Pity! Party of One! You're table is ready!

Last night's workout was 1 solid hour of upper body weight training. CANNOT.MOVE.ARMS.ABOVE.HEAD.

Note: Since hitting the age of 30 and gaining upwards of 70 pounds (of which 40 I have lost and kept off), I have no upper body strength.

Sure, I played softball, volleyball, and basketball throughout my youth. Sure, I can still throw a football like no other chick you have ever seen (my big bro is proud of this). Sure, I can help my dad move big, heavy items when he needs help. I am strong woman...hear me roar! *beats chest*

But I'll be damned if those stupid skull crushers don't have my arms shaking every time Mike the Trainer forces them upon me. And when we hit the chest press or incline press, just call me a girlie-man and let me go home. After a few groans and muttering some 'bad' words to Mike, I completed the workout, red-faced and stinky. I barely managed to drive myself home because my arms felt like lead. Tonight I hit the trails for another 3-miler. Welcome back, Super Jenni.

Workout: Upper body, weights
Duration: 1 hour
Calories burned: Approximately 4 Shiner beers

Update

Wow, what happened to Jenni-isms???!!!

I've never gone this long without blogging...and, ironically, there is SO much more to blog about! I've been busy and loving every minute of my life. I truly enjoy having a blog as a journal that reflects my thoughts, goals, ups/downs, and every day life. I'm going to do my best to get back to my most favorite blog ever and ALL of my fans :)

Here is what has been a-happenin' in the land of Jenni-isms:

1) I went for a run last night...first time since OCTOBER, people. It was exhilarating! I sometimes forget about my serious love affair with the pavement. But each time I step back out there I am reminded instantly of why I run. Mike the Trainer and I have worked out a nice new schedule of 1 hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. This leaves the rest of the week to work on cardio. I'm still determined to take up swimming eventually, but for now I plan to run at least 3 times a week, hit up the elliptical at the gym or a spin class a few times a week. Have I mentioned that I've lost 18 pounds since moving to Dallas??!! Yay, me!

2) I am falling hopelessly and happily in love with my handsome man. Since our very first phone conversation (he called me Nov 18) we have been together. It will be 2 months this week but it feels like longer...and that's a good thing. We are definitely in a "relationship" and it's the real deal, folks. We are committed to each other, to being open and honest, to enjoying every moment we're given, and we are hopeful for our future together. It's more than I ever thought it could be...and keeps getting better. He is my sweet boyfriend and I couldn't be more happy and proud.

3) I've been cooking up a storm. I mean a STORM. I hate that I haven't documented my adventures because the recipes I have tried are amazing and turned out great! I suddenly found myself wanting to cook for my handsome man all the time and have turned somewhat DOMESTIC. *shock* What?! Domestic?? Yup. And I'm loving every second of it! I love to cook and see satisfaction on the faces of those who experience my creations. I have a long way to go before I can claim to be a great cook (like Mom and my late Grandma Ruby). But I'm very comfortable in the kitchen (well, Handsome Man's kitchen as he has a great big house). The last month or so I've made Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Spinach and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese, Blue Ribbon Chili, Classic Pot Roast, Cinnamon Chocolate Bread, Shiner Bread, and Cookie Dough Truffles. Handsome Man is very content, indeed (and lucky!)

4) I get to see my besties in a month!! Karen, one of my oldest and dearest friends, is getting married on Feb 5! She is marrying her best friend and the love of her life, Jeff. Now, even though I have yet to meet this man, I have no doubt they will live happily ever after. I've never seen or heard Karen this way before...her relationship with Jeff has transformed her into an even more beautiful, loving, thoughtful person and she literally glows with love. I can't wait to introduce Handsome Man to Karen and Katie. It will be our first road trip as a couple and will be a great time!

