Holiday Adventures!!!

Hello out there!!!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season :)       Usually during the holiday season, I like to bake, relax, shop, and travel.  Last year completing some of these task where difficult for me, I didn't really bake, shop, or travel  because I had my thyroid removed in late September and was still trying to adjust.     This year has been a completely different story  I shopped until I couldn't walk anymore (shopping counts as exercise right?),  I am in the process of baking all kinds of cookies, I am getting ready to leave to San Diego to go watch my beloved Texas Longhorns play in the Holiday bowl, and......     I finally applied to a Ph.D. program.   Applying to a Ph.D. program has been in the back of mind for some time I just hadn't worked up the nerve and of course the thought of possible rejection is never fun.   This year, though I thought, hey why not I am trying to live my life to it's fullest and do things to prove to myself that I can do this even if I am missing a vital part of my body.  So now I am sitting on edge, wondering will I or won't I get in???     Either way, I need to keep reminding myself that what is meant to be is meant to be.       In time I will find out and at least I can say I tried!!         

As for my running adventure, and training for the hot chocolate run I still haven't been able to maintain a consistent running schedule.  The holiday's and getting in my application kind of derailed me.  However, I have been doing a lot of walking with my dogs and of course holiday shopping walking.   I know I need to train more intensely and I hope to get to that soon.   I also hope the weather gets a little better it's been raining, cold, and just yuck to be able to run outside and I don't want to go run on a treadmill, but if I come back from  my San Diego Trip and it's still like this then the treadmill it will be.         

As for my weight loss adventure, my mom and I have been trying to watch what we it as much as we can.  I don't think I have gained weight, but I don't think I have lost weight.  Isn't dieting during the holidays so difficult???  Especially, when you are baking :)         I am proud of my mom and I though for trying to watch our Weight Watchers Points that I think is an goal accomplished in itself!!!    

Well I am off to go shop some more and with that I ask..  Does anyone out there have any plans of actions or adventures  for the holiday season???    

Couch to 5k

I am tired of beign a couch potato.  I am tired of gaining weight. I am tired of being of track.  I am just tired :)

 A  couple weeks ago I signed myself up for a 5k (3.1 milles)  that is called the Hot Chocolate run.    I have been so off  track with running it is ridiculous, and I can tell that my body is just inflating from all the bad food I have been eating and from my lack of movement.    In the back of my mind I keep telling myself I need to get off this couch and get back to running.  So now that I have signed up for this run, I have to get serious.    In the past I would just get out there and start running and give myself a couple weeks and be good to go, but now that I have had my thyroid removed I somehow convinced myself that running is way to difficult.    It is time for me to step up to the plate and get running!!!!!      As much as I want to just get up and run, I decided that I needed to work myself back into it.   I downloaded the couch 2 5k program on my iphone, and started it today.  It wasn't to bad, and I am now motivated to complete this program and prepare for my upcoming run!!   Unfortuatly, I forgot to turn my GPS tracker on so I don't know how far I went, but I got at there and it's a good start!         Has anyone out there every down this program???    If so let me know if you like it.     

I am a warrior!!!!!

GEEZ ,  I have been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to update my blog :(    But better late then never.      

Well I did it, I completed the warrior dash and I am officially a warrior!!!!!     It was tough and very challenging,  I did it slow but my goal was to complete it and that is what I did!!!     Now I am not  going to lie, I did have to "cheat"  on a couple of the obstacles but I just didn't have the strength to get myself through certain obstacles, but I made it to the end and for a thyroidless girl like me.. that is a major accomplishment.     I am definitely proud of myself, and  I think I just might try it again next year.  There were some obstacles that where kind of scary, but the volunteers would give us clues and hints and that seemed to help.     One of the first obstacles was a mud pit that I tried to avoid but slipped and fell right into it and of course lost my shoe.  I was able to retrieve my shoe, but after the last obstacle another mud pit  I lost it again, but I guess a true warrior doesn't mind losing a shoe ha ha!     I hope that one day, some of you are inspired to try something like this!!! I am not going to lie, I probably should have trained harder for this, and luckily I had been going to boot camp because if not, I would have been in serious trouble I think.   It is also a mental thing, so if you can convince yourself that you are strong enough, then this is possible.      Here are some pics!!    I don't have pictures of all the obstacles, because it would have been difficult to carry a camera.  Luckily, my dad got some shots of me on some of the obstacles towards the end.


This is me before the race!!!!          My friend and I before the race!!

We had no idea what we where getting into, well we kind of had an idea but not really ha ha!!!

My dad was able to get some pictures of me!!!  The fireman's pole, you had to climb up some barricade type thing and then slide down!! That was kind of fun but scary but it was a steep fall!!  The other one is a rope climb that was high also kind of scary!!

My dad also got a picture of me on the tight rope!! I was nervous about that one, but it turned out to be my favorite obstacle ha ha!!!!  The last obstacle was the mud pit, we had to swim through it, the muddy water was nice and cold and felt good, since here in Texas it was still hot!! I even got sunburn :(

This is me getting out of the mud pit and believe me that was a slippery mess, and this is where I lost my shoe at the end.    This is how I looked when it was all done!!!!     I was a muddy mess!!  Oh, and I hate how the mud sticks to your clothes so much, it makes all your fat show.. but it also has motivated me to get back on track with my eating plan which is a whole other story I will need to blog about soon.

After the race you get hosed down, and they have a pile for you to donate your shoes.  They power wash them, and send them to the needy.  Unfortunately, I was not able to donate my shoes because I lost one, so the other one went in the trash :(   I had taken extra shoes with me because I had planned to donate mine.     

The race took me a little over an hour, which I had kind of expected.  So I was starving, so my parents took me to eat at one my favorite places in Austin!!!  I was so hungry I ate all my food, and even asked for extra "vegetables.  This particular restaurant counts anything that does have meat in it as a vegetable, and you can have all the "vegetables you want!!!!!!!     The portions are huge and best of all it's home cooking type of food!!  It was delicious!!!

I hope that some day, many of you will be inspired to challenge yourselves in way that you never thought you would!!  I also hope, that if you have the opportunity to attempt something like this to go for it, and you too can be a Warrior!!!! 

Ready to be a Warrior!!??

