This is really why I love Boot Camp!

After a somewhat cold (it's only 9 degrees right now, and I think it got all the way up to 11 at one point!) and dreary day, I hauled myself rather grudgingly to Boot Camp. I didn't even run at lunch, as I was just not feeling it, but I did make myself go out and do a 4.6k walk, and tried my best to concentrate on walking and not on the partridge family making it's way down the path (they make me laugh so hard watching them all run in a straight line like that!), or find the hawks that were screeching in the trees, or what ever other distraction came along. Lunch was a quick bowl of soup that I 'whipped' up last night...canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, Epicure chicken bouillon powder, water, oregano and Epicure Chipotle Chili powder. It was good, and fast and simple and that's what I needed after last night's Pho.
But back to Boot Camp...I got to the park in time to see that only 4 of us were working out today...normally I think there's closer to 12 or so? Quite a few bailers in the cold weather, I must say...
Trainer Josh decided we all had to warm up (he was wearing shorts) so we went for a run...too wet and slippery for Douglas Fir or even the killer hill, so we stuck to the running path and ended up doing about a mile run.
Then the good times really kicked in!!! I could handle the tricep routine (although I appear to have aggravated a rotator cuff again), and even the step ups (once I got my foot/ankle to behave) but his latest game??? He is evil... We took our weights to the top of a "little" hill and once up there, we did bicep curls. Then drop the weights, run down the hill and do squats. When done those, run back up the hill and repeat...as many times as you could in 5 minutes!! And just when we thought we were all close to death, we get a sip of water and start all over, but with shoulder presses and lunges...still feeling it in my butt!
Finally returned to our mats and did some killer ab work, including a new move that sort of mimics a quad press that would you do on a machine...totally felt it work the abs and core. Will have to try it again.
Once class was finished, I came home, cleaned up and changed to meet a friend for dinner. The jeans I wore all day at work were falling off me (and I got many comments about how loose they were), so they are now in the "donate" pile. I pulled another pair down from the closet, only to realize that they were a pair of Red Tabs...jeans I haven't worn or even been able to pull on over the thighs for years...why I hung on to them, I don't know, other than Levi Red Tabs have always been a fave of mine. I thought, what the heck, let's see how they feel.
What the heck indeed!!!! Check.it.out!!! Not only on, but lookin' good!!! Made my friend take a picture of my butt too, because I'm pretty proud of it right now.

I decided before heading out tonight that I was making healthy choices regardless of where we ended up, and I did. I did have a pint of Guinness (if you're going to drink beer, drink the good stuff!) and went for the Chicken Fajita wrap with salad. Yes, salad...watched my friend eat all of his fries, but I did not have one! The wrap was very good...full of stir fried (not deep or battered or breaded or anything icky) chicken, peppers and onions all tossed together with a nice hot sauce and wrapped up tight. I ended up eating the salad sans dressing, because the veggies were fresh and tasty all on their own, and I used maybe a third of the sour cream provided (there was a scant quarter cup in a dipping dish). Satisfied, not overly full, and I also drank a couple of pints of water (instead of beer). Oh, and the walk there and back helped too.
Okay...off to ice the shoulder and take some more pain killers. This getting old crap is for the birds!
Later,

Countdown to the weekend

Survived another week (nearly) and another Boot Camp. Although Trainer Josh was extra cruel this evening! Must have something to do with the weather...can't say he didn't warn us though. "We're going to work extra hard tonight, and by 'we' I mean you guys!"...when he says it with a smile on his face, how can we hate him. Of course, ask me when I'm doing what feels like the 100th squat of the day, before we ran down the big-a&*$d hill and up & down the stairs (had hoped he had forgotten those where there!!) and then back UP the big-a&*$d hill!!!! My thighs will thank him tomorrow...of course, we still have to see what he has in mind for tomorrow's class. At least the rain held off for camp...just light drizzle and spitting. I don't mind working out in that...in fact, it felt rather nice.

Finally had some noodles this week, since I missed out last week. H-woman, B. and myself went after I got the keys and instructions to look at B's cats for the next couple of weeks. She just lives over the river from work, so I can run over at lunch (will be a good 5k run) and pop down on the weekends. She has these two adorable Burmese cats...will snap some photos later! But after checking things out, the three of us went to our usual Vietnamese haunt. Here's what I rave about every week! Granted, I inhaled the shrimp salad rolls before I remembered I had the camera, so you'll have to wait for another dinner to see how good those look!! This is the Chicken Pho with extra veggies, and after I've added the fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts and some hoisen sauce. Yum, yum, yum, YUM!!!!! I practically lick the bowl clean! Granted, now I'm full, but not uncomfortably full, which is good.

