I'm lame, I know

Somewhere between Halloween and now, Motivation took a hike...up Mount Everest! I fell off the exercise wagon. But, my Christmas gift from my husband is a gym membership. While we were away on vacation in November, I took full advantage of our resort's fitness center , and I was excited about it. I looked forward to waking up each day and working out. It was evident, and he's rewarding me (I guess) with a gym membership.

So, I'm taking full advantage of the holidays knowing that come January 2nd, it's all business. I won't be over indulging, but I'm going to enjoy myself. Wine, cookies, more wine, and lots more cookies.

But trust me, check back on around January 15th, and I just might be cursing that gym membership!!!

Motivation, where are you???

Motivation must have been on vacation. I haven't seen him for about a week. He showed up this morning for a 2 hour walk. It was hard for me to be mad at him when he forced me to walk for 2 hours. I'm glad he's back. But where did he go? My guess is that without a motivating factor such as a race, he took a hike. He found someone else to bother.

See, I need a motivating factor. A health issue, a race, gaining 10 lbs. Without one of those, I don't want to exercise. With both my blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal ranges, I haven't had the justification to exercise. Just as I'm explaining this to Motivation this morning, he puts his hand to my mouth and stops me from continuing. He asks me if it has ever occurred to me that the changes I've made in my diet and the increase in exercise have made my BP and cholesterol levels what they are today? Jeez! I don't know. Maybe. I just thought it was the medications.

Noooooooooo! He shouts. It's the whole combo. If I stop now, and take only the meds, the levels may not fall into normal range. OK. OK. I gotcha, Motivation. I'll just get my sneakers on and we'll get going. And that's exactly what we did.

He'll be returning tomorrow. He has threatened to go with me when I take Harper to school. His plan is to make sure I hit the pavement shortly after the drop-off.

Be careful what you wish for. :)

I did it!!

On Saturday, I ran 2 miles (without stopping) in a fun run/walk at my daughter's school. It was the perfect foray into competitive running because it was anything but!!! It was low-key and laid back. There weren't professional runners and trophies. It was all in fun! And the important thing is that I did it, and I proved to myself that I COULD do it!! :)

Gym shopping

I'm going to have to do it: breakdown and join a gym. I'm not a big fan. All the sweat, germs, odors, unsightly people in workout clothes just make me sick. But with the weather changing quickly, I have no way of working out without joining a gym, And I don't have the space in my house to buy equipment.

I have a couple of free 5 day passes to gyms. I think I'll start shopping around next week. I shudder the thought. I'm trying to remain positive, focusing on the classes I'll have at my disposal, all the equipment, and let's not forget the free child care.

Pushing 35 lbs.

Yesterday was the first time in weeks that I've walked while pushing Harper in the stroller. It was agonizing at times. I've become accustomed to hauling my own weight not hers. What was worse? We walked to the park about a mile from our house, which meant up and down hills. It was great exercise, no doubt about it. But just when I thought I was in pretty good shape, I was reminded that I'm just not there yet!

Does it get easier?

I've been running for over 2 months now. I don't like it. In fact, I hate it. Before I start, I have to give myself a 5 minute pep talk. Yes, I dislike it that much. But I do it because I know it's an excellent form of aerobic exercise, and it makes me feel great! Plus, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. But it begs the question, "When does it get easier?"

Running is hard work. It's 1000 times more tiring than walking. The huffing, puffing and panting alone tire me out. Seriously, if you're a runner and you're reading this, can you tell me when it gets easier? When will I finally become adjusted to running 3 (or even 5 miles) at a time?

I have to admit...the best thing about running is that it's quick. I can run 3 miles in a little less than 30 minutes. 30 minutes and my workout is over. Love that!

FINALLY! Some good news

My doctor's office called this morning to give me the results of my lipid profile. I have to admit, I never know what to expect with these tests. When I thought my cholesterol was good, it was bad. So, my rule of thumb is to have zero expectations. This way I'm pleasantly surprised rather than incredibly disappointed.

Today, I was pleasantly surprised. My cholesterol is in the normal range again! Yay!! In addition to taking my daily dose of Lipitor, I've been exercising and watching my diet to help lower it. And I've been drinking my daily wine (YUM!) to help raise my HDL. Yes, it's been proven. According to my cardiologist a daily glass of wine will help raise your HDL. Go out and get yourself a bottle!! :)

My first "race"

Well, technically it's considered a "fun run/walk". But in any event, I'll be running two miles (without stopping!) on Saturday October 10 for the 40th anniversary of my daughter's elementary school. I'm excited! It's my first official run, and it's a big step for me. If all goes well, I'll be signing up for a 5k to take place on October 24 to benefit breast cancer, a cause near and dear to me.

