Day 35 - Setbacks and Thin Mints

So I'm sitting here right now watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, drinking some tea, and debating whether or not I should have another Thin Mint. My vote is yes, as I continue to wallow in my own pity party. Why? Because I'm mad at myself. It was only a week ago that I set new goals for month 2 - to workout 4-5 times per week and to keep a food log. And now I'm writing this, having done neither of those things this week. And I've been eating terribly all weekend. Ugh....

The week started out so well too. Lift and Sculpt on Monday, Spinning on Tuesday, and Lift and Sculpt again on Wednesday. Then I planned to take Thursday off because I was getting my hair done, and that can take a while, so I didn't feel bad when I missed Thursday. Then Friday I was going to go to Lift and Sculpt, come home, make cupcakes for my friend's birthday, and have a great time at his party. And all of those things happened - except for Lift and Sculpt. I got out of work late, and it set my whole schedule off. Then add on the terrible late night eating on Friday and the ordering of lunch on Saturday afternoon, and I was feeling sick, bloated, and just plain gross.

And you'd think that would have been enough to get me off my ass and on the treadmill right? Nope. Couldn't even get myself to do that. So now I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself. And the rational side of me can see how pathetic and useless that is - I get nothing from doing this. Yet I can't seem to help it. Everyone has those days when they feel bad about themselves for whatever reason, and mine just happens to come after a disappointing workout week.

But I think it's time to put away the Thin Mints, finish my tea, and leave my pity party. I was the only one there after all. Oh well. Back on the workout wagon tomorrow with a little Lift and Sculpt. Til tomorrow.

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 170

Day 31 - Sore Here, There, and Everywhere

I went to spinning yesterday thinking it would help work out some of the soreness I felt after Lift and Sculpt on Monday. If it did then I'm grateful, but today I woke up with an inability to get out of bed. And for once it wasn't because I was tired (well not completely anyway) - it was because I couldn't move! Seriously. I tried to sit up - abs and lower back hurt. Stepped out of bed - quads, hamstrings, and calves hurt. Brushed my hair before my shower - biceps, triceps, shoulders, and chest hurt. And don't even get me started on trying to shampoo my hair. Even getting in and out of my coat hurt. And I had another Lift and Sculpt today.

I was going to go to 30/60/90 because it would keep me on schedule for weight lifting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and cardio Tuesday, Thursday, and (maybe) a weekend day. Actually it would have been both strength and cardio. But after speaking to the Lift and Sculpt instructor yesterday - she teaches spinning right before the class I went to - she said that I should really come today because she takes into account what we worked in class on Monday and works some different areas on Wednesday. Plus I really like the instructor, and the great group feel of the class, so I decided to go.

I definitely noticed something today. I have muscles! I really do. They're just residing under a layer of fat currently. But I'm hoping that they start to make more of an appearance soon - hence the sliced apples and tea I'm drinking. I read online, so it may be completely false, that drinking tea after each meal will help to boost your metabolism and therefore burn more fat. Now I'm not sure if that's true or not, but what harm could come from drinking tea? I mean really. Tea is one of those foods/drinks that you always hear is great for you, like edamame and pomegranate. So I'm trying that to go along with the working out.

I'm still attempting to food log. I always get through lunch, but dinner comes and it's really hard to log the meal you've made. Breakfast = a bowl of Cheerios and 1/2 cup of skim milk. Lunch = Lean Cuisne, applesauce, and a jello pudding cup. But dinner? I made homemade meatballs on Monday night, and I tried to figure out how many calories were in each one based on the nutritional info for the ground beef, parmesan cheese, egg, bread crumbs, and garlic powder. I got so frustrated that I gave up. I'm not proud of that fact, but I was really hungry and blame my lack of patience on low blood sugar.

But I'm still trying. Not everything is going to take on the first try. I mean, it took my 20+ years to actually stick to a workout plan for more than a couple of weeks. Little by little it will stick.

