Not Going Gently into Perimenopause: Part NROL4W

[LWilson212]

Hey Tracey-

I like reading your log because you do awesome and interesting workouts and I think you definitely share the struggle of trying to fit fitness into the rest of "life." I'm glad you decided to keep posting.

I was going to say more but I've got to go pick my brother up at the airport.

[stingo]

I'd think suggestions would always be welcome regardless if they were followed or not. Plus it's kind of like giving back, of being a part of something greater than oneself.

[nutbar]

I love the Commodores. I think we share quite a bit in common when it comes to musical tastes. Not everything, of course, but you're the only other person I've seen here that likes some of the same stuff.

Originally Posted by DanceDiva

The other reason is because I'm still struggling with my stressors and have been unpeaceful. The stress is still there, but I've found my way back to peacefulness despite them. I swear I'm turning new age (it's foreign to me but I'm liking it).

I'm trying to go down that path myself. It's rough, it's scary, but I'm beginning to see some peace within the chaos of it all. Seeing peace because of the chaos even. Weirdness.

Ya gotta do whatever you need to do, whether or not it involves posting here. But, if I get a vote, you have to stay. Do keep in mind that, when I rule the universe (some day soon), I will make you stay whether you like it or not.

[DanceDiva]

I'm gonna just call it a "rest week," and everything is all good. I have made a mini-challenge to myself to come out of here w/o over-thinking it so much. Tom, I think the greater good will make a better me too.

Pauline: You know you are just so sweet and kind. Anytime I read a comment from you it makes me smile and think of your flowers. I am just so happy at how you've embraced your program. (thought I'd let you know that since I haven't posted in your log in a while).

Diane: One of the many things I love about you is when you name a song I haven't heard & I go find it. I know all of our tastes don't merge (and I'm pretty sure it's because you are pickier than I), but I know if we got together, we'd had a finger-snapping, hip-shaking good time.

Leah: Is your brother staying or just visiting? I don't remember you mentioning this trip in your log.

But I wanted to talk to you about what's been happening to me because I saw what your wrote about your pictures (which to me look fab). Since I've been doing NROL4W, I've been eating like all get out. Jan-Apr I've pretty much stayed around the 131-lb weight. I stopped the progesterone the beginning of February and it wasn't until May that I got a period that was the only days of the month when I was bleeding (i.e. no intermittent stuff). This is also the month I started Stage 6 (like right before my period started). This is the first stage where I haven't come home from a workout feeling like I couldn't get food cooked fast enough. As soon as my period ended, I noted that I was losing weight. At first, I thought this must be an anomaly (i.e. like the next day it would be up). But no, it has been going steadily down. So now I'm at 126.4. Now we both know I'm not trying to lose any weight, however, given that I've been faithfully keeping a journal of my physical state to track my periods, I have determined that the combination of the "normal" period & more physically intense but not as time-consuming workout is causing this to happen & if this is my new normal so be it.

That was just a long-winded way for me to say to you that your body may be doing what it's intended to do given your workouts (i.e. FEED ME) and that the adjustments you get from Leigh given her objective assessment of your activity may lead your body to a new "normal." You know I'm cheering you every step of the way.

[LWilson212]

Originally Posted by DanceDiva

Leah: Is your brother staying or just visiting? I don't remember you mentioning this trip in your log.

But I wanted to talk to you about what's been happening to me because I saw what your wrote about your pictures (which to me look fab). Since I've been doing NROL4W, I've been eating like all get out. Jan-Apr I've pretty much stayed around the 131-lb weight. I stopped the progesterone the beginning of February and it wasn't until May that I got a period that was the only days of the month when I was bleeding (i.e. no intermittent stuff). This is also the month I started Stage 6 (like right before my period started). This is the first stage where I haven't come home from a workout feeling like I couldn't get food cooked fast enough. As soon as my period ended, I noted that I was losing weight. At first, I thought this must be an anomaly (i.e. like the next day it would be up). But no, it has been going steadily down. So now I'm at 126.4. Now we both know I'm not trying to lose any weight, however, given that I've been faithfully keeping a journal of my physical state to track my periods, I have determined that the combination of the "normal" period & more physically intense but not as time-consuming workout is causing this to happen & if this is my new normal so be it.

That was just a long-winded way for me to say to you that your body may be doing what it's intended to do given your workouts (i.e. FEED ME) and that the adjustments you get from Leigh given her objective assessment of your activity may lead your body to a new "normal." You know I'm cheering you every step of the way.

