Snow Shoeing And Leg Day

It snowed yesterday. First real snow of the season, and I am so excited. Snow = Snow Shoeing, which is absolutely my favorite winter activity. I didn't have many opportunities to go last winter, so I am hoping for lots of snow this year!

Yesterday, I took Moon Dog and the kids for a walk in the field behind our house. We won't have use of the Rail Trail all winter, so this will probably become a regular thing. It had just started snowing, so we just went in our boots. Moon Dog is probably more excited about the snow than the kids are. He was so happy diving head first into it. So cute.

The kids and I also did a TKD circuit workout. We're all missing TKD this week due to the school vacation, so we decided to practice on our own. It was a lot of fun and a good workout. The kids don't mess around!

This morning I broke out the snow shoes and went for a 20 minute walk around the field. The snow wasn't super deep, but I was still glad I had my snow shoes on. I am definitely out of practice. My hip flexors were burning. It'll probably take a couple more tries before that gets better. I really enjoyed being out there, even with the burning muscles. I love exercising in the cold.

I also completed W1/D2 of the lifting program. Leg day! I always love a good leg day, and this one was a good one. Medium weight and only four exercises, but I got close to failure on every single exercise. Exactly what I want to do right now.

Focus On The Good

Yesterday was a bust. I had the appointment I've been waiting 5 months for, and there was no progress. She couldn't see my parathyroid with the ultrasound, so I had to redo my blood work. If my levels are still high, they'll do a different test. To say I am frustrated is a huge understatement. I've been hoping for a quick fix. I should have known better. There's never a quick fix. I'm just sick of waiting.

My labs came back this morning, and (surprise, surprise) my calcium levels are higher than before. Fingers crossed I don't have to wait for months for the next step.

I was not in a great place yesterday, but there were two highlights. I'm trying to focus on the good. The first good thing was I got another review on my last book, and it was a positive one. Yay!

The second one was TKD. I didn't feel great during the warm-up, but the rest of it went pretty well. I can feel the benefits from practicing on my own. I felt stronger. There were definitely things that I need to work on. There always are, but overall I felt pretty good. Plus, I got to chat with Michelle after and vent some frustration.

So, my setback actually helped snap me out of the funk I've been in. I let negative thinking take over for a while. Knowing that I have to wait and deal with this thing helped me accept it. I'm feeling a lot more determined to push through. I'm going to keep taking calcium/Vitamin D, drinking lots of water, and lift. Got to keep my bones strong.

Tuesday's workout:

Squats - body weight 25 reps x2
Squats 115#  8 reps x2

Plie squats - body weight 15 reps x2
Plie squats 115#  10 reps x2

Calf raises - body weight  20 reps x2
Calf raises 115#  12 reps x2

Push-ups level 1  25 reps
1 arm push-ups level 1  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 2  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 2  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 3  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 3  10 reps/side


This workout was tough. I definitely struggled, but I got through it. My first set was almost the end of the workout. After my first set of squats, I got a cramp in my hamstring. I took some time and stretched until it let go. I really wanted to finish the workout.

I had planned to do dead lifts, but with my sore hamstring I decided to do push-ups instead. Again, I struggled more than usual, but I'm glad I did it.

My hamstring is still pretty sore, so I'm going to do some yoga later. I need a good stretch.

I'm not feeling great, but at least I got it done. One day at a time.

Running With The Moon Dog

I woke up sore this morning. TKD was awesome last night. I definitely struggled. Sometimes my brain does not communicate with my body. I worked hard and was exhausted by the end of class. I've got some new things to work on, and I'm going to start working on my break for the tournament. My pattern went well. All the extra practice is paying off.

If I am being honest, I was not motivated last night. I felt ill and tired. I'd been busy all day, and I didn't really want to leave the house again. Still, I knew I would feel better if I went. I didn't feel great during the warm-up. I get lightheaded when I'm not feeling well, but it goes away after a little while. The rest of the class I felt fine, and it was a great stress reliever. So glad I went.

This morning I decided to run with the Moon Dog. It's been a long time since we did, but he loved it and got right back into the rhythm. I'm thrilled. I've been trying to fit more running into my weeks, but it's hard to carve out enough time most days. His walk is a priority. He needs daily exercise, too. This is the perfect solution.

Moon Dog is a great running buddy. He makes me push my pace, but he doesn't have much endurance, yet. We did intervals of walking and running. It was great, and I'm hoping we can go a little longer next time. We did 1.3 miles, and he was definitely slowing down at the end. Awesome new addition to my workout routine.