A couple weeks ago, I got it into my head that I too wanted to be a warrior  :)    You know, prove a point to people and myself, and say hey just because I don't have a thyroid doesn't mean I can't be a warrior!!!  So what did I do I signed up for the Warrior Dash!!!     The Warrior Dash is a run/obstacle course and at the end you get to claim that you are a Warrior!   You have to crawl through mud, jump over stuff, clumb stuff, and whatever else they decide to throw at you.   I unfortunatly, haven't had much time to train, and even bootcamp has been on the backburner thanks to a super busy work schedule, but I am looking forward to the experience either way.      When I signed up, a couple weeks ago I thought to myself  I am not going to do this for a time, I am going to do this for fun, for me and to prove that I am a warrior!    The race is next weekend and I do feel slighly nervous since I haven't been able to train like I would have liked.  This week, I am going to try and get some work-outs in starting with a bike ride today, bootcamp tomorrow, bootcamp wednesday, and hopefully some light walking or running on Tuesday or Thursday.     I am going to try and stick to the plan as much as a I can, but unfortunatly this week is going to be stressfull to infinity and beyond.  Somewhere between all this I also decided to try a new brand of medication, I was noticing that the Synthroid was giving me some really bad headaches, one day I tried the other brand that doctor gave me and no headache so  I just kept with it.    My energy has been a little low on some days, but I have also be under a ridicoulus amount of stress so it's hard for me to say where my lack of energy is coming from.     So wish me luck in my becoming a Warrior Adventure!!!  I can't wait to update my blog with some pictures!!!     In case you are curious about the Warrior Dash here is the link:

http://www.warriordash.com/

Alumni Band adventure was awesome

This past weekend was Alumni Band Weekend at the University of Texas!!! I had a blast!  We spent the whole day Saturday practicing, but the performance turned out well!!  I was also surprised at how much of the music I remembered!!!   I also can't believe, I foorgot how much physical activity is required when marching up and down a field!!  Man, no wonder why I stayed thin in college !!!    Here are some pictures!!!

This is me with Big Bertha!! Big Bertha is the largest drum in the world!!!   Big Bertha belongs to the University of Texas Longhorn Band, and makes appearances during each half time show!!! 

This is me with Hook 'Em the Mascot and with some friends that where in LHB with me.  We are all piccolo players!

This is me with Bevo!!! Yes we have a live animal that comes to the football games!!  Bevo got his name from one of our many rivals.  Texas A&M apparently a long time ago, some Aggies decided to brand him with 13-0   so the University of Texas changed it to Bevo and the rest is history..

The Longhorn Alumni band is given seats at the top of the stadium, so how do we get up there??? We marched up the ramps!!!  Ten very long ramps!!!   To top it off we played music as we marched up there!!

The Longhorn Band Takes the Field they were awesome as always!!!!!!!!!     
















My parents took some pictures from their seats of when the Alumni band came out on the field!!  As soon as I can upload them I will!!!! 

Is it time for a job adventure aka career change???

Just an FYI: this is a totally random blog .. it's just basically a compilation of my thoughts for the past couple of months ha ha so sorry if it's kind of well random ha ha


First of all I would like to say I am so excited about my upcoming band adventure!! It's this weekend, and I am happy to say that I have been practicing my piccolo and I am impressed with my self and my memory skills!!!             


Now for the other adventure, the job adventure.     I currently work as a Speech Pathologist, and I have my days with my job.   Lately, I have had more and more days where I just feel bored in a sense.   Now when I say bored I don't mean bored because I am not busy, I mean bored of the same old routine.    Testing, providing therapy, paperwork, not being appreciated and well the list goes on.   For a while now actually I have been trying to figure out what to do???   Don't get my wrong, the field of Speech Pathology is in no way shape or form boring or easy, I am just ready for a change.     I have considered making a complete career change but I have no idea what to do because I have so many interest.  I know I have a love for science, and obviously I enjoy working and helping people, but I am just so burnt out!!!!   I have thought about going back to school to become a Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Dietitian, Physicians Assistant, Audiologist, going to get a PH.D, going to Law School, computer science and the list goes on and on and on.    Luckily I have most of the prerequisites to apply to this types of programs except for maybe a class but, I just can't focus in on one thing.  I guess my lack of focus is what has kept me from trying to apply for any other type of program.      I know we all go through our ups and downs with our jobs and our professions, but this is something that I have been considering for years, and year after year I just fall back into the same routine!!!  So,  it's time to get serious and make a change, if only I could figure out what change to make ha ha.      If anyone out there in blog world has any ideas then please let me know ha ha.   
Here is my plan of action:
I have already researched a lot of these careers and a lot of them a very closely related to my profession so I wouldn't be making a completely random switch
1) This spring enroll in the second half of anatomy and physiology (I have so many science classes you would think one of my graduate school courses would count but you know how that goes)
2)Just start filling out applications and applying ( I have already kind of started)
3) Get some of the observation hours I need to apply to some of these programs.  I have observed OT's and PT's on many occasions since I work so closely with them but b/c I have never documented any of it I would need to get some hours of observation in.
4)Look for jobs in my field that are in a different area:  One of the awesome things about speech therapy is that there are so many different areas to focus on.  Because of where I work the primary focus is on language and articulation, but maybe I can find a hospital or clinic that focuses on voice disorders, swallowing disorders, brain injury recovery etc.
5) WIN THE LOTTO and GO on VACATION!!!!!!!!!  

My upcoming band Adventure!!!!!

Well,  I finally decided to take the plunge!!!!  When I was in college, I had the great honor of making it into one of the best known college bands here in Texas.  The Longhorn Band!!! As a matter of fact, they where just recently selected as on of the Top Ten College Bands in the Nation and they were number 1.       Every year the University Of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band performs at one of the Texas football games.   Year after year, I think about doing it but chicken out.  This year,  I ran into a friend (a fellow former bandmate) and she mentioned it.. She said you should do it it's so fun!!! So I said well, I always think about doing it but I always forget,  I then said so remind me.  Well, she reminded me, she posted on my facebook that it was time to register.   So after thinking about  it, I decided why not, I mean what do I have to lose.  How many people get to say that they where once a part of the Longhorn Band AKA the Showband of the Southwest!!!    There are a lot of us out there, but not everyone realizes the level of difficulty  there is to get into the band.     So, here I go, I decided it was time to have an adventure, and I did it I signed up to come out in the Alumni Band performance.    So what does this mean??????   Well  I have to get out my piccolo, start practicing the music, and start exercising and walking for the next two weeks to get myself into shape so I can march up and down that field without passing out!!!     I think I will also feel so accomplished if I am able to complete this task and then say, hey and this time I did it without my thryoid!!!!    
Here is a picture of  them!!!   I can't wait to post one from my performance ha ha

So yummy!!!! Banana-Walnut Oatmeal

Hello,
A while back I had mentioned in one of my post that I had a immense craving for banana bread and that I had come across a recipe that I was hoping would kill my craving of wanting banana bread everyday.  Well I tried that recipe and I have to say it was fantastic!!!! So here it is!!  It is from weight watchers so I give them all the credit. 

