Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I haven't been posting much. Just so hard to find the time. I have continued the no-sugar diet and have found it has become relatively easy to do. I just make sure I have lots of fruit and sugar-free gum for when I need something sweet. I'm planning on continuing until Easter, then I'm likely to have just an occasional treat so I don't feel so deprived. I have bought several cookbooks in the last few weeks for sugar-free baking. I made some oatmeal cookies that were sweetened with orange juice and apple juice. They were really good, but still pretty high in calories since there was cooking oil in them. Then I tried banana bread sweetened with Stevia powder using applesauce instead of oil. That was much lower in calories and still quite good. My DH didn't like it, but I think because it was very moist and chewy almost like bread pudding rather than traditional banana bread. One of the books I have uses brown rice syrup for sweetening. Does anyone know if that is any healthier than corn syrup or sugar?

I have been out running a few times. I'm still coughing, but I have a lot more energy than I've had for the past 1 1/2 months. Yea!! I've managed to lose 5 1/2 lbs since the beginning of February, so I'm quite happy about that. I've had a few Hungry Horror days lately though, so I'm trying to increase my activity to cancel out some of the extra eating I've done.

Liz: I hope the shin problems have gone away. I've had a lot of problems in the past and 2 of the things that have helped are to sit in a chair and tap your toes on the floor before starting your workout. The other is to trace the letters of the alphabet in the air with your toes.

Stacie: Sorry you've lost your motivation. Just stick with it and you'll get it back. I hope you get the orthotic issue worked out.

Shan: Yea on the 2 lbs!!! Just shows you have to stick with it and eventually it will happen. Congrats on the 12 miler. What an accomplishment.

Tracey: Good job getting your workout in with the dog and stroller.

Lisa: Good luck with the battle of the GS cookies. I have 5 boxes sitting on the top of my fridge waiting for Easter morning. I'm really hoping I'll be able to control my portions. What will probably happen is I'll have one portion of cookies, one portion of ice cream, one portion of easter candy, etc. etc. Kudos to you for giving your DD such a good role model for eating well and exercising.

Dave: Let me know if you find Spring. Our weather is supposed to be in the 40's next week. Yahoo!! Hard to imagine that 40 sounds warm, but it does right now.

Mike: Good job on the workouts.

Debra: Sorry about the stressful bathing suit shopping trip. I found a really cute one at the LL Bean outlet that has a little skirt. Love the skirt, it hides a lot!!

Lily: Hope the recovery is going well.

Beth: How's it going?

Maria: Hi!

Have a great day everyone.

Cindy

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Robert: Yay, it's Robert. How goes the workouts??

The workouts are going ok. I am doing pool work plus walking on weekends. Can't get out here as snow/ice is no good for weak knee. Don't won't to give my Dr something extra to operate on in a week and a half

Snow back again today. Heading out to our "new" condo this weekend to drop another load of stuff. Mostly shirts, etc for the race we RD next weekend. Going to be crazy this week as 3 nights in Folsom, back to Tahoe for 2 nights, back to Folsom for 5 nights, back to Tahoe for 3 nights and surgery

Good training to all this weekend.

 

[windwalker]

One thing about it though Robert is we are all getting our maintance down time out of the way at the same time. It bites right now but before long when we are all healed and rolling no telling what we can accomplish.

We will really have something to celebarate at our after ToT party this year.

Cindy welcome back.

I want to say a word about the icing after workouts. I've discovered that if I ice for about 15 min then remove the ice and not move for about 15 more minutes till the area is warm again it seems to do more good.

Walking Panda

 

[Creativebeth]

Sorry I have been MIA Mean Leaners. My family lost a good friend to a car accident on Tuesday. He was 39 and has a wife and 3 little kids. The whole thing is so sad.......I am having a hard time dealing with the situation. I also had to work an extra shift yesterday.....which was a LONG 8 hours...... so, I haven't been much use to anybody for a few days. Last night we took dfreind's kids out to eat, just to get them out of the house. I am very sad.

Eating has been hit and miss. I have skipped several meals, but made up for them eating cookies.... I managed to lose a pound in the process....which still amazes me. Officially down 16 pounds now. Who knew?

I am trying to get myself out the door right now to run, and it doesn't seem to be happening.....I'll update later.

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Beth, sorry for the loss of your friend. So sad.

 

[Creativebeth]

Thank you Cindy, I appreciate the thoughts.