Tomorrow I'm taking the day off - which is probably for the best since I'll probably be bed ridden with sore muscles. But then it's more Lift and Sculpt on Friday. Til then!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 170

Day 30 - The Music Makes the Workout

Everyone knows the saying "The clothes make the man" - or woman as the case may be. (I'm not sure I believe that, but that's getting off track). I believe that as much as the clothes makes the man, the music can make or break a workout. Music has the ability to inspire emotion and make us feel, whether it's heartache, joy, love, or happiness. Music is an incredibly powerful tool, there's no doubt about that. And that's why it's so important, in my opinion, to have good music - however you define that - when you are working out. And that's the great thing about listening to music - it's all personal preference. And when you have your iPod at the gym, or you're rocking out in your car, it doesn't matter what it is because you like it. Listen to what you like!

Except when you're leading a class to a group of spinners. I'm sorry. I'm all about personal preference in music and embracing all kinds. Anyone who has seen my iPod knows this. I can dance around to Beyonce and Lady GaGa, then rock out to Green Day and Queen, and then relax and sing along to the Beatles and Beach Boys. But when you are responsible for leading a 50-minute spinning class where you are going to be pushing people to their limits, you need something that is universally acceptable for working out.

I know it's up to the instructor's personal taste but come on! Today's spin instructor (for the second week in a row) has subjected us to techno-laced indie rock. And not GOOD techno or GOOD indie rock, but super obscure jammy stuff. And while there is a time and place for enjoying that music, spinning is not one of them. I found it nearly impossible to psych myself up for it. And when the instructors laptop died and the music ended for the last 15 minutes of class, I was happy! And you know it's bad when you'd rather have no music when working out than what was just playing.

And I'm sure that's what the instructor likes. If I was teaching the class and had classic rock mixed with pop I bet he wouldn't like that. But I don't think it's a coincidence that last week there were 12 people in the class, and this week only 4. I hate feeling judgmental because I'm all about "to each their own" but I draw the line at terrible music during spin. Oh well...til tomorrow!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 110

Day 29 - Feel the Burn

Today I decided to try something new. After all, it is the beginning of month 2 so it's time to step it up! I normally look forward to yoga every Monday and it was really hard for me to skip it and try something else to start off the week. So why did I skip it if I enjoy it so much? I realized that if I really want to see some actual changes in my body, I have to start adding in strength training. Actual lifting of weights as opposed to sun salutations. There was a Lift and Sculpt class offered today, and it was not what I expected at all - in a great way.

One of the reasons I wanted to take this hour-long class was because I wanted to strength train and really had no idea what I was supposed to do. I mean how intimidating is it to look at all of the lifting machines at the gym, surrounded by all of the sweaty, grunting people who know what they're doing? Then to actually attempt to use the machines? No way. And free weights? I know biceps curls, but after that I'm lost. And this class offered me the opportunity to lift with the guidance of an instructor.

The class was great. Really hard, but great. And I'm sure I'm going to be all types of sore tomorrow for spinning. But that's not what made the biggest impact on me today. Today, for the first time, I really understood the gym dynamic and why people go to the gym. Sure, people go to get in shape. But they also go for the camaraderie - or at least the people who go to classes do. This is something I've been noticing for awhile, but really experienced today. The men and women in this class were motivating each other to keep going. They were sharing weights when someone needed an 8 pound free weight. But most notably, they were sharing in each other's lives. They noticed when someone wasn't in class and asked why (vacation). They noticed I was new and started a conversation with me. They even walked me around the room and make sure I had everything I needed!

And like I said, this kind of friendship is not only limited to this class. I noticed it in yoga, 30/60/90, and even spinning. But today was the first time I was included. People recognized me from spin, knew they had never seen me before in this class, and helped me. Asked me about my job, how long I've been going to the gym, etc. I never thought when I started this that making new friends would be one of the perks. Turns out I was wrong. Til tomorrow.

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 60

Day 28 - Month 1 Recap

So it's been a month - well 28 days to be precise - of working out. I really can't believe it's been a month, and to be honest, I can't believe I've stuck with it this whole time. Some people might say that a month isn't a very long, and I guess in the grand scheme of things they'd be right. But if you think about it, a month is a pretty long time to do something that you really had no desire to start.

Not that I didn't want to get healthy. I wouldn't have started this blog if I didn't. But in the beginning I really didn't want to go to the gym or put in the effort. And if you had told me that in my first month of working out I would not only go to the gym 3-4 times a week, but that those workouts would be hour long spinning or circuit training classes I would have told you that you were crazy. Maybe a few days of walking on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes to start off, but not spinning! So I must say I'm pretty happy and proud about that.

