MommaMotivator

Hit and miss week.

jessbcuz — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:40:00 +0000

This has been a week of scattered exercise and eating habits. Too much eating out has meant less than healthy meals, and busy last week of school for my kids, and husband on vacation, has meant less time for working out. After hitting the gym Sunday and Monday, I was a no show on Tuesday & Wednesday (city trip, then my son’s kinder graduation). I made it a priority to go this morning and was glad to see my speed is still holding (I ran 2 miles at 5.7mph!), but a full morning of gift purchasing for teachers before rushing back for early release on my kid’s last day of school meant my total workout was limited to 30 minutes. Now we’re out of town for two days, and I fear I won’t make it to the gym again until Sunday.

But I’m trying to stay focused and remember that an odd week here and there doesn’t need to derail my larger goals, and I’ll be back at it next week.

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes. Getting closer!

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed.

Goal #3: Cut down on my “mindless” sugar intake. Not going so well today as I munched mindlessly on cookies this afternoon

Exercise Today: treadmill: 2.10 miles/5.7mph stairmaster: .67 miles/level 5

Calories Burned: treadmill: 267 stairmaster: 73

Motivation Level: middlin’ to fair.

No burn today.

jessbcuz — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:07 +0000

I won’t be able to exercise today, as I’m off on a date day with my on-vacation husband. We have breakfast, museum, and a little shopping planned, but need to get an early start to make it back for our kids who are still in school (!). I did get to pilates yesterday, but was so slow in getting out the door, made it too late to squeeze in my cardio time. Ah well-Jackie put us through our paces (killer hip lifts with raised legs—burning gluteals), so I felt like I worked hard.

Since I won’t have the oh-so-exciting next installment on my treadmill saga to post today, I thought I’d just share a link for a weekend detox I saw in my latest issue of Vegetarian Times.

Weekend Detox: They say it “jump-start[s] weight loss and refresh[es] body and mind…”

Quite inspiring, but more to the point I thought it might be fun to combine this into a girl’s weekend away somehow. What says you, fellow momma motivator? Think we could swing it?

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes.

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed.

Goal #3: Cut down on my “mindless” sugar intake. I’m not guessing I will have much luck with this today–we will be seeking out goodies in the city, but I’ll try not to overdo it!

Exercise Today: walking the city streets

Calories Burned Yesterday: hmmm….should that be a net or gross #– add all the walking, subtract goodies. I just hope I come out even.

Motivation Level: on hold.

Sunday Workout

jessbcuz — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:47:00 +0000

I know I’m committed now as I hit the gym on a Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m., 2 minutes after they opened. The rarity of this is proven by the fact that I didn’t even know what time they opened. I was glad I took the time to eat a bowl of granola before heading out, otherwise I would have been sitting in a parking lot for 20 minutes to get to a treadmill!

This post will be short and sweet– I am getting a late start getting to the gym this morning, but as I’m dragging, thought I’d use this blog to motivate me out the door. The novelty of working out multiple days is wearing off, but it is also becoming more or a routine, so that if I don’t have time to make it to the gym then my day feel slightly off–kind of like leaving the house without brushing your teeth. However, novelty factor or not, I am still making progress and that keeps me focused. Having a goal is helping more than I thought it would, and perhaps I am more competitive than I thought I was. I haven’t been able to shave any more time off my 2 miles, but I was able to up my speed again for a longer duration and know I’ll be at 6mph in a couple weeks! I can feel it! But then what? Guess I’ll have to make up some new goals!

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes. I wasn’t any faster (in fact over all time was a bit slower than Friday, but was able to run at 5.7 for over a mile!

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed. Made it to 2.60 miles today, but had promised a return time at home that cut any further running short. I need to plan better and allow more time for my cardio.

Goal #3: Cut down on my “mindless” sugar intake. I’ve pretty much eliminated my sweet snacking, late night sweet treats, but did do some baking this weekend and enjoyed a chocolate chip cupcake with chocolate frosting! Yum.

Exercise Today: treadmill: avg. 5.5-5.7 mph, 2.60 miles; Stairmaster: 5 minutes

Calories Burned Yesterday: 310 (treadmill) + 37 (stairmaster)

Motivation Level: medium (novelty is starting to wear off)

One Week Down

naptimeisover — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:15:56 +0000

I’ve been an official member of the gym for one week. I didn’t quite manage to go every day because of a few unexpected work days tucked into my schedule (oy that sounds like a terrible excuse…I will have to work on a plan to make working out during the school year actually feasible).

However, I have definitely made the gym my new best friend. We’ve gone four times in the last seven days and what is truly a life saver is that fabulous child care. The fact that I have to reserve it a day ahead of time is a major motivator to get me out the door. Calling to cancel would be admitting failure, and I know I took that spot from another momma so I had better use my time wisely!

So far my routine is forty minutes of cardio, alternating days of upper or lower body on the Cybex weight machine circuit, and a final happy ending (no not quite THAT happy) with a round of 100 full on/no cheating crunches.

