We have an answer!

7:59 AM | 0 Comments

I finally got the official word back from the doctor. I have low iron. I thought that was the problem but it's better when you know for sure. So I am now on iron supplements and after 3 months I will get my blood tested again.

I weighed myself this morning and I'm not sure how it happened but I'm now down to 241.6 which is down 2.2 lbs from 243.8 (or 247.8 though I am sure that was from pms).

Here is last week's distance total...it's not my best but at least I still got a few days in there...even if a few days were not by choice.

Monday Total: 1.4 miles (2.25 km)
Walking: 1.4 miles (2.25 km)

Wednesday Total: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Biking: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)

Saturday Total: 3.6 miles (5.9 km)
Walking: 0.8 miles (1.4 km)
Biking: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)

Weekly Total: 6.7 miles (10.85 km)

Exhuasted

7:51 AM | 0 Comments

I took yesterday off. Today I had to get milk for the kids and truthfully if I could have just stayed in bed I would have. So, I biked up to the Shell and bought milk. This was 1.7 miles. Definitely not my longest route, but with the exhaustion I'm just glad I could do something.

I went to the clinic yesterday and they're running a few tests to check my iron, B12, thyroid and hemoglobin. I should have the results by Friday.

Today's Total: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)

Monday and Back to Basics

9:31 AM | 0 Comments

Welcome to Monday. I finally bought new running shoes...ADIDAS! Apparently my feet are smaller than I thought. I'm in a 7.5 wide. I've been buying sizes 8.5 and 9 for years! Oh and this is my first pair of name brand running shoes. So I'm a little excited about it. I'll take a picture and post it later.

Since I'm in exhausted mode and had new running shoes I decided to walk. I know why I prefer biking to walking. I feel so slow when I walk. I went for my 30 minute walk of 1.4 miles. I brought my 1 lb weights and did my 32 push ups.

It's so dark when I start that the moon and stars are still shining brightly. I've gotta get used to it being dark. I find it makes me feel more tired than it did when the sun was already starting to come up at that time. You know it's fall when...it's colder in the mornings and my allergies are acting up big time. I feel like I have a cold, except everything is itchy. My eyes, throat, ears and nose, plus the sneezing. Today my head is all fuzzy too.

What is it with me and skunks? So I left the house and crossed the street. As I walked a few feet I could see a skunk waddling along on my side of the sidewalk. I try to keep a wide berth so I crossed to the other side. What does the little rascal do? He decides to cross to my side of the sidewalk. So I had to cross back over. I guess the little guy was hungry and searching for some food, because he headed to some houses on the other side. The side I started on and ended up on is a huge field. But seriously what is up with me and skunks? I never come across a raccoon. I always see rabbits, but that is not rare in Barrhaven.

This week is going to be a walking week to help build up my stamina again. I'm also paying closer attention to what I eat and trying to watch how much I eat. I know at some point I'm probably going to have to follow a plan, but for now I'll just work my way up to it. I'd rather not have to count calories, measure or weigh my food and write everything down all the time. So, if I stay sensible and keep at the exercise we'll see how it goes.

Have a blessed day!

Today's Total: 1.4 miles (2.25 km)

Weekly Totals

9:01 PM | 0 Comments

Wow! I really slacked off this past week, with my exercising and with my blog. Since Wednesday I've been exhausted. I'm fairly certain it's from PMS. I have got a lot of problems in that area that I will spare you the details of.

So, I will quickly update you on what I did last week.

Wednesday: 1.7 miles (2.8 km)
I slept in and decided not to go in the morning. In the evening I ended up borrowing the car so I biked to and from my inlaws.

Thursday: 3.2 miles (5.1 km)
I biked to Sobey's to pick up milk. The plan was to go for my usual ride of 5.3 miles, but halfway down my street I was tired. I knew I had to get milk for the kids and I just figured it was harder because Riley had kept me awake most of the night.

Friday: 4.9 miles (7.9 km)
I biked to Sobey's to get coffee for Ben. I was well rested but still got winded halfway down my street. I realized that there was some underlying issue since I'm not that tired even after going for my 3.2 mile ride. I also went after work to pick up the car so another 1.7 miles.

I guess the positive thing is that I still went. I felt so weak that it feels like a major set back. I also ate very poorly most of the week which doesn't help. My husband pointed out this weekend that I've still been waking up early but I've been going to bed later. And as I mentioned before my period is coming and I think that is playing a major role in my fatigue.

