869.1 Miles

(1.7 treadmill)

Still traveling to Lothlorien.

Today was a bit of an odd day. My emotions were all over the place with all that was going on and it was hard to focus on things. Still, I got on the treadmill before I needed to leave the house and felt a little better afterward. I also walked outdoors, but I didn't thing to record that one. No problem.

Today was also a refocusing on strength training. Last week was challenging for me since there were several areas of my body that were in pain. I'm not sure, but I think my elbow issue is more of a tendon thing instead of a muscle thing. One more thing to set an appointment for. Still, I'd rather know that it's just something that can be taken care of simply instead of putting it off until it's something big.

It feels strange not to have anything posted since last week. Almost as if I'm letting myself down. I'm not going to be too harsh on myself, but I will certainly be striding forward.

867.4 Miles

(1.1 walking)

We are still traveling to Lothlorien. 

Boy, this seems so much slower with a treadmill! Yes, yes, I know I'm "only" walking instead of biking and walking is slower, but still. Anyway, I feel it differently when I walk and I really do think it's making a bigger impact physically.

Today I walked slower than usual. Mainly that's because I stubbed my pinky toe on a bathroom wall over the weekend (yes, I know that corner's been there for the last couple of years, but it jumped out at me, I swear!) I'm just happy it isn't broken.

I also did the chains today and I think I was sweating more from that than the walking. Oh well, it's all toward a great cause, right?

On the food subject... I was craving bread so very much yesterday and today. I know it's more the sugar (simple carbs) than anything, but I could almost taste the chunks of bread being dipped into a thick  au jus sauce. Kind of pathetic,  in a way. I do hope tomorrow is different.

I wonder if the picture would be better by turning the treadmill around.

Catching up

Sometimes, trying to keep up the blog is almost as much work as the workouts! Not really, but it's still something I need to figure into the schedule.

Wednesday and Thursday were both dedicated to weights. There was no soreness or any twinges in my arm at all and I lifted weights, did the chains and thought about how it will feel to move up the scale on the dumbbells. I've decided that it's time to increase the number of sets each day. I've been assured that it's nearly impossible for me to get "bulked" when it comes to weight-lifting unless I dedicated several hours a day to it. So... next week will be more.

Friday I did a lot of squats. You see, when the yarn is skeining I only need to stay close to catch any snags. Those rarely happen so I have a lot of time in between changing the yarn. This time I brought the weights into the shop room with me (I think I need a cool name for that room) and did a lot of overhead press squats along with various lifts. I kind of like doing them like this since I feel I can do more. There is a 1-2 minute break when I take the yarn off the winder and put more yarn on the swift so it gives my body a chance to be ready again.

Sometimes I can see a hint of a difference in the mirror. I'll catch my reflection as I pick something off the floor or wrap a shawl around me and I have to stop and really look. There is a slight definition in the muscles. It's still under a bit of fat, but it's there. I know that it won't be that long before that is what I see even more clearly.

866.3 Miles

(1.7 treadmill)
(5.1 biking)

Haldir led us through the woods and, as we left the Nimridil, we all felt a little sad at leaving behind the lovely sound of the water. When we came across the Silverlode again we crossed the river on elvish ropes. We were not able to go further until Gimli was blindfolded, which did not sit well with him. Aragorn made the choice that we should all be blindfolded and we continued with Haldir as our guide.

I decided to combine both modes of transport today. Not for any particular reason other than it felt the right thing to do. I was on the treadmill about half an hour and the bike only 15 minutes. I probably could have gone a little longer, but I think 45 minutes is good for now. I still am not lifting weights since my arm is still a tiny bit sore, but I'm certain it will be fine by morning. I'm looking forward to getting back into that routine. I feel like the week of the daycare break was a bit slacking, even though I spent most of the time with the strength training.

There are things I want my body to do and to be able to accomplish and right now I know that I'm just not there. I will keep pushing, though. I am determined.

I did knit a little bit on the bike, but I'm certain that I won't be able to knit on the treadmill.

