Support. Comments and emails are still coming in from Friday’s post; I feel incredibly lucky to have so many intelligent, knowledgeable readers willing to come together and share their thoughts and experiences on the little-discussed topic of maintenance. That post provided one of the most successful discussions we’ve ever had here, and I plan to re-read it whenever I feel like I’m struggling; clearly, I am not. And neither are you. Topics like these bring the best of us together, and together we are a Powerhouse of losers and maintainers who are ready and willing to provide great insight, motivation and advice to others. Thank you for bringing your wisdom to the maintenance table. 
Strong-as-wood. I have not posted much about the plank challenge that’s being hosted by Fitblog, but I’ve gotta say – I’m really enjoying it. I can’t believe I never realized how imperative it is to work on strengthening one’s core (back, abs, and pelvis). No wonder my lower back used to hurt all of the time.
As of this morning, I am clocking in at holding plank for 2 minutes, 15 seconds; a huge improvement from when I first started. Want to know what I love about this challenge the most? I can do it anywhere I want. I don’t need any special equipment; I don’t have to change into workout gear, and I don’t have to worry about working up a terrible sweat. Just stop, drop, and hold. Mayo Clinic’s website has a slideshow of some other core strengthening exercises that I will begin incorporating once this challenge is over. You can view those here.
Salon. On Friday, after my comfort zone incident, I went to work and decided out of the blue that I needed to get my hair cut; that very day. When it comes to my hair and changing styles, I don’t know, I just have to get it done when the thought strikes or else I chicken out. Luckily, my stylist is a friend of mine and she fit me in at the end of her workday. I wanted at least 5 inches taken off. Something different. Here’s a before and after:
I don’t know which is worse when taking a photo of yourself – holding out your arm as far out as possible while attempting to point the camera in the general direction of your body while hoping you don’t cut off half your head, or forget all that and go straight to the bathroom mirror, where nothing is cleverly hidden from view (5 points if you can spot the electric toothbrush). Anyway, I like it. Just wash and go. My curls are digging it, too. Would you believe that I didn’t even know I had curly hair until just a few years ago? It’s coarse and thick, and I always wore it long, which tends to pull out the curl. Now, the shorter I go, the curlier it gets (sometimes a good thing, sometimes bad – depending on the humidity).
Stress. I had my doctor’s appointment with my internist, asking for assistance with my anxiety since the previous medication didn’t work. He is trying me on yet another medication that is new to me. The difference between this drug and the others is that this one supposedly aids in preventing further anxiety, instead of just masking it. According to the information sheet, it states: this drug may help you think more clearly, relax, worry less, and may make you feel less jittery. It also may take up to 30 days to notice anything, but I’m hopeful; we’ll see. Please bear with me as I have noticed that at times, I’m having difficulty in responding coherently to some of your posts. All temporary, my friends. Soon I hope to be back to my old self again.
Sluggish. Emmie also went to the doctor this week. Over the past several weeks she’s been shedding unusually large chunks of fur. So much so, that she has very thin patches left. All of that beautiful, soft fur – gone.
It turns out though, it’s nothing terribly serious. After some blood work, she was found to have a sluggish thyroid, which causes the same side-effects for dogs as people: hair loss, lethargy, weight gain. As of this morning, she’s on medication and hopefully will regain some of that lovely coat of hers and feel better soon.
Have a good Wednesday, everyone.
Love the title of this post! Takes me wayyyy back. So… planks. Do you do just one for that long – because that is a lonnnggg time. I’ve been doing three in a set and am only up to 1 minute and 35 seconds (yesterday). I know I could hold the first one longer so maybe should change my approach. Any expert information on what works best? And, LOVE your hair.
Karen, I am holding that long. It is by no means, easy. You should see me shaking. I think you can do whatever works for you, as long as you are adding time, which is the only indicator I have to know that I’m gaining strength. If you feel like you can’t hold any longer, try bringing your knee up to your elbow, then do the opposite side. Wow, that works the tummy muscles. Plus, you’ll still be strengthening and thus adding more time. From what I understand, the idea is to push the muscles to fatigue like you would with any other strengthening exercise. If anyone else has advice on this, I’d love to hear it as well.
