My new hero...Jamie Oliver! His show Food Revolution is awesomeness in it's purest form! Okay, Okay, yes, I know, I'm behind the times. He was in WV for an entire season and I just blew it off thinking, huh, that's cool! Well I watch about 90% of my television through Hulu on my tiny laptop while I'm sewing and since the regular season is over and True Blood STILL hasn't begun, I've been watching like my 4th and 5th choice programming (including the Bachelorette....bleh!). But I ran across his show and thought I'd give it a go for lack of another choice and WOW!!! I watched 2 more that day!
Back story....my brother was in middle school/ highschool when I was in college and I remember my mom worrying about what he was eating because they could bring cold lunch or go to this little "store-like" area that sold pizza, soda, hotdogs, you know...kid crack. He would fight her on wanting to eat at school b/c his buddies did and he didn't want to be "lame". I remember feeling powerless and sad because here these kids were doing school, sports, homework, in other words demanding tons from their growing bodies and a 1/3 of their nutrition was crap! I am in my 30's now, my brother is a grown man and doing quite well and loves it when I send him homemade banana bread (he's single and still doesn't bake). But I can't help wondering if all that did any permanent damage to his body.
Enter Jamie Oliver! He's getting in the schools and exposing, yes EXPOSING (like it's dirty b/c it is) their food practices to a public audience! He's well aware of budget restrictions and health code guidelines, but he's not just exposing, he's FIXING! He's offering ways for kids to get healthier! In one episode he taught a single father of two boys (11 and 15) and his sons how to cook so they could quit using fast food as a lifestyle. In one challenge he sent the father to procure a meal through a drive thru and he had the boys prepare a meal in that same time...the boys did it cheaper, quicker and healthier!!! Duh!!!! They were throwing around the football when dad returned with the nasty fast food option.
So....if you have not watched this awesomeness please do! Get your friends and family to watch it, but unfortunately I'm probably preaching to the choir here. Still, it's good for all of us to refresh our nutrition know-how. I love the magazine "Clean Eating". Very inspiring!
And a little bonus here....go pick up some "Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt"! It is great for grilling! Just use it sparingly unless you sweated out your salt for 3 hours, then go crazy! Ha!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Speed
Apparently my system is playing bouncy ball. I was sick at the beginning of last week, then better towards the end of the week, then sick again this week!! What's up??!! Anyway, I'm fed up! Fed Up! I went running anyway ;) I only did 4 miles, I should have (if I'd been on schedule), doing a 7 mile run yesterday and a swim followed by a weights session. Well THAT didn't happen. I'm just happy I'm out of bed.
So on my "run" today I got to thinking about speed. I always try to run my fastest even though it might not be my goal for the day, but this is because I want my average speed to to be an 8.5 minute mile. I'm not even touching that right now! I'm around 9.5. Now I know, I know, I almost exclusively run hills and that perpetuates my speed problem, but my husband can do some smokin' fast runs on these hills! This gets me thinking more....what is fast? Is fast a number? Is fast a perspective? Is fast goal? I have a friend who went from overweight and smoking to running a regular 7.5-8.0 min/mile. I stand in awe of her! I then stand in envy....here I am...healthy always, and athlete x3 years now and I'm still slow (in my opinion) as molasses in January!
I know I should do speed drills, sprints, Fartleks, etc, but even these don't seem to help my dilemma. I wonder further...am I just slow? I do blame my mother for smoking in the '70's while she was pregnant, but that can't be the only thing wrong.
So I leave the question out there....what is speed? Where does it hide? How do I find it?
So on my "run" today I got to thinking about speed. I always try to run my fastest even though it might not be my goal for the day, but this is because I want my average speed to to be an 8.5 minute mile. I'm not even touching that right now! I'm around 9.5. Now I know, I know, I almost exclusively run hills and that perpetuates my speed problem, but my husband can do some smokin' fast runs on these hills! This gets me thinking more....what is fast? Is fast a number? Is fast a perspective? Is fast goal? I have a friend who went from overweight and smoking to running a regular 7.5-8.0 min/mile. I stand in awe of her! I then stand in envy....here I am...healthy always, and athlete x3 years now and I'm still slow (in my opinion) as molasses in January!
I know I should do speed drills, sprints, Fartleks, etc, but even these don't seem to help my dilemma. I wonder further...am I just slow? I do blame my mother for smoking in the '70's while she was pregnant, but that can't be the only thing wrong.
So I leave the question out there....what is speed? Where does it hide? How do I find it?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Under the weather?
I have been feeling under the weather for the past two days. What the heck does that mean anyway? Under the weather? Hmmm....well I feel like crap (I can tell you what that means!).
I've been really working on listening to my body too, so I've not done an actual workout since Monday when I did a crossfit with my friend Andrea (the one I run with). She's an animal! She's a body builder and personal trainer, I'm so fortunate to have her as a friend b/c I can learn a ton from her!
There is a whole lot of talk on the tri-circuit about "cross fit" so I thought I'd share my story. I learned about it and have been doing it inconsistently since last year. It's a combination of cardio and muscle building, but you don't stop b/t exercises (usually). Here is a snap shot of what we did:
1 minute each: walking lunges, pushups, mountain climbers, tricep dips, squats with weights pushing up over head when standing, etc. It was intense and 2 days later my legs are STILL sore. I believe adding something like this does hold a lot of benefit. It's good for training intervals as well as gaining muscle and muscle endurance. It's also something you can do in a class or with a friend, which is nice from time to time.
For the rest of the week I intend to swim/bike tomorrow and run on Friday, we're then doing a walk on Saturday to benefit the Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. Good cause, but always hot!!
Hope you all are having a good week and I tried a new recipe that if I like it I'll post it!!! Blackbean burgers...yum!
I've been really working on listening to my body too, so I've not done an actual workout since Monday when I did a crossfit with my friend Andrea (the one I run with). She's an animal! She's a body builder and personal trainer, I'm so fortunate to have her as a friend b/c I can learn a ton from her!
There is a whole lot of talk on the tri-circuit about "cross fit" so I thought I'd share my story. I learned about it and have been doing it inconsistently since last year. It's a combination of cardio and muscle building, but you don't stop b/t exercises (usually). Here is a snap shot of what we did:
1 minute each: walking lunges, pushups, mountain climbers, tricep dips, squats with weights pushing up over head when standing, etc. It was intense and 2 days later my legs are STILL sore. I believe adding something like this does hold a lot of benefit. It's good for training intervals as well as gaining muscle and muscle endurance. It's also something you can do in a class or with a friend, which is nice from time to time.
For the rest of the week I intend to swim/bike tomorrow and run on Friday, we're then doing a walk on Saturday to benefit the Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. Good cause, but always hot!!
Hope you all are having a good week and I tried a new recipe that if I like it I'll post it!!! Blackbean burgers...yum!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Running and Brownies!
