WWI #91 - Self Sabotage?

The scale has been slowly climbing for several weeks now. Even with that, just a few posts ago I was still content and happy. I have to admit to that slipping a little ... I am frustrated with this weight gain. Not that it's unexplainable or unexpected. My eating has just been a little (a lot?) out of control. Not sure if I'm feeling a bit hopeless and just falling into some self sabotage? TOM too ...

After my weigh-in last week, I went and ate a cookie for comfort. It didn't end there, and I was over 3000 calories at the end of the day. Saturday, Sunday and Monday too. I really don't think I'm "binging" at any point. I'm just eating a lot of high calorie stuff that adds up quick. Here's a quick look back at the week ...

• Friday: Had a good day as far as fitness, got in Zumba (although I needed to go to a different class as both my Friday regulars had conflicts), elliptical, bike and weights. Food ... was NOT good. 
• Saturday: Hubs was sponsoring a "derby workshop" so we had dozens of scouts and their parents over building pinewood derby cars. It gets a little crazy. I escaped out to a Zumba class I'd been meaning to try for a while. #5 had his basketball game, and I got in four miles jogging while watching it. Another good activity day, yet it couldn't keep up with the amount of calories I consumed.
• Sunday: Planned rest day from exercise ... I should plan a food fast day too! But no, after church we had our usual Sunday Circles. In the evening we went out to Olive Garden. Fettuccine Alfredo and breadsticks, not exactly low calorie.
• Monday: I did pretty good for food and fitness for the first half of the day. Got in Zumba, elliptical and bike. Got in some shopping and sun. In the evening we went downtown to see an NBA game in my brother's suite. There was dinner and decadent dessert. Over calories again!
• Tuesday: Kept calories in check (meaning under 2000). Got in Zumba in the morning, elliptical and weights during the day, then went to evening Zumba as well. Dragging a little ... weird weather day with lots of wind.
• Wednesday: Did better on activity than I usually do on Wednesdays. Zumba, and hour of elliptical and bike. I really didn't think I was doing that bad on calories, but they added up. Hit with quite a blizzard today!
• Thursday: Some school stress for #4, I was a little late to Zumba, but had a good class. Didn't quite get in all my elliptical (50 minutes, I left 10 minutes left on my show, I meant to get back down but just didn't). Hit evening Zumba. Couldn't really keep calories in control today either.

So far I haven't tipped the scale to 160. I really NEVER want to see a six as the middle number again. I'm so uncomfortably close. Why do I just keep eating so much? I've had a couple of friends with some extraordinary weight loss recently. How did they do it? Eating right! I absolutely believe that if I eliminated the candy/chips/cookies/ice cream I'd lose the weight. Why can't I even think about giving them up? I actually enjoy my exercise, but I know a part of me is trying to out-cardio my calories, even though I know you can't out-train a bad diet. I'm proof ...

Charged!

A review of the Fitbit Charge and Charge HR.

I'm a Fitbit Fan. I've had one for five years now. I started with the original Ultra and upgraded to the One a couple years ago. Everyone in my family got on board, and we added more Ones, a couple Zips and a Flex. Then the Charge came out. My oldest son wanted to try it (after going through a Jawbone, Flex, and a Zip) ... and I figured we needed one in the family. The ChargeHR came out not long after, and I had my eye on it for a bit before I plunged and purchased. 

My oldest son was leaving the country for two years on a church mission and we didn't think he should take the Charge (I got him an inexpensive pedometer and he sends me his steps each week). We passed the Charge down #4, my 11-year old. He'd been wanting a wrist one, but didn't want the Flex (which doesn't show the stats on the device). So now that we've been wearing them a while, I thought I'd do a quick review about how the Charges compare to each other, and to the other Fitbit wearables. So far so good! Just Thinking Out Loud and sharing my thoughts on these gadgets.

You can see from the picture above, the Charge and Charge HR don't look very different at first glance. So what IS the difference, besides the $20 (the Charge runs about $129, the ChargeHR $149) in the price tag? Two things, the strap closure and the heart rate monitor.  Whichever your reason, I would definitely recommend upgrading to the HR over the regular Charge. $20 isn't that much more, and the HRM function is so nice to have, and the watch-strap closure is much more secure than the tabbed Charge/Flex.

Here's a few features I'll touch on in my review ...

• HRM: I bought the ChargeHR for the heart rate monitor. I have a PolarFT4 which I'm fairly happy with, but I really do NOT like the chest strap, I would always take it off the moment my workout was done.  I'm not used to wearing a watch, but the ChargeHR been quite comfortable. I wear it all day. I track my Zumba workouts (starting and stopping the timer to get a specific reading) and then just randomly check it during the day at rest and during other quick workouts.  I haven't adjusted to sleeping with it at night (which is intended, to track your sleep and resting heart rate). I've still worn my Polar along side the Charge HR for many workouts, and the data is generally quite close. I've been impressed with it's accuracy there.
• STEP COUNT: I've still been wearing my One too (I have a hard time giving up my old devices!) and the ChargeHR has been coming in consistently lower in steps. On the Fitbit boards, others seem to be complaining of the opposite, of it picking up hand-movements and over counting. I have not found that to be the case. I was happy that it picked up my elliptical just fine, whether I am using the the moveable arm bars, or gripping the center stationary ones.
• SLEEP: I was looking forward to seeing the sleep feature ... and comparing it to my One's readings. The Charge and ChargeHR have an "auto"sleep function, so you don't have to set your device for sleep or manually enter the times like you do with the One or Flex. As mentioned above, I have a hard time sleeping with something on my wrist (I wear my One clipped on my jammies, not in the wristband they provide). I tried it a night or two, and wasn't sure about the times it said I fell asleep and awakened - also, I couldn't see that I had the power to adjust/change it either. 

• WORKOUT FEEDBACK: I really like feedback from my individual workouts. The ChargeHR provides a snapshot showing the ups and downs of the heart rate, the average, the high, the time in the various zones. It shows the steps and estimated calorie burn. What I do NOT like, is that if I forget to stop/start the timer, I can't adjust that afterward (I can do that with the One).
• DURABILITY: Being an avid Fitbit user, and having multiple Fitbits in the family, overall I've been quite impressed with quality and with the company customer service. That said, I've seen broken cases and straps pretty often too. I'm a little worried about how the strap part will hold up, as the electronic part isn't able to be swapped into a new case like with the other styles.
• CHARGING: I haven't had any battery issues yet, but as I'm not wearing mine to sleep, I stick it on the charger each night. My son will wear his for several days, or just put it on the charger for 15minutes every other day while he showers. We occasionally get an email notice that my son needs to charge his Charge, which is also a nice feature. One complaint, as others have mentioned if you've been reading reviews ... why not make it charge with a universal charger? It's frustrating to have yet another proprietary charger around and to try and not lose. 
• CALL NOTIFICATIONS: Honestly, I rolled my eyes at the "call notification" feature. Big whoop. I have my phone, why do I need my Fitbit to tell me if it's ringing. I must say ... I love this feature! I actually DO miss calls on my phone fairly often. I've forgotten to turn on the ringer, or it's buried in my purse, or in the other room. Now, I know I've got a call. It's a feature I never would have asked for, but now I'm very glad I have.

