Hi Again

Just replied to you on my thread and wanted to come and see how you are doing.  Wow - you really want it too. Double jazzersize classes, a walk and the gym all in one day… that sounds like a bit too much.  Don’t go overboard!  You’re right - fatigue will get you if you push too hard.  Save the gym for tomorrow and plan another good workout then. 

I agree with your Doc about the Crystal light.  I have tried it in the past but it did some bad things to my GI track.  Gas, pain etc. I stay away from the stuff now.  When I want a bit of flavor in my water I like to add a wedge of lemon or lime… or even orange if I don’t have the others on hand.  I had cucumber water at a spa once and it was quit refreshing, but I’ve never made it on my own.  Sometimes I’ll have a splash of juice in my water too.  (I rarely have juice and when I do it is not full strength - I usually water it down by at least 1/2)

Too bad your HR monitor strap has gone missing.  Hope it turnes up soon.  I’ve noticed that my monitor registers on the machines other people are using next to me at the gym.  I’m not sure if any of them have figured out or even noticed what is going on yet, but if they are not holding on the the hand grips that take their HR constantly I’m not going to point it out to them.

Catherine, have no fear, I did omit the gym from Saturday. The walk was great, but after absorbing that sunshine, I returned home quite sweaty (though the sunscreen did the trick and I wasn’t burned, just had to deal with a bit of it running with sweat into my left eye about 3/4 of the way through my walk, ick!) and showered and had a nice long nap.

Today, I went to worship, then used my Panera gift card for a nice lunch. I got quite absorbed into my novel over lunch, and continued reading for much of the afternoon. It was cool and rainy this morning but dried up and has become a beautiful day, though cooler than yesterday. I’m going to go for a walk now, before it gets dark, and that’s it, no gym tonight. My body, I can feel it, needs the rest, and tomorrow’s Jazzercise class is not that far away.  I should have just enough time upon my return for a nice bath in some lavender epsom salts before Masterpiece ("A Room with a View” is being remade) on PBS.

I don’t grip the hand grips except at intervals to check my heart rate, especially if I change incline and speed every so often. Usually it’s just a confirming check that I’m hitting the right levels. I can tell by breathing and ‘feel’ when I’m in the right zone.

Monday, April 14: 7pm Jazzercise class. I could have done part of the earlier class, but I’m still bouncing back from some fatigue so I just stretched in the back, then swept out some dry leaves which had blown in with the doors being propped open. I did okay in class, but wasn’t feeling 100%. And suddenly, after 10:30 at night, I feel famished. I wasn’t a bit hungry earlier. Maybe I just need lots of water and a good night’s rest.

One thing I regret is I won’t be able to make it to the gym this week until Friday night. I have Jazzercise Tuesday and Thursday, and a volunteer workshop Wednesday. Unless I do get up extra early or go late Weds. I’ll see how I feel. I don’t want to alter my sleep/wake schedule too radically without a plan.

It sounds wise to hang on to your sleep!  Your body needs that time to repair.  Sounds like a good plan to me!

Thanks, Lisa. It’s definitely a process, learning how hard to push so you get that level of results without the soreness or depletion that sets you back. I think for me it’s a constant dance, but I’m learning to dance more slowly, and more deliberately, when it comes to making changes.  My exercise routine has been pretty consistent until recently. My eating seems to fluctuate more, but I’m keeping pretty good track of it. I’d love to spring out of bed and rush off to the 6am spin class, but I’m committed to three evenings of Jazzercise, and it would be tough to start burning the energy candle at both ends, even with a full night’s sleep. I might target one day (Monday or Friday) for the early morning and see how it goes.

I surveyed some of my friends recently on their sleep levels, their satisfaction level with how much rest they get. All the mothers of young kids got so little sleep and while they “wouldn’t trade their situation for the world” I wish I could give them the gift of more rest and quiet time. They’re too far away for me to drop by and babysit or take the kids to a movie. I used to stay up late, and for no better reason than I watched too much TV or was too anxious about something or other. It’s amazing what a healthier diet and exercise has done for my ability to tune out the world at night and sleep.

