Up Up and AWAY!

Vacation starts at 4:31 today! I am very much looking forward to the much needed break. Going to a concert tonight then heading to Vancouver/Whistler on Sunday to go snowboarding for a couple days. Afterwards, I am meeting up with my childhood friend who lives in Victoria and staying with her for a couple days. I can't wait to see her, it has been 2 years since the last time I say her.

Still training, however I have been doing a deload program this month to give my knees a bit of a break. I did manage to get in with a massage therapist and have another appointment tomorrow. It helped a bit, but I know I need to do more work on my end.

I also signed up for the Sport Chek Mother's Day 10KM Run. I am also thinking of signing up for a half marathon. I think I can do it. After the Mother's Day run, I will have done 1 8km and 2 10km races, I think I could probably tackle the challenge or a half marathon.

Rock Hard Pistols

New year, new decade; Bring it on!!

I made it to the gym January 1st, it was pretty quiet with the exception of a few die hards. Had a great workout, although my knees let me know it was time for a break. Good timing since I hate going to the gym for the first three weeks of the year. All the resolutioners just take up space and get in my way. You know damn well that by the end of the month half of them will have given up, by the end of February you are lucky to find a handful that actually stuck with it. Sometimes I just want to yell at them to get out of my gym now and not even bother. But instead I just keep my iPod on and impatiently wait for them to finish so that I can get my workout done.

My knees have really been bothering me ever since my last workout, so I finally got my butt in gear and made an appointment for a massage. I used my foam roller a bit over the weekend and it hurt like a mo' fo, so I didn't do it for long. A few months back, I ordered the DVD Yoga Conditioning for Athletes. I am by no means an athlete, but I am hoping it will help me with the issues I have with my knees. Otherwise, I fear that all this training will cause me to be a complete cripple by the time I am 50! However, I suppose a good start would be to take the plastic wrap off the DVD.

Here is a list of things I am planning on working on this year:

• Start running again
• Read more - I never seem to find the time to read, even though I love it
• Paint/draw more - again, never seem to find the time
• I guess I should add that I need to organize my time better too!
• Try at least one new "clean" recipe a month
• Eat more protein
• Drink more water
• Pick up the guitar again

Geesh, just thinking of what to put in this list gets me a little overwhelmed....

Waiting for the end, to be able to start again

Not doing so well with this blogging thing this time around, but I will make an effort to get back on it. The gym has been going well and I can feel my strength coming back, albeit verrrrry slowly. It would likely help if I actually ATE something, however my appetite seems to have taken a hiatus. I was at the gym last week and was wearing something I haven't worn in a while, as I walked past a mirror I was shocked at my reflection. I knew I had lost weight, I mean none of my pants fit and a dress I bought at the end of the summer literally hangs off of me like a potato sack, but I guess I never really realized just how much I lost until I saw myself. I wish I could say that my weight loss is a result of hard work, but I can't. Constant stress has my heart racing 24/7 and my complete lack of appetite are more likely the cause. I am afraid that once things settle down in my life, the weight will start creeping back on. In fact, I know it will. I suppose the best plan of attack is to play defense and clean things up now. Ok, well after the holidays maybe, that in itself brings a lot of stress to the best of people.

At the beginning of this year, I felt that this was going to be a year of change. Well, turns out I was right, unfortunately the change was not what I expected. In fact so much has changed in my life one could say it is the beginning of a new life. 2009 has been a year of crap and turmoil and I am anxious for it to be over. I have been lucky in that I still have my health and those I love still have theirs. My life is only as good as I make it to be, so my plan for 2010 is to start focusing on me, doing things that make me happy and making my life the best it can be. I believe that nothing but good can come from this. It is so easy to float through life and let others influence your happiness, but ultimately true happiness comes from within. Pretty deep thoughts for this early in the morning!

With that in mind, I am looking forward to the new year and have high hopes for what it will bring. I do not believe in New Years Resolutions, I prefer to set goals and I plan on spending these last few weeks of this year deciding which goals I should work towards and how I plan on achieving them. For one, I want to start running again. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to run a marathon, not sure I will be able to reach this goal this year, but maybe I could aim for a half marathon. I also want to get back into drawing and painting. I have done a little in the last few months, but I would like to do more. And damnit! I want to be able to bench at least 100lbs! So close, yet so far still...

