Writer's Workshop Week Three

Week 3

So, last week would have been week 3. Also, Thanksgiving week.  And, I’m happy to say that I exercised 5 out of 7 days.  I could have gone on Friday or Sunday, especially since it was a long break from school. However, I just didn’t go. But, I can’t be mad at myself for making it the other days.

I’m especially proud of going Thanksgiving morning.  The Jazzercise room was packed. 62 people. We were crammed in there. But, it was inspiring to see 62 people who all decided they were committed enough to go on Thanksgiving.  It made each bite later worth it!

Monday – Jazzercise

Tuesday – elliptical

Wednesday – Jazzercise

Thursday – Jazzercise

Saturday – elliptical

Writer's Workshop Wrap up of Week Two

So, without the 10 day deadline, it's not as easy to stay motivated. Yes, it's been an improvement from previous weeks, but not as strong as my original ten days. The last week has consisted of four trips to Jazzercise, and one trip to the gym. I guess after typing that I realize that it's not so bad for seven days post the original ten.

I think the new way to measure this will be in weeks.

Monday through Sunday will make up my "week".

My ideal goal would be working out 6 out of 7 days.

However, my realistic goal will be working out 5 out of 7 days.

So, for week number two -- 5 out of 7 isn't so bad.

This past weekend, I've told a few of my friends about my blog. I'm excited to share what I've been up to, but, it also makes me a little nervous as well. It's sharing my accomplishments and my disappointments. Because I know that there will be a few weeks when I slack... Also, it's difficult because by sharing this - that means I need to keep working on it because I feel like other people are counting on me to do so.

My sister is my biggest fan.  She and her husband have read every entry :) Makes me feel proud!

I’ll begin week number three today…

Writer's Workshop Wrapping Up the First Ten Days

I have been so good about exercising these 10 days and I'm proud of myself. I know it's early, but I'm trying to tell if I feel any different... I think I have more energy overall. I've been making healthier food options because I understand how much it takes to lose those calories. I think my posture and stride has become taller. I don't think that I'm sleeping better yet. Or, that I've lost any weight.

I like the fact that this little experiment is broken in to ten days. That makes it manageable. It's not like I said, "I'm going to work out everyday for the rest of my life." It was just ten days. And I did it (with my one miss), and I'm really proud of myself.

I think I'm going to set that same goal now for the next ten days. And, I'll attempt to blog about it as I feel it holds me more accountable. I am also going to reward myself. If I go for 30 days, I get new athletic shoes! Nothing like shiny new shoes for motivation!

Thanks for following along so far. Now, I'm taking this blog to the next level - the "and counting" ...

Writer's Workshop Days 5,6,7,8

Days 5, 6, 7, 8

So my sister was on vacation last week, and that meant jazzercise by myself. You know, it wasn't that bad. Yes, I had a couple embarrassing moments - but I'm proud of myself for going solo. Two things I learned by going alone: 1. it's okay to mess up and not laugh about it with someone. Alyssa laughed with the fact that I was off, but without her, no one is paying any attention to me, and 2. don't stand next to the guy with long hair. He will run you over during a few moves!

Late Friday afternoon, I was heading to my gym. I stayed late after school (late for a Friday - 4:45), and was actually looking forward to a trip on the elliptical to work off some school stress. At the gym, I park my car, walk in, and know immediately that something is off... the power! The people behind the desk tell me that I can work out if I want, but there's a good chance they'll be closing shortly. I run to the elliptical, start my workout. Four minutes later, they come around and tell everyone they are closing down until the power comes back.

I could have gone home, because technically I did exercise for the day (all 4 minutes). But, that's not what I wanted. I actually wanted to work out. Weird, huh? So, after exchanging a few text messages with my husband, who reminded me that I could visit another gym location, I went on my way to an alternate gym. I even drove right by house, and kept on driving. I was going to get that workout in no matter what. It was a proud moment for me.

Day 5 - gym
Day 6 - jazzercise
Day 7- gym
Day 8- jazzercise

Writer's Workshop Days Three and Four

Jazzercise.

Ok, so I had no idea what to expect at Jazzercise the first time I went (just a few weeks ago), but I kind of look forward to going now. The reason why is because it is a challenge for me.

Everyone should know that I am one of the most uncoordinated people I know. Watch me teach sometime, I will literally walk into my desk. Ask my husband, he's seen me collide with walls just walking. I despise dancing because I have no rhythm. I get it from my dad. You know those moments when you're in the audience and the audience is expected to clap with a beat? You should see my dad and me in those situations; you'd think we were in fast-forward compared to everyone else. We just don't get it. I was so nervous for the father-daughter dance at my wedding. I had this vision of us stepping on each other's toes and crashing into a wall (luckily, we survived just fine).

Anyway, Jazzercise takes place in a large room with about 30 other ladies. The teacher is on-stage instructing, and everyone else follows along. Sometimes you'll hear the same music from class to class, or see the same routine, but so far every class that I've attended has been different. I am all over that floor. I make up my own moves. My feet go in every which direction. My arms fly against the crowd.

