My plans changed from the moment I woke up today. My sister Chrissy called to ask if she could come over later. Since I thought I had other stuff to do today, I told her it would be fine for her to come over sooner than later. By the time she got to my place, my other plans fell through. So we just hung out and chatted. However, our chatting (ok, mine) had soon begun to sound like complaining. We definitely didn't want to go there, so Chrissy suggested we go for a walk. She wanted me to feel better. She's very caring like that. And she's very happy when the sun is out, so she was extra excited the day was so nice. Although I had planned on running later, I agreed to go with her. I needed to change the subject of converstaion anyway, as well as get some sun and exercise in.
Well, I live near the end (or the beginning, I suppose) of the Los Gatos Creek Trail, so we decided to do that walk rather than driving somewhere to walk. (I don't know why I always need to drive somewhere to exercise!)
Anyway, we walked and talked and walked and talked. Suddenly, it seemed we were in Campbell. I don't live far from Campbell, but I never walk there! Wow, how quickly the time had passed. Finally, my sister said she needed to be getting back to do something at home, so as we turned around I mentioned how I had really wanted to know how far we had walked. Any other time in my life I wouldn't have cared, but with my training and my blogging, I felt it important to know!!
I saw a mile marker just about at the point we turned around, so on the way back, I kept notice of the other markers. I stopped seeing the markers towards the end, but I estimate that it was a four to five mile round trip.
Although I intended to go running later today, walking with my cheerful sister was definitely good for my soul. When I got home, I felt lovely again. No more complaints from me.
Dana and David have now invited me to go with them to visit my Uncle Alvin up in Vacaville. We'll stay the night and come home later tomorrow. Since our TNT training was an OYO (on your own) run tomorrow anyway, it seems our own run will be on the trails in Vacaville. That's cool!
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
4 days off, 4 miles on
I feel a little bad that my last post was titled, Dedication, because after that I hadn't done any training or working out for 4 days! The first couple of days I needed to take off. I knew that my "dedication" was not necessarily that good for my health. I wasn't feeling well on that last day I ran and worked out, and pushing myself only made me feel worse afterwards. So, I decided to just take it easy and not get back to training right away. Then over the last two days, I just didn't feel as motivated. I was confident my motivation would come back, so I decided to just ease up on the pressure I had been putting upon myself.
Today would be TNT training day anyway. I knew I would be up for it and had actually looked forward to getting back into my training. I have been eating well, primarily only eating my own cooked food (my cooking kind of sucks, but it is much healthier), and so I felt as though I'd have enough energy for tonight given my better eating as well as the extended rest I had.
A couple hours before our training though, Dana called to say that with her very heavy load of homework she would not be able to go to our training tonight. She instead just wanted to go out to Campbell Park for a quick run and told me that David would be going with her as well. So, that gave me the option of going with them or going later to the TNT training on my own. In the end, it didn't really matter to me whether I went to the TNT training as long as I got my running in--that was most important to me tonight. Also, my preference was to stay with "my team"!
So we met at Campbell Park to do our run. David brought his watch and said he would be timing our run/walk at 4min run/2min walk intervals. That was fine with me as long as we went a distance of at least 4 miles. So, off we went... The running was surprisingly easy for me, and although I think David was actually making us run 5 or 6 minutes at a time, I was having a very easy time. Even on the two miles back (we run 2 miles out, 2 miles back), when I usually tend to slow down, I had no problem keeping up my pace at all. In fact, it all seemed like a piece of cake! Yay!
When I came home, I was feeling good. Before I showered though, I decided I should also get a kettlebell workout in, since I hadn't practiced any all week. So I did about 20 minutes of kettlebell swings as well.
Tonight I am feeling really great. In the end, I don't really feel guilty for taking so many days off. I am no longer sick and doing pretty well in my running. In fact, I plan to be doing 6 miles minimum beginning tomorrow. I am also eating well and feeling much lighter. Even though I haven't weighed myself lately, I felt really happy earlier today when I only had to take a minor inhale as I put on my skinny jeans :)) I'm on track, feeling good, and looking forward to continuing on in this journey...
Today would be TNT training day anyway. I knew I would be up for it and had actually looked forward to getting back into my training. I have been eating well, primarily only eating my own cooked food (my cooking kind of sucks, but it is much healthier), and so I felt as though I'd have enough energy for tonight given my better eating as well as the extended rest I had.
A couple hours before our training though, Dana called to say that with her very heavy load of homework she would not be able to go to our training tonight. She instead just wanted to go out to Campbell Park for a quick run and told me that David would be going with her as well. So, that gave me the option of going with them or going later to the TNT training on my own. In the end, it didn't really matter to me whether I went to the TNT training as long as I got my running in--that was most important to me tonight. Also, my preference was to stay with "my team"!
So we met at Campbell Park to do our run. David brought his watch and said he would be timing our run/walk at 4min run/2min walk intervals. That was fine with me as long as we went a distance of at least 4 miles. So, off we went... The running was surprisingly easy for me, and although I think David was actually making us run 5 or 6 minutes at a time, I was having a very easy time. Even on the two miles back (we run 2 miles out, 2 miles back), when I usually tend to slow down, I had no problem keeping up my pace at all. In fact, it all seemed like a piece of cake! Yay!
When I came home, I was feeling good. Before I showered though, I decided I should also get a kettlebell workout in, since I hadn't practiced any all week. So I did about 20 minutes of kettlebell swings as well.
Tonight I am feeling really great. In the end, I don't really feel guilty for taking so many days off. I am no longer sick and doing pretty well in my running. In fact, I plan to be doing 6 miles minimum beginning tomorrow. I am also eating well and feeling much lighter. Even though I haven't weighed myself lately, I felt really happy earlier today when I only had to take a minor inhale as I put on my skinny jeans :)) I'm on track, feeling good, and looking forward to continuing on in this journey...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Dedication
Whenever I am not working during the day, my natural body clock adjusts my sleeping hours quite quickly. Since I am not working a day job at the moment, I have already started with the late night owl hours and the sleeping in late in the morning. I just cannot seem to help it!
Yesterday, I got up pretty late--about 11am I think. As I mentioned in my last post, although I was starting to get a cold, I did my run then went out for the evening. When I got home, I was feeling ok, but as I got ready for bed I began getting more and more congested. I was having a very hard time falling asleep, first off because I woke up so late that morning and secondly, because I couldn't breathe very well at all. I knew I needed to get up early for today's TNT training, so I finally took some Nyquil at 3am so I could to sleep. (I'm so stubborn when it comes to taking medicine!)
The Nyquil seemed to work instantly. I was finally fast asleep. However, the alarm would be going off at 6am and I already wasn't looking forward to that!
At 6am, I was sooooo tired. I hate to admit it, but I was hoping that I felt too sick to go run. But I wasn't feeling too sick, just tired. So as painfully as it was with only 3 hours sleep, I got myself up. Our run was at Lake Almaden Park. I had never been there so as we arrived I was pleasantly surprised and also happy it wasn't freezing as it had been on some of our Saturday morning runs. Today's option for running was 2-8 miles (not 2-7 as I had mentioned before). I don't really understand how we had a 2 mile option as they were timing us on how long it took us to get to the 2 mile marker. I mean, once we got there, we'd have to turn around for another 2 miles! Therefore, I think the minimum must have been 4 miles. That was ok with me though. I am trying not to do less than 4 miles as of now anyway.
David took off for the longer run, as usual. Dana and I stayed together to do the 4 miles. The first 2 miles were fairly easy for us. We got there in 27 min 49 sec. That's not exactly fast, I know, but I didn't mind. I don't run for speed, rather for consistency. I could have made it in less time, but I was mindful that I do have a cold after all (even though I don't want to admit it!)
As Dana and I turned around for the 2 miles back, she mentioned that we could have gone one more mile. I agreed, we could have. It wasn't hard to do the miles we did at all. But while we thought about it, we didn't turn back around. Instead, we just finished off our 4 miles by going back and waiting for Superstar David, who ended up doing all 8 miles.
Next week, given that I am well, I have decided I will do 6 miles.