The first day I slogged along on the stair master and barely made thirty minutes, glanced at the weight machines and gave them a beauty queen wave, then did a pathetic set of twenty abdominal exercises. In a mere week I’ve managed to up my cardio time to forty five minutes with an intensive thirty on the elliptical (you can watch an instructional video here.) Not only do I get to run at a fast pace with resistance, I can enjoy a bizarre show about Hugh Heffner and his bunnies at the mansion. Talk about motivational viewing! I watched scantily clad ~~barely~~ legal ladies prancing about the screen in front of me with the ipod Ladytron at a good volume in the earbuds because really – who wants to hear what any of those bunnies are talking about? I truly ran faster at the thought of actually wearing something besides granny panties because I’ll have a tuchus of steel by the end of summer.

After the elliptical I did fifteen minutes on the recumbent bike, and watched an interesting news story wherein Gingrich clarified his attack twitter on Sonia Sotomayor

For now I am doing my best to figure out the different weight machines and to complete a basic routine of three reps of twelve for each one. However, the gym has an opening special of two free one hour sessions with a personal trainer. My first appointment is a week from tomorrow so I’m looking forward to having some professional input and an official plan with goals to accomplish.

Goal#1: Up the level of difficulty on my 30 minutes with the elliptical.

Goal#2: Add one more set of crunches.

Exercise Today: elliptical – 30 minutes, recumbent bike – 15 minutes, Cybex machines upper body set, one hundred crunches.

Motivation Level: High – Way Way Up In The Sky because I already have more energy!!!

Making progress!

jessbcuz — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:32:06 +0000

Today was all about appreciating my own progress. My initial goal was to make it to running 2 miles in 20 minutes. That means I need to run at about 6mph, and I was a far cry from that just 2 weeks ago, maxing out at 5.2 mph. But in just a few short weeks of running 3-5 times a week I am noticing my progress. At first just getting through the initial mile was difficult and I began by running for one song, then fast walking one song. Then I was able to maintain 5.2 for at least a mile with a long warm up and cool down. Then finally I made it to running the 2 miles at 5.2. This week I noticed a satisfying jump. I am not only able to run longer before wanting to check my distance (I cover it up so I don’t think about it too much), but I’ve been able to increase my speed this week. Today I was even able to get up 6mph for almost a 1/2 mile. This increase helped me shave a little more time off my 2 miles (does not include the .4 mile that I warm up and cool down with)–meaning it only took me 21 minutes!!! So close!!

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes. Making more progress! ran my 2 miles in about 21+ minutes today, and was able to increase my average speed.

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed. Made it to 2.40 miles today, but was feeling good when I realized I was late for Pilates class.

Goal #3: Cut down on my “mindless” sugar intake. Definitely doing better. I’m not denying myself, but thinking of alternatives when I want a sweet treat, or eating a smaller portion.

Exercise Today: treadmill: avg. 5.5 mph, 2.40 miles; Pilates: 1 hour

Calories Burned Today: 280 (treadmill) + 200? (pilates)

Motivation Level: high (because I’m noticing my progress already!)

I think this might be working out.

jessbcuz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:15:11 +0000

I am happy to report that this blog thing is working. At least for me. I was feeling not so motivated this morning. I was sore from yesterday’s exercise extravaganza, and enjoying the quiet at home–my kids are still in school, but my own semester is over. But thinking about posting about sitting around the house all day avoiding exercise got me out the door and to the gym.

I am also happy to report that I was able to shave almost a full minute from my 2 miles time. I was able to up the speed to 5.5 for almost 1.5 miles of my run–making progress toward my first goal!

Also ready to add a third goal. My fellow mommamotivator’s sugar goal got me thinking. I have a major sweet tooth, and cutting down on my sugar intake would probably be a good idea to. I was further inspired by reading an article in the most recent Body & Soul magazine on weightloss that discussed sugar cravings. In particular it talked about mindless eating (definitely something I do when watching movies) and how eating sugar early in the day sets you up for craving it all day long. In that vein, I avoided my usual sweet treat last night after dinner, and instead substituted some thick greek yogurt-cheese, drizzled with honey and topped with whole raw almonds. It was surprisingly satisfying and I wasn’t hungry again before heading to bed.

So fellow mommamotivator, what have you been up to?

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes. Making more progress! ran my 2 miles in about 22+ minutes today, and was able to increase my average speed.

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed. Made it to 2.25 miles today, but was feeling good when I switched to a different machine–tomorrow I will try to stay on the treadmill and see if I can make it to 2.5 miles.

Goal #3: Cut down on my “mindless” sugar intake.

Exercise Today: treadmill: avg. 5.5 mph, 2.25 miles; Stairmaster: level 5, 10 minutes :

Calories Burned Today: 269 (treadmill) + 72 (stairmaster)

Motivation Level: high (but it didn’t start off that way!)

Burn, baby, burn.

jessbcuz — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:19:10 +0000

Oh. It was a lovely weekend. I had two wonderful late nights out (one of which included a fabulous dinner at Laoila and taking in the awesome musical, Wicked) and one crazy busy day volunteering at a pancake breakfast fundraiser, but now it is time to get motivated again! I didn’t make it into the gym this weekend, but instead of beating myself up about it I just headed in first thing this morning and had myself a leisurely workout. I did my usual treadmill run and while I’m still working on shaving off those minutes to reach my goal, I did notice I was able to run longer without needing to decrease my speed–in fact, I added about 1/10 of a mile today and ran for nearly 30 minutes. Baby steps.

