I am seriously still so sad I can't run. I did a little running around (more like drills) with my trainer last Saturday and my ankle was sore the next day. AARRRGGGHHH! I've been spending a decent amount of time on the elliptical machine but it is so not the same. I pretty much hate it.
I have been working out every day during the week though. I meet Allan at the gym and we work out pretty hard. I haven't done spin class again though. I need to figure out when I'm going to do that - set up a schedule. The thing about not running and having to make myself do cardio sometimes is that it's harder to keep my weight down, which I hate. Have to be more careful with what I eat, and I'm not good at that. I have a queso problem, for one.
Okay, enough negativity from me.
Lisa? Please don't give up on running. You CAN run so do it! Once you get back into a groove, back into the habit, I bet you like it. It's always hard when something knocks you out of the routine, like sickness, but don't let it win!
And now a shameless promotion for my new blog - http://lifeonthectrain.blogspot.com/ - which is about everything else (not the exercise thing). I am totally enjoying blogging on it. And it's this funny thing - I really want people to read it. I want them to, yet at the same time I get insecure wondering why anyone would want to read it? If that makes sense. It just feels kind of presumptuous to assume anyone would want to read what I write.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spin Class. Holy Mother of God.
I got all happy and motivated on Saturday, worked out like a crazy woman, then what did I do? Went to the bbq cook off at the rodeo and drank beer. A LOT of beer. A ridiculous, what, do I think I'm in college and 20 and it's cool to drink until I get sick? amount of beer. So in addition to the carby caloric beer, of course I felt terrible on Sunday and the only things that make me feel better in that state are things like pancakes at Kerbey Lane and a plate of nachos at Maudie's. Disastrous. On a sidenote, I had an ADORABLE 23 year-old hitting on me and it was just, well, amusing. And a little flattering. But I think in the long run he's probably a better match for my daughter in about 15 years or so. He's the same distance apart from her in years as he is from me. Too funny. And meanwhile, he's still texting. What part of - I don't want to be a cougar, ever - does he not get?
Okay so anyhoo, back on the wagon yesterday. I did get on the scale and wasn't pleased but knew a lot of it was water weight. So drank lots of water and ate great yesterday. Did a small strength workout with Allan, who was in worse shape than me on Sunday and not fully recovered yesterday. Scale made me much happier today - ba bye water weight.
But now on to the Holy Mother of God part.
So today I worked out with my little trainer dude at Gold's. He's pretty good. I'm impressed. We did squats with a bunch of weight on my shoulders, lunges with weights, etc. We did push ups on that wobbly half ball thing and I refuse to do push-ups girl style (knees down) and he was super impressed, which made me feel good. I did all three reps like that and he said he has guys who can't do it. Go me. Okay this is all good and well except that I destroyed my legs with the squats and lunges and then tried to do my first spin class ever. THIS WAS REALLY NOT VERY SMART! Holy...Mother...of God spin classes are awesomely hard! I think I've found my running substitute! Heart rate up immediately. Sweat pouring. Lots of calories burned. The problem is my legs just totally caved so I just couldn't push it like I wanted to. I'm so gonna feel that tomorrow. But I am now really motivated to do spin classes a couple of times a week. That was way way harder than running! Okay, way way harder than I ever ran because I always refused to run fast.
Stats from spin class, which include a rather lengthy cool down:
Duration: 50 minutes
Avg hr: 150
Max hr: 219 (not really, my heart freaked out early on)
Calories: 365 plus 115 from the weight stuff for a grand total of 480, close to my 500 goal
I think I'm taking tomorrow totally off.
Sidebar: To unsubscribe from some marketing email I had to send an email requesting to unsubscribe to: unsub-ctg0aib7eaabu5cqykm4gre4siyrae3q@service.backcountry.com
Seriously?
Okay so anyhoo, back on the wagon yesterday. I did get on the scale and wasn't pleased but knew a lot of it was water weight. So drank lots of water and ate great yesterday. Did a small strength workout with Allan, who was in worse shape than me on Sunday and not fully recovered yesterday. Scale made me much happier today - ba bye water weight.
