[Fresia]

I have to get motivated as I have to start interviewing in 2.5 months. I cannot find business clothes or a suit that I can afford, and that fits right. However, I have a perfectly good business wardrobe in my closet that is a just within sight size-wise and is cost effective.

With everything going on, I have to admit, I have not been taking care of myself and slacking off on exercise and some questionable food choices, ok, really bad ones, have to be honest. Pizza is a dinner and a breakfast food, right? This is my promise to myself to make better healthy choices, to be active, and try to enjoy the process. I also do not have the money to buy new clothes and fear going inappropriate to the interview or worse, naked. I need a job, not wanting to scare them right off, though I may do that anyway.

Any encouragement is greatly appreciated. Anyone wanting to renew a promise to themselves or continue on their fitness path is welcome to join me down this path of healthy renewal.

Best wishes in your goals meanwhile.
Cheers - Fresia

Today goal: changed schedule to get up earlier before day starts, to walk and do sit-ups

[Fresia]

Worked out with weights this morning after taking the dogs for a brief walk. The muscles definitely objected but I have more energy. I suspect I will be sore here shortly, if not tomorrow. See how the soreness goes but the goal will be to add in weights twice a week. I need to walk the dogs later this afternoon when I get home. This should be good for today exercise-wise.

Food-wise, the conference food, I have no idea how some of the food is prepared and could not find someone to ask about the buffet. It is hard because it actually is all consistently delicious and so want to try everything; however, there are some smarter choices to make: I had the vinagrette instead of the creamy dressing they were offering for the salad, and just a teaspoon or two instead of drenching it; the chicken in broth instead of the beef with glaze; there were some steamed vegetables instead of creamed ones or the mystery sauced ones; and the torture were the rolls. I think it is best I stay away from anything other than whole grains. Fortunately, I heard that the desert was not that good so nothing missed there. Perhaps I can have the strength to do this again today. Praying the desert will be terrible again, and not something chocolate.

[Fresia]

The sun is not up yet and it sure was chilly, but walked this morning. I cannot believe it. The dogs were confused too though, as they stared at me as I got out of bed instead of bounding up like normal, then moped along when they did get up. It felt good to stretch as am definitely sore from the weights; will be safe and wait until this subsides, hopefully in the next day or two, before attempting them again. Ready for a hot shower that perhaps will help with the soreness and with energy as not feeling so energized this morning.

Doc had recommended adding more fiber back into the diet, which will help with all sorts of things, weight loss, lab values (cholesterol and triglycerides), etc. So I made a batch of oatmeal yesterday that I can reheat portions instead of starting from scratch in the morning as a first step. The warm cereal was really good after the chilly walk.

Goal this afternoon: another walk

[Fresia]

Yesterday: Zumba and walked in the evening.

Today: Walked this morning and did sit ups; because still a bit sore from the other day. Play it by ear to do the weights again. Goal is to walk again this evening.

[Fresia]

A friend took me to the pool with him today. I sure miss it but I don't know if it is enough to get a membership again; we'll see. It really was nice though.

Goals today-
swimming: done,
walk with dogs: short one done this morning, and longer one this evening.

[Fresia]

Biked this morning and oh, was that funny. The dogs weren't sure what to make of it, staying really clear of this monster, which isn't such a bad thing on one hand. It turned out to be tougher than I though as despite all the hills walking, on the bike they were even harder as I had trouble with the gears; it definitely was a work out.

Goal tonight: walk, but suspect it will be short one given how this morning went.

[Fresia]

Got awake with a cluster HA at 4 am and still dealing with it so I have not done anything, hurts too much. Hopefully the meds will kick in soon. This may turn out to be a day of rest or will try to walk later if it goes away. Pain, pain go away, come again another, well, hopefully never.

Goal: pain management and hopefully get to walk

[Fresia]

So I had to lay low yesterday, cluster HA lasted all day and has downgraded to a migraine today. Did not meet goal yesterday but I walked this morning as I hoped the cool, fresh air would help and it did.

Goal today: just walks

[doggiedo]

Fresia- it sounds like you are well on your way to developing some healthy habits.
How are you feeling other than the headaches - I hear they can be pretty painful. Good for you for getting up and at em!

When is the interview? You're to knock them dead
I'm sure! Good luck and keep up the great work!

Ps- what kind of dogs do you have??

[RomanSunburn]

Fresia, you're doing a great job!

A few months ago, I decided I wanted to get healthier, so I started the couch to 5K running program. It starts you off slow and slowly builds up until you can run for 30 minutes. I've finished the program, but my big struggle is to keep running through the cold... Both times I've been out, it's not nearly as bad as I imagined, but it was a lot of work to get me out the door.

But that's my fitness goal, to run a 5K every month just to keep me motivated to keep running. I'm also trying to eat healthier, more fruits and veggies.

I hope your head starts feeling better! I love seeing your progress!