Banana-Walnut Steel Cut Oatmeal : Again this was taken from weight watchers:  http://www.weightwatchers.com/


Weight Watchers Recipe

Course: breakfast

PointsPlus® Value: 7

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 8 min

Cooking Time: 33 min

Level of Difficulty: Easy



Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, do take a while to cook but their slightly chewy texture is well-worth the extra time.
Ingredients
4 cup(s) water

1/4 tsp table salt, or to taste

1 cup(s) Hodgson Mill Steel cut oats, or other brand

2 medium banana(s), ripe, mashed

1 Tbsp packed brown sugar

2 tsp unsalted butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup(s) low-fat milk

8 tsp chopped walnuts

Instructions

Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in oats and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes; remove from heat. Gently stir in bananas, sugar, butter and vanilla; stir in milk. Serve oatmeal topped with walnuts. Yields about 1 cup oatmeal and 2 teaspoons walnuts per serving.

Notes:
I actually doubled the recipe because I had put to much water.  I also added cinnamon!!!  

Time to get my rear in gear !!!!

I am happy to report that I finally did get over my cough.    I did attend bootcamp last thursday and I survived.   Now, if  only I can get myself motivated to go this week.     I started off with a goal of wanting to lose weight and wanting to fit better in my clothes.   Well, I have not reached my goal yet so what my problem ;why don't I want to go to the gym?   I don't know, I have all kinds of excuses I am tired, it's to late, I would rather have a glass of wine then work out.    I guess I am just full of excuses.  But enough is enough,   no more excuses I am not sick with a cold so it's time for me to go to bootcamp or zumba or something.     Wah... I just don't want to.   I just want to stay under the covers and watch a good movie.      I think it's the weather.      All I know is I need to get my rear in gear and get out of this funk....  Oh, I know  I am supposed to go to a friends wedding next weekend, and I have no idea what I am going to wear??  I have some nice new dresses in my closet that I am not sure about how they fit.. So that's it that will be motivation, to aim for losing between 2-5 lbs by next weekend so tha maybe one of those dresses will fit and I don't have to go shoping :)   Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to bootcamp I go!  

"You is kind, You is Smart, You is Important!!!"

Hello everyone, 

I hope everyone is doing well!!!!  I just finished reading the help and seeing the movie and boy .. it's funny how a book or a movie can give you a ego boost. I have been feeling a little low in the self-confidence department lately. So my mantra from this week is "  You is kind, You is smart, You is important."   For those of you who have seen the movie The Help or read the book that is one of the quotes that sticks out the most to me.   So I think if I can recite this to myself all week.then I will be on fire!!!!!  I still have a cough, but I am really hoping that I will be able to go to bootcamp at least one day this week.     I am thinking that tomorrow, I will try and at least walk in the neighborhood.     Tuesday, I have a meeting at church, Wednesday is weight watchers day and I am actually really excited about going.   I told my mother about Dr. Oz and his transformation nation, and I think she is gonig to come with me to the weight watchers meeting just to weigh in so she can start the transformation nation challenge!!!     So,  that leaves me with Thursday, and I am hoping by Thursday  I will be done with the cough and I will be able to go to bootcamp!!!!!     I came across a recipe on the Weight Watchers website called Banana-Walnut Steel  Cut Oatmeal. I am hoping that I will be able to make it and try it, and then I will post the recipe.  I have been having this crazy craving for banana bread, so I am hoping this will help.    The thing is, my aunt made some homemade banana bread, and believe me it was delish,but now I have the problem of... I want more ..So... I am going to make this oatmeal and see if it gives me that craving I want without all the added calories of banana bread!   Oh and for those of you, who have been feeling low in the self-confidence area remember  "You is kind, You is Smart, You is important!! 

Maintaince is better then a gain!!!!

Well although I didn't lose weight this week, I am pretty happy that I maintained my weight.  So yippee!!!! Jump for joy, despite my over indulgence on my birthday and a couple times here and there I guess I could say I had a good weight watchers weigh in today!!!!!!     I still haven't been able to get back to boot camp, due to this cough but soon.  I do have to admit that I am getting pretty antsy I really want to go back to boot camp!!!!!!!!      As torturous as it is, I actually miss it.       I am also excited because I really like the group of women that are in the weight watcher's group on Wednesday evenings.   I don't know what it is about them but they all just seem so nice and pleasurable.  I haven't had a chance to really talk with them, but I did notice them after the meeting standing around and talking, I really wanted to join in but I  couldn't because I had to get going.  So, hopefully next time I will get a chance to socialize.    I found it interesting because today the weight watcher leader asked us what the last straw us.. what made us join weight watchers... and to my surprise I had actually forgotten.    I did remember though, and when I remembered I just felt that sense of motivation again!!!   I even spoke up and told the group that for me it was looking at pictures of myself and seeing how much weight I have gained, and also the fact that when I went back to work I had no clothes that would fit.  I told them that I did not enjoy having to go shopping for a bigger size.    I am so glad that she brought this topic up, because I did feel myself veering off a little.  So here is to another week of weight watchers, and renewed motivation.   I can do this, and so can you!!!!!!

Such is life.. thyroid blues, sore throat, and medication decision???

Hello everyone!!!  I hope everyone in blog world is doing good!!!!  Well I tried my best to not overeat this week since it was birthday... I could have done better, but I could have done worse ha ha!!!!      I ended up getting a sore throat/cold or whatever it is so my workout routine this week went down the drain :(      I did take my dogs for a walk though on Thursday and this morning so  I guess a little exercise is better then no exercise.     I am hoping that this cold go away soon, because I really want to get back on track this week!!!!  I have no excuses!!!    It is also nice that the wheather here in San Antonio seems to be cooling down a couple of degrees!!!!    I  don't know why lately I have been thinking about not having a thyroid so much.   I guess it's because my one year anniversary of having it removed is coming up next week.   It just strange how sometimes things repeat themselves.   Last year around this time I got sick, and it was right before my surgery so I was all stressed out about if my surgery was going to have to be postponed or not.  This year,  I guess all those memories resurfaced because..  I got a cold and it just made me thing of everything.    I guess it's part of being human, but I hate when I start feeling sorry for myself.    I also am trying to decide if I should switch the medication on I am on..  I told my doctor that sometimes the Synthroid makes my stomach upset.. So he told me I could try Levoxyl  because it doesn't have lactose..  Well,  I am hesitant because other then having some stomach troubles I have been feeling pretty good on the Synthroid.. I guess I  just don't want to try the Levoxyl and then go back to that place where I feel like I am struggling with feeling "normal"   ..  but I have been told it's the same medication just diffrent  fillers.. So I have maybe about  7 more pills of synthroid before I need to make a decision!!!!  Ugh.. I hate making decisions and not know what the outcome will be, especially when it has to do with how you feel..   

