I Smell Like Chlorine

This morning I began a new phase of my workout program--swimming. I've never been fond of swimming as an exercise. I'm more likely to get in the pool with friends and "bob"--perhaps on a Funoodle. Then you can talk and just have a good time. Actually swimming laps to get fit seemed distasteful and quite frankly, hard. So I've avoided the pool altogether when it came to fitness.

Then my friend, Keith, started bugging me about swimming. Keith is one of my fitness gurus. He's totally ripped--honestly HOT (and if he wasn't two years younger than me I would be ALL over that)--and I can't help but trust him when it comes to working out. And Keith loves swimming. He insists swimming is the best way to trim down your figure and get fit "all over."

So my new plan now arises!

Monday--Cardio via running laps and stairs, etc.
Tuesday--Bike warmup, weight training
Wednesday--Step aerobics
Thursday--Swimming
Friday--SLEEP IN!
Saturday--Run

I'm hopeful. Specifically, my hope is rooted in the idea that I'll drop 2 or 3 inches and tone up my abs and arms. My optimism is also tied into my first swimming workout this morning that rocked. It was hard! But it was fun. Saturday I'm going to purchase a swim cap and goggles. Its gonna be big!

In honor of our upcoming races...

GO US!

Update--shaking head in shame

Okay. So in my last post, I declared my intention of losing 5 lbs. before I left for Disneyland. I leave on Thursday morning and I think I'm waving the white flag of defeat. SAD! But true. And I'm going to go have fun anyway. I'm not going to worry about how much I weigh (I'll just pack the tshirts that are a tad bit looser). March. March is when we begin anew, I guess.

Life just got in the way this month. Too much happening. Too many things beyond my control keeping me from the gym. Time at the gym not working out like I would like.

But March 1st* begins my observation of Lent. I'll be giving up sugar...can you believe it?! Crazy. But I think it will be a good practice in self-discipline, and its not just random. Lots of people are doing it! :) Wish me luck!

*Lent actually begins on Wednesday, February 25th. But I can't give up sugar and go to Disneyland at the same time. Sorry. Its not happening.

GOAL

I am going to Disneyland on February 26th. By the time I get on to that airplane at 6:10 am, I WILL have lost 5 lbs. That will put me at 147 lbs. for the Disney vacation.

That is entirely doable if I get back to hitting the gym 5 days a week, and cut down on my candy/cookie intake while upping my veggie intake. Oh, and I'll probably need to cut down on my breads and fried foods.

I CAN DO IT.

I'm putting it here because writing down your goals is IMPORTANT.

Running plans foiled

I gathered my jogging clothes together, my ipod, etc...

And wore my jogging shoes

and planned on a midday run

and then I left my clothes at home as I ran out the door.

Curses.

I'm so disappointed.

Woe is me---it's cold and dark

I really want to go jogging. Really I do. But if I want to jog during the work day I need to come in earlier so i can take the time in the middle of the day. This requires leaving early which requires waking earlier --- I have a lack of motivation to wake earlier. If I want to jog at home at night it is cold and wet and icy and dark by the time I get home.

I miss summer. It was so much easier to jog when i could do it outside, in the warmth, in a scenic park.

Any suggestions for getting more motivation?

On the diet front things are getting better. I'm eating less sugar then I used to---at least less processed sugar. I'm craving carbs less, eating less food overall. It's a good thing. I am feeling better. So motivation on the diet front is much easier to come by.

Helpful Website

My friend, Susan, showed me this Website. It allows you to look up the menu of almost every restaurant (at least chains) and see the calories in all the menu items. I find it helpful.

Dotti's Weight Loss Zone

Enjoy!