…and thank you for the compliment on my hair.
I love your new cut. It is very light and natural and cutting at your chin really looks great. Look at your comparison pics. You look younger. High five to your haircutting friend!
I love the picture of your dog’s face looking up at you. Oh goldens are so darn cute when they do that. I am powerless around them.
I love the mayo clinic weight loss/nutrition and exercise pages.
Younger is always better when you’ve hit your 40′s. Thank you.
I meant to tell you thanks for suggesting that fur remover tool. I’m going to look into it for Brulee. With all the fur Emmie’s been losing, I’ve been unable to keep up. She’s practically bald now, poor thing.
Need I comment on the fact that the dog of a fitness blogger has a sluggish thyroid? Kiss that little couch-sitter right on the floppy ears for me!
As for the haircut, WOW! Wow wow wow! You look awesome! I love it! I recently discovered an IPad app that lets you try on different hair styles, and I’m going to have to see about this one, because we have very similar hair (curly when shorter, wavy when longer). Enjoy that gorgeous ‘do!
Thank you, Amalfi. So glad to see you back online again! This IPad app sounds great! There was an online site that I used to use that changed eye color as well. I look very cool with violet eyes (and very alien) lol
Gorgeous hair cut and gorgeous YOU!
Thank you for the compliment on the hair. I don’t know why it’s always so difficult to make a decision on a haircut. When I was younger I used to change my hair color every month it seemed; once it was burgundy! Could never get away with that now!
You look great! I LOVE the haircut!!!
I do think we are SO lucky to have this community to come to, to relate to, to lean on when it’s necessary. It’s so true that most of the rest of the world just plain doesn’t understand!
I have to say, it’s SO much easier taking care of when it’s shorter.
I agree with your comment about this community 100%. If I ever decide to lift on a serious level, I already know who to come to
I love the new haircut! I’m glad you went through with it because it’s super cute and very youthful! What we all strive for, right???
Crossing my fingers for the new meds. For both you and Emmie!
Oh, and glad to see you’re the king of the household!
Pets…gotta love them!
Thank you, Jenn. Shorter is definitely better for summertime.
…and thank you for the support on the meds. I hope to goodness these things work. I look forward to just being able to ‘let go’ and hope these do the trick.
planks are a girl’s best friend. Are you careful that your head and neck are a straight extension off your spine? many people let their head hang and that is not good. And you should roll your shoulders up, back and down (tucking them in your back pocket) so they are not hunched by your ears.
my free weights instructor thinks of all kinds of (wicked) variations to add to our planks. (the advantage to this type of work is when she lets us hold regular planks, it feels easy. . .)
a very simple variation, when the regular ones get too easy, is to elevate your feet (use non moving object at first and then when that gets to easy, put feet on stability ball, push ups with feet on stability ball is good variation too).
Or
back on floor, no stability ball, in regular plank, move one hand more to midline and then lift the other hand, try to keep hips level (3 legged plank)
Or
lift a leg (3 legged plank)
Or
push ups
Or
push ups with one leg lifted
Her (free weights instructor) is now into having us do things like lawn mower starts with one arm while in 3 legged planks. We get in regular plank with a 5 lb weight on each side of us, move one hand to midline, pick up weight and do our arm exercises. extremely effective work – when one is able to hold self in right form.
We also do a lot of plank variations with our feet on paper plates (on wood floor so plates slide). Things like mountain climbers, straddle splits (open legs wide while in plank and then close legs back together, keeping body level/in plank), twists (keep legs together, pull legs up under body and then knees go to one side and then back to full plank, and then pull knees up to other side.)
I have been doing this type of work for a long time. I didn’t start out at the level I mentioned (above).
My first pilates instructor, long ago, when I couldn’t sit up, used to teach me to roll down slowly and get the most core work possible from that rolling down move. So my work wasn’t in the roll up, I got up anyway I could (crane, elbows, rolling over) and then rolled down slowly again. By teaching me this type of philosophy, I was able to do full workout at 215lbs (where I started) and be in a regular class. I also learned to leave my ego at the door.