859.5 Miles

(1.1 walking)

We have crossed the Nimrodil and met up with the elves here. They startled Legolas when he climbed the huge mellan trees to see if we'd be safe for the night. After a meeting between them and Frodo we slept in flets up in the trees. Today we follow the Silverlode.

Today I decided to walk barefooted to work my feet a little differently. I will admit that I was surprised at how slow I had to walk! Still, I got in my half-hour. Tomorrow I will see how my legs react to that bit of craziness.

I didn't lift any weights today. Over the weekend I pulled my right tricep pretty hard (jammed lawnmower) and am more than a little worried that I could injure it or something. When it happened I was willing to continue working with the heavy stuff, but Kevin pointed out that I could really do some damage if I didn't stop and pay attention to my body (not in those words, but that was what I got from it). I'm hoping tomorrow will be a lot better. (As you can see, shading the screen doesn't really help with the picture.)

Other movements

Yesterday I walked swiftly & steadily and learned my limits of speed. This morning when I woke I was pleased that the sore muscles I had weren't nearly as bad as the day after I'd done the lower body chains for the first time. My back was a little sore, but I gently warmed it up with a couple belly dancing moves. While I was finishing up the shop stuff I worked on weights. You see, while the yarn is winding into a ball, I can do other things (yes, that is very cool) and I chose to get in some strength training. Today I used the 3lb weights, but lifted until I couldn't go any further. Then I'd switch to a different lift (bicep curls, tricep curls, overhead presses, etc). By the time I was finished with the yarns I was sure I couldn't even left those 4oz skeins.

My legs? Oh, yes, I did my squats this morning and felt good about the strength I could feel in my legs. Shortly after 10-ish, however, my legs started feeling more sore. By lunchtime I could feel the tightness even more. So I kept drinking water and gently stretching. I did walk a very short distance to have lunch with some friends, but when I got home, my calves were hollering at me to knock it off. I ignored them and continued to gently stretch.

I know I still have a long way to go, but I feel really good about the progress so far.

858.7 Miles

(1.7 treadmill)

I'm still in the same place in the story since walking has severely curtailed my mileage gains. However, I think it's a good thing anyway since I can feel the muscles being worked differently. I'm pretty proud of the pace I kept today and am looking forward to continuing.

I did learn that I cannot walk faster than 3.8mph before I start to stumble. I guess that's good to know.

It's a bit difficult to get a clearer picture of this. I don't know if it's the angle of the light from the window or what, but I'll keep trying.

Other movements

What happened to this day?! I was tracking along well, thinking I'd have plenty of time this evening to get some blogging done, knitting, enjoyed, an audiobook listened to... but the time has caught up with me and it's time for bed.

So, a very brief update: 20 minutes of hooping this morning, and only 20 minutes of walking before the kids arrived. They left early today and I headed out with outgoing orders and a grocery list. When I got home I focused on some strength stuff before continuing with yarn work. Then, before I thought it was possible, it was past time for a shower and nearly time for bed.

Tomorrow will be better with more focus.

Other Movements

I got in 20 minutes of hooping before the kids arrived then, after they went back to sleep, I started on the strength training. Upper & lower chains, and 50 squats. I don't know what variation they are, but they are similar to a braced squat, only when I stand up, I pull in the muscles of my stomach inward (pelvic thrust?) and pull the barbells toward my body. After that I decided that it wouldn't quite be enough, so I repeated the squats. By the time the kids were gone, I was pretty much done for the day. I know that might sound lazy, but I do stay busy with them (crafts, cooking, etc.).

Let's talk about food for a little bit. I know I don't really get enough protein and I"m still on the hunt for a decent, non-sweetened powder that is affordable. I have found a whey powder that is mostly smooth, but it's a lot more expensive than the rice protein. The rice has a pleasant taste, but is very gritty. I'll keep trying.

One thing I miss is a cookie. Yes, that sounds silly, but it's true. With the elimination of nearly all grains, cookies went first. However, I have been trying out a couple recipes for raw cookies that are made with almond flour (no wheat). These are simple and pretty good and I'll be playing with the recipe a bit until I'm happy with it. I'd also like to try out some shortbread cookies without flour. We'll see how that goes.

