Uphill Battle

Welcome back!

My break in posts has not meant a break in exercise! I've been religiously keeping up - how can I not with two great gym shirts that I received from great friends for Christmas (shout outs to Katie and Heather for my "Damn it feels good to be a hamsta" and "Birdemic" t-shirts, respectively). 

I have also been doing more A.W.W.O's than normal which is very invigorating. I weighed myself and I am at 249.8


So, for Christmas I received some "Eat This Not That" books for Christmas (shout out to Beba!) and in the back it suggests that walking at a 15% incline at 3mph is actually better for you than running on a treadmill for lower impact. For the past two days I have tried it. Let me tell you abut the experience.


First of all, I don't know if you know what it is like to be walking on a 15% incline. Long story short: it's bonkers. You keep rising and rising on the treadmill until you're eye level with Andre the Giant and you're suddenly craving peanuts (shout out to the Princess Bride).


Second of all, walking consistently up that incline is also bonkers. More than bonkers. So much so that it was reminiscent of my first-ever cross country summer team practice. Katie and I started running and I turn to her and say, "What are we? Climbing an f***ing mountain?" I am reminded of this exact moment on because on the treadmill  I feels like I am climbing a f***ing mountain. I should have a sherpa with me, an oxygen tank, some crampons, and a camera man following me with David Attenborough narrating in his wise, british voice:


Few people have ever attempted this feat before. Most who try, fail miserably and end up sliding off the treadmill and wind up slumped at the bottom in a sad little lump, crying while LMFAO blares in their ears. Why this particular climber would have tried to run-dance while climbing this f***ing mountain is beyond me. What a twat.


Until Tomorrow,

J

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Sadie, Mom, and I went for the same walk we went on yesterday, except this time we got covered in snow! I am so glad we had a white Christmas! Hopefully when I go back to NH tomorrow, there will be more of the same.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas - I can't believe that this time next week will be New Years Eve!


Until Tomorrow,

J

Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

Today, my mom, Sadie, and I went on a walk in the snow! It was sunny and gorgeous and COLD.


Now to get ready for the festivities! In my house, we actually open our presents on Christmas eve after we go on a tour of Christmas lights in our town. On Christmas day we have a big breakfast, and then go see a movie. I love family traditions.




Until Tomorrow,

J

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

Today, I woke up to the beauty of VT covered in a light blanket of snow. I absolutely love Vermont in the winter. 


Sadie and I took a long walk in the snow because we both love it: Sadie for the flouncing, and me for images like this:
















(this is not Sadie. It's a less attractive cousin).


I am so glad that we have  snow here and I hope it stays through Christmas :)


Off to eat some lunch, get ready for the day, then decorate the tree and make gingerbread men (and women)


Until Tomorrow,

J

The Run-Dance

Weight: 249.1 (BOOM! Back in the 40's! Also, this is a different scale than I've been using, so it could be a few pounds off ... but I don't care! CELEBRATIONS ABOUND!)


Today, I would like to talk about my favorite part of running - the spontaneous run-dance.

If you have not experienced this phenomenon, you're missing out. For me, it usually happens when an LMFAO song comes up on my playlist. Instead of running like a normal person, I end up dancing with a forward trajectory - again possibly looking like I am having a seizure.

Similar to this, but more break dancing moves:

I love the run-dance. First of all, I end up working out harder than when I was just running. All of a sudden I'm busting a move and running - not an easy feat. Second of all, if people see you, they are completely 100% flabbergasted at what is happening. You're swerving all over the sidewalk or road*, fist pumping, singing loudly, booty shaking - it's quite the sight to see. Third of all - it's AWESOME. I have such a blast run-dancing that I could care less if people can see me much less what they think about what I am doing.

So, here is my advice: If you're caught in a spontaneous run-dance and you happen to catch someone giving you a weird look, just look  them square in the eye and say: Sorry for party rocking but I'm sexy and I know it.

:)

Until Tomorrow,

J

*Run-dancing should be kept to a minimum on treadmills.