My favorite runs are always when I run with a friend. I love running with my friend Andrea. She is a very consistent runner, not fast, not too slow, but maintains a pace....something I could learn from. Since I'm trying to maintain my pace and carry on a distance to prepare for an Olympic tri, I need more runs like today. We set out to do 7 miles, but I was EXHAUSTED and ran late this morning, so we did 5.75 miles in 59:00min. We didn't run fast also b/c we have a lot of hills. I felt like I could have gone much faster, but the fact that I didn't was much better on my aching hip, so that is that.
I'm trying to increase my distance to run in a 1/2marathon in October, but that distance will be a creeping distance, last year I increased speed and distance too fast and too soon, so I've learned. I have been getting some good workouts in, even though they're longer than I'm use to, but that's good. HOWEVER...I'm starving! Starving all the time!!! I am also putting on weight, LOL! What is that about?? I eat clean (mostly), but I can't stop! This needs to get under control, but in the meantime, here is a yummy brownie recipe for all you sneaky chefs and junkfood junkies...
Wendy's "Clean-er" zucchini brownies
3/4 cup sucanat
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla
1 whole egg
1 cup white flour
1cup wheat flour
3 - 1oz squares of unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups or 1 8x8 pan.
Combine sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until blended well, then add egg. Add dry ingredients on top of sugar mixture. Add zucchini and chocolate chips after this is mixted. Pour into desired, prepped pan. If backing in 8x8 pan cook for about 30 minuted but check middle!! Cook the cupcakes for about 15-20 minutes, again check for doneness. If you want you can put a little icing on this too after it's cool!!
These are so good for kids, mine loves them, her friends love them, and they're healthier and sneak in a veggie!!! I think the zucchini meshes better than the spinach recipes. But to add spinach to your kids (or your diet) without notice you can wilt it, puree it and stick it in pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce...caution though..it will make the sauce dark.
Happy Eating!!!
I'm trying to increase my distance to run in a 1/2marathon in October, but that distance will be a creeping distance, last year I increased speed and distance too fast and too soon, so I've learned. I have been getting some good workouts in, even though they're longer than I'm use to, but that's good. HOWEVER...I'm starving! Starving all the time!!! I am also putting on weight, LOL! What is that about?? I eat clean (mostly), but I can't stop! This needs to get under control, but in the meantime, here is a yummy brownie recipe for all you sneaky chefs and junkfood junkies...
Wendy's "Clean-er" zucchini brownies
3/4 cup sucanat
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla
1 whole egg
1 cup white flour
1cup wheat flour
3 - 1oz squares of unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups or 1 8x8 pan.
Combine sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until blended well, then add egg. Add dry ingredients on top of sugar mixture. Add zucchini and chocolate chips after this is mixted. Pour into desired, prepped pan. If backing in 8x8 pan cook for about 30 minuted but check middle!! Cook the cupcakes for about 15-20 minutes, again check for doneness. If you want you can put a little icing on this too after it's cool!!
These are so good for kids, mine loves them, her friends love them, and they're healthier and sneak in a veggie!!! I think the zucchini meshes better than the spinach recipes. But to add spinach to your kids (or your diet) without notice you can wilt it, puree it and stick it in pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce...caution though..it will make the sauce dark.
Happy Eating!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A dark place
Have you ever wanted to quit a race? I mean really quit? Raise your hand and let yourself be pulled out by the friendly kayakers waiting between the buoys? Well I did.
I started my sprint tri this Sunday at beautiful White Lake, NC and standing there with the 16-34 age groupers all in our purple caps, goggles, and wetsuits, ready and waiting for the air horn to blow! I was so excited, here I was, going to get over my fear in this calm lake and with a sandy bottom and a mere 11foot depth in the deepest section. I glanced over the orange buoys, not mocking me, but inviting me! They even had their yards written on them as if to say, "C'mon, it's so easy, you do this in the pool all the time!". Finally, 17 minutes after the first groups horn blew, ours sounded! Loudly! I had a strategy, I was at the front this time, I was GOING to push through, I've trained for this all winter and I'm faster and stronger in the water than I was last year, plus it was wet suit legal! And I've never gotten a chance to race in a wetsuit before! Pulled my tags off that morning!
So there I was, kicking, paddling, pushing and breathing my way through 100+ girls, all with the same goal...reach the first 100yard buoy. I did, too fast. Then it happened, I was gasping for air! Clawing at the wetsuit that was now choking me, cutting away my air and my chance at victory over this lake. I glanced to my right and there was a girl on her back with her hand raised and shaking it beckoning the kayaks to come rescue her from the water. I went to a very dark place. A place in my mind that said, "go on...join her...then you can breathe". Then I heard my husband's voice from inside my head, "If you quit you will hate yourself. Do what you can to finish, just get through it. The bike is next and it's your saving grace. All you have to do is finish the swim." So I compromised I aimed for the 200 yard buoy...on my back. I started back stroking, something I've never done before, but the only way I could breathe. I then sited the turn buoy and stayed on my back, I was getting calmer so I flipped to my stomach and tried to crawl, the wetsuit was still choking me and now the sandy bottom was gone and this lake was just as murky as the rest of them. I ran into the turn buoy and pushed around it...almost to the 500 yard bouy...I'm breathing but not well, I'm still on my back, but I'm now feeling the constricting more, I started to wonder if I could pull of the wetsuit, no, probably not, I can barely get it off on land. I yank at the zipper and now it's half way unzipped and I can no longer back stroke....600 yard buoy. I'm crawling, almost there, just going slow now, but then this mega dude from the pod of clydesdales behind us runs up on my and throws me off again, but I can see the big "FINISH" sign at the dock, I get my panic under control, and the next 100 yards were pure survival. I get to the ladder and the stupid bi@*h tells me to go to the next ladder down (she could have died for that). I get out shaking and trying not to puke... but I got out!!! I swam 750 yards...100 yards at a time.
So I guess you could say I panicked. Well it is what it is. I still got out, finished the race and can face myself in the mirror. I did a terrible job on that race, but it was the first race of the season. I'm hoping to get over the fear of the lake and maybe, just maybe, learn how to pace myself at the beginning of a darn swim!!
I'm not pleased with how I did. I had a goal to finish in 1:30, but I did 1:39. I'm pretty sad about that, but hey, I FINISHED!!
I started my sprint tri this Sunday at beautiful White Lake, NC and standing there with the 16-34 age groupers all in our purple caps, goggles, and wetsuits, ready and waiting for the air horn to blow! I was so excited, here I was, going to get over my fear in this calm lake and with a sandy bottom and a mere 11foot depth in the deepest section. I glanced over the orange buoys, not mocking me, but inviting me! They even had their yards written on them as if to say, "C'mon, it's so easy, you do this in the pool all the time!". Finally, 17 minutes after the first groups horn blew, ours sounded! Loudly! I had a strategy, I was at the front this time, I was GOING to push through, I've trained for this all winter and I'm faster and stronger in the water than I was last year, plus it was wet suit legal! And I've never gotten a chance to race in a wetsuit before! Pulled my tags off that morning!
