Extra tired, getting fitness tools, and more ab exercises

Wow! Today I was just all sapped of energy. I think adding in that mile run in the morning and evening strength/core sets this week have worn me out. I dragged myself into work and found myself nodding off to sleep a few times. Despite that I really had no appetite, I did cram some food down…too bad I had to have all that vinegary fat for dinner.

I thought one of my personal friends and MFP bud was going to launch full force into the newest 30-day Bodyrock.tv challenge. But I haven’t heard a peep from him since the first day. I did notice that day 2 involved a sandbag–I shopped around looking for a kettlebell with soft handles, but I guess those things really don’t exist. I prolly will have to invest in one of those Atlus Athletics med ball/kettle combos.

So the folks at PBT this morning bluffed their way through the strength exercises this morning. The trainer declared it was an all-body workout day…but I felt it was more focused on upper body and triceps. We had several push-up pyramid super sets, but heck…I still can’t get half-way through those.

Anyway, I was feeling that lower ab burn this evening, doing those knee raises. I hope I get closer to that flat stomach…coz right now my bikini bod still looks scary.  More bodyweight ab exercises at: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/lying-floor-knee-raise.html

Won a Polar FT40 last night on eBay–it’s LIME GREEN and it looks pretty!

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Minimizing the muffin top

It appears there is less muffin-top love these days. I managed to squeeze into my size 6 ON jeans yesterday…it was still tight and it looks like the battle of the bulge–but I’m winning.

That .5 inch gain on my upper arms have me thinking that the frequent cardio and strength training is finally making a difference. Now if I could focus some of that exercise on my glutes and thighs. I’m still noticeably weak in those areas, but today’s strength training had me on the next color bands: GREEN!

While I am disappointed that it took me three months to get here, I must say that it’s good validation to finally see some progress. This will be my first week attempt to run/jog a mile every morning. Hope to be able to keep it up! 

One thing I need to remember to do is take my BP meds in the evenings. It has given me better energy for the morning workout. 

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Seeds! 2012 Purchases

From Parks I ordered the following:

1. ZINNIA ZAHARA STARLIGHT ROSE (51991) Qty : 1
2. SWEET ALYSSUM PASTEL CARPET (0063) Qty : 4
3. ZINNIA RED SPIDER (2233) Qty : 1
4. ANGELONIA SERENA BLUE PELLETED SEED (51031) Qty : 1
5. COREOPSIS ROULETTE (51117) Qty : 1
6. SNAPDRAGON BRONZE DRAGON (51714) Qty : 1
7. ZINNIA PROFUSION SUNRISE MIX HYBRID (51986) Qty : 2

From Stokes:

  1. Cosmic Red Cosmos
  2. Wizard Mix Coleus
  3. Woodcreek White Gomphrena
  4. Woodcreek Red Gomphrena
  5. Banana Cream Sorbet Viola
  6. Sorbet Delft Blue XP Viola
  7. Sorbet Blue Blotch XP Viola
  8. Summer Jewel Red Salvia
  9. Dreams Patriot Mix Petunia
  10. Montego Sunset Snapdragon
  11. Bride Eggplant
  12. Guy Lon Chinese Broccoli

I also picked up a set of 50 Jiffy 7 pellets.

Well, I also had hoped to throw in some onions in there, but it doesn’t look like we’ll have much success digging out those tree stumps any time soon.

Protein smoothie part deux = yuck

Title says it all.

I stopped by Kroger after my morning workout to pickup some 1/2% lowfat milk. (I didn’t even realize such a thing existed–1% I can understand, but half a percent?) I tried my hand at another smoothie, this time using the frozen Tropical Blend fruit from Kroger’s Private Selection brand and 6 fresh blackberries. Threw in some fresh shredded coconut along with my bulk whey protein concentrate, mixed it all with my trusty hand blender.

I discovered that the Orange honey I’ve been using in the smoothie gives it a very off-putting taste. I think that I’ll also have to add orange juice to future smoothie recipes if I’m going to get a sweeter taste that I prefer. 

I’m giving the protein shake/smoothie one more try before I scrap the whole idea. I just can’t justify the expense and effort for such a bland smoothie. 

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