July 2014

A look back at July. The "summer" most month ... I did get the kids out for some family fun (Jump N Bounce and bowling). There was scout camp and a trip to the lake. An anniversary, we are now officially a Fitbit Family (everyone has one now). I continued to get in my exercise, introducing some soccer and tennis to my regular routine. Here's a look at my workout calendar ...

I got in a little elliptical every day. Zumba most days too. My weights and mile jog were a bit more sporadic, as was my bike. Calories consumed were a little higher this month ... anniversary, some stress eating (scouts/vacations & other stuff). Started the month at 152.9, ended at 152.6. High for the month was 155.3 and the low was 151.7.  I keep track of my daily doings (stats and journal entry), but like to pull them into chronological order for the month for my own records. You're welcome to check out my day to day ... Onto August, a few more weeks of the summer schedule and then school will start back up.

Jen's Journal ... July 2014

• 0701 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.7. Calories in 2000. Fitbit Steps 33634. Total Burn 3655. Exercise Burn 1775/1950 (100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileJog, 30minBike, 60minWeights). Up early to help get the boys off, then I got started on my day. A session on the elliptical, then I walked to/from Zumba. Got in my mile, bike and weights. Did need to chauffeur #2 around a bit (to/from the rec center, to/from a friend's party in the evening). I was up late waiting for the pickup and got some exercise in up until the end. I did have trouble sleeping that night. I don't think it was the exercise, but more my first night alone. 
• 0702 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 150.9. Calories in 2700. Fitbit Steps 28117. Total Burn 3152. Exercise Burn 1380/1457 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). Slept in a little. Zumba starts later on Wednesdays so I'm not in any rush. Dropped #2 and a friend at the rec center as I headed out. Stopped at Kmart on the way home to spend my Fitstudio points. Got a pair of shorts for #2 and a 12-pack of paper towels (hubs had taken the last roll with him) and didn't pay a penny for either. Completely covered by my fitness points! Took the little ones and a friend to the bowling alley. We got separate lanes, so only two of us playing together. The games goes much faster, less waiting around. If only poor #5 could enjoy it. Being the youngest, playing with the lightest ball, he always comes in last and was quite distraught about it today :(  They played a little in the arcade after (with their own money, I still haven't paid for anything more than shoes). Picked up #2 on the way home. Daddy made a list of chores for him, so he spent much of the afternoon working. I'm feeling a bit sore from my weights workout yesterday. A little twinge in my thigh on the elliptical. I had planned on a final 20min session, but ended up skipping it. Food was high today ... I made french toast for the kids for breakfast (and ate some too) and some fried chicken and rice for dinner. I also had some salt water taffy around ... I just kept snacking on that. Calories add up so quick, even when I'm recording and attempting some control. 
• 0703 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.5. Calories in 3000. Fitbit Steps 30050. Total Burn 3278. Exercise Burn 1650/1579 (120minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). #2 got a ride to the rec center today, which was nice, because my Zumba was in the other direction (at least he's been on my way the other day's I've dropped him off). My usual group is taking July off, so I tried another group. I think I suffered from the usual "first time" syndrome, resulting in some lower readings. But also it seemed to have several warm up songs, and several cool down songs, so that impacted it to. Back at home I got in several sessions on the elliptical and some reading/riding. The kids seemed content to hang around the house today. #2 had friends over in the evening. Usually Daddy and #1 wouldn't put up with that ... they come home and like the house quiet so they can relax. I actually ended up letting #2 have his buddies sleep over - who knows if that will ever happen again! Eating was not good, yesterday at least it was a couple of meals that added up, today it was just snacking. I was candy crazy. 
• 0704 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 152.9. Calories in 3000. Fitbit Steps 19629. Total Burn 2808. Exercise Burn 1030/1101 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba). I'm aware of a few free Friday Zumba classes, but they were all taking the holiday off, which is understandable of course. I was just going to do some Youtube at home, when one of them announced they would be holding class after all. Off I went. This was the class I went to for the first time last week, and even though some songs were still new, I was able to up my stats. Good way to start the day. Back home to make breakfast for everyone. Then we headed out to my parents to swim at their community pool. It was a little crowded, so I didn't get into my suit, but just sat on the side and chatted with my mom while watching the boys. We went out to eat at Red Robin afterward. It had been a few months since we'd been. Last time we went was also with my folks, and also when Daddy was out of town with two of the boys! We stopped and grabbed some fireworks on the way home, just cheap/simple stuff. The neighbors didn't disappoint though, they always put on quite a show, even before the big ones were legal :) 
• 0705 (Saturday) Great Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 2000. Fitbit Steps 32200. Total Burn 3579. Exercise Burn 1500/1871 (100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 60minWeights, Lawn Mow). Started the day with Zumba (much to the chagrin of #2, who wanted me to drop him at the rec center, but he didn't let me know beforehand and then there wasn't enough time until after). Went to a new place, just a small home studio. This first visit was free, then it's $2 a time. But that's reasonable. I'm not sure what my price point is ... but I think I baulk at over $5 *Ü* Some "first time syndrome" but I definitely plan on coming back. Nice to have a close Saturday option, and she does some evenings too, which I'd like to try (see if I have any energy later in the day!). Got in some elliptical and did weights. Also mowed the lawn. Got a little sun on my shoulders. Kept calories in check today too! 
• 0706 (Sunday) Good Day. Weight 151.8. Calories in 2150. Fitbit Steps 23585. Total Burn 2932. Exercise Burn 1100/1282 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba). Did do my "YouTube" home Zumba today, I set up two hour long playlists, and will be working on a 3rd. Got in some elliptical (morning, afternoon and evening) and got some Fitbit spikes cleaning the house (vacuuming, mopping) trying to get the house clean for hubs coming home. I'd been out of contact with them the entire week, so it was good to have them safe and sound back in the nest. Poor hubby's feet were SO dry. I gave him a foot massage with Cetaphil cream (he's usually the one doing that for me). I asked #1 how his feet were, but he'd taken the cream and said he put it on about every hour! That's something I would have needed to do for sure. Sounds like I made the right decision in staying home though. The extreme heat, no sleep, party boat playing music until all hours of the night, beetles, wind storm ... I think I would have had an emotional break down! I just don't deal well. Hubs said the weather would have been too much for #4 as well (he even had a breakdown at home when a microburst hit the house, it only lasted a couple minutes and he was able to escape to the basement safe zone). Anyway, nice to have the guys home.
• 0707 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2000. Fitbit Steps 25578. Total Burn 3187. Exercise Burn 1300/1482 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). Back to work for Hubs and #1. Pretty relaxed day at home for the rest. Dropped #2 at the rec center on my way to Zumba, got in my elliptical throughout the day. Ran some errands (Walgreens/Biglots) and grabbed some LittleCeasars for the kids. Made stroganoff for dinner ... I don't like it, so that helps me not overeat! Although we did have some Skookie for dessert. Kept calories pretty much in check though! 
• 0708 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.1. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 25702. Total Burn 3102. Exercise Burn 1400/1400 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 45minWeights). #2 wanted his usual ride to the rec center. Today's Zumba was right by the house, so no dropping him on the way, had to make a special trip ... and it made me a little late for Zumba. I did walk there and back. Got in elliptical, a jog and weights. Admittedly, I wasn't too into weights today, it was a wimpy workout. When I picked #2 up from the rec center, we stopped at Arctic Circle and got him some chicken tenders and tater tots. I ate some tater tots too ... 
