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Rest……. What is that word?

Mar15

I saw this from Joyce’s Blog and I thought it looked like a good idea to try it out too. Basically, you join and post about the topic that was given for that day. No worrying about what you are going to post about that day. No editing. No wasting time as you only write for 5 minutes. No Muss. No Fuss.

Today’s topic….. Rest.

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As I mother of three active boys, I don’t get as much rest as I should.   I’m not really sure that I know what it means anymore.   I feel like my life is Go, Go, Go.   Off to this activity.   Off to that.    My Little Guy is only in Kindergarten and in my town we only have half day.   And when I say half day, I really do not mean half day.   I mean till 11:20.   That means, no time at all.    I often think that next year when he is in full day, I will have more down time.   But somehow, I doubt it.    Time is like a closet.    The more room/time you have, the more you fill it up.

Then on time of my “normal” crazy routine of raising three boys with a hubby that has a very demanding job, I signed up for that Triatholan (if you didn’t already know that) and have started working out.   So my mornings are rushing to the gym to get a work out in and some evenings doing some swim training.    Why, because I’m crazy!   But so are my friends that I am doing it with, but we are the good crazy not the lock us up crazy.

So as the saying goes, there is no rest for the weary.   And, yes, sometimes I am weary.    Sometimes, I do wish that I had more time to rest, but I don’t think I can sit still for long anyway.     It’s just not in my nature.    I think there was a time that I could sit down and enjoy just sitting, but that time has come and gone.

Now don’t think that I don’t get any down time to relax and have fun.   I do.    Actually my favorite time of year is when we take our family vacation.   We go to Vermont Camping to a lake.   And on this lake I remember how to relax.   There is no cell service on this lake and we truly get a way from it all.    I have been known to sit in the hammock next to the lake waving to Dear Hubby and the boys as they go out on the boat fishing.   Don’t get much more relaxed than that!

Maybe I will be able to find those moments here at home and now that I write this, I think I will try…..

Live, Laugh, Love

Eat Like an Athlete?

Mar14

I’m known in my circle of friends as the “Cake Lady.”   It’s not  because I eat a lot of cakes, although I probably do eat more cake than the average Joe.   It’s because I love to bake.   And I don’t mean just bake.   I mean bake and decorate. 

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 (see I told you I was the Cake Lady)

And when you bake and decorate, you tend to sample along the way.  And when you make things dragon size, that could mean a lot of sampling.    But I have decided that unless I plan to go down like the Titanic,Image I’ve got to change my eating a habits some (or a little more than some).

Don’t’ tell anyone but I’m training for a Triatholon now.  

Shhhhhh, It’s a secret.  

Don’t ask me what I’m supposed to eat either.   I would imagine it means less cake and less processed foods.   More veggies and fruits.    And more protein.   I’m still working this out.  Remember, I’m not a trainer.   I’m in training:)   

Live, Laugh, Love!

Putting on My Rose Colored Glasses

Mar13

Now, I know that people run marathons, Triathlons, and everything in between for a variety of reasons.   Some do it for the accomplishment.  Some do it for the competitive nature even if they are only competing against themselves.   Some do it, like me, just to say that they did it.  And when I get my medal for crossing the finish line, I just might wear it all the time:)

I also think that some races are more competetive in nature.   Now I’m not saying that the one I’m doing isn’t competetive because I’m sure it is.   But the people that I’m meeting right now seem to be just as much a cheedleaders for other racers as themselves.   Why do I say that you ask?    I will, of course, share it with you.

Tonight, there was an open swim night for women in the Iron Girl (formally Danskin) Triathlon.   My girlfriend and I have decided that we are most worried about the swim and are going to attend as many of them as we can squeeze in.   We go.   We meet another girlfriend there who is not a strong swimmer.   Now I may not be swimming with proper form, do not keep my head low enough, and use too much energy when swimming; but I am a strong swimmer.   I am not afraid of the water. Fingers crossed that actually makes a difference.

