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Priorities

Priorities – everybody has them, but we’re not always effective in prioritizing our lives or sticking to those priorities.  At the beginning of every new year, people around the world set resolutions and intentions for the forthcoming year.  Consequently, in January that gym is absolutely full.  Not to worry fellow gym rats, in the coming months the crowd will thin out.

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The beautiful thing about priorities, when executed right, is that they help keep us on track while living a fulfilling life.  For example, when you make fitness a priority, your more likely to carve at time (even if it is at 5:30 am) for our workout.  This year I’ve  committed to getting stronger.  In order to make that happen, I have to accept that the 5:30 am workouts are here to stay.  With my work schedule and the boys hockey schedule, the early morning workouts are key to meeting my goals.

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I went to spin this morning, which was fabulous.  Of course, it was miserable getting out of bed at 5:00 am, but it was well worth the short term misery.  Since I’ve worked out early morning the last two days, I’ve noticed my mornings at work are much smoother and I’m much happier.  Moreover, I’m more mentally alert.   The only drawback is by early afternoon I desperately need coffee or I’ll fall asleep.

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Post work, I headed over to Burn for aerial yoga with Monica.  Honestly, its a bit more complicated since I have to wear sneakers all the time.  I have to confess that I did take them off for the inversion part of the practice.  Aside from that I had to worry about my sneakers getting caught up on the mat or the hammock.  Like the other classes I’ve taken this week, I had to modify to accommodate my legs.  Confession time: it is super hard to take a decent selfie upside down, but I sure had fun trying!

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Despite the sneaker and tendon issues, aerial yoga was a complete blast.  We had a great crew tonight and shared lots of laughs.  Truly, I love the way the inversions feel in aerial yoga.  Its truly like a weight has been lifted off your back and shoulders.  Each week in class, I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger, which is awesome.  When I first started aerial yoga, I struggled to do a pike.  Now I can do ten pikes without struggling.  There’s nothing better than seeing yourself progress in your practice from week to week.  Its a great feeling!

Tonight’s song performed by Linkin Park is “Castle of Glass.”

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Brilliant Combinations

When it comes to brilliant combinations, you may not think about designer dressed with sneakers.  Since I’m unable to wear heels or any other shoes except for tennis shoes, I’ve had to pair my BCBG dresses and nice jackets with my kicks.  Now I love my Asics, they’re the best running shoes around.  I just don’t love the dress and kicks look.

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It is reminiscent of when I worked in the insurance industry in Minnesota.  In the winter, I would wear boots or somewhat sensible shoes into the office.  Consequently, when I got to the office, I’d put on my stilettos.  Stilettos on the ice are a sure-fire way to break your back, hip or head.  Fortunately, there’s no ice or snow to contend with here.  Unfortunately, that just makes my shoes look like a grand fashion faux pas.  I have to keep reminding myself it is only temporary.

Last night, I went to spin class, which my tendons tolerated pretty well.  Admittedly, I had to modify my ride to accommodate the injury.  For example, instead of going into 2nd or 3rd, I would stay in the saddle.  I was able to ride in 2nd position for a while, but I had to be judicious about it because too much time or resistance in that position resulted in discomfort.

Tonight I went to yoga.  Let me tell you, yoga in running shoes is pretty darn clunky.  It would have been hard to do a flow class in my kicks.   I found that I couldn’t get into my arm balances as my shoes kept getting caught up in the mat.  Oh well, it is a small price to pay for fully recovered tendons (hopefully soon!)  Fortunately, my instructors at Burn have been amazing in helping me modify moves in the classes to protect my legs.  Rather than do a flow class, Monica led an amazing stretch class.  It was exactly what I needed.

Since I’m headed to Chi-Town on Friday, I’m trying to get some great workouts in before I go.   My new year’s resolution was to start attending the 5:30 am classes at Burn.  Thus far, I’m 0-3.  After tomorrow morning, I intend to be 1-3.  Tomorrow morning is a circuit burn class, which is the same class I attend on Saturdays.  My teacher, Amanda, is freaking phenomenal.  Not only does she make sure we’re all maintaining our forms, she’s quick to provide modifications for those of us nursing injuries.  It makes a huge difference!  I’ll let you know tomorrow night if I was able to get up at 5:00!

Lastly, we’re almost ready for Chicago.  The last of our winter wear should arrive yesterday.  I’m so looking forward to spending some quality time with Goalielocks and the Mayor.   Moreover, I looking forward to seeing my bestie Jenny and hanging out with my fabulous hockey parents.  As we held our poses tonight, I was reflecting on how lucky we are to have so many amazing people in our lives.  We’re truly blessed.   The photos I’ve included on the blog are from three of my favorite hockey trips: Ottawa, Peewee Quebec and Minneapolis.

