Fabulous Friday

Although I wanted to I did not run yesterday, I'm determined to stick with the lower mileage plan. I did have two lunchtime class on schedule. First up was Spin class. We worked on speed work and in 40 minutes I burned 508 calories. It was pretty hot in the aerobic room and I joked that we were taking Hot Spin. Immediately after Spin class I had a 30 minute Tri training session. We had to do some kind of assessment workout. Dude this was tough. The goal was to do 600 squats; 500 situps; 400 pushups and 300 mountain climbers. My numbers look more like 500 squats; 300 situps and 225 pushups, in all fairness I started after everyone else. They had like a 5 minute lead on me. Still, I'm proud of numbers and made sure I watched my form. We're going to be assessed again in another couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll improve.

Today I had my "long" run 5 miles....I remember a time when that was my short run. Oh well I be back one day. The run today was awesome. The way it started I almost gave up. That first mile about killed me but I kept telling myself not to stop, just get to 2 miles, like the other day. By the time 2 miles rolled around I was in the zone, wasn't going fast but I was moving without a stop. Made it all the way to 4.6 miles before I stopped. At that point I was a quarter of th way up the hill o'death (this is a one mile stretch straight up). I walked it out for about a minute then began the upward climb again. This time I got another half mile before I had to stop again, didn't take another break and finished strong. I haven't felt this good about a run in a long time. Fingers crossed this is the beginning of a trend. Other then the run I did no other workouts today. And I'm okay with this. Later.

June 1

Today is June 1 National Running Day and the start to a new Go The Distance challenge so you know how I started it, that's right with a short run around the neighborhood. It was pretty warm when I set out at 5:30am felt good during and managed a 2.2 mile/23 minutes. Was soaking wet when I got back to the house.

Did my lunchtime workouts for the day. As fate would have it Trainer Larry scheduled power pump (strength training) 2 days a week this month. This coincides nicely with my JustMoveJune challenge to lifts 50000lbs in the month of June. Got off to a good start in today's 30 minute class a total of 15650lbs lifted, have to increase my goal.
5 rounds of 10 each:
Pushups
Bench press with 50lbs
Rows with 50lbs
Cleans with 50lbs
Wide grip bench press with 50lbs
Close grip bench press with 50lbs

3 rounds of 7 each:
Curls with 50lbs
Half curls with 50lbs
Curls with 50lbs

Next I took the 30 minute boxing class my heart rate monitor clocked 458 calories burned in half hour. We ended the class with 500 speed jumps using the light rope. I'm tired now.

May GoTheDist Final thoughts

After a strong finish in the April challenge I decided to go for it in May and increase my run and biking miles to a new high. I felt stronger then I had in a long time and knew that I could meet these goals with no problem, but it was not to be. Around that second week I started noticing something was off and in my usual fashion I tried to brush it off and keep going. Along with the challenge goals, I have been training for a duathlon set for the end of June. The more I ran and trained the more exhausted I felt. On the 13th I was scheduled to run a 5k and an old knee injury reared it’s ugly head at mile one. I ended up doing run/walk intervals and still managed to complete the race with around a little more than 12 minute pace. Between the knee and my exhaustion I knew a doctor’s visit was necessary. The doctor told me needed to have my meds adjusted and take a week off of EVERYTHING. OMG that was a tough week I kept thinking about losing mileage. It was also really hard to watch my training buddies move forward with training and having to modify my workouts to take it easy. What? They said no workout, well I didn't run. Bad patient. After a week I got clearance from my doctor to run and train again. I had to cut my mileage by half and slow down. This actually wasn't so bad I had gotten to the point where I couldn't run for more than half a mile without gasping for breath. With the slower pace I've gone as far as 4.5 miles without a break. That's awesome.

This month showed me that is not all about the numbers. I need to take better care of myself and reach out for help at the first sign that something feels wrong. By the end of the month I only got to 70% of my goal but you know what that's okay. Onward & Upwards!

The Power of Thought

Yesterday I ran my first race.....ever. EPIC FAIL! it was doomed from the beginning I tossed and turned all night and dreamt that I fell during the race and everyone laughed at me. Just had a bad feeling. When we got to the site of the race there was some confusion because a part of the site was flooded but they decided to have the race anyway just change the course a little and decrease the distance. So my 5k was now a 2.79 miler.

