So I've been ignoring my sickness for too long, I finally succumbed and decided to pay my doctor a visit. I woke up with pretty disgusting symptoms and decided to work from home and visit the doctor. I listened to my body.
Well - I won't go into details of the visit other than to say 1) It is official (I'm getting old:) and 2) I will not be contagious as soon as the symptoms disappear. The highlight of the entire visit was when the nurse checked my chart and saw me - she said" wow you have lost a lot of weight" . I've never seen her before but she could tell from the weight on my chart and the way I look now that I was a different person. My last weight at the dr office was in Feb 06. I actually weighed 5 more lbs than I did when I started my official weight loss efforts. Which means that I've actually hit the 60lb mark. Kind of hard to believe... Especially since I still feel pretty fat sometimes.
I've been tracking today and so far - no deficit. I'm at +210 calories for the day. I'm going to work out tonight -If I can burn 500c I'll down-300ish.
What is this all about?
I started this blog to keep me accountable in my fitness and clean eating journey. My first post was in March of 2007 and I've been posting ever since. As you will see I've had many highs and lows...but this is all about the journey...not just the destination
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Singing in the rain
Since I teach Sunday School (until Sept) I need to be at church by 10:00 am on Sunday am- instead of 11. This makes a Sunday workout a little challenging. I usually don't workout on Sunday unless I miss a Saturday workout. Well this week I missed quite a bit . So this morning before church and against my body's wishes, I went on a 30 mile bike ride.
It was totally and completely awesome. I went on a new route that had a few really killer hills as well as some pretty technical parts (tight turns, windy roads, etc.). My legs felt great to be working that hard. I kept my speed in the 16-17m range most of the time - except on one particularly tough hill where I was at 10mph. Even the rain -that accompanied me for 80% of the ride, didn't put a damper on things. At one point I started singing to myself... The best part was flying down a hill at 36MPH :} . The worst part was almost getting killed at the bottom of the hill.
And since I am working on my promptness, I had to adjust my time and my plan. At 9:30 I knew it would take roughly 40 minutes to get back to my car - then back home. I then would need to get dressed. I decided to end the ride early take a short cut home and pick up the car later. Thankfully I did this because it definitely helped . In fact I was right on time for leaving with hubby and kids. If I had stuck to the original plan they would have left me home.
On the whole late thing. I read an article in O magazine that described me to a tee. It talked about people like me who are occasionally time challenged and those who are not. The time challenged are called polychrones and the punctual are called monochrones. Polychrones see time and activities as more elastic than fixed . While monochrones see time as finite as well as the activities. Polychrones have trouble with "dismounting" that is leaving one activity for another. The article gave pretty good tips on ways to help with the dismount. Like... say goodbye before you say hello (let everyone know that you need to leave by x time - even rehearse it), Put 50% of energy into the dismount ie wrapping up a meeting/conversation etc. There were several other helpful tips - It was a timely and helpful article . I am really committed to improving and so I'll take all the tips and tricks I can.
Tomorrow is my mini tri day... T-20 for Danskin so this will be an intense 20 days.
It was totally and completely awesome. I went on a new route that had a few really killer hills as well as some pretty technical parts (tight turns, windy roads, etc.). My legs felt great to be working that hard. I kept my speed in the 16-17m range most of the time - except on one particularly tough hill where I was at 10mph. Even the rain -that accompanied me for 80% of the ride, didn't put a damper on things. At one point I started singing to myself... The best part was flying down a hill at 36MPH :} . The worst part was almost getting killed at the bottom of the hill.
And since I am working on my promptness, I had to adjust my time and my plan. At 9:30 I knew it would take roughly 40 minutes to get back to my car - then back home. I then would need to get dressed. I decided to end the ride early take a short cut home and pick up the car later. Thankfully I did this because it definitely helped . In fact I was right on time for leaving with hubby and kids. If I had stuck to the original plan they would have left me home.
On the whole late thing. I read an article in O magazine that described me to a tee. It talked about people like me who are occasionally time challenged and those who are not. The time challenged are called polychrones and the punctual are called monochrones. Polychrones see time and activities as more elastic than fixed . While monochrones see time as finite as well as the activities. Polychrones have trouble with "dismounting" that is leaving one activity for another. The article gave pretty good tips on ways to help with the dismount. Like... say goodbye before you say hello (let everyone know that you need to leave by x time - even rehearse it), Put 50% of energy into the dismount ie wrapping up a meeting/conversation etc. There were several other helpful tips - It was a timely and helpful article . I am really committed to improving and so I'll take all the tips and tricks I can.