So ... I'm a Fitbit Fan. I think I would recommend the ChargeHR over any of the other styles because it has the most features. Well, almost. The step up to the Surge adds in GPS (which I don't need as almost all my workouts are indoors), definitely not worth the additional $100 in the price tag for it. But Hubs ... he's eying the Surge (and I'm all for him getting it!)

If you are new to Fitbit, or considering getting one ... check out some of my previous posts. Wondering About A Fitbit is just a general review about what they can do.  Lost and Found showcases an app to help you locate a lost Fitbit (we've had to use it several times) and Reaping the Rewards (and followup posts on the various programs) will hook you up with different  programs that will reward YOU for your Fitbit activity data ( $$, store credit, prizes). 

Linking up late with Workout Wednesday ...

Recent Reads ... "Blah" Books

 I love reading ... so far this year, I've read (and reviewed/rated) twenty-six books. I have yet to find a "five star" IT WAS SO WONDERFUL book, but I've had many four stars, many three stars, but the last few books? Rather blah. Ala two star. They aren't the last four concurrent books I've read, but they were all close together in the past few weeks. Sigh.

Have you read any of these titles?

What did you think?

The first two (Through the Fog and Soulkeepers) were "free" Kindle books ... the first is part of Amazon's Kindle Lending Library (my book choice for March) and the second is offered free for all, and the sequels are part of the lending library as well. The other two books I picked up from my local library. The middle two books have sequels ... but I won't be reading them. I do feel a bit of an obligation to finish what I start when it comes to one book, but not for a series (if I'm not enjoying it).

I'll admit, sometimes I'm just not in the right mindset to enjoy a book. There are always reviews of people who loved ones I didn't care for. All of these had something lacking for me though. On all, the writing felt a bit stilted, not natural. I actually sped through all of them quickly,  but that was more just to finish and move onto something else. I've just had a bit of bad luck lately I guess, with four "blah" books so close together.

Many people will say "you get what you pay for" and will refuse to try on the "free" or cheap offerings Kindle has to offer. I've found some gems there though. It is a little hit and miss. And just because something is picked up by a publisher and library, doesn't mean it's guaranteed to be any better. I do try to glance at reviews and blurbs ... I think the blub, while making me pick "Undercurrent" also ruined it for me, giving away too much before I even began.

Generally, my monthly "book" posts will be about books I love. But jut to be real here ... they aren't all winners! Generally, at least I'm getting in some activity if I read while riding my stationary bike. I have had some good ones too, check back for more book posts. *Ü*

Do you keep reading if you don't "love" the book?

WWI#90 - Up, Up, Up

I think of the cute Disney movie "UP" or Shania Twain's snappy song "Up, Up, Up" ... chin up and think happy thoughts. The word UP seems to have a positive connotation ... except when it comes to weekly weigh-ins. I'm up again. With Spring Break and Easter Weekend, there were some tough days for food and fitness. Here's a quick recap of the week:

• Friday: Kids were out of school. I got in my Zumba and 40min on the elliptical. I was having the kids fill Easter Eggs and we ran out of candy/toys, so the two little boys and I ran to the Dollar Store. I do think we're ready for the Easter party tomorrow now though.
• Saturday: Got in some elliptical (40min). Headed over to my folks for the Easter party. Hubs jogged, although we caught up with him and he did catch a ride with us for the remainder of the way. 
• Sunday: Easter! Spent most of the day at Maga's house. I only got 3000 steps in. #4 got 13,000 just running and playing around! Ate too many Peeps!
• Monday: Kids are still out of school, but trying to get back at it! Zumba, 60minElliptical, and some bike and treadmill! Kept calories in check. YEA, it was a good day!
• Tuesday: Back to routine, up early, kids to school. Zumba, 60minElliptical, some treadmill and I did WEIGHTS! There was an evening Zumba class, but I was too tired. I also overate today.
• Wednesday: Wednesdays are a bit wimpy. Just Zumba and 40minElliptical. I might have done a little more, but there were BOYS in my gym in the afternoon. Ate too much.
• Thursday: Some stress yesterday/today, a field trip at school had AnxietyChild super upset. I ended up letting him duck out and we had a homeschool day. I had him come to Zumba with me and made him move. He did get 5000 steps there. It was a good day with him, and I still managed to get in some elliptical (40min). I did hit the evening Zumba class today. Still ate too much though.

NUMBERS: Up 1.4 from last week. Average was up too, by .95. Average intake for the week was 2400, same as last week. Average burn was down slightly, at 2803.  That equaled out to a slight overage (50ish) for the week. Shouldn't be over a full pound up, but sometimes the numbers don't work that way. TOM time is pretty much here ... I hate TOM.

It's the eating ... I need to reverse this UP trend. I got TOO close to the 160s this past week. That is unacceptable! The 150s seem to be my "happy weight" place, but the 140s is where I want to be! Come ON Jen ... just stay under 2000 calories on your intake! I must admit ... I didn't start out the week well, overeating today :(

There are BOYS in my Gym!

I've mentioned several times on this blog, that I'm super spoiled with my nice home gym (J&G'sGym). I love that it's right downstairs, so I can bop down multiple times a day, and that I don't have to put up with other people on the machine I want when I want it ... but recently, there have been BOYS in MY gym! Teenage boys!

Okay, one of them is my son. The others are his basketball buddies. It's the off-season now, so other sports (baseball/football) have first dibs on the school equipment. These guys want to stay in shape, and have been coming over EVERY DAY this week after school. In MY gym!  I mean, it's a nice size for a home gym, but still, four teenage boys in there at once?

My son did ask permission, and I gave it. I usually would hit my gym for a session on the elliptical, bike or treadmill in the hours after school ... but it's hard to turn them down when they want to work out (I guess it's some extra Zumba upstairs in the master bath for me during those times if I need a workout fix). 

They are mostly doing strength exercises, I don't think they are using the cardio machines. I told them they could move some of the dumbbells out into the hallway for a little more space (they could even do walking lunges). Sometimes they race upstairs, then sprint around the block a couple of times.

