Fridays have always been great. When I was working, it was great to have the days off with a good garden project to tackle. Now it is a good day to look back at the week and see where I am on things.
This is the 2nd day of Step 3 patch and I see no difference in the need to smoke. Rarely do I even think about smoking now. There are still places and situations that remind me but no real cravings. Sleep was much better last night which I think is due to the less nicotine in the system. To be honest, I was a bit concerned with the Step 3 as it really has little nicotine and I did not want to battle the withdrawal. 12 more days of these and I am nicotine free. I can now count down until Non-Smoker easier than count the days of not smoking.
My trainer, Kolby, got a promotion and and will now manage two of the area fitness centers. He will continue the Smoking Cessation class and do some of the exercise activities. I like him but some of the others are good too. So we will see how this works out.
Ten weeks of workouts make more than 50 sessions for me. This seems to be a milestone.
I am still surprised at the progress I have made with the strength training. When I compare now with the beginning point, it is better than I would have ever expected. The increase in the weight in each station continues to grow. I feel much stronger and after a shower almost see a difference.
I have looked at 2 different classes, the Express that I now do and a Body Pump that uses weights. Kolby suggested only one of them so that I could give it all in the one I did. This was easy to pick the Express. I can really handle this now, the plank, push-ups or crunches that once killed me are not nearly as hard as only a few weeks ago. I do push hard in each activity but my endurance has increased by tons. I will stay with this as it is good to be close to the head of a class for now.
The treadmill in the beginning was a hard ten minutes at a not so fast pace. Yesterday my speed was almost at jog pace. Time is about as long as I want to spend. Half hour sessions are not uncommon if I get distracted by a TV show. I also keep inching up the incline.
My gardening chores are suffering and in need of a lot of work. I hope that warmer days will get me cranked up in that area. I always get excited in the beginning of spring. Noticed daffs blooming and the red buds starting to show color. I am sure another freeze will sneak in and spank them. March is just around the corner.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Hup 1, 2, 3..
Tomorrow will be the last of the Step 2 patches then on to Step 3. Last smoke was on January 20.
Two weeks of this, then I will say I am a Non-Smoker. The Cessation class says that you are a Non-Smoker much sooner but I tend to think I must also not have the crutch and be nicotine free.
I am satisfied with smoke free for now. Maybe just playing with words. Getting there but know there is still a ways to go.
Workout schedule today calls for the class. I like to get most of my routine complete prior to the class. Class is hard but I enjoy it. Inched up a bit on the elliptical yesterday. Not sure why this is so hard for me. Seems to kill my knee when it should be easier on it. Maybe a head thing.
Still do not have water in the greenhouse. I will find a helper to assist me with this chore. Need that fixed bad.
Time flies when you are having fun.
First day at the gym- 12/14/10
Cessation class began- 1/13/11
Two weeks of this, then I will say I am a Non-Smoker. The Cessation class says that you are a Non-Smoker much sooner but I tend to think I must also not have the crutch and be nicotine free.
I am satisfied with smoke free for now. Maybe just playing with words. Getting there but know there is still a ways to go.
Workout schedule today calls for the class. I like to get most of my routine complete prior to the class. Class is hard but I enjoy it. Inched up a bit on the elliptical yesterday. Not sure why this is so hard for me. Seems to kill my knee when it should be easier on it. Maybe a head thing.
Still do not have water in the greenhouse. I will find a helper to assist me with this chore. Need that fixed bad.
Time flies when you are having fun.
First day at the gym- 12/14/10
Cessation class began- 1/13/11
Monday, February 21, 2011
By George, it is...
Happy Birthday George Washington
Another Monday morning and I am still not 100% in the G.I. department. Not sure if this is just me, I am eating more, nicotine still effecting me or a combination of all of the above. But headed out the door as I was sure not wanting to go three days with out working out.
After only a few minutes on the treadmill I was glad that I was there and feeling strong. Cranked up the speed, incline and got my mile fairly fast. This gave me time for the strength machines. Got the first set of reps in just in time for class.
Class was just as hard as the one last week that kicked my butt. However, I finished this one in much better shape but still worked hard in each station. After a short break, I did more cardio and my strength training reps. I added a short time on the elliptical. I am still going to master this machine.
Smoke free and each day gets easier. I have 3 more days of step 2 then to the final step 3. I am tired of the hassle of the patches but know it is not long now.
