Friday, December 28, 2012
New blog posting...
Just pointing you all to my new blog. I made my first post. http://sisustrong.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Final blog post on this site...
I am moving to a new site...after all, 2012 is just about over. My new blog will be located at http://sisustrong.blogspot.com/ . I don't have a post there yet but I will. My first post will be to clarify my goals for 2013. I am still working on the plan. As always, I am trying to keep the goals measurable and clear. I do need to push myself a bit in the new year.
Before I leave this site, I did want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and leave you with a few images of my year (in totally random order).
Before I leave this site, I did want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and leave you with a few images of my year (in totally random order).
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Review of 2012 goals...
Before I get to the review of my goals, I do want to mention I need a new name for my blog next year. I hope people will follow me when I change the name. I will see if I can come up with something clever.
Today was a vacation day and it turned out to be a snowy blustery day. So it meant that I was a bit of a slug but I did just finish my workout and it was a good one. Now my mind is clear and I am going to review how I did on my goals for 2012.
My first set of goals was regarding exercise. I wanted to be able to do 10 full push ups (not girl push ups but full push ups). The good news is I can do this. I may not be getting a full range of motion but I can do at least 10, probably closer to 20 without stopping. The next goal was to be able to one-hand press a 45-pound kettlebell five times. I also accomplished this goal early on in the year. The third goal was to attempt burpees. Well, I have attempted them. I do not do them very well or very consistently but I do try them. Next year, I will set a goal to actually do them properly
The last exercise goal was to do an event each quarter. I surprised myself by just how many events I did do this year. Let's see if I remember them all. I did the Republic Plaza stair climb for the American Lung Association in February. I walked a 5K for Autism. I ran/walked my first 5K on Mother's Day. I did the stadium stampede for St. Joseph's Hospital. I did the CF stadium stair climb at Mile High and the Step Up for Cancer stair climb at Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium. I did the 10K run, Fans on the Field. I ran the Hasselhoff at Octoberfest. I ran/walked the Boulder Half marathon. Finally this Saturday I will be walking another 5K for Children's Hospital. I think I did pretty well on that goal.
Then my diet goals. The only goal I had was to do a 10 day detox in January and then focusing on clean eating. Well, I did that detox and another one in May, which really helped me get a handle on some things that were adversely impacting me. I am working with a nutritionist to continue to clean up my diet. I will do the same 35 day cleanse beginning January 7th. Tim and I still need to work on menu planning but we are getting better as we at least did some planning this year. We definitely are eating out a lot less and not eating processed foods. There is room for improvement but I am making progress. I lost quite a bit of weight this year and I hope to keep the momentum going into the new year.
I then wanted to do things to alleviate stress. I wanted to swim once a week. Well, that didn't happen. I did swim a bit but not as consistently as I wanted to. I did start to do yoga again. I think I am going to try to keep up with yoga. I am getting used to it and not allowing it to be a stressful thing for me.
I had a goal to read two classic novels. One was a reread, Grapes of Wrath, and one was a book I never read, 1984. I also read a few other books...some fluff...some non fiction...I did well with the reading.
I had a goal to write letters. I failed miserably on this one. I did email a bit more than normal to just say hi to people. I have to think if I want this to be a goal again.
Creativity was another epic fail for me this year. I wanted to go to more museums, which I did a bit but I did not do very well with allowing my creativity to be organic and just create. I did a few classes that were good and I have another class before the year end (jewelry making). I would like to work on this next year. I need to figure out how to relax about it and still get something done.
I did pretty well with the blog this year. I blogged more than 100 times. For me, that is amazing. It wasn't consistent about the timing but I did not force it. I blogged when I had something to say. Sometimes I blogged when I had very little to say. I look forward to continuing the blogging next year. I do think it helped keep me accountable and focused.
Now I need to figure out what my goals will be for 2013. I have a few ideas but I want to put them in an appropriate format so that they are measurable and such. I hope all are well and are looking forward to a great Christmas weekend!
Update -- I missed a few events. The September 11th Stair Climb, the MS Walk, the Retro Run....and probably a few more...it was a good year for events!
Today was a vacation day and it turned out to be a snowy blustery day. So it meant that I was a bit of a slug but I did just finish my workout and it was a good one. Now my mind is clear and I am going to review how I did on my goals for 2012.