She's ALIVE!

Yes, I am alive! Things have been pretty crazy busy lately and I have so much to say. A few weeks ago, the company I work for announced that they are splitting into two separate companies. We were all told that this was an opportunity for growth, a good thing, and we were all guaranteed to keep our jobs. The only change would be that some departments that currently serve both units, will have to be split. So, in the end the only change to our jobs would be; which company we work for and where our desks were located. Because I work in Accounts Payable, I am in one of the departments that will be greatly affected by this split. Our team will be divided into two groups; one group per company. We were told that we would know which company we would be working for within a weeks time. A week passed and then we were told that we would not know until the end of June. I suppose I should also add that this split is to be effect July 2nd. Talk about giving us notice! At this time we were informed that there was a possibility that some positions may be cut. That didn't really sit all too well with me. But so be it, nothing I can do. In the meantime, there was a lot of work to do to get ready for the split, so overtime had been approved. I have been working as much overtime as I can get in and banking all the hours. Once July comes around and if I still have a job, then I will end up with extra days off. If I find myself unemployed, then I will be paid out the banked overtime which would help pay cover some bills. I was also just informed this week that the holidays that I had booked for the beginning of July have been cancelled. I expected it. The timing on my holidays is not exactly ideal considering the split is to happen on July 2nd. In any event, I have been spending more time at work and less time in the gym.

As I mentioned I have not been to the gym much lately, nor have I been training for my 10km run as much as I should be either. I did manage to get a great deal on a used treadmill which arrived this past Tuesday. However, I have yet to try the thing out. I really need to get my act together on this, but with all the overtime I have been working I have been so tired by the time I get home, the thought of going for a run is not as appealing. Speaking of the race, I have almost met my target of raising $500! I am expecting a few more pledges so I am positive I will make it. In case anyone needs a refresher of what this race is for, it is to raise money for cancers below the waist. This is something that I feel fairly strongly about since Wes's mom and her boyfriend have both been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Both have been treated, and so far his mom has been cleared. Unfortunately, we recently found out her boyfriend has not been so lucky. So if anyone would like to donate to a great cause, you can sponsor me here! http://ed09.uncoverthecure.org/goto/Danielle.Chabot

Switching gears here, 'summer' is on its way and that means gardening! I use the term 'summer' loosely as the weather has not been exactly stellar. This is only my second year planting a vegetable garden so I am still learning. I had always heard that you should have everything planted by May long weekend; so this is what I did. Two days later this is what I woke up to....

I covered all my plants with coffee cans in an attempt to prevent them from freezing. However the forecast for the following days was near freezing, so I left them covered. Once the temperatures turned around I removed the cans and was happy to see everything had made it. The plants were a little wilted as they needed watering, so I watered them. Within the following two days, they went downhill. Turns out keeping them covered from the frost and snow was one thing, however plants also need light! My tomatoes ended up looking like dead sticks, the basil was toast and my lettuce looked pretty pathetic. I refused to pull the plants without at least TRYING to get them to come back. The basil is gone, the lettuce has recovered and I see new growth on the tomatoes. Hopefully, they will actually produce something! If all goes well, I should have a nice crop of tomatoes, lettuce, swiss chard, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, peas, dill, thyme and cilantro. As long as I can keep Mister Diamond from using my garden as his personal litter box, all should go well!

Well, my little darling Taylor has been hounding me to use the computer, so I will sign off for now and I promise not to wait so long for my next post!

MIA

I have been MIA for a bit, not much to say aside from posting my workouts, which can get a little boring. I trained yesterday and it sucked. I felt weak and shaky and just wasn't into it. So, I think I need to take a bit of a break. I may try to go sometime this weekend, but if that doesn't happen I will hold off until next week. In the meantime, I am going to try to get more running in. I did manage to borrow a treadmill, so that will help especially on the nights that Wes works and I cannot get out of the house to go for a run. I used to run in the mornings and I loved it, but I just cannot seem to drag my butt out of bed any earlier then I already do.

Oh, it is the middle of May and it snowed last night. I just love living here.

Ketchup

Or I suppose I could say, Catch Up. I have missed posting a couple workouts, so here they are...