But now on to the Holy Mother of God part.
So today I worked out with my little trainer dude at Gold's. He's pretty good. I'm impressed. We did squats with a bunch of weight on my shoulders, lunges with weights, etc. We did push ups on that wobbly half ball thing and I refuse to do push-ups girl style (knees down) and he was super impressed, which made me feel good. I did all three reps like that and he said he has guys who can't do it. Go me. Okay this is all good and well except that I destroyed my legs with the squats and lunges and then tried to do my first spin class ever. THIS WAS REALLY NOT VERY SMART! Holy...Mother...of God spin classes are awesomely hard! I think I've found my running substitute! Heart rate up immediately. Sweat pouring. Lots of calories burned. The problem is my legs just totally caved so I just couldn't push it like I wanted to. I'm so gonna feel that tomorrow. But I am now really motivated to do spin classes a couple of times a week. That was way way harder than running! Okay, way way harder than I ever ran because I always refused to run fast.
Stats from spin class, which include a rather lengthy cool down:
Duration: 50 minutes
Avg hr: 150
Max hr: 219 (not really, my heart freaked out early on)
Calories: 365 plus 115 from the weight stuff for a grand total of 480, close to my 500 goal
I think I'm taking tomorrow totally off.
Sidebar: To unsubscribe from some marketing email I had to send an email requesting to unsubscribe to: unsub-ctg0aib7eaabu5cqykm4gre4siyrae3q@service.backcountry.com
Seriously?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Okay, It's Time
Judah, I've been selfishly ignoring your running progress because I was so annoyed I couldn't run. My friend, that time is over. Where are you in the Couch to 5k thing? Pick a spot and start it back up regularly. You heard me. I didn't ask. I said do it. :)
So my dilemma is I'm pretty sure the lovely weight loss and toning I was experiencing was primarily due to the cardio, so I've got to figure out how to get good cardio in that doesn't involve running or walking. The good news is I haven't lost a lot of ground. I've gained a lb or two this week because Sarah is with her dad and I think all I've done is drink cold beer with various friends. Oh, and eat lots of mexican food. So really, the fact that I've only gained a lb or two tells me I really have revved up my metabolism which makes me happy. But I can't continue this way. I've been working out with Allan three times a week at Gold's. We do strength stuff and sometimes 20 minutes or so of cardio - I do intervals on the elliptical. He is pretty tough on me which is good. I think I want to start doing this spinning class they have on Tuesdays and Thursdays, work out with Allan MWF, and then more cardio (elliptical, ride my bike, whatever) on the weekends. That's the plan. Of course, I am also going to start looking for a job in earnest on Monday so everything could change but I figure minimally I have a couple of weeks.
Today...I was a machine! And I was solo! Definitely the hardest I've ever worked out on my own. I did an hour (mm hmm, an hour) on the elliptical followed by 20 minutes of abs (plank, crunches, and this random thing my trainer showed me). Here are the stats:
Duration: 1:21
In zone: 49:43
Avg hr: 137 Kind of low because it includes 20 minutes of abs
Max hr: 176
Calories: 524 and that's a record. But I was trying to get to 500
I get Self magazine now and am tracking everything (food, exercise) on their website and I like it so far.
She's back. She's on a mission. And she's going to the rodeo this afternoon and will drink more cold beer and consume too much barbeque and pretty much erase all the hard week she did earlier. But that's okay. Still back.
So my dilemma is I'm pretty sure the lovely weight loss and toning I was experiencing was primarily due to the cardio, so I've got to figure out how to get good cardio in that doesn't involve running or walking. The good news is I haven't lost a lot of ground. I've gained a lb or two this week because Sarah is with her dad and I think all I've done is drink cold beer with various friends. Oh, and eat lots of mexican food. So really, the fact that I've only gained a lb or two tells me I really have revved up my metabolism which makes me happy. But I can't continue this way. I've been working out with Allan three times a week at Gold's. We do strength stuff and sometimes 20 minutes or so of cardio - I do intervals on the elliptical. He is pretty tough on me which is good. I think I want to start doing this spinning class they have on Tuesdays and Thursdays, work out with Allan MWF, and then more cardio (elliptical, ride my bike, whatever) on the weekends. That's the plan. Of course, I am also going to start looking for a job in earnest on Monday so everything could change but I figure minimally I have a couple of weeks.
