It's over......but it has only begun

Tomorrow, Otto, Amy and I are working out. I've taken it easy that last few days, and I have to tell you, I FEEL LIKE CRAP! I am not going back to my old lifestyle, that is for sure!

Wednesday night was great.....CONGRATULATIONS TO ZAC! I am soooo proud of him and Missy and Kristen. WE DID IT! We proved what hard work and mental toughness can do. Todd we missed you, I wish you would have still come!

I was appreciative of all the wonderful comments. I dressed up for the occasion. I don't think anyone has seen me in anything but sweaty gym clothes at the end of the day. There were a lot of surprised faces and a lot of really great comments on how I look now. It made me feel really good!

I can't thank my BFF OTTO enough for the CHANGE that has happened in my life because of him. He was there to lift me spirits up when I wanted to quit. Yes, there were times that I had enough. Working two jobs, family life, stress it all worked on me. The one constant I had in my life this last 12 weeks was OTTO encouraging me "Come on Mamma...show me..you can do it..show um what you are made of". I remember when he first had me looking in the mirror at myself. I didn't like it. I didn't want to look. I then started to see muscle and it was a shock to see my body transforming. He boosted my confidence, showed me what I could do and taught me to try what I thought might be too hard. He pushed me just enough when I needed it. He knew when I needed to vent and would take the time to sit and listen and talk. He carried me when I was feeling at my worst and I will never be able to repay the dedication he gave me. I can only continue to work hard and show him that I am going to keep this up.

Work has been fantastic and I have people asking me to work out with them and to show them what they can do. I'm excited about this.

I gotta get to bed.

xo to all my peeps out there.

This week is our last....it's hard to believe that its been almost 12 weeks.

I remember when I couldn't run a mile.....on Saturday....I ran 5.37 miles in an hour!
I remember when I didn't run a mile in a week....last week...I logged in over 45 miles.
I remember when I would eat a bag of Doritos for a snack....I haven't had one Dorito since 4th of July and I find I don't miss them.
I remember when I wore a size 20....on Saturday....I fit into a pair of size 10 jeans.
I remember when most of my clothes felt too small.....now.....all my clothes are too big.
I remember when I didn't think twice about what I was eating.....now I evaluate what I eat and enjoy eating good things.
I remember when I didn't eat vegetables.....now I eat a whole bunch more.
I remember that I used to eat out a lot......now...I can't remember when the last time was that I ate out
I remember when I slept until 6:30 am...now I run 4 miles by 6:30 am
I remember when I felt alone when it came to losing weight...now...I have an extended family at Dynabody that has helped me realize that I could do it!
I remember when I thought a personal trainer couldn't help me....now...I have a new best friend who genuinely cares about my overall health and well being.
I remember when I thought I'd wake up one day and be thinner and healthier......because of the CHANGE program, I am!

Missy and I went over to Whispering Pines on Sunday and she ROCKED the house. We jogged and walked the trail and it was awesome. We will be doing this again in the future! She encouraged me to try the spin class.....I loved it! That is another exercise I will add to my list of things I like to do now!
See everyone soon!
Cinda

I'm not feeling well...my allergies are in high gear or something.
I'm stressing over a new class tomorrow. I've been teaching college since I graduated with my Master's in 2006, however, this will be my first class for St Leo University.
That's where I graduated from and I haven't been on campus since then. I'm excited because I now feel like a "real teacher", but annoyed because I don't feel so good. :(

My body is sore from doing legs on Thursday. I was feeling yucky all day and didn't get a chance to exercise. I do feel guilty about this, but I just couldn't find the time between my demands for work and demands for this new class.

I plan on bringing my gym clothes and running at the University tomorrow. They have wonderful orange groves and a beautiful lake. The change of scenery will be nice.

I am enjoying my new position at work. Did I mention that I'm also in charge of the gym? It got a thorough clean up today as I was getting grossed out at the lack of people cleaning up their sweat. When the CHANGE deadline is over...I'm going to start working on a plan to get our officers in shape.

I saw on old friend today. I haven't seen her in months because she moved away. She was amazed at how I look now, she remembered me at my heaviest..212 lbs. She wanted to know where the rest of me went...I told her I didn't care......although I still would like some of my boobs back. They have not been returned to the lost and found yet.

I was talking to Missy and her son the other day. When the walked away, her son came back up to me and told me that he didn't even recognize me and that he had to ask Missy who I was when they walked away. I cannot tell you how much he made my night. I still see myself as 190 lbs most of the time. If I'm looking in the mirror, I can see the CHANGE...it's just hard to wrap my head around it.

Part of getting rid of stress is getting sleep. I haven't had much of that lately. I've been getting up at 0430 to get ready for my run, then after the gym at night, sometimes I don't get to bed until way after midnight or so. That's one of the reasons I haven't blogged, just haven't had the time. So with that, I am going to go hit the hay.

OH..haven't tried it yet, but my friend at work showed me this powder peanut butter. You mix it with water to the consistency you want.......59 calories for 2 tbs...usually it's anywhere from 169-260! I will have to try some of this!

AND......my sons' other mother (Step-Mom of the Year April) has been coming to the gym. She told me she hated me because I've lost weight so she's been working out. I'm so proud of her! She's such a beautiful woman and the best wife of an ex-husband that an ex-wife can have! lol

and....my chiropractor said that since I've been running, my left leg is now shorter than my right which explains why I've been really hitting hard on my left leg when I run. I goofed up my hip a bit too so....I have to go once a week now....which I don't mind because I get an awesome massage by Kevin (who just happened to be my "first kiss" when I was in 3rd grade) (yes, it was a bit awkward at first, but we are over that)(and yes, my husband knows and is secure in the fact that I'm not going to run off with my 3rd grade boyfriend) although he does give a great massage!

ok....Drew is home on the moped.....for those that still don't believe me...DREW IS MY SON! So..I'm going to say hello to him (because I never see him..he's usually at work, school or at his girlfriend Sarah's house ) and then its off to dream land.

almost at the end..but its really a beginning

Time is not on my side....been working hard at working out.....working hard at work and then also my part time college job too. I'm starting to feel the effects of burning the candle at both ends....and in the middle.

I ran a total of 9 miles yesterday....I did 4.33 this morning....I'm off to the gym to put in some more miles. Then its OTTO and I at the gym tonight.

I miss seeing everyone!

Exciting news….at least for me it was…….

So, I ran the 3.2 the other day….which is 5K so I did meet me goal of running 5K, but I actually want to go out and run a 5K.

Yesterday, I made a goal of running for 45 minutes. It was nice outside so I decided to run…..I went 3.75 miles, which only .25 of that was my warm up and cool down. I was totally amazed that I ran this far. When I went to the gym to work out with OTTO, he wanted me to do more cardio and I ran another 2 miles!

OTTO and I talked about my body last night. He wanted to make sure that I could see the CHANGES that my body has been going through. I must admit that when I look in the mirror, I do see them. When I put on my pants now (the size 12) my first thoughts are “these won’t fit me”. It is hard for my brain to grasp my new body. I still see myself and being a lot heavier. This will take some adjusting.

Someone at work today asked me if I was taking meds and the B12 to lose weight. I knew that this was going to probably come up at some point. The answer is NO, I’m not. I’m doing this the old fashion way. A lot of people here at my work have tried this medication is the past. I’ve seen them get pretty thin and then go right back up when the meds stop. I won’t be doing that!

Well, I need to go and run before I have to leave to get my braces tightened. UGH

My week on “vacation” was fun, but a lot of work too. I think I need a vacation from the vacation. Isn’t that how it usually goes? The German kids were great and by the end of the week, I felt like there were all “MY” children. This of course means that at some point during the week I wanted trade them in to Disney World for some cool Mickey Ears. Even exchange I think!