So there I was, kicking, paddling, pushing and breathing my way through 100+ girls, all with the same goal...reach the first 100yard buoy. I did, too fast. Then it happened, I was gasping for air! Clawing at the wetsuit that was now choking me, cutting away my air and my chance at victory over this lake. I glanced to my right and there was a girl on her back with her hand raised and shaking it beckoning the kayaks to come rescue her from the water. I went to a very dark place. A place in my mind that said, "go on...join her...then you can breathe". Then I heard my husband's voice from inside my head, "If you quit you will hate yourself. Do what you can to finish, just get through it. The bike is next and it's your saving grace. All you have to do is finish the swim." So I compromised I aimed for the 200 yard buoy...on my back. I started back stroking, something I've never done before, but the only way I could breathe. I then sited the turn buoy and stayed on my back, I was getting calmer so I flipped to my stomach and tried to crawl, the wetsuit was still choking me and now the sandy bottom was gone and this lake was just as murky as the rest of them. I ran into the turn buoy and pushed around it...almost to the 500 yard bouy...I'm breathing but not well, I'm still on my back, but I'm now feeling the constricting more, I started to wonder if I could pull of the wetsuit, no, probably not, I can barely get it off on land. I yank at the zipper and now it's half way unzipped and I can no longer back stroke....600 yard buoy. I'm crawling, almost there, just going slow now, but then this mega dude from the pod of clydesdales behind us runs up on my and throws me off again, but I can see the big "FINISH" sign at the dock, I get my panic under control, and the next 100 yards were pure survival. I get to the ladder and the stupid bi@*h tells me to go to the next ladder down (she could have died for that). I get out shaking and trying not to puke... but I got out!!! I swam 750 yards...100 yards at a time.
So I guess you could say I panicked. Well it is what it is. I still got out, finished the race and can face myself in the mirror. I did a terrible job on that race, but it was the first race of the season. I'm hoping to get over the fear of the lake and maybe, just maybe, learn how to pace myself at the beginning of a darn swim!!
I'm not pleased with how I did. I had a goal to finish in 1:30, but I did 1:39. I'm pretty sad about that, but hey, I FINISHED!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A bunch of nothing
Sorry, I go through spells of having nothing to say. I am the chattiest person I know so I guess I just get tired of hearing myself.
I'm back (for today at least). I'm looking for moral support. I've got a race in a week and a half. It is only a sprint tri, but I have no way to lake train b/c our water, air, ground, everything is still too cold. It's only a sprint, so I guess I can muddle through for 1/2 mile. But wish me luck anyway!
So I have been sought out and beaten with allergies. I'm only working out 4-5 times a week b/c I physically can't do more! I was suppose to do a crossfit this morning but my training buddy bailed due to allergies so I bailed too, he he he (I hate crossfit). We're all suffering out here!
I'm tired of people looking at me and saying I'm too skinny. I'm NOT! I'm an athlete, I exercise, eat right and don't binge out on chips while watching the biggest loser. Food is fuel to me. The better the quality, the better the performance of the machine. But somehow people feel the need to justify they're eating and exercise habits (or lack there of) to me. I'm not judging! I swear! Unless you're making your kids fat...that is poor parenting and I DO judge that.
I haven't been out on my bike since my last pitiful ride, but I plan to on Saturday. I'm nervous, but need a good, hard, long brick training session. I'm going with my husband which might NOT be a good idea. I get fussy when I can't shift, ride, climb well. I don't hold back in front of him either, LOL! He hates it!
The White Lake Tri I'm doing sounds nice. It's flat. I don't know what that means. I live in West Virginia and the longest flat area in a row is about 50 yards. It's becoming cumbersome, so I actually look forward to biking the 14 miles and running the 3.1 without trying to die! I think age found me this year. The hills HURT by run time is 9-10 minute miles!!! WTH!!!!
Okay, this was a ramble, probably not worth reading, but I've been wildly disappointed in my training. Sorry to relay this to you! Hope everyone else is getting back into it and feeling good!! Send some positive energy my way!
I'm back (for today at least). I'm looking for moral support. I've got a race in a week and a half. It is only a sprint tri, but I have no way to lake train b/c our water, air, ground, everything is still too cold. It's only a sprint, so I guess I can muddle through for 1/2 mile. But wish me luck anyway!
So I have been sought out and beaten with allergies. I'm only working out 4-5 times a week b/c I physically can't do more! I was suppose to do a crossfit this morning but my training buddy bailed due to allergies so I bailed too, he he he (I hate crossfit). We're all suffering out here!
I'm tired of people looking at me and saying I'm too skinny. I'm NOT! I'm an athlete, I exercise, eat right and don't binge out on chips while watching the biggest loser. Food is fuel to me. The better the quality, the better the performance of the machine. But somehow people feel the need to justify they're eating and exercise habits (or lack there of) to me. I'm not judging! I swear! Unless you're making your kids fat...that is poor parenting and I DO judge that.
I haven't been out on my bike since my last pitiful ride, but I plan to on Saturday. I'm nervous, but need a good, hard, long brick training session. I'm going with my husband which might NOT be a good idea. I get fussy when I can't shift, ride, climb well. I don't hold back in front of him either, LOL! He hates it!
The White Lake Tri I'm doing sounds nice. It's flat. I don't know what that means. I live in West Virginia and the longest flat area in a row is about 50 yards. It's becoming cumbersome, so I actually look forward to biking the 14 miles and running the 3.1 without trying to die! I think age found me this year. The hills HURT by run time is 9-10 minute miles!!! WTH!!!!
Okay, this was a ramble, probably not worth reading, but I've been wildly disappointed in my training. Sorry to relay this to you! Hope everyone else is getting back into it and feeling good!! Send some positive energy my way!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What is HAPPENING???
Went out for my FIRST outdoor ride of the season. I quit 25 minutes in. UGH!!! Why you ask? Well I am apparently rebelling against my own body. I was soooooo tired all day and then went out there to ride, got on a big hill and almost cried, I literally COULDN'T do it! I can usually push through stuff, but this was horrible. I could barely hold the car key to start my car. Typing this feels like I'm running a marathon right now.
I started the day and did a 45 minute trail run (which I never do) and then ran errands and noticed I was starving (I forgot to eat), ate lunch around 1 then fell asleep (job perk of being a stay at home mom right now) which I hardly ever do during the day. I woke up to do some laundry and pick my daughter up from the bus stop and then meet my husband for a ride. I just never really felt like I woke up. This whole week I've felt a little too tired, I truly hope I'm not getting sick!!! I really REALLY hope not.
Anyway, I'm usually the energizer bunny, so I wish I knew what was up. I'm going to bed at 9 tonight and praying for a better day tomorrow. I think I'll focus on abs and get in the pool tomorrow.