Gardening chores suffered as I did not get much done here. I did discover that my water pipe to the greenhouse will need repair. Guess the hard freeze got it.
So goes another Monday.
Another Monday morning and I am still not 100% in the G.I. department. Not sure if this is just me, I am eating more, nicotine still effecting me or a combination of all of the above. But headed out the door as I was sure not wanting to go three days with out working out.
After only a few minutes on the treadmill I was glad that I was there and feeling strong. Cranked up the speed, incline and got my mile fairly fast. This gave me time for the strength machines. Got the first set of reps in just in time for class.
Class was just as hard as the one last week that kicked my butt. However, I finished this one in much better shape but still worked hard in each station. After a short break, I did more cardio and my strength training reps. I added a short time on the elliptical. I am still going to master this machine.
Smoke free and each day gets easier. I have 3 more days of step 2 then to the final step 3. I am tired of the hassle of the patches but know it is not long now.
Gardening chores suffered as I did not get much done here. I did discover that my water pipe to the greenhouse will need repair. Guess the hard freeze got it.
So goes another Monday.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A good Friday...
....but not Good Friday.
Started the day with early arrival at the fitness center. Did my thing and pushed hard on the strength areas. I had to miss the class because of the Master Gardener work day that started at 9:00 a.m.
The work day went well and I enjoyed it. About 15 showed up to prune things up, mulch areas and just general winter clean up. With 15 folks working 3 hours each, we were able to get most chores on the list completed. The Demo Garden is now ready for it's spring show. It will be interesting to see what plants made it and which will need replaced. Seemed funny to not have "smoke breaks". All of the gang are encouraging me with my new life style. I did not notice that much difference in my physical activities but most jobs were easy and did not require that much effort.
On the bad side, the chores we did at the Demo are also needed here at home. So much of my place is so overgrown that many days of work are needed here. Seems like last year all of my gardening time went to Master Gardener project leaving my place neglected. Better plans for this year.
I got my gardening time, 5 days of work outs and still not smoking, so it was a good week. I will catch a few ball games on the tube, March Madness will be here soon.
Started the day with early arrival at the fitness center. Did my thing and pushed hard on the strength areas. I had to miss the class because of the Master Gardener work day that started at 9:00 a.m.
The work day went well and I enjoyed it. About 15 showed up to prune things up, mulch areas and just general winter clean up. With 15 folks working 3 hours each, we were able to get most chores on the list completed. The Demo Garden is now ready for it's spring show. It will be interesting to see what plants made it and which will need replaced. Seemed funny to not have "smoke breaks". All of the gang are encouraging me with my new life style. I did not notice that much difference in my physical activities but most jobs were easy and did not require that much effort.
On the bad side, the chores we did at the Demo are also needed here at home. So much of my place is so overgrown that many days of work are needed here. Seems like last year all of my gardening time went to Master Gardener project leaving my place neglected. Better plans for this year.
I got my gardening time, 5 days of work outs and still not smoking, so it was a good week. I will catch a few ball games on the tube, March Madness will be here soon.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Not so fast there......
Wednesday workouts began as usual with the cardio and strength training. Pushed each to at least a high medium effort. Then the Kinetic Express class started. We had more folks this time and even some new ones. Not sure why but Kolby kicked it up a notch or two. Several new and different exercises to test us. I knew I could hang with the best of them, I started strong for the first round, almost cocky. Second round was hard as I pushed through each station. Round three and I could only hang on and try to finish each activity. Thirty minutes later and I was dead tired, trembling legs and other body parts. Only good thing was that as I looked around, many others were also sucking wind. Hardest workout session ever for me but a good one. Somehow my new,shiny New Balance running shoes did not ease the pain. Today I am sore in places that I did not think could hurt.
Cessation class this after noon. I will just go in a bit early and do my cardio. With warm weather, I want to do some gardening chores. May pot up a few things for the sale. Still dread doing inventory in the greenhouse.
Smoke free for 1 month, 4 weeks or 28 days, however you want to count it. Every Ex-smoker tells me about their time frame for knowing they were Non-Smokers.
I look forward to ditching the patch but have and I guess need several more weeks of it. I really will do Anything to quit smoking.
Sore but pleased with workouts. Glad that I am not smoking. Look forward to gardening chores and the work day with the gang at the Demo Garden tomorrow.
Cessation class this after noon. I will just go in a bit early and do my cardio. With warm weather, I want to do some gardening chores. May pot up a few things for the sale. Still dread doing inventory in the greenhouse.