I was afraid that I gained weight , I was good on my diet and exercise, but not as good as I would have been if I were at home. I wound up losing 3.5 lbs. I was amazed and very glad too. I did prove to myself that I could go on vacation and not make completely horrible eating choices. I enjoyed the exercise and found I missed OTTO a ton! When I would want to skip my run, I’d remember him telling me how I had to push myself. I am the one in control and I am the one that has to make this decision. So…..run I did. I bought some weights too and did some shoulder/arm/bicep work and water aerobics too.

So I am back at work, in my new job. Change is good. I must embrace it and go with the flow. No sense resisting because it will not change the outcome only make myself miserable!

My workouts with OTTO started back yesterday. It was a hard work out, but a good one. I have to work late tonight so OTTO met me at the gym at 0530 to do weights. I was soooooooo not into it and felt very sluggish but he kept me focused and moving.

Postives for me this week:
Ran 3.23. miles yesterday in 32:38 (first time ever running 5K)
Ran 1 mile this morning in 9:32 (my fastest time)

Thanks to everyone for following my blog! The support is GREAT!
I miss seeing Missy, Zac, Todd and Kristen....I hope I get to see you all soon!!!

Keeping fit at Disney

I am currently in Orlando, doing the tourist thing with the 8 German exchange students. I've been packing my lunch and grazing through the day. I was able to resist all the crappy for me but looked really good food until today. I did go to the Bistro in France at Epcot. It was wonderful and tasted good but my stomach feels icky now. My husband I split everything and I had scallops, but I'm sure that sauce it was cooked in was full of calories. I did eat cooked fennel, which I have never had before, not too bad! The rest of my trip will easy to eat my lunch that I bring.

I packed my back pack with lots of water and stuff so it's heavy. My husband offered to carry it, but I told him it was part of my workout for the day. I wake up and go to the "fitness center" which is a smelly room with 1 treadmill, 1 bike and 1 stair stepper. I was able to run 4 miles yesterday and 2 miles today. I'll be up early to run. I'm starting to like the running thing. I want to run a 5 K.

The German kids are great and having fun. I hosted my first exchange student in 2003, his name is Ben. He joined my blog recently, which was very nice of him to do. Ben is more to me than an exchange student, he's my son. He's been home here several times and I love each time he visits. It's like he never left. I'm very proud of him as he is in college and works hard. At the same time, he knows how to live and experiences the world. He's able to find a balance. When I went to Germany to visit Drew (my son) when he was living in Germany, I was able to meet Ben's parents. Ben's Dad said something to me that makes the whole exchange experience worth it to me. He said to me "It is nice to finally meet my son's other mother". I can tell you I about cried when he said that. I had always felt like I was Ben's mum, but to hear that from his own parents solidified the reason why I do this. So, while you all know Drew and maybe my younger son Chayse, I also have a German son, a German daughter and a Chinese son. I love them all like they were my own.

Ok, I'm off to bed...tomorrow is another theme park to navigate.
I miss everyone at the gym and of course OTTO!!!!!!
Oh....I weighed in on Sunday....I'm down to 169.5--tha'ts 20.5 lbs!

1 lb down

Sorry I haven't blogged...I've been burning the candle on both ends.

Still only lost 1 lb last week...that's all I'm going to say to stop focusing on the negative.

My clothes feel great, I have been getting a lot of compliments. I have more energy. I bought new workout clothes!

Today, I ran 2.92 miles in 36 minutes with my dog, Bella. She was happy for the exercise and I was happy for the company. I don't think I have EVER run 2.92 miles because I 'wanted to'.

OTTO increased my work outs a bit and my reward at the end is to punch on the mits with him.
Boy do I love that part. I've been at the gym a little bit later this week. I've missed seeing everyone that I usually see.

My exchange students are doing well...just keeping me busy with work and running around.
I leave tomorrow to take them on a tourist vacation to Disney. I'm on my own for my work outs. I know I will work it.

My office had a shake up and I was part of it. Since I was the Senior District Commander, they decided to move me to help round my career. I'll be over Law Enforcement Support Services...it's a cool gig...but I'll miss patrol!

I'm off to bed!
Catch you next week!

Whole lot of craziness

My life is full...I know it...the world knows it........but I insist on adding more to it.

My husband and I are runing this exchange student camp. He's been doing most of the work, but I've been doing the behind the scenes stuff.

I only lost 1 lbs the previous week and dreading getting on the scale in the morning. I know I know..muscle weighs more than fat....still doesn't translate well to my brain when the scale is not showing how hard I have worked....so...in an effort to remain positive.......

NONE OF MY CLOTHES FIT. This is good, but a bit annoying when I put on a pair of shorts and they fall to the floor. OTTO had to deal with my pulling my pants up during a workout and showed me how to "roll them down"....that was special.

I went to the store to buy some shorts because I knew I was going to Orlando and Tampa this weekend and had nothing to wear. Prior to June 1st, I normally would wear anything from an 18 to a 20. My first instinct was to pick up a size 16 and a 14 for fun. I tried the 16 on, and they fell off. Hmmmm...so on went the 14. It felt big and there was a big gap in the waist line......NO FREAKING WAY....could it be that I was in a 12. I have to say my heart skipped a beat. I quickly got dressed and went out and grabbed the 12. Tried then on and low and behold they fit me. That felt goooooodd!!! In Orlando, I met with my best friend Sallay. She's one of the girls in the Army picture I posted. We did a little shopping and long story short...more size 12 shorts and...wait for it....size freaking 1o shirt. I don't think I've seen a size 12 since I was 14 years old...a size 10? I don't remember every wearing a size 10. I had to laugh at myself because when I was trying clothes on...I picked sizes that I used to wear.

I got to work today and my boss told me I needed to go get new uniforms. He said what I had on was too baggy and looked bad. The pants were a size 22. I fit into a 16 in my work pants. ( Mind you these are polyester, very unflattering pants) I went down a few shirt sizes too.

So that's the positive part of how I'm feeling.
Today...I got to box. OMG was that fun. I loved it. There is something so primal and good about hitting things.

OHHH almost forgot...I can run 2 miles STRAIGHT now. No stopping! I did it in 23 minutes today. Not so bad for someone that felt she couldn't run to the mail box.

I miss everyone and feel like I haven't seen you all in ages. Missy I hope you are feeling better soon. I'm off to bed. I have to get up early and make sure I get to the gym.

Thought I'd share some "before" pictures

Back to Basics

Was focused over the last few days, but I think my focus was blurry.

Last week went by fast, I really didn't keep track of my food like I have been doing and I think that will come back to get me this week. I don't feel like I ate any more than usual, but something wasn't right. I haven't been able to official weigh in because I've had issues at work that I've had to deal with and couldn't get to the gym for the last two mornings.

Our exchange students flew in on Saturday. I was good with my eating as far as not eating junk, but I don't think I ate enough. I should have packed my lunch before we went to the airport but I didn't get a chance to. All went well at the airport other than waiting in line for over an hour to rent the van we needed for the kids.

Sunday, we had a BBQ. OTTO was able to come. He told me I could eat what I wanted because he'd make me puke it out on Monday. I laughed, nervously. I thought I did pretty good, but I did cheat. It's the first time since June 1st that I've had a brownie or chips with dip. In the end, it really wasn't worth it. My stomach was screwed up and I just felt icky. I need to get back to the basics with my eating and I'm working on that today.

Yesterday's workout was a shoulder work out
Behind the back presses with the bar 4 sets of 10
up right rows-- 30 lbs, 4 sets of 10
Giant set 3 sets of 10 with 5 lbs weight
Active rest in between

Otto said he wanted to take it a bit easy on me Monday and Tuesday but on Wednesday, he is going to kill me. hmmmmmm........I don't even want to think about it.

Cardio Day

I did 3 cardio's today...morning, afternoon and evening. I have been doing the elliptical but this evening I went back to running. I ran my mile and fast walked the rest.