When I came home from running, I knew I had an hour before kettlebell class. By then, I really wasn't feeling well, but I didn't want to miss class. However, even though I didn't want to miss, I was looking forward to it being over so I'd have time for a nap before a dinner date with my friend. Well, of all days, my sister emailed to ask if I could go to the later class because some of her other students had called in sick. (She likes to have balanced sized classes and I think it's easier to move me around than her other students.) I didn't really want to go to a later class, because I wanted the time for a good nap when I got back home. Also, it seemed the longer I rested before class, the more I felt the need to stay home. I didn't stay home though. I made it to class. My sister instantly noted how tired I looked, but once I was there, I knew it was only a half hour until I would be done with my training for the day! Whew!!
Today was big in regards to my dedication. While I just really wanted to stay home, I knew that I could push through and keep to my goals for the day. And when I was done, I got in a short nap, had a great time out at dinner, and now finally home laying on my couch with no obligations for the next day or so! I'm proud and hopefully feeling much healthier very soon :)
Yesterday, I got up pretty late--about 11am I think. As I mentioned in my last post, although I was starting to get a cold, I did my run then went out for the evening. When I got home, I was feeling ok, but as I got ready for bed I began getting more and more congested. I was having a very hard time falling asleep, first off because I woke up so late that morning and secondly, because I couldn't breathe very well at all. I knew I needed to get up early for today's TNT training, so I finally took some Nyquil at 3am so I could to sleep. (I'm so stubborn when it comes to taking medicine!)
The Nyquil seemed to work instantly. I was finally fast asleep. However, the alarm would be going off at 6am and I already wasn't looking forward to that!
At 6am, I was sooooo tired. I hate to admit it, but I was hoping that I felt too sick to go run. But I wasn't feeling too sick, just tired. So as painfully as it was with only 3 hours sleep, I got myself up. Our run was at Lake Almaden Park. I had never been there so as we arrived I was pleasantly surprised and also happy it wasn't freezing as it had been on some of our Saturday morning runs. Today's option for running was 2-8 miles (not 2-7 as I had mentioned before). I don't really understand how we had a 2 mile option as they were timing us on how long it took us to get to the 2 mile marker. I mean, once we got there, we'd have to turn around for another 2 miles! Therefore, I think the minimum must have been 4 miles. That was ok with me though. I am trying not to do less than 4 miles as of now anyway.
David took off for the longer run, as usual. Dana and I stayed together to do the 4 miles. The first 2 miles were fairly easy for us. We got there in 27 min 49 sec. That's not exactly fast, I know, but I didn't mind. I don't run for speed, rather for consistency. I could have made it in less time, but I was mindful that I do have a cold after all (even though I don't want to admit it!)
As Dana and I turned around for the 2 miles back, she mentioned that we could have gone one more mile. I agreed, we could have. It wasn't hard to do the miles we did at all. But while we thought about it, we didn't turn back around. Instead, we just finished off our 4 miles by going back and waiting for Superstar David, who ended up doing all 8 miles.
Next week, given that I am well, I have decided I will do 6 miles.
When I came home from running, I knew I had an hour before kettlebell class. By then, I really wasn't feeling well, but I didn't want to miss class. However, even though I didn't want to miss, I was looking forward to it being over so I'd have time for a nap before a dinner date with my friend. Well, of all days, my sister emailed to ask if I could go to the later class because some of her other students had called in sick. (She likes to have balanced sized classes and I think it's easier to move me around than her other students.) I didn't really want to go to a later class, because I wanted the time for a good nap when I got back home. Also, it seemed the longer I rested before class, the more I felt the need to stay home. I didn't stay home though. I made it to class. My sister instantly noted how tired I looked, but once I was there, I knew it was only a half hour until I would be done with my training for the day! Whew!!
Today was big in regards to my dedication. While I just really wanted to stay home, I knew that I could push through and keep to my goals for the day. And when I was done, I got in a short nap, had a great time out at dinner, and now finally home laying on my couch with no obligations for the next day or so! I'm proud and hopefully feeling much healthier very soon :)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Staying healthy for my 4 miles
I have skipped two days of working out this week. I had planned on missing Wednesday as I hadn't had a day off for awhile (Instead I went to the movies with Jenny. Fun!) However, I hadn't planned on missing Thursday, although I knew I would miss the TNT training. I host a Women's Empowerment Group every other Thursday and didn't want to cancel it this week. Although the Thursday trainings are my favorite, I'm good about training on my own, so I knew I could just go to the gym later in the evening instead.
However, as I prepared for my Empowerment Group, I started feeling an itchy throat. Soon thereafter I began getting a runny nose. I didn't feel bad, but was feeling tired. As the evening went on, I could tell that the beginnings of a cold were starting to sneak up on me. I am rarely sick, and so when I do feel the symptoms of an illness coming on, I'd have to say that I am very good about willing it away. But I know my training requires energy and I didn't want to push myself, then really get sick. So I skipped going to the gym on Thursday as well. (Yes, I had tinges of guilt!)
Tonight (Friday) I have plans to go to a concert, but I was determined to get my running in. Signs of a cold are still lingering, and although I'm sure running is not the best while having a cold, I decided to get to the gym anyway. I was a bit worried my runny nose would be a problem, but it wasn't. In fact, running the 4 miles was much easier than it's been for me lately. Granted, I hadn't done anything in the day beforehand, but I had two days of rest, a good dinner last night (chicken, brown rice and asparagus), and a good breakfast this morning (oatmeal). That was likely the trick! Anyway, now I can go out tonight guilt-free. My workout for the day is done!
Tomorrow we have an early morning TNT run. I think it's a 2-7 mile run, which is an increase from the 2-4 mile runs they've been offering before now. If I can get my 4 miles in I will be satisfied. Although my cold symptoms have subsided for the moment, I'm determined to stay healthy :) Later...
However, as I prepared for my Empowerment Group, I started feeling an itchy throat. Soon thereafter I began getting a runny nose. I didn't feel bad, but was feeling tired. As the evening went on, I could tell that the beginnings of a cold were starting to sneak up on me. I am rarely sick, and so when I do feel the symptoms of an illness coming on, I'd have to say that I am very good about willing it away. But I know my training requires energy and I didn't want to push myself, then really get sick. So I skipped going to the gym on Thursday as well. (Yes, I had tinges of guilt!)
Tonight (Friday) I have plans to go to a concert, but I was determined to get my running in. Signs of a cold are still lingering, and although I'm sure running is not the best while having a cold, I decided to get to the gym anyway. I was a bit worried my runny nose would be a problem, but it wasn't. In fact, running the 4 miles was much easier than it's been for me lately. Granted, I hadn't done anything in the day beforehand, but I had two days of rest, a good dinner last night (chicken, brown rice and asparagus), and a good breakfast this morning (oatmeal). That was likely the trick! Anyway, now I can go out tonight guilt-free. My workout for the day is done!
Tomorrow we have an early morning TNT run. I think it's a 2-7 mile run, which is an increase from the 2-4 mile runs they've been offering before now. If I can get my 4 miles in I will be satisfied. Although my cold symptoms have subsided for the moment, I'm determined to stay healthy :) Later...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mixing it up
As of last week, Tuesday's are now supposed to be our Team in Training Buddy Run day. This is an unofficial run with other teammates. We did go last week, however I didn't really enjoy being out in the dark to run on Los Gatos trail. In addition, it just seemed a lot of effort to drive there for only a two mile run and miss yoga class on top of that. After all, I am finding yoga to be very important for me in regards to my cross training.
So I told the kids I didn't want to go on the Buddy Run today. They weren't thrilled about going either, so we all skipped it, and may very well skip it going forward. It's ok though, we still workout on Tuesdays!
Today, I really looked forward to going to yoga class. I missed it yesterday due to my exhaustion after my 4 miles on the treadmill and tomorrow I will miss it again because I'm going to the movies with my friend. So, I definitely didn't want to miss yoga today. However, I also made a commitment to myself to run as well. And not only run, but run 4 miles! Uhhh, why did I make that my new goal? :) Anyway, after yesterday, I realized that I would not be able to do 4 miles on the treadmill and then have enough energy for yoga class. But from past weeks, I also know it would really be hard for me to do yoga class and then do 4 miles afterwards. So I came up with the bright idea (haha) to split up my running. I decided to do 2 miles before class and then 2 miles afterwards.
Believe me, after my first 2 miles and then yoga class I seriously considered not doing the last 2 miles after class. It was near the end of yoga class when I began talking myself out of doing anything more for the night. I kept thinking about how I would justify it in my blog post tonight--which also made me realize how important this blogging is for me as I'm on this journey!