Tonight’s song performed by Shakira at her Paris concert is a “Nothing Else Matters/Despedida” medley.  As an aside, “Nothing Else Matters” is one of my absolute favorite songs.  I loved watching this clip from her concert and witness the universal nature of a great song.  It is awesome hearing the audience sing along to it.

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Monday, Monday

Monday, Monday it wasn’t all I hoped it would be.. Okay I’m totally exaggerating, but it totally sucked getting up earlier than the past two weeks.  Moreover, not only did it suck for me, but it really sucked waking up the boys.  After all, outside of Sunday morning for the Mayor, they haven’t seen a 6:00 hour wake up call for weeks.  It was everything I expected to be and more – i.e. it was brutal for everyone.

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I’m not a morning person, which is why my 5:30 am fitness class aspirations are such a big commitment.  This morning I hit the snooze at least three times before finally rolling out of my nice, warm bed to wake up the kids.  They fought the wake up, but acquiesced only to fall asleep again the couch.  Consequently, you can imagine the forlorn looks on their faces when I woke them up again.

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Fortunately, both the boys and myself made it to the bus top/work despite the general awfulness that can accompany an early morning especially a Monday morning.  Unfortunately, with the return to normalcy and kids in school, we also enjoyed (not so  much) a return to normal South Florida winter traffic.  I would just like to say F you to the snow bird driving 50 in the left lane.  You’re a dick.

Now that I got that out, boy oh boy do I feel better, work was great.  The team and I had a productive day and no tears were shed.  Put one in the win column for me!  I’m not letting Monday (or an annoying snow bird) get in my way!  After work I headed to spin class.  I promised my podiatrist I’d stay in the saddle.  Nevertheless, I think some promises are meant to be broken.  I didn’t go into 3rd and I had to lower my resistance in 2nd, but I pushed it to my limit. If I felt any pain at all, I went back into the saddle.  I left the studio with wet hair, super sweaty and having burnt 387 calories.  Another notch in the win column for me!

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After spin, I was able to wrap up yet another productive shopping spree on Amazon.  Thanks to Amazon Prime all my goodies, hand warmers included, should arrive before we are northward bound.  #Winning.  As you can see, my Monday wasn’t too bad. In fact, it was pretty fantastic.   Honestly, if that alarm had gone off just a little later, it would have been darn near perfect!

Tonight’s song is in honor of everyone’s least favorite day of the week.  As you reminisce about the Monday that was enjoy The Mama & the Papas “Monday, Monday.”

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Podiatrist Friday

It was podiatrist Friday for this girl.  I headed there post lunch to finally have my left ankle checked out.  The office was small and quaint.  As expected, I brought the average age of the office down to 75.  Fortunately, the staff was fantastic as was the doctor.  This was a welcome surprise as it is not the norm at doctor’s offices in South Florida.

After filling out an encyclopedia of paperwork customary to a first visit including any and all allergic reactions or surgeries I’ve ever had, I was taken back to see the doc.  The offices are setup quite differently than a normal office and there wasn’t the normal blood pressure, temp and pulse checks.  As I waited, I noticed the wallpaper had cursive letters scattered randomly.  It seemed like an odd choice for a doctor’s office.  It was like an adult version of a wallpaper you be more likely to see in a preschool.

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Comparatively, the visit was quick and painless.In short order, the doctor was in to assess the situation.  I was pretty specific on the intake form that it was probably stress fracture of posterior tibial tendinitis.   She was a bit surprised that I was so specific.  I explained I had been seen at urgent care, plus friends in the business.  P.S.  It turns out I was right!

She examined both legs and was quickly able to determine the issue was the posterior tibial tendon.  On my left leg, the tendon is aggravated at the insertion point into the muscle.  Whereas on the right leg, the pain was in the arch of the foot and lower ankle.  The pain in both legs is due to an overly high arch on my feet, which causes the foot to collapse as I run.  Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

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Of course the doctor asked if I had stopped activity.  She did not like my answer. Oh yeah, the podiatrist totally lectured me.  See I thought not running and not doing Zumba would be a sufficient reduction in activities.  Unfortunately, the doctor did not approve of the spin, yoga, circuit, and barre classes I’ve done since the injury.  Unquestionably, I’m not good at taking my foot off the gas, nor do I want to as I’m in a good groove.   Surprisingly, I agree to modify my activities and forego going barefoot or wearing socks at yoga or barre.  Much like the urgent care doctor, she looked like she didn’t believe me when I said I’d be complaint.

