August 29, 2012

I woke up this morning and thought about running, but I decided that two days in a row for my first week back is a good reason for a day off. I knew that I was going to be mowing the lawn later on so I didn't feel too guilty.
But I didn't spend the whole morning being lazy or anything. I was entertaining Hallie, picking up the house, washing dishes, doing laundry, and figuring out the budget. I know that it doesn't sound like much, but trust me, with a four month old it is. lol. And can I just tell you how much I HATE  money right now. I don't know how we're going to survive, but I've gotta find a way to bring in more money or else yours truly will be living in a cardboard box on the streets by Christmas. ugh.

After crunching the numbers and racking my brain trying to figure out the next step and wanting to strangle a certain someone it was time to mow the lawn. And I was so Glad! Because all I wanted to do was go for a good run and pound the cement. But instead I got the chance to shove the mower around and mulch up the yard.  :]
But when I went to leave I remembered that Josh took my car today. He has driven his all week, but the one day I actually need it he took it. Of course. lol. So, I packed up the stroller and we got started for Grandma's house. As we walked I decided to try and sing primary songs and nursery rhymes to Hallie to stimulate her mind since I had both hoods up completely blocking her view of anything while trying to attempt to block out the scorching 1:00pm Utah sun. But I was struggling to remember the words to most of them so I resorted to naming shapes, listing the colors, and then finally counting.... with every step. Up to one hundred. And then again up to one hundred. Which got me wondering how many steps are between her house and mine? Which made me realize that I probably don't get my 10,000 steps in every day. Bummer. But I'm pretty sure she lives a quarter of a mile from my house. So, I'm probably not burning very many calories, but it's better than nothing. One of these days I'll have to test it.
But I got there and got started right away. I was worried that I was going to be bored because I forgot to pack my ipod. But I wasn't. The time actually passed by surprisingly fast. I can't quite remember what I was thinking of while I mowed though... probably just about the lines and how I somehow manage to never get them straight. hahaha. But mowing the lawn did just the trick! I was much more relaxed after I was done. My hands are pretty blistered and sore, but at least I'm not as stressed. Next time I mow angrily I'll be sure to wear gloves. lol. But anyways, here are my results from mowing:

Mowing the Lawn

Timer: 1:18:17

In Zone: 1:18:17

Avg BPM: 134

Peak BPM: 150

Calories: 909

July 21st, 2012

Saturday, July 21st, 2012

I really wanted to make up the calories from the previous night, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to. Luckily, I had promised my parents that I would mow the lawn for them. I set my alarm for 6am, but because Hallie had kept me up for most of the night I couldn't drag my butt out of bed until 7:30am. I had to feed her, pump, eat breakfast, get dressed, pack the stroller, and get my gear ready before we could even leave. And then we walked there (about .25 miles). Once we got there I had to get everything ready, and of course nothing would go my way. The brand new mower would not start for me! My mom and I tried everything. Finally, I got desperate to get it started before the sun was blazing so I got the old rusty one out. And thank heavens it started! But it was already after 10am and the sun was up and scorchin'. It has been a long time since I mowed the lawn, so all my callouses are long gone. And I didn't realize it until the blister popped on my thumb. Too late. Once I band-aided and gloved up and got started again I realized I was getting a blister on my heel. Then I had to go get another band-aid. I got going again only to realize that my other heel was starting to hurt and the bandaid had shifted on my previously blistered foot. I gave up. I kicked off my shoes and decided flip-flops were the way to go. Not safe. I know I know. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. I worked hard and was able to get the front and back yard completed just a little after noon. But the edges didn't look so hot because I didn't use the weedwhacker because I don't know how to use one, and the wheels of the mower had ridden atop the cement edging causing it to be uneven. Sorry Dad! lol. I'll do it better next time.