They play their music, laugh, talk ... and sometimes come raid the kitchen. A little chocolate milk or banana pre-workout. My son whips up a big batch of protein smoothie afterward.

These sophomores haven't been the only boys in the gym lately. My 14-year old told me he "I don't just want to sit around playing video games and stuff" here in the off-season. I told him it might be good work on his conditioning and stamina, running on the treadmill. He's hit it several times.  Even my 11-year old has put on a show and walked the treadmill to get more steps on his pedometer.

The Hubs does have a gym membership (near his work) and he enjoys running outside, so I rarely see him down in the gym. My oldest was putting in some time too, before he shipped off to Mexico. It's the younger boys now! So far my baby (nine years old) hasn't seemed interested in the gym, but he's quite active and gets his steps in through play.

This does just push me to make sure I get what I need to get done during the day when the kids are in school. It's good incentive anyway!  Linking up late with Workout Wednesday!

TV Tuesday - What I'm Watching

As this blog is a bit of a diary for me, I thought I'd update what I'm watching each month. It is directly tied to my workouts, as I watch while on the elliptical or treadmill. It find it interesting to hear what programs others enjoy. Do we like the same ones? Are there some I hadn't heard of that I might now check out. Thus ... my monthly TV Tuesday. So what have I been watching since I reported in last?

Well, I'm currently caught up on my "regulars" ... the ones I follow as they air. Mind you, I don't watch them AS they air, I don't have a way to view actual television downstairs in the gym. But I can record and watch them the day after. There are FIVE shows I keep current on; The Walking Dead, which just ended for now. Grey's Anatomy (did Derek cheat? I had to workout on Saturday to find out), The Good Wife, Nashville and Scandal. I had actually gotten pretty far behind on Scandal, as I caught up on the others ... but after watching several I'm current there too.

When I'm caught up on current programing (or on the off-seasons) I rely on Netflix, Amazon or DVDs. I noticed that the second season of Orphan Black had been added to Amazon Prime, so that's what I'm watching now. I don't think I'm as into it as I was the first season, but I still like it. I just finished episodes five and six today (60min elliptical, 20min treadmill), and with just 10 in the season, I'll be done shortly! Then I'll have to wait a while for Season 3 I guess. That's fine ... there is TONS of stuff for me to catch up on :)

I had also started "The 100" a bit ago (before I noticed "Orphan Black" was now available) and I've still been watching episodes of it here and there. It's on Netflix, and sometimes the kids are monopolizing our family Netflix stream. I'll watch it while I do weights (I need a show that doesn't require me to watch as closely for those sessions) or when I'm on the treadmill (I can watch a show without captions on the elliptical, but the treadmill is so noisy subtitles are required!) It's a little "teen" ... but I like apocalyptic/sci-fi, but sometimes I think I prefer reading it than watching it. This IS a book series. I almost stopped watching when I found that out, but ... I'm also a little OCD about finishing what I start (at least to the end of the season anyway).

I have been watching "House of Cards" too ... it's one Hubs and I watch together, so it's NOT on in my exercise room (although once upon a time, Hubs and I did try watching some shows while we both worked out ... but sometimes it's nice just to relax and snuggle while watching).

As I'm close to finishing the seasons of these series, and new content isn't always available for my five shows, I guess I better be thinking ahead of what I'm going to watch next. Check back next month *Ü*

MIMM - Easter Weekend

For a while there, I was participating in the Marvelous In My Monday link-up every week. Recapping the weekend, admitting to my weekend weight gain. I got a little out of the habit, as I'd recap the entire week on Friday, and felt like that was enough.

But this past weekend (and a few days before) have been full of family and fun. It was Spring Break for the kidlets, they were out Thursday and Friday, and today. As I'm in charge of bringing eggs to the family party, I put the kids to work filling eggs. I really thought I had enough stuff,  but I had to make another trip to the store for "fillers" ... in addition to candy, we try and have a lot of non-edible stuff too. Little toys, stickers, balloons, etc. We put some monetary prizes in some of the eggs too - a $2 bill, a silver dollar, and a copper coin (Hubs is a collector).

 A big basket of eggs!

Hubs decided to run to my folks house ... it's about 10 miles. He left about an hour before we did. We caught up to him around the 6 mile mark, and he said he was done and accepted a ride the rest of the way. 

It was fun to see ALL the Fitbit's at the family gathering ... let's see, there were eright ONEs (me, Grandma, Grandpa, three of my boys, ny brother and his wife), five of the FLEX (two brothers, two SIL, one sister), one FORCE (it's been recalled, but my oldest brother didn't give it up), one Charge (my 11-year old), one ChargeHR (me) and one Surge (Happy Easter Hubs!) I hope to get my 14-year old to wear the Flex Hubs had been using.

 There was too much eating this weekend. Not enough exercise (well, Hubs got enough in on Saturday!). I barely hit 3000 steps on Sunday, it was such a lazy day. My 11-year old asked me how many steps I had, and I admitted my number to him. He had over 12,000! No "exercise" just lots of playing around!

So with Easter behind us, my weight UP ... I really hope to get back on a schedule, and reign in the eating. It was back to Zumba this morning, errands, then putting away all of Easter. We hadn't dyed eggs, and the little guys complained about that, so I hard boiled some and we did it today. Dyeing a day late!

How was your Easter weekend?
What Easter Treats temp you the most?

WWI #89 - Up But Happy

Well, I'm up. Again. But I'm happy. I'm NOT happy that I had a slight gain this week (.6) but as far as life in general? I'm happy. I'll be the first to admit that my life is pretty ideal right now. A handsome hubby, wonderful boys, a cute kitty that makes me smile. A nice house, a home gym, the weather has been SO lovely, I get to go to Zumba, there is so much yummy stuff to eat ...

Here's my quick weekly recap ...