• 0709 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Calories in 2700. Fitbit Steps 25566. Total Burn 2991. Exercise burn 1250/1281 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). Got in my Zumba and stop at Kmart for Fitstudio point spending. Dropped #2 at the rec center on the way. Took the kidlets to Jump N Bounce for a bit today ... a little more crowded, so we ended up in the upper lounge, and I think I actually like that better. We even considered making a second trip back in that evening, but it didn't pan out. In an effort to get #1 back on the Fitbit bandwagon, I've ended up with TWO extra Zips hanging around (#1 is picky, didn't want blue, didn't want used). I'd set up an account and strapped the blue one on my baby boy the past couple days, and asked the 10 year old if he wanted to wear the used black one and he seemed excited about it ... got him set up to start tomorrow. 
• 0710 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Calories in 1600. Fitbit Steps 25923. Total Burn 3124. Exercise burn 1600/1364 (60minElliptical, 70minSoccer, 35minZumba, 30minBike, 10minWiiFit). So nervous in the morning, trying soccer for the first time in years! At least I knew right where I was going, having passed the building many times. We weren't sure there were going to be enough people, but ended up with 12. 6X6. It was fun but BOY was I exhausted after just a few minutes! The sprinting and kicking is a completely different workout. I was wearing my HRM and my heart rate was way up! Fitbit wasn't terribly impressed, so I as really glad to have the second opinion from my Polar. I was completely wiped out and so sweaty. Fun though, I'll plan on keeping it up! My legs were feeling it afterward ... I mean I had to literally use my hands to help lift my leg as I attempted to move my foot from gas to break!  I did still do some additional exercise at home. Didn't eat much today ... weigh in tomorrow.  
• 0711 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 1700. Fitbit Steps 31360. Total Burn 3067. Exercise burn 1350/1362 (30minElliptical, 2x60minZumba). Oh, the legs are feeling it. But it was double Zumba this morning. Went to my 8:30 class, and Marian (my Tuesday teacher) joined me there. It's a pretty laid back class, I've been surprised I still get goal numbers. Went straight to Sandy after for Heather's class, and T and Nina came. Good numbers again. I picked up #2 from the rec center on the way home. His elbow is bugging him, so he bagged basketball for the day. The kids wanted to go to Jump N Bounce, so we did. I went to the upper lounge and walked around ... it actually felt a bit better on my quads than just sitting. The place was overrun with a summer daycare (40 kids) so we left and then went back again later. We did try to hit the free slurpee day at 7-11, but it was so crowded and chaotic I drove the kids across the street to Chevron and bought Frazils for them instead (they like them better ... I don't, but I didn't need the calories anyway). The hubs wore his Fitbit for their weekly Friday volleyball. He got 20,000 steps! The little boys are absolutely addicted too! They have been purposely moving, trying to get more steps. It was after 9:30 and I told the 8-year old to come in and get ready for bed (he was still outside kicking the soccer ball around) but he said "I'm at 28,000 steps, I only need 2000 more to hit 30!). I sent #2 out to keep an eye on him and he did hit 30K (me too!) 
• 0712 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 17157. Total Burn 2486. Exercise burn 650/781 (30minElliptical, 60minZumba). I might have skipped Zumba, but this is a small class trying to get off the ground and I want to support it and keep it going. So I went. My legs were really feeling it though. I wasn't able to really do some of the kicks or knee lifts. We did the Cha Cha Swing though, that is a new favorite! Hubs was taking the family up to the lake for waverunning. It's not my favorite thing to do (being in a swimsuit in the HOT, I don't go out on the waverunners) but I was planning on it ... but then #2 wanted to take a friend. We fill up our suburban with our family, so I stayed home (alone ... the little ones did want to too but Daddy forced them to go). So I had a relaxing day at home. I still did get in a little sun ... they all got toasted, even though they did put on sunscreen. Hubs picked up Robocop and we watched that, although I think I fell asleep near the end.  
• 0713 (Sunday)  Bad Day. Weight 154.5. Calories in 2600. Fitbit Steps 9679. Total Burn 2126. Exercise burn 250/410 (20minElliptical, walk to/from church). Decided to take a total rest day ... I did still do 20minutes to start. I just need that for my Fitbit activity graph to normalize. Walked to and from church as well. Got in a nice nap. Did the usual big breakfast. I wonder if I could ever have the self control to make it, but not partake of it. I do enjoy it, but I'm usually not starving. French Dip for dinner ... packing up stuff for #3 to leave for a week-long camp. He's not happy about it! 
• 0714 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 155.3. Calories in 2600. Fitbit Steps 29512. Total Burn 3248. Exercise burn 15291528 (80minElliptical, 80minZumba, 30minBike + Lawn Mow). Had to get up early (6am) to get #3 off to scout camp. He doesn't want to go and I hate forcing him, but hubs insisted. I didn't even attempt a picture. Due to the early morning, I did get in a couple sessions on the elliptical before Zumba. #4 wasn't feeling well, so I made sure my phone was in view and sure enough I got a text "Come home! Cooper barfed a lot and he missed the bucket"  ... so I bailed. I wasn't sure if I'd get much more exercise in. Not that I can do much for a sick boy. Just help wipe their mouth, put a cool cloth on their head, empty the bucket ... just wait it out. I was hoping it was just one and done, but alas ... not the case. I sure hope no one else gets it. We've had several times when it's gone through everyone!  Did some laundry and was able to squeeze in a couple 10 minute sessions on the elliptical. By afternoon he seemed to be doing better. I went and grabbed #2 from the rec center (I'd dropped him there on the way to Zumba) and told him to come get me if sicky needed me. I got the lawn mowed and then did an hour of Zumba to my Youtube playlist. There was an evening class I'd considered hitting, but as I was able to get my hour in, I did some reading/riding. #1 picked up pizza for dinner. #3 texted, miserable at camp ... I'm miserable right along with him. #4 hadn't thrown up for hours, but he got up to get a drink and then did promptly vomit all over the hallway.  At least it was pretty much just water at that point.  I was surprised I got in as many steps as I did with my sicky. It did keep us home (no Jump or bowling) and the early hours helped. I guess all the laundry added up too. 
• 0715 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.3. Calories in 2650. Fitbit Steps 26949. Total Burn 3179. Exercise burn 1280/1470 (90minElliptical, 60minZumba). #2 wanted to be dropped off at the gym before I went to Zumba. Today is my close class, so there is no dropping him on the way. I took him, returned home and then walked to the church. Had a mother/daughter neighbor join in today (I've been trying to spread the word!) Just dragging a bit though, not my usual jumping joy. Rest days ... threw me off my routine! Made me lazy.  Should have done weights today, but ... just couldn't get myself motivated. Got in some elliptical throughout the day. Watched the final episode of "24". Way too many treats today. After picking up #2 in the afternoon, we stopped at Maceys for some groceries. I'd planned on making dinner (black bean and spinach enchiladas) but hubs got home early and had already made himself a sandwich, so I guess I'll make it tomorrow.  
• 0716 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.5. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 23964. Total Burn 2954. Exercise burn 1254/1250 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). Emotional morning. #3 had texted he'd had a miserable night at camp, no sleep and he wanted to come home. #4 and #5 had their day camp which they were both NOT excited about, #4 was in tears. I did get them off, but instead of enjoying some kid free time, I'm super stressed and anxious for them to be home again. Dropped #2 at the rec center. It is actually pretty much on the way to Zumba (when I go to Draper) but the detour does add about 5 minutes ... so I've been consistently late. Often they do start a little late, but I had missed the first song. I was happy when they then went over, so I still got my full hour in. I stopped at Kmart on the way home. I'd signed my oldest up for his own FitStudio/ShopYourWay rewards as he's got his Fitbit now, and he had $10 in rewards. I picked up a pair of basketball shorts for him (didn't pay a cent) and then several things for me with my rewards. Just not feeling the fitness this week. Still didn't do weights. Did get some elliptical in, and forced myself to read on the bike rather than in bed. Kept calories in check today. Did make dinner ... it's one only Hubs and #1 like. Hubs and #2 had a scout scuba night ... at least that kid enjoyed his scouts today. 
