Monday, January 30, 2017

Combat Challenge #4: Week Four

I was motivated by my weight last week.....  But this week does not bode well for great eating.  Sometimes I wish I lived in a bubble with no outside influence or contact.  But that wouldn't be much fun!

Yoga Revolution continues into next week.  And it's so much fun!  I'm getting stronger, especially in my arms.  Yay!

So, here we go...


Monday: Les Mills' Grit #6 + Scott's Multi-Level Cardio Drills

Due to a family medical issue, I was out of town and did not get home until 3:00.  So, I did Grit then, instead of on my usual Wednesday.  I thought that it'd be much more doable at 3 than at 5:30am.  It was good but difficult!  After that 25 minutes, I did Scott's Cardio Drills for an additional 20 minutes of work.  Whew!  It was a good day!  But tiring.

Tuesday: Amy's Complete Strength and Conditioning

I was ready for weights and a lighter cardio workout today and I got it.  Amy's workout is so good but I kept it low impact to help my feet.  The push-ups are getting easier, at least when they're in sets of 10, probably due to Yoga Revolution.  Yoga uses so much arm strength, it's incredible!  I was able to walk for only about 15 minutes outside at lunch today.  While not a workout, it was a welcome change at midday.

Wednesday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #19 + Ilyse's Dance Intervals 101 + Amy's Sports Sculpt

Today was different.  I had my yearly physical (ewoh!) in the morning which meant I had more time to work out.  Yay!  So, first up was Sh'Bam.  #19 is fun; I remembered it from last time.  After that, I upped the intensity a bit with Ilyse's Intervals - fun but with tons of jumping.  And finally, Amy's Sculpt is more low impact than high, so a great substitute for my lunchtime walk at the rec center (which wouldn't happen today).  So, 65 minutes of cardio!

Thursday:  Les Mills' Combat #64 + weights

As I tuned into this Combat, it seemed familiar from last time.  And soon they were into leg work and it was very familiar.  And painful.  Ha!  Lots of lunges and lunge jumps.  I did the longer workout so this was longer than the 40 minutes I had this morning.  But those 40 minutes were enough!  Whew!  At lunch, I did weights at the rec center.  That always makes me feel productive!

Friday: Yoga Revolution + Dozois' Barre Blend

It was so nice to wake up to Yoga Revolution - instead of having to wait to do it all day!  Adriene had a good practice today which helped ease me into this Friday.  After that 30 minutes, I did about ten minutes of Michelle's Barre workout - just to get moving and revisit this fun workout.  The days of Glo are limited - down to only 5.  Eek!

Saturday:  Combat 60 Live - Ultimate Warrior's Workout + Amy's Cardio Intervals


I was a bit pressed for time today but thankfully that only meant I had to put off Yoga Revolution until the evening.  I did all of Combat 60 Live - which is 45 minutes long.  It's so much fun!  Then, I tuned into Amy's Intervals on Glo....for the last time.  Sigh.  I'm so bummed.  But this one is so good and really worked me hard.  So, 70 minutes of cardio today and then a nice stretch.

Sunday:  Peak 10 More Cardio Strength + McLean's Cardio Hip Hip

No lie: I was dreading this CS today.  It goes to the floor so much.... But I got through it amazingly well.  The floor work isn't as bad as it used to be, probably from Yoga Revolution - and all those down dogs.  Ha!  After that 50 minutes, I did McLean's dance workout.....for the last time.  Still so bummed.  Sigh.  Another 70 minutes of cardio.  Then, five minutes with the bigger weights and, finally Yoga Revolution.  It was short today - under 20 minutes - but it was still good!

Calorie Counts:

Monday - 1194
Tuesday - 1383
Wednesday - 1197
Thursday - 1189
Friday - 1187
Saturday - 1170
Sunday - 1274

I really tried to be good this week since last weekend was so bad.  And Super Bowl weekend will be bad next weekend.  Sigh.  I feel good when I eat this well....  But I do get hungry for those bad-for-me foods.  

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

The Archies: 2016

With a new year comes the wrapping up of the old one.  It's that time again: time to reflect upon a year gone by and what we did during that year.  It's time again for The Archies!  This idea came from Donna and it's something I've really enjoyed doing.  It's basically a list of my 50 favorite things from the year.  Every year you compile a list, you add an additional item, so I'm now up to 57!  See also 201520142013,  2012, and 2011.  Okay, here we go....

