Jumping Rope, Beastly, & 3 Day Weekends

This morning brought with it some heavy fog, so that stopped my jogging plans. Instead of being practically invisible to drivers on the road, I decided to get my morning cardio in a different way. I jumped rope. I have improved since a couple of months ago--I can jump 10 times on my left leg, 10 times on my right. But this exercise wears me out! I set my stopwatch, and jumped for 15 minutes (not continuously of course). I would jump, then recover. At the end I was barely able to get the rope around one turn. Then I realized I wasn't even jumping, it was more like hopping. I made myself JUMP rope for a few more rounds. I had definitely broken a sweat by the end.

I finished up Beastly on Monday.

 It was very different from the movie, and in this instance, I have to say I liked the movie better. Even though it's all a fairytale, the movie was more believable (if that's possible). It had a good underlying message of course--that beauty comes from within. It was a book for 11-13 year olds, which explained the writing structure. Some chapters were written completely in a language you'd use while text messaging or talking in an instant message chat room. It was hard to understand, and it was completely irrevelant to the story. By the end of the book I skipped those chapters.

I had a great 3 day weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. The funniest thing is I can't sleep late anymore because my body has an alarm clock that wakes me up anywhere between 5:45 and 6:00 every day; my internal alarm clock doesn't respect holidays or weekends. I did a round of intervals one day instead of jogging. I would run as fast as I could for 30 seconds, then walk back to the starting point. I repeated this 6 times. I consciously changed my breathing pattern, and it seemed to keep me from having trouble breathing. I would breathe in deeply through my nose, then out really fast through my mouth. I also worked my arms for 15 straight minutes. They were noodly and sore the rest of the day. Maybe by beach time I'll see some definition in my arms worth being proud of.

I watched the second half of a movie--"You Don't Know Jack"--about Dr. Jack Kevorkian a.k.a. Dr. Death.

 It was a movie made from his perspective, and it really made me think. It was scary, creepy, and all so real. I may try to watch the first half before sending it back.

Rain Storms, Nasty Colds, & Summertime Reading

Last night I was out on the porch watching yet another Springtime storm blow in. Suddenly the wind was howling, the rain was pouring, and the lightning was flashing one after the other after the other. I don't know what's so fascinating about torrential rain, but I want to watch it when it comes along. But after one extremely loud crack of thunder I was running straight through the front door in terror. I am thankful that we have come out of these recent storms safely.

I the beginning of a cold on Tuesday--stuffy head, sore face. Then Wednesday I ended up with a horrible sore throat. I thought the only way to overcome the sickness was to take 2 daytime cold pills every 4 hours. I apparently react oppositely to daytime medicine. I get extremely tired. I slept from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except to wake up and eat or get a drink of something between doses. Thursday I felt equally awful--disoriented, heavy headed, confused...so I ended up sleeping several more hours without the aid of medicine. Today I am a little tired, and my ear barely hurts. But other than that I feel alright.

I finished "The Lovely Bones." It wasn't as creepy as the movie. I downloaded a sample version of "Beastly" to look at for today. I will decide whether or not to order the whole version. I would like to have a nice book to read this weekend since it's supposed to be SUNNY!

I can't wait until tomorrow morning. I am going on a long jog. (i.e. more than a mile). I have decided that jogging slowly for a long distance is just as good as running as fast as I can. I have trouble breathing when I sprint, but I feel just as good after a long jog. I am pleased with myself for not wearing earbuds to entertain myself.

This is a good weekend coming up--hotdogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad, sweet tea, and lemonade. I'll have to break out my 5 gallon drink server that I still have in the box. I have some lemons I can cut up to decorate the drink. Hopefully I can get some sort of tan while I'm outside. Everything I read points to the fact that the sun causes, premature wrinking, dark spots, and skin cancer. So, I can limit my sun exposure to a certain extent. But I can't seem to talk myself into staying inside during the prettiest part of a Saturday.

Until next time...

The Biggest Loser Finale Finally!

