...and am I so ready for it.
March 15 is the last average frost date for my growing zone. I will also be nicotine free, smoke free and should claim the title of Non-Smoker. This will also mark 3 months of workouts. I am quite proud of the decisions that have resulted in major changes in my life.
This is also March Madness, with the start of the NCAA basketball tourney. This may be my favorite sporting event of the year. So many games on TV that even I can get crazy watching them.
The only issue I see is the conflict of workouts and gardening projects. Master Gardener work days are usually on Fridays and I really enjoy these and want to continue my involvement with them. We have one coming up this Friday. The Express workout classes are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, which I also enjoy. Since both are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., I must choose one or be late for the work day if I try to make both. We will see which activity wins out or the compromise that I can come up with to solve the issue.
I can also see the 5 days a week workout schedule get tested. With more activities in the spring, my ambitious plans may get altered. In the beginning, my thoughts were to get exercise during the cold months of the year when I am usually so inactive. I can not believe that I am having this debate in my head. Who would of thought that workouts and gardening could have even come close to the same importance for me. A little bit of balance can allow for both.
By the way, for a Monday, yesterdays workouts and class went well. I looked forward to them after the weekend off.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
TGIF
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.
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.
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.
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