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.

Constant struggle!

So I did get in 1 workout at the end of last week-a Firm DVD that kicked my butt. It has a lot of weights combined with plyometrics and straight cardio, I highly recommend it to anyone that uses videos at home. I got up early to jog/walk before work on Monday, did roughly 3 miles with a whole lot more walking than jogging! I have a crazy schedule this week-I have to drive to Augusta every day for work, so not much time for exercise. My goal is to try to eat "clean", less carbs and processed foods and work out at least 2 more times. Wish me luck! -M.M.

Think Thin!

Don't you hate it when they use a shot of your body for a picture in their magazine.
HEE HEE, I wish! I did my cardio 3 times this week, all on the trail. I thought I was going to die in the heat today so I cut it a little short and walked mostly. I did most of my weight work outs, all crunched into today. I should be some sore tomorrow. My goal for this weeks is to eat a little better reducing my carb intake. Try and exercise on all my days off, more abs. Not wait until Sunday to cram everything in. On my home scale which is probably off to my benefit I weighed 140, my goal is to be 135 (on this scale) by mid July.
Have a good week! Kim

Better late than never!

Hi ladies! I've finally managed to figure out how to post(I think), so here I am. As usual, I started out being very dedicated to health and fitness at the beginning of the year. I had a baby 14 months ago and am still carrying some excess pounds. So I committed to exercise and lost a few pounds, but recently I fell off the wagon. I won't make excuses for myself, suffice it to say I have not been giving my health the time and attention it deserves. I know I'm getting into this a little late, but my goal for the rest of the week is to get in 2 thirty minute cardio sessions. Oh, and not stuff myself at the graduation party/baby shower/birthday parties that I have to attend!
Hope you are all making progress towards your goals!

In the Pouring Rain

Ok not a glamor shot but it shows you I went in the wild weather we had Saturday. So I did not make my goal this week but I can assure you I never would have went out in the torrential down-pour we had on Saturday had I not opened my big mouth about "weekly goals". Or at least I would have had sense enough to come in, well I did come in half way through to change out of my drenched running pants and sneaks and head back out. Actually it was fun and refreshing! Sadly, my MP3 player died, it now is sitting in a bag of rice in hopes to suck up the moisture. Confessions... I only did cardio twice this week and weights once...looser! I need to learn not to wait until Sunday to wrap up the week which I had planned but we had hours of unexpected company and lots of fun and excitement as you'll see this weeks posts on my farm blog. Enough excuses, my goal for this week is to do more than last week. Melissa M should be joining us soon she e-mailed today for technical counsel. Have a good week all! Kim

Queen o'Moderation

Did anyone else have to throw away cake this week in order to stop eating it? Between the bag of BBQ chips (not the whole thing of course) and the left over birthday cake...my husband actually asked me if I was having my period! (I thought, am I that predictable?) LOL. :)

I did okay...I ran 4/7 mornings. Half of the runs actually felt "GOOD", little effort. The other two...okay they actually turned into walks...but, at least I got out of the house. I have been way behind on my sleep and it is definitely having an impact. So the plan this week is to get to bed earlier and to drink more water and remember my vitamins. That feels like a managable short term goal. I am also hoping to fit in a couple of trips to the gym to lift weights. We will see.

A.L.

Mother Nature at it's Best!

After work tonight the kids and I headed out on the trail. They love going out, it is never a chore to them. I ask them with excitement in my voice if they want to join me and they are always game, to them it is all fun. Luke made it 3 times around (2.4 mi...not bad for an 8 y.o.) and Leah did 2 times around the trek (1.6 mi. for my 6 y.o) and our crazy dog Callie joined us as always and I caught our little mouser Annie running after us for a bit. Funniest of all, Luke's idea to have the goats jog a lap with us. Initially I said no, but then I thought what the heck! They were hysterical and ran right aside of us. Now if we only lived in town, wouldn't we be quite a sight. I can see it now in the paper, "Women jogs with pet Goats". I know half of our friends already think we are a little kooky can you imagine if they knew of all the crazy things that goes on at the farm. It was a wild night, the sun was in and out and the wind was fierce. I thought for sure it was going to rain and kinda wished it did towards the end of my run. I love to be out in the rain when I am working out, it is refreshing! Happy exercising fellow bloggers, I look forward to seeing your goals and keeping up with your weekly progress!
Goodnight, Kim :)

new to the fitness blogspot

Hey Kim! Melissa told me about the fitness blogspot and I'm here to commit to my new workout plan. I figure you guys will definitely hold me accountable! Getting to a healthy fitness level was one of my New Years resolutions, along with learn something new, be more creative and be more healthy. So far I've accomplished learning something new as I just completed a CNA course. Time to move on to the next resolution and judging by the size of my....... well its time to start eating healthy and working out! I guess its back to Weight Watchers cause it really does work, and to the local gym in my town for alot of weight lifting and cardio. I relly do feel better when I workout! I want to climb Mt Katahdin some time in the near future , I also would like to do the trek across Maine. That would be an awesome accomplishment! Keep me inspired guys! SuLa

OK, OK, I did it

What was I thinking when I made the announcement that I was going to set this goal and keep it. I had to do 2 days of my weight training today (well Sunday...just cause it is after midnight doesn't mean it's a new day, not until you sleep). In addition I had to do my cardio today 3.2 mi. to make my 3 x/ week B.S I dreamed up. Now I am still up at the crack of dawn because of course I had to post on my farm blog and write a blip here. Oh well, all whining aside I am glad I announced it because I never would have got (good English.. ehhh) that stinking work out in. So I challenge you fellow bloggers to do the same! Good night, no benadryl needed tonight to sleep. :)
Kim

Promises, Promises

Today I started back up my weight routine. I used to faithfully do this routine and it treated me well. It is a 3 day routine. Today I did day 1 - Chest-Tris- Shoulders.
My latest goal is to complete day 1, 2, and 3 of my weight routine and do 3-4 days of cardio 45 minutes per week. I will post on or before Sunday each week reporting my progress for the week. I have 2 days left this week to complete my commitment.
I'll post by Sunday with my weekly work out summary. Kim

Queen O Moderation

Cool trail Kim! And I am with you. I counted mowing the lawn (though significantly smaller than yours) as a workout. I sweat buckets mowing the lawn!

