Life Continues

I still am careful what I eat and will stay that way. I'm so greatful for the challenge to help me see what I needed to change in my life and will stick with the eating part. I'll still walk and hopefully one day be able to get back to the gym.

It was so great seeing everyone at the banquet. I'm so happy for the top 3 winners, they did great and is sure showed. But we are all winners also. I'm excited for the reunion. It has been great making sure awesome friends and I hope we keep in touch, for the friendship and the support.

First, but not the last 5K

I was not sure I would make the race as yesterday was the worst day yet. I ended back up at another doc but he gave me 2 different meds and I actually felt great this morning. Poor Brice has a really bad painful back right now so I was going faster than him. It felt so good to be out and walking, I had to slow down for Brice a couple of times. I am hoping this medicine helps out all the time so I can get back to the gym even though the 100 day challenge will be over basically I'm starting over for me.
It was so exciting to cross the finish line and I am determined to do other races. I'll always walk, but I use to power walk and I hope to get back to that.
I'll see everyone at the weigh in early Monday morning, actually I'll be at work at 5 am so I'll have to leave for a bit. It was great to see most of us at the race and many were missed.

Walking

I no longer go to the gym. I hurt alot now and so I just walk. No news on any of my tests and I think this is going to be a while before anything is found out. I will really miss visiting with everyone at the gym. I will get there one day! I will see everyone at the 5K and of course at Kathy and Eric's.

Last Class

Today was great, it's going to be sad to not have the nutrition class to go to. We have learned so much and I enjoy the recipes everyone shares, even on the blog.

After 30 minutes on the treadmill Wednesday, I hurt so bad all night Thursday, that I couldn't sleep much, from head to toe. So I guess I'll just walk now till we get this figured out.

I have lost weight though, through watching what I eat but I still want to tone and get strengh. Class was hard today listening to everyone talk about how they are doing with the exercising and images of themselves. I started this to exercise and came to a total stop. Brice told me to look at it that I went full blast when we started and really got going, I could do 60 minutes of cardio and 30 strength so at least I got started. When we finally are able to figure out what's going on with me, and hopefully get on meds that will help, I'm heading back to the gym to get right back on track. I have that to look forward to. This has been great to teach me so much even though I have to put it on hold for a bit. My goal for myself is to complete the 5K then I will have won for myself.

Running out of time

WOW! Where had the time gone. With only one more week of our classes with Mindy, our time together is almost done. I look forward to our classes each Friday. Mindy has done a great job teaching us and meeting with friends each week to has really been great. Thanks Mindy for having chef Mike Austin with us yesterday. Not only was he so funny, but he taught us some great stuff. And the food was so good. I'm anxious to cook it for my family. I also like the idea of cooking large amounts of food and freezing meals. With my busy schedule, my poor family doesn't get the best meals sometimes and this would be great.
I haven't been exercising, I don't have the strength and my muscles around my lungs get tight. I had to leave work Thursday morning as I was so weak. I got into my family doc who said it is not my lungs, but the muscles around them. I got into a neurologist Friday and he is checking for Myasthenia Gravis. Lots of blood drawn and a cat scan of my chest and medicine will hopefully help. I'll find out the blood tests and cat scan results next Thursday. I just want to be able to have a normal day again. This has gone really fast and got really scary Thursday that I felt like I would end up in the hospital. Sitting on my couch all day long is not my idea of taking personal time from work.
Even though I have not been able to exercise, I am still tracking and watching what I eat. I actually lost some weight just doing that. I will miss the tracking booklet, it is really great to have a visual of what I eat as a reminder. I'll just carry around a small notebook and continue tracking. I am determined to get back to exercising and hopefully with the medicine I can. Have to wait to see the doc and get the results so I can see what I can do. No matter what, this program has been great to open up so much for my health, to eat better and learn about exercising so when I'm able, I'll continue. And we'll see each other at the gym too.

Exercise Class

I really wanted to give the Zumba class a try yesterday even though Brice wasn't sure about me doing so, he was right. I ran out of energy so fast I left way to soon. I'm really struggling with the fact that I was picked for this great program and I can't do what we've been asked to do for our health. I'm down to just the treadmill now but at least I can still do that. I still hurt afterwards, but whats new for me these days. My doc appointment is May 6th and I'm really hoping to get some answers. Brice and I usually go camping once each month during the summer months but no hiking at all this year, just flat places to walk.

I watch everyone else and am so happy to see everyone doing so good. I notice shrinking bodies and you all have tons to be proud of. I do enjoy the nutrition classes and all we learn there from Mindy and each other, and the recipes that are shared are great.

