My top 12 of 2012!

The year is over, and I know I am a couple days late, it has been a long yet quick 2012.  I have made a couple life changes this past year which have made me stronger and healthier.  I accomplished my first triathlon, which I never thought in a million years (and probably anyone who knows me) thought I would ever do. I have completely changed how I eat, going gluten free has been a blessing.

So, I thought I would share my top 12 viewed posts of 2012 (in order from oldest to newest), thank you for following and listening to my rants, struggles and adventures! 

Adventures in Training #3: January recap & February Goals

Vegetable & Tofu Stir Fry

Recycled Crayon Disks

Antojitos: Mexican Pork Tarts

Super Chocolate Cake with a Homemade Fluff Icing

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Moms Meet: Kashi Chocolate Soft Baked Squares

One Week Down: Gluten-free

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup

Sandy and Vegetable Quinoa Soup (GF)

My First Gluten-Free Thanksgiving (with recipes)

GF Stuffing

Sporty 3rd Birthday!

It's a soup kinda day!

Potato Soup - My top viewed post!

Looking forward to more in 2013!

Adventures in Training (Kinda) #8 - June/July

So I have seriously slacking, not only on posting my training notes but my training itself.  With only 4 weeks left until race day.  I can honestly say my outlook and goals have changed a bit. 

A couple months ago I was excited, or at least it seemed, about training for the triathlon in August but now it is a chore and I am not looking forward to workouts and frankly if it wasn't for my sisters I would probably just say screw it. I am finding out that you need to enjoy training and I just don't, it causes me too much stress and takes me away from other things that make me happy. I will continue to grin and bear it, make it across the finish line with my adrenaline pumping, but I will probably not do it again. It has not only been the training for the upcoming tri but just the whole weight loss journey. I am glad I have lost weight, and yes I would like to keep it off and even lose a little more, but it all comes down to what makes me happy. I don't want give up family time, time in my studio, or even stuff I just want to do around the house. I have given all of these things up, some more than others (I refuse to lose too much family time!), to workout/train.


The last few times I have gone to swim the pool has be closed, either to weather or filtration issues. The biking, well I have gone out a couple times but not nearly enough.  And currently, I did something to my back and it had been killing me, I can't remember the last time I had so much pain. Ugh! (I am too old to do a slip-n-slide.)  Not to mention with changing my workouts to the evenings, and being busy at work there have been days that I have skipped working out because of working late.


I plan on swimming and biking still, like it or not. I do enjoy these things in a leisurely fashion, just not when they cause me stress (eg. training). There are other things that I would much rather do. (And one other thing...I am tired of people who do triathlons all the time telling me it is easy and I will do fine even when they don't know me or my abilities. And dammit, if I need to get my ass off the bike to walk up some god forsaken hill I will!)

So my goal is to finish; standing (maybe hunched over) with no injuries. Plain and simple, I don't have a time I want to beat or hit. 

Side note...I would be biking today if I didn't have to work late but that is what happens when you have a kid who doesn't feel well and it just takes a little longer to get going in the morning. Now back to work...

(I have to be honest, everything I have done to date has surprised the hell out of me, and I am sure everyone else who knows me too.)

 

Adventures in Training #7: May Recap & June Goals

It is two weekend into June and I have been putting off this post. May was not the best month for me, I had high hopes. I started the month off with my first 5k of the season and it was awful. It was for a great cause and that was a good thing but...it was a cross country hilly course. I was thinking it would be easier on my joints but the grass was long and wet and ended up straining my hip which is still giving me issues. I ended up basically just walking it, it was really tough (for me anyway).

I did make it out on Wednesdays with Amanda a couple times to "run", we really just walked. I only swam once or twice and used the elliptical and treadmill maybe once. I can't even say for sure...like I said a bad month!

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I didn't even really take notes, I wrote down three:

5/2 - 25 min on elliptical

5/5 - first 5k of the season. Not a fan of running on wet grass, found it really hard. Took me longer than normal @ 46 minutes. Oh well.

5/7 - 600 meters in 20 mins.

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All the notes for May, the first week. :( Anyway, since it is already June here is what I am currently doing and what I hope to continue. I am trying for four days a week. Monday's I have been trying to swim (pool has been closed the last two times I have gone), Wednesday's 'run' with Amanda or go to the gym if we can't make it, and Thursday's ride with Gracie. The hope is to also try to ride on Saturday or Sunday  a longer distance.

