A Restful Sunday

It's a dull, grey Sunday outside. Mr S is busy preparing a chicken, leek and mushroom pie and I'm sitting on the couch with my laptop. It's a nice, relaxing way to rest on the weekend.

This week I go back to work. We shopped this morning for the whole week. I've prepared the menu as I hope to cook each morning and have the meal ready, or mostly ready,  when we come home in the late afternoon. I also want to try hard to take lunch from home most days so I included that in the planning as well. 

I take Mr S to work at 4.30am each day which is sure to be a challenge once I get back to work. I think the most important thing is going to be getting to sleep earlier each night, and sticking to the plan.

This new routine will be a big change for me. Last year I worked hard to wake up earlier each day. It worked fairly well for someone who used to wake up at the last minute and make a mad dash to work. I managed to have breakfast at home most days and I was generally more prepared for work each day. 

Yesterday we went for a bike ride. I really wanted to tackle a long bike ride along one of our bike paths but beyond our local area. I guess the truth is I rather fancied the idea of me taking leisurely rides in and around the suburbs during this summer. Until yesterday I had only taken short rides around our local area and I'm glad to say they were all lovely, enjoyable, leisurely short rides. 

Yesterday's ride was a little different. We left early before it got too hot. All good. Mr S wanted to trial how long it would take if he were to ride to work. "Leisurely" was not so much on his mind. I was proud to almost keep up with him. He got to his workplace in about one hour. 15 kilometres. Then we had to head back. It was a much slower trip going back. Eventually I made it back home. 30 kilometres in all. I'm really proud to say I made it. Really proud. But, let's just say, the rest of the day was a write-off. My back hurt once I got off the bike. Neither Mr S or I could do another thing all day. 

I think today will be an easygoing day as I savour the last moments of  "freedom". I want to try making some cheese and mushroom scrolls based on a recipe I got from The Organised Housewife. If all goes well I hope to add it to my list of quick and easy recipes to use for lunches and snacks. 

Happy Sunday and have a good week :)

Me, Running and The Biggest Loser

This morning I put on my comfy, exercise clothes and went for a walk and a run. It was a lovely, sunny morning. It felt good to be running again, and I was glad to be getting back to my exercise goals.

During the week I got to thinking about this being my third attempt to run 5ks. I wondered if I would ever get there. I wondered if my body was trying to tell me that I had left it too late. I started last August and here we are in May. Gulp!!

along the running track

And yet, I knew deep inside that I wasn’t ready to give up.

Fortunately, I’ve never had tackle a weight problem but I used to watch The Biggest Loser in its early days and found it quite inspiring.  The contestants would be overwhelmed sometimes by the challenge of sticking to their program and overcoming hurdles. Even when they may have lost no kilos in a week they were expected to keep going. Some of them had battled weight issues for years and years.

I recall the coaches giving pep talks to the contestants and urging them to go on. As much as they had to take time out to reflect on what might be holding them back from achieving their goals, it was essential that they got back on track immediately.

I see parallels in embarking on a diet and exercise program and working towards my own personal goals. Much of the advice given by (creditable) weight loss gurus can be applied to other goals in life.

One of the key messages I’ve held on to is not to be put off when do we come up against hurdles that divert us from the goal. Yes, it happens. People "fall off the wagon"! But it's important to shift the focus on to what is going to help you move on rather than wasting time and energy on putting yourself down for what you haven't done. It is not just talking about what can be done at that point but actually getting up and doing something. 

 I try to keep all of this in mind when I think about starting over again with my running goal. Rather than thinking that I’ve failed completely I try to refocus and look for the next step in moving closer to reaching my goal. This is the philosophy that has kept me staying on track along the "pot-holed road"  in my running journey. 

This morning as I took baby steps running along the path, I pictured myself running 5ks around the neighbourhood, feeling fit and strong.  I’m not ready to give up yet and but I am eagerly looking forward to Monday and my next schedule walk-run.

Goals for April

My post labelled Goals for March is now Goals for April. Perhaps it would be more aptly named Goals for the Next Few Weeks, Reflecting on Goals for the Last Few Weeks.

These days I feel I'm getting back to a routine where I have more choice over what I can and can't do. My back's going well. My car's going well. Mr S's brother has gone back home. Holidays are over. I welcome the time  I now have to plan  and reflect.