Finally, as class was over and as I began putting on my shoes, I had decided that I had done enough for the day. I would skip doing my last 2 miles. Just then, David came over and asked, "Are you going to do your other 2 miles now?" Uhhh, yes??? That was it. That is all it took for me to stay on track. I was very tired, but I told myself that if I needed to I could walk the 2 miles. Just get them in!
So I got myself over to the treadmill and put in my last two miles. I did end up walking more than I ran, but in the end was very proud of myself for keeping to my goal.
Lastly, since Tuesday's were also our Weight Watcher's weigh-in day, I wanted to note what is going on with me regarding that. I have decided to stop going to WW for now. I still have a way to go in regards to my eating habits. While I am eating the right foods, I am not eating enough of what I need for energy. It's a challenge for me to do this as it just feels so much in conflict with trying to lose weight. I know, it doesn't work that way, but it's a block in my mind I need to get past. I also know that because it is such a challenge for me, I am procrastinating on learning what is best in regards to eating on a daily basis. Right now, my priority is to have enough energy to keep up with my runs. I know I will still lose weight in the meantime, but probably not as fast as I would have if I wasn't needing extra fuel for energy. (A nutritionist could help me, I know. But since I don't have one, I've decided this is best for me at the moment.) Losing weight is definitely a priority for me. I have lost some already. In fact, I feel pretty good. I'm just going to wait a bit before I concentrate on what the scale says. No worries :)
So I told the kids I didn't want to go on the Buddy Run today. They weren't thrilled about going either, so we all skipped it, and may very well skip it going forward. It's ok though, we still workout on Tuesdays!
Today, I really looked forward to going to yoga class. I missed it yesterday due to my exhaustion after my 4 miles on the treadmill and tomorrow I will miss it again because I'm going to the movies with my friend. So, I definitely didn't want to miss yoga today. However, I also made a commitment to myself to run as well. And not only run, but run 4 miles! Uhhh, why did I make that my new goal? :) Anyway, after yesterday, I realized that I would not be able to do 4 miles on the treadmill and then have enough energy for yoga class. But from past weeks, I also know it would really be hard for me to do yoga class and then do 4 miles afterwards. So I came up with the bright idea (haha) to split up my running. I decided to do 2 miles before class and then 2 miles afterwards.
Believe me, after my first 2 miles and then yoga class I seriously considered not doing the last 2 miles after class. It was near the end of yoga class when I began talking myself out of doing anything more for the night. I kept thinking about how I would justify it in my blog post tonight--which also made me realize how important this blogging is for me as I'm on this journey!
Finally, as class was over and as I began putting on my shoes, I had decided that I had done enough for the day. I would skip doing my last 2 miles. Just then, David came over and asked, "Are you going to do your other 2 miles now?" Uhhh, yes??? That was it. That is all it took for me to stay on track. I was very tired, but I told myself that if I needed to I could walk the 2 miles. Just get them in!
So I got myself over to the treadmill and put in my last two miles. I did end up walking more than I ran, but in the end was very proud of myself for keeping to my goal.
Lastly, since Tuesday's were also our Weight Watcher's weigh-in day, I wanted to note what is going on with me regarding that. I have decided to stop going to WW for now. I still have a way to go in regards to my eating habits. While I am eating the right foods, I am not eating enough of what I need for energy. It's a challenge for me to do this as it just feels so much in conflict with trying to lose weight. I know, it doesn't work that way, but it's a block in my mind I need to get past. I also know that because it is such a challenge for me, I am procrastinating on learning what is best in regards to eating on a daily basis. Right now, my priority is to have enough energy to keep up with my runs. I know I will still lose weight in the meantime, but probably not as fast as I would have if I wasn't needing extra fuel for energy. (A nutritionist could help me, I know. But since I don't have one, I've decided this is best for me at the moment.) Losing weight is definitely a priority for me. I have lost some already. In fact, I feel pretty good. I'm just going to wait a bit before I concentrate on what the scale says. No worries :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
More time, so no excuses
Last Thursday I got laid off from my day job. While I admit to being surprised, I know how things work for me. Frankly, I was getting bored with the job. And since I always get what I want, of course the boring job goes away! While I still have my coaching, I now need to decide whether I want to ramp that up or look for another office/accounting job. As of now, I am not clear what I want, but my sudden increase in time is allowing me to come up with all kinds of ideas. So I am not worried at all.
As I have mentioned before, my new year resolutions also included goals regarding my career, my financial situation, as well as in my relationships. However, I purposely chose to fill this first quarter of 2009 working towards my physical goals. So, I shouldn't have been surprised when the first things I thought of when I discovered I would have more time was... oh, I can now workout during the day... and oh, I can now cook and eat better!
Honestly, I am not currently in the financial position to just workout and cook all day. I will need to fill my day again with some type of working. For today though, I am just going to enjoy the time I do have!
So, while I did spend some time today working on my resume and applying for some positions, I knew that I would still have time to get to the gym earlier than usual. I didn't end up going that early actually, but did get there with enough time to run 4 miles before yoga class. However, as Dana mentioned, maybe we shouldn't run next to each other on the treadmill. We talk too much and end up walking much more than we run! So, while I did go the 4 miles (my new self-imposed minimum) I have to admit I walked a good portion of it. In fact, the treadmill only stays on for one hour (and a two minute cool down), and since I was going so slow, I had to reset the treadmill and walk another 5 minutes to get my 4 miles in. Oh well, it's the distance I'm giving myself credit for tonight :)
After the treadmill, Dana and I sat for a half hour before yoga class was to start. We knew David had run much more than us and was probably taking a shower while we were hanging out. Dana and I were tired though and seemed to be waiting for the other to flake on yoga class so the other didn't have to go either. However, David is our inspiration and I didn't want to disappoint him if he intended on going to class. But as I thought, he ran much more than us and was visibly exhausted when he was done. In the end, he was ok with skipping class. So we were all outta there, ha!!
I did want to get a bit more of a workout in though, so when I got home I did another 20 minutes of kettlebell. I'm satisfied.
Lastly, I also took some time to cook myself some dinner. I rarely cook, so when I do, I am always so proud of myself! I made simple brown rice and pork chops (my zucchini in the fridge was already bad). It was much better than those Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine meals I practically live on. Soooo again, I intend to take advantage of this freed up time I have at the moment by getting my full workouts in and actually cooking better food for myself. No excuses!
As I have mentioned before, my new year resolutions also included goals regarding my career, my financial situation, as well as in my relationships. However, I purposely chose to fill this first quarter of 2009 working towards my physical goals. So, I shouldn't have been surprised when the first things I thought of when I discovered I would have more time was... oh, I can now workout during the day... and oh, I can now cook and eat better!
Honestly, I am not currently in the financial position to just workout and cook all day. I will need to fill my day again with some type of working. For today though, I am just going to enjoy the time I do have!
So, while I did spend some time today working on my resume and applying for some positions, I knew that I would still have time to get to the gym earlier than usual. I didn't end up going that early actually, but did get there with enough time to run 4 miles before yoga class. However, as Dana mentioned, maybe we shouldn't run next to each other on the treadmill. We talk too much and end up walking much more than we run! So, while I did go the 4 miles (my new self-imposed minimum) I have to admit I walked a good portion of it. In fact, the treadmill only stays on for one hour (and a two minute cool down), and since I was going so slow, I had to reset the treadmill and walk another 5 minutes to get my 4 miles in. Oh well, it's the distance I'm giving myself credit for tonight :)
After the treadmill, Dana and I sat for a half hour before yoga class was to start. We knew David had run much more than us and was probably taking a shower while we were hanging out. Dana and I were tired though and seemed to be waiting for the other to flake on yoga class so the other didn't have to go either. However, David is our inspiration and I didn't want to disappoint him if he intended on going to class. But as I thought, he ran much more than us and was visibly exhausted when he was done. In the end, he was ok with skipping class. So we were all outta there, ha!!
I did want to get a bit more of a workout in though, so when I got home I did another 20 minutes of kettlebell. I'm satisfied.
