I Am Stronger!

So I realize it's been a while. And yes, I have been quite slack-tastic with my workouts during my absence of the blog. But, now that the Purr Partners 5K date has been announced I have a deadline to get my rear in gear! The date is Sunday November 5th, so I have plenty of time to get myself back together!
My plan to keep things simple is to do my couch to 5K workouts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and then go to Zumba classes on Thursday like normal (which I have also kind of been slacking on!!!). That still gives me three rest days, which I think is fair. Lets see if this helps me stick with it more this time!

I do have a bit of a musical inspiration for this blog. Anyone who has talked to me in the past two weeks or so is probably sick of me talking about the musical of FINDING NEVERLAND... but really the show is fabulous and gives me all the good feels! But the song right at the end of Act 1 is so amazing I feel the urge to share it!

Blessings and Later Days!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fevDew-8oSo

In the darkest place
There’s the faintest light
Gives me hope to face the hardest fight
Pain delivers me
I don't need their sympathy
‘Cause they can't take away my mind
Where I go they will never find

I've got to be stronger
Reach up higher
Must dig deeper
Find the fire
Feel enlightened
Can't be frightened anymore
I can run now so much faster
Now defeat won't be my master
For to conquer the demons
I won't have to wait any longer
I've got to be stronger

You'll see in time
You will survive
Too soon to run
Too late to hide
It's your destiny
Every pace, every stride

I am stronger
Reach up higher
Digging deeper
Found the fire
Feel enlightened
Won't be frightened anymore
I can run now so much faster
Now defeat won't be my master
I will conquer the demons
I won’t have to wait any longer
I’ve got to be stronger
I am stronger
Now I’m stronger

Weigh-In Wednesday and New Workout Sneakers!!!

I meant to post something last week after Zumba class but I got home and didn't feel well so I pretty much showered and went straight to bed. So first of all I want to show you guys a picture I took last week when I got back from class. It features my new tank top, and considering I felt terrible when I got home last week... I gotta admit... I don't look half bad in this picture! But my tank top shows a new mantra... And though she be but little, she be FIERCE!!

Pretty awesome, huh? But now, onto yesterday's weigh-in! I was dreading it. I've honestly not worked out much in the past two weeks aside from the weekly Zumba class. I really didn't anticipate any loss so I went into it ready to be disappointed. But I was actually pleasantly surprised to see 187.7 pop up on the screen. I actually turned the scale off and back on again, then tried it once more to make sure I was getting an accurate reading and the same exact thing came up. Y'all... that's the lowest number I've seen on a scale that I've been standing on in a long time. I almost cried! I'm not sure how I did it, and maybe it was a random fluke, but regardless I'm going to take it, consider it a win and just work really hard in the next two weeks to make sure that the next weigh-in is a great one as well!

I went to Zumba class again tonight and it was a lot of fun! Though I wonder when Raleigh Parks and Rec will decide to turn the air conditioner on in that facility. So freaking hot in there! But, it was a great work out! And my friend Emily came with me to class which made it even more fun! I also have some new workout sneakers finally, so I wore them to class! I need to re-string them because they were a little tight the way they were pre-strung. But they're pretty awesome and colorful, like me!

Anyway, I need to get going! I hope everyone has had a great week and I hope that everyone has a great Easter to those who celebrate it! Love everyone and be good to each other.

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

The world we live in as a fat-phobic society

So tonight I was all excited to go back to Zumba class. I'd been looking forward to it since last week. The class is so much more fun than doing the dvds at home! But tonight I was particularly excited because I had some new workout clothes to wear and I was super happy about it! I had some nice capri workout pants with little rainbow stripes on one pant leg and a new tank top with little panda faces on it. SUPER CUTE! And for those who know me, you probably know that the only socks I pretty much own are white tube socks because for whatever reason they're the only socks that my shoes won't eat when I walk or exercise. So I rolled them down a bit so I didn't look silly with capris and white socks up to my knees. Sort of makes wearing capris sort of silly.
I gathered my things and was JUST about to walk out the door and I heard people walking around outside going up or down the stairs near my apartment like they were either leaving or going to their apartment. I stopped at my door and waited until I didn't hear anyone before I left my apartment because I was scared for people to see me in a tank top and my rolled down white socks and capri pants. I got in my car and thought... why did I just do that? Why do I care what strangers think about what I'm wearing?? And the whole thing got me to thinking about when I was younger and I would literally roast myself in the summer because I didn't want to show skin in public because of my weight. I remember my mom constantly trying to get me to wear shorts or something. Anything that wouldn't cause me to be uncomfortable in the North Carolina summer heat. But to me, being uncomfortable in the heat was better than being uncomfortable because of people judging me for what I was wearing at my weight. We hear stories all the time about people being fat shamed, especially at gyms. I've never understood why people think it's fun or cool to tear people down who are legit trying to better their health. What's the point and why should anyone else care? Focus on your own life and workout. I know when I used to go to Planet Fitness, I sort of just put mental blinders on and focused on what I was doing and that was it.

Anyway. I know it all seems silly, but I feel like we do still live in a fat-phobic world. There have been great strides to make it better, but honestly it's still not where it needs to be. When I got out of my car to go into Zumba class... which is in a small shopping center so there were people out and about... I just held my head up and walked right on in ready to work and have fun doing it! When I left, I felt great after my workout and didn't really care.

Now, onto the actual workout! Class was so much fun! Now that I'm getting the routines down a bit and am not completely new to it, I was able to get into it a bit more. Some of the routines were new from last week but some of them were the same so I was able to recall them and polish them up a bit. But I had a lot of fun and the hour just flew right by and before I knew it, it was over! Sometimes I still got my left and right mixed up, but the cool thing about Zumba is that sometimes you don't need to get it right. Its just about being active and keeping yourself going and moving! Easy as that!