I've got 2 weeks to train!!

The dreaded cholesterol check

I had my blood drawn yesterday to re-check my lipid profile. It's been 3 months since I've been on Lipitor, and my doctor wants to see how the current dosage is working out. I meet with my doctor to review the results on October 2nd. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I have to give credit where credit is due. If my bad cholesterol came down and my good went up, I'll owe it all to Will Power. My good pal has been instrumental in helping me keep my diet in check (something that was near impossible considering I was on vacation for a week and had a death in the family a week after returning from vacation). Who can eat healthfully under those circumstances? Well, according to Will Power, I had no choice. And exercise? Will Power cut me a little slack in that area but not much. On Monday morning when I woke, Will Power's first words were, "The party's over, honey!"

Back to business!

Excuses, excuses

Yes. I'll admit that I've been full of them lately. But before you judge, just listen to what's been keeping me from blogging.

My mother-in-law passed away on September 12 after a short battle with lung cancer (more on that topic later). In between her wake, her funeral and all the prep and planning that accompanies a death, I've managed to squeeze in some exercise. It's been minimal, but I did get some running in last week.

This week I started doing some serious walking. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, my youngest daughter attends preschool for 3 hours. While she's at school, I've been walking. Both days I walked 6.4 miles each day!!!!!!! How awesome is that? The weather has been very cooperative, and I find it so soothing to just pop on my iPod and go. It takes me about 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk 6.4 miles. I've got a lot of company too! I walk here, and there are always tons of others walking or running. So I basically get to people watch and exercise at the same time.

Best of all, my good friends are still hanging around. Motivation and Determination have been by my side through thick and thin. Will Power hasn't abandoned me either. Good friends are hard to find!! :)

I'm in love

...with yogurt. But not just any kind. I love Dannon Light and Fit White Chocolate Raspberry. It's deeeelicous. Now go out and get yourself some. I'm telling ya, you're gonna love it!

Vacation

OK, so here I am in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for a week of R&R with my sisters and their families. It's all Good. Very Good.

A super close family friend is here, and oh, she just happens to be a personal trainer. Very convenient to have on vacation. She's keeping us all in line. We do our daily exercises and my sister Brenda and I have been walking every morning. OK, well today we missed our walk. We woke early to watch the sunrise, and I was just too darn tired after taking pictures of the sunrise to walk. So what did I do? I went back to sleep for almost 2 hours. Pathetic, I know.

OK, on to the most important part of vacation...the food. I have to admit it's been torture. TORTURE. I am surrounded by deeeelicious treats, and I can't have any of it. I little sneak here and there is OK, but seriously, who does that? Either you fully indulge or you sustain. I've been forced to sustain. I'm not happy about it.

I'm watching everyone around me devour funnel cakes, french fries, fudge, and pizza. I can hear the trans fats calling my name. They are practically begging me to eat them. But thanks to the almighty Will Power, I've been able to ignore the demands of the trans fats. I have no choice. In 3 short weeks I'll have my lipid profile retested, and I CANNOT let trans fats win this battle. No way. No how.

I'm going to come out swingin'!

Getting worried

I'm already starting to stress about vacation. I'm going to be surrounded by trans fats all week long. How ever will I make it through the whole week?? Caramel popcorn, pizza, candy, funnel cakes, pizza, ice cream, fudge. Did I mention pizza? And don't even get me started on the little French cafe that makes the most amazing crepes. And soda, my arch nemesis. I've done so well without my beloved Diet Coke. It's just disaster waiting to happen.

The upside? I'm not at all concerned about lack of exercise during the week. My sister Brenda and I have promised each other that we will get up and walk each morning and lift our weights. I'll run as well...probably by myself and hopefully, one of my "friends" will accompany me.

So, as I start to pack, I'm being sure not to leave Will Power, Motivation, Determination and Stamina behind!

I'm still here!

Yes! I'm still here, and yes, I'm still exercising!!!! I had a great week last week. Stayed on my exercise and weight lifting schedule. Took one break yesterday, and it was well deserved.