I stayed up to watch the entire Biggest Loser finale last night. I was so excited to see it come down to Olivia and Hannah, because not matter who won, they both won. Those girls look great! They are SKINNY! They haven't only lost a ton of weight, they are absolutely small. I feel so motivated after seeing them work their butts off for months. I want to work harder, eat better, and look as great as they do.

I jogged today for distance instead of speed. I went 1.4 miles instead of a mile. I sprinted for 30 seconds and was able to breathe normally the whole time. Hooray! I controlled my breathing throughout the route, and I felt myself get into a steady cadence. I usually notice when I get into a good rhythm. It's at that point I feel like I could keep going and going like the little pink bunny with the drum.

I have developed some kind of cold/sinus illness. My ears, face, throat, and head hurts. I jogged through it this morning and managed to feel normal the whole time. As soon as I stopped, though, the grogginess came creeping back in. I'm taking some cold medicine, so that should help a little. I don't like to be sick :( I don't get colds very often, so hopefully my exercise will help it go by more quickly.

I've enjoyed spending time with my Texan aunt Bootsy. It's amazing how much she looks like my momma. I noticed similarities in their mannerisms that I haven't noticed before. I like to watch them interact. It's like they're looking in a mirror. When I see them (and other sisters) together I feel like I am on the outside of one of those exclusive worlds that I will never be a part of. There's something about a sister relationship that is so connected. I have a brother, and I have sisters in law, but I miss having that one person who you can just hang out with and share secrets. But that's just my view on the outside looking in. I'm sure that sister relationships have difficulties--like who gets to use the bathroom to get ready, who gets the nicer clothes, who's more popular, skinny, athletic, smart...

Either way, I'm thankful for my family. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Or, maybe I'd trade anything to have infinite time with them and others here that I love and cherish.

Inner Alarm Clocks and Reading

There's nothing like the way I feel when I get on a good sleep schedule. I can fall asleep and wake up at roughly the same time every day--and it's so great. I like waking up before the alarm clock and starting my day without the dreaded wake-up call that has two choices --off or snooze. I've never been much of a snoozer; however, in my adolescent days I would set my clock an hour before I needed to wake up then snooze it 9 times before finally dragging myself out of bed. Then it would take at least 5 minutes for my eyes to adjust to daylight. I would wander into the kitchen for a drink of soda pop to --as my mom said it-- cut the phlegm. I have been an avid morning hairwasher since I was in the 5th grade. Mom would have to curl the ends of my shoulder length bob because I couldn't figure out how to curl my hair. Then one day I realized I was holding the barrel backwards--which created the dreaded strange line.

Nowadays I don't need my morning shower to wash my hair as much as I need it to rinse the sweat off my face after a jog. But now that I have cut my hair into a short pixie cut, I can get ready in less than 30 minutes. First off, I don't have to use conditioner in my hair anymore which cuts my in shower hair care in half. My summer makeup regiment consists of Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in bisque, Sephora doe-eyed felt tip eyeliner in black, and black Mabelline Great Lash mascara. I mousse my hair with Dove and blow dry just the top to get my cowlicks out. Then I follow up with Garnier Fructis fiber gum hair pomade, then mist with Garnier Fructis humidity friendly hairspray. Poof, I'm done. That leaves enough time for a cup of java and some time to sit and read.

I have over halfway through "The Lovely Bones," a book I saw my friend Brittany reading in high school--and I noticed the cover.

That's about it. Then I watched the movie, and I am still creeped out by Stanley Tucci--even though it's a fictional story based on a book. Phew! I like to watch movies based on books I have read, but I always like the books better. I am always fascinated at how much a movie can leave out and still manage to make sense. I read most of the day Saturday--except for the inevitable afternoon nap that creeps up on my after sitting in the sun for hours. I'm not sure what I'll read next, but my friend Jared is always up on the newest or most interesting book. He has been telling me I need to read "Water for Elephants." I may borrow it from him when I'm done with "The Lovely Bones."

This morning I jogged a mile in 10:56. I finally managed to get it under 11 minutes! Luckily my pace is around 5.7 mph. I am hoping to get my mile down to 10 minutes. The air was warmer today--and very misty--and it was much easier to breathe. I hope the cold weather has decided to leave us for the summer months.