Hey Tracey-

My brother just came for a short visit. He just got a job as a first officer for Express Jet and he has a really erratic schedule. He and his wife live in Portland but they gave him Newark for his base. Sometimes when his days off are so short he doesn't have time to go home he comes to Pittsburgh instead. He was here for around 36 hours, but we still had a nice time. I haven't seen him much since I moved away, so it makes me really happy. It bothered me for a long time that we didn't even have a relationship anymore, but I just put it to the back of my mind.

I'm glad your body seems like it is more back to "normal" in terms of hormones and appetite. I know what you are saying, and I wonder why I never made the connection that hard workouts = out of control appetite. I am very much looking forward to taking a break to a gentler approach.

[DanceDiva]

Kind and gentle to yourself most of the time = good for the mind, body, and soul.

Massage:
Told him about general soreness areas from the negative chins. He spent a long time on my back. When he got to my hands, arms, & chest, I thought "damn, I wish I had mentioned the push-ups." When we discussed how I felt when he got to my arms & chest, he mentioned that he could really feel the need for my hands to be massaged.

Stretch:
Yoga: Zen in my Den (FitTV OnDemand). 20 minutes. One I've done before. Was fine as nothing really needed to be loosened up. I just didn't feel like doing the 53-min Flex and Flow DVD. I really need to get some shorter yoga routines. Thought about doing cardio since Nia was canceled yesterday, however, just felt like going into relaxed mode after massage.

[Willie]

Hi Tracey,
I wrote this in my log, but thought I'd mention it here, too-- I have several yoga dvd's that I no longer use. Would you like them? I can deliver, or put them in the mail.

[DanceDiva]

Workout Summary: This workout was blah. I didn’t want to do it and waited until gym-filled time before going. As the last time my heart rate stayed up throughout, and I sweat a lot. Backed off on weights selected pre-workout for DB 2-Point Row and DB Push Press. This is the 2nd workout in a row where I’ve felt mental fatigue fuck with my performance. I think for the next two weeks, I’m just going to do what I have the inclination for. Especially since the music I put on in the car, I carried over into the house and was dancing and happy. So that leads me to believe that I’m not tired of moving. I was tired of this workout.

Workout Start Time: 6:37 p.m.
Workout Length: 40 min (includes ~13-minute warm-up)


WARM-UP
Decided to do the weight-lifting warm-up from Gayle Hatch. Since I did the workout at peak gym time, I did all of the warm-up except the Straight Bar exercise at home. Then went to the gym and continued it.

Initial Warm-up

• 180 jumps jump rope (he used stationary bike 5 min)

Dynamic Warm-up (each up and down hall-to-living room twice ~36’ each direction)

1. Leg swings
2. High-knee carioca
3. Straight-legged run
4. High knee skip through (forgot this one)
5. Butt kick

Static Stretching (7-sec hold – except abs)

1. Bend over, touch toes
2. Cross legs bend over touch toes then reverse
3. Standing quad stretch (each side)
4. 10 sit-ups
5. 10 oblique crunches with opposite knee up and concurrent leg straight held off ground 6”
6. Up dog to extended child’s pose back to Up dog
7. Shoulder stretch (each side)
8. Tricep stretch (each side)

Straight Bar Exercise (using Olympic bar)

1. 8 Full Squat to Press: he had the bar on his back. When I went down for the first one then pressed up, I moved the bar to my front
2. 8 Shrugs (I like these)
3. 5 Hang Snatch: Didn’t do this one. When I went to lift the bar, my mind said I don’t think I can get that up and I don’t want to dislocated my shoulder to find out.

WORKOUT: NROL4W STAGE 6, WORKOUT B

Alternating sets (3 sets x 6 reps)
A1: Reverse Lunge, 1 DB on Shoulder:
Protocol: All reps one leg then the other. Hold 1 DB in shoulder press position opposite leg going back. R. leg back 1st.

1. 30-lb DB x 7 reps (+5)
2. 30-lb DB x 6 reps (+5)
3. 30-lb DB x 6 reps

On both legs, first set, I wobbled when going back, so I did six more with no wobble.