I learned to do pushups the same ‘reverse way’. Lowering body as slowly and evenly as possible from a full plank. Then getting back up anyway I could (knees, elbows, chair, roll over) and getting back in plank, holding, and then slowly lowering again.
we all start from where we are. The point is to start and to keep progressing.
One of my first yoga instructors was over 300lbs and could lift and hold her body weight. She had just had 3rd baby. A low weight for her was 200 lbs. I have always remembered how strong she was. One of my former class instructors said most of the most powerful women she ever had in class were ones who used to be obese. They were strong from functioning with very large bodies. I have always remembered that.
Thank you for all of the great, solid advice, Vickie. I think plank poses/exercises are definitely for me. I have very little lower back pain anymore when I do them, and I couldn’t say that when I started (which is always why I shied away from doing them in the first place.) I just don’t think I was doing them right, before. I did NOT know about rounding the shoulders back. Your analogy of putting them in your back pocket is a really good explanation of it. I will do that from now on.
your hair is adorable.
I do the same thing – I do not make appts in advance, I call and say – so ready for a haircut and she gets me in within a day or two.
The term “plank challenge” makes my stomach hurt… I used to be so good at strengthening my core, but I’ve been slacking lately! I blame running, but I really used to have a 6-pack! *sigh*
In other notes, you are totally gorgeous! I knew you were, but these pictures today are amazing! Love your hair, blog and YOU!
I’ve heard many a runner say that toning takes a backseat when they run. I can see why, too. It requires so much energy (as you well know). I know I’ll never see that 6 pack (even though it’s probably under there, somewhere) but do love the fact that I feel stronger in general.
Big hug to you Laura, for totally making my day – and LOVE right back at you!
Oh man, planks… Haven’t done one of those in so long. I should try again and see if my shoulder supports me. I used to be up to a 3 minute plank, but I doubt I’d be able to do half of that now.
Love the new hairstyle, btw. Suits you well!
Three minutes is damned impressive, Greg. I *think* I might be able to squeeze 2 min. 25 sec. if I were to completely and utterly focus, but man, it would be HARD! I don’t know if you read Vickie’s comment above about rolling your shoulders up, back and down (like putting them into your back pocket) when you are in plank. Would that mess up your shoulder or help it? I never really knew that I was supposed to do that. Will try it tomorrow and see how different it must feel.
Vickie’s advice is good advice. It’s about locking your shoulders into position so that you’re not putting strain on them. Something I have to keep reminding myself to do… Do you do your planks on your hands or your elbows. I do mine on my elbows, but hands (like in the picture) are harder, I think. And yeah, shaking like a leaf and making all sorts of sad, unfortunate noises during the last minute or so…
What an adorable do! It’s perfect for you!
I like to do what I call “around the world” planks (no idea why). When the solid hold gets shaky, I alternate raising arms and legs, and then switching to alternate side planks. The movement helps me add some time to the hold, plus I engage different muscles.
that is an excellent idea, Cammy. I actually do find that if I shift my weight a bit, or move my feet apart for a few seconds, then bring them back in…I can add a few seconds here and there. It really is a great exercise. Thank you for the suggestion, and for the compliment on my hair
Okay!! You’ve convinced me! When I get my hair cut next week, I am going shorter. Over the past year or so my hair has gotten wicked curly/wooly (I call it perimenopause hair…or maybe it’s thyroid medication hair LOL) and I think shorter will be better. I’ve had a thing about going shorter…I love my long hair but I think it’s time. I’m even going to show my stylist your picture…can you email it to me?? Seriously!
I hope the new meds work…both yours and Emmie’s.
As for planks? Sigh…right now I am so not feeling it. I am getting all my blood work done in a couple of weeks…I think something has changed.
Karen, I really – really wish peace for your physical body. It seems to be on its own agenda, doesn’t it? Bloodwork is a good thing. Things can change so quickly, we don’t even know it. Suddenly, the abnormal feels normal. That’s where I was with my anxiety. Tackling it for so long on my own – it became part of me, until it started affecting my writing (um, a half a day to write a post? No, thanks). Keep me posted on how you are. As for the pic, I’ll send it right over.