We go and get in the pool.   Another woman whom we don’t know comes and joins our lane.  She is even more afraid stating that she hasn’t swum in years.   So we try and give her the pointers that we were given and we all go about our business.   About a half an hour goes by.   We keep checking in with each other.   Commenting.   Giving feedback to each other and encouragement.

The next lane over has a group of swimmers who are doing it right.   Head in the right position.   Looking like they are just gliding through the water not chopping it up like our group.   We strike up a conversation.    One woman is 67 and this will be here 11th race.   Another, 46, is going on her 9th as is the third woman, 56.    We find out that they race together and they are apparently the three musketeer.    What do they then do?   They come in our lanes to give us pointers, drills to improve our style, and hope that we can do it.    They basically ended their swimming time to work with strangers who just happen to be in the same race with them.  

Now, I know that not everyone will do such things.   But so far with all the training events that I have been to, this is what it is.   Women helping women.   Women encouraging women.   Because in the end, we really all just want to cross the finish line.    Weather it be in a race or our daily life.   And wouldn’t it be nice, if everyone could be like these ladies and give of themselves just to help.

Go Big or Go Home

Mar12

I was at Bootcamp this morning.   I was supposed to start my running training, but it’s raining.   Yes, I know that it could rain the day of the Triathlon, but I’m not starting out in the rain.   That’s a whole different post.   So anyway,  before class while we were stretching someone asked about what I had signed up for.   When I told them, they asked why I just didn’t start out with a 5K run. 

The more I think about it, the more I realize that probably would have been the more rational thing to do.   Then again, I really never claimed to be rational, did I?   Yes, I know it’s crazy.    Yes, I know people are probably scratching their heads thinking she’s not going to make it.   I even wonder it too, but I know if I make it out of the bay; I will finish it.   Don’t know how long it will take, but I will finish it:)    

I also know that I am not going into this like an idiot like some people think.   I realize that I just got my behind off the couch 6 weeks ago, but the Triathlon isn’t till September.   I’ve got time.   And I am using that time wisely.   I am doing Bootcamp classes (until my Groupon runs out).  I am running/walking.   I am doing laps at the pool.   I am preparing and doing all that I can do to be ready.   I am putting my big (hopefully to be smaller) panties on and getting ready for this!

My reply to the person today was that I just needed a goal and I really do.   If I wasn’t “training,” I more than likely would not have gone to the gym today.   It’s a cold, rainy, dreary day and I went yesterday.   I would have just skipped it since I’m going swimming tonight.   But the fact that I know I only have a limited amount of time to get it together is keeping me motivated and moving.   That’s all I can do.

The real question is, what is going to motivate me when it’s all over??????

I hate Running! I really, really do!!

Mar11

This past weekend we had our first training for running.   It is based on a book called I Hate Running.    I think it is true for many of us.   I know I do not enjoy it.   I do not enjoy it at all!   That being said, I do need to be prepared for it.   Not only do I hate running, but as of right now I don’t even think that I could run a straight mile.   I especially know that I could not run a mile right now after swimming for a half mile and riding a bike for 10.   Therefore, I got up early on Saturday to join the group.  I found out, surprisinly, there are really not too many people who like running.    And the ones who do like it said it took them a long time to get to the point where they could say that they actually like running.    My question is why keep doing it if you don’t like it?    But then again, who am I to say?    Just another crazy person out of my element trying to do something that I never thought possible.

Like anything in life, the trick is to be prepared.   I found that I don’t need to be able to run 3 miles today.   That I will build up to it.    So that is my plan.  I’m going to start running/walking with my workout buddy tomorrow.

I really am taking this one step at a time/   I know I will never be the star athlete nor will I have have great time.   I really am just using this as incentive to keep going.   Keep moving.   Keep getting it together.

All this work for that??

Mar8

I have been working out at the gym now for a little more than a month.   I have to say that I have been  very good about going.    I try to go at least 3 times a week to a bootcamp class.   Then on my off days, I am going to try to do some prep training.   

