C25K Report - Day 1 Week 1 (intro to the VBW)

I didn't get up as early as I wanted to get on the treadmill ~ but I did get on it at 8am. I did an extra 5 minutes walking warm up because I'm prone to shin splints and an easy but long walking warm up seems to keep them away. I started out the first 5 minutes at 2.0 mph, started the App then went to 2.5 mph walking.

When it said to begin running, I did. As a point of information, my right knee is iffy - when I'm not over 300 lbs it isn't... another excellent reason to get the first 20 lbs off asap. Anyway, I was unable to sustain what I would call a "very bouncy walk" (VBW) for the first minute of running. Or the second minute of running. Or the third. 

Then I said, "Duh, go back to 2.0 mph, silly!" and voila! that worked and I was able to do the whole minute of my "VBW" and by 18 minutes into I was surprised at how fast the VBW minute went! That was an incredible realization of "this isn't dreadful, and I'm actually kind of enjoying it."

Here's what the App looks like, and I love it.

My goal in doing this isn't to really become a runner. It is about efficiently exercising. 30 minutes of VBW 3 or 4 times a week, with some walking in-between (or other form of physical exertion) is my ultimate goal. I'd like to get up to getting in a weekly total mileage of 10-12 combined VBW and regular walking.  Maybe I'll think about doing a 5K around Thanksgiving - we have a Turkey Trot that sounds like it might be fun.

On the Juicing Front - I've not had juice yet. I've had water, coconut water, a banana, a few sesame sticks with chia seeds, some dried apricots (5), a couple small handfuls of cashews, and some dried fruit and dried veggies from Sprouts. I have a juice in the fridge, which I will drink after completing this entry - and juice some more.

At sprouts I bought veggies for a 10-day Reboot with Joe (Cross) from his website... so that is what I need to go and do. Juice! New Juices! Woot!

I felt absolutely fantastic after my morning workout. I have to remember that I don't have to make it a big deal, I don't have to do it for 45 minutes to an hour. I don't have to make it difficult (which is a specialty of mine... making mountains out of molehills). 10 minutes is better than none minutes. And I really do want to get it out of the way first thing in the morning; so I can exercise, then juice for the day - then do whatever is next for a productive day.

Restart - Part II - The Sequel

Today is it.  I took pictures... downloaded the C25K app and am feeling ready.

When I was saving the photos to the file, I saw that last year, on July 29 I took pictures for a restart... to juice.  I've gained 18 pounds since last July... which, considering how many pounds I've gained back *in total* - I feel not so bad about.

I'm essentially 20 pounds away from the 338 that I started with at Medifast on January 4th, 2011.
I didn't weigh this morning - but a few days ago I weighed in at 319.  This last 9 pounds since the last time I weighed have stopped me from being able to sing a phrase without being out of breath. 

So I begin today.

So far:
hot water with 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon, stevia
a protein bar
water
Juice (2 glasses by 2:30pm): 1-1/4 green apple, 10 carrots, 1 long cucumber, the last few pieces of celery, the other half of the lemon, and a bunch of mixed super greens.  It makes about 2 mason jars full of juice.
I think I'll have himself's vegetable soup for dinner.

The Couch to 5K program is 8 weeks. I'll start that tomorrow (a Friday) and do it 3 days a week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday and start working out with the bands on other days.  I also want to put in the Tai Chi video and see how I do with that. Lofty Goals!

I like the 8 week thing.  I have a Sweet Adelines singing weekend coming up next weekend in cooler climates ~ which means higher altitudes... It would be great to juice the next 5 - 7 days and get these troublesome 9 lbs off!

A Month of Sundays

Starting today, and for the next 4 Sundays in August, I don't have to go in to work.  In essence, I have a "Month of Sundays" - literally, as opposed to every day of the month being a Sunday, which would be more mathematical than I care about right now.

I'm just focusing on the extra time this month. 

One of the weekends I'll be out of town ~ so I'm including today in the "4 Work-Free" Sundays idea.

Time. Having some time to myself this weekend has been amazing. I took Friday off because I believe I've had too much interaction with others, for others and (by my own choice), fulfilling obligations to others.  I still have some of that today to do, but there is time for some contemplation, and I am taking full advantage of it.

Himself and I watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" last night, then we watched "Forks Over Knives" and I cried when he declared, "I'm on board," after 'Forks Over Knives' credits rolled. I've been wanting him on board for so long, and while I am the who who never broached the subject, the testimony of a mutual friend who has been juicing for awhile gave me the crack in the door that I felt I needed to start the conversation.

I don't believe we'll be full-fledged vegans, but I think (am hoping) 85% plant-based/15% animal... a lifestyle with "Animal Products on the Side" kind of mentality is where we are headed.  Cut out the processed food. Spend more time preparing our own food (this is where I get stuck... not just that I can't be bothered, but there are so many other things I want to get done in a day... which needs to change) and not opening a box or a can or even defrosting. Spending more money on quality (organic, local) produce and meats.

One thing I have to say... (after watching a video where someone says... "and easy!" ~ With all the changes that will be coming... it might be simple, but it isn't easy. That, I believe, is a lie. Juicing for 15 days... won't be easy. But (and this is huge for my lazy butt) it is simple, and doesn't take a lot of time and or planning... which I look forward to.

The Engine 2 Diet - Rip Esselstyn's branch off from his dad's research and way of living that was documented in Forks Over Knives looks like a good way to start. They've partnered with Whole Foods... now to go find a reasonable juicer!

* * *
And I'm working toward going back to school for Music Therapy. Lots to do... very excited about parts of it. But the nutrition/holistic health thing really appeals to me too.