Tomorrow is my mini tri day... T-20 for Danskin so this will be an intense 20 days.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
No Excuses Lifestyle
Excuses are the tools of the weak and incompetent. They build bridges to nowhere are are monuments of nothingness and those who use them are seldom capable of anything else.
I learned this as a sophomore - while pledging DST and it has stayed with me. In fact, I taught it to my children. It is a reminder to me that anything is possible - when I rely on God and I don't use excuses as a crutch. I try to live my life in a "no excuses" manner. With exercise it can be hard to be completely free of excuses but when you commit to eliminating them , it makes you that much stronger.
This morning was a morning of no excuses. I woke up at 5am after arriving from Fla last night at 11, prepped for my trip today to Minn (another meeting- but just a short trip), and contemplated my workout . I needed to swim but I felt like sleeping. I am really feeling a bit sick- I was prepared to use that as an excuse for getting back in the bed. I put my body on autopilot and did not allow my mind to interfere. I went to my closet, changed into my swimsuit , grabbed my bag and headed for the gym. On the way I called my sister and mom - to let everyone know we arrived safely, arranged my hotel for this evening in Minnesota and checked my scheduled for the day. I arrived at the gym and quickly went down to the pool. When I walked into the pool area -I saw him "Coach loose hands". I wanted to turn around and not swim. After all this was the first time I'd seen him . I paused for a minute and thought about Seafair. I thought about my 23 minute time and how my goal is to do my best - and that was not my best. Living a no excuses life means - stuff happens.... handle it. Don't make excuses for not doing your best and pushing past your limits. I wanted to turn around - but I grabbed my floats, dropped my towel -- looked him in the eye and swam my laps.
I feel great- not tired, less sick and happy that pushed past the excuses.
Also today, a group of girls at the gym invited me to join them on their runs. I am so intimidated by them because I'm such a slow runner . I was quick to say "Oh maybe one day I'll join you". Then I thought about it. The only way I will get faster is to push myself and running with other people who are faster will certainly push me. What am I afraid of.. it might actually be fun. No excuses - I will join them .
I also am focused on cleansing my diet because the last week hasn't been great. I will accept no excuses from myself today - I am cleansing by eating shakes and protein and lots of water. No excuses.
I will be the best that I can be -- no excuses!
I learned this as a sophomore - while pledging DST and it has stayed with me. In fact, I taught it to my children. It is a reminder to me that anything is possible - when I rely on God and I don't use excuses as a crutch. I try to live my life in a "no excuses" manner. With exercise it can be hard to be completely free of excuses but when you commit to eliminating them , it makes you that much stronger.
This morning was a morning of no excuses. I woke up at 5am after arriving from Fla last night at 11, prepped for my trip today to Minn (another meeting- but just a short trip), and contemplated my workout . I needed to swim but I felt like sleeping. I am really feeling a bit sick- I was prepared to use that as an excuse for getting back in the bed. I put my body on autopilot and did not allow my mind to interfere. I went to my closet, changed into my swimsuit , grabbed my bag and headed for the gym. On the way I called my sister and mom - to let everyone know we arrived safely, arranged my hotel for this evening in Minnesota and checked my scheduled for the day. I arrived at the gym and quickly went down to the pool. When I walked into the pool area -I saw him "Coach loose hands". I wanted to turn around and not swim. After all this was the first time I'd seen him . I paused for a minute and thought about Seafair. I thought about my 23 minute time and how my goal is to do my best - and that was not my best. Living a no excuses life means - stuff happens.... handle it. Don't make excuses for not doing your best and pushing past your limits. I wanted to turn around - but I grabbed my floats, dropped my towel -- looked him in the eye and swam my laps.
I feel great- not tired, less sick and happy that pushed past the excuses.
Also today, a group of girls at the gym invited me to join them on their runs. I am so intimidated by them because I'm such a slow runner . I was quick to say "Oh maybe one day I'll join you". Then I thought about it. The only way I will get faster is to push myself and running with other people who are faster will certainly push me. What am I afraid of.. it might actually be fun. No excuses - I will join them .