I also squeezed in a chest/back workout. I can't lift as heavy with my upper body, but I'm trying to go a little heavier. Build from there.


Today's Workout

bench press 75# 6 reps x2
db rows 15# 15 reps x2

db chest fly 15# 10 reps x2
barbell row 75# 8 reps x2

db chest press 15# 12 reps x2
t-bar rows 45# 10 reps x2

modified 1 arm push-ups level 1  10 reps/side
modified 1 arm push-ups level 2  10 reps/side
modified 1 arm push-ups level 3  10 reps/side


I love a good lifting workout. My muscles are jello. Perfect start to another busy day.

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.

Anything Is Better Than Nothing

Yesterday, I took the Moon Dog for a walk and then went for an awesome hike up Jay Peak with my dad. The weather was perfect. Cool and sunny. The leave are just starting to change. Fall is coming. I can't wait.

The top of the mountain was sunny and warm and surprisingly not windy. My dad have never been up there. It's one of my favorites. We had a great hike, and it was a great workout.

Today, I was exhausted. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, and I felt wiped out all morning. I took Moon Dog for a walk, but it didn't help energize me. I ended up taking an hour-long nap. I guess I needed it. I felt groggy when I woke up, but I still wanted to get in a workout.

Staying on the list!

It was not my best workout, but anything is better than nothing. I did an easy workout and focused on my upper body.

Friday's Workout

chest presses 15#db  12 reps x 2
db rows #15  10 reps x 2
barbell shoulder press #45  10 reps x 2

chest fly #15db  12 reps x 2
front rows #15db  10 reps x 2
biceps curls #15db  8 reps x 2

modified 1 arm push-ups  level 2  10 reps/side  x 2
overhead triceps extensions #15db  15 reps  x 2
lateral raises #10db  10 reps  x 2

Sore...So Very Sore...

My legs are going to hate me tomorrow.

Let me back up to yesterday. After my morning walk with the Moon Dog, I wanted to workout, but I didn't want to do anything too intense. I had TKD in the evening, and after two weeks off, I knew it was going to be brutal. So, I decided to do yoga.

I did my own routine. It lasted about 30 minutes. I included some planks, sit ups, and hip/glute exercises. It was a good workout, and I felt much looser and more relaxed.

Then I went to TKD.

Let's just say, the hip/glute exercises were a poor choice.

Class was great. I feel like I learned a lot of helpful information. Of course getting my body to comprehend it takes longer. I understand the concepts, but I didn't execute it very well. Something to work on.

Then we worked on hook kicks without dropping the chamber. It worked the exact same hip/glute area, and it was painful. I haven't had my muscles burn like that in a long time.

I could feel it this morning. A lot. The stairs were a challenge. Things eased up a little after my walk with Moon Dog. I decided to take advantage of my looser muscles and do a good workout.

Tuesday's Workout:

Dead lifts  115#  6 reps
Push-ups level 1  25 reps

Dead lifts  125#  5 reps
Modified 1- arm push-ups level 1  10 reps/side

Dead lifts  135#  4 reps
Push-ups level 2  15 reps

Squats  135#  6 reps
Modified 1-arm push-ups level 2  8 reps/side

Squats  145#  5 reps
Push-ups level 3  15 reps

Squats  155#  6 reps
Modified 1-arm push-ups level 1  25 reps

Squats  165#  5 reps
Push-ups level 1  25 reps


It was a long workout. My legs were a little stiff and sore to start, but after I warmed up I felt like I could push it a little more. It was a great workout. I felt really strong.

Of course, now the soreness is really setting in. Let's hope I can walk by the end of the day.

Week 3 of Awesome Workouts

Week 3 Begins!

I rested yesterday. I spent time with my parents and went to the cast party for the show. It was a mellow, fun day. I'm still feeling a little off, but I wanted to get in a good workout today. I decided on Squats/Push-ups/Won Hyo.

Squats              Push-ups            Won Hyo
125# 12 reps    level 3 12 reps    x3
135# 10 reps    level 3 15 reps    x3
145# 8 reps      level 2 15 reps    x3
155# 6 reps      level 1 15 reps    x3

It was a great workout. It was difficult, but I felt strong. I love that feeling.

I've been keeping track of my workouts here to keep myself accountable. So far, so good. I've also changed the way I've been tracking my food. I track my food 95% of the time, but I was finding that the tracker apps weren't working for me. It was too mindless. I could select the food, enter it, and forget about it.