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Mike: Mmmm, I love PB & Bagels for breakfast, let alone working out. I find it's really useful for traveling training sessions/events. So you substituted the elliptical for an outdoor bike ride--why not for a stationary bike, if I may ask? I have lots to learn, and could use with your expertise.

Tracey: It's only bathing-suit time if you've got a Disney trip coming up in 2 weeks! I'll endure almost anything for that! I'm sorry for the mix up in the "Donuts with Dad" day. How did it turn out? I'm glad you also liked Lisa's bread--I think it's now an official WISH bread!

Lisa: I think it's sweet that you ran into town & spend time with DH. Now, that's love. Too bad about the toe, though. How's the negotiating on the DC trip coming? I'm a big fan of cherry blossoms & frisbee on the Mall myself. Priceline has never helped me for such visits, though.

I actually think you're winning the war with the GS cookies by focusing on portion sizes. What a great lesson for your kids--it's not about forbidden foods, it's about moderation and mindful eating! Those are lessons I'm constantly working on, having never learned it as a child, so I'm really happy you're teaching it to your (very active) kids.

Yeah for your PR & good luck with your 10-miler, not that I think you need lucky, you warrior woman you!

Liz: I wish I could be more help, but it sounds like Dave & Robert have your your back. Or would that be your shins. It also sounds like the Marquis put you through your paces, but gave you some good strengthening exercises on the shin front. Oh, and I love Alton Brown!

Shan: Whoo hoo on the two pounds! I think it was the ring resizing that convinced your mind to let go of those pesky little things. Big congrats on your 12 miler. Another milestone, I believe?

Stacie: Ouch on the orthotics! I wish I had suggestions but Lisa's advice seems solid. So I hope your runs get better because I know you already have the motivation to train. You will not be swept.

Cindy: Wow, that's so great that you're committed to sugar free. I'm positive your body will thank you for it, as will your DH (eventually). No answers on the sugar/oil front, although I'd love to hear the answer. And yay! for the 5 1/2 pounds & continued recovery efforts. Btw, I too find the swim skirt appealing for the reasons you mention.

Robert: That IS a crazy-busy schedule. And your surgery is coming up right quick, isn't it? Good for you for being careful beforehand, as I'm sure it will help avoid complications & aid your recovery.

Dave: Thanks for the icing tip. It's actually what I've been doing, and I agree that it seems to work especially well.

As for me: Still no swimsuit--been focusing on spring cleaning, which is much more satisfying to me. *Sigh* The weather has been miserable, and my knee has been acting up just a bit, so I've been adding XT & strength exercises. Luckily, because it's spring break around here, the gym has been blessedly uncrowded. Tomorrow I do 5 miles, and the knee is feeling up to it (knock on wood). But if this rain keeps up, as predicted, I'll be on a TM. Sorry folks, but I'm such a fair-weather runner.

 

[deekaypee]

Beth: Oh, to you, your family, and the deceased's loved ones. How awful. I wish I had the words, but just know my thoughts are with you. It's tragic to lose someone that young, and with children, and I know that you're being strong & supportive for the family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you.

 

[princessrunner]

Beth: Sorry to hear about your friend. It is such a tragedy for everyone. Sending you happy thoughts and keeping you in mine.

Robert: You are being such a good boy. Linda must have you on a short leash!! I am glad you are doing so well, albeit busy as all heck. Still keeping good thoughts for your surgery to go well.

Dave: So happy that you are out and moving again. You must feel much happier inside. When someone tells me I cannot exercise (external or internal) it makes me one cranky person. Keep icing!!!


Liz: Ouch on the shins. Sounds like Robert and Dave have the advice column covered. YAY for finding a good personal trainer. They are hard to come by...if I do say so myself...where is the smiley patting itself on the back?? I keep needing that one...

Cindy: No sugar. Good for you. I think my body would shut down with no sugar!! I have a recipe for sugarless butter cookies but they too have tons of fat in them (hence the butter part). But you make them with sugar-free Jello as sweetener.

Debra: Official WISH bread?? I too find spring cleaning far more satisfying than clothes shopping of any sort. It also takes my mind off pretty much everything else in my life too. Of course, then my dust allergies act up. My goal one day is to have ZERO clutter in my house. You know, one of those showcase homes in the magazines where everything is put away and nothing is in the middle of the floor, like toys, dog chew toys, boots, etcetera. It is more of a dream than a goal with my family!!!!

Everyone else: Here's to a nice day!!!