Jogging legs and a dancing flower

This morning I had a great jog. I did intervals yet again -- yesterday I read that intervals burn more of that unwanted fat you store in your pudged out problem areas. I made myself breathe through my nose and out my mouth. I was having trouble in my first interval, but I also hadn't warmed up properly. I was very out of breath and sweaty by jogs end, but I felt great. I felt almost giddy at the end. I have developed some type of affinity to early morning exercise. Right now as I think about it I get excited like I get to do something FUN! Maybe with a little more practice I'll find this jogging thing fun.

I could feel the burn in my arms, which resulted from using my Total Gym yesterday. I used my handy dandy purple watch to see how long I was lifting. I went for 15 straight minutes on my arms. I did my usual exercises, then checked to see how long I'd been working--5 minutes. I had no idea I usually stopped after 5 minutes. So, I kept adjusting my exercises by sitting in different positions, adjusting my grip. I also worked my core while doing overhead pulls. When I finished I drank water and sat on the couch. I felt nauseated, and I shook when I lifted my arms. I can feel some ache in my arms today, but it's just enough to show me I worked them.

When I got to work this morning I had a little gift waiting for me:

It's called a "Bee Happy Dancing Flower." It's a solar powered flower in a miniature pot. The leaves and the flower move perpertually in a smooth soundless motion. I'm not sure why, but it's soothing. Something about a pink flower in a blue pot just brightens my day. The box says it gives you guaranteed happiness, it's pollenless, waterless, small and portable, runs from all natural sunshine, requires no fertilization, and makes you smile. Now that's my kind of plant! I can't drown it, dry it out, or keep it away from the sun too long. Check it out if you need a little fun in your day!

8 Seconds Faster & Magazine Diet and Fitness Tips

There's not really much going on for me today. I did jog this morning, and I finished my mile in 11:02 which is 8 seconds faster than yesterday. My purple watch tagged along again, and by the end I was more than winded. I felt like I was breathing through a BIG straw (not a coffee straw as asthma sufferers describe it). I'm not sure if it's normal to feel like my throat is closing up. I have felt out of breath playing volleyball or doing resistance exercises, but this is different.

It was a few degrees warmer outside today--closer to 50 as opposed to 40. It's supposed to be sunny this weekend, so I am hoping to be in the sunshine soaking up some rays.

My fitness magazine came in the mail yesterday, and hopefully the other 3 will show up within the week. I think I have told myself that sitting on the couch reading magazines about fitness and exercise and nutrition will make me a healthier, thinner person. I'm not sure how I have convinced myself of this, but I can't stop reading articles about "how to have flat abs--TODAY!" or "Get a beach body in 30 days," or "how to stop those sweets cravings," or "guilt-free desserts". I believe there are a few pieces of advice that frequent these publications:

Find a workout buddy! It's always easier to motivate yourself when you know you have a workout date.

Take time to do physical activity everyday even if it's just walking at lunch time or taking your dog for a stroll around the block.

If you're craving something sweet, wait 15 minutes and then reassess your craving. It will probably be gone.

Eat slowly. It takes 20  minutes for your body to register that it's full.

Be prepared for setbacks, and don't beat yourself up. Get back on track tomorrow. Don't let one bad day spoil a month's worth of hard work.

Drink plenty of water! It helps keep your body working properly, wards of fatigue, and helps prevent muscle cramps.

Keep a positive attitude! If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't.

When you're going to exercise, wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (or in some cases where you don't want to get chafed, wear form fitting shorts at least).

Eat your dinner off a salad plate. Eating meals from smaller plates tricks you into thinking you have eaten more.

Fill your plate with mostly veggies, then put in some protein and carbs. Eat the filling vegetables first--they take up space in your gut, and water dense vegetables will fill you up quickly. Then, you won't have as much room to gorge yourself on the bread or rolls.

Eat fiber rich foods that fill you up. Highly processed foods enter and exit your stomach quickly--causing a spike in blood sugar. Then you crash, and end up hungrier than you were before.


I guess I have exhausted my magazine tips for the day.

Until next time...