Ann, you might want to consider using a hr monitor.  I found it to be a great tool in determining how hard I need to work and also when I need to back off because I am not at the top of my game.  I was initially reluctant to use one with a chest strap because I thought it would be uncomfortable, but I found that Polar makes a strap that is so comfortable that I don’t even notice that I am wearing it.

I did buy a Polar HR monitor in December, Lisa. I am embarrassed to say I can’t find the strap. Until it turns up (either in some bag or other, or maybe in my closet) I haven’t been using it.  I think what zapped me last week was adding a lot to my usual weekly exercise ‘plate’ - instead of just the five Jazzercise classes, I did 45 minutes of treadmill Monday night, the resistance work with the trainer on Wednesday, resistance and cardio Friday night, and a long walk on Saturday. And I really should have used lighter hand weights Thursday in Jazzercise to give those muscles a chance to relax, but I didn’t. It’s like getting too much sun and feeling the burn later. I feel better today though. Trying to push more water. This week there’ll be less time to try the gym, but on Friday I’m going to try the hip adduct and abduct machines… being careful not to overdo it so I can still do my double class Saturday morning.

That certainly sounds reasonable!

Those adductor and abductor machines are among my favourite!!  But since I am still focusing on the bigest muscles of the body they are not in my current program.  Occasionally I will sneek them in at the end of my routine just for fun!!  (Yesterday I added bicept and tricept just for fun!!)

Just remember to keep the training and rest balanced so you don’t get run down. 

Enjoy your workout with your trainer tomorrow!!

Catherine - 15 April 2008 08:54 PM

Enjoy your workout with your trainer tomorrow!!

Oh! I can’t meet with him tomorrow, Catherine. I goofed, not realizing I had a volunteer commitment Wednesday night. I guess rescheduling the chiro for every two Wednesdays just gave me the illusion that I was free that night. Actually, the other volunteers said this week sneaked up on us too—we’ve only been planning this workshop stuff for five months. Now tonight I got a call that one of the three can’t make it, so I definitely have to be there. Called the gym this afternoon to reschedule, and the young woman gave me the direct number to the desk, but I think she transposed two digits or I did, so I didn’t get through. Stopped by after class to change in person, and there was no one on but at least I got a business card now with the number. I’ll have to call first thing. I hope he’s available on Friday. Argh! I’m totally not used to being this busy.

Tuesday, April 15: 7pm Jazzercise class. I’m still sort of taking it a bit easier to get my energy back, so I didn’t do the last half of the earlier class. Instead I cleaned the bathrooms at the center.  I’m not a neat freak, but I am a people-pleaser, I guess. Felt a sense of accomplishment. Then in class, I was still pretty fresh, and the hour flew by tonight. I used five-pound weights, which felt like nothin’ in my arms. Didn’t before. Ended up just about exactly at my calorie goal today. That’s a struggle. It’s generally easier to be too far under or too far under. I also drank three bottles of water in the time before, during, and after my class.

Ann, it sounds like you’re doing great. And I agree that your sleep is very important. Eventually you’ll learn how much you can do without its being too much. For me the soreness comes the evening of the day after a hard workout.

Joan - 15 April 2008 11:32 PM

Ann, it sounds like you’re doing great. And I agree that your sleep is very important. Eventually you’ll learn how much you can do without its being too much. For me the soreness comes the evening of the day after a hard workout.

Thanks, Joan. I’m usually sore the next morning, but sometimes the day after. Today I just felt extra hungry. Since I’m busy tonight, I figured I’d let myself load up with some good stuff today. Had to explain my cottage cheese and peas concoction to a coworker.  I also want to leave a few minutes for some stretching this afternoon before the workshop tonight, as I want to be relaxed and comfortable.

