Hawkwind's journal and musings

[Hawkwind]

I did not train upper body today. I ate clean although I wanted to have a cheesecake cheat of massive proportions...but I know that is all the emotions that the packing is stirring up inside me...so I made a really cool lunch. Ricotta, mixed with minced chicken and chives, stuffed in whole wheat pita with swiss cheese and nuked for 30 seconds! It was yummy! And much healthier than cheesecake!

I managed to load and take a couple loads of books to storage and I just about have another load to go. Hauling fully packed boxes of books around is an upper body workout.

Tonight I went to see a speaker at the local library. He did the AT a couple years back.

I needed the decompression time.
Gypsy was there when I got there! I'd been trying to reach her to see if she was going! And she had been trying to reach me. The speaker was great and we also met a lady that is heading out in July on the Long Trail which starts at the MA/VT border and goes to Canada. She'll be speaking in October about her trail. We had the chance to talk 'trail' with both of them and glean some very cool information.

Anyhow...today my digital body fat calipers came in...and after taking three sets of readings it says my body fat is below 18% ... I'm having a hard time believing that. I was expecting more like 18%. I know I'm not where all the tables and online calculators put me...but below 18% Gypsy thinks I very well might be at that point. She's going to help me take the readings again.

Today's totals:
Calories: 1,661
Fat (g): 33
Carbs (g): 180
Protein (g): 164

[CubanChick]

Yum that sounds like a cool lunch you had their Hawk.

Hauling anything with some weight on it is an upper body workout. Yeesh, when I have to haul Kaila to the car in the morning, sleepyhead, its a killer. Shes only 40 pounds, lol. Luckily us women know how to use that hip action.

Enjoy your day,

[Hawkwind]

It was very good CC! All of the boxes are well over 50 pounds. No biggie really...just a pain in the backside to lift, move, lift, move and on and on. I have to carry some boxes between floors of the house, out to the truck to load them and then unload them again. Over and over. It's a workout!

Friday's hike:
First I was going to have Gypsy come by for lunch while I kept packing...but the day before I had packed up 3+ boxes of bibles, prayer and study guides from when I was a study and prayer group leader. It drudged up the anguish I haven't dealt with from three years and a half ago when my whole world (as I knew it) came to a painful and screeching halt.

So I said, "how about lunch on Peaked Mountain?" It's a local mountain we normally train on in late fall, through the winter and into early spring when the days are short. And that's where we left it when we left the library after listening to Jason's AT talk.

Yesterday I went out to feed the horse and pony, looked up at the sky and said to myself, "Today is a Rattlesnake day." I called Gypsy and asked her if she wanted to drive out to North Quabbin and hike Rattlesnake with me. She said yes and we ended up gearing up our hydration packs for a longer hike.

It was awesome. We got up there on the ledge where you can see Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire and a tremendous storm was moving across the northern part of the state. We could hear the thunder rolling and at one point a two pronged bolt of lightening shot down out of the sky and into the mountains in the distance.

The wind came up and when you looked south you could see a storm moving across the southeast part of the state across the southern end of the Quabbin reservoir. Through the trees behind us we could see a storm system moving in a more southeasterly direction, but not quite over us at that point.

As we were coming up Rattlesnake we could hear the wind whipping fiercely through the trees from time to time, but it never quite got to us. And from our vantage point on Rattlesnake Hill we could hear the wind continue through the 'gap' between Rattlesnake and Fairview across the very uppermost northern 'finger' of the Quabbin reservoir. We could even see boaters rushing madly to the west side of Bassett and Moore Islands heading back to the boat ramp at Gate 31. They had to fight white caps that may have looked tiny to us up on Rattlesnake...but I'm sure were no picnic for the boaters.

As we watched the storms moving around us we ate lunch in the sunshine and watched vultures and hawks kiting out on the tremendous thermals. At one point we were amazed to see the vultures working in and out of some very dark and ominous clouds to the northeast of us.