Smoke free for 1 month, 4 weeks or 28 days, however you want to count it. Every Ex-smoker tells me about their time frame for knowing they were Non-Smokers.
I look forward to ditching the patch but have and I guess need several more weeks of it. I really will do Anything to quit smoking.
Sore but pleased with workouts. Glad that I am not smoking. Look forward to gardening chores and the work day with the gang at the Demo Garden tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A box of Chocolates ....
Valentine's was nice with a box of special chocolates and gift card from Fran. I have been wanting and needing a new pair of running shoes so will use the card. A very nice day which ended with another smokeless day.
Workouts started early so that I could get to Master Gardener meeting. They went well and I noticed that I have made gains in all areas. On the strength machines I have almost doubled my starting point. The military press still is tough and not quite there with it. Cardio has increased in time, incline and speed. I see big improvements here too. Still like the class and competition has me pushing each activity so gains are there also. Just started the elliptical so need time to master it.
Very proud of myself in this area.
Master Gardener meeting went well. With the ten or so visitors and new interns we had a full house. We seem to have lots of interest in the community and are growing. Projects are lined up and with the temps warmer we will begin with a work day at the Demo this Friday. I need to line up a dump truck full of wood chips for delivery prior to the work day. We will also start potting up things for the sale. I think that all of us are ready to get our hands dirty and start digging in the dirt. Lunch with Dave and Keith was pleasant and only motivated me more in all three of my change areas.
I will start my day with the workout and then head out to the Demo Gardens. I just want to check on things and have an idea as to the chores we need to do Friday. This may also give me an idea on how the functional strength applies to gardening. If improvements are as much as I expect then I think that all three areas are meshing together well.
Workouts started early so that I could get to Master Gardener meeting. They went well and I noticed that I have made gains in all areas. On the strength machines I have almost doubled my starting point. The military press still is tough and not quite there with it. Cardio has increased in time, incline and speed. I see big improvements here too. Still like the class and competition has me pushing each activity so gains are there also. Just started the elliptical so need time to master it.
Very proud of myself in this area.
Master Gardener meeting went well. With the ten or so visitors and new interns we had a full house. We seem to have lots of interest in the community and are growing. Projects are lined up and with the temps warmer we will begin with a work day at the Demo this Friday. I need to line up a dump truck full of wood chips for delivery prior to the work day. We will also start potting up things for the sale. I think that all of us are ready to get our hands dirty and start digging in the dirt. Lunch with Dave and Keith was pleasant and only motivated me more in all three of my change areas.
I will start my day with the workout and then head out to the Demo Gardens. I just want to check on things and have an idea as to the chores we need to do Friday. This may also give me an idea on how the functional strength applies to gardening. If improvements are as much as I expect then I think that all three areas are meshing together well.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Almost Spring, well for the next week
The temps have really warmed up with 70s for the next week or so. This usually fires me up and has me jump the gun on gardening. I do know the cold will return for more than a month. I do want to get the Oakleaf hydrangeas potted up for the plant sale. This has been my best sale plant for the last several years. Folks come to the sale and ask for them. Hope to have around 20-25 of them ready for the sale. Cold weather will not harm them.
Master Gardener's meeting today. This will cause me to begin workouts early. Mondays are hard but like the routine and class. Activities of last week shortened my training to only 4 days. This was the first time since I began the routine. Week nine starts today. I can see and feel progress which keeps me going.
Smokeless day 25 today. They seen to be easy now but know the real test will come later down the line. Many changes to the body and mind.
The Keep Jacksonville Beautiful clean up day was Saturday and went well. Not many but more than expected showed up and we picked up a good bit of trash. There was a Valentine activity at the Norman center that night. Hate to see the litter that the event produced. Almost seems like a win less battle. Guess this is like gardening, workouts and not smoking, one day at a time.
Master Gardener's meeting today. This will cause me to begin workouts early. Mondays are hard but like the routine and class. Activities of last week shortened my training to only 4 days. This was the first time since I began the routine. Week nine starts today. I can see and feel progress which keeps me going.
Smokeless day 25 today. They seen to be easy now but know the real test will come later down the line. Many changes to the body and mind.
The Keep Jacksonville Beautiful clean up day was Saturday and went well. Not many but more than expected showed up and we picked up a good bit of trash. There was a Valentine activity at the Norman center that night. Hate to see the litter that the event produced. Almost seems like a win less battle. Guess this is like gardening, workouts and not smoking, one day at a time.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Success is NOT an event, it is a journey.