And I am starting to see some results for sure - the biggest one just being more self confident. I can't really explain it, but I find myself walking around with my head held higher, and with more purpose and confidence, just knowing that I'm working out and getting healthier. And I haven't really seen a lot of physical changes yet, so I know it's not that. It's the emotional changes that people can't see, but I know are there. The ability to push myself and succeed. The ability to talk myself out of my Debbie-downer moods when I don't want to go to the gym. But more importantly, the ability to set a goal and stick to it.

So what are my goals for month 2? Well I still have my goal pants (I tried them on again and I'm definitely a few months until they are wearable). And I would like to try and work out a consistent 4 days per week and work my way up to 5. No more 3 workout weeks. I've proven to myself that I can do it, so now I'm going to push myself more. And I would like to start keeping a food log consistently. Because while it's great to work out, that's only part of it. I can workout until I can't move anymore, but if I'm eating too much or eating the wrong foods it's going to hurt my progress. And I'm definitely not kicking my own butt at spinning to have my food slow me down. I'm not going on a crazy no food diet or anything - I'm part Italian and LOVE to eat. But food should help make you healthier, not make it more difficult.

So that's where I stand after 1 month. I've made a lot of progress. And maybe I underestimated myself, but I'd like to look at it as exceeding my own expectations. If I had assumed that I would be working out 5 days a week to start, I would have failed and been down on myself. But you can't do that. You can't set unrealistic goals anymore than you can beat yourself up over it when you don't reach them. It doesn't gain you anything. Set realistic goals, and hold yourself accountable to them, but cut yourself some slack every once and awhile when needed.

And that's why my plan for month 2 is to workout 4-5 days per week, keep a consistent food log, and get my food to work for me not against me. I think I can do it, and I'm excited to push myself and test myself. To be honest, it feels great starting month 2 knowing that month 1 is behind me. I've already put myself out there, now I just have to push a little more. Til tomorrow.

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 150

Day 25 - Breakthrough

It happened today. For the first time since taking spin - actually the first time since I started working out almost a month ago - I felt really great during and after a workout. Normally I go in and after 10-15 minutes I'm beat and feel exhausted for the rest of the night. And that happens regardless of workout. But today I was pedaling along, keeping up with everything the instructor was telling us to do, and really felt great! Sure I was breathing hard and sweating, but it was a good feeling. Like I was really making my body stronger as opposed to just wearing it out.

I'm not sure if this is makes sense - it's a feeling that's hard to describe. It's kind of like taking a language in school. It was frustrating and hard to do at first, but all of sudden you realize that not only are you speaking it fairly well, you are starting to think in that language too. It's still challenging because you're always learning new words and phrases, but it went from being frustrating to rewarding, and kind of fun.

That's what today's spinning class was like. Instead of leaving there feeling like I just wanted to pass out in bed, I actually felt like I could have done something else! And after I got out of the shower, instead of dreading having to make dinner because I was tired, I actually had the energy to do it. This may sound like a small thing to get excited about, but believe me - it's not. Similar to the breakthrough I had on Day 3 when I was able to push through the bad thoughts and finish the workout, this is the first time I can officially say that while the workout was difficult, it didn't own me. I'm not quite sure I'm at a place where I can say that I owned it, but at least I'm on the path where I can see that happening someday. And to me, I'll take that accomplishment over losing a few pounds any day. Til tomorrow.

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 150

Day 23 - Death by Dessert

I went to spinning today, and I'm really starting to wonder if it will ever get easier. I always leave that class thinking I could not possibly sweat anymore, but inevitably after the next spinning class I do. Both gross and good I think.

I could tell it was going to be one of those days when my body just didn't want to listen to me. I had only been pedaling for about 5 minutes and my quads were burning, and I was panting. And it was the warm up! The worst part was I actually asked myself if there was anyway I could leave without causing a scene. Fake an injury? Just leave and never come back? But then I remembered that 1) this is the only cardio class I want to do on Tuesdays and 2) Erin is here so I can't leave. Not that she would have given me a hard time or anything, but knowing she was there made me want to stay and see it through.