5) Last Saturday I started a new volunteer gig. I researched some local animal shelters and decided to apply as a volunteer with the Frisco Humane Society (Handsome Man lives in Frisco and I LOVE, LOVE the town...plus I spend most of my weekends there). I met up with Angie from FHS at the Frisco Petsmart where they have the adoptions every weekend. They need help with the cat side of things and I am more than okay with that. I spent 2 hours there learning how to become an Adoption Counselor. Basically I try to help those looking to adopt a cat by finding out what they are looking for, what their living arrangements are, and let them interact with the kitties. It's actually quite a big responsibility as I decide ultimately who gets to adopt. You can only ask so many questions and use intuition, but you always hope and pray that an animal ends up in a happy, loving home. There are so many success stories and I am bound and determined to do everything I can for those furry felines! :) I've also been asked to help out with one of their computer databases to help keep things organized. I definitely feel this is where I am supposed to be and will dedicate as much time as possible to this cause.

6) Um, did I mention that I finally graduated???? Yup, back in December I became an official graduate of the University of Oklahoma. It was pretty awesome. I drove up to Norman to pick up my cap and gown, walked around campus, and reveled in the feeling of being a Sooner. Mom and Dad attended the small ceremony for my college and we celebrated with lunch afterward. I am considering grad school and have signed up to take the GRE, but we'll see...for now I'm enjoying my well-deserved free time.

8) College football season is over :( But I am starting to get more into the NFL so at least I get to stretch out football for a bit longer. I can't wait until next season because I plan to attend more Sooner games. And it's even more fun because now I am dating a Texas Tech Raider who will go to the games with me (I like to remind him constantly that we kicked their hineys last season 45-7).

7) For the Christmas holiday we drove down to The Woodlands to stay with my brother and his family. They couldn't make it to my graduation but they had a big congrats sign and an awesome cake for me! Plus, the kids all made me special cards and I felt like the most loved Aunt ever. We had a great holiday and I just adore my family. Oh, and I actually won the poker tournament for the first time EVER in the history of family game night. Vegas, here I come...

So that's it in a very condensed nutshell. 2011 has welcomed me with open arms and I am embracing every moment! Here are some pics of the last few months...

Mom and me, graduation day



My cake and homemade cards

Mom, me, Dad at their Christmas party



Me & Handsome Man at my company Christmas party

Me & Handsome Man celebrating his birthday

Aunt Jenni and her Rugrats

 

3-2-1...Happy New Year!!!



800

↑ That's how many calories I burned at the gym last night.

Mike the Trainer was sick and we didn't have our scheduled session. So I decided to kick my own ass instead.

45 minutes on the elliptical
5K on the treadmill
core/abs on the mat

It was glorious to know I had a major calorie deficit for the day! Especially since I decided to buy some candy for my desk. AND it's the good stuff!

Guess what? Aforementioned desk is now in my brand spankin' new office! The view makes me very happy indeed.

Happy Humpday! New recipe coming later...

 

Damn Oprah and her "a-ha" moments

I'm only damning her because when I had my "moment" today, the first thing that popped into my head to describe it (for later blogging) was the "a-ha moment." I avoid Oprah because she annoys me. Maybe it's because she makes too much money. Maybe it's because she interrupts every guest on her show. Maybe it's because her uber fans are nutso. Maybe it's because I wish I had too much money, a show on which to interrupt guests, and nutso fans. :) I refuse to buy into Oprah-mania, yet here we are.

Onto the point of this post...Mike The Personal Trainer will now only be referred to as "Mike" with no reference to Satan. I intended it as a joke because my muscles are mean and hurt when Mike is finished working me out. But today shed new light on the subject. I was still hurting like Hell, and actually cursed a few times during the session, but I found out why I need and thus have a personal trainer. Mike was gentle and encouraging even though the weights were killing me (upper body--my weakest area). I was really getting down on myself (must stop doing this) and feeling like such a wimp for running out of steam. But Mike kept telling me all about how we're building my strength, I will get stronger, I'm doing great, keep my head up, yada, yada, yada...normally this type of positive reinforcement goes in one ear and out the other (Mom can attest to this). As the workout came to an end, I realized I could barely move my arms. I still cannot raise them above my head. It may not have seemed at the time like I could do it--I was barely able to push through that last set--but the fact that my muscles were fatigued meant I did SOMETHING. And THAT is more than I would have done sitting on the couch! Bottom line: This is hard work and takes dedication. There is more mental strength involved than I once thought.

