What doesn't kill me will make me stronger

I have kept a brief journal of my exercise routine.  I have heard it takes 28 days to form a habit.  I am trying to make this a habit. 

Day #1: I started the exercise routine. I walked 1 mile in 28 minutes. I might have been able to crawl faster -- nope, I have bad knees. Guess I will just be happy that I made it a mile without dying.

Day #2:  I did a 25 minute mile (shaved off 3 minutes) from yesterday's time.  And then did 15 minutes on the elliptical -- kind of slow.  But 15 minutes is still 15 minutes. And Ladybug still bitched it was not enough time -- apparently she likes spending time in the game room.

Day #3: 33 minute mile... Why? Massive legs cramps. Walking and texting don't mix.  I spent the entire mile trying to text a friend while I walking.  I think I could have looked more graceful if I were drunk.  And the leg cramps are getting old.  Calves cramping -- both legs.  Lower back aching.  This is no fun.


Day #4: Tonight's workout included a 27 minute mile with only a minor leg cramp in my left calf and pain in my lower back -- that's what I get for carrying my weight around my belly.  And 20 minutes on the elliptical. Tomorrow I get to learn how to use all the machines in the gym -- at least that is what I hope I learn.

Day #5: Today kicked my butt -- I am going to opt to believe it was because it was a morning workout. I learned how to use the weights. Then I walked on the track. I did a 22 minute mile -- which led me to believe I lost count so I walked a few extra laps (15 laps equals 1 mile). Then I did 10 minutes on the machine that I have no idea what it is called. I will call it the elliptical, stepper torture machine. Just 10 minutes and I was sweating and panting.  If it is that hard, I am sure it is good for me.


Day #6:  In my world I rest on the 6th day.  Okay, I actually didn't even leave the house.  And if I were to be really honest, I didn't even get out of pajamas -- good thing it was a Sunday and not a work day.


Day #7: Short trip to the gym because of time crunch... I got out of work late and then Ladybug was having some behavioral issues.  I did weights for the entire body.. I lowered the expectation on my calves because apparently they still have no real muscle tone. 10 minutes on the torture machine. Then home to a delicious homecooked Ethiopian dinner - because the healthy eating started today.

Day #8:   Tonight I did a 26 minute mile on the track (which I felt good about until I watched The Biggest Loser tonight and saw that a 63 year old woman with 2 bad knees and weighed about the same as me could do a 26 mile).  Then 10 minutes on the torture machine (which is apparently called the ARC) before heading home to cook a fresh meal.

Day #9:  I completed weight training tonight. Then I decided to do 10 minutes on the ARC. But the AMT machine was available -- it is never available. So I decided to try it. You step and glide and peddle -- plus move your arms. There is no track so the machine responds to your body movements. So you must be coordinated to do this. Or you look like a fool. I looked like a fool and it kicked my butt. I made it 5 minutes before wanting to pass out. Then home for some pasta with some home made sauce. YUM.

Day #10:  OMG -- I think I am in love. But I am getting ahead of myself. Today was a cardio day. I started out with the plan to walk a mile and then get serious about cardio. So off to the track I went. And at lap 4 my calves were cramping - again. And I thought ... walking is the least effective exercise and, for me, the most painful. So after 5 laps -- 1/3 mile, I left the track. I can spend my time better.  I then did 20 minutes on the elliptical ... getting my heart rate to about 130. And then I promised that I would try the AMT machine again. I made it 5 minutes yesterday. Could I do 6 today? I walked to the cardio balcony and was disappointed to see that one of the 3 AMT machines was available. I think I actually groaned out loud. I was so hoping I wouldn't have to do it. But I got on. As I reached minute 2 I thought I was going to die. So I closed my eyes, concentrated on my breathing and tuned out everything (if I had an iPod then I could have also drowned out the peppy little aerobics instructor yelling out encouragement while telling people to do the impossible). And fell in love! I opened my eyes at just past the 6 minute mark. Feeling happy. Energized. And ready to keep going. But I knew I had hit the "runner's high" and I needed to stop even though I knew I could do more. Oh yeah, I am in love.  And I want back on that machine now.


Ten days down -- 18 days to go...


Mean Mama