Sunday, May 23, 2010

20 miles and 50 mph winds...

My friends and I had decided to ride the Mesabi bike trail from Grand Rapids to Bovey on Saturday.  As the morning progressed I was hoping for a reprieve.  It looked like rain.  And a storm was scheduled to come through as when we would be on our ride.  No such luck in postponing the trip.  I packed rain gear and hoped for the best.  Mainly, that it wouldn't rain.

The ride was beautiful.  The bike path reminded me so much of my childhood where I spent my days riding the local bike paths from one neighborhood to another to the neighborhood gas station and the lake.  Kathy, Teri and I were all newbies to the trail.  It was a little frustrating because you would mentally and physically "push" up a hill only to round a curve and have an even bigger hill to climb.  It's difficult to push harder when you gave everything already.  I am all about pacing myself.  But some of those hills looked insignificant so I would peddle faster and harder thinking I would have flat surface to recover.  With no recovery between hills, I walked that bike up a few of the bigger hills.  No shame in that.

As we entered Coleraine, 8.5 miles into the trip and one mile left to our dining destination, the wind began to pick up.  The last mile of biking the wind got stronger and stronger.  The last few blocks the wind was so strong we couldn't even ride our bikes.  We hid in doorways and between buildings working our way to Annabelle's cafe for lunch.  Gusts of wind reaching 50 mph were blowing sand into our faces and against the bare skin of our legs and arms.  We finally reached Annabelle's and walked indoor only to have the electricty go out.  Half the menu was no longer available for consumption.  That's okay I wanted a salad anyway.

After lunch, we decided to head back to Rapids.  The sky was still gloomy, but not as bad, and the wind had definately died down.  Along the trail, Minnesota Power, was repairing the electrical wires.  It was upon seeing them that I figured there would probably be a big ass tree across the trail at some point.  And there was.  We actually encountered 5 trees that had falled across the trail.  The problem was that you couldn't go all out going down a hill because you never knew what would be around the bend for debris.  So the hills were difficult to climb again.  But I know that next time will be easier.

After our ride, we met at Kathy's house to make dinner and sit in the hot tub.  We made recipes from FR cookbook.  It really was fun drinking wine and making dinner.  The hot tub really helped relax the muscles so I really didn't have pain this morning.

All in all, a great ride, lots of laughs and i can't wait to do it again.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

It's a great day to be alive!

My aunt Patty had that as her status of Facebook.  My response was that every day was a great day to be alive.  She then said she rode her Harley to work and enjoyed smelling the spring air on the way.  I certainly couldn't argue since I had just returned from biking (non-motorized) with my 3yo daughter. 

Today was a wonderful day in Minnesota.  And I was busy and worried about when I would get my exercise in today.  So, I rode my bike 2 miles each way to the Grand Rapids Gymnastics Acedemy, twice.  8 miles of exercise and I didn't even have to go to the gym!  No more excuses! 

The best part was not having to push my bike up a hill!  I made all the hills.  It really helped to wear my heart rate monitor.  Every time I wanted to give up I check my heart rate.  Only 150!  "Man you have much more to give than that" and away I would peddle. 

I made FR blueberry pancakes for lunch and turkey bacon.  Yumm.  My girls are slowly adjusting to whole grain healthy eating.  I really have made the leap.  I like whole grains.  I plan to eat this way the rest of my life.  So it's not a diet it really is a life change.

I have had to get rid of more clothes that don't fit.  They are way too big.  It's really a shame because the pants are really cute.  But I will have to go get new ones.  Such a problem.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Autism 5K

I raced my first 5K.  My Mom and my daughter, Mia, did the race with me.  It was around Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.  What a gorgeous day for a race.  Temperatures were low 70's.  I was torn between getting my best time and walking with my Mom.  My daughter ran the race with 30:42 time.  I walked the first 2+ miles with my mom but then asked if it was okay if I went ahead.  My heart rate was only 120 while I walked with her.  I wanted a work out.  So I ran ahead for a few tenths, then walked fast keeping my heart rate about 150.  Then ran the last bit to get ahead of the person in front of me.  My time was 49:49.  I wanted to be under 1 hour.  My next goal is to break 45:00.  Guess I better sign up for another 5K if I am going to do that! 

It was a very enjoyable experience all around.  My oldest daughter, Hannah, took my youngest, Erica, to a park on the route.  As we passed the park they, too, joined us. So the whole family (minus Al) did the 5k yesterday. 

After the 5k we went to the Mall of America. I had a vegetarian crepe for lunch.  It's my favorite MOA food.  I passed all the yucky foods, Toll House cookies, etc.  We walked the first level and the girls did many rides.