Oh! I need swim drills. Any suggestions for websites or ones that have worked for you, please send them my way!
Thank you!
I started the day and did a 45 minute trail run (which I never do) and then ran errands and noticed I was starving (I forgot to eat), ate lunch around 1 then fell asleep (job perk of being a stay at home mom right now) which I hardly ever do during the day. I woke up to do some laundry and pick my daughter up from the bus stop and then meet my husband for a ride. I just never really felt like I woke up. This whole week I've felt a little too tired, I truly hope I'm not getting sick!!! I really REALLY hope not.
Anyway, I'm usually the energizer bunny, so I wish I knew what was up. I'm going to bed at 9 tonight and praying for a better day tomorrow. I think I'll focus on abs and get in the pool tomorrow.
Oh! I need swim drills. Any suggestions for websites or ones that have worked for you, please send them my way!
Thank you!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Married!!!
Holy cow! I am finally DONE! My sister is married!!! The wedding is OVER!!! Hoooray!!! I just love my new brother in law and his family and I'm so excited for her. This whole wedding thing has definitely put a damper in training, however, I came home from Nashville and was greeted by delightful weather, like seriously,70's, beautiful, so I'm looking forward to some outdoor runs and rides ;)! I did one pitiful workout on in TN, but decided that I was wildly too busy to continue that while I was helping with the festivities, so I decided to pick back up this week.
Today I taught spin and fully realized how exhausted I am. I'm going to nap this afternoon and try to regroup for my swim tomorrow. I'll be hopefully working out with my friend April in the pool every Tuesday. Good for me and her, plus it's way more fun with a buddy!
We are just over 1 month away from the first race (White Lake Half Iron and Sprint)!!! Woo Hoo!!!!
Today I taught spin and fully realized how exhausted I am. I'm going to nap this afternoon and try to regroup for my swim tomorrow. I'll be hopefully working out with my friend April in the pool every Tuesday. Good for me and her, plus it's way more fun with a buddy!
We are just over 1 month away from the first race (White Lake Half Iron and Sprint)!!! Woo Hoo!!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A new swim
I did something new today. Okay, I swam, but that's not new, what's new is the way I did my swim. I took the distance out of it. I decided to do something I haven't done in years, like since college! I don't want to talk about how long ago that actually was. Okay, what I did was I put on my husbands trusty little "lap counter" (go to www.sportcount.com) and decided to just see what I could get out of myself in 60 minutes of continuous swimming. I stopped twice for a gulp of water and have never completely mastered a flip turn, so that was the only wasted time I had. I did a comfortable pace that ended up affording me 45 laps in 60 minutes. I was counting a lap as 50meters. I thought that was pretty good for me. I know that almost everyone can outdo me in that time, but understand that I am NOT a good swimmer. I'm just doing what I can....I'm "tri-ing". And truthfully...I probably could have pushed harder, but I don't usually do a continuous hour and with my shady blood sugar and no gels (what the heck can't I remember those?) I didn't want to push it.
Little bit of irritation......
I'm in the locker room and these two women are in discussion, here is a piece of that. Woman 1: "I worked out like 5 days last week and GAINED 4 pounds!". Woman 2: " I hear you, it seems that all this exercise just isn't worth it sometimes".
My response (that I wish I had said then and there, but in reality I just kept my polite little mouth shut). To Woman 1 "First and formost you can NOT use exercise as an excuse to eat whatever you want, secondly you need to pay attention to what you are actually doing, is it what you should be doing for the goals you have in mind, and thirdly, muscle weighs more than fat and if your activities are rapidly increasing your muscle composition you will most likely see a slight increase in weight before true weightloss is achieved"
To Woman 2 "Exercise is always worth it. Even if you're just dancing around in water aerobics, if you pair that with a healthy diet and good hydration, you'll see everything from mobility to bloodwork improve. Injuries at an older age will be less likely, and quality of life will increase."
Ugh! I feel like this should be common sense! It feels SOOOOO much better to be in shape.
Okay, sorry, I should have lectured these two today, don't know why I didn't, I'm just pretty sure I wasn't going to be nice about it.
Little bit of irritation......
I'm in the locker room and these two women are in discussion, here is a piece of that. Woman 1: "I worked out like 5 days last week and GAINED 4 pounds!". Woman 2: " I hear you, it seems that all this exercise just isn't worth it sometimes".
My response (that I wish I had said then and there, but in reality I just kept my polite little mouth shut). To Woman 1 "First and formost you can NOT use exercise as an excuse to eat whatever you want, secondly you need to pay attention to what you are actually doing, is it what you should be doing for the goals you have in mind, and thirdly, muscle weighs more than fat and if your activities are rapidly increasing your muscle composition you will most likely see a slight increase in weight before true weightloss is achieved"
To Woman 2 "Exercise is always worth it. Even if you're just dancing around in water aerobics, if you pair that with a healthy diet and good hydration, you'll see everything from mobility to bloodwork improve. Injuries at an older age will be less likely, and quality of life will increase."
Ugh! I feel like this should be common sense! It feels SOOOOO much better to be in shape.
Okay, sorry, I should have lectured these two today, don't know why I didn't, I'm just pretty sure I wasn't going to be nice about it.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Just being a hater!
Just got back from my sisters bachelorette party in Nashville. What fun! However, that said, all this wedding planning, celebrations, visiting friends, etc, etc is wrecking my training!!
The bachelorette party was on Saturday, but it takes me 8 hours to get there, so all day Friday I was in the car and then Saturday was set up, etc for the party and Sunday was driving home. So I definitely did NOT make progress this weekend :/
Some things I learned about Nashville, though....first of all chivalry is dead there. Gone, dead, done! Second....skinny jeans are NOT for everyone ESPECIALLY guys!!!! Third....if you are not a blonde you will not get served at a bar :)
Yeah, this weekend was interesting to say the least. We went to one restaurant where, including the guys, I was the most muscular! Seriously, I live in the country, when WHEN did it become cool to be a stick figure as a guy???? Eeeeewwww!!!!! Where oh WHERE are the good 'ol boys in Nashville? It's all Audi's and Gucci, when I use to live there (15 years ago) it was pickups and blue jeans, no specific brand of either. YUCK!!!! I am wildly unimpressed with the city, I'm where I belong! Sorry for all my city friends out there, not knockin', just venting ;) A down side to the country is that you have to drive 20 minutes to get anything and some people have "brother cousins" and "uncle daddies", ROFL, JK!
Okay, venting aside. I'm trying to make some decisions. I'm feeling like I'm in a rut, and not b/c it's snowing for the four hundreth time this season, just b/c I'm wondering if I should up my distance. I'm very comfortable at 5-6 miles running and over 20 on the bike, it's that darn pool. Anyway. I'm curious on any floating opinions about when/how to up distance.