Workout of Tuesday, April 28

Hip Mobility and Glute Activation Stuff

Full Squat 115/125/135/145/155lbs x 5 (I think this is a personal record for me)

Barbell High Step Ups 65 lbs x 8 x 3

Leg Press 270lbs x 10 x 2

Med Ball Crunch 15 x 3

Workout for Sunday, May 3

Bent over Flyes 10lbs x 12 x 3

Lying 1-Arm DB Protractions 20 lbs x 20 x 2

Pull down 75 lbs x 12 x 2

Scap Push Up 20 x 2

Military Press 45/55/60/65/70 lbs x 5

I think I used up all my energy on my presses, because everything else sucked.

Chin Up BW x 5 x 4 (Was supposed to do 5 sets, but couldn't get the last set out)

Seated Cable Row 90 lbs x 8 x 3

Incline DB Press 2o lbs x 12 x 2

Shoulder Roll 10 x 3

I finally made it outside to run. My friend came over on Saturday and we went for a run after dinner. Bad idea. We did about 30 minutes and I am going to guess around 2km. My Nike+iPod sensor said 3.36km, but I have not calibrated it to my stride yet. I could have gone further, but I was getting such bad acid reflux every time we would start running, I had to stop. I knew running after eating was not the best idea. Anyway, aside from the reflux, the run went pretty good. My friend and I run well together, since we both have short legs, but dang do my calves hurt. I have been stretching and massaging them for the past two days. I even found myself massaging them in my sleep. My massage therapist has started massaging my calves and let me tell you, that hurts like nothing else! I thought getting your glutes worked on was bad, but I think this just about takes the cake, for me at least. I have never really had my calves massaged, and I never really liked it, but I can see that I am going to have to get past that because they are pretty tight and tender.

Overall, I had a great weekend. On Friday, a friend and I went for dinner then to see a play. We had both seen the playbill for this play last fall and commented that we would really like to see it. So for her birthday in February, I bought us tickets. It was a great play. Afterwards, we met up with a bunch of our friends at a bar for a few drinks. The weather this weekend was great too. We were able to spent most of the weekend in the yard. Yesterday, I did yard work from 9:00AM to 3:30 PM, Wes stayed out longer. The yard looks really good and I got a bit of color too.

Bus Surfing

Bus Surfing is a new workout I have devised. It is pretty simple, and all you knee is a city transit bus and a pair of shoes. Level 1 starts with you wearing a sturdy sneaker type shoes that provides a lot of support. You walk onto the bus and find a horizontal railing, that is about waist high. Do not use the rail on the top, that will come is more advanced levels. With both hands, get a firm grip of the railing and take half a step away from the railing. You do not want to lean on it. Once you have a good hold, prepare for the bus to start to move. You generally want to get into this position as quickly as possible, as there are some bus drivers who prefer the "Stop-and-Go" method, and will pull away from the curb before the doors have even closed. Once the bus is in motion you will hold your torso tight and strong and shift your weight from one foot to the other as the motion of the bus takes you. I generally find a wider stance to be more effective. Your arms should be strong and you will hold yourself upright. The goal of this level is to successfully complete the bus route with minimal movement. Once you have achieved this, you are ready to move on to Level 2.

Level 2 is the same as Level 1 except you will hold on to a pole this time, again with 2 hands. In Level 3 you will learn how to complete a bus route one handed! There are times where you will be unable to use both hands; whether it is because the bus is so crowded you can only steal enough of a railing for one hand, or maybe you are holding a coffee in the other hand. I highly recommend you learn this on both a railing and a pole, because sometimes you do not have a choice. In Level 4 we kick it up a notch and change our shoes to heals. Smaller heals at first, but then you can work your way up to stilettos if you wish. Depending on how strong your core and legs are, you can start with using the 2-hand grip, but if you feel strong enough, you can move directly to the 1-hand grip. Heals are tricky and you may spend a lot of time on this level, but I suggest you master it, before moving on to level 5. In Level 5 we move down towards the middle of the bus, where the only place to hold on to it the bar along the top. The bars usually have soft rubber loops that hang down every couple feet along the bar. Their purpose is to accommodate the shorter passengers who cannot reach the top bar. In Level 5 we will use our sturdy shoes again, and we will raise both our arms to the side and firmly grasp a bar with each hand. You will definitely notice you are using you upper body muscles a lot more. For Level 6, we do the same as Level 5 except we switch our shoes to heels again. In Level 7, we move back into our sturdy shoes and you will firmly hold the top bar with ONE hand. When you are comfortable, try this with heels. Level 8, you will hold onto the rubber loops, one in each hand to either side of you. If you feel ready to start off with heels, go ahead. But don't worry if you need to try this a couple time with your sturdy shoes.