Funny Movies and a new Purple Watch

Lately I have been taking it easy in the evenings and watching movies. I have Netflix and a few go-to movies for when I want to watch something funny (Night at the Roxbury, Don't mess with the Zohan, Grandma's Boy). But Saturday I watched "The Switch" with Jennifer Aniston--and it was hilarious! I really loved the little boy in the movie who was portrayed as a little strange...everyone seemed to listen to him although he had a different way of looking at the world. Monday I watched "Due Date"--a movie about a man who's trying to make it across the country in a car to witness the birth of his first baby...all the while he is with a crazy man and his dog. They have many escapades along the way. Yesterday I watched "Eagle Eye"--a movie starring "Even Steven's" Shia Lebouf that has an underlying theme of "big brother". In the movie, a computer takes over all the technology in the United States and attempts to destroy the line of command in the executive branch of government. It was awesomely creepy and realistic. We all have cell phones, and there are surveillance cameras all over the place. I am glad to live in the country, though, where we don't have stop lights with cameras, constant cell service, or Internet for that matter. Sometimes it's nice to unplug and pick up a book and a glass of iced tea and forget about anything stressful.

Sara inspired me to get a wristwatch with a stopwatch built in. She got one last week and jogged with it Saturday. I think right now I like the way my watch looks better than the feedback it's giving me. It's purple, and its face lights up green, red, and blue. I used it this morning to find I ran an 11:10 mile. I am going faster than I was several months ago when I was treadmill jogging. Plus, I am happy to get up way early and finish everything before my day starts. I like to come home in the evening and not have the "YOU HAVE TO EXERCISE" thought balloon floating over my head. But back to the watch--I feel all athletic when I have it on...it's the clunky kind that you could look at and count your BPM. I'm pretty sure the watch is the magic gadget that will make me have better endurance ... or it'll encourage me to run 10 seconds faster tomorrow.

I sure hope the sun decides to come back soon. I haven't been liking these 48º mornings. But I think the endorphines from jogging are replacing the natural sunny disposition I have when the sun shines.

Until next time...

Runner's High? More like runner's sickness

Sunday I rested. Other than a 3 hour nap, some church, stretching, and a little movie watching, I didn't do a thing. I have not idea what's gotten into me, but I can sleep on demand for hours, then fall asleep at the regular time -- sometimes after drinking regular coffee !!!??? I was sad that the sun didn't really show its face at all this weekend. It would have been a good excuse to go outside and soak up some rays.

I did intervals for a mile on Saturday, and I wasn't extremely sick when I finished. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I made it to the end.

This morning was a completely different story. I stayed within a .2 mile stretch, and I would run to a marker as fast as possible, then recover and repeat. I did this series 5 times. By the end of each burst my throat was almost closed--it reminded me of my exercise induced asthma episodes as a youngster. When I finished the whole routine I could barely lift my legs enough to walk up my hill. I sat down in a chair and I was incredibly dizzy--the whole world was spinning around me. I felt sick to my stomach, and I finally had to lie down. I am not sure what was going on...but I felt like I was having a reaction to a medicine. I feel better right now--several hours after my morning sprints. Tomorrow I'd like to go on a long slow jog. Maybe I won't feel like I am going to die.

Other than exercise, I found 3 critters this weekend. I saw a dead snake on my running route (which scared the crap out of me nonetheless). I found a dead mouse in my pantry when I moved things out of it to clean the floor. And, I opened my window on Sunday to find a turkey standing on my front steps. I guess that's what happens when you live on a farm. But, there's nothing I can do besides prepare myself to find critters around every corner.

Jordon brought home some awesome dryer sheets this weekend--Snuggle pomegranate something or other--and they smell so good! It's amazing how much smell a little sheet can infuse in a whole load of laundry. I'm also using Hawaiian Breeze Febreze on the couch and in the car...it's equally amazing!

Until next time...