My first set of goals was regarding exercise. I wanted to be able to do 10 full push ups (not girl push ups but full push ups). The good news is I can do this. I may not be getting a full range of motion but I can do at least 10, probably closer to 20 without stopping. The next goal was to be able to one-hand press a 45-pound kettlebell five times. I also accomplished this goal early on in the year. The third goal was to attempt burpees. Well, I have attempted them. I do not do them very well or very consistently but I do try them. Next year, I will set a goal to actually do them properly
The last exercise goal was to do an event each quarter. I surprised myself by just how many events I did do this year. Let's see if I remember them all. I did the Republic Plaza stair climb for the American Lung Association in February. I walked a 5K for Autism. I ran/walked my first 5K on Mother's Day. I did the stadium stampede for St. Joseph's Hospital. I did the CF stadium stair climb at Mile High and the Step Up for Cancer stair climb at Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium. I did the 10K run, Fans on the Field. I ran the Hasselhoff at Octoberfest. I ran/walked the Boulder Half marathon. Finally this Saturday I will be walking another 5K for Children's Hospital. I think I did pretty well on that goal.
Then my diet goals. The only goal I had was to do a 10 day detox in January and then focusing on clean eating. Well, I did that detox and another one in May, which really helped me get a handle on some things that were adversely impacting me. I am working with a nutritionist to continue to clean up my diet. I will do the same 35 day cleanse beginning January 7th. Tim and I still need to work on menu planning but we are getting better as we at least did some planning this year. We definitely are eating out a lot less and not eating processed foods. There is room for improvement but I am making progress. I lost quite a bit of weight this year and I hope to keep the momentum going into the new year.
I then wanted to do things to alleviate stress. I wanted to swim once a week. Well, that didn't happen. I did swim a bit but not as consistently as I wanted to. I did start to do yoga again. I think I am going to try to keep up with yoga. I am getting used to it and not allowing it to be a stressful thing for me.
I had a goal to read two classic novels. One was a reread, Grapes of Wrath, and one was a book I never read, 1984. I also read a few other books...some fluff...some non fiction...I did well with the reading.
I had a goal to write letters. I failed miserably on this one. I did email a bit more than normal to just say hi to people. I have to think if I want this to be a goal again.
Creativity was another epic fail for me this year. I wanted to go to more museums, which I did a bit but I did not do very well with allowing my creativity to be organic and just create. I did a few classes that were good and I have another class before the year end (jewelry making). I would like to work on this next year. I need to figure out how to relax about it and still get something done.
I did pretty well with the blog this year. I blogged more than 100 times. For me, that is amazing. It wasn't consistent about the timing but I did not force it. I blogged when I had something to say. Sometimes I blogged when I had very little to say. I look forward to continuing the blogging next year. I do think it helped keep me accountable and focused.
Now I need to figure out what my goals will be for 2013. I have a few ideas but I want to put them in an appropriate format so that they are measurable and such. I hope all are well and are looking forward to a great Christmas weekend!
Update -- I missed a few events. The September 11th Stair Climb, the MS Walk, the Retro Run....and probably a few more...it was a good year for events!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
So, I shall walk.....for now.
Since the half marathon in October, I haven't done a lot of running. It actually hurts to run...a lot. My inner thighs, as they did in the race, seize up and I get the same shooting pains. I finally went to see my doctor, who in turn sent me to a physical therapist.
I was very apprehensive about going to a physical therapist, but after soliciting various opinions, I decided I would go. The good thing is that I liked him. He was helpful and fully explained things. The best thing is it appears to be totally fixable and purely "mechanical". It seems after losing the weight i have lost to date, my body has to carry things differently and that shift may have causes an issue with my pelvic bone. It will take a bit of time and work but he thinks I will be better in plenty of time to train for another half marathon next year. He will also be giving me exercises and advice so that this does not happen again. He also does not want me to stop doing anything that I am currently doing, unless it causes pain.
This week I was able to sit in the driver's seat of my car without pain. I was even able to do squats without a lot of pain. This is a amazing change from the prior weeks.
I realized today that I have been a bit depressed over the past few weeks. One of the reasons is the lack of running and training. Although I have continued to work out (boxing, stair climbing, kettlebells), I miss running. I miss training for something. I also know there are a few 5Ks in the next few weeks that I would like to run. Not running is bumming me out.
I tried today to run a bit but I cannot without the pain so I walked. I did a lot of thinking on that walk and realized that if I cannot run right now, I can still walk. I can walk some of the 5K events. There is no shame in walking until I can run again. So, I shall walk until I can run again.
I was very apprehensive about going to a physical therapist, but after soliciting various opinions, I decided I would go. The good thing is that I liked him. He was helpful and fully explained things. The best thing is it appears to be totally fixable and purely "mechanical". It seems after losing the weight i have lost to date, my body has to carry things differently and that shift may have causes an issue with my pelvic bone. It will take a bit of time and work but he thinks I will be better in plenty of time to train for another half marathon next year. He will also be giving me exercises and advice so that this does not happen again. He also does not want me to stop doing anything that I am currently doing, unless it causes pain.