My knee had been hurting off and on for the past couple of weeks (I blame all those stupid Burpees) but I have been running my normal schedule so this should have been no problem. Met up with some of my gym bffs and we were off. I felt good the first mile even though is was raining and my breathing was labored I'm used to that. Just kept saying to myself look at all these people around you keep going. Was making pretty good time too. Then it happened I heard a pop in my knee and felt a sharp pain. Dang it I somehow twisted my knee. I told my gym buddy to go on and I slowed to a power walk. I was tempted to stop but wanted to at least compete the run. This kind of crap never happens when I run alone. Okay it probably does but it doesn't effect me as much because there's no crowd around me. So anyway I walked and ran and walked and ran for the next 1.8 miles I was timed at 32 minutes. After the race my friends tried to make me feel better but I was in a funk. I've been running for 2 years and couldn't finish a 2.8 mile run without a problem. I was thinking maybe my best runs are behind me and I should give up on running, I'll never get back to where I was before the accident.

I came home iced my knee and wallowed in self pity, then I took a nap. Woke up to a better attitude. I'm going to run. It's as simple as that. I will start by retraining myself in running, the first thing is to take a week off. I have never really given myself time to heal, now is the time. While I'm on break I'm going to research running with injuries and find the best program to rebuild my distance. I have to do this for me. Believe it or not I love to run and want to make it work for me. A really smart person once said "The past does not define me" I'm believing this and moving forward.

MIA

Where have I been. Vacation! The husband surprised me with a trip to Orlando for my birthday, he plans a trip every year and just gives me some pointers on what to pack. Well Orlando was sooooo much fun we stayed a week and I got to meet one of my awesome twitter friends (Hey Mo) for lunch which really took the trip up a notch. It was warm and sunny the whole time we were there, almost let Florida knew I was there and wanted to bring out it's best for me. You know for my birthday, it's all about me lol. After the trip I returned home to the staycation portion of my time-off. This is pure genius on my part a second week off. I am so relaxed and rejuvenated. Hopefully it'll last and I'll be able to keep the work related stress in check for awhile. :)

But don't think my workout suffered because of vacation. No I'm much to anal for that. I continued my running managing to get around 20 miles in a week. I did do way more miles on the treadmill than I like but all that is changing as of now. I have started running outside again and it's been hard. The knee has been aching again and all the pollen out there is effecting my breathing. My pace is much slower then I like and I really need to work on that. I've decided that now that it's warmer NO MORE TREADMILL. I have signed up for a 5k (my 1st) on May 14th. That gives me two weeks to get back into the run outside groove, even in the rain (which I hate).

Trainer Larry also cut me no slack while I was on vacation. He made sure I had every killer workout the rest of the tri team was doing. I can't even describe the looks I got from people in the hotel gym. They must have thought I was either some kind of fitness nut or insane. One guy asked if I was a personal trainer. I found that hilarious because at the time I was on my 200th burpees and having a tough time catching my breath.

Well back to work tomorrow. I'm going to start the day with a 3 mile run. My plan it to start running on the mall in the morning before work like I was doing last spring/summer. This will work out better than running at home in the dark, much safer. My new running schedule will be 5 miles S; 3 miles MWT & 6-8 miles F. We'll see how this work I can adjust it as needed. Tri training sessions are on M & Thurs and Spin Class on Tues/Thur. There is a class Mon night I don't know that might be a little too much, maybe sometimes. I have to check the gym schedule to see what else is being offer this month but, I do know that I'll be doing the Saturday boxing class and my ab workout 4 days a week. WOW this looks like a lot when it's written down. No wonder the husband thinks I have a problem. LMBO

Let me go I have to get my clothes and lunch ready for tomorrow. I'm trying something new, BEING PREPARED, now that's funny

Oh one last thing my son got me an ipad for my birthday, well he ordered it on my birthday (gotta love him). It'll be here about the 5th so I should be writing in here more because it'll be more convenient.

Pre-Birthday

So tomorrow's my birthday. I'll be 49, wow how did that happen I was just 25 the other day. I'm ready for this birthday, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and going strong. As I look back on my life I see a lot that I could have done differently but then I wouldn't have had the experiences that make me who I am. Okay enough of this reflective junk.