I have 5 days until vacation...until I need to don a bathing suit and show it off in public. I'm really looking forward to the vacation. Resting, relaxing and rejuvinating. It'll be great. I've already googled Rehoboth Beach to see what the length of the boardwalk is...for running purposes. Although I'll be relaxing, I'll still be exercising...and hoping not to stray from my strict cardiac diet.

And oh, by the way, I have a new friend, Determination. I like him, alot. He's been instrumental in keeping me motivated to get to the 3 mile mark when I run. I'm getting REALLY close. It feels good to meet a goal. I know. 3 miles isn't much for most runners. But it's huge to me, and I'm proud of it!!!

An update

Last week was a week of appointments. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Monday - cardiologist. Not a regular visit. Ever since our home was burglarized last month, I've been having intermittent heart palpitations. I don't mess around when it comes to my heart. So, I went to see my cardiologist. Of course, no sign of palpitations at the visit. Isn't that always the way?

But, on another note, he wasn't pleased with my blood pressure. He doubled my dosage for my BP medication and ordered a renal ultrasound (kidney) to rule out a problem with my kidneys. He said that with my increased exercise activity and my diet, my BP should be within normal range. However, it still is not. He also ordered what is called an event monitor which I'll be wearing for 14 days after I return from vacation on Sept. 5th. The event monitor will measure cardiac activity to better pinpoint why the palpitations are occurring.

Wednesday - OB/GYN. The annual exam. My doctor wants me off the pill. He says that it could be contributing to my hypertension. So I need to decide on another alternative. Ugh. Decisions. Decisions!

Friday - the optometrist. Another annual exam for my contact lenses. Uneventful. Good outcome. Plus, I really need new contacts!!!!!!

Glad that week is over!

Inching closer

I'm getting closer and closer to signing up for that 5k. On Saturday, I ran 9 times around the track, and with me were Motivation, Stamina and Progress. Of course, it didn't hurt that it was a picture perfect summer's day with temperatures in the low 70's and absolutely no humidity. Wish I could say the same for this morning.

Brutal. Even at 6:00 am, the temps were soaring into the 90's and the relative humidity was close to 88%. Who can run in that kind of weather? I can tell you this, I can't. And neither can Motivation, Progress or Stamina. In fact, Stamina doesn't do well at all under those oppressive conditions.

Tomorrow, I'll take the kids to the park in the morning for my run. They are proving to be great cheerleaders. Better than those lame mental cheerleaders who show up sparingly!

On another note, my arms are lookin' good if I do say so myself. But I don't want it to look as if I'm making a tremendous effort with my arms. I don't want my arms to look as if I work out. I don't want those ugly Madonna arms with veins and muscles bulging and protruding. So, in light of that, I'm cutting back on the upper body workouts. Scaling down to light weights 2 times per week. In its place will go the ab workouts. Ugh! Hate those!

I have 2 and half weeks until I post my picture. Oh, and I just bought a new bathing suit from the awesome swim sale at VictoriasSecret.com. You've got to check it out. Some pieces are as low as $5.99! I kid you not. Buy one. It'll be your incentive to get in shape!

Ab-solutely painful

There is nothing worse than firming up those abs. Nothing. My stomach is in a constant state of pain. This week's focus is on the abs...tightening and firming. No nonsense style. It literally is gut wrenching. Add to it the fact that I'm still running, lifting weights and eating well.

Yesterday while paging through Self magazine, I found my inspiration picture. When I get my new laptop, I'll scan the picture and post it. I really want to have the body of the woman in the picture. She looks good, but not overly muscled. She's in terrific shape.

On the progress front, this morning I ran 8 times around the trail and then stopped to walk and push Harper on the swing. I finished off with running 2 more times around the track. Since sunrise is later and later each morning, I've now resorted to taking the kids with me after Henry leaves for work. They play on the playground while I run my laps. It actually works out great. Although I have to admit that sometimes I have to bribe them with breakfast at McDonald's (yuck!).

By the weekend, I am hoping to be able to make it around 10 times without stopping!! And by the end of the month, I am hoping for 15 times around. Progress, don't let me down!

New friends and new goals

This weekend was a weekend for meeting and exceeding my goals. On Saturday, I had high hopes. I wanted to beat my personal best for running around the trail. My best had been 3 times around without stopping. On Saturday, I set out to hit 4 and was hoping, but not expecting, to get 5 times around. You can't see it, but I'm jumping up and down right now. I ran almost 8 times around without stopping!!! Without falling on my face. Without panting, huffing, puffing or gasping for air. Yay!

