YogaX

Yesterday I got a nice and easy run in during lunch. But the chore was still to come. The hour and a half yogaX is not very schedule friendly workout. For good or for bad, since Cuervo is not feeling well the doc said NO strenuous activities for the remainder of the week; so no gymnastics, no soccer. Jose’s taekwondo schedule is pretty flexible (he can go whenever he wants during the week). So, we figured we would go home, I would hit play and the boys could help me! Cuervo started off in the backyard on puppy duty, then he came in to participate! It was so much easier this week, I think I only had to hit pause twice due to child issues. I had no major issues in the moving sequences, not to mention they felt great! I had a kiddo sitting on my bed telling me what they were doing, even with the TV turned all the way up, I cannot always hear what is being said. There were a few times I would hear “your arm isn’t high enough” or “no, no, that is not how you do it” I had to explain that there were some moves I just could not do the way they were doing it and I was modifying so I can get close to what I need to do.
This morning my neck is feeling great! I am sure that won’t last past lunch through (I have to go to PT again today). Tonight is back and legs, tomorrow 5 miles and kenpo, Sunday 10 miles! Let the weekend begin!

Oops!

Last night was my Weight Watchers meeting and, well, I had a 0.4 gain. At first I was very upset, and then I thought back to the weekend… Less than half a pound? I can live with that! My sister pointed out it was probably a VERY good thing that I was getting my workouts in. This week, I will be better BUT be able to look back and realize where I slipped makes it a lot easier to hit play. At first I was ferious! I am running and I am doing P90X and what happens? I put on weight! Friday I had Chinese food (I don’t do well with high sodium levels), Saturday – French fries (at the amusement park) and Red Robin (I did get a salad), Sunday – etouffee, Monday – Mexican; hmmmm why did I put on weight? That is ok, it was a minor setback and this too shall pass!
When I woke up today I was struggling. I still managed to get up and get to work, I also managed to hit the stairs instead of the elevator all day AND I got my 3 miles in. My 3 miles felt pretty good, I was very slow, but I didn’t want to push it. I wanted to enjoy it!
Tonight YogaX! I am still undecided it I like that one or not. I am sure my abs are grateful that Ab RipperX is not on the schedule. I am up to 20 reps on most, 15 on a few and 40 mason twists. Tomorrow – no running, but I have legs and back (plus physical therapy). Saturday I have a 5 miler, this time I will start earlier, I will eat something before I head out AND I will have water with me!

The start of a new week

I know, Wednesday is the start of a new week? Since when? My Weight Watchers weigh ins are on Wednesday so for all intents and purposes today is the start of the week! This past week has been a little crazy, but felt great! I have completed all my P90X workouts so far, I am back running, and my eating has been pretty good. I feel as if I am coming alive again!
Jose and Cuervo (is that better than Kiddo #1 and #2??) are getting used to me coming in, heading straight upstairs and hitting play. They will actually sneak in from time to time to what Tony is doing. They love watching Ab Ripper X because of the comments I make!
This past weekend we spent two days at an amusement park in Denver, I was a little misbehaved, but not too bad considering where I was! My PT doc should be happy with me, the only thing I was on/in was the wave pool (the water wasn’t too deep and I wasn’t in there much during the waves) and the lazy man river (or whatever they want to call it). I let my boys get on whatever rides they wanted and I sat and waited for them. They kept asking me to go on rides with them and I told I can’t! My neck is a little off today, but not too horrible, but I am sure the doc will fix that when I see him this morning!
I know I said I wouldn’t run on plyo days, but the more I thought about it the more I realized I would not be able to get my miles in today, so I hit the elliptical machine yesterday during lunch and did my miles. I was dripping sweat by the time I got off the machine! Yes, I took a shower before returning to work. Today I will be zooming from work to Jose’s cross country meet, picking up Cuervo, dropping him at soccer, flying over to Weight Watchers, back to pick up Cuervo, then home to do P90X, luckily my sister will be home and making dinner. I will eat and then I will crash!