Anyway, I need to get going and get ready for work early in the morning. I hope that everyone has had a great week and have great weekend plans ahead of them!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Weigh-In Wednesday and Foot Issues

So today was weigh-in Wednesday and while I was a smidge disappointed about the results, at least I didn't really gain anything from the last official weigh-in. I came in at 191 even. Last time I was 193-something, so at least I lost about two pounds in the last two weeks. ... Trying to stay positive. Also I recently had to buy a new pair of work pants (and to be honest I ended up buying two pair). One of them was the same brand and size as my old pair, I just did the petite ones instead of the average because I'm so short. Today I realized that they felt a little loose, which was nice!

Anyway. So recently I've come across this foot issue. It actually started about a month or two ago but it's been just coming and going randomly. Recently I got so frustrated from it that I finally went to a doctor to find out what was going on. Turns out, my right foot has a nice little case of athletes foot. Fun, right??? It's been off and on super duper itchy and irritated for a while. So they've given me the tools to get it better and under control, so hopefully things will come together for it and get it feeling better. Honestly, I know it's been hindering my activity level this week because my foot just doesn't feel good and thus I don't feel like being active with it. I just wanna slather it in Lamisil cream and rest it. But I'm still trying to be as active as I can. I still plan to go to Zumba class tomorrow, and I'm super looking forward to it! I just got some new workout leggings and a new tank top that I'm dying to premier! But I'm also ready to get in there and get to work!
Though last night I did the Sculpt and Tone dvd and it was all I could do to get through about 20 minutes of it before exhaustion set in. But I'm sure I'll be able to beast through the hour long class. The class is different from doing the dvds at home. The time seems to fly by faster! Super ready!!!

Anyway. I guess I need to get going. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Weekend Activity

This weekend I tried to be active but still sort of take it easy. Saturday we woke up early and drove to the mountains for a day trip. We caught a late breakfast once we arrived to Boone, then walked around campus, went to the outlet mall and walked around, then we drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while before stopping at one of my favorite hiking spots. We got to Beacon Heights and hiked up the mountain for about 10 minutes until we reached the big cliff at the end. We sat out there for a while, then found another section of the cliff that I didn't even know about. Then we left and went to a nearby park to walk around a bit more before returning to town for dinner at my favorite place ever, Macados!! We had a great day in my favorite place in the world, Boone. I miss living there so much! Its such a great place with so many places for outside activities!

Today I went for an afternoon walk around the lake by my apartment. I didn't do Couch to 5K. I just walked around and honestly I played Pokemon Go as I was walking around, but something is better than nothing, right? At least I've tried to remain active this weekend. Weigh-In Wednesday is coming up this week afterall!

Anyway. I am exhausted after a day of cleaning this apartment so I'm going to relax with my furbabies and watch The Walking Dead before I go to sleep. I hope everyone has a great week coming up!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Zumba Class REALNESS!!! And Monthly Measurements!!!

Good Thursday evening to you all! I guess first things first, lets get Monthly Measurements out of the way. As per usual I'm giving the disclaimer that I'm not the best at taking my own measurements so they may or may not be very accurate, but hopefully it gives me a ballpark idea at where I'm at and how I'm doing.

So my waist came in at 39.5" which is only about a half an inch loss from last month but I'll still take it! And my hips came in at 45". Both of these measurements may seem like they're still high... and they are don't get me wrong.... but they're important. Because in both areas I have lost about two inches each since I started this whole thing. How awesome is that???? And I have to say, I was bad and popped on the scale this morning to see how I was doing on that front even though its not an official weigh in day, but I was pleasantly surprised that I saw 188.8 on the scale. That's the lowest number I think I've see on there in a long time, so needless to say that put me in a good mood too!

Now onto the bulk of today's post. Today I did something I've been wanting to start for a while, and that is go to an actual Zumba class. The closest thing to a class I have ever done was a 2 hours Zumba-thon we did in college as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. Otherwise, any Zumba I have ever done has been in my living room with DVDs. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Would it be a large class or very small? Would the moves be more complex than I could handle? Would I be the only new person? Would I like the teacher?
Let me answer all of those questions with one statement. I plan to go back next week! The class was small, including me and the instructor there were four other people, so it made for an easy going atmosphere for my first time there. I had some technical issues figuring out my left from my right some times but I feel like for the most part I got things pretty quickly. I went through an entire bottle of water, which when I do it at home I usually only go through maybe half. When I left I was a sweaty mess, but I felt good all at the same time! The class was definitely worth my $5 and all the other $5 I'll spend on it in the weeks to come! If anyone else in the Raleigh area is ever interested in going, let me know! It definitely has the CarryV seal of approval!

Anyway, I'm going to relax for a bit and get some things done here at the end of the night. I hope everyone has great weekend plans ahead! Be good to each other, always!

Blessings and Later Days...

--CarryV

Probably will be hurting tomorrow!

Today I used a Zumba dvd I haven't done in a very long time. It was my older Sculpt and Tone dvd. 40 minutes (plus a 5 minute cool down at the end) of toning awesomeness! However I feel completely wiped out. Well maybe not completely. But I'm super sweaty and just know I'm going to be feeling it in the morning! I just felt like a change, but I forgot how intense that dvd is! But I was proud of myself in that I did the entire dvd and didn't skip any sections. Below is the screenshot of how my google fit app thinks I did. As I've said before, I'm not sure how accurate their calorie counter is, but I mean... if it is pretty accurate, I'll definitely take it!

