Pushing Through the Pain

So last week I went to see a doctor about some heel pain I've been having since training started. Turns out I've got Achilles tendinitis. It hasn't been too bad. Just some heel pain in the morning, a little after a run and some shin splints. It's been manageable. The doctor said to give up and not do the race at all, but I really want to do it. 

We had training this morning and I was feeling good. I walked rather than ran due to coaches orders. They said they wanted me to walk for the next couple weeks and then try running again. So I did. I walked all 7 miles today and had minimal pain when I was done. I stretched and have been resting since I got home. Now it's like my Achilles is on fire! Pointing my foot, it hurts. Flexing my foot, it hurts even more. Ugh! This totally sucks! If this is going to happen every time after the long run/walk, I'm not sure if continuing down this path is the right thing. I'm so torn. I want to continue but if I continue will it only get worse? 

I have til Monday to recommit to CCFA and the race so I have to make mydescision fairly quick. I'm only about halfway to my goal of $2700 so I still have a lot to raise by November. I've been lazy with fundraising and really need to get on top of it. 

What would you do in my situation? Would you push through the pain and rest when you can, or would you quit and find a new sport that's less harsh on the joints like swimming?? 

New Shoes Brings A New Attitude

I got new kicks to train in! First Wednesday run with the team I'm training with. Time to break them in! Let's do this!

That Time I Thought I Should Run Another Half Marathon

Ugh. What did I get myself into. I somehow thought it'd be a cool idea to run a half marathon again after 6 years. Well, I did get a little motivation. I received an email from CCFA about their newest endurance season in Las Vegas in November. It has been 6 years since I ran a half marathon (and with them). It's the last year that CCFA is going to be the charity for the Rock N Roll Vegas race, and now they've changed the race to run at night! Last time I ran it, it was an early morning race. So I see it as an added bonus that I get to run the strip at night. I'll have both experiences. The drunks stumbling out at 6am wondering what the heck all these people are doing, and then this year, it'll be the ones who are just getting started.

Training started last week. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. It's been a while since I really exercised, so baby steps, right? I've been walking during my lunch break, getting in what I can in case I couldn't go running after work. Wearing my Fitbit has been helping me try and hold myself accountable for getting in my 10K steps a day. I've been averaging maybe 7/8K, so not too bad. I'll get there.

So now that I'm actually doing this, I'll probably be updating my blog more often (at least try to) with my ups and downs of running and fundraising and whatever else might come up. Should be interesting. . . wish me luck!

Off to the gym

I got my new Sweaty Band in the mail today! And just in time before I left for the gym. I love that it has little alligators on it!

Off to work on my strength training. Getting stronger and my endurance is getting longer. Relay is gonna be a piece of cake!

The Boob Tube

That's what my father calls the TV. Not sure why, you'll have to ask him.

It's day 19 of my no tv challenge and I'm DYING!! At least today, I am. While I have been finding ways to stay occupied (i.e. shopping, board games, reading...), there are days that you just don't feel like doing anything and THAT was what today felt like. I just wanted to veg in front of my tv doing absolutely nothing. *SIGH*

I think I felt this way mainly in part because I worked my butt off at the gym yesterday and my entire body was aching. Plus the cold rainy weather always makes me feel like I need to curl up in my pjs with a blanket and just relax. I drank about 18oz of coconut water, took my vitamins, and had lots of protein when I woke up thinking that it might help the sore muscles. If I don't move, I don't hurt. Isn't that how it always is?

So what did I do to ignore the cravings:

1. I turned on the kitchen radio to dance and slide around in my socks and pjs (cause I could)
2. I pulled out my bread machine and baked some whole wheat bread.
3. Cleaned up the kitchen.
4. Continued working on our family haggadah
5. Ran over to the library to get a new book to read
6. Went to the gym

That last one nearly killed me. I must have been crazy. My body was already aching. But I said I would meet some friend for Zumba, which I had yet to try. Verdict: It's a lot of fun! My quads were screaming for the entire hour of dancing, but I endured it and LOVED it. There's another class on Thursday, but I think I might try yoga instead. Tomorrow is a strength training day again and I might just want to do a day of stretching after that. We'll see...