Lastly, I also took some time to cook myself some dinner. I rarely cook, so when I do, I am always so proud of myself! I made simple brown rice and pork chops (my zucchini in the fridge was already bad). It was much better than those Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine meals I practically live on. Soooo again, I intend to take advantage of this freed up time I have at the moment by getting my full workouts in and actually cooking better food for myself. No excuses!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
4 miles today
To quickly follow up on my post yesterday, I am happy to have finally gotten my weekend running in today. I went to the gym, and in less than an hour, ran 4 miles on the treadmill.
I'm thinking I now need to start putting in a minimum of 4 miles each time I go running. I have 2 mile runs down, and have probably allowed myself to be on the lazy side by doing mainly 2 mile runs lately. So my goal for the next week or so is to run at least 4 miles each time.
Tomorrow, I'm planning to meet Dana during the day for another run. So, of course, my minimum should be 4 miles!
p.s. I'm also going out dancing tonight, so I think I should give myself additional workout credit for that : ) especially as I won't be drinking : (
I'm thinking I now need to start putting in a minimum of 4 miles each time I go running. I have 2 mile runs down, and have probably allowed myself to be on the lazy side by doing mainly 2 mile runs lately. So my goal for the next week or so is to run at least 4 miles each time.
Tomorrow, I'm planning to meet Dana during the day for another run. So, of course, my minimum should be 4 miles!
p.s. I'm also going out dancing tonight, so I think I should give myself additional workout credit for that : ) especially as I won't be drinking : (
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Seriously, a gym holiday?!
Valentine's Day doesn't really move me one way or another. If I'm in a relationship, the day can be sweet. But if I'm not, it's just another day. I'm not one of those angry anti-Valentine's Day people. If it's not my year, it's not my year. I have had many good ones and I will again, so no worries.
But it is a workout day for me. The kids didn't call this morning for our run. I didn't call either, but I always get up if they call me. I think Dana was the late sleeper this morning. So I just went to kettlebell class at my usual 11:30 am time. Dana later called to say that they were planning on going to the gym in the evening, and that was fine with me, so I just planned to meet up with them later then.
Kettlebell class was good, although I wasn't exactly in high spirits. While we always learn something new--today was faster swings--I just went through the motions. What I've learned over the past week or so though is, that if I'm not in the best of moods, just workout anyway. The feeling afterwards is a huge reward! So, of course I felt much better when class was over today. I even bragged to my sister that I got my first blisters. For all the weeks I've been going, my hands really haven't been affected. Today though, I got one tiny blister, with the beginnings of two more on my right hand. It's kind of funny to be excited about a blister, but it made me feel more of an athlete or something, as crazy as that sounds!
After class, I went home and just layed around my house. I didn't have plans until later (gym with the kids) so I took a little nap, watched tv and ate here and there.
Then I got a date! Well, it's nothing grand. A guy friend of mine called to ask if I wanted to go with him to a comedy club tonight. Sure, why not? Suddenly though, my thoughts of working out overcame me. What would I do about running today? I don't just want to skip it, like I have been allowing myself to do lately. I want to stay on track. But now I also need to do some laundry before I go out. Suddenly, I didn't have all day now. So I washed a load of laundry, and as it dried I decided to go to the gym and get a couple of miles on the treadmill before I needed to come home and get ready.
I get to the gym at exactly 5pm, walk up to the door, and what... the door is locked! I think to myself, it's Saturday and they close at 9pm today. I look inside to the front desk and I see a sign that says on Valentines Day, they close at 5pm. Really? Seriously? Do they not think anyone would workout on Valentines Day? Do they think that everyone has a date tonight? Geez. I mean, aren't most of the people that workout at the gym on a regular basis single anyway? I'm a little bummed now. If I would have known, I would have gone earlier. Oh well! The good news is that I'm going out to laugh tonight! :) And so my running will just have to wait until tomorrow...
But it is a workout day for me. The kids didn't call this morning for our run. I didn't call either, but I always get up if they call me. I think Dana was the late sleeper this morning. So I just went to kettlebell class at my usual 11:30 am time. Dana later called to say that they were planning on going to the gym in the evening, and that was fine with me, so I just planned to meet up with them later then.
Kettlebell class was good, although I wasn't exactly in high spirits. While we always learn something new--today was faster swings--I just went through the motions. What I've learned over the past week or so though is, that if I'm not in the best of moods, just workout anyway. The feeling afterwards is a huge reward! So, of course I felt much better when class was over today. I even bragged to my sister that I got my first blisters. For all the weeks I've been going, my hands really haven't been affected. Today though, I got one tiny blister, with the beginnings of two more on my right hand. It's kind of funny to be excited about a blister, but it made me feel more of an athlete or something, as crazy as that sounds!
After class, I went home and just layed around my house. I didn't have plans until later (gym with the kids) so I took a little nap, watched tv and ate here and there.
Then I got a date! Well, it's nothing grand. A guy friend of mine called to ask if I wanted to go with him to a comedy club tonight. Sure, why not? Suddenly though, my thoughts of working out overcame me. What would I do about running today? I don't just want to skip it, like I have been allowing myself to do lately. I want to stay on track. But now I also need to do some laundry before I go out. Suddenly, I didn't have all day now. So I washed a load of laundry, and as it dried I decided to go to the gym and get a couple of miles on the treadmill before I needed to come home and get ready.
I get to the gym at exactly 5pm, walk up to the door, and what... the door is locked! I think to myself, it's Saturday and they close at 9pm today. I look inside to the front desk and I see a sign that says on Valentines Day, they close at 5pm. Really? Seriously? Do they not think anyone would workout on Valentines Day? Do they think that everyone has a date tonight? Geez. I mean, aren't most of the people that workout at the gym on a regular basis single anyway? I'm a little bummed now. If I would have known, I would have gone earlier. Oh well! The good news is that I'm going out to laugh tonight! :) And so my running will just have to wait until tomorrow...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Training and nutrition
It's been a couple of days since my last post, so let me see...
Wednesday I did nothing. I was tired and didn't even want to go to yoga class, which is not even much of an effort. I didn't do a kettlebell workout either, even though I had scheduled Wednesday as one of my days to do kettlebell. Instead, I allowed myself to just go home from work and take a nap. Not ideal, but I was tired. So I let it be.
Thursday was a different story. It's our main TNT training day. I had been concerned that it might rain for our training as it had earlier in the day (we train rain or shine!), but it did not rain at all. I was happy about that because I cannot imagine it being comfortable at all to run in the rain. However, it was freezing! The saving grace when it's cold outside though, is that all one needs to do is run a lap or two and the cold is gone... a miracle, ha!
Since we got to the track early, I decided to walk/jog around the track a couple of times. Dana went once with me, but I went alone the second time. Seriously, I'd rather jog than stand there being cold! That did mean though, that I had gotten a half mile in before the training had even started. Yeah!
As training usually starts, we have to run two laps. So including my earlier laps, I was up to one mile very quickly. We then had announcements and warm up exercises/stretching before our real training began.
Here we go... the training for the day was intended to train us on our pacing. We were timed on a one lap, two laps, one lap, two laps, one lap (I think that order) with short recovery periods in between. The coaches explained to us that the way to set a good pace is to start off slow and finish strong. So as we went through the alternate lap distances, our times were supposed to start with slower times, and then end with faster times. Well, that is most likely the opposite of what people do as it makes sense to me that we would get more tired the more we ran, thus slowing our times down. But since I knew the objective was to do the opposite of that, I tried to pace myself accordingly. The first time around for a 1 lap, I finished at 2:30 minutes. Then, we did 2 laps, with my time being 5:16 (slower, wrong direction). The third time, which was a 1 lap, I did it in 2:16 minutes (faster, yeah!), but I practically killed myself on that one. I pushed myself really hard to get around the track that time and don't even know how I was able to do it. The next 2 lap time, I don't even know my time because the mentor who was keeping track didn't notice me coming in and by the time I got her attention to give me my time, she said she had turned her timer off. I was upset because I really wanted to know the time. But honestly, I walked some that time and know I didn't do well then. I was beat and it probably took me about 6 minutes that time. Then, they asked us if we had one more lap in us. I said no! But do you think they listened to me? So there I go one more time, with absolutely no energy left, and to be honest I don't even remember my time. I think it was like 2:45 minutes, pretty bad.
Well, ultimately I was unable to pace myself correctly. The good news is that I got a few miles in all together, but I have already run more than that at the gym before. So I was a bit disappointed in how hard that seemed to be.