We've been going full force with the Tri training, I can't believe that's in two short months. These extra training sessions with Trainer Larry is no joke. By the end of the class I am completely wiped out. On top of that I been doing spin classes for the past two months and can see the difference in my thighs. The other day I wore a pair of pants that I couldn't even pull all the way up. That Rocked.

That's it for now I be back tomorrow to let you know how the day went. My one glass of red wine is kicking in. LOL

Still Around

WOW!!! I haven't written here for a whole month. March wasn't a bad or drama filled month it just got away from me. I been keeping up with my workouts and building my running back up. I got a second opinion on my knee and was cleared to run outside again. I'm building my mileage up slowly, by setting goals with GoTheDistance monthly challenges. For the month of March I had a goal of 75 miles and actually ran 85, for April I've set a goal of 85 miles and hope to exceed that. I need to concentrate on building up my pace on outside runs. It still cold here and I'm having problems with my hand going numb and staying that way for hours after a run, even with gloves. So I'm a little timid about outside runs with temps under 50 degrees.

Oh the big thing is that the Tri training has started. The Tri will take place in June and we're also looking to run a 5K in May. Although I'm only doing the run portion of the Tri I'm doing the full training program. This can only be good for me. Trainer Larry is having a great time working us like we're some type of professional athletes. Last week's training included 19 miles of running, 3 spin classes and 3 strength training sessions, on top of these I had my 90 minute boxing class which I don't want to give up. By weeks end I was so sore and exhausted. I'm doing a lot of stretching and icing. I love it.

Now if I could just get my eating together. I'm still not eating enough, sadly I know it and can't figure out how to fix......yet. Also my new scale measures body fat and I'm getting a 31% reading, I don't know if this is correct so I'll be getting a body fat test at the gym. I would like to have a body fat % of 20. Need to do some research on what I need to do to get a lower reading. I'm also going to have a discussion with Trainer Larry, he always a wealth of information. Okay I be back sooner rather than later. *smile*

Ortho Update

Had an appointment with the Ortho today. First let me say I'm so glad I took the whole day off, I had a 9:45 appt and didn't see the doctor until 12:15. Something about that is not right. Anyway I told him about the pain I experienced on the bus trip. He says it might be a meniscus tear and now wants me to have a MRI, the physical therapist had been asking me all along why one wasn't done instead of xrays. I ask him this and he basically mumbled something I couldn't understand. I really don't have much confidence in this doctor. I will be seeking a second opinion on the MRI results.

In other news I ran 73.3 miles in the month of February, that's up from 57.4 the month before. I joined the GoTheDist challenge for the month of March and pledged to run 75 miles but I'm really shooting for 80. If I reach my monthly running goal I'm getting the Ugi Ball I've been eyeing for for awhile. Can't wait until I have my monthly mileage back in the 3 digits.

I still had this stupid cough and congestion in my chest but not as bad as it was this weekend. Gonna take some Nyquil and get ready to bed, tomorrow's a workday.

I'm Siiiiiiiiiiick!

I'm so full of gunk. I think the change in weather last week did me in. One day it was in the 70s and the next back to the 30s, don't think the rode trip to PA mountains helped either. I hate being sick. I have enough of a problem dealing with the rest day when I'm well. But when I'm sick I feel like a slacker if I don't do what's on my schedule. I have got to learn to take it easy.

So yesterday I ran 4 miles and then did ab and lower body work. The run actually seem to help breakup the stuff in my chest, after a coughing fit a lot of the gunk came out. But as the day wore on I started feeling congested and fatigued. Came home and took some Nyquil and crashed.

Woke up this morning feeling just as bad, so glad it's my day off. Decided to get my long run in and did 6 miles and my ab work. Then went back to bed. Just going to stay home today and rest. I have boxing class in the morning and I'd hate to miss it, since I missed last week for my trip. We will see how I feel.

Weekend Ski Trip

Did something out of my comfort zone this weekend. I went on a ski trip with some girlfriends. We had a ball. I usually don't travel without the husband, I'm such a homebody. Work, clean, cook and workout that's my life. But I decided that I needed to let my hair down. And we did let our hair down. Don't get me wrong it wasn't like one of the Vegas commercials - good clean fun.