Weekly scheduled miles: 3 miles (hey, this is only day 2 of week 1 of training)
Weekly completed miles: 15.02

30 Day Challenge:
Sodas out – I went to an amusement park twice this past weekend and thanks to the help of my sister I was able to maintain the no sodas, we had some lemon aid, but no sodas!
Completed at least 90% of training mileage – Since I have only had to complete 3 miles last week I am currently over 200% of what is scheduled so far!
Miss no more than two P90X workouts – I did have to shift them a little, but so far I have not missed any!

Labor Day

Before I headed out on my first training run of marathon training I started working on a post (I had to charge my watch) but after getting back I realized there were more important things that I would rather post.
Like I said, Day 1 of marathon training is complete, well my mileage is done, but the day is far from over. The run was a little of the difficult side for a few reasons: I waited to late in the morning to head out, it was a little toasty; I should have brought water with me; I need to work on hills; and I need to strengthen my feet (one of them cramped up, but that is an easy fix). Oh, yea! And eating something before I head out would have been a good idea too!
Day 1 of marathon training also just so happens to be Day 1, Week 2 of P90X. Friday – Sunday had to get shuffled around a little, but I got all my workouts in! Friday I was going to get my workout in before going to PT, well, that got changed. A friend asked me to go with her to the Humane Society to see if there was a puppy there for her. Of course I went, I got back just in time to get to PT, afterward I was in no condition to do P90X; they beat me up some fierce! Saturday as soon as we got back from Elitch Gardens I did my leg and back workout – all I can say is LOVE IT! I know, that sounds strange, I would have to say my favorite workout is the back and legs. Sunday was Kenpo, luckily, Jose is in Taekwondo, poor kid had to keep coming and explaining the different moves. I can definitely say I had a good sweat going by the time I finished.
Due to the insanity of the upcoming week I had to move mileage around a little, but my 26 miles for this week will be completed by Sunday.

The plan on I am working on, Monday is a cross training day, Wednesday is the midweek “long” run, Friday is off, Saturday is a pseudo long run which just so happens to be half the distance of Sunday (which is exactly what I needed). Tuesday and Thursday are also run days but they increase from 3 miles to 5 (I think) miles over the weeks. Because of P90X, I have to shift things around a little. I was reading that you shouldn't run on plyo or leg days, all that means is I have Tuesday's run to Monday. This week is a little more complicated due to everything that is going on... On Wednesday we have: PT, cross country meet, soccer practice and Weight Watchers (ok, I can go to a meeting on a different day).
Mileage According to the plan for this week (plan modification):
Monday – cross training (5 miles) – completed 5.6 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles (cross training)
Wednesday – 5 miles (3 miles)
Thursday – 3 miles (3 miles – elliptical)
Friday – rest (rest)
Saturday – 5 miles (5 miles)
Sunday – 10 miles (10 miles)

On a completely unrated matter as a cyclist nothing pisses me off more than seeing people on bikes who are under the impression they too are cyclists. If you are on the road you MUST follow the laws. There is a reason most drives hate us and it is because of those who think they own the whole damn road. Even my parents tell me on a regular basis that I have no business ride on the roads. I have to tell them time and time again that a true cyclist not only knows that laws of the road, but follows them. You do not ride multiple across, you do not run red lights, etc.

Om!