A few people stopped me to tell me how good I was doing and they could see a big difference. Those kind of unsolicited comments are the best. I feel like I'm not just in this with the other 5 Amazing people, but I have a whole gym family that is behind us. For the most part, my life consist of work and my children. I have a few select friends, but in my job, it's hard to branch out to meet new people. I am enjoying seeing and meeting new people. Letting my guard down and accepting the support from everyone around me to help me accomplish my goals.

I mentioned earlier that the Army cadence songs have helped pushed me in my running. I imagine that I'm running with a platoon. When you are doing this for real, dropping out is letting your platoon, your buddies, down. You can't do that. At the same time, if you are struggling, it's your platoon that supports you through the run. On most occasions, the slowest person is put on the left front spot, they set the pace. You sing the cadence to keep focused on running and the people next to you encourage you to keep going and to push yourself. If you drop out, the platoon usually circles around and picks you back up. It's more than running, it's bonding. It's pushing yourself so your buddies don't have to run more. Dynabody is my platoon. I'm pushing myself so that other can see that they can do it too. Those more fit than me are picking me up and pushing me on to help me achieve my goals. Everyone that works the front desk and says hello...they always have something nice to say...they start my workout with a positive vibe. Of course I can't forget Drill Sergeant OTTO. The person who looks through my whining and my eye rolling and continues to show me that I can push myself further than I ever thought.

Thanks just doesn't even cover it!

Back to being focused

After my melt down, I realized I needed to re-focus. I'm always in control, even when I feel like I'm not. I was in control of the way I responded to OTTO and didn't say the things that I was wanting to say.....that took a lot of effort. :) So, it was only the illusion of not being in control that freaked me out.

I find with every work out, I am becoming more confident. People have noticed this change at work, although some are not too happy about it. As Colin Powell says "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off"

My husband and I are running an exchange student camp for 3 weeks this summer. We have 8 German students flying in on Saturday. I won't be able to make the bike ride :( The next 3 weeks are going to be tough fitting in my workouts but I'm gonna do it!

My work out today:
Lat pull downs to back
3 sets of 15 with 70 lbs
1 set of 10 with 80 lbs
Drop set starting with 1 set of 8 with 90 lbs
I think I conked my head with the bar a few times with this one

Seated Row Machine
4 sets of 15 with 60 lbs

Lower back/Ab Circuit

Long day in general for me!

Mental Melt Down

So my day started out pretty good. 16 lbs down. Not bad.

My workout with Otto started out bad.

We were doing Arnold Presses and I was struggling. I couldn't figure out why and felt really defeated by the time I got to the last set. I think that set the mood for the rest of my night. Come to find out, last time I did Arnold Presses, I did it with 8lb weights and tonight, I was using the 15 lbs weights. Duh, right? Still, my mood was off.

I could feel myself getting whinier by the minute which didn't phase OTTO...which is a good thing.

So, Arnold Presses--4 sets of 12 with 15 lbs
Front detloid cable raises 2 sets of 12 with 20 lbs and 1 set of 15 with 20
Lateral raises 30 lbs for 10, 20 for 10, 15 for 12, 15 for 12
Rear deltoid extensions 30 lbs for 10, 15 lbs for 12, 15lbs for 12
active rest in between sets

After this it was a circuit of exercises for 5 minutes. By this time, I was done. Mentally done and physically done. I didn't want to do anymore. Half way into this 5 minutes of hell, I just stopped and said "I'm done". Otto just blankly looked at me and said "what"...I said "I'm done, I don't want to do this anymore" At that moment he stepped in to say something to me about not quitting, I'm not really sure what, however the perceived aggressiveness of him stepping into "my space" set me over the edge. At that particular moment OTTO became "A man" trying to tell me what to do. I won't go into specifics in a public blog about the things that have happened to me in the past, but I can tell you that I have very good reason to feel the way that I do. I pride myself on being in control and vowed to never let a man ( or woman for that matter) dominate me ever again. Inside, I wanted to yell at OTTO, scream at him...snap his head off. I had to bite the inside of my cheek and I started doing the jumping jacks and finished the exercises but I didn't respond to really anything other than that. I laid there on the mat and he gave me my time to relax. I quickly was back into reality, realizing what had just occurred. I felt bad, really awful that I was about ready to snap on OTTO. I was just out of my comfort zone and in a place that I haven't been and vowed I would never be, which was not in control. I briefly told OTTO that I was in a place that I didn't like. He said he knew, that he saw something change in me. He said pushing me was going to bring up old emotions/issues and we'd work through them.

I left the gym, cried all the way home. My poor husband had no idea what was wrong with me. He grabbed my hands to pull me in to hug him. I looked up at him and said "Let go of my hands, don't restrict my movement right now. It's not you, it's me" He gave me my space and I explained everything to him later on.

I emailed OTTO and told him how I was feeling, why I felt this way. His answer was pretty simple, that I was always in control of how I react to situations. He's right. I also apologized for the things I was "thinking" I wanted to do to him and that I appreciated all the time and effort he was putting into me to see me succeed. I also asked for him not to ease up on me (which I'm sure he wouldn't anyway) as I need that pushing as I need to confront the past. When it all boils down to it, the past is the reason why I was comfortable with gaining weight to begin with. As confident as I can appear in my uniform, there is always a crack there. Now I have seen that, I'm gonna work hard on fixing it.

Thanks OTTO for not taking it personally. :)

Show down with my Arch-Nemesis

I got to see my Arch-Nemesis today. We had a stare down for several minutes. I approached, feeling lost without my sidearm, but knowing that I had to confront this beast, even barehanded. I was confident in my abilities to take him down, I've been trained. However, I still had a bit of hesitation, and in my line of work, that will get you killed.

I finally did it and he was as cold and careless as I expected, however, he could not bulk at the CHANGE that happened this week. 4 lbs down....16 total so far.

I laughed at him when I walked away.......

07/03-07/05

OTTO is on a much deserved break from me. I know seeing me everyday has it’s perks, but I’m sure it gets to a person after awhile….ask my husband! :)

On Monday, I wanted to see if I could run. I hate running, never been very good at it. I did download some Army Cadence songs to see if they would help. So..on Monday, I ran a mile straight. This was a great accomplishment for me! The next day, I went 1.5 and the day after 1.7. Since last Monday, I have run 17.26 miles!!!! ( I did walk some of it) So this has been my new cardio that I’ve been enjoying. I’m staying focused!

Tried some clothes on over the weekend….they don’t fit! Bought two new dress, both size 14..haven’t seen that size in about 17 years. I told Drew that and he said “HMMMM, that directly correlates with my birth, right?” YEPPERS!!!

So, I did Cardio all weekend and the awesome pool work with Anna-Marie. I was off on Friday so I hit the water aerobics class. Zach and I got to be super heroes with resistance fins on our ankles while we swam. On Saturday Zach, Kristen, Missy, Todd and his wife El had a good workout in the pool. It was great seeing everyone! Everyone is working hard and noticing CHANGE! KEEP IT UP!!!

Banging my head!

Long day at work, went by too slow for a 3 day weekend. UGH.
Got to the gym and started my warm up.
I’m not really sure what happened but we didn’t write down what I did tonight.
It was some new stuff so I’m not sure of the technical terms.

For some reason, today, I was pretty whiny about everything. OTTO even asked me why I was whining so much. Had a bit of a stressful day at work and at work, I can’t whine. I explained that at times, I just whine. It doesn’t mean that our work out has to be changed in anyway but it feels better if I whine about it. He was good with it and didn’t let me slide. At one point he was torturing me with this stick I had to hold out in front of me and wind a weight up on. I had to control it on the way up and one the way down. On the last one, my forearms were screaming and my writs were done. I thought OTTO was watching the weight so I cheated a bit and let it down with my fingers…DRAT I was caught. I had to do it over again….he wound it back up but I was trying to do it and laughing at the same time and ½ way down, he wound it back up and made me do over for laughing too much. The punishment was well deserved….kinda like banging my head on that tree. Some of them, you just have to take.

