Archives

You Spin me Round Round

Apr22

Who ever said biking way easy, obviously never took a Spin class.    I entered the dark domain of Spinners.    I’ve heard the music.   I’ve heard the yelling and the strange calls coming from within.  I’ve even seen them emerge dripping in sweat, but never entered.    One of my best friends who is one of those obsessed spinners was so excited that I was going and she doesn’t even live near me.   Me not so.    But I figured since I haven’t had a chance to get my actual bike ready for riding that I should start training with spinning.  

I’ve got one word to describe a spinning class…… Intense.   It is nothing like riding your bike around town.   It is more like riding your bike up a huge mountain peak dragging a block of wood.   I knew enough from my friend to make sure to get there early to set up my bike.   She further instructed me the rules of spinning,  “You don’t take anyone else bike and you don’t cheat.”    Well I did the first and tried to do the second without much luck.    Apparently, there really is not cheating in spinning.   Hmmm….

So, I’m there with my water bottle, my  towel, and my bike all set up.   I’m thinking that even though it’s intense, I’ll be ok.   I almost didn’t make it off the mountain.   I though I was doing good and I really didn’t think I was taking it easy on myself either.   Apparently, though I wasn’t pushing myself as hard as I was supposed to.    These instructor likes to go around and push you even further.   I must have a very expressive face because after he did mine, I looked at him.    My thoughts must have been loud and clear because he laughed and said, “I love you too honey.”   Oops, I’ll have to work on my cover up next time.

After class my legs felt like jello, my butt was numb, and I looked like I had stepped out of the shower.   My girlfriend has assured me that means I’m doing good.   Not to sure about that, but I will be back for more this Thursday.    Oh, the exciting life of training.

Live, Laugh, Love

 

No Words

Apr17

Yesterday, I had no words.   I, like most, was shocked at what happened at the Boston Marathon.   I had no words.    It was another horrible act of hate that had me shocked, dazed and saddened.   I had no words.

I could not believe how triumph could turn to tragedy so quickly.    From all I have experienced with those in the marathon/training community, it is a community of caring people.   In my experience of training, there is a group of women mentors who are donating countless hours to impart on us newbies their time and talents.   On top of that every training event, those that are not mentors but those that have competed before share of themselves too.   There is solidarity in the knowledge that we are all in this together just to cross the finish line.   Some will cross faster than others, but the end goal is for all of us to cross.

I just can’t imagine the hatred it takes to try to destroy that.    The timing of the bombs was not to disrupt those competing to win, but those who were just competing to finish.    This day should have been a day of triumph for them.    A day for them to reach their goals what ever they might have been.    A day of festivities.    This moment was stolen from them.   Our sense of safety has once again been stolen from us as a country.    But as in the past, we will stand strong against this hatred.   We will find a way to overcome the hatred and show that although we maybe a divided country, when push comes to shove we will stand together against those who want to destroy us.

There will be many different ways we will show our solidarity.   I have seen the candlelight vigils on tv.    In my town,  the local Running Store is planning to host a running event.   They are asking people to wear shirts from previous events they competed in to run to show their support.   It may not mean much to those that are suffering, but it will show those that wish to hold us down with their hatred, that we can not be held down.   We, as a country, will get up again.

I will end this post with a picture of Martin Richard, the youngest victim.    His sweet face and message really do say it all…..

martin

Time to Get Running

Apr15

Last week was a bad week.   Not too bad a week for working out, but a bad week for blogging.   I’m going to try better this week all the way around.   

This morning I started off things on the right foot.   One of my girlfriends and I had arranged to meet at the gym instead of driving together as she then had errands to run.     Then after a weekend of binging on cake and crab shack in celebration of my oldest son’s 13th birthday, I thought that I really should take it up a notch today.    So I texted my friend and asked her to pick me up anyway.   

We went and worked out mostly arms and abs today for about and hour.   No cardio.   When we were done, she went her way and I went mine.   My way was to actually jog/walk home.     I used the App Map My Run for the first time.   I liked it,  because every mile (and there are three between my house and the gym) she would tell me how fast I went.   I will say that my first two miles were faster, but overall I was pleased.   I ended up for the three miles averaging a ten minute 27 second mile.   Does this compare to real athletes?   Not even close.    Is this good for me?   Yes.   I’m happy with it.     Please don’t tell me that you can do a six minute mile, because I will never be a good runner.   Remember I hate running:)

Please remember when you read of my slow routines, that I really have only been working out for a few months.   I’ve only been in “training’ for about a month.     This is all new to me.

Live, Laugh, Love

 

 

The Weather is Finally Cooperating!