Once you have mastered your balance with the loops, you can move on to Level 9. In Level 9, you will only hold on to ONE loop. Start off with sturdy shoes, and take your time working up to heels. There is the potential for injury here, to either yourself, or other passengers on the bus. Level 10 in the final level, and only Elite Bus Surfers has mastered this level. In Level 10, you will complete the route with NO hands. You cannot hold onto anything. If you can complete Level 10 in 6" Stilettos, you will have obtained Elite status.

So good luck to you all and Happy Surfing!

My Christmas Wish List....

I figured with all the snow and beatiful winter weather we have been having, I should get my Christmas wish list together. That was sarcasm, in case you didn't recognize it.

Well I did it. I ran on the treadmill at lunch, and I didn't die. Ok, so I only managed 25 minutes (due to time constraints), but it felt good. I bought some new running shoes yesterday and they are so comfy. I also bought a Nike+iPod Sensor. I haven't had a chance to check it out in depth, but from what I can tell you stick one part in the sole of your shoe and the other end plugs into your iPod. It will track your distance, pace and calories burned. Pretty cool hey? I am stoked about running again. Hopefully I can keep that enthusiasm.

I went for a massage last night after the gym. My therapist focuses mostly on my legs, and has been working on my knees. Since I started seeing her, I have noticed the pain in my knees has been diminishing. She massaged the crap out of my calves and butt. It actually feels like I did a leg workout yesterday instead of an upper body workout. Today is lower body, and I am already sore.

Workout
Face Pulls 70lbs x 12 x 3
Scap Pushups 20 x 2
Pulldown Scap Depression 70lbs x 12 x 2
Tricep Pressdown 70lbs x 12 x 2

Bench Press 45/55/65/85/90 lbs x 5
Bentover BB Row 65/75/80/85/90 lbs x 5
Standing DB Shoulder Press 25lbs x 8 x 3
Pulldown 90lbs x 12 x 2
Poorboy Shoulder Horn 10lbs x 15 x 2

Searching for my Marbles

I think I have lost a few of them. I agreed to run a 10 km race with my friend on June 20th. The race is called Underwear Affair and we will run the race in our skivvies. I have to raise $300 in order to qualify to race, that alone frightens me, because I hate asking for pledges. The race is to raise funds for cancers below the waist, hence the underwear theme. I used to run, years ago before Taylor. I loved running, I loved the runner's high. I did an 8km road race about 6 years ago and have not really run since. I also ended up with pain in my IT band, which is what prevented me from continuing. Hopefully, this time around I can be a little more diligent in stretching and massaging my IT band, and be able to ward off any knee injuries. I am scared and excited for this. Scared that I am going to fall flat on my ass around the 2 km mark (or really any time during the race), and I am afraid I will not be able to raise enough money for the run (although, I could top it up if I had to, I just don't really want to). But I am excited at the challenge and at the prospect of getting back into running again, and to be able to do this with a really close friend. Now, I just have to figure out how I am going to try to squeeze in the training for this, into the rest of my schedule. I will likely have to cut out some of my strength training sessions and do running instead. Oh well, nice change. Actually, before my friend even asked me about it, I had been toying with the idea to attempt a triathalon. I think the 10km race is a better option, since I really don't know how to swim.

Workout for Sunday
Glute activation and Hip Mobility stuff

RDL 95/105/115/135/145lbs x 5
Leg Press 270lbs x 10 x 3
Split Squat 75lbs 12 x 2
Cable cross chop 30lbs x 15 x 2 (I really have no idea what the name for this exercise is, so this is what I have called it. I know what I am talking about)

Kinky Cushions

OMFG! I feel like someone has done the Mexican Hat Dance on my arse! I have been training, honestly, I just have not gotten around to posting my last 4 or 5 workouts, no point in doing it now. I did a deload program last week and have started back on a 5 x 5 plan (or something along those lines). Last night was lower body, and I really didn't think I was doing that much more then I usually do, but I obviously pushed myself because I HURT! I was hurting and stiff and felt like barfing by the time I left the gym. For the rest of the night, my entire body felt like it was quivering and weak.