• Friday: We started the day with delicious fresh baked croissants. The older boys were out of school, #3 got invited to a friend's house. He doesn't have any kids his age in our neighborhood, so this made me happy. I started my day with Zumba, and had two friends with me there today. The weather was beautiful, and the little boys played outside in swimsuits.
• Saturday: I so love that the basketball court has a track above it, so I can watch and jog at the same time. The game wasn't great, our boys got killed. I was so happy I at least got a workout in and didn't just have to sit and watch the carnage. I resisted getting donuts. Another beautiful weather day. I ♥ sunshine!
• Sunday: Had a big family breakfast (with the inlaws included) after church. And a nap ...
• Monday: At Zumba, we didn't have the usual ipad for music, so class was composed of whatever songs people had on their phones. It was fun to get some older songs we hadn't done in a while! Got in elliptical and reading/riding ... I'm loving books again! Gorgeous sunny day! Blue skies!
• Tuesday: Love Tuesday Zumba, it starts early and I'm home by 10:00! Got in elliptical and bike too, and then hit a second Zumba in the evening! Took a new selfie for Facebook today (the other one was a little old).
• Wednesday: Hump day, I took it a bit easy after the big day yesterday, just Zumba and elliptical. And ice cream ... there are such yummy flavors of ice cream out there. So often I'm just a vanilla girl, but I've been branching out a bit.
• Thursday: Got to sleep in (as the kids are out for Spring Break). Zumba in the morning, I did several numbers helping out. Stopped at Kmart after and picked up Easter Candy and didn't pay anything (using my Fitstudio points). Got the kids started filling eggs (we provide them all for the family egg hunt, so it takes a WHILE to fill them all). Got in my elliptical (I think I'm caught up on all my shows) and Zumba in the evening too ... followed by grabbing some Crazy Bread for the kids at Little Caesars on the way home. That is become a bit of a weekly tradition too.

So that was my week. Pretty good exercise-wise. Still missing my weight workout. Gotta get that back in, either on Fridays, or Tuesdays ... or both would be even better! Zumba just makes me happy, I saw an article that talked about how Zumba can boost the mood and help you deal with stress. I know it has helped me with that, and also with confidence, getting me out of the house (I'm such a homebody) and making friends!

Eating hasn't been good or healthy ... but I've been enjoying it *Ü* I guess if chocolate also boosts the mood, no wonder I'm happy! People talk about the crash after, or feeling sluggish or yucky ... but I just feel great almost all the time. Yes, I'd love to still drop several pounds, but I'm satisfied where I'm at (which is not to say I'm going to stop trying, every day I AM trying, I am recording what I eat and at least trying to keep it under my estimated burn). 

As for NUMBERS ... weight was up .6. Average was up just a smidge (155.85). I actually managed to have a deficit this week, -1085. My average intake was 2400, average daily burn 2887. 

This coming weekend probably doesn't bode well ... I've gotten in nice workouts the past couple Saturdays. I don't think that will happen tomorrow. No basketball game (there was one originally scheduled, but I guess enough people were going out of town or having family parties that they postponed it). We will be having a family party ... there will be many yummy treats there. Another get-together on Sunday, and then school out on Monday too (which just throws my schedule off, I sleep in and such), but we'll see how it goes. Check back next week ...

Linking up late with Weigh-In Wednesday ... 

'cause I don't weigh in until Friday ;)

March 2015

Looking back on last month ... I updated my pictures on both my Family Facebook page (as we got our cute family pictures back) and on my Fitness Facebook page (JenB'sJourney) ... the other pictures were a little out of date. I got the new Fitbit Charge HR (although I am still wearing my Polar HRM for some workouts too). My missionary son has been sending me his step count while he's in Mexico, and I've been entering them manually so we can all see how his activity is comparing to ours while he's away. Girl Scout cookies were delivered ... Girl Scout cookies were eaten. Eating in March was NOT good! The weather was wonderful however, and I even spent a little time outside soaking up some sun.

I did pretty good exercise-wise, a LOT of Zumba (Zumba Stats March 2015), I got my elliptical in almost everyday. Back to some biking, some time on the treadmill, and a couple times jogging the track (while watching baby boy play basketball). I got in weights once ... need to improve on that.

As mentioned above ... eating was not good. I'm not sure why  my self-control has  been SO lacking. Weight has also not been great (as it does tend to mirror the eating). Unlike last month, where I stayed quite consistent between a couple of pounds, there was a bit of a variance this month. The low was 151.5 and the high was 157.8.  I calculated the average for the month, and it was 154.58 (February was 153.2 and January was 154.48, I think with 2015, I'll be including the monthly weight average in my recap). 

***JenB's Journal ***

0301 (Sunday) Weight 153.5.  Bad Day. Total Burn 1846. Exercise Burn 142 (No Exercise). Calories in 2200.  Ummm ... I don't like this 9:00 church time. #3 had to be there (bread and usher duty) so I dropped him off but the rest of us didn't go. I did go the final hour to fulfill my piano duty in primary. We had a family activity at my folks in the late afternoon. Mom was planning on waffles, so told me NOT to make our usual Sunday Circles. We brought our waffle makers and hubs made his waffle batter. I also loaded up four garbage bags of clothes to pass along to my brother (they also have a family of boys) and hopefully some stuff will work for them. At least that is out of the house, and we do need to make another run to good will. The activity was fun, lots of visiting and playing with cousins. I was pretty hungry, and hubs waffles tasted good. Still feeling a tad under the weather, and my poor nose! I've always been plagued by cold sores around my mouth, this one is on my nose. It's really ugly, bright red and it hurts! Not fair! Just as we were about to leave, #4 came back in saying he wasn't feeling good and then proceeded to throw up all over grandma's kitchen floor. Hubs cleaned it up, we got a bucket and made it home ... it seemed to be a one and done deal. Reaction to something he ate (he had a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie that seemed to set it off).

0302 (Monday) Weight 153.3. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2878. Exercise Burn 835/1175 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1600. I was afraid the scale might jump after no exercise yesterday. Happy that it didn't. I had to wake #4 ... usually he is up early. He said he still wasn't feeling that well, but he got dressed and we attempted going to school. I ended up bringing him right back home though. We did some home school but took it pretty easy. He said I could still go to my Zumba, but it is one that is further away (so about two hours total I'd be gone) and I didn't want to risk it. I still managed to get some exercise in, some elliptical, and some Zumba (two 30 min sessions). #2 actually had me pick him up after school ... he was heading out to basketball tryouts for an off-season league. They were from 6:00-8:00 and then he hung out with friends until late, as they don't have school tomorrow. He got a ride home though, because I wasn't staying up late! #5 wanted some "joggers" ... the latest style in boys pants. I had seen some over at Sears and I had some Fitstudio points, to I took him over and had him try them on, and we picked up a pair. He seems quite happy with them.

0303 (Tuesday) Weight 151.5. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2745. Exercise Burn 1000/1053 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30minTreadmillWalk). Calories in 1800. #2 didn't have school today ... that meant he could sleep in. For some reason I forgot to set my alarm, and so I slept in. Luckily #3 still woke up, and woke me up in time to get him to school. The weather wasn't too bad when I dropped him off, but just a short time later as I drove the elementary kids to school, it was almost white out conditions with snow.  Luckily, it was my close Zumba today. Had a good workout there, then went home. Luckily #2 was pretty content to stay around home (he napped most of the day, typical teenager) as I really didn't want to go out in the storm. I shoveled the front walk and part of the driveway ... but a little later the sun came out and melted it all anyway. Love our southern exposure. It wasn't too bad when it was time to pickup the boys. 