The real story here (hence the "a-ha" moment) is about Mike The Person. He kept making little comments like "I was just like you after chemo..." or "I had to build up my muscle once I got off the medications..." and, of course, at first these comments didn't land. When we were finished, we sat down on the mat and Mike again told me to hang in there and not get down. I finally broke free of my everything-hurts-and-I'm-a-sweaty-weak-blob reverie and really looked at him. "You had cancer?" I asked him, finally focusing on someone OTHER than myself. Turns out Mike was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005 at 30 years old (we are the exact same age). I realized he was right about being just like me at one point...after the treatments and chemo he was underweight and very weak. He told me that before he got sick he didn't work out regularly. But as he got well, he really wanted to gain strength (and weight) and take care of his body. He started working out and now he's a personal trainer and in great shape...he's been in remission for 4.5 years!

When Mike started working out after chemo, he was trying to put on weight. I am working out to lose weight (and of course tone up). My a-ha moment was after our workout, when I was dripping sweat on the elliptical, doing some pondering (fyi--most of my life-pondering is done in the shower, while running, on the elliptical, or driving). I learned some valuable lessons today. First, I learned that I lucked out with my personal trainer--Mike is a great guy and I think he's in my life for a reason. Second, I'm not as physically strong as I thought. Going to a gym and working out makes you face what you can and cannot do, physically and mentally. This is quite the eye-opener. Third, and most important, when I start to feel sorry for myself or beat myself up about how much work I have ahead of me, I'll think of Mike--and how lucky I am to be trying to lose weight rather than trying to gain it because cancer almost took my life.

Oh, I felt "The Burn"

Remember how I joined a new gym with the corporate membership, and learned that a free orientation and personal training session were in store?

Well, I met Edward The Trainer at 5:30. He told me we were first going to discuss some general nutrition information, work out, then discuss their "program options." I immediately knew this meant personal training sessions and $$$. I say to him "Oh, I can tell you right now I'm not going to want any of that stuff." He says, "Ok, no problem, let's just talk about your general health right now, where you want to be, and what you want to get out of this gym." Fair enough.

His discussion was actually interesting and I learned a lot...specifically, I learned that I need to lose exactly 36 pounds to be in excellent health. Yes, I had my body fat analyzed and it wasn't pretty. But the more I talked to this guy and listened, the more I felt excited and really into it. He puts me on the elliptical to warm up for only about 7 minutes. Now, I am a runner, and the elliptical is something I've never really used. I thought it felt awkward at first, but it was definitely getting my heart rate up there.

Then we start the workout. Edward wants to concentrate on core-strengthening exercises. He teaches a ONE-hour core class...I didn't even know there were that many core exercises out there. I was wrong. It's not just abs, but literally your core. And what an eye-opener it was for me. I.WAS.DYING. We begin with some ab exercises on the mat which include 1 minute planks. No problem, right? I mean, my own strength training workout at home includes 3 30-second planks. But these were 1-minute planks...believe me when I say 30 seconds makes a huge difference! I was sweating profusely at this point, my forearms literally sliding on the mat.

Let me interject an important side note here: My total fuel prior to this gym session was one small bowl of oatmeal, a banana, some grapes, an orange, another banana, and loads of water. Work was busy and I had no time to eat anything substantial. But, hey, at least it was healthy. However, this is not nearly enough food to sustain a good workout. Needless to say it was a dumb thing to do, and I was dizzy, lightheaded, and got a headache as soon as we started.

BUT, I kept pushing myself. The moves were difficult, but to be honest, I LIKED IT! I was having a great time. I was dripping with sweat and probably pretty stinky, and I couldn't speak in complete sentences because I was gasping for air, but this personal training thing was pretty nifty. All I had to concentrate on was holding the correct position and my breathing. We worked muscles that I haven't moved in a long time. He actually had to cut the workout short because he was afraid I was going to faint (insert an embarrassed me here--it was obvious I was pretty light-headed and shaky). But I appreciated his concern. He had worked me enough to feel more than satisfied that I had burned some serious calories.

I loved the machines, I loved the moves, and I loved having someone train me. It's a whole new concept for me and I just felt invigorated (albeit starving and wobbly). It was like another door had opened up in my life and I felt guided to step through. Granted, I lost 40 pounds on my own last year by running and eating right. But the next 36 are only going to get tougher...I need all the help I can get. And it's not just about losing  weight. Changing your lifestyle is a difficult and tedious challenge, and it doesn't happen overnight. BUT I'M READY.

