Just Keep Swimming

I am still training for the 5K. I ran into a hiccup last week, however. I was doing week 4, day 2 on Thursday morning and just could not do a full 5 minutes of running. 3 minutes I could handle, but getting past 4 minutes was tough. I started having a hard time breathing and my legs were starting to cramp up a little. I did get a little discouraged, but I reminded myself that I have until August to become a good runner and if I have to take 2 weeks to complete week 4, so be it. I had to go work out yesterday, but decided to take a little break from running and did the elliptical and my strength training.

Today I'm getting back on the running "train" and trying today's intervals with Nemo. I haven't done any running with him, so I'm a little nervous, but it's such a nice, cool day, I can't resist getting out there!

Week 1 Complete!

Last Thursday I did the third and final day of Week 1 of my Couch to 5K program. I was so excited because I'm feeling really good after my "runs." The last time I started this, I had to slow it way down and take longer walking intervals during the first week because of my asthma. However, this time I've been working out consistently leading up to the start of my training, so I had zero asthma issues last week.

Today I'm starting Week 2 which means a 5 minute warm up followed by 90 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes. I'll be doing this 3 days this week. Week 1 was 60 seconds running, 90 seconds walking.

I think more than anything, I'm excited to get to the point in my training when I'm running longer distances and time so I can start running with my 5K buddy, Kate. She's already able to run 2 miles, so I'm itching to be able to run outside with her so we can figure out what pace we need to run together and so I can get used to not using a treadmill.

Here's to Week 2!

Retrospect

Xavier Joseph Pagenkopf

March 24, 2011

Jack Gilbert Kleinfehn

March 17, 2011

This week marks the 1st birthday of 2 special guys: my good friend Millie's son, Jack and my nephew, Xavier. They are one week apart, almost exactly to the hour. They were both born on my spring break, which was awesome timing, good job boys! Right after they were born, I joined Snap Fitness, had a session with a personal trainer and began working out on my own. I lost some weight, but gained it back. I was insistent on getting pregnant because, let's face it, I had major baby fever. All I could talk about was when we were going to have a baby.

Things changed a lot in October when Bobby lost his job. Obviously baby talk stopped and I had a chance to reflect on where I was in my life. It took a lot of time, but I came to realize that I'm really ok with where I am right now. I want nothing more than to become a mother someday, but if it's not right now, I'm good with it. I'll be 30 in August and when we got married, the age of 30 was my "baby goal." Five years later, here I am, and I don't have a baby goal age anymore. I have finally come to accept that when it's right for us to get pregnant, we will. Luckily, Bobby found an awesome job that he loves in January and he's been doing really well.

I started thinking about babies again when he started the job, but then found out that I'll have to travel to Seattle next February to be in my college roommate's wedding. Nothing could make me happier, but that changes the baby plans a little. Last year at this time, this news would have devastated me, but now, I completely accept it. If we have to wait until fall to start trying, so be it. I've come a long way since my nephew and Jack were born. I truly love my life and my little family of 3. I will always want to be a mother, but I'm also really happy where I'm at right now, so I'm ok with waiting.

Since I'm not getting pregnant any time soon, I've decided to face a new challenge: running a 5K. My friend, Kate, and I will be running a 5K in August, likely the day after I turn 30, which is intentional. In order to train for this, I've had to go back to the gym, this time at Gold's. They have the machines and the classes, which is exactly what I need for a price I'm willing to pay. I started my "Couch to 5K" plan today and did so awesome, no asthma issues at all! I'm so excited for this new adventure to bring me into my 30's!

Happy 1st Birthday Jack and Xavier! I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for you both!

Insanity Day 5 & 6: Learning My Limits

Yesterday was technically day 5 of Insanity. However, I found myself in some stressful and highly emotional situations that brought on a horrible headache by the end of my work day. When I got home, I really did want to work out, but I knew that Insanity would not get my full efforts if I did it with a headache.

What I chose to do instead was 45 minutes of Zumba on the Wii. I completed it and felt awesome afterward, and my headache was gone. I truly enjoy Zumba and would do it every day if I could afford the DVD collection. The Wii is still great, but it's not the full Zumba Fitness system. I was pleased with myself that I stuck with my fitness commitment even if I had to switch out of Insanity for the day.