• 0717 (Thursday) OK Day. Weight 151.8. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 12977. Total Burn 2308. Exercise Burn 600/608 (60minElliptical). Was awakened at 3:30 to #5 bursting into the bedroom saying "I'm going to throw up" ... we didn't make it to the bathroom, but at least were in the hallway (hardwood floors). I got him settled on the couch. The stomach flu does often hit multiple family members, but after no one else had gotten sick since Monday I thought maybe we were lucky this time. I wasn't really able to get back to sleep. #4 was very upset that #5 got to miss scout camp. #4 should have timed his barfing better! Again he cried and was very upset but went when his leader came by personally to pick him up. I sent him with a little cash to pick up something at the trading post, and he bought a couple things, one for sick brother. At least camp is over for them. I did finally get another text from #3 which didn't sound quite so miserable. But me? I missed my soccer, as I had to stay home with the sicky. The early morning really tapped my energy ... I was a slug today. No motivation. It was a push to just get in three sessions on the elliptical throughout the day. The munchkin actually didn't throw up again, but he didn't have much energy for anything other than lying on the couch all day and did have a few sessions of stomach pain and crying. 
• 0718 (Friday) OK Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 22446. Total Burn 2819. Exercise Burn 1168/1114 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba).  I've done double Zumba the past couple weeks, but the 8:30 class has been pushed back 20 or so minutes, which makes it too hard to try and get from one to the other. I just went to my 10:00 class. Dropped #2 off on the way. Fun class, felt "back" into workout mode after this off week. Picked up #2 in the afternoon, then he wanted to go hang with friends. I dropped him off then stopped at the store for groceries. I offered to take the little ones to Jump, with without their brother (still at camp) they didn't seem in the mood. Hubs suggested a movie in the evening. We went and saw "Edge of Tomorrow" which I really liked, more than any other movie I can think of recently. A lot of humor mixed in with the action. But ... ate too much popcorn and treats! Both hubs and I were groaning a bit about our bellies! Stopped and picked up #2 on the way home. 
• 0719 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 10343. Total Burn 2176. Exercise burn 150/471 (15minElliptical). So was it too many treats, or did I catch the stomach flu from the kidlets? Around 12:30 I woke up with my heart pounding, sweating and not feeling well. I pulled my hair back and promptly puked. Went back to bed and luckily while I had a very hard time getting back to sleep, it seemed to be a "one and done" as #5 had been on Thursday. My energy was totally lacking though. I had thought to hit Zumba, but didn't even attempt (and not sure if I would have seen the Facebook notice that it changed from 9:00 to 8:00). Tried a little elliptical, but gave out pretty quick. Unfortunately, my appetite wasn't really affected ... I was still temped by the donuts #1 went and picked up. Hubs went househunting with his mom, and I sent #1 to take the four younger boys (#3 made it home from camp, yea!) for much needed haircuts. Mr. Social (#2) wanted to go hang with friends, so I dropped him off (we picked up some pizza on the way, I feel guilty as he spends so much time at other houses, and they often feed him) and stopped at the store again ... I'd forgotten to pick up my prescription yesterday. Grabbed some bananas too, as yesterday they were all past their prime, but they had restocked today. I got my new Fitbit today. I had contacted customer service about mine, as the floors readings were going crazy lately (the last couple weeks I've been registering over 100+ every day). They offered to send out a replacement (even though mine was over a year old). I went ahead and assigned the old one to #3 (he only needs the steps/active minutes to compete with the family, we don't look at the calorie burn on the kids, and of course we won't pay any attention to the floors ... in fact I just took that tile off his Fitbit page and device). I put in the movie "Hitch" ... such a cute show, the kids liked it too. Daddy and the little boys did some bb-gun shooting in the backyard. Toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner, and homemade ice cream for dessert. 
• 0720 (Sunday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 153.7. Calories in 2200. Fitbit Steps 22223. Total Burn 3068. Exercise Burn 1250/1357 (65minElliptical, 60minZumba, 60minWeights). Hubs was off early for a bike ride with a buddy. I got in a session on the elliptical and then YouTube Zumba. Made the kids breakfast then did weights. There were sudden rain showers off and on. When it was time for church, I wondered if I would make it if I walked. I walked ... and got caught in the rain. Oh well.  
• 0721 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 33340. Total Burn 3203. Exercise Burn 1200/1495 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba). Dropped #2 off at the rec center on my way to Zumba. There were still chairs set up all over the gym, so we had to clear them out. Back at home, I mowed the front lawn and got some more elliptical in. In the evening, the hubs and I went to the parade preview to see the floats before the Pioneer Day parade on Thursday. It was nice to go without the kids. We grabbed some asphalt pie at Wingers afterward.  
• 0722 (Tuesday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 153.3. Calories in 3200. Fitbit Steps 22643. Total Burn 2952. Exercise Burn 1100/1243 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). My usual Tuesday Zumba was taking the week off, so I hit the one I sometimes go to on Fridays. I did NOT drop #2 off at the rec center, he wasn't feeling well today and just stayed home and rested.  In the evening, the hubs and I went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was our anniversary and he would have been more than happy to swing for a "nicer" place, but I actually not enjoy them as much. Nice meal, nice company. 22 years. Ate too much, but oh well :) 
• 0723 (Wednesday)  Good Day. Weight 154.5. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 33151. Total Burn 3328. Exercise Burn 1588/1612 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 8000 steps at Jump).  Dropped #2 at the rec center on my way to Zumba. Hit Kmart on the way home for some deals with my Fitstudio points. As the little boys hadn't had much excitement the past few days, I told them we could go bowling. I even sprang for some pizza and punch. I said we could hit Jump too (it was the last day on our month pass) ... we grabbed #2 and a friend and then headed out. #4 actually sat this one out, as #1 was home from work to keep him company at home. I got in 8000 steps while walking around the waiting area upstairs. I did take a quick break to run #2 over to the high school for a basketball practice, which of course required a pickup again in the evening.  Good productive day though. 
• 0724 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Calories in 2600. Fitbit Steps 25416. Total Burn 3232. Exercise Burn 1159/1522 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). Daddy and the boys were up early, as it's a state holiday here in Utah and the boys had flag duty. Hubs did still go into work though. I wasn't sure I'd even find a Zumba class (as most were taking it off) but there was a local one (the $2 in the basement one) so I hit that.  Hubs and the boys are leaving on their vacation tomorrow, so I was pretty busy prepping. Making sure the laundry was done, packing up the little boys. #2 wanted to go hang with friends, so I dropped him off.  I had the hubs stop and grab a few more "sliders" ... a small firework activated by rubbing your shoe over it. Similar to pop-its. #4 had liked them.  He grabbed some more parachutes too. I like the big fireworks, but I don't like the cost, and it's not worth it to me to fight the crowds and such. A couple neighbors did HUGE ones though, so we got quite the show just from our own front yard. Daddy was working with the three youngest starting a fire with flint and steel with some lint from the dryer. Funny to see them working with the little sparks while big fireworks burst above them. 