The Elliptical from Hell: Part II

Today I got to hop back onto the elliptical.

Now, you all know how I feel about the elliptical - I LOATHE IT.




The thing about the elliptical is not that it's a grueling workout for the intensity. Don't get me wrong, it works up a good sweat, but it's nothing compared to a run or spinning. What I absolutely abhor about the elliptical is that I GET SO BORED. For some reason, using THAT elliptical makes a tear in the time/space continuum, and time stops. 


I hope tomorrow is nicer so I can get outdoors.

Now I am off to Beba's Christmas concert!

Until Tomorrow,

J

The Rules of the Workout

Because it's been getting colder out, I've been using the Y for their gym when I go on my runs.
Between spin class and the gYm, I would like to discuss my rules of the workout.


1) Don't  approach me after my workout. I don't care if my bloated, sweaty, red face reminds you of your Uncle Boris - you leave me alone. Please.


2) Please don't smoke a cigarette right before working out and then try to cover up the smell by bathing in Calgon body spray. It just makes you smell like a hooker that works at the corner of Ames and K-Mart.


3). If there is a row of empty treadmills, don't get on the one right next to me. I don't want to be inches from your sweat and hot breath.

4). If you have broken rule #2, DEFINITELY don't break rule #3. I think I'd have an easier time breathing if I was smoking a cigarette while running than if I was smelling your hooker funk.


More rules to come, but I have to shower, finish a paper, and pack for VT in the next hour and forty-five minutes.

Until Tomorrow,

J

I'm Still Standing!

Dear Blog (and readers),

I am sorry I have neglected you. I want you to know that even though I haven't written in you, I have been VERY good about exercising. From spin class, to long walks, to runs I have been keeping it up!

Tomorrow I go home to Vermont for Christmas (!!!) and I will have MUCH more time to blog. I promise.

Forgive me?

Love,

J

28 Down - 18 To Go!

Weight: 253.4

Wow! I can't believe I've done this for 4 weeks in a row! Now, those who are following know that for 2 of those 28 days, I did not exercise. One day was the Portsmouth day, and the other was this past Sunday after getting back from NYC. I know my goal was to work out every day non-stop but today's post is about small victories.

Small Victory #1 - I have exercised for the past 26 out of 28 days. That is a 93% for those of you  who like math, or an A-. Before this blog, I'd have to give myself an F in exercise consistency. You find me a student that goes from an F to an A- in 4 weeks. Go on, I dare you! :) 

Small Victory #2 - Today, I ran my entire run. Sometimes I have to stop and walk, especially because Concord has a lot of hills that happen to be unavoidable (damn you, topography). Today, I paced myself and ran the entire thing! I felt strong and powerful. Boom!

Small Victory #3 - I realized today how motivated keeping this blog has made me - so I won't stop blogging after46 days, I will stop once I reach my goal weight. I hope you're ready to be in it for the long haul!

Thank you for reading!

Until Tomorrow,

J

California

Today, Judy started spin class by saying that today we were in California. Now, I've been to California only once, so my immediate thought was that she was going to either fill the room with sea lions (San Diego), or blow smoke in my face, promise me stardom, and then try to get me to make adult films (L.A.). Neither of these happened.


No, what Judy meant by "we're in California" is "Today, I am going to murder you with hills."


And that is exactly what Judy did. 


Now it's time for some eggs, and then I get to write a 10 page paper due tonight at midnight. I think I prefer the hills.


Until Tomorrow,

J

PS. Only 4 more spin classes until I get to go home!

Tea for Two!

Today, Charles was FINALLY back in spin class! AND! he didn't hack up a lung like I thought he would (side note: Once, I dreamt I hacked up a lung, and in the dream I coughed up a tiny plastic bag. You're welcome.)


Then the thought occurred to me: There are only 5 more spin classes between me and MY CHRISTMAS VACATION! This is my new mini-countdown.