Finally went to the gym

I have only been walking as any more makes me sore and weak and I have really missed working out at the gym. I went on the treadmill this afternoon and it felt good. I am ackey already and will probably hurt during the night. I'm determined to be at the zumba class saturday but know I won't be doing anything else for quite a while after that. The longer I go without exercising, the better I feel, almost.

Next doctor

The specialist I saw today is sending me to a neurologist for my muscles. Even the cardio is getting hard to do and I'm starting to hurt in my muscles. I couldn't do the ball sit ups yesterday either because of pain. Ok, so I'm really depressed and frustrated that I can't do the exercises. I really felt so good starting out in this program and was so grateful I was chosen. My goal now is to be able to at least do the 5K in May, even if I just walk, with my sweet husband by my side of course.

Monday Workout

I got 20 minutes on each of the three machines, not what I started out doing, but I can do these.

Friday's workout

I did 80 minutes of cardio today. I miss the strength training but this will work. With the warmer weather, Brice and I went for a walk yesterday. We love to go walking and will start going more now. There are some paths where we live and a park to walk to and around.

I can't believe we are half way through already. This is a great program and I will miss the classes and friends we have made. It's so great to see how good every one is doing and the encouragement we each give each other. I think the best part of the program is the encouragement and support we share.

On a break

So I'm not doing the strength training for a while to see if I don't get weak. That's my favorite part of the exercising so I'll really miss it. I hope the weather clears up soon so I can go walking. Tomorrow is our 3 year anniversay and we're heading to Midway to just relax, and walk. We both love the out doors.

Missed Nutrition Class :(

I worked out great Wednesday and didn't have much problems. I feel weak all the time now. So I decided to work out Thursday with both cardio and strength training. I think maybe I need to lower the weights even more as I hurt so bad all over the whole night Thursday that I didn't get much sleep and couldn't make it to the nutrition class. I took it real slow Friday since I still hurt. I will just do what I can today, just cardio and leave it at that. I also noticed if I don't keep my tracker with me, I don't monitor my food as well, and tend to maybe just cheat a little, but that little makes a huge difference. Popcorn is good in moderation.

Wednesday's exercise

I worked out Monday, skipped yesterday, and was able to work out cardio today. It feels good to work out but it wares me out. Should be interesting to do the full workout tomorrow with the strength training. I can't believe we are half way, it's going by way too fast.

Upsetting Day

I had to stop exercising today as I got so weak I couldn't do any more. The more I exercise the weaker I am getting which is really upsetting. I love this exercising and how it has made me feel. I'm taking Saturday off of every thing, Brice made me promise. Hopefully Monday will be a better day.

Going way too fast

The time is going way too fast and before we know it, we'll be done with the challenge, but I don't want it to end. I'm having fun and feeling better and actually exercising like I've always told myself I wanted to, but never started on my own. I'm already committed to continuing the exercising and eating habits after our 100 days.

Doing Better

Mindy's class this morning was really good. I enjoy hearing others meal ideas and finally found the wrap and bread everyone has been talking about. I'm excited to try the recipes.

I was able to exercise today, first time since last Saturday. I took it easy, but it sure felt good. I think I'm getting addicted to exercising; I felt so guilty this week when I couldn't.

I'm having a sugar craving right now and have to be careful I don't go for the breads. I need to make a dessert I can have and freeze it in small pieces to take care of my sugar craving. Any one have any good sweets they make?

No new, good new?

I had the test today and the treadmill was really hard. I made the 10 minutes, but afterwards I was totally wiped out I slept several hours on the couch today. My blood pressure went down to 84 over 60 and they had to give me half a bag of salt saline to bring it back up. So, I don't think this is my heart where I need stents, but it's obviously something. I get wiped out head to toe. Not sure I'll do much of a work out tomorrow after work. I haven't heard anything back from the doc about the test, so hopefully it's ok but that means more tests to find out what it is. life goes on

Break

So I have to take a vacation from exercising. I am going in tomorrow for a thallium test. I have been having trouble with weakness and dizziness and it became extreme Monday. Went to the doc and he said I have too many red signals that it may be time for another stent. I thought having 4 was enough. I MISS EXERCISING!!!! It has become a relief for me and I feel so good during and after my work outs. I feel like this is going to set me back now.
Brice will be by my side the whole time, he is so wonderful. I'll post when I find out if I have to go in for a stent. It would be Friday and I don't want to miss the nutrition class, or the exercise class Saturday. I do not have time for this right now in my life.