Eating more=more energy!

Hammer Strength Chest Press
2 sets of 12 at 45 lbs
1 set of 10 at 50 lbs
1 set of 5 at 55 lbs

Incline flies (to get my boobs back)
2 sets of 15 at 15 lbs
1 set of 12 at 20 lbs
1 set of 10 at 20 lbs
I thought I was going to drop these on my head but OTTO was spotting me thankfully

Peck Deck
50 lbs
30 lbs
30 lbs
15 lbs
Drop set with pushup in between. YIKES

I’ve increased my eating this week.
730- Whole Wheat toast/egg- 140 cal
OJ/vitamins-160 cal
1030- Pudding 100 cal
1330-Spaghetti 220
1530-cheese stick- 60 cal
1630 Low Cal wrap-200
Cantelope-45 cal
2000 Protein Shake- 204

I’m feeling much better by eating more and having more energy for my workouts with OTTO. We’ve stepped my workouts up a bit and of he has changed a few things around. I am feeling really good and noticed an improvement in my moods as well. That’s a good thing all around for everybody!

Army Days

Army Days.......we were going out on the town woooHoo....we are all still good friends.

Feeling Strong

My day started as usual, dragging my butt away from my warm bed to go work out. I rolled over a few times thinking I wouldn't go, but then that little OTTO voice popped in my head telling me to get the heck up and to the gym. So...I did it.

Yesterday, I downloaded some Army cadences on my Ipod to see how they would work for me. AWESOME...reminded me of the good ole days and running in formation. You didn't dare fall behind or the guy behind you would run you over. Worse yet, in boot camp, you'd get yelled at and I didn't like being yelled at. I remember one Drill Sergeant, DS Moats. He was a short guy, probably about 5 foot 5 with his hat on....his favorite thing to do was to ball his fist up, and yell "Gosh Darnet it Private Whoeverwasintrouble" Which it was usually me in trouble. His face would wrinkle up and turn red and he would shake as he was yelling. For this blog, I have sensored the language he used. One day, we were out in the field and he was explaining to us how to read a compass. Another girl was a bit preoccupied with a tree and was picking the bark off of it. All of a sudden you heard him "G.D it Private Jones, you think your an effing woodpecker?" So, he made her stand at the tree with her steel helmet on and bang her head on the tree and repeat "I"m a woodpecker, I'm a woodpecker".....of course I thought it was funny and laughed which resulted in him immediately turning to me "GD it Private Moore, you think that is effing funny?" Which I replied "Yes, Drill Sergeant" so.....I had to stand next to her, banging my head on the tree repeating "I'm a Peckerwood, I'm a peckerwood" OHHHH those were the days. So, the cadence helped with my breathing and it helped me focus.

When I did my afternoon cardio, I decided to take a crack at running. Armed with my cadence songs, I ran a mile straight. Pretty good for me, normally I want to stop and walk fast or something, but I didn't until after the mile. I walked it fast until it was almost 2 miles and decided I need to hit on the bag. That was good, got my heart rate up.

The evening turned out to be pretty eventful with OTTO, the hairless wonder.
He asked me what we did yesterday, my reply was "I dunno, I just did what you told me to do"....it was shoulders...I gotta start learning this.
Tonight, we worked on the back....I did
Lat pull downs---- 4 sets of 70 lbs X 15
Seated Cable rows---4 sets of 50 lbs X10 with 10 full body extensions
Active rest between each set...running to keep the heart rate up and then exploding the last 10 seconds...
Lower back Ab Circuit---this was a million Ab exercises. When OTTO starts telling me, first, you are gonna do this, and then that and then this and then that and then after that this and then this and then that...you get the point.....I want to barf. I get a bit of sensory overload during this and he has to just push me towards were he wants me to go. He became the drill sergeant tonight and was yelling at me (which is what I need) to push me. After I was done, I looked around and there were a few people watching me...I didn't notice while I was doing it. OTTO does this relaxation thing for me after our workout that helps me catch my breath. Basically I lay on the floor and he counts back to 10 while throwing in positive affirmations and then leaves me to relax for a minute or two. I just lay there...today..when he walked out..I heard the girls in the room ask "Is she ok?" followed by "There is no way I could have done what she just did"...that made me feel good. He comes back, counts back to 1 and then I'm good to go.....which it's always followed by a high 5. :)

I added a bit more to my diet, I think it's helped my energy level and ability to focus more in the evenings.
I've very thankful that my husband makes breakfast for me in the mornings as I'm scrambling to get ready for work. He's been making my lunch lately too. I'm soooo lucky.
Today I had
730-1/2 bowl of Oatmeal-80
OJ with vitamins-160
930- Watermelon-70
1130-cheese stick-60 cal
1230-2 oz of whole wheat spaghetti with a bit of sause-250 cal
1430-Peach-70 cal
1630- Low cal wrap with 2 oz of roast beef, small amount of cheese, spinach, chickpea salad and 1 tablespoon of homemade guacamole. (this was soooo good) 200 cal
Pickle 5 cal
2030- Protein Drink with vanilla Almond Milk-204
Total-1099

So it's off to bed I go. Oh and YEAH Anna-Marie is going to have another class for us. I am uber excited!!! Saw Missy today...she is looking good and getting those Zumba moves down!

Focus

I felt focused today.......My day started with 45 min on the elliptical at Dynabody....then lunch time cardio of 45 min on the elliptical again......then it was working out with OTTO.....
He changed things up a bit tonight

Behind the Back Press SM Bar/20, 20 lbs X 12 /5 sets....Active rest (running in place) between sets
Cable Shrugs
55/15,55/15,50/15, 45/15 X2 Active Rest again
Lateral raises
35/15,30/15,15/12. 15/15
Dumbbell bent deltoid raises
5 sets of 12 at 12 lbs...active rest in between

Then some yuck ab work.

Eating for the day----
730-Whole wheat toast- 40 cal
Egg-100 cal
Oj with Vitamins 160 cal
1030- watermelon-70 cal
1300-1/2 of the wrap I made (low cal wrap, roast beef, spinach, chickpea sald, mustard)-92 cal
1500- strawberries/grapes 30 cals
1630-other 1/2 of my wrap-92 cal
2000-protein shake with almond milk-204
2100-Kozy Shake Simply well pear pudding-100 cal= 798 cals

The nutritionist said we needed to be hitting the target calories of 1000-1200. I'm doing what I can to eat what I have. I did switch things around and eat more at 1630, which I think helped me focus more in my workout with OTTO and made me have more energy. I'll have to add something in somewhere.

Off to bed!

I have an Arch - Nemesis

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The last few days

The last few days have been cardio days. Otto wants my leg to heal 100% because we are going to start boxing next week. I'm really happy about this as I love boxing. I think it's more of the hitting things that is the attraction. My leg is feeling much better and I think I'll be good to go.

Saturday was great as we started out with our water class. Otto told me he was going to shave his head and well......he did. I have to admit, I liked it! As predicted, I was stuck with the 5 lbs weights for the entire class. At one point, I think he thought about letting me have the lighter ones, but I said I was good. I really like this class with Ann-Maire. I wish we could do it all the time. I suggested to Otto that we should do this more as it will help his foot too.....not sure if he will consent....maybe later..........

We (all five of us) got to have a bit of a break before we went to the step class. I ate my lunch and was worried that I would barf all over....but the class turned out to be great. I kept my heart rate up and got into the music. So...I can do a step class....I did have some issues with my whole right and left and did look a bit like a dork when I messed it up, but hey..I was with my friends so all is good.