Weekly Total: 20.4 miles (32.8 km)

Off to a good start

9:01 AM | 0 Comments

Sorry it's been a few days since I last updated my blog. We had a very busy weekend with the kids. Saturday was the kids birthday party at A Gym Tale. We all had a great time! Sunday I sneezed and threw my back out...yes I said I sneezed! I guess it's from my Wii boxing challenge on Friday and my back was already a bit stiff. So, I rested my back as much as I could throughout the day and later in the afternoon I made supper for everyone. There were 8 adults and my 3 kids. I made honey dijon chicken and risoto. It was a great evening. The cake was great, Riley actually ate some too.

Over the weekend I bought a digital scale. I was NOT happy with what I saw on the scale. I weigh a lot more than I thought. When I first stepped onto the scale it said 247.8 lbs. Apparently, it was the wrong time of day to step on the scale. The next morning when I weighed myself I was 243.8 lbs. I'm still not happy about this number, but all I can do is keep trying and watch what eat more closely.

I am determined NOT to let the number on the scale deter me from my goals. I've decided to ramp up my exercise this week. The plan is to bike everyday 5.3 miles (8.6 km). I have done this both yesterday and today.

At work I am in training for the next few weeks, but I will try to write everyday. Good day everyone and be blessed!

Weekly Totals

8:57 AM | 0 Comments

Weekly Total: 19.3 miles (31.06 km)
Walking: 1.9 miles (3.05 km)
Biking: 17.4 miles (28.01 km)

Thursday and Friday

10:44 AM | 0 Comments

Thursday I decided to take the day off, but even when I take a day off I still manage to get in some exercise. After work we needed a few groceries so I biked to my in laws and back home.
Thursday
Biking: 1.7 miles (2.8 km)
Friday I started to go for a walk, but realized I needed bus tickets so I walked back home to get my bike. I biked up to the Shell and found out they didn't have bus tickets until 7. So, back on my bike up the road some more and I finally got bus tickets.
Friday
Walking: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
Biking: 2.7 miles (4.3 km)
Wii: 10 minutes
I also played Wii Boxing this afternoon for about 10 minutes and kicked my colleague's ass! Alex put up a good fight but ultimately I knocked him out! I had a pretty rough day today, many things got my blood boiling so it was a great way to get that steam out!! I'll have to think about getting one of my own.
This weekend will be quite busy as it is birthday weekend. Saturday we're having a party for my oldest son Dale and daughter Riley. Dale is 6 and Riley will be 1 on Tuesday. Sunday we're having a family dinner so you know I won't sit down the whole time.
Have a great weekend.

Be satisfied with a little.

10:44 AM | 0 Comments

"To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not."
- Akhenaton

The past two weeks have been rough. Rough because money's been tight, non-existent in fact. Rough because I've been so tired. I've spent a lot of time thinking about the things I don't have, the food I don't have, the money I don't have.

Today is the first day I've really felt OK with it all. I'm sure it's because payday is only 2 days away, but it has given me something to think about. I am thankful that I have enough food to live on, maybe it's not great or my first choice, but I'm not starving, no where near it. I'm thankful I have my in-laws to fall back on. They've been an invaluable source of support financially, and emotionally for us. I'm thankful for my family's good health. I'm thankful for my good health. Being overweight I am at higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and so many other illnesses. I have not had any problems thus far, not even while pregnant, which again being overweight I was at greater risk.

Onto my exercise for the day. I decided to bike, since I've walked both Monday and Tuesday. Plus my arms needed a break from the weights. I am still managing my 32 bench push ups every day (still split 16 at the start and 16 at the end of my route). I still find it challenging to do them. I can't wait till I'm one of those people who can pound off push ups like they are nothing.
Total: 3.9 miles (6.3 km)

Be blessed with what you have!

8:14 AM | 0 Comments

G'Day Eh!

This morning I went for my walk as usual with my 1 lb weights. I really pushed hard with the weights both yesterday and today. My shoulders and neck hurt today so I am going to take a weight break tomorrow. Actually the plan is to go for my 5.3 mile bike ride.

When I got home I realized needed bus tickets so I went back out and biked up to the Shell. My total for today is as follows:
Total: 3.2 miles (5.2 km)
Walking: 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Biking: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)

I know my posts have been short lately I think I'm going through a lull. Even getting out of bed has been hard lately. I need to find a happy medium with my energy level.

Over the weekend I noticed a very small definition in my arms. It's not very much but it's there. Makes me super proud to see that! I still haven't noticed a difference on the scale, but I have had several people tell me I'm looking well.

One comment in particular was that I look vibrant. Thanks James ;-)
My husband as always loves me no matter my size, but you can't help feeling great when friends make comments!