• 0725 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2400. Fitbit Steps 27765. Total Burn 3293. Exercise Burn 1350/1588 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). Hubs and #1 did still put in a half day at work. I'd prepped all the packing I was in charge of yesterday so that I could still hit my Zumba this morning. I dropped #2 off at the rec center on the way and then picked him up on the way back. Because this class is a little further away, and it started a bit late and then went over ... he still got in a full two hours of basketball. He's really stressed about not being able to play for over a week while on vacation (I totally get that! He's addicted and doesn't want to lose any "skill" before tryouts). Then it was the last minute scrambling of getting everything packed into the car. Hubs had done quite a bit last night, so the car had been fairly loaded as I went out to Zumba earlier. Tents, bags, all electronics for the ride. And they were off! And I'm alone for a week! I DO actually look forward to my "stay-cation" ... just getting a complete break from all "mom" duties of meals, carpools, laundry. Cleaning the house and having it STAY cleaning. Having my schedule completely open. Ahhhh. Beyond that, the trip would just stress me out completely! My anxiety in the car, for hours on end. Then just the chaos of the extended family crowd. As they have their activities (last year, going to the market, the Space Needle, waverunning) I can enjoy vicariously, whereas I honestly would not enjoy being there. I wouldn't mind popping in for an hour here and there if I could be magically transported. Now that the kids are older, hubs can handle them on his own. Anyway ... as I was debating what to do with myself as they left, about to go down and hit the bike I noticed a bag. A little brown bad with the Ipad mini and all the chargers (for Ipods, PSP, Gameboy). OH NO. My BIL's family hadn't left yet, so I jumped in #1's truck (as they had taken the family suburban) and ran it down to them. They will meet up with my guys tonight.  Not exactly how I had planned on enjoying my first hour alone, but glad it at least worked out.  I stopped at the store and grabbed some milk, bananas and grapes. Hubs had used up the rest of my skim last night. I still had some 2% ... but I don't drink that! I did get a workout in back at home and then I went out and joined my folks at Red Robin. It was actually a huge crew from my side of the family (two brothers and their wives and kids, plus four of my sister's kids staying with the grandparents). It was fun, talked with my youngest brother quite a bit (has a Fitbit, on MFP, actively working on losing some pounds).  TOM time ... just one more reason a trip was not in the cards for me. I hate TOM all the time, but on the road? Even worse! 
• 0726 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 1950. Fitbit Steps 26393. Total Burn 3161. Exercise Burn 1185/1453 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 30minLawnMow). First night alone went fine. I was still sleeping soundly at 6:30 when my alarm went off for 7:00 Zumba. I made it, but was a tiny bit late, they had already started. Good class today, although I don't get quite the burn here as I do some of my others. What to do with my time ... I mowed the front lawn and did a little weeding. I like to clean the house, as it actually stays clean without all the kids around. I got a little sidetracked though. Putting some things away, I ended up pulling a bunch of stuff out of the pantry and organizing it. Then I turned to some of the kitchen drawers. I actually made a much bigger mess before I actually got everything cleaned up. But projects like this I just can't do with the kids around. I should have had Hubs or #1 give me a lesson on the new speaker system Hubs gave me for Mother's Day. Ironically ... I don't know how to use it! Seriously, I had to go pull out the old speaker and set it up. I should have had Hubs/#1 give me a lesson on Sonos (the speaker) and Spotify/Pandora. Unfortunately the speaker in #1's truck doesn't work either. As I'd driven around yesterday/today, I accessed my iphone. I wasn't sure I even had any music on there, but I did. In fact, it was some older playlists that were lost during an itunes update. I've been listening to them in the car and at home and it's been so fun to hear some long forgotten songs. I did listen to music while I did the cleaning, and also put on a show (Warehouse13, one I had started watching downstairs, and it's fine, but one I can watch half-heartedly while doing other things). I rarely ever watch anything when I'm not exercising as the kids generally have that television occupied already.  I also got in some elliptical and bike (been a while since I'd hit the bike). Felt like a good productive day. Hubs checked in ... they stopped at a hotel in Boise last night and got in some swimming both last night and this morning before hitting the road again. Driving ALL day today and then finally hit their destination (his brother's house) in the late evening. He had planned on taking our crew to a hotel (as BIL's house is a little small and Grandma, Aunt Ana and her two boys, Uncle Clay and his wife and three kids were already planning on staying there) but apparently everything was full! So definitely crowded chaos (I feel anxious even though I'm not even there!)  The older three took their Fitbits ... I hope they don't lose them! 
• 0727 (Sunday) Good Day.  Weight 153.0. Calories in 2000. Fitbit Steps 26566. Total Burn 3000. Exercise Burn 1455/1286 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, TreadmillMile, 60minWeights, 30minBike, 10minHula). The first Sunday in forever when I didn't make the traditional "Sunday Circles" breakfast. Got in some exercise, walked to/from church. Very quiet day at home. Heard from the guys as they hit the Space Needle and other downtown Seattle sites. 
• 0728 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 151.7. Calories in 1800. Fitbit Steps 27367. Total Burn 3163. Exercise Burn 1600/1463 (90minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 10minWiiFit, 10minHula). Off to my Draper Zumba. Stopped at Kmart on the way home for Fitstudio shopping. Got in my elliptical, bike and extras. Got hit with a huge rainstorm in the evening. I could see water dripping from the raingutter into one of the window wells. I was watching, and it was filling up and getting close to the edge. I had to get down and bail it out. It was a bit of a workout! Kept calories in check for intake. Good day! 
• 0729 (Tuesday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 151.7. Calories in 2700. Fitbit Steps 25994. Total Burn 3071. Exercise burn 1250/1371 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, Tennis). Went ahead and drove to the church as I wasn't sure if the rain would start up again. Got in my Zumba then headed out to my folks. I'd played a little tennis with my dad and nephew (who had been staying with them a couple days) ... in the rain! Then Mom and I went out to eat at Chuck-a-Rama. A little heavy religion conversation, we stayed for a while! We had talked about going on a hike (with my brother too) but with the rain and such that didn't happen (although the rain did stop later). Back at home I overindulged in the coconut goodie cookies I had made the other day (and had been good rationing until today!) 
• 0730 (Wednesday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 2200. Fitbit Steps 22344. Total Burn 2933. Exercise burn 1300/1228 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). I was thinking I'd go get my hair done (blond highlights up top) and wanted to hit it early. I figured that while I love my Southziders Zumba, I'd hit the closer/earlier MZL one. I went ... they were having trouble getting the music started, I didn't see any of the main instructors there. I waited for 10-15 minutes then figured I'd just head down to Draper after all. Got a good Zumba in there. Did go get my hair done. It took forever though, SO hard for me to just sit, even though I got my reading in. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's a little more streaky than I would have liked, and she actually darkened the bottom, which I'm not really sure I wanted. 
• 0731 (Thursday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.6. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 22627. Total Burn 2861. Exercise Burn 1500/1182 (100minElliptical, 60minSoccer). My Thursday Zumba had been set to resume today, but then they posted that they would wait another week, as most of the instructors weren't available. I had been thinking I'd hit soccer today anyway, but the nerves were kicking in, and if I'd had the Zumba class to fall back on, I probably would have done it instead. But without it, I made myself go to soccer. It was fun, not sure why I had been so nervous. I didn't get in quite the burn I did before, but still over 600 for the hour. Heart rate elevates immediately and stays up! I get tired so fast and stay on defense most of the time. Hope I could improve my skills, and get more running (and steps) in. Not feeling as sore as last time, but then again it takes 24+hours to really kick in, so I guess we'll see. Finally had some sun today, so I caught a few rays. Did good on food intake for the morning, but then splurged in the evening. Struggling with the motivation!