So here it is, after midnight (technically the beginning of day 20) and I survived yet another 24hrs of NO TV. Only 8 more days to go. I can do this!

It's Snowing in San Diego

The east coast may have found Nemo, but San Diego seems to have found some snow! My sister lives a little over an hour away and she got snow that stuck around. While it didn't snow in my neighborhood, we did get hail. It's kinda like the same thing only you don't want to stand outside with your mouth open to catch it.

The house was nice and toasty this morning, the last thing I wanted to do was venture into the cold and windy outdoors. But I had to get my last workout of the week in. I've gotta log my miles for Relay. Though I won't be walking all 24 hours, I do my fair share of track time - at the least I get in 6 miles. There was one year I actually walked the length of a half marathon. My feet were definitely feeling that.


I wish that I'd had firewood lying around the house. This would have been the perfect night for it. Instead, I just turned the heat up a little, sat at a table and did a little valentine nail art. I'm not super good at it, but it's an enjoyable way to wind down for the evening, especially with some tunes playing in the background.

my valentine nail art

See, it's cold and rainy nights like this that I would snuggle up in a blanket on the couch and watch a movie. This challenge has really made me think of alternative ways to keep myself mildly entertained. What would you do if you couldn't watch tv? How would you spend your time?

New Year's Resolutions

1st New Year's resolution: update blog more often. (we'll see how long I can keep this up)
2nd New Year's resolution: actually exercise and shed these 30+ pounds my meds made me gain.  (I have friends to go to the gym with, so it might actually happen)

I'm back into the +American Cancer Society's Relay for Life mode. The new season has begun. Thus kicks into gear my exercise regime to ready myself for 24 hours of awesomeness! And you all get to be a part of it here.  My team (all 8 of us) did amazing last year and I'm sure we'll keep up our awesomeness again this year. I'm not so thrilled with the theme this year; Passport to Relay.  Each team chooses a country to represent somehow and on the day of the event, people will get a passport of some kind to go around and get stamps to visit said countries. I think it'll be a challenge, but I'll find some way to make it work. I heard that another team has already chosen Israel, which is the country my mom will want. If not Israel, I vote for Belgium. I like their waffles. :) I'll see if the team is on board.

I got roped into being on the committee this year. I don't know how that happened. I've been asked to be the Team Captain mentor. I know that they want me to take over Leo's position as the TC Coordinator, but it's not my thing right now. Though I'm happy to help in this way. So I'll mentor the team captains and share my secrets to being awesome. :) As much as I may complain about it, I actually enjoy the company of all the people in the committee. They have become my extended family. So here's to good times ahead!

And on that note, I leave you with the silliness that ensued after dinner tonight.

Feeling Crappy But Happy

So I seemed to have caught a cold a couple days ago and I woke up this morning feeling SUPER crappy. The last thing I wanted to do was wake up and go to the gym.

But I did it.
Yes. That's right. I went to the gym for the 2nd time. Wow. Go motivation. I don't know where it's coming from, but if I can somehow drag myself there while sick, then I think I can do this regularly while healthy.

I'm hopeful this lasts. Many thanks to my friends for their encouragement and support. It means a lot.

My GI doc called me today with good news. All my blood tests came back with good results. I'm no longer anemic, no thyroid issues, and no gluten intolerance. I'm celiac free. Woo! He did say that I should continue my food diary and keep up with the exercise and as long as I get my Remicade infusions regularly and don't miss any, I'll stay healthy. YES! That's what I like to hear.

Now if I can only lose some of this weight...

Gym Day 3. Here I come!

Motivation Needed

So it's been a while since I've actually entered a gym. I know. Why pay for a gym membership if you don't use it? I can picture myself using it on a regular basis, but never really get around to it. It's like the motivation for gym use comes in spurts. When I get the urge to go, I'll actually do it. Regularly. But when the motivation is lacking, it is lacking. I think mainly in part because the use of weight machines leaves something to be desired. I know that using them will definitely help in gaining my strength and muscles back, but if I don't know how to use it, then I probably won't go out of my way to ask someone for help. I'd rather stick to the cardio equipment.