A2: DB 2-Point Row:
Protocol: 1 DB. All reps one arm then other. L. arm 1st.
Selected Wgt: 35-lb all sets

1. a. 35-lb DBs x 3 reps: 2 DBs then duh moment over
   b. 35-lb DB x 6 reps (+5)
2. 35-lb DB x 6 reps (+5)
3. 30-lb DB x 6 reps

A3: DB Push Press:
Protocol: 1 DB each hand
Selected Wgt: 30-lb all sets

1. 30-lb DBs x 5½ reps (+5): not fully extended on ½
2. 20-lb DBs x 6 reps (-5): 25s I wanted to use were in use
3. 25-lb DBs x 6 reps (+5): form great

Alternating sets (3 sets x 6 reps)
B1: Back Extension
Protocol: 1 DB held at chest-level

1. 35-lb DB x 6 reps
2. 35-lb DB x 6 reps
3. 35-lb DB x 6 reps

B2: Incline Reverse Crunch
Protocol: approximately 45° incline + 1-sec pause

1. BW x 6 reps
2. BW x 6 reps
3. BW x 6 reps

For some reason, these felt easier than the lower degreed ones

COOL DOWN
Walked on the treadmill for 22 minutes before my heart rate went into the cardio zone. I’m thinking that the Sudafed I took is the cause of this. HR been up since I’ve been home.


ALBUM(s) OF THE DAY:

1. Terence Trent D’Arby's Symphony or Damn by Terence Trent D’Arby. I had to special order this CD so after it arrived, I changed the music. It is an acquired taste. First song is kind of rock and roll. But the 2nd song is straight up my joint. The later half of the CD is what I like most though. Love that’s not easy is the theme.
2. Passion Play by Teena Marie. Another CD that is hard to find. I bought it at a concert. Love her rendition of Linda Jones’ Hypnotized. Also like Parking Music...(The Baby Maker). Played on the way home and this evening.

AFTERS
Danced then ate. Then wrote log. Going to take bath.


MUSCLES BEING FELT: R. quad (just a little)

[GinnyLou]

One of the reasons why I hadn't been posting lately is because when I read other people's logs, I'm fascinated and sympathetic, but I don't have the same type of struggles. And I've been pondering whether since I don't seem to be relating to others, if I should continue to update this log. I actually thought about not posting my results because I thought it would seem like I'm bragging. Over-analysis I'm sure, but true.

I just want to say that I really hope you don't stop posting. You may not have the same kinds of struggles, but I find you and your log quite inspiring and while I haven't had as much time lately to check in, this is one of the places I like to come and read.
And for the record, if you are ever reading my log and have suggestions or what-not, I am giving you the go ahead for some advice. That is one of the big reasons I have a log here.

And last but certainly not least, CONGRATS on those results! Those are beautiful numbers and I aspire to be in the same league as you one day. It is definitely not bragging. You work hard and I think it is good to share those numbers with us.

[DanceDiva]

Ginger,

Thank you for the thoughtful words. Besides your sunshiny personality, your candidness is something that I always find touching to me. I think that your approach to your fitness journey has been one of fully engaging in thinking about how it is working for you -- and that to me is the most important aspect for making improvements.

It's ironic that after I read your post, it made me think about something else that happened to me in the gym on Wednesday. When I look at myself, I am amazed at the improvement of my body in responding to stimulus, but it seems to me that I'm still just a normal pear shaped woman, so I've noticed some subtle shifts in abs/hips composition but I think I still look like how I started.

However, a comment was made to me that let me know that I don't see myself as other do. I saw the cardio kickboxing instructor from the Group fitness class I use to regularly attend. We have been friendly so I was telling her that I had a Bod Pod assessment. The first comment she made was how lean was it. That was like a duh moment to me -- i.e. why did she immediately think it would be lean while I still thought it would be in the acceptable range.

That comment and yours and other comments about my log, lead me to the conclusion that just like my assessment of my body image what I perceive when I write this log is most likely far removed from what others think who read it. I'm glad that I made the comment though, if for nothing else, you all have encouraged me to be more willing to chat back to folks outside of my log.

You've now made me even more officially jealous of Lori Anne being able to come play with you.

**************
I've been reading in other peoples logs about NEAT. It's not something I talk about much in my log, however, given what I do, I think that I had already been applying this principle (but not on purpose for the NEAT effect).

