How awful that I am rolling two posts into one!  But the truth is I am barely squeaking this by. I am exhausted and running on empty, but I can’t let today pass without acknowledging my son’s 7th Birthday and offering up a challenge.

Seven years ago I was weeping with Joy because this little guy came into my life.  I still relish the days we spend together and try not to suffer the days when he is gone from me at school.  He is half of my team where I am the coach, he is my everything.  What I wouldn’t do for this little guy.  I love you J.

And not to shrug my new dedication to Workout Wednesdays, I have to say that this week was a good slap in the face.  Last night at an event a lady approached me to offer her Doula services. Needless to say I am not pregnant and it took all I had in me not to scream at her, but it was certainly the slap I needed to wake up my abs and get them into shape.

So, this week I am offering up a challenge should you wish to join me.  In addition to my running, I am going to do a set of  hundreds each day.  Hundreds is a Pilates move that works out your abs and if I wasn’t already in my pj’s I would show them to you, but check out “hundreds pilates” on the web and you will find some great suggestions.  Will you join me?

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

Ok, so I never really stopped working out, I just stopped doing anything more than running.  And well, that can get boring to write about after a while.  Add to that the fact that I have had a hard time understanding why my body just doesn’t want to let go of the last ten pounds I am at a stand still.

I have been to the Doctor and run test after test after test. I have tried different things and still I remain the same.  My Doctor tells me I should just get used to I am almost 40. I was getting pretty discouraged and felt bad to come here and whine about it. But, after talking to a couple of people that told me they missed my Workout Wednesdays, I decided to raise it from the dead.  And perhaps with raising the weekly accountability I can try some new things and figure out why things aren’t working for me.

So please pick up your running shoes and join me, whether it is for a run a walk or some of the exercises I will be demonstrating. Join in and enjoy.   If you don’t run and want to get started there are a couple of ways to do it.  By yourself with the Couch to 5k or locally with others and The Running Room.  I just kept adding distance to my running until I reached that 5k and that is how I got here.  I did run years ago and it just seems to come back to me when I lace up again.

Will see you next week, where I hopefully can raise my abs from the dead too!

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

Since I missed last weeks Workout Wednesday, I thought I would post it today with the results of our Winterman Running yesterday.

Hubby did the half marathon (yes, he is THAT crazy) in 1hr 56min.  Which is amazing.  We had a morning of good temperatures and some snow which made footing difficult.  Not too cold but also a tad bit slippery.  Hubby has run in this before so he was prepared.

Since I was running I had to rely on Zoom Photo to capture us so these two photos are courtesy of ZoomPhoto.ca.

I have never run in the snow, so I was not so prepared for my feet feeling like they might slip out from under me at any given moment, so my strides were shorter and the hills were harder (this is the same course I have run for the CIBC Race for the Cure the last two years) add to that the chest cold I have had for a week and a half and the fact that our treadmill broke (a new belt is on the way) so I hadn’t run for a week and a half.  I think I did pretty good at 33min 19sec.  I was really hoping to get below 30min, but it just wasn’t going to happen yesterday. I was thinking this was my first timed run ever, but Hubby reminded me that back in 2000 I ran/walked the 5k with some friends from work and it was timed.  I was able to look up my time from ten years ago and I did the 5k in 41min 41sec.  Pretty sad considering I was 15lbs lighter and ten years younger!!

My plan is still to do the 10k in May and surprise Hubby with it, so my training to get past the 5k will continue, let’s just hope it is a nice day in May for the run.

I missed posting last week again, but life has been just hectic around here.  My exercise routine is pretty much comprised of fast walks and running when I can right now.  I have done three 5k’s in the last two weeks and countless walks.  I feel I am not doing enough for me and need to really add some strength training in.  Hopefully, once my Sister and her brood have left and my other Sister returns I can get into it full swing.

One thing that I have done is registered for the Winterman 5k on February 21st.  Now I don’t usually run outside in the Winter, so I need to pick up some pants and a jacket on the cheap, any suggestions are welcome.  Hubby is running the Half that day so he will be gone for a while.  This will be my first timed event.  The other runs I have done are all not-timed.  It is also an official Winterlude event so I feel like I am participating in Winterlude in my own little way.   And depending on how I do, will help me to see how much training I need to get in before the 10k in May.  I haven’t registered for that yet as I am still a bit nervous to fully commit to it.  I suppose if I do then I won’t be able to back out of it.

