the straw that split the camel's pants

Hooray! I have finally been able to get out for some quality exercise. On Friday night I had a lovely, light dinner at Porter's - Red snapper with a vinagrette served over spinach, with grits. After having a rather long week it was nice to go to bed early, get a sound sleep, and wake up refreshed. That really helped me get out for my first walk/jog of my new program.

On Saturday morning I was out for a total of 34 minutes:
5 minute warm-up walk
Jog 1 minute, walk 2 minutes - repeat 8 times
5 minute cool-down walk

On Sunday I was lucky to get out after working on a paper all day. But I didn't put exercise off, and I'm proud of myself for that!

The second session was a mini-recovery, and I was out for 31 minutes.
5 minute warm-up walk
Jog 1 minute, walk 2 minutes - repeat 7 times
5 minute cool-down walk

I had class tonight, so I will take tonight off and get out for my third session tomorrow. It will be the final session in this set, and at the end of the week I will be increasing the jog time.

Very exciting news: I ordered a dress online for an upcoming wedding. This was a big risk, as the dress only came in Small or Large! I boldly ordered the small, thinking that one of three things would happen: it would not fit at all, and I'd send it back; it would be a little tight, and I'd set a goal to work my way into it; or it would actually fit. Would you believe that it actually fit?!?!? My little belly is a little obvious, but I really believe the exercise will take care of that. Go me!!!

Update:
The third session was a repeat of the first. No sweat!

slowly but surely

I was devastated yesterday morning when I attempted to put on a suit that I haven't worn since last year's warm weather season. I couldn't even button the pants, let alone sit down.

After a mild tantrum, I vowed to Erich that I would no longer eat dinner after class or wait for him to get home from work or band practice and dine to the strains of the Tonight Show Band. I figure that was a step in the right direction, nutrition-wise. I typically eat a lot lighter when I eat alone, so this will mercifully cut back on the cream sauce and pasta overload.

My allergies threatened to morph into a sinus infection, so after rushing myself to the doctor I got on a different combo of allergy meds plus a temporary med to drain my sinuses. Yum, I know I just helped cut back on some appetites. My point: still haven't gotten on a steady jogging schedule.

However, I have been able to get out twice in the evenings this week for ~45 minute fast walks, plus I finally got to do some power yoga when I was at home for lunch yesterday. I can actually feel the yoga all through my muscles today...I really miss that feeling from my gym days! It feels great to be on my way.

I've continued to research "learn-to-run" programs. I found one here that is very goal-oriented and even more realistic than Running for Dummies. I plan to start my training tomorrow! Weeeeee!

off the wagon already?

This weekend was not cool. Actually, it was really hot. Which is not actually what kept me trapped inside all weekend instead of getting out for my jog. This past weekend was probably the worst time I have ever had with my allergies in my entire life. On Saturday I took an Allegra, some bee pollen (don't ask) and a benadryl and still couldn't step outside. I spent most of the weekend in an antihistamine coma.

I SWEAR I am going to get out for my jogs this week.

I actually felt the under-arm wiggle today. This is getting serious.

day 1

Well, yesterday was supposed to be day 2, but I let my busy life get in the way on Tuesday. Between getting my dog out for a good walk (which did get my heart rate up even if it wasn't jogging) and my end-of-semester project for shool, the exercise was neglected yet again. I did eat pretty well. This is going to be tougher than I want it to be.

goals

my short-term goals are as follows:

Through 5/10/06 (the end of the semester)...
- develop a habit of walking/jogging on a minimum of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturday or Sunday.

- power yoga on Saturday and Sunday

- using the walk/jog plan recommended by a professional running instructor I spoke with (and Running For Dummies), increase my stamina/endurance while running and reduce the amount of walking time

5/10/06-6/24/06 (a break from classes and leading up to my sister's wedding!!!)...
- walk/jog on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

- power yoga on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays

By this time I would like to be able to tell a noticeable difference in my physical appearance. I am hoping for a reduction in squish and an increase in muscle tone. I am not looking at measuring progress through weight loss...I can't remember the last time I stepped on a scale.

I am still considering my long-term goals. However, one is most definitely to be able to participate in a 5K next spring!

Off I go!

the squish

For 4 years I was a gym rat. During the week I would go straight from work to the gym, where I was committed to my daily weight-lifting and cardio routine. It took me a couple of years, but I had reached a great condition. I liked how I looked - low body fat, great muscle tone. I didn't diet, but I didn't overeat.

Then, almost exactly 2 years ago, I went through some major changes in my life. I was forced to develop a new lifestyle and set of priorities, and hitting the gym every night no longer worked. Going back to school took out two of my weeknights, and I chose a new social life (which I had deprived myself of for years) over weekend workouts.

These choices have taken their toll. I'll never regret going back to school, but I have got to get back on track...reprioritize once again. I have gotten to a place where I am embarrassed to wear sleeveless shirts or skirts. Don't get me wrong - I know that I am not what most people would classify as fat. I am just no longer in the kind of shape that I should be in. My sister defined it well - I feel too "squishy."

I am hereby committing myself to banishing the squish. I no longer have the desire to weight train, though. I am actually very motivated to learn something new: running. I've never been a real runner. I have gotten advice and read up on learning to run in a healthy, effective way. I plan to combine the running with some power yoga to firm up and feel better. The purpose of this journal is to keep track of my progress and stay accountable to myself. Hopefully I will have some tips and insight to share! Wish me luck!