So, this formerly-skeptical chick signed up for an entire year of personal training sessions, 3 days a week. Crazy, huh? I'm so excited and although I know it's going to be hard, and that I'll have good days and bad, I know this is going to help me achieve my goals. Tomorrow I have an appointment for a full physical assessment, including all of my measurements (yikes). I received a book that my trainer will use to enter all of my workout information each session, and each month we will track my progress. My sessions will include 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. I am free to keep up with my running throughout the week. My trainer is Jonathan, and although he is 10+ years younger than me and disgustingly fit, I really like him and feel comfortable with him. When Edward had to get me a towel during my workout (have I mentioned how sweaty I get?), Jonathan happened to be near and promptly had me get into another balanced plank (Bosu ball anyone??) for 15 seconds...he was so supportive even in just those 15 seconds. I knew he was the one. :)

The gym was filled with all shapes and sizes, and I saw a lot of women working out with a trainer. I had a completely different attitude when I walked out compared to when I had walked in. I drove away feeling more confident in myself than I had in a long time.Then I drove to Subway and scarfed down a healthy sandwich. When I got home I took some Advil and got in a hot shower. Getting up this morning wasn't so bad...but by the time lunch rolled around, my coworker (Karlie--more about her later) made me laugh and my abs nearly screamed at me. It was wonderful and painful at the same time.

So join me on this new journey to a healthy mind and body. I'm thinking I'll post about some of the sessions--what moves I do and things I learn along the way. It's going to be a long road and I've already started towards a new life...no looking back now!

Feel the burn

Tomorrow after work I have a session with a personal trainer at my new gym. I don't normally "do" gyms. I've gotten by just fine with my bike, the road, and the treadmill. I also strength train, although I have admittedly slacked off this summer (in more ways than one...).

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my new company offers a free corporate membership to 1 of 2 gym chains. I found one that is literally equidistant from home and work--i.e., no excuse not to stop as I drive by 5 days a week! I figured I would give it a try...I'm mostly interested in using some new machines for weight training, using the pool, trying out a class or two, and generally being accountable (if we don't use the membership at least 12 times a month, they charge us). Good motivation, no? :)

So, the corporate membership comes with a free personal training session. I've done this once before and don't really like it. I may be able to run 3 miles no problemo at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am all-that when it comes to cardiovascular health. I have NO idea what they have in store for me. But at least I'll be there, get in a workout, and see what it's all about. I want to feel comfortable there and make sure that all shapes and sizes utilize that gym. The last thing I need is some blond bombshell in size 2 spandex working out next to me...

Kickin' A and taking names

After 5 days off, I am back to the world of running. THANK GOD.

I enjoyed a beautiful 5-mile run last night. I discovered a new trail and despite one long hill, it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Other than a side stitch I felt NO pain in my right leg whatsoever. I was stoked!! I was only going to do about 3 miles, but I just kept going because I felt great. Here is the playlist I listened to jammed out during my run. Yes, my tastes are...eclectic. And no, you didn't misread...that says "Xanadu" :)

(you may have to click on the image to see it--not sure why it's so small)

My Aching Derriere

This new, revamped workout schedule is killing me.

Since May, when I started seriously running, things have been great. I've lost weight and feel a lot better. I also added in a strength training video a few times a week (when I got around to it). But in the last month or so my weight loss has slowed and my running has not improved much. I realized I need to up my cross-training. As you can see in my Training on the side bar, I have a pretty routine schedule planned out for the next 2 months. I'm really happy with the plan, but it's going to take discipline. I haven't ridden a bike in I don't know how long...and I'm currently using my dad's bike. I purchased an indoor bike trainer and it's pretty cool. Loud, but cool. It's actually no louder than a treadmill or indoor bike would be...and I can watch TV while I ride which is nice!