In addition it’s mid-February and we have booked our Beach vacation for the summer.  We are going for TWO weeks this year!!!  So, really I have four months to get in fabulous shape and buy a new bathing suit.  Can I do it??

Encouragement is welcome.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

 This photo has nothing to do with working out, but since I love Apple and I love putting photos in it stays and it matches my mood.

I missed posting last week due to the EMOttawa Launch, which was so great.  But, a week later and I feel like I am crashing.  I have been on a good exercise kick lately.  I have been walking 3k 4 out of 7 mornings, swimming on Fridays with Apple (yes it is still exercise to keep your child above water and drag her all around the pool)  and I have been running 5k twice a week.  I am doing pretty good.

I have also been back on track with my good eating habits, cutting back on excess carbs, adding in extra protein, vegetables and fruit.

So why the crash?  Well, everything that is up sometimes comes down.  And today that is me.  I have been riding a good high for a couple of weeks, good food, good exercise, good business, meeting new people but, today that came crashing down.  I felt a little blind sided but, these things happen and when they do we just have to pick ourselves up again and keep on going.  So for today I am managing a crash, a little extra carbs and no running for me tonight.  And tomorrow when the sun comes up, it will be a new day with new direction and hopefully I will be on the upside of the crash. If nothing else I hope to lace on my running shoes and run through some of this crash that I am experiencing.

We all have them, but the key is to get up from the crash and keep on going.

Before I get into my P90X review, I want to log what I have been up to this week. I managed two 5k runs this week and have been adding some mild strength stretches into my day.  Since most of my work consists of sitting at a computer, I have been trying to stop and get up and do some reps in between editing photos.  I have added some planks back in, side stretches and squats.

I am definitely moving slower into my workouts than usual, but since I had been plagued with injuries in December I want to ease in slowly so that I can keep going. This week I will add some more core work into my routine and try to do one more 5k.  After this week, I am going to try to increase my distance.  I haven’t knowingly run past 5k in a very long time and looking at the numbers on the treadmill somehow make me feel like I should stop at 5k so it will be a mind over matter thing to push past and go forward for the 10k.

I thought I would start off my reviews with one that I did last year.

P90X

photo: from beachbody P90X website.

 Last summer, my Sister lent me her P90X to try out.  And all I can say is that it kicked my butt.  P90X is awesome, but truly not for the faint at heart or health.  This workout system is an amazingly intense full body program.  There are 12 different workouts that you mix and match to achieve how you want to look.  You are given calendars to follow, eating advice and bonus workouts to up the intensity.

I chose to do the “Lean” workouts because I was trying to slim down and don’t like it when I bulk up.  I lasted two weeks. Each workout is almost an hour long and I just did not have that much time every night to devote to working out and passing out. Lame excuse? Perhaps, but its the truth.  With Apple not even two, I had to workout during her naptime or in the evening (which ended up being the time of choice most of that two weeks) and by the time I was finished, I was truly finished for the night.  I should have pursued the third week, but just couldn’t do it.

For the program, you don’t need any extra equipment, just yourself, some hand weights and possibly a mat.  If you are getting into some of the higher intensity buff workouts you might want a chin up bar, but you can do without.  Each exercise is shown by at least three people doing it in different intensities, I tried to always take the middle of the road, but sometimes took the easier route because it really is hard. Each workout moves you through some stretching, warming up, cardio, strength moves and cool down.  There is a bit of yoga type moves, kick boxing moves and basic training type moves.  If you don’t like your workout one day, it will be different the next.

After I was finished with it, and truly I was finished, Hubby decided to give it a try.  He did great and I can say he benefitted the most from it in our house.  He did it for at least a month, every day and then switched up some of the workouts with other ones.  He slimed down and lost the extra weight he was trying to lose and yes, has managed to keep it off with running.

As for my Sister, she lasted much longer than either of us, as a matter of fact, I think she is still going with it.  Not every day, but several times a week.  She is lean and strong and doesn’t have children so can spare an hour a day plus recouperation time. Would I recommend this to you?  Absolutely, if you have the time.  It will hurt at first, but after a few days the pain subsides and you just start to feel good.  If I had more time I would continue with it, but it just means I wouldn’t have enough time to work on my photos, perhaps I will do it again when Apple is a bit older and can amuse herself or join in with Mommy while I am working out.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

It’s Winter.  That is all that needs to be said about why the treadmill is my tool of choice this week.  I managed three 5k runs this week and a whole lot of stretching.  I was hoping to start one of my programs to review, but the worst case yet of tendonitis in my left wrist left me not only in a lot of pain, but unable to use my wrist for any sort of anything.  Instead I focused on adding in some stretching to my day.  I am doing stretches, mostly side reaches and touching my toes (you laugh but, getting back flexibility is tough) when I get up in the morning and before bed.  And any time I remember in between.