0304 (Wednesday) Weight 151.7. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2726. Exercise Burn 750/1032 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. #2 was out of school again today. I dropped off the other kids and then went to Zumba. When I got back, #2 was NOT willing to stay home for a second day, so I dropped him off at a friend's house. In the afternoon, I picked up #3, then #2 and brought them home, just while I picked up the youngest two from school. Then I dropped #2 off at the high school for a roads portion of driver's ed, and #3 and I went back to his school for PT conferences. Not really parent/teacher though, as they do "student lead" ones. #3 has all A's though, so nothing I worry about with him. Back home, then off again, as #3 had the playoffs for his basketball league. Game at 6:00, and if they won (which they did) they played again at 8:00 (they lost that one). One more set of playoff games on Saturday ...

0305 (Thursday) Weight 151.7. Good Day. Total Burn 2908. Exercise Burn 1160/1214 (30minElliptical, Zumbax2) Calories in 2700. I was glad the little one reminded me it was an early out day, because I hadn't updated that on my calendar and I'm not sure I would have remembered! Zumba in the morning ... they announced that Claudia (the founder and a little fireball) had too much on her plate. She has only been making it every other week or so, finding substitutes for the days she couldn't make it (Marian does the morning but has to leave for work). There had been talk of cancelling the class, but Marian said she'd take it over with a little help (from me and a couple others in the class) and moving it back to the 9:00 time. Landon wrote in the afternoon. I hadn't done my letter on Sunday and had just got it out this morning. Grabbed the kids after school, the #3 was invited to a friend's house, so I took him there. I hit the evening Zumba class ... wore my Polar in addition to my two Fitbits, got great numbers!

0306 (Friday) Weight 152.2. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2690. Exercise Burn 927/994 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. #2 still had school today, but the others were off. Without having late start at the middle school, I could hit the closer Zumba at 9:00, so I did that, rather than drive across town to Heather's class. MZL had a good class today, I got my heart rate up. Feeling back after the cold and being down. I stopped at Sears on the way home ... grabbed another pair of joggers for #5, as he hasn't taken the ones we bought on Monday off (yes, he has even slept in them. This way at least we can change them out!) #3 had an invite to a friend's house again (I'm loving this for his sake, even if it does require more chauffeur duty on my part). #2 stayed after school for a driver's ed roads ... which finishes him up. Now just the test and paying the fees. Hubs was home early prepping for a scout overnighter ... of course neither of MY boys wanted to go. Usually with Hubs gone in the evening, I'll continue working out late. I had thought I might finally get in a weight workout ... but I was dragging so much, I just went to bed early and was OUT.

0307 (Saturday) Weight 152.8. Ok Day. Total Burn 2041. Exercise Burn 200/341 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2000. Relaxed morning. #2 needed to be at the library at 11:30 for his driving test. I dropped him off then ran to Smiths to grab a few things, and back to pick him up, as the test didn't take very long. Not feeling very motivated today! Only got in 20 minutes. #3 had a game at 7:00, but the A team was playing before at 6:00, so I dropped him off early to watch. Too bad they weren't playing on the same court, because the first game was tight and went into overtime (and they won with buzzer beaters) but we all had to leave as the B team's game was starting. We pulled out to an early lead and it looked like it would be an easy win, but then the other team started making three pointers and caught up and pulled ahead. We had a couple chances to take it back, but it didn't happen. Lost by one. #3 didn't handle it very well, even insulting one of his teammates (which he felt bad about after at least). I think he held onto his tears and tirade until out in the car with me. I sure wish the kid could learn to control his emotions better. In the end, it doesn't matter so much if you win or lose but bad behavior and poor sportsmanship sure gets etched in my memory! He wasn't in the mood to stay and watch the A team (which ended up winning their championship, which just made #3 feel even worse, as he used to be a part of that team). Not sure what the future holds for this kid and basketball ... :(   Daddy built a fire and roasted smores with the little boys at home. He made me some popcorn to eat as we watched "House of Cards" ...

0308 (Sunday) Weight 153.5. BAD Day. Total Burn 1829. Exercise Burn 0 (No Exercise). Calories in 3500. Completely lazy day. Daylight Saving kicked in, so we lost an hour. No way we were making 9:00 (really 8:00 to the body) church. Hubs ended up going into work and I went ahead and made breakfast. I still went to the third hour, as I needed to play the piano in primary. I walked to and from ... it was a beautiful day! I was really dragging when I got back, so I laid down and took a little nap. Yummy!  #2 was down because he had gotten word he hadn't made the competition basketball team. He had said there were a ton of really good kids, but he still had hopes he'd make it. A bit of a relief for me actually, as the cost would have been a little high.  I made dinner (haystacks) then homemade oreos for dessert. Hubs still made popcorn to munch on as we watched "Gone Girl" which he'd grabbed from Redbox. Ummm, didn't really like the movie.

0309 (Monday) Weight 155.2. Ok Day. Total Burn 2639. Exercise Burn 750/926 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2600. I'd reset the alarm for 7:30 last Friday, and had forgotten to change it back to 6:30 ... luckily I woke up on time anyway. #4 was SO upset with Daylight Saving though, he was in tears as I tried to get him up out of bed. Got the boys off to school and made a quick trip to Sam's Club. I had very minimal time, but 20 minutes or so was all I needed to grab some bread, batteries and bacon and such. Quickly unloaded and headed out to Southziders. I'd missed the last two weeks, but it felt like forever! Class was good. I stopped by Kmart on the way home. I got in a little elliptical, but my motivation vanished! A few too many non-routine things coming up this week, including the basketball banquet downtown. I am not a fan of downtown or social dinners. Hubs called saying he had a conflict (he was supposed to get off work early, as I don't drive downtown). So ... I texted #2 and told him to try and find a ride for himself anyway, and Daddy could meet him there straight from work. I really did NOT want to go, and this got me off the hook, but still made me feel awful. I just hate to have my anxieties make themselves so known. I really should have gotten some more stuff in with the additional time now, not going, but ... just feeling down. Ate girl scout cookies ... 