A little food happy this week

This wednesday is my Birthday, and for some reason I got it into my head that since this week is my birthday that I can eat whatever I want.    I know my thinking is off, so I am going to do my best to eat healthy for as many meals as possible with the exception of my birthday dinner meal on wednesday.    I also plan on getting myself to bootcamp on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this week.   Unfortunatly, I won't be able to go to my weight watchers meeting because I plan on celebrating my birthday on Wednesday evening which is when I have been going to the meetings.     I think that is another reason why I got it into my head that I could eat whatever I want because I know I am not going to the meeting.     So, I need to just rethink my food happiness and remember that the more I eat, the more I gain, and then when I do go back to weight watchers I will be mad because I let myself get so off track.   I need to figure out a way to keep myself motivated this week.   Any suggestions????  Maybe I should stick a reminder to my mirror or to my phone or something that says..  Remember if you eat bad you will suffer the consequences?? Ha Ha  

Yipee I lost!!!!

Yesterday I went to my weight watchers meeting and I was so happy that I had lost 2.6 lbs!!!!!   I was actually very surprised because like I said I was just having one of those hungry type weeks.      So far weeks one with weight watchers equaled sucess!!!!     I do have to admit it did make me feel recharged, and gave me the feeling of  accomplishment.    I thought to myself.. I can do this!!!     I haven't had a chance to really exercise all week, so today I am hoping to go to bootcamp!!    I have a feeling it will be a tough workout since, I haven't been in a while, but it will be a great way for me to burn of some calories!!  

Hungry week

It would happen to me this week, this week that I started weight watchers that I have been super duper hungry.  I have been eating through my points like nothing.     I think it's hormones this week that have me eating through everything.   Those stupid hormones also have me craving and eating all kinds of bad food .  Ha Ha, I wonder what they will tell me at the weight watchers meeting if I show a gain??   I was thinking about not going, but I think that would just get me off on the wrong foot.  So, I am going to go, and  be honest with them and say that it was just a hungry week for me.  
  I was really hoping to go work out today because I am supposed to weigh in on Wednesday, but I didn't have a chance to rest this weekend, and it caught up to me because today I am low on energy.    I had convinced myself to go to Zumba, but then I realized that my workout clothes needed to be washed.   So, I think I am going to try and take a walk a little bit later.   Things at work are still crazy, but I am going to just do my best and just go with the flow!!!  I am so ready for a vacation ha ha.     I also am hoping that maye this weekend I will get a chance to get some running in.  I haven't had time to run, because I have been going out of town to watch college football.   This weekend, the Longhorns are playing out of state so hopefully that will give me a chance to get some miles in.  

Weight Watchers here I come again ha ha

Well it has been a while since I have attempted to do weight watchers.  I would say it's been over a year for me.  So I decided to give it a try, I think I needed to get excited about trying something new, so I am hoping this will excite me!!!!    I went today to my first meetings (well technically not my first because I have tried WW before) but it was my first meetings using the new system.    I have heard that weight loss is slow with this new program, but I hoping that this will help me with accountablity issues.    I am still planning on using myfitness pal as a back up if I need to figure out calories and of course to track my weight.    I am also hoping that I can have patience and give weight watchers a chance, I tend to get bored easily with counting calories, points, or whatever so I am hoping that this time I can stick with this for a little while.     It is going to be hard for me to juggle my schedule between work, working out, and going out of town for football games so  I am just going to do my best and give this a try!    

When it rains it pours..

These past two weeks has been so draining, this weekend I am trying to enjoy my labor day weekend.  I went and watched my favorite college football team play and win Go Horns Go,  I also went with my family to watch UTSA play in their very first football game and they won also.   I enjoyed my time watching football and my time out of town, but it's back to reality.         So what exactly is my reality???   Well for starters, I got my results back from my bloodwork that was taken and while I was happy to see that my TSH level was within the normal range,  I was very upset that my PTH level had gone up instead of down like I have been hoping.  So of course, this put me right back in that stressful place of, what does that mean??? Does that mean my parathyroid gland is acting wacky and needs to be removed or does that mean I am super duper stressed out about work and it cause my bloodwork to comeout wacky.    I don't think that medically stress will cause that paticular level to be elevated, but you know how they say stress does strange things to the body.  So I am hoping that is what it is. In the meantime I get to sit and wait and be patient until I go in for testing again in December.   Now, techinically I could jump the gun and go to my other endocrinologist in September, but I don't know if I want to put myself through that again especially around my birthday.   I think it would just remind me of last year being told I needed to have my thyroid removed around the same time of year.   I just want this cycle of health issues to end.. Please Please Please!!!!!    Then, as if that isn't enough for me to stress about, work is just overwhelmingly stressfull.  I wish I could go into details but I can't because that would be violating confidentiality but lets just say if there was a way for me to avoid going to work and finding a new job by Tuesday I would consider it. 
My calorie counting has been way off track, and I am also considering joining weight watchers so I can have someone to be accountable to but I haven't decided if that is what I want to do or not.  I will decide soon though.    
Why is it that when things go wrong, it seems like everything has to go wrong????   I feel like I am drowning,  and all I can do is keep praying and hoping that someone will throw me a life vest.    Don't get me wrong people have tried giving me life vests, but for some reason they just aren't the right life vest I guess you could say.      Maybe what I need is a rescue boat, instead of just a vest??!!!

Doctor Doctor Give me the news.

Today I am taking the day off from work to go to my endocrinologist.    Sadly, work has been so crazy and stressful that I would almost rather be at the doctor.     Anyway,  I am sure he will run blood work, and it makes me nervous.   I am praying and hoping that this time when I get my blood work results back which sould be in about a week after today, that my PTH levels come back normal.     I have been struggling with this for almost a year and I am so tired of stressing about this parathyroid thing.    He will also run blood work to check my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to see if I need a incrased dosage of my thyroid medication.    I hope that level comes back closer to normal also, although that doesn't stress me out as much because I know it would just be a matter of increasing my dosgae.  The PTH thing last year they were talking surgery, and cancer and it just weighs so heavy on my shoulders.  I am trying to be patient, but I am tired of waiting and being scared everytime I go to the doctor.  So I am going to go in there with a positive attidue and hope for the best that this time my levels will have droped down to normal.    

Healthy Breaded Shrimp | Skinnytaste

Once again, another recipe I spotted from Ginna's recipes. This one looks really good as well. I just got back from the store and I wish I had seen this before, so I could have bought some shrimp!!!

I have included Ginna's©  picture of the shrimp and link from her website:

Healthy Breaded Shrimp Skinnytaste

I can't wait to make this!!!