Apr8

The problem with starting your training when it’s still cold outside is that it’s cold outside.    Who wants to go running or biking in the cold.   Not me.   I much prefer to spend my cold winter months by the fire with some cocoa.   It is very hard to motivate yourself to go running in the cold.    But now Spring has finally sprung and it is very easy to get yourself motivated to go outside.     This really is the prefect time for training.   It’s not to cold.   It’s not too hot.   It’s just right:)

It really is amazing how perfect the Couch to 5K plan works for running too.    It is such a gradual occurance that unless you really go back to track your progess, you don’t even notice the change each week.    The first week, it seemed so easy with only running 60 seconds and walking for 90.   It almost didn’t seem like anything.   Now after a month we are up to jogging for 5 minutes.   Although, I will admit, when I am running by myself I usually go a few minutes longer.     Now five minutes may not seem like a long time to be jogging, but when you are just starting out it feels like an eternity.     That being said, we are just a few short weeks away from jogging for a full 30 minutes.   I’m thinking that I shouldn’t have looked ahead:)

As for now, though I will just worry about what I’m doing this week.     I’ve got time to worry about the rest later on or at least I think so……

Live, Laugh, Love

The Problem with Training…..

Apr4

The problem with training  is that it’s hard.   Hard like literally hitting the pavements, when their are days you just want to hit a soft fluffy pillow.   Today is one of those days.    I’m beginning to feel like the man from those old Dunkin Donuts commercial,  yet instead of it time to make the donuts since I shouldn’t be eating them anyway.   It’s time to get training.

The funny thing is that with all this training I’m doing, I am not training to win.   I am not training even for second.   I am training just to finish.  I’m training so that I can say that I did it.   But it has become a little more than that now.  Now I’m trianing to finish in the middle of the pack.   Shhh, just don’t tell anyone.

Say it isn’t so, Joe…..

Apr2

Yesterday when I went to the gym, I checked in on how many more sessions I had for Bootcamp.   They told me that Thursday is the last day I am eligable to take class!   Nooooooooooo!!!

I was lucky enough to get two weeks free when I joined the gym and at the same time, I purchased a Groupon for 20 sessions. Sadly, I will be all used up this week. Thursday will be my last Bootcamp. Now, I could continue by paying an extra $80 a month for it bringing my membership dues up to $100 a month. I also know in the world of gym prices this in not outrageous. But as a mother of three boys involved in lots of costly activities, $80 a month covers the cost of two boys fencing for the month. I sadly, will miss it. I know that it is a fantastic workout that really kicks my butt. At the end of some classes, it is all I can do to pick myself off the mat! That’s how you know it was a good class.

I know that I won’t push myself to the limits like Bootcamp, but I will keep pushing. My 44th birthday is coming up. I’m going to get a few personal training session for it with the Bootcamp instructor. I’m hoping that she will give me some guidance how to transition from a class workout to a personal workout. Also, she knows that I”m training for the Triathlon, so maybe she can’t put me on a training schedule. I’m really not sure what to expect.

As for today, I am off to enjoy the last few days of Bootcamp. (what is wrong with me?!)

Live, Laugh, Love

It’s Official!

Mar29

Well I am official register now for the Iron Girl Triatholon in September.   There is no backing out now.   Not that there was any backing down after I told everyone, put in on Facebook, and started posting about it here.    But there was a method to my madness.    Once it’s out there, there was no taking it back.   It would have been very easy not to register if no one knew I was going to do it.

So, it’s official!!!    I keep thinking to myself that there is so much time to prepare for it and there is but I was in shock upon registering.    I got a welcome email stating that the event was 16 weeks away.    For some reason when you put it in weeks instead of months it really doesn’t seem that long.   But I will do it.   I will finish.   Even if I am crawling at the end!

Live, Laugh, Love

Getting My Grove On (sort of)

Mar27

I’m feeling better today.   My panic attack of yesterday has passed and I’m getting it together.

At least for the moment.

Last night I went to do laps as I’ve done the last few weeks.   This time my girlfriend couldn’t go, so I was on my own.   I think that might have been a good thing because there was less chit chat.   Not that chit chat is a bad thing, but I do believe I did AL LOT more laps last night!   I lost track, but I did a lot.  

I also think that I might finally be getting the hang of this swimming thing.   Not that you could tell from looking at me, but I know I’m making progress.   With each stroke, I just kept counting.   One, two, three,  breathe.   Arms extending.   Trying to make it look as effortless as those who’ve been to the rodeo before.   Just kept saying to myself, “head down, arms extended forward, bend arms, swivel hips, turn head,  do not pull head out of the water.    Who knew there was such much thought that went into swimming.    Not me!   I’m looking forward to next week when the mentors will be on deck to give pointers as I think I’m getting it, but who knows.   I could be getting it all wrong:)

Then today, I did get in my run.    I packed the boys and their bikes up.   I met a girlfriend who brought her son, bike, and dog.   Then off we went.    They all rode around, while I did my couch to 5K plan.   I do notice that it is getting easier.   Now when I say easier, I don’t mean that I’m not huffing and puffing along because I am!   I just mean that (as it is supposed to happen), I can jog farther and faster than I could a month ago.   And that is how it is supposed to work.   Great program!

So for today, I feel like I might just be able to do this.

    Although, I still need to get on a bike!

