For those of you that sit most of the day...

For a person that has an office job and sits for most of the day, I found this article interesting. I'm motivated to find ways to get up out of my chair and MOVE throughout the day.

How Sitting All Day is Damaging Your Body and How You Can Counteract It

I like the fact that the article doesn't suggest we need to become marathoners or triathletes - only that we should get up and move at least once an hour and get 30 minutes of activity each day. I work out more than most of my friends do, but I tend to forget when I'm at work how long I have been sitting. I worked at a company once that had desks that you could stand by or sit in bar-type chairs. It was a nice change once in a while to be able to stand while working. And what ever became of treadmill type workstations? I remember hearing about those a few years ago. That sounds like a cool idea especially for those with office jobs. Personally, I would worry about falling or hurting myself. I have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time....

Let's move!

Overindulged today - must go to workout!

I watch my caloric intake pretty closely. So, today I knew I was in trouble when Gigi's cupcakes showed up at my office. I resisted the temptation for an hour or so, but finally gave in. Here is the one I chose:

Kentucky Bourbon cupcake from Gigi's -photo compliments of their website

I don't know the exact nutritional information for this decadent cupcake, but I'm sure it exceeded the amount I needed. Their website doesn't publish that information. But I'm glad to say that I didn't eat the whole thing. I only ate a few bites of the frosting and only about half of the cupcake.

It's a good thing that I brought my clothes to work with me, so I could head to the gym right after work. If I have to go home to change first, sometimes I don't ever make it there.

My workout clothes and new running shoes

I got a good treadmill workout in and tried out my new running shoes. They feel great so far. I'm glad I didn't talk myself out of going to the gym. I have been able to do that over the last few weeks and don't like that. It's been a while since I have set foot on a treadmill. I have been walking/jogging outside more often since the humidity in Tennessee has slacked off some. I'll be glad when fall gets here and it will be more comfortable to exercise outside.

Walking trail

Running setbacks

Charity walks memorabilia

I noticed I have accumulated quite a collection of race shirts from the events I have done. This madness began a few years ago when I decided to get healthy and thought doing charity walks/5k's would be a good start.

Looking at my memorabilia puts me in a better mood. I'm glad I have been able to help some of these charities raise money. Why am I in a bad mood? Tonight, I tried to do my running workout outside. It was not good. Here in the south, we have had a heatwave for several weeks now, but I thought if I waited until the sun went down I could do it. I need to train outside soon, since I have a 5k planned in a few weeks. It was still around 98 degrees when I started and unfortunately there wasn't much shade in the area. I ended up shortening my workout and feeling like a failure. I am so used to running on the treadmill that I felt extremely awkward on the track. And the unbearable heat didn't help. At least the 5k I am doing will be early in the morning. Hopefully that will make a difference. Days like this make me miss living in the Pacific Northwest.

Spokane WA

Riverfront Park in Spokane

Mornings and evenings are so pleasant there, even in the summertime. The humidity here in the south is dreadful.

The running trail

Siegel Soccer Park - nice area with running/walking trails

My passion!

 Looking at my race shirts remind me of the reason I do this. Tomorrow will be a better day. I'll give it another try.

Running - C25k Week 3

Tonight I begain week 3 on the Couch 2 5k challenge. I am usually watching The Biggest Loser on Tuesday nights, but decided to do my workout while watching my favorite show. I moved my treadmill into my bedroom so I'll be all ready to go. Another reason for moving my equipment, is because my daughter is moving back home soon and I have to empty out her bedroom. Goodbye exercise room.

My new workout space

I was a little nervous about this week's workout since I have to jump from running 90 second intervals to 3 minutes. At the same time, I am confident that I can do this! I got my shoes, my water and my pedometer ready and hit the treadmill.

One thing I found out rather quickly, is that I need to bring my big fan into my bedroom when I'm working out. The ceiling fan just didn't do the job. I was able to increase my speed during tonight's workout. Except during the last 3 minute interval, I had to slow down some. I'm hoping workout 2 will be a little easier.

After finishing the workout, I noticed my ankle began hurting. Since I've sprained this one several times, it gives me trouble occasionally. I immediately got the ice pack and elevated it. After a few minutes it felt much better, so I did some strength training with my weights.

I felt optimistic about the workout tonight. It was a little harder than week 2, but I love the challenge! I guess I have to get used to using ice packs and muscle cream after running workouts. I really want to move my running outside and get off the treadmill. Mental note: find a running trail to use this week.

Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first.  ~Author Unknown

I'm proud of myself

We had stormy weather here in TN today. Its so different than the weekend. We had such a beautiful weekend. I was sad to see the sunshine go away. I was able to spend a lot of time outdoors on Saturday and Sunday. I managed to get in an outdoor walk/run and mow the lawn. I will mention that I also got a sunburn from that activity. I didn't expect that at all. I love spring.

One of my goals has been to get a workout in during the workweek. It is hard for me to do, especially when I have to work late. But for the record....I did it today! I am so proud of myself. Usually I come home from work and sit down with my laptop and don't get up until time for bed. I made myself an "appointment" to workout. And it worked. My workout consisted of a treadmill workout and weights. I decided to get back on the Couch to 5K plan. I'm glad to say that I was able to do it without too much difficulty. I still have ankle problems and after 20 minutes or so I start feeling pain. But I managed to get through it. Happy about that.

Buenos dias

It's Saturday morning and I am up early making breakfast for my family and espresso for myself. I love making an iced espresso with Silk light. It is very yummy!

The last few weekends, my kitchen has been closed so I decided to make a nice breakfast. Not literally closed, but I just haven't chosen to cook. It is supposed to rain/storm most of the day so I think we will stay home. I'm trying to gear up for a workout. I haven't been on the treadmill in a while, so I think I'll give it a try. With all this exercise equipment, I have no excuse.

I have some things weighing on my mind today. Last night my oldest daughter called me with some shocking news. I should have known it was big when she asked if I were sitting down. :) She informed me that she is pregnant. She is unmarried, 20 years old and just moved into her first apartment. She has a part time job and makes just barely enough to take care of her living expenses. So I am a little worried. I am also a little stressed out thinking about being a grandma! I'm too young for that, right? Here are some baby pictures of my babies....

John and I are a little unsure about this grandparent thing...maybe the way we look in this picture says it all!

Have a great weekend!

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.  ~Irish Proverb

Migrane

 I've been sick for a few days this week. I have not been able to get my workouts in and my healthy eating plan has consisted of eating crackers and drinking Sprite. The feeling of nausea I have had for several days was the onset of a migrane. I should have thought of that. If I had taken a migrane pill a few days ago, I would have been better days ago. I haven't had a migrane in months, and I usually don't get the nausea with them. But, once I figured that out, I took a pill this afternoon which made me sleep for 4-5 hours. I feel much better. I am so glad. I don't like feeling bad. I have tried to work at home some but I'm sure I'll be behind at work next week after missing 2 days of work. I'll probably have to go to the office this weekend to see how much work is piled on my desk.

I think I'll run in the morning.  Murfreesboro weather is forecasted to be mild and an outdoor run sounds lovely. The treadmill is getting boring to me.

While I slept today, Tiger was getting into everything! He loves exploring and was missing the attention he usually gets from me.

Have a great weekend!