The idea of getting a personal trainer would be awesome. Unfortunately, it's not monetarily friendly. Especially if you need a trainer more than once a week. I've looked into a trainer at my gym, but right now, I can't budget it in. So I've found other ways to get the strength training in. I've got my kettlebells at home, which I still need to upgrade to a heavier weight.

It's funny how if you don't show up at the gym regularly, and the people that work there don't know you on a first name basis, they just assume you're new and try and talk you into meeting with a personal trainer. I think I've been going to this gym for at least 6 years, off and on, and there's always someone who stops me and tries to set me up with one of their PTs. Thanks, but no. If I need one, I'll contact you.

So today, I decided that I need to listen to the doctor and actually go to the gym and use the treadmill and/or stationary bike for at least 40 mins. I'm hoping this recent burst of motivation will continue for a while. I've been maintaining my weight for some time now, but not losing. He mentioned that at my current state, I need to focus more on aerobic/cardio. Walking the neighborhood with Zoe just isn't cutting it anymore. Apparently I'll get a better workout at the gym on a treadmill with a steady pace, then I would if I walked Zoe for the same amount of time. I can see that. Zoe stops me regularly to pee, so I wouldn't have the workout pauses.
I did pretty well today. 30 on the treadmill and 40 on the bike. I'm so glad I have some great workout music, otherwise it would have been a very boring hour. They have TVs, but not all the earphone jacks on the equipment work, so it's one of those trial and error and knowing which machine to stay away from. With my little iPod shuffle, I don't have to worry. Best investment I made years ago.

I came home starving. Made some food and then took Zoe out for a walk. She always looks so sad when I leave the house and don't take her with me. Especially when I have my workout clothes on. This dog seriously knows if I am going to workout. It's like she can sense it and gets super excited as soon as I pull out my sneakers. Smart dog, that Zoe.

Tomorrow is another day. Hoping to wake up with that motivation. Either way, at least Zoe gets her walk.

I love dairy

I had a doctor appointment today. More blood work. Aside from the normal blood tests, he's also testing for thyroid issues and celiac. No bueno.

I've been diligently working out at least 5 days a week for the past couple months, but I'm not really getting anywhere with results. I know that weightloss is a slow process, and I've come to terms with it, but I should have something to show for my consistency. And I've got nothing. It's really frustrating. I may have lost 5 pounds, but I'll gain it back and then lose it again; like a yo-yo. I'm eating better AND exercising. Granted, I feel like I'm getting some of my leg muscles back, but that's pretty much it.
My doctor said that aerobic exercises are what I need to focus on. He said that if I have access to a treadmill or stationary bike, then I should do that 3x a week for 40min. I have a gym membership that I never use, so I guess it's about time I go back and get my money's worth.

I was talking with my nurse today on my way out about how even when I exercise regularly, my joints still hurt. I'll wake up in the morning and my muscles will be fine, but I definitely feel the tenderness in my joints. It's the arthritis and unfortunately, that won't change. It's just something I have to deal with. At the ripe age of 32, I am healthy enough, yet have to deal with the "grannie" arthritis. It makes me feel old.

My gyno suggested the next time I get blood work done from my GI, that we test for thyroid. Funny enough, I hadn't mentioned it yet, and in our conversation today, my doctor asked if we had tested the thyroid. I'm glad we are on the same page. If it is indeed a thyroid issue, that could be a reason why I'm having a hard time with the weightloss. But I'm not sure about the celiac test. Dr Haynes said that when a patient mentions gas and bloating, they first test for a lactose intolerance and also celiac disease, in case of a gluten intolerance. I really hope that's not the case. That is a HARD diet to keep. I've tried and failed. Gluten-free bread is not tasty. Plus, I have a hard enough time not eating dairy.