The class I went to had a different instructor than before, and he was tough. Lots of intervals. Quick bursts of jumps, moving through all 3 positions, etc. He was great at giving direction and motivation - which I clearly needed today. But his music choice was just so-so. It was kind of indie rockish. Nothing bad or grating, just not enough to pump me up. (Of course there was an inner war going on between my body and mind, so I'm not sure I heard a lot of it anyway). Overall a good class that was definitely needed considering the meal I had afterward.

Andy's parents wanted to take us out to dinner, so the four of us went to Zola. It's a really nice restaurant with great food here in State College. I started with the black truffle and gruyere mac and cheese, then moved onto the strip steak with blue cheese, onions, and BACON mashed potatoes. Ridiculously good. And just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, the dessert menu came out, and as I've said before I have a serious sweet tooth. So I scanned the menu and came across a dessert sent from above - Nutella stuffed croissant with vanilla cinnamon butter and maple syrup. It was one of the best desserts I have ever had. Luckily everyone else had a few bites, so when my plate was clean I didn't feel as bad as I should have.

The funny thing? I feel like I should be really mad at myself for eating a meal like that when I'm trying to get healthy, but I don't! First, how often do I have meals like that (umm....about 4 times a year) and how was I supposed to say no to Nutella stuffed croissant?? You just can't, it's as simple as that. So I'll just have to push myself/worry about it tomorrow, because right now I'm about to pass out from sugar overload. Til tomorrow!

Minutes spent working out this week: 100

Day 22 - Back on the Wagon & "Goal Pants"

It's been a few days since I blogged, and therefore a few days since I worked out. It's funny that the week I was determined to work out five days I only worked out 3. Snowpacolypse had a role to play in that, but really it was my laziness - let's be honest. I went out Friday night after dinner with Andy and had a great time, then met up with my friends Annie and Whitney for lunch on Saturday, played some poker on Saturday night, and relaxed on Sunday for V-day. Could I have worked out during that time? Sure. But I didn't. And that's okay. It's a new week - the start of week 4 I might add! - and I'm looking forward to it. And what better way to start off the week than with some yoga.

Or so I thought anyway. It started snowing here around 2pm and the roads got pretty bad. Plus my car is straight up terrible in the snow, so I decided to come home and do my Rodney Yee Power Yoga DVD. Only problem was I couldn't find it! All I had was Bryan Kests' Power Yoga which is really cheesy and bad. I tried for about 10 minutes and couldn't take the jean shorts, white spandex, and bad direction anymore. So I decided to go for a 50 minute walk/jog on the treadmill which was actually more difficult than last week since I decided to up the speed (go figure!). I wish I had been able to go to yoga, or had my better yoga DVD, but it was not meant to be. I really can't wait for spring when I won't have to change my workout plans because of the snow.

So I've added a new goal to my get healthy plan - a more tangible goal. While out with Annie and Whitney on Saturday we made a stop by Ann Taylor Loft, and as I was perusing the sale rack I came across a pair of really cute gray skinny jeans for $4.98. That's not a typo, seriously they were $5. Now, in my current state of shapeness (that's a word, right?) I am in no place to wear skinny jeans. In fact if I saw myself wearing skinny jeans out and about, I would probably be thinking that girl should not be wearing those! Snarky and bitchy, yes, but true nonetheless. Add on that they were a size too small, and I was in trouble.

But I thought to myself I've been working out, maybe they'll look great on me! So I tried them on and they most definitely didn't fit. I looked like one of those moms trying to dress young on What Not to Wear - not good and not pretty. I was about to get discouraged when I realized something - they are only $5. Why not buy them and make them my "goal pants"? Something that I will strive to fit into comfortably eventually. And if I can fit in them and still don't like them, then oh well. But at least I'll have something tangible that shows the progress I've made.

So that's what I did. And I now have "goal pants". What's my goal for said pants? Well, I want to be able to wear them by June. Maybe pair them with some cute flats? And if I'm feel really adventurous maybe even a sleeves shirt or halter top to show off the kick ass arms and back I'm going to have by then! I'm picturing it already, and I'm psyched! Now all I have to do is work toward getting into them. Til tomorrow!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 50 minutes

Day 18 - Spin (aka a bike with training wheels)

That's what our instructor, ride leader...whatever you call the person running the class kept calling it. When we were slowing down she'd say, "Are you really going to let a bike with training wheels beat you?? It's just a bike people!". Let me tell you - it may have just been a bike, but it's a bike that kicked my ass. In fact, this is the first time that I think I may have gone too hard.