BTW, another side note....smoking sucks, don't do it! I was in a bunch of places where smoking was allowed and I've felt like I smoked a pack myself. My lungs are killing me! SMOKING SUCKS!!!!!
The bachelorette party was on Saturday, but it takes me 8 hours to get there, so all day Friday I was in the car and then Saturday was set up, etc for the party and Sunday was driving home. So I definitely did NOT make progress this weekend :/
Some things I learned about Nashville, though....first of all chivalry is dead there. Gone, dead, done! Second....skinny jeans are NOT for everyone ESPECIALLY guys!!!! Third....if you are not a blonde you will not get served at a bar :)
Yeah, this weekend was interesting to say the least. We went to one restaurant where, including the guys, I was the most muscular! Seriously, I live in the country, when WHEN did it become cool to be a stick figure as a guy???? Eeeeewwww!!!!! Where oh WHERE are the good 'ol boys in Nashville? It's all Audi's and Gucci, when I use to live there (15 years ago) it was pickups and blue jeans, no specific brand of either. YUCK!!!! I am wildly unimpressed with the city, I'm where I belong! Sorry for all my city friends out there, not knockin', just venting ;) A down side to the country is that you have to drive 20 minutes to get anything and some people have "brother cousins" and "uncle daddies", ROFL, JK!
Okay, venting aside. I'm trying to make some decisions. I'm feeling like I'm in a rut, and not b/c it's snowing for the four hundreth time this season, just b/c I'm wondering if I should up my distance. I'm very comfortable at 5-6 miles running and over 20 on the bike, it's that darn pool. Anyway. I'm curious on any floating opinions about when/how to up distance.
BTW, another side note....smoking sucks, don't do it! I was in a bunch of places where smoking was allowed and I've felt like I smoked a pack myself. My lungs are killing me! SMOKING SUCKS!!!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spring has sprung!
I'm here! I'm here! I've been gone for awhile!! I've had some health issues and then had a relative pass away and left town twice in 2 weeks (incidentally I'm leaving AGAIN for a 3rd weekend in a row!).
So, training....eh, so/so. I did some sprint drills with a friend I don't normally see and that was crazy!!! We went out to one of the only flat places to run in WV and did about 2 or 3 miles with using lamp posts as guides on where to start and each lamp post we got faster and faster and then walked. It didn't feel too bad except that I was having crazy allergies!!! It felt like my chest was collapsing, but I got out of my head and powered through! I highly recommend some good sprint drills, I often neglect this type of training, but I think my body needs it.
I'm running outside!!!!! YAY for spring!
I'll have a few weeks again here where I'm horribly busy, little sis is getting married!!!! So I'll be doing stuff for that ;)
Hope everyone is having a Happy Spring!
So, training....eh, so/so. I did some sprint drills with a friend I don't normally see and that was crazy!!! We went out to one of the only flat places to run in WV and did about 2 or 3 miles with using lamp posts as guides on where to start and each lamp post we got faster and faster and then walked. It didn't feel too bad except that I was having crazy allergies!!! It felt like my chest was collapsing, but I got out of my head and powered through! I highly recommend some good sprint drills, I often neglect this type of training, but I think my body needs it.
I'm running outside!!!!! YAY for spring!
I'll have a few weeks again here where I'm horribly busy, little sis is getting married!!!! So I'll be doing stuff for that ;)
Hope everyone is having a Happy Spring!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Eating and Planning, Planning and Eating
Saturday we (the family) have been spending our mornings at the YMCA in the pool training then playing and/or running, lifting, whatever is on the plate for that training day. Well this Saturday Mike had done a pretty hilly ride and was getting over the flu so I was going to go alone and decided I didn't want to drive in to town (a whopping 20 minutes), so I loaded myself onto the bike trainer and was about to put in my 50 minute Lean and Mean Spinerval DVD when at the last minute grabbed Tough Love, the 3-hour one. I decided to take it 20 minutes at a time. I did TWO HOURS on the bike! 30 miles (don't laugh, I'm not super fast inside). I could have totally finished the 3 hours had my non-carb-loaded self actually had ANY gels, more bananas or even eaten to prep for this. I was starving, no STARVING so I stopped. I had to eat! I have low blood sugar, so I'm a bit of a time-bomb anyhow, but this was crazy, I was shaky and could barely make a PB and honey. But I felt good knowing that my body could have given me more, just need to work out my nutrition a bit better. I may try the full 3 hours again with some planning.
The after shocks of this workout were that I was nauseous the rest of the day and bit tired, but my legs never hurt, not once. So weird, long runs break me down for days, but this was like nothing ever happened.
I'm actually going to really take a hard look at my nutrition. I'm getting back into a good training routine and find I have more of an appetite again. I could easily quench this with pound cakes and cereal, but I'd be better serving myself and my waist line by consuming more training-friendly foods such as grilled lean meats and oatmeal and LOTS of veggies. I usually eat pretty well, but the down side is that I walk around hungry the rest of the day. What I'm planning to do....and I challenge everyone else to do this b/c it helps I promise...keep a diet journal with everything EVERYTHING you eat and what time of day you eat it and what you feel like, etc. This is a great way to learn vitamin deficiencies too. Give it about 7 days. Dietitians are great consults if you feel lost too.
Hope everyone is having a good intro to the season. We received 6 inches of snow yesterday! Jealous?! LOL!
The after shocks of this workout were that I was nauseous the rest of the day and bit tired, but my legs never hurt, not once. So weird, long runs break me down for days, but this was like nothing ever happened.
I'm actually going to really take a hard look at my nutrition. I'm getting back into a good training routine and find I have more of an appetite again. I could easily quench this with pound cakes and cereal, but I'd be better serving myself and my waist line by consuming more training-friendly foods such as grilled lean meats and oatmeal and LOTS of veggies. I usually eat pretty well, but the down side is that I walk around hungry the rest of the day. What I'm planning to do....and I challenge everyone else to do this b/c it helps I promise...keep a diet journal with everything EVERYTHING you eat and what time of day you eat it and what you feel like, etc. This is a great way to learn vitamin deficiencies too. Give it about 7 days. Dietitians are great consults if you feel lost too.
Hope everyone is having a good intro to the season. We received 6 inches of snow yesterday! Jealous?! LOL!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A Dirty Quitter
I'm a dirty quitter! I have now quit two things in two days. Yesterday I had a brick planned; I was to do 18 miles on the spin bike and then a 4 mile run. Well I got finished with my biking and then got on the treadmill. I was DRAGGING at a 10 min/min pace!!! My legs were just in pain, so much pain, not injury pain, but fatigue pain. So after 1 lousy mile I QUIT! I went and worked my super-sad abs and then QUIT and went home.
