Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[deekaypee]

I'm loving the lean meaner name. It makes me do my Hulk impression--where in my fantasy world I'm really ripped & intimidating. Grrrr. Thanks again for the moniker, Bill & Vic (seems like a collaborative creation, from the thread title to the nickname).

Connie: congrats on the loss & your plan to keep going. I DO know what you mean about Disney alone; but you want to come out and play with us, don't you? Pleeeaaaase???

Lynnda: You're a tri-athlete? Wow, that's something I'd love to do, someday. What do you like best about it? Thanks for the feedback on the breakfast; I suspected as much. Congrats on the water, veggies and sugar changes.

Vic: Darn those guests and those social life! I hope you had a good evening. And I assume there's another 5K or race around the corner for you?

Kate (Hi Kate, officially!): I SO want to do the EE inaugural race, but I don't think we can swing it financially either, especially with other tasty events in the area (not to mention Disney ones).

Minnie: Yeah, you might need to drag me to the dreadmill, although I certainly dislike it far less than I used to. Congratulations on the 30 minutes and keeping track of both your food intake & the feelings you have when you eat.

Susie: Welcome to the blister club. It sounds like the full was a blister-breeding ground for lots of us. 3 miles is good--you're still healing.

As for me: I just went grocery shopping & picked up some stuff with an eye toward a heartier morning meal. That means more protein for me, less sugars. (You can't see me right now, but there's a tear in my eye.) I'll let folks know who it goes. I'd just like to have more energy in the a.m. in general, let alone for working out.

I also worked out at the gym today: strength/circuit training & the elliptical. The treadmills were open, darn it, but I resisted because my knee still feels a bit "off." I promised myself give it a break this weekend, but it's so hard when the machines look all lonely. The good news is, by tomorrow or Monday we should have warm(er) weather again, so just being outside will seem like its reward.

I know weekends can be hard for most folks, with family and social obligations and just the need for some rest. But keep up the good work, lean meaners, because you're doing these things for YOU! And you're important and so very worth it!

 

[Sandy321]

Kate

I think I'm going to get sick of Turkey Bacon!! Right now I get 2 slices 70 calories! I've been taking a lean slice of turkey, low fat Ranch dressing, 2 slices of bacon and lots of romaine lettuce for a lunch (tomatoes just are too expensive right now!!) and putting it in one of those low fat wraps!! I got the idea perusing the South Beach Diet frozen and fresh areas in the supermarket!!

I also like the Morningstar fake sausage (not sure what the real name is!! I think its made with the soy so its not real meat! Great spices) cooked in an egg like an omelet for a good morning protein....

just need to kick start the exercise routine, and drink the water!! I'm keeping a nalgene bottle near me, and when I want something, I have to decide if its thirst that's driving the craving....

 

[crzy4pooh]

Lynnda: You're a tri-athlete?

Debra - Thank you!!! That definitely put a smile on my face! Of course, DH was more like this... I mentioned this on another thread, but I volunteered for the Danskin (at WDW) 3 years ago, participated 2 years ago, and watched from the sidelines last year with my wee one who was 6 weeks old. So, I've actually only done one tri, and it is shorter than a regular sprint triathlon. However, I LOVE this race!!!! The swim is 400 yrds in the Seven Seas Lagoon (in front of CR), the bike is 9 miles, and the run (walk) is 2 miles through MK. There is no time limit, and they have swim angels on kayaks and in the water with noodles if you have trouble in the lake. You are never the last place finisher - Sally Edwards always comes in last. It supports breast cancer research, and the first wave in the swim has all the cancer survivors with bright pink swim caps. During the expo, they bring all the survivors on stage to celebrate them. Every year has a huge group of truly amazing, strong, and courageous women. Anyway, I could go on forever about this event... but I would not call myself a triathlete. Lynne (xterratri) and Christa (gatorphipps) are competitive tri-ers, and gave me some wonderful advice on getting started. As for my favorite event, I love to swim. I actually took lessons for four months before the tri - I knew how to swim before, but not how to do a real stroke. There is an aquatic center about 15 minutes away, but the pool is outdoors, so winter training is fun! Anyway, I'm sure that was way more info than you wanted, but the Danskin in such a wonderful event - I don't want people to think it is unattainable. Ladies of all sizes, shapes, and abilities do the race side-by-side.


Vic - Thanks for the article, and sorry about the rain (and the other distractions). Tomorrow is another day, though, and you can do it!

Kate - I would love to do EE, but DH has said no right now... something about me already wanting to do race for the taste, race for the cure, tower of terror... Hope you feel better soon!