We then had an interview with the Chronicle and a picture with our trainers. Kudos have to go to our trainers. They are so committed to each of us and there is no way we could have done this without their constant support and encouragement.

I think the 5 of us are coming together more like a team then as competitors. I really like it that way. I was so proud of each of us because we have all hit some sort of goal and see the good things that are happening in our lives!

I enjoyed my cardio this week....I did two rounds of it today. woo hoo....If anyone saw me today or yesterday, you might think I found my boobs, but I didn't...I borrowed them from Victiora's Secret......I will still have to put out an alert bulletin for mine.

If you do see me at the gym....tell me hello...the support is great!

I lost something.......

woke up at 0445 to go to the gym. I rolled out of bed at 0510...ugh. I'm late. I thought about not going, but then I realized that I'm just cheating myself.

Pulled on my workout clothes, brushed my teeth and out the door I went. I got to Dynabody to see myself in the mirror and realized that somewhere, I have lost my boobs. This is sad for me as I didn't have a lot to begin with. I asked Kelly is she could check the lost and found and if she found them on the floor somewhere, if she could kindly return them. Now, if anyone finds some of my butt...you can keep it...but I want my boobs back.

Did 30 min on the elliptical and then I had to rush home. I had a huge presentation that I have to give every 6 weeks in front of about 50 people, so I couldn't be late to work.....Presentation went well...and then off to the gun range.
Had a great time there......shot perfect scores in everything.

So, tonight I get to see everyone and we talk to a nutritionist again. Woo Hoo.

Who knew a little muscle could hurt so bad

So I'm not really sure what I did, but I pulled a little muscle on the inside of my leg that hurts like you know what. Because of this, Otto wants me to just do cardio, no lifting with my legs right now.
Secretly, I'm kinda happy because I do enjoy walking. After the last time I did my legs, I couldn't walk for a few days and almost got stuck on the toilet because I couldn't up. I carried my cell phone into the bathroom in case I needed to call 911 (ok...so..no..I wouldn't call 911 but I would call my husband, who would never let me live it down) However, I did grit through that pain.........

So it's an "all cardio" day. I woke up at 0445...went to Dynabody and grabbed an elliptical to sweat all over. I think I may need a drop cloth. I got lost in my IPOD bank of songs, currently my power song is "Crazy" which fits quite right because I got up at 0445 in the morning. After about 45 min of cardio.....I left to get ready for work.....

Afternoon cardio....treadmill....was doing quite well with that for about 30 minutes but was growing bored. There were other people in the gym (at work) lifting weights and such, but it just didn't feel like home (Dynabody). I grabbed the heavy bag and started hitting on it. OH yeah, Otto doesn't know I was doing this....I'm sure he will after he reads my blog...but I really needed to do some hitting and I didn't have my wraps...so...I did some open hand stuff....kinda got lost in the moment of hitting and afterwards realized I had my watch on when I did a backhand....that didn't feel good....took the watch off and did it some more (that felt good) and then I did a roundhouse kick with the leg that has the little muscle that I was supposed to be resting....UGH...pain.....So, that stopped my workout for the afternoon.

Evening work out..husband and I went to him gym. Again, it's not "HOME" so I didn't really enjoy it all that much...and was very un-motivated. I did however go and sit in the hot tub which really helped my little muscle in my leg.

Went home to work on my college work to find that one of the college I teach for added me to a class that started the day before and I had to set it all up last night. The students were upset about not having an instructor so I had to quell all that mess. Soooo tired......

Went to bed late and gotta get up early.
Good news is that we get to swim again on Saturday. I really like that class. Otto is gonna go too, which is a good thing ( I hope he lets me stick with the 5 lbs weights) Thanks Anna-Marie!

Passed the Godiva Shop

I had to take my youngest son to Tampa today for a medical test. He is doing fine, and now we know what is going on with his stomach, so he'll be doing even better.

Afterwards we went to the mall......I was able to pass the godiva shop and not stop in. My husband assisted with unsticking me from the storefront window where I was drooling over the chocolate covered fruit.....and drug me along. I was hungry...it was still fruit! But I did it.

I went into GAP to get some new pants.....I tried on a size that was 2 sizes smaller than usual....it didn't fit...it was too BIG!!! The size smaller was still a bit too tight, so I elected not to get anything until I lose some more weight, but I was sooo excited. Normally, I couldn't even get my thigh in a 14, I was able to put them on and zip them up. Yes, they were too tight, but I'm closer to a 14 than I have been in lets say...........10 years!

I wasn't able to get my morning or afternoon cardio in, I found that I was missing it. It was a wonderful feeling...but my muscle is still hurting..work out tonight was supposed to be legs, but Otto opted to just do the cardio and he wanted me to "listen to my body" and not over do things. I'm glad he's so smart about this. He really has my best interest in mind.
Everyday I remind myself to follow him......I am working on it.....I know he feels the resistance at times, but he just remains persistent...it's getting easier for me.

Sunshine Monday

Monday...what a wonderful day.....Carido in the morning, Cardio in the afternoon and work out in the evening. Best news is that I've lost 10.5 lbs so far! Woo Hoo

I changed up my diet a bit so I could have some variety....today this was my eating

1 piece of light wheat toast-40 cal
1 egg-100 cal
Juice with vitamins-160 cal

1030- Peach 61 cal

1300- small wheat pita with 2 oz of chicken, 2 tablespoons of chickpea salad, spinach and carrots- 192 cal
1600--1/2 cup cottage cheese 120 cal
1700-grapes with strawberries-36 cal
2000-Protein shake with almond milk- 204
Total-913 cal

It was a nice change of pace!

Today's workout:
Hammer strength Chest Press 40 lbs/12, 45 lbs/12, 50 lbs/10
High Back Rows 90 lbs/12, 90 lbs/12,
Incline Flys 10 lbs/15, 12 lbs/15, 15 lbs/15, 20 lbs/10
Cable Rows with Full extensions 50 lbs /10 X 4
Push ups 4 sets of 8
1 arm rows 15 lbs/10 X 4
After that we did some Ab work

Somewhere in there, I strained a muscle that I didn't realized existed prior to today....it's on the inside of my legs.....OUCH is how I feel.

Arnold Presses should be left for Arnold

OMG.....do I hate Arnold Presses......well...I guess not really hate..I just want to whine a lot when I have to do them. By this time, Otto is used to my "eye rolling" and I did it and didn't realize I was doing it. I'll have to work on that. Eye rolling = more work so........it benefits me to not do it!

Today's work out
Arnold Presses 8 lbs superset with
Dumbbell shrugs 40 lbs 5 sets of 15

Cardio after that.

40 lbs was a lot and I was like WT heck....I'm sure I'll be feeling that in the morning.......

Swim like a fish

Water aerobics was fun. Otto was there.....made me keep the 5 lbs weights which felt like 50 lbs towards the end of class. I really like doing this class, it goes by fast. I'm sure some of that had to do with Otto as he kept me laughing and pushing me. After this...it was off to do some more cardio. I enjoyed seeing Kristen, Zach and Missy...Todd..we miss you!

20 min on the bike going superfast for me.

Tonight was date night for my husband and I. I had in my mind the dress I was going to try on. I hadn't worn it in awhile because it was too small. I tried it on, IT WAS TOO BIG! That was a great feeling, but at the same time...I wanted to wear that dress......that started me into trying a few other things on...which didn't fit before and are now too big. I settled on a pair of jean capris that I haven't worn in two years because they were too small. I put them on and they fit! HOLY CRAP was I excited. We went to the movies, I managed to stay away from the popcorn and drank water.
For dinner......we were meeting some friends at a restaurant called Neon Leon's Zydeco Steakhouse. We had never been there and I didn't know what to expect from the menu. We had some time to kill and I was getting hungry, so I stopped and got some fruit from the store and at that so I wouldn't be sooo hungry. I wanted a steak, but went for the blackened fish instead with shrimp. Good choice. I loved it!!!! I also go the roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli. I only ate half of my meal, as I ate until I was comfortable and that was it. They did have this really nice looking blackberry cobbler but I didn't get it. :) I would definitely go back here for dinner.