Tonight is dinner with my kids Great-Granny, I'm really looking forward to it. My daughter Riley is just 7 days from being 1 year old and last night she walked for the first time! I'm such a proud Mama!!!

Until tomorrow, have a great day and Be Blessed!

Addition for the day....(biked home from the in-laws).
Biking: 0.8 miles (1.4 km)
Updated Total: 4 miles (6.6 km)

It's a Mun-day

8:37 AM | 0 Comments

Well it's Monday. I took Friday and Saturday off. Sunday I didn't go in the morning, but I did go to Farm Boy for groceries. I biked there and back 2.3 miles (3.8 km). It's funny, there was a time when biking to Farm Boy seemed like such a big bike ride. Now I look at it and think "Gee I didn't go very far, that doesn't count for much." I know that any distance is good as long as I go.
This morning I did my 1.4 mile walk lifting weights as I went. I managed to get my 16 plus 16 push ups in as well, though after 3 days it was hard to push myself. I had considered switching to 3lbs weights but today realized I'm not ready for that.
This evening I biked to the Independent Grocer to pick up some milk and a few other things. The ride was 4.5 miles (7.3 km).

Today's total: 6.8 miles (10.94 km)

Weeks End

9:45 PM | 0 Comments

I went slightly further with my walking and my biking distance went down by a few miles. All in all not too shabby.

This weeks total: 19.03 miles (30.62 km)
Walking: 5.45 miles (8.77 km)
Biking: 13.58 miles (21.85 km)


So far I've got 3 weeks completed. Looking at them all grouped together makes me feel a major sense of pride. Plus, it is encouraging to know I keep going further. I want to increase both my walking and my biking this week. Maybe I'll see if I can squeeze it in after work as well.

Week 1: 14.8 miles (walked 4.8)
Week 2: 21.08 (walked 5)
Week 3: 19.03 (walked 5.45)

Taking a Break

11:23 AM | 1 Comments

I think I earned myself a well deserved break. I slept in this morning until 6! It doesn't seem like much, but it was great, even though I kept waking up thinking I needed to do something.
So, last night I was asked to go over and fix my father in laws internet. I biked over in the pouring rain. I LOVED IT! It rained so hard that I was completely drenched when I got there. I had to borrow clothes and wring out mine to put in the dryer.

So, yesterday I walked 2.6 miles and biked 1.7 miles for a total of 4.3 miles. Tomorrow I'm off to Toronto with the in laws for my husband's family reunion, which is funny since he'll be staying home with the kids. Ben hates crowds, even crowds full of family. I thrive on that sort of thing, plus it will be nice to meet some of the family we don't see regularly. Okay and I admit I am looking forward to getting out of the city for a day without the kids (a day I'm not at work).

Well I am off. I don't plan on working out tomorrow, but we'll see. I will be back to it on Sunday. Have a great weekend. Stay safe and Be Blessed!

A Morning Full of Surprises

8:08 AM | 0 Comments

Good Morning. I really, really, really, really did NOT want to go this morning. I managed to leave the house at 5:20 and went for a walk. I stopped and did my 16 push ups at the bench but it was difficult this morning.

At the first entrance to Whitegate Cres I almost got hit by a car. There was a lady who stopped at the stop sign and I continued across the street only I guess she hadn't looked my way because as I was in front of her car she started to pull out. I was inches from being hit by her car. Thankfully, she saw me and stopped in time. She looked more shaken up by the incident than I was. It did give my heart a good pounding though. I made a conscious decision not to be angry about it. Accidents happen and it was only 5:30 in the morning. So, I just thanked God and kept walking.

I decided to go up Claridge instead of down Beatrice and around. Well I guess I was walking slower than usual today because by the time I got back home it had been an hour. I usually try to get home by 6 or shortly after so I can get ready for work without having to rush. I made it home by 6:20 and had to run around getting everything together. See this is what I get for staying up later than usual.

I still got to work with plenty of time to get my tea and coffee, so all in all not too bad for someone who did NOT want to go this morning. I managed to walk 2.6 miles (4.2 km). Hmm looking at that now I realize why it took me longer...I went further. My usual long walk is 2 miles not 2.6. Well how about that. I went further than I thought! That's great!

Have a blessed day. God is watching over you.

Hump Day

7:56 AM | 0 Comments

Good Morning. It's Wednesday, Hump Day! My oldest son is 6 today! I can't believe he's already 6! We'll be celebrating on the 16th and 17th as a combined party with Riley, she's almost 1!