This week I went swimming for an hour.   Ok, I admit it, I did have some giggles with my girlfriend; so probably only for about 45 minutes.   And we were doing laps.   That’s got to burn some calories and fat.   All the while we were doing it though, we kept saying how are we going to swim a 1/2 mile?   Do you know a half mile in a lap pool is 18 times up and 18 times back.  Yup, 36 laps.   We may have swam that many laps, but we did stop to take breaks.   There are no sides to the bay for us to rest on in September, so we are going to keep swimming.  “just keep swimming.  just keep swimming.”   

But what got me this week is that with all this exercise and training, I have only lost 6 pounds!!   Now, I realize that I am building muscle.   I also realize that my waist is shrinking as I now fit into a pair of jeans comfortably that used to look like I needed grease to put them on.   So I do realize that I am reshaping my body out of it’s rounded shape.   But I am stuck on the number.   Are you kidding me!   6 pounds!!!   My girlfriends have all assured me that my body is adjusting to the new healthier eating and working out.   And when it is done adjusting the weight is just going to come right off.    I’m not patient, but I guess I’ve got no choose right now but to keep plugging away.

That is the other good thing about signing up for the Triathalon, I do have to keep plugging away.   I have told everyone I’m doing it.   I put it out on Facebook.   I did this not because I’m trying to brag, but because now that everyone knows I can’t quit.   Too many people know and there is no where to hide now:)

 

Live, Laugh, Love!

Let the Training Begin!

Mar4

I guess you can say that my training for the Triawoman Triathlon has official begun!   This weekend I attended a Swim Clinic.   It was an hour in a classroom followed by an hour and half of pool time instruction.    I went into the class pretty confident in my swimming abitlityt.   I grew up in and around pools.   I love to swim, so how hard could it be I though?

I left the classroom realizing that I really knew nothing of proper swimming techniques.   Who knew?   Not me!   I thought swimming was swimming, but if you want to do it properly there is so much more to it.   And to be honest swimming for a half mile in open water, I want to do it properly!   Like so many other things in life, I need to learn how to follow the old adage “work smarter not harder.”

I also know why they make you get in the pool right after the class, because if you didn’t you would probably go home and back right out of the triathalon.   I kept saying to my girlfriend, “what did you get me into?”    But we got in the pool.    Learned how to breath in water.    Do you know there is more to it than it sounds?   I didn’t.    We learned how to breath with water in our mouth and how to breath while swimming.   Good stuff.   Good stuff.

Now, this week I will spend time doing laps using the techniques (hopefully properly) that I just learned.   It is no good to know the technique if you don’t have the endurance to swim.   

 

Live, Laugh, Love

 

It had to be done…..

Mar2

Well, it had to be done.   My husband knew.   My children knew.   Some of my friends knew.    It became apparent, it was time to tell my family.  

My mother and sister are now convinced, I am in over my head and they are very concerned for me.   Besides the fact that I am not in shape which I already knew.   Thy think that I might be in trouble when it comes to the swimming.     I had a conversation with my mother that went something like this:

Mom, ” Your sister and I were talking and we are worried about you.   We think that you might drown.”

Me, “Really?”

Mom, “Yes.”

Such is my life.   I had to explain to my mother that, no I have never swam a half mile before but I would be ok.   That if the Triathlon was next week, there is a strong possibility that I would be in trouble, but drown no.   I explained that there will be people int the water whose sole job is to make sure that me and every other swimmer who enters the water comes out.   I further had to explain that I will actually be training for it.   Really and truly.   I am getting ready now for my first class which not only will include an hour of classroom time, but time in the pool.   

I may be blonde, but I’m not stupid.   But thanks for the support:)

 

Live, Laugh, Love!

Feb26

I have not only taken the plunge for real this time, but I am actually embracing it.    I, for years, have been stating that I had to get into shape.   And I mean other than the round shape I had morphed into after motherhood.   I have been very good about talking the talk, but not walking the walk.     What changed?   I’m not sure, but I am embracing it finally.