I also am focused on cleansing my diet because the last week hasn't been great. I will accept no excuses from myself today - I am cleansing by eating shakes and protein and lots of water. No excuses.
I will be the best that I can be -- no excuses!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Wet Disney, Germs and Pinkeye
As part of one of the preconvention meetings I attended this week , I was fortunate enough to spend some time listening to the former COO of Disney discuss customer satisfaction is done the Disney way. He explained how everyone who works there is charged with making each customer's visit magical. He discussed the 7 principles for satisfying customers - funny they all align with the 7 dwarfs (don't be dopey - speak to customers first and be nice, be happy - leave your problems at home, be like sleepy - make the experience like a dream, etc) . When I visited - I paid attention for evidence of this training. And yes - for the most part everyone from the ticket agent to the ride managers were trying to make our visit special. If only the rain had gotten the memo. It seems as though the weather changes things quite a bit.
When we arrived - it was mid afternoon and the weather was lovely. we got on a few rides and saw a little show(Enchanted Tiki Room). We then proceeded to wait 55 minutes for a ride only to have it close as soon as we were about the board . It closed due to inclement weather. We decided to wait it out and 2 hours later we rode splash mountain. The rest of our time there was spent running in our ponchos from shelter to shelter - trying to ride the indoor rides. When you try to complain or ask for consideration of a fast pass or something else, the employees simply reply " I'm sorry the weather is out of our control" . Not too magical. I'm just ranting...I know there is nothing they can do but it was a stark contrast to the earlier behavior.
Disney and places like that are hot beds for germs. We wiped the kids hands down after touching the rides. You just know that there are all sorts of germs living on everything. On our way home, I realized that I felt ill probably due teacup ride plus the rain. I woke up this am to find my right eye closed shut and full white discharge - tell tale sign of pinkeye. My throat is sore and I have sinus infection. I'm sorry Walt, my visit was far from magical.
I'm still planning to go for my run this am - but I'll just be sure to bring antibacterial wipes with me to wipe down the treadmill and everything I touch.
When we arrived - it was mid afternoon and the weather was lovely. we got on a few rides and saw a little show(Enchanted Tiki Room). We then proceeded to wait 55 minutes for a ride only to have it close as soon as we were about the board . It closed due to inclement weather. We decided to wait it out and 2 hours later we rode splash mountain. The rest of our time there was spent running in our ponchos from shelter to shelter - trying to ride the indoor rides. When you try to complain or ask for consideration of a fast pass or something else, the employees simply reply " I'm sorry the weather is out of our control" . Not too magical. I'm just ranting...I know there is nothing they can do but it was a stark contrast to the earlier behavior.
Disney and places like that are hot beds for germs. We wiped the kids hands down after touching the rides. You just know that there are all sorts of germs living on everything. On our way home, I realized that I felt ill probably due teacup ride plus the rain. I woke up this am to find my right eye closed shut and full white discharge - tell tale sign of pinkeye. My throat is sore and I have sinus infection. I'm sorry Walt, my visit was far from magical.
I'm still planning to go for my run this am - but I'll just be sure to bring antibacterial wipes with me to wipe down the treadmill and everything I touch.
Friday, July 20, 2007
I can't wait until surgery
I have decided that I am going to go through with the surgery. I've done everything I can do - physical therapy, weight lifting, ice, glucosimine and I still find the pain difficult to work through. The problem isn't just when I work out, it hurts most when I am not working out. I can't sit for more than 15 minutes and walking up stairs is getting tough. So I've decided - I'm going to have surgery in September. I can use the fall to recover and then get going in January with training.
But first - there is the Danskin and Kirkland triathlons.
But first - there is the Danskin and Kirkland triathlons.
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About Me
- alondaray
- West Coast, United States
- I am a christian woman, wife, mom to 2 great kids, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, A Jack and Jill mom, sister, daughter . I am also incredibly fit but wasn't always. I am a recovering fat girl - who takes it one day at a time.
Alonda the Triathlete!
The backstory-----How did I become a triathlete...
