Mondays Fundays

Mondays are usually my day.  I wake up early, work out and do chores.  Very rarely do I stop to just enjoy what is all around me. 

Yesterday my body and mind were tired.  I had worked out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  The body didn't feel up to another intense work out.  The plan was to head to the coffee shop and watch video of various kettlebell technique and think about next week-ends certification.

As I was driving to Walnut Street Café, I felt drawn to the ocean.  I thought instead of lifting heavy and instead of thinking/observing, I would just walk the beach.  I would enjoy the beauty my city has to offer.  I even took pictures...once again with the blackberry.  I tried to capture the Boston skyline but couldn't.  PS...the new phone is in the house.  When I finally figure it out, the picture quality will improve.

 

It was high tide.  As kids, we use to run the sea wall during high tide.
I was tempted but if you look below and see what shoes I was
wearing, you will understand why I didn't.

Yes, these shoes!

The stair case where everyone hung out during high school.
I remember it being call the 2nd staircase but it is the
1st stair case.  Go figure. 

Red Rock with Egg Rock way in the back ground.

The waves were large enough to bring out the boogie board.  Unfortunately, the boogie board that traveled in the back of my car all winter, was in the garage. Next time I will plan better.

LINK LOVE

Just wanted to share some recent articles that I've enjoyed....hope you enjoy them as well.  Some may be duplicates from my facebook page.

Before I start with the links, I want to ask you to join me in this challenge...try something new for the holiday season.

Holiday Swing Challenge!

Stay sane and in shape through the holidays and join me for my Holiday Swing Challenge!

Subscribe to my Holiday Swing Challenge email list and I will email you, FREE of charge, the 5-day swing plan for the month on Sunday November 30, 2014.

Subscribe HERE → http://bit.ly/HolidaySwingChallenge

Think local before you shop this holiday season:

http://madeinusachallenge.com/2014/cyber-monday-made-usa-sales-guide/

LIFE

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/habits-of-calm-people_n_4174903.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/agapi-stassinopoulos/conscious-relationships_b_4171149.html

http://dannycoleman.net/24/

http://www.khq.com/story/27489010/nfl-player-benjamin-watsons-ferguson-post-on-facebook-goes-viral

EXERCISE and FITNESS

http://fitisafeministissue.com/2013/11/11/in-praise-of-pudgy/

http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/bang-for-your-buck/

http://www.liftweightsfaster.com/four-bodyweight-exercises-that-should-be-part-of-every-routine/

http://jasonferruggia.com/mythbusting-improve-grip-strength-deadlifting/

http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/the-deadlift-your-most-powerful-weapon-in-your-lifting-arsenal/

FOOD

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/27/opinion/the-downside-of-eating-too-locally.html?ref=opinion&_r=1

http://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-keep-cut-avocado-fresh-126950

http://myheartbeets.com/real-food-shopping-guide-costco/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/09/16/the-decline-of-the-small-american-family-farm-in-one-chart/

QUOTES

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/196821446189766191/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/196821446186797654/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/196821446188413795/

Should You Excercise When You Have Limitations?

First, I am not a doctor.  I am not recommending any form of exercise.  Before you start an exercise program please consult your doctor.  On that note...

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 7-10 years ago.  I don't remember the exact date.  After the diagnosis and after starting Methotrexate, I was able to continue an exercise.  I was always warned about doing low impact exercises and lifting moderate weights...okay light weights. 

I made the decision to continue running because I loved doing triathlons.  My doctor would chastise me at every visit because I continued to run.  He wanted me to exercise but he wanted me to lift light weights and always mentioned doing crunches.

When I started lifting heavy, I continued to feel better to the point where I discontinued my medication.  I have been Methotrexate-free for 3 years.  So far so good.  I am not saying the two are related or that lifting heavy objects is good for everyone with RA or with any autoimmune disease.  What I am saying is that you need to keep moving.  You need to keep your joints active.  I would also say under the supervision of an MD and a knowledgeable trainer, people should test themselves a little.  Everyday health provided some exercise trends that they feel are good for people with RA.  I would also say they could be good for anyone with an autoimmune disease. 

http://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/hot-exercise-trends-and-rheumatoid-arthritis/?xid=nl_EverydayHealthLivingWithRheumatoidArthritis_20140810#01

When I was first diagnosed with RA, I was traumatized.  Not necessarily about the condition but what effect it would have on my running and general exercise routine.  I searched the internet for articles about those who had succeeded in maintaining and actually excelled as an athlete leaving me discouraged.  There were not many success stories out there.  That doesn't mean they didn't exist.  It meant that no one was talking. 

Here is the story of Britt Johnson, someone diagnosed with RA who is a runner or as described in the article...an athlete!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/the-hurt-blogger-how-i-became-a-runner-with-ra/?xid=nl_EverydayHealthLivingWithRheumatoidArthritis_20140810


You have to try, because you don’t know what’s possible.”—Britt Johnson  TWEET

WEEKEND WRAP UP

It was a quiet (meaning not crowded) work out at the YMCA.

Single leg deadlifts          8 x 75
                                         8 x 85
                                         8 x 95

In between each single leg deadlift I did straight leg sit ups with 35 pounds.

Glute Bridges                  8 x 225
                                        8 x 235
                                        8 x 245

I set up to do back squats and actually did one warm up set.  As per usual, I had to go to the bathroom.  When I came back someone had taken over my spot.  No big deal.  I decided to just move on.

Next up were my keeping the Arnold Pump and Run in mind bench presses.  Still not making great progress but good enough to get me through the Arnold if I decide I want to go to Ohio again.

Bench                              5 x 45 warm up set
                                        5 x 75
                                        5 x 80
                                        5 x 85

Then did a 3 x 6 rotation of single leg box squats, one arm rows (40 pounds), kettlebell squats (40 pounds and push ups.

For a finisher, I did 5 sets of the following:

kettlebell swings  10 x 40 (really working on form)
row for one minute

Call it an exercise morning. 

CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT

Early saturday morning I went to the civil war encampment on the Lynn common.  I specifically went to see the firing of the cannons by the 6th MA heavy artillery the company of my great grandfather.   Unfortunately, imessed up.  The cannon firing was this group.

And was still pretty amazing and loud.

 

Some of the soliders spent the night on the Common

President Lincoln was there and he even smiled at me...but not in this picture.

From LynnHappens...


                                   
Quick work out on Sunday morning (5 rounds of 10 swings with an extra focus on good form).  It was a picklicious day.