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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve


Merry Christmas Eve! Crossing my fingers that my flight goes out tonight…if not, maybe I can hitch a ride in Santa’s sleigh : ) They’re having a potluck here at work, and I’m trying my hardest to stay away from it. I’m loading up on fruit, rice cakes, yogurt, and anything to keep me away from the donuts! I brought in bagels and had one for breakfast, but that’s it…except for champagne. My boss only brings in one bottle for our entire team, so this year I decided to contribute : ) Cheers to health, happiness, and being home with family and friends for the holidays!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Trainingitis

I’m supposed to have a 2nd training session tonight but I call and cancel. I’m super sore from yesterday and I need to pack and clean up before flying out tomorrow. Ok, the real reason is that trainer doesn’t exactly bring holiday cheer and I don’t feel like exhausting myself tonight. A difficult workout is great, but I feel like she’s not recognizing my limits. I’m afraid to quit when it’s too hard, and that’s not a good feeling. I’ll try again after the New Year and hopefully finish 5 more sessions. I spend the rest of the night packing cozy sweaters, fuzzy sucks, flannel pjs, and snowboard gear I can almost feel the crunch of snow under my feet…brrr!

Baby it's Cold Outside


It was so cold this morning and I was craving a hot breakfast sandwich. Starbucks offers a reduced-fat option called the Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon, Cholesterol-Free Egg, Reduced-Fat White Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich. The name doesn’t sound very appetizing, but it turned out be pretty good. Relatively low in calories and high in protein, I think it might be a good option on those days when I need more than soy milk. Thankfully it’s not so good that I’ll be craving it every day, like the Caprese sandwich they used to have : ) I’m really worn out today because I’m staying up late to get things done after my workouts. I can’t wait to relax over Christmas vacation.

Monday, December 22, 2008

New Trainer


I finished my first session with Natalie, the new trainer. I feel weak and frustrated....it was really difficult. I'm ok with pushing it, but I need a laugh or two and some encouragement along the way. Without encouragement and feedback, I'm not sure I'm ready to work out at this level of intensity. Sigh.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

To the Core

I have really improved in my pilates sessions, and Keira noticed the changes too. I’m amazed at how strong my core is getting…I feel refreshed and empowered : ) After the gym, I stop by Fresh and Easy for 10 minute grocery shopping. I used to eat mostly carbs for snacks, but I’m getting better with fruits and veggies. I even picked up some trail mix, something I would have never eaten before. It will be a good protein boost/snowboarding snack when I’m home for Christmas. I actually want to go back to the gym tonight, but I know that I shouldn’t overdo it. I found a new trainer named Natalie, and our first session is on Monday. We’ll see if this is a better match…

Saturday, December 20, 2008

In Shape

I went shopping for warm clothes for my trip and was pleasantly surprised when the jeans and tops in a trendy boutique actually FIT. Unfortunately the prices were so shocking that I practically ran out of there. All I could think of was….hmmm…$200 jeans = X pilates sessions? Not only do my jeans fit again, but they’re starting to feel loose. And my stomach is toning up really nicely. More importantly, I’m getting back IN SHAPE again. For me, IN SHAPE means looking forward to my next workout and not wanting to leave the gym, having more energy and motivation, feeling happy in my skin, and regaining my positive perspective on life.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Weekend Warrior to Workout Warrior


I have officially broken the party cycle. My old weekends consisted of going out Friday and Saturday nights, drinking too much, surrounding myself with party friends, and staying out til 1am. My new weekends include Friday morning walks on the Strand, pilates sessions, and staying at the gym for as long as I feel like. I still go out with friends, but I’m usually home by 10. At that point I’m physically exhausted and the last thing on my mind is a martini. My trainer quit today, and it was a little abrupt. I know I’ve only had 6 sessions, but she seemed to have no interest in how the program was working or the progress I’ve made. It just goes to show you that you have to be your own motivator. There are some better trainers at the gym, so I’ll keep looking.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I Believe

I came across this amazing song from R. Kelley on iTunes called I Believe. Despite this guy's history, his music is amazing. The end of the song rocks...a definite workout booster! I also love the lyrics to Hollywood is not America...so true for how I feel right now (except for the Centerfold part!). Two great food discoveries - PUCCI baked pizza snacks taste just like real pizza and frozen spinach can be added to almost any Lean Cuisine for instant veggies.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I'll be Home for Christmas


