Just Because It's Time

I have clicked on my blog quite a few times to see who has posted lately. I am so tired of seeing the blog that I last posted that I decided I just needed to post something. Anything. Now, what to say??? Hmmmm....really I don't have anything. I could talk about this crazy summer, but I don't really have the desire to go into that right now. But the quick version is this:
I trained for and "competed" in the ChelanMan triathlon, in July. That was such a great day. I felt strong and accomplished, even though I didn't quite perform as well as I had hoped. I came home pumped to keep up and step up my training. But, three days after the triathlon I developed a headache and some other symptoms. Long story short, 4 weeks later I was diagnosed with a Right Internal Carotid Artery Dissection. My carotid artery on the right side of my neck has a tear on the inside. So, I have been on blood thinners (Warfarin) since August. I had no idea what this would entail. It was a very stressful August. Financially, medically, emotionally...blah blah blah! I was very thankful that my Aunt Jeannie has taken my kids down to CA to stay with family for a few weeks. So, most of the time they were gone, I was laid out on my couch. Since my diagnosis I have felt much better, but have had to take it easy and monitor my blood thickness (INR). Things are going well now. I have been back to the gym a few times. But that is a battle. All that I want to do right now is lay on my couch wrapped in a blanket. I am thinking that I need to start increasing my vitamin D, as we do not have much sun exposure here these days. I will let you know how that goes.
So, there you have it. Now when I click on my blog to see your blog, I won't have to see the pictures of me with zebra hair anymore!!!!
Have a lovely day! :)

Addicted to Spinning? I Think Not

So, I have wanted to try a spinning class for a while now. But, it is intimidating and scary. Stephanie said she loves it. I believe she even said that it is addicting. Hmmm. I have seen the Biggest Loser contestants doing it. And I really wanted to try it. But, not by myself. So, today, 2 of my friends and I tried a class for the first time. The instructor was super nice and adjusted our bikes for us and explained a little of the intensity levels and such. That was nice. “I can do this”, I was thinking. “I think I might even like it.” Ha Ha Ha! We got started and I was doing great. Pedal in time to the music. When the instructor tells you, adjust the tension on the bike but keep the same pace. Okay, doing good. Now, stand up for 8 beats, then down. Stand up for 2 beats, then down, singles…up…down…up….down. My rear hurts!!!! Okay so, I skipped some of the up and down stuff and just stayed down. Then, we learn some knew terminology. I can’t remember any of it right now, though.
Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to bring a towel with me. I really needed it! I was sweaty and hot and have I mentioned that my rear hurts?????
Anyway….I did not enjoy spinning. It is an amazing workout, so I will go back. I am training for a triathlon, so that is a perfect workout for biking days. I think I am even going to try to make it to the class tomorrow morning. I am thinking that it probably takes a couple of classes to really “get it”. We shall see. I am glad that I went and look forward to doing it again. I do enjoy challenging myself to do new things. AND….one lady in the class started spinning a few months ago. That is the only workout she does and she has changed her eating habit and has lost 46 pounds. Now that is motivation to spin. If I could just get my eating under control, I would be doing great!
Would I recommend spinning? YES! It is a great workout. But I would not call it fun!

Here is an article about spinning on the weight watchers website(you will have to copy and past it into the web address spot on your browser):

http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=53361#Story