My "streaks" calendar ... actually got to goal on some Sundays!

Goal is 22,000 steps and a Fitbit burn of 3000.

Five Fitbit Wishes and WWI#54

It's the end of the month. It's a Friday.  Time for monthly recaps, weekly weigh-ins and the Friday Five. Just a couple days ago I mentioned the changes to the Fitbit dashboard. For today's Friday Five, I thought I'd bring up five things I really WISH Fitbit would change (but alas, I'm still waiting)!

See the graph above? It's my July "intake vs burn" graph. There are two things very wrong with this image. 

• #1 ... the key colors are blue and pink, but the line colors are two shades of green. What is up with that? It drives me CrAZy! Seriously Fitbit, how hard is it to make the colors match? I don't care if the lines are blue and pink, or if the key colors switch to the green (ok ... I do actually prefer the blue and pink) but it's simply bad form to present the graph this way!
• #2 ... I am absolutely kicking myself for not snagging this image last night, on July 31. There is no way now for me to get a proper "July2014" intake vs burn" graph because it only shows the last 30-days. I really wish the Fitbit would allow us, the user, to input dates for this graph manually and look at past dates. Is that really too much to ask?

 My next (this would be #3) "wish list" item update request 

is about SEDENTARY time.

Being active is great, and having our active time graphed out is good. And at least on this graph, the key colors and line colors actually match. But there in the key, sedentary time is listed, but NOT shown in the graph! It would be really good to see how the sedentary time compares with the different types of activity. I'd like to know how much time I spend NOT moving!

On the old dashboard ... and I mean the OLD one, that people who have joined in the last year have never even seen, we had this nice pie chart. I thought this was a GREAT graph! Some friends and I would have competitions to make sure we had a "half a pie" or less of sedentary time. This graph simply disappeared with the new tile dashboard.  I can manually switch back to the old dashboard to check out this chart, but I rarely go to the bother. I would LOVE to see this as a tile on the new dashboard! I think the information and presentation is perfect for moving motivation!

 My #4 request, would be updated/better information about the sleep cycle. Now not all the Fitbit devices even track sleep, and even for those that do, not everyone bothers with this feature. I do. I don't know how much I trust the information as correct, but it is interesting nonetheless. 

These graphs have ALWAYS bugged me! Why? Because they are absolutely repetitive! The top one shows the "Time asleep over the past 30 days" ... ok, that is all well and good. The third one down is "TOTAL time asleep over the last 30 days" ... ummm, that is exactly the same thing! The "Times awoken" and "Total times awoken" are the same too! How about a different two different graphs showcasing some of the other information. Show us a line graph of the TIME we went to bed and woke up, show us a graph of our ours in bed vs hours asleep. Show us a graph of the "sleep efficiency" ... I'd really like to have a visualization of these numbers and having this absolute redundancy again ... drives me CrAZy!

My #5 request would regard the "friends" list feature.

You can see Fitbit did make some changes. Circles instead of squares. Bigger focus on the numbers over the names. Having been on Fitbit for over four years now, I've had several people "friend" me. I actually don't know any of these "friends" ... I've perhaps exchanged a text or two here and there with a couple of them.  Now that my entire family is on Fitbit, I'd really love to "see" them, but they aren't quite competitive enough, although occasionally my #2 son has managed to make it into my top7. I wish I had a little control over my friend list, select who I compare myself to, rather than just this "surrounding seven". I have made a family group, but it doesn't present in the same way. I'd like to see my family on my dashboard every time I check in.

So Fitbit peeps ... any chance you might incorporate any of these into your NEXT update? Pretty please? I'm a HUGE Fitbit fan, I'm usually raving about Fitbit, not complaining. Still love you Fitbit ... there is always room for improvement. Nobody is perfect. Linking up with the DC Bloggers ((Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) Friday Five. Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.

Now time for the weekly weigh-in ...

... after three weeks at exactly the same weight (156.2) I guess I would have preferred that again. That is what I was yesterday! I had a good weekend and was lower on Tuesday morning. I had high hopes for Friday, but then I went a bit astray. I lost my momentum and motivation. Seriously ... such a struggle! 

NUMBERS: Weigh-in today is up 1.1 from last week, although my average is actually down .77. Average intake was 2193, average burn 3068. I actually had a weekly deficit of -4716. I was a little surprised to see that, as I've been so bad these past couple days, but I was really quite good for the days before. But the scale seems to reflecting the naughty rather than the nice.

 Checking in with my weekly link-ups: Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  and a late Weigh-In Wednesday. I will be recapping the month and updating my "Daily Doings" for July coming up shortly.

Second Time At Soccer

Three weeks ago, I posted about going to SOCCER for the first time in years.  Overcoming my extreme anxiety for trying something new (Sweating Soccer Style). It was a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I had been looking forward to going again ... and then my munchkin got sick I had to skip it the next week. The week after that was a state holiday so no soccer that day. As I anticipated going back this week ... I can't believe how nervous I was about it! So anxious I considered not going.