I woke at 5:09 but didn't leave the house until 5:30. both Riley and Joey woke up and needed to be changed. Unfortunately Joey didn't go back to sleep like I thought he would and he woke Ben up, which I didn't realize until I got back home. I was going to walk but since it was already 5:30 and I needed to pick up milk I decided to bike. I thought the route I took was a lot shorter than usual but it was actually the same distance as my regular bike route of 4.3 miles, ok technically it was 4.28 miles, but still pretty darn close.

I'm all out of things to say today.

Officially 2 weeks

11:00 AM | 0 Comments

Today marks 2 weeks of exercising on a regular basis. This morning I biked 5.3 miles (8.6 km) and lifted some weights. I finally asked someone what the different terms are for my weight lifting. I did tricep kickbacks, bicep curls, chest presses, flys and tricep hammers. I did 1 rep of 25 each way and a rep of 50 for my curls.

After my workout I felt great, I now know what they mean when people talk about an exercise high. Problem is, now that I've been sitting at work for 4 hours I'm really very tired. I guess I'm hitting a major low after feeling so great.

It's not just at work either. Last night I fell asleep around 8 while trying to put my son to sleep. (He of course stayed awake.) I went to my own bed about 9. I woke a couple of times with the kids through the night. Once was just after 11 and again around 3:30. I know 5 am is early to get up but I am getting lots of sleep. I feel like I shouldn't be so tired all the time. I look forward to this being habit and not something I have to force. It will be great when my system stabilizes and I'm not so tired all the time.

Have a great day!

Along came a ... skunk?

7:13 AM | 0 Comments

Good morning. So, I didn't set two alarms, and I managed to wake up at 5 am with just the one alarm, I didn't even hit the snooze button.

I decided on walking since I biked last night. Since today is a holiday my father-in-law drove me to work. This gave me extra time for my walk. My walk this morning was 2.85 miles (4.6 km). I was gone an hour, but stopped to do my 16 push ups at the beginning and end of my walk. I also did 30 step ups using a curb.

I brought my 1 lb weights as usual but left the ankle weight at home. I decided until I get new shoes I won't add the extra weight to my ankle. I used my weights straight above my head, punching out at chest level, flapping my arms like I'm trying to fly and pumping up at chest level. I love to look ridiculous!

Oh! I came across my little skunk friend again this morning. Only this time he wasn't just crossing the street. He was dilly dallying around. I took a very wide berth since I couldn't just wait for him to cross the road. I'd rather play it safe than end up smelling like a skunk. He was a cute little thing though.

I am pleased with my total distance from last week. I increased my distance by 7 miles over last week. I must sat last night's last minute bike ride really pumped me up for the week. My energy level was starting to drag and I could feel the laziness want to take hold again.

I can't say exactly what came over me last night, but I went further and felt better than ever before! I feel completely revived and hope this feeling continues.

Have a blessed day! God is with you.

Weekend Setback Ended with a Bang

9:33 PM | 0 Comments

Good evening. I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. I took yesterday off. I slept in and it felt great! This in itself wasn't a bad thing, I meant to go at some point yesterday, instead I ended up eating way too much junk food.

I stayed up late last night organizing my desk and kitchen and finally filing away all those papers that end up cluttering my desk. Since I was up late I didn't get up at 5 to go for my walk. I did get up at 6 am but my kids woke around the same time and I decided to let Ben sleep in.

I cleaned up a bit, did some laundry and got everyone ready for church. This afternoon I spent relaxing and eventually made beef curry for supper and a huge beautiful salad. My salad is so good I can eat it without dressing, which is good since I added pecans and cheese.

This evening I was determined not to let another whole day go by without getting some sort of
exercise in. At first I was just going for a short bike ride, but I ended up going 5.3 miles (8.6 km). I feel great! When I got home I was wired from pushing myself and hit the punching bag a bit. I hit 100 times with each fist. I still managed to get in my 16 push ups at the beginning and end of my route.


Now I just need to make extra sure I go tomorrow morning. I am getting a drive to work tomorrow so I don't have to leave as early as usual and I'm going to try for a 1 hour walk instead of my usual 30 or 40 minute walk. I think I'll set two alarms tomorrow to make sure I get up at 5. I'm off to get my stuff ready for work tomorrow. Enjoy your day off while I'm working. I will update you again tomorrow on how my morning went.