This is huge for me. Huge. For one thing, I have a new friend, Stamina. Yes, all this running has introduced me to Stamina. I like my new friend. Progress was all over me this weekend, too. When I started running, I could barely make it around the track once. I mean it. Half way around was a real stretch. Lame, I know, but true. To make it around 8 times shows tremendous progress and determination on my part. I didn't know I had it in me.

To reward myself, I took a little break today. No running this morning. But I did participate in a 2.5k walk for the American Brain Tumor Association. I got in some walking and for a good cause too. Afterwards, I squeezed in an upper body workout.

This week's focus: Abs!!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh!

The countdown begins

I have exactly 28 days, that's 4 weeks, until a family vacation. That's 28 days to get in shape for a full 7 straight days in a bathing suit. With my stomach exposed. With my thighs exposed. With my hips exposed. Oh God. My heart races at the prospect. Not that my sisters and their families will be judgemental. It's the hoards of other people on the beach that worry me.

I've been exercising at least 4 times per week, usually 5, sometimes 6 or 7. And although I'm making tremendous progress firming up those flabby areas, my stomach is at a stand still, and I'm convinced that only a tummy tuck is going to correct the problem. Crunches? Do those, but quite honestly, who can suffer through the amount that it takes to have six pack abs? Not I.

So, beginning this week. I'm incorporating a focus on my abs in my daily workouts in hopes of tightening up just a little bit. I'm not looking for the six pack, but a little less flab would be nice. What is it about turning 40? Everything settles in your middle. Hate that.

From white to brown

No, I'm not referring to my tan. I'm talking about flour. Flour? In a fitness diary? Well, yes, actually, the type of flour you choose to eat is incredibly important to your health.

When I was diagnosed with high cholesterol, my doctor suggested that I eat more whole grains and replace white breads with 100% whole wheat ones. Whole wheat? Ick! My memories of whole wheat consist of my grandmother's Roman Meal bread that looked and tasted like cardboard. No thanks!

Seriously, he goes on to say that whole wheat bread, bagels, crackers have come a long way. I don't have an option here. So, I trek out to the supermarket to stock up. And much to my surprise, there is a plethora of choices out there, some of which are quite tasty!

Two of my favorites include Thomas' 100% whole wheat bagels and 100% whole wheat English muffins. They are loaded with fiber which of course keeps you feeling full and helps to rid the body of toxins. And of course, on that bagel I put light cream cheese. It has less cholesterol than it's full fat counterpart, and I can't taste the difference!

I do have to say, I still like a PB&J on white bread...that will never change!!

Moving right along

After Motivation's day off yesterday, it didn't take him long to spring into action this morning. At 5:20, he jumped between my husband and I while we were trying to eek out a few last winks. Since my husband had an early business meeting this morning, I guess Motivation figured he'd kill two birds with one stone by nudging both of us with his elbows. Well, who can sleep through that? It became a race to see which one of us would peel ourselves out of bed first. My husband won, but only by 16 seconds.

Within 5 minutes, I was off and riding. I rode 20 minutes before stopping at the park to run a few laps around the trail. When I first started running a mere few weeks ago, I could barely make it half way around the trail. Now, I can go 3 times around without stopping. On Saturday, I'm going to shoot for 4 times and really push for 5 times around. In total today, I ran 3 times, walked one, ran 3 more, walked one, and ran 2 more before jumping back on my bike and heading home. A pretty decent workout and the clock hadn't even struck 6:30 am!

Weekends are for friends

Right? Isn't that what we do, hang with friends on the weekends? Well, my friends were no where in sight this weekend. Motivation was out of town. Will Power was entertaining other friends. Progress was M.I.A. I was abandoned. By everyone. Their excuses? The lousy weather. Both yesterday and this morning, the pouring rain stopped my friends from coming around for our morning walk/run sessions.

Hopefully, their shadows will darken my doorstep tomorrow morning.

An unexpected shadow

Yesterday, I had an unplanned trip to see my primary care physician. I was experiencing some heart palpitations, and I didn't want to brush them off as a symptom of anxiety. Of course, no palpitations at the visit. Normal heartbeat. Normal EKG. This always seems to happen to me...tons of symptoms when I make the appointment, but none at the actual visit. But my doctor trusted me enough to know that I wasn't making this stuff up. So, lo and behold, he outfits me with a cardiac halter monitor to be worn for 24 hours. Are you kidding me? Those are for people in their 80's. He tells me to go about my normal routine and be sure to squeeze in some exercise so he can see how it affects me heart rate and rhythm.