I was actually afraid that would happen. I know myself!  Several years ago we did a family 5K. It was my first 5k race. It's been my ONLY 5k race. Seriously, I was on a pretty good high after finishing that first 5k. I came home and looked up others, anxious to try it again. Then I didn't. And I haven't.  And I'm not sure if I'll be able to overcome my anxiety issues enough to try again at this point. 

When my little guy got sick that Thursday morning two weeks ago and I skipped soccer ... I wondered if that would impact me going back. If I'd talk myself out of it. 

One of the things that helped me this morning was that I did NOT have my usual Zumba class to go to instead. My Thursday class took a summer break for July, but had been scheduled to start again today. But then they posted they were postponing the return until next week. So my schedule was absolutely open for soccer. I felt anxious and nervous instead of excited ... but I went.  And it was fun *Ü*  Now I'll have to make some decisions about Zumba/Soccer in the coming weeks, as they do happen at the same time.

My second soccer experience was similar to the first. This is a very casual, easy going, fun game. But it's so interesting to see how quickly my heart rate jumps, and how easily it stays elevated (whereas with all other exercise I really struggle to get my heart rate up and keep it up). I didn't quite get as high a calorie burn as I did the first time (635 vs 783 per my HRM). Although I was still super sweaty today, I didn't feel like I pushed it quite as much. After my first time, I had trouble driving home! My right leg was SO wiped out I actually had to use my hand to help lift my leg from gas to brake. I was SO sore for a couple days afterward. We'll see how I do this time!

I'm going to make it a goal to go to soccer at LEAST once a month. It will be interesting to see if my body acclimates to the sudden sprinting soccer requires. To watch if my heart rate continues to easily elevate, or if it adjusts. I'd like to improve my skills, run a bit more and up my step count and Fitbit calorie estimate. 

Back in the day when I actually played soccer (as a teen, Soccer Past & Present) I was always more comfortable in the defensive positions. I find myself naturally falling back into the defensive positions these times I've played as an adult. The forwards do have tend to run a lot more, and I fear the responsibility of taking a shot. But it would be fun to score ... I'll have to keep working at it.

I'm glad I went again today. Another NSV ... I hope at some point going to soccer will be ordinary and regular, NOT an NSV, but it still is today! *Ü* I wonder if I should just go and play, and not watch my heart rate, but it is so interesting to me to see how the different activities affect my heart rate and calorie burn estimates. I love numbers and the feedback and comparisons workout to workout.  Did you notice anything different about my HRM too?

Oops They Did It Again

I'm a Fitbit fan. Had mine for over four years now. There have been some changes over the years. The biggest for me was upgrading my original Ultra to the new One (it's been a good change). Last year, Fitbit updated their website dashboard (Fitbit Fluctuations) and it was a bit of a struggle for me to get used to. I liked some things better, but missed items that didn't survive the shift. Well ... they've done it again! Another Fitbit Dashboard Update.

If you scan through some of my Fitbit posts, you can see how things used to look ... this isn't a BIG change. The tiles are the same, the visuals are just tweaked slightly. I really like the look of the new "sleep" visual. I'm not sure I like the lines on my daily activity graph ... My Fitbit friends are now in circles instead of squares.  I had noticed the new "This Week's Activity" tile a couple weeks ago (I pointed it out in my July 21 Motivated Monday post). It was so new and they've already tweaked it too! I like the circle graphs, but the line graphs ... they seem SO blocky. Not sure I care for the look there. I assume I'll adjust with time.

You can see I've already done pretty well with my workouts today. Hit the elliptical first thing, then went to Zumba. Then another elliptical session. I might run to the salon to get my hair done. I HATE just sitting though, I dread it! I know ... what a rough life I lead *Ü*

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Sleep Stuff

Sleep. I love it! I feel pretty lucky that I have very few issues with sleeping. Yes, I have the occasional night when I have trouble getting to sleep, or wake up in the night, but those times are pretty few and far between.

There are a lot of articles out there telling us all the importance of sleep. We need our "beauty" sleep, we need to be well rested to function. I remember reading one not long ago saying that inconsistent bedtimes can lead to weight gain.

For the most part, the hubs and I are a pretty "early to bed early to rise" couple. It's not uncommon for us to start shutting things down around 9:00 or 10:00, much to the chagrin of our teenage children (#2, Mr. Social who wants to stay out late with friends but then also needs a ride home). I remember pushing the curfew myself when I was that age, but I was never really a night owl. My friends knew that after 10:00, Jen got a little loopy!

My wear my Fitbit One to bed, clipped onto my nightshirt (not in the little wristband as it is actually supposed to be worn). It tracks my sleep. I don't know how accurate it really is, but as of this year, I have been recording my "to bed" "awakened" and "hours asleep" with the rest of my numbers. It has been interesting to watch the trends. To compare how I felt my night was, with what the Fitbit feedback reflected.

I mentioned we did get #3 set up with a Fitbit (Tracking the Family. He was the last one to get one). He has the One, and I did want him to have that model because I was interested in having him use the sleep tracker. He complains constantly that it took him hours to get to sleep, that he didn't sleep at all. I thought it would be interesting to see what the Fitbit said about that. It's still very new, so we don't have a lot of data yet.  He's actually on a little vacation right now. I received a text from him this morning with a picture of his Fitbit, with 45 steps on it. He said he woke up with that. Now if you read the Fitbit forums, you'll probably come across tales of "phantom" steps ... sometimes that happens. But for my son, apparently there WAS a little sleepwalking going on (he does do that) as both a cousin and Aunt verified that he had walked around a little bit in the night.

Wearing the Fitbit to bed can track simple things like how often/when you got up during the night, as well as your restlessness while you lay in bed. I have posted about the Fitbit sleep tracking before. There are several other devices that track sleep too ... apps for your phone, or beddit (that one looks interesting).

I'm a very light sleeper ... maybe it's the "mommy" in me, always keeping an ear out for the kids. We're at a great stage right now though, where all my kids are really good about going to bed and staying asleep. I don't miss the baby days of night-time feedings and kids in the bed with us!

While many things affecting our sleep are out of our control, our actions can contribute to bad sleeping habits.  Caffeine or over eating too close to bedtime ... the late exercise, watching tv or electronics really doesn't seem to impact ME negatively (generally I'm falling asleep with my iphone kindle app in hand). I DO keep our bedroom cool, as I have trouble sleeping if it's hot. We keep the room pretty dark, although I do wish our window blinds were a bit better at blocking out any outdoor light. I thought this article (Can't Sleep? Your Guide To A Better Night's Rest) had some good ideas. 

Friday Five Look Back and WWI#53

Yesterday I talked about the number 22 ... today it's five, Friday Five. The DC Bloggers are looking back at their goals. I didn't set any "New Years Resolutions" and my goals have stayed pretty much the same ... but I thought I'd look back on five things I'd mentioned a while back and let you know where things are standing now.

