Woman Down!

Last night as I dove into bed (literally dove) I miscalculated the landing and slammed my right knee hard into the wooden foot-board. I iced it right away but I'm in a lot of pain. Exercise was a no-go yesterday which already meant I would have to workout 4 out of the next 5 days. I woke up this morning and the knee is in poor shape. There is no way cardio activity is advisable or possible in this condition. It's a total bummer especially since I'm coming to an end of my month of exercise. Of course I plan to continue exercising going forward but I would have liked to finish this month strong. I've never been one to do a lot of abs or arms but I think that's the only way I can get in my workouts this week. Any advice?

Broken Computer = Bad Blogger

Yes, it's been a while since my last post and just after I vowed to check in more frequently. But the project rolls along and last week was fantastic! Monday night was my 4th workout of week 3. It was getting late and I hadn't exercised yet but I didn't want to put off exercising til Tuesday which would have been the last day to make 4 workouts in one week. I hate that added pressure of waiting til the last day. Anyway, Monday night Rob convinced me to try the plyometrics DVD of his P90X workout DVD set. (For those uninformed out there, P90X is hardcore, for people wanting to get ripped not just healthy). Well, after 10 min of the 45 min DVD I threw in the towel, waived the white flag, and called it quits. Realizing I probably hadn't exercised enough I grabbed my 4lb weights and attempted a pathetic set of weightlifting (if u can call it that). Tuesday came and I still felt like I gipped myself out of a good workout, so after work I turned down a very enticing offer to go for cocktails and instead stuffed myself once again into a sportsbra and went for a run in the park. That evening I ran farther than i ever have and it felt fantastic! 


On Wednesday I woke up and realized the plyometrics (even just 10 min of it) kicked my butt and I spent the day walking around like I had just ridden a horse . Bending over was out of the question and sitting/standing/kneeling and stair climbing took much effort and caution. That's when I had a stroke of genius and decided to cash in Rob's Valentines gift which was a gift certificate to a spa. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my hour long massage and well deserved day off from exercise!

Happy Father's Day!

Week 3 mid-week recap: First of all, after only 2.5 weeks I have begun to slack on the blog updates. This blog has really been a strong motivating factor - the thought of reporting a failure shaming me into working out. So going forward I will do my best to check in more frequently.

As far as exercise goes for the week, so far so good. After taking Thursday and Friday off I stepped it up this weekend with 2 sweat-inducing runs in the late spring heat. As long as I make some time to workout either tomorrow or Tuesday I will have succeeded in this week's mission. During today's run, which was challenging but not torture and at moments even enjoyable, I felt for the first time that exercise could kinda maybe perhaps actually become part of my life. At this early stage I certainly have more doubt than confidence in myself but I will just keep at it and see what happens.

My dad is also a huge exercise inspiration. He has made exercise and good health a priority in his life.  And despite working long hours, he incorporates exercise into his daily routine even getting up some days at 5am to get in his workout before going to work.  He is also my biggest supporter (together with my mom and Rob of course) and fan of the Lia in Progress Project. Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you.

highs and LOWS

Week 1 ended with a resounding success. Week 2: Fail (notice the capital F). Yesterday my cranky pants day carried over into night and not only did I NOT exercise, I also did not even attempt to clean my apartment or to do anything mildly productive and instead I chose to take a bath in a ginormous tub of Nutella. (Photo excluded to preserve my dignity). What a sad Bridgette Jones moment.

Having found myself decisively down but not yet out I took yesterday's misstep as just that - a bungle, not a loss. (Admittedly, last night I had a much more defeatist attitude). Today I went for a run and pushed myself to go further than I have to date.

I won't say I hope this week is more successful than the last, I will make sure it is!

Oh Misery!

It's days like this when I think back to high school and wonder why I was ever surprised to have been named Drama Queen in my senior year book. I am just in such a mood. The weather sucks (objectively it's not that bad - not too cold not actually raining just a bit dreary), I am inundated with work and my clients make my job much harder than it need be, my apt. is a disaster and it's my fault (something i will be working on in a future month's project) and after a long day I hate going home to a messy home and I hate that I have to go home and clean when all i want to do is veg.

AND I have to exercise. If there were only more hours in the day then adding exercise into my schedule wouldn't be such a massive inconvenience, but on nights like tonight - which are more common than not - it sucks! I feel bad for Rob who's going to have to put up with my cranky butt tonight.

The Pressure Is On

No exercise for me today. Spent the evening at dinner with Rob and Mom-in-Law and then baked up a storm for a pot-luck at the office tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the last day of week 2 and I must exercise. Not sure whether the weather will cooperate so I may end up doing some dreaded abs and arms in the apt.

On a related note, I just finished watching another inspiring and emotional episode of So You Think You Can Dance. If they had a spin off show called So You Wish You Could Dance, for people who lack training, flexibility, technique (and perhaps rhythm) but make up for it with passion, joy and enthusiasm for dance I would have found my calling and satisfied my need for a healthy dose of exercise. Maybe I will start by taking a beginner dance class. Any suggestions in NYC?

