Hello everyone...
I am finally on the mend and back on the back.
I was mildly surprised when I went to the gym the first time after surgery and weighed in... I weighed in at 171 lbs. I have continued the weight loss and am now down to 168 lbs. I don't know what I did to drop the weight aside from eating very little due to the medications I was one.
I am now back on the bike while continuing my physical therapy. I am now 11 weeks out from surgery and am pleased with my progress, I still can't run, jump or do some other things, but the good news is, I can climb stairs again, I am allowed to start doing some light lifting with my legs and I am preparing for my big bike ride in September. My furthest ride since surgery was a 20 miler on my birthday, May 15, which was only 9 weeks post-op.
I seriously underestimated this surgery. I now understand that the surgery I had done was just about the most that can be done through an arthroscope, without actually opening the knee to fix it. Additionally, I have had to relearn many things that I took for granted, including walking. By cutting the tissue that was causing the issue, the muscle balance and control in my quadriceps changed. Doing stairs was goofy for a while. An additional bonus is that when my knee swells, I definitely know it. I get a golf ball sized lump on the outside of my knee. The fun part of that is that when the knee swells, i get goofy legged because the swelling outside of the joint capsule affects the function of my quads.
Another part of the equation is the blood thinners I take when needed, (3 weeks) after the surgery. The blood thinners increased the amount of swelling and bleeding in the knee which created a set-back. While my left knee has continued to improve, I am not looking forward to having the right knee fixed in September.
I am still making sure to watch my calorie intake and portion sizes, as well as trying to maintain activity as much as possible. Right now my only cardio is walking, cycling or swimming. Little to no impact...
Unfortunately, I believe my triathlon career, (as brief as it was) is over. Unless I continue my trend of just walking the run portions or finding aqua-bike events in the area. Who knows.
I plan to update more frequently now that I am back on groove. The funny thing is, I was reveling in my weight loss until my pt decided to burst my bubble and tell me that it is most likely due to loss of muscle mass, but I have still maintained the weight even as my quad has returned and is close to normal.
My original hope with picking my blog back up was to be an inspiration to someone... I think I may have inspired myself more than anyone else, but it has to start somewhere.
Now for a brief moment of levity. Considering that since December I have lost more than 20 lbs, I still receive the stupid comments of those who are too vain to recognize that we are all different and we all have to work at different levels in order to reach our goals. Some of us naturally have a high metabolism, or better self-control than others, but if you are one of those people, please be respectful of those of us who fight body chemistry, medical conditions and who knows what else to try to maintain a healthy weight or body image. I, in no way, shape or form want to be a waif. I am happy to admit that if I do return to triathlon, at my current weight, I still qualify as an Athena, although a slightly smaller Athena, I am still an Athena with bad knees and competitive spirit, that just wants to be a shining example to the one that matters to me most... MY DAUGHTER!!!
Just remember... You never know until you try(tri)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day 13
Well, after a not so good nutrition day, I was able to push through a tough 60 minute workout.
30 minutes on the bicycle and 30 minutes conditioning workout, which is part of David's routine he taught me. I had to really push through considering the time and my left knee. I may have to think about seeing the orthopedist regarding my left knee. I can't really go into any kind of squat, including for work without a fair amount of pain or wanting to give out.
All told, 1755 calories consumed and 897 burned.
I will most likely be very sore tomorrow, but it is well worth it, especially if I can break through into the 170's. I need to get back to pushing myself. If I am going to do this, I have to have the discipline and strength to push myself, even when I don't want to do it.
30 minutes on the bicycle and 30 minutes conditioning workout, which is part of David's routine he taught me. I had to really push through considering the time and my left knee. I may have to think about seeing the orthopedist regarding my left knee. I can't really go into any kind of squat, including for work without a fair amount of pain or wanting to give out.
All told, 1755 calories consumed and 897 burned.
I will most likely be very sore tomorrow, but it is well worth it, especially if I can break through into the 170's. I need to get back to pushing myself. If I am going to do this, I have to have the discipline and strength to push myself, even when I don't want to do it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Falling off the wagon - Day 12
Well, I fell off the wagon this week kind of hard.
Day 8
1493 calories consumed with 446 burned. Deficit of 255 calories.
I think Day 8 may have precipitated part of the fall. I worked out hard with David and then did some time on the elliptical trainer at level 12, I guess because I have always done up to level 5, I got a little disconcerted that I couldn't keep going. My hips and quads were screaming at me and I was exhausted. I think I need to take in more calories on days I am working out. Need to figure that out.
