Day 41 & 42: Quick to exercise; slow to blog

I attended the wedding I mentioned I learned about (and blogged about) a couple of weeks ago (see Sept 25th). Although I was content to speak with the bride and let her know how glad I was to hear she and her groom were headed down the aisle, she left me a voice-mail saying that she had made room for me to attend the wedding! Wow!


It was on a touring cruise ship that travels up and down the Potomac River. The wedding was on top of the boat and the reception was directly below. We ate fabulously! I tried to catch the bouquet (I love pretty flowers) but it tipped my fingers and landed on a table or the floor and I went for it again with the person who ultimately prevailed.


I was very emotional because I was so happy for this particular couple (not a good way to be in front of a buffet). I need a fail-proof strategy for a crowded banquet. The place was packed and every seat was assigned.


When I got home I was exhausted and I had a head-ache from all the excitement. So, I rested the remainder of that day.


But, I got myself together on Day 41 and 42. I walked on my block for 30 minutes both evenings. I have no computer read-out to print here and I forgot to wear the heart monitor (which would at least give me an average heartbeat and estimated calories). I counted my steps though.


Day 41 : 30 minutes: 1410 steps = .805 mi.
Day 42: 32 minutes: 3060 steps = 1.53 mi.


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~

Day 39: Tried a new approach

During my ride today, I did 5 second bursts at 30 second intervals and increased their duration and frequency throughout the workout. I allowed time for the obligatory warm-up and cool-down. I observed my heart-rate increase earlier. It stayed at an elevated rate longer even though I didn't pedal as long or as hard as I did during some of my previous workouts.


My results for day 39 are:

Time: 25 min. 
Average Speed 13.4
Distance 5.2
Calories 139
Average Heart Rate 119
Watts: 56
Level: 5

Do something beautiful for your heart today.

~ Cheryl ~

Day 38: Big day of exercise

Early this morning, I worked out at physical therapy and discovered how much work my ankle really needs. At least it isn't hurting (except when doing PT). When I'm not working on the ankle, it almost feels normal.


I rode my bike early in the evening too! But I didn't set goals for this week. And as a wise previous pastor once told me, "If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time!" So, NEW RULE: My previous weekly goal rolls forward until I set new a new one.


My results for day 38 are:

Time: 30 min. 
Average Speed 13.3
Distance 6.5
Calories 167
Average Heart Rate 112
Watts: 55
Level: 6


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~

Day 37 (midday): More weight loss

The nurse at my doctor's office weighed me this morning. I am down two more pounds since last week.


Dr. M noticed a difference as soon as she looked at me. Her records have my weight from earlier this summer and according to her, I have lost 13 lbs (6 of which count since Sept. 1st).  I showed her my feet and how they are so un-swollen. It's a happy day.


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~

Day 36: Fell into a hole but crawled back up onto my bike

My exercise was different on Day 35. I went for physical therapy so I did the exercises I was assigned in addition to receiving the wonderful treatment they give while I relax (not quite a spa but I felt GOOD!). My legs really felt better than they have in for a long time.


I have been tempted to be a little depressed about the situation with my ankle but the exercise has proven to help keep it at bay. I still have unanswered questions and so far the  questions I have asked have brought me better answers than I anticipated. My physical therapist is very positive and it really helped to happen upon some friendly faces who recognized my face during my session. I hadn't seen either of them in a long time.


I got a good look at my feet because the leg press, one of my P.T. exercises, puts them right in front of my face. They are different! I see no sign of swelling. My exercise program, my habit, has brought that under control. They don't look like they have even been swollen at any time recently. This is an excellent sign of improved conditions for my heart.


So, I exercised yesterday but there is no way I can count that here. I'll be going twice a week for the next month or so in addition to everything I'm already doing.

I didn't weigh today because my trusted friend was out of town and we agreed I would weigh a day late. But, I just realized I won't be around to meet her until two days late. But, I am going to the doctor's office and they will weigh me when I am there.


I don't think I want to know my weight this week because my activity has been poor and my performance has been far below any of my previous weeks' goals (I never set goals for last week). Because I had some discouragement this week, I thought knowing my weight (if the same or higher) might add to the discouragement.


My results for day 36 are:

Time: 25 min. 
Average Speed 12.6
Distance 5.1
Calories 128
Average Heart Rate 105
Watts: 48
Level: 5


I hear rain outside, so the 15 minute walk in the morning probably won't happen. Wind is expected after the rain stops. So, I'll probably walk closer to dinner time. My doctor's ordered restriction has ended so I can begin walking for exercise again.


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~

Day 32: Back on the bike!

My results for day 32 are:

Time: 30 min. 
Average Speed 13.8
Distance 6.7
Calories 178
Average Heart Rate 117
Watts: 61
Level: 5


A wonderful person at work lent me her Polar F6 Heart Rate Monitor. Now I can compare the bike's tracking of my heart rate with the Polar model. Now if I can figure out the short-comings of my bike's "cardiometer".


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~

Day 31: Injured and healing

Exercise happened on day 28. I walked outside (very late of course). I really appreciate the difference in how I feel when my whole body is moving without a machine like my bike. My routine is as vigorous as low-impact aerobic dance.


But on the 10th minute of walking up and down the block something suspicious developed on my street and I was alone except for the unfamiliar vehicle being driven aggressively and repeatedly through the alley and on the streets of my neighborhood. So, I went inside. My ankle was hurting.


The next day, my trusted friend saw my weight fall again on day 29. I am back down to 4 lbs lost.


Skipping ahead to day 31, I had medical appointments - not ironically for my ankle. I came away with a diagnosis I really didn't want, orders for physical therapy and an activity restriction. I have to stop walking as exercise for a while - but I can still ride my recumbent bike.


It just occurred to me, I had been carrying around the MRI but never looked at any of the films until the doctor took them out of the envelope.


One of my days (off - between day 28 and 31) were derailed by a broken down car, a tow to the repair shop and picking up a rental. I picked up the fixed car and returned the rental on a different day. I met two people on day 31 who had lost significant amounts of weight. One of them wants to join our walking team. Yeah!


But my ankle really hurts right now and it will rest on a pillow as I go to sleep.


Within 24 hours, I'll make my goals for what's left of this week... In the mean-time,


Do something beautiful for your heart today.


~ Cheryl ~