Then today I taught a baking class at my house with the intention of going running outside after it warmed up (suppose to get to almost 60!), well after I taught I went outside and it was blowing COLD! West Virginia weather is awesome, but irritating too. So I donned my spin shoes and loaded my sad self onto my bike trainer to have Coach Troy tell me what to do. 10 minutes in to the DVD my legs felt like they did yesterday and I QUIT! I did! I preach against quitting, but I QUIT! My legs are so sore and tired and I am wondering if they need a rest or I need to take up Yoga or both.
Tomorrow I'm praying for happier weather, although I am probably going to attempt 2 hours on the trainer with the DVD "Tough Love" by Spinervals. I'm not doing the 3 hours, but I think 2 might be okay. Let's hope this leg thing clears up. I hate quitters, so you can imagine how I feel about myself right now!
Then today I taught a baking class at my house with the intention of going running outside after it warmed up (suppose to get to almost 60!), well after I taught I went outside and it was blowing COLD! West Virginia weather is awesome, but irritating too. So I donned my spin shoes and loaded my sad self onto my bike trainer to have Coach Troy tell me what to do. 10 minutes in to the DVD my legs felt like they did yesterday and I QUIT! I did! I preach against quitting, but I QUIT! My legs are so sore and tired and I am wondering if they need a rest or I need to take up Yoga or both.
Tomorrow I'm praying for happier weather, although I am probably going to attempt 2 hours on the trainer with the DVD "Tough Love" by Spinervals. I'm not doing the 3 hours, but I think 2 might be okay. Let's hope this leg thing clears up. I hate quitters, so you can imagine how I feel about myself right now!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Questions
I was in the pool today and since I don't have a way to get Usher or Kesha to scream in my ears while I'm swimming it leaves me tragically alone with my thoughts (yikes)....well here's one I had...
Back story: My husband and I did our first outdoor tri's last summer (only sprint distances) and fell in LOVE! He is an exceptional athlete. Like REALLY good! He is a bit scary good considering the little amount of time he trains and is still knocking off the competition. Well our friend asked us to do a Half Iron in May of this year (now he asked this back in October) and while I said "no" b/c I'm positive I couldn't be ready (c'mon, I did theatre in highschool while my husband was doing two-a-days on his champion soccer team) he jumped on it! I thought it was a bit premature but our "trainer" thought he could be ready since he's such a natural athlete.
Back to the present...we are such tri-newbies that I'm worried he'll do this race and be toast for the rest of the season, so I ask this question, "At what point in your tri career should you consider taking on this type of race?"
The other question that plagued me was, "Should your longer races be saved to later in the year to avoid burn out, or should they be done at the beginning of the season when you're 'fresh'?" Okay, so you see why my swim was burdened today.
Off the subject, but seriously needs to be pointed out...my cardiovascular strength is miles ahead of where I was this time last year! Training ROCKS!!!!
Back story: My husband and I did our first outdoor tri's last summer (only sprint distances) and fell in LOVE! He is an exceptional athlete. Like REALLY good! He is a bit scary good considering the little amount of time he trains and is still knocking off the competition. Well our friend asked us to do a Half Iron in May of this year (now he asked this back in October) and while I said "no" b/c I'm positive I couldn't be ready (c'mon, I did theatre in highschool while my husband was doing two-a-days on his champion soccer team) he jumped on it! I thought it was a bit premature but our "trainer" thought he could be ready since he's such a natural athlete.
Back to the present...we are such tri-newbies that I'm worried he'll do this race and be toast for the rest of the season, so I ask this question, "At what point in your tri career should you consider taking on this type of race?"
The other question that plagued me was, "Should your longer races be saved to later in the year to avoid burn out, or should they be done at the beginning of the season when you're 'fresh'?" Okay, so you see why my swim was burdened today.
Off the subject, but seriously needs to be pointed out...my cardiovascular strength is miles ahead of where I was this time last year! Training ROCKS!!!!
Laying that first brick
Yup, Monday I did a brick training session. It was my first of the season and OH MY! I ran on Saturday for only 3.2 miles, however, I could have done a lot more and I added hills! I had a great week last week, there in lies my reason for thinking I was ready to brick. Well..........I basically did 18 miles on the bike and then could barely do a 9.5 min/mi for the 3 miles I ran on the treadmill b/c I'm pretty sure someone injected lead into my legs somewhere along my bike ride! I forgot how hard those are and I'm going to be working MUCH harder at getting back to my old self and not feel like I'm dying when I go from the bike to the run. That was insanely hard...too hard! I almost like identifying weakness as much as I enjoy finding new strength. It's another goal! Isn't that why we "tri"?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Breakthrough!
BDD, thanks for the interval input! It is always ALWAYS helpful to have someone more experienced reinforce my attempts at "training".
I had a breakthrough today!!! I had to teach a spin class for college students (excellent way to make you feel old if you're in your 30's) and since it was only 30 minutes I decided to fit in a 5K run before hand. So I did the run then rode the spin bike for 15 minutes before class started. I don't work as hard when I teach, but I do work, so this was a nice size workout, especially since I'm pretty sure I have a stomach virus. I didn't feel particularly tired after this stint, though, and it got me thinking...I'm not satisfied by workouts less than an hour anymore...infact...I'm not satisfied by my workouts very much at all lately...could it be?..COULD IT BE??? Am I getting (dare I say) stronger??? I can't believe it if I am, but I'm truly working smarter, not harder! I might be doing something RIGHT! YAAAYYY!!!
So that was my breakthrough. Hang in everybody, I'm proof that it can happen! Now for my next trick-when DO I get tired?? This could be fun!
I had a breakthrough today!!! I had to teach a spin class for college students (excellent way to make you feel old if you're in your 30's) and since it was only 30 minutes I decided to fit in a 5K run before hand. So I did the run then rode the spin bike for 15 minutes before class started. I don't work as hard when I teach, but I do work, so this was a nice size workout, especially since I'm pretty sure I have a stomach virus. I didn't feel particularly tired after this stint, though, and it got me thinking...I'm not satisfied by workouts less than an hour anymore...infact...I'm not satisfied by my workouts very much at all lately...could it be?..COULD IT BE??? Am I getting (dare I say) stronger??? I can't believe it if I am, but I'm truly working smarter, not harder! I might be doing something RIGHT! YAAAYYY!!!
So that was my breakthrough. Hang in everybody, I'm proof that it can happen! Now for my next trick-when DO I get tired?? This could be fun!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Slave to the Intervals
Wow! I've been AWOL again! I don't mean to be, sorry.
I've noticed that my way of coping with the mind numbing indoor training sessions has been by doing interval training after interval after interval, after interval...you get the point. So I decided to do a "long swim" in the pool (1/2 mile--don't judge), while I was pitiful and forgot to time myself I found the effects of the actual workout were the worst of the whole experience, I could barely hang! You see, I will do drills, sprints, and race pace, etc, but for no more than 200m in a row and I'll do it for up to over a mile, well when you're going a total of 850m non-stop (give or take) it's a big, darn difference! I don't know why I tend to forget this, but apparently I do...so I'm going to spend some more time doing distance and less on drills for a bit, just to get my swerve back.