Back when I lost a lot of weight and got healthier, I used a notebook and pen, and it worked really well. I have to sit down and focus on what I am eating, when, and how I'm feeling. I decided to try it again. So far, it's been working. I've had a couple days where I indulged a little too much, but I wrote it all down. I think it kept me from going even more overboard.

Figuring out what works is definitely a process. Right now it's working.

Lesson Learned

Yesterday I learned a lesson - Never do leg day the day before TKD. Ow.

TKD class was okay. I struggled. I know that it's part of the process, but it's not easy. I was frustrated, but I do feel like I made some progress. That's what matters.

Today, I had to squeeze in a workout. Continuing with lifting and loving it.

Wednesday's Workout:

Bench press 75#  6 reps x 2
One-arm dumbbell row 15#  10 reps/side x 2

Barbell Row 75#  6 reps x 2
Chest Fly 15#db  8 reps x 2

T-bar row 30# + bar  8 reps / 10 reps
Push-ups level 3  10 reps / 15 reps

Short but sweet. Love feeling strong.

Week 2 Begins

Week 2 begins!!

Usually, I like to do longer workouts on the weekend, but my jump back into lifting made my legs incredibly sore. I walked Moon Dog and did yoga this weekend. I caught up on sleep, too. It was an energizing weekend.

Today, I wanted to focus on legs and do some heavy lifting. I also wanted to do abs and some cardio. It turned into an interesting workout.

Monday's Workout:

jump rope - 1 minute
standing cross crunches - 30 reps / side
squats 115# - 8 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
choppers 10# - 12 reps / side
plie squats 115# - 8 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
curtsy - 12 reps / side
squats 125# - 6 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
swings 10# - 12 reps
alternating lunges - 20 reps
plie squats 125# - 6 reps
*all exercises x 2


It was a good workout. Lots of sweat. About halfway through the third set, I hit the point where I felt completely exhausted, and my muscles were shaking. It felt good to finish after hitting that point. It was hard work. I love lifting.

Squats and Push-Ups and Patterns...Oh My!

Last week was a busy one. I got in a walk every day with the Moon Dog, but that was pretty much it. I did make it to TKD class, and that was great. No other major workouts, though.

This week I have a little more time and a little less stress. Yay! The Artist and I had planned on hiking, but the weather did not cooperate. Instead we did some strength training, and he threw in some TKD practice, too. We don't have class this week, so this was a great idea. I was really proud of him. He did a difficult workout and enjoyed himself.

I'm going to focus on lifting right now. I love it. It's my favorite. Why am I not focused on it already?

For now, I am going for consistency and finding a good weight to start from. I need to do heavy lifting, but it's been so long I don't know where my base is. I've been reading articles on this great site called Eat To Perform, and one was discussing the idea of doing a few basic movements and just going until you can't do anymore. Perfect way to start out and very helpful for finding my starting point.

Today was squats and push ups. I started with a weight I knew I could handle and went up in 10 pound increments from there. I did push ups in between and during my rest times I worked on my pattern. It ended up being a really great workout. Lifting makes me happy. I can tune out the world and just get it done. Love.

Here's my workout for today:

Squats  //  Push Ups (incline at various levels)

95# 8r  // 15r level1
105# 8r  //  15r level 2
115# 10r  // 10r level 3
125# 8r  //  10r level 3
135# 6r  //  12r level 2
145# 6r  //  15r level 1


Obviously, I could have done more, but my legs were wobbly and tired. Rather than push too far, I stopped at 145# and will use that as my jumping off point next time. Not bad for not going heavy in a long time.

Keeping it simple this week. Two exercises and working on my pattern. Hopefully we'll find time for another hike, too. Tomorrow I am thinking Dead Lifts and Chest Press/Flys.

Happy International Women's Day!!

Happy International Women's Day!!

I started my day with some of my favorite women. Nothing like a walk with friends to start the day.

Today I want to celebrate my favorite little woman. There is a TKD tournament this weekend, and I watched her prepare last night. She's doing her first weapons pattern this weekend, and I love watching her practice. She's strong and confident, and I admire her so much. I wish I had even half of her courage and confidence. So proud of my girl!!

I went for a second walk with the Moon Dog. The weather is amazing, and we had a nice walk. I also did some practice for the tournament. I'm not feeling overly confident, but practice will help. I've set a few basic goals - mainly stay calm/don't let the nerves take over, try to remember anything my "plan" for sparring, and break the board the first try. At the last tournament, it took 4 tries. When I was testing for my high yellow belt, it took 4 tries. This is my break until I get it on the first try.

Hopefully, that will be this weekend, and I can try a hand break.