Workout

Glute activation and hip mobility work

Full Squats 95/105/115/125/135 lbs x 5
BB High Step Up 75 lbs x 10 x 3 (these were the buggers that fried my ass)
Pullthroughs 90lbs x 12 x 2
Standing Cable Crunch 70lbs x 10 x 3

In other news..... A couple weeks ago, I finally went and saw an orthodontist about possibly getting braces again. I say again because I had braces when I was 15. I only had them on my front 6 teeth and only for less then 4 months. Unfortunately, the wire holding everything in place broke and my dentist at the time did not feel it needed to be fixed. Fast forward 17 years and my teeth are now back to where they were. Actually, they have been this way for a while. So, I went for my consultation expecting to hear that I would be able to get Invisaline braces (clear molds that don't even look like braces) and in less then 6 months I would have a pretty smile. I was pretty disappointed when I left there with 3 treatment options, none of which was what I was hoping for. The treatement options ranged from regular braces for 9 months on top teeth only for a little over $2500 to full braces top and bottom, extraction of two top teeth and jaw surgery which would run me $15,000. The latter option would straighten my front teeth, correct my overbite and recenter my jaw (which is apparently offside). I do have ortho coverage, but not enough to cover everything aside from Option 1. Sooooo, I am going with Option 1, which will just straighten my top teeth. For as much as I am not really looking forward to looking like a 15 year hold again, I am looking forward to getting the process started and finally getting my teeth straightened.

Take Two!

Today is the start of a new challenge. This one does not have any prizes, it is mainly for motivation. I found that logging the daily details and taking measurements and pictures on a regular basis, really helped me stick with it during the last challenge. So that is why I am doing this again. This one runs from April 20 to July 19. I have a feeling this one will be a little more difficult. My current weight has been my sticking point for a few years now. I may make a brief appearance below that, but it never lasts. This time I want to break that barrier once and for all. The weight loss is only about 6-7 lbs but, knowing myself I know I need to make this goal feel achievable. I know this is likely more of a mental block then a physical one. Anyway, this time around I have some support a little closer to home; two of my friends are doing this challenge with me. They will weigh in and take progress pictures with me for the next 3 months. I am excited. Tonight I took my pictures and measurements and I am embarrassed to say that I have put on almost all the weight I had lost. HOWEVER! I know I am retaining a lot of water right now and my body fat % is still the same as it was on the last day of the previous challenge. So, I think I actually only put back on a few pounds, which I am not going to dwell on as I knew full well I was eating total crap for almost two weeks. I can feel it too. My mood has been more volatile, I am crampy and gassy and all around bloated. Yuck!

Here I am!

I am here, really I am. Things have been pretty busy with work and life lately, and I just haven't had the time to blog. For a quick update, I finished the challenge on April 3rd and came in second place! I missed posting my last two workouts from the challenge, and then I took last week off from training to give my body a break. I also took the week off of anything healthy.... I have been eating whatever I feel like and let me tell you, I sure as hell notice a difference. I am bloated, constipated, moody.... I have never felt so yucky. You would think that would be enough to make me stop eating the junk, but I haven't. Easter was this past weekend, and I enjoyed all the chocolates and turkey dinner and I have been paying for it for the past two days. Oiy.... heartburn.... I have been trying to post my before and after pictures, but I have been having difficulties adding more then one picture at a time. I will try again tonight maybe. I am actually shocked at the differences, I cannot believe I was that, erm, 'fluffy'. A couple of my friends were so inspired by the changes I made, they have both decided to join me on the next challenge. The next challenge starts April 20 - July 20. This one doesn't have any prizes, except bragging rights, but I found the last one to be so helpful in making me stick with it. Anyway, that is all for now, I will try to get pictures posted soon!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Well, it is Monday again. I had a fairly decent weekend, but it was over much too fast. Yesterday, Taylor went to a birthday party with one of our friends, so Wes and I took the opportunity to go to the gym together. This is something that rarely happens. That morning when Tay got up, she had a bit of a fever, so I gave her some Motrin and shortly after she seemed fine. However, once she got to the party her fever returned. She was lethargic and feverish and pretty much spent the entire time there, cuddled up on someones lap or sleeping in a bed made from coats. So, we ended up cutting our workout short and I didn't manage to get every thing done. Oh well. Diet was poop all weekend. No valid excuse aside from I just wanted it, so I had it! Shame on me. 5 days left in this challenge and I am feeling pretty good. While I know I may not have achieved all my goals and I didn't follow my plan to a T, I still feel that I was successful. I guess my ultimate goal was to be able to shed some pounds while maintaining a healthy diet. 'Maintaining' is the key word here. I do not believe in diets. I do not want to lose weight by eating such a restricted diet that I am unable to maintain that diet indefinitely. Because once you go back to eating 'normal' you will just put that weight back on. In hindsight, I guess my real goal was to achieve a healthy relationship with food, find a new 'normal' and I think I have and even better, I think I may have influenced a few people along the way. Once this challenge is over, I will continue to track my weight and measurements and take those dreaded progress pictures, because I have found that is what is helping me stick with this. I have my treats once in a while, but for the most part everything I eat is pretty 'clean' (for lack of a better word). I do not feel deprived at all, I feel satisfied. Yay for me!