For dinner I had a Turkey burger, two onion rings, and a lime malt and Snuffy's malt shop near my mom's house.  I probably should have skipped the malt but it was so very good.  Erica drank a third of it! 

Today is my brother's birthday.  We're going to BBQ this afternoon.  Mom bought a pumpkin pie for desert, but I will pass on that. 

This morning, I made pancakes for the family.  I chose to eat a healthy cereal with almond milk.  I really like cereal with almond milk.  can't seem to get enough.  Plus, I tried Kashi's Autumn Wheat.  Now I don't have to eat Mini wheats which has high fructose corn syrup.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

happy Mother's Day!

I want to take this time to wish everyone a happy Mother's Day!  We mothers tend to take care of everyone else and having nothing left to spend on ourselves.  Please take this time to take care of yourself.  My one wish for tomorrow is to have the day to myself.  I know, most mothers want to spend the day with their children.  I get to do that every day.  So, for Mother's Day I always ask to have the day to myself.  I don't have any plans.  House is cleaned.  Exercise is done for the week. (I didn't get treading in, but will next week.)  Not sure what I will do, but I will enjoy the peace and quiet that is so rare in this household.

I did have a very successful trip to Duluth yesterday.  I tried on several dresses at Younkers.  I wanted something to show off my new waistline.  I wanted bright and cheery.  I wanted to shine.  The only thing I didn't want was black. 

I loved everyone's response as I came out of the dressing room with each dress.  Including other customers' responses.  I did end up with a black dress.  But it was the best one.  Al keeps asking me to put it on.  That's a very good indicator that I picked the right dress.  Today, I bought new shoes and a wrap.  I had the perfect necklace and earings.  I will have Al take pictures on Monday night.  I can't wait to show off my new bod. 

And Cat, I will use those pictures for my blog and facebook picture.  You weren't the only one to comment on how young I looked at Fitness Ridge compared to my pictures.  I have started getting carded again when I order a drink.  I am almost 40 for crying out loud!  Okay, so I love every second of it!

My family cooked crab legs and shrimp tonight.  We attempted Israeli couscous.  It didn't turn out like FR.  but I am not giving up.  We are all trying to eat much healthier.  With the FR cookbooks, I find getting in 24g of fiber is not a problem.  I used to struggle to get in 12g in the not so distant past.  At breakfast on Thursday, I had 13g of fiber without even trying. 

I am now only counting calories in and fiber grams (because I am curious).  I am back in the gym every day and loving it!  Today I did the mixx; step, turbo kick, and free weights in one class.  I have missed going to the Y.  As much as I loved April's Girl Gang challenge of walking/biking 100 miles, it kept me out of my very much loved Y.   I realize how much I need my friends at the Y.

I am anxious for Kathy to return home from Fitness Ridge.  I am jealous that she stayed for two weeks.  I wish that I had done that.  I also want to talk with her about her experience.  Was the second week easier or harder.  I know she pushed herself more this week.  And, I just plain miss her as well as all my friends that I made in Utah.

Enjoy the beautiful day and give your mom a great big hug!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

What an awesome day :)

My daughter had testing in Hibbing this morning.  Instead of just sitting around, I decided to go shopping for a new dress.  I have a retirement dinner Tuesday night and I thought I would feel better in a new dress.  I tried on several, each one looking better than the last.  I even tried on a size smaller and it fit even better.  I stood looking at myself in the mirror with tears in my eyes.  I couldn't believe how fabulous I looked.  Cat, I didn't get it when you talked about this last week.  I get it now.  Boy do I get it.  And if I had had your number, I would have called you from the dressing room, lol.

Instead of buying all 5 dresses, I decided to take a trip to Duluth on Friday to go dress shopping.  I didn't want to settle.  I want to look spectacular when I reveal myself after my week at Fitness Ridge.

And I am more motivated than ever to complete and win the Get Healthy for Habitat weight loss challenge.  I have 6 weeks to go.  I know I can do this.  I just have to keep my eye on the prize.  That said, here's my plan for this afternoon.  I am going to the Y at 3 and doing Mountain on my own.  I bought a stop watch just for this!  And then I am going to Mercedes class.  Tomorrow, I am going to do treading.  Friday will be my day of rest.  Saturday the family is going for a bike ride.  Sunday, I will conquer when i get there.


Did my Mercedes class.  I take it back any nice thing I ever said about her!  Tonight was about endurance.  Using light weights we did 3 sets of 25 reps without stopping on every muscle group.  I did over 150 crunches!  Thank God, it was only a 45 min. class!

After Mercedes' class, I came home and had a Fitness Ridge Turkey club sanwich.  It was the best sandwich I have ever had.  I musta been hungry!  But really it was good.