When all is said and done, when my blood sugar is under complete control, when the weight has been shed, I want to be able to maintain it all without missing out on the things I like most (like ginger snaps on a winter night). Many things I've found awesome replacements for (hot cocoa with stevia instead of sugar), and many things I'm still trying out (I have come to the conclusion that I don't like turkey bacon).

I am choosing to have a strong and healthy body for the rest of my years.

Other movements

Today was strength training only. And about 12 hours of yarn work. By the time the last skein was done I didn't even want to shower (I did anyway). I'm mostly fine with that, especially since the scale this morning showed 171.2! I guess the balance has begun to shift now.

Having the daycare kids here is a little more challenging than I first thought, but I will keep my focus on what is important to me.

857 Miles

(1.6 walking)

Yes, only 1.6 miles in 30 minutes. I got a new treadmill yesterday and am getting used to it. I will say now that walking on a treadmill is very different than walking on the ground. I don't know why, but it makes my legs ache in a completely unique way. Still, I know it's for the good. My hope is that the muscles will continue to grow stronger in a balanced manner.

I also did my chains and weights today. And moved furniture. On this screen that doesn't really seem like very much, but my body is now tired and ready for sleep.

The picture was taken with my phone since I'd forgotten my camera.

Movements & thoughts

There was no biking today. Or even walking. Why? Because I listened to my body and lifted weights instead. And belly danced.

I started this blog as a way to share with you the journey that I had intended to travel. To catalog the miles I pedaled and attach them to one of my favorite stories. I've been doing that, I think. But there are days...

I was starting to feel guilty about not getting on the bike even though I'd done so much more during the day. After all, how do I show you that I'm lifting 8-pound weights more than 50 times in various positions (above head, behind head, leaning over & "pulling the lawnmower cord", etc.). How do I show you that I'm sweating quite a bit while I'm belly dancing? How do I describe the stretching involved in the yoga that I'm doing? The only thing I can really show is the screen on the bike after I've ridden for the allotted time.

As my body changes and grows in strength I hear different messages. It's an interesting thing, listening to my body. It has been telling me things like, "Be stronger," and "Push harder." And so, even though I know I should get on the bike because you might be watching for the miles, I need to listen to my body.

Part of that will include even more walking. I am not so sure about walking out in this neighborhood in the wee hours, but I am willing to walk in the afternoons. Also, I'll be looking at some treadmills. They are used, they aren't top of the line, but they are in my budget range. We'll see what I find.

855.4 Miles

(9.7 biking)

After traveling onward, Frodo and Sam began to fall behind. They were both injured while we were in Moria and Aragorn tended them both before we moved on. This is when we discovered Frodo's mithril corselette. After going on for another few hours we reached the edge of the woods of Lothlorien.

I felt pretty good today, even though my sleep is still broken each night. I'm hoping that will change very soon. Even so, I didn't want to ride today. I feel better emotionally, but I am still physically tired. And yet, I felt a lot better about myself when I'd finished the 30 minutes.

I also continued with the strength training. That seems easier to do lately. Not in terms of the physical challenge (since my muscles still tremble after a few sets), but in terms of motivation. I feel more motivated to lift the weights than to get on the bike. Weird, huh?

Other movements

I'm going to need to rethink the next 2 weeks somehow. Brianna is out of school this week and the daycare kids are out next week. This week is a lot easier to get the biking time in, but next week will be a challenge. So...

Today was all about strength & hooping. Chains, squats, etc. and tons of yarn-lifting. If I had a hanging scale I could figure out how much a wet skein weighs when I first pull it out of the pot... I just know it seems heavier after I've lifted 20 of them.

I have a small dilemma which may seem pretty insignificant to many folks, but I'm still dithering about it. We kind of need a lawnmower. I would really like to have a treadmill. I'm beginning to lean toward the treadmill, though. After all, once the grass is cut short (and I can sometimes borrow a lawnmower for that) it's easier to maintain with the reel mower we have. The treadmill would get used several times a week by Brianna and me. For now, I'm going to put the thoughts on hold and focus on how to get my biking time during next week.