Great day!

Wind sprints suck

Today is leg day.
Last time it was leg day...I really couldn't walk for a few days. It was hell and I wasn't looking forward to it.
Being that I've been walking/running and been working my legs, Otto decided to make me do wind sprints and work my calves.

The wind sprints sucked. Very necessary, but none the less...I was worried I was going to twist my ankle, or pull something but I didn't. I was also worried about snakes. I hate snakes..scared of them and would really run fast if there was one behind me. So running out back wasn't the greatest thing in the world. :)

Calf raises were good at first but then started to get to me towards the end.....

Tomorrow is water aerobics class. Otto said he as gonna go with me, so that was cool. I'm excited to see everyone else too!

Afer my cardio day yesterday, my hips were feeling the burn......it was an old familiar feeling that took me back to when I was a little kid.

I was born crippled. My legs were actually turned in and for the most part, my toes pointed backwards and the ball of my leg did not fit properly into the hip socket. When I was diagnosed with this shortly after I was born, I had casts on both of my legs. Every six weeks, they would turn my legs to the correct way they were supposed to be and cast them. This went on for about a year. My Dad told me that wherever we went, people would always ask how the baby broke both of her legs. Growing weary of the questions, my Dad would reply "In a snow skiing accident". Longer story story short, I had the "Forrest Gump braces" on my legs and corrective shoes...I remember the pain of walking and my hips popping out...the cold weather making me ache. Good news is that I haven't had problems in years. The Dr confirmed that I don't have arthritis in my hip area at all. Besides my wide feet (the casts did that) I really don't have any problems....except when I over work things. But...I press on......I'm not letting this hold me back.....

Today Otto and I did:
Seated box Dips 5 sets of 10 (my body weight)
E-Z curls barbell 5 sets of 10 (30 lbs)
Cable Press downs 5 sets of 10 (25 lbs)
Preacher curls 5 sets of 10 (15 ls)
Wrist Curls -super set 5 lbs 5 sets of 10
Wrist Extension-super set 3 lbs 5 sets of 10
(Active rest between all of this)

Ab work-my worst area, but getting better

Feeling good :)

Cardio Day

Today was a cardio day...my morning cardio seemed a bit lacking. No real motivation to get myself in gear.....lunch cardio was even worse. Not really sure......this evening I went to Dynabody to do my last cardio.

I heard Otto's words echoing in my head "Show me you want this".....so my evening cardio turned into 70 minutes on the treadmill......4 miles, which was more than I thought I would do. So...I'm setting goals and surprising myself!

I felt really wonderful when I left the gym yesterday.

WooHoo!

Feeling bad never felt so good

Just about everywhere aches, but it's good. I'm happy about it. It makes me feel alive and in control. Not that I'm a control freak...uh..ok...yes I am. It's hard for me to let go and listen to Otto at times. I'm not used to a man telling me what to do. I don't mean that in a bad way....I've been through a lot that has made me the person I am today. I work with men all day, for the most part, I call the shots, but then of course I have bosses that like to tell me what to do, as they should. I divorced when my sons were 10 months old and 2 1/2 years old ...they are now 16 and 17. I just remarried in January, so again, I have been in control all that time of my family and everything that I did. So...there is some trust there that I give to Otto. Trust to let my guard down and let him lead me, instead of me being the leader. I think he understand this as he's been hard on me but not overbearing. I appreciate that he sees that and responds to it. The amazing part is that I look in the mirror and I like what I see. I can see the differences in my body and the CHANGE that is happening. All because I let go and let myself trust someone else, and listen, even when I didn't want to.

I started my day with my husband and I hitting the gym at 5 am. I love going with him, it makes him feel better for the rest of the day. He's 9 years older than me, so he's gotta stay in shape to keep up with me. lol I did 30 min of cardio in the morning.

At lunch, I took the opportunity to workout at the gym at work. 40 min on the recumbent bike, I went 16 miles! If you would have asked me to bike 16 miles, I would laugh at you...it was a good challenge for me, I really set the goal at 14 miles, but I had some time left over so I went for it.

Met Otto at 1830 tonight
I did a 20 min warm up on the bike
Tonight we worked the chest with those wonderful active rests...running in place and crunches...
Chest Press- 35 lbs X 12
35 lbs X15
40 lbs X 12
45 lbs X 10
Decline Press- 45 lbs X 15
45 lbs X 15
55 lbs X 15

Incline Fly
8 lbs X 15 ( I think we did these a million times)
With Wall pushes (which was better than me flopping on the floor trying to do a push up) and running and Abs in between sets)

Then we were done. I pulled the inside of my leg or something. Tomorrow will be just a cardio day...then a weight day on Thursday, arms I think. Friday is Legs...which I am just now able to walk.
Eating for the day
0730 Oatmeal 160
OJ/Vitam 160
1030 Nectarine 70
1230 Chicken breast 100
Cheese 100
1630- raw spinach 10
cheese 100
cucumbers- 8
1 1/2 oz of chicken breast-35
2000 Protein shake with almond milk-204
2 egg white omelet 94 cals

Ok..off to bed....

No MORE REST

Today was a bit hectic at work. Seemed it was meeting after meeting. My last meeting was called together by me and I had some tough things to go over. I did it, confidently, and it was the car ride home to change and meet Otto at the gym.

We started with a warm up. My legs, well....they were feeling pretty bad. We worked them hard on Friday and I was having a hard time walking around. I don't think I've ever hurt so bad...anyway...Otto let me whine for about 3.2 seconds and then it was on to the recumbent bike for 10 minutes. After that it was off to stretch and then to our weights. I bought some lifting gloves, they certainly helped with my grip. I was hoping they were magic gloves and helped me actually LIFT the weight, but it was a no go.

Here was our workout today:
Lat Pull downs front 3 sets if 70lbs X15, 80 Lbs X 15....with an active rest, which sounds pretty cool, but basically I am running in place and the last 10 seconds I have to run really fast to there is not "rest" in it for me.
Drop set-110 lbs, 90 lbs, 70 lbs
Seated Cable Rows- 4 sets of 50 lbs X 10 and then 10 full body extensions in between sets and back to the "active rest"

Lastly, we finished up with a Lower back Ab circuit which I hated. I had a bit of sensory overload and basically had to be pushed in the direction I needed to go because I was just about at my wall. But, I did it.

At the end, Otto asked if I had any papers to grade tonight, which I don't, so he said good.....give me 20 min of cardio. Maybe next time I'll say "yes" hahahah

Saw Melissa doing Zumba....she was doing GREAT!!!!!

Eating today was a bit jacked up as I forgot all the food I prepared on Sunday. I ran to Publix and bought some spinach,oiled eggs, a chicken breast and some fruit. My meetings through me a bit off, but this was my day

730--OJ with Vitamins-160
Oatmeal-160
1230- 1 Egg-70
Chicken Breast-100 cal
1630- Cheese-100 cal
2030-protein Drink with Almond Milk-204
Strawberries/grapes/raspberries-30 cals

So it's off to bed I go so I can get up at 5 for more Cardio.

Last week Catch up

The week has been a bit labor intensive for me. Forgive me for not blogging everyday, but I’ve honestly been so beat by the time I get home and get my other work done, that I just about fall asleep on the computer. I have several online classes that were wrapping up last week, which meant grading of final papers and final exams. Which leads me to my next point…..time for me.