Then I went back to the Y and did my own Mountain.  It was difficult to do on my own.  I had noone to cheer me one or to stop me from cheating.  I know that I will continue to do Mountain each week.  And I will improve and I will stop cheating, eventually!

All in all, I'd have to say today was one of the best days of my life.  My energy is explosive.  I am having fun exercising.  And I find I am so relaxed after pushing myself beyond my limits.

And guess what?  I'm not done yet!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Leaving

Leaving this morning was probably one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time.  And that's including all the mountains I climbed this week.  It is so hard to say goodbye to new friends and to leave others behind knowing what fun they will be having next week.

I want to thank all the trainers.  I know that I may not always have given a hundred percent but you gave so much more.  I didn't really have any specific goals for the week when I arrived.  But let me tell you that I couldn't have dreamed of doing the things I did.  Robyn, I want to thank you for Saturday's curcuit class.  I pushed myself beyond anything I have ever done before.  Having you workout right next to me was more motivation than I could have imagined.  Thank you all for being there for me and for everyone at the Ridge.

I want to thank my hiking buddies for pushing and supporting me all week.  I never imagined that hiking could be so much fun!  The laughs will last a lifetime.  Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart.  Including Seth who pushed us all beyond our imaginations. 

Kathy, this was the best vacation of my life.  Thank you for including me in your plans.  Enjoy next week, a Rudeck free week

I do have to share some very exciting news.  I was not nervous for test out.  I think I was excited.  I knew I lost inches, because tshirts fell below my hips.  I lost 3.5 inches in my waist and .5 inches on my hips.  My weight loss was 8 pounds, though I weighed in at night and out in the morning.  But the measuring tape doesn't lie!  I am down to 188 pounds.  I look forward to rest of my journey.

Because my adventure doesn't end at the end of my stay at the Ridge, I will continue to blog about my journey.  Join me and celebrate with me as I continue to improve my health.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

My first 10K

What an exciting end to my week here in Utah.  At 6:30 this morning I participated in my first race ever.  I walked the course, well maybe even lollygagged at a few spots.  We visited with the water people.  Stopped and had our picture taken.  And even said hi to a dog or two along the way.  I did run through the finish line!  Not sure of my time, didn't really care to check.  But had fun walking with Kathy and John.

After the race, Kathy and I came back to our room and rested.  She slept, I read.  At 11:15 we had our last class of the week.  I choose curcuit instead of pool or begging to get into stretch.  At first, I was the only person in class.  It was Robyn, the trainer, and me.  She worked out next to me, which really pushed me today.  I got that elliptical up to 10 mph.  and ran all three of my treadmill stations getting up to 5.3 mph!  What a magnificent end to the week.  3 other people did eventually join us in class.  And one gentleman who followed me on the weight machines kept telling how strong I was.  he had to lowere the weights when it was his turn!  God, I love Fitness Ridge!

After class, Kathy, John and I went into St. George.  We drove for an hour looking for somewhere other than fastfood to eat.  We went to Chili's.  I had grilled salmon with steamed broccoli and a rice dish.  The rice dish was yucko, so I didn't eat it.  I only at 1/2 the salmon and all the broccoli.  According to the internet that meal was 700 calories; so I'll count 350, though I probably consumed less.  I did have a diet coke, and it was really good.  It was difficult turning down a burger or ribs.  But I do like Salmon, so I am glad I made the choice I did.

After lunch we went to Target.  That Target smelled so bad, I thought I was going to puke.  Horrible, horrible smelling Target.  Didn't spend much,  I don't think I have ever spent so little in a Target, :)

This afternoon we went to the Fitness Festiva at Unity park.  No sooner had we arrived and someone was trying to shove a hotdog down our face.  Both Kathy and I declined, politely.  We walked around the booths and purchased a couple of items.  It was fun visiting with the trainers and BL contestants at the booth.  Then we cheered them on as the linedanced.  Wish I had brought my camera for that one!

Graduation was tonight!  First they showed a DVD of the week and then pictures that they had taken.  I am so glad that I have copies.  I will treasure these forever.  After the video presentation, we all were given an opportunity to speak.  It was so wonderful to hear about everyone's positive experiences and Fitness Ridge.  But the most prevelent was the love of van 2!  My peeps, I love you guys.  I couldn't have gotten through the week without them.  And I got my tshirt!  I made it to every class and every lecture so I got my tshirt.  I will wear it proudly!

I just want you to know that I am not done yet!  my blog will continue as my adventure will always be beginning.  Know that as I struggle I will look to my friends for support.  Tomorrow I go home, but I will never leave Fitness Ridge!

Almost forgot:
Calories consumed 1200
calories burned 3028
calorie deficit 1800  161,900 calories to go!  thats 13,100 calories removed from my body this week alone!