Yesterday I was feeling pretty good. I went down and did a nice 45 minute workout on the elliptical machine. My knee was feeling ok (had a few twinges here and there). After checking on how kiddo #1 was doing (gotta love parent portals) and finding out he was missing homework AGAIN! I decided he would NOT go to Taekwondo. I figured I would start P90 X and then when it was time to take Kiddo #2 to gymnastics WELLLLLL, that didn’t happen! First I got a phone call from Kiddo #1’s cross country coach and turns out his attitude isn’t the greatest one around! His motivation sucks most of the time and AHHHHH! We got home and Kiddo #1 was doing homework (he had permission to come disturb me if he had any questions) and Kiddo #2 was outside playing with the dogs. Next thing I know I hear a girl scream, I look out my window and Charlie (the 100 pound dane/lab) had broken out of the back yard. I threw a shirt on and went flying down the stairs and out the door, Charlie came back in without an issue. I asked the girls if they were alright and they said yes (I think he just scared them) and I apologized profusely! Needless to say, Charlie came inside and stayed inside (my sister is fixing the hole today). I go back upstairs and rewind a little (you don’t actually think I took the time to grab the remote and hit pause do you?) and I continued. Charlie decided it was his job to not only share my yoga mat with me but to chase my shadows while I was working! Freddie on the other hand figured downward dog meant I was supposed to have a dog under me giving me kisses while I was doing that. While trying to work around those two, I hear Kiddo #2 crying. I hit pause and call both boys up to me to ask them what is going on. Kiddo #1 “I just bopped him upside the head.” Kiddo #2 had still not come up so I called him again. When he finally made it upstairs he was hunched over holding his stomach. He said Kiddo #1 had punched him in the stomach. I sent Kiddo #1 away to finish his homework and Kiddo #2 helped himself to my book shelf and planted himself on my bed. Somehow I was able to finish the workout and it only took me about two hours! We had dinner and things seemed to have calmed down. That didn’t last long. I went back up stairs to get things ready for bed and I hear a scream from downstairs, Kiddo #2 comes up with his hand over his eye crying. Kiddo #2 claimed he accidently threw something at Kiddo #2. Kiddo #2 had a nice little cut going up to his eye. It was a raisin box that was thrown and Kiddo #2 was supposed to catch it. Kiddo #2 got to sleep in my bed last night. I was watching BBC’s Oliver Twist and since Kiddo #2 LOVES that movie he curled up on my bed, next thing I knew he was asleep. Charlie could care less who slept in my bed, Freddie on the other hand was very confused about the fact that one of his brothers was sleeping in his spot on mommy’s bed! Then this morning my car keys went missing so I have to drive my truck!

Ignoring all the distractions, I have to say YogaX kicked my rump last night! I love sun salutations, I went through those with no issues. Next were the runner’s poses WHOA! (that is when all hell was breaking lose and the breaks were much appreciated!) Talk about a workout! The balance poses were ok, I skipped the shoulder stand (my neck and shoulder would not have appreciated if I have done that). Then the stretching Kiddo #2 and I agreed that one leg is longer than the other! I could reach my toes on both sides, one was just easier than that other. What struck me as odd was my shoulder started complaining when both legs were straight and I was holding my feet, needless to I lessened the stretch until I stopped feeling it in my shoulder. I was ecstatic when we did the happy baby, I would have to say, that is my all time favorite pose!

Yesterday I ordered my running socks. Now, I have an issue paying $5 shipping for a $9 pair of socks. So I cheated, I still was due a pair of running socks for my first 5 pounds and I know I will need more when I lose another 5, so I ordered 4 pairs! They have been shipped and I can’t wait until I get them!


Tonight – P90X Legs and back and physical therapy! I am hoping to get my workout down BEFORE I go to PT! To add my own personal disclaimer. I am well aware of the warning that P90X has about knees, backs blah, blah, blah. If there is one thing I have learned this past year is to listen to my body. For the most part I feel as if I can do these workouts, yes, there are some exercise I chose to skip because of injuries to certain parts and again, do I expect to see the same results as others see? No! I am just using this to get into better shape and help me lose weight. Maybe my second round I will be able to do everything without issues.

