March 6-9, 2020

March 6-9, 2020

                 Side notes: 1. Friday was a rest day. 2. I know I worked out Saturday but it must have been uneventful because I don't remember what I did or how it went. 3. Pickle ball didn't happen this weekend. I was ready to go but I can't play it by myself. Hopefully next weekend.

                I got back on the elliptical yesterday. My thought had been that maybe in six months or a year I’d try it again. Yesterday the thought popped into my head and I went over and got on the elliptical. If you recall from my very first day at PF, on January 28, 2020, I stayed on for one minute at time for a total of five minutes. I then lost almost all function in my legs for quite a few minutes, and over the following week, the pain caused me to walk like I’d had my legs severely beaten with a baseball bat. Yesterday I was able to stay on for a total of eight minutes without stopping. I then went on to my regular workout and stretching.

                This morning my legs were pretty sore, but nothing compared to that first time in January. I got on the elliptical again and made it for six minutes, breaking for 20-30 seconds every two-ish minutes when I thought I might drop. My legs are sore; especially my calves. I’m concerned that I’ll grow calf muscles instead of work off calf fat.

                I had a little bit harder time on the rowing machine than I’ve been having. I can’t seem to get past six minutes, and that takes everything I’ve got. I feel like I don’t have enough air. And I start feeling heart burn within a couple of minutes that makes me afraid I might throw up. Is this just part of working out? Or maybe after I lose some of my stomach fat, which always seems to be in the way of whatever exercise I’m attempting, the heart burn feeling will subside?

                The healthy eating is going okay. I think the only sugar I’m really getting most days is from Greek honey yogurt, apples, or bananas. I’m still using honey in my coffee and getting used to it. I’m putting two full tablespoons of honey in an 8oz cup of coffee, which seems like a ridiculous amount. I was using close to that amount of sugar though. The majority of our meals are prepared at home. I make a lot of homemade chicken soups, with a lot of veggies, very little rice or very little pasta, and no crackers, rolls or bread. Since I rarely go out to eat, when I do, I sometimes allow myself to have a small Pepsi.

                I started this journey over a month ago. So far, my clothes don’t seem to be fitting any differently. I’ve actually gained five pounds, which my brain knows is because I’m gaining muscle. Seeing that number on the scales feels kind of like a punch in the gut though. I have to keep reminding myself that this isn’t about numbers, or even what I look like. It’s about feeling better, lessening chances of sickness, and possibly prolonging my life. But damn it! I’ve been working really hard and I want to SEE some results!