 Until Tomorrow,

J

The Big Apple

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had an excellent weekend :)

On Friday, once I arrived in my hotel room I went to find the so-called Fitness Center. First off, that's a fairly generous term. This "Fitness Center" was a room smaller than a dorm room, with a bow-flex, treadmill, bike, and elliptical. They were all lined up parallel to the TV (rendering it unwatchable) and perpendicular to a mirror-wall, so I was forced to look at myself while I worked out. Two words: Un. Pleasant. 

Saturday was not so much about cardio as it was about pedi-torture. We walked from Katie and Sara's apartments to the Museum of Natural History (approximately 2 miles). Then we walked around the museum for about 2.5 hours, then walked home. All in all, not too much mileage. Oh wait, did I forget to mention I was wearing shoes that felt like chinese footbinding slippers? Hyberbolic, you say? Well that is probably the dumbest thing anyone has ever saidd in the history of people saying things. EVER. 

I did get some cardio in on Saturday night, when we walked back from dinner after the museum through Central Park. At Night. Dark. Night. Did I mention it was nighttime? Let me tell you, nothing gets your heart rate up and the adrenaline pumping like walking through a tunnel while two sketchball weirdos stare at you and whisper things like "You gon' die" and "Don't get nugged by rapers"*

*These whisperings may or may not have been figments of my overactive imagination. Scientists are still out on that one.

Sunday was a day to let my feet recover. I had blisters and my ankles felt like they had been sawed off and reattached by Dr. Frankenstein. 

Uh Oh

No spin class for me, folks. It's 5:30 am, and I woke up with a really bad sore throat. I am going back to bed for another hour and a half. Wish me well when I wake up. I'll miss spin, but I'm hoping that when I wake up I'll feel better enough for a run.

I CAN'T BE SICK FOR NYC!

The A.W.W.O

Today, I would like to discuss with you the A.W.W.O - also known as, the After Work Work-Out.

The A.W.W.O has always been my Achilles heel. After getting home from work, I usually never get past phase 1. I'm in phase 1 until the next morning where I can choose to break through to phases 2-5 or remain in phase 1 for the rest of the day and the cycle continued. This routine is how I got myself into the shape I am in now.

Today was the first attempted A.W.W.O I have had since I started this blog. Up until this point on a work day I was exercising before I went to work, thus eliminating the A.W.W.O from ever coming into the picture.


Let me tell you something: these past 22 days have CHANGED ME. Today, I had a pretty hefty to-do list for a Thursday night, since I am leaving on a mini-vacation tomorrow morning. Tonight, instead of letting all of the things I had to do get in the way of my workout I found myself thinking: Well, I'll work out first, and if I don't pack tonight, I can always pack after spinning tomorrow.


And that's what I did. I went to the Y, did my running intervals, drove home, and put my laundry in the washing machine. And look, it's 6:30. I've got plenty of time :)


Until Tomorrow,

J

21 Down:25 to go!

Weight: 252.8


Happy Week 3! If the science is true, I have officially formed a habit! I think it's happened because while I was on the couch trying to wake myself out of my cold medicine induced grog leftover from last night, I kept thinking about going for a run. I looked outside - it's raining. I still can't stop thinking about going for a run. 





So, while it certainly was not my prettiest run (half-awake in the pouring rain) I still went!


I forgot that Charles will be in VA/D.C tomorrow, so I will be spinning by myself both Thursday and Friday and then I will hop on a plane to NYC! :)



Maybe my exercise on Saturday can be a run in Central Park! 

Until Tomorrow,

J

Rain Run

I know what you're thinking: "An timely blog post from Jess?" YES. I AM BACK BABY!

I will say this: nothing gets you from phase 1 through 5 faster than stepping on the scale. I admit: This past week (Wed.-yesterday). I did not eat as well as I should have. 


1) I went out to dinner at a diner. 
2) I had enough beer in Portsmouth to calorically count as a meal (which isn't as bad considering all I had to eat that day was breakfast, four saltines, and shared a nacho plate with a bunch of people...okay, it's still bad.) 
3) I had a burrito from Boloco for lunch instead of the soup I brought.