Rubin hold the meat

Last night was an insane night! My older son had a cross country meet and his grade was supposed to start at 4:00 pm, which I have to admit made me a little sad (I don’t get off until 4). I went flying out of work cussing up a storm the entire way since I had NO idea where I was going. I finally get there, and after circling around the parking lot a few times a found a spot! Then I had to figure out where all the kids were! After a nice stroll I not only found them, I also found out that they were running behind! YAY! I get to see my son run. An hour and a half after they were supposed to start. I am very proud of how he did on such a hilly course. As we were leaving he made a comment about hating hills, I told him the reason he feels that way is because he sucks at them, and quite frankly, I hate hills too! So we will start working hills together!
While I was at the meet, I had to call my sister so she could pick up my younger money and bring him to soccer. Being a single mom with two kids in two different activities can be VERY difficult at times! He did make it to practice, he was a few minutes late, but hey, he made it!
After Tyler’s meet we went zooming down the interstate, I WAS going to my Wight Watchers meeting and I WAS going to get weighed! I was to close to my goal not to go! We made it, OK, we were a little late, but we made it! I got on the scale and I could help but “YIPPEE!!!!!” and hop off the scale. Ladies and gentlemen, not only do I get my yoga mat, I get another pair of running socks! I have now lost 10.6 pounds! I have 8.56 pounds until I hit MY next goal (yes, Weight Watchers sets their goals, but I am working off of my goals). After the meeting was over, Kiddo #1 and I headed home (Kiddo #2 and my sister were still at soccer) and I popped in my Day 3 of P90X and away I went.
Knowing I have very weak shoulders (not to mention my neck/shoulder issue) I set up my lightest band and hit play. I did 15 reps of the majority of the exercises, the bicep work I moved up to my 50 pound band, the straight arm lifts I had to get my cheap, I have no idea what weight, band. My goal is Week 3 to be able to use my 30 pound band for those. Once again, I only did 10 reps during the abs. I know next week I will be ready to move up to 15. I realize I will not get the same results as others but starting with a low number of reps, but I am working this program for me!
After that we went to dinner and I just HAD to have a Rubin (without the meat)!!!!! I enjoyed every last bite of it! Today, is elliptical machine (or maybe the bike) and P90X Yoga!
OH! I put in three miles yesterday on the treadmill in my new Asics, I wasn’t as lucky as I had been with my Mizunos. I will give them one more chance before I kick them to the curb (OK, I will wear them as regular street shoes).
Looking back through my blog, according to Weight Watchers my next reward is a new pair of jeans!

Modify, modify, modify!

Happy hump day to all! Thank God August is over! This entire year has been on the rough side, but I think August has taken the cake so far. But, this is a new month and everything will be better!
Yesterday I went to my PT appointment, I have to say, my doc is HOT! But that is neither here nor there. He poked and prodded and OUCH! My nerves and muscles are all knotted and stuck together! He was trying to break apart the nerves (or whatever) and I kept seeing spots and talk about a headache! He gave me stretches and I go back on Friday!
On the P90X front… As I was leaving work yesterday, I was heading down the stairs (I try to use them as often as possible) out of the blue my right knee started SCREAMING at me! Very strange. I got home, I still popped in my workout video (plyometrics) and during the warm up we were doing lunges, my knee made it very clear that we won’t be doing to many lunges. Ok, so I modified it. I kept it 95% low impact, my heart rate still got up there, but not as high as I would have liked it to. This morning my knee is fine. I don’t know! If my body starts talking I WILL listen. I am planning on hitting the treadmill today (in my new Asics) for another easy 3 miler, worst case I walk the whole thing. Actually, really worst case scenario I will get on the treadmill and my knee will let me know that this is not happening. Tonight is Day 3 of P90X and I am feel good, ok, fine, my abs are sore, my arms are sore but it feels amazing!
Tonight is Weight Watchers night. Since I am planning on hitting the treadmill during lunch, I will not have to do my run during soccer practice, so I get to go to MY meeting! I am still hoping for a pound or two loss, so here’s to hoping!

I think it is time to hit the 30 Day Challenge again!

1. Sodas out (ok, I had one this morning)
2. Complete atleast 90% of weekly training mileage (marathon training starts this coming Monday)
3. Miss no more than two P90X workouts

Oh! And August brought a 1 pound loss! (Hey, after that month, I am excited that it isn't an increase!)