A Family Affair

Sunday's workout was a family affair. Rob (husband), the rents and I went for a bike ride along the Rockaway Boardwalk, stopped for lunch and rode back. Admittedly this was not my most ambitious workout. During lunch I easily ate at least double (quadruple?) the calories I burned on the ride. I'm not sure whether it should even count as exercise under the rules of the project. Yet, I made an effort to get outside; I moved more than I otherwise would have; and, I got in some precious QT with the fam at the same time. And since I created this project and therefore make the rules, I'll give myself a pass....this once.

Day 10-12 - Oops!

Despite the fact that in terms of Lia in Progress I have been M.I.A. the past couple of days, this blog is always somewhere in my thoughts. And I am happy to report that I did exercise on Friday and Saturday and fully intend to whip out the sports bra once again today.

Truthfully, Friday was tough. After work I had to pack up for a weekend out at the rents and I didn't get to their place until 9pm at which point I first sat down to dinner. At that point my enthusiasm for exercise - which to be honest never rises above a hint - was particularly nonexistent. That's when my sense of responsibility to this blog and to this project (sadly not to my health) took over and I begrudgingly took my tush to the exercise bike in the basement and watched My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding as I pedaled myself into a sweat.

I'm not sure yet what today's workout will be. Last night I went to a wonderful wedding which would typically mean that today would be spent nursing a hangover and not exerting any energy whatsoever except to answer the door for the Thai food delivery boy.   It's still early and I'm feeling good so I'm hopeful it won't be difficult to break with that tradition.

Day 9 - Is This An Excuse?

It's day 2 of week 2 and day 2 of no exercise. I didn't get home from work until 8:15 which is unusually late for me and by the time I had dinner it was almost 9 and it's hot and rainy and humid and and and and.... I know this sounds like excuses, which I am banned from making; HOWEVER, the name of the game is 4 days of exercise per week, so as I see it I still have 5 days to go and thus it's perfectly reasonable to take tonight off.

Nevertheless, I realize that people out there, thousands, nay, millions of people work long hours and unlike me they also have kids and also unlike me they cook dinner for their families each night -unless you count turkey on whole wheat which I made tonight - I guess I didn't make it so much as put it together - but I digress. The point is, or rather, the question is, how do they do it? Where do they summon the energy, the motivation, where do they find the time and also the balance? Which brings me to my next question:

Can we ever balance it all? Work, family, friends, significant others, exercise, cooking, cleaning, blogging, hobbies (par exemple I'd like to learn French) etc. I'd like to believe that finding a balance is possible. Up to this point I have been unable to attain it and really that is the purpose of this project. And if in fact finding that perfect balance is as possible as me making out with Johnny Depp (that is to say, wishful thinking / never gonna happen) at least I can hope to bring the scale closer to center.

Day 8 - Nap Time

Forget exercise, straightening up, buying recycle bags, that extra load of laundry...it's nap time.

Week 1 - Cool Down

Finishing off Week 1 of Month 1 of this 12 Month Lia in Progress Project, I hit up the gym with a friend in her building. And after getting in some solid cardio, I threw caution to the wind and dabbled in some weightlifting (if doing a few curls with 5lb weights qualifies as weightlifting). I took a post workout picture to post but decided I would spare us all the image - sweaty and not my most attractive.

That makes a grand total of 5 workouts in 7 days which not only surpasses the 4 workouts per week criteria but also shatters my previous record of 3 workouts in one week!

NYC is forecasted to get slammed with a heatwave starting today so I'm not sure if my outdoor activities will be possible this week. Considering all excuses, including weather-related excuses, are banned I may have to find creative ways to get my sweat on (no dirty minds here please).

I hope your week has been productive, you've accomplished a goal or crossed something off your to-do list. If not, tomorrow is a new day, and it begins as my high school headmaster William Williams would say, a tabula rasa, clean slate.

XO

Lia

Day 6 - Project Sangria

Today I took advantage of this beautiful stretch of weather and my day off from exercise and enjoyed a glass (or 2) of hit-the-spot white sangria with a friend (also one of this blog's 3 followers - shout out!).

And moving right along with this month's project, I've got a gym date after work tomorrow. How long before I start to feel the benefits of regular exercise?   

Week 1 - Success!

Just back from a run with my love. He is so kind to "run" by my side at a geriatric's pace. I think he swallows his embarrassment because he knows I need the support.

So 5 days into the exercise project and I've worked out 4 times. A great start and I'm feeling more optimistic about the projects to come!

Day 5 - Lazy Sunday

I am totally not feeling the whole exercise thing today and the rain in the weather forecast plus the lack of available pilates classes made the decision to take the day off less of a decision and more of "the universe telling me" it should be a day of rest. That is until 5 minutes ago when i checked the hourly forecast again and now weather.com has apparently reconsidered it's earlier assessment and determined that it's not supposed to rain until midnight.

I think I'll change into some running attire and try to make it happen. I will say that if it wasn't for this project and this blog and all of you imaginary supporters out there, I wouldn't even get that far!