Today was Insanity day 6. I did the Pure Cardio that I was supposed to do yesterday. Man, I'm SO glad I didn't try that yesterday! I got a good nights sleep last night and woke up refreshed and able to fully commit myself to the workout. I wouldn't have been able to complete it any other way. I'm exhausted but I feel good about what I accomplished.

Tonight, we're going to Manny's Steakhouse in Minneapolis to celebrate Bobby selling his first car last weekend. I think it's also going to be a nice "cheers to us" for completing the first week of Insanity. Bring on week 2!

Insanity Day 4: Weak in the Knees

Today was cardio recovery. Even though there wasn't really any "cardio" it wasn't really a recovery either! It was definitely a step down from the fast paced DVDs that I've done so far, but it was still hard!

It was a lot of lower body, yoga, butt work, squats, lunges, that kind of stuff. By the end, when I had to do balance stretches, my legs were shaking so bad I couldn't keep my balance. I thought I had lead legs the last 2 days, oh no, today it will be tough to get around.

It's been hard, but I'm feeling really good. I'm excited to see the results in a couple weeks and to start transforming my body. Only 2 days left in the first week and I'm pumped I've made it this far :)

Insanity Day 3: Working It Out

Today was SO much better than yesterday! I will never say that the workouts get easier, but I definitely struggled less to get through it today. I'm still having trouble with the exercises that start standing then go to the floor quickly, that's where I'm missing most of my reps because it takes me a minute to get into position. I had to modify a few exercises today, but that's ok. What's most important to me is that I finish the workout. If I spend an entire interval doing modified movements, I'm fine with it because I'm still doing something.

Tomorrow is the Cardio Recovery DVD, which I'm looking forward to for 2 reasons:

1-It's a recovery DVD

2-It's 33 minutes long instead of the 40-45 minutes, so I may not have to get up as early tomorrow as I have the last 2 days.

Overall, feeling better today than the last 2 days. Still stiff, still feel like my arms and legs are made of lead, but I feel good that I'm doing it and getting through it.

Insanity Day 2: Maybe Not the Best For My Profession...

Don't worry folks, I don't plan on writing a blog every single day of Insanity. I just have a lot of thoughts as I'm starting out.

This morning I did the second workout and was proud to get through it. I had to take several "walking in place" breaks, and modify a few moves so I could get to the end. I didn't feel nausea like I did yesterday and I think it's because I was able to eat something and then sit for a bit and let it settle. I've already taken in 4 glasses of water and it's 6:45 AM! This will definitely be good for my water intake, that's for sure. Bobby decided yesterday that he's giving up pop, which will be tough since he has access to free pop at his work. I don't drink soda during the work week and occasionally have it on the weekends, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he can do it. Coffee, honey?

I was definitely stiff when I woke up, and as I'm getting ready for work, I can't help thinking, "Hmm, the fact that I can't move my arms very high in the air can't possibly be good for interpreting." Hopefully the student will be patient with me as I work with her today.

Even though I'm stiff and sore, I feel good, mostly because I'm proving to myself (and other non-believers) that I'm capable of getting through these tough workouts as long as I take care of myself while I'm doing them.

Insanity: Day 1

Yes, that's right, today we're starting "Insanity." I did my fitness test this morning before work and Bobby will be doing his before he goes into work a little bit later. I realized three things while doing this workout:
-I'm horribly out of shape, even though I do Zumba 4 days a week, this is a totally different kind of work out.
-I probably shouldn't do these workouts in the morning when I either have to fuel up and then workout too soon after, or don't have time to completely fuel up before hand (this equals an icky stomachache).
-I definitely CAN do this even though it's going to be really hard.

I haven't taken my "before" measurements yet, mostly because I don't have a measuring tape that's not meant for the house. I have every intention of being as open about this journey as I have been so far. Some people may be put off by me sharing my weight and measurements, but I want to show people that it CAN be done.

My starting weight is 225 lbs. My goal is to be 200 lbs by the end of the 60 days. It very well could be less than that, but I don't want to be let down if I don't get into the 100's. I'm wearing a size 18 pants, hoping to be in a 14 by the end. I have 4-5 pairs of size 14 pants, it would be great if I could wear those again.

My brother and his girlfriend have already completed the first week, so I'm excited for us to be one big rock-hard-body family!!

Bringing Some Insanity to 2012

Bobby has started his job at White Bear Lake Mitsubishi Suzuki this week, and his boss is super fit and does P90X and/or the Insanity workout like twice a year. We've known his boss for several years and he's been in great shape the whole time. Now, Bobby works for him and sees him every day which has a little bit of an intimidation factor to it.