It's just not very Christmasy here in California : ( I'm really homesick...probably because the first snow fell back in Oregon. But watching the holiday edition of Little People, Big World at the gym cheered me up. So much so that I created a whole series of personalized Xmas cards. Thank goodness my whole family will be going home for Christmas next week. I decided to extend my trip...I think I need it....can't wait to snowboard. It's the greatest feeling to be looking out over a snow covered world. I'll be keeping up my fitness routine with Becky's elliptical...just have to remember my workout gear this trip!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cookie Crumble

I was doing so well with a fine display of Christmas treats sitting on my table all weekend. But today I just couldn't take it! : ) So today is my cookie day. I had probably a dozen cookies and 1 small plate of brownies (during a 36 hour stretch). The problem is I was eating them because of stress at work and the "I want it and I just don't care" factor. Ok, I think I can live without another cookie or brownie for a while. I worked out at the gym and the season finale of Biggest Loser inspired me to get back on track.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pilates and PJs

Pilates was challenging this morning...so challenging that I got frustrated. I have to remind myself that frustration can be positive after I work through it. The fun part is that I always leave the gym feeling great, despite the challenges. I was supposed to go to a friend's bday party tonight, but I'm exhausted and sooo tired from Christmas baking at my mom's today. I realize I can't do it all and put on my pjs. I honestly can't remember the last time I relaxed on a Saturday night.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Charged Up


I'm still upset about the co-worker incident...taking the day off. I head to the beach for my usual walk on the Strand, but I find myself running it out of my system...something I haven't done in a long time. When I was 15, I would take off running as a way to gain control...I was my own power system with an outlet : ) I've realized that I may not be the Energizer bunny that I once was, but at least my batteries are recharged.  

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Strength Training

I had a bad day at work...the kind of day where you wonder how people can be so mean. I walked away from my co-worker without saying anything and finally reported the on-going harassment to my boss. I want to go to the gym tonight, but she stole my strength. I’ve been so motivated for the past month and I remind myself that NO ONE should be able to break my strength.  After a few tears, I fight off the urge to overeat by talking with Duyen and decide to sleep it off. Tomorrow is another day and another chance to be stronger.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Gumby Girl


I had my 5th training session with Katrina. She’s not the best motivator, so thank goodness I’m good at kicking my own $%#*! If anything, I probably need motivation to stay OUT of the gym: ) Which brings me to this frustrating incident - I was diligently doing difficult leg raises on the ball and cringing every minute of it. This woman comes up right next to me and does the same move with Gumby flexibility! To quote Pokey, ""Good work, Gumby. That's using the ol' stomach!"

Monday, December 8, 2008

Unhealthy Dose

I am extremely irritated today and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the lingering cold, lack of sleep (my stomach reacts to my medication at night), or starting another work week. The old me thinks food will get me through the morning and I order a bagel, chocolate chip cookie, & Diet Coke on my way to work (breakfast of non-champions!) I stick to a healthy lunch but devoured pizza slices for dinner and went to bed early. I think I needed a dose of unhealthy and some sleep : )

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mint Chocolate Indulgence


I’m still congested, but it’s a good day and I reward myself with new Nikes - mint chocolate colored Shox : ) I go to the gym anyway – 45 minutes with the new kinesis routine and 30 min of cardio. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been at the gym until closing time lately : ) I feel much better afterwards and prepare my food for the week as I rock out to XM tunes.
Quote for today: "Think about how good you can feel, how wonderfully exhausted (and totally exhilarated) you can be after a workout.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Little Blue Dress


I was a little under the weather Friday morning, but I felt better after a challenging pilates workout with Keira and Kinesis training with Katrina. I haven't lost much weight according to the scale, but I feel sooo good. Better yet, the turquoise dress FITS! Angela, Marketa and I rocked our fancy looks at the benefit dinner and had a great time.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

BeneFIT Dinner

I’ve been somewhat of a hermit lately to avoid drinking, eating out, and staying out late. Feeling restless, I call Marketa and suggest a benefit dinner that vball coach Sigler is hosting Friday night. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season, reward ourselves for kicking butt at the gym, and benefit a great cause. And I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to wear the killer turquoise dress that has been sitting in my closet…hope it still fits! Taking the night off from working out.
Quote for today: "Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile and enjoy the rewards you receive."

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Tired Tuesday


I’ve been working out late and have been getting only 6 hours of sleep. It’s definitely not enough...I’m losing energy and force myself through the motions at the gym. I powered through it and tried the new Cybex, an elliptical with a greater range of motion. I need to designate a “recharge” day during the week to relax or go to bed early.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Injection Objection


A friend of mine here in LA had lipodissolve over the weekend. She said that they injected a bunch of chemicals (all natural?!?) into her abs and it felt like she had just done 1,000 crunches. Yikes! This really disturbed me. I appreciate every drop of sweat generated from my killer ab workouts even more…I’ve earned it!!! I was so non-inspired by her story that I focused on abs at the gym tonight. The great part is that I’ve achieved one of my mini goals – leg raises. My abs are stronger already - no injections necessary.
Quote for today: "Be willing to do one more forever."