 

Live, Laugh, Love

Brick Wall

Mar26

I’ve been trudging right along with my training.   Last week I did my swimming, running, and bootcamp.   I could actually feel the progress being made.   In bootcamp, I could and did use more weights for the class.   In swimming, I felt less a fish out of water.   In running, I know that I ran farther than I did the week before.   I still have lots of progress to make, but I’m better than where I started.   Bottom line is –  If you don’t ever start anything, how will you know how far you can go.

One perk for all my training was that I  won a running shirt from our local Running Store!

Even if it is a size small.

It’s a little tight, but I’m hopeful:)

ImageIsn’t it nice!   The local Running Store is helping our “I hate Running Group” by coming to events to demonstrate stretching, donating products for giveaways, and offering discounts to members training for the triathlon.   It’s really a win win situation.   

Now it would seem that I am on my way……. Not really.   This week, I have hit a brick wall.   My boys are off for Spring Break this week.    That normally would be a wonderful thing, but this spring it feels more like winter than spring.  My ideas of taking the boys to the park while I do some running will not seem to become a reality this week.    Then I had the thought of going to the gym early before my husband leaves for work.   The problem is that he leaves at 6:00.   I may have to go in the evening.   I’ve got to work something out.  Quick.

I haven’t worked out, ran, or done anything now going on my third day.   I feel guilty about this.   I feel stress about this.    What the hell happened to me!?!    I have never been the person to want to work out, let alone feel stress out of not working out.    I think I may have crossed the line and become one of them:)    I know tonight I am swimming, but I don’t think that will be enough.    Somehow, Someway, I really want to get at the very least a run in and I’d feel even better if I could squeeze in some weights.

Oh my.   Oh my.   I really don’t know where the old me has gone.   I don’t miss her, but I also dont’ like stressing over not making it to a workout.   What to do?   What to do?

I do think that what might be stressing me out is that I’m thinking about Summer.  Yes, I know summer should and will make me happy.  But now I’m worried about how I will get my training in with them home.  And I thought that I had problems squeezing in my routines while my Little Guy was in his half day Kindergarten.   It looks like I am going to have to start  being creative with getting them in.  Especially when the Triathlon is right after Summer.

On a final note, I have crossed over and decided that I need to by a medicine ball for home.   This is how I know I’ve crossed the line!

Live, Laugh, Love

Push it. Push it Good…

Mar21

You know your in training, when you expect to be sore all the time and you take Motrin with your breakfast.  But  I keep pushing myself.   Why I’m not sure.   Yesterday, I was feeling down on myself because I am still only down those 6 or so pounds.   I was wondering why am doing all of this week for a measly 6 pounds.    But as much as I didn’t want to, I still made myself go to the gym.   I’ve come to far to give up.

Once at the gym, I still was not feeling it, but once your there it’s too late to back out.    At least yesterdays class had no burpees.   Do you know what a burpee is?   If not consider yourself lucky!  But for those curious, here is a picture of a burpee…..

Image Don’t they look fun??    Not in the least, I agree.    Now even though there were none of these yesterday, we still had a challenging day which involved 200 yard sprints.   And I mean sprints, the instructor continued to point out that this wasn’t a jog, but a sprint (and when I say point out, I mean holler out).   How many sprints…..

WEDNESDAY MARCH 20, 2013 IS AS FOLLOWS
WARM UP
HEAVY HIP/CALVE STRETCHES OR FOAM ROLLS
HIGH KNEES IN PLACE
STAIONARY PUNTER KICKS (5-8 EACH LEG)
WRIST STRETCHES ON THE FLOOR OR WITH THE USE OF BOTH HANDS
THEN….
SPARTAN RUN (PUSH AND SQUAT)
SPRINT 200 METERS/50 PUSH UPS/ 15 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/45 PUSH UPS/20 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/40 PUSH UPS/25 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/35 PUSH UPS/30 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/30 PUSH UPS/35 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/25 PUSH UPS/40 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/20 PUSH UPS/45 SQUATS
SPRINT 200 METERS/15 PUSH UPS/50 SQUATS

Doesn’t it look like fun.   It wasn’t (obviously, although some might think so).  Believe it or not, I did it.   I may have been the last to do it, but I did it!  I wasn’t sure I would be able to, but I’m happy.  I am sore today.   It took me a moment to realize why when I was reaching for my coffee cup.   I focused on the sprinting, but those push ups are killers.   And I do them the cheater way with knees.  

So today I’m feeling a little better about everything.   It might be because after showering yesterday, I put a nice comfy pair of jeans on.   Jeans that a while ago were not comfy at all.   Jeans that I couldn’t even wear.   So, I have to keep reminding myself it is not the weight on the scale, but the way I fit in my clothes.   That muscle really does weigh more than fat and one day it will all just come together.

But now it is time to get off the computer and getting running.   Literally!   I’m off to run/jog/walk 3 miles with my girlfriends.   I believe that it the key to staying focused.   Having work out partners to keep you going when you don’t want to go any more!

 

Live, Laugh, Love!