Monthly Measurements is on Thursday so stay tuned!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Focusing on the Process, not the Progress

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you've all had a great weekend! This one has been pretty packed for me! I've been pet sitting, I had to work at the hospital on Saturday... which even though it's a half day, it's always quite a doozy! But I still tried to find time to workout to make up for the slacking I was doing the last two weeks.
Yesterday I wanted to go to Greek Fiesta for the first time and I also wanted to go to Goodberry's to get some frozen custard (I mean, the flavor of the day was cheesecake!!!) so I was like "Ok, I'll treat myself to those things IF I do some kind of a workout today". So I did about 35-40 minutes of Zumba. The best part was that my boyfriend jumped in and did Zumba with me, which made the time fly by way faster. He did pretty good for his first time doing some Zumba!
Today was the first day in a while it's actually been a decent temperature outside, so I opted to do some work outside while the weather was cooperative. I know it's been a while since I've done a couch to 5K workout (about 17 days to be exact! Yikes!) so I wasn't expecting it to be easy jumping right back into the week three routine... and I was right. It wiped me out! For the first time ever, I actually had to stop jogging during the jogging portions to walk a little bit because I was so tired. It was only during the 3 minute sections and I feel like I did most of the time jogging. I tried to make up for it by jogging during some of the walking parts too and during part of the cool down since I knew I could do more cool down time after everything was over since I'd have to still walk back to my apartment. I honestly got a little bummed out and disheartened because once again I didn't get as far down the trail as I was when I was doing the week two routine. I feel like I should be getting at least that far down if not further because I'm running for longer. Then again I want to say the third week is about 2 or 3 minutes shorter than the second week. So that could be a factor. But I just feel like my pace isn't very good. ... However, while typing this it made me think and I went back to look over some of my pacing notes from past workouts when I was doing the week two routines just to see. My pace wasn't too much off in terms of how long it takes me to do a mile (which has been averaging about 15 minutes 40-something seconds per mile). But still, my original purpose of this post is to say that I think it's time that I focus on the process and not the progress. Progress will happen in it's own time as I continue the process. In order to make progress I need to make sure I keep doing the work, and doing it consistently which has been difficult as of late for one reason or another. So it's all about just keeping on keeping on.

Anyway. Not much else is going on. Monthly Measurements will be coming up in a few days so keep an eye out for that. Again, with my recent setbacks I don't foresee there being any positive change but that too will come in time as things go. I hope everyone has a great week ahead of them! Be good to each other, always!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Weigh-In Wednesday Results

And they aren't good, let me tell you! Woke up yesterday morning and did my weigh-in Wednesday.... 193.2. I went UP! Do not like!! It has definitely grabbed my attention and has me ready to continue to kick some butt!! Time to get to work and get busy!! I was doing so great, but backslides do happen from time to time and when they do you just gotta dust yourself off and get back to work!

I did a Zumba workout on Tuesday that was really nice. It was about 35-40 minutes long and I tracked the workout using my google fit app. I mentioned it on facebook that night but it was pretty cool. It estimates how many calories are burned based on how long the workout is. Now I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it at least gives me a ballpark figure which is nice. I think it told me I burned about 230 calories during that workout, which is nice!

Anyway I hate to type and run but I have a few things to do before I head out to run errands here on my day off. I hope that everyone is having a great week! Stay good to each other!

Blessings and later days!

--CarryV

I promise I'm not MIA!!!

This past week as been an odd one. I've been off and on not feeling well and honestly, exercise just did not happen. But yesterday I did get up and do something about it and did about 35-40 minutes of Zumba, which was nice. I just really need to get my routine back together! I even made a note for myself in my notebook so hopefully that'll help me keep myself going!

Anyway. Otherwise I hope that everyone had a great week last week and have great things in store for the week ahead! I'll be sure to post more this week Lord willing and if the creek don't rise!

Blessings and Later days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K OUTSIDE

I dragged my ass today making myself go to a workout. Days off from my job are nice and I like to use them for resting but I knew that a workout was going to have to come into play at some point today. But I did allow myself to sleep in until about 10:30am which was GLORIOUS! I haven't slept in that late in what feels like forever! But then I got up and started amongst my to-do list for the day. I did a few things around the apartment that needed to be done. I went to the mall for a small bit of retail therapy.... I got a few things from Belk (including a sweet new pair of PJ pants that are super comfy and have cute London things on them!) and then went to Teavana and bought some flavored green tea I've been craving the hell out of lately. Honestly, I really miss working there sometimes.
One thing at the mall did sort of miff me. As I was leaving Belk and heading for Teavana a guy came rushing out of the store right outside of Belk, which does like.... face cleansers and stuff.... and they've suckered me before when they've been like "Here's a free sample of lotion!" and I go "Oh thanks!" then they're like "Hey come in for a while!" and do demos on me. .... So this time I was just like "No thank you, I don't have the time" and kept going. Which is rude, I know. But he still kept trying to get me to come in even though I said no. No means no. But then after I finished at Teavana I was heading down the mall for a little bit of window shopping and there was a kiosk with a similar product and this guy was obviously not going to take no for an answer. So I did his demo and he constantly told me that I was a tough cookie. I was like "Well I've already said I have products like this that I'm already committed too so...."
Anyway. All of that aside my trip to the mall was pretty nice. I came home and did a few more things and then was lounging around playing with my phone since it had come back while I was out from it's repair. I suddenly looked up and it was 6pm and the sun was setting. I got up, got dressed in my workout clothes and took myself right on outside to do a workout outside. I decided to try a Week Three workout outside of Couch to 5K since I hadn't done it in about a week or so and the last time I'd done it was on the treadmill. To my shock and awe it was easier than I thought. Now I didn't say it was easy... it was just easier than I thought, Though, that last 3 minute jog was a killer right near the end. But it was great because JT's "Can't Stop the Feelin" came on right as it told me to jog that last time which lifted my spirits. I'm sure if there had been more people out on the trail at that time they would've thought I was nuts cause I was starting to sort of like.... dance jog? down the trail to the song, which helped keep me going a bit. But I'm sure if anyone saw me they probably thought I was crazy.

Anyways. I did it though. And while I was sort of bummed out that my pace actually seemed to be slower than it was when I would do week two outside I'm trying to focus more on the fact that I did it. I did it, I finished the workout and didn't have to stop jogging halfway through or anything. So, I'm going to count it as a win I think. I hope that everyone is having a great week and have fun weekend plans ahead!

