Feet Hitting the Sand

I just love weekends like this one!

Sand + walking/running = Good exercise 

Good friends + good food = Good times

Good exercise + Good times = Great Weekend!

I woke up early Saturday morning to meet my trainer for a workout filled with pushups, lunges, etc. while watching the sunrise and finished it off with a swim.  Although my laps were still not perfect...I'm making progress.  And that makes me feel good.

Waking up early is not always easy and I found myself catching a mini catnap before packing the car up for an overnight camping trip at Polihale State Park.  And BOY did I have fun!  There's nothing I enjoy better than getting together with good friends and having a great time.  

We found a great spot up on the sand dunes, set up camp, then walked down to the water for some fun in the sun.  Lucky me had to make two trips back to the campsite to get things for our stay by the water which included playing catch (with a nerf football).  Walking in the sand (uphill to the campsite) and swimming sure are one heck of a workout.  

After watching the sunset we made our way back to the campsite (my third trip back) and made a delicious dinner of tri-tip, kobe beef, sausages, green beans, potatoes, carrots, okra (which is something I've never had before, but liked) and white wine (which I had a few too many...LOL).  As delicious as our dinner was many of us ate more than we should have and decided to walk it off by enjoying a nice long walk along the water in the dark.  We paused briefly to enjoy the sounds of the waves and the starlit sky before heading back to setup our campfire.  

I'm not sure if it was the morning workout, all the walking in the sand, or the amount of wine I drank (or maybe a combination of things) but I crashed shortly after the fire got going.  And a good nights rest is what I got.  Unfortunately, the morning was filled with on and off again showers so after a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs, blueberries, and strawberries and a few games of dominoes we packed everything up and headed home.

Spending a weekend with exercise, good (healthy) foods, and friends is always a good time.  Although some of my choices were not the best (too much wine), overall I'm starting to head in the right direction.  My next step is to keep going forward adding more fruits and vegetables into my diet (especially when I'm hanging with friends) and exercise.  A workout on the beach is definitely rewarding and I look forward to the next time my feet hit the sand.

Working out on the Beach

I've been thinking about attempting my first triathlon.  I love to mountain bike and run, but swimming is not my forte.

Sure I've been in a pool or the ocean several times over the years but I just go wading, tread water, or relax on a boogie board.  I haven't swam laps since I was about 10 years old so I've lost the proper breathing method.  I can only do about two or three strokes before I gotta stop for air.  And usually I'll try to swim a lap without ever getting my head (mainly my ears) in the water...I'm afraid a big wave will come and take me away.  Or my long hair gets in my face and makes swimming... unpleasant.

About a week ago I mentioned to my personal trainer that the idea of doing a triathlon would be fun and exciting; however, since I haven't swam in a long time I'm just not sure its for me.  So she suggested that we meet at the beach the following week (yesterday) instead of our usual spot at the park.  She would help me work on my breathing.  So that is exactly what we did. 

It never crossed my mind that you can get a really good workout at the beach.  Usually when my feet hit the sand my first instinct is to lay out on my beach towel and catch some rays.  At six in the morning it wasn't warm enough to get my towel out.  Instead, I had my trainer by my side ready to have me run laps in the sand, then do a series of squats, lunges, pushups, tricep extensions, etc....

After my torture of a killer workout, we made our way to the water - complete with swim cap and goggles.  It took a bit to get used to the water, then I showcased my lack of swimming skills.  My first lesson was to watch how to stroke (placing my head further in the water and rotating as I come up for air).  I gave the new method a try and did better than my first attempt (the swim cap helped keep my hair out of my face too).

Although, I will still need a lot more practice.  And with practice I will get better.....who knows maybe eventually I'll feel more confident in the water and will decide to actually give the triathlon a try.

OMG was I sore this morning.  I decided to sleep in for the first time in weeks (and by sleep in I woke up at 9:15 instead of 5:30am.  As I rolled over to climb out of bed I could feel every muscle in my body aching....my glutes, my hamstrings, and my triceps hurting the most.  The pain felt sore, but it also felt good.  I know my body is working it's way to a better, healthier, more fit me and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

A good workout on the beach is just what I needed.  And I can't wait for my next one.   (Shhh...don't tell my trainer....she might torture me even more).

Harvest Chicken

Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.  And I usually refer to it as something happening in the fall or autumn season.  So why did I come across an unusual (at least in my book) yet unexpected and surprisingly good 'fall' salad in the middle of summer?