Minnie - YEA for getting on the dreadmill!!! And go Team 1!!! (that will sound better when we get a name...)

Susie - Great job on the 3 miles! I hear you on the blister excuse - I'm still using it, too!

Sandy - Awesome job on the food choices!!! Now, go drink some water!


No swimming for me this morning since the baby was sick. Food was pretty good, although I've had the munchies non-stop. Grrrr... Tomorrow, I may try to eat smaller meals/snacks more frequently. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Stay strong!


--Lynnda

 

[Cruella de mom]

Hi Everyone-

I am so inspried by you guys.

Just a few short years ago, I got up off my couch and ran my first mile. I have dropped 7 jean sizes since then. I wish I could say that it was easy or that it is easy now but I can't. It takes hard work and a lot of dedication to stay healthy in this country. I still need to take of 10 pounds but as I get older it seems less and less likely that it will ever come off.

I drive to the gym where there is enough distraction to keep me from actually exercising and when I leave I have to pass 20 restaurants on the drive home.

Or I go to the grocery store and are bombarded with easy to make high fat and high calorie meals. I am tired and stressed and a salad just isn't going to make me feel good. Not to mention that all my grocery stores put the bakery in the front where I have to pass the choclate eclairs on my way to the healthy food.

The little voice in my head tells me I deserve a choclate eclair after all I ran x miles today....And if I could just buy one that might be ok, but they come in a package of 4........

Keep up the good work. Stick with it. I hope you won't mind if I stick my head in here once in a while to keep me motivated. You are all such an incredible group of people!

 

[Larahb]

G'morning mates!
Everyone is doing so well! WTG! I had a good start yesterday doing the 4-mile WATP DVD and then the Walk/Kick DVD. Had a healthy breakfast and lunch and THEN... we arrived at our friends' Hitz Hockey party and I caved on numerous occasions. Starting over again this a.m. with a bowl of instant oatmeal and deciding which exercise to choose for today. We have a few inches of snow this a.m. and living in the country makes outdoor runs on snowy country roads tough. Getting a little sick of Leslie's walk DVDs, but they took work as cardio, so...
Hope everyone has a great day and good start to the new lean mean week!!
Lara

 

[Creativebeth]

Cruella de Mom: Don't I know it!!! It's hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, when it is so much easier (and faster) to be unhealthy! I just started a menu for the week idea, with hopefully one trip to the grocery store! But, it still needs to be done everyday! It certainly does cost more to be healthy too!

I am happy that things are still going pretty well with me. I would love to lose 2 more pounds by Thursday......it would make 10 pounds this month! That would be awesome, but if it doesn't happen it's ok!

I am making a recipe from the new Taste of Home....Light and Tasty today. Italian Dinner soup with chicken. It sure smells good!

Beth

 

[Big Vic]

Good afternoon Lean Meaners!

Hoping everyone is having a great Sunday.

Was able to get on the TM for 2 miles this afternoon. With the exception of my tender left foot, I'm feeling good. I just haven't been able to toughen up the new skin on the bottom of my foot yet. Dern blister! We'll get there though.

Looks like eveyone is doing well. Keep up the great work!

Y'all take care.

 

[JimB.]

Happy Sunday everyone...............

I've decided (actually I've been coerced) to run my 1st Marathon in 3 weeks ( I think it's called "The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer"), so today I crammed a 14.5 mile LR into my schedule.

It's not gonna' be either fast OR pretty, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to finish. My ego wants to do it in a specific double-secret time, but the logical side of my brain (which, admittedly, is not that big.........) tells me just to finish with a smile & build from there.

I am still having issues w/pain in various parts of my lower extremities which i have GOT to resolve, maybe through on-course biofreeze application & Advil consumption.

Afterwards my DW decided she wanted to break in her BRAND NEW running shoes at our local park, so slap another 2.5 on just a while ago.

If I can now only start to eat less ca-ca, I may get under 200 lbs for the first time in many years. It's getting close!

 

[deekaypee]

Sandy: Thanks for the Morningstar suggestion! I'm going to try to eat more protein at breakfast and it sounds like a great option for me! I also eat faux turkey as a quick fix, so I kinda understand your ambivalence about the Turkey Bacon. A little goes a long way. (Hey, I know it's not the same thing, but it's as close to meat as I get...I try to stay as far away as possible.)

Lynnda: Thanks for all the information--it sounds wonderful & supportive. Now if I could just get over my fear of water and learn to swim. Someday, and maybe this is the kind of incentive I need. But, anyway, I still think of you as a tri-athlete, a well-rounded participant if not concerned with being cut-throat competitive! (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) I'm impressed, really I am.