My husband had recently lost 20 pounds or so.   He did it through a strict diet and a routine of excercise.   He was very dedicated.   Now, you would think that would be enough to jump start me, but no it was not.   What did it?    I think the real catalyst for me is a conversation at dinner.   The kids were talking about Daddy being so good with his diet.   Hubby was saying that he did it not just to loose weight, but to be more healthy.    So I made the comment that I was also going to try to be more healthy.   The kids not only looked at me like I had 3 heads, but commented that I wouldn’t be able to do it because I’ve always been round.   Now maybe they didn’t say it quite like that, but that is how I heard them.   I will say that Dear Hubby did valiantly defend me:)   But I thought about it and I realized that my kids have never seen me in any other shape.   I wanted to role model good behavior and as a bonus I get to prove them wrong.

I further realized that part of my problem is that I just can’t work out at home.   Just can’t do it.   I’ve decided that I am a destination person.   So I joined a gym.   I have been going now for about a month and you know what?   I’ve descovered I like it.   I really like it.   Back in the day, I would go work out on an almost daily basis.   Now, mind you that was before kids and the caos that comes with them.   That being said, my kids are getting older.   Little Guy is in half day kindergarten every day.   I really have no excuse.

I have been going to the gym now for about a month.   I actually have been doing bootcamp too!   It is a killer workout, but I am slowly, slowly starting to discover my muscles again.   I know this because they routinely are sore.   This means it’s working, right?    My jeans are feeling less snug as a bonus.

To take it up another notch, I have decided with some friends to do the Danskin Triatholon in September.   This will keep me focused and give me a goal.   This is something I need.   When I turned 40, I told my husband that I would do a triathlon.   He replied that maybe I should start slow and just work out.   He was right, of course.   40, 41, 42, and almost 43 have come and gone and I did nothing.    I’m doing it now though!   So in September when I am 44,  I will be able to say I ran my first Triathlon.   Who knows during training, I may run some local 5K’s.   But I’m not pushing it!  Or am I……..

Live, Laugh, Love!

 

Going Rogue

Nov9

Once upon a brief, brief, brief time I was a size 6.    For the most part as adult, I have been a size 8.   Then I had children.    Between Middle and Little Guy, I did get back down to my 8.   It didn’t last because it seemed like once I had Little Guy all bets were off.   I’ve just never gotten back down.

I have my reasons

1.   No willpower

2.   I love chocolate

3.  No willpower

4.   I love to Bake

5.   I love to eat what I bake

6.   I have no willpower

7.   I hate to exercise. 

 

I think you see my dilema.   Now the thing is I really would love to go down in size again.   Now for those who came over from my old blog, I don’t mean to whine again.   I’m really not.    I think that I may actually do something about it this time. 

Dear Hubby has willpower.   Lots and lots of it.   He is also a man, so his metabolism didn’t stop when he hit his 40’s.    It happens.   I does.   Now I’m not using that as my excuse, I’m just being honest.    Anyway, I digress.    With Dear Hubby’s willpower and super fast metabolism, he has lost about 20 pounds.   I am super proud and happy for him.    To be honest, I may be a tad jealous, but I am still very pleased as Dear Hubby has high cholesterol and blood pressure.   So, this is very good for him:)

Anywho….. I’ve been thinking.    Don’t be shocked.   I might actually join a gym.   I think Curves might be my style.    I’m going to go check it out today.    I’ve tried (really, really, I have) running at home on the treadmill.    I’ve tried (really, really, really) to work out with things on the TV.   They just don’t seem to work for me.   I think that I need to actually go somewhere.    So, I’m going to go talk to them today.    Wish me luck!

I’m going to try a different diet approach too.   I am not going to do the South Beach like last time even though it worked for me before.   I’m going to try just to do things in moderation.   Have more salad.   Eat more fruits.   And just be more healthy with my eating choices.   If I do actually work out, this might help

 

Live, Laugh, Love