1.    A new surrogate nephew, James.
2.    Valentin Imperial Maya, Mexico.
3.    TCU’s Alamo Bowl.
4.    Roasted Carrot Soup.
5.    Netflix’s “Daredevil.”
6.    Cruises with friends.
7.    Christmas at home.
8.    Stephanie’s Molasses Cookies.
9.    Peppermint Mocha Sugar Free Creamer.
10.  Applesauce Mini Muffins.
11.  A week on St. John, USVI.
12.  A Homemade Life, by Molly Wizenberg.
13.  Jost Van Dyke, BVI.
14.  Netflix’s “Jessica Jones.”
15.  Ultimate Pumpkin Bread.
16.  Drawing in the Dust, by Zoe Klein.
17.  Single Serve Cobblers.
18.  Paris Letters, by Janice MacLeod.
19.  Piehole Pecan Pie Whiskey.
20.  The Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke.
21.  A Paris Apartment, by Michelle Gable.
22.  Gazpacho.
23.  San Francisco, in person, finally.
24.  Pillsbury Key Lime cake mix.
25.  Miss Babs’ Sojourn.
26.  One Summer: America, 1927, by Bill Bryson.
27.  Tortola, BVI.
28.  Black-Eyed Susans, by Julia Heaberlin.
29.  Skinny Lemon Bars.
30.  ROGUE ONE.
31.  Giacchino’s ROGUE ONE score.
32.  HBO’s “Westworld.”
33.  DOCTOR STRANGE.
34.  PB2.
35.  Giacchino’s DOCTORE STRANGE score.
36.  Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
37.  Dairy Queen’s Red Velvet Blizzard.
38.  NCL’s Escape.
39.  “Downton Abbey.”
40.  Red Velvet Oreos.
41.  PB2 + oatmeal = deliciousness.
42.  Fiber Circle in Farmersville, TX.
43.  Beach bar hopping at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke.
44.  Ram Head trail, St. John.
45.  Peanut Butter Bushwacker.
46.  Cruzan’s Blueberry Lemonade Rum.
47.  LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT.
48.  The Shed, Hudson Oaks, TX.
49.  The Helen Brown Group.
50.  World Peace Cookies.
51.  NOW YOU SEE ME.
52.  Big cookie cakes!
53.  Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili.
54.  Pandemic (board game).
55.  Trader Joe’s.
56.  A new LYS!

57.  Tamales.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Combat Challenge #4: Week Three

I'm having a lot of fun with this Combat Challenge.  And with Yoga Revolution!  Put the two together and my legs were super sore by the beginning of this week.  Dang!

But I'll keep plugging along...

Monday: Les Mills' Grit #14 + Ilyse's Your Best, Sweaty Self + Groovy Dance Party


Yay, MLK Day!  I love this day, usually spent at home, knitting and reading.  Today was no different so I used it to get in an extra long workout.  Grit seemed more doable today than a workday so I did that.  And this was a new Grit - no less difficult, for sure.  Yikes!  Then, I tuned into Ilyse's Sweaty workout - difficult with all the jumping.  Then, for a nice substitution for my lunch-time walks, I did Dance Party - super fun.  So, 60 minutes of cardio!

Tuesday: Dozois' Total Body Cardio and Strength + walk

Since the days of Glo are limited, I'm trying to squeeze in some of my favorite workouts.  This strength workout is definitely one that I'll miss.  And today was the perfect day to do it.  I kept the cardio low-impact to give my feet a break!  But Michelle works you hard, for sure.  At lunch, I walked at the rec center.

Wednesday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #20 + Ilyse's Dance Intervals 101


Fun day today!  This was a new-to-me Sh'Bam and it was a blast.  A "Grease" number?!  Yes, please!  I tried to keep my heart rate up but still had a lot of fun.  After that ended, I did the beginning of Ilyse's Dance Intervals, which is all jumping for the first five minutes.  I'll miss this workout as well!  So much fun!

Thursday: Les Mill's Combat #65 + Dozois' HIIT - Breathless and Energized + weights

A good day today!  I wanted to work hard after two lighter days so I did a fun, energizing Combat, led by Dan and Rachel.  Loved it!  Then, my last fifteen minutes were spent with Michelle and her HIIT.  Whew!  I love that one but it's not the easiest!  At lunch, I did weights at the rec center.  My legs were already a bit raw from yoga so this really made them work!

Friday:  Yoga Revolution + walk

I was sore today so this yoga was good.  It wasn't super light so I had to work but it still felt good.  At lunch, it was a gorgeous day outside so I walked the perimeter of campus with a co-worker.  It was a nice break!  And a nice 20 minute walk!

