The Longest Workout ever that almost wasn't one at all...

Last night was a bad one, as indicated in the other blog. Kari had indicated she wasn't going to come to the Y with me and I decided I just didn't have what it took to go alone. I went back to bed an finally decided that going to the Y couldn't possibly make me feel any worse than I already did. So I went.

Once I got on the bike, I couldn't make myself go to the treadmill so I stayed there an extra ten minutes. And then I told myself when I got on the treadmill that I could stop whenever I wanted to, but I set it for the normal 20 minutes and I went ahead and finished it. And I felt much better. My head seemed to clear a little bit.

So I'm glad I went. I am still exhausetd, but at least I"m not feeling completely hopeless.

Beginning Week Four with Five Intervals

Do you know that interval workouts are the best at burning calories? Basically the principle is that you go real hard for a short time, and then let your heart rate get lower, and then push it back up again. A couple years ago when I was doing so well with weight loss I was doing intervals and they really do work. Plus it gives me something to do as I increase and decrease speed manually at various minute markers.

Today I did a 20 minute interval workout, with 5 separate intervals, the highest being at 3.5 This was the best workout so far this round of weight loss, which I really am determined be my last. I don't plan on seeing the number I saw on the scale today again.

And I'm down 3 more pounds this week, for a total of 15 in 3 weeks, which pleases me. I know I'm going to have to work harder this week if I want to see the loss continue as I didn't try that hard this week with food choices, etc.

BUt this is the kind of progress to make. Slow, steady, increasing endurance and exercise daily, slowly working on food intake, drinking lots of water.... one step at a time.

At the end of the 3rd week back at it.

I managed to do intervals for 20 minutes with the peak interval at 3.5, which shocks me since 1.7 was a struggle three weeks ago. I finish the time on the bike.

My eating the last few days has been horrible though.... I am getting plenty of water, but have slipped back to diet pop and an ocassional bad fast food meal. Need to get back into not doing that if I'm going to reach that goal of losing 30 by Labor Day.

I'm nervous about weighing on on Monday. Maybe if I'm really careful all weekend....

Best Workout so Far (well, for this round anyway)

20 minutes, some of them at 2.7. Going to start intervals tomorrow. This is the 12th workout in 2.5 weeks. I am feeling so much better already that I can't believe the difference. Just can't lose the momentum.

Another boring update

Yes, I went to the Y. Yes I had a good workout. 19 minutes at 2.6. Each day a little better.

Bart made my favorite meal last night though -- Hay and Straw -- but I didn't have dessert and only had one piece of bread. (OK, OK, so I had quite a bit of pasta). I'm having water to drink nearly all the time and liking it.

Trying to pace myself and not get too angry when I mess up.

Slow lifestyle changes have to continue to happen.

Sweating

More sweat today. Managed to go 18 minutes at 2.5.... so in 2 weeks I've gone from 10 minutes at 1.7 to 18 minutes at 2.5. Progress for sure.

And I lost 4 more pounds, making that 12 in 2 weeks. Not complaining about that in any way. I realize it won't stay up there like that for long, but it's fun while it lasts and very motivating. I think I'm going to try to make it my goal to lose 30 in all by Labor Day. That's doable... just 18 more pounds in 8 weeks. Definitely doable.

I am feeling a bit better each day, but it is such a long haul!

More Baby Steps

18 minutes on teh treadmill at 2.4. Once I hit twenty I will start doing intervals again. Remainder of the time on the bike. Enjoying sweating again even though my lung capacity is still low. I know if I keep it up some day I"ll be back to where I was two years ago. Just going to take a long time to get there.

A Bit More Every Day

My strategy is to increase speed and add a minute of walking each day. So far I've done it for almost 2 weeks. The workouts are getting better. I am still having trouble catching my breath sometimes, and I have back pain towards the end of the walk, but I'm determined to build back my strength.

And I have been drinking a lot of water, which is very good for me when I diet. IT's part of the formula. And I've been watching what I eat more than I have in months.

Baby Steps.

Hate them.

Another Day of Sweat

Went 16 minutes on the treadmill this morning at a higher speed. I have to keep working at this gradually, but I did sweat some more this morning. I also had some back pain that will have to be managed.

But regardless of the workout, I always feel better having gone.

Beginning Week Two with Sweat

We weren't sure the Y would be open yesterday, and after all it WAS a holiday, so we skipped. But this morning either it was a LOT hotter in there than usual, or I worked a lot harder! I sweat like crazy.

And, I lost 8 pounds!

Want to know the secret? Retain water for lets say -- about 4 months -- and then take water pills. It works wonders. But hey, i'll take it. And I'm sure that eating right, for the most part, and exercising 5 days last week didn't hurt.

I have some new goals and a bit of renewed vision. Look out, world... I'm getting another water pill prescription filled ;-)

Day Five

Felt even better today, even though it is slow going. I"m hoping by the end of the summer I won't have to stop and catch my breath at the counter (and flirt with the 20 something desk clerk) on my way out. He says it's a reachable goal. I told him flirting with him was such a huge burden. Kari just stands back and pretends she doesn't know me, but still laughs.

SO, 5 days in a row. ONe week done. Next week we gotta do five more in a row. One day at a time.

Day Four in a Row

Went again this morning, same time, same routine, increasing one minute a day on the treadmill, and upping the speed a little bit. Embarrased to only be going 13 minutes at 2 mph when 2 years ago I was going 38 minutes with intervals at twice that speed. But I have to take things one day at a time. The rest of the 40 minutes I spend on the bike and it seems to work for me. I do have some back time and some breathing issues, but I know if I push myself too hard I will most likely quit.

So, day four is done. One more and I'll be done for the week. And my food intake has been pretty good, have had lots of water, and only one pop this week. BIG change from the last couple weeks. I haven't had any caffeine either, another big change. So, I"m making progress, one day at a time.