Blessings and Later days!

--CarryV

Weigh-In Wednesday - Progress Made!

So this will be a short post because I'm so sleepy I can barely keep my eyes open but I did want to report on my Weigh-In Wednesday results from this morning. It was a great weigh-in! I came in at 189.7! I finally went below the 190s! Barely, but I still got there! WOO HOO! Tomorrow I'm going to try Week Three of C25K again since I've been focusing more on Zumba lately. I don't want to lose the progress I have made with it and have to go back to week two or even week one. Gonna keep going!!

Anyway I'm sure I'll post something a little more detailed and conscious once I've had a nice night's sleep. But I hope everyone has had a great week so far!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

C25K Break Needed!

One thing about working out is that I sometimes get bored doing the same thing over and over, and while C25K is great because the workout varies depending on which week you're on, it's still just jogging and walking. I started to get a little bored with it. So I've been trying to use Zumba more recently to still stay active. I've sort of missed Zumba and it's nice to get back into it. I've been using the 20 minute express dvd more recently, but yesterday I decided to do one that was a little longer and I popped in my Cardio Party dvd. It was one of my favorites when I was in college. I especially love the Cumbia part of the dvd. I forgot how great of an ab workout that segment is!! There are two segments of that dvd that I usually skip over, not because they're hard really, but more that I just don't like them. They're also hard to do with the limited space I have in my living room. Regardless, I still did about 30-35 minutes of hardcore Zumba yesterday!

Also, for those who were curious about my blood pressure measurements for the past week, here were the results!

2-18
Morning: 120/76 Pulse 70
Evening: 124/78 Pulse 65

2-19
Morning: 118/72 Pulse 63
Evening: 120/81 Pulse 55

2-20
Morning: 121/79 Pulse 63
Evening: 114/83 Pulse 67

2-21
Morning: 120/84 Pulse 76
Evening: 118/88 Pulse 86

2-22
Morning: 114/81 Pulse 76
Evening: 122/79 Pulse 58

2-23
Morning: 128/81 Pulse 54
Evening: 114/79 Pulse 75

2-24
Morning: 132/84 Pulse 76
Evening: 122/72 Pulse 82

So.... overall not too terribly shabby. My doctor said she wants me to aim for under 130/80 so I feel like I'm getting there for the most part. I'm still greatly borderline and it's still something worth me keeping an eye on.

Today I took so time to stay at home and relax. I did get some productive stuff done.... got some laundry washed, which was much needed. Vacuumed the floor. Then I took an unplanned hour and a half nap while watching tv lol You ever just wake up from an unplanned nap and think to yourself like.... wtf? But then I took some time to pamper myself to prepare for the work week ahead. I did a foot treatment that will help them not be so rough and dry. I took the old polish off of my fingernails and gave myself a quick manicure and re-painted them. Then I did a nice face mask, which was amazing. Sometimes you have to remember that being healthy isn't just about what you eat or how much you exercise. It's also about your skin, hair, nails, all sorts of things. Also mental health which is why the bit of pampering I did today was much needed!

Anyway. This is a short blog but I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still working on being more active and pushing on! I hope everyone had a great weekend and hope that everyone has a great week planned ahead!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Monthly Measurements!

Good evening all! I just got finished with my workout today which wasn't a couch to 5K, but I did a 20 minute Zumba workout in my living room. Movement is movement, right? And it was nice to do something that was more focused on my ab area. And zumba is always something fun to do!

However, this morning I did my monthly measurements! Here are the results!

Waist: 40" (That's a 2" loss!)
Hips: 46" (That's a 1" loss!)

Now granted, I'm not sure how accurate my measurement skills are, so who knows how real this is. But... still. I even feel leaner and that's what matters. What matters isn't the number on the measure tape but it's all about how you feel! Spirit counts!

Furthermore, this morning I slept in *yay days off!* and then got up and went to get some fasting blood work done per my new doctor's instructions. I absolutely hate needles, but fortunately I had a great nurse who was super nice and kept me occupied to take my mind off of it. It was over before I realized it! We'll see how my numbers come out in a few days I think, and I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on my progress there!

I hope that everyone has had a fantastic week and that Friday brings many awesome things! I know I'm looking forward to this weekend! You all rock all my socks!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

C25K ... WEEK FREAKING THREE!!! *And so it begins...*

So today was the day! I got home from work, walked the dog, got changed and headed over to the workout room with a plan in mind. To attempt week three of Couch to 5K for the first time. Week three consists of a five minute warm up, then alternating between 90 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking, then 3 minutes of jogging and 3 minutes of walking twice. The downside was that, with me being so clumsy on the treadmill, it was hard to jog for long times without starting to zig zag so during the three minute sections of jogging I got about halfway and then had to hang onto the bar on the treadmill because otherwise I was scared I would trip. The good part is that even though I had to do that, I still kept going and didn't have to stop jogging halfway through (even though the second 3 minute section was really hard to keep going at one point) or I didn't have to slow the speed down halfway through. I did it and finished it all.

I'm interested to see what my pace is out in the real world running. According to the treadmill today I only did about a mile and a half in 28 minutes. I feel like in the real world I'll probably go a further distance... though I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish it all but we shall see! All I need to do is take things one day at a time and I'll get by!

Anyway. Thursday is Monthly Measurement day and I'll be taking my new measurements to see how things have been going on that progress. And I've been taking my blood pressure twice a day per my doctor's instructions for almost a week now and so far the results have been pretty good!