Me...today is mounds of laundry as it is snowing another 3-6" and I cannot run outside. Ten miles is WAAAAAY too long for me to be on the TM so I am using this as a rest day and running tomorrow. Just a small schedule tweak and one I can live with. I rode my bike outside for the first time yesterday. I have decided I need to ride once a week as I was really slow and really sore/tired after just 5.5 miles. I also need to get my bike fixed with a sticky brake and shifting failure. It was a long ride to say the least. We went to see Horton Hears A Who last night too. Loved it. I only get to see kid movies so I can only rate those!! I guess that's it for now. Have a great day everyone and one more hug for Beth!!

 

[lenshanem]

Debra, have you looked at the Lands End bathing suits? I have gotten one of them for like five years in a row now. They are the best IMO. I buy the mix and match separates. I even order them online and they always fit! Request a bathing suit catalog. It is easier to look thru them, they have tons of options. Sears now carries a few of the suits, too.

Lisa, good luck with your 10 miler today.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Beth - so sorry for the loss of a dear friend. Know you're in our thoughts.

Debra - I agree with Shan on the Lands End suits. I've been buying the tankinis for several years now and love them. They really do always fit and I order mine on line. Not to mention not having to wriggle back into a wet one piece with the tankinis....

Lisa - Alton was so cool! Funny and very interesting. I now have a signed cookbook and Patrick got his motorcycle helmet signed.

Robert - glad you doing well and here's more good wishes that the surgery goes well and you're back out soon.

Dave - thanks for the tip on the icing. Thinking may help those times I have to ice my knee.

Everyone else - hope you are having a great day and weekend.

As for me - we saw Alton Brown today and had a great time. Unfortunately didn't get home until later than we hoped so not sure I'll get in any workout time today. Will do first thing tomorrow though before settling into laundry, house work, etc. Wish we could get outside to walk but unfortunately the nice weather we had Thurs/Fri is once again gone. Naturally....

 

[deekaypee]

Lisa: Thanks for the info on Horton Hears a Who. DOOD and I will see it, as we see almost all animated films, and it's nice to go into the movie theater with positive expectations. And I hear you on the goal/dream of a clutterless house. I'm embarrassed at how long it takes me just to sort through all the misc. paper that accumulates. Good luck with today's laundry & tomorrow's run.

Oh, and thanks for reminding me that I need to have my bike maintenanced; I may be overly optimistic, but it's getting to be that time of year. And I just know I'll need to get my urban road legs back.

Shan & Liz: Thanks for the suggestion on the Land's End bathing suits. Since it's been a while since I've bought a new bathing suit, so I need such suggestions. I'm definitely interested in separates as, well, I'm a couple of different sizes. And covering up the tummy is a must--I'm self-conscious about my scars.

Beth: I hope today is a little better for you. My thoughts are with you.

To everyone else: I hope your week & weekend are restful, relaxing, productive, energizing, or whatever combination fills you with joy.

As for me: I finished my LR today & felt pretty good. I also took a CARLOAD of recyclable materials to our local site (that's in addition to bi-weekly pickups)! The bad news is that I'm having a hungry, hungry day, where nothing seems filling. I haven't had one of these since my taper for the Goofy. So far, I'm under control as to what I eat, filling up on veggies & fruit & nuts, but I won't meet my daily calorie-intake goal. At least it's healthy food.

Tomorrow is yoga & bread-baking day--Lisa's wonder bread!

 

[Big Vic]

Good morning Lean Meaners!

It’s a beautiful day today in NW Florida.

No training to report. However, I did do 4 hours of yard work yesterday. I guess that counts as XT. I know I’m feeling it this morning.

Beth – Sorry to hear about your friend.

Everyone – Keep up the great work!!

 

[laxdef69]

Beth: Very sorry to hear about your friend....

Liz: Where in Chicago are you? How did I NOT hear about Alton Brown...I love that guy...in a completely hetero way...not that there is anything wrong with the other way, but thats not for me. I'll stop now.

DKP, I don't have ANY expertise, just learning as I go. I just don't like the stationary bikes that the local Y has, and the elliptical is an aerobic, low/no impact workout, so thats the reason...no logic, just me being picky about the machine I got on.

Anyhoo, today's workout was a 50 minute run...I only got to 4.5 miles or so, but I haven't been running outside in a long time, its been cold, and my new shoes ROCK...if you aren't running on shoes fit to you from a knowledgeable shop, give it a try...I can't believe how good my ankles and knees feel. Whats sweet is that I now have almost 48 hours of rest time.