I was pedaling right along when we started a 10 minute "run", or standing up while pedaling. I was really proud of myself that I could keep up, and then when "Lose Yourself" by Eminem came on, it definitely pumped me up. I was pushing myself, sweating like crazy, and then we slowed down to take a pulse check. Mine was high. Really high. In 10 seconds my heart beat 35 times. Multiple that by 6, and it's not good. I really paced myself after that, but what scares me is that I didn't feel like I was going that hard. I didn't feel like I was going to pass out like I did in 30/60/90 last week, and it definitely didn't feel like my heart was beating over 200 which is really scary. I'm not sure how I feel about it to be honest. I'm glad that I was able to push myself, but was it worth it if it's bad for me? I would feel okay if I knew I was going too hard but kept going anyway, but I didn't know and couldn't tell.

Don't get me wrong, I was panting and sweating like crazy. But shouldn't I have felt something more than that if my heart rate was that high? Now I don't know what to do because my motto before was push myself, but listen to my body when it got to be too much. And now I'm not sure if my body is going to tell me if it's too much or not. Do I go easier and hope I'm still pushing myself? That seems like the safer and more obvious choice, as opposed to pushing myself and getting my heart rate up that high again.

Maybe it's finally time to invest in a heart rate monitor. If I can't be sure what I'm feeling is accurate I should have something there to tell me what's really going on with my heart, right? And maybe I'm looking at this wrong. Maybe instead of being scared and a little annoyed, I should take this as a good thing. I was actually working out hard enough for my heart to really get going - granted going too hard, but you get the idea.

On the to-do list for tomorrow? Do some research into heart rate monitors, and skip spinning. I'll have to check out the gym schedule and see what else they have on a Friday...til tomorrow!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 175

Day 17 - "Snowpocalypse!!!"

I was planning on writing yesterday about spinning, but somehow managed to fall asleep at 9:30pm and didn't write! But it turns out that it's pretty appropriate to lump together yesterday's and today's entries since they were both affect by the "Snowpocalypse". Let me start off by saying where I am, in central PA, the storm was basically a total bust. We got maybe 8 inches over the course of 30 hours. Pretty tame actually. But that still didn't stop the storm from really messing up my workout plans!

Yesterday I decided I was going to beat the storm, leave work early, and go to the 4:30pm spinning class. That way I'd be done by 5:30 and home before the roads got too bad. Well it turns out that everyone else had the same ideas as me, because once I got to the spinning room (around 4:15) every bike was full! I never thought that would happen. And there I was, all dressed and ready to workout, and nothing to do. Even the 4:30 kickboxing class was cancelled, so I was out of luck and a little frustrated. I was driving home, and realized the day could go one of two ways - I could get home and jump on the treadmill, or I could get home and watch some reruns of NCIS. And I'll be honest, I was really torn if not leaning toward NCIS. Honestly the thing that got me on the treadmill was that I was already in my workout clothes, and I would have the change either way so I might as well workout first.

And you know what? Not only did I get on the treadmill, but I actually went for 50 minutes! I told myself that if I was at spinning it would go for that long, so if I was going to workout at home I was going to do it right. It wasn't nearly as intense as spinning, but at least it was for the same amount of time.

Now if only that motivation had carried through to today. Unfortunately my lazy side reared its ugly head and I didn't work out. I was all set to go 5 days this week, but if I'm being completely honest I should have worked out today, but after having done a couple of weeks of actual classes, I'm not sure I'm at a place yet where I'll push myself as hard as those classes can. That's not a reason to not workout, I mean I was able to get on the treadmill yesterday. But it makes sense to me. Or maybe that's just me trying to rationalize not working out today. Either way, it's done and I didn't workout. So I'm going to let it be and look forward to spinning tomorrow because 1) I know I'm going to workout tomorrow and 2) I know that sometime soon I will be going 5 days a week. If I thought this was the beginning of me stopping again, then I would be concerned. But I know that it's not, it's just accepting that things happens whether it be laziness or Snowpocalypse. Til tomorrow!