Thursday, April 17: 7pm Jazzercise class. Last night I had “off”, as I had a volunteer workshop. I enjoyed the rest, but still didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. I didn’t exactly drag myself kicking and screaming to class, but I definitely didn’t have much energy. I’m eating well, I had a lovely lunch out in the sunshine, and I’m getting enough sleep. And, despite all that work last week, my weight’s back up those two or three pounds. Could I be on the brink of a cold or something? I just hope I have “it” tomorrow by the time I meet with the trainer. And I may have to weigh the ability to do the double on Saturday morning. I just have trouble believing this is all because I overdid it a bit last week. Oh, well, all I can do it continue to eat properly, get as much rest as I can, and persevere. I always bounce back.

Thursday, April 17: 7pm Jazzercise class. Last night I had “off”, as I had a volunteer workshop. I enjoyed the rest, but still didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. I didn’t exactly drag myself kicking and screaming to class, but I definitely didn’t have much energy. I’m eating well, I had a lovely lunch out in the sunshine, and I’m getting enough sleep. And, despite all that work last week, my weight’s back up those two or three pounds. Could I be on the brink of a cold or something? I just hope I have “it” tomorrow by the time I meet with the trainer. And I may have to weigh the ability to do the double on Saturday morning. I just have trouble believing this is all because I overdid it a bit last week. Oh, well, all I can do it continue to eat properly, get as much rest as I can, and persevere. I always bounce back.

I hope you aren’t getting sick. There’s been enough of that going around. Make sure you drink lots of water.

Well, I don’t think I’m getting sick. I think I’m just in an adjustment phase.

Tonight, I had the second meeting with trainer Danny. I rushed there, changed in a flash, and was ready right on time. He was with another client, so the woman at the desk suggested I do my warmup, which I did. I was on the treadmill for 20 minutes, but I saw him working with someone and was fine. Then suddenly he appeared at my left elbow out of nowhere, and we started. Squat machine, two sets of fifteen two-legged, then a set of 15 each with one leg. Not bad; I had him up the weight for the second set. Then a hamstring machine. Then I had a medicine ball and had to lower it in front of me, while bending my legs as though to lower myself far enough for the ball to reach the ground, then up over my head, two-handed. I was struggling at first, as I could feel my legs resisting the bend and my body wanted to compensate by leaning forward. By the third set something loosened up, whether it was muscle or mentality I don’t know but I could do it much better. Then the hip adductor. That’s it, just four exercises in the complimentary session. Had good banter with the trainer throughout. A woman booked for 6:30 was apparently making a fuss at the desk. I thought, “I didn’t pout about having to wait.” But we didn’t waste any time and he was nice as usual.

I did 30 more minutes of treadmill. Might have gone for more but I stupidly left my water bottle in the car, in my rush, and hadn’t grabbed my iPod either this morning. I also am okay with saving some energy for tomorrow’s two Jazzercise classes, as I still feel a bit out of sorts. Bit of soreness between my shoulder blades, not serious.

I hope to get both a serious nap and a serious outdoor walk in tomorrow. Makes for a nice contemplative weekend.

Your plan for tomorrow sounds the same as mine!!!  Here’s to a good balance between some extra rest and activity!! 

Good job at the gym - I’m sure Danny appreciated your paticence.  I find it sometimes takes me a few sessions with my trainer to really get some new exercises.  I still really have to concentrate on my form for (bent over) barbell rows.  For anything in the back I always have to think about connecting to those muscles and making sure it is not my arms doing all the work.

Be sure to take your vitamins and get enough food in while your body is re-adjusting to the new demands you are putting on it!!

Thanks, Catherine!

Oddly enough I have done a terrible job today of feeding my body. I did the two classes this morning and had plenty of water. Then afterwards I caught up with a woman I don’t see so often in class—she is going through a divorce and has a lot of challenges, and we checked in with each other’s lives and self esteem. Then we launched into a discussion of all sorts of history and humanities pet topics that we didn’t know we had in common. That hour outside with a sweaty tank top on got me some sun on my face and shoulders that I can feel! Not a burn, just a glow. I wear sunscreen when I’m intentionally going to be outside that long.

Classes went pretty well though I could feel my legs protesting a little at times. I finally got home and had my nice long shower, washed my hair and dried it (wearing it curly today)—and I’m heading out to get my nails fixed. And some food. I didn’t even have my Saturday morning Starbucks today on the way back.  I’m totally in the mood for some steamed dumplings, but will have to get an idea of their caloric content before I go. Research, that’s me! I can’t believe I’ve put on four pounds in a week while not overeating. My body’s will to be fat mystifies me sometimes.