Saturday: Les Mills' Combat 60 - Extreme Cardio Fighter + Ilyse's Full-On Cardio Blast

Time for serious work today and Combat 60 makes you work hard, for sure.  But it's fun!  I always enjoy this workout and it has no dread factor, which is so, so nice.  After that 45 minutes of cardio, I did 20 minutes of Ilyse's high-impact Blast.  This one is not my favorite but it really makes you work with constant jumping and jogging.  Wow.  A short stretch today as I was in a rush.

Sunday:  Cathe's Intensity + Amy's Metabolic Meltdown + Strengthen Your Body from Head to Toe

I had time today to work hard and long and I did.  First up, all of Cathe's cardio on her Intensity DVD.  Wow.  Step, high-impact step, hi-impact HIIT, low-impact HIIT (which I made high)...  Whew.  Then, Amy's Metabolic workout, which I also made more high-impact.  That was 65 minutes of cardio. I then did fifteen minutes of Amy's weight workout, which was a lot better than I remember.  Then, yoga.  Ahh....

Calorie Counts:

Monday: 1349
Tuesday: 1174
Wednesday: 1195
Thursday: 1560
Friday: 1176
Saturday: BAD
Sunday: 1255

More social events meant more bad eating this week.  Sigh.  Then it culminated in celebrating my mom's birthday early on Saturday, which was really bad.  Sigh, again.


Friday, January 20, 2017

Yosemite Snow

Did you hear that Yosemite had to close last week due to flooding?  

After the flood, this happened....


I can't imagine seeing this!  How gorgeous a sight!  

Monday, January 16, 2017

Combat Challenge #4: Week Two

I had a lot of fun last week, with this new Combat Challenge.  And that's why it's good to change things up every now and then!  

Also, Adriene's Yoga Revolution has been super fun.  My shoulders hurt for the first five days of the challenge.  Holy cow!  As much as it hurt (ouch!), I like knowing when something that I'm doing is making a difference in my body.  So I'll take a bit of pain now and then.

Monday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #21 + walk

This morning it was so nice tuning into a 45-minute Sh'Bam workout.  And I love the ones that Rachel leads (she's in all the Combat DVDs).  So this morning was fun!  Sh'Bam isn't the most difficult workout, cardiovascularly, but some days just need to be fun.  At lunch, I walked - quickly - at the rec center and then did some ab work.  

Tuesday:  Amy's Kickin' Cardio and Conditioning + Ilyse's Easy to Follow Dance Moves


Yet another reason why I'll miss Glo....  All those strength workouts I love from Amy and Michelle.  Sigh.  This one is a good one - my arms could barely make it through some of the reps.  Dang!  So many triceps and push-ups!  I got home early, due to a doctor's appointment, so I did 20 minutes of Ilyse's dance workout...followed by my daily yoga.  It was a good day!

Wednesday: Les Mills' Grit #12 + Scott's HIIT - Sports Inspired Intervals


Ugh.  I was dreading today's Grit like nothing else.  But I got up and did it.  I couldn't get through all the up and downs - to the floor for burpees and back up - but I did pretty well.  These workouts are just so intense.  Afterward, I tuned into Scott's HIIT - which is slow by comparison. But that was fine by me!   At lunch, I walked outside for 20 minutes.  One of my heels is really bothering me.  Sigh.

Thursday:  Les Mills' Combat #66 + Dozois' Calorie Burning Cardio Blast + weights

Yay, Combat!  These workouts are usually a lot of fun and #66 was, as well!  There were some lunges that really made my thighs burn but other than that, it was a blast!  And I love Dan and Rachel.  After that ended, I did Dozois' Blast, which is always great.  At lunch, I did weights at the rec center - for the first time since December 1.  Dang.  I didn't have to go down in any weights (yay!) but I couldn't do all the reps that I could do in December.  But I was happy with myself for getting back into it!

Friday:  Yoga Revolution + Dozois' Tight and Toned Core


I needed a super light day and that's what I got.  Adriene had a great session of Yoga Revolution today and it helped ease me into the day.  As I down dogged, I felt the results of yesterday's weights.  But it wasn't too painful.  After yoga, I did 10 minutes of Dozois' ab workout which is super effective.  And difficult.  A good morning!

Saturday: Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn - Fat Blaster + Scott's Cardio Drill Awesomeness + weights

Time to work super hard.  I started the morning with Michelle's fantastic CIB Fat Blaster.  I love that one so much!  Fun and effective!  After that finished, I did Scott's workout which alternates weights and cardio drills.  Then, I finished that off with five minutes with the 12-pound weights.  Ouch!  That was an hour and twenty-five minutes of work!  My morning ended with Yoga Revolution, which stretched my hips and legs in new ways.  Yay...and ouch!  But it was good.