Only two more months before I do this crazy thing!

Adventures in Training #6: April Recap & May Goals

Well this month wasn't too bad, the house hold was sick for a week that caused delay and because of the hospital opening I was on-call to pick up Thomas one week.  We only made one Wednesday of "running" this week (and we didn't run) but because we both need to get our butts in gear hopefully next month will be better. My first 5K of the year is May 5th, and honestly I don't feel ready (more about that in the May recap.) If you are interested in joining me on the 5th here is the information: The Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run History

Anyway, half way through the month I switched up my eating to eat more protein, but less meat. And all in all it seems to be going well.  I feel less hungry through out the day and after my workouts.  I eat breakfast, then a snack around 10ish, lunch around 12, a snack around 2ish, then dinner when I get home. The afternoon snack really helps, and I am still staying at or under my calorie goal. 

Now for May!  I changed up my lunch time routine to include either the treadmill or elliptical and I am going to continue to do that.  What needs to happen however is the biking, I am not 100% comfortable on a bike yet and I only rode twice this past month.  I need to start riding more often, find a local club or something.  I need to switch my focus to riding, I know I can swim and run (walk if need be) but riding is something I really need to get comfortable with.  So I guess you can say my biggest goal this month is to get on my bike more!

My April Notes:

4/1 - my bike was fitted today, by the wonderful Gramski! We rode around the school parking lot and down the road a ways to make sure it felt right. I surprised how comfortable I felt on it, I was really worried about my balance. I do however understand the need for padded bike shorts.

4/2 - swim day! I am starting to really look forward to my workouts. The ones in the middle of the day are nice, it really breaks the day up. On to the workout... 700 in 20. (someone hung their towel right next to mine, same color same brand about the same wear...let's hope I chose wisely)

4/4 - 3 mile brisk walk

4/5 - I did it! 800 meters in 25 min.

4/7 - rode almost 3.5 miles. It was really windy. I have a long way to go with the bike.

(4/8-4/16 off due to family and self being sick)

4/17 - after a week off, and even though I have a lingering cough, I decided I needed to get back into it. So today I went to the gym and did a half hour on the elliptical. Felt really good, I really needed a sweat!

4/19 - (our run yesterday was rained out) today I either swam an 800 or 900, I lost count. I hope I did a 9 but oh well.

4/20 - 25 min on the elliptical.(I am going to try to swim on Tuesday's and Thursday's and do the elliptical or run Monday Wednesday and Fridays, at least until my first race on the 5th)

4/23 - forgot my flip flops so I didn't go to the gym, I just couldn't bring myself to touch the floor with my bare feet. I did do some light cardio when I got home. (Side note: this week ended up being a really bad week for exercise, I didn't go to the gym at all because I was on call to pick up Thomas so I had every intention on doing something at home but if it got past 8:30 it was nixed, and well you will see the rest...)

4/24 - had an in-house training at work so once again not able to make it to the gym. Did a kick boxing video, 30 mins of high impact.

4/30 -  did 25 minutes on the elliptical.

Adventures in Training #5 - March Recap & April Goals

Another month down and I feel pretty good. I wanted to end this month with a really great workout but with an unplanned trip to the doctors office with a son with two pink eyes, sinus infection and an ear infection it just didn't happen. I think April is going to be the month that I will need to kick up the workouts. I got my bike this past week so I will be able to start that, as well as adding more running. My plan is to try (as work allows) to go to the gym everyday at lunch, not just to swim but also use the treadmill. I also need to start being better about working out on the weekend. I have been struggling to balance everything going on and I am sure it won't really get much easier but I am going to have to try.

My new inspirational quote:

My April goals: continue swimming 2-3x week and focusing on longer continuous lengths, run/walk 1-2x week, bike 1-2x week not really to focus on distance yet but to just feel more comfortable on it.

Notes from March:

3/2 - 20 min, about 20 laps. I need to figure out a way to keep track of laps/distance. I tend to stop counting then I lose count. On a side note, decided today to add running to the mix this month.

3/5 - 20 min, 20 laps. Did a full length with no breath! I have been pushing myself more, it feels good. I'm not gaining speed but that is ok. I can tell me breathing is getting stronger.

3/7 - Well I went to the Y today, but it was closed because of no power. Really threw off my day! So I did some light aerobic activities.