Now I need to figure out what to take for lunch tomorrow, and get ready for the last day of the work week. I have been on a roll this week, churning out reports and charts and graphs like no one's business, so I anticipate ending the week on quite a work high! Which will be kicked out of me at Boot Camp, of course. Twelve pounds and six inches...that's what keeps me going back for more!

Later,

Boot Camp Update

Very excited for today, as we were going to do our Fit Test at Boot Camp. I am anxious to see the actual numbers, as I definitely feel the difference in my body! Got an awesome compliment about my efforts from a very hot man that I lust over (he's happily married, so is completely OFF LIMITS! But he is soooo lovely to look at...) that I know from running, and that totally made my day! It's amazing how something like that can have you walking on air the rest of the day...

Started the day with a glass of moo and a Green Monster. Started feeling peckish around 10 (this starting work at 7 is hard on the old routine!), so munched on some Laughing Cow cheese, Rustic rye crackers and fig jam. Just went for a walk at lunch today (4k) as I didn't want to do anything to mess up Fit Test - didn't want to go into it with sore legs or the like. Strayed from the usual pathways (which were crazy busy) and wandered through one of the older neighbourhoods by the river. Came back to work, rather reluctantly and ate lunch - leftover tuna casserole and a nectarine. Rounded out the afternoon (and prepared for Boot Camp) with the last of the orange/mango yogurt and some All Bran.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...BOOT CAMP FREAKING ROCKS!!!! I lost almost 10 pounds during this last 6 week session, and despite some gains in some areas, a total of 2 more inches gone! That's over 12 pounds and 6 inches gone in the last 12 weeks.

Our run test was a little off, as Trainer Josh changed the route (we switched parks earlier in the session) and this run included an SOB of a hill! But I did it and did not stop running - 850m in 5:20. Managed 1 more push-up in the minute (54 total, but 20 from the toes), and one more crunch (72 in 60 seconds), held plank for 1:13 (hard after 54 push-ups!)...but the best???? Held squat (and pretty nice form too, if I do say so myself) for 3:07!!!!! I could barely do it for one minute at the beginning of this. Just imagine what I can do after another 6 weeks?!

H-woman and I did a training run after Boot Camp (yes, AFTER), as we were scheduled for a 50 minute run. We did our usual loop, knowing that we were starting from the top of a hill and therefore, at some point, would have to climb back up! We ended up running for just over 28 minutes, putting another 3.3km under our feet. Combined with my walk to and from work (1.84km each way), the walk at lunch and the Fit Test run, I did almost 12km today!! Wow...no wonder my feet hurt (which we are dealing with on Monday, and will keep you all in informed.).

After having to show a suite to a potential client, I came upstairs to make dinner finally...I was FAMISHED - had a piece of cheese to tide me over while I cooked. Before I left for Boot Camp, I pulled what I hoped was chicken in souvlaki marinade out of the freezer (I was right) to start thawing. When I got home and settled down, I threw it in my toaster oven to roast, and chopped up a tomato, mini cucumber and some green pepper for a salad. Added some feta, Epicure Souvlaki seasoning blend (holy YUM), evoo and red wine vinegar and let it sit to meld. When the chicken was almost done, I threw on a pot of orzo pasta, and served it all with a side of plain yogurt with some spice sprinkled on it...dinner so was good, I don't have anything left over for lunch tomorrow. There goes lunch for tomorrow...now what to do?

Okay...I'm taking my 'disappearing' self to the kitchen to forage for lunch and then off to bed with dreams of new outfits and successful runs dancing in my head...

Later,

Start of the week...

Phoned the doctor (turns out to be a chiropractor) that my trainer recommends, as MAN...my foot/ankle/shin/knee/hip hurt today!!! I go for the assessment next Monday afternoon...just have to last the week. Good thing for Advil! I did decide to go out for a run (truly hate missing cardio daily now), and try to work through the kinks, and it actually helped a little. Once I got going, of course. The beginning of the run was not pretty! Once I got into the flow, I actually made some good time...about 7.52/km for a 4.65km run. Stopped in at the park and did 50 squats (regular, sumo and sumo pulses), 20 static lunges (10 each side), 30 push-ups (15 each wide grip and narrow grip), 30 crunches, 20 bicycles, 10 full sit ups and held plank for a minute.