Cruella de Mom: You're ever so welcome here, and your story is also very inspiring. You've got such willpower--I tend to convince myself that the eclairs are lonely, that I should just take them all home. I work on ignoring that inner voice a lot. Two steps forward, one step back. But I'm stepping. (Btw, I just have to say I love your name.)

Lara: Social occasions are so hard, aren't they. Especially related to sports, I find, at least here in PA. (I'm a new transplant to Pgh, so the local sports culture & its rituals throw me for a bit of a loop.) But look at how many GOOD choices you've made. It's kinda like falling on the ice, you just get up, brush yourself off and move on. (A tortured metaphor, I know, but good work anyway!)

Beth: I love that you're holding that healthy attitude as the end of the month comes; that's where I normally get anxious. You know: it's sooo close that I'm afraid of the emotional downfall if I don't hit my target. I'm working really hard at the balance you already have. Oh, and the soup sounds healthy. I think I'll russell up a veggie soup (canned, not homemade) for dinner.

Vic: Glad to see another lean meaner check in here! Are you using any ointment on your foot for the blisters? Now that mine are closed, I've been using Bag Balm.

Jim: Wow--congratulations, I think? Your marathon is coming up quick, but it certainly sounds like you have a solid base. You sure you don't want to share your secret time with us. C'mon, it's only us chicken hawks.... How is your DW's new shoes & the run?

As for me: It was all low/no-impact this weekend, and that was a hard decision to stick to. The good news is that my knee feels pretty good, so I'll be able to continue my running program tomorrow. (Baby steps, but they're steps.)

I also had a fairly good weekend. For the second weekend in a row, I avoided the specialty drinks at Starbucks in favor of regular coffee. I do so like reading the Sunday paper with a piping hot drink, but I don't need to caffeine so I'm going to try tea next Sunday (not much of a fan, so we'll see). And NO snacks or soda when we saw Juno on Saturday night, so . I know, I know, it's only an 1 1/2 hour movie. But I like to nosh, and didn't.

I've been trying to eat more during the day and less at night, to correspond with my workout schedule. So tonight will be a light supper--soup (thanks for the suggestion, Beth), salad, and fruit. It sounds just perfect for the weather, too.

And tomorrow is weigh-in.

Happy and healthy living this week, folks. Keep up the good work!

 

[Big Vic]

Vic: Glad to see another lean meaner check in here! Are you using any ointment on your foot for the blisters? Now that mine are closed, I've been using Bag Balm.

I havent used anything, with the exception of soaking in epsom salt. Maybe I'll try some Bag Balm.

Jim - WTG with the 14.5 and 2.5 milers!

 

[Larahb]

Hey Debra, I didn't realize you're in Pgh! I'm a transplant, too, from Ohio. I moved here >10 years ago, but in this part of the state, it seems that you are always "non-native" Are you doing any 'burgh races? I'm thinking about some!
Thanks for your kind words and looking forward to more interaction here on the board!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hello, Everyone!

Sorry I went MIA -- it was unintentional. Life got in the way for the last few days and my training was non-existent. On the bright side, I realized it was either get going again or quit, and since that's not an option, back on the TM today!

Wow, this is a busy group, even over the weekend! Lean Meaners are in it to win it!

Lara -- I'm a northeastern transplant, trust me, you have to be here for generations to be a a "native" New Englander. I may never get the accent, but I can use "wicked" as an adjective. I'm trying to fit in

Vic -- It sounds like your foot is coming along. Before you know it it will be as tough as old shoe leather!

Debra -- I think I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Juno yet (other than dh, of course). Did you enjoy it?

Jim -- Best of luck on your first Marathon! I don't think I'll ever get there -- it is a huge accomplishment to be ready to do it!

Beth -- How was your soup? We had ww Pot Roast again last night. I think that could become a staple. It's easy and the whole family will eat it

Cruella -- Aren't you Susan? I get so confused! Anyway, wow! Having seen you, it gives me hope. Perhaps I can really lose a few sizes. You look fantastic! I assumed you'd been healthy forever, honest! You're a great role model

Lynnda -- I'm a big believer in the smaller meals/snacks philosophy. I like to feel like I'm eat alot, and that seems to help!

Minnie -- Watch Out! Team Ohana is comin' to town!

Sandy -- I am guilty of loving the heck out of a "diet" food and then not being able to stand it. Give yourself a little break if you need to!

Kate -- Feel better We want your lungs bursting with oxygen, not coughing one up!

Connie -- Awesome weight loss!

Susie -- Just keep healing, healing, healing...just keep healing...