In February 2006, I went on a ski trip with my new colleagues from work. On the way back, I sat next to a girl named Wendy - a really friendly woman who talked about her experience as a newcomer to Seattle. She told me how her main source of making friends was through her workout buddies. She also mentioned that many of her friends participate in triathlons and that (get this) I should consider doing one too. I thought she might have been delirious from all of the skiing. I assured her that I was not the one. She obviously had mistaken me for someone else. Perhap my heavy coat prevented her from seeing what was underneath (50 lbs of extra weight and lots of evidence of no exercise). She continued with this crazy talk, speaking of how fun it is and how supportive the Danskin Triathlon is. I wanted to be sure that she and I were thinking of the same thing... Triathlon (swim bike run -some huge number of miles -all on the same day right after each other). Yup this was it. I chuckled and told her to have fun.
A few weeks later at the office, she mentioned it again. Now at this time, I had been contemplating joining my company sponsored health club (PROCLUB) and in particular the weight loss program called 20/20. After all, I had really packed on the pounds. I arrived in WA 50lbs overweight and pretty unhappy with myself. I actually started to think that completing triathlon would be a good goal...impossible but a good goal. I decided to go for it. At the same time I also decided to join the weight loss program. My first meeting with my trainer ..Anthony Parker was on 3/14/06. I told him ..in all of my fatness, that I wanted to do a triathlon. He looked at me and said hmmm, ok.
I began this really intense workout and nutrition program and began building my endurance. My first meetings with Anthony consisted of walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then doing stairclimber or eliptical for 15 minutes. Followed by a bit of strength training. I did this 3x a week (between 6am and 7:30) and then worked out on my own 2 other days. I had absolutely no endurance and could not run for more than 1 minute. Over the months, my endurance grew ..slowly at first then more rapidly. I also figured that I needed to improve my swimming skills if I was going to swim for 1/2 a mile. I took a Total Immersion Class.. which teaches swimming efficiency. Let's set the record straight here... I could swim well enough to save myself if I was thrown off of a boat. I was a decent (not great) swimmer. At the start of the class, I could do 1 (that's right ONE) lap and then I started breathing heavy. At that point I new the triathlon was totally out of reach. After all 1/2 mile was equal to 20 laps. I left the 1st day of class feeling scared and dismayed that I was too aggressive. Maybe I should have set my goal for 2007.
The next week's class, I asked the teacher what I needed to do to build my endurance. He said just keep at it, it will come. You know what, it did. Each week I got better and better. 4 weeks later I was able to swim 9 laps. I then started swimming before my workouts with my trainer (a little crazy but hey). My trainer was pretty impressed. I also started biking on the weekends. In fact in May I did a 30 mile bike ride as a part of the Tour De Cure for Diabetes. I really love biking...:)
Ok so I still had not tackled the most difficult part, the running. Not only could I not run but I absolutely hated it. I started adding running to my treadmill work. Anthony suggested intervals. We started with 2min run 2 min walk . I did this for weeks extending the time and the speed. I was up to running at 5.5 and walking at 4.0. Then Anthony said ..let's see if you can run a mile. I thought he was kidding. I did not think I was ready for that. This was May 5th (a day after my birthday). Guess what I did it. And I didn't feel like I was going to die. I was on top of the world. All day I had a little extra spring in my step. I just kept replaying in my head the "goal attained" message on the treadmill. I just could not believe it.
I kept it up, continued working out 5x a week. I took another swim class "Triathlon Swim Training" to help even more. This class was filled with drills and specific swim workouts. I really saw progress. By the end of the class, I was able to swim 28 laps. Now the challenge was to swim in Open Water. That's right. The triathlon was going to be in Lake Washington.
I finally felt like I could really do it. I didn't have a specific time goal , my goal was to finish. The week before the race I was sooo nervous. I was doing mini triathlons with a few really good girls. I kept up with them during the swim but one bike ride was particularly hilly and....they left me in the dust. I felt so bad and really began to rethink whether or not I should do the race. I spoke to one of the girsl about my bike performance , and she said that my bike was holding me back. That day, I decided to retire my 35lb mountain bike for a 19 lb feather light road bike. Boy what a differnce. This was a risky thing to do so close to the race but it worked for me.
The other thing to mention is that I met up with a wonderful group of women called the Soul Sistas. They are a group of African American Women of all ages who participate in triathlons and bike races. They are so awesome.We (the soul sistas) took pictures the day before the race... I'll post when available.
