Chemistry

You know when you aren't sure that you can do something but everyone tells you that you can.. then it feels so much like you want to but just can't seem to figure out why you don't have as much confidence in yourself as everyone else has in you???  And you don't give up because you feel that if so many people say you can do it then you must be able to right??  Well.. It turns out.. everyone was right.. 

I haven't been keeping up here because I'm a full time student.. You know.. One of those "older" people walking around campus rockin the backpack and living in the computer lab...  I'm actually pretty boring and I definitely stay away from skinny jeans.. but I've done alright.  They haven't kicked me out yet.  Now back to all those people being right.. 

This week starts finals week here in my world.  It has been a bit stressful finishing up my classes and preparing for tests but I'm almost there..  Yesterday I took my final Chemistry exam for the semester and my final grade posted today..  Let me preface this by saying that this Chemistry class has been one of the hardest things I have ever done.  It is completely out of my realm of understanding.. But thanks to all of those people who believed in me and continue to support me and tell me I can do it.. I passed.. with flying colors...  B+   wha?  Yeah I know..   I feel like the kid in A Christmas Story when he turns in his paper about the Red Rider BB Gun and he daydreams that his teacher was giving him an A ++++++++++++ and all the kids were cheering him on and holding him up on their shoulders. (sigh)

A big THANKS! for all those that have been holding me up on their shoulders this semester.   I have amazing people cheering me on..  B+ seriously.

Now lest you think I have forgotten that this is a blog about me getting healthy and dropping some pounds...  I have some good news coming soon to a blog near you..  Stay tuned for weigh in coming up next week on the 13th. 

Monthly Weigh in November 2012

I decided to only weigh in and do measurements once a month.  Today is the day.  I was a little nervous to see the results because although I feel great I haven't noticed a huge difference.  and remember.. I'm over 40 so this is going to take a little longer than when I was younger... Let me just say I was pleasantly surprised.  WAHOO!  


Height: 5'4"
Weight: 186lbs
Clothing size: 18 womens
arms: 12 3/4 inches
chest: 44 3/4inches
waist:  38 1/2 inches
hips: 47 inches
thighs: 26 1/2 inches (single) 46 inches combined
calves: 14 1/2 inches

Results: Down 7 pounds  Loss of 7 3/4 inches

Swimming

While being in a swimsuit isn't my favorite thing in the world and sorry to say.. probably isn't for my fellow swimmers.. I have to say I love getting it on every morning and hitting the pool.  About a month ago I decided I needed something that would get me prepared for Sarah and help me ease into exercising without torturing my body in the process.  As I squeeze my fat self into a suit I am reminded why I am there every morning. (Its not pretty)  But then I find a spot with the old men walking the middle lanes and I get into my groove.  I'm a super slow swimmer, switching from my front to my back every third lap.  I'm there every morning at 5:30am.  Its only a mile from my house so I'm done swimming, showered and home before my kids get up for school.  At first it was for the workout, something to get me started that wasn't too hard on my body.  Now it has grown into something relaxing.  Something to look forward to.  It calms me.  prepares me for my day.  It gives me time to think and relax.  It sets my mind for the day on eating healthy, taking care of myself and getting things accomplished. 

Today as I was swimming I thought about my parents and how grateful I am that they sacrificed to give me swim lessons. My mom drove all of us kids up to Green Canyon (a 35 minute drive) for weeks during the summer so we could take lessons.  My mom never learned to swim and It was important to her that we had lessons.  I can't imagine the cost of the lessons for all of us kids and gas to drive us, not to mention the time and patience it took to get us there.  Thanks mom and dad.

workout

After a grueling day at school and a not so fun Chemistry exam... This was the workout that Sarah sent me. 

Start timing.
1 mile run
50 air squats
40 situps
30 pushups
100 jump ropes
50 air squats
40 situps
30 pushups

My time was 47 minutes 12 seconds.  Yes I know, and this was only half of the workout!  Well at least I'm doing it.  And barely at that.. but I did it.  I am so ready for bed. 

Workout

Today's workout

25 situps

Start timing

.50 mile sprint
rest 3 minutes
.50 mile sprint
rest 2 minutes
.25 mile sprint
rest 1 minute
.25 mile sprint

My Time 29:42 minutes

quick note... This is only half of the workout because I am a beginner.  I am not a good runner.. I actually had to walk quickly during the second .50 mile.  But I kept going and I did it! 

Biggest Loser Oatmeal pancakes

I posted these on my regular food blog but thought I'd keep track of and share some of the Healthy recipes on here as well.  These are really yummy and quite filling.  I found these online here.

Biggest Loser Oatmeal Pancakes

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese ( I used low fat)
• 1 tsp. sugar or honey ( I use Stevia)
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Throw it all into a blender, blend and pour onto a hot griddle or cast iron pan.  Wait for the bubbles to appear and flip.   I divide this into 4 pancakes.  This breaks down to about 80 calories per pancake.  (Watch what you put on these as topping considering this is where a lot of calories come from.)

Total calories per recipe- 315

Workouts

I'll try to start putting my workouts on here.. if only for myself to keep track of how far I've come.  Up until now I really didn't even believe I could do most of this stuff.  Like run a 1/2 mile.  A little pathetic I realize but I'm being honest here.  The rest of the honesty... I'm so sore that I can hardly sit down to go to the bathroom.  Some of the time it almost feels like I'd rather just pee my pants.  I guess that means I'm actually doing something.  Last night Sarah couldn't work out with me so she texted me the workout. 

1/2 mile run
20 Burpees (they're hell)
20 sit ups
20 squats

Then do it all again.  Time it all and write down your time.  My time was 36.15 minutes.  I had to walk part of the second 1/2 mile and try not to pass out as I attempted to do the burpees the second time.  I even had to count to 10 inbetween. 
After my workout I texted Sarah this message.. "I hate you Sarah Roundy"