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The good news is custom orthotics, which are the same price as a pair of Jimmy Choo’s (albeit Jimmy Choo’s on clearance) should fix the issue.  The pain in my legs should go away once the arch is properly supported, .  Unfortunately, in the interim I have to hang up my heels, being barefoot and my sandals.  For the time being,  I’m only able to wear my running shoes.  My works clothes are gonna look great with our Asics.

Tonight’s song performed by PVris is “What’s Wrong.”

 

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Back To The Grind

It’s back to the grind as the holiday season has come to an end.  The roads were back to their usual busy, over-crowded annoyingness with the snow birds amping up the aggravation level. Even as I headed into the office around noon, due to my annual physical, the turnpike was packed with cars unwilling to go the speed limit.  It actually felt good to be back to normal at work.

I booked my annual physical for today as my doctor is going concierge at the end of March. I’m not super excited about this expensive change, but I absolutely love my primary care doctor.  Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to find a good primary care doctor in South Florida.  At this point, I’m leaning towards staying with her in the concierge model.

My appointment went well and everything looks good (well sort of) I would, however,  suggest not going immediately after the holidays lest you want to get yelled at for your weight…  #lessonlearned. I was super excited when the nursing assistant checked my height announcing it at 64.5 inches.   I’m sorry what?  “64.5 inches.”  I’m here to tell you I’ve been 5 ft. 4 since (64 inches) since I was 18.  In fact, I was just barely under 64 inches in 2016 thanks to a lack of stretching a Zumba and running.

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Consequently, when the doctor came into the room, I had to ask her about the gain in height.  She confirmed what I was already thinking that the yoga (particularly the aerial yoga) and stretching had gained me some height.  I mean a 1/2 an inch, can I tell you how stoked I am about it?  I would love to be taller!  Understandably, I made sure to make my reservations for aerial yoga on Thursday and Sunday as soon as I got to the office.

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When I shared this information with my co-worker, she booked herself a class for this coming weekend.  What women doesn’t want to be a built taller? This is especially true for me as I’ve watched my Grandma lose several inches of the last decade or two due to osteoporosis and scoliosis.  You can imagine that both myself and my mom are doing everything in power to avoid that same loss of height.

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Tonight’s yoga class was a mat class, which I love.  Fortunately, Monica teaches both my mat class and aerial classes (Th and Sat.)  I was so excited to share with her that I gained over a half of an inch since my last doctor’s appointment.  She wasn’t surprised by this news since she’s been teaching for awhile, s.  Although, she was quite excited for me.  As a result, I told her our new goal was to get me to 65 inches!   I can’t even tell you how excited I am to have gotten a little taller!

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While the gain in height may seem insignificant, it highlights the importance of staying active and taking care our bodies as we age.  It is easy to get caught up in the cardio mindset and let strength and stretch training fall by the wayside.  However, both strength training and stretching are absolutely crucial to staying happy.  Fortunately, I love yoga, which allows me to work on strength training and stretching at the same time.  I’ve also added weights, TRX and some circuit training to my repertoire to keep me fit.

The bottom line is that I am now 64.5 inches.  Just imagine…. If I gain another inch or two, I won’t have to hem my pants! Now that’s something to get excited about!  Tonight’s song performed by Guns N’ Rose, and in keeping with our South Florida weather tonight, is November Rain.

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My Day

My day was fantastic. Last night I was feeling good post-spin, no leg soreness, fatigue or pain in the proverbial arse.  Unfortunately, I woke up to the post-spin pain in the butt.  It wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as I expected, but nonetheless it was omnipresent.   Fortunately, my legs still feel pretty good.

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Ordinarily on Thursdays, I run 2.5-3 miles before yoga.  However,  my left leg is still bothering me.  Consequently, on the advice of my massage therapist and prudence, I skipped the run.  Admittedly, if my massage therapist hadn’t suggested I see my doctor about the leg and skip the run, I probably would have been running tonight.

Thankfully, aerial yoga doesn’t put much stress on my leg.   One of my favorite things about yoga is that I can see my progress from week to week.  Each week, I’m gaining both flexibility and strength.   It’s absolutely rewarding to see and feel the progress as the weeks go by.  I totally love it!

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Now I’m back home all comfy and cozy on the couch with an ice pack on my leg binge watching The Office.  This show, much like music in other people’s home, is the sound track to our lives.  We’ve recently transitioned from Family Guy to the Office in anticipation of the Family Guy leaving Netflix in Mid-January.  P.S. Netflix, we’re not happy about this!