I am a music-aholic (if you read this log regularly, I'm sure you already know this). During any given point in the day, if I'm not singing out loud, I have a song going in my head. When I am home and put on music, I dance all around the house. This happens on most days of the week. However, at work, I work in cubical land. I take regular breaks from the computer to either stretch or practice balance. Since I'm no longer taking any dance classes, I practice balance to keep up ankle and quad strength for devellopés and relevés and turns for ballet -- things that I had not perfected but had come along way in adapting to. But the balance practice increased to doing one-legged Romanian DLs after my discovery of L. side imbalance issue during Stage 2. I've been doing this balance stuff so much that I have now had to curtail it some to give my poor hips some rest. I also go for walks at work (when it's not raining too much), just to MOVE and to have some peaceful reflective time to myself.

And just the general going back and forth because I have too many items on the list in my head and invariably remember the next after I've left out of the room adds to this.

[nutbar]

Nice job on the PRs.

I think for the next two weeks, I’m just going to do what I have the inclination for.

And that's a good thing. I love how you listen to your body and are willing to tweak as needed.

[DanceDiva]

D: replied in your log.

Friday 06/06/08: Freedance (cardio: 1 hour)
Was up all night and didn't go lay down until 4 p.m. Then when alarm went off at 5, cut off and went back to sleep. Woke at 7 (when freedance supposed to start). Decided too late wasn’t going to go. Baby girl called (to tell me she sent me some songs). Then freedance facilitator called at 7:15, said they hadn't started yet and I should come on.

So I got up. Getting ready movement slow after I got contacts in. Decided to eat (ate the rest of my soup. Wasn't enough. Got out bread & made toast). Didn't leave house until I was finished. Took fruit with me (that I gladly ate afterwards).

Since I was late AND my body needed to be severely warmed-up. That's what I did. I enjoyed the 1-hour version (and said so). I enjoyed the music -- though was kind of strange. I'm really liking the African beats.

Afters: Came home and cooked cabbage (with Italian sausage) and noodles. Slept 7 hours. Finally made cornbread next morning.


Saturday 06/07/08: Namaste Yoga (stretch: 1 hour) + Push-ups
Decided to add the push-ups from NROL4W Stage 6 WO A during the commercials.

First ½ hour: Namaste Yoga: Firebird Sequence

Commercial 1:

1. Push-ups hands shoulder-width apart with 6-sec pause: 1 rep
2. Push-ups hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with 6-sec pause: 2 reps

Commercial 2:
Decided to see if elevated feet is easier than pause at bottom (it is)

1. Push-ups hands shoulder-width apart feet elevated 7" step: 6 reps

Second ½ hour: Namaste Yoga: Half-Moon Sequence

I loved this sequence. It is a balance with hip opener. Now that I have learned the importance of breathing technique, I love yoga.

Commercial 1:

1. Push-ups hands shoulder-width apart with 6-sec pause: 2 reps (forced through to the 2nd one)

Commercial 2:
This is still easier than pause at bottom

1. Push-ups hands slightly shoulder-width apart feet elevated on swiss-ball: 6 reps (kept hands where they were because I ended up being balanced)

[foodfromafar]

Good for you on the push-ups, Tracey! Sounds like you're finding the balance you're looking for in your workouts.

[GinnyLou]

Originally Posted by DanceDiva

Ginger,

Thank you for the thoughtful words. Besides your sunshiny personality, your candidness is something that I always find touching to me. I think that your approach to your fitness journey has been one of fully engaging in thinking about how it is working for you -- and that to me is the most important aspect for making improvements.

It's ironic that after I read your post, it made me think about something else that happened to me in the gym on Wednesday. When I look at myself, I am amazed at the improvement of my body in responding to stimulus, but it seems to me that I'm still just a normal pear shaped woman, so I've noticed some subtle shifts in abs/hips composition but I think I still look like how I started.

However, a comment was made to me that let me know that I don't see myself as other do. I saw the cardio kickboxing instructor from the Group fitness class I use to regularly attend. We have been friendly so I was telling her that I had a Bod Pod assessment. The first comment she made was how lean was it. That was like a duh moment to me -- i.e. why did she immediately think it would be lean while I still thought it would be in the acceptable range.

That comment and yours and other comments about my log, lead me to the conclusion that just like my assessment of my body image what I perceive when I write this log is most likely far removed from what others think who read it. I'm glad that I made the comment though, if for nothing else, you all have encouraged me to be more willing to chat back to folks outside of my log.

You've now made me even more officially jealous of Lori Anne being able to come play with you.

Ahh, thank you and thank you for the visit to my log and the suggestion. I mean it when I say I welcome any comments/suggestions. It is a journey and I am just trying to figure out what will work for me and I love feedback from Friends.
And WOW, just wow on those push-ups!