Let's go guys! A new week, new us!
Maria

 

[postesf]

Hi guys! Just checking in... You are all are doing FANTASTIC!!!! I'm on the BL 4 and weigh in is tomorrow. It's not looking too good... I had a very nonmotivating weekend. I think I may be the same, but at least (hopefully) it will not be a gain!

I'd love to lose another 15-20 lbs by the 15K in May. We are gone this Thurs-Sun to WDW w/ my inlaws so I will definately buckle-down when we return.

I found out that I am probably have Celiac or at least a gutlen intolerence so I'll be dealing with that when we return too. I've got to do some research and try and get my head around it.

Tonight I'm going to the gym to do some elliptical--after the chiro. It's been 2 weeks since the 5K and I finally manage to get back on the ol TM Saturday and now my hip flexor and lower back are acting up...again! I sure hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew w/ this Minnie 15K. I have only worked up and done a 5K...no other trainin than that...

Lynnda--This may sound like a crazy question...but where does the bike come from that you ride??? I wouldnt' mind trying something like that one day. I'd definately have to work on my swimming... Is that a very far distance???

Keep pushing!!! Everyone is doing awesome!!! I'll try to check in more frequently! I've got too many threads to keep up with!

Stacie

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I am so impressed with all of you keeping up with a reply to each of us .... I think my brain is just too foggy to wrap my brain around a task like that right now...

Stacie - sorry about the Celiac/gutlen intolerence - look at the plus side to it - you will be forced to follow a strict diet - it should help those extra pounds!!! I had gestational diabetes and that was the only way I could wrap my brain around it - just to think about the positive effects it would have on my life...but I did have a full out meltdown when I figured out I could not fit ice cream into my diet!!!! I have a friend with celiac and he was so miserable before he got it under control but it has been several years and he says he can't believe how much better he feels now - the initial period was an adjustment but I know you will feel so much better once ytou get it under control!!!

My Julia has strep so she is home with me today...and tomorrow...hopefully that is all!!! We just started antibiotics today but I think she had the worst of it over the weekend so she feels good enough to drive me crazy...

Did you all see that the half if 55% full...I REALLY want to do the Full - my DH is going to and I really want to but his parents do not seem on board with going with us and I just am not ready to commit to the Full right now...I was hoping to get another half (the flying pig in May) under my belt before I made a decision but it appears that I can't wait that long - so I guess it is the half for me....

 

[crzy4pooh]

Lynnda--This may sound like a crazy question...but where does the bike come from that you ride??? I wouldnt' mind trying something like that one day. I'd definately have to work on my swimming... Is that a very far distance???

Stacie

Stacie - not a crazy question at all... You can use any type of bike at the Danskin - people had triathlon bikes, road bikes, hybrids, and regular beach cruisers with big tires. You can either bring your own or rent. I think Wendy posted about renting one last year - it was close to $200, though. If you have to fly, you can always ship your bike - Lynne (xterratri) has done that several times. As for the swim, you really don't have to be a good swimmer. They send the swimmers out in waves about every 4 minutes - survivors first, then elites, followed by age groups (every 5 years), with mixed age group last. I went in the mixed age group so I could do it with friends, and we saw people doggie paddling, doing backstroke, sidestroke, and a few that were just kind of getting from one swim angel to the next (people with swim noodles). The regular age groups had stronger swimmers in them and seemed to be a little more competitive. 400 yrds seemed like a HUGE distance when I started swimming, but it really isn't bad. I go to a pool with 25 yrd lap lanes, so it is 16 lengths of the pool (or 8 "round-trips"). I highly recommend checking out your community pool (if you have one) and getting a few lessons, even if you know how to swim. I had a great teacher who not only taught me proper form and strokes, but also how to conserve energy for longer distances, and helped me come up with a strategy for getting through the race. Because our pool is run by the county, lessons were only $10 each. You can definitely do this!!!


I'll check in with everyone later - the baby is calling...

Lynnda

 

[Big Vic]

Kate! You are in sooooooooooooo much trouble.

Now I'm sick. Have you been spreading cyber-germs? Just kidding.

If you guys don't see me much in the next few days it's because I'm laid up. I'm like a grumpy old bear when I'm sick. Leave me alone and don't fuss over me. Marilyn hates that.

Keep up the great work everyone. I'll talk to you soon.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

VIC - I am SO SORRY!!!!

That stinks!! I will wear a mask next time I am sick and posting!!

 

[deekaypee]

Hey Debra, I didn't realize you're in Pgh! I'm a transplant, too, from Ohio. I moved here >10 years ago, but in this part of the state, it seems that you are always "non-native" Are you doing any 'burgh races? I'm thinking about some!
Thanks for your kind words and looking forward to more interaction here on the board!