Today...I was a machine! And I was solo! Definitely the hardest I've ever worked out on my own. I did an hour (mm hmm, an hour) on the elliptical followed by 20 minutes of abs (plank, crunches, and this random thing my trainer showed me). Here are the stats:
Duration: 1:21
In zone: 49:43
Avg hr: 137 Kind of low because it includes 20 minutes of abs
Max hr: 176
Calories: 524 and that's a record. But I was trying to get to 500
I get Self magazine now and am tracking everything (food, exercise) on their website and I like it so far.
She's back. She's on a mission. And she's going to the rodeo this afternoon and will drink more cold beer and consume too much barbeque and pretty much erase all the hard week she did earlier. But that's okay. Still back.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sidebar: Bites
Clare, I told Mary about this but I had yet to post about here - my whole biting saga. A few months ago I woke up with 4 bites on my back. Alarming, yes. They were all in one area. I did a cursory check for fleas (found none) and bed bugs (couldn’t detect any) and then because I didn’t get bit anymore, forgot all about it. Fast forward to Thursday, two weeks ago. Again, I woke up with a number of bites, clustered in one area around my waistline. Was troubled. Again checked the animals for fleas. I didn’t really think it was fleas. I have lived in flea infested houses and usually you get bites on your feet, ankles and calves. Plus, if there are enough fleas to bite you, you see them jumping. I also didn’t think it was bed bugs. I’ve tried many times in the dead of night to surprise potential bed bugs by jumping out of bed and turning on the lights - nothing. Also, bed bugs leave behind little bloody spots on your mattress, like when you roll over and crush them.
My sister was coming to visit the next day. I was up late cleaning and washing sheets. By the time I got to bed, it was so late that I didn’t feel like putting on the sheets so I just slept on the featherbed, which lays on top of the mattress. I woke up with what must have been 30+ bites. And like the others, they itched like a MF. They were large, like a mosquito bite, but itched like a flea bite. After Julie arrived, I descended into full blown neurotism (I know this isn’t a word). after doing quite a bit of research, I think I’m getting bit by some sort of biting mite. And really, reading about bed bugs/mites/allergens is just like reading about some mystery condition on webmd.com. It can really freak you out. Most alarming of which was the following: a typical used mattress can contain anywhere from between 100,000 to 10 million mites or that after just two years, 10% of the weight of your pillow can be comprised of dead mites. Lovely, isn’t it?
First things first, we threw away the featherbed, which I have had for years now. Who knows what was living in there. I found it interesting that I got the most bites when I slept directly on it. Then I washed all the sheets and blankets in the hottest water possible. I sprayed an anti-dust mite spray on the mattress and sprinkled a powder all over the carpet in my room. Not sure I’ll use this again as it smelled quite toxic. Finally, I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought new pillows with anti-allergen / anti-dust mite covers. I also bought an anti-allergen / anti-dust mite mattress encasement, which was kind of expensive. But it seemed worth it, that is until I slept on it. Sweet Jesus that thing was hot. It had a slightly plastic feel to it. And I guess, because it was waterproof (not sure why it has to be waterproof, but they all are) there was no way for sweat to pass through. I woke up in the middle of the night to sweaty sheets and I was hot! It was not ideal. The mattress encasement went back the next day. And I decided, that maybe I was being a little neurotic with the mattress cover. Maybe it wasn’t really necessary.
But then I got bitten the other night. Just once, but still, it was a bite. And then there was another last night. And so I purchased another mattress encasement. Hopefully this one will not be hot. And right, it’s still neurotic to go to these lengths when most people would not, but bed bugs are getting more and more common these days and they are harder than hell to get rid of once you get them. So I figure protecting the mattress and pillows isn’t that bad an idea. At least I’ve isolated the issue, meaning, I know the biting things aren’t in my bed. I can’t wait to get rid of my carpet. Hate carpet.