Silent Alarms and an Epiphany

Last night I went to bed with the following intention: wake up at 6:00 and go for a jog with my sissy-n-law and the husband man. At 6:10 I heard a phone ringing, and I realized I falied to turn my phone sound back on after church last night. I was suddenly awake, jumped out of bed, pulled on my running shoes and barrelled out the door. I jogged a mile! WOOHOO! I was going uphill to begin with, and I could hear my usual funky breathing pattern *in in in in out out out out*. I kept telling myself that I felt great--and it didn't matter how slow I was going. When I topped the hill, however, I started to feel good. Unnaturally good. I was sort of happy, and excited, and just...??? I am not sure what was going on. My breathing slowed, my throat opened up, and my legs found a different type of rhythm. I paused after .5 mile to talk to Jordon, and then I took off again. After jogging the hill and getting to within a tenth of my stopping point I ran as fast as my legs would take me. The feeling of finishing a mile in the morning was great, and it took only about 3-4 minutes for me to recover. I basked in the joy of being tomato-faced and noodle legged.

Jordon was kind enough to make my lunch and perk a pot of coffee. I was able to get ready and out of the house on time. Here's the clincher--and something that happened last week--I left the house in disarray (well, my definition of disarray). There were 2 dirty bowls on the counter, jackets and shoes scattered about, and papers lying on the end tables! I have to say that the feeling I get from jogging is much better than the feeling I get from straightening things and washing clothes. Chores will never be done. The floor will always get dirty. Clothes will always need to be washed. The kitchen counter will need wiped down. The stove will get greasy. But, the road will always be there, beckoning me in the morning--waiting for our meeting.

I've never been a jogger, but I think I am beginning to like the idea. I may be losing some weight, but that feeling is no comparison to having more energy and a better outlook. I hope I continue to get motivated to lace up the sneaks and pound the pavement. I am not going very far yet, but I will continue to improve. I am so glad the sun is finally warming up our part of the world!

Biking and Jogging and a Little Inspiration

I have been biking or jogging every day for probably two weeks now. I have made a habit of doing some type of physical activity daily--and it gives me so much more energy. I finally lost the 4 pounds I gained back (after losing them) on my diet. I feel so good lately! My legs are working better, and my clothes are fitting looser. I still eat when I am hungry, but I don't feel like I have to be a hog. For some reason I am not really thinking about food--I am thinking about being active.

I still have my morning cup of coffee with creamer, and I will usually have an omelet or a bowl of cereal with fruit. I have been enjoying asparagus, blueberries, grapes, greek yogurt, and ricotta cheese these days. I have to make myself eat on a regular schedule or I'll get pretty hungry. My favorite snack these days is the Skinny Cow white chocolate mint truffle 100 calorie ice cream bar. They are big enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, and they don't seem like a 100 calorie treat.

I've been doing a little yoga lately. I find that when I am anxious about something I can calm down by laying down on the mat and doing a few poses. I also concentrate on my breathing, turn off all the background noise, and do some stretches. After about 5 minutes of calming down I feel much better! I've also been doing some planks and bridges to strengthen my core and legs. I can definitely feel the soreness even after several days.

I will be adding some distance to my daily jogs. I have been doing sprints at the end of the route, and my heart just thuds and thuds, and my face turns beet red. But, there's nothing like the way I feel after going out for a jog--no matter how long or short. Fresh air and sunshine make the world go around.

I have been praying much more lately--to myself and sometimes outloud. I have been specifically praying for God to work on me. I got tired of asking God to "help me be a better person," or "lose weight," or "be a better example." I don't know what I need to change, but God does. I trust that He can change me in ways I don't understand. I don't have the power to change myself; He is powerful enough to change me. I just have to stop and ask sometimes.

Awesome Friday

Yesterday evening I had a great cookout with Jordon's family. We had hamburgers from their very own beef cow, and it was very tasty. I was able to leave food on my plate--something I have been seriously trying to do.

After dinner I went for my first mile jog in months. I didn't stop at all, and once again I kept up with Sara. And once again I had to stop and throw up when I was done. AHHHH! When I was finished, my face was red and very hot; my legs were cold. I had to lay down for about 15 minutes to get myself back to normal.

This morning I went for a .6 mile jog in the cool morning air complete with bright sunshine. I really think my mood is better when I get exercise.

I accomplished yet another feat today--I left the house with my bed unmade, clothes in the washing machine, and things laying on the end tables of the living room. I figured it was more important to visit with momma for a few extra minutes as opposed to tidying--which I can do later.