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Goalielocks finally got his new pads, but is still begging for a dubia roach colony.  Talk abut things I don’t want in my house and roaches will be at the top of the list.  Nonetheless Goalielocks in persistent request to buy a roach farm.  Now that he’s financially responsible for the lizards’ food, he’s pricing out the cheapest options.  Meanwhile, he doesn’t understand why neither mom nor dad want a roach colony in the house.  Undoubtedly, Goalielocks’ would give Gerry Durrell a run for his money when it comes to collecting animals.

I’m off to ice my leg again and cuddle with my Mayor.  Tonight’s song performed by The Cranberries is “Zombie.”

 

 

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Spin Class

I must confess until tonight I’ve never taken a spin class.  I know, I know, its hard to imagine, but I’ve always gotten my cardio fix from Zumba or running.  Well tonight the stars aligned.  My circuit burn teacher was subbing tonight and barre was cancelled, so the 30/30 (spin plus weights) class it was tonight.

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The class title says it all, but for clarity its about 35 minutes spin followed by weight training.  It’s the perfect balance of cardio plus weight training.  Undoubtedly, it was also the perfect introduction to spin for the uninitiated (myself included.)  Admittedly, I was a bit nervous before class.

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I definitely learned a couple of key things today about spin.  First, running shoes aren’t the best fit for the spin bikes.  It is much better to have a narrower shoe (see below) that fits into the pedal straps.  Secondly, bring a towel.  Even after only 30 minutes, I was sweating buckets. Truthfully, it didn’t take too long for the sweat to be dripping.   A headband is also a must!

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Thirdly, the seat isn’t super comfortable.  However,  this discomfort supposedly abates after taking a series of classes it gets better.   Honestly,  I didn’t find it horribly uncomfortable, but again I didn’t do a full 60 minutes of spin.  Moreover, make sure you hydrate wisely.   I brought two bottles of water, but I also took electrolyte tabs before class.  You could also add Nuun tablets (electrolyte tabs) to your water bottle.  This will make sure you replace the minerals you lost as you sweat.

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Additionally, as with any other workout, you gotta respect your body.  I have tendon/ligament issues in both of my ankles.  Consequently, there were times when my ankles didn’t tolerate 2nd or 3rd position.   When this happened, I simply went back to sitting to take pressure off my ankles.  Lastly, I really enjoyed the class and variety is the spice of life.  If you only do the same workouts over and over, they lose their efficacy.  When you introduce variety it keeps your body guessing leading to a more effective workout.

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Tomorrow it will be back to running and yoga for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed my interlude with spin.  Tonight’s song performed by Shakira is “Whenever, Wherever.”

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Beach Training Day

Today the Mayor’s team held their beach training day at Phipp’s Park in Palm Beach with Coach Mike and their Coach Preston.  It was a remarkable day on the water with temperatures in the low 80s and nary a cloud in the sky over us.  The water temps were a bit cool for me at 78, but my son quickly reminded me how spoiled I’ve become.

For their training day, they did almost 90 minutes of off ice training in the sand and water.  Chiefly, Coach Mike put them through the paces with a number of exercises that you might see in a circuit class or at the gym.   Since I’m usually the one at the gym, it was nice watching the Mayor be put through paces.  Truthfully, some of those exercises are tough enough in the gym, so  I can’t imagine how much harder they would be in the hot Florida sand.

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Some the exercises, like the wheelbarrow race, relied on teamwork as they raced uphill in the sand.  It was quite fun watching these kids navigate the exercises together.  In between different modules, the kids would break for water, reapplication of sunscreen and then hit the waves for a bit.  Unfortunately, one kid did have a run in with a jelly fish as we started the day, so they didn’t go in too deep.  Fortunately, the jelly fish only slowed him down for a spell and he went on his way through the exercises.

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As their time on the beach winded down, they ran a race on the sand in the surf.  Once they finished their laps, they set up for their final exercises.  This exercise hails from Navy Seal training.   The kids sit  linked arms in the surf and have to stay connected.  Since there was jelly fish in the water, they sat right where the waves broke.  In the face of the surf, they had to stay strong and connected as a unit.  Truly, it was awesome to watch.  I look forward to Goalielocks’ team’s day at the beach.

