OH NO>>>FLAT TIRE!

My extra hour of freedom from work didn't exactly worked out like I had hoped it would. All dolled up in my bike gear, sunglasses on, helmet in hand I sauntered out to the parking lot to find that my back tire was SO FLAT that it looked like it was off the rim! I thought to myself...well, it is a good thing I rejected my usual pattern of stubborness (I don't need that, I will be fine!) and accepted the portable air pump before I took off this morning for work, otherwise that egg would have been difficult to scrub off (um, hey honey....could you come pick me up at work? Um, yah...no big deal...just a flat tire is all...yah, the air pump...uh, huh, yup, next time, ha ha ha). Unfortunately, that air pump didn't work so well and after 10 minutes of exhaustive and futile effort on hot pavement in the scorching sun...I caved and walked back inside to call for a ride. Yup...you guessed it that plan didn't work out either...no answer at the house or on the cell phone. So, yours truly walked and pushed a mountain bike (yah, that light weight bike with racing tires is looking better all the time) all the way home...3 miles, no water, no snack and hardly any shade. You know it is hot when you start fantasizing that someone, anyone will pull over and ask you if you want a lift home....I mean how dangerous can the guys of Ron's Painting be anyways? Anyways, 50 minutes later I arrived home to find my husband and daughter playing in the nice cool garage at her sand and water table. They had been home the whole time....but, hey, I made it....it took me about a hour to recover from the heat stroke...but I made it. :) And 3 miles is 3 miles. It made the lemondae a lot sweeter!

So from now on....mandatory in my work bag...water bottle, snack and....can I fit an air conditioner in an LL Bean back pack?

Amy

Notes from Q.O.M.

I have been lax in my blogging but not in my "commit to fit'08". Sorry for the absence!

Melissa, I am totally with you on the integration of all of one's senses in being outside. I would love to hear more about your discovery of meditation...did you read a book, take a class or find a mentor? It is something I am intrigued by and interested in...please share if you don't mind.

Spurred by economic goals, a short commute to work and the really nice bike collecting dust in the garage, I decided to start biking to work. It is a 6 mile round trip...easy in the am (cool, clean air, mostly downhill) to the stark contrast of the pm half (humid, exhaust filled air)...but hey, it is 24 miles total for the week that I would not otherwise fit in to my life. I managed to ride to work all of my 3 shifts this week (4th shift off due to holiday). And I also managed to get up and run a couple of mornings and squeeze the 20 minute yoga tape in for 6/7 mornings. Not too shabby. :)

I had a wonderful visit with a friend today who surprised me with fresh veggies and herbs from her garden...all of which will contribute to a wonderfully healthy menu...thank you friend!

This weeks goal: start incorporating recently rediscovered pilates tape and more sit ups/push ups.

Amy

What I have realized...

...is that if I plan my work outs for in the morning there is a much better chance that it will happen.
I have struggled this summer on consistency and as I was day dreaming today I realized it was because of my lack of routine. My plan to work out "sometime" during the day is not working. I must have a plan...a routine! When the kids were in school. I woke up, saw them off to school and worked out. When they are in school I am up by 6 ish but now that is summer and we are all up later so I we've been sleeping in until 7 - 7:30.(not John, he's almost always up between 4-5) So my plan is to try and get to bed a little earlier and start getting up around 6 on my days off and get my workout done. Having said, there will be no procrastinations, no cancellations cause I'm exhausted or have too much to do, and no interruptions because hopefully the kids will stay asleep.
Good goals, I am hoping to fit into last years summers clothes before this summer is up.
Have a great weekend! ~Kim

Outdoor Exercise is the Key!

I have to admit...in the past, I have used the excuse that the kids are home on summer vacation and it is OK to blow-off the exercise. At the age of 39, that is no longer an option and I am finally in a place where I look forward to my workouts. I love the time to myself outside with nature. I have made a new practice of trying to use all my senses when outside exercising. Making myself aware of my surroundings has made me aware of how beautiful the full green trees and undergrowth are, or how different aromas come and go during the course of a walk. I also have noticed my own body, my heartbeat and respiratory rate. I can imagine blood flowing through all my healthy organs. It has made a difference in my outlook. My workouts are not a burden, but rather an opportunity to fully enjoy being well. Try it, it makes a differnce in your day. To date I have walked an average of 3-4 times weekly and meditated approximately 2-3 times weekly(this calms the monkey-brain). I have goal to fit the weights in or some sort of resistive workout in 2 X weekly. Have a great week! Oh yeah, thanks Kim for taking that awesome walk with me at Lily Bay last weekend. That was great!
Melissa N.

Almond-Cherry Energy Bars

These crunchy bars are a great high-energy snack

Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients:

3 cups of favorite granola
1 cup wheat germ
1 1/2 cups almond butter
1 teas vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup honey
1 cup dried cherries or dried cherry-flavored cranberries
1 cup slivered almonds

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and line parchment paper, leaving excess paper on edges. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and spread into pan. Press firmly. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cut into 24 bars while still warm.

Someone I work with made these last week and she gave me the recipe. They were good and healthy....thought I'd pass it along. I need to buy some wheat germ and then I'll be able to make and I plan to use dried cranberries. If you do not have almond butter or do not want to spend the outrageous price for it probably could be substituted with peanut butter.

This week I did cardio x 2 and did my weights once. I ate much better than the last 2 weeks. I ate a lot more salad, I did not overeat although I did treat myself with a few sweets. My goal for this week is 3 days of cardio.
Have a good week! ~Kim

I need to get a little more of a move on!!!! I did cardio x 2 last week, abs x 2 and some weights. I have yet to live up to my goals. The gardens, animals, and maintenance of this place seem to always be screaming my name. I ate like a cow last week, hormonal??? Not sure I can blame it on that yet. Trying to eat cleaner as well and trying to give up diet pepsi again. I had an 8 oz yesterday and a 12oz today. Gotta give that shit up...I'm an addict! Last time I did I swore I lost a few pounds plus that crap can't be good for you!
Have a good week all. Haven't heard from AL and SL lately?????

I'm still plugging away, I swear!

I have been faithfully doing my 4 mile walk about 3 times weekly....the weights, that is another story. I plan to do them 2 times weekly. Really need the yogo too. I have been soooo stiff lately! I am not very fond of this "feeling your age crud"! I would like to propose a new goal: I will do cardio X 4, weight program X 2 and yoga X2. Oh, and the eating...I too, need to eat clean, less sugar and processed foods! I had real whipped cream last PM....yummy, if I do that on occasion I will not beat myself up, but the key is moderation. Good luck to all with your goals. I am in your corner and share your same challenges. WE CAN DO THIS! afterall....stubborn determination=women!
Melissa N.