I also took advantage of some free time today and went to my usual pilates class. I’ve been less than consistent about attending this MWF class in the past month, at first because of school commitments, but recently because of focusing on my cardio work, but I missed it. The instructor is one of the best I’ve had, and my back always feels so much better when I go at least twice a week. And what a day I picked to go! We did the “clam” leg series today– talk about burning muscles.

I found two short video links that incorporate some of the leg series we did today (and some we do other days) if you’d like to feel that painful burning sensation that makes you think, “God, I hope this is worth it.”

MyBodyZone: Pilates Side Leg Series (this site also had an inspiring little piece on Kate Winslet, who is quite sensible about her body image, and apparently loves pilates)

FitSugar: The Clam This isn’t as extensive as what we did today, but is a good starter. This site also looks like a good resource, so I’ll probably be back there to poke around.

And before I sign off I have just one more link for you, Fitness Calorie Calculator. In trying to calculate the calories I burned during this leg series (and other parts of the class today) I found a great site. When I’m using the machines, it estimates my calories burned for me, but the pilates class was a kind of unknown for me. This site has you put in your weight and length of exercise and gives you a whole range of activities and the calories burned (even, I believe, housework). Pilates, actually wasn’t on the list, but I used a combination of Yoga and calisthenics to estimate.

Goal #1: 2 miles in 20 minutes. Not there yet, but definitely making progress.

Goal #2: 3 miles without decreasing speed.

Exercise Today: treadmill: avg. 5.2 mph, 2.36 miles; 1 hour pilates class:

Calories Burned Today: 292 (treadmill) + approx. 200 (pilates)

Motivation Level: high

Reality Check

naptimeisover — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:16:30 +0000

First off, the good news – I just found out my pink slip was rescinded (yes, I was one of the 27,000 teachers to receive a Reduction In Force notice back in March) and thus I shall be able to enjoy my summer without worrying about a position for the Spring.

However, and now here’s the bad news – Over the last year I’ve established a daily habit of pausing at the faculty treat table, allotted zero time for an exercise regiment, and increased my mocha bomb consumption to a morning and afternoon double whammy. I’ve gone up three sizes and I m not happy with the way I look.

This morning was the last day of school and I received two luscious boxes of See’s candies from my students. After slamming down almost half of one box, I placed the rest in my bag to bring home. Later this evening, I indulged myself first by smelling the intoxicating confections, and then actually selected another white chocolate coconut truffle to eat. I stopped and froze before placing it into my mouth. This was the moment of truth and I realized that I had to stop pretending I would diet “tomorrow.” I needed to begin a plan immediately.

“Do you want these?” I held the candy out in my brother’s direction.

“You sure?” He had an eyebrow raised but nonetheless looked as if it wouldn’t be a problem to relieve me of this edible burden.

“Absolutely.” And I pressed them into his hands, free of the temptation, and at the official start of my weight loss journey.

This was my first step in regaining control of what I eat.

Next, I’m joining the gym. Tomorrow morning I shall arrive at their front door, two children in tow and I am signing us up for a family membership.

Now I love my fellow MommaMotivator but honestly, she’s a bit further along then I am. I’m just dipping my toe in whereas she’s already swam the first lap. However, I know that by motivating each other we will both reach our own personal goals. We’re hoping that posting on this blog will keep us accountable and I’m excited to get started on our journey. All right, My Friend – off we (and the pounds) go!

First Goal: Stop eating sugar and join the gym.

Exercise Today: I walked (at a fast pace) up to the park for our school field trip and walked back.

Calories Burned Today: 300

Motivation Level: High

Ready. Set. Run.

jessbcuz — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:50:28 +0000

My friend and I, both mommas of 2 school age children, are starting this blog to motivate ourselves this summer. After two years in grad school (me) and a credential program and a first year as a teacher (her), we find ourselves out of shape and in need of some motivation to reactivate our old good habits. We’re hoping this blog will help.

To start us off I found a cool site called My Food Diary. Unfortunately it is a fee based site, and as two (temporarily, we hope) unemployed mommas, home for the summer with their kids, I’m hoping we can duplicate their monitoring with this blog here. They do however have some cool free resources including: ideal weight calculator, bmi calculator, frame estimator (important for calculating your ideal weight). I also found a good link from their site to one on weight loss myths.

I spent some time figuring out my specs (thin-medium frame, high end of ideal weight range, low end of normal bmi) and have decided I will be focusing on exercise (read: losing some of my momma softness with muscle gain) rather than weight loss.

First Goal: 2 miles in 20 minutes. I am 3 minutes away from this goal right now.

Exercise Today: treadmill: avg. 5.2 mph, 2.18 miles, 25 minutes; stairmaster: level 5, 11 minutes

Calories Burned Today: 279 (treadmill) + 82 (stairmaster)

Motivation Level: high