3/8 - did 20 min of insanity! Felt great!

3/12 - 20 laps, I did some drills in which you drag your finger tips along the water, I really had to focus on it. My shoulders burned. You wouldn't think it would be that different.

3/14 - went running after work. (if you want to call it that) because this was my first "run" of the season, it was mostly brisk walking. About 1.75 miles in 30 minutes.

3/16 - just some light cardio today, took the day off with my husband. Whatever I did burn I am sure the wine had it come back.

3/17 - took a "hike" with my son and friends. More like a stroll through the woods. We we're out for probably 2 hours or so.

3/19 - had a great swim! 22 laps, about 20 mins. Totally grossed out in the locker room, can't let that affect my training.

3/21 - today was a run day, my partner wasn't able to make it and because it was gloomy I decided to go to the Y instead. Spent 20 minutes on the treadmill at 4.5-5 mph (13-12 min mile) and 15 on the elliptical type thing. It is more fun outside.

3/23 - 700 m in 25 min. PB. Instead of counting laps I focused on swimming 100 meters with a 30 second break between each 100. It felt great!

(I need to start doing more on the weekends!)

3/26 - 750 meters, 25 mins. A little better than last Friday. I am hoping for 800 on Friday.

3/28 - was supposed to run but it didn't happen so, I did Insanity Cardio Abs without the cardio. Still a good workout. (it's 3/30 and my abs still hurt!)

3/29 - light cardio, about 20 mins worth.

3/30 - 700 m, 20 min. Pushed a little harder today, rested every 200 meters, 30 seconds.

Adventures in Training #4 - February recap & March Goals

February was NOT a good month for me, mostly because I got sick but also work interfered a little. Granted if I was actually able to get to work on time, maybe this wouldn't be as much of an issue.  But I have made up my mind that even if I have to stay until 6, I am swimming!  Not 100% sure how my husband feels about that, but I know he is being supportive. 

I am thinking of doing a 5k training program, I got an email from BWC talking about their training schedule.  Even though I don't feel I really need it, it is $25 to be held accountable one evening a week for 8 weeks.  It doesn't start until May so I have some time.  I figure I will stick with swimming for the most part through March and as the days keep getting longer and warmer I will start doing more outside. 

Like it or not here are my notes from this past month:

2/1- 22 laps, 20 mins. Mostly freestyle with a couple laps of breast. Only 6 laps with the board, mixed up just regular kicking and froggy. (this workout actually left me sore, my shoulders really feel it!)

2/3- had to work though lunch so I could pick up T.

2/6 - got sick Sunday and stayed home from work today.

2/8 - stayed home Tuesday too, not going to push my self today. Went to work but didn't do anything. Hopefully Friday I will be up for a swim.

2/10 - nope still sick, left early to go to doctors.

2/13 - feeling a little better, not swimming again today. Wed I hope to get back!

2/15 - OK. Made it to the Y, I really only used the kick board because I am still snotty. (side note: if you are snotty and swim, there is a good chance your sinuses will drain...) I swam for about 20 minutes and didn't keep track of the laps.

2/17- nope

2/19 - took a 2 hour hike/walk with the family

2/20 - nope (work related)

2/22 - nope (work related)

2/24 - needed to work through lunch to pick up my boy.

Ugh!!! This has NOT been a good month so far!

2/27 - I made it...I swam for about 20 minutes. I did all free style, about 18 laps.  It felt good. 

2/29 - Leap Day! At least I am finishing the week on a higher note then the middle of the month even though I didn't swim, but I did do some Insanity!  So I feel OK with that.

Hopefully March will be a better month, I am going to continue to swim and hopefully do more outside.

On a side note...trying to workout and have a family isn't really that easy, how do people balance it all?

Adventures in training #3 - January recap & February Goals

Since today is the 31st and I will probably only do a little cardio at home tonight, I figured I would post today.  As I said in the last post, I joined the Y and began to swim at lunch.  I averaged about a 20 minute swim, and really only focused on getting used to lap swimming.  Honestly, I probably haven't swam laps since I was on the swim team as a kid.  So anyway...

The swim portion of the race is 0.62 miles, just shy of 1000 meters. The pool I am swimming is a 25 meter pool, so that breaks out to be about 40 laps.