Now on our way up Rt 202 the rain did catch us for a bit and since we've been hiking in the rain we kept driving to our trail head. Determined to go out regardless. The rain quit just about the time we pulled into our trail head. I keep my big old bright yellow vinyl poncho/tarp in the truck with some of my other extra trail gear. So when we arrived at Gate 29 I tucked it into the outer pocket of my hydration pack, 'just in case'.

Just about the time we had decided to head back down Rattlesnake and take the trail to the waters edge on the east side of the mountain the rain came up. So we hunkered down under my poncho for a bit and watched the storm move over and around us for about 30 minutes. We had plenty of room. Back in the 4-H days 6-8 kids could sit under that poncho in the rain at horse shows and stay fairly dry.

After coming off Rattlesnake we got to the Fork where an old Tavern once stood and decided to take the old road down to the water's edge. We had noticed from the top of Rattlesnake that the water level of the Quabbin seemed to be up pretty high. It was.

We stood probably 4-6 feet back from were the waters edge normally is and as we stood quietly watching the shallow water we spotted what I believe were perch, acouple of them, and they were busily hollowing out spawning sites. One little guy was pretty determined to protect the site he/she had hollowed out very determinedly. Not wanting to upset the fish as they worked we backed off and left them to go back to work in peace. Leaving a 'wish' for them that they get the business of spawning over with before the water levels fall below that area again.

On the way up Rattlesnake we spotted the tiny orange salamanders that are so very prevalent in that area, had a storm raging at our backs, the wind keeping up with us to our left and the sun waiting for us at the top.

On our way back to the truck we talked about our very first time climbing Rattlesnake a couple years ago...and how 'tough' it had seemed to us. We are amazed that climbs that used to be tough we now breeze through. And that even with needing my inhaler from time to time we just do not have the struggle we had when we first started to tackle the various mountains and challenging hike around the state. We are pleased with our progress.

Rattlesnake is like an old friend now...we may no longer find that last few hundred yards up challenging...but we still look forward to the views north, east and south that Rattlesnake affords most days regardless of the weather. We'll be back.

[Hawkwind]

Saturday's totals:
Calories: 1,751
Fat (g): 68
Carbs (g): 122
Protein (g): 172

Having some trouble with my fibro today. So I just did cardio on the elliptical.

Cardio 1: 30 minutes - elliptical
Cardio 2: 45 minutes - self defense practice
*Couldn't sleep...my insomnia problem has reared it's ugly head again.

Sunday's totals:
Calories: 1,459
Fat (g): 45
Carbs (g): 128
Protein (g): 151

[Hawkwind]

Monday:
Cardio 1: 30 minutes - elliptical
*3 HIIT intervals - I never seem to remember to add that I do HIIT intervals when I use my elliptical.
Cardio 2: 30+ minutes - self defense practice
*Man o' man the heat and humidity is starting to whip my backside!

Calories: 1,801
Fat (g): 56
Carbs (g): 153
Protein (g): 187

Monday was a totally stress filled day. A seal let go between the tank and the bowl on the toilet. The trap started to leak from the tub. (Right down into my bedroom!) My daughter-of-my-heart called from the emergency room in Pittsburgh. I was near frantic with worry over her. She's been having gall bladder problems on and off for over a year and they keep putting her off...so here she is out of state when she gets hit with another 'attack'.

In between all that I managed to get another load down to storage and J and I got the tub and toilet repaired. I had a rough time sleeping last night.
Soooooooooo many things worrying me.

Tuesday:
Week 9 - Day 1
*Woot! Time to bring it down for the next two weeks and then I get my break! I am so happy...I've been making it through more and more 10 week cycles without interference from my fibro.

Anyhow...it's a good thing I'm bringing the weight back down. My back and shoulders are a tad bit sore from all the moving/lifting I've been doing.

[CubanChick]

look at you girl.. You've got plumbing skills. Good luck and have a less stressful Tuesday! and get some ZZZZZs tonight!

[Hawkwind]

LOL! I have all sorts of strange skills CC! Thanks for the well wishes. So far today is going nice and smooth!

[Hawkwind]

Week 9 - Day 1

Squats
set 1 20r/95#
set 2 20r/95#
*Wore my brace, knee felt fine.