16 workouts and 2 weeks of 20 down before the Spirit of Racine Triathlon!

I'm losing track of where I post stuff, but the following nutrition regimen (developed over an entire two weeks) seems to be working really well for me; take it for what its worth, I'm a 43 year old fat guy with no endurance sport background.

Based on what I have been reading though, right after a workout, you want protein and enough simple carbs to create an insulin spike, which will speed the absorption of the nutrient into your muscles.

Complex carbs are from things like bread, potatoes,oatmeal...they break down slower so you get long term energy throughout the day from them.

Simple carbs break down very fast, and would be contained in something like dextrose, so maybe more fruit in the shake is a good way to go, along with whey protein in the shake...

16-20 oz of Cytomax for each hour during the workout.

Either another 16oz Cytomax or 16oz of H2O immediately after workout.

2 tablespoons peanut butter and a whole toasted plain bagel immediately after workout (within 30 minutes).

Shake composed of: 1 cup Soy milk, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 4-5 frozen strawberries (organic) 1 medium banana, 2-3 spoons of Ghiradelli (spelling?) hot chocolate powder (just for flavor...I'm not a Spartan for God's Sake!)...

again, for what its worth, this seems to keep me from having a great workout one day, and dragging tail the next...

any input/assistance from the more experienced lean meaners is welcomed and desired!

Mike

 

[princessrunner]

Evening Lean Meaners. So odd for me to say that. I am such an a.m. person. I really have nothing to post aside from my most awesome (albeit shorter than planned) run for today. It was snowing and 32 degrees. DH assured me it was "at least" 10 miles to DD13 gymnastics meet from home. It ended up being 9.76 and very, very hilly. I had to walk up 1.5 hills due to foot fatigue and walk a little while refueling at mile 5 (running, drinking, chewing, too much for feeble brain to process all at once). I finished in 1:44:58 which is a 10:46 average. Not too shabby.

Hope everyone had a GREAT day. Glad to hear from the country called Vic. Here's hoping everyone is back at it tomorrow. Beth, still sending good thoughts your way.

 

[windwalker]

Evening Lean Meaners. So odd for me to say that. I am such an a.m. person. I really have nothing to post aside from my most awesome (albeit shorter than planned) run for today. It was snowing and 32 degrees. DH assured me it was "at least" 10 miles to DD13 gymnastics meet from home. It ended up being 9.76 and very, very hilly. I had to walk up 1.5 hills due to foot fatigue and walk a little while refueling at mile 5 (running, drinking, chewing, too much for feeble brain to process all at once). I finished in 1:44:58 which is a 10:46 average. Not too shabby.

Hope everyone had a GREAT day. Glad to hear from the country called Vic. Here's hoping everyone is back at it tomorrow. Beth, still sending good thoughts your way.

You are just amazing princess. As the RedNeck saying goes You "GETTER DONE." Most of us wouldn't think of venturing out for a 10 miler under those conditions. You get the award for the most inspiring athlete of the weekend.

Walking Panda

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Beth, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend.

Robert, seems like you are getting in quite a w/o with the move, and then RD I'm sure has you hopping.

Debra, seems like you are really being strong. Take care of that knee though. Don't overdo.

I've been managing to eat pretty healthy this week I think. Then the weekendhit and DH took me out for corned beef yesterday and today we had salads and pizza. I had more than my share--way more. Determined to get back on track tomorrow though. Yesterday I did my first 60 min on TM in a long time and I sustained a Minnie pace mostly (walking). I am thrilled that I did it that long and it looks like I'll be able to sustain through the Minnie if I keep at it.

PS--I have a link in my siggie to the thread Recipes for Runners on the go that we had going here a while back. If you've got any recipes that you can add please do so. I think we could all benefit by it and the link is in a location that will not get lost. (You've just got to know to go there.)

 

[postesf]

Hey guys! How has everyone's weekend been???

Beth...So sorry to hear about your friend!

For those that missed it(I shared on the Weekly thread) ...I just have to share...

So...I got home Friday from work and as I walk in the house, there is a gift bag. Inside is a note. It's a plain white piece of paper from DH and it says something to the effect of how proud he is of me, how he appreciates everything I do for our marriage, how much he loves me... and then there is a clue. "I have the best live growing thing sitting on me in your house. Find that living thing and open me up" I actually walked through the house 3 times and had to re-read it three times before it "clicked" We have a little stand that we have plant sitting on. It opens up. So..I go, open it up and inside is a Garmin 305! WOW!