Life Management 101

At first it seemed inconvenient to manage a healthy lifestyle – having fresh food on hand, not being able to eat out as much, getting up early, etc. After 3 weeks into it, I’m realizing that it’s much more rewarding. Not to mention the money I’ll be saving! It’s amazing how good a salad tastes when I'm REALLY hungry, especially when I make it myself. And I’m starting to like gross fiber cereal with strawberries on a Saturday morning, especially if I have a pilates session afterwards : )
Quote for today: "Small accomplishments are accompanied by surprising rewards."

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Temptation or Relaxation?


I had planned on going to Vegas this weekend, but I realize that I’d prefer to stay home, relax, and work out. I hit the gym for an hour of weight training and a 30 min elliptical workout…feeling worn out. Starting November 9th, I have worked out every day except for a 2-day break. Hopefully I can keep this up! After grocery shopping, I crank up the 50s tunes and prepare food for the week.
Quote for today: "Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement."

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Sweaty Saturday

Energized! All of this hard work is starting to pay off. This morning I had another pilates session...Keira is a great motivator. I walk out of the gym drenched in sweat...I consider that a small victory. Before watching the OSU game, I filled up on a large salad so I wouldn't crave a greasy meal. It worked! The best part about today is being home on a Saturday night. I can't wait to get up early and go work out.
Quote for today: "You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to end the day with satisfaction."

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving was great...I filled up on shrimp cocktail early in the day and walked/ran the track just before dinner. The workout was refreshing and helped me limit the carbs...I ate a light dinner with mostly turkey and salad. A taste of mashed potatoes and stuffing did the trick. I didn't hold back on the sparkling cider though...it's my favorite! Thankfully I'm not a pie girl and dad had already eaten all the pumpkin bars : ) I was hungry later and filled up on a few snacks.
Quote for today: "A joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful."

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

So Long Sorbettos


Starbucks is no longer selling Sorbettos…aagh! Even a girl on a health kick deserves a mid day treat, so now I’ll have to get creative with fruit. Fruit is annoying because it only lasts a few days and I’m not a big fan of apples and oranges (finding a good one is next to impossible!). I’ll make sure to have strawberries and grapes on hand for snacking. Trying to get motivated for the gym tonight since I'm a little sore from yesterday...
Quote for today: Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Easy Eating

Eating healthy is getting easier. I passed up my standard turkey sandwich and sorbetto at lunch today for a Greek salad that I made at home. The new workout routine, on the other hand, isn’t so easy. The coordination will take some practice and it’s a little awkward. But I was sweating like crazy, so all of these weird moves on the ball must be working! Exhausted...ended it with a fairly easy elliptical workout – 45 minutes and 450 calories.
Quote for today: "My body is my business and I work on it every day."

Monday, November 24, 2008

Kinesis Kicks


My body feels weak when I get up so I call in sick. I feel better after sleeping in and I go for a Strand walk…my body is not in tune, but I feel better afterwards. I buy a workout ball and mat so I can do my routine at home. I’m feeling stronger as the day goes on and I have a great training session using the Kinesis machine. I finish off having burned 1,100 calories today with cardio alone…wow. I prepare 2 days worth of salads and healthy snacks. I’m sore and have a hard time sleeping.
Quote for today: Commit to Get Fit!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Damage is Done


Did not stick to my goal of staying in last night…too many cocktails…another hangover. To make matters worse, somebody damaged my car last night. I was able to get a walk with my mom in before discovering the damage. Somehow I manage to eat healthy today. I feel like crap and go to bed early.
Quote for today: "Nothing will work unless you do."

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Strand Saturday

Downloaded new music and walked the Strand. For the first time, I passed up my street on the way back! Ok, so maybe I saw a cute guy ahead. Either way, it felt good to know that I could have easily kept going. Normally I’m pretty tired by the time I reach 35th (four miles). 450 calories burned. I plan on going through my new routine at the gym later, but I decide to take it easy instead.
Quote for today: "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

Friday, November 21, 2008

Protein & Pilates

Tried a protein shake for breakfast – blech. Forced myself to get up early and go to my 2nd session of pilates – still loving it. I can’t wait for the next one.
Quote for today: "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Fresh and Easy


Had 2nd training session. Katrina printed out my routine and we ran through it together. There are so many exercises, so it will take me a while to memorize all of it. I finished with a 55 min elliptical workout since Tim Gunn's Guide to Style was on tv. Nothing like a makeover show to keep my stamina going!