Afterwards, we had a nutrition "class". Our coach's wife is a nutritionist and explained how important it is to have the proper nutrition in order to run. She said that your body simply doesn't have enough energy to do a run if you haven't fueled it properly. And I know I hadn't done that before I went. I only had a little Lean Cuisine meal a couple hours beforehand, which I don't think was enough.
So the food thing is still a big deal for me right now. I need to spend some time figuring out the proper food to eat, which has the best nutrition for running, while allowing me to lose weight as I train. I also need to practice eating in smaller portions more often throughout the day, as I mentioned in my last post, which was also backed up by what the nutritionist told us. So this is my project! Hopefully, this weekend I will find some time to plan and cook what's best for me going forward, because I surely don't want to keep running out of energy at only 3 miles!
Tonight, I'm thinking about running a bit at the gym. However, I plan to run with the kids in the morning. So we'll see if I will actually go tonight. I have just been feeling so tired lately. I know, it's the food!
Wednesday I did nothing. I was tired and didn't even want to go to yoga class, which is not even much of an effort. I didn't do a kettlebell workout either, even though I had scheduled Wednesday as one of my days to do kettlebell. Instead, I allowed myself to just go home from work and take a nap. Not ideal, but I was tired. So I let it be.
Thursday was a different story. It's our main TNT training day. I had been concerned that it might rain for our training as it had earlier in the day (we train rain or shine!), but it did not rain at all. I was happy about that because I cannot imagine it being comfortable at all to run in the rain. However, it was freezing! The saving grace when it's cold outside though, is that all one needs to do is run a lap or two and the cold is gone... a miracle, ha!
Since we got to the track early, I decided to walk/jog around the track a couple of times. Dana went once with me, but I went alone the second time. Seriously, I'd rather jog than stand there being cold! That did mean though, that I had gotten a half mile in before the training had even started. Yeah!
As training usually starts, we have to run two laps. So including my earlier laps, I was up to one mile very quickly. We then had announcements and warm up exercises/stretching before our real training began.
Here we go... the training for the day was intended to train us on our pacing. We were timed on a one lap, two laps, one lap, two laps, one lap (I think that order) with short recovery periods in between. The coaches explained to us that the way to set a good pace is to start off slow and finish strong. So as we went through the alternate lap distances, our times were supposed to start with slower times, and then end with faster times. Well, that is most likely the opposite of what people do as it makes sense to me that we would get more tired the more we ran, thus slowing our times down. But since I knew the objective was to do the opposite of that, I tried to pace myself accordingly. The first time around for a 1 lap, I finished at 2:30 minutes. Then, we did 2 laps, with my time being 5:16 (slower, wrong direction). The third time, which was a 1 lap, I did it in 2:16 minutes (faster, yeah!), but I practically killed myself on that one. I pushed myself really hard to get around the track that time and don't even know how I was able to do it. The next 2 lap time, I don't even know my time because the mentor who was keeping track didn't notice me coming in and by the time I got her attention to give me my time, she said she had turned her timer off. I was upset because I really wanted to know the time. But honestly, I walked some that time and know I didn't do well then. I was beat and it probably took me about 6 minutes that time. Then, they asked us if we had one more lap in us. I said no! But do you think they listened to me? So there I go one more time, with absolutely no energy left, and to be honest I don't even remember my time. I think it was like 2:45 minutes, pretty bad.
Well, ultimately I was unable to pace myself correctly. The good news is that I got a few miles in all together, but I have already run more than that at the gym before. So I was a bit disappointed in how hard that seemed to be.
Afterwards, we had a nutrition "class". Our coach's wife is a nutritionist and explained how important it is to have the proper nutrition in order to run. She said that your body simply doesn't have enough energy to do a run if you haven't fueled it properly. And I know I hadn't done that before I went. I only had a little Lean Cuisine meal a couple hours beforehand, which I don't think was enough.
So the food thing is still a big deal for me right now. I need to spend some time figuring out the proper food to eat, which has the best nutrition for running, while allowing me to lose weight as I train. I also need to practice eating in smaller portions more often throughout the day, as I mentioned in my last post, which was also backed up by what the nutritionist told us. So this is my project! Hopefully, this weekend I will find some time to plan and cook what's best for me going forward, because I surely don't want to keep running out of energy at only 3 miles!
Tonight, I'm thinking about running a bit at the gym. However, I plan to run with the kids in the morning. So we'll see if I will actually go tonight. I have just been feeling so tired lately. I know, it's the food!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Weight-loss frustration!
My goal was to lose 2 lbs over this past week. Two weeks ago I lost 3 lbs, then last week I gained .2 lbs (point 2) . My net total loss as of last week was 8 lbs. So although I gained a little last week, I still felt confident that I could lose this week given that the week before had been so good. I mean, I workout practically every day and am very careful about what I eat. So, a 2 lb loss for this week seemed very reasonable.
Tuesday's are our normal weigh in days. However, since the official Team in Training training has begun, the Buddy Runs are also on Tuesdays around the same time. I didn't put much thought into how that time conflict would work out, so earlier in the day I decided to log onto the Weight Watchers website to find out if there was another time during the day I could go weigh in. Well, there was one during lunch. I thought to myself that that was perfect, since I hadn't eaten lunch yet and felt as though I would be lighter than at 6pm!
Well, I gained another .2 lbs (point 2). Ughhhhh, how frustrating!! I couldn't believe it. Seriously, how did that happen? The lady at WW saw my frustration and simply said, "Well, I guess you just need to look over the past week of your eating." Oh yeah, that is a good idea... if I would have actually kept a log of what I ate like I am supposed to!
Honestly, I'm not making excuses, but if I think back to the week where I lost the most weight, I would have to say that I actually ate more during that week. As I mentioned previously, I am not a big eater. In fact, it is much easier for me to go for long periods of not eating rather than of eating. The more I eat, especially in small healthy quantities, the sooner I get hungry again. And I just don't like that feeling of always being hungry. If I don't eat as often, my hunger adjusts and I don't have that feeling of wanting to eat as often. But I know that is not the way to lose weight. And the week I lost the 3 lbs, I had been eating several small meals throughout the day. I'd have my oatmeal in the morning, awhile later eat a yogurt, then lunch, then a snack, etc. It seemed as though I was eating constantly.
I need to become more deliberate in my eating. I need to track what I eat and eat the WW Points or calories that I need to eat. Especially with the running, I need to be eating enough. While the Team in Training coaches say this is not the time to be on a diet, I think I should still be able to work it out--getting enough energy and nutrition while still losing weight. While it's going to take an extra amount of effort on my part to have a plan for my eating, I know I can do it!
Aside from the weight gain bummer, as I mentioned, today was our first Buddy Run with Team in Training. It's our mid-week option to go out with other TNT teammates for a run. Although I wasn't feeling it and wanted to pass for tonight, being a team with David and Dana helps a great deal as it pushes me through when I have days like this. I am very happy I went though. After a 2.5 mile run I was feeling much better. There was nothing I could do about today's weigh in other than to continue reminding myself to just stay on track.
So, while I have lots more to do in regards to my eating habits, I am still feeling positive about my journey. I know I will get there!
Tuesday's are our normal weigh in days. However, since the official Team in Training training has begun, the Buddy Runs are also on Tuesdays around the same time. I didn't put much thought into how that time conflict would work out, so earlier in the day I decided to log onto the Weight Watchers website to find out if there was another time during the day I could go weigh in. Well, there was one during lunch. I thought to myself that that was perfect, since I hadn't eaten lunch yet and felt as though I would be lighter than at 6pm!
Well, I gained another .2 lbs (point 2). Ughhhhh, how frustrating!! I couldn't believe it. Seriously, how did that happen? The lady at WW saw my frustration and simply said, "Well, I guess you just need to look over the past week of your eating." Oh yeah, that is a good idea... if I would have actually kept a log of what I ate like I am supposed to!
Honestly, I'm not making excuses, but if I think back to the week where I lost the most weight, I would have to say that I actually ate more during that week. As I mentioned previously, I am not a big eater. In fact, it is much easier for me to go for long periods of not eating rather than of eating. The more I eat, especially in small healthy quantities, the sooner I get hungry again. And I just don't like that feeling of always being hungry. If I don't eat as often, my hunger adjusts and I don't have that feeling of wanting to eat as often. But I know that is not the way to lose weight. And the week I lost the 3 lbs, I had been eating several small meals throughout the day. I'd have my oatmeal in the morning, awhile later eat a yogurt, then lunch, then a snack, etc. It seemed as though I was eating constantly.