Sunday:  Les Mills' Combat 60 Live - Ultimate Warriors Workout + Amy's Cardio Intervals

I didn't have too much time today and since I also had to do Yoga Revolution afterward, I only had 60 minutes to do cardio.  So, I did Combat 60 Live, which is really good.   So much fun!  Then, I tuned into Amy's interval workout, which isn't too intense except for the duration of the intervals.  All in all, a good morning for cardio.  I was then able to stretch and do YWA. 

Calorie Counts:

Monday - 1168
Tuesday - 1168
Wednesday - 1351
Thursday - 1147
Friday - 1146
Saturday - 1196
Sunday - 1194

I had to be super strict this week so I was happy with myself for accomplishing my goal.  The next two weeks will have more social stuff going on which means more calories.  Sigh. 

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

YWA

Have you heard of Yoga with Adriene?

About six months ago, someone mentioned it in a Facebook post.  I looked at the page but didn't know how to incorporate yoga into my daily routine.  So, I mostly forgot about YWA.  

Then, in December, in the same Facebook group, I heard of a 31 day Yoga Revolution, led by YWA.  What an interesting idea?!  And for some reason, I automatically, almost without thinking, signed up for it.  

There's really no signing up.  If you want to do it, go to her page every day and watch the video.  But if you want to sign up, you get a daily email to go along with the video....or to remind you to do the video.  LOL!  Either way, YWA is free!  

So far, I'm really enjoying the Revolution.  It's starting with basics and progressing.  Adriene doesn't throw a lot of fancy flow at you.  In fact, the first really "heated" session of flow happened just yesterday, on day nine.  But even though it starts slow and builds, my shoulders ached for the first five days.  Ached.  Turns out all those down dog and four-legged poses really work your shoulders! 

Anyway, I'm enjoying doing the videos every day after work.  It's very calming after the chaotic drive home.  I can already tell I'm getting stronger...and I love progress!  

Monday, January 9, 2017

Combat Challenge #4: Week One

Okay, on to something different for the New Year.  I started 2016 off with a Combat Challenge so I thought I'd do the same for 2017.  

Last year, I got great results from 8 weeks of Combat so let's see what this year will bring.  


Monday: Les Mills' Grit #3 + Ilyse's Full-On Cardio Blast

I needed all the cardio I could get today, after not working out on New Years Day.  So, I decided to start my Combat Challenge with the big beast: Grit.  This is Les Mills' HIIT training and I dread it every time.  I got through this one with my heart rate through the roof.  Yay!  Next up, Ilyse's high impact cardio.  This one is tough and my feet were aching after all this - 60 minutes of work!  I then did a nice stretch!

Tuesday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #22 + walk

This morning my feet needed a break.  And since I was traumatized by having to go back work, I did my fun dance workout for the week.  Sh'Bam is a great program and I almost always enjoy the relatively simple step combos.  At lunch, I walked at the rec center, working up a good sweat.  I need all the cardio I can get!

Wednesday:  Les Mills' Combat #67 + Dozois' Calorie Burning Cardio Blast

I was a bit grouchy this morning since I woke up - and stayed up - at 3am with a sore arm.  What the heck?  So Combat - punching - did not sound good but I did it anyway.  Because I can't think of alternatives at 5:30am after not-enough sleep.  After that 30 minutes, I tuned into Dozois' short, but sweet, Cardio Blast.  Love that one!  Lots of walking around campus today but no lunchtime workout.

Thursday:  Les Mills' BodyAttack #92 + Ilyse's Dance Intervals 101 + walk


BodyAttack is a new program since the last time I did a Combat Challenge.  And it fills a hole in the program - the need for straight cardio, not HIIT and not kickboxing.  It's more aerobic with some internal training and strength mixed in.  So it was perfect this morning - when I wanted to work hard without doing Grit.  After it ended, I did Ilyse's Dance to finish off my morning.  At lunch, I walked at the rec center.  

Friday: Yoga Revolution

I've committed to doing Adriene's (of Yoga with Adriene) 31 day challenge, Yoga Revolution, during the month of January.  I'm doing most sessions after work but this morning, I did today's work in the morning.  It was nice and calming.  

Saturday:  Combat 60 - Extreme Cardio Fighter + Amy Dixons' HIIT on TrainerPass 

Today I was looking forward to Combat 60.  It's a lot of fun without any dread factor (in my opinion).  So I had fun this morning - for 55 minutes.  Then I tuned into one of Dixon's DVDs through TrainerPass, which I'm trying out.  Wow, that worked me hard.  And talk about no fun.  I like Amy's stuff on Glo but this was just plain brutal.  Sigh.  But, 70 minutes of cardio today!