On my run today, I thought a lot about food and my relationship with it. I love food; I really love food. Unfortunately, my food choices may not necessarily reflect that. A true lover of food would put care and effort into what they eat, and not waste calories on things like goldfish crackers, or a pudding cup. 




Especially if I am trying to lose a significant amount of weight - the food I should be putting in my body should be well thought out and DELICIOUS. 


I also tend to eat more than what I need to eat. I think I need to become a grazer. When I lost some weight last summer, I was exercising significantly less than what I am doing now. However, I was eating plain yogurt, berries, almonds, homemade fruit salad, and a salad of cous-cous, edamame, tomato, and cucumber. And that was at work. I was eating oatmeal with blueberries and almonds in the morning. For dinner was a lean protein and veggies. Dinner hasn't changed much, but what I bring to eat at work has. I usually just bring a sandwich. I think I need to get back to grazing throughout the day - what I brought was delicious and nutritious. It also helped keep me full throughout the day.


SO! My game plan in the morning is to now have egg whites and veggies for breakfast. Full of protein, the biggest meal of the day, and littered with vegetation. For work, I will bring some almonds, fruit, and some soup. Next week after I grocery shop, I can plan out better lunches, but I'll do with what I have for this week.

Hopefully this will help - and I'll finally start giving food the respect it deserves :)

Until Tomorrow,

J

Ketchup!

Hello, there! Long time no blog!

I really apologize - this weekend was hectic. First, I left my computer up at Charles' parents which is where I did my last post.

Saturday was crazy - work from 9-3, leave for Portsmouth, NH by 4.

I have a confession: I did not exercise on Saturday. I feel really guilty about it - but at the same time, I'm human, and sometimes we make mistakes! 


Sunday, I took a long walk around White's Park with Charles and the hilly back roads around where we live.

Monday I was back in spin class - alone. The woman at the front desk keeps asking me how Charles is doing: and he's doing fine. We'll be back in spin class Thursday, hopefully!

This morning I woke up at 5:20 with the full intention of going to spin class, but my throat hurts so much, I wasn't sure that an hour of intense Judy would do me any favors. PLUS I am going to NYC on Friday; a trip I very much want to be healthy for.

It's raining today, so I'll probably end up going for a long walk or run - OR I could do an indoor workout from p90x. When I do it this morning - I will blog for sure :)


Sorry for the delay! Again, this weekend has been very hectic.


The blog has certainly made exercising something I think of a lot more than I used to. It's helping me be accountable!

Thank you for reading - blog on!

Until Tomorrow,

J

Late Post!

It's pretty hard to believe that I was done my spin class with The Old Guy today over 12 hours ago. Crazy!

Tomorrow's exercise will be a little harder to fit in: I work until 3 and leave for Portsmouth at 5. I think I can make it happen - it will probably be a run.

Sorry for such a lame post, I am exhausted and in bed, but I just remembered that I hadn't posted for today yet!

Good night!

Until Tomorrow,

J

Thirsty Thursday

This morning when I woke up, I was nauseous. No, I didn't catch Charles' flu - I was terrified of going to spin class by myself. 

I won't lie - I was stuck on Phase 1 of going to spin class (yeah, that's right - there are phases for spin class too. Blog on that to come) for about 5 minutes when I realized something. I haven't done a spin class by myself YET. There were times in previous weeks (before this challenge, mind you) that if Charles was tired, or didn't want to go to spin class, I convinced myself that I  didn't either (in my defense, it's fairly easy to decide to go back to bed at 5:20 in the morning).


NOT TODAY.

Soon, my nausea was replaced by a thirst: A THIRST FOR JUDY'S BLOOD. 





Important side note: I look exactly like this guy when I thirst for blood.


Long story short: I hauled my butt out of bed and Judy KICKED IT HARD. But that's okay - because I did it all by myself! Tomorrow, I face The Old Guy by my lonesome as well. 


:)

Until Tomorrow,

J