I need to become more deliberate in my eating. I need to track what I eat and eat the WW Points or calories that I need to eat. Especially with the running, I need to be eating enough. While the Team in Training coaches say this is not the time to be on a diet, I think I should still be able to work it out--getting enough energy and nutrition while still losing weight. While it's going to take an extra amount of effort on my part to have a plan for my eating, I know I can do it!
Aside from the weight gain bummer, as I mentioned, today was our first Buddy Run with Team in Training. It's our mid-week option to go out with other TNT teammates for a run. Although I wasn't feeling it and wanted to pass for tonight, being a team with David and Dana helps a great deal as it pushes me through when I have days like this. I am very happy I went though. After a 2.5 mile run I was feeling much better. There was nothing I could do about today's weigh in other than to continue reminding myself to just stay on track.
So, while I have lots more to do in regards to my eating habits, I am still feeling positive about my journey. I know I will get there!
Monday, February 9, 2009
A short update
Yoga class - 1 hour. Dana is now in school on Monday's, so it's just David and I on these days.
Kettlebell - 20 minutes. I did a quick workout at home. My plan going forward is to practice kettlebell on Monday's and Wednesday's, in addition to Saturday's class. I'm liking my new muscles!
That's it, but I am feeling good! :)
Kettlebell - 20 minutes. I did a quick workout at home. My plan going forward is to practice kettlebell on Monday's and Wednesday's, in addition to Saturday's class. I'm liking my new muscles!
That's it, but I am feeling good! :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The sports department
Over the years of my life, my shopping habits have changed several times. When I was younger, clothes and shoes were most important to me. The mall was my favorite place to be. When I owned my houses, the home improvement stores were then my favorite. Over the last couple of years, I would have to say that shopping at Target is probably the store I visit the most. My life is pretty simple these days and I find myself mainly buying the practical things for my day to day.
Now though, I am being introduced to a whole new shopping experience... in the sports department! I wouldn't think that training for a half marathon would require buying so much. As Dana said today, "running is free." So why am I coming up with all kinds of things to buy? Well, as I previously mentioned, my first purchase was a good pair of shoes. Obviously, those are important. Since then, I've realized I also need some new running clothes. But I haven't bought many of those yet. Today though, the kids and I went shopping for other necessities. We needed head lamps for our evening runs. Team in Training holds what they call Buddy Runs on Tuesday evenings. They are not required training, but a way for many of the teammates to informally get together for mid-week training. So, since we are planning on meeting up for the Buddy Runs, we were told that we would need head lamps in order to see at night. Ok. But then we also needed hats if we didn't want to look so silly with just the head lamps on our heads, ha! I'm not a hat person, so I needed to buy a hat. Ok, what else? Oh, well I hate when I begin to sweat during my runs and don't have any way to wipe my forehead. So I also needed wrist sweatbands. And... I needed a waistpack/waterbottle holder. Sooo many choices! But I did find one I liked.
Lastly, for today, I also wanted to get a sports watch to help with my pacing for my walk/runs. We looked at many of them, but couldn't decide on one. So that will be left for another day.
The list is not over, but that was how I spent much of my day--in several stores, in the sports departments! Although I spent more money than expected, it was sure a new experience for me, and I did have fun.
Later, I went to the gym to run a quick three miles on the treadmill. I laugh at myself for saying it was a quick three miles, but it was. I didn't take any major time out of my day for training, but as I went there, I knew I was doing something good for myself. All the years of doing nothing to stay in shape seems really lazy to me at the moment. Oh well, I'm doing something now and feeling good about it. This is all that matters!
Now though, I am being introduced to a whole new shopping experience... in the sports department! I wouldn't think that training for a half marathon would require buying so much. As Dana said today, "running is free." So why am I coming up with all kinds of things to buy? Well, as I previously mentioned, my first purchase was a good pair of shoes. Obviously, those are important. Since then, I've realized I also need some new running clothes. But I haven't bought many of those yet. Today though, the kids and I went shopping for other necessities. We needed head lamps for our evening runs. Team in Training holds what they call Buddy Runs on Tuesday evenings. They are not required training, but a way for many of the teammates to informally get together for mid-week training. So, since we are planning on meeting up for the Buddy Runs, we were told that we would need head lamps in order to see at night. Ok. But then we also needed hats if we didn't want to look so silly with just the head lamps on our heads, ha! I'm not a hat person, so I needed to buy a hat. Ok, what else? Oh, well I hate when I begin to sweat during my runs and don't have any way to wipe my forehead. So I also needed wrist sweatbands. And... I needed a waistpack/waterbottle holder. Sooo many choices! But I did find one I liked.
Lastly, for today, I also wanted to get a sports watch to help with my pacing for my walk/runs. We looked at many of them, but couldn't decide on one. So that will be left for another day.
The list is not over, but that was how I spent much of my day--in several stores, in the sports departments! Although I spent more money than expected, it was sure a new experience for me, and I did have fun.
Later, I went to the gym to run a quick three miles on the treadmill. I laugh at myself for saying it was a quick three miles, but it was. I didn't take any major time out of my day for training, but as I went there, I knew I was doing something good for myself. All the years of doing nothing to stay in shape seems really lazy to me at the moment. Oh well, I'm doing something now and feeling good about it. This is all that matters!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tired but motivated
I am exhausted. Since it's Saturday evening, I would really like to do something other than lay on my couch watching tv. However, I don't really have enough strength to do much of anything else at the moment. It's been a very busy couple of days, and so I just need to relax tonight :)
I was out late last night so it was really hard for me to get up early for our day 2 of Team in Training. We had to meet at Campbell Park at 8am. I picked up the kids at 7:30am and we all headed over to the park. It's actually a fun feeling to be part of something like TNT. When we got there, the big crowd of participants was already starting to gather. As we began, they first had everyone do the warm up/stretch routine. They then explained our options for today's running. We were to run on the trail that they had marked with a one mile and two mile turnaround points. So we had the option to run a total of two miles or four miles.
Although I would have liked to push myself to the four mile run, and while we could have run the four miles in an hour, Dana and I opted to run the two miles (David could run four miles faster than us.) We just wanted to make sure that we didn't take too long to run as David and Dana couldn't stay too late. They had their first cupcake fundraising bake sale and needed to get going so they could set up. And my excuse was since I drove them, I needed to leave too!
But it was fine. Although I just ran the two miles, I still had kettlebell class to go to afterwards. So I felt as though I was doing enough for the day.
After I dropped the kids back at their place I went to kettlebell class. I was worried my sister (my teacher) would ask if I had practiced kettlebell during the week. She had been training me a bit during the week over the past several weeks in addition to the Saturday class, but since I bought my own kettlebell, I can now do the mid-week workouts myself. But since last week I wasn't doing as much as I wanted to, I didn't get any kettlebell workouts in. And so, on my drive over to class today, I was trying to think of my excuse for when she would ask how I did this week! When I got there she was much too busy though, and so she didn't ask. Whew!
Anyway, class went very well. As I've mentioned before, it's only a half hour. But it's the best half hour workout I've ever had. I just love how good I feel in such a short time. Also, since I'm now in the beginning class rather than the intro class, I felt proud as the new people came in for their intro class right after mine. They just stood there watching what we were able to do. It felt good to feel a little bit more advanced--although I have no idea what the next stages will be like yet. Each week though, I learn more and get to do a more difficult swing routine. The progression is exciting to me.
After kettlebell class, I met up with the kids at their fundraiser. They were doing amazing! People kept going up to them wanting cupcakes, and if they stood around for any length of time, would then end up wanting to buy more. Everyone was so supportive and I was so happy for the kids that they were making good money. Now, I feel waaaaay behind. I haven't raised any money yet, and so I need to get on that soon. I have a couple ideas. I just need to spend some time developing them. Hopefully soon.
Tonight I'm simply exhausted. I took a several hour nap when I got home today. And although I feel better now, I'm still tired. So, I'll rest tonight and think about what I'd like to accomplish tomorrow. Sunday is supposed to be my rest day, but as of now, I'm motivated and feel like getting a bit more running in. So we'll see...
