A MAKEOVER!!!

If you're still reading The Fitness Diaries, thanks!! I'm excited to announce that TFD will be undergoing some renovations. Cosmetic as well as content. Yes, I'm going to switch my focus to a more fitness-oriented blog with fitness and wellness tips, healthy recipes, and exercises. I'll still inject my moaning and groaning into this blog. After all, what would fitness be without a little complaining?!

Stop by again soon for the new and improved Fitness Diaries!

Metabolism = the arch enemy

The older you get, the more your body works against you. And right now, my body and I are in the boxing ring. I'm pulling punches right and left, but I'm getting nowhere. What gives?

All the Halloween candy, Thanksgiving goodness and Christmas treats have finally caught up with me. I've got some extra weight around the middle, hanging for dear life unto my hips. This week I focused on weight training more so than the running. I read that running doesn't actually do a whole lot in terms of speeding metabolism and burning extra calories, but weight training does. So, I picked up my 5, 8 and 10 lb. dumbells and got to work.

With the help of some Exercise TV videos, I've incorporated some new workouts into the mix. I'm at the point where I'll do anything to become friends with Metabolism. Anything. I've also reworked my eating plan. I read in this month's issue of Web MD that breakfast MUST be your largest meal of the day. Lunch follows, and dinner should be next to nothing. Great! Just the opposite of what I was doing. Metabolism is at its peak in the morning. If you load up in the morning, metabolism will burn many of those calories almost immediately.

That's the new approach, and I'm happy about it. I felt as if I was making no progress before this switch. We'll see how the next week goes.

Getting there

I've been into the running plan for 2 weeks now. If you haven't taken a look at the plan, here's the jist. Over a six week period, I do a walk/run combo that eventually builds me up to running a 30 minute stretch at the end of the six week period. I'm liking it so far, but as I look ahead, I'm thinking Week 4 is going to be challenging, but I'm up for the challenge.

There's a 5K on March 27th for which I'm considering registering. It would be the perfect incentive to complete this running plan. I've already gotten it into my head that I'll be running the 5K...that's helped to keep me on track with the running. I should just complete the registration form already.

Hmmmm. My first 5K at 42...who would've thought?

The weekends are killing me!

I'm having some difficulty staying on target during the weekends. According to the fitness plan that I am following, Saturday is designed as a rest day. I'm OK there, but it's the diet that's the problem. These football playoff parties are bringing me down. So, this week, as we prepare for yet another Jets party, I'm going to be focusing my energies on putting together a healthy snack menu for game days.

This weekend was especially challenging because it was a long weekend, and both kids were home from school yesterday. And Motivation was M.I.A. I've made a mental note to chat with him about that.

Off to run...catch ya later!! :-)

Back to it

I was right back on the horse this morning after a day off. I must say that a day off was much needed. I felt refreshed this morning and was excited to get back into my routine. But I must warn you, I wouldn't recommend anymore than a day off. It's just too risky. You could lose momentum.

Today I resumed the Walk/Run training program, lifted weights for my upper body and did the ab video.

I rewarded myself with one small chocolate covered coconut macaroon. It was delicious!

Not a good day

I woke up this morning with the best intentions. Motivation was there. I was dressed to workout and had my plan of attack written out. But then this happened, and Motivation disappeared. But that's OK because my legs were sore from the Tone Zone workout yesterday. I guess I needed a break.

The Perfect Plan

I found it! A training plan for beginning runners. This plan from Women's Health magazine is designed to having me running a non-stop 30 minute stretch in 6 weeks. It's also designed for those looking to shed 10 lbs. in 6 weeks by running the weight off. Whatever your goal, check it out here.

Days 1 and 2 are down, and so far so good. In fact, it's been a breeze! Not for long!!!!