July Challenge...Week 4!!

[sneezles]

Time is just passing way too fast!!! The year is more than half over and so is July!!! Which only leads to the worst month of the year...Hot and Humid August (round here anyway)! I haven't done too many outdoor workouts but there will be even less from now until maybe October...
Worked the bar last night as we had our favorite cowboy performing to a packed house. Didn't get to bed until 2:00am but dropped right off. Got up this morning at 8:00 and did a Pilates/Yoga stretch workout, it was so relaxing!
So this week I want to add one more cardio and that would put me at four. The scale has dropped down another 2 so I'm all pumped up ( )...

[aggie94]

Great job, Susan!

I didn't make goal last week, but I still got in 4 good workouts - 3 runs and one Body Pump class. That 5th one just eluded me all weekend.

My goal this week, however, is to work out EVERY DAY until I leave for vacation. That means 6 days in a row (my flight leaves Sunday a.m.). It will be tough, but I think I can do it!

[lhall]

Well, I'm still on track (after missing goal for 2 months).

I did 4 workouts yesterday, but skipped adding in a 5th on Saturday. I just had too much to do, but we survived the slumber party (only one girls showed up).

Yesterday we went for a bike ride of about 3 miles, and swimming for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Since I'm off today I did my Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss this morning.

Great news on the weight loss Susan.

Leigh

[RebeccaT]

Way to go, Susan!

I finished last week with 5 workouts. I took Saturday off, and did a Winsor Pilates DVD last night. I will do the long DVD tonight, and here's my plan for the rest of the week:

Tuesday: Cardio and upper body
Wednesday: long Pilates DVD
Thursday: short Pilates DVD and pushups
Friday: Cardio and upper body
Saturday: the stairs at Rice Stadium w/ a girlfriend
Sunday: REST!

Ok, I've written it down, now I need to make sure I DO it! The only glitch will be if we take an overnight trip to San Antonio on Friday night, as DH is talking about wanting to do. If that happens, then I will have to rethink my plan.

[aggie94]

Rebecca,

I like how you wrote out your plan. I'm thinking maybe if I do the same thing, it will help me to actually follow through with it.

Monday: run
Tuesday: swim
Wednesday: Body Pump class, possibly yoga in the evening with DH as well
Thursday: run
Friday: Body Pump class
Saturday: swim with DH or cardio at the gym

We are going to San Antonio on Saturday for our niece's b-day party, so that might put a damper on my workout plans. But maybe we can get up early and get our workout out of the way before the party.

[shoefling]

I didn't quite meet my goal last week. I only got in 3 workouts not the 4 I had wanted. Yesterday I spent the day at the lake with my parents and grandparents and some aunts and uncles. It was a great time, but not very conducive to exercise! Plus I was at a bachelorette party Saturday night and was still feeling the effects of that on Sunday! But I am back on track today. I ran 3 miles this afternoon and them mowed the yard which took me about an hour. I plan to run Tuesday and Wednesday too. We are going out of town from Thursday till Sunday but I should be able to fit in some workouts as we will be staying with family.

It sounds like everyone is keeping on track with their goals! We rock!

[sneezles]

Well, yesterday was a bust for me...party on Sunday was too much fun!
Although I did weed the gardens for 2 hours last evening.
This morning I did 55 minutes of cardio and will prbably walk this evening just before sunset so it's a bit cooler.

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by shoefling
It sounds like everyone is keeping on track with their goals! We rock!

D**n straight!

I think the important thing is that we continue to have goals. Even the weeks where we don't meet them, we are picking back up where we left off and keeping on, which is the important thing. In the past, I have let downward spirals continue, picking up momentum, but these past few months I have been really working at not letting life get in my way!

My plan for Monday was long pilates DVD - check. Today will be cardio and upper body work.

Susan, I think that weeding in the garden definitely counts as activity... even if it's not heavy lifting or cardio, you were working!

[SandyM]

Originally posted by shoefling
We rock!

Indeed!!

I took a day off today, just cuz. Things are going well on the workout front - I'm mixing up cardio and aerobic exercise (they said I'd get addicted to spinning, but I didn't believe them - hehe). I'm going to meet with a personal trainer when I get back from vacation in a few weeks and make sure I'm on the right track, since I'm pretty new to this type of workout schedule.

I had a stress test yesterday, and I'll get the results in a few days from my doctor. Some heart palpitations during my first spin session caused me to sit back and reflect a bit, and I decided I should have it checked out. My doctor said 95% of the time it's benign - that many people have an irregular heartbeat, but don't even know it. It's the other 5% that he's checking out. Hopefully all will be just swell.

Carry on, everyone. You all make me very proud!

[lhall]

Sarah,

Yes, we do rock!

This thread has really inspired me to step up my workouts and fine time for some longer and more intense ones.

Even when I don't meet my goals I'm still working out, and get right back up and keep trying.

I did my Firm Parts tape again this morning, and am happy to report that I've finally done the whole thing. Only took 3 times, but those leg lifts are hard (even without weights).

Sandy,
I'm sure everything will be just fine with your test.