Leg Press
set 1 12r/170#
set 2 8r-4r/170#

Hip adduction
set 1 12r/130#
set 2 12r/130#

Hip abduction
set 1 12r/130#
set 2 12r/130#

Machine calf raises
2s 15r/100#

Machine back extensions
set 1 12r/130#
set 2 12r/130#

Machine abs
set 1 15r/40#
set 2 15r/40#

So today as I was getting ready to do my squats I had a bit of a freak out happen nearby. I saw some kid benching alone. And for being alone and young he was going kind of heavy. I thought to myself this kid could be in for some trouble...and in the time it took me get the bar situated on my shoulders to squat...sure enough, he gets stuck and thankfully a trainer was nearby to help him.

She helped him do one more set and since he struggled with that set she told him, "That's good enough for today..." She heads back over to the kid she was helping. He takes a breather while I'm taking my breather between sets and as I'm getting ready to duck under the bar he goes back for more bench work! I was so shocked I hit my head on the bar and pulled back to watch him to make sure he didn't get his ass stuck again!

And sure enough the trainer has to run back over to help him again! I do my set and she helps him with his set and she tells him again, "That's good enough for today." He gets up and walks away. Never even thanking her for saving his ass when he nearly lost the bar right over his skinny throat not once but twice. She and I were looking at each other in total amazement and shock at this kid. She saw me pull back from my second set in case this kid got in trouble. And he gets pissed that she helps him!

Then to my amazement after she finishes up with the kid she was helping and went in the office to do paperwork...I see him strip a plate from each side and go for it again. No help...again...and with a struggle...again!

So that was my day at the gym. I gotta tell you. I trained with my son and I would have shot him if he ever tried to do something like that alone. I'm glad that kid was in the gym...but rather pissed that he didn't seem to have enough brains to ask for a spot or go lighter.

Calories: 1,894
Fat (g): 36
Carbs (g): 205
Protein (g): 194

[Hawkwind]

The heat and humidity are going to kill me...I had to leave the mountain to go into town twice today. I was not a happy camper! The air moves on the mountain...not in town...

Anyhow...
Cardio: 60 minutes - elliptical
A bedroom/gym in the cellar and my fan were the only reason I was able to get 'r' done today.

Today's totals:
Calories: 1,964
Fat (g): 42
Carbs (g): 249
Protein (g): 155

[Hawkwind]

Soo...today was just one of those days...
I got up and felt like crud. The heat does that to me when it first hits. It just kinda taps me out.

Then I had to run errands with Kate. I don't mind. But we had to suffer through with no a/c in the Blazer. As we did the running we happened to find a very cool used book store and I found another Eric Van Lustbader book that I needed for my collection.

Kate made me homemade lasagna. With lots and lots of veggies: egg plant, squash, black olives, homemade garlic tomato sauce and ricotta. Can you say heaven?

Anyhow...I ended up having to nap and slept right through when I would have trained and into my supper hour. So I only did cardio today. I won't be hiking tomorrow...so I'll do my upper body instead.

Cardio: 30 minutes - elliptical

Today's totals:
Calories: 2,136
Fat (g): 66
Carbs (g): 207
Protein (g): 182
*I really don't think that is accurate because I used the fitday lasagna and I know that Kate's lasagna was probably a lot healthier since she knows I don't eat a lot of salt, canned or processed foods and she used all fresh veggies. Either way...the lasagna was awesome and I'm not about to sweat the small things.

[Sophie]

no a/c can really get to a person with the heat we've been having. don't know about where you here but it's been pretty bad here.

[Hawkwind]

I'm in western Massachusetts. I'm not too bad with the heat as long as I can stay out of town. I live on a mountain in a very rural area, so a good percentage of the time the air is constantly 'moving' and that take the edge off the heat and humidity.

The problem we've been having is that the temps will cool off drastically and then a day or two later shoot back up into the 90's with very high humidity. It takes me a couple days to adjust and heat with humidity are the worst combination for me. When I was out in Idaho last year they had heat but no humidity. I did fine in the higher temps.