Discovered Fresh and Easy grocery store. It's so awesome! Their produce is really cheap, and they have a lot of prepared foods that are healthy. No more bakery to tempt me. I feel healthier just by being in the store he he. I loaded up on nothing but good for me stuff. This has GOT to work.

Quote for today: Success is not final, failure is not fatal - it is the courage to continue that counts."

Damn Starbucks!


Food craving-gave in and had starbucks pumpkin bread. Good thing I was smart and checked out the calories and fat – a whopping 430 calories and 20 grams of fat. Uh oh…that thing went into the garbage half eaten! My tough workout last night was only 100 calories more than that. Yikes. Eating right is tougher than I thought. Damn Starbucks! At least I can still order the Sorbetto!
Quote for today: People say that losing weight is no walk in the park. When I hear that I think, yeah, that's the problem.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Sorbetto Motivation

I started off the day right with soy milk and healthy snacks. I still can’t resist my Sorbetto at lunch…a little high in calories but sooo worth it. Tonight I tried some of the new ab routine (a little awkward still) and did 55 minutes on the elliptical. 565 calories despite being tired. Go me!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ramp it Up

I wanted to make it to the gym last night, but I was worn out. I felt much better after some sleep, so I ramped it up tonight 10 min. intervals on the bike and 53 minutes on the elliptical. Bike intervals are such a killer! Calories still at 2,000 so I'll just work out harder.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Abs...olutely Sore

Really sore abs. Took a break today and didn't work out. I have to stop going out on Saturday nights...cocktails are going to kill my calorie limit.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Pilates Proponent

I love pilates! I can't believe I haven't tried this before. I used my free introductory session with Keira, and I feel so strong doing the core exercises. I always thought my coordination was bad, but this is something I can definitely get into. Afterwards I trained with Katrina for an hour. It's always a little awkward to learn a new routine, but I know it will get easier. We focused on abs, core, and triceps.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

New Trainer

Introductory sesion with Katrina (trainer) to take measurements. Apparently I should be eating 1500 calories for the first few weeks, but I think this is too low. I'll try my best. Today I start tracking my eating on FitDay.com, a great website that I've used in the past. Finished with a 40 min. strenuous elliptical workout with intervals. My heart rate was up to 190!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Goal

I don't usually strive for weight loss alone, in fact it's "weigh less" important to me than having a positive self image, an optimistic outlook, and more energy. But I realize that in order to control my eating, I will need a weight loss goal this time. 10 pounds is a lot for me, but it sounds reasonable to attain by the end of February. So here we go...time to stop looking forward to eating and start looking forward to getting back in shape : )

I have the day off so I walk the Strand from Manhattan to Hermosa and back (4 miles). Finished with an elliptical workout later in the day. Trying to eat better, but it's sooo hard.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Hmmm

I'm hesitant in walking in to the new gym...typically Mondays are the most crowded. But the guy at the front desk is cute and friendly. Everyone seems to be friendly in fact, and I'm surprised by the number of people who aren't fit at all. This is definitely more relaxed than 24 Hour. I'm unsure of how to do my old weights/core routine, so I opt for 10 minute intervals on the bike and a 30 min elliptical workout.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Equinox Heaven

No, they won’t stretch out. My favorite jeans from the last 2 years do not fit. Ok…this sucks. It’s time for a new start! I’m finding a new gym TODAY. I walk into Equinox and can't believe it. This is the ultimate gym experience. Not only could I work out here...I could LIVE here! An organic cafĂ©, spa, towel service…oh yea…and pristine gym equipment. I don’t even recognize most of the cardio machines. Cleaning crews are everywhere.

Knowing that I’m a gym addict, I know that the extra expense will be worth it. This reminds me of Cascade Athletic Club in Gresham, my first “fitness palace” growing up and where I became dedicated to getting fit. Cinderella is back in gear...I sign up for membership and 15 training sessions.

Friday, November 7, 2008

24 Frustrated

Until now, I was a devoted 24 Hour Fitness gal. It’s convenient, I know the equipment by heart, and cheap. Lately I’ve been really frustrated by the scene…too many people during the winter, exercise mats that are always wet with sweat, and broken ellipticals. But yesterday was the real kicker – they moved the gym equipment around and most of the core workout stuff is off limits (only for trainers). I vow to start looking for a new gym this weekend.