Workout
Band pull aparts 12 x 2
Scap Push Ups 20 x 2
Behind Neck Band Pulldown 12 x 2
Skull Crusher (DB) 12.5 lbs x 12 x 2

Bench press 65/75/85/95/95 lbs x 3 - dang it, I wish I could push past this!
Bentover BB Row 85 lbs x 6 x 3
Standing DB Shoulder Press 25 x 8 (should have been 2 sets of 12, but we had to leave, so I grabbed the 25s and did what I could)

Great SMURF!

I am getting really tired of the snow. It is the end of March for crying out loud, it shouldn't STILL be snowing. I need spring to come.

I managed to do cardio at lunch yesterday, but I think all this cardio is wreaking havoc on my leg. When I went to train after work, my right hip flexor started to really bother me. By the time I was done, it was very painful to lift my leg up to take a step. That is also the same leg that I have been having issues with me knee. When I got home, I did some foam roller work and a bit of stretching. It is not as tight today, but still tender. My knee doesn't hurt as much, I just get a dull pain occationally. So, I will skip cardio at lunch today to give my leg a break.

Workout

Glute Activation and Hip Mobility work

Warm Up CDL 115/125 lbs x 5
CDL 145lbs x 5 x3
Leg Press 200 lbs x 12 x 2 - I am such a dumb ass. I finished my two sets and thought the weight felt super easy. When I looked back in my book I realized the last few times I did these, I had been using 230 lbs. So yeah, it was easy because it was 30 lbs lighter then I usually lift. d'oh!
Bulgarian Squat (BB) 70 x 8 x 3
Standing Cable Crunch 70 lbs x 10 x 3

Grumpy Pants

Yup, I'm grumpy. I had no motivation at work to do anything today, and anything I did do didn't seem to go smoothly. Also, my best friend is hurting and I am pissed at the whole situation. Pissed off I can't do anything to make it better, pissed off I can't help more and pissed off that this situation has taken her smile away. On the bright side, this anger helped fuel my workout tonight AND I did cardio at lunch. Woohoo for me! The chicken stew I made last night was excellent! Definitely going to make that one again and I am happy I made a double batch.

Workout
Lateral Raise 12.5lbs x 12 x 2
Lying DB Protraction 20lbs x 20 x 2
Seated Scap Depressions 12 x 2
Face Pulls 70lbs x 12 x 2

Push Press 45/50/55/60/65 lbs x 3
Pull Ups 1 band x 6 x 3
Seated Cable Row 90lbs x 12 x 2 - I am pretty happy with this, nice to see the weight going up
Incline DB Press 30lbs x 8 x 3
Poorboy Shoulder Horn 12.5 lbs x 10 x 3

Hardcore Monkeys

Life has kept me busy lately. Work was pretty crazy last week, I even managed to work 4 hours of overtime. The last day I trained was Friday. On Saturday, Wes and I took a bus trip to Jasper for a weekend snowboadring. It was a ton of fun. We lucked out and the conditions were the best they have had all year. I am getting better at this snowboarding thing. I still stick to mostly green runs and the odd blue one, but I am just trying to work on my turns and get my confidence up. I would like to go one more time this year, but with only about a month left in the season, we'll have to see how that plays out. I am still working on getting my bindings and stance set up, so that my feet don't cramp up. It is coming. After a day on the hill together, we came back to our hotel and had a jacuzzi bath and a 3 hour nap. Afterwards, we went out for dinner, then checked out 3 different bars and had a few bevies. Sunday, we were back on the hill. It was so nice to spend that time alone together. It has been a while.