Breakfast was a cup of milk followed by a Green Monster. Lunch was the last of the rice & peas, this time with some chorizo sausage and carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes. Afternoon snack of a nectarine followed by a wedge of Laughing Cow (how have I never had this before??) and Rustic crackers.

Decided I wanted a tuna casserole, but didn't want to load it down with fat. So I grabbed some fresh mushrooms, which I sauteed in evoo and a tsp of butter until they were nice and brown, then added celery, onions, S&P and thyme Once everything was all happy, I added 1 c of skim evaporated milk and let that cook down till it was thick and creamy (hence 'cream' of mushroom soup). Add two cans of smoked tuna packed in water (only 2 pts a can), fresh garden peas and whole wheat, yolkless egg noodles, top with some cheese and panko crumbs, and dinner was done. Quite nice, and I have some for lunch tomorrow.

I am beat though, so it's time to hit the sack.

Later,

Garmin Wars

Went for a run with H-woman this morning but are now contending with dueling Garmins. Hers, the 305, says we ran a 6.6/km. Mine, the 405 says we ran a 9:10/km! The math (the accountant in me checks these things!) agrees more with mine, since we ran 9.18km in 84 minutes. Either way, we got out there and finished it. Slowed down near the end, as we were more content with picking and eating Saskatoons along the path, then making good time!

After a quick change, went to the Farmer's Market. I was hoping that since it was Marda Gras in the local neighbourhood, that most people would be turned off by the traffic snarls or enjoying the festivities. I was wrong! The market was busy, but I do so enjoy going there every week. After our usual wander to check things out, we both decided we were starving! Settled on a Falafel from the Greek Gals. OMG! Best.I've.ever.had!! Never before have I enjoyed a falafel which has just come out of the fryer! Usually it's been sitting around, is crushed up and nuked in a microwave to heat up and served. This was crisp and light and absolutely freaking delicious!!

Appetite sated, we went back in and came out with our haul shortly thereafter. I only needed carrots, some fruit, basil and Buffalo wieners this week, as I still have quite a bit of stuff from last week. H-woman was a tad more loaded down than I, but both of us happy.

Back to H-woman's, where we enjoyed a lovely mojito on her gorgeous deck...light breeze, sunny but not glaring, quiet neighbourhood. She is never allowed to leave that place!!! I did have to break away, as it was getting late and I had things to do at home...although I would have preferred to hang and drink mojitos all night long. Came home, did some dishes and changed the litter, and then made dinner. As I still have leftover rice & peas, I decided on some Jerk Shrimp. Marinated prawns in a mixture of Epicure Selections Jamaican Jerk seasoning and some evoo for a few minutes, then fried them up till done. Deglaced the pan with lime juice, which I then pored over the shrimp and salad greens they were on. Had some purple pepper on the side, but I'm not so impressed with the flavour...or lack thereof. Couldn't decide what it tasted like, but I guess it leans more towards the green, as it was not nearly as sweet as a red or orange one. Probably won't purchase another, but I had to at least try it. Dinner was fab...and if you think the plate looks very full, I am using my smaller plates (8" vs. the 11") to eat off, and therefore eat less. Didn't say how high it could be piled though! Kidding!!

Off to ice and medicate the ankle (a tad tender from the run) and then sort and deliver my last Epicure order.

Have a great night, everyone.

Early Sunday morning

Okay, so it's not that early any more! But I am still waking up, so I guess it counts. Eating some breakfast of oatmeal (1 c almond breeze, 1/2 oats, glob of almond butter, craisons and a smaller glob - hate to get all technical on you! - of Nutella) yum...chocolate oatmeal for breakfast!

Getting ready to head out for a run with H-woman soon. We're supposed to run 7 miles (or 11.26km) but since we did that last week - got confused - we're going to do 6 miles or 9.5km today instead. Either way, it sounds far! But Melissa's 22k is just over a month away now, so I guess we had better kick it into gear!



Yesterday was a pretty normal day...granted I was up at the crack of stupid to pick up H-woman so we could go to the new WW meeting, 11km away from my house, at 7:45am. It wasn't our usual leader Faye (she's in Hawaii at her son's wedding, so we'll allow the miss this week) but a woman who was from one of Faye's groups who lost...169 pounds!!!! She lost a person!!!!!!! In just over 2 years to boot. She looks amazing for someone that lost so much...none of that Shar-Pei look to her, which is usually the norm for someone who's lost a ton of weight. As for the "North American Premier" location??? They've been open 1 week, and have already had to have sound technicians come in to deal with the echo...gee...20' ceilings, and no doors, and you wonder why there's an echo?!?!?! But it's for Faye, and it's working right now (down another 3.4 yesterday) so I will persevere! And I am only 1 pound away from yet another drop in daily points, but more importantly to finally being under 200 pounds again!!! It's been at least 6 years since I've seen a number that starts with a 1 and I'd like to revisit that era! Hell, I don't just want to visit it, I want to set up camp and live there FOREVER!