 But hey! Shoving and yanking that heavy old rusted mower was some pretty good exercise! Especially since I was still slightly sore! I have no idea how many calories I burned though, so I'll have to measure it next time. But hopefully I get to use the new mower next time which will pull me around instead. Because of course it started on the first pull for my dad when he got home later on. Seriously??!!! Geez. lol.
After I finished the yard I downed my protein shake I had prepared earlier and two jugs of water. And then I enjoyed a super delicious tuna sandwich that my mom prepared for me. (Note to self: olive oil mayo is great and bread and butter pickles in super fine pieces and TOMATOES are the secret to making amazing Tuna Sandwiches). After feeding Hallie and lounging on the couch for a bit my mom drove Hallie and I home. But along the way we stopped at the local Farmer's Market to peek at what goods they have this year since it was the first day it was open. There was not a single piece of Fruit or Vegetable there! Seriously???!!!! It was all vendors selling their creations alongside a cupcake stand and 2 shaved ice dealers. what in the world happened to the FARMERS??!! Oh ya, Syracuse bought the farms and sold it to build businesses that have gone bust. We've been jipped! It broke my heart. I'm crossing my fingers there will be some as the season progresses though. Please cross yours for us as well. lol.

Once I got home and fed Hallie again and she fell asleep for her afternoon nap I dragged my tired butt off the couch and decided I better workout before I miss another day of exercise.
I decided to try a DVD that I borrowed from my mom. While I was at her house I decided to borrow a few so that I could mix things up and not get bored with mine. I was going to take more of her Insanity workouts, but then she offered a series I had never heard of before. It's called the Supreme 90 Day System. She said she got them from Bed, Bath & Beyond for super cheap a while ago. So, I decided "Why Not!?"
Here's what happened:

Supreme 90 Day - Total Body
Timer: 33:56
In Zone: 33:56
Avg BPM: 165
Peak BPM: 202
Calories: 568


Not too shabby, eh?! But here's the thing... I lOVEDit! You get to stop for breaks all the time and you can go at your own pace and it was only 30 minutes. But most of all the exercises were DIFFERENT! They are more like what I did when I was personal training. It was awesome. The burn was great! It definitely made my workout more interesting than usual. I mean it's not a super burn like my other DVD, but it was hitting the right spots. But it was quite challenging. Can't wait until it's easy for me! Oh and get this... most videos will let you wait at the main menu for as long as you want but this series does NOT. It's almost as if the DVD is making sure that you don't procrastinate your workout. lol. No chance to sit there and think about changing your mind.  :]  Too bad my tv, couch, and butt aren't in on it too. hahaha! Well, anyways... Gotta go to bed. See you soon!

July 15-16th,2012 Day Two and Three

Sunday, July15th, 2012
I took the day off because it was the Sabbath, and also because I am extremely sore! Didn't eat very well, but I was able to convince Josh to walk with me to my Parent's house. That's like a quarter of a mile. And then we walked back. It's not much, but at least it was something.  :]

Monday, July16th, 2012
Jillian Michaels- Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
Had a hard time getting started again today. Partly because I'm still really sore from Saturday's workout. I haven't eaten the greatest either. But that's alright. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to workout because Hallie had already been sleeping for a bit before I decided to get started. But I took my chances once again. She woke up during the cool-down. So, all went well. I was able to finish and feel good about myself. YaY!
But it was a difficult routine. I've always had a hard time with this video. It always kicks my butt. Especially in the second to last circuit. But I think I've figured out why...

Timer: 53:41
In Zone: 53:41
Avg BPM: 181
Peak BPM: 210
Calories: 1041

Yeah, holy cow right??!! I couldn't believe the numbers when I saw them either. On the cover it claims that you can lose up to 5lbs in one week. Which I thought was completely bogus, but if you were eating correctly and did this video every day with those numbers I think you actually could! Wow, who would've known that they weren't lying in the advertisement. I usually buy things hoping they'll work, but knowing deep down not to get my hopes up. Now I know I can trust some things. I just need to learn to have more faith in myself.
The second to last circuit is where my HR peaks. I think that's why I blackout during it sometimes. I need to find a way to control my HR short of taking a break. But ya, I was super excited with my results! I have been feeling fabulous ever since! My tummy has been tighter and I think my tush is a little perkier.  :]  lol. Even my mom complimented me on my shape before I disclosed my secret... I worked OUT! haha I guess it really does pay off! Can't keep the smile off of my face right now. I am going to have to do more of this! But I'm not all that excited to attempt this video again for just a bit. lol.

until next time- xoxoxo