Goals for March...and thereabouts

• I now drink more water. My drink bottle fits snuggly in its place near my seat in the car. It's spill-proof and easy to carry around.
• Getting up early. This worked well before the holidays. During the Easter break I continued to get up early to take Mr S to work. I've also been going to bed earlier. Hopefully I can keep up this new habit.
• Exercise. I've done a good deal of walking in the last couple of weeks and I have just started running again, that is for a few minutes. It certainly feels good.
• I'm really pleased I brought in time to create.  I'm still reaping the benefits and enjoying the simple changes I've made to the decor.
• Housework!! Ugh!!! I got Mr S's brother to vacuum once. Does that count as achieving the goal of one key job a week? I did clean the shower this past week. (My excuse is my back. It tires easily.)
• Reducing screen time/Increasing "focus" time. Overall I've been on the computer a lot lately. On a few occasions I've consciously chosen not to switch on the computer or TV. 
• Friday Bill Time going very well and keeping me on top of matters financial. 

Goals for April into May...looking ahead....

• Exercise. Walking and running three times a week.
• Drink more water.
• Get up early. Not easy now that it is dark and cold in the mornings. I am enticing myself with a chai latte this Thursday morning. I am not a morning person so I need to make it "pleasant".  Tomorrow morning I'd like to bake biscuits for Mr S to take back to work. Could be wishful thinking!
• No FB till Friday. 
• Listen mindfully. Need to do something concrete to make this a definite part of my life.
• Try, try, try to do one key cleaning job a week.
• Around the house. Take out house picture to frame and come up with the next concrete step. What do I need to fix it in place in the frame which is empty and waiting to be used?
• Invite a friend over and prepare something to eat, whether it's a snack or a meal.

 I think that's enough. If I can achieve some of these goals this week I will be happy indeed. It always helps when I have focus and time to reflect. I become more mindful of how I approach my whole life and I become more open and more aware of ways in which I can do this. So,  I'm hoping for continued, quality thinking time. Waking up earlier, my Friday evening routine and less screen time are definite ways I can achieve that. I also want to keep in mind one of my main goals which is to be healthy and that only comes about by working at it. With all these thoughts in mind I'm set and focussed for a productive week.

Lately

It's a Labor Day holiday here and a great opportunity to catch up on one or two things. I think it's fairly obvious that my blogging routine is all out of whack so today I thought I would simply share with you a little of what's been happening lately.

Last week life was busy with getting Mr S organised in his new job. Things are off to a good start so let's hope it continues. 

Meanwhile, my daily and weekly routines are taking a little longer since I take the bus everywhere. It certainly makes me appreciate the convenience of a car. I've made a number of allowances because of this.

I've been trying to get back on track with goals and the like. Last week Mr S, some family members and I went in the March Against Melanoma around Melbourne's Botanical Gardens.It had been my hope to enter and run the race in memory of my father. I knew I wasn't ready for that so we walked instead. It was a lovely morning, having been stormy the night before. Mr S said that next year we would run and it is my hope that I will be able to do that.

Our garden is neither here nor there at the moment. When we get some wheels we will try to get some good soil and build it up for the coming seasons. There are some end-of-summer delights: we've got 7 apples, one zucchini and a basket of prickly pears from the plant hanging over the fence. 

Ever resourceful, Mr S  is keen to make the most of this good food. Back home for the weekend he is in his element, pottering around the garden and kitchen, doing little experiments  with what's on hand. He tried making juice from the prickly pears this morning. I'm not sure whether I'm gain to try it.

I'm finally getting to a point where I'm comfortable tackling some of the more demanding jobs around the house. For the last couple of months the house and garden have been so neglected. I'm still cautious and I make sure I go about the work slowly. This is where I find teaching a troublesome job. I do love the job immensely but I really cherish my time at home and want it to be for family, home and friends and - an introvert at heart- for me, so that I can reboot!! It's easy for me to fall under the spell of "domestic bliss" but the call of work preparation and corrections always beckons.

Last week was a week of bought lunches! My energy levels were low and resources (transport, time) limited so I decided to buy lunch at school. In the end it was a good decision. We have freshly-made hot lunches available at school so I ate well and I had a light meal in the evenings. 

On a positive note I bought a new drink bottle and it works!! So I've just started to drink more water and I've stocked up on bread and fillings for the coming week. This is my year to be healthy and happy so I welcome the chance to take any step I can in that direction.

Now I really should drink some water and attend to school work , even though I would love to potter around the house and enjoy the sunshine. I might try a compromise of school work and some time in the sunshine later this afternoon.

Have a good week.