Day 9
Pretty sore from the workout the day before, even sneezing hurt my abs. (OMG)
Ate not bad I guess, but I felt horrible about what I ate. I didn't track my calories for the full day and can't remember what all I ate that night, but it was more than I should have.
Day 10
I didn't track anything. Busy morning with running all over town to get my little one registered for Kindergarten. We had to run two separate places for a total of nearly 3 hours (with the driving) then pick her up, and head to work. I was so exhausted after the days events that I did not track anything or do any workout.
Day 11
Started off good, slept in a little. watched a movie, sat on my butt. NOT GOOD!!!! Starting to slip back into the old ways.
Worked in the afternoon and I have decided to track the calories burned by sweeping and mopping the floor at work because I am always sweating when I am done. After leaving work, I headed to the Rock-a-thon at the church with my old confirmation kids. I grazed and grazed and grazed some more, plus the soda. YUCK!!! It was a fun night, but I kept thinking about everything I was going to have to do to make up for the calories taken in. Did work off some calories after getting home, but not much.
Day 12, back on track.
Writing today's blog, going to go grocery shopping with hubby and squirt and then head to the gym before work. I will get the 3.1 in on the elliptical and get my time to David. It's tough, but I have to keep pushing.
As far as the question posed on monday, I think it is harder to develop three new habits at once than it is to do one at a time. What do you think??
I did not make it to the gym, but with what I burned working, I don't think I needed to. According to both livestrong.com and neversaydiet.com, 3 hours of massage burns over 1000 calories. OMG!!! Really. If only my body would allow me to do more massage.
So for today, 1278 calories consumed, 1018 calories burned.
WOW. I have a deficit of 1042 calories for the day.
In the past, I would have gone to the restaurant next door to work and get a taproom burger, without the bun and chips with ranch dressing, I would say that would probably avg out to about 800-1000 calories, with the steak burger, no veggies and not sure if the chips were baked or fried. either way, I did not do that today... I took my dinner and ate at the office instead.
Day 8
1493 calories consumed with 446 burned. Deficit of 255 calories.
I think Day 8 may have precipitated part of the fall. I worked out hard with David and then did some time on the elliptical trainer at level 12, I guess because I have always done up to level 5, I got a little disconcerted that I couldn't keep going. My hips and quads were screaming at me and I was exhausted. I think I need to take in more calories on days I am working out. Need to figure that out.
Day 9
Pretty sore from the workout the day before, even sneezing hurt my abs. (OMG)
Ate not bad I guess, but I felt horrible about what I ate. I didn't track my calories for the full day and can't remember what all I ate that night, but it was more than I should have.
Day 10
I didn't track anything. Busy morning with running all over town to get my little one registered for Kindergarten. We had to run two separate places for a total of nearly 3 hours (with the driving) then pick her up, and head to work. I was so exhausted after the days events that I did not track anything or do any workout.
Day 11
Started off good, slept in a little. watched a movie, sat on my butt. NOT GOOD!!!! Starting to slip back into the old ways.
Worked in the afternoon and I have decided to track the calories burned by sweeping and mopping the floor at work because I am always sweating when I am done. After leaving work, I headed to the Rock-a-thon at the church with my old confirmation kids. I grazed and grazed and grazed some more, plus the soda. YUCK!!! It was a fun night, but I kept thinking about everything I was going to have to do to make up for the calories taken in. Did work off some calories after getting home, but not much.
Day 12, back on track.
Writing today's blog, going to go grocery shopping with hubby and squirt and then head to the gym before work. I will get the 3.1 in on the elliptical and get my time to David. It's tough, but I have to keep pushing.
As far as the question posed on monday, I think it is harder to develop three new habits at once than it is to do one at a time. What do you think??
I did not make it to the gym, but with what I burned working, I don't think I needed to. According to both livestrong.com and neversaydiet.com, 3 hours of massage burns over 1000 calories. OMG!!! Really. If only my body would allow me to do more massage.
So for today, 1278 calories consumed, 1018 calories burned.
WOW. I have a deficit of 1042 calories for the day.
