Yes, I got a bunch of exercise last week. After walking the dog and snowshoing on Sunday while I was at my parent's I decided to give running a try on Tuesday. I finished the run, but my knee was still a bit sore. Since I had other plans for the end of the week I decided to rest until Friday.
I spent Friday morning shovelling snow off my brother's deck, which got me warmed up in time to go sking. We were sking for about 4 hours, actually I skied and my brother was snowboarding. We had a good time and chatted quite a bit on the chair lift. Little brother was pretty impressed with how much better I am. He actually has to make an effort to catch me on the hill and I handled the black diamonds (which I wouldn't have done a year ago). I definitely credit all my weight training for the improvement as I didn't ski at all last year. My legs are so much stronger and my balance is a lot better, which means I'm a lot more confident. We followed this up with a big lunch out, and once we were back at his place headed out on the snowshoes for about 40 minutes to help lunch digest.
I thought I was doing pretty well, and not feeling sore or too tired. However, I moved during the night and the pain in all my back muscles and the cramps in my calf muscles decided to wake me up. Luckily Saturday was a pretty easy day - just a bit of trudging through snow to cut down trees (brother even showed me how to use the chainsaw). We did go out snowshoing again, this time with his girlfriend and her dogs. I think we were out for almost an hour. Of course, we enjoyed some spiked hot chocolate and huge dinner that night which definitely wiped out any calories burned during the day. We were all ready to pass out by 10:00. Yup, party animals we are not!
Given that the cookie monster has lived in my stomach for the past two weeks, I wasn't expecting great results when I did my "check in weigh in" this morning. Two weeks ago was the last time I weight myself and my weight was 176.7 lbs. I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning and saw 175.8 on the display. Not close to my goal of 171 for next week, but a lot better than I was expecting. Besides all the cookies, my portions have been out of control too, so I've been feeling full a lot more than I've been feeling hungry.
Next week will be my full weigh in/measurements, and I hope to be closer to 171. Realistically I know that I'm not on track right now to reach that goal, but I should be able to get close (down 1.5 to 2 more pounds if I stick to my plan). I've been focused on my fruits and veggies, as well as non-meat based sources of protein. Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Rule of Thirds
My January photography focus was the Rule of Thirds:
The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as paintings, photographs and designs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would. (From Wikipedia)
I was watching my parent's dog for a couple weeks, so took advantage of a couple long walks to take some pictures where I think I've successfully applies the rule of thirds. And some lovely Chick-a-Dees flew around my head, landing close enough for some great shots (as long as I was quick).
This picture is just cute - not sure what the little bird was looking at.
I like the perspective in the picture on the right, as you can tel I was standing below the bird, but I managed to capture him in the left third of the photo with the lovely tree a blur in the background.
Casey sat very nicely watching the ducks, while I took her picture. I think the picture captures her focus, and keeps the interest in the bottom left third of the picture.
This picture is a bit blurry, but I wanted to include it as I like the way the road leads from the right, bottom third of the picture up to the bridge, which is still in the right third. I think it would have been a better picture, if I had kept it in focus and had placed the bridge more in the upper right corner.
The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as paintings, photographs and designs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would. (From Wikipedia)
I was watching my parent's dog for a couple weeks, so took advantage of a couple long walks to take some pictures where I think I've successfully applies the rule of thirds. And some lovely Chick-a-Dees flew around my head, landing close enough for some great shots (as long as I was quick).
I like the perspective in the picture on the right, as you can tel I was standing below the bird, but I managed to capture him in the left third of the photo with the lovely tree a blur in the background.
Casey sat very nicely watching the ducks, while I took her picture. I think the picture captures her focus, and keeps the interest in the bottom left third of the picture.
This picture is a bit blurry, but I wanted to include it as I like the way the road leads from the right, bottom third of the picture up to the bridge, which is still in the right third. I think it would have been a better picture, if I had kept it in focus and had placed the bridge more in the upper right corner.
Again, this picture is a bit blurry and I'm not sure why, but I really like the perspective. I like that the first post is in the right third and the othe posts are in the background.
Monday, February 18, 2013
"Best Shape of my Life" Plan
I've decided not to use the words "diet" or "workout regime". Instead this is my "Best Shape of my Life" plan. The main goal is to change my life by creating a lifestyle that I can sustain and enjoy. The result will be the healthiest and fittest me I can be based on good food and great exercise.
For the food part of this plan, I'm going to focus on what makes me feel the best and supports my workouts and other activities. In thinking about what this food includes, I watched the documentary "Forks Over Knives" and was reminded of how great I felt when I ate a mainly plant-based diet. This included great sleep, regular bowel movements (at least more regular for me), and I didn't experience the crazy cravings for sugar. So, that is what I'm going to be doing - transitioning back to a plant-based diet. I'm definitely not saying I won't eat meat, dairy, or eggs. I will try my best to make these occasions special, with organic, free-range, and responsibly farmed animals.
The workout part of this plan is going to focus on building a program that I can follow realistically, that is flexible, and fun.