Welp, I'm sorry it's so short, but I have a few things I need to do before I go to bed. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Doctor's Visit and Saturday Activity

I guess I'll start with my doctor's appointment. I feel like it went fairly well. My weight was at 195.6, which would probably put me about where I thought I was because Wednesday when I weighed in I hadn't eaten anything and I weighed myself just after using the bathroom and without the weight of clothes. At my doctor's appointment I'd eaten a small breakfast/lunch and was fully clothed. So that probably puts me about right.
When they checked my blood pressure at the beginning of the appointment I was disheartened to hear that it was 122/100. Lately when I've been checking it at kiosks at like, Walmart and Kroger, the bottom number had been ranging around 81-92. The doctor later asked me if I was just nervous because I was in a new place and everything. I told her that, yes, I sometimes tend to get really anxious in doctor's offices because I have a giant phobia of needles. She assured me that I wouldn't be getting stuck with a needle that day, though she does want me to do some fasting bloodwork within the week so she can check a few other things. But she said that day I wouldn't be doing anything like that so she wanted me to relax and she'd check it again at the end. We went through the rest of my exam, everything seemed to go great then she checked it again in both arms. She didn't tell me what the top number was but she did say in both arms she was getting a bottom number of about 88. She wanted me to get my own blood pressure cuff to have at home and wants me to check it twice a day, once in the morning and once a night, and report it all to her at the end of every week for about a month. I told her that I've been trying to make better choices and have began to work out more doing the Couch to 5K program and that I've already lost about 5-7 pounds in the first month. She was happy to hear that and said that I will most likely be able to get my blood pressure back under control with the diet and exercise I've been working on so I hopefully won't have to be put on blood pressure meds. So yay on that front!

That being said, I checked my blood pressure this morning and it came in at 120/76. I also just realized that I'm not sure what is considered healthy blood pressure for someone my age. Guess that was a question I forgot to ask the Doctor. Whoops! I'll email her and find out what my goal should be. But for now I feel like that's still pretty good progress.

Ok so now on to today's workout! To everyone's shock and awe, I did not do a C25K today. Honestly, my knee really super hurts and I didn't want to aggravate it further, so I opted to do something different. I put in one of my old Zumba dvds and did the 20 minute express. It was a great workout. I forgot how much it really works and focuses on your core. I am definitely aware of what little bit of abs I have right now. So it was a little less impact on my knees but still got me up and active for a bit. It's something, right?

Anyway. I hope everyone has a great weekend and continue to have something to inspire them to do great things!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Weigh-In Wednesday!

It's the magical time again... Weigh-In Wednesday! But it's a good one though! Got on the scale this morning before work.... 192.5. I've lost just over 2 pounds since my last weigh-in! I've also lost a total of about 7 pounds since beginning this whole thing, so that's nice progress!

Tonight I went to the workout room and did another week 2 workout of C25K. I had a bit of a setback with my workout. For those who may not be friends with me on facebook, I dropped my phone yesterday and shattered the screen pretty badly. I can't even unlock my phone to do anything. So I had to scrounge and find my old phone to put my SIM card into so I have something to use until I get my other phone fixed. I downloaded the C25K app to this phone, made sure my music carried over on my google music, and got myself back into the game!

Tomorrow I'm going to the doctor for my annual exam. I'm anxious to see what they tell me about my blood pressure, but the good news is that while I know it's still high, it's come down since I was first told there was a problem. I'm also curious as to what their scale tells me and how different it will be from mine here at home. I guess we'll see tomorrow!!

Anyway I need to get going. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Outside vs Inside on Treadmill

Greetings all! I hope everyone had a fantastic and restful weekend! Mine was pretty good actually. I was able to rest and take it easy for most of the time. I'm just gearing up now to prepare myself for this crazy week ahead!

Yesterday I went out to the trial behind my apt around the lake to do my C25K run. It was another redo of week 2, so I feel like it should have gone over pretty easy. No no no it didn't. I felt like I had my ass handed to me out on the trail. I mean, I feel accomplished but at the same time I felt like I thought I had gone about 6 inches forward then 5 inches back (Thank you to anyone who gets that song reference). The past few times of working on the treadmill I felt like I was getting really close to moving on to the 3rd week routine. I wasn't getting as winded. I was even pushing the speed up a little higher every time (topping out at 4.5). But man, going around the lake was hard work!! I don't know if it was because the trail has a few small hills along the way or maybe I'm going faster on the trail than I do on the treadmill... I'm not sure why it was harder, it just was. So now I feel like I'm not "really" getting a workout unless I do it outside instead of on the treadmill. Because running on the treadmill is not how I will be running that 5K in October. It will be outside amongst the hills and stuff. But running outside every time just isn't really an option for me since its dark by the time I get home from work. Anyone have any suggestions about this?

Anyway. Other than that I feel pretty good. My eating habits still aren't probably where they need to be but every day I'm going forward. My knees still hurt, and they alternate as to which knee hurts the worst (today it's the right). I'm also starting to consider that I might need to amp my workout game and maybe start adding some zumba or something in about once or twice a week. We'll see how this week goes.

Welp, I hate to keep this short but I still have some chores to do around the house before I hit the bed tonight. I hope everyone has a great week ahead of them!

Blessings and Later days!

--CarryV

Progress Poster Made!

So today I had a nice day off from pretty much everything, which was super wonderful. I slept in until about 9:30 or so this morning then got up and started my day. I got my nails did, which was something that drastically needed to be done. Especially my feet. Then went and got my hair cut (will be dying it soon too!) and came back to my apartment. Once I got home it was a mix of house chores and getting dinner started. Among my house chores was to finally get my progress poster made and put up. You can see it below! And yes, I realize one of the goals doesn't have a reward. I'm still trying to think of that one because that one is a biggie and I want to make sure it's a really good one! But in the process of making the poster, it really got me motivated, so I got changed and went out to the workout room to put some time in on the treadmill. However, as great of a workout it was I feel like doing it two days in a row was probably not the best idea as my knees, my left one in particular, hurt so bad right now. Anyone have any ideas or remedies for knee pain? Icy hot maybe? IDK.