This week I was able to sit in the driver's seat of my car without pain. I was even able to do squats without a lot of pain. This is a amazing change from the prior weeks.
I realized today that I have been a bit depressed over the past few weeks. One of the reasons is the lack of running and training. Although I have continued to work out (boxing, stair climbing, kettlebells), I miss running. I miss training for something. I also know there are a few 5Ks in the next few weeks that I would like to run. Not running is bumming me out.
I tried today to run a bit but I cannot without the pain so I walked. I did a lot of thinking on that walk and realized that if I cannot run right now, I can still walk. I can walk some of the 5K events. There is no shame in walking until I can run again. So, I shall walk until I can run again.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thinking about 2013....
While 2012 has been a great year and I have accomplished many things, it is winding down. I am now turning my attention to what I will do next year to push myself to new limits. This year was all about putting myself out there and pushing myself physically and emotionally to complete certain things. I participated in several 5Ks and ran a 10K. I climbed stairs for several charity events. I ran a half marathon.
These are definitely things that I never thought I would do. Now the question is what do I do to keep moving forward. I know I will be doing the climbing events. I love them and want to see if I can improve on my time. I will run more 5Ks. What else?
I am thinking of at least one more half marathon, maybe two. I really want to learn to stand up paddle board and how to kayak. Then my big dream is to train and finish a sprint triathlon. I am contemplating one in August. It would be a half mile open water swim, 11.4 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. It terrifies me but it has long been on my bucket list. I feel that 2013 could be the year to tackle this challenge.
I would also like to end 2013 with an "X" of any sort in my clothes size. While I try not to set weight loss goals of ## pounds, I think that this is a good goal for the year. I have worked my way down to being able to fit into some "L's" but for the most part, I feel more comfortable in "XL's" right now. My goal is to keep moving down in size.
I also would like to continue to build my support system. This last year has been interesting for me as I have gained a good solid group of friends. It is a bit surprising to me but I am not as much of a loner as I always thought I was. Now I still like my alone tie but lo and behold, I actually like hanging out with some people. I like talking about my goals and hearing about theirs. It is good to feel a part of something.
So, this is not my "official" list of goals for 2013 but it is some of my initial thoughts. I know that not everyone is into New Year resolutions but I do like the feeling a clean slate that the new year brings.
I found this quote and I am going to make it my mantra for the upcoming year:
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” -- John Wayne
These are definitely things that I never thought I would do. Now the question is what do I do to keep moving forward. I know I will be doing the climbing events. I love them and want to see if I can improve on my time. I will run more 5Ks. What else?
I am thinking of at least one more half marathon, maybe two. I really want to learn to stand up paddle board and how to kayak. Then my big dream is to train and finish a sprint triathlon. I am contemplating one in August. It would be a half mile open water swim, 11.4 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. It terrifies me but it has long been on my bucket list. I feel that 2013 could be the year to tackle this challenge.
I would also like to end 2013 with an "X" of any sort in my clothes size. While I try not to set weight loss goals of ## pounds, I think that this is a good goal for the year. I have worked my way down to being able to fit into some "L's" but for the most part, I feel more comfortable in "XL's" right now. My goal is to keep moving down in size.
I also would like to continue to build my support system. This last year has been interesting for me as I have gained a good solid group of friends. It is a bit surprising to me but I am not as much of a loner as I always thought I was. Now I still like my alone tie but lo and behold, I actually like hanging out with some people. I like talking about my goals and hearing about theirs. It is good to feel a part of something.
So, this is not my "official" list of goals for 2013 but it is some of my initial thoughts. I know that not everyone is into New Year resolutions but I do like the feeling a clean slate that the new year brings.
I found this quote and I am going to make it my mantra for the upcoming year:
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” -- John Wayne
Monday, November 26, 2012
It's my birthday....and I'll.....
Well, today is my birthday. I do plan on having cake. I bought gluten free cupcakes from a local bakery. I do not plan on going over board as I know it will make me feel sick and I don't want that. I know that will not sit well with some bloggers but it is what I have learned works for ME. I do not deal well with depriving myself 100%; however, I know enough NOT to look at "treats" as something I should turn to on a daily basis or even a weekly basis. I certainly do not subscribe to eating just because everyone else is eating something. I deal quite well with the holiday season and manage not to indulge in things that are available every day. I only choose to indulge on things that are well worth it and even then it is not to the extent that I would have in the past. I know that there will be a point that I need to cut even more back and when I reach that point, I will. In the meantime, I will have my cupcake today. I will go to boxing class tonight. I will spend some time with my husband. I will do what I choose to do! I will take most of the day off.