Rebecca,
Good for you on writing out your exercise plans. I'd do that if I thought I'd remember to look at it. As it is I have a hard time remembering to record my workouts to see if I'm meeting my goals.

Eva,
Are you still running outside. I think it was 87% humidity at 7am yesterday morning. It felt very hot, but was only in the low 80's. ARGH. Today it's cooler, but all wet.
Leigh

[aggie94]

Grrrrrr....... :mad:

Even though I really wanted to take the day off yesterday, I had a plan. And I had written it down. So I dragged myself to the pool to swim. And once I got in and started swimming, I felt great. I was getting into a groove, when they hauled everyone out of the pool because some @#%*%! little kid had POOPED in the water. I was disgusted and more than a little peeved. So after barely 15 minutes of laps, I went home. :mad: Hardly enough to count as a workout, but I wasn't about to drive home, change clothes, and then drive over to the gym. Grrrrrr....... :mad:

So hopefully this afternoon is Body Pump, except that I have to be in court as well - I am crossing my fingers that the timing will work out right so that I can make the class on time. And depending on what DH is doing tonight, we might go to yoga.

Originally posted by lhall
Eva,
Are you still running outside. I think it was 87% humidity at 7am yesterday morning. It felt very hot, but was only in the low 80's. ARGH. Today it's cooler, but all wet.

Yup, still plugging away at it, slowly but surely. I noticed last weekend, when I ran inside on the treadmill, that the outdoor slogging has really helped me improve! I didn't think it was doing much for me, other than making me feel like I wanted to die, but it's really making a difference. So I'm still sticking it out with my friend.

[lhall]

Eva,

YUCK!!!

I went to a meeting where the neighborhood pool service gave us some information. When someone poops or vomits (this happened at our pool) in the pool everyone is supposed to get out and stay out for 24 hours and the pool needs a shock treatment.


Leigh

[aggie94]

Yeah, they kicked everyone out and closed early to treat the pool. Since I didn't get a decent swim in last night, I might convince DH to go swim with me tonight instead of doing yoga. See? I would have been better off just staying home.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by aggie94
I noticed last weekend, when I ran inside on the treadmill, that the outdoor slogging has really helped me improve! I didn't think it was doing much for me, other than making me feel like I wanted to die, but it's really making a difference.

That's awesome that you're noticing those torturous runs are making a difference, Eva! Each time I leave spin classes drenched in sweat, I wonder what the heck I'm doing to myself - but then I show up the next time, and I notice I definitely can do more.

Sorry little Junior couldn't hold his poopage until after your swim - I can hear your frustration! Here's hoping you either get to Body Pump or Yoga tonight.

Take care, everyone!

[sneezles]

Eva,
Yuck! Makes me glad I'm not a swimmer!

Did cardio and weights for shoulders, arms, chest and back this morning. On the down side the scale gave those 2 pounds...

[RebeccaT]

Eva - - EEEEWWWWW!! That's all I have to say about that!

Susan, sorry about the scale. But you are SO doing the right stuff for your body - those two pounds are probably just water...

Last night I did hill intervals on the stationary bike. It was a good workout! Tonight, more pilates.

[SandyM]

Tonight was 30 minutes on the stationary bike at my target heart rate, and then 20 minutes of weights. It's so fun to see muscles sprouting.....

Susan - hang tight, that scale be damned.

Take care, everyone.

[shoefling]

I have not gotten in the runs that I wanted to yesterday and today. We are leaving in the morning for the weekend and I REALLY have to get my butt out of bed before we go and get a run in. I am only 1 for 4 this week. I will be doing some walking this weekend as we are going to the fair, but its not the same. I am finding that I need my runs! But that's a good thing.

Eva, YUCK on the pool poopage!

Susan, Hang in there! You are doing great things for your body.

Rebecca, Yeah on the hill intervals. Hills on the bike make my quads burn so bad I can hardly stand it!

Sandy, Aren't muscles great!

I don't know if I will be able to check in much this weekend. If not I hope that everyone has a great one!

Sarah

[shoefling]

I got myself out of bed this morning and got that run in! It was beautiful outside. Sunny and about 55 degrees. A perfect morning for a run and the 4 miles that I did felt great! I can really tell that my endurance had improved from a couple of months ago. I would love to get in two more runs (Friday and Saturday) but I will be happy if I get one more in. I think we are staying with my brother in law and his family this weekend and they have a pool so maybe I can get in a pool workout on top of another run?!? Or just relax in the pool, I really haven't been swimming all summer! Anyhow, hope you all have a great day and a great weekend!

Sarah

[RebeccaT]

Sarah, way to go on getting out of bed this morning! I wish I could run... I really need to get my knee fixed so that running is an option for me.

Sandy, muscles are great! Kinda makes you understand why guys get off on watching themselves flex in the mirror, doesn't it?

Last night was the long Pilates DVD, plus I walked 1.2 miles to the Volkswagon dealership to pick up my car, which was in the shop. I walked from my house to go pick it up, rather than get the shuttle from the dealership to come get me. Not that far, but hey, a mile is a mile!