Yipeee I lost!!!!

After having a rough week again at work, I wasn't sure if weighing myself today would be such a good idea, but I went ahead and did it anyway.     I am happy to report that since my last weigh in last weekend I was down 2 lbs!!! Now that is an accomplishment in my book!! Now if only I can keep myself from celebrating with food.  I have a bad habit sometimes of rewarding myself with food after I lose weight.    So, I am going to come up with a plan of action.  My plan today is to: 1) eat a healthy breakfast, 2) fit in some exercise this weekend, I decided not to go running this morning b/c I have to move some stuff out of one of my schools at work. 3)move stuff out of work, like I said I have been having a rough time at one of my work sites so I am going to be moving to another site, but I am on mission impossible to move out when no one is there. I hope it's open!!, 4) eat a healthy lunch, and dinner, 5) have some fun this weekend, but not food fun.. I do have a benefit to go to tomorrow so that may be my one splurge. Today I am supposed to go to Dave and Busters but I am going to see if I can look at menu in advance and figure out what to eat.   

My goal:   On monday when he weighs us at Bootcamp to show a loss from when the last time he weighed me!!!!! 

Spreading the Joy!!!

Well I haven't been able to get in as much exercise as I would have liked to this week, but I am so glad that my energy levels have been good enough to get me through my work days. Now that is something to be JOYFUL about.   Last year, by Thursday I was lucky if I was able to make it through the first hour of work!!! So yeah me!!!!!!!    Sadly this week a member of our church community passed away due to Leukemia.  She was such a joyous person and spread joy throughout many people.  She lived life to her fullest and even went on a cruise about 3 weeks ago.      Some friends of mine decided to tag our cars and write JOY on them, so yesterday I got tagged and you know it was so nice to take JOY to work!!!!   We had a prayer meeting yesterday and prayed for her family, so I was unable to attend bootcamp.   Yes, it is very sad that our friend, our sister passed away but seriously I can feel her Joy beaming down on us!!!!   I am going to go to bootcamp today and take JOY with me.    Strangely, today it also rained in San Antonio, Texas which is another thing to be Joyful about.  We have been under a major draught and were actually told today to raise our thermostats to 80, unfortunatly considering that it has been over 100 every day her for like 70+ days being inside with at 80 degree temperature didn't sound very appealing.  So Joyfully, we got rain and it made for a cooler day.     I was also Joyful that, with all the problems I have been having at work, the person that has been giving me a hard time kept to herself today.. now isn't that something to be Joyful about!!!       I hope that some of you out there were able to find something joyful about today!!!  If not, try to find something positive to think about,  maybe your hair looks good today, maybe you ate something really delicious, etc..  One thing is for sure, and something I hope to remember .. try to have a Joyful outlook!!    Was there anything today, this week, or this weekend that you have to be positive or joyful about??



Taking Joy to work!!!



Ugh this week was crazy

Well I am happy to report that I survived my first week of work.  I did manage to also go to bootcamp twice, and Zumba once as planned.     Unfortunatly, I spent a good part of my work week trying to fight for an appropriate office space to conduct therapy, but I had little sucess.     It was a very crazy week at work, and unfortunatly the craziness isn't over.       Despite all the craziness I did have some positive things to be proud of: 1) I made it through the week ( be the end of the week I was exhausted but consider the high stress I was wonder I think I did well in terms of energy).  2) I fit in my exercise, 3) I did try and log in my food journal, it didn't go as smoothly as I wanted but this week I will be taking my lunch to work so that should make things easier.     Tomorrow it is back to the drawing board and I hope to make this week a better week.  I also hope to get a chance to download my pictures from colorado so I can blog about my adventures!!!!    Oh and I think I am going to start a new adventure !!!!!!!!  Yesterday I went to Academy Sporting goods store and I saw some golf clubs and to top it off I saw left handed Golf clubs.  I have been wanting to take Golf Lessons for a while so I think when it cools down a little bit I may try to take some lessons!!!!!!    Who knows maybe I will be great at it.     I also hope that this week I am able to sit down and figure out what 5k runs are coming up so I can do some running!!!  Well today is a going to be a busy day, I have to go grocery shopping, may need to do some clothes shopping (since it's tax free weekend), make a major decision about work, and hopefully attend a friend baby shower.

Testing my synthetic energy

I used the pictures of the green light bulb because it a green light bulb, or it uses alternate energy.  Well too use alternate energy, since I don't have a thyroid I use a hormone called Synthroid. Synthroid is a tiny pill I take everyday and this pill is my energy source amongst many other things.  
This week I have started back at work, so since I had the summer of fit was hard for me to say exactly how I was feeling in terms of my synthroid dosage.    So far I think I have been doing pretty good  in terms of my energy.  I mean, I know I have only been working two days, but for me every day counts!!    Unfortunately, yesterday I had a day that started off really well, and then ended very bad, due to some people being mean.    However, I decided that I would take my anger out on boot camp so off I went, this was another challenge for me because I wasn't sure exactly how my energy would be after being at work a full day and then going to go exercise, but I made it through!!!!    So today I am going to try again, I plan to go to boot camp again tonight and then because I think I have a late meeting tomorrow I will give myself a break from working out tomorrow.     I also want to try and squeeze Zumba in sometime this week so maybe on Thursday or Friday.  I think I am off to a good start in terms of my energy, but I still have another hurdle to jump the kids have not started yet so I am curious to see how my energy will be once I start pulling students for therapy.    I have a doctors appointment  coming up as well, so I guess the blood work well reveal where my levels are.

Mixed Berry Whole Wheat Muffins | Ginas Skinny Recipes

Saw this recipe, I haven't tried it but it looks delicious!!!! I really want to try and these.

This recipe was taken from Ginas Skinny Recipes!     The link below should take you to the recipe ;)


Mixed Berry Whole Wheat Muffins Ginas Skinny Recipes

This morning for breakfast I had some really good yogurt and berry pancakes from a local resteraunt.  I am going to be on the look out for a recipe similiar to that.  I have been really bad this summer about eating out, however it's time for me to get in the kitchen again.    It has been so hot here in Texas that turning on an oven just doesn't seem appealing.  So I may look for some salad recipes to try out.   I am starting back at work tomorrow, so hopefully that will also get me back on track in terms of not eating out so much.     

To humid to run, and weight loss adventure starting over :)

This morning I dragged myself out of bed and went running.   Ugh, it had been so long since I had been able to go out and run but I did it.  I didn't go very far because I have somehow manged to replace my water bottles on my hydration belt and with this Texas heat if you are not carrying water with you, you are asking for trouble.     I did 3 miles, I started off running but ended up walking, at first I was mad about having to walk and then I thought.. Okay it's been 3-4 weeks since I have really ran, and yesterday morning I went to boot camp, and this morning it was so humid it felt like a sauna.  After accepting that fact that I was going to walk, I gathered up my strength and said..hey at least I am out here doing something.  Cheers to me for coming out!!!