In the past, I would have gone to the restaurant next door to work and get a taproom burger, without the bun and chips with ranch dressing, I would say that would probably avg out to about 800-1000 calories, with the steak burger, no veggies and not sure if the chips were baked or fried. either way, I did not do that today... I took my dinner and ate at the office instead.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 7
Hello friends and followers,
So day 7.... I am one week into starting a new habit. It takes 21 days to start a new habit and I am simultaneously starting several. Will it take longer?? Will it take less time?? Who knows??
My habits I am building!!!
Being more aware of what I eat and how much of it.
Tracking my calories
Doing some form of exercise every day. (not there yet.)
I have done fairly well in the last week and hope to get better. Now for the interesting part, I ate Domino's Pizza yesterday, and while it tasted good, it made me feel like crap for the rest of the day. I ended up cycling at 10:15 to try to get rid of that feeling and did my longest indoor ride in probably a year. I was doing intervals and just watching some tv while spinning away. I will be doing so again tonight once my daughter is in bed for the night. She is currently settling down on the couch while watching Madagascar 2. Last night she fell asleep on the couch and I am hoping for the same tonight. It makes it a bit easier than fighting for bedtime.
I have kept my calories below 1302 for six of the last 7 days and it definitely has not been easy. I am learning and changing, but it's hard when it's more than me here. Had to eat a separate lunch from hubby and daughter to keep my calories in check.
Tonight's workout will be an easy spin for 30 minutes to get the heartrate up and burn some calories to give me a bigger deficit.
Have a good night and go get what you want.
So day 7.... I am one week into starting a new habit. It takes 21 days to start a new habit and I am simultaneously starting several. Will it take longer?? Will it take less time?? Who knows??
My habits I am building!!!
Being more aware of what I eat and how much of it.
Tracking my calories
Doing some form of exercise every day. (not there yet.)
I have done fairly well in the last week and hope to get better. Now for the interesting part, I ate Domino's Pizza yesterday, and while it tasted good, it made me feel like crap for the rest of the day. I ended up cycling at 10:15 to try to get rid of that feeling and did my longest indoor ride in probably a year. I was doing intervals and just watching some tv while spinning away. I will be doing so again tonight once my daughter is in bed for the night. She is currently settling down on the couch while watching Madagascar 2. Last night she fell asleep on the couch and I am hoping for the same tonight. It makes it a bit easier than fighting for bedtime.
I have kept my calories below 1302 for six of the last 7 days and it definitely has not been easy. I am learning and changing, but it's hard when it's more than me here. Had to eat a separate lunch from hubby and daughter to keep my calories in check.
Tonight's workout will be an easy spin for 30 minutes to get the heartrate up and burn some calories to give me a bigger deficit.
Have a good night and go get what you want.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Days 5 and 6
More cleaning around the house and reorganizing on day 5. I guess I probably burnt some calories, but not sufficient enough to even blog about.
Day 6, WOw, I can officially say I blew it today with my calories. It is 7pm and I had blown all but 80 of my calories by 3pm and I could tell by the pizza I ate that wasn't very filling. It bogged me down until I napped on the couch for several hours. I think Domino's Pizza will go by the wayside. I know hubby and daughter are eating more for dinner, but I think tuna is in my future along with a glass of milk. Then wait an hour and ride for another 2 just to burn that crap off. I feel like someone drugged me with tryptophan. It's ridiculous how lethargic I feel right now. Can barely hold my eyes open.
Calorie intake so far today is 1215 with 87 remaining for dinner. OR, I can have a good dinner with veggies and such and then work it off anyway on the bike. What do you think I should do. I know I shouldn't skip a meal, it only perpetuates the cycle. So, I guess I'll opt for the good dinner and then cycle tonight afterwards.
I guess that's the decision.
UPDATE
Final tally for the day.
1536 calories consumed
498 burned leaving me with a deficit of 264 calories for the day.
I hate that I ate the stupid pizza, but likely will never do so again when I realized just how bad it made me feel. Next weigh in will be thursday. Haven't made it to the gym since friday with the weather and residual effects of the snow and ice, but hopefully tuesday.
Day 6, WOw, I can officially say I blew it today with my calories. It is 7pm and I had blown all but 80 of my calories by 3pm and I could tell by the pizza I ate that wasn't very filling. It bogged me down until I napped on the couch for several hours. I think Domino's Pizza will go by the wayside. I know hubby and daughter are eating more for dinner, but I think tuna is in my future along with a glass of milk. Then wait an hour and ride for another 2 just to burn that crap off. I feel like someone drugged me with tryptophan. It's ridiculous how lethargic I feel right now. Can barely hold my eyes open.