But, yet, I like it. I think I like it for a few reasons:
1. I feel like I'm really burning some calories. I leave soaked in sweat, and even the annoyingly chipper, thin and cute instructor is too (which makes me feel even better).
2. I feel like I'm making improvements on my lack of coordination. Every once in awhile, I feel like I'm actually good at a move - and I think I get a little smug about it.
3. I like how it is different every day. The elliptical at the gym is just the same motion over and over again. At Jazzercise, I'm doing all sorts of things!
4. It’s a bonding moment with my sister.  Let’s be frank – we’re both uncoordinated. BUT, I’ve never realized this before. She’s just as out as I am! My sister, who runs half-marathons regularly, and is in so much better shape than me. My sister, who was a tap-dancer as a young girl while I watched on jealous of her sequined costume. My sister, who skipped the first grade because she always was so quick to pick things up. Well, that same sister seems to be just as awkward as me on that Jazzercise floor, and it certainly helps me feel better about it!

Days Three and Four were successful. I made it to Jazzercise both days. I almost twisted my ankle on Day 4, but I rolled with it.

Writer's Workshop Days One and Two

Day one was easy!

My 10 day streak started off with a lovely trip to Jazzercise with my sister at 8:30 am on Saturday. I had a large coffee before the Friday night football game, and woke up Saturday morning alert from the caffeine I enjoyed 12 hours before.  Since Day One was so easy, I thought I was off to a great start.

But, then …

Day 2 almost didn't happen. Although it should have been the easiest day – Sunday – no excuses or distractions. I woke up nice and early as the clocks fell back an hour. 6:40 am on a Sunday that has never happened before. I was going to go to the gym in the morning, but because my husband's family was in town (unexpectedly), I needed to be on-call for plans with them. So a busy morning of house cleaning was followed by a lovely family lunch.

Then, I got tired. So tired. And, it was nap time. I set my alarm clock for a reasonable nap, but hit snooze a few times. Then my husband came in to wake me.

"What about the gym?” he said.
"Not happening" I responded.
"Honey, the blog!" he encouraged.
And I said, "Oh, well" and turned over to nap a bit longer.

He left me alone and I started thinking ... I can't have my missed day happen already. I can't lie about it. I can't really think of any valid reason to miss, besides selfishness (I had a lovely evening of relaxing ahead of me). So, I got up. Put on my gym clothes. Grabbed my gym bag. And told my husband goodbye (he seemed quite surprised and said he was proud of me).

Crisis adverted. I made it to day number two. I walked into the gym feeling confident, but suddenly had an uh-oh moment. Something doesn't seem the same. Something is different. I see a suspicious looking black finger pad and scanner, and a sign that brags "Scan your finger in for your workout".

Um, this is embarrassing. I don't know what that means. Or what this black box is. Or, how long it's been a part of my gym. I have to fess up to the guy behind the desk. 

"Hi, I haven't been here in awhile, so I don't know what this log-in thing is all about.” I sheepishly admit. He walks me through the process. Now, I'm legit. He tells me the next time I come in "even if it's in a year, I can just scan myself in".  Gee, apparently he doesn't think I'll be back in the next eight days. But, I’ll show him! I'll be back!

I better be…

Writer's Workshop Introduction 11-6-2010

The assignment: to do something to improve myself for ten days.

The challenge: exercise, every day.

Some history:
I've always been a fair-weather gym fan. I'll get a good month in of regular visits, and then I stop for six months. Or maybe I'll get two trips a week, but zero the next.
As a coach and a teacher, I do feel so busy at times. I have 800 different things on my to-do list and no idea when I will finish them. But, I actually feel slightly caught up at the moment. I know what I'm teaching for the next ten days, cheer is slowing down until basketball season, and I feel a little less stressed. The planets have aligned.

I've belonged to the same gym for several years now, and it's time I've returned. No sense in paying for a gym membership if I don't actually go! And, recently my sister and I signed up for Jazzercise (don't laugh - although it is funny). We've gone a couple times, but I'm ready to step it up now.

I always feel so much better when I exercise, but yet, I hate it. It has so many good side effects - I eat healthier, I have more energy, I feel better about myself, I gain more confidence, and overall, I am just more proud of myself. But, recently, I've been really bad about getting back in the habit. I guess I hate it because I get so frustrated because I want immediate results. I want to lose 10 pounds in a week, and that just doesn't happen. I also get way too busy, although if I really looked, I'm sure I could find the time. Oh, and I hate going to the gym at busy times. I feel like I have to fight for a machine and everyone knows that I’m not a “regular”.

BUT, this is it. I'm in this for ten days...

My plan: for ten days straight, I'm either going to the gym or jazzercise or a vigorous jog around the neighborhood (although, that is my last and desperate choice). This means some trips after school, or some (ick) really early morning gym visits - 5:30 am). But, I can do this. I expect myself to do this. I predict one missed day, and I'm okay with that. I can't always be perfect, right?