Grabbed a coffee, dropped H. off and came home to an accidental nap on the couch! Oops...got up, did some puttering around, grabbed some groceries for dinner, and then decided if I was going to get in some exercise I should get my butt in gear. So I changed and headed out the door before I could change my mind...walked over to the river (the walk down is full of driveways, which slope and which are a bugger to run on...my knees and hips don't like that at all...and Calgary drivers aim for people running on the street...hasn't been proven, of course, but I think it's true!) and then ran up Rideau Hill to 3-post, back down to the Elbow river pathway, through Stanley Park and around back to the start. A total of 4.2km (and another 2 for the walk there and back) at 34:55 or 8:19/km. Managed to maintain a good cardio rate of 85% and burned off 294 calories.



Came home and made Ginger Mojito pork...marinade a piece of tenderloin in a mixture of rum, lime juice, evoo, lime zest, honey and some grated ginger. Grill till done. Thought that sounded rather Jamaican, so I made a side of Rice & Peas (which are actually beans) and the rest of the pattypan squash in evoo, butter and mint. It was quite delish! My friend Cathy and her parents taught me how to make Rice & Peas years ago, so it was a nice memory and treat. Although now, the healthy me makes it with less bacon and brown rice! And I had black-eyed peas, which was a nice option.


Guess I had better run and get changed. Details of the run later.

Annoying foot pain

My arch/ankle is bothering me again today. It was swollen before lunch, but didn't really hurt. Now, after a 4k walk at lunch and Boot Camp at 5 (including a steep, rocky, muddy, tree-rooty, riddled with steps and raises trail run that's about 2k in total), it's throbbing off and on, but the swelling is gone. I'm about to throw some Advil at it (God Bless the person who found/invented ibuprofen!) and an ice bag, but I just put an ankle sleeve on the foot, and it already feels a tad better. It'll feel massively better once I hobble my way into a physio clinic, but that will have to wait till I am more financially fluid. I do have unlimited coverage at work, but most places are pay up front and claim from the insurance company afterwards...so next week is payday...soon, my wonky foot...soon...

I was bagged after yesterday's early start and late finish, so I did not make or pack lunch. Instead, breakfast was a non-fat latte and the low-fat turkey bacon, egg substitute sandwich from Starbuck's. They're all right...nothing really to rave about. And for 8 points, I could make better decisions. But it was what it was...lunch turned into a BLT&C on whole wheat, no butter or mayo, with a bit of mustard, and some tomato dill soup. Again, nothing stellar but it did it's job, especially after my 4k walk about. Snack was plain yogurt with Epicure Tropical Fruit dip blended in, and a third of a cup of All Bran Buds. Then it was Boot Camp time! I do heart Trainer Josh, but I really think he's trying to kill some of us!!! After the trail run, we did intervals of 45 seconds...thrusters to sprint/jog, burpees to sprint/jog, squeegees to sprint/jog, rest, bicep curls to sprint/jog, plank hold to sprint/jog, squats to sprint/jog. Rest...then core work, more core work, and then a tad more of core work. I was dripping and gasping for air (humidity is disgustingly high in Calgary right now...I may have to move to Arizona to get my air back!) but as always, grateful that I can even complete a class. Many can't, and I do appreciate every day the power to propel myself forward by my own accord.

After a quick trip to FedEx (by the airport, 25+km away) to pick up an Epicure order, I came home and made a fast supper. Baby patty pan squash (the ones that look like someone sat on 'em) and baby carrots tossed in evoo/butter and basil/mint and lemon juice, a piece of tilapia with just lemon zest and S&P, and some couscous in Epicure Vegetable Bullion and some lemon juice. I would have taken a picture, but I once again left my camera on and the battery was drained...sorry...couldn't wait for it to recharge before I had to eat!
Now me, my ankle and my Advil are going to retire to the couch, and try to get to bed at a reasonable time, since there's now a very early Saturday morning weigh-in looming. Picking up H-woman at 7 bells, and heading northwest.

Will report on the "premier" Weight Watchers location tomorrow. Have a great night everyone!