Today, I was sitting at home, stretching after doing Zumba, and watching infomercials. The Insanity Workout one was on, and I thought to myself "I'll bet (our friend) owns this and I happen to know he just bought Insanity Asylum so we could probably borrow it...I'll ask Bobby."

Cut to dinner tonight and I brought it up with Bobby. He admitted that being around his boss is actually a great motivator to get back in shape and he would think about doing Insanity. THEN I brought up BOTH of us doing it. First he laughed, then he didn't believe me, then he considered it. After finding out that Bobby can get a hold of the DVD's on Monday, we've agreed to go through with it.

There will be a couple of days a week when we'll have to workout separately, which I'm fine with, but most days we can do it together, which will be motivating. For anyone who doesn't know what the heck I'm talking about, this is Insanity. Basically, 60 days of intense cardio plyometric training. I have the feeling that I'll be going to be a lot earlier every day, and drinking more coffee the first couple of weeks. But I'm ready. I'm actually really excited because it's something we're doing TOGETHER to benefit ourselves individually and as a couple. Wish us luck!

Simple Resolutions

It's a new year which means it's time for resolutions right? I think a lot of people fail at their resolutions because they make them so grand and have no plan of attack. I've been in that boat and it's kind of a let down when December comes around. Here are my resolutions and my plans of attack:

1-Do things that I want to do because I deserve it- If I really just want to sit in front of the TV all day on a weekend and watch whatever trashy show I'm into, or read a book for hours, or watch movies with my husband, then I'm going to. If I don't take that "me" time, then I'll get overworked and stressed. The chores will get done, maybe not right this second, but eventually and that's ok. Doing things that I want to do will also give me a higher sense of self-worth and will force me to treat myself first instead of always wanting to treat others first.

2-Lose 2 pant sizes so my husband will finally shave that goatee and I can get pregnant-I plan to do my Zumba Fitness 2 game 4-5 days a week, at least 2 times being 40-60 minutes, the other times being 20-40 minutes. I also plan to cut way back on going out for breakfast and lunch. I love McDonald's coffee, so it's also easy to pick up a breakfast sandwich, no more. Making sure I have protein shakes at home is going to be a priority. Making lunch or eating at school is also top of my list. I have 2 huge motivators for this goal, so I think I can do it.

3-Make weekly meal plans and stick to them- Going out for dinner occasionally isn't a bad thing, but it's not easy on the wallet and not easy on the body either. I have some amazing cookbooks and amazing recipes that I need to start using. With Bobby's new job and changing hours, it'll be good to have home made meals and leftovers for those nights when he gets home late. Plus, homemade is generally better in terms of staying healthy.

4-Make more time for Nemo-Yes, sounds a little silly, but I did not do a good job with getting him outside on walks in 2011. He needs exercise as much as we do. It's a great way to spend time with Bobby too, if he can join us. Nemo is by no means a fat dog, but he definitely has a lot of energy and needs to get rid of it!

Four resolutions may seem like a lot, but I'm hoping they become a life style instead of just resolutions or goals. Here's to healthy changes in 2012!

2011 in Pictures (and captions)

As I said in my last post, 2011 was an interesting year. Looking through my pictures, I realized we really did have a lot of fun and had some very special moments. Here are a few of them:

One of my best friends, Millie, had her son Jack Gilbert on March 17.

My nephew, Xavier Joseph, was born March 24.

Cosmic Bingo at Mystic Lake.

Karen and Brad Mills, married April 2, I was honored to be a bridesmaid.

Twins game on Easter Sunday for Bobby's birthday.

Race for the Cure on Mother's Day

Then we had a gap in photos.... Shouthouse with my in-laws in July.

Road Trip to Chicago in August with Ryan and Eric.

Getting to see Julie and meet Tim while in Chicago

This one is a bit early (stupid uploader), Pumpkin Patch in October.

Twins Game in August with my parents

Unstad wedding, August

State Fair!

Thanksgiving

Jeff's Birthday Dinner

Bloxham Wedding, December

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

There are so many other great photos we have from this year with such great memories. In 2012, I hope to have a stronger commitment to getting fit and losing those pounds so my husband can finally shave off that goatee. In 2011, I really wanted to get pregnant and bring a little Pflugh into the world in early 2012. Well, things change and that didn't happen. Here's hoping we have little Pflughs running around soon!

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2012!