I was out late last night so it was really hard for me to get up early for our day 2 of Team in Training. We had to meet at Campbell Park at 8am. I picked up the kids at 7:30am and we all headed over to the park. It's actually a fun feeling to be part of something like TNT. When we got there, the big crowd of participants was already starting to gather. As we began, they first had everyone do the warm up/stretch routine. They then explained our options for today's running. We were to run on the trail that they had marked with a one mile and two mile turnaround points. So we had the option to run a total of two miles or four miles.
Although I would have liked to push myself to the four mile run, and while we could have run the four miles in an hour, Dana and I opted to run the two miles (David could run four miles faster than us.) We just wanted to make sure that we didn't take too long to run as David and Dana couldn't stay too late. They had their first cupcake fundraising bake sale and needed to get going so they could set up. And my excuse was since I drove them, I needed to leave too!
But it was fine. Although I just ran the two miles, I still had kettlebell class to go to afterwards. So I felt as though I was doing enough for the day.
After I dropped the kids back at their place I went to kettlebell class. I was worried my sister (my teacher) would ask if I had practiced kettlebell during the week. She had been training me a bit during the week over the past several weeks in addition to the Saturday class, but since I bought my own kettlebell, I can now do the mid-week workouts myself. But since last week I wasn't doing as much as I wanted to, I didn't get any kettlebell workouts in. And so, on my drive over to class today, I was trying to think of my excuse for when she would ask how I did this week! When I got there she was much too busy though, and so she didn't ask. Whew!
Anyway, class went very well. As I've mentioned before, it's only a half hour. But it's the best half hour workout I've ever had. I just love how good I feel in such a short time. Also, since I'm now in the beginning class rather than the intro class, I felt proud as the new people came in for their intro class right after mine. They just stood there watching what we were able to do. It felt good to feel a little bit more advanced--although I have no idea what the next stages will be like yet. Each week though, I learn more and get to do a more difficult swing routine. The progression is exciting to me.
After kettlebell class, I met up with the kids at their fundraiser. They were doing amazing! People kept going up to them wanting cupcakes, and if they stood around for any length of time, would then end up wanting to buy more. Everyone was so supportive and I was so happy for the kids that they were making good money. Now, I feel waaaaay behind. I haven't raised any money yet, and so I need to get on that soon. I have a couple ideas. I just need to spend some time developing them. Hopefully soon.
Tonight I'm simply exhausted. I took a several hour nap when I got home today. And although I feel better now, I'm still tired. So, I'll rest tonight and think about what I'd like to accomplish tomorrow. Sunday is supposed to be my rest day, but as of now, I'm motivated and feel like getting a bit more running in. So we'll see...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Here we go...
Last night was our first official Team in Training workout/run. Although I had been looking forward to it, as it drew closer to the time to go, I began getting nervous. I was wondering if I would have what it took to even be able to do the first training.
At the introduction meeting last month, the coaches had been very encouraging as they explained how they have trained many people who had never even run before. They tried to calm any worries for those who believed they needed to be in tip top shape before taking on this training. But of course, I was still a bit worried. While I have been training with the kids for a month now, and have seen tremendous improvement in what I have been able to do, I still had doubts about whether or not I could keep up with what was required for the TNT training.
Well, it was funny, as I picked up the kids so we could all go together to our first training, it seemed they had worries too. We laughed much of the way there as we described how we imagined how it could go for us. We worried about everything from being made fun of for the way we ran, to the clothes that we wore. While we all seemed genuinely worried, it was comforting to know that we were all feeling pretty much the same. However, we have been working hard for a month now. I just don't think we've given ourselves enough credit for what we've been able to accomplish so far.
As we got to the track and saw the variety of people, it suddenly seemed as though it was going to be ok. After meeting our mentors, the first thing they had us do was a warm up jog, twice around the track--a half mile. It was a piece of cake! Suddenly, all my fears seemed to subside. I can do this!
After several announcements, they had us do a group stretch/warm up routine. (I don't know why we didn't do that before the first jog, but it was fine.) The routine included the usual runner type lunges, but also included other exercises that were very similar to yoga poses. That was my favorite part. Taking yoga three times a week has actually really helped, and so I was really proud of myself for being able to do all they were asking us to do!
The next part of the training included a timed 30 minute walk/run--about 2 miles. The coaches/mentors know what they are doing. They encourage us to take things slow and gave us a choice to do either a 6 minute run/1 minute walk or a 4 minute run/1 minute walk. Since it was a timed run, not a distance run, I opted fot he 4/1. Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, etc. While I was pretty tired towards the end and did a bit more walking that I was supposed to, I was very proud of what I was able to do. I did not feel I was lacking in keeping up with other people at all! It felt great.
Afterwards, they encouraged us to go to dinner so we could socialize and get to know some of our other teammates. So we did. It was very nice to meet other people and hear their stories about why they are taking this on for themselves. It was also nice to eat out--as I haven't been doing that much since starting Weight Watchers. And it simply felt good to be a part of something fun.
Last night was simply a great night. The kids and I all seemed to have fun and are looking forward to our journey. There's much more to come, but it is nice to have had such a great beginning... our month of pre-training, and now, our official training. Here we go...
I've got a busy day, but no workout for today. I only work half day, then will be helping Dana with her cupcake baking for her fundraiser tomorrow, and then spending a social evening with friends. I need it and definitely deserve it! Tomorrow, I'm up early for training day 2! Until later...
At the introduction meeting last month, the coaches had been very encouraging as they explained how they have trained many people who had never even run before. They tried to calm any worries for those who believed they needed to be in tip top shape before taking on this training. But of course, I was still a bit worried. While I have been training with the kids for a month now, and have seen tremendous improvement in what I have been able to do, I still had doubts about whether or not I could keep up with what was required for the TNT training.
Well, it was funny, as I picked up the kids so we could all go together to our first training, it seemed they had worries too. We laughed much of the way there as we described how we imagined how it could go for us. We worried about everything from being made fun of for the way we ran, to the clothes that we wore. While we all seemed genuinely worried, it was comforting to know that we were all feeling pretty much the same. However, we have been working hard for a month now. I just don't think we've given ourselves enough credit for what we've been able to accomplish so far.
As we got to the track and saw the variety of people, it suddenly seemed as though it was going to be ok. After meeting our mentors, the first thing they had us do was a warm up jog, twice around the track--a half mile. It was a piece of cake! Suddenly, all my fears seemed to subside. I can do this!
After several announcements, they had us do a group stretch/warm up routine. (I don't know why we didn't do that before the first jog, but it was fine.) The routine included the usual runner type lunges, but also included other exercises that were very similar to yoga poses. That was my favorite part. Taking yoga three times a week has actually really helped, and so I was really proud of myself for being able to do all they were asking us to do!
The next part of the training included a timed 30 minute walk/run--about 2 miles. The coaches/mentors know what they are doing. They encourage us to take things slow and gave us a choice to do either a 6 minute run/1 minute walk or a 4 minute run/1 minute walk. Since it was a timed run, not a distance run, I opted fot he 4/1. Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, etc. While I was pretty tired towards the end and did a bit more walking that I was supposed to, I was very proud of what I was able to do. I did not feel I was lacking in keeping up with other people at all! It felt great.
Afterwards, they encouraged us to go to dinner so we could socialize and get to know some of our other teammates. So we did. It was very nice to meet other people and hear their stories about why they are taking this on for themselves. It was also nice to eat out--as I haven't been doing that much since starting Weight Watchers. And it simply felt good to be a part of something fun.
Last night was simply a great night. The kids and I all seemed to have fun and are looking forward to our journey. There's much more to come, but it is nice to have had such a great beginning... our month of pre-training, and now, our official training. Here we go...
I've got a busy day, but no workout for today. I only work half day, then will be helping Dana with her cupcake baking for her fundraiser tomorrow, and then spending a social evening with friends. I need it and definitely deserve it! Tomorrow, I'm up early for training day 2! Until later...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Much better
Geez, my enthusiasm was sure less than desired over the past few days. I do get that way from time to time though. I get in a funk and then have to work my way out of it. The good news is that when I notice it, I immediately begin seeking ways to be happy again. I don't usually get down on myself for too long. Or if nothing else, I definitely make sure I don't get any worse. I know better :)
Anyway, just as I predicted, my weigh-in didn't go so well. Over the past week, I had eaten a couple of things that weren't exactly low fat, but for the most part did watch what I ate. However, as my week progressed I simply wasn't any feeling lighter. I usually most notice the difference in the morning, and so when I got up on Tuesday I could just tell. By the time I went to weigh in at 6pm, I was just hoping for no weight gain. Well, I did gain... but really, only a little. I gained .2 lbs. Since I was at a total loss of 8.2 lbs as of last week, I am still at an 8 lb loss now. So, while I was bummed I didn't lose any weight this past week, I realized I actually didn't do that bad. Rather, I simply maintained. In addition, since I had a good loss of 3 lbs last week I think I am still doing well. Losing 8 lbs in one month is definitely something to be proud of!