As if Motivation isn't annoying enough as a partner on my daily run, Halter Monitor was a thorn in my side. Bouncing, moving around...just plain in the way. But I had to deal with it, and as an added bonus, Halter Monitor made me run for 20 minutes straight...just to show my doctor that I'm serious about working out. No slacking here. And I even managed to squeeze in some weights and walking too!

Check back after the weekend for details on the data on the halter monitor. Needless to say, I'm glad Halter Monitor has taken a hike...for now anyway.

Another early morning

This morning my cell phone alarm went off promptly at 6 am. Just as I was about to hit snooze, Motivation scooped my cell phone out of my hand. "Not this morning, missy", he says. Oh, jeez, why today? It's cloudy and dreary. I want to stay in bed. But he argues by reminding me that I haven't ridden bike in 8 days. And he urges me to get out there before the rain starts. OH. OK. If I must.

I enjoy peace and quiet for the first 10 minutes of the ride. Then suddenly Motivation turns into Chatty Cathy and wants to yak it up. Pleeeease! Can I just chug along with my quiet thoughts to myself? Really. I'm trying to focus on the content of this post, the last remaining things I need to add to my grocery list and most importantly, my doctor appointment later that morning.

He's upset with me. He says he only wanted to offer me some words of encouragement and I shot him down. Great. Don't I feel like a huge jerk? I apologize and he continues to tell me how proud he is of me...the waking up early, the dedication to exercising and the loyalty to my special cardiac diet.

Just when I feel like smacking him in the face, he tells me the exact words I need to hear.

To 5K or not to 5K?

That is the question.

There is a 5K run in October to benefit breast cancer research. I am seriously considering running in it. Am I crazy? A runner I am not. But a champion of breast cancer research I am.

Problem is the training and the motivational factor. I like my leisurely runs. I push myself a bit when I feel I can go no more, but I don't over do it. I don't constantly repeat the mantra "no pain, no gain." Perhaps I should.

Maybe this 5K is the fire I need under my flabby butt to get me going.

A running mate

Yesterday as Motivation and I were doing our running/walking combo, we were having a discussion about my progress. Oh, who am I kidding? I was panting and huffing and puffing. Motivation was doing all the talking. But anyway, in the middle of Motivation's pep talk, he suggests that I take up with a running partner. You know, someone who can offer that extra ounce of push when I need it or help me keep pace. But I'm confused. Isn't that your job I ask Motivation. Yes he replies, but before I can get a word in edgewise, he whips out a picture of his recommended running mate.

Yeah, as if David Beckham would want to run next to me every morning. Get real, Motivation.

Back on the horse

This morning I saddled up and got back on the horse. Motivation slept next to me all night long and was most definitely nudging me this morning at 6:20. It didn't take me long to get dressed and get moving. After two absolutely necessary mental health days, I was ready to get back to some serious exercise.

I'm visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Pennsylvania for the weekend. They recently moved into a new house in the country, and it's perfect for a morning run and walk. I saw cows and horses...quite a departure from the river views to which I am accustomed.

It's ten o'clock in the morning, and I've already clocked 13,665 steps. My new pal Progress and I are getting be close friends. Seriously. How can you not love Progress?

Later this morning, I am taking the kids to Chocolate World where I'll be surrounded by, you guessed it, chocolate. In all forms...candy, cakes, cookies, milkshakes and ice cream. I'm sure hoping Will Power finds a way to track me down and jump on my back. I'm gonna need it.

After that we'll be celebrating my nephew's 3rd birthday. Again, I'll be keeping a short leash on Will Power. Hopefully, he won't jump in the pool and drown.

One step up, two steps back

Wednesday was a great fitness day. I woke up at 5:30, bounded out of bed, got dressed, and was off on my bike by 5:47! Yay! I rode for 30 minutes, and stopped once to run a few laps around the walking trail at the park. I came home and lifted weights for my upper body workout. A bit later in the morning, I took Harper for a long walk. By 1:00 pm, I had clocked over 11,000 steps!!

But sadly, when I returned home at 3:00 pm, I found that my house had been burglarized. No, I'm not kidding...wish I were. Two laptops, a camcorder, and all of my and my husband's jewelry was stolen. Crappy rest of the day to say the least.