The note was nice enough! Very heart-felt and something I really needed. But the Garmin...yay!

I tested it out today on my 4 miler. Very cool...I just need to learn how to really use it now!

The run itself was just harsh! It was so windy...what a blustery day! ugh. I actually ended up walking more than running. I did bust it out a few times just to see how fast I could run. I was supposed to do 4.5 miles, but ended up only doing 4. We had plans and I was already pushing it to get ready on time. I was sooo frustrated. At least I got it done. Sometimes I wonder if I am really cut out to do this endurance thing. It seems like the runs are just getting harder, and longer and I'm losing my "just do it" mind frame, losing my motivation and my push. I just don't know... THe entire 4 miles I kept wondering how I would do at the Minnie. Would I actually complete it and not get swept. Then I starting thinking...You dummy. Now you've registed for the 1/2 Marathon. How will I ever complete it???

I've decided that tomorrow for my XT, I will do the Ellipcital instead of the bike. I get more miles in on the bike which is great for the Team Competition, but I think I need to work on my cardio endurance a bit more.

I know part of my problem was fueling. I jumped out bed and didn't eat anything. I did learn that I CANNOT do gels! I tried and couldn't even get it down before it came back up...yuk!

OK...nuff about me. I will try to catch up with everyone tomorrow! It's way past my bedtime!

Stacie

 

[princessrunner]

Stacie: You can and you will do it. Those sweepers are A LOT of motivation to keep moving. I think we all have those doldrums to contend with at some point. Try to keep your eye on the prize and focus on the races. I need to have a race coming up so I have something to work for. It is too easy in our busy lives to just blow off a workout. If I have a race coming up, I will train like a pro (just not run like one!!). Keep the faith, you will find your inspiration again. But total YAY on the Garmin. I would not exercise without mine again. It is awesome for skiing, biking, running, etcetera. I have to 205 and when it dies, it will be replaced. I too cannot tolerate gels unless I have no other choice. Sport beans or Clif shot blocks for me. I had black cherry on my 10 miler. Not too bad but they stick to your teeth.

Dave: Well thank you for the most inspirational title though I do not think I deserve it entirely. More like the most needing to be committed title. DH had to work on his log truck and his electrician buddy was coming through the town DD had her meet in. She had to be there before I got done work so I had the bright idea that DH should take DD to the meet and leave my car there so I would run in and get it. Not so smart when it started snowing as I was leaving and just kept snowing harder and harder. My MIL passed me at about mile 6 and yelled out the window "how are you doing?" At that point, I was nearing talking myself out of this long trek and walking as I called for a ride but, when she passed I said to myself, ya know what, I am doing okay and just kept plodding along. So, inspirational, not so much, needing a straight jacket....maybe.

Lily: You are such a role model for everyone on the board. You will find your way back to the light soon. I think it is harder when we are in recovery but just continuing moving and being motivated will get you back on the wagon.

Today for me is about rehydrating. I kept having chills yesterday after my LR and could not figure out why. I had taken my supplements, drank water and changed my clothes as soon as I got to the gym. Finally, my MIL (who is thankfully a runner herself and the instigator of my madness) asked if I had ENOUGH water or just drank after my run. Hmmmm....well she was right, the more water I drank the warmer I got. I need to concentrate on that more. I also believe that the colder or warmer it is outside, the more you need for refueling. I need to work on my system. So I should be okay on the eating front today as all the water will fill me up. Oh and another tip toward the dehydration thing is if you weigh yourself fully clothed after a LR and you weigh a pound less than you did naked in the morning, you might need some water. Hello DUH!!!!!!!!!!

Have an awesome day Lean Meaners!!!

 

[laxdef69]

About the shot blocks and beans...both work great.

As far as gels go, another thing you could do is mix them into your water bottle...but make sure to shake it a few times before each drink, or else it will settle to the bottom, and get thicker as you go.

One thing I established last year is that it is entirely possible to take in too many carbs while exercising...like combining a sport drink AND gel shots.

One side effect is that you may find yourself on the side of the course having an..."unplanned protein and carb spill"..which aside from being unpleasant, also slows your time!

Lisa: Its easy to do it when its easy. Congrats on sticking with it!

Stacie:Nice! You've obviously shown a ton of committment, or it seems unlikely he would have gone through the effort to find it for you.

I'm still lolling around enjoying the next 21 hours of rest time. Tuesday is a 60 minute bike.

Have a great day everyone!

Mike