The day of my interview, and I think I blogged this before, Andrew told me the importance of carving time out for me. I’m starting to see that now, starting to see that I can’t save the entire world. That’s always been my problem…”how can I help?” which leads to me being overwhelmed. But it’s time that I became selfish with my time, and do things, for me! Right now, I am going to focus on myself.

Yesterday, Otto and I had a good workout. At one point, I just couldn’t go on anymore. I was having problems breathing and started to hyperventilate. Of course at first he was just yelling at me to keep going (this is what I need, he’s not yelling to be mean) but when he realized what was happening, he let me catch my breath. We still finished the workout we were doing, but I think it was the first time I was ready to just say “I’m done”. Afterwards, I was pretty annoyed with myself. Otto told me it was a good push and I didn’t stop…and I reminded him of the whole “can’t breath” thing. He reminded me that I didn’t stop, I only paused….I needed to focus on what was positive on the workout and not so much on the other stuff. I’m just so used to do things right the first time…its frustrating….I started cleaning the mats that I sweated all over..wondering..when will I be good at this? At what point does this get easier, which leads me back to Andrew….”When you go to the gym, you should push yourself harder each time” so I realized that no matter how “fit” I am, I need to always push myself harder……

Oh the things I am learning...........

On another positive note, I have enjoyed seeing the other participants at the gym. We are all working so hard and you can tell. I love the fact that we are growing together as a team.

Too tired to post

Ok....Otto kicked my butt tonight. I was operating on little sleep..got work up 3 times in the middle of the night for stuff at work. Set since I'm the commander, I have to know what is going on so I get these calls quite frequently. Slept through my 5 am alarm. Thought Otto was going to be mad that I didn't get my morning cardio in, but instead he praised me for listening to my body. If only my boss had the same understanding.
Anyway, I'm off to bed with only 1/2 of my college work I need done but I need to sleep.
Love to all

Do I have to get up?

Otto is changing my workouts to the evenings for awhile. However he still wants me to do cardio. 5 am came and boy did I want to roll over and not get up. I did lay there and then I heard “All you are doing is cheating yourself”…oh the voice was right. Got out of bed and off the gym I went. My husband wanted to go, so we went to his gym.

10 min warm up on the bike
30 min on elliptical
10 min cool down

I think I am starting to like this going to the gym thing….

07/08
5 am came too early this morning. I didn’t sleep well. My son texted me at midnight to tell me he would be home soon. I’m glad he did, but at the same time I was snoozing pretty hard.

I have sleep apnea so I have to wear the “darth vader” mask at night. It wasn’t cooperating too well and I tossed and turned a lot.

Anyway, drug myself out of bed and threw my gym clothes on and off I went. I forgot my IPod and my other stuff, but I survived.

I did my second week weigh in…I’m down 6 lbs! Yeah!!!!! I was pretty happy about that. My clothes do feel looser and I went down a size when I went to buy some gym clothes. I’m feeling pretty good right now!

Today, I did 10 minutes on the elliptical machine and then Otto and I hit the weights: Here was our morning work out:

Arnold Presses 89 lbs 5 sets of 10
In between sets I did the horizontal knees to chest for the abs- 60 of them (they suck!)

Giant Set
Front Dumbbell Deltoid raises
Lateral Dumbbell Deltoid Raises
Rear Dumbbell Deltoid Raises

5 sets of 10 on these with 8 lbs. Who know how heavy 8 little pounds could be!
After each set, I did incline abs on the #1 setting 30 reps of these babies (I think it was easier having a baby)

Lastly,
Upright Rows- 20lbs 5 sets of 10
In between sets..crunches—120 of them

Oh and I had to jog in place a lot too. I was stinking on the form on the read dumbbell raises. I was complaining about it to myself out loud…Otto said “what?” and I knew to shut up. I had a military flashback that if I complain, I have to do more…so I kept my mouth shut! J

I wanted to hurl on my way home, but I kept it down. Got cleaned up for work and off I went with my breakfast. I felt fine by the time I got work, other than my arms felt like rubber bands.

I was able to squeeze cardio in at work today too…so I did
10 min on the star stepper
30 min on treadmill with my heart rate at 160 or above
15 min cool down to get my heart rate back down

After work, it was 40 minutes on the Bike with Otto at my side cheering me on and pushing me…I biked about 13 miles. I was surprised!! Long cool down and then off to get home to grade more paper and deal with home stuff.



Eating
0730- Oatmeal-80 ( only ate ½ of it today)
8 oz OJ-100 cal

1030- 154 grams of Watermelon- 46 cal

1330- I made a salad with
1/3 cup raw spinach- 2 cal
¼ cup sliced carrots-13 cal
1/3 cup broccoli
28 grms of Cheese -100 cal
Balsamic vinegar-10

2000 – Protein shake with Almond Milk-204 cal
Cheese stick-100 cal
Hard boiled Egg-70 cal


I felt overall pretty good today. The work out was great although my hamstring was tight when I got off the bike. I’m sure I’ll be ok. I’m starting to like the new eating and starting to try new things. I hate vegetables. Most of them anyway, always have. When my parents would make me sit at the table until I ate my veggies, I’d fall asleep because I wouldn’t eat them…yes I am a stubborn one!

3 days of CHANGE

06/05

My day started at 0500, on my way to the gym. I got there about 520 and started some cardio on the bike. I did that for about 20 min of that and then Otto and I started my workout. I’d love to tell you exactly what we did, but I can’t seem to read my own handwriting. We worked my chest and pecs really hard and did super sets. I was writing as I was doing the exercises and well……I can’t read it, my hands were shaking too much.

Went to work and the boss is still stressing me. We will have to work on this.

Here’s what I ate today:

0730- Oatmeal-160
Orange Juice-100
Source of life liquid vitamins in OJ- 50 cal

1030- 3 oz Broccoli Slaw-25 cal
2 oz Cajun Turkey Breast-45 cal

1330- Sweet Potato-54 cal
4 oz Chicken Breast Roasted-141

1930 1.5 oz of Salmon-88 cal
½ cup couscous -88 cal

Went to the gym and did cycling for 20 min, and then the elliptical for another 20.


06/06
I woke up Sat morning with the thought that a truck ran me over. Everything from my waist up ached. I had to meet Otto a 9 and I really was dreading it.
Today, I did a 15 min warm up and then….Otto made me turn it on…20 min on the bike, lots of hills and I had to go faster and keep my heart rate up over 156. When I got off, I was pooped! That wasn’t the end, only the beginning….
It started out with:
Seated Dips 3 sets of 10.
Ez Curl Barbell 3 sets of 20 lbs (if I didn’t do them right, I had to do more)
Zack was there working out...he saw me struggling and gave me some encouragement. Thanks Zach! I needed it and it helped!
These two exercises, were a super set which is one set of the Dips and then One of the Barbell…..no rest :(
Next, it was Cable Press Downs, 3 sets of 10 with 25 lbs
Preacher Curls 3 sets of 10 at 15 lbs
Super Set on these
Wrist curls 3 sets of 10 5 lbs
Writs extensions 3/10 3 lbs

Last was an abdominal circuit
50 sets of HELL
I must say when I went home, I really needed to eat since I hadn’t eaten anything before the gym. I needed some orange juice and my oatmeal. I got home and with 4 teens in the house…NO ORANGE JUICE. All I could do was call my husband and ask him to pick me up some and go lay down. He finally arrived and I felt like crap. He gave me the juice and I felt better after a bit. Lesson learned for me!

1200- Oatmeal-160
Orange Juice-100
Source of life liquid vitamins in OJ- 50 cal

1530- small nectarine 90 cal


1830- 1 cup raw spinach- 7 cal
28 grams of imitation crab meat-100 cal
1 cup sliced carrots- 11 cal


2000 Protein shake with Almond Milk- 204

My husband and I went to the movies Sat night. It was a horrid test for me as I can’t ever go to the movies with out eating Snow Caps and popcorn. I managed to get past the snack counter and was waiting to go in….and…Otto walked in. I cannot even begin to think what would have went down if I was standing there with a tub of popcorn. I was really proud of myself and enjoyed the movie, even without the snacks. We saw UP, great movie. I enjoyed it!

