudimentary provisions. I ate cold baked lemon chicken in the car last night, along with some clementines and a couple of the chocolate chip cookies my girl had baked. Now, seagull noises over the traffic, me and my laptop are on the terrace with my motel-room coffee - but out of my own china mug from the car, not their styrofoam thing. Breakfast of my fancy cheese for me, pomegranate yogurt with granola (from Trader Joe's) for my girl, and we'll go exploring.
Crab cakes, cream of crab soup, ice cream, and a beer are likely in my future today. My plan is to to go with it, but try to walk and walk and walk. The boardwalk starts a couple blocks south of us, and stretches for three miles. It's what you are supposed to do in the O.C. - make the scene on the board walk. Hooray for road trips and hooray for out of my routine!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
First Yoga Class EVER
Yesterday was a monsoon, starting in the mid morning and not letting up till very early this morning. The heavy rain and darkness sucked the energy out of me, and much of the day was spent on one couch or another, where I read one murder mystery and an YA fantasy novel. But right now, early Sunday morning, the sunshine is almost painfully brilliant and it will stay that way all day. The energy is up and I'm ready to DO some things. But first, I need to check in here. It's been too long. I have to be reflective and accountable if I'm going to make any progress.
My philosophy is changing on how I want to handle my diet and exercise for a while. I want to go down in weight - duh - any woman with a butt like mine would! But strong, flexible, balanced, and connected to my family are things I need to put my energy into right now. That means compromises on how I will eat, and how I will spend my time, from the things I would do and eat if I were on my own.
The gym is paid for the next several months, so I'll be doing that. But I've added an activity I'm incredibly excited about: Yoga. Many of my friends do it regularly. I've read books - mostly memoirs - where it figures largely in people's lives. It's seemed mysterious and magic to me. But except for not very effective Wii or a DVD, I've never done it at all. I signed up for a class, but I'll miss the first scheduled one next Tuesday. Knowing that, when I saw the studio has a free open-house style weekend of classes before starting their new semester next week, I showed up yesterday to a beginner's session.
I'm not sure what I was expecting - maybe a single session would lead to enlightenment, peace, and a whole new outlook on the world? It didn't do that. I'm not disappointed, certainly, but I'm re-calibrating my expectations, now that I've got something from real life to build on. If it does completely change my life, it will come from the repeated practice, not like a bolt of lightening.
The class teacher was not what I expected. She is short, fat, and 62 years old (she isn't the regular teacher for my class. My teacher, per web bio, is currently a major number cruncher with the government. It is a company town.) She was.... more like me than not. A senior financial analyst with the government until she retired and became full time yoga instructor. Shaped like an apple, but extremely strong and flexible. Used words I hear at the gym, "quadriceps"and "sacroiliac", along with Sanskrit words and more spiritual phrases.
We began with conversation, then sitting and briefly chanting. Then she demonstrated and talked us through several moves. All but one were well within my competence for reach and strength (the one I couldn't do required balance), but they were subtly different from the gym. The moving from one place to another, the words used to describe what we were doing ("melt your heart") gave it a context that was nice. We ended with "corpse pose" and chanting again. It wasn't too eastern-mysterious, and I do believe physical actions will affect you mentally, so I did the chants out loud while reserving in my mind my rational skepticism. The yoga class followed immediately my regular Saturday gym class and that is not something I'll do regularly. I have some minor soreness now, and I can't tell if its the yoga or the gym. The schedule I'm going to try is Tuesday nights, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, a time I would normally be vegging out with the kids or at home. "Found time".
Coming up today? Yard work, added to the inside chores I could have done but didn't do yesterday. The kids are on spring break, and I've got a vacation mentality too. The boys are going to visit the college boy tonight (its a surprise so I hope they find him!!) and Monday night the girls are taking the dog to the beach on the Eastern shore. Got to organize some road food for us, but no family dinners or work lunches before Thursday. Good to get out of the routine and do something different.
PS: for the third week in a row, my average weight has been exactly (within 0.1 pound) the same. The good news is, the bouncing around is less than it had been, the body has really settled here. I'll be ok with staying here for a while as long as it doesn't go up. As the weather gets nicer, I'll be more active. I can always blitz to break the set point later, when I can spend a couple of weeks or so really focusing on it.