I love dairy products. Milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese are staples in my fridge. Not being able to eat them for 2 whole weeks is going to be torture! Well, not completely, but it's going to suck; big time.
I did it last year per a different doctor's request, but it was unnecessary. As hard as it was, I came out of it with a love for Almond Milk. Especially, chocolate almond milk. It has now become a MUST HAVE in my house. Like tonight. I was craving something sweet and instead of grabbing junkfood, I grabbed a large glass and poured myself some milk. It definitely hit the spot.

So here goes the lactose-free 2 week trial. Almond milk and tofu cheese, here I come!

My First 5K of the Year

5:00am came way too early. I really would have rather hit the snooze button indefinitely, but I forced myself out of bed. It's been a while since I've had to get up that early. So glad that I laid everything out the night before so I could pretty much just roll out of bed and put on my race clothes.

The race started at 6:45am which is really early for a 5K. Generally they are more around 8/9am. But my friends and I made it there without a morning coffee. This race, the Hot Chocolate 5K, sold out with 7,500 people. When we lined up, you couldn't even see the start line.

Start line is around the corner and up the hill

Making our way up to the start

I have to say, the workouts that I have been doing the last 30 days or so, seemed to have helped with this race. Though my face was completely flushed at the end, I survived. The course was filled with hills. I definitely didn't expect that. Though I shouldn't be completely surprised; it is downtown with some crazy hills.

Beautiful San Diego morning (downhill)

I did beat my 5K walking time by 3 minutes. It's not a lot, but it's an improvement since my injury last year. Once I'm given the OK to run again, I plan to work on getting a 5K PR from running. Last time I tried running a 5K, I think I finished in 44min. I've been working out now, so I know that I can do better. I can't wait for that day to come. But until then, I'm walking.

2011 Iron Girl 5K time: 55:26
2012 Hot Chocolate 5K time: 52:58
2012 Iron Girl 5K time: TBA in October

Thanks to my girls, Cristal and April for walking with me. They could have run, but instead chose to walk with me. That's my support system. They are awesome. And after the race, we indulged in some Ghirardelli hot chocolate and fondue breakfast.

In line for our finishers breakfast

Breakfast of champions

Me and the girls

The rest of the day I plan to relax. Take a nap and veg out.

Workouts begin again tomorrow morning.

Kudos to me

Since I re-started this blog and decided to regain the muscle I lost while ill, I have to say that I'm very proud of myself. Being one that doesn't get excited about exercise in general, I've pushed myself to get out of bed every morning and workout.
After these past few days, I think I now know why people work out regularly. Not because it energizes you or that it's a great way to stay healthy. But merely, it's a way to eat whatever you want and not feel completely guilty about it.
These past 7 days consisted of a lot of eating and drinking!

• Lunch and wine tasting (a lot of it) in Temecula with good friends.
• A and I have been wanting to try this restaurant, Poseidon and fortunately, I had a $50 Groupon for this place. We finally made it in a couple days before it expired. I was impressed with the food and wine suggestions from waiter, but his service lacked a little. Though I would go back again for a special occasion and try some of the other items on their menu. It's a little pricey for us to go on a regular basis.
• Alfonso's in La Jolla with A's old co-worker, Luigi and his wife. Mexican food is awesome and so are margaritas.
(Side note: Luigi is the typical American girl's dream guy. Over 6 feet, chiseled features, Italian former male model and loves to cook. He is the Italian McDreamy, ladies. I love A, but I couldn't stop myself from staring at him throughout the night. Oh, and his wife is hot too. She's American and the story of how they met is even a romance movie!)
• A food fest at a friends' place for our regular Fringe night. UH-MAY-ZING rice crispy treats compliments of Cristal.
• Sushi. I LOVE sushi and tried a new place down the road with some friends. This place had a good ratio of meat and rice. I hate places where they serve too much rice in the rolls and skimp out on the meat.