Two runs...two lawns (freakin dandilions!)...and lots of upper body work pushing the nearly-4yrs-old kiddo on her swing all weekend. :) Plus one session of yoga.

Yoga for flexibility and mental stability. The rest for cardio...not too bad...though I am aiming for better this week. :0

A.L.

What a beautiful morning!

My sister and I went for a 4 mile trek on the rail trail this morning....gorgeous! The Kennebec River was absolutely still. I noticed how green and beautiful nature is becoming. I plan to go to Wally World to buy some pots to plant my herbs today. The walk helps me care for the body, planting is good for the soul. Thanks for listening!

Happy Spring!

Melissa N.

Tour of the Trail

Yesterday's post on my farm blog is a tour of my trail , check it out. ~Kim
http://www.achornfarm.blogspot.com/

Momma walks....Cam rides

Today Cam and I went for a 4 mile walk/ride on the railtrail. I was really surprised at how well Cam did. I only helped push him up one hill at about mile 2.0. Well, this past week I did cardio 4 days and today makes number 1 this week. I finally bought those 8lb. weights. I think I will do my resistance routine on the days I work in the AM before I get ready. Anyway, gotta go make the rest of our dinner... *Live * Laugh * Love who you are and all you can be*
MN

Great Outdoor Exercise...

Today I mowed the lawn with a push mower. I definitely broke a sweat and had something to show for it when I got done. It took about 1 hour and 45 minutes, I guess that helped me burn a few calories, plus my husband did not have to do it. I think I will take this chore on during the fair-weather months. Hope everybody had a great weekend! Still need to get those hand weights...later today, perhaps.

Try Yoga for free

Hey Ladies!

Thought you might like to try doing a little yoga. It is a great way to start/end the day, and de-stress. A friend of mine told me about this a while ago...it is pretty cool. Enjoy!

www.yogatoday.com

Namaste,

MN

Queen O'Moderation

Fit4Life....woo-hoo!

Okay, I am a little excited about this blog! This will be fun. :)

I am of the club, and have been for all of my adult life, "moderation is key". Hey, I am no super-model, but my husband assures me I can make a grain sack look good and as long as I am able to hike trails, bike beautiful scenery, paddle a kayak and remain energetic enough to keep up with my soon-to-be four year old daughter...I am content with the body I reside in. Crash diets have never been my thing...exercise to the point of pain...no way...just make healthy choices most of the time, allow indulgences and cravings to a point and move. That is all there has really been to it for me. Yes, I have fallen off the exercise bandwagon...but I have also been on the other side where my body actually CRAVES exercise. Anyone else ever get there too?

Last year I ran my first 5K for the Susan Komen (a long time goal) and I plan to do it again. So this will be a great place to keep track of my progress. Heck, last year just having time line to train for the 5K kept my be-hind motivated...it will be nice to mix in some good cheer!

A.L.

Former Fitness Fool

Kim and I have been trying to think of a way to keep eachother and potentially other women on the road to health and happiness. Who knows where this will go.... I am so excited to be held accountable for my efforts to stay healthy and shed a few pounds. You see, I used to work in the fitness industry before I was a nurse and even did a fitness competition after the birth of our first child, Abby. I am glad I did it, but it definitely is not a healthy way to live. At this point in life, I am all about WELLNESS...this is my new mantra. It is not always about getting into the "skinny jeans", although it would be nice. I lost my mother to heart disease and do not intend to become a statistic myself! Anyway, I am off to walk 4 miles with my sister, Shelly. This is my 3rd walk of the week. I am going to pick up some new hand weights later today. I have decided to exercise at home....way burned out on the gym scene! Thanks Kim, for leading us in the right direction!

Enjoying the outdoors

I have been a faithful exerciser for about 15 years. I have always been consistent except for the occasional weeks of slacking off or "taking a break". However, the last year or so I have been a yo yo er' and need to get it together. I am good for 2 weeks and the naughty for a month. I have a wedding I am going to July and would really like to get into a slinky dress and swimsuit season is creeping up on us too. My goal is to loose 10 lbs in 2 months...I know I can do it especially with the help of my fellow bloggers. When the weather is nice I try to do most of my work out outside and sometimes I take my camera along. Below is a preview of what I ran into the other day headed out of our field into the woods, I let out a screech. We have lots of these around our house, I thought I'd be safe on the back forty. Guess not...ok this week so far I've done 2 1/2 miles walk/jogging around the field (I mow a walking trail) and John and I went out back on the trails 3-4 miles as well. Tonight I am going to do some free weights, yeah now I have to because I said I was going to on the www.
I look forward to see what you all have to say! ~Kim

Getting Started

All right ladies after much frustration we are up and running...blog away. Feel free to change anything including the name. This will be a good incentive for us all to stay fit!
Happy blogging!