[sneezles]

Originally posted by shoefling
It was beautiful outside. Sunny and about 55 degrees. A perfect morning for a run and the 4 miles that I did felt great!

In my dreams!!! 55º in July even I might consider running (might being the operative word here )!

OK, so it seems the scale is being weird because this morning I was down 3 pounds! Don't think I did anything different two days ago except maybe not drink as much water as the day before . It is a digital scale and it has a new battery but not to worry I know that it's not the important part of my life!

Did the Max Cardio Burn (I can't really remember the name) this morning. Kinda feel about it like Sandy and her Spinning Class!

And all y'all are so great with all your words of encouragement...Thanks so much!!

[SandyM]

I'm so bummed.

I had to leave my spin class half way through (after 30 minutes - it's an hour long class) because I was wheezing! I have never wheezed in my entire life!

Guess I'm calling my doctor tomorrow.......

It was still a good, sweaty workout, but I still feel cheated somehow. I did get 20 minutes in on the treadmill first (an easy pace) and 15 minutes of weights (concentrating on arms and abs - not wanting to wear out my legs prior to class).

I hope whatever this is isn't chronic.......

[aggie94]

Sandy, that stinks. But definitely get yourself checked out. I developed exercise-induced asthma in college. There are certain things I can't do without using my inhaler first, like running, biking, or other strenuous cardio (stuff like swimming, walking, and lifting weights are fine). And in really dry, cold weather, even the inhaler doesn't help very much.

Hope it's nothing serious!

Other than the swimming fiasco :mad:, I've been having a pretty good week. I made it to Body Pump yesterday, but skipped a second workout in the evening (my work hours have been crazy this week, and I just wanted a quiet evening at home). Today, I ran at the gym. Tomorrow is hopefully another Body Pump class. I really want to get a decent swim workout in this week, but Saturday is not looking good for that. We'll see.

[lhall]

Sandy,

I also hope it's nothing serious. Please let us know what the Dr says.

Well, our trip to the pool last night got nixed by two very very bad girls. Al and I were looking forward to it too. That's ok though. I've still done 3 workouts so far this week and have tonight and tomorrow get in at least one more.

Leigh

[SandyM]

Thanks, guys.

I called my doctor. He's on vacation, and he returns the day after I leave for 2 weeks.

Oh well. I hate to do this, but I think I need to lay off spinning for a while and stick with step, kickboxing and weights - at least until I can get with my doctor. I hate to lose the momentum (and the seat-comfort, finally!) - but I also don't like bailing in the middle of class and disrupting others.

[RebeccaT]

Sandy, that stinks! But it's so important that you stay healthy, so it's smart for you to put the brakes on spinning (so to speak! ) until you get your Dr.'s ok.

Yesterday I took the day off, and instead of working out I made these killer peanut butter brownies. Yeah, Healthy Living, right...

Today I don't know if I am going to have a chance to do anything either, since we are leaving from work for San Antonio. But I will work out tomorrow, and that will be #5 for the week. Despite my rocky start at the beginning of the month, I am actually on track to make 20 workouts for July!! Fingers crossed!

[sneezles]

Sandy,
Bummer about the Spinning! Hope that it's nothing serious and that you can return to it after your vacation.

Rebecca,
Killer Peanut Brownies sound pretty good right now! Last night I served a wonderful Chocolate Tres Leche Cake with Kahlua raspberries at a friend's birthday party!!!

This morning I did a 55 minutes aerobic workout followed with upper body weights, abs and 15 minutes of stretching. Did a new(for me) pushup using the triceps where you're on your side with that arm wrapped around the front of your waist and the top arm on the florr in front of the shoulder then pushing up with the one arm. The farther from the waist the more intense the workout on the tricep.

[SandyM]

Okay, another update (sorry to bore you with this.... )

I spoke to a triage nurse who checked the results of the stress test and heart ultrasound - thankfully everything came back perfectly normal. I have an appointment to get an "event monitor", which is something I guess I wear for 2 weeks and it records everything my poor little heart does. I'm not doing that until after vacation, though.

She's going to talk to another doctor on staff and see if he/she wants to see me next week. If not, I'll see my doctor upon my return.

My plan is to skip tonight, and then go to step aerobics tomorrow morning and see what happens.

Thanks for listening, guys.

All of this talk about peanut butter and kahlua is making my tummy rumble for something sweet!

Congrats on being on track, Rebecca - and Susan, those push-ups sound incredible!!

Carry on, my friends, and enjoy your weekend.

[RebeccaT]

Sandy, that's great news so far! What does the "event monitor" do? Do you have to wear it all the time?

I posted those PB Brownies here in case anyone is interested!

[SandyM]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
What does the "event monitor" do? Do you have to wear it all the time?

Hi Rebecca,

I have to wear it for two weeks straight (I'm assuming there's break time in there for showers! ). It generally records activity given off by your heart for two weeks. Since nothing was found in the EKG, stress test or ultrasound, I think this is the last thing to be done. I hope, anyway.....

Thanks for (re)posting that thread. I'm heading there to check it out!