Weekend Workouts and Hyperparathyroidism

I had a busy, but good weekend.

On Saturday, the kids had soccer in the morning. Then I fit in a quick workout before an awesome date night with Andy.

Saturday's Workout

Dead lifts 115#  6 reps x2
push-ups level 1  25 reps

Dead lifts 125#  5 reps x2
modified 1 arm push-ups 10 reps/side  x2

Dead lifts 135#  4 reps x2
push-ups level 2  25 reps

Dead lifts 145#  3 reps x2
modified 1 arm push-ups 10 reps/side x2


It was a good workout and very much needed. So was our date night. Andy had the opportunity to meet and interview Ben Folds. We also got to watch sound check and his amazing show. Such a great night.

Yesterday, the weather was amazing. I went for a run. Lately, I've been running for time. I went for an hour and did just over 4 miles. Not very fast, but much faster than I've been doing. I had a difficult start. My legs were heavy from the dead lifts and not getting enough sleep. I had to walk occasionally until I warmed up, but after I did, I felt great. I have not been running as much lately, and I miss it.

Today is off to a rough start. I've got a packed schedule, but I'm feeling really terrible. Several months ago, I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism (try saying that 3x fast...) The parathyroid is four rice-sized glands on the thyroid. They control calcium levels in the body. One of mine has a growth that is causing it to malfunction. It's pulling too much calcium out of my bones, so I have high levels of calcium in my blood. Luckily, it is fixable. I just need to wait until I can finally get into the endocrinologist. I will most likely have to have surgery to remove it. Fun stuff.

It is nice to know what's going on. I had been struggling with periods of feeling awful. Nauseous, weak, dizzy, and fatigued. Symptoms that could be many things. I went to a couple doctors who basically told me I was making it up or just too obese and out of shape (so fun to be big and have to go to the doctor). The thing is, I avoid going to the doctor unless something is really, really wrong. Not the smartest choice, but I prefer to tough it out if I can.

Which makes it really difficult to go and be told I am a hypochondriac.

I got a new doctor, and she immediately tested my thyroid. Everything came back normal - except my parathyroid.

So, now I wait. I hate waiting. I'm doing what I can for now. Taking in calcium and vitamin D. Lifting weights to help build my bone strength. Drinking lots of water. Staying hydrated has been essential. When I am drinking enough, I have less periods of fatigue and nausea.

Yesterday, I did not drink enough, and I ran. So, I am paying for it today. Still, it's nice to know why I feel so badly. That's a start. I can't wait until I start feeling better.

I have TKD tonight. That's always rough when I'm feeling bad. I get really dizzy and lightheaded. I'm going to chug the H2O and hope I am feeling better by this evening. Still, I am looking forward to class tonight. It's such a great stress reliever and one of my favorite things to do. I wish I could go more than once a week.

Awesome Workout Week

And, the week of awesome workouts continues...

Yesterday, I had planned on dead lifts, but my legs were super sore from Monday's squats. I decided to go with bench press instead. Since I was so sore, I wanted the second exercise to be something gentle. I decided to work on my TKD patterns in between sets. It was a good choice. Not only did I get a lot of practicing done, but the movements loosened up my legs and made them feel better.

Tuesday's Workout:

Bench Press  //  Patterns
45# 12 reps       Won Hyo (current pattern) x 3
55# 12 reps       Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each *
65# 10 reps       Won Hyo x 3
75# 6 reps         Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each
85# 4 reps         Won Hyo x 3

*The first time I attempted Dan Gun and Do San, I completely forgot them. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that. Luckily, the Artist remembered Dan Gun and is currently working on Do San. He helped me remember.

With my legs still a little sore but feeling much better, I decided to go for a walk with the Artist. One of our "epic walks." We walked from our house into Enosburg on the Rail Trail. It was hot, but we brought water and snacks and took our time. We walked 6 miles!

I was feeling the walk when I got up this morning, but I really wanted to do dead lifts today. After running some errands, my legs loosened up, and I was ready. I paired them with biceps curls and triceps extensions. Lower weight/more reps.

I started light with the dead lifts. I do not want to hurt my back. I would much rather go a little light to start. I'll get back to where I used to be eventually.

Wednesday's Workout:

Dead Lifts  //  Biceps Curls/Triceps Extension
45# 12 reps *  10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
65# 12 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
75# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
85# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
95# 8 reps       10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
105# 6 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
115# 4 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps

*I used the bar for a warm-up set. I could have done more that 12 reps, but I wanted to save it for the heavier weights.

It was a great workout. I'm feeling really strong. Barbell rows and shoulders tomorrow!