This morning I also did a little experiment on my scales, in the past I had been using my Wii to weight myself, well I wanted a real scale so this morning I weighed myself on the real scale and their is a two pound difference between the two scales.  Of course, I like the weight on the Wii so much better because according to the wii I am two lbs lighter then I am on the real scale.   However, after giving it some thought, I decided to start over with my weight loss and use the real scale.   One reason being that football season is coming up, and I frequently travel to Austin Tx to watch the longhorns play and sometimes turning on the wii is a hassle when I am trying to just jump on a scale and go. The second reason was because it real scale seemed closer to the scales at the doctor's office as well as the scale at boot camp.   So I zeroed out my weight loss and I am starting over.     Here is to a new weight loss adventure!!  So now I need to think of a new weight loss challenge!!! 

To infinity and beyond!!

I am back from Colorado, I had a wonderful time, but unfortunatly it's back to reality for me.    I start back at work on Monday,  I need to go back to bootcamp which I know will be absolute torture since I was gone for long, and I need to get really strick with my calorie counting again.    While I was in Colorado we went to a place called Seven Falls.   Well, it was there that I found my ultimate challenge/adventure.    I am a chicken when it comes to heights, but there staring at me right in the face was a set of 224 or 226 stairs to climb if you go all the way to the top.   Well, at first I wasn't going to climb up very high, then I thought to myself I can make it to at least the first level.   So with a little encouragement from my parents, off I went.   About halfway up, I wanted very badly to turn around, I even stopped and told some people that I was getting chicken and didn't want to go up further.  The girl turned around and said, oh I get chicken like that one the way down.   Then they passed me up and off they went,  I used that as a little motivation and thought if they can do this, I most certainly can too.  Sometimes, I question my abilities as to what I can and can't do, I have been doing it more so since having my thyroid removed.     It was then that I became determined to climb up that first flight of stairs, and prove to myself that even though I am lacking a very vital part of my body that I could defeat this monster of stairs. If I can manage to live without a thyroid, then I can manage some metal stairs!!    So once again off I went, and I got to that first level, I felt such a sense of accomplishment and wanted to scream from the top look at me everyone, I did it!!!    I am hoping that I can have this same sense of drive when trying to get back on track now that I am back, but I think if I can just remember the stairs and how I overcame that challenge, then I should be able to get back on track.

  

Counting calories and traveling isn't easy..

Well I have to say I have really enjoyed Colorado,and I have tried to count my calories but I am having a hard time sticking to it. One thing is for sure, I have been drinking a lot and I mean a lot of water!!! It has also been a little hard for me to exercise due to the higher elevation, but I did get to walk yesterday and today just by touring some of the sites. At first, I was hoping I could got back with a weight loss of at least mantain my weight but know I am not so sure. So, I have decided to keep doing my best and when I get back I will get back to a routine. Unfortunately, when I get back I will also be going back work, but I know once I can figure out a workout schedule things will be okay!!!! I refuse to let being on vacation keep me from my long term goals! I hope to upload some pictures soon of some of the sites I have seen! Right now I am blogging from my moms IPAD, so it's a little hard.

Walking DVD to the rescue while traveling!!!!!!!

I am traveling to Colorado to visit family, and as part of my things to bring I packed my portable DVD with my Leslie Sansone walking DVD's. I am so glad I did because I got in late last night to the hotel, and couldn't exercise. This morning I knew I didn't have enough time to walk on the treadmill, so I wanted something quick and easy. I pulled out my DVD player popped in the 1 mile walk and burnt off some calories before hitting the road again. I feel so much better knowing I did some sort of activity!!!

Back on the saddle again!!

Last night my dad and I decided to take our bikes for a spin.  It has been so long since I have attempted to ride a bike, and the last time I tried I couldn't keep my balance and kept falling off.     I am happy to report that last night after listening to my dad instruct me on riding a bike, I successfully managed to stay on and make a couple trips around the parking lot!!!         I forgot how much fun riding a bike can be, I have taken some spinning classes at the gym and always enjoyed it, and always imagined myself participating in a cycling event,but of course I was not to sure exactly how I would stay on the bike.   Then, when I started training for marathons, my interest peaked again mainly because the area where  I run in is also very popular with cyclists.  Everytime my feet would hit the pavement and a cyclist would come by I would think ... Hmm that seems kind of fun. So here we go step 1 is in the works :re-learn how to ride a bike, Step 2: take my bike to a near by park and see how far I can go on a easy trail.  I know I have a long way to go but you got to start somewhere.

Road ID's: $1 off

For a while I have been wanting to purchase a Road ID.  In case you are wondering what a Road ID is, it is basically a way to identify yourself when you are out running, or cycling, or walking, going to the gym,or whatever in case of emergency (medical id).     I recently ordered one and was given a coupon code.   It has to be used within the next 30 day's and I think has a limit of being used 20 times.     I personally have been wanting one for safety reasons, sometimes I go walking or running in areas where there aren't many people around.  I usually carry my cell phone but I think I will feel much safer with some kind of portable ID, the way my information is readily available.    They also have a new system where if you pay I think $9.00 yearly; if there is an emergency and someone finds you they can call a specific number and find out health information on you.  The health information you share is inputted by you so you can make it as specific as you want.  If you don't want to pay the $9.00 a month for that program you don't have to it's just an option.  They come in different colors, sizes and styles 

Here is the coupon code:

ThanksJanelle8170015

In case anyone is interesed here is the link
http://www.roadid.com/

Ha.. I survived bootcamp too!!!

 Today was a crazy workout in bootcamp. I survied it though, as a matter of fact I think I punched it in the face, that is of course if it had a face!!!   I completly forgot that he was going to change how we do our circuits.  In the past he would start us at 3 minute intervals, we would spend 3 minutes at each station, then do some kind of  in between workout and then get a break, then we would repeat the whole cycle but tapering down to 2 minutes, then one minute.  Well, this week he is having us start at one minute intervals and then work our way up to the 3 minute intervals.     I was hoping that maybe, just maybe it would be easier,nope I was wrong, it was harder.      As the workout continued,  I started fizziling out.  I wanted to just throw myself on the ground and say I can't take this anymore. Then, when I was about to jump up and yell...  "Hey, remember I don't have a thyroid, I need a break"  I noticed that I wasn't the only one fizziling out; everyone around me was huffing and puffing, and looking like they wanted to pass out.   It was then, that I realized: these people are struggling just like me, except I am stronger then these people because I don't have my energy source like they do, and just like that my non-exsistent thryoid kicked in and I pushed myself to make it through and I did!!!   So take that bootcamp in your face, I didn't let you get the best of me, I am a survivor!!!    