My sister was coming to visit the next day. I was up late cleaning and washing sheets. By the time I got to bed, it was so late that I didn’t feel like putting on the sheets so I just slept on the featherbed, which lays on top of the mattress. I woke up with what must have been 30+ bites. And like the others, they itched like a MF. They were large, like a mosquito bite, but itched like a flea bite. After Julie arrived, I descended into full blown neurotism (I know this isn’t a word). after doing quite a bit of research, I think I’m getting bit by some sort of biting mite. And really, reading about bed bugs/mites/allergens is just like reading about some mystery condition on webmd.com. It can really freak you out. Most alarming of which was the following: a typical used mattress can contain anywhere from between 100,000 to 10 million mites or that after just two years, 10% of the weight of your pillow can be comprised of dead mites. Lovely, isn’t it?
First things first, we threw away the featherbed, which I have had for years now. Who knows what was living in there. I found it interesting that I got the most bites when I slept directly on it. Then I washed all the sheets and blankets in the hottest water possible. I sprayed an anti-dust mite spray on the mattress and sprinkled a powder all over the carpet in my room. Not sure I’ll use this again as it smelled quite toxic. Finally, I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought new pillows with anti-allergen / anti-dust mite covers. I also bought an anti-allergen / anti-dust mite mattress encasement, which was kind of expensive. But it seemed worth it, that is until I slept on it. Sweet Jesus that thing was hot. It had a slightly plastic feel to it. And I guess, because it was waterproof (not sure why it has to be waterproof, but they all are) there was no way for sweat to pass through. I woke up in the middle of the night to sweaty sheets and I was hot! It was not ideal. The mattress encasement went back the next day. And I decided, that maybe I was being a little neurotic with the mattress cover. Maybe it wasn’t really necessary.
But then I got bitten the other night. Just once, but still, it was a bite. And then there was another last night. And so I purchased another mattress encasement. Hopefully this one will not be hot. And right, it’s still neurotic to go to these lengths when most people would not, but bed bugs are getting more and more common these days and they are harder than hell to get rid of once you get them. So I figure protecting the mattress and pillows isn’t that bad an idea. At least I’ve isolated the issue, meaning, I know the biting things aren’t in my bed. I can’t wait to get rid of my carpet. Hate carpet.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A real gym...yuck!
So, I joined Gold's. I had honest to God never stepped foot inside a gym until I was 32 years old. I just never had any desire to and was happily skinny fat. Meaning, I was thin, in horrible shape, but happy enough. Joined Castle Hill (gym here in Austin) in 2004 and loved it. CH is a cool little gym, where I was one of the younger people. No big scary dudes, no plastic bodies in lycra and spandex. A super nice place. But it's $70 a month. Hence the jump to Gold's for $35. Sighs. It's just not the same. But it's a gym, and I need one, now that skinny fat isn't acceptable to me any more.
I've been working out with Allan. You know, one of the guys in Clare's Goodwill pile that she keeps forgetting to actually take to and leave at Goodwill. Or, refusing to, is probably more appropriate. Anyway, he has been great. It is a huge help to me to have a workout buddy like that. Then trying to fit yoga and bike riding in here and there but haven't done a lot of that.
I actually ran 10 minutes on the treadmill yesterday. It felt great. I may see if I can run on the treadmill without enraging my tendons. I think that might work. Nice smooth surface, not compensating for the trail or running on hard asphalt. I may be able to get away with the treadmill. But if not, I can go to Gold's and get on the elliptical.
Sarah is with her dad all week and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself. I think I might get all crazy and do yoga every morning at 6:30. I can't do the 6:30 class when she has school. I should have a resume by the end of the week so the job hunt will begin in earnest. I am still loving being at home like this. I haven't turned on the tv once. I just find plenty to do.
I've been working out with Allan. You know, one of the guys in Clare's Goodwill pile that she keeps forgetting to actually take to and leave at Goodwill. Or, refusing to, is probably more appropriate. Anyway, he has been great. It is a huge help to me to have a workout buddy like that. Then trying to fit yoga and bike riding in here and there but haven't done a lot of that.