Okay the bike...well when you're doing Spinverals DVD's you're doing ONLY intervals, however, this is not so bad b/c where I tend to ride is all hills anyhow, I really think I could have a serious handicap if I were to do a time trial with serious bikers, but, so far I'm hanging with my crowd okay. I am setting my sites on an International distance later in the year so I shouldn't ignore this weakness too much longer, I really don't do more than 15 miles at a time (hard-core cyclists insert judgment here). I am smoking the bike portion right now, however, so my confidence there is up.
Now the run...is it bad that I'm toast after just 4 miles??? Don't answer that. I'm not really training the run, first off I have bad feet, but second...I HATE THE TREADMILL!!!!! And btw....our indoor track is 20 LAPS PER MILE!!! So yes, there may be some interval training there too. I can't seem to hold a steady pace, I think that is less about the training and more about the ADD!
So there you have it, my fight with intervals. I love them, but are they serving me? How much time SHOULD I be putting into distance training...I think I know where my next research focus should be :) Maybe I'll learn something new!
Hope your winters are going well!
I've noticed that my way of coping with the mind numbing indoor training sessions has been by doing interval training after interval after interval, after interval...you get the point. So I decided to do a "long swim" in the pool (1/2 mile--don't judge), while I was pitiful and forgot to time myself I found the effects of the actual workout were the worst of the whole experience, I could barely hang! You see, I will do drills, sprints, and race pace, etc, but for no more than 200m in a row and I'll do it for up to over a mile, well when you're going a total of 850m non-stop (give or take) it's a big, darn difference! I don't know why I tend to forget this, but apparently I do...so I'm going to spend some more time doing distance and less on drills for a bit, just to get my swerve back.
Okay the bike...well when you're doing Spinverals DVD's you're doing ONLY intervals, however, this is not so bad b/c where I tend to ride is all hills anyhow, I really think I could have a serious handicap if I were to do a time trial with serious bikers, but, so far I'm hanging with my crowd okay. I am setting my sites on an International distance later in the year so I shouldn't ignore this weakness too much longer, I really don't do more than 15 miles at a time (hard-core cyclists insert judgment here). I am smoking the bike portion right now, however, so my confidence there is up.
Now the run...is it bad that I'm toast after just 4 miles??? Don't answer that. I'm not really training the run, first off I have bad feet, but second...I HATE THE TREADMILL!!!!! And btw....our indoor track is 20 LAPS PER MILE!!! So yes, there may be some interval training there too. I can't seem to hold a steady pace, I think that is less about the training and more about the ADD!
So there you have it, my fight with intervals. I love them, but are they serving me? How much time SHOULD I be putting into distance training...I think I know where my next research focus should be :) Maybe I'll learn something new!
Hope your winters are going well!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Blah Blah Blah
I'm so boring I don't even blog! West Virginia has had snow since the state was entered into the Union, but for whatever reason, we are totally unable to deal with it in the 21st century! My child has been out of school for THREE days this week. WE HAVE PLOWS! Okay, that's enough, I'll calm down.
Anyway, all this means is that I'm not hitting my workouts. Good news is that the mojo is flowing again! I'm getting stronger! I am still pretty weak, but I'm getting stronger with every workout.
This week was Monday-got rear ended by a creepy guy on my way to the gym so I went home and did a spinervals DVD (waaaaay better than spin class anyway!), Tuesday - swam intervals and drills, I'm not ready for a distance swim yet, but I'm doing about a mile each training session...just not in a row. Wednesday- taught spin, snow started hitting us hard, but so did ice rain, so I cut class short and sent everyone home, I ended up following along with Jillian again on her DVD (she is awesome!). Thursday- DIDN"T TO A DARN THING! Friday-stay tuned, not sure what I'm doing, but I'm pretty sure it'll be something on my bike since that's my only option at this point.
This weekend I'm going to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It's suppose to be a scorching 50 degrees! I'm RUNNING!!!! For like hours!!!! Just running!!!! Look out Forest Gump!!! I think I'll go with the husband to where the SML tri's are held and do that course for the run a couple times.
I'm not racing at the YMCA indoor tri on Saturday. I wrote about that in the fall, I need a break and I'm going to be out of town, so it works. It's sorta bittersweet since I've been in every one of them! In fact...January 31st is the 2nd anniversary of my first tri!
Have a great weekend! Get out and conquer!
Anyway, all this means is that I'm not hitting my workouts. Good news is that the mojo is flowing again! I'm getting stronger! I am still pretty weak, but I'm getting stronger with every workout.
This week was Monday-got rear ended by a creepy guy on my way to the gym so I went home and did a spinervals DVD (waaaaay better than spin class anyway!), Tuesday - swam intervals and drills, I'm not ready for a distance swim yet, but I'm doing about a mile each training session...just not in a row. Wednesday- taught spin, snow started hitting us hard, but so did ice rain, so I cut class short and sent everyone home, I ended up following along with Jillian again on her DVD (she is awesome!). Thursday- DIDN"T TO A DARN THING! Friday-stay tuned, not sure what I'm doing, but I'm pretty sure it'll be something on my bike since that's my only option at this point.
This weekend I'm going to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It's suppose to be a scorching 50 degrees! I'm RUNNING!!!! For like hours!!!! Just running!!!! Look out Forest Gump!!! I think I'll go with the husband to where the SML tri's are held and do that course for the run a couple times.
I'm not racing at the YMCA indoor tri on Saturday. I wrote about that in the fall, I need a break and I'm going to be out of town, so it works. It's sorta bittersweet since I've been in every one of them! In fact...January 31st is the 2nd anniversary of my first tri!
Have a great weekend! Get out and conquer!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Catch up
Wow! Blogs have been few and far between lately! Well truthfully I've been pretty boring to read about lately.....no races, no motivation, very little time in the gym, LOTS of snow! I have been getting workouts in, just not really good, solid, body-changing ones!
So let me re-cap some of my workouts over the past little while.
Last Saturday I spent some time on my bike trainer; Sunday we were at a hotel (at sea level!!) and I did 4 miles on their treadmill--mainly b/c people were waiting on us and I didn't have time for more; Sunday and Monday I was off due to really busy days; Tuesday I did a really good drill workout in the pool, it took me about an hour and I was toast afterward! Wednesday I was tired and so I just walked a mile and ran 3.2 on the treadmill.
So that's me. My runs are wildly short....I really hate treadmills, and yes, I want one, but that doesn't mean I like them! They are a necessary evil in a place that has very poor snow removal and lots of snow!
Today I'm hoping to hop on the bike trainer for a few miles.
So let me re-cap some of my workouts over the past little while.