[Fresia]

Thanks y'all for the support. I really appreciate it!!

Roman Sunburn... how do you go about starting to train for 5Ks? This has always interested me. Yes the cold is hard to get out in and is major deterrent; leaving the nice, snuggly, warm house is assaulting especially when struggling to get out the door in the first place. Lungs object to the cold air.

DoggieDo....I will start looking at interviewing in December. Dad has his brain surgery in a week in a half and then recovery to deal with, which would not be fair to an employer to work around besides my school schedule; so my last final exam is Dec 24th. I am going to start looking for a job when classes end and to start work hopefully in the new year; in the Spring I will only have one class left to graduate with my Bachelor's, which will be easy to work around. So that gives me the time to get things together, and with this new plan to get in better shape by the end of Dec for the interviewing, which will happen no matter the shape I am in. I am hoping that I can save some money by not having to get a whole new business wardrobe as suits are so expensive; more importantly, I am tired of my knees and my back hurting, the weight needs to come off.

Best wishes y'all in your fitness and health goals. Feel free to use this to thread to help in whatever way for notes on progress/set backs, feedback, or whatever, that's what it is for. I know making changes and keeping going is not always easy but rewarding. Hang in there and stay warm!

Migraine is still here today... think it is stress related too. Laying low.
Goal: just getting in the two long walks today.

PS. I have a Blackmouth Cur (3 y.o.) and an Australian Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix (2 y.o.); both from the shelter.

P.S.S. Tomorrow is the weigh in. Da-Da-Da-Dun

[RomanSunburn]

Oh, Fresia, you made my day! I get to talk about running and how I started!

A member here (silent_tsol) had started running and I asked her what program she was using. She told me she was using the couch to 5K (C25K). It's a 9 week program with three workouts a week and builds you up slowly. You start the first week with a walk to warm up, then you alternate 60 seconds of running/jogging with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. By the end of week 9, you're running 30 minutes without stopping. A lot of people who do it take longer than nine weeks and just go back and repeat some workouts, and that's totally cool. The main point is that you get out the door.

Here's the website I used:
The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan | C25K Mobile App

There is an app for your phone from that site, but it costs a couple bucks. If you have a smart phone, just search 'couch to 5K free' and something will come up to help you time your workouts.

Honestly, I thought running helped me so much with my mental health. Since I started running, I feel like I've been functioning like a normal person for once in my life. I made a social group for it so that people here at PC who do it would have a place to go for support and motivation. There's plenty of forums out there about C25K, but I figured, since we have the mental health aspect, it might feel safer and more comfortable for people to talk about it here. Someone once asked me why I started running and I didn't have an answer I felt comfortable telling this person. But anyways, our group has a whopping two members. I hope it'll get more lively

I hope your headache starts feeling better soon! And good luck to your dad and his surgery!

[Fresia]

It is interesting how to get started. I will check out the website. I might just start to do this as it sounds interesting and a challenge. Thanks for sharing this with me R.S.

First HA free day, so I biked to stay calm still, did not want it coming back. The dogs still are unsure of the bike, keeping 10-12 feet away. Thank goodness I live in a traffic free neighborhood. I think I will be doing loops aroung the neighborhood for some time until they figure out I will not be running them over.

Weigh-in, week later.... I did take my shoes off but it was 4.7 lbs less, actual progress. Yes! Thank goodness. I'm sure this will drop off/slow down but will definitely take it with grins.

[Fresia]

Oooooh, single digits this morning, my toes and lungs so object. At least it is sunny though and clear skies. I might need to change up the routine to start working out outside in the afternoons now, give things a chance to warm up; workout inside in the mornings.

I may need to find some kind of cardio equipment for the house this winter; this would be a good investment for my health. I think there are some secondhand equipment stores nearby, is this a good idea/bad to go used or not? Any recommendations for type of cardio that would be best? I have been working with what I have but wondered if there is a difference in types of cardio equipment since I might have to purchase something.

Biked this morning, one more lap than normal.
Going to walk this afternoon.

Brrr, still trying to warm up.

[RomanSunburn]

Sorry I don't have any advice about exercise equipment. Maybe you could do a free trial week at a gym and figure out what kind of equipment you like using.

I check the weather in the morning and the night before and when the sun is supposed to set to figure out when I should go running. Right now, I don't really have a job, just going to classes, so I can easily work running into my schedule at 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

Congrats on your weigh-in! You're doing great!

[Fresia]

Good ideas, thank you!

Yesterday, I walked only once. This morning, I did weights in the nice warmth of the house. Seems like the appropriate choice since it is in the teens and since I am no longer sore. Hopefully I will recover sooner this time.

With the rain, I am going just to walk this evening when get home to be safe.