Also, I did something today that I know I shouldn't have done. I need to start keeping my weigh ins for just official Weigh-In Wednesdays, not just random days in between. But. You guys. Exciting stuff. I got on this morning just to see what it would say, and... you guys... omg.... it was just under the 190 mark. It was like 189.-something. I about did a backflip y'all. It made my heart smile to see that I'm slowly but surely coming out of the 190s and well on my way to my goal! Now who knows if it'll be the same results when the next Weigh-In Wednesday comes around, but I guess we'll all have to see!!

Anyway, I'm gonna get going so I can rest up for work tomorrow. Fridays always seem to be crazy, so I want to make sure I'm super ready for it and that my knees are both in tip top shape to run all over the hospital for 10 hours.

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

C25K - Week 2, Day 3 (Redux... again!)

Yes, I realize it's been a while since you've heard from me. No, I haven't gone anywhere and no I absolutely haven't given up! The past week has been a bit of a whirlwind and I had a bit of a sore knee for a few days, which I know being busy shouldn't be used as an excuse... but... sometimes things just need to get done and other things need to get moved to the back burner for a bit.

BUT, I'm back! I went to the workout room in my apartment complex today and popped onto the treadmill to redo a day from Week 2, and I feel like I did pretty good. I even had the jogging speed slightly higher than I have before to really try to push myself. The particular treadmill I was on wasn't working properly. It felt like the belt was catching which made me nervous to go too fast but the other treadmill was taken and the one on the other side of me didn't really work at all. Soooooo take what you can get I guess.

I just got back to my apartment, ate some dinner and took some ibuprofen because my knee still kind of smarts a bit. But I now have my feet up and catching up on some much needed cat cuddles and television that's been floating on my DVR for a week or more. Today is also my "Friday" so that means I get to sleep in tomorrow! Yay!!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

C25K - Week 2, Day 3 (Redux)

Yep, I'm gonna have to repeat week 2 completely I think. I also think I take it easy on myself whenever I do my workout on a treadmill. I don't think I go as fast or push myself as much on the treadmill as I do when I'm out in the real world doing it. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that on the treadmill I'm always scared I'm going to trip and fall because, lets face it, I'm super clumsy. I trip on flat non-moving surfaces on almost a daily basis lol But maybe next time I have to do it on the treadmill I'll try to up my game some!

But about today's workout. I had my Google Fit app running in the background while I was going and this is what it told me at the end of the workout. Not too too shabby I think. I still have a long ways to go, fortunately the 5K that I'm training for isn't until like, October, so I have plenty of time!

I'm going to rest for a bit then try to get some cleaning done around the house before I go to work at the theatre.

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Weigh-In Wednesday (A Day Late?)

I'm sorry this is late!!! Yesterday was crazy! But here we go!

--Starting Weight on 1-18-17: 195.3
--Weigh-In Wednesday on 2-1-17: 194.9

So... I didn't lose as much as I thought. In theory I gained some because I sneak-peaked and weighed myself a few days ago and it was a bit lower than this. But still, I'm not over the 195.3. I'm not super close or over the 200 mark. So, I'm still considering this a win! Progress is progress, no matter how small!

I will probably try to blog again later today since today is a C25K day, so be on the lookout for that!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Week 2 Day 3

... And yep, I think I'm gonna have to repeat at least one day of this week, but then I'll be ready to move on to the week three routine! It was a tiring workout after working for 11 hours at the animal hospital, but I got through it and that's what matters, right?

Also, I haven't put together my goals/status poster yet, which is why there have been no pictures of it on here. That will hopefully be a task for Thursday since I have that day off. So be on the lookout for that.

Also also, tomorrow is Weight-In Wednesday, and I'm honestly a little nervous about it but I feel like my metabolism has gone up because despite eating three meals the past few days I've still felt randomly hungry. Like right now. I just ate a pretty decent portion of brown rice, tilapia, mushrooms and edamame..... and I'm actually still like borderline starving feeling. Its weird. But I guess we'll find out what's going on tomorrow!

Finally, I'd like to give a quick shout out to my best friend in the WORLD, Crystal Cannon, who has been rocking her workout routine and eating habit changes. She's been doing Couch to 5K for a few months now and has just been kicking all sorts of butt with it! Today was her weigh-in day and I don't want to blast too much of her business all over the internet but I just want to go on record as saying that I am super duper overly crazy proud of her and all of her success and progress she's had! Way to go, girl! You got dis!

Anyway I think I'm going to finish a few things and then crawl into bed to rest for tomorrow's workday. I hope you're all having a great week so far!

Blessings and Later days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Week 2 Day 2!

Today was a pretty decent day. I slept in a bit. I went to work at the theatre for a bit, then I joined my coworkers from my full time job to go do some stained glass stuff. It was a lot of fun to make my own stained glass piece, but man was it difficult! I was not very good at it. But I made a nice little hummingbird. I've been thinking a lot about my mom lately. I'm not sure why. I think it's because one of the reasons I've started down this fitness path is because of my health. My blood pressure has started reading pretty high lately and I'm trying desperately to get it back down to more normal numbers  without having to get on medication for it. My mom always had super high blood pressure. I was actually born a few weeks early via C-Section because she had such bad hypertension. She always said it would be a heart attack or a stroke that killed her, and she was right. I know that she wouldn't want that for me, so I've been channeling her love and her strength to push myself through this workout routine every other day. I've been trying to make better eating choices (though lets be real, sometimes its super hard). But my mom always really loved humming birds, so I worked as hard as I could on it to make it pretty. I wasn't the best at stained glass making, but I think it turned out pretty well (See the picture below!)

