Some Firsts

I've had some exciting firsts this week I wanted to share with y'all.  First...a quick little update on my little hip situation.

I went to the doctor today.  I seem to be healing as expected, but am nowhere close to a full recovery right now.  Running is still in the far horizon.  I'm still to use crutches for the next 4 weeks, and he wants me to start physical therapy twice a week.  So I do PT twice a week for the next month, and then have a recheck and go from there.  I've been given a little freedom to start working out a bit more, within limits, so I'm doing a little (crutching) happy dance!

Now my firsts:

I did my very first yoga class last night.  It was amazing.  I recently joined a new gym, and they have a ton of classes that you can attend that are included in your membership.  Score.  I've been wanting to do a yoga class for ages but never want to pay the pricey fees for the classes.  So last night I worked up the courage and went to one.  The class I attended:

Ashtanga Yoga-a sequenced yoga practice which utilizes breath, poster, and movement to cleanse, stretch, and strength the body and mind.  It is a powerful and strenuous routine which will leave your body totally revitalized.

I must be honest, I was nervous as crap before I went in.  I started seeing Lululemon-clas girls walking through the locker room, and I almost psyched myself out.  But I decided to just man up and do it.  I of course took a spot in the back corner of the room mostly so people couldn't see me, but also so I could watch other people in case I got lost.

In the end, I loved the class.  I definitely felt like a newbie and didn't know all the poses and whatever, but I felt great afterwards.  I have to watch my leg and be careful doing certain things, but I was mostly able to keep up.  Bonus-it is a heated room, so I was pouring sweat.  Double win.

My other first is tonight I did a spin class.  Hanna over at bouffe e bambini  started raving out them, as she started doing them after a shin injury.  Reading what she wrote made me want to try it, and I'm so glad I did.  I definitely have to modify it to fit my hip at the moment, but I loved the class.  Hip was sore afterwards, but I felt like it was worth it.  Not as great as running, but still a good sweat.  

Back to my happy dance for being active again.  Wee.

Juneathon starts tomorrow! Who's ready?!

(of course tomorrow may be the one day I don't get a work out in.  I have a crazy day scheduled.  But I'm going to try my hardest.  Just being honest.)

Juneathon 2012

JUNEATHON 2012!!

My new challenge! Have you heard of it?  If not, heres a little recap:

Run Everyday.

Blog Everyday.

Log Everyday.

RUN EVERYDAY

So obviously, you are supposed to run everyday.  Or do some time of workout.  For me, I unfortunately will not be running.  Which is making me even a little more excited actually.  I don't love swimming, and since its the only activity I'm actually cleared to do right now, I'm hoping to get a little extra motivation.  I take that back, I do like swimming, buts its BORING as heck.  So for the month of June...some sort of physical activity every day.

Side Note: Does crutching around count as physical activity?  Cuz I feel like I get a heck of a workout from that.

I kid, I kid...sorta.

BLOG EVERYDAY

Record your workouts.  Within 24 hours of doing them.  Meaning you will blog everyday.  This is probably going to be the hardest part for me.  I'll try to make it interesting.  

I'll take some pictures.

I want to share my meals, in case anyone is wondering what I stuff my face with everyday.

I'll share some tips if I have any.  Or some gear that I love.  Or something.

LOG EVERYDAY

In order to sign up, you had to also sign up for Running Free.  Its a website that allows you to track your workouts, find others and follow up, and you can comment and encourage others or whatever.  This website is new to me.

I've been using Daily Mile, which I like a lot, and Running Free sounds similar.  It looks a bit more complicated though.  So I'll probably be logging my workouts on both.  Follow me :)

Interested?  SIGN UP!  I'm thinking it will be super fun, but will definitely be a challenge.  I'm excited.

I'M BACK

Miss me?  I've taken a bit of a break from blogging as I've been sulking recovering, and haven't been doing much of anything exciting.   Having to gimp around on crutches 24/7 pretty much means I've been doing a whole lotta sitting around.  Watching TV, shopping online, all that fun stuff.  I think my credit card may be ready for me to get off my butt and get back to running.

But alas, that is still a no go for a few more weeks.  I've got a recheck scheduled on Thursday, but I'm still in pretty good pain, so I know there is no running in the near future.  I started going stir crazy last week, so I "cleared" myself to start swimming.