And I will most likely have a glass of wine tonight to wind down the weekend. I didn't go overboard, but I definitely am feeling like I ate more than I should for the amount of workouts I did. I don't have the drive to work out for 2 hours a day to cancel out whatever I eat, but I have been trying to get hour workouts in so that I can have that whole wheat bagel and cream cheese in the morning or go out for frozen yogurt with friends in the evening.

I'm still getting used to this new "exercise" lifestyle. But I can see that I'm happier, less depressed, and more energized.

Holy mother of sore muscles, Batman!

The boost of intensity yesterday really kicked me in the butt. Literally. My butt is sore. My legs are killing me. Muscles in my body I didn't know existed are hurting.

Don't worry, I didn't give up exercise today. I actually did the 5 mile walk around Miramar Lake. Aside from the wind, it was beautiful out. One of my favorite littles and her mom, joined me today.

Walks with friends make it that much better. And when the little one keeps saying in her adorable squeaky voice, "Silly Zoe," I die. It really is the cutest thing. FYI, these photos are from last month, but I had to share a photo of how precious Julie is.

We had a run-in with geese. They were everywhere. I actually thought Zoe would have chased them. Her prey drive at home with the crows is on full speed, but just the opposite happened at the lake. She kept her distance. Good thing, too. They were nasty little suckers. The giant geese hissed at us. They honked for food and then if you got too close, they'd hiss. Weird. And of course, I got it on film.

  

They practically took up the whole sidewalk. You'd have to walk through them in order to continue on the path. And it didn't help that a mother/daughter duo kept feeding them on the walkway.

I've been stretching a lot today, but it hasn't helped any. I drank a glass of coconut water, a glass of chocolate milk, and ate a banana after the lake. Trying to get my body filled with potassium and vitamin D. I'm hoping tomorrow to not wake up in as much pain as I did today.
I'm thinking that I might go back to level 1 on the DVD; switch off regularly between the levels so as not to overwork my body. Rebuilding muscle is tough.

What do you do post-workout to help alleviate sore muscles?

Intensity

So I upped the intensity of my workout today. And I am definitely feeling it.
I chose the Level 2 workout on my DVD. It definitely pushed me hard. I did what I could and as best as I could and for the things I couldn't do, I improvised so that I didn't stop moving. Ugh. My legs probably got the most workout. Lots of squats and lunges.

I think I need to get a heavier kettlebell so that my arms get the full workout as well. Guess I'll have to check Marshall's on a regular basis for one. I tried yesterday but all they had were 5lbers, which is what I currently own.

I'm up .1lbs from last week. Gotta keep this exercise thing going. It WILL work. Right? ...

A Slow Process

 

I know it's only the 3rd week into my new weightloss/exercise plan, but it's even more clear to me now how tough this journey is going to be. I've been working out around 5 days each week for at least 30-60min, which is awesome for me, but results so far are barely there. I became so complacent as a couch potato, granted a lot of it had to do with my health, but now that I'm back to 100% I can't stay at this weight. I need my muscles back. I know results will come later, but it's hard to see where you want to be right now and you can't snap your fingers to make it happen.

If only I had my own personal genie...

• I'd have my own personal trainer
• I would make the time to workout a couple hours a day
• I would have a personal chef to make sure I eat all the right foods
• My ankles would be good as new and I'd be able to run again

What would you do if you had a genie?

Try the kettlebells

Kettlebells are awesome. I just wanted to put that out there. You should try them if you haven't already. I used one today with my workout. I felt the burn. Everywhere. Even my butt muscles hurt by the time I was done.  I have a feeling I'll be sore tomorrow.

And on that note, I leave you with this:

Just Another Monday

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I decided to use the weekend to let my body rest from all the workouts this past week. My hamstrings were killing me. Today they feel much better. Of course, they are a little painful when stretching, but better.

I was planning on getting up early to workout, but I had a job interview this morning and decided that it would be in the best interest of the company for me to get that extra couple hours of sleep. I'll work out later today, but inside as it is definitely raining full force right now.