I really want to start doing some planks. That’s a great idea. Pilates really taught me about core strength. Man what a difference.
And your hair is Fantastic!!!! You look beautiful. I was actually fantasizing about something shorter for myself and if I could get mine to do that, I might copy you.
Teresa, this style is about as easy as it gets. When it was long (I had around 5 inches taken off) the weight just pulled any body right with it. My curls became semi-waves – except around my face. There, my hair was as straight as an arrow. It’s amazing what a few inches can do. Thank you for the compliment, and let me know if you get your hair cut!
Gosh, you’re one good looking lady!
I know what you mean about curly hair, though I rediscovered mine by letting my hair grow a bit longer. Weird, eh?
Glad to hear your dog’s feeling better. Thyroids are tricky things. I’ve suffered two bouts of hyperthyroidism (the opposite of what your dog has). I lost a fair bit of weight–except it was all muscle and no fat. Medication helped me rebuild the muscle…and regain the weight. Oh well.
You know, the funny thing is, this dog mirrors me in so many ways. She has a lot of anxiety too (during thunderstorms) and I also have hypothyroidism. I’ve often wondered about hyperthyroidism and how much it differs from mine. I think that either is pretty upsetting to the system. Meds are a lifesaver!
Lots of s things… so glad your planks are going well… and that you’re working on other things… and good that Emmie’s problem is manageable…
after getting home this evening I brushed her again (having to do it sometimes twice daily) and I swear I don’t know where any more of this fur is coming from. At least she’s comfy during this heat.
Love the new hair do! Too cute. I need a new style and with this heat I am thinking a shorter style would be a good change. I have to work up the nerve first!
I posted about changing your thinking to change your weight-you might enjoy it!
Thank you, Tami. Summertime is always a good time for a hairstyle change! Knowing me though, I’ll probably start growing it again by wintertime.
Hi Ellen, I love your haircut. You are very pretty. Shorter hair is wonderful for summer. I love your blog. Gayle
Thank you, Gayle. You are very kind. I am really liking this style for the summer. It’s just long enough to where I can put it into a teeny-tiny ponytail if I try hard enough. Thanks for reading today.
Hi Ellen! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your sassy new “do”! You look FANTASTIC!!!!!! And because you know I love your dogs, I have to add “awww” to their pictures. Glad Emme’s little problem is fixable. Have a great day today! Take care!!
Roz, thank you for this comment (sorry so late in getting back to you). Right now we’re dealing with fireworks as a major problem with Emmie. She is frightened to death of them. Cannot WAIT until the 4th of July is over.
And thank you for your very kind comment on my hair. I’m finally getting used to it and I really like it!
LOVE the hair! And congrats on the plank time
Great post, Ellen, as always. Hope your doggie bounces back quickly. My Cooper has the same issue, but once he started meds, he was back to his old hairy self again
Thank you for this comment, Lynn. Always good to hear from you
I think of you and Cooper often when I have issues like this with Emmie. I’m learning new things about her every day – right now being, that she is frightened to death of fireworks and I am having a very hard time getting her out of the house to do her business when it hits 6 pm. Looking forward to the 4th being over!
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I love the hair style! I am thinking of growing mine again… was looking at some pics with slightly longer hair yesterday and it actually looks better.
Good luck with the meds!
Thank you for this comment, Hanlie. I think you look great in this photo you use for your avatar. Very cute cut on you, but longer is always a nice change. I’m finding that my hair slows way down in the summertime. Just as well, I guess – at least I don’t have to pay for as many haircuts!
So far behind on reading blog posts, but I will catch up (soon, I hope). I just had to pop in to say that I LOVE your hair! You looked great before and look even more amazing now! I wish I had your hair. So beautiful! Also wanted to let you know that I was praying for your anxiety medication as you wait for it to “kick in”.
Simply beautiful!
Love the new hair style! You looked 21 before but now you look 18!!
Tim, I am setting aside a ‘BTTI’ fund (Bring Tim To Indiana) so that I can pay you to boost my ego when I need it. We’ll discuss details later. lol