It was awesome.  I felt great to get back to doing something, and to know I'm actually burning some calories instead of sitting around consuming them.  Watching me swim is probably quite a sight...I can't really kick with my one leg, can't flip turn because I can't push off the wall with my left leg...its attractive, let me tell you.  I probably look like a fool, but I'm glad to be back doing something.

So stay tuned, now that I'm starting to heal up and have gotten out of my sulkiness, I've got some big things coming.  Get excited :)

EdenFantasys

Time for another post about one of my absolute favorite websites...EdenFantasys!  Surely by now you've checked out this fabulous site, if not, you're totally missing out.  EdenFantasys is an online adult retailer that basically sells some of everything, from sex toys to lingerie.  They are constantly adding new products and expanding what they carry, so there are always fun new products to try.  They have tons of other great perks too...free shipping on all orders over $59, free gifts with every order, and tons of great deals and discounts.  Its fabulous.

As I was browsing through their website today, I saw something that caught my eye.  Under the home page, there was a section titled "50 Shades of Grey."  Ummm...hello!  Have you read these books?  I'm currently in the middl of the third book, and I've been hooked.  So of course, I was totally intrigued when I saw this category.  If you've read the book (and probably even if you haven't), you know there is lots of S&M, sex, and more in the book.  Want to create your own 50 Shades?  EdenFantasys totally has the hookup for you:

Silky blindfold.  Perfect for blocking out your vision and heightening all your other senses.

Wrist cuffs.  Reading the book may make you want some of these for your own collection.  Sounds like they can be quite entertaining :)

Massage candle.  Pour the melted wax onto your partner for a romantic massage.

Intrigued?  I figured you would be.  You'll have to check out their other 50 Shades products :) Visit EdenFantasys...and make all of your fantasies come true!!

And the Verdict Is...

Remember last week how I posted that I was super bummed because I had developed some weird hip pain?  Well, after nearly two weeks of ongoing pain with absolutely zero running/any working out at all...I was still in pain.  A lot of pain.  And I was not happy.

So on my day off of work last week, I called up the orthopedic, booked myself an appointment, and went to see the doc.  Several hours later, after meeting with the doc several times, PT, having an X-ray, an MRI, and maybe a few other crappy things, I was given a diagnosis.

A stress fracture.  In my hip.  Then yesterday I got a call with the final results of my MRI.

A stress fracture.  AND a torn ligament.  All in my hip.

AKA-a lot of pain.

Also AKA: non-weight bearing for several weeks.  Then partial weight bearing for several weeks.  AKA crutches for at least 6 weeks.  And no running for at least 8-10.

Cue me being not happy.  Not happy at all.

I'm supposed to run a halfsie marathon this weekend.  I was so pumped.  Now I can barely limp around.  I may have had a major meltdown or two over the past week.  I am not not not happy.

So if I'm a little absent around here in the coming few weeks.  Pardon me.  Its difficult to talk about working out/staying fit if I'm not working out or staying fit.  Instead, I'm hobbling on crutches and doing a whole lotta sitting.  A whole lot.

Boo.

Getting Started: Products I Love

After joining the gym, I decided I wanted to keep closer track of my calories, and figured out how hard I was really working.  I did some research, and decided there were two products that I really wanted.  First, a heart rate monitor.  Second, a way to track my steps...aka a pedometer.

For the heart rate monitor, I spent a lot of time doing research and trying to decide on the perfect one.  I knew I wanted one that would track my heart rate, calories, and that was waterproof.  Based on reviews, I also knew that I definitely wanted one with a chest strap, because they are supposed to be much more accurate.  I finally decided on Polar FT4 Women's Heart Rate Monitor.

I really love this watch, but in retrospect, I wish that it had a few more features.  However, for my basic workouts in the gym, it is awesome! Your heart rate is easily visible, and you can scroll through to see your heart rate, calories burned, time in the zone, and how long you have been working out.  When you are finished, you get a nice summary that tells you your total calories burned, your min and max heart rate, and how long you were actually in your target heart rate zone.  I found this watch super easy to use, was never bothered by the chest strap, and almost never had any problems getting the watch to track my heart rate.  I would highly recommend this watch to anyone looking for a good monitor.