I bought a kettlebell this weekend to use with the new Jillian Michaels DVD that I have. I've been using a dumbell, but I'm thinking that since the workout is geared for a kettlebell, that I should see if I get a better workout with it. And that is what I will find out later today. Has anyone used kettlebells? I hear they give you a crazy workout. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

5 Days in a Row

That has to be a record for me! Seriously. I never workout like that. But I'm determined to get this prednisone weight off. My goal is 30 min of exercise a day. So far, I've been averaging about an hour. I think it helps that I have a dog that needs to get outside every day.

Tonight, boyfriend and I took his parents out for dinner (for their anniversary) to this amazing restaurant, Roy's. It's seriously like a foodgasim there every time. And this was only my 2nd visit!sX UH-MAY-ZING. That's all I have to say. If you haven't been there, you really should find it in your area and check it out. The staff are super friendly and helpful, especially when you can't make up your mind about what to try. Props go out to my waitress tonight. She suggested some fantastic dishes. Oh, and I had one of the best mojitos tonight. Pineapple ginger mojito. So good I had to have a 2nd. If you don't like sweet drinks, then it's probably not for you. As boyfriend's dad put it, "It's a girly drink."

And that was pretty much my night. Aside from the jaunt over to the bookstore after dinner. Boyfriend and I bought a book. I found too many I want to read. Boyfriend made a point to ask if they were books I needed to own or just read. Mostly, they are books I want to read, so I'll have to see if the library has them.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

On A Roll

In honor of my 4th day, I am posting a video of LMFAO's Sexy and I Know It.

Just because "I work out!"

It's getting easier. I try and make it the first thing I do when I wake up. Otherwise, I'll probably procrastinate and never get around to it. I know I should, but I usually find something else to distract me. But I'm on a roll, so we'll see how long this lasts.

Dog Walk Day

Exercise day 3. This is going to be tough.
I think the worst part of this weight-loss journey so far has been stepping on the scale. I know it's super early to even see results, but this morning, it's like the scale said "Fuck You" and raised the numbers. I eat fairly well and I try and do at least 30 min of exercise each day, but the scale hates me. And I hate it. I hate the meds that I had to take last year which put me at my heaviest weight of all time. Granted, I'm healthy now and they were a life-saver at the time, but I still hate that this is where I am. I think that's why this is so hard. I don't lose weight easily.
I gained 30lbs in college and it took 1.5 years to get it off. My mom got me to join Weight Watchers with her. The program works, but it's the after part that was hard for me. I just didn't stick with the point counting. I did for a while and I've been on and off the program the last few years, it's just costly if you're not within your goal weight. I got defeated and didn't want to pay for the program anymore. I can do it on my own, but it's the lack of discipline that holds me back. I'm an awesome weight maintainer though!

And that brings me to now. I'm trying this app a friend told me about, My Fitness Pal. It's a calorie counting program. I've never counted calories, but I have had food diaries in the past, so it's not completely foreign. So far I like the app. You can add your friends and their activities will show up on the home page with yours, so everyone can help each other out. If you can't find a specific food, you can either add it yourself or there's an option to use the scanner on the barcode of whatever you're eating. It's nice if you want to be completely specific with your food. This app also tracks your exercise, which I have been doing. I'm trying to hold myself accountable this time around. I'm healthy, but I need to get back in shape. My muscles atrophied last year when I was sick and stuck in bed or a wheelchair, so I'm trying to get that back as well. It's a process, but I know I can do it. I have the support of my family and friends.
Today I walked. I took Zoe out and walked around the neighborhood. We did 2.59 miles in about 45 minutes. And the weather was beautiful! I wasn't expecting it to get so warm. The jacket I brought was completely unnecessary. It was relaxing. I didn't saunter. I kept a good pace, but it was still peaceful, even with the music blasting in my ears. It was a good start to the day.
Not sure what I'm gonna do for Day 4, but I'm in the rhythm and I plan to see this goal through. If I get off track for any reason, please put me back on track. Motivate me. Push me. I know I'm going to need it. It's only day 3 but I see it's going to be a long journey...