So the day of the race..... Everybody in the house is excited and up. My kids and my nieces - who were visiting from NJ are all up and ready to root me on. I left early so that I could get ready.The goal was to meet me by the swim finish. This was alll pretty tricky because there were 40 waves of swimmers starting every 3 minutes. All I can say about the swim is that it felt much longer than 1/2 a mile. I kept focused and didn't get nervous. I focused on keeping my breathing relaxed. It worked ...and by the way I wasn't the last swimmer in my group YEAHHH. I don't know how it all worked out but as soon as I finished my swim, I saw them. Byron , Tyler, Paris, Ahlia and Ivy were all waiting there for me with the most beautiful handmade signs saying GO MOMMY, Go AUNTIE, I love you. It was so terrific. Once I saw them I was energized.... Now on to the bike.
The bike was the best part of the entire race. I love my bike and I love to fly down the road. The entire 14 miles of the race was closed to traffic. Our longest stretch was on the express lane of one of the largest highways. Imagine flying down a highway with nothing in your way (but other riders on your right). It was so amazing. I was going pretty fast but could have gone faster - but wanted to save my legs for the run.
Now the run... I hate running and I am really bad at it. I am slow and not terribly efficient. After biking hard for 40 minutes, your legs are really worked up. During the after bike run, your legs turn into "bricks". They are heavy and hard to move. If you push through , you can get over the feeling and get into a stride. Well I also felt pains in my knee. So instead of running the entire 3.2 miles I decided to walk run. In the end it was actually fine - but while doing it I was a little disappointed. Danskin is great because there are so many supporters on the way. Cheerleaders who are yelling "go for it" from their back porch. It was just what I needed. In fact I heard Destiny's Child Im a survivor , on my way and that was what I used in my head to keep me going.
So when I realize I am about 1/2 mile from the end, I start getting super excited and very emotional. It is all coming together now -- all the training, the visualization of actually crossing the finish line and my waiting family. I got on my cell phone to cal my husband, just to make sure he was at the finisth line. He cracked up that I called:)
When you come close to the finsih line, there are all these spectators lined up waiting for you. It is so great! I ran through a narrow entry to the wide finish line area. And there they were.. my family (My hubby, kids and neices) - with signs and smiles. When I crossed the finish line, my name was announced and the official put a medal around my neck. Well I just lost it and started crying. I could not believe that I had just completed a triathlon. I was officially a triathlete.
A few weeks later at the office, she mentioned it again. Now at this time, I had been contemplating joining my company sponsored health club (PROCLUB) and in particular the weight loss program called 20/20. After all, I had really packed on the pounds. I arrived in WA 50lbs overweight and pretty unhappy with myself. I actually started to think that completing triathlon would be a good goal...impossible but a good goal. I decided to go for it. At the same time I also decided to join the weight loss program. My first meeting with my trainer ..Anthony Parker was on 3/14/06. I told him ..in all of my fatness, that I wanted to do a triathlon. He looked at me and said hmmm, ok.
I began this really intense workout and nutrition program and began building my endurance. My first meetings with Anthony consisted of walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then doing stairclimber or eliptical for 15 minutes. Followed by a bit of strength training. I did this 3x a week (between 6am and 7:30) and then worked out on my own 2 other days. I had absolutely no endurance and could not run for more than 1 minute. Over the months, my endurance grew ..slowly at first then more rapidly. I also figured that I needed to improve my swimming skills if I was going to swim for 1/2 a mile. I took a Total Immersion Class.. which teaches swimming efficiency. Let's set the record straight here... I could swim well enough to save myself if I was thrown off of a boat. I was a decent (not great) swimmer. At the start of the class, I could do 1 (that's right ONE) lap and then I started breathing heavy. At that point I new the triathlon was totally out of reach. After all 1/2 mile was equal to 20 laps. I left the 1st day of class feeling scared and dismayed that I was too aggressive. Maybe I should have set my goal for 2007.