Gettting off track during the weekend

I was thinking today about how it always seems so hard on the weekends to stay on track.   I usually like to think of my weekends as break time, but I think it's causing me a bit of a problem.   I am taking my break time to the extreme. At first it was, only giving myself Saturday's off, but lately it has become a let me just take the whole weekend off.    This morning after jumping on the scale and then immediatly off,  thanks to a weight gain I thought "now how could I have possible gained weight, after  my numerous attempts at exercising and counting calories this week."  Of course this also, caused me to go into a panic.  Then I thought about all the bad things I ate on Saturday and Friday, and how I tend to over do it, so a little light bulb went off and I started thinking that maybe I shouldn't be giving myself so much freedom on the weekends.   I know it is important to take little breaks because we all need them and it helps us from getting bored and frustred, but I think I need to monitor my breaks a little more.  I also noticed how hard it is to come off my break, and it made me realize that maybe what is happening is that even though I am working so hard during the week, whatever calories I have burned off, I have just added them back into my diet when I take my day off.   So, although I don't want to; I think I need a new plan of action.  I don't exactly know what that new plan of actions is so here are some options: 1) I could not give myself a day off and count calories all the time no matter what, 2) give myself a little day off but watch my portions and not just pig out, 3) only give myself one "off" meal on the weekends, but keep the rest of the meals healthy."         I think part of what is hard for me on the weekends is that my weekends usually involve hanging out with friends and family so I never know what exactly I may be eating, but there has to be a way for me to control this a little better.   ANY SUGGESTIONS?????    

Getting motivation from a duck!!

Last night I was feeling a little off after I went to bootcamp.  It's one of those thyroidless things that I can't exactly explain.   Well, because I was feeling off, I started to feel sorry for myself, but then I thought  "I need to find something to motivate myself."  So I started looking up athletes without a thyroid, well not much came up there was some info. on Gail Devers, and Carl Lewis I had read that before but it was nice to see it again.  Olympic champions who have thyroid disorders and have won medals, now that is inspiring, but I still was in search of a person who didn't have a thyroid and was being successful and then ... I found it,  my inspiration!!!!!  I came across a youtube video that said.. No thyroid, no Problem so I clicked it and there it was, exactly what I was looking for.  It was a story about a football player who plays for the Oregon Ducks and had his thyroid removed at the age of 8.     He had thyroid cancer at the age of 8, and of course had his thyroid removed but he did not let that stop him, he continues to play football!!!   Now that in my book is amazing, someone who suffered from disease at such a young age, but continued on his path of determination.      I felt so motivated by him, that this morning I got out of bed and went to bootcamp again.   I just thought if this guy can do this, and he has lived the majority of his life without a thyroid and he is okay, then I will be okay too!!!     Anyone who knows me well knows that I love to watch college football especially the Texas Longhorns, but it looks like I will have to add another team to my game watching schedule, I just have to see this guy play!!!

Zumba wii

Once again I didn't make it to bootcamp this morning.  This was my own doing though, that's what I get for hanging out with friends and staying out later then I planned.    Ugh, I hate that feeling when you set a goal for yourself and then you go a little off track and feel so guilty!! So, I decided try the Zumba CD I have for the Wii.  It wasn't bad, but I definatly prefer the live class.     I can see how it could be helpful; on those days when I really want to Zumba and dance my time away but just can't make it to a class, but it just isn't as exciting as attending class in person.    It does seem kind of fun because it's kind of like a little game where you challenge yourself so I can see how that would be motivating.  I also liked that you don't have to do a full Zumba class on the wii, you can pick maybe 1 or 2 dances which would be beneficial if you just want to get in some quick exercise.    Eitherway,  itt motivated to try and get to a Zumba class later on tonight, or if I can figure out what time Bootcamp is in the evening I will do that.       Yesterday I didn't exercise, just to take a day off but now I feel like I need to double up on exercise today.  I didn't do much of the Zumba on the Wii so I am trying to figure out where I would burn more calories.  I  do kind of feel like dancing though so maybe Zumba will be a good option :)

I came out on TV!!!!

The bootcamp I attend is sponsoring a program to help needy children get school supplies.   The local news came out and filmed us, and I happened to be in the background for several clips!!!   I had a hard time dragging myself out of bed this morning because we had to be there at 6 am but, I had so much fun, burnt some calories, and came out on TV!!!    I know this may not be a big deal, but to me it is an adventure that I hadn't planned for.  Seeing myself on TV, actually gave me encouragment to keep on exercising it was kind of like a little motivator.    Besides it's not often that we get to come out on TV!!! 

http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=2693732

Taking on the bump in the road!!!

Okay, so how many times do we set a goal for ourselves and then get dissapointed when we have a little bump in the road???  That has kind of been this weekend so far for me, I gained a little,  I got a little discouraged, I tried to get back on track but I had a baby shower to go to today so I was not able to get back on track today.  I know lots of times we say to ourselves, okay I will just start new tomorrow well here I am saying it.. I WILL START NEW TOMORROW!!!!!!!    I am not going to let this little bump in the road become a mountain I can't climb, instead I am going to take on this bump and walk or run right over it!!!!  So with that being said, I am hoping that tomorrow I can start my day off with some exercise whether it be working out at home with the wii or walking DVD, or going early in the morning for a walk in the neighborhood.    Tomorrow is a new day!!! 

‎

Ugh so easy to gain so hard to lose

I weighed myself  today, and I gained .7 lbs . Not the kind of weigh in I wanted to have, but at the same time I wasn't surprised.  I had a little bit of an off week,and went over my calories on Monday, and Tuesday.  I was hoping that I would somehow burn off the extra calories.     Some people may say, well .7lbs isn't to much of a gain, but for a thyroidless girl it is a lot. It takes a lot of exercising and strict calorie counting to lose a lb.    I am trying to stay positive and continue on my path, but it is so frustrating when you work out pretty hard and have a little calorie slip up and bam, the scale moves in the wrong direction.    Well, I guess I can't cry over spilt milk.  I started the day off right; I went to bootcamp, and ate yogurt with banana and granola for breakfast.  I am a little worried because I am supposed to go to a concert tonight and have dinner before, but as soon as I find out where we are going to eat I am going to try and do my best and plan ahead.  So here is an age old question that I think many of use have a hard time answering. Why is it so easy to gain, and so hard to lose????

Back to Zumba!!!!!