My hubby and I have been making our own lunches the past few weeks but today since we had errands to do we had lunch out.  We stopped by the mall (and for anyone living on Kauai) understands that there isn't too much to our mall....Macy's, Sears, and a few small island local shops.  And the food court consists of McDonald's, Quizno's and a local food spot (don't remember the name).  So we opted for the healthiest....Quizno's. 

To my surprise I discovered that they've created a few new salads.  They advertised them as farmers market salads - Caprese Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Caesar, Harvest Chicken, and Cobb - which I found to be.........

.........interesting. 

The Harvest Chicken caught my eye the most.

It was filled with a number of foods I enjoy, but each individually, separately on their own - Honey-Dijon chicken, red seedless grapes, apples, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds with Acai Vinaigrette Dressing.  I never thought about combining any of these ingredients together.  I mean.....apples, grapes, and dried cranberries.......and what are pumpkin seeds?  I was a bit hesitate especially since I've never had pumpkin seeds or Acai Dressing before (I've heard of Acai and know it's considered a 'superfood') - so I figured, what the heck.  I need to venture outside of the 'box' every now and again. 

So today was the day.  I ordered the salad complete with the Acai Vinaigrette Dressing (which I ended up only dipping a tiny bit).  The combination of the apples, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds with the Honey-Dijon chicken was quite satisfying.  And there was enough Honey-Dijon on the chicken that I didn't really need the dressing  (I usually use dressing sparingly on my salads anyways).

It made me realize that I need to try new things.  And for those that know me well.....know that is difficult for me at times.  Depending on my mood I'm open to try new foods, but I'm hesitate and scared.  I'm glad I decided to choose something new and different today. 

So next time you stop by Quizno's give this salad a try....I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Sleeping Giant

I LOVE the outdoors!  Who doesn't?  Well, I guess if you're from my hometown where it can get below zero at times during the winter then you probably don't share the same feeling.  I guess that's why I moved to much warmer climate where I have the luxury and convenience to do pretty much whatever I desire on any given day.

Whether I'm hanging out at the beach, riding the trails on my mountain bike, or hitting the pavement running I'm doing something that I love and enjoy.  Being outdoors.  The fresh air is so exhilarating and refreshing.  It just makes me - one happy camper. 

I've been wanting to go on a hike for awhile now.  But I never took the time to go.  One of my favorite trails to hike is Sleeping Giant.  For those of you who don't know, it's a mountain located on the east side of Kauai known as Nounou Mountain, which rises above the Wailua River, and closely resembles that of a giant sleeping on his back, thus earning the name Sleeping Giant.

And luckily, I don't have to go to far.  It's just under a mile away from my house and offers some of the greatest views of the east side.  If you look closely - you just may find my house.  (Might have to use a magnifying glass...LOL!)

So today...I decided to forget about doing a normal workout and do something a little different.  Go hiking.  There is nothing better than being out in the fresh air, listening to the sounds of nature, and admiring the beauty of the island I live on.

And as I'm climbing Sleeping Giant I'm using all the different muscles in my body.  My calves, my hamstrings, my quads and probably a few others - but I don't know all the names.  Some parts of the trail (especially the first half) are pretty steep and offer such a great workout.  You can feel the muscles hard at work which is so invigorating.  The second half is a little easier and has some spots that you can even run.  Which is exactly what I did!  I ran up some hills (but mostly the flat areas).  And I made it all the way to the picnic shelter (about two miles) in 36 minutes.

After resting for a few minutes... okay I lied....only about a minute and a half...I started making my way back down.  A different set of muscles were working out as I took it easy going down.  I still did it quickly, but I slowed down enough to ensure my knee would be fine.  I completed the whole hike in an hour and ten minutes. 

I don't know how many calories I burned, but I really don't care.  I enjoyed myself.  I enjoyed nature.  But most of all I savoured each and every detail of the workout I got.  I can't wait to do it again.  And the best part - since it's summer time and it doesn't get dark until late - I can do this hike more often. 

Next time I climb Sleeping Giant....who's with me?

Things happen in Threes

Good things and bad things always seem to happen in threes.  Usually it's always the latter happening to me - especially since I'm so accident prone.  Once something happens then it's soon followed by something else and then followed by one more thing.

And once again I find myself in the mix of threes.  

My friend Craig is part of a 'Fit Club' in Roseville, CA (http://www.facebook.com/WoodcreekFitClub) that I highly recommend.  Workouts include Beachbody products (P90X, Insanity, Asylum, Turbo Fire, etc.)  Although I've never been able to join him - since I have 3,000 miles of ocean in the way (notice the three again) - I've heard his success stories and admire him for his dedication and determination in accomplishing his goals.  