But I had forgotten how much a bicycle seat can hurt. Last night after my 3 mile run, I managed 20 minutes of pretty fast and steady pedaling. My booty really hurts today. I've been researching bikes online today (nothing fancy--just a bike I can use for training and leisure rides). I found one I really like and hope to buy (let's hope the Christmas bonus is nice this year). BUT, I doubt even a new bike will solve the hiney-to-seat ratio. Am I just supposed to get used to it? Will it eventually stop hurting?? Anyhoo, I hope to start seeing and feeling results from these workouts within the next month (just in time for Christmas candy and goodies). In the meantime I am sore and tired, but staying positive nonetheless! I start my official training for the half-marathon at the end of the year...and I'd also like to train for a triathlon. So the new bike will come in handy!

Santa, the first item on my list this year:Ladie's Schwinn 700C Trailway Hybrid Bike
$229.99

No socks, no service

When I think back now I don't know why I didn't take 10 seconds to find my socks. But in the end, those 10 seconds ended up landing me in a world of hurt.

I have to run with socks. Thin, barely-there footies, but socks nonetheless. Maybe it's the chemistry and/or shape of my feet, but I cannot run without socks. So tonight my run started out GREAT. Weather, music, breathing, pace...all working together in perfect harmony. I was feeling like a 5 mile run for sure. But 1.5 miles out, I started to feel the prickly burn of blisters. They always occur in the same spot, like mirror images of each other on either foot. I turned around to head back home, hoping to keep up my pace and not rip my feet to shreds in the process. I stopped once to tighten my laces as much as I could, but I just kept on running. I knew if I really stopped, the pain would keep me from starting again. I tried to focus on my other "zoned out" thoughts that keep me busy during a run. But all I could do was wince and try to keep my form. About a mile from home, the right foot blister popped and the REAL pain set in.
Lordy, me, when my Garmin beeped at 3.00 miles I stopped and walked the last 5 minutes home.

What really sucks about blisters is not just the initial pain, but the fact that any immediate plans to run again are majorly hindered. Strategically placed moleskin and bandaids may help, but I know for sure I'm not going to risk heading out until they are healed.

I don't know if you've ever walked 10 feet with blisters...but I ran 3 miles. I'll never forget my socks again, even if the only clean ones are thick black knee highs.


Edited to add: The real pain was not from running with blisters...it was when the shower hit them. I whined like a baby in there for a good minute or 2.

100 pushups...you game?

I am starting a new program today called 100 push ups. You can check out the sight here. With all the running I've been doing, my legs and most of my body have started to tone up. But my arms, oh, my arms. They're...flabby. I don't like them at all. I know push ups are a great (and free!) way to tone up my arms/shoulders/chest. Plus, what girl doesn't want to be able to bust out some good-form push ups??!! I found this program maybe a year ago and I think I tried it but gave up after 2 days. Well, things are different now! I've accomplished so many goals the last 6 months and now I'm taking this one on again. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Wanna get long and lean??

It's a product review by Yours Truly! Financially, this DVD was only $6.99. But for my physical and spiritual health, it was a huge investment! I don't usually like exercise videos, but I highly recommend it. My local library allows you to check out various DVD's for 7 days. It's a great way to try out an exercise DVD before you decide to buy it! So I checked out a few and found this one to be exactly what I needed. Strength training can really help out with my running. And you can't beat a $7 DVD from Amazon!

The Trainer's Edge: Integrated Strength Training
Total time: 45 minutes (the workout itself, from warm up to cool down is 40 minutes)

Product Description Integrated Strength Training utilizes a series of exercises that work both upper body and lower body muscles simultaneously, maximizing the efficiency of the workout while burning calories and increasing lean muscle tone.

Equipment needed: 1 – 2 lb. hand weights, floor mat

What I really like about this workout is that you can increase (or decrease) your weights...after 2 weeks I'm already moving up to 5 - 8 lb. hand weights. There are no awkward moves or difficult poses. It's a simple workout that works the major muscle zones while making you sweat!

I just finished this workout...I feel faboo! Now I'm off to make this super yummy summer dish and enjoy the rest of my evening!

I &hearts golf

Today was my last lesson and I can't wait to get back out there and play! I'm going to try and talk my dad into going with me. I will miss the Pro, Derrick, because he was totally cool and I learned so much from him. I played when I was younger but it never hurts to get a refresher course! If you're looking for a new hobby, I highly suggest the classic game of golf. It is addicting!