• Revising My Records: Back in January I posted how I was switching from my small recording notebook to a bigger one. It didn't QUITE work out that way. I did revert back to the small one for downstairs. I do still write my stats on it each day and tear off the sheet and bring it upstairs. I so still have the bigger notebook, which I keep upstairs by the computer. I'm pretty good about transferring the stats from my single sheet to the notebook and then tossing the small sheet so they don't pile up (like in the picture). I do like having the bigger notebook with everything in it, nice and organized for me to keep (although I do still transfer the info to the computer as well). 
• A Farewell To French Tips: Back in March I said goodbye to my pretty, acrylic nails. I loved the look. I didn't love the upkeep or the cost (in time and money). It took a good two months to finally grow out the damage. I really don't know that I'll ever be able to grow them to anything I'll be happy with. I did just invest in some Pink Armor Nail Gel that had some good reviews ... but as far as I can tell it's no different than any other nail strengthener I've tried. I was doing ok ... until yesterday! One of my nails got a snag and I couldn't leave it alone. I'd nibble at it and soon it was gone. Once I've attacked one, I often attack the others. Not down to the quick, but I lost the tiny progress I had. Starting over ...
• My Treadmill 5K: In April, I was excited to finally "jog" a 5k (no walking!). In that post I pondered "will I do this once a month" .... ummm, no, I haven't even attempted it again.
• Check Engine: Also in April, I posted about our car troubles. The dang "check engine" light on in my son's truck and in my suburban. Happily, the light magically went off in my car Someone had commented that once it was just their gas cap not on tight enough ... I HAD had that warning, and I guess it just took a little time for things to regulate after I had fixed that tiny issue.  My son's car did not have such a happy ending ... we couldn't pass emmissions inspection, thus couldn't register the car and be legal. No easy fix either ... a "cylinder misfire" which can't really even be repaired. You have to replace the engine! We did manage to get a waiver to just buy us some time (got registered for this year) while we figure out what to do. I'm actually driving the truck this coming week. Hope it holds up for me!
• Committing to Fruits/Veggies: I've posted about Pact a few times, and every time I wonder aloud if in addition to the "gym" and "food logging" pacts I've committed to, if I should try the "veggie" pact. I really considered it ... but have decided NOT to do it. Having to take a picture, post it and wait for people to vote and approve it just seemed more stress than it would be worth (especially as I'm on a Facebook group where people post some of their vote downs and showcase people cheating). I just decided to stick with my food and fitness pacts, which are easy peasy for me. I will TRY to eat more fruits and veggies still ... just not commit to them on Pact.

I just KNOW you've been wondering about these topics with baited breath, so there you go. The updates! I also know you are anxiously awaiting my weigh-in results, so without any further adieu ...

I'm the S.A.M.E. Again! Down to the ounce. I'm consistent at least, right? That's three weeks in a row at 152.6. I did finally go in and update my WEEKLY WEIGH-IN page... easier to see the week to week trend. I haven't yet crunched my weekly numbers, I will. I'm happy I'm not gaining ... I AM still trying to lose, not maintain. Just taunting me with these few pounds, that elusive 150. Gotta get below and THEN stay steady. I know it's just a few pounds, and I know it's just a number ... but it's the number I have in my head! 

So, linking up with the Friday Five blog hops ... the DC Bloggers ((Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) Friday Five.  Other Friday linkups ... Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In and with my weekly check-in link-ups: Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Number 22

 

Twenty-Two. What do you think of when you hear that number? 22,000 just happens to be my daily step goal, but this past Tuesday (the 22nd!) it had a different meaning. My 22nd anniversary. I went through some old photos and posted a bunch to a Facebook album (J&G). 

We've had our ups and downs these past 22 years. Life ups and downs, weight ups and downs. Life has been good and I consider myself very lucky!  We had a pretty basic day ... the hubs worked, I hit Zumba, did laundry, kept the kidlets entertained. In the evening we went out to Texas Roadhouse, it's one of our favorite places. I'm a simple steak and potatoes kind of gal. I ate a couple too many rolls but they are so good. We did skip dessert.

I hadn't been sure I'd get to my daily goal of 22,000 steps here on the 22nd of July, my 22nd wedding anniversary. But there at the end of the day I could see I was close, and I did walk around until I had passed that magic number *Ü*  Twenty Two.

As I prepped the photo collage and anniversary album was just interesting to note the prevalence of pictures (and the lack thereof) . There were quite a few photos from the dating years and our early married life. Then they slowed. At least the pictures of ME. For years, I was pretty successful at avoiding the camera. Then came 2006 when I lost the weight. Suddenly, I was in quite a few photos again (hubs and I were also actively "dating" again and taking more pictures, in fact we did a little "photo a day challenge" of us together one month *Ü*) I do still struggle with pictures though! Having lost some of the weight, the chances of looking good in a picture have increased, but I still don't think I'm very photogenic. And if you say "but you look good" ... it's because I only post the decent ones (do you do that?) I have posted about this before (Picture Imperfect). I do try not to hide from the camera so much. 

  Just sharing my thoughts on the number 22 and on appearing in pictures. 

Thinking out Loud this Thursday. 

Shouting out "I Love You" to my man!

Heart Rate Monitors

I've been a pedometer person for over eight years. I discovered Fitbit four years ago. It wasn't until last year (Spring 2013) that I first invested in a heart rate monitor. I wasn't that impressed at the beginning, and I'm always anxious to take it off asap (unlike my Fitbit which I wear 24/7) ... but my HRM has become an integral part of my fitness feedback and tracking.

I had been perfectly pleased with my Fitbit, and wasn't really looking for anything new. As I joined MFP and started reading the forums there, it seemed heart rate monitors were highly recommended for calorie estimates during your workouts. I looked into some, was impressed with the reviews and price of the PolarFT4 and purchased it. 

Originally ... I didn't like it much at all and I very close to giving it away to someone who would appreciate it. Having to wear the strap (and moisten the strap, yuck!) was uncomfortable. I'd have to put the pieces together and put it on before every workout (as I would take it off immediately after).  I had to remember to actually start it (oh the frustration on finishing a workout only to determine I had not done that), and sometimes it had trouble finding my heart beat. Then of course, there were the actual estimates. They were LOW. Lower than the machine readouts, lower than the Fitbit. It seems like everyone else would say their HRM readings came in higher than their other estimates. If they were accurate, I guess that was good for me to know though.

As I'm on and off my elliptical multiple times a day ... I don't put on my HRM for it anymore (after a few times to see that I am pretty consistent, and consistently lower than the machine and Fitbit estimates). Same goes for the stationary bike. I would wear it if I walked or jogged, for my 30DS workouts, and most recently for Zumba. I'd still wear my Fitbit and then compare the estimates.

Beyond the calorie estimate itself ... a HRM can provide you with very interesting data DURING your workout. You can watch you heart rate go up and down, see what it takes to maintain it "in the zone", see how high it gets, see how quickly it can drop if you stop moving. I really use the feedback when jogging or during Zumba, and I purposely try to keep it "in the zone" (between 115-150 beats), increasing my intensity if I see it dropping down. Many will also dial it back if they get it up too high ... THAT just doesn't really seem to be a problem for me (I guess maybe I'm a bit wimpy). 

