Proud Mama / Proud Wife

February 24, 2013 Kim 10 Comments

The 43 today was super “simple” but very effective!!! I started on all 4s (hands & knees) then extended my right leg out to the side for leg circles. I did 43 small circles to the front and another set of 43 circles to the back. Then, I had to switch to my left side (OUCH!!!) and repeat the front & back circles!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3NKad4MjFw’]

No equipment required – just find a small amount of space and start circling!

Today is a rest day (other than leg circles & my daily wall-sits). And, about those wall-sits, ~~I think~~ I will be happy when February is over!! :happy:

Actually, I’m fortunate because I have 2 boys that call me Mom!!

I am proud of both of my boys every day but sometimes I am completely overwhelmed with pride. Yesterday, Jordan participated in History Day for his school.

History Day Display - my sweet boy/man — History Day Display – my sweet boy/man

This is not for an assignment – just “extra” stuff. It requires a lot of outside research and time to put everything together. Jordan was willing to spend the time and put together a really great presentation!

Jordan didn’t place but it doesn’t matter – my heart is overflowing with pride!!! (His friend John, won the category that he participated in and will advance to the State competition later in the spring! Congrats, John!!)

And…look who is on the front page of the Topeka Capital Journal today!!!

Chris, looking so serious! (He is on the left.) Here is a better picture (I just snapped the one above from the actual paper).

What a cutie!!

And, even though I didn’t put anything in here about Hunter, I’m equally proud of him!!

Happy Sunday – gonna go enjoy my crew!!!

Kim

Cardio, Fitness

Exciting News!!!

February 23, 2013 Kim 6 Comments

Today I used my TransFirmer for the 43 but I set it up a little differently:

I did a little mini-step workout! Fun times! I started behind the angled step and did an L-step off the left side, a 3 count repeater knee, an L-step off the back and then did the same thing off the other side for 1 rep.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQtg1yTOmgY’]

I tried to step high onto the incline during the repeater to make it a little more challenging. This was a fun 43 to really get my heart pumping.

Today was Les Mills Combat HIIT Plyo. 30 minutes of jumping lunges, jump squats, burpees and so many more “fun” moves! I love how intense it is but I’m glad this is only a 30 minute program – don’t think I could last for much longer!

Wait for it…….

I finally started a Day with KT Facebook page! It only took me 5 1/2 months!! Feel free to “like” my page – hopefully I will be able to improve the layout soon. (OK – so it really isn’t super big news but…)

Also, Hunter completed his first full M100 yesterday!! Usually he does 1 set of each of the 3 exercises (30 total moves). Soon he will want to challenge me to another M500 – UGH!!! Way to work, Hunter!!

Gotta get 6 more wall-sits to hit 23 (1 minute each) today and then head off to History Day for Jordan.

Happy Saturday!

Kim

Biceps, Fitness

Snow Day Fun

February 22, 2013 Kim 10 Comments

Today is another snow day for the boys!!! Chris had to go to work (but not until 10:00am which is much better than his normal 6:00am show time!).

I decided to give my legs a break on the 43 today and hit my arms. I did a cross body hammer curl (biceps). I alternated arms and counted 1 right arm curl and 1 left arm curl as 1 rep so it was really 86!!

You can see that it is a simple move – I tried to go slowly and focus on the entire movement for maximum benefit! (I used 10 pound dumbbells.)

I guess I’m checking out my massive bicep?! (Pictures aren’t very close up because this hair growing business isn’t working out that well!! I’ve resorted to just pulling my bangs back in the most lovely fashion so they stay off my face when I work out!)

Today I also did my newest favorite workout from Les Mills Combat – Combat 60 Live, Ultimate Warrior. This one totally kicks my tail!!! Love it!

Then I decided to pull out another old favorite – Ab Ripper X (from P90X). I already know that by Sunday my entire core will ache!! This is a short work-out (16 minutes) and it includes 11 different core exercise – 25 of each except the last 1 has 50. It’s a true delight!!!

I know lots of people spend snow days outside playing in the snow – ~~idiots~~ crazy! I have a strict snow day policy – I don’t leave the house!!! I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it, but I hate snow and cold!!! Usually the boys go out and romp around in the snow but yesterday they didn’t for some reason.

Our snow day included:

Jordan & I worked for several hours on his History Day board (it is for Saturday so good thing we had a snow day to get it done!!). It was fun working with him and helping him put it together!!
Hunter spent time perfecting his Rubik skills!
Hunter’s Rubik collection

3. Chris spent a couple hours shoveling 10″ of snow off the driveway – yuck! (and somehow I didn’t get a picture – boo!)

4. Jordan also fit in some time for his epic Lego battles! I love that he has such a vivid imagination still. He even makes videos of the lego stuff – who knows? Maybe one day he will be a film maker?? Actually he plans to be a History Professor (Ancient History).