I actually ran 10 minutes on the treadmill yesterday. It felt great. I may see if I can run on the treadmill without enraging my tendons. I think that might work. Nice smooth surface, not compensating for the trail or running on hard asphalt. I may be able to get away with the treadmill. But if not, I can go to Gold's and get on the elliptical.
Sarah is with her dad all week and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself. I think I might get all crazy and do yoga every morning at 6:30. I can't do the 6:30 class when she has school. I should have a resume by the end of the week so the job hunt will begin in earnest. I am still loving being at home like this. I haven't turned on the tv once. I just find plenty to do.
Friday, March 13, 2009
I'm Back
Okay, I'm back. Finally. After 3 weeks of non-activity, I'm back. It was not what I would call enjoyable. The Forerunner (305) worked well. I have a screen with HR, distance, pace and time. Halfway through the HR got all crazy and went down to 75. This was obviously a mistake. I'm not really happy about this - the HR being all glitchy. I never had any problems with the HR on my polar. It took quite awhile for it to correct itself too. It was 48 out but it felt more like 70. Hazel was all frothy at the mouth - and she looked really hot. I'm rethinking taking her running. She's 8 years old. I'm not sure how good it is to run her when she is considered a 'senior'. Thoughts?
My goal was to go 20 minutes. Since it's been 3 weeks, I thought I should take it easy. Hazel lagged behind me the second half. And we walked some of it - the last 5 minutes. Hazel was really tired and was going slowly (14 min + pace). I think going forward it would be better to walk her daily and then go out myself.
Clare - I got a new watch. It's kind of fun seeing the google earth images of where you went. I'm still figuring out the software (not Garmin Training Center). Here is an image of one of the views.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Some Observations
I am rather comically busy being unemployed. It's comical because I have 40 more hours in the week than I used to and I am already wondering how I got everything done before. I think this is actually some sort of coping mechanism kicking in. It's like my brain scans the day/week whatever, figures out how much time I have, and then fills up that time so it can be active. My brain is very opposed to just hanging out; it needs a task at all times.
A friend said to me yesterday to be sure and take some time to be lazy. But I don't LIKE being lazy. I am much happier busy.
I am super driven to be really organized right now. I've spent a lot of time cleaning up my office and desk. I spent ALL weekend in the following cycle: cook, do dishes/clean kitchen, move laundry, cook, do dishes/clean kitchen....etc. And...I loved it. :) I made this really great indian dish I can have for lunch for most of the week. Did fried chicken for my brother and his family Saturday night. Cooked for Sarah and a friend on Friday night.
Now, next week is spring break, and I won't have a job OR a kid. That might be tough.
Didn't exercise at all this weekend, and ate a lot. Working out with Allan at 11:30 today. Was going to go to yoga at 9:30 but I didn't sleep last night so I am going to pass on that. I think I'll get to they gym early and hop on the elliptical before the other stuff.
Just don't let me get like the Casis (elementary school) moms who annoy me with their talk of how BUSY they ALWAYS are. Perspective people!!!
A friend said to me yesterday to be sure and take some time to be lazy. But I don't LIKE being lazy. I am much happier busy.
I am super driven to be really organized right now. I've spent a lot of time cleaning up my office and desk. I spent ALL weekend in the following cycle: cook, do dishes/clean kitchen, move laundry, cook, do dishes/clean kitchen....etc. And...I loved it. :) I made this really great indian dish I can have for lunch for most of the week. Did fried chicken for my brother and his family Saturday night. Cooked for Sarah and a friend on Friday night.
Now, next week is spring break, and I won't have a job OR a kid. That might be tough.
Didn't exercise at all this weekend, and ate a lot. Working out with Allan at 11:30 today. Was going to go to yoga at 9:30 but I didn't sleep last night so I am going to pass on that. I think I'll get to they gym early and hop on the elliptical before the other stuff.
Just don't let me get like the Casis (elementary school) moms who annoy me with their talk of how BUSY they ALWAYS are. Perspective people!!!
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