0310 (Tuesday) Weight 155.6. Ok Day. Total Burn 2855. Exercise Burn 1015/1139 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. Forgot to turn on my alarm, but again still woke up on time. Got the boys off to school and hit Zumba. I noticed cars on the South side, and when I drove to the North side I saw why ... workmen had the concrete torn up in front of our usual entrance. Everyone found the way in, we had quite a few people today. Home again ... and feeling unmotivated again. I took a nap. Got some elliptical in, more than the current usual. Ended up taking #2 in for a tux fitting (prom is coming up), driving #3 to a basketball practice, and then surprise, taking #2 to another round of basketball tryouts for the UBC team. He'd received an email on Sunday saying he didn't make it, but got one today saying "oops, we sent you the wrong email" ... not sure if it's final he's on the team yet, or if there is one more cut. I'd love for him to make it for his sake, but had actually been somewhat relieved when he hadn't ... so. Luckily he was able to get a ride home as it was fairly late. But I guess a couple of the kids have LONG commutes (apparently a couple of the kids live out of state!)

0311 (Wednesday) Weight 154.8. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2860. Exercise Burn 905/1149 (45minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2100. Actually remembered my alarm this morning :)  Got the kids off to school, then hit Zumba. Not really feeling it this morning, couldn't get the heart rate up. Got in some elliptical at home. Actually picked up #2 after school today (grabbed him first, then had him drive to pick up #3, and again to pick up the elementary kids). Daddy came home from work a little early and they went out to the DMV to get his license. I went back to the elementary school for PT Conferences for the two little ones. Good reports for both, and we stopped at the book fair after and grabbed a few things (books were buy 1 get 1 free, which did make them a good deal). #2, with license in hand took him and #3 to get haircuts. In the evening, they and Hubs had mutual over at the church. Hubs was taking our Otis cookies, I grabbed a few and baked them up for us at home, as I knew however many he took, he wouldn't bring any back (and I was right!).

0312 (Thursday) Weight 153.9. Good Day. Total Burn 3038. Exercise Burn 1317/1332 (40minElliptical, Zumba x2). Calories in 2100. Zumba on Thursdays is back to 9:00, which means I don't really have time to go back home after dropping off the munchkins. So I made sure I had everything, and I just went straight. I got there about 10 minutes early, read a little in my book (I've been reading a lot lately, just not on the bike). Class was good. Just Marian today, with me, Steph, Silvia and Krista doing a number or two. We need to get someone to do the cool down though, so Marian can leave. As it was today class was a bit short. It was "Grandparent'sLunch" over at the elementary. My folks were meeting the kids there. I packed my parents a lunch and headed over too. #4 had lunch first, and then wanted to head out to play. #5 came in just as he was leaving, so I didn't get pictures of them together, but that's fine. I'm happy #4 wants to go play (as we've struggled with anxiety issues in the past). As we were leaving, I pointed out the book fair to my mom. I'd gone yesterday with the boys, and they had books buy 1 get 1 free, which ended up being pretty good prices. Mom picked up a few to give to grandkids. I didn't really have time to go home, as school was out shortly, so I just waited. In the evening, Hubs took all four boys to the Jazz game. I hit Zumba and got great stats.   

0313 (Friday) Weight 152.8. Bad Day. Total Burn 2785. Exercise Burn 850/1085 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3200. The elementary kids were out of school today, but the older boys had school. #2 didn't take #3 as he has been, as they start at different times on Fridays. As I dropped #3 off, I realized we were quite early! Which made me very early to Zumba as well. I wondered if perhaps I should have stayed on the West side and just been a little late to MZL. Oh well. There was a new gal there who is also an instructor and it was interesting talking to her. Back home to the two little ones, who had survived being alone for a couple hours (go Mom, we'll be fine!) Hubs came home and then went out biking with my brother. MY brother ... I didn't really even know he biked! Hubs had planned on heading out of town to Moab, wanting to take two of the four boys, but we hadn't gotten anything specific as to who, or when they were leaving. He ended up taking the three youngest, with Maga, Ana and her boys driving separately. If I had known they were switching to a hotel (instead of staying with long lost relatives, that was what finally convinced the boys to go), and if we'd left earlier (I really dislike driving at night), I might have gone myself. But #2 was staying home, and I wasn't sure about leaving kitty for that long. But all the uncertainty of it all got to me and there was some anxious eating ... I was ravenous! Should have/could have exercised into the evening, but like the last few times Hubs has been gone on a Friday night ... I didn't. 

0314 (Saturday) Weight 153.9. Bad Day. Total Burn 2212. Exercise Burn 400/506 (40minElliptical). Calories in 3000. #2 and I were sharing a car (since Hubs took the burb). I ended up taking him out to his girlfriend's house ... stopping to pick up some girl scout cookies on the way. WHY? I don't need the temptation! I considered hitting a Zumba class, or doing a workout at home ... but it didn't happen. I did get in some elliptical, catching up on Grey's Anatomy. Ran to the store to grab some groceries. Another bad eating day. I wonder if I would have done any worse out with Hubs and the boys.

0315 (Sunday) Weight 154.9. Bad Day. Total Burn 1813. Exercise Burn 0/101 (no exercise). Calories in 2700. Well, without the whole family here, I didn't make our big Sunday Circles ... but I still managed to eat plenty this weekend. Walked to church, but caught a ride home with #2, as it was windy. Could have put in some exercise, but figured I'd let it be a rest day. Hubs and the boys got home in the evening, they'd had a good time.

0316 (Monday) Weight 155.4. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2856. Exercise Burn 930/1141 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2900. Zumba was good this morning, got good stats. There was a good crowd there. I stopped at Kmart on the way home and grabbed a couple things with points. It was nice outside ... and I spent a little time in the sun reading. The usual pickups of kids after school. Hubs came home and suggested a little date, so we went out to Chilis ... which did push me over my calories. But it was nice to get out.

0317 (Tuesday) Weight 156.7. Good Day. Total Burn 3141. Exercise Burn 1280/1419 (40minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 1900. Started the day with Zumba ... did a little more reading in the sun. Got in some elliptical. #3 has been wanting a wiffle ball bat, so when I picked him up from school today we quickly went to Target and found a bat and some balls. Also grabbed him a couple pairs of shorts (he's picky, I don't dare buy them without him saying okay) and a nightstand I'd had my eye on. We didn't have time to go home, we went straight to pick up the munchkins from school. There was a free MZL Zumba class tonight at the local library. I'd thought about checking it out, and the evening was pretty free. I told myself if I got all "my work" done I could go ... so I cleaned the kitchen and such, and went. The floor was more of a slick cement finish which was harder on the back, but I got good stats.  #3 had basketball pictures, I'd arranged for #2 to drive him there. It was only supposed to be a 20min thing, but they ended up having a practice after and weren't home until 10:00 (#2 went and hung out at his girlfriend's while he waited). 