Apple is a jumper, she jumps her day away.  When she gets going we all try to join her.  Jumping up and down our halway on the way to feed the dog or take out the recycling is a fun way to add more movement into our day.

In addition to getting more exercise we are back to our healthy choices eating.  Gone are the cookies and candies and back are the apples, carrots and water.  Inspired by A Crafty Mom’s post on Whole Body Action Plan I have also cut way back on any snacks and replaced them with a small glass (250ml) of juice.  These are organic blended juices that are quite rich but contain anti-oxidants and vitamins and minerals only found in fruits and veggies that I rarely eat.  After a week, well really four days because although I started exercising last week, the junk food reigned supreme last weekend, I feel better. A little more energetic and getting better sleep.  Here’s hoping this is the beginning of an ongoing trend.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

You know what time of year it is?  Get back into the groove time.

I was really doing well this past fall, then took a break in running for a bit.  Just when I had started up again, I rolled my ankle getting our Christmas tree, which derailed me for almost everything for a good two weeks.  My ankle is still tender, and I expect it will be for a while, but I have managed two good 5k runs in the last week and am confident I can jump as we were having a jumping party with the kids the other night.

I have a few new plans and goals for working out and bringing back Workout Wednesday is the first step.

Second, Hubby is training for the Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon  and at first I was just going to run the 5k, but I think I am going to surprise him by running the 10k.  Shhh… don’t tell him, I love shocking him with my actual running abilities and although I never thought I would want to run more than 5k.  Since I have been running 5k for a while now, I feel the urge to keep going, so I know I can do it.

Third, I have a couple of different training programs I would like to review.  I have heard good things about them, but want to try them out myself before making recommendations.

And this, is the beginning of bringing back Workout Wednesdays.  If you want somewhere to share your weekly workouts, to feel you have somebody to be accountable to this is the place to do it.  If I only manage to encourage you to move for an extra 15 minutes a day, then I am happy.  And for me, I need the accountability too! So grab your running shoes and some great music and get your body moving into 2010.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

It has been a couple of weeks since I did a Workout Wednesday post. I was going strong and didn’t want to break my stride by posting about it. Then, after a few weeks of running every other day I got a stomach bug. It was only around for 24 hours but it derailed my running for about a week.

My girlfriend Lori left a comment that really helped me out. I had been running and cutting back my food but, I wasn’t eating enough. As soon as I added back in an afternoon snack I found that I was able to drop a couple of pounds. I know it is only two pounds so far, but that is the start in my last ten. With 8 left to go, I may have to encourage the family to finish off that bag of treats they brought home. Candy is a weakness for me, I can admit that.

As I hope to run tomorrow morning, here is a peek at our Halloween. The boys carved the pumpkin (in 15 years Hubby has never carved a pumpkin before, I love it!). The kids tried out the treats once the bowls were ready. They donned their costumes and went to visit the scary neighbour next door. They had a wonderful night and spent a good hour and a half walking down the street and back up again. Apple kept up with her brother and J took her hand to the door, they were in it together and didn’t fight once. I dressed up as a mad scientist and handed out the treats with a pot of coffee, for me.

As I went through my closet this morning looking for something to wear for the annual family portrait tonight. I realized that if I had only lost that last ten pounds that I want and need to lose, my options would have been so much more.

I have ten skirts that are one size too small (as in I can do them up, but cannot breathe).

I have ten pairs of pants that are one size two small (same as the skirts).

I have, at minimum, ten blouses that are one size two small (well my bosom was busting out).

I have ten summer dresses that are one size too small (just making note for next year).

So, here I sit trying to think of how to lose the last ten.

I run every other day now and am pretty much doing 4-5k each time.

I don’t eat excess sugar, sweets, soda, alcohol.  Most of what I eat is healthy and in moderation.  Oh yes, and I gave up extra salt this past summer.

I have ten more reasons why I should lose the last ten, but they are silly and mean only something to me.  But, the most important thing is that I want to do it for me.

There are ten weeks, plus one, until Christmas.  A pound a week.  I am determined to have the choice of at least ten different outfits for Christmas Dinner.  I can do it, I just need to get through Thanksgiving first.