06/07

Woke up and got some work done, graded some papers ( I teach college part time)
Hit the gym at 1
Did cardio…10 min warm up then 30 minutes on the Elliptical..keep my heart rate over 170 the entire time. I was pretty proud of myself on that one. 15 min cool down….
I got to meet up with the other CHANGE girls. I enjoyed talking to you two and Zach! We can do this together!!!!
Eating today:

0900- Oatmeal-160
Orange Juice-100
Source of life liquid vitamins in OJ- 50 cal

1230- small nectarine 90 cal


1530- Salad made with
1 cup raw spinach- 7 cal
2 oz of Cajun Turkey Breast- 60
1 hard boiled Egg-70 cal
2 tablespoons of Chinese Vinegar- 40 cal

1900- 4 oz Chicken breast-124 cal
½ cup Cousous-88 cal
¼ teaspoon Lagama (Chinese hot spice) -23 cal
1 table spoon of Chinese Vinegar- 20 cal

We hosted an exchange student this year from China. He started me eating Lagama, which I will eat pretty much on everything. I didn’t realize how high in calorie it was for as much as I was eating it. I’m seriously cutting down on it. One thing I’m afraid of doing is changing my eating so much that when this is over, I’ll go back to what I would eat before. That’s how I always wound up failing. I am certainly enjoying the new foods I am eating, although I have to say I didn’t really think that I would. I haven’t been hungry or starving.

I do have to admit that my son had an Oreo and I was tempted to take him out with a leg sweep and steal the cookie.

I thought for as hard as I worked with Otto yesterday that I might have a hard time moving around. Not so! No doubt I am sore, but I really feel good today!

Ok..I’m off to do some work in my classes online and then to bed. Otto and I are meeting at 0530 again. Woo Hoo!!!

So far on my journey

I saw the article online in the Chronicle about the CHANGE program and I realized that it was something I needed. I needed to make a CHANGE in my life so that I could live. I'm a cop, I experience lots of stress 24/7, I've been eating bad for many years. Partly out of my love affair with food, and partly out of convenience. I knew that I needed to stop and do something about it a long time ago, but I lacked the knowledge and the support and drive to do so. In my interview, I remember Andrew telling me that I needed to carve out time for myself. Hard to do with 4 teenagers, full time job and part-time job teaching college, but I knew he was right!

When I was picked last Friday to be a part of this awesome program, I new part of my life opened up. I not only felt the support of my family but of all those people sitting in the room and my community. I'm excited and a bit scared of the next 12 weeks, but I'm going to do this for me! I'm going to CHANGE into a healthy human being!

It started with Otto, my personal trainer. I hope to one day have 1/2 the energy and positive aura he possess. He met me at the store and showed me that I needed to be eating more vegtables and taught me to figure out their choleric value. If you don't know, it's really easy to find on the Internet, just do a google search for what you are wanting to eat and you can find the calories! I also found a really cool application that I have on my Ipod Touch that I can input the foods that I am eating during the day. Otto explained that I needed to drink lots of water, and stop with the coffee (goodbye Starbucks, I'm sorry I have to end it this way with no notice. I think you will be able to move on) and soda. We broke down times for me to eat so that I'll be eating smaller but more meals throughout the day. He sent me home with my bag of groceries and a heart monitor to use while we work out. (You can buy one at Wal-Mart in the sporting aisle.) It looks like a watch and comes with a band. You wear the band under your clothes around your chest...this is really neat and I'm actually wearing it right now at work. ( I am trying to identify my stresses, which I'll talk about later) I had a food scale at home, so I went to work portioning my meals and figuring out the calories
So, the following is my first three days of meals:
Monday
0730-Oatmeal-160 Cal
8 oz Apple Juice- 120 cal
1030 1 medium nectarine-70 cal
1330 4 oz of sliced turkey meat-120 cal
28 grams Swiss Cheese-100 cal
Small sweet potato (no butter, just plain) 82 cal
1630 28 grams of Swiss Cheese-100 cal
752-total

Tuesday
0730 Oatmeal-160 cal
8 Oz Orange Juice-100 cal
1030 small apple-55 cal
1330 4 oz sliced turkey meat- 120 cal
28 grams Swiss Cheese-100 cal
small (but bigger than yesterdays) sweet potato-111 cal
1630 88 grams Broccoli-30 cal
52 grams of cucumbers (8 cal) with 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (5 cal)- 13 cal
689-total

Wednesday--went of schedule today due to something happening at work
0730 Oatmeal- 160 cal
8 oz of orange juice-100 cal
1030 small nectarine 70 cal
1300 28 grams swiss cheese-100
52 grams of cucumbers (8 cal) with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar (5 cals)- 13 cal
1600- 100 grams of watermelon- 60 calories
1900 4 oz piece of Salmon cooked with no calorie spray and fresh dill in oven-206 cal
1/2 cup of cooked couscous-88 grams

797 total

Yesterday was all goofed up and I need to plan for when I have to run out of the office around the times I eat. My husband thought it was doing a good thing for me when he made me the Salmon. He cooked it in margarine, in a frying pan. I was strong and told him I couldn't eat it because it's basically fried. My son pipped up "She has to stick to the plan". Good support! I put the salmon in a little foil boat with dill and non stick no calorie spray. In the oven for 20 minutes and it was done and it was good! I cut up some 4 oz pieces of chicken and popped them in the oven too so that I have food to eat for the week. It was very simple and I found myself excited about eating it with a nice salad piled high with vegetable goodness.

Workouts-
As I type this, my arms ache, but with a good soreness. One I haven't felt in awhile. Otto and I have been meeting at the gym at 0530---yes...that is early, but I'm there!
I didn't keep good track of what we did the first few days, but will from here on out.
I am basically doing cardio twice a day, keeping my heart rate in the 65%-70% range (which is calculated on my heart monitor) Otto started me on strength training, we've worked upper body and today, legs. The following is my workout from this morning

10 min-Elliptical machine
10 min- Recumbent Bike
Leg slides-60 lbs
80 lbs
90 lbs
10 repetitions on each weight followed by 5 reps isometrical (these were killers)
Leg curls- 50 lbs 3 sets of 10 reps
Leg extensions- 60 lbs 3 set of 10 reps
Calves- 1 set of 10 toes forward
1 set of 10 toes inward
1 set of 10 toes outward
Abs-leg raises 3 X 10 reps

Oh..and I never thought I'd have a problem remembering how to breath. I'm breathing in when I should be breaking out and vica versa...I'll catch on soon!
The abs are a weak point for me and Otto has been working me hard here, but also being safe about it so that I don't hurt myself. However, that doesn't mean that he doesn't push me. Today, in the last of my second set on the leg raises, I was giving out. My legs were quivering...the last set, Otto basically said to me..."This set has to be perfect. You can do it,but if it's not perfect, then you have to do it over. It's only 10, but if it not prefect of your give out, you have to do it over. Focus". Ok..so...the military bearing in me kicked in and I did it. The last one, he made me hold for 5 seconds and lift my head off the mat, but you know what..I DID IT! When he said time, instead of flopping my feet down, I slowly put them down. I opened my eyes to a high five and a "You did it and good control on the way down". That was enough to make the rest of my day!
I ran home, showered, changed, grabbed my pre packaged lunch and off I went to work.
I'll be doing cardio at work today...and something this evening...
Oh..and I'm wearing my heart monitor at work to see if I can identify my stresses...so far...it's my boss! hahahahaha
If you see me at the gym....tell me hello!!!!!! I need your help !
Cinda