In All Its Glory

There's just so much going on over here that I don't know where to start! I'll narrow it down to three things so this post doesn't turn into an 11-page article.

1: I've been sadly lacking in knowledge when it comes to eating and working out. I was of the mind that it makes more sense to work out on the emptiest stomach possible so that you burn fat, not food in your stomach. I started reading up on the subject and decided I was somewhat misinformed. Lately my workouts (which average about 2 hours between cardio, weights, core, and stretching) have been leaving me feeling quite pooped afterward. I haven't had that bounce in my step as I walk back to my car post-gym. I decided that the advice to eat a snack a bit before, and a bit after, a workout was worth trying. I like the info in a Weight Watchers article and started on a search for something with ~100 calories and 5 grams protein and 20 grams carbs.


I bought PowerBar Gel, which the GNC guy told me was more for mid-marathon refueling and I noted it had no protein. I ate it about 20 minutes before the gym on Monday and honestly didn't notice that much of a difference. I was in a bike shop (surprise surprise) and found AccelGel, which had the perfect 4:1 carb:protein ratio I was looking for in 100 calories. Since it was only the first time I tried it I don't want to draw too strong a conclusion but I was energized through my entire workout. I felt great during my c25k jog and had plenty of pep during my weight training. After the gym I ate another AccelGel with some water while I made dinner. Well, you don't really eat these gels, you sort of suck them out of the package. Normally I don't eat any Activity Points (in Weight Watchers you can earn Activity Points (APs) through physical activity and then eat those points if you want) but I decided since my current ration of 23 points has been feeling sort of limited lately that I would use 4 APs for the two Accel Gels (2 points each). Alright, enough about gel.

2: I did it! I bought a road bike. I found it used on Craigslist and so far I looove it. Here's a picture of the model, a Bianchi Brava:

Isn't it beautiful? Alright, I know what you might be thinking, "Michelle, didn't you just buy a bike?!" Well, yes I did but it was a mountain bike, this is a road bike. Admittedly I used to think the only difference was the tires and the handlebars but I guess it's much more than that. Enough that if I want to get into road biking while I'm also getting into mountain biking I decided I need a bike.

Let me tell you, riding the road bike was a whole different kind of fun. It just feels so fast! Granted, I only rode it around a parking lot but I felt like I was turbo-charged compared to riding the mountain bike. I can't wait to get out on a more substantial ride. I got up early this morning and spent all my extra time researching rides in my area. Now I have to keep myself from going overboard buying accessories for it.

3: I would have sworn there was a third thing that's been going on but now I can't think of it. Anyway, today is Thursday, weigh-in day. I'm hoping to stay the same. I had a big loss last week (2.4 pounds) and often after a week like that I level out and I've been out to eat a ton this week! I went to Thai on Friday night, an Italian Dinner Party Saturday night, Cafe Lunch on Sunday afternoon, Indian Buffet Tuesday lunch...yeah, not exactly the recipe for a loss. But we'll see. I'll be wearing my lightest clothes on the scale today!

Finally, thank you to my friends for reading my blog and commenting. It's so nice to know I'm not talking to myself on here and the encouragement and "atta girl!"'s really boost my spirit.