I have to say the hotel gym was basically non existent. They had one really small treadmill, broken. A elliptical that reminded me of the oritrek from the 90s (remember those I had one, rode that sucker everyday for 4 years). Oh and a recumbent bike that squeaked. I got some workout time in. Ran 6 miles on Friday and burned over 500 calories on the hotel elliptical. I did my 100 sit ups everyday too.

Came home yesterday and crashed. Woke up this morning ran 7 miles, did my sit ups and crashed. My throat is a little sore, I hope this is not the beginning of a cold.

I only have a couple of weeks before tri training start. I'm so excited and even though I'm only doing the run portion I plan on training like I'm doing the complete tri. March 8 is that start date, yes that's Fat Tuesday, I guess no partying for me. :-0

Okay you're caught up, hopefully it won't be so long between posts.

It's Monday!

I did a 4 mile run this morning and then at lunchtime took the Warrior X strength class. I do believe Trainer Larry is making these classes tougher because of our whining. You see we whine--a lot and he comes up with a workout harder then the one before. But we're not getting the whole cause/effect thing. But it's fun. I know Trainer Larry is proud of us the majority of the class is female and in late 30's/40's. He's always talking about how he brags about us to classes he teaches at other facilities....hey wait that's a trick to make us work harder.

I've also been doing Yoga workouts at home. I just do not enjoy the Power Yoga class I was taking at the gym. Didn't feel comfortable with this guys teaching style. He's not very hands on and I think I really need someone to not only show me, but help me correct my pose. So I these yoga DVD's by Element and am so far digging them. As a matter of fact let get some PM yoga in right now.

Spinning right along

Just had to jump in here and talk about our new Spinning instructor. Okay here we go OUCH! She worked us like we owed her money and she wants it now. The class was fast paced, she had her plan all drawn out and was barked those commands at us. Breaks were short and few. I Freakin Loved It! I love Larry's spin class too but this was tough in a all together different way. Wow this woman is good. I was so tired last night I couldn't even come here to talked about class. Just had Subway for dinner and crashed about 7:30.

Did a long run on the treadmill this morning 6.85 miles. I was going to run outside but woke up at 3am and by 5 I couldn't take it anymore that was much too early and dark to run in my neighborhood so to the treadmill I went. It wasn't so bad finished in a little more than a hour, but I know when I really start increasing my miles the treadmill is not going to work. Can't wait for the sun to start rising earlier. Noontime run don't work because of my classes at the gym. I need to learn to like running later in the day, I don't see many races starting at 5am. I'm going to have to brainstorm this.

Exhausted!

Today's workout completely and utterly exhausted me. First there was the run this morning for FebGTD, another treadmill run BOO HISS. But it's 4.01 miles/37:44 min and better then no run at all. Remembering November/December.

Next was the lunchtime workout with gym buddies started out with a warrior challenge #4 10 each with 55lbs Dead lift/Squat/Bench Press. Next we took the 15 minute jump rope & abs class: Jump Rope & Sit-ups reps 50, 40, 30, 20, & 10. Last but not least the BIGGIE -- Warrior X: 3 rounds/25 reps each Squats w/45lb; Bench press 45lb; rows 45lb; Curls 30lb; Cleans 30lb; Crunches; Squat/Thrust & Jump; Jump rope.

I really wanted to cry in the locker room, heck I was already sore from Monday/Tuesday's workouts, I put on a good face though. All I want now is some sleep. Tomorrow Spin Class, it never ends.

Let the fun began - FebGTD

Today is the first day of the FebGTD challenge. I signed up with a goal of 70 miles of running, 20 days of strength training and 24 days of stretching. I'm hoping this will be the perfect vechicle to check me on tracking with my training, I really am excited about increasing my running distance and getting my yoga in.

Short and sweet today, let me close with a photo from today's spin class.

Blast from the past

Was going through some old pictures a couple of weeks ago, trying to find before pictures. I had no luck, most of my photos are after I had started losing. I was talking to my mom a little later and she said she had a couple of pictures that I took when I was heavier. So for you viewing pleasure...or not.

#1 photo is from 1990 me & my boys. #2 is at a cookout in 1995 note the cigarette I didn't quit smoking until 1999. #3 which off line (shoulder shrug) is from 1995 also with baby girl. #4 is from 1993 with middle son. I believe the photos from 1995 was when I was 275 pounds I think I stayed around that weight for the next 4 or 5 years.