My notes from this past month:

1/16 - 20 min swim, about 20 laps felt great, my arms feel a little like jello and I need to work on my form. This time I swam a lap, rested, swam, rested. I rested for only a few seconds and alternated between free and breast strokes.

1/18 - 16 laps, 15 min. I alternated between breast and free but I also used the kick board for about 4 laps, one to give my arms a break and two to work on my legs/kicking. I started late today so I wasn't able to swim as long as I would have liked.

1/20 - 22 laps, 20 min. I used the kick board a bit more today and tried to focus on my breathing. I must say I don't feel I go as fast when I use the board (I did about 10 laps with it.)

1/23 - dentist appointment so I wasn't able to get to swim. :(

1/25 - 20 laps (I think, mind was not in it) about 20 min.

1/27 - didn't swim, forgot T had a birthday party so I ran out at lunch.

1/30 - 26 laps, 25 mins. Swam more continuous. Alternated 6 laps free with 4 laps using the kick board.

I met a woman that was reading in between laps, I asked what she was reading and it was a swim workout.  A book that had 3 levels and mixed it up so you don't get bored.  I may check it out, granted I don't remember what it is called.

February...

My goals are going to be about the same, swim three days a week at lunch. (With some cardio thrown in.)
I need to work on my eating habits, I have noticed on my swim days I am extra hungry and don't have enough to satisfy.  Which means I will grab whatever crap is laying around the office, not good.  I do try to have extra protein, but will still need to figure it out. 

Adventures in Training #2 - January

I joined the Y.  I did it. Now I just need to go and stick with a schedule.  I have mentioned my plan to some people and they just look at me questioning.  Yes, I plan on going to the Y at lunch and swimming for at least a half hour. It takes me less then 10 minutes to get there if I walk, even less to drive.  So as long as a work obligation doesn't keep me at my desk, there is NO reason why this won't work. 

My goal schedule for the remainder of the month:

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Swim (30 min)
If I can fit in or just do one more day of cardio I would be really happy.

Along with the workouts, I am keeping a food journal so I can make sure I get the calories I need. I am going to post in the Adventures in Training, once a month as close to the first of the month as possible.

You can visit my food journal at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/choy1280 if you would like.  Right now my calorie goal is at 1330 but I will be increasing it to at least 1500 once I figure out what I'm burning.

I'm ready to break free from these winter blahs...

Adventures in Training #1- Preview/Background

This past year I have been on a quest to lose weight and get healthier. While on this quest I have made a point to run two 5k's. Now if anyone knows me, I have spent the last 30 years of my life doing everything possible NOT to run. When I played sports (which wasn't much) I was playing defense in soccer or first base in softball. I got motivated by the fact I lost weight after my son was born, mostly due to breast feeding I'm sure, but I never went back to my pre-baby weight. I decided that that was the motivation I need to keep losing. At my heaviest I was 210 and wearing a size 18, no woman ever wants to be in the 200's, but now I am 172 and in a size 12/14. I'm sharing this because I'm proud of what I have accomplished! Trust me I wouldn't usually share my weight, no woman ever really would.

The reason I am deciding to write this blog, which will be a series (I hope), is because I have signed up for my first triathlon. A triathlon! This is something I will need and want to train for and not just wait until two weeks before and say "oh know I better do something". So I am going to try to keep a log or journal of my 'adventures' if you will. Now, I probably won't start really training until the spring but wanted to put it out there. I do feel I need to at least do something so spring won't be too much of a shock. The race is August 19th so I have time. I also will be doing this with my sister which is super exciting!

One hope by doing this is that it will help keep me motivated to reach my goal weight (150). Mixing up swimming, running & biking should also help. But right now my main focus is to find somewhere to swim. There is the Y or local colleges but like everything schedule and moreso price will be a factor. My hope is the Y because there is one near my house and near work. I would like to be able to swim at lunch so I can still have family time when I get home. In reality I would love to do it before work but because Nic goes in to work so early that isn't possible since I have Thomas. I am also starting to think about all the other things I need.  Luckily I have a GREAT support system and friends that are willing to let me use their road bike, (mine is a heavy hybrid).  But, I still need to get a swimsuit (and all the swimming accessories), a bike helmet and I would like to get a trisuit.  (So if anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas or my birthday, wink, wink.)

(this post will also be blogged on my MyFitnessPal blog, so if you are a member you call also read it there or friend me.  My user name is choy1280)