I have a feeling that I might be a permanent alien, too, although I really like Pgh so far. (Except for these hills-they'll be the death of me, I swear.) I just moved here, less than 6 months ago and we haven't spent a lot of time here due to traveling, etc., but I'd like to do some burgh races. I'm not really sure what's out there, though. Pgh has a Race for the Cure, right? And they've promised to bring back the marathon, I think? Anyway, we're so new to the area that we probably haven't heard about the best races, good running stores, etc., so any tips would be welcome!

Hello, Everyone!

Sorry I went MIA -- it was unintentional. Life got in the way for the last few days and my training was non-existent. On the bright side, I realized it was either get going again or quit, and since that's not an option, back on the TM today!

...

Debra -- I think I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Juno yet (other than dh, of course). Did you enjoy it?

Maria

Oh no, you didn't just ask me what I think of a movie, did you?? You don't know what you're getting yourself into!! Opinions, I always have opinions, on film--it's an occupational hazard (former film/lit prof. and recovering academic).

I'll let you off easy, this time, and just give you the bottom line: Juno made for a nicely enjoyable evening, and makes for a diverting 1 1/2 that goes by fairly quickly. Quite a few laughs, mostly solid performances, a good (1st) script. If you like lighthearted family comedies with a slight twist, sort of like Little Miss Sunshine, you'll probably like Juno. My DH, DMIL/DFIL, DBIL/DSIL all enjoyed it (although we didn't see it together). So I'd recommend it, even if I think the film is too slight to win Best Picture. Whew--and that was the brief response!

Stacie: How did your visit with the chiro go? I hope it was good news, meaning minor and easily treated.

Kate: Isn't it crazy how quickly things are filling up? I'd hoped for a little more time to solidify next family holiday plans before deciding, as visiting family was the real strain on our training. No such luck--I'm going to to have to man up and decide. I'm leaning toward the full, though, so maybe I can tempt you? (Come with me, come with me, it'll be fun....)

Lynnda: I don't know, I'm still pretty impressed by that distance in the pool. I'd never even thought about the logistics of getting your bike to the event, either. So much to learn...

Vic: I hope you're feeling better soon!

As for me: So far, it's been a successful intake day, with me keeping on schedule. One of the things that helps me is that I was busy cooking for DH's lunches, which means things with meat in in. Because I'm a vegetarian, I'm not the slightest bit tempted to nibble when I'm making his meals. Hey, whatever works, right?

I also weighed in today. After a week of watching (mostly) what I ate, working out, keeping a food journal, etc., the grand total (drumroll, please): 1 pound. That's right, 1 pound. Hey, I'll take it. I'm choosing to think of my body as much more efficient than it was a year ago. (That, and my body has an unhealthy attachment to its extra pounds--the rest might get lonely, you see.)

In terms of working out, I had another day of C25K, followed by elliptical work in order to avoid working my knee too much. It's almost a pity that I had this gym plan because it was so sunny and warm today I should have really run outside. But if our wonderful weather holds I'll be outdoors tomorrow and through the week. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

[Creativebeth]

Everyone seems to be doing so well. Way to go Wish-team!!!

I am doing well.....I am happy to have gotten myself under some control. After my marathon training, it was hard to put the fork down and walk away! But I am back in the game now, and feel so much better for it!

Stacie: I am sorry to hear about your possible Celiac disease/gluten intolerance, but it will be a good thing to get a plan going to fix the problem. You will probably feel so much better!

Maria: The soup was good. A good choice for dh and I, but the kids only ate one bowl so not the most popular with them. The recipes in the magazine are really good though. I made a zucchini fritata from it too, that was really good.

Big Vic: I hope you are feeling better, and I am sorry you are sick!

Sorry to miss anyone.....hard to keep up with everything!

Beth

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Kate: Isn't it crazy how quickly things are filling up? I'd hoped for a little more time to solidify next family holiday plans before deciding, as visiting family was the real strain on our training. No such luck--I'm going to to have to man up and decide. I'm leaning toward the full, though, so maybe I can tempt you? (Come with me, come with me, it'll be fun....)

Oh - I WANT to do the marathon...babysitting is our issue - only one of us can do it...both of us want to do our first marathon next year - but he is definately more ready than me so it is the logical choice that he does it

If we can't work it out for next year - then I will do it in 2010 - and he will do the half...

maybe if we told his parents we were going to leave our kids with some random stranger we met on the internet during the marathon - they would agree to come

OH yea - where in Ohio are you from?