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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Week 6 part 2

Thursday I had my thyroid removed.  I spent the night in the hospital and came home on Friday.  It doesn't look too bad, but the kids act surprised everytime they see me.  "Mommy, what happened to your neck?"  I get that about every 10 minutes.

I am feeling better - not quite 100%.  The hardest part is sleeping because I had to sleep sitting up the first two nights.  Last night I was able to recline a little bit.  I'm sure as I heal I will be able to lay down properly.  I have a greater appreciation for sleep than I had before!

My friends and family have been a huge blessing.  They have babysat and brought in meals.  The kids have loved all the attention and food.  I appreciate all the prayers, well-wishes, and help that everyone has given.  We feel loved and blessed. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Week 6

I completely fell of the bandwagon last week.  I only went to the gym once.  This week I didn't have a chance to go at all.  It's really hard when you have sick children/husband to try and fit it all in.  I just didn't have it in me to go after the kids were in bed.  Can't do everything!

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.  I'm spending the night in the hospital to have my thyroid removed.  I tell people it was either that or breast augmentation - I just couldn't decide!  The only times I have been in the hospital was when I was having a baby.  It was worth the stay just to bring something cute and cuddly home with me.  I wonder if my thyroid will be cute and cuddly!

I'm not freaked out by the surgery.  In one sense I am relieved that I'm not "crazy".  I've had doctors tell me over the last 6 years that my case wasn't worth their expertise.  But I pressed on, being inspired by close friends and aquaintances.  I thought even if I was crazy, I had to go to one more doctor just to prove it.  Turns out, I'm not!  So there!

Off to the races.  See you on the other side!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Week 5

I had a fantastic run on Saturday with my sister-in-law.  We ran 4.2 miles in 45 minutes (10 min. 40 sec per mile).  I'm glad that not every run sucks - otherwise it would be harder to do it.  I know it's Valentine's Day, but I'm contemplating going to the gym tonight.  It really helps calm me and it is relaxing.  Plus I don't have to go tomorrow if I do it today!

My trip to California taught me 2 things. 

1.)  It's really hard to eat well when your brother is a fantastic cook.
2.)  It wasn't that hard to make time for a run.

In April we're planning a family vacation, and I was wondering how my running/training would fit into the schedule.  Now that I've had a mini practice run, I know that I can do it if I make it a priority.

Even though I'm not able to "train" for the half marathon.  The doctor is still encouraging me to keep up with my fitness.  I guess it is a perfect excuse to not exercise, but I plan on running a half marathon at some point.  I mean there has to be a stretch of time where I don't injure myself, need surgery, or have other life altering things happen right?  If anything, being told no has made me more determined to do it.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Week 4

I went for a run yesterday with the intention of running 4miles.  I wound up doing a walk/run where I walked 2 miles and I ran 2.75miles.  It wasn't what I had planned on, but I least I did something - and in the end the distance was more than what I had planned.

I also bought some 5lb hand weights to use at home.  I pretty much decided that I need to incorporate more strength training into my routine.  My arms are very weak.  (I am like a t-rex with long, skinny arms that don't support my body weight!)  Hopefully they won't just sit under my bed gathering dust like some of my other fitness equipment. 

My other goal for myself is to work more on my diet.  I love food and I like to eat.  Normally I don't give to much thought about what I'm eating, why I'm eating, or how I'm eating.  I don't believe in diets or cutting out entire food groups.  But I am trying to each 3 meals of 400 calories each and I can have 2 snacks of 100 calories.  I can eat whatever I want - if I want to eat 400 calories of chocolate for lunch, so be it.  (This morning I had poptarts for breakfast.)  I read about this idea in the January issue of Woman's World.  I'm also trying to drink a gallon of water each day - which is easier said than done.  On the days I work out, I can add the number of calories to my daily diet if I choose.  That way if I want to go to a restaurant I'm not limited in what I want to eat.  It's all fine and good.   

When I'm working out regularly, I tend to eat better and make more of an effort.  I try to do things that are sustainable for long periods of time.  I don't want to start something that I won't be able to manage during birthday parties, or holidays, or ward parties.  I love food and I love to eat.  It's all about balance, but balance is a tricky thing to maintain and control.   

Saturday, February 5, 2011

End of Week 3

I went running on Wednesday.  I ran 3.25 miles at the gym and I walked enough to total 4.65 miles when all was said and done.  This made me feel pretty good about my progress so far. 

On Thursday I read an online fitness article about how you shouldn't do crunches anymore.  Doing planks will give you the best ab workout.  (A plank is when you hold your body in push-up ready position for as long as you can.)  I decided to try it out yesterday.  I only did maybe 6-10 reps at 30sec - 1 minute each, but I woke up SORE this morning.  It does give you a good workout.

Even though I had more company on my morning run today, it didn't go quite as planned.  I ran the first 2 miles, but my side was hurting, so I wound up walking the last 2miles.  I'm a little disappointed that I didn't make the full 5 mile run like I was supposed to, but I didn't want to risk hurting myself.  Lesson learned:  no more planks before a long run.

I've also been debating whether I should keep my running mileage low (instead of increasing it each week) in order to incorporate more strength training.  (I should clarify that by low I mean 2-4 miles each run.)  Over a longer period of time I think I would become a better runner.  For the 1/2 marathon in April, it may mean I would have to walk and run it.  Hmmm......choices.

P.S.  My friend Uilea was truly an inspiration for running today.  She did awesome!! 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Day Whatever

Okay, so I'm totally slacking in the blogging department, but I am keeping up with running.  Saturday I ran 4 miles.  Yesterday I ran 2.5 and walked another 2.  I've decided that I need to update my music because everything is starting to get old - either that or I have a short attention span.  Both are probably true.  Isn't it amazing how a good song will help motivate you?

I have been incredibly busy the last week.  It's crazy trying to manage the social lives of 3 kids.  There's always a party, playdate, soccer practice, swim lessons, piano lessons, art classes, and other assortment of activities.  I'm making a mental reminder right now to remember that Melanie is giving a talk in Primary on Sunday.  I can only imagine what my life will be like when they become teenagers. 

That is just their lives.  Then I try to factor in the things I need to do, want to do, and don't want to do but I have to do.  (I don't even try to keep up with my husband's schedule.)  I'm like a little hamster on the wheel, except I don't run that well.

Well, tomorrow I plan on sneaking in a 3 mile run - okay it's not really sneaking if I plan on being on the treadmill for an hour.