It is because of his success (and the success I've heard from other Beachbody users) that I searched on Google for a fitness club located on Kauai.  And what do you know - I found one.............. (I think).  

Why the hesitation?  

Well, I found this 'fit class' (http://www.meetup.com/Lihue-Fit-Class/) several weeks ago and finally decided to go to a class and check it out.  I arrived at the class (my first attempt) and met with the instructor, Tiffany, only to discover that the class would be cancelled that day because she forgot the keys to the building.  Since she was going on vacation the class would not be held until after the Fourth of July holiday.  Hence, we come to today.  Today, (my second attempt) was going to be my first class - 'was' being the operative word here - since the class did not happen.  No one showed up for the class so I went home.

Since I was already dressed for a workout, I decided to go for a 3 mile run (there's the three again - LOL!) and then do some squats and lunges while giving my car a much needed bath. 

After taking a shower and making a yummy dinner of chicken and vegetables, I turned on the computer to check my email and what do you know?  I had received an email stating the class would be cancelled and would resume next week.  (I would have known had I checked my email the past few days). 

Thus, I'm hoping that the 3rd Time is the Charm.  

I'm looking forward to giving this class a try.  Not only for a great BEACHBODY workout but to meet other people with similar goals and hopefully make a new friend or two or heck - maybe three.  LOL!

If the first two attempts fail then the third one will be a success.  Right?  

Wish me luck!

Putting Myself First

This past week was not my best....probably the first of many pitfalls.

I started off great with mountain biking and swimming at the beach.  I had made plans to wake up early on the holiday (Fourth of July) and go for a nice hike, but it was raining so I just rolled over and went back to sleep.  I finally woke up but felt like being lazy and do absolutely nothing.  But I finally decided to get up and do laundry and clean house (and believe me...it needs to get done), but after an hour I was roasting in my house (I swear I live in a furnace sometimes).  I got lazy.  And laid down in the air conditioned bedroom and watched tv.

The next day was no different.  It ended up as the beginning of a crazy, hectic, and very stressful week at work (my co-worker drives me nuts).  By the end of the work day I had no inspiration, no motivation, no desire to do anything.  Just wanted to put my feet up and relax (if there even is such a thing).

By the end of the week.  I had done nothing.  No exercise.  No walk.  No stretching.  Absolutely NOTHING!  And then my husband asks me, "What are you doing?  Why aren't you working out?"  I replied, "I'm lazy.  I just don't feel like it."  He says, "aren't you planning on going on a trip soon?  Don't you want to look your best?  And I realized, he's right.  I need to get up off my butt, stop being lazy, and do what I set out to do in the first place.....Putting Myself First.

How do I even do that?

By finding inspiration from family and friends to help me get past all the garbage and set me back onto my goal....a new healthy, fit ME.  First step.... a 6.2mile run around the neighborhood.  Was it my best?  No.  But I did manage to climb a big hill...and by climb I mean ran.  So that was a good accomplishment for me, especially since I haven't ran much in weeks (giving my knee some rest).  I then woke up bright and early this morning for a killer workout from my personal trainer (thank you Missy).  I have this feeling I'm gonna be sore tomorrow.

And tomorrow...I am going to attend my first Lihue Exercise Class after work (I even sent a message saying that I was attending) so I have to show up.  My friends, Craig and Tonja, helped inspire me to look for my own 'Fit Club' here on Kauai since I can't attend their club in California.  This will be my first class and I am looking forward to it.

Putting myself first.  Forget about the weather.  Forget about a stressful day at work.  Forget about being lazy.  Set myself a daily goal... a small one...and accomplish it!  I will get where I want to be one small step at a time, one day at a time by putting myself first.

A New Addiction

We all have it.... ADDICTION.

It doesn't matter what it is, how big or how small, whether it costs money or if its free...I've got it, my friends have it, you most likely have it.

There is NO escaping it.  

 

Some people attend Alcohol Anonymous for alcohol abuse, others spend too many hours at work (a.k.a. workaholics....I used to be one of them), and I'm sure there are others who sit in front of the television for hours (especially with all the reality shows).  And I would have to admit....I love American Idol!  

Doesn't matter what race, religion, or sex you are....we all suffer from ADDICTION.  So where am I going with this?