0318 (Wednesday) Weight 154.4. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2831. Exercise Burn 1000/1122 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 8milesBike). Calories in 2600. It's been nice with #2 driving to school in the mornings, he takes #3 and it saves me a trip. I've been trying to use that 20 saved minutes to get in an early morning workout. I've been doing pretty good this week. Went to Zumba, and stopped at Sears and Walmart on the way home. Skipped the sun today (it was kindof cloudy) but took a little nap. Just feeling wiped. I'm super spoiled that I can nap. Kitty came and napped with me. Did get in a session on the bike, and my usual elliptical. I left to pick up #3 when he called and asked if he could go to a friend's house after school ... so I turned the car around and came back home. Hubs was home a little early, leaving for a derby. #2 came home and went with him (he needs the $$). #5 had scouts. #3 got a ride home from his friend's (which was nice because it was WAY out in the boondocks!) and left ice skating with the church group. I took #5 to his basketball practice. I will probably stay most weeks and walk around, but I came back home today as #4 was home alone. Hubs and #2 got back just as I went to pick #5 up. Hope he has a good basketball season. First game on Saturday. #3 hasn't been wearing his Fitbit ... I was wondering how the skating would have showed up...

0319 (Thursday) Weight 154.9. Good Day. Total Burn 3106. Exercise Burn 1350/1394 (40minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2400. Went straight to Zumba after dropping the kids off at school. Debbie, the instructor I met last Friday in Heather's class came, and Marian had here do some numbers. They were fun, and I got really good stats! I stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbing a couple things ... ok, Reeses Eggs were one of the things. I ate some of them today too. I was going to catch a little sun, but it was a bit too chilly. TOM came today. Got in my elliptical, picked up the kids from school, made them a little dinner. #3 was invited to a basketball practice, and #2 was willing to take him (and stayed and played too). I went to Zumba. My Fitbit has been giving me trouble the past couple days though. It didn't record one of my elliptical workouts yesterday, and then in the evening I got a notice the battery needed charging, which was weird as I had charged it recently and it should last several days. I noticed the batter was completely dead again in the afternoon today! I charged it before Zumba, but it died halfway though. Frustrating. It's only a few months old. I stopped and picked up some crazy bread for the kidlets on the way home ... but they weren't home when I got there. Daddy had taken them, picked up the cousins and gone out to Arctic Circle. I swapped Fitbits with #3, as he hasn't even been wearing his lately anyway ...

0320 (Friday) Weight 154.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2727. Exercise Burn 935/1015 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30minWeights). Calories in 2500. Slept in until 7:30, then got the boys off to school then went to Zumba. Poor Heather hit her toe on the way and was attempting to teach anyway (limping and barefoot). It was a beautiful, sunshiney day though, I had to sneak out for a little sun, cut short by early out at the elementary. Hubs was out for the evening, dinner and a movie with a buddy, so it was a quiet evening at home. #2 picked up his tux for tomorrow, and grabbed some Popeyes for dinner on the way home (which, in addition to all my treats pushed me over calories for the day).

0321 (Saturday) Weight 154.9. Ok Day. Total Burn 2715. Exercise Burn 850/1003 (40minElliptical, 50min/4milesTrack). Calories in 3250. Saturday sleep in. Hubs and the boys went out to help with "Scouting for Food" and I got some elliptical in. #5 had his first game. It is at the gym with a track above, so that puts me in a quandary. Do I jog the track while watching (which I love to do) or video (the boys like the highlight reels) ... #3 helped solve the situation by being the videographer, so I jogged. I haven't jogged in forever! It actually felt good. I like jogging at games, as it really keeps me distracted and I feed of the kid's adrenaline. Our team won and my boy got a basket (which #3 did NOT catch on video). We stopped and grabbed donuts on the way home (hello calories!). Hubs helped a couple people build derby cars during the day, and then suggested we got out to dinner. We left a little early to beat the Prom rush and went to Tepanyaki. It was yummy. #2 headed off to Prom. Earlier in the day, someone had come along offering aeration services, so Hubs had it done. I hate the little "lawn turds" though, so I pulled out the lawn mower hoping to scoop most of them up. It did pretty well, but they had dried out already, so it was dirty, dusty work! Usually I like mowing the lawn, but this was less than enjoyable! I took a needed shower, then Hubs and I watched "Lucy" (didn't really care for that) and I made him make me popcorn ... high calorie intake!

0322 (Sunday) Weight 156.8. Ok Day. Total Burn 2286. Exercise Burn 450/564 (40minElliptical) Calories in 2500. Sunday sleep in. Hubs went off for a run. I had him try out the ChargeHR, and it seemed to give almost identical results to his HRM. I do like to compare! I actually got in some elliptical today (got caught up on Grey's Anatomy ... the ending tore my heart out). Made Sunday Circles after church, then spaghetti for dinner, with homemade oreos for dessert. High intake again.

0323 (Monday) Weight 156.4. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2974. Exercise Burn 1200/1254 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 20minIncline). Calories in 2550.  Gloomy, overcast morning. #4 had some anxiety struggles, I had to stay with him a bit at school, but he went. I hit Zumba and got pretty good numbers, but I am feeling stiff and sore from the weekend workouts. Didn't stop at Kmart on the way home, probably should have, as I had some points expiring soon. Still dragging, took a little nap during the day, but did get in some additional exercise. No thunder and lightening, so #4 made it through the day. #2 headed downtown to watch the Jazz game. #3 had practice in the evening. He isn't actually even on a team at present, but the other 8th grade team has invited some of the other kids to come and practice with them. It keeps him active and busy.

0324 (Tuesday) Weight 155.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2930. Exercise Burn 1320/1213 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1mileIncline, 10milesBike). Calories in 2300. I was a little worried about the weather this morning, #4's reaction to it, if he'd have trouble going to school, making me late for Zumba ... but it ended up not being an issue. Zumba was good, a few new people. We took a picture after. I should get more done on Tuesdays, I did get in a little extra activity. I had been thinking about doing weights, but I'm still feeling sore, so I put it off. I also debated hitting the evening Zumba at the library again like I did last week, but didn't go. Hubs had a derby and #3 went along to help. 

0325 (Wednesday) Weight 155.6. Ok Day. Total Burn 2750. Exercise Burn 780/1034 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2600. I always wonder if I'm going to be late, strolling in 15minutes after the hour, but they hadn't started yet. There was some trouble at the end with the sound system, and they just did some stretching, and ended early. A little disappointing. I stopped off at Sears/Sams/Walmart on the way home. The sun was out today, but it was chilly. I got in my elliptical, but no additional exercise. Several basketball practices in the evening. #2 drove himself to his, I dropped off #5, then #3, then ran some errands (library) then back to pick up #5. I thought #3's ended at 10:00 and had planned on #2 doing that pickup, but #3 called a little after 9:00 saying they were done, so I went ahead and grabbed him. Poor Hubs couldn't keep his eyes open and was asleep before I got back.