I am a numbers gal. I would LOVE to know for sure what my calorie burn (and intake) is, but I know it's all estimates (Exercise Estimates). Just to make the matter even more confusing, I keep reading that HRMs, while probably the best estimator for steady-state cardio, are NOT good for tracking other exercises (weight training for example).   Heart Rate Monitors and Strength Training & Heart Rate Monitors and Calorie Estimation. I don't know how "expert" the authors are, but as I try to look into it, it does seem to be supported. I'm always interested in learning more and trying to get my numbers as accurate as possible.

So while I'll never look at my HRM and say "I just burned xx of calories" and take it as fact, I will appreciate any and all feedback. I'll take the calorie estimate with a grain of salt, but if it's higher than yesterday's calorie estimate for the same type of workout, I consider that a thumbs up. I'll watch my max, and my average ... at how fast my heart rate drops back down (that's a good thing, right? Your heart recovering quickly?)  I'm still learning myself!  Here's another article spotlighting the PolarFT4 and another good article about HRMs in general (The Real Facts about HRMs). So much information!  

Do you own a heart rate monitor?

What's your experience?

Thoughts on their calorie estimates?

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Just for fun, going along with my topic today ... I thought I'd share a couple "heart beat" songs that I've been enjoying lately. Both have a great jogging beat (around 160BPM) and both are available for FREE download from Freegal (libraries all over the US participate in this, sign in with your library card and download the MP3s for free!) Linking up with The Thrifty Home.

 Song #1 is "My Heart Skips a Beat" by Lenka
Song #2 is "Pulses" by Karmin (which I couldn't find on Grooveshark to include here).

 

Motivated Monday!

I'm not normal. It seems like whenever people talk about something "the average person" likes, dislikes, needs, etc ... it just doesn't seem to apply to me. Take Mondays. I LOVE Mondays. I dread the weekends! While I know many fitness fanatics don't care for rest days ... they often seem to say they come back refreshed anyway. Not me. I took a rest day last Sunday and proceeded to have a pretty crappy week. Admittedly, there was some other stuff going on too (see last Thurs and/or Friday's posts) but I feel like the rest day just stopped my momentum. I did NOT rest this Sunday and I'm feeling totally ready to attack the week!

Looking back on the weekend ... on Friday, at Zumba, I FINALLY felt like I was "back". I felt the Zumba joy, finally! The hubs and I hit a movie in the evening (The Edge of Tomorrow) and I really enjoyed it. Ate too much popcorn and treats though, not sure if it was that, or if I just picked up the germs for the kidlets (who had been sick Monday and Thursday last week) ... in the wee hours of Saturday morning ... I was sick. Luckily I was a "one and done" but my Saturday was pretty much shot.

I've mentioned my various reward programs (Reaping the Rewards, Reward Updates) before and said that I wasn't sure if they motivate me, as I'm generally working out regardless ... but this weekend was an exception. I am signed up with PACT, where I have committed to "workout"  six out of seven days in the week (10,000 Fitbit steps count as a workout).  I like that little bit of leeway, but I like to have my Pact completed by Saturday, so I can take it easy on Sunday if I want.  I did try some elliptical on Saturday, but I was feeling pretty wiped out. I only got in 15 minutes, and a couple little five minute sessions. Near the end of the day I was at 8,500 steps, so I decided to just go ahead and hit the elliptical again to get to 10k for the day.

Often I try to get 10,000 steps by 10 a.m. 

... on Saturday, it was all I could do to get them by 10 p.m.

But I got them!

 Unfortunately my sickness didn't affect my appetite.
#1 picked up donuts on Saturday ... and they tasted good.
I still had plenty to add to my food log.

I spent a little time Saturday playing around on the Fitstudio site too ... generally I've just been pretty happy to check in once or twice during the week to check on my points. I mainly just want to get the 14 miles to earn my 5,000 points ($5 store credit). I'll usually take a minute to sign up for a goal or a challenge while I'm there, approve any friend requests. These little things get you a few extra points. I was proactively going after some additional points though ... linking up my Facebook, posting a status, sharing my status on Facebook. I think I might try to do that more often to get a few more points ...  and of course exercising too! 

I spent a little time on the Fitbit site over the weekend as well! I'd been talking to Fitbit customer service about my little device. For the past several weeks, my "floors" counter has gone a bit crazy (I mentioned it mid-June, Stacked Stats). I just wasn't sure if the Fitbit crediting me with 200+ flights of stairs was perhaps inflating my calorie count. Even though my Fitbit was over a year old, and otherwise working properly, Fitbit customer service said they would send me out a new one. I received it on Saturday and got myself set up. As my old one did count steps and active minutes properly, I went ahead and assigned it to kid #3 (the only one in the family without a Fitbit). We'll just disregard the floors and the calorie burn, but he can compete with us all on steps.

 As I was on the Fitbit site, I rearranged my tiles, and discovered one (This Week's Activity ... see it in the middle there) which hadn't been there last time I checked. Admittedly ... I don't remember when I had actually looked last. I can switch that tab to to calories too (in and out!)

I think I'll keep it there on my chart.  Fitbit is always changing and evolving. I still remember the old dashboard ... and I still really miss the pie chart (Fitbit Fluctuations). There are some additional changes I'd REALLY LIKE (future blog post rant?)

So ... back to the weekend! Sunday, I woke up feeling completely better and ready to get at it again. NOT taking a rest day, not taking it easy as I sometimes do on "Slow Sundays". The hubs went off for a bike ride, and I hit the elliptical and then did some YouTube Zumba. It was raining off and on ... it would stop and start so suddenly. I've been walking to and from church every week, but I just wasn't sure if I should risk it. I did. And I got rained on! I was completely speckled walking into church even with my mad dash there at the end! Pretty funny! The little boys had been shooting some bb guns over the weekend, and after church they were out shooting cans when the rain came again. It didn't stop them either (which is actually kind of a big deal, if you know my #4 who has a weather phobia! Anxiety Issues).

I also finished up my latest TV series over the weekend (Big Love ... all five seasons). I was ready for it to be done. Ready to move onto something else. I guess I'll try Warehouse 13. I've heard good things about it and was a fan of The X-Files back in the day (also watched season 1 of Fringe, which seems similar). You know TV is a big motivator for me (Me and the TV). I finished up my book too. Sometimes it's hard to decide what to commit to next in both TV and books. I do want something I'm excited about, that urges me to hit the elliptical or stationary bike to get in a show or some reading.

Linking up with MIMM and of course, co-hosting the Motivation Monday linkup.

How was YOUR weekend?

What have you found has been motivating you lately?

Link Up With Us!

Sunday Funnies - Colbert Clip

I have always loved grabbing the comics section from the Sunday paper ... I just used a Zits comic strip in my Friday post! I don't always blog on Sundays, buthere and there I try to spotlight some Sunday Fitness Funnies. This week, I thought I'd share a clip from the Colbert Report which touched on the Fitbit (you know I'm a fan!) and a new way to track your liquid calories ...

The Colbert Report
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