Less then two weeks left in the challenge and I need to work on getting more cardio in. I actually did manage to make it to the gym yesterday at lunch and did a HIIT session. Talk about killing my legs. Leg workout Friday, snowboarding Saturday and Sunday, then interval training Monday! My knee has started bothering me again, I know I need to get my act together and do more stretching. I should know better by now.

Diet was totally off plan these past few days and the one thing I am starting to notice is that I think eating crap effects my mood. The last few times I went off plan for more then two days, I noticed a definite decrease in my mood the days following. This is something I will have to monitor a little more.

With that in mind, I decided it was time to try a new recipe. In this month edition of Clean Eating, there is a recipe for Chicken and Vegetable Stew. So, tonight I made a double batch. Kinda hoping it is good, seeing as I made so much! I will let you know the verdict tomorrow.

Workout for Friday

Glute Activation and Hip Mobility work

Front Squats 95/105/115/125/130lbs x 3
Back Extensions 25lbs x 8 x 3
Bulgarian RDL (DB) 20lbs x 12 x 2
Medicine Ball Twist 18 lbs x 10 x 3

Sofa King We Todd Did

I saw the funniest thing at the gym last night. I was watching a guy do set after set of chin ups and pull ups. He had some pretty nice arms and his chest looked nicely developed, but that is where it stopped. I swear my arse and legs had to be bigger then his! It looked freakin hilarious! Why do some guys spend all their energy training their upper body and neglect their legs? They must not realize how retarded they look walking around on toothpicks for legs. You know, women like to check out guys butts too, it is not all about the chest! It is kinda like those women who neglect to do anything with the back of their hair. It looks funny.

My workout was good and diet was on, still no cardio this week. Work has been crazy busy and I have not been able to get away from my desk at lunch to do cardio. I am hoping that next week I will have more success at that, since my co-worker will be back from holidays so I should be so swamped and may actually be able to take a lunch.

Workout
Band pullaparts 12 x 2
Scap Push Up 20 x 2
Behind Neck Band Pulldowns 12 x 2
Skull crusher (DB) 15lbs x 12 x 2

Bench Press 65/70/75/85/95lbs x 3 -I have been benching the same amount for a while now, but cannot seem to make any gains. It is getting a little frustrating.
Bentover BB Row 95lbs x 6 x 3
DB Shoulder Press 17.5/20/20 lbs x 8 - I think I can go up in weight the next time. I need to get these dang shoulders to grow!
Supinated Grip Lat Pulldown 90lbs x 11 x 2 - I don't like these. I was supposed to do 12 reps, but my wrists were burning and I was losing my grip, even with my straps. I cannot get my wrists straps set up the way I usually do, being that my grip is reversed, so the straps are not as effective as they usually are. I have a pathetically weak grip.
Lateral Raise (DB) 15lbs x 10 x 3

Not long ago, I picked up the most recent copy of Clean Eating magazine and in it there is a 2 week menu plan with recipes and a grocery list. I was looking it over last night and it seems pretty doable. I have 2 weeks left in this challenge and I think this plan might be a great way to finish it off. The one thing I have learned since I started this challenge back in January is that is that this whole eating thing is a lot easier then I thought. It just requires some creativity and a lot of planning. I still have a treat once in a while, so I really don't feel all that deprived. Yes, I have had my binges and rough patches, but I don't let that throw me completely off track like I used to. In fact, I don't think I have ever stuck with anything this long before. Once this challenge is over, I do not think it will end for me. I will keep going, tracking my progress, taking my measurements and see what I can do.