[Sophie]

Yeah, the humidity is awful. it's raining here right now and has been since last night. i only hoe it will cool it off.

[Hawkwind]

The temps have finally started to come down a bit here.

Okay...so once again I didn't get to train. I was unlucky enough to be stuck in line at the registry for hours, yes hours... Luckily I brought a book...next time I renew online!

Then I had to run for some stuff for the kiddos...and I forgot some of the stuff on my list and went back out.

In between I managed to eat clean. But as I drove through Sturbridge it was lunch hour and I could smell fast food. Argggh! I was sooo tempted. And I was sans cooler as I never expected to be in the RMV for that long! So to keep my mind off my growling tummy I took the back way home. I love that ride and haven't been out in the Holland area in ages.

I got my lunch in and headed back out. Got back shortly before supper. Looks like I'll try to train tomorrow or Sunday. Good thing that I back everything down during weeks 9 & 10 in prep for my break! Otherwise I would really be freakin' out.

Cardio: 30 minutes - elliptical

Today's totals:
Calories: 1,796
Fat (g): 62
Carbs (g): 186
Protein (g): 135

[Hawkwind]

Week 9 - Day 2
Upper body and some r-deads for good measure.

Wide grip lat pull downs
2 sets/12r - 60#

Bent over rows
2 sets/12r - 50#

Military Press
2 sets/12r - 37#

Alt. Arnold press
2 sets/12r - 10#

Machine bench
2 sets/12r - 42#

Machine flyes
2 sets/12r - 15#

Hammer curls
2 sets/12r - 10#

Concentration curls
2 sets/12r - 10#

Triceps rope press
2 sets/12r 30#

Overhead triceps extensions
*forgot them.

Romanian deads
2 sets/12r - 50#

Cardio: 60 minutes - elliptical

Saturday's totals:
Calories: 1,414
Fat (g): 49
Carbs (g): 101
Protein (g): 159

[Hawkwind]

Training, Cardio and Diet musings:
So...did you ever just have one of those days when you look in the fridge and everything in there is 'good for you'...but you want somethin' different? I'm getting really creative with my meals lately so that they're not all the 'same ole-same ole'...but still...some days tuna, turkey, tilapia, and chicken bore me to death!

The other day my mil and sil showed up while I was eating my supper. I had cubed up my turkey and put a layer of pickled red-cabbage over it and over that I dumped my sunflower seeds. They commented that it looked like bird-feed. *sigh* I looked at them and said...it tastes good and is healthy for me even if it looks funny.

It felt strange backing off things this week. Almost like I was playin' around in my home gym.

Lately I have been getting rather irritated with the scale. I 'see' my body composition changing...in ways I could never have imagined for a lady that has been through all I've been through. Sometimes I think I ask too much of myself and other times I don't think I ask enough...it's a vicious cycle.

So what do you do when the food looks boring, the cardio nearly puts you to sleep; the time in the gym seems like it's not going anywhere and the scale is baiting your temper?

Well...this is what I did over the past two weeks:
-Bought those digital calipers I wanted and found out that I am indeed under 18% body fat...so there scale! (Under 18% is excellent for a woman my age. So I'm very happy.)
-Ramped up my cardio a bit longer and put in some of my fav music to go with it. Much easier to go along to "Little Sister" or "I am a Viking" than to the hum of the dryer in the other room.
-Started self-tanning ... heh, what the heck! It will be interesting to see what I look like with a bit more color.
-Pulled out the last pair of jeans I bought a little while back to 'fit into'...heck, it's a woman thing, we buy stuff that we want to go down into. And found out that....I'm now in them. Hellz yeah!
-Learned few new kicks and punches for when I do my heavy bag work.
-Took a good long critical look at my 'weak' spots in the mirror...and realized that they are indeed coming in slowly but surely.
-Started to come up with recipes for stuff that tasted like dessert...but is good for me. Gotta trick the mind and taste buds from time to time!
-Decided that I have to stop taking myself so seriously in the gym all the time. All work and no play might make this little Hawk a dull chick. Hellz...that would be criminal!