Now, I fear that my friend Motivation will abandon me again just has he's done for the past two years when life has thrown a wrench at me during this same week In July. I'm really trying to turn my anger over the burglary into energy spent exercising. So, today, I took another day off...a mental health day. I spent the day cleaning my entire house which I guess is exercise, right? I did log over 10,000 steps so that was good for not actually making an effort to run or walk.

I feel somewhat defeated, but I don't want to let some loser burglars rob me of my momentum. They've already taken so much from me, I can't let them win this battle. I am on my knees...I am making an official plea to Motivation...Pleeeeease, don't walk away now. We've been making so much progress. I NEED you.

That pesky Motivation

Yesterday, I awoke before my alarm went off, 5:15 am. My arms hurt from my workout on Monday, but I was ready to go biking. That was until Motivation and Common Sense decided to argue right next to my bed. It was quite a battle. Common Sense was arguing that I needed a break, my body needed a rest and my muscles needed a chance to heal. Motivation's argument was, "Hey, she's awake, let her get going!" This continued for about 10 minutes. I was getting annoyed.

Finally, I told Motivation to get lost. Common Sense was right. Sometimes we just need a break. I don't need to overdo it and go into burnout mode. I need to keep this up. Exercise needs to have a permanent place in my life. I told Motivation to take the day off and come back tomorrow.

Skinny does not = fit

I've heard it over and over my whole life, "You're so skinny!" People mean it to be a compliment, but I don't take it as one. Skinny to me is a negative word. It brings to mind a bony and unhealthy person. I don't want to be that person. I want some sexy curves. I'll never have ankles or wrists or even breasts, so please, grant me some curves at a minimum. A waist and some booty are fine with me.

I want to be fit, not skinny.

And please, stop using the word "skinny". It's almost as bad as using the word "fat".

No salt sucks

I don't know how much longer I can take this low sodium thing. I'm going crazy. I can't add any salt to my food. Period. Doesn't matter if the food is totally bland and incredibly tasteless. I cannot under any circumstances add salt. The foods that used to be delicious are now mediocre at best. A Jersey tomato is just NOT the same without a little salt. I never used a ton of salt. I always sprinkled it in my palm before sprinkling it on my food.

But c'mon, we can all admit that a little salt goes a long way. Problem is I can't have even a little. Not happy.

Are you with me?

Hold on. Here we go. Caution: this ride could get bumpy!!

I started riding my bike last week. I've been leaving the house by 5:45 am to ride for at least 35 minutes. I need to be back in time for my husband to leave for work. Not sure what kind of schedule you like to keep, but I'm not a huge fan of waking up at 5:30 am in order to exercise. I can tolerate it in the summer when the birds start chirping at 4:30 am, and it's impossible to sleep anyway. But I can tell you that in the fall, this schedule is not going to fly. At. All. Motivation, if you're reading, don't desert me in the fall and winter months.

I loved the bike ride today. It is so quiet at that time of day. So peaceful. I also like exploring the neighborhoods and checking out the houses. If I have to bike, I may as well use it as an opportunity to scope out the landscaping of my neighbors.

After the ride yesterday, I lifted some light weights. I have two 5 lb., two 8 lb. and one 10 lb. dumbbell. I do a combination of lifts to build various muscles. I have to say, I enjoy the weight lifting so much more than the cardio.

As for my diet, I cheated a bit yesterday, I had a diet coke and a midget tootsie roll for my afternoon snack. I know, carrots and celery would have served me better, but, hey, it wasn't like I ate the whole bag of tootsie rolls. Sweet Tooth is sure to be my arch enemy during this whole process. I wish he'd just go away.

I've been wearing a pedometer to record my steps, and I take my blood pressure several times a day and average it at the end of the day. I know, it sounds so obsessive to an outsider, but I've got to do it. Doctor's orders. I'll be posting my stats so we can see my progress.

Another step closer to my goal...

Just the beginning

It's been 34 days since I've been on Lipitor. I've made some significant dietary changes to help lower my cholesterol, but I've got an uphill battle that needs to be won by October 1, when I will have my lipid profile re-checked. Healthy eating has been the easy part.

Exercise, not so easy...until my Cardiologist told me that I need to be getting my heart rate up to about 130 bpm (beats per minute) at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. When a Cardiologist tells you to do something, you do it. No questions asked. Hello, Motivation, nice to see you again!!


The very next day, I started an exercise program. Two weeks later, I am still adjusting to the plan. Tweaking and juggling days and activities are just the beginning. But I see immediate results, which I love, and I feel great, which I love even more!