~Catie

Number of minutes spent working out this week: 125

Day 15 - Yoga and a Headache

I knew this day would come - the day when I had to decide between my headache and my workout. I get headaches and migraines pretty regularly, probably 2-3 times a month. I wish I knew what caused them (so I could avoid it) or had a consistent remedy. Sometimes it's from low blood sugar, and an Excedrin Migraine will make it better. Other times it just happens, and the only thing that helps is going to bed. So when I started getting one around 2pm today, I took an Excedrin, drank some water, and decided that I was going to go to yoga anyway in hopes that it would help.

Unfortunately it didn't, which is why this blog post will be a little shorter. It definitely helped while I was actually doing yoga, but once we started the end of class meditation, I realized that it was still there and RAGING. Add on to that some nausea and light sensitivity, and it was a challenge trying to get home and whip up some tacos. I thought food would help, but it didn't. Even an extra long hot shower didn't help. So that leaves me with sleep, which I'm about attempt.

Anyone who has ever had a migraine or just a nasty headache will probably agree with me when I say that trying to sleep with a headache is hard. Really hard. For me, I lay there in the dark and all I can feel is how my head is pounding and how nauseous I am. And that keeps me up, which just makes me frustrated and therefore makes my headache worse. I'm trying to distract myself right now with this blog, which helps a little, but inevitably when I turn this off it'll still hurt.

Sorry - kind of went off track there. Yoga was a great workout today, and Erin was there which always makes it more fun. I really can't think of a better way to start off the week than with yoga. It's a Monday, which already makes me want to just go home, but then I realize that I have yoga tonight which I actually enjoy and look forward to. So I go. And once I've started the week working out, it's hard to talk myself out of going another day later on. And I'm glad I did start off my week today, because my goal this week is to go 5 days - Monday through Friday. Can I do it? I'm not sure, but I'm going to take it one day at a time. Til tomorrow!

~Catie

Number of minutes spent working out this week: 75

Day 11 - Spinning = OMFG

Today was my first spinning class in 8 or 9 months, and let me tell you - OMFG. Not kidding. It's almost as difficult at 30/60/90, but different. Where 30/60/90 is more strength training than cardio, but has both, spinning is definitely more cardio. And by more cardio I mean physical ridiculousness. I see the appeal though, especially if the instructor and music are good which both were today.

My mom was coming into town tonight around 6:30pm because we're going to NYC for the weekend to visit my sister and go to the opera (so excited!!), so I decided to go to an earlier class so I could get back in time. I went on the website, and there were 2 options for a 4:30pm class - Step and Pump (which I just didn't want to attempt) or Spinning. Definitely one of those "lesser of two evils" kind of choices. So I decided on Spinning, and it was a lot of fun!

I think I was able to mentally talk myself into since it's only 50 minutes, and I've already done a 75 and a 60 minute workout, so what's 50 minutes?? Well 50 minutes of pedaling while increasing the resistance is not easy. And seriously, what is up with "running"while spinning? Just when I thought I had the pedaling with lots of resistance thing down while sitting, now I have to stand-up and do it? And don't get me started on "jumping"! Sit and pedal for 3 spins, then stand-up and pedal for 3 spins, and continue that for a whole song. I've never wanted "Disturbia" by Rihanna to end faster in my life.

But I didn't quit. I may not have had the resistance up as high as everyone else, but I didn't have to stop and rest at all, and it felt great. Maybe I'm starting to build up some endurance? It's only been 11 days, but that's possible right? Or maybe it's more of a mental endurance? Either way it feels good. Til tomorrow! Or maybe Saturday. But either way it'll be a blog from NYC!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week - 185

Day 10 - You Get Out What You Put In

Yesterday was my second experience with 30/60/90, and it was - once again - extremely tough. I really thought I was doing well until we got to the first cardio interval that consisted of jumping in the air and spinning 180 degrees, and then jumping back. I really think I misjudged my physical abilities because once we had to start the next group of moves, I thought I was going to pass out. No seriously. Small black dots in my vision and muffled sounds. Not good.