[Fresia]

Funny thing this morning, I saw someone biking, but he was not actually peddling, was eating breakfast and and drinking something and it was a sight to behold; he was using his dogs as sled dogs, just no sled but the bike, to be pulled on instead. We stopped to talk. Turns out the dogs are destructive during the day while he is at work and he need to burn off more energy before the owner leaves the house in the morning so this is what he does now to wear them out, like sled dogs harnassed to the bike, just no sled. He tried packs on their backs on that did not work out as well. I wish you could have seen him just eating and drinking while the dogs pulled him; his little cooler on the back full of snacks and coffees. Nice thing was he gave me some tips as to how to get mine more used to my bike. I need the exercise and will continue peddling away but had me chuckling.

Goals: biked this morning (actually peddled ) and will walk this evening

[Fresia]

I slacked off yesterday and only walked with the dogs due to the heavy rain and no sit-ups or stretches. Too tired.

Today was gorgeous. Even though had planned to do weights it was too lovely not be outside. I walked and biked; I saw a pair of eagles and so many flocks of birds flying south for the winter; beautiful but saddening too as a sign winter is definitely coming.

Goal for tomorrow: weights and walking.

[Charlie0498]

You are a great inspiration! I have been wanting to get more exercise in myself, reading your post is a great motivator! Keep it up please!

[growlycat]

Thanks Fresia,
I've been aiming for 1 hour of exercise a day, but due to illness I've fallen off to 1-2 days a week.
Now that I'm getting over this cold/flu bug I started up again today-- 35 min treadmill, 15 eliptical and 15 stationary bike.

Maybe when I feel blah I'll read your posts and try harder!!!

[Fresia]

Thanks for the encouragement y'all. Wishing y'all well with your fitness goals!
Growlycat, I do hope you are feeling better!!

I am the first to admit that health comes first and there are days that I cannot do much; I have to temper what I do even if that means nothing and it is ok. We have to listen to our bodies, sickness, body aches, pain, etc. I figure if I do what I can when it is possible, just pick up again when up to it. Even if it is just to keep moving in some fashion a little here or there (an extra trip up and down the stairs in the house or carrying the groceries to do arm lifts), or even to change a bit of dietary habit here and there, little by little does actually make a difference; even though it may now show immediately, it will make a significant difference in the long run.

Today's goal and some changes: did weights this morning, will try to walk this afternoon; and am going to try eating half portions or the right size portions of foods because I think my portion sizes are off. I hate to read labels but for a bit to get an idea, I am going to start looking to see what size portions are suppose to be to be healthier. My biggest offender in my diet right now though are bagels. Yes I know, very bad calories but oh, I so love, love, love them. To change, I will start eating half instead of a whole with lighter cream cheese or peanut butter.

[Fresia]

Starting to sleep less as Dad's surgery approaches. Woke at 2:45 with a nightmare and cannot go back to sleep. I went for a walk, but a leisurely one to calm down, but it is raining and I started to hear the rumblings of thunder. I saw lighting in the distance; it is stunning at night (pun not intended ).

Today is a school day and bad weather at that (perhaps it will clear and can bike later), otherwise the goal are: 2 walks today, stretches, and sit-ups.

[growlycat]

I did 1 hr of exercise today but I am concerned that this week is going to get crazy at work which will take its toll on workout time.

[Fresia]

Good luck with your workout time this week and at work! Take good care this week.

The craziness can make it hard to squeeze things in. Yesterday and today are those days for me, very hectic. I got up early to get something in before it all starts but am missing the sleep already.

Weighed in this morning.... 3.1 lbs less this week, which in an of itself is astounding with taking so many days off due to the HA. I'm thinking it is the dietary changes and the weights to build more muscle that is burning more calories at rest. That's the theory I am going with at this point.

Starting to wonder what I can do the week during Dad's surgery at the hotel, if there will be a gym, but I know I can definitely walk and there will be stairs there. It will strange without the dogs though; I will miss them and their security especially being downtown. They are being left in good hands though.

Goals today: walked this morning and will do something this evening, haven't decided on what yet as it will depend on the weather. As of right now, I'm thinking the bed and a nap will sound so much better....I need to remember though: keep moving as it is for my health, need also to get into the suit, and stay out of bed.

[RomanSunburn]

Fresia, you're doing great! Way to go! I was thinking about you this weekend, rooting for you!

If you're staying in a hotel, most hotels have workout equipment. You can also ask at the desk if they have any recommendations for running/walking routes.

This past weekend was my husband's birthday weekend. He's been a runner his whole life, so what did we do to celebrate? Went on two runs. One Saturday and one Sunday. Saturday we did trail running, and omg, it's SO HARD and I was feeling pretty discouraged. Sunday, we went to the track because my husband wanted to do speed work -- he wants to break his 10K PR. I have to say, though, running with him is a lot more fun than running alone.

Ps, I also LOVE bagels.... I've been known to eat them from breakfast, lunch, and dinner... I might have a problem...