Add in an hour or so of walking outside, about 3mph, with the iPod on. Just to Target and back.

Sunday, April 20: today was too beautiful. I went to Quaker Meeting, and afterwards, drove across the intracoastal to Jax Beach. Of course, everyone else had the same idea, and there was no parking even at my usual farflung spots. So I had lunch first at a diner I like over there, indulged a little but that was my plan for the day. The waitress, who might have been half my age, smiled when I said I was going to “walk it off” and told me the elliptical she uses shows her the calories, that I’d have to do a LOT of walking. I smiled back and said I knew, but I was going for the difference between my BLT plate and a “healthier” lunch, not the whole load. She said, “you look great, though.” Something about the way she said it made me confide I had lost 75 pounds (who am I kidding, I tell anyone given an opening) and we are members of the same gym chain. She goes to the beaches one and I go to one in the opposite direction, but they’re almost the same distance so I might be there sometime she is and now have a familiar face to look for. Nice.

After lunch, I went back to where there was no parking, and by 3pm there was. I put on my iPod, changed into a skirt and a tank top beachside, and set out walking. Instead of walking the sidewalk and boardwalk, I ended up hitting the shoreline. So I walked for about an hour north… don’t know how far but the pier, just north of where I started, was far-away tiny when I turned back. I had good sunscreen on, thank goodness. I walked sometimes in calf-high waves, sometimes on the harder damp sand, seeing all ages and manner of people playing, lounging, chatting as I strolled by with music in my ears. It was so relaxing.

At the turning point I stared into the waves for a bit and thought about all the folks up and down the Atlantic Ocean’s many shores who were doing the same thing as me, whose toes had dipped into the same ocean. I love bodies of water to calm the soul, but the ocean is so amazing because it’s so vast. Was someone in Brighton, England, listening to some of the old UK 80s pop I was?  Was someone in west Africa looking at the Atlantic like me?

I walked for just about two hours, not the fastest walking I’ve done, but with some resistance in the water, and with the sand. Who needs a pumice stone for the feet anyway? I had a Rita’s sugar-free cherry Italian ice (so good! couldn’t even tell it was “diet") and decided I should get some resistance work in today, so I went to the gym. I didn’t bother warming up because I felt pretty warmed up already, I just stretched everything before beginning.

Bicep isolation machine, 3x 15, first set at 20 pounds, other 2 at 25#
Free weights, 10#, for overhead extensions (3x 15), tricep kickbacks (3x 15), pec crosses (continuous for one song, didn’t count) and some lying-down tricep work behind the head (I’m sure that has a name)

Lat pulldown machine, 3x 15, first set 50#, upped to 60# for second, back to 50# for last. I am so short that I had to grab one end on tiptoe at first, then grabbed onto the middle, and had to inch my fingers out to the end of the bar. After I changed the weights, I simply stood on the seat to grab it properly, then stepped down. I felt a bit foolish and a tall Mr. Clean was smiling slightly at the sight. Otherwise people left me alone. I’m still self-conscious there, and was the only woman in the free weight area, but then again there weren’t that many men late on a Sunday afternoon either.

I cranked up the sauna in the women’s locker room after that and went in for about 25 minutes. At first it wasn’t that hot. I slowly stretched out my legs, still sore from Friday and Saturday, then did some upper body stretches. Finally I stood on one foot with a knee held to my chest for as long as I could keep balanced, then the other, and some pulsing pliés, then a few gentle wall pushups. Suddenly it was quite hot, and I was sweating buckets. Good, got all the sunscreen out of my pores at least. I showered and changed, then hit a modest salad bar on the way home. I have no idea on the calories consumed or burned, but I think it was a good ‘free’ day nonetheless. Must heap on moisturizer and drink gallons of water. Thank goodness (again) for the sunscreen, as I feel a glow but am not fried, as I would be had I not worn it.