What's Going On

I'm still around doing what I do. I have been running and slowing but surely feeling like my old self. *fingers crossed* I plan on, with blessing of my physical therapist, increase my mileage by one mile per run every couple of weeks as long as there no pain. Been running outside but did have to get on the treadmill today because of the snow. I feel like a wimp but recognize my limits. I am a Klutz and am not that surefooted on dry ground, so ice and snow are out. Therefore tomorrow's run will also be treadmill. I'm just glad I have that option.

Trainer Larry is putting together the training plan for the tri in June. He had us to a sample in the Power Pump class yesterday, my arms are still sore. I'm gonna have to really bring it to get through this training plan. The workout went like this: 5 rounds of 20 each squats/clean & press/rows/curls/tricep kickback all with 30 pounds weights. I was also "tricked" into joining another mini challenge (shaking my fist at Berta) until we're ready to start tri training in March. I'm gonna start saying no first to my gym buddies LOL. This new challenge reads like some type of torture but I'm committed to doing it. We shall see how this goes.

Holiday

Ran this morning. 3.01 miles in 29 minutes. It was so cold maybe that's why my pace was better. Tried to keep moving to stay warm.

Here's a picture from before the run. Jacket was a Christmas gift from #1 son 3 years ago. Keeps my uber warm on those frosty morning. Thanks D.

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January 16th

Did a short run today 2.14 in 20 minutes. Oh how I struggled thru that 1st mile, kept telling myself that I wasn't feeling it and should just turn around and go back home. Maybe jump on the treadmill and finish this run. After the bad run on Friday were my legs felt like lead, I thought I had just lost my mojo for good. Maybe the treadmill which I don't really like either is all that I could do now. Then somewhere around the 2nd mile I was just moving not thinking about every step or breath. That was it, that was what I used to feel, like I was just moving not thinking. I could have run further but I'm trying to follow this plan from my physical therapist set up for me. One thing I need to remember is that I will have good runs and not so good runs, hopefully the majority will be the latter.

Before I forget I've gotten back in the swing of things at the gym. Back to 6 days a week of solid workouts and I feel good about it. Down 3.5 pounds of the 10 pounds I gained over the holidays. Go Me!

Let's call this 1/1/11

Okay I was so busy yesterday that I didn't post. So this is my first of the year rambling. No New Year's resolutions, I'm not very good at those I not only fail them, I forget them. Even if I write them down I usually can't remember where I put the list. So because of this absent mindedness I long ago gave up on resolutions. This is probably why I don't do well on diet plans, can't keep track of all the things I'm suppose to do to stay on plan.

Update: 1/9/11

Where have I been and what have I been doing. Working out of course! I slacked on my workouts after the warrior challenge ended and although I was going to the gym I was doing half hearted workout. Just enough to say I showed up. Well as of the 3rd the slacking has stopped. That was the day I headed back to work, the gym and my routine. I'm back to taking classes at the work gym during lunchtime and strength training 3x a week. Oh and we have spin classes at the gym now. I had never taken a spin class but really wanted to try it. OMG that class works the holy H*ll out of you. You know how you do a workout and you want to puke but then you can't wait to do it again. Yeah it's like that. The only problem is there's only 10 bikes and it's on a first come first serve basis. My plan is to do the Tues & Thurs class and if I can't get in I'll do the Arc Trainer for the 45 minutes.

On to other great news. I CAN RUN OUTSIDE AGAIN. I got the okay from my PT and a 2nd opinion from a very trusted source and I was off. Ran 5.24 miles on Friday, slow slow run it took 1:09 minutes. Maybe I should have tried a shorter distant for my first run in two months. My legs felt like lead and my breathing was completely off. But I will not give up. I'm sticking to the outside and will get back on point before my race. Did I mention that a group of us are signing up for a 5K. I have to find one, the St Patty's day run I wanted us to do is an 8K and they are not having it. So hopefully I can find 5K in March or April.

I'm also looking for a half marathon to run. That's right I plan on plunging in the the world of running races. I know I can do it, I did it before but I want the BLING. I've got a lot more to say but I have work to do.

***BE BLESSED***