Forgot to post

I've been so busy, I forgot to post for a while. I keep telling Brice I'll slow down, but that just doesn't happen. I'm also in the Master Gardner program and we need 40 hours community service, and with the weather warming up, those hours are vamping up. I need to try and figure out how to get this all in right now. I am missing exercising some nights and I feel so quilty. I have been struggling with my meals, eating more when I get so weak, that the weight is not coming off. I am still having a hard time exercising because I get so weak. I tried the eliptic bike we have here at home after work today, and wow, it is so much different than at the gym, and wore me out fast. I barely got 30 minutes in, and that was on low. It is frustrating that I am still weak and have to eat so much to be able to exercise. GRRR. Ok, sorry for the grumpling, just one of those days.

feeling great

That was a fantastic exercise class. I felt good the whole time and not worn out and ready to go again. It was fun working out with friends.

Proud Grandma

I missed my exercising and didn't follow my eating too good as I spent the day with my daughter as she gave birth to my new grandbaby Aedea Li Xie. Everything else can wait, I'm happy. I'll get back on track tomorrow.

Another day of exercise

I have really been struggling with this food allotment. Since I get up around 3:45 am I start eating early so I am running out of food before I run out of day. I actually had to eat more food today than I am supposed to coz I actually feel like I am starving myself. This is so frustating and I am having a hard time being so weak at work. I do ok on the weekends when I wake up later. I'm not sure what to do coz it defeats the purpose of watching what I eat when I have to eat every 2 hours. I have to eat before I work out or I have no strenght also. GRRRR!!!

Missed Saturday

I am so upset I missed the exercise class Saturday morning. Brice and I worked out hard Friday night and Saturday morning I was so weak that I knew if I went to class, not only would I not have the strength, I would be weak all day long. I don't have those days a lot, but when I do, I have learned to not push it. I would end up spending the day flat on my back I am so weak. So, I took it very careful Saturday and decided no more date night exercises, only afternoon times. I want to make it to the exercise class next Saturday.

Otherwise I am having fun figuring out my food portions and I just finished making my meals for the coming week to take to work. This will be the challenge to see if I can get through the day on the food I am allowed, starting at 4 am in the morning. At home I am ok and actually feel comfortable after my meals. I really enjoy my workouts also, it's been a challenge for myself to go after work each day and go alone, I miss my partner.

Date Night

Today was a fantastic day. We had the nutrition class this morning and even though I am concerned the food won't be enough for me to have the strength I need each day, I'm going to give it a week's try. If I didn't get up at 4 am each morning and have to start eating right away, I wouldn't run out of food before I run of of day. I have found that if I don't eat a good dinner, and then oatmeal right before I go to bed, I wake up so much during the night. Just finished my oatmeal with powdered stevia for sweetener, VERY healthy sugar substitute.

I watched everything I ate today and tracked it. This is going to be a challenge to juggle my meals, but fun actually. The book we got is great to check out what can be eaten, I can actually have popcorn, but only 3 cups and Brice said, yeh, not 6 cups at a time any more. I love the pan cooked stuff, not the microwave stuff.

For date night, Brice and I went to the AF fitness center, it's only a few blocks from our home. We did 90 minutes of workout and I feel great, I should sleep great tonight, sore, but hopefully not wake up much, which I always do. Next time we'll go swimming after our workout, we forget our suits this time.

I'm really loving this program, I feel good and I've not been able to do any type of exercising like this before and I find I can keep progressing with the intensity.

I'm looking forward to the kick boxing class in the morning, not the early time though. I don't move that easy in the morning so it should be interesting. Then it's off for the day to spend with my mom. Have a great weekend everyone.

Nutrition Class tomorrow!

I am really excited about our class tomorrow. I've been struggling with what I eat and it will be great to have someone guide us on this. I realize I eat way too many carbs, but do so for the energy. And what veggies? I'm lucky to get one or two servings a day there.

It's been a rough day and I'm looking forward to a long weekend. I work 4 tens. I'm determined to get to the gym every day this weekend cept Sunday. I get one day of rest, plus there's no time.

See everyone in the morning, bright and early.

Hard Workout

Today was the first full day of my training. It was great, I felt so good the whole time and encouraged that I could do so much. Last Friday I wasn't able to do as much so it was discouraging. I feel like I could do this every day and hopefully I will. I've decided to stop by each day I work after I get off work. I have no problem working Monday through Thursdays, but since I don't work Fridays, it's hard to get motivated, even more so on Saturdays. That's my challege for me right now to make sure I exercise all 6 days.