Happy SAD Thoughts

Having SAd is something that is always with me. More often than not I forget I have it. However, I cannot forget forever. SAd has a way of knocking on my door and reminding me that it has a fixed place in my life. At times like that I realise  I need to work at keeping myself grounded and in the position where I can mange my SAd easily.

There are many things I do that help me stay centred. Getting enough sleep is a high priority. Exercise has helped me use my energy in a productive way and leaves me feeling good. I try to work out three times a week but most times it's once or twice. I have hobbies that nourish me, such as gardening and I recognise other practices which give me a boost. Having a chai latte is simple enough. It warms me inside and provides an excuse to relax and enjoy a few moments of solitude. 

One of the key ways that keeps my thoughts grounded is by reading and watching out for inspiration from other people and sources. Getting a regular fix of both positive and challenging ideas makes it easier for me to think positively and challenge the negative thoughts. I often look out on pinterest for meaningful quotes and I always welcome finding reports in the newspaper that shine a light on social anxiety.

This week I came across this clip via Life behind the purple door . Dayarne at Simple joys and silver linings  shares her experience of anxiety. She's made a video in which she speaks frankly and simply about what anxiety has been like for her. I think it helps immensely to know others out there have gone through what I have and to know I am not alone in this. It is also great to have role models and to see how others forge on - with their anxiety- and move forward with their life. 

I firmly believe the more we talk about social anxiety the easier it will be for those who have it but are not aware of it to find ways to manage it. It would have been so good, when I was young and struggling, to have had some strategies to turn to, or some role models to look up to and I'm talking about helping me just to get through the day.
If you would like to see more words of inspiration, have a look at my pinterest board of Happy SAd Thoughts.

This week I'd like to leave you with some words of inspiration.
As you can see I'm an amateur when it comes to presenting quotes myself.... 
Have a lovely Sunday.

Goal: Running again!

Goal:  Exercise three times a week.

 

I’m running again and I’m running better than ever. Well, today marks the end of Week 2 of the Couch to 5k program. This week I’ve had to do cycles of 90 seconds running and 2 minutes walking. It’s been much easier this time around compared with my first attempt.

I embarked feebly on my second round of training. I figured that I would not achieve much so I set off and flippantly fancied I might manage 100 metres of running in total that day. Almost farcically I ran as slowly as I could knowing I hadn’t been exercising for a while. To my surprise, my terribly slow pace was comfortable and manageable. I didn’t need to cut anything short. I just focussed on jogging as slowly as I could. I made it right through the training session.

So Week 3 here I come.

MY GOALS: A RUN OF BAD HEALTH

My Goal:     Exercise three times a week.

Update:       Coming out of winter, struggling to exercise once a week.

A little while ago a unique opportunity came my way. Some of our staff members were preparing for the October marathon. They were excited and buzzing with plans for fund-raising. I was impressed and wished I could do something like that. So when a colleague asked if I was interested I made sure I said “Yes!”

Now, I haven’t run ever, except back in secondary school P.E. lessons, and even then I was always the one who lagged behind.

I went home, looked up the 9-week From Couch to 5k website and the very next day I began.

Here’s a rundown of how my efforts have gone so far. Keep in mind, it’s three runs per week.

Week 1   Day 1    Began. Did the 5-minute walk as part of the 20 walk-run cycle… only to find out that the walk takes place before and after the 20 minute cycle … only managed 4 out of 8 cycles… and came home too exhausted to cook dinner.

Week 1   Day 2    Similar to Day 1. I counted to myself and found that kept me focussed. Still too exhausted to do anything after the run.

Week 1   Day 3    Headache. Can’t run.

Week 2   Hurt my back. Or a muscle.

Week 3    Feel that my back is still not quite right.

Week 4   Rainy days. 

Week 4   Day 3   I’m back on track. This time I’ve got my podcast to guide me and I almost complete the first day program. It feels good, I’m excited and I’m determined.

Week 5    Day 1   Going well. The last stretch is tough.

Week 5    Day 2   Hooray! I’ve finished Week One of the program.

Week 6     Not feeling well. Take the week off from work with laryngitis.

Week 7    Got to face the fact that I won’t make it for the October marathon.

Week 7    Um..er…ah… I’ve got a cold. A bad cold. I feel terrible.

 By now I’ve realised there’s no way I’ll make it for the October marathon. I can’t believe I’ve had such a run of bad health. Running is one of those things I thought I could never do. I’m still not sure that I can physically accomplish it but I really want to have a go.

Stay tuned. One day I will tell you about my first mini-marathon but it certainly won’t be this October!