To keep myself on track and accountable on a daily basis I have some specific plans. I'm going to continue to use My Fitness Pal to track my calorie intake and weekly exercise calories. At the end of the week, I'll use the information to determine my success at eating a plan based diet, but I'll also use the notes section of the app/website to record how I'm feeling each day (full, hungry, tired, et cetera), and also my bowel movements (more information than you probably need to know).
I also use My Fitness Plan to track my measurements, and even though I don't like doing it, I have set aside a morning every two weeks to record my body fat percentage, my weight, body mass index, and arm/chest/waist/hips/leg measurements.
My end goal target is May 3rd, which is realistic if I get back on track (as I'm slightly behind the plan already). I will provide updates over the weeks...
For the food part of this plan, I'm going to focus on what makes me feel the best and supports my workouts and other activities. In thinking about what this food includes, I watched the documentary "Forks Over Knives" and was reminded of how great I felt when I ate a mainly plant-based diet. This included great sleep, regular bowel movements (at least more regular for me), and I didn't experience the crazy cravings for sugar. So, that is what I'm going to be doing - transitioning back to a plant-based diet. I'm definitely not saying I won't eat meat, dairy, or eggs. I will try my best to make these occasions special, with organic, free-range, and responsibly farmed animals.
My goals for the food part of the plan are:
Reduce constipation
Increase energy
Increase the amount of good sleep
Reduction of skin issues (specifically the rosacea on my face)
The workout part of this plan is going to focus on building a program that I can follow realistically, that is flexible, and fun.
My goals for the exercise part of the plan are:
Run three 5Ks, setting new PRs at each one
Complete the Warrior Dash
Enjoy a two week canoe trip in Killarney
Increase my strength to the point that I can do 5 unassisted pull-ups
To keep myself on track and accountable on a daily basis I have some specific plans. I'm going to continue to use My Fitness Pal to track my calorie intake and weekly exercise calories. At the end of the week, I'll use the information to determine my success at eating a plan based diet, but I'll also use the notes section of the app/website to record how I'm feeling each day (full, hungry, tired, et cetera), and also my bowel movements (more information than you probably need to know).
I also use My Fitness Plan to track my measurements, and even though I don't like doing it, I have set aside a morning every two weeks to record my body fat percentage, my weight, body mass index, and arm/chest/waist/hips/leg measurements.
My end goals are:
21-33% Body Fat
125-169 Body Weight in pounds
19-25 BMI
My end goal target is May 3rd, which is realistic if I get back on track (as I'm slightly behind the plan already). I will provide updates over the weeks...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Fresh Start
My goal for this blog in 2012, was to post an average of one post per week. I almost made that goal, but in looking back at the blog the posts were all over the place in terms of topics and timing of the posts.
In 2013, I didn't have posting on this blog on my list of goals for the year, but it makes sense for me to start doing this on a regular basis to keep me accountable for two of my goals.
Goal #1 - Reach a healthy, happy body size/weight/strength/fitness level.
Goal #2 - Develop my photography skills.
So, I've decided to change the focus of this blog and really make it about my fitness and photography. Keeping that in mind I've gone through my past posts and removed any that I felt didn't fall in to either of these categories (trust me you're not missing out on anything...they turned out to be a lot of posts about my dating/relationship issues).
My goals are actually more specific than they appear above.
For goal number one, I have an actual calendar with body size targets and various 5K runs, canoe trips, and a Warrior Dash to help with the fitness goal. Which I'll share in another post, and maybe create a separate page for, if I can figure out how to do that. My plan is to blog about my progress each week, and try to share anything I learn or blogs/websites I like as I go alone.
For goal number two, the specific goal is to learn about one new photography technique each month and then spend at least three hours practicing that specific technique. With the end result being that I'm more consistent producing pictures that are pleasing to my eye (and hopefully other's as well). I'll be posting at least twice per month, once about the technique, and then a second time to share my favourite photos that I took during my practice sessions.
In 2013, I didn't have posting on this blog on my list of goals for the year, but it makes sense for me to start doing this on a regular basis to keep me accountable for two of my goals.
Goal #1 - Reach a healthy, happy body size/weight/strength/fitness level.
Goal #2 - Develop my photography skills.
So, I've decided to change the focus of this blog and really make it about my fitness and photography. Keeping that in mind I've gone through my past posts and removed any that I felt didn't fall in to either of these categories (trust me you're not missing out on anything...they turned out to be a lot of posts about my dating/relationship issues).
My goals are actually more specific than they appear above.
For goal number one, I have an actual calendar with body size targets and various 5K runs, canoe trips, and a Warrior Dash to help with the fitness goal. Which I'll share in another post, and maybe create a separate page for, if I can figure out how to do that. My plan is to blog about my progress each week, and try to share anything I learn or blogs/websites I like as I go alone.
For goal number two, the specific goal is to learn about one new photography technique each month and then spend at least three hours practicing that specific technique. With the end result being that I'm more consistent producing pictures that are pleasing to my eye (and hopefully other's as well). I'll be posting at least twice per month, once about the technique, and then a second time to share my favourite photos that I took during my practice sessions.
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