Calorie intake so far today is 1215 with 87 remaining for dinner. OR, I can have a good dinner with veggies and such and then work it off anyway on the bike. What do you think I should do. I know I shouldn't skip a meal, it only perpetuates the cycle. So, I guess I'll opt for the good dinner and then cycle tonight afterwards.
I guess that's the decision.
UPDATE
Final tally for the day.
1536 calories consumed
498 burned leaving me with a deficit of 264 calories for the day.
I hate that I ate the stupid pizza, but likely will never do so again when I realized just how bad it made me feel. Next weigh in will be thursday. Haven't made it to the gym since friday with the weather and residual effects of the snow and ice, but hopefully tuesday.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 4
Well, all things considered yesterday was a good day and my first rest day. I needed it as my body pump class on thursday had me so sore, I could barely move. I was running most of yesterday prepping for the weekend and the coming snow storm. I did not get time to workout yesterday anyway.
Soreness I would put at a 5/10.
I came home, unloaded some groceries, fixed dinner, worked on my steamer trunk and started the house re-org.
The desk in my living room will become my daughters once is all said and done. But need to turn the house around... it's become a dumping ground for those with not much spare time. Using the snow days to get it done.
1394 calories in yesterday, and unless sitting on your butt and shredding papers counts for burning, no burn yesterday.
Soreness I would put at a 5/10.
I came home, unloaded some groceries, fixed dinner, worked on my steamer trunk and started the house re-org.
The desk in my living room will become my daughters once is all said and done. But need to turn the house around... it's become a dumping ground for those with not much spare time. Using the snow days to get it done.
1394 calories in yesterday, and unless sitting on your butt and shredding papers counts for burning, no burn yesterday.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 3
Good morning friends, followers and newly introduced to the world of the fat triathlete mom.
So, last night tried something new with my chicken. Lime and Butter chicken (2 boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts Cubed)
2 TBSP Butter
2 tsp lime juice ( i used the green bottle in the produce aisle)
place cubed chicken in frying pan with the melted butter and lime juice to sautee'
a dash of garlic powder
a dash of onion powder
a dash of mesquite seasoning
a dash of pepper
sautee' until fully cooked but still nice and juicy.
Serve.
I used a little more than the 2 tsp of lime juice and it was a touch too tangy for my husband but my daughter and I LOVED it. She's almost 5 and getting her to eat chicken in any other form from a chicken nugget is tough.
total calories for the chicken, 1 cup with the spices was 375 of my 1320 calories, but with my exercise it weighed out okay and the taste was awesome.
UPDATE
Went to the gym today, did 15 minutes on the treadmill and a 45 minute class called body pump. I can already tell that I am going to feel it tomorrow. It felt good though.
GREAT NEWS!!!!
I have lost 4 lbs in the last week!!!! YAY!!!! Down to 183 and moving right along.
Todays calorie burn at the gym was 650 calories, 935 calories consumed today so far and looking for a light, easy dinner. Let's hope this progress keeps going.
Hooray for small (big) victories. Most weight lost ever in a week for me... WOOHOO
So, last night tried something new with my chicken. Lime and Butter chicken (2 boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts Cubed)
2 TBSP Butter
2 tsp lime juice ( i used the green bottle in the produce aisle)
place cubed chicken in frying pan with the melted butter and lime juice to sautee'
a dash of garlic powder
a dash of onion powder
a dash of mesquite seasoning
a dash of pepper
sautee' until fully cooked but still nice and juicy.
Serve.
I used a little more than the 2 tsp of lime juice and it was a touch too tangy for my husband but my daughter and I LOVED it. She's almost 5 and getting her to eat chicken in any other form from a chicken nugget is tough.
total calories for the chicken, 1 cup with the spices was 375 of my 1320 calories, but with my exercise it weighed out okay and the taste was awesome.
UPDATE
Went to the gym today, did 15 minutes on the treadmill and a 45 minute class called body pump. I can already tell that I am going to feel it tomorrow. It felt good though.
GREAT NEWS!!!!
I have lost 4 lbs in the last week!!!! YAY!!!! Down to 183 and moving right along.
Todays calorie burn at the gym was 650 calories, 935 calories consumed today so far and looking for a light, easy dinner. Let's hope this progress keeps going.
Hooray for small (big) victories. Most weight lost ever in a week for me... WOOHOO
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