So I proceeded to march in place and try to get my heart rate down, because I learned from last week that stopping dead after having my heart rate up that high is not a good idea - it actually made me feel worse to stop moving. So I'm marching along while everyone else is lunging and squatting, and I'm starting to get frustrated because my heart rate just won't go down. It's not that my legs couldn't handle the squats, but every time I tried to start I felt light headed again. And that's when the instructor said something so simple, yet was exactly what I needed to hear - "You get out what you put in".

You might be thinking that I would get even more frustrated hearing that because I wasn't "putting in much" at the time since I was just marching. And normally you'd be right. But much to my surprise it didn't this time, it just really got me thinking. How many times in the past have I gone to the gym and convinced myself that just doing something there was okay, even if it didn't really get my heart rate up. But the fact that I was trying counted. And don't get me wrong - you have to start somewhere. And in the beginning getting there and just doing something is the best thing you can do. But if I really want to see results and really want to change my lifestyle to get healthy, then I have to put in the effort. I'll get out what I put in.

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I try to live my life like that in other areas already. I treat others the way I would want to be treated, so (hopefully) they'll treat me the same way. I work hard at my job so that I can be proud of what I've done at the end of the day. And even though I was only marching for a time in 30/60/90, I was putting in all the effort I could muster up. And hopefully in the not too distant future, I will see the results of that hard work. Til tomorrow! (Well, actually later today since I'm posting this on Thursday morning!)

~Catie

Number of minutes spent working out this week: 135

Day 9 - Change in Plans

So all day today I was looking forward to ballroom dance lessons with my husband. We had taken the class two weeks ago, but missed last week when Andy had to work, and really enjoyed it. We made a tasty dinner of crab cakes, asparagus, and potatoes and were all ready to go when it hit us - we really didn't feel like going. Neither one of us, for some reason, felt like it even though we were both looking forward to it today. The idea of staying in, putting on pajamas, and watching Battlestar Galatica was exactly what I wanted to do. (And don't judge - I can talk sports just as much as I can geek out).

So that leaves me with no workout today. I feel a little bad about it, but in reality tonight was more of a date night than a workout, and instead of going out we decided to stay in. Which I'm doubly happy about now that I look outside and it's snowing! So that's why this post is going to be a short one - not much to write about since I didn't workout. But tomorrow is 30/60/90 and I've already started the mental preparations for that ass kicking! Til tomorrow.

~Catie

Number of minutes spent working out this week: 75

Day 8 - Double Pigeon Pose or Bust

Anyone out there who has taken yoga before will have heard some of the crazy names for yoga postures. And not the actual Sanskrit names, but the rather interesting descriptive English names for them such as "Reverse Triangle", "Downward Facing Dog", and "Reclining Big Toe". (Okay, so the last one I've never done but I did read about it on Wikipedia). They may sound silly, and sometimes when you look at pictures it looks a little silly. But believe me, when those poses are done in a constant flow of movement it's really intense. (My teacher would be so proud that I just said constant flow of movement).

In all seriousness, I know a lot of people don't consider yoga to be an aerobic activity. And while a lot of people say it's good at building strength and increasing flexibility, which it is, it is also a great workout. For the second week in a row I was sweating and breathing heavy, but I felt really rejuvenated at the end of the workout. Is it because the teacher is telling us to "be true to our bodies" and "listen to our breath"? I actually think so.

I'm not a religious person - I haven't been to church in 20 years. But I do consider myself a spiritual person, and it's something that I consider a very important and personal part of my life. So maybe that's why I connect with yoga. When the teacher started our ending meditation in double pigeon pose (a new pose I learned where you sit, cross your right leg over your left, lean over, and stretch, then repeat with left leg over right) it hurt, but at the same time was completely calming. Like all the stress I had earlier that day - not being able to find my keys, 3 hours worth of meetings, etc - didn't matter. More than that, like it didn't even happen.

And no, I'm not just drinking the kool-aid. And I'm not going to go out and devote my life to yoga and leave civilization behind. But it is a nice feeling when you can put your body through a tough workout, and your mind feels just as strong after. Call me crazy, but I feel more complete after yoga.

But the question remains, will I feel this complete after (SPOILER ALERT!) ballroom dance tomorrow?? Dun Dun DUN! Til tomorrow!

~Catie

Minutes spent working out this week: 75