It has been so long since I have gone to Zumba.   In case you have never heard of Zumba it is basically a exercise class that is like a dance party!!!   They incorporate different dance moves mostly latin and have you burning calories in a fun way!!!   Prior to my surgery I had discovered Zumba, and absolutley loved it.   Luckily here in San Antonio we have an actual Zumba studio, they also offer classes at many of the gyms.      I hadn't been since my surgery in September because I was worried about having the energy to get through the class.  I am proud to say I accomplished one of my many goals I have set for myself.  I went to ZUBA today, and I had a blast!!!!      If you are someone who likes to dance, or wants to learn some new moves then this is a class for you to try, and the best part is you don't need a partner.         They do have some DVD's and even have one for the Wii; I have both but have yet to try it because my prefrence is to go Zumba Live  and dance away.  One of the best things about it, is that you can have a blast, learn to dance, and burn mega calories.They say you can burn from 500-1000 depending on how intense you make it.   There is also a toning aspect of it, so some classes and DVD's  incorporate weights.  There is also some fun wardrobe you can buy!!!        In case you have never heard of it or never tried it and been curious here is the link to the officail Zumba website.  

http://www.zumba.com/en-US/

Leslie Sansone to the rescue!!!

I woke up this morning with a sinus headache and knew that I would not be able to do an intense workout, and I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym and walk on the treadmill. At first I was very hesistant to try these walking DVD's because I thought how silly, that's not walking and it's definatly not running,  but I broke down on day and decided to buy some. Thanks to QVC I bought the Walk, Eat, Lose program.
 Well today I tried the 3 mile walk and I have to admit I was pretty impressed. I didn't feel like I normally would after a 3 mile walk or run (you know dripping in sweat,and dehydrated sometimes), but I did feel like I had gotten in some good exercise and didn't overdo myself. The feeling I had after doing the 3 mile walk DVD was a good one. I was happy that I was able to do some sort of exercise without having to leave my home, and the best part is I burnt some calories ;) What I like about the DVD ,is that it is more then just marching in place (which is what I had imagined), on the paticular DVD that I did she incorporated the use of fitness bands so you get some light toning exercises. She also incorporated other movements such as moving side to side, knee ups, and leg lifts (kicks) during the 3 mile workout. I truly feel that this is a good little tool to add to the exercise kit, paticulary for those days when you know you need to do something but just don't have the motivation to leave the house.   Has anyone ever tried any of  her DVD's??

http://www.walkathome.com/

Step up to the challenge!!!

I was so excited that I lost 1.8 lbs last week!!! Now the hard part is keeping motivated and challenging myself this week to workout and eat as healthy as I can, so that I can have another weight loss this week. One thing I learned last week, was that I tend to do better when I set a challenge for myself. I initially gave myself a challenge that I am not allowed to buy new clothes for myself until I lost some weight. Well, to my surpise I lost weight this past week so does that mean I get to run out and go buy some new clothes??? Technically yes, but I thought about it, and realized that I needed to figure out how much do I have to lose before I can buy new clothes. Right now I am on summer break, I start back at work on August 15th. So, if I want new clothes for work that gives me four weeks. Typically I am lucky if I lose 1 lb in a week, so I am going to give myself the challenge of saying that I can buy something new for work if I have lost 4-6 lbs by August 15th. So with that it's time for me to step up to the challenge.

Yeah 1.8 lbs lost

Well after one week of hitting it hard with exercise and calorie counting. I was happily surprosed to see that I had lost 1.8 lbs this week. It isn't much when you take into account how much I exercised this week, but for a thyroidless girl that is a major accomplishment!!!! One thing I decided to do for myself so that I don't get frustrated is to try and give myself one day off a week so that I can have a "free" day and not worry about calorie counting. So today is that day for me, I don't know if it will mess up my weight loss, but I also feel it's important to allow yourself a day off so that you don't get so wrapped up in feeling like you are limited yourself. I did still go walking this morning though.

Don't forget to Hydrate!!!!!! Especially when running outside :)

One thing I keep seeing from the running group I am participating in is HYDRATE, HYDRATE, and HYDRATE (any suggestions on how to do this will be appreciated) especially here in Texas. The email we got today from USA/San Antonio fit gave us the following information:
"Hydration needs continue as well, and generally you need to consume 4-8 oz every 15-20 min. Remember, though, that you should "obey your thirst" and not over drink, and likewise don't ignore your thirst."
This is something I always have trouble with because I fear having to use the bathroom on our running route and there is no where to use the bathroom except maybe a bush where there might be a snake. Lately it has been so hot outside that it feel dehydrated just leaving the house for a couple of hours!!! So I have been trying to drink as much water as I can the day before any intense workouts especially if I know it's going to be outside.
The other thing I have tried is using gels, shot blocks, or sport beans when running long distances to keep myself hydrated and those work pretty good you just have to make sure you drink some water after using them. I personally can not use the ones with caffeine they make my stomach upset but some people I know love the ones with caffeine for the extra energy boost. Depending on the distance and where the run is, I will take a fuel belt with a water botter or two it does add some weight but I guess that's better then passing out on the road from dehydration. This are just some of the things I have tried. If anyone out there has any other suggestions please feel free to comment, I am open to suggestions.

When you miss your bootcamp..Do a mixture of exercise?

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had every intention of going to bootcamp this morning I even went to bed early, got up early took my thyroid medication and gave myself enough time to eat a light snack before exercising. But, I had one slight problem I thought my workout clothes were dry and while I had enough work out tops on hand I had no workout bottoms except for pants and it is way to hot for pants. So what's a girl to do??? Maybe pick of mixture of workouts?? So that's my plan for today, I am going to go to Yoga to stretch and tone my muscles in order to replace the strength training I am missing in bootcamp, and hopefully a little later do either my walking DVD that I have been wanting to try or go for a walk later this evening to replace the running workout I missed yesterday. Nothing to intense just something to get my body moving.

To Hot to Trot??

So what is a girl to do when the outside temperature is hotter then an oven?? Does this mean I get to take a break from exercise?!! I think maybe or maybe not.
Today's running schedule says to do 10x30-30 which means run for 30 seconds run fast and then run for 30 seconds slow 10x. That is of course after warming up. This sounds like a good plan but not in this heat. Just taking a foot outside of any airconditioned building is a warm-up in itself ;) So now I have to age old question of what should I do??? Give myself a break today, maybe go to the track later, try out the new walking DVD that I got, go to the gym and use the treadmill (which I don't like, I get bored on the treadmill), use the Wii?? Yesterday the running schedule said to run for 30 minutes but I didn't do that since I went to bootcamp so now I have another question. Do I do the 30 minute run/walk or do I do the speed work?? I am not really trying to work on speed right now so maybe the 30 minute running/walking would be best?