Weekly Total: 21.8 miles (35.08 km)
Walking: 5 miles (8.05 km)
Biking 16.8 miles (27.03 km)

Over the Hill and to the River

7:41 AM | 1 Comments

Okay, so I didn't bike to the river but I did go over the hill. I decided today was a biking day and went for my 4.3 mile route. At the corner of Strandherd and Longfields is the beginning of a slow hill. At least it looks like a slow hill, but when biking up, it feels like a mountain. I managed the without stopping, only to come to another hill on Greenbank just before Berrigan. I stopped for a few seconds once I reached the top, after two hills I needed a moment of composure. Then came the fun part, going downhill. I love going fast! It's such a rush. I love hearing the wind rush by my ears and feel the wind on my face. I've got a thing for speed. Unfortunately, the only time I get to go fast is after a hill. I haven't quite managed biking fast on my own yet. It will come in time. I have to remind myself I've only been at this a week. It takes longer than that to really build up endurance.

I did remember to stop at the beginning and end of my route to do 16 bench push ups each bench. These I managed without stopping. The second set was harder but by sure stubbornness I managed to go straight to 16.

I know I mentioned this yesterday, but it really has been harder to wake up in the mornings. This weekend I may take a morning off, but I'll make sure I still get in a walk or ride for the day.

I just found an interesting list of outdoor exercises. I am going to incorporate some, if not all of these. (excerpt from buildingbodies.ca)

LUNGES

Like all exercises, lunges should be done with absolutely perfect form. When done correctly, a lunge will work every single muscle in your legs at some point throughout the movement, including the all important Gluteus Maximus (that's the primary buttocks muscle, for those of you not anatomically inclined).

Variations on lunges that require no equipment include; Standing Lunges, Alternating Lunges, Elevated Lunges, Rear Lunges, and Walking Lunges.

PUSH UPS

Push ups have always been one of the most effective upper body exercises, but they have somehow gotten lost in the world of shiny chest press machines and fleets of various types of exercise benches. However, the push up is still an incredibly productive exercise, and it requires no equipment whatsoever. The 3 basic push up movements include Standard Grip, Wide Grip, and Close Grip. Alternating those 3 types will ensure maximal stimulation to the chest, shoulders, and triceps. In addition, you can elevate your hands to make the movement somewhat easier, or elevate your feet to make the movement somewhat harder.

Also, if you are really feeling brave, you can even throw in some Bounce and Clap Push Ups!

SQUATS

Many people simply don't understand the incredible power of doing a Squat the right way. Through improper instruction, inappropriate form, and just plain laziness, the incredible effectiveness of the Squat has been lost in the mix.

Variations including Standing Squats, One-Leg Squats, Plie Squats, Wide-Stance Squats, and Overhead Squats. Think you can't get enough stimulus out of Squats? Try doing 50 perfectly formed repetitions and see how tired your legs are!

STEP UPS

Brutal is the best word to describe this exercise when done properly! Using nothing more than a picnic bench, a piece of playground equipment, or even just a decent size rock, you simply step up onto your elevated surface, step down, and then repeat on the other side alternating back and forth.

By keeping your back straight and your head up the entire time, you will maximize recruitment of all of your leg muscles, and you will get an incredible cardiovascular workout as well. Go for perfect form and you will quickly see the benefit of this great exercise.

CHIN UPS

The outdoor version of Chin Ups and Pull ups can be done using anything from a low-hanging tree branch to any number of different pieces of playground equipment.

When done properly, Chin Ups and Pull Ups will humble most people, even avid exercisers. Bring your body up completely until your chin is at or above your hands, and lower back to the start under control. Repeat for as many as you can do!

UPHILL SPRINTS

Don't try this one until you can run a good 100-yard dash on level ground! This exercise is just what it sounds like - running uphill. Run up a decent size hill as fast as you can, walk back to the bottom, and repeat. Bring oxygen, but leave your pride at home, or else the hill will take it from you!

DUCK WALKS

This exercise is so simple, yet about as hard as it gets. Simply squat down until your thighs are at or below parallel to the ground, stay in that position, and start walking. Go about 10 steps and then walk backwards to your starting point. Repeat as many times as necessary (which won't be many) to reach total exhaustion!

As you can see, doing outdoor exercises has all of the benefits listed above including one benefit that wasn't listed - they are hard! If you are up to the challenge and sick of the gym, give your body and your mind an Earth-moment and get outside and play!

This will be a nice addition to my routine. For some reason I love making a fool of myself when it comes to exercise. I think it's because it forces me to laugh at myself and relax, so I enjoy what I'm doing.

Give it a shot. What have you got to lose? I've got lots to lose, lots of weight that is! Laugh and enjoy! Live life and Love!

Have a blessed day!

So, I walked home from Fallowfield station after work which was about 1 mile. And this evening I biked up to the Shell which added another 1.8 miles.

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