Besides a heart rate monitor, I wanted to get a pedometer, so I could track just how active I was during the day.  Again, after doing some research, and remembering seeing some reviews on other blogs, I decided to get the FitBit Ultra.

At first, I thought this product was great.  I LOVED it!  I wore it all the time, and I was able to track how many steps I took during the day, how many flights of stairs, and how many calories I burned.  You can also record your sleep, so you see how long you were asleep for, and the quality of sleep that you got.  It all syncs to a website that is fabulously set up.  It tracks your progress, and allows you to add in tons of information.  You add in your weight, BMI, and can even track size measurements.  You can track food intake, log additional activity...it really is awesome!

I must say, up until very recently, I loved my FitBit Ulta.  Recently though, it has been giving me big problems.  For some reason, it has stopped syncing to my computer, so I am no longer able to track my progress.  Also, I've realized that while I'm running, the distance is off, so its not actually tracking me that well anythings.  There may be settings I can play with to try and improve that, but since I've already wasted so much time trying (and failing) to get it to sync to my computer, it unfortunately has taken up a spot collecting dust.  This is quite an expensive product to work for such a short amount of time, as now it is basically worthless to me.  I would definitely be careful if you are considering purchasing this product...I don't want the same problems to happen to you.

Do any of you use a pedometer or heart rate monitor?  Any favorites to recommend?

I am not being compensated for this post.  All products were purchased on my own, and my reviews are my own personal opinion.

Getting Started: What I Did

I figured for those of you who are wanting to get started on getting in shape and losing weight, plus leading a healthier lifestyle, I would share some of my "essentials" that helped kick start my journey.  Since starting, some of my tastes have changed, and I've found new products that I can't live without, so I'll be sharing those with you as well.  Get ready...and learn about some of my personal favorite products.

In the beginning, I was too embarrassed to go to the gym and actually work out in front of other people.  I felt like my stamina was so low, and I didn't want to see people that I potential know while I was huffing, puffing, and struggling through my workouts.  So, I decided to start working out in my own home.

I bought a Wii, and with it, bought Wii Fit.

With the Wii Fit, I also found some cool accessories, my favorite being the Aerobic Step Platform.

I would wake up in the morning, and do this for about 20 minutes.  Let me tell you, at first, this was exhausting.  I would put on some good music, and step up and down as fast as my little legs would let me.  It was a great way to start working out, and really got my heart pumping.

My other favorite thing to do on the Wii, which really started getting me in the habit of working out daily, was Wii Zumba 2.

This is what finally got me feeling like exercise was fun, and I enjoyed doing it.  The dances were fun, I liked beating my own scores, and I could do it in the comfort and privacy of my own house.  Can't beat that.

Have any of you used the Wii to work out?  Any favorite games?

I am not being compensated for this post.  All products were purchased on my own, and my reviews are my own personal opinion.

Disapperance

Oopsies...looks like I fell off the face of the earth for a little bit.  I've been away for the past week with NO internet access...horrible.  For an internet addict, only having the 3G on my iPhone was literally killer.  I've got lots of posts planned, updates to come, and fun things to share.  For now, a little update on my life.

I'm injured.  Cue the violins...the tears...the Kleenex.  I have been training hard for a half marathon for the past few months.  I've been running wonderfully, following my schedule and slowly building up my miles.  There were cross-training days, rest days, and plenty of build up.  Until Monday.  I went on a long run, and on Tuesday morning, I could barely get up out of bed.  I was experiencing some excruciating hip pain, and could literally barely walk.  

I started a routine of icing, Ibuprofen, and rest as much as possible.  That was Monday, the last time I've worked out this week.  No running, no working out even.  Unfortunately, the pain has been persistent, so I headed off to the doctor today.  As I figured, I've got an overuse injury to my hip flexor.  Basically, the doctor prescribed Aleve, ice, and 6 weeks of rest.

This is devastating.  6 weeks.  I have 2 half marathons scheduled in the next month.  I've been working so hard, training has been going so well, and it all seems ruined.  I'm hoping I can cut the 6 weeks down by a little bit, and at least maybe attempt to run of one of halfs.  The doc said it is basically up to my own discretion, so fingers crossed, I'll heal up a little faster than that.  

Keep your fingers crossed! I could use it right now.