Happy Moron

So tired today. I even went to bed early (ok, earlier) last night, but it was still a struggle to drag my butt out of bed. Diet was good yesterday, but I didn't realize the lettuce I had wasn't good anymore, so I didn't bother buying more when I picked up groceries on Saturday. Thankfully, there is a little market/restaurant downtown here that has a salad bar and is rather affordable, so I will get my salad there today. I am so busy at work lately. I was in half an hour early yesterday, worked through my lunch and stayed an extra 1.5 hours after work. So, I didn't get any cardio done, nor did I manage to get any training in. Probably a good thing, since I am still a little sore from this weekends workouts. I will train today though, and I am looking forward to it. I think Wes and I are going snowboarding this weekend, YAY! I have been pushing for this, since I spent all that money on a new board etc, I don't want to lose what I have learned, or have my board collect dust like my old one did. Plus, it will be nice to have some time alone together for a change, it has been a while.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I have some nice bruises on my buttocks from the wicked massage I had on Saturday. I am not complaining.

Licorice Hillbiliies

My diet has been a complete bust these past 4 days. I just don't know what got into me lately. I feel like I have a bad case of PMS or something. I have been so moody and emotional, and craving garbage. I need to get more organized and have more food prepped. I think it is time to browse through my cookbooks again. Wes and my friend noticed I have been going through a bumpy patch, so they surprised me with booking a massage for me on Saturday afternoon. Oh.My.GAWD. That was one of the best massages I have ever had. She worked on my legs a lot and that felt fantastic! Afterwards, my friend asked if Tay could sleep over, so I ended up with a free evening. I am getting old. I spent my free Saturday night going to the gym, getting groceries, visiting with my other friend and playing scrabble. And the highlight? I was in bed by midnight. WOOT. Whatever, I slept in until 10:30! What time did YOU get up today? lol


Workout for Saturday
Lateral Raise 12.5lbs x 12 x 2
Lying Barbell Scap Depression 55lbs x 15 x 2
Seated Scap Depression 10 x 2
Face Pulls 80lbs x 12 x 2
Shoulder Rolls 10 x 2

Push Press 45/55/60/65/65 lbs x 3
Pull Ups 1 band x 6 x 3
Seated Cable Row 75lbs x 12 x 2
Incline DB Press 30lbs x 8 x 3
Poorboy Shoulder Horn 12lbs x 10 x 3

I realized today, that doing a workout after a massage may not have been the best idea. OWWIE!

Workout for Sunday

Glute activation and hip mobility work

Warm Up CDL 115/125 lbs x 5
CDL 145lbs x 5 x 3 *personal record
Leg Press 230lbs x 12 x 2
Bulgarian Squat (BB) 65lbs x 8 x 3
Downward Cable Chop 30lbs x 10 x 3

Yup. Imma gonna be sore tomorrow! My wrists actually have marks left from my wrist wraps.

Real Doodads

I hate daylight savings. I am tired, exhausted and drained. I wonder if I snored on the bus on the way in to work this morning?

We had a great weekend in Fernie. I actually think I may have gotten a little better at snowboarding. Now if I can only find someone to come with me again maybe I will actually IMPROVE! Wow, novel idea. The conditions were fantastic, it snowed all day on Saturday so falling in the powder was pretty minor. At least until it came time to try to get out, that proves to be a bit of a challenge. We did, however, get to bring Ryan up to the top of the mountain and spread his ashes. It was pretty emotional, but felt good to say goodbye in our own way.

My grandpa passed away this weekend. On Friday morning, Tay and I took a drive out to visit him in the hospital. My mom had called the night before and told me the doctors didn't expect him to make it through the weekend. I am glad I saw him. We didn't come home until Monday evening and he passed away Sunday afternoon. The funeral is on Friday.

I finally made it to the gym after work yesterday. It had been a week since I last trained and I needed it. Training has become somewhat of an addiction for me. I need to train. When I go too long without it, I get very crabby and depressed. It helps me to get rid of anger and frustration and all those bad feelings that brew inside. I will do whatever I can to squeeze some time in at the gym. I suppose there could be worse things to be addicted to, I just hope no one tries to pull an "intervention" on me! Ha ha!

Workout
Band pullaparts 15 x 2
Scap pushups 20 x 2
Behind the neck band pulldowns 15 x 2
Skull Crushers 12.5 lbs x 15 x 2

Bench Press 65/75/85/90/95lbs x 3
Bentover BB Row 85lbs x 6 x 3
DB Shoulder Press 17.5lbs x 12 x 2
Supinated Grip Lat Pulldown 75lbs x 8 x 3
Lateral Raises 12.5lbs x 10 x 3