Consequently, the sinuses are starting to feel a bit better.  My stomach still does not appreciate the antibiotics, but hopefully some yogurt will help that situation.  Fortunately, the beach is one of the best places to be when your sinuses are running afoul.  The salinity in the air is therapeutic and brought relief to my sinuses.  I do, however, look forward to finishing my course of antibiotics.   Once we got home from the beach, we went about the course of our day.  I wished I could hang the towels from a clothes line with some tenderhooks, but since I don’t have clothing line my shower will have to do.

Tonight’s song in honor of the “cold” water and the cold rink where we live is “Cold, Cold, Cold” by Caged the Elephant.  Enjoy!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today is a day to reflect upon our blessings, eat 5 million calories, watch football and live with gratitude.  I started my morning at the gym with a little Xtend Barre followed by weights.  Of course, I strategically timed my work out  before Thanksgiving dinner, so I won’t feel to awful about all of the things I’m about to eat.

As I baked the cheesecake last night, I started watching a new show that is wonderful.  My colleague recommended The Durrells of Corfu as it  reminded her of my kids..   This ITV produced show takes place in the mid 1930s in Britain and Corfu, Greece.   It follows the story of a widow and her four children (3 boys and 1 girl), who move to Greece after getting fed up with life in England. As an aside, the show runs on PBS’s Masterpiece Theater in the States.

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I quickly realized why this show reminded my co-worker of my kids. The show’s writers based it on the books written by the youngest Durrell.  The youngest son Jerry, much like my kids, caught and brought home every animal he caught.  Of course, the mom losing her cool on her kids that weren’t listening to her or helping around the house resonated with me as well.  The scenery, the characters and the plot are quite interesting.  My kids and I will definitely continue to watch this show.

Today we’ll be heading to my brother’s for a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family.  It’s a far cry from the large gatherings we were accustomed to as kids, but its a nice change of pace.  I remember watching movies at my grandma’s with the family on the holidays.  One year we watched Star Wars Emperor Strikes Back and another year we watched Gremlins.  Speaking of gremlins, I’m pretty sure if I don’t get enough sleep tonight, I may turn into one tomorrow morning.

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To all my friends and family, I am forever grateful that you are in my life.  If there’s anything I’ve learned in 2017, its that life is precious and not promised.  Let’s be thankful today for the beautiful people that have helped shape our lives.  Let’s be grateful for the opportunity to rise and grind another day.  Lastly, today we remember those that are no longer with us.  While they may no longer be with us physically, they’ll always be with us in our hearts.

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Today’s song is the Beatle’s masterpiece “A Day In The Life.”  This song penned by Lennon and McCartney is one of my favorites and is both haunting and beautiful.  Moreover, this song features one of the most famous ending chords.  Interestingly, when Paul McCartney played A Hard Days Night in Miami he and his band ended on this chord.  (I hadn’t picked up on it, but my music expert Jake certainly did.)

 

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Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Happy Thanksgiving eve to the blogosphere.  I spent my night running, at Barre and baking a cheesecake for tomorrow’s festivities.  This of course after I enjoyed a very slow, but productive day at work.   Fortunately, I don’t have to cook tomorrow only bring my cheesecake and an appetizer.

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After my disappointing at last Sunday’s race, I was eager to hit the pavement and log some additional miles.  Sadly, much like last’s Sunday’s race the miles were slow and laborious.   Nonetheless, I logged a little over two miles with the Piggie before heading to pilates for the evening.   I am hoping that my run Friday goes a bit easier than tonight’s run.   The boys are an I are planning to run the Jingle Bell Jog for the 3rd year in a row.   Hopefully, by then my pace has improved and the miles aren’t nearly as laborious as they were tonight.

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Post-run, I headed back home to hang with the boys before they headed to the Panther’s game. While I headed to the pilates studio, Goalielocks and the Mayor headed to the Florida Panther’s game with Uncle Jon.  They were so excited to go that the Mayor had his chores down by 9:00 am.  In fact, he even sent me pictures to prove that he had done it.  When I got home from work last night, none of their daily chores had been done.  Like a tyrant, I told them if they didn’t their chores today, there would be no hockey game tonight.  This proved to be a great motivator for them.

As they enjoyed the free food at the Corona Club at BB&T, I was working my tail off at Burn.  Tonight, my instructor Adam, showed no mercy as we took to the TRX for the first half of class.  TRX is a great way to get strong and get fit without a lot of equipment.  Undoubtedly, I will feel this class tomorrow.   Fortunately, I’m heading back for more punishment tomorrow before our Thanksgiving dinner.

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Tonight’s song is “Dreams” by the Cranberries.  I loved this song from the moment it hit the airways.  I would have bought the CD if my dad hadn’t beat me to it!