I felt so good I came home and ate a very healthy dinner. After working out so hard, I just couldn't eat anything bad.

It was so great to see so many of our group also there exercising. I feel like we're cheering each other on.

Feeling Quilty

Ok, so I didn't get any exercise in today. We were going to go at 8 am this morning but I hurt after the workout yesterday and knew it would make me worse if I did. I have had for most my life, a condition that no one has ever been able to diagnose, and after my stents, it has gotten worse. If I do strenuous activities one day, I hurt bad the next day and have to be careful what I do or I'll get worse as the day goes on. I'm determined to not let this hinder my exerciseing. I'll just have to wait much later in the day. So, today was the ballet with my aunt, one of the last two I'll ever be able to go to as her health is deteriorating (Need a spell check :) We got back way to late so it's going to be a day without exercising, and I'm feeling quilty. Not only that, we ate out for dinner and I had a few bites of potato salad and 1/4 of a most delicious fattening cornbread. So that doesn't help the quilt. I have such a sweet tooth and am not sure how to overcome it. If any one has any suggestions, I would welcome them.

First day of training

Brice and I went for our first training day. I really enjoyed it, and felt so good afterwards I wanted to go back again later the same day. Wanted to, but didn't find the time. We are going to go to the AF fitness center in the morning to continue exercising 6 times a week. I usally only do it 4 times a week, so it will be a challenge to add two more days, I always seem to be too busy on the weekends.
I am really having fun finding healthy foods for us all to eat. We made homemade pizzas tonight, on broiled flour tortillas and they were really good. Too much bread is one of my downfalls. It's fun to see my husband get into this also, watching what he eats and knowing I will have support going to the fitness center besides not doing this alone.

Exercise

I just finished 45 minutes of exercise, I feel great. I have noticed, because of my weakness, I have to eat right before I eat and drink water. If I don't, I can't exercise but for maybe 15 minutes. My husband has to not eat at all if he exercises. We make a great pair.

I have a total of 98 aerobic minutes today with 10279 steps. I wear a pedometer almost every day and I really recommend everyone wearing one. It is really encouraging when you can actually see all your steps. I started only getting around 3000 aerobic steps a day, and now have challenged myself for over 9000. I don't always get it, and that's ok. We have a fitness program at work and keep track of our steps and last year I got over a million steps. I'm aiming for alot more this year.

Three more days before we meet our trainers and I'm excited!

Monday Evening

I notice that I eat much healthier at work, maybe coz I only have good food there and I have to eat all the time for energy. I need to work on drinking water as I don't remember and usually only get 4 or 6 cups a day. I did my usual 30 minutes walking at lunch time and tried to get an hour on the elliptical at home this evening, but I get so weak, I only made it for 30 minutes. I need to learn how to eat for energy as I have been having a hard week or so not being able to do much, it gets very upsetting. I'm so looking forward to meeting with the nutritionist soon.

I agree that we should post recipes to help others. I love sharing good ones. My problem is that I am so limited on what I can eat, it's gotten boring. I can only have poultry or fish. I can't have any dairy, red food dye, nuts except pistachios, sugar, but I do use sucanat and white cane sugar. I can't have caffieine, so I use carob. I can't have soy either. I think that's about it? I tend to discover more food issues now and then buy the reactions I have when I eat things. So, if any one has any great recipes, please share. I am learning to subsitute alot for what I can't eat.

Surprise

I have tracked what I ate the last two days and am surprised. No wonder I can't loose the weight, I eat all the time and not food that fills me up. I am always weak, so I eat for strength, but alot of small amounts so I don't get my full strength. I am on an extremely limited diet because of my health, and I'm so tired of most of what I can eat. Try eating the same foods for several years and be excited about eating each meal. NOT! I'm hoping the nutritionist can help me to find a good meal plan so I don't continue this way of eating.

New Start

I have never blogged before and hope I can figure this out. Today is the first day for the 100 Heart Healthy Day Challenge and I'm so excited. As my husband, Brice said, when I start talking to the nutritionist about my eating problems, she'll say "NEXT". Little do they know what I challenge it is going to be to help me find foods I can eat, that I'm not sick of.
This is going to be exciting as I have wanted so long to find the best way to take care of myself with my heart problems.
We picked up little notebooks to record all we eat daily, and wow, I eat way more than I need. Need to get rid of the sugar cravings I have too.