My closest friends know I'm a game addict.  Card games, board games, word games.   You name it, I'm probably playing it.  A few months ago (okay....it's probably been about a year now) I started playing Words with Friends.  And for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about its a game for the iPhone/iPad where you can challenge and play Scrabble with your friends.  I've got at least ten games going on right now.  Can you say addiction?

Recently, one of my girlfriends (who I play Words with) sent me a text and suggested I download a new app for my iPhone called Hanging with Friends.  I was driving home from work so I figured I'd look into it later.  By the time I reached home I forgot all about it.  Then a few days later my co-worker's girlfriend (I had recently started a game of Words with him and his girlfriend....they share the same iPad) and she suggested I play Hanging with Friends.  So, not knowing what it was, I downloaded it anyways.  To my surprise it was one of my favorite childhood games... Hangman.  Now I'm addicted like never before.

So as I'm sitting here trying to write this blog my phone is buzzing alerting me that its my turn to play.  It made me wonder 'what is it about addiction' that has got me so into this game so much.  I took a break and went to Dictionary.com and looked up the definition.  Addiction is the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming.  Yup, that pretty much sums it up right there.  It is psychological.  My inner psyche is telling me YOU MUST PLAY!  YOU MUST PLAY! You are gonna have so much fun playing! And you know what.... I am. 

Now I just need to get this way when it comes to working out.  And don't get me wrong.... I enjoy working out.  I look forward to my runs, or going mountain biking with my hubby, or busting out all I've got to my workout videos (I've got videos from Shape, Billy Banks, Biggest Loser, P90X, and just this past week I started ChaLEAN)  

But, if I were given two options.  

1.  Play Games or 

2.  Workout   

I would chose to play the game first.  Then if time allows, workout.  

So how do I move past my addiction?  Good question.  One small step at a time.  One day at a time.  Will I ever get 'addicted' to working out.  Probably not.  I think I'll leave that to the professionals.  But then again.... you never know what the future holds.  It may be secondary now, however there may come a day when it becomes into the forefront and I will be ready for that day.  I look forward to it!

So in the meantime, if you would like to start playing a game with me, look me up..... Robin0378.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."

This is a quote by Aristotle that I feel not only refers to my job as an office associate but my job as a wife, parent (to my doggies), and friend.  Some days are harder than others.  After having a stressful and busy day at work, sometimes there is nothing I would like better than lounging in bed relaxing, watching CSI or something on the Food Network Channel.

I am so blessed to be working for a company that cares for their employees and their families ..... and is solely based on shared values.  Values that each have their own specific and special meaning which spell out TEAM SERVCO.  At the beginning of each month they reintegrate the importance of one of the values.....today's Value of the Month is ENJOYMENT.

Here's a little tidbit from the memo I received this morning.

ENJOYMENT

Everyone wants more enjoyment at work.
One way to get it is by managing the stresses of life and work.

A teacher, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water
and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from
20g to 500g. The teacher replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it."

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our “burdens” (anger, frustration, fear, worry, overwhelm, etc.) all the time, sooner or later, a burden becomes increasingly heavy and takes a toll on us. Just like the glass of water, we have to put it down for a while and rest before deciding whether to pick it up again or release it. After a short refreshing break, we may have a new perspective, feel lighter, have more energy, or see a solution we haven’t thought of before."

So, from time to time, take the opportunity to relax,
reflect on the positive things in your life, share a joke or funny story with a colleague,
step outside to breathe in fresh air, or just sit quietly by yourself.
You will be amazed at how much better you feel after this brief break.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Life is short. Enjoy it!

Wow!  Now I know why my ears are ringing!  It's all about perspective and how you view it.  Is the glass half empty or half full? A solution is just around the corner, but sometimes you just might need to take a little break to realize where it is hiding.

Time and time again I've tried different diets, exercise routines, food choices and yet I've never really found the one that fits ME.  And it just might be because I was lacking enjoyment.   After taking a much needed break and doing some soul searching, I believe I am on a road I've never traveled before.  A road that I am enjoying.  

Early morning workout routines (stretching, abs, walking, strength training), adding whole grain products, keeping sweets to a minimum, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into each meal, running, mountain biking are just a few of the steps I've been taking.  And I just might add hiking and swimming to my activities to help keep me motivated.


As I make progress down this new road I may come across a few bumps and whether I choose to step in them or move around them, only time will tell when I will make it to the end.  But one thing I do know for sure is I'm going to ENJOY each and every moment (no matter how stressful or crazy it may be) I spend traveling down the road.