Day 4

I took yesterday off from exercise and met up with some girlfriends after work to enjoy a beautiful spring evening in NYC.

Phone pic. of North Cove Marina shot yesterday.

Today I went for a run in the park. It was not easy. My legs are super sore and I struggled the entire time. But  I didn't quit. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow's workout. At all. 

Day 3 - Why Exercise?

My legs feel sore today. Many people would take this as a good sign that my muscles have been put to work. I'm actually not a fan of the whole soreness aspect of exercise. I feel like a spaz when I walk on sore legs. Other reasons I avoid exercise include my near extreme aversion to sweat, laziness, and the fact that even a 20 min workout takes at least an hour out of my day (from time it takes to get ready to the after workout shower).

So why bother?

Despite my protests I believe in the benefits of regular exercise. It keeps you fit, improves circulation, makes ordering dessert less shameful. I've heard that people who exercise regularly have more energy and a more positive disposition than non-worker-outers. I'm down with all those things. I look forward to the day (hopefully soon) that I can see these benefits in me.

Life Moments

Last week I had a friend staying with me from out of town. During her time in the city she remarked how in a city as populous and diverse as NYC we are fortunate to bear witness to other people's special "life moments" just as we are going about our routine day. Well tonight on my way back from my run I witnessed an orgy of life moments. Well not quite that vulgar; it was actually quite moving. With the beautiful backdrop of the Brooklyn Public Library and Grand Army Plaza, a fabulous swing band performed a live concert and spectators danced, laughed and applauded. Seriously it was too cute for words...kids dancing and twirling with their dads (and moms, but aren't dad's cuter with their little ones?), serious dancers milking the spotlight, I even saw a couple playing chess in a corner holding hands under the table. Life moments!

Now my run in itself was also a life moment. After I dragged my feet getting out the door the fresh air and clear skies definitely made me happy to be outside. When it comes to me and exercise, music is key - which may be why I didn't enjoy yesterday's bike ride so much. I started today's run with The Killers, Are We Human followed by MGMT, Time to Pretend then Frou Frou, Let Go...by the time Britney Spears, I Wanna Go came on I was fist-pumping my way down Prospect Park West. Literally.

I'm so glad I went for that little run. Hopefully I will remember this moment next time I am cursing this project!

7pm

Where oh where did my motivation go? Did I lose it on the train home as I dozed off somewhere between Canal Street and Atlantic Ave? Or maybe it went into food coma when I dove into my second scoop of ices (still a healthy dessert choice). It can't help that I am now in bed watching reruns on my computer and checking out updates on guilty pleasure gossip blogs.

Day 2

Weather plays a crucial role in my enthusiasm over exercise. Today happens to be pretty freakin nice out so I'm feeling pumped about my plan to go for a run in the park this evening. Although I have lots of errands to run (see excuse #47) and have yet to unpack from my trip to New Orleans (making it's debut on the excuse list) the sunny day has seemed to transition into a sunny outlook and I'm feeling confident about a productive night ahead.

Workout 1 Complete!

Just back from biking around Prospect Park twice with my supportive hubby. Was it fun? Not really. Was it torture? Not exactly. 

Here I am before the inaugural workout:

5pm

It's just about that time of day when I bust out of work. I'm still debating whether I should pilates or try to run (despite the injured toe). Really I would like to get home and watch the finale of Glee. I guess I'll make a last minute call.

Wow...day 1 of this blog and already cliffhangers...dun dun dun

Day 1

The excuses are bubbling up inside me. And, being honest with myself, I feel they are valid excuses.
Excuse 1: this past weekend I seriously cut my pinky toe and it's painful to put on socks and/or sneakers. I can void this excuse by doing pilates which requires neither socks nor sneakers. Fine. Excuses 2 through 5 can be found above (or rather below) in the background statement so I won't bother repeating them.

Project 1. Month 1. June 2011. Exercise.

Aim: Exercise 4 days a week for 1 month. No excuses.

Background: We are halfway through 2011 and I have exercised about 10 times. That is an average of 1.6 workouts per month; which, although is actually not bad for me, is objectively pathetic. Over the years, I have tried and failed at starting an exercise regime dozens of times and I could have paid several months nyc rent with the membership fees I have essentially donated to gyms. I also have a litany of excuses to get out of exercise; such as, it's too hot, too cold, it's overcast, I can't afford the gym, I'm tired, it's So-And-So's birthday, I had to meet La-Di-Da for drinks, I had errands to run, The Biggest Loser is on...and on and on. For the month of June these excuses and all the rest are off limits. Good luck to me!

Inaugural Post

Today is the day I have simultaneously been looking forward to and dreading. It's day one of my year long project and the start of the Lia In Progress blog that goes with it.

The Project is simply to commit to one self-improving project each month for one year.

The Aim is to set up good habits that will stay with me after each project ends; to finally follow through where in the past I have quit; and, to make positive achievable life changes that will benefit me and my family.

The Blog is important as a tool to provide motivation and accountability and to document the successes and setbacks of the projects.