0326 (Thursday) Weight 155.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3173. Exercise Burn 1016/1456 (40minElliptical, Zumba x2). Calories in 2600.  We were just a bit late leaving the house getting the kidlets to school. Poor #5 was beside himself. I don't know if he's just super stressed about being late, or sad because he likes to be early to have time to play. They weren't late ... and I wasn't as early as I often am for Thursday Zumba. When I got there, the parking lot was taped off, as they were repainting the lines. There was some street parking in front of the church, but I'm not sure it's near enough for everyone who comes. Class was good, Marian had to leave, so I lead the last 10 minutes or so. I don't love leading a cool down/stretching though! I stopped at Kmart after. It was a pretty, sunshiny day, so I did spend some time outside reading. Hubs had a derby, and #2 went along to help. #3 should have gone too, as it was a big one, and he was bored sitting at home. I should have called my folks to come out, Grandpa could have played games with the boys while Grandma went to Zumba with me. I thought about it too late. I went to Zumba and got good stats. I'm tired! Grabbed some crazy bread for the boys on the way home. Even though I didn't have any, calorie intake was still plenty high. 

0327 (Friday) Weight 154.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2920. Exercise Burn 930/1208 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2650.  With late start on Friday (and the older boys out of school) I'd put some croissants out to rise. Yummy and fluffy goodness! The elementary kids still had school, so I dropped them off and then hit MZL, staying closer to home. Hit Maceys after, then took #3 to a friend's house. Got in some elliptical, but didn't do weights. Should have. Quite a bit in the "total empty calories" category as far as eats ...

0328 (Saturday) Weight 155.4. Good Day. Total Burn 3009. Exercise Burn 1186/1294 (60minElliptical, 50min/4milesTrack, 8milesBike). Calories in 2400. Started the day with a session on the elliptical, then did my jogging at the track during #5's basketball game. Poor kids, they got pummeled today. The score was turned off, but I bet it was 70-8 or something like that. I was glad I was getting a workout in, not just watching. The jog didn't feel as good as last week though. We did NOT stop for donuts on the way home. Such self-control, right? Well ... still managed to snack up a storm throughout the day. Hubs left early to spend the day with a friend, so I had most of the day free. Got in more elliptical and a session on the bike. It was a beautiful day out, and the little guys put on swim suits and played in the water in the front yard.

0329 (Sunday) Weight 154.8. Bad Day. Total Burn 1919. Exercise Burn 0/208 (no exercise). Calories in 2600. Sunday sleep in ... ahhhh. We all walked to church (late). We stayed after for a setting apart, and Hub's side of the family came out, and then over to the house after. Hubs made waffles and I cooked up bacon, eggs and sausage and pulled out some fruits. Then it was nap time. I made gingersnaps in the evening, gave some to new neighbors. Then Hubs made malt, then made popcorn. Uber calories (and I didn't even have any malt!)

0330(Monday) Weight 157.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3017. Exercise Burn 1203/1289 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 8milesBike). Calories in 2350. Hello weight gain ... not really surprising though. Kids to school, then Zumba. Nina didn't have her Ipad, so several of us volunteered our phones and the music we had on them. I stopped at Kmart on the way home and bought Easter candy with Fitstudio points. Dropped off dry cleaning, then spent a little time in the sun. Did elliptical and bike. Hubs brought home Popeyes for dinner.

0331 (Tuesday) Weight 156.2. Great Day. Total Burn 3385. Exercise Burn 1680/1666 (60minElliptical, Zumba x2, 8milesBike). Calories in 1900.  I really like Tuesdays, with early Zumba I'm done and home almost before some other classes even start on other days. Got in some elliptical and bike, laundry and stuff around the house. Ended up running #3 to the orthodontist. The appointment had been for June, but they had a cancellation and got us in sooner. Hubs had a derby, and the two little boys went along to help. #3 had his basketball banquet for the middle school basketball team. I just don't enjoy these, so I sent #2 in my stead (as he didn't get to go last year to his, as he was in New York). They both enjoyed it. An instructor I've met recently (she came to Marian's class this morning) was holding an evening class, so I went out and hit it. It didn't start until 8:45, which is a little late for me, but then again, it's great to get a bunch of steps in that late!  Hubs was asleep when I got home, so I missed snuggles, but a shower, and I didn't have any trouble getting to sleep.

Zumba Stats - March 2015

(click on image to enlarge)

LOTS of Zumba in March! I hit a morning class Mon-Fri every weekday this month (with the exception of the first Monday, when I had a sick child keeping me home ... I still did my Zumba though!) I got in double Zumba every Thursday, and even did double on Tuesday a couple of times. 

During the month of March ...

• I got a Fitbit Charge HR, a new gadget to track heart rate and estimate calories. Of course, I've ended up still wearing my Polar HRM, which has actually been working this month! One of the reasons I got the Charge was because the Polar was being so bad ... It's fun to compare the stats though. Anywhere you see double, it's Polar/Charge readings
• Claudia is stepping away from the Thursday morning class :(  ... but Marian will be keeping it going (thus the switch in name from Claudi&Co to Marian's Class on Thursday mornings). 
• Marian's Thursday evening class has had enough people at times, that we've switched direction (rather than long and narrow, now Marian's on the wide side so she's easier to see). Yea for evening classes!
• I hit a couple other evening classes ... MZL has been hosting Zumba at the local library (the library? I wondered about that too!) It is an event center, so it was a nice space, although the floor was concrete/tile and I could feel the harder impact everywhere. A huge open window there by the city park actually pulled in some walk-in traffic!
• I met a new instructor (Debbie, she came to Heather's class and I could just tell by the way she moved that she HAD the moves!) We struck up a conversation, and she's trying to get a class started. I encouraged her to come to more of the CommunityInAction classes. She got some guest numbers in, so that when I did hit a class of hers, I already felt familiar with her stuff. Hope to see more of her. Another instructor offering free classes, yea!

The "winners" this month are Marian, with her 03/12 class which pulled in the highest HRM numbers. 536 on the Polar and 495 on the Charge. Average HR 136/132.  For highest reading on the Fitbit One, the honors go to MZL on 03/26, with a calorie reading of 579 and steps of 8289 (it was 70 minutes, so that class had a little extra edge) ... will I be able to beat those stats come April? In which classes?

Here's some pictures from the last month ...

Nina & Southziders

Meets Mondays and Wednesdays

Zumba with Marian

Tuesday Class

 MZL Evenings at the West Jordan Library

Marian's Thursday Night Class

(before we rotated)

Zumba with Heather Jones

Friday Class