In the end, I decided not to go to yoga class or do any other workout on Tuesday. I simply wasn't feeling it. But by the time I went to sleep last night I decided to be done with the bad mood.
Today, I was back to feeling good. I watched my eating and went to yoga class with the kids. I am now really looking forward to tomorrow--our first official Team in Training workout. I'm thinking there's no real getting off track from here onward. But who knows, it's definitely possible I'll have days again like I've had recently. As of now though, I'm good. I am again feeling positive about what I'm doing and what I will be able to accomplish on this journey.
All is well!!
Anyway, just as I predicted, my weigh-in didn't go so well. Over the past week, I had eaten a couple of things that weren't exactly low fat, but for the most part did watch what I ate. However, as my week progressed I simply wasn't any feeling lighter. I usually most notice the difference in the morning, and so when I got up on Tuesday I could just tell. By the time I went to weigh in at 6pm, I was just hoping for no weight gain. Well, I did gain... but really, only a little. I gained .2 lbs. Since I was at a total loss of 8.2 lbs as of last week, I am still at an 8 lb loss now. So, while I was bummed I didn't lose any weight this past week, I realized I actually didn't do that bad. Rather, I simply maintained. In addition, since I had a good loss of 3 lbs last week I think I am still doing well. Losing 8 lbs in one month is definitely something to be proud of!
In the end, I decided not to go to yoga class or do any other workout on Tuesday. I simply wasn't feeling it. But by the time I went to sleep last night I decided to be done with the bad mood.
Today, I was back to feeling good. I watched my eating and went to yoga class with the kids. I am now really looking forward to tomorrow--our first official Team in Training workout. I'm thinking there's no real getting off track from here onward. But who knows, it's definitely possible I'll have days again like I've had recently. As of now though, I'm good. I am again feeling positive about what I'm doing and what I will be able to accomplish on this journey.
All is well!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Still dealing with feelings
This must be part of the journey... to deal with various feelings as I go through all of this. Believe me, I realize it was my choice to do what I'm doing. So there's no right or wrong way to be each day. If I decide to take time to go out and play or become a couch potato for a bit, then I can. There's no should's or have to's. But since I've had such good momentum up to now and then let myself get distracted by other things that have taken me out of my zone, I feel bad. And I don't like that feeling. I want to feel good as I have up to now.
Yesterday (Monday) I only did yoga class because I made plans for afterwards that ended up falling through (that's why I feel bad today--feeling like I wasted time when I could have worked out more instead.) Now, tonight I'm only doing yoga again, because I have my Weight Watcher's weigh-in after class. Unfortunately, I'm also feeling less than confident with what the results will be. I simply feel I haven't done enough over the last few days.
So what to do? I think it's best to just pick myself back up today and get back on track. Whatever distracted me can simply move into the past so I can move forward again. Actually, I think that's good. That's what running does anyway... leaves everything in the past!
Hopefully, there will be more inspirational posts than posts like this one, but I am ok. I do realize this is a journey after all--with some better days than others. So on to more good days...
Yesterday (Monday) I only did yoga class because I made plans for afterwards that ended up falling through (that's why I feel bad today--feeling like I wasted time when I could have worked out more instead.) Now, tonight I'm only doing yoga again, because I have my Weight Watcher's weigh-in after class. Unfortunately, I'm also feeling less than confident with what the results will be. I simply feel I haven't done enough over the last few days.
So what to do? I think it's best to just pick myself back up today and get back on track. Whatever distracted me can simply move into the past so I can move forward again. Actually, I think that's good. That's what running does anyway... leaves everything in the past!
Hopefully, there will be more inspirational posts than posts like this one, but I am ok. I do realize this is a journey after all--with some better days than others. So on to more good days...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Being ok with less than
Although I felt a bit unaccomplished today and considered not posting anything, I'm reminding myself that this is Sunday after all. Sunday is supposed to be my rest day anyway, so if I don't have anything major to report it's fine. Right? I think I'm just being harder on myself than I need to be, because I really did enjoy my day.
This morning I picked up the kids so we could go for our weekly park run. As I previously mentioned, we usually do it on Saturday, but since they were out of town then, we postponed our run until this morning. Before we made it to the park though, we went to the first Team in Training clinic (information meeting). During this first meeting, we were able to learn about the best shoes, apparel, etc. needed for our training/marathon.
(This week, the official TNT training is beginning to get underway. For me, it's kind of bittersweet because I've really enjoyed just having our little team of David, Dana and I. Now, things are finally starting to get serious! It's ok, we did sign up for this after all!)
Anyway, I learned some valuable information about some of the things I'm going to need to buy for my running. I really need to get better running apparel. I'm such a cotton person, but cotton is apparently the worst thing to wear. It holds onto the sweat too much. The thing is though, I just don't like wearing lycra... or whatever the right material is that I need to buy (I guess I didn't listen that closely, huh!) But I'll figure something out. Fortunately, I already have the right shoes. That's most important anyway, so I'm good for now.
After our information meeting, David, Dana and I went to Campbell Park for our run. I'm not sure where our energy was, but we didn't really run much. I take that back, David always leaves us in the dust! But Dana and I only ran about .75 of a mile and walked the other 1.25 miles. So while it was a total of 2 miles, personally, I felt a bit less than accomplished. (Maybe since I was able to run up to the 6 miles on Friday? Ok, Donna, let it go. It was better than nothing and you did get a chance to chat with Dana after missing her while she was on vacation!)
The rest of the day I spent with my sister Christy. We're not Super Bowl people so went to the movies. She then came over my place to hang out and chat for awhile afterwards. It was nice.
Now, I'm just thinking about tomorrow and what I'd like to accomplish then. I think I'm going to try and just give myself permission to relax now and be ok with not having done more today. It's funny to me that I even need to manage my feelings about this working out thing, but I guess it means I'm still committed :) Until tomorrow...
This morning I picked up the kids so we could go for our weekly park run. As I previously mentioned, we usually do it on Saturday, but since they were out of town then, we postponed our run until this morning. Before we made it to the park though, we went to the first Team in Training clinic (information meeting). During this first meeting, we were able to learn about the best shoes, apparel, etc. needed for our training/marathon.
(This week, the official TNT training is beginning to get underway. For me, it's kind of bittersweet because I've really enjoyed just having our little team of David, Dana and I. Now, things are finally starting to get serious! It's ok, we did sign up for this after all!)
Anyway, I learned some valuable information about some of the things I'm going to need to buy for my running. I really need to get better running apparel. I'm such a cotton person, but cotton is apparently the worst thing to wear. It holds onto the sweat too much. The thing is though, I just don't like wearing lycra... or whatever the right material is that I need to buy (I guess I didn't listen that closely, huh!) But I'll figure something out. Fortunately, I already have the right shoes. That's most important anyway, so I'm good for now.
After our information meeting, David, Dana and I went to Campbell Park for our run. I'm not sure where our energy was, but we didn't really run much. I take that back, David always leaves us in the dust! But Dana and I only ran about .75 of a mile and walked the other 1.25 miles. So while it was a total of 2 miles, personally, I felt a bit less than accomplished. (Maybe since I was able to run up to the 6 miles on Friday? Ok, Donna, let it go. It was better than nothing and you did get a chance to chat with Dana after missing her while she was on vacation!)
The rest of the day I spent with my sister Christy. We're not Super Bowl people so went to the movies. She then came over my place to hang out and chat for awhile afterwards. It was nice.
Now, I'm just thinking about tomorrow and what I'd like to accomplish then. I think I'm going to try and just give myself permission to relax now and be ok with not having done more today. It's funny to me that I even need to manage my feelings about this working out thing, but I guess it means I'm still committed :) Until tomorrow...
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