Now onto the workout! I got home from the stained glass project, walked my dog, and then got changed and went over to the workout room to do my jog since it was cold and dark outside. Fortunately no one else was in there so I was able to unplug my headphones and just set my phone in the cupholder and blast it loudly. I did the Week Two routine like I did on Friday (alternating between 90 seconds of jogging and 2 minutes of walking) and I found it actually came pretty easy for me. I'm still not sure if I'm going to need to repeat any of these days from this week. We'll see how Tuesday goes when I do Day 3 of the 2nd week. But I was really super stoked because I've had the Justin Timberlake song "Can't Stop the Feeling" stuck in my head like a broken record for the past week or so, and so I put it on my workout playlist. I got through almost the whole workout and it hadn't come on yet and I got a little sad. But then just before the 6th and last jogging session it came on, so I'd like to think I ended the workout on a high note!

Anyway I have a few more things I need to get done before I hit the bed and get rested up to go back to work tomorrow. I hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!

Blessings and Later Days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Week TWO, Day One and "Unofficial Weigh-in"

Today I started the Week Two routine of Couch to 5K... and it was HARD. I thought about sitting down a few times to take a break but I kept telling myself no and kept going. The Week Two routine is to do a 5 minute warmup, then alternate between 90 seconds of jogging and 2 minutes of walking with there being six total times of jogging, then a 5 minute cool down. I have to say, I wasn't so thrilled about the 90 second jogs, but I totally digged the fact that I only had to jog 6 times as opposed to the 8 times I had to do it in Week One. I thought to myself today, "Man, I'm probably going to have to repeat the Week Two at least once before I move on to Week Three..." But then I also remembered, that's what I said about going from Week One to Week Two, and I only had to repeat one day of Week One before I felt ready to move on... so we shall see. You're only supposed to do it three days out of the week. but at some point I'm going to have two days between the changing weeks, so to keep my body ready to go each day and to get myself more into a routine, I'm trying hard to stick to doing it every other day. So far, things are going well, so I say lets keep going!

Today's workout was particularly great because my boyfriend joined me, which is nothing out of the ordinary for him. He usually likes to go for a run around the lake when he's over and can pretty much run around the lake twice in the time it takes me to walk around it once. So we decided to just let each other go at our own pace and we'd meet up back at the apartment when we were both done. So he takes off, and I'm just bopping along. Eventually I get most of the way through my workout and I think... shouldn't he have lapped me by now? I figured maybe he just decided to run around once and maybe he was back at the apartment already, so I kept on trucking. I get to the end of the cool down portion of my workout, my C25K app tells me the workout is complete. I go to take my phone out and take my post-workout selfie since I was happy that I got further down the trail than before. I turn around to look behind me before I take the selfie and I saw him running up behind me. Even though he was ahead of me, I was still going fast enough where he hadn't lapped me because he didn't catch up to me by the end of his second circuit around. This all kind of blew my mind. I really expected to see him about half way through my workout, and to run into him right at the end was sort of a nice feeling of progress. Soon, I hope to be able to keep up a more similar pace to him all the way around the lake, but everything needs to go one step at a time as I learn to pace myself.

So this morning I got to sleep in, which was great. But unfortunately my body has gotten used to waking up early on my workdays so on my days off I tend to wake up around 6-6:30am either out of habit or because nature calls. This morning it was the latter. So I got up, did what needed to be done and on my way back to my room I thought... I know my Weigh-In Wednesday isn't for another few days, but what's the harm in getting a little preview? So I got on the scale, held my breath...... 193.2.... or was it 192.3?.... Either way, I have lost about 2-3 pounds in just over a week (This Wednesday will be 2 weeks since my original weigh-in, and will be the next Official Weigh-In Wednesday, so stay tuned!) So that was also a nice little ego boost. That all of this work is worth it and I'm actually slowly working towards my goal to be a healthier me!

Anyways, I guess I should get going. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Blessings and Later Days,

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Week 1, Day 3 (Redux)

So I did end up repeating a day from Week 1. But, it was still successful because I increased my speed from Monday. The first half of the time I went at the same speeds but the second half I increased the jogging from 4 that I ended with on Monday to 4.2. Not the biggest increase ever, but every little bit helps, right?

I also had a huge bout of self consciousness during my workout. There were two people in the workout room, not really working out, just standing and talking the whole time I was in there. I was really aware of how loud it was when I was running or if I was breathing "too hard". It wasn't until about halfway thru or so that I just finally said "screw it" and did my own thing and finished my workout. It's something I'm aware of when I jog around the lake too, as sometimes I have to jog on wooden bridges and my feet can be loud on those when I'm jogging. And to be honest, we hear stories all the time of people in gyms fat shaming. Why would someone shame someone trying to better themselves? Anyway. I don't think those two were barely aware I was there. I'm pretty sure I was overthinking it the entire time. The point is, I rocked today's workout. I think Friday I might move on to Week 2's routine to see how I do with that.

I'm also in the process of making my "progress chart", which once I get it made I'll be posting a picture of it. I'm currently trying to make a list of all of my goals and rewards. I'm coming up with all sorts of goals, both long term and short, but I'm having a difficult time thinking of rewards! One of my more short term goals though is if I can lose at least two pounds by Valentines Day, I'll take myself to my favorite nail salon and get my nails done, both my fingers and my toesies! 

Anyway. I need to finish getting ready for bed. Work comes early tomorrow morning! Keep on keeping on, everyone! Friday is nearly upon us!