The next week's class, I asked the teacher what I needed to do to build my endurance. He said just keep at it, it will come. You know what, it did. Each week I got better and better. 4 weeks later I was able to swim 9 laps. I then started swimming before my workouts with my trainer (a little crazy but hey). My trainer was pretty impressed. I also started biking on the weekends. In fact in May I did a 30 mile bike ride as a part of the Tour De Cure for Diabetes. I really love biking...:)
Ok so I still had not tackled the most difficult part, the running. Not only could I not run but I absolutely hated it. I started adding running to my treadmill work. Anthony suggested intervals. We started with 2min run 2 min walk . I did this for weeks extending the time and the speed. I was up to running at 5.5 and walking at 4.0. Then Anthony said ..let's see if you can run a mile. I thought he was kidding. I did not think I was ready for that. This was May 5th (a day after my birthday). Guess what I did it. And I didn't feel like I was going to die. I was on top of the world. All day I had a little extra spring in my step. I just kept replaying in my head the "goal attained" message on the treadmill. I just could not believe it.
I kept it up, continued working out 5x a week. I took another swim class "Triathlon Swim Training" to help even more. This class was filled with drills and specific swim workouts. I really saw progress. By the end of the class, I was able to swim 28 laps. Now the challenge was to swim in Open Water. That's right. The triathlon was going to be in Lake Washington.
I finally felt like I could really do it. I didn't have a specific time goal , my goal was to finish. The week before the race I was sooo nervous. I was doing mini triathlons with a few really good girls. I kept up with them during the swim but one bike ride was particularly hilly and....they left me in the dust. I felt so bad and really began to rethink whether or not I should do the race. I spoke to one of the girsl about my bike performance , and she said that my bike was holding me back. That day, I decided to retire my 35lb mountain bike for a 19 lb feather light road bike. Boy what a differnce. This was a risky thing to do so close to the race but it worked for me.
The other thing to mention is that I met up with a wonderful group of women called the Soul Sistas. They are a group of African American Women of all ages who participate in triathlons and bike races. They are so awesome.We (the soul sistas) took pictures the day before the race... I'll post when available.
So the day of the race..... Everybody in the house is excited and up. My kids and my nieces - who were visiting from NJ are all up and ready to root me on. I left early so that I could get ready.The goal was to meet me by the swim finish. This was alll pretty tricky because there were 40 waves of swimmers starting every 3 minutes. All I can say about the swim is that it felt much longer than 1/2 a mile. I kept focused and didn't get nervous. I focused on keeping my breathing relaxed. It worked ...and by the way I wasn't the last swimmer in my group YEAHHH. I don't know how it all worked out but as soon as I finished my swim, I saw them. Byron , Tyler, Paris, Ahlia and Ivy were all waiting there for me with the most beautiful handmade signs saying GO MOMMY, Go AUNTIE, I love you. It was so terrific. Once I saw them I was energized.... Now on to the bike.
The bike was the best part of the entire race. I love my bike and I love to fly down the road. The entire 14 miles of the race was closed to traffic. Our longest stretch was on the express lane of one of the largest highways. Imagine flying down a highway with nothing in your way (but other riders on your right). It was so amazing. I was going pretty fast but could have gone faster - but wanted to save my legs for the run.
Now the run... I hate running and I am really bad at it. I am slow and not terribly efficient. After biking hard for 40 minutes, your legs are really worked up. During the after bike run, your legs turn into "bricks". They are heavy and hard to move. If you push through , you can get over the feeling and get into a stride. Well I also felt pains in my knee. So instead of running the entire 3.2 miles I decided to walk run. In the end it was actually fine - but while doing it I was a little disappointed. Danskin is great because there are so many supporters on the way. Cheerleaders who are yelling "go for it" from their back porch. It was just what I needed. In fact I heard Destiny's Child Im a survivor , on my way and that was what I used in my head to keep me going.
So when I realize I am about 1/2 mile from the end, I start getting super excited and very emotional. It is all coming together now -- all the training, the visualization of actually crossing the finish line and my waiting family. I got on my cell phone to cal my husband, just to make sure he was at the finisth line. He cracked up that I called:)
When you come close to the finsih line, there are all these spectators lined up waiting for you. It is so great! I ran through a narrow entry to the wide finish line area. And there they were.. my family (My hubby, kids and neices) - with signs and smiles. When I crossed the finish line, my name was announced and the official put a medal around my neck. Well I just lost it and started crying. I could not believe that I had just completed a triathlon. I was officially a triathlete.