Until next time....

Still Jogging

It's Friday--that weekly holiday in the workplace where blue jeans are welcome (along with t-shirts and tennis shoes). I am looking forward to Mother's Day celebrations with Jordon's mom this evening. Tomorrow I will hang out with my momma and go wherever she wants.

I jogged yet again yesterday, and I went further than I have been going. I usually only go .4 miles, but yesterday I went .6. I also did my pushups and some stretching when I made it home.

Earlier this week I jogged with Sara, and we went about a half mile. The mayflies are horrible, and it was drizzly, so I wore a hooded sweatshirt and jogged with my head down to avoied eating any bugs. BLEH! I kept pace with Sara--a 6 ft. tall college volleyball player, and I was very happy! The last time I jogged with her I had to stop and throw up. This time I stayed right behind her and stayed in step with her. Left right left right....

I have to make myself do some bit of jogging daily. I am telling myself that I have to start somewhere, and I can work my way up to a mile, then 2 if I keep trying. It's perfectly fine to start at a short and slow pace. I can't expect myself to wake up one day and run a 5k in 20 minutes. I'd quite possibly pass out.

Breakfast lately has been one single bowl of cereal instead of 2 bowls. If I want some ice cream, I'll have it. I bring two snacks for work--one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I also eat one sandwich for lunch and quit. Yesterday's dinner was baked asparagus and mashed cauliflower. I was definitely missing carbs and protein there...but it was filling enough that I didn't have to eat a thing the rest of the night. I had eaten a candybar and some brownie with ice cream at lunch !!!!

When I'm at home and I want something sweet I head for the pantry. When I get there, the only sweet thing I see is cereal--and I have to save that for breakfast. I have table sugar in there, but what on earth am I going to do other than eat it from a spoon? I know I have cake mixes, but I don't see them because they are 7 feet up in my kitchen cabinet, and baking them would require me to make a mess then clean the mess...so it is a great deterrent! I keep sugar free popsicles on hand, and I limit myself to 1 or maybe 2 a day. Otherwise they upset my stomach REALLY REALLY BAD. I have some skinny cow white chocolate mint truffle 100 calorie ice cream bars. I had one the day I bought them, but I can't bring myself to eat the rest yet because I don't want to run out in the event of a major craving!!! I allow myself one cup of half-caff coffee in the morning with a generous amount of creamer...right now I am really in love with the International Delight Almond Joy creamer....

When I venture down to the in-laws I head straight for the pantry and dig into pop tarts and pringles...soo good!

Jogging, coffee, and magazines

I ditched my high protein, low carb diet 2 weeks ago. I have gained all my weight back since then, but I have decided to be alright with that. Instead of obsessing about my food, I eat what I want to eat when I want to eat it. Sometimes I have too much. Sometimes I am not hungry at all. I guess the best way to deal with food is to not worry about it.

Instead of focusing on what I'm putting into my body, I am focusing on what I can get out of it through activity. I have been walking regularly; I feel much better, and I am in a better mood overall. I have started a very small jogging route. I can currently go .4 miles without being too worn out. I am trying to get to the point where I don't huff and puff anymore before I add distance. I was able to go slightly faster yesterday, and I had a smoother stride towards the end. I have been jogging without a stopwatch or iPod. I have found that if I jog for the sole purpose of a better mood and satisfaction I feel better and look forward to it. I have been telling myself that a small amount of activity is better than no activity at all.

I have also tried a new approach to my evening.  I have been going home, changing into old clothes, and heading straight outside. I will walk or sit down with a cup of decaf and read one of my 4 magazines I receive each month -- Health, Shape, Self, and Fitness. Then when it gets dark I head inside and begin to tidy up the house. I start in the living room and work my way counter clockwise until I reach the kitchen (the biggest job by far). Going outside gets my mind off the imperfections in my organizational structure. I am not sure if I'll ever be satisfied with where things are in the house.

It's almost Mother's Day, and I am looking forward to spending some time with Mom this weekend. I feel an iHop trip coming on :)

Until next time...