Later days and Blessings!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Day Two, Week One and Measurements

Happy Monday all! Today was a bit of an exhausting day. I honestly wasn't even looking forward to working out really. I mean, sort of, but not really. But I realized that if I keep letting being tired from work get in the way I'll keep letting two and three days go in between my workouts, and that's not going to help me progress week to week. I'll be stuck on week one forever if I do that! The only way to keep building up the stamina and building up the endurance I need to move from one week to the next more challenging week is to keep up with an every other day type of schedule.
So by the time I got off work around 6pm and got home, walked the dog and changed it was close to 7pm. It was dark, it was chilly and it was windy! Fortunately my apartment complex has a small workout facility! So I got over there and fortunately no one was in there. I got on the treadmill and got to work. Now one thing I've learned in the past, and something that I was reminded of tonight is still true, is that.... jogging on a treadmill is hard. Especially for someone like me who is sometimes pretty clumsy and often trips over flat non-moving surfaces in the real world. So I may not have been jogging at "full capacity" but I feel like I was fairly on-par with my speed out around the lake. I kept my walking at about a 2.5 and my jogging at a 3.9 (though the last run I decided to live dangerously and went for 4.0!) Thought according to the treadmill I only burned about 93 calories... I'm not sure how accurate that is, and I know sometimes those readings can be wrong, so who knows. But still, that's 93 calories more than I would have burned if I was just sitting around. Also, I hope whoever watches the security cameras in the fitness room will be amused because since I was in there by myself I tended to get a little silly if a favorite song came on my playlist and I'd start trying to dance on the treadmill or would start lip syncing and stuff. I'm sure it was.... interesting.... Hopefully no one peeped in when I wasn't looking and saw that.... :-D

Also, I finally got some measurements taken yesterday. They are as follows:
--Waist: 42"
--Hips: 47"

I also bought a piece of posterboard to make a poster to track my progress and my goals as I hit them. I'll get around to making that probably tomorrow night since it's my off night from Couch to 5K.

Anyway. I wanted to close this post with something positive. I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who has so far given me encouraging words and positive vibes as I've embarked on this journey. The last time I went on a weight loss journey, it wasn't exactly for the best reasons. It wasn't entirely for me and sometimes it did me more harm than good as I let the diet and exercising take control of me. It really makes my heart smile that so many of my friends, family and coworkers have shown such great support of me just trying to get healthy so that I can be the best lil Carry I can be! So thank you all for helping me do this the right and the healthy way! You guys rock all the socks!

Later days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Day Two and Weigh-in Wednesday

So....... obviously I didn't get around to posting on Wednesday, but I did weigh myself! However I couldn't find, and still can't find, my measuring tape so I don't have measurements to report but a starting weight is a good start, right? I also didn't take "before" pictures.... that'll happen soon though!

But my starting weight is.... drum roll please........... 195.3. Which is ironically the lowest I think I've been in a few months probably.

And it took me a while to get around to it, but I just did my Couch to 5K workout today, which is day 2 and was the same workout as day 1 (5 minute warm up, then alternating between 90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of jogging, then another 5 minute cool down). I think I'm going to have to repeat this week. Otherwise the second week routines are going to kill me. And it's nice that I have my music turned up so loud because it drowns out my huffing and puffing lol And going around the lake is fun because I get to see a lot of super cute doggies walking around the lake with their humans, which is always a plus!

Also if anyone is looking for a good song to motivate you to jog, seriously, add "Stand Out" from The Goofy Movie to your playlist. I don't know why, but it really gets me moving!

Anyway, I think that's it for now. I hope you all have a great rest of the weekend!

Later days!

--CarryV

Couch to 5K - Day 1

So today I embarked on one of my fitness goals, and that is the Couch to 5K program. I downloaded the app, got some music on my phone to work to and hit the trail around Lake Lynn behind my apartment with my fanny pack (Yes, I said fanny pack. I'm 30 now, I can wear a fanny pack!) and water bottle. There was a 5 minute warm up, then 20 minutes of the actual workout (which alternated between 90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of jogging) and then a 5 minute cool down. Doesn't sound like much, but it was a real workout for me. However, I was super proud of myself that all 8 times it said to start running/jogging, I did. And I only stopped and sat down once and that was mostly because my shoes came untied, but I did stop for some water and a short rest before getting up and keeping on.
I know I may need to repeat the "Day 1" routine at least once more just to help get my body back into the groove of being active before I start to amp things up and go to Day 2, but progress is progress!
Tomorrow will be my first Weigh-In Wednesday where I will be taking my "before" pictures and measurements as well. I'll be sure to post those at some point tomorrow evening when I get home from work. But for now, I'm going to rest for a bit and re-hydrate. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!
Later days and Blessings!

--CarryV

#Project50 is back online!

So wow. Three posts almost a year ago and then nothing? How lame is that? Well, get ready for more posts, more updates, more progress and more motivation because I'm back with #Project50!

To catch up on whats happened with in the past year, I've traveled to London for the second time and worked on a play production with Burning Coal Theatre. It was great to be back in my favorite city in the world! Our show went great and we had a fantastic time seeing some of the sites! I also went to Scotland for two days, which is always great! I also had a change in jobs which has been a wonderful step in the right direction! I was so incredibly unhappy working for the airline, even though I was working from home and had a bit of a flexible schedule. I didn't like the person the job made me. I seemed to become more negative. Fortunately a great opportunity presented itself to work as a full time receptionist at a local animal hospital. I've been working there for about 3-4 months and I absolutely love it! I've already learned so much and I look forward to learning even more as things go!

However, lately I've found out that my blood pressure has gone up quite a bit and my weight hasn't gotten any better in the past year. I've been coming in right around 200 lately, which drives me crazy. But I certainly need to get my blood pressure under control since hypertension runs heavy in the family. My mom died from a heart attack. Her mom died from a stroke. Needless to say, it's a concern. So, here I go again to make another hardcore attempt at becoming a happier and healthier Carry! I plan to start Couch to 5K soon with the goal of running a 5K that I only walked a few months ago with the girls from the animal hospital. It took us an hour to walk it. So my goal is to work hard and try to run/jog it later this year when it comes around again. I also have a few new DVDs in addition to my Zumba kit I got last year that I hope will help me with mixing things up. I have plenty of options!

Anyway, this coming Wednesday I will do an official Weigh-In Wednesday and post some "before" pictures. Let's hope things go better this time around and I don't get side-tracked by life and stop my progress! Until then...

Later days...

--CarryV