I am very proud of the 3 weeks of smoke free milestone but realize that is just a step to success. My struggle with when to go to step 1 patch was solved. ( Thanks JameO ) I got the 2 weeks box of step 2 and 2 weeks box of step 3. This should put me at Non Smoker in mid-March. This also happens to be the average last frost day for my zone 8 gardening area. With the temps in the teens for the last 2 mornings, I so look forward to warmer weather and the title of Non Smoker.
Smoking class yesterday went well and I am glad that it came around when it did. Zerk will have surgery in 2 weeks so he is on a fast track. He can not have any nicotine in his body so the patches must go soon for him. I was tempted but know the full plan is best for me. I will not have my partner in class so will plan for that. The program talked about rewarding yourself for successes. I am thinking about some new gym gear.
I look forward to workout today. I enjoyed and kicked butt in the class on Wednesday. I pumped out the push-ups which surprised the coach and class members. The M-W-F workouts are longer and tougher but also give me better results. I started the elliptical yesterday and see a long journey to get where I want to be with it. This may spice up my Tues.-Thursday sessions. A milestone of 2 months in workouts comes Monday. I have managed to keep the 5 days a week plan.
Tomorrow Keep Jacksonville Beautiful has a clean up day. Hope for warmer weather. Master Gardeners meets Monday. Still no real answers about life in the greenhouse. Need to start thinking about the plants in my Spring Plant Sale booth. I have been top seller for several years now so do not want to give that title up.
Good luck James on your run in New Orleans this weekend. Take no chances as you have Boston coming up sooner than you think. I would think that Boston would be a big event.
Thanks to all for encouraging words, it helps.
Smoking class yesterday went well and I am glad that it came around when it did. Zerk will have surgery in 2 weeks so he is on a fast track. He can not have any nicotine in his body so the patches must go soon for him. I was tempted but know the full plan is best for me. I will not have my partner in class so will plan for that. The program talked about rewarding yourself for successes. I am thinking about some new gym gear.
I look forward to workout today. I enjoyed and kicked butt in the class on Wednesday. I pumped out the push-ups which surprised the coach and class members. The M-W-F workouts are longer and tougher but also give me better results. I started the elliptical yesterday and see a long journey to get where I want to be with it. This may spice up my Tues.-Thursday sessions. A milestone of 2 months in workouts comes Monday. I have managed to keep the 5 days a week plan.
Tomorrow Keep Jacksonville Beautiful has a clean up day. Hope for warmer weather. Master Gardeners meets Monday. Still no real answers about life in the greenhouse. Need to start thinking about the plants in my Spring Plant Sale booth. I have been top seller for several years now so do not want to give that title up.
Good luck James on your run in New Orleans this weekend. Take no chances as you have Boston coming up sooner than you think. I would think that Boston would be a big event.
Thanks to all for encouraging words, it helps.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Yesterday was a good day at workouts. The Express class has just become my additional routine three days a week. Like it and the others in the sessions.
My look around the greenhouse did not look so good. Most plants have dropped the leaves and I will know later if they can be saved. Not much hope.
Today several meetings prevented me from getting to the fitness center. Missed that but hope that some good Master Gardener activities were worked out with other groups. Maybe it was worth my time and missed training.
Tomorrow the weather man comes again. Rain, sleet and snow mix will start around midnight with freezing temps until Friday afternoon. May not be as much snow but the icy roads are a problem around these parts. I hope to get to the center tomorrow, will know more by morning and keep you posted.
Another smoke free day. Hope the class is not canceled on Thursday afternoon and the roads are clear for travel.
My look around the greenhouse did not look so good. Most plants have dropped the leaves and I will know later if they can be saved. Not much hope.
Today several meetings prevented me from getting to the fitness center. Missed that but hope that some good Master Gardener activities were worked out with other groups. Maybe it was worth my time and missed training.
Tomorrow the weather man comes again. Rain, sleet and snow mix will start around midnight with freezing temps until Friday afternoon. May not be as much snow but the icy roads are a problem around these parts. I hope to get to the center tomorrow, will know more by morning and keep you posted.
Another smoke free day. Hope the class is not canceled on Thursday afternoon and the roads are clear for travel.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Good Morning Sunshine...