I borrowed and adapted a technique from a couple of other friends and bloggers (Kim and Alice) , and started (on the fly, its so easy) a personal daily log of things to give myself credit for. I'm only giving myself positive reinforcement there. It's not comprehensive, only the plusses. I've linked it on the right, and it is here.
Very boring, but feel free to look and comment. Because I'm that way, I sum up each day with an arbitrary point total (again, only pluses no minuses). So far, it's just for the additional positive reinforcement of looking at a number that will grow over time.
My philosophy is changing on how I want to handle my diet and exercise for a while. I want to go down in weight - duh - any woman with a butt like mine would! But strong, flexible, balanced, and connected to my family are things I need to put my energy into right now. That means compromises on how I will eat, and how I will spend my time, from the things I would do and eat if I were on my own.
The gym is paid for the next several months, so I'll be doing that. But I've added an activity I'm incredibly excited about: Yoga. Many of my friends do it regularly. I've read books - mostly memoirs - where it figures largely in people's lives. It's seemed mysterious and magic to me. But except for not very effective Wii or a DVD, I've never done it at all. I signed up for a class, but I'll miss the first scheduled one next Tuesday. Knowing that, when I saw the studio has a free open-house style weekend of classes before starting their new semester next week, I showed up yesterday to a beginner's session.
I'm not sure what I was expecting - maybe a single session would lead to enlightenment, peace, and a whole new outlook on the world? It didn't do that. I'm not disappointed, certainly, but I'm re-calibrating my expectations, now that I've got something from real life to build on. If it does completely change my life, it will come from the repeated practice, not like a bolt of lightening.
The class teacher was not what I expected. She is short, fat, and 62 years old (she isn't the regular teacher for my class. My teacher, per web bio, is currently a major number cruncher with the government. It is a company town.) She was.... more like me than not. A senior financial analyst with the government until she retired and became full time yoga instructor. Shaped like an apple, but extremely strong and flexible. Used words I hear at the gym, "quadriceps"and "sacroiliac", along with Sanskrit words and more spiritual phrases.
We began with conversation, then sitting and briefly chanting. Then she demonstrated and talked us through several moves. All but one were well within my competence for reach and strength (the one I couldn't do required balance), but they were subtly different from the gym. The moving from one place to another, the words used to describe what we were doing ("melt your heart") gave it a context that was nice. We ended with "corpse pose" and chanting again. It wasn't too eastern-mysterious, and I do believe physical actions will affect you mentally, so I did the chants out loud while reserving in my mind my rational skepticism. The yoga class followed immediately my regular Saturday gym class and that is not something I'll do regularly. I have some minor soreness now, and I can't tell if its the yoga or the gym. The schedule I'm going to try is Tuesday nights, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, a time I would normally be vegging out with the kids or at home. "Found time".
Coming up today? Yard work, added to the inside chores I could have done but didn't do yesterday. The kids are on spring break, and I've got a vacation mentality too. The boys are going to visit the college boy tonight (its a surprise so I hope they find him!!) and Monday night the girls are taking the dog to the beach on the Eastern shore. Got to organize some road food for us, but no family dinners or work lunches before Thursday. Good to get out of the routine and do something different.
PS: for the third week in a row, my average weight has been exactly (within 0.1 pound) the same. The good news is, the bouncing around is less than it had been, the body has really settled here. I'll be ok with staying here for a while as long as it doesn't go up. As the weather gets nicer, I'll be more active. I can always blitz to break the set point later, when I can spend a couple of weeks or so really focusing on it.
I borrowed and adapted a technique from a couple of other friends and bloggers (Kim and Alice) , and started (on the fly, its so easy) a personal daily log of things to give myself credit for. I'm only giving myself positive reinforcement there. It's not comprehensive, only the plusses. I've linked it on the right, and it is here.
Very boring, but feel free to look and comment. Because I'm that way, I sum up each day with an arbitrary point total (again, only pluses no minuses). So far, it's just for the additional positive reinforcement of looking at a number that will grow over time.
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