Sunday:  Les Mills' BodyAttack #91 + Amy's Head to Toe Body Sculpt

I wanted a bit of cardio and then strength today....  So I started with another BodyAttack and it was a great workout!  I'm really sad that there are only those two workouts online right now.  After that, I did Amy's strength workout, putting a few more of my own cardio intervals throughout.  Another 70 minutes of work today and it felt great!

Calorie Counts:

Monday - bad
Tuesday - 1191

Wednesday - 1303
Thursday - 1191
Friday - 1191
Saturday - 1151
Sunday - 1269



Thursday, January 5, 2017

FitnessGlo Update

I don't know if you've noticed....but I love FitnessGlo!  I've become heavily reliant upon the site in the last two years, getting away, more and more, from my workout DVDs.  Glo has upped my fitness level and my DVDs can't keep up.  Amazing!

And so I was heartbroken - literally - when I logged into Glo a week ago and saw a very nondescript message on the front page, saying the site will no longer be online, as of February 1, 2017.  What?!  WHAT?!!


I can find no explanation on any social site to explain why Glo is going down.  It is no exaggeration - I'm distraught.  I've looked at other streaming sites and non compare.  Glo has a such a wide variety of workouts...it fits every need you could have!  

Please, please let me know if you have suggestions for streaming sites.  I love Les Mills' Combat but that's not the same.  I tolerate Cathe but again, there's just not the diversity.  I'm looking at Daily Burn but I see very little that looks attractive.  Amy Dixon is on Trainer Pass and that looks promising....  But to have access to all of it would be expensive.  

I don't know what to do.  FitnessGlo, why?!  Why are you leaving us?!

Monday, January 2, 2017

Holiday Week Workouts 2016

For the first time in our courtship and marriage, we're home for Christmas after always going to Nashville.  It's good and it's bad but two good things is that I have more control over my eating and I can work out.

Despite eating too much, I was determined to keep up my workouts this week...  Being off work made it easier.

Monday: Dozois' Rockin Body Cardio

I did my traditional post-vacation workout, Dozois' old dance video, the day after Christmas. Thankfully, I only missed one workout - Christmas Day - so I didn't feel too sluggish.  But I was tired and this one was a bit more difficult to get through.  It's a fun one, though, and that made it worth it.  So, 45 minutes of cardio and then a stretch and crunches.

Tuesday: Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn Remix

Today, I had to jump out of bed and workout, much like a work day.  Thankfully, I got up at 6:45 instead of my usual 5:30.  This workout is a lot of fun but my feet were really hurting, I think from being on my feet in the kitchen so much the previous two days.  Stupid plantar fasciitis.  Ugh!  I dug out my new sneakers and they helped a bit.  So I was able to get through this workout and then added on 5 more minutes of my cardio to get a full hour in.  I then stretched and planked.  

Wednesday:  Peak 10 Cardio Strength Remix + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party

It had been so long since I'd last done this CS Remix that I had no idea what I was getting in to.  And it was tough!  Every circuit, except the last, went to the floor.  Dang!  I definitely got a good workout!  After that 50 minutes, I tuned into Ilyse's dance workout.  I love this one!  And it goes by so fast - 20 minutes!  After that, I stretched and did some ab work.

Thursday:  Amy's Metabolic Meltdown + Total Package

I need something a bit lighter today so I did Amy's level 2 Meltdown - which is still a great workout.  I did almost everything high impact - but didn't jump too high.  Ha!  After that, I tuned into her Total Package workout - a great body strength and cardio workout.  Love it!  And all the floor work really works you hard.  So, 70 minutes for all that, then a nice stretch and ab work.

Friday:  Cathe's Intensity + weights

Cardio time!  Cathy's Intensity is such a great workout, even without the step.  It's fun cardio and then Hi and Lo HIIT.  Dang, what  a workout.  My legs were aching from Amy's endless squats yesterday so this was a bit painful....but good!  After that hour of cardio, I did 10 minutes of weights.  Then, finally, a stretch and abs.

Saturday:  Dozois' Cardio Interval Burn on Glo

I had to get up early today in order to work out so it was a bit rough getting going.  But I did and this workout was definitely not the easiest.  I worked hard and it felt good....  Just thinking about all the food I'd eat over the weekend made me work hard.  Ha!  After I got done, I did a quick stretch and was done!

Sunday: REST