Yesterday to signify the last day of my 47th year, I did something that I would have thought impossible at the beginning of that year. I climbed to the TOP of the Manitou Incline. If you have read my blog earlier this month, you know that I already did part of the incline. But everything in me wanted to prove that I could make it to the top. So, I made plans to do it on November 25th of 2012....and I DID!
Yep, that says 8565 feet in altitude (you start at about 6500 feet) and 2610 steps. It was hard. It was challenging. It was so worth it!
So, today I turn 48 and today will be another day of reflection and looking forward. I can't wait to see what I accomplish this year. I had a lot of time to think yesterday. As some of you know, I do not step on the scale very often. I have no idea how much weight I have lost this year. I will have an idea later today when I go to the doctor but to me, the important thing is how I feel (emotionally and physically), what physical challenges I can meet, how my clothes fit (or don't fit...i.e., too loose these days). This year I have felt great for the most part. I have met many physical challenges. I have had to remove boxes of clothes from my wardrobe. I believe I have had a successful year.
Well, this is enough for a birthday post. I may be back later to post about the upcoming year and what I hope to accomplish!
Yesterday to signify the last day of my 47th year, I did something that I would have thought impossible at the beginning of that year. I climbed to the TOP of the Manitou Incline. If you have read my blog earlier this month, you know that I already did part of the incline. But everything in me wanted to prove that I could make it to the top. So, I made plans to do it on November 25th of 2012....and I DID!
So, today I turn 48 and today will be another day of reflection and looking forward. I can't wait to see what I accomplish this year. I had a lot of time to think yesterday. As some of you know, I do not step on the scale very often. I have no idea how much weight I have lost this year. I will have an idea later today when I go to the doctor but to me, the important thing is how I feel (emotionally and physically), what physical challenges I can meet, how my clothes fit (or don't fit...i.e., too loose these days). This year I have felt great for the most part. I have met many physical challenges. I have had to remove boxes of clothes from my wardrobe. I believe I have had a successful year.
Well, this is enough for a birthday post. I may be back later to post about the upcoming year and what I hope to accomplish!
Happy to be at the top!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
My jeans are just getting too big...
Today I noticed how big my jeans are getting. I happened to be at a bridal shop with a friend (she found a dress!) and others. There were lots of mirrors all around and I happened to catch myself in the mirrors and saw just how big the jeans really are. I remember it was not many months ago that they fit for the first time. Now I need to go shop again.
I really do not know how much weight I have lost this year. As I say, I am holding a grudge against my scale and I don't tend to step on it much; however, I do have some photographic evidence of progress. I am taking a big step right now and sharing it. I am not sure why this is so difficult to do but it is. I like the anonymity of my blog. I also think that part of the issue in sharing these photos is that I always have a problem with feeling like I am bragging and looking for kudos for people. I'm not. I am also not looking to be labeled an "inspiration" because I certainly do not feel like one.
Anyway, here are the photos over the last 22 or so months.
I am not sure how difference you see between July and today but I can tell you there is a difference. Keep in mind that even in January of 2011, I was working out like crazy and had even worked with a personal trainer for about 10 months. It wasn't until I really started to listen to my body and to change up my work outs that I started to see progress.
Well, there I shared the photos. They are now out there for the "world" to see. As a final word, I just want to say that clean eating and hard work do produce results. I too think that it helps to step out of your comfort zone and look fear in the face.
I really do not know how much weight I have lost this year. As I say, I am holding a grudge against my scale and I don't tend to step on it much; however, I do have some photographic evidence of progress. I am taking a big step right now and sharing it. I am not sure why this is so difficult to do but it is. I like the anonymity of my blog. I also think that part of the issue in sharing these photos is that I always have a problem with feeling like I am bragging and looking for kudos for people. I'm not. I am also not looking to be labeled an "inspiration" because I certainly do not feel like one.
Anyway, here are the photos over the last 22 or so months.
Updated to add these photos based on hubby's encouragement
I am not sure how difference you see between July and today but I can tell you there is a difference. Keep in mind that even in January of 2011, I was working out like crazy and had even worked with a personal trainer for about 10 months. It wasn't until I really started to listen to my body and to change up my work outs that I started to see progress.
Well, there I shared the photos. They are now out there for the "world" to see. As a final word, I just want to say that clean eating and hard work do produce results. I too think that it helps to step out of your comfort zone and look fear in the face.
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