5. Hunter also had a battle scene:

I’m not sure when we will finally get rid of all of the stuffed animals! Hunter (and his friends when they come over) still enjoys them (for battles!) – funny!

So, how does your family spend a snow day (or 2)?

Oh – Good news!!! Today is National Margarita Day!!! What a great thing for Fun Friday!

Happy Fun Friday, Margarita Day!!!

Kim

Uncategorized

Special Post – Special Guest: Exercise & Cancer

February 21, 2013 Kim 2 Comments

Please welcome Melanie Bowen!! She has a degree in nutrition and is working on her Master’s in exercise science. She also enjoys learning about different types of alternative health options.

You can read more about Melanie on her website Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.

How to Exercise when You Have Cancer

Living a healthy life while battling cancer seems like an impossible task. You probably go for your traditional chemotherapy and feel like doing nothing else but resting when you get home. Cancer treatment can leave you feeling exhausted and in pain. While it may be difficult to recover from treatments, exercise can help to strengthen your body and improve your general mood. You will find that there are numerous benefits when you are committed to a regular exercise regimen. Even if you are in later stages of mesothelioma or just diagnosed with colon cancer, exercise can still be quite beneficial.

The reason doctors recommend exercise and advise many people to workout regularly is because of how beneficial it is for both the body and mind. Whether it’s just a walk around the block or an hour-long jog on the treadmill, exercise can improve bodily functions and the way you perceive things. For cancer patients, exercise helps to strengthen a weakened immune system so that it is easier for your body to ward off illness. Exercise improves circulation, cardiac and respiratory function, and strengthens bones and muscles. Working out can also help to boost your mood through the release of endorphins. This will help you feel better about your health, body and your current situation in life.

You should never forgo regular cancer treatment and rely on exercise to cure your cancer however; it should be used to complement your cancer treatment so that you are taking care of the underlying problem and addressing issues that might arise due to treatment. Working out can make you feel more energized and happier while you routinely go for treatment. Many cancer patients find exercising relaxing and helpful in order for them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

If you feel that a workout regimen is right for you, you might want to think about speaking with your doctor and establishing a set routine that works with your schedule and condition. Ask your doctor about exercise and which workouts they recommend for cancer patients who are in your current state of health. Your doctor might recommend working out lightly only once a week or he might even suggest working out every other day at a moderate intensity. It is up to you and your healthcare provider on the types of exercises you do and how often you happen to do them at home.

Butt, Cardio, Fitness, Running, Treadmill

It’s a Blizzard!!

February 21, 2013 Kim

DSCN2728 — 7:30 am (snow started around 6:30 or 6:45 I think)

Snow day here is Kansas!! (Actually, the city basically cancelled everything last night before the snow even started just based on the forecast – surprisingly the weather predictions were all true.) Boys are out of school and the base even shut down so Chris is home!!!

For my 43 I went old school!! I used my transfirmer step and did a “tall-box climb”

14" double step (the Transfirmer) — 14″ double step (the Transfirmer)

while holding 12 pound dumbbells. (This is a move that I got from the Firm DVDs – it is one of their signature moves.) Standing behind the step, you step up with your right foot then your left foot and then step down with you right foot then left = 1 rep.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrfAA0wYeeM’]

I did 43 with my right leg leading and 43 with my left leg leading. Great quad/butt work and my heart rate went up quit a bit (the weights really add to the move).

Then, while my legs were already a bit fatigued (21 x 1 minute wall-sits today + the tall-box climb!!!) I decided to start experimenting with a run-walk (more like jog-walk) pattern for my 50 mile race (in October).

For those who know me at all, walking is usually not part of my training. Actually, I don’t like to jog that much either – I just want to run!! However, I know that if I don’t train correctly and just go into the race like an idiot it won’t be pretty. I know that running and walking use the leg muscles differently and I want to have lots of experience going back and forth between the 2 before October.

Today I started with a 10 minute jog followed by a 5 minute walk. After 2 sets of that I decided that I don’t want to walk half the time. I switched to a 7.5 minute jog with a 2.5 minute walk for the next half hour. I think I might like that pattern. Over the next few months I will start training for several hours at a time like that and see.

I also need to play around with my hydration and eating. I’m pretty much a water only drinker (except my evening happy hour!) so I need to try some of the electrolyte drinks.

So many choices!!! And I have never really been one to fuel while running – I know it’s not good to go hours without anything but I do! I’m going to have to play around with all the options for snacks, too!