Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Team Terra Fit Challenge 3

On top of what you are doing, we’re going to now add another strength challenge as well as introduce LSD Training into your workout week.

“LSD” or “Long Slow Distance” can also be known as steady state training. This is great for a number of reasons: One of those reasons is that it will help with the efficiency in burning fat. Often doing long walks, runs, swims, bikes at 60-70% of your maximum effort for a long duration (1+hours) you are in an aerobic state, which means you are mainly burning fat for energy. Over time, doing these work outs, you will get more efficient in the aerobic energy break down process (fuel for the body). Another reason is that it will increase the capillary density in the muscles. Capillaries are small “net like” areas in the body where the oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-depleted blood are exchanged. When you develop more capillaries you become more efficient in getting fuel to the muscles and getting rid of the waste – improving your endurance levels. You will also increase both your artery and vein diameter, allowing for more blood to pump through the body, resulting in more energy getting to the muscles faster – again making your body more efficient at getting rid of any byproducts. AND you will also increase the mitochondrial density in your cells. Mitochondria are responsible for the breakdown of sugars, which gives you energy. More mitochondria will help you go faster and again, more endurance.

Challenge 3

Jenna

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Team Terra Fit Challenge 2

On top of your routine that you are doing, let’s add a 2 week challenge for both your cardiovascular and Muscular strength/endurance levels. We are going to focus on toning the back of your arms, your chest muscles as well as wrist strength by performing….wait for it…more PUSH UPS….and some INTERVALS!!!

Challenge 2

Keep up the great work ladies! Remember to love your body, it is what is going to get the work done. Remember to listen to your mind, your determination, is what is going to get you through the work!

Be proud of what you’ve accomplished so far, and be excited, knowing that you are going to accomplish so much more on our journey together as a team of dedicated women, looking to make a positive change in life!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Jenna

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Naturopath

I am just reeling in excitement right now.

I just came from my first visit with a naturopathic doctor. If any indication of how it went, is my getting into my car afterwards and just bawling, from sheer joy and happiness, then it went pretty well. I couldn't believe it. Finally, what I have been looking for! FINALLY!

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16 years old. It has been a long battle. For those who know PCOS, you'd probably be able to tell that I have it. But for those who aren't familiar with it, you'd never know.

I could sit here and tell you all about it, but to save time, here's a link to the wikipedia article:

PCOS on Wikipedia

Since my time of trying to get a diagnosis and up until now, I have been to an endodrinologist, 3 ob/gyns, 3 family doctors and now finally a naturopath. I have done quite a bit of research into this, and when you're looking for answers, you know in your heart, you can't stop looking and you want to know more.

When I was diagnosed, I was put on the pill and told to lose weight. That losing the weight, would help control the pcos. Well hello! Easier said than done. Along with the pcos, I am insulin resistant. This is what makes it that much more difficult to lose the weight, along with all the mental issues.

Insulin Resistance on Wikipedia

So since we've decided that we wanted to start a family, I knew that I was really going to have to get things into motion. I'm still not 100% sure if I will be able to get pregnant, but I'm not even thinking that at all. As long as I keep my thoughts positive, and put that out there, that's what I'm focusing on. I have to have faith and believe in the power of attraction. What's meant for me, will be.

So I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that my naturopath knew so much about PCOS. Usually, when you talk to a doctor about, you end up with a blank stare and some silly blurb, which has been heard over and over again. She has treated women before with PCOS. So yes, I was thrilled, when I did NOT get a blank stare.

I just want to take a moment to say why I'm talking about this. A lot of women want to keep this private. It can be embarrasing, a lot of the symptoms that come along with PCOS. The excess facial and body hair, the thinning hair, the obesity and the list can go on. I used to be one of those women. But why I'm talking about this now, is for awareness. This syndrome, is not very well known. It's not out there in the mainstream. But there is a lot of women affected by this. Sure, the number may only be 5%, but still, that's 1 in 20 women. I'm a very open person, I never used to be, but I think now, the more we can talk about it, the more people who can know about this, maybe I'll reach that one woman who's been looking for answers, trying to figure out what's going on. Maybe I can help her.

So one thing that I have grown very tired of, is the medication. Since I've been 16, I have been on some sort of medication, every day, to help my body work. I want my body to function on its own, naturally. We came into this world, drug free. That's how I want to be. My main concern was fertility. But what I have realized, is that I'm #1 here. It's not just my reproductive system that I have to be concerned about. It's my whole system. Everything is connected. I've finally found someone who will listen to my concerns and help me. So yes, by the time I was done, I was so overcome by emotion, I just sat and cried. This is a new beginning.

I love to learn and I'm always excited when I find out something new. Especially about the body and its relation to food and nutrients. I'm very excited at the plan we have started to put in place. I'm very excited at the possibilities. I will probably post more about this later. I just had to share my experience. And of course, the first person I called, while I was bawling my eyes out in the car, was my mom, who's been there from the very beginning of it all....Thanks Ma!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sidelined....again

Well first of all...let me mourn the Canucks............OK!

I can probably count the times that I have tried to get my act together and really do this once and for all. Except, every time that I've been able to get into a routine and get it down and start doing really well...something always happens to me! Always!
Now whether it's become something mental where it's like I'm expecting it, so I bring it on myself, I'm not too sure. But it's happened...again...but this time....it's different!

My plantar fasciitis. Oooh, I just want to wish it away. It's come back with a vengence in my left foot. I've suffered from it in both my feet, but my left foot, ohh it's painful. So this is why I haven't been on. But why not, you might be asking. It's not fingers that were broken that could prevent me from typing, lol. Again, it's all mental.

I said this time, it's different. Yes it is. Because before, I would just end up feeling sorry for myself. I would fall back into bad old habits (oh so easy to do!) and would just end up back at square one. But this time, yes it's different. Sure I felt some self-pity. I wasn't able to do the work outs as I had wanted. But I still got to the pool (except last week). Okay, so maybe that was a bit of a fib, but I missed one week! But what's different, is that I kept at it in my mind. I didn't stop what I was doing. When I was feeling down about my foot, I didn't comfort myself with food! I didn't comfort myself with food! That is a huge step! I still kept planning. I still kept making sure I was eating what I was supposed to be eating. That is HUGE! I can proudly say, that I have been eating well, eating what I should be, to help with my pcos. Yes, I have PCOS. I will get to that another time. I just feel so proud of myself for not letting my emotions control what I eat. I have been eating for fuel. Not for comfort. Not for pleasure. Eating to live, not living to eat. YES!

So, we're still going strong. I might not be able to totally do the challenges as I'd like. But I'm going to modify them, to fit my needs and my stupid foot :)
I got my orthotics adjusted today...and instructions to stretch my calves for 5 minutes, 3x times/day! So hopefully, this will help. And! I've decided to trade in my car, which I think is making my foot worse. It's a standard. My clutch foot, is the bad foot...so hopefully we can find something soon!

I should be getting an update for the challenge tonight from Jenna. So it should be posted by tomorrow. I love how everyone is getting involved. This is so great! So cheers to everyone! and HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!