Friday was a bust as far as getting exercise. The gym is a must for me if I am going to make improvements. Saturday was great as I made up for the missed day. I was so ready to get to the gym. Pushed hard and hit my goals on the machines even with the added extra weights. Cardio is easier for me and seems like I add incline, speed and time every few days. I am eyeing the elliptical but know it is a kick in the butt. I will start making progress on it and make that a new goal. It is hard to remember where I was back on start up date, December 14.
Still smoke free and wearing the Step 2 patch. Look forward to the Cessation meeting this week and reminder of sticking to the plan. The triggers for smoking still come around but seem to last only seconds. I can really see the difference now in many areas. Taste, smell, breathing, energy, appetite...and still eating mostly good things like fruits, nuts and veggies.
I will check on the greenhouse and see what the damage is to my tropical plants. Really hope the Cajun Hibiscus made it through the cold. Other things can be replaced but those are a bit harder to get. Maybe the snow on the roof acted as an insulation, we'll see.
Super Bowl today, I will watch but really do not care who might win.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Winter Wonderland
The view from my office is beautiful. As forecast, the over night snow came and continues this morning. Maybe 3-4 ", but for east Texas, that brings things to a standstill. Most schools and some other businesses have closed for the day. With an ice base for the snow and 22 degree temps, we may have some issues. Above freezing temps will not come before noon tomorrow. I guess this made my decision from excuse to reason for not venturing out today. Exercise with Fran or just some cal for today. May even try the Burpee (with push ups). Hope to get two half hour sessions but it is not the fitness center.
I am 2 weeks smoke free which should be a big deal. This is just a milestone and not the goal and could easily be a trap. Not sure why I am struggling with wearing the patch. I am still wearing the Step 2 and have another weeks supply. Why do I think that I am smarter than the Cooper-Clayton plan, which calls for several more weeks of Step 2 ? I am thinking that I do not need it and am ready to just be a Non-Smoker. All research states that following the plan give much greater success rates. Maybe the meeting that was canceled yesterday was more important than I thought. What is another month in the big picture ?
Follow the plan.
I am 2 weeks smoke free which should be a big deal. This is just a milestone and not the goal and could easily be a trap. Not sure why I am struggling with wearing the patch. I am still wearing the Step 2 and have another weeks supply. Why do I think that I am smarter than the Cooper-Clayton plan, which calls for several more weeks of Step 2 ? I am thinking that I do not need it and am ready to just be a Non-Smoker. All research states that following the plan give much greater success rates. Maybe the meeting that was canceled yesterday was more important than I thought. What is another month in the big picture ?
Follow the plan.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Snow Days
FORECAST:
TODAY: Mostly cloudy. High 30. Winds N 10-15 mph.
TONIGHT: Cloudy with snow developing and moving in by early morning hours. Low 20.
TOMORROW: Snow lasts through the morning, but will end with a few flurries for midday. Accumulations 1-3" expected, with heavier amounts south of Tyler-Longview. High 32.
Made it to workouts this morning but not many were there. Colby out with sick baby so the Smoking Cessation class canceled. Did my plan and headed back home. It was still 24 degrees in my truck. Light snow around but more coming later today.
Still no smoking, about 2 weeks now.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Really cold
The temps fell fast and almost 30 degree in lest than an hour this morning.
The week looks like 37-15 today,29-16 tomorrow, 30-18 Thursday and 34-23 on Friday. Winds 25-40 mph so wind chill in near zero. We could get some moisture with the cold.
Lots of places closed or late opening for the next few days.
Greenhouse door frozen shut so can not get in to fix the heater. Oh well, time to thin some things out anyway.
I did make it to workout this morning and kicked the exercises. Made up for slacking yesterday.
It did feel good to get back to the plan.
No smokes again today.
Fire in the fireplace and hope to stay warm for the next few days.
Not sure if the temps will be an excuse or reason to not get out tomorrow, but dang it is cold.
The week looks like 37-15 today,29-16 tomorrow, 30-18 Thursday and 34-23 on Friday. Winds 25-40 mph so wind chill in near zero. We could get some moisture with the cold.
Lots of places closed or late opening for the next few days.
Greenhouse door frozen shut so can not get in to fix the heater. Oh well, time to thin some things out anyway.
I did make it to workout this morning and kicked the exercises. Made up for slacking yesterday.
It did feel good to get back to the plan.
No smokes again today.
Fire in the fireplace and hope to stay warm for the next few days.
Not sure if the temps will be an excuse or reason to not get out tomorrow, but dang it is cold.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)