Last Saturday I spent some time on my bike trainer; Sunday we were at a hotel (at sea level!!) and I did 4 miles on their treadmill--mainly b/c people were waiting on us and I didn't have time for more; Sunday and Monday I was off due to really busy days; Tuesday I did a really good drill workout in the pool, it took me about an hour and I was toast afterward! Wednesday I was tired and so I just walked a mile and ran 3.2 on the treadmill.
So that's me. My runs are wildly short....I really hate treadmills, and yes, I want one, but that doesn't mean I like them! They are a necessary evil in a place that has very poor snow removal and lots of snow!
Today I'm hoping to hop on the bike trainer for a few miles.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Mojo?
Where oh where is my mojo? I'm trying, really trying to get into it. I NEED to find myself, but lately I'm struggling to do anything!
Sunday I got on my new (suped-up) and improved bike and while I was only on my trainer I was LOVING it! I am hoping I can fly!!!! I'll be doing a blog on this soon.
Monday I was on my way to (grudgingly) swim laps until a fellow spin instructor (who also teaches water aerobics) waved me over to join her class b/c she was running low on participants. Well being an instructor myself I understand not wanting to teach only 3 of 4 people so I jumped in. While water aerobics isn't my fav, it's a great workout if you work at it! I did that and left at the cool down b/c I didn't want to get too cooled down before I did my laps....well.....my "laps" ended up being only a 200 race pace (for warm up-ish thing) and then four 50meter "sprints" before my blood sugar flushed! I was so dizzy I stumbled out of the pool. I went to the showers and tried hard to get through that quick b/c I didn't have a gel or anything with me! That was when I realized two things.....one, always, ALWAYS remember protein at breakfast and two, always, ALWAYS remember a gel!!!! UGH!!!!
Today I went to spin. The hour almost killed me. I'm strong, but not STRONG like triathlete! I did an hour and then (learning from my mistakes), popped a gel and went to do negative splits on the treadmill for only a mile.
You see, I'm coming off of illness and exhaustion and while I can get through a workout, I'm not feeling like I'm gaining. I feel like I'm learning all over again! I'm PRAYING this clears up! I'm desperate to be where I was!
Well tomorrow we'll be under several feet of snow in WV...AGAIN! So I'm going to do that Jillian Michaels DVD I did on Friday. I actually like it! I like to do some strength training and I like her, she's just cool and committed and really wants everyone to be healthy, so I'm looking forward to that. And weather permitting I'm swimming on Thursday. I need some good swim workouts (for someone NOT training for an iron distance) so feel free to throw some at me :)
Sunday I got on my new (suped-up) and improved bike and while I was only on my trainer I was LOVING it! I am hoping I can fly!!!! I'll be doing a blog on this soon.
Monday I was on my way to (grudgingly) swim laps until a fellow spin instructor (who also teaches water aerobics) waved me over to join her class b/c she was running low on participants. Well being an instructor myself I understand not wanting to teach only 3 of 4 people so I jumped in. While water aerobics isn't my fav, it's a great workout if you work at it! I did that and left at the cool down b/c I didn't want to get too cooled down before I did my laps....well.....my "laps" ended up being only a 200 race pace (for warm up-ish thing) and then four 50meter "sprints" before my blood sugar flushed! I was so dizzy I stumbled out of the pool. I went to the showers and tried hard to get through that quick b/c I didn't have a gel or anything with me! That was when I realized two things.....one, always, ALWAYS remember protein at breakfast and two, always, ALWAYS remember a gel!!!! UGH!!!!
Today I went to spin. The hour almost killed me. I'm strong, but not STRONG like triathlete! I did an hour and then (learning from my mistakes), popped a gel and went to do negative splits on the treadmill for only a mile.
You see, I'm coming off of illness and exhaustion and while I can get through a workout, I'm not feeling like I'm gaining. I feel like I'm learning all over again! I'm PRAYING this clears up! I'm desperate to be where I was!
Well tomorrow we'll be under several feet of snow in WV...AGAIN! So I'm going to do that Jillian Michaels DVD I did on Friday. I actually like it! I like to do some strength training and I like her, she's just cool and committed and really wants everyone to be healthy, so I'm looking forward to that. And weather permitting I'm swimming on Thursday. I need some good swim workouts (for someone NOT training for an iron distance) so feel free to throw some at me :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Trouble Zones
I have started off this new year a little under the weather. I was on the treadmill on Monday and Tuesday and couldn't get faster than 6mph b/c I felt so incredibly weak. I did about 2.5-3 miles each day and then walked to make a full 45 minutes. I felt so dizzy and weak on Tuesday that I stopped for a gel 1.5 miles in....I had eaten breakfast, etc, it just turned out that I think I had (have) a bug. It zapped my energy, and I spent all day in bed on Wednesday. Thursday I was able to get out and run errands, but then I woke up today and felt like I had a LITTLE more energy so I decided to try my new Jillian Michaels "No More Trouble Zones" DVD since our bike trainer is currently the site of Mike and I's Extreme Bike Makeovers. I also woke up to another treat this morning...2-3 inches of snow and a cancelled school day! So the munchkin and I started the DVD together (I highly recommend exercising with a 5 year...interesting). She lasted about 20 minutes (I was impressed) and then bailed to go check in on Sesame Street.
This DVD was interesting and a little fun. Jillian is so hardcore and I just love that, so she's fun, she's real too. It's not a cardio DVD, but it's a nice toning DVD. It makes you work on almost all your "trouble zones", ie., abs, shoulders, love handles, etc. I'm in pretty decent shape as it is, so it wasn't too challenging, except for the shoulders. I used 8lb weights for all except the shoulder section....turns out I'm pretty weak there.
I think doing this was good. I always try to throw in a strength workout, but I think I need to "train smarter, not harder" so this year I'm going to try to limit my strength training to about once a week and abs a bit more often (weak back).
BTW....I'm registered for the White Lake Sprint Triathlon in May which is the day after Mike's 1/2 ironman out there. We decided since we were already there what's one more day :)
I'm trying to get my nerve up to register for the Big Lick International Distance race in Smith Mountain Lake in September....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Stay tuned and we'll see :)
This DVD was interesting and a little fun. Jillian is so hardcore and I just love that, so she's fun, she's real too. It's not a cardio DVD, but it's a nice toning DVD. It makes you work on almost all your "trouble zones", ie., abs, shoulders, love handles, etc. I'm in pretty decent shape as it is, so it wasn't too challenging, except for the shoulders. I used 8lb weights for all except the shoulder section....turns out I'm pretty weak there.
I think doing this was good. I always try to throw in a strength workout, but I think I need to "train smarter, not harder" so this year I'm going to try to limit my strength training to about once a week and abs a bit more often (weak back).
BTW....I'm registered for the White Lake Sprint Triathlon in May which is the day after Mike's 1/2 ironman out there. We decided since we were already there what's one more day :)
I'm trying to get my nerve up to register for the Big Lick International Distance race in Smith Mountain Lake in September....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Stay tuned and we'll see :)
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