Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[windwalker]

Hi pretty princesses and any guys who happen to be around today.

My princess and I did a slow but very pleasent 6 miles this morning. Then we came home and I mowed the yard with the push mower. My achillies doesn't like that since it's like an hour of calf raises.

We went to see the new movie, "The Happening", Erica liked it but I thought it was dumb. Kung Fu panda was way better.

Princesses, you don't need a drill sergeant. You are women, you are the strongest force in the universe.

Remember your roots ladies. Free slaves had the right to vote before women did, but you guys stood up for your rights, remember that battle cry, "WE WILL NOT BE MOVED". You weren't moved either and you won your right to be equal citizens.

Even in the animal kingdom the female is the force to be feared. If the T Rex is after the cubs the father bear is like, "humm T Rex, I better go have some salmon and think this over, hey cubs y'all go hide or something". But mamma bear is, "Ok your a T Rex, you still ain't getting the cubs".

You princesses have the power you just have to believe in your self and your will power. If you stand your ground you to "Will not be moved". It's women that hold their families together and are strong for everyone else. Be strong for yourselves to.

Have an awesome evening y'all.

Walking Panda

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi Everybody!

I am working out and eating well, it's just taking all my time and posting...let's just say it will get better when I'm back working every day next week. DS finished school last Friday, and I'm home with him today, Wednesday and part of Friday since camp doesn't start until Monday.

We saw Kung Fu Panda today. It was cute, but a little too much kung fu for me. The kids seemed to really enjoy it. We saw a ton of school friends, I guess I wasn't the only mom with that idea!

I did 4 miles Saturday and today, and two Sunday. I lost 1 lb. last week, so I guess something is working! I also actually counted my points the last two days, which was a wake-up call I needed! I've been trying to lay low on the sugar, but I'm still not really out of it. I keep finding it in everything, and I figure at least I am making an effort at reducing it. I'll get it all out (ok, most of it) eventually!

I booked our flights for marathon weekend today. It is starting to become a reality again! I was afraid to wait any longer, fuel costs scare me.

I promise I'll do individual replies tomorrow or Wednesday. Tomorrow night I have another Celtics playoff game, and those are also wreaking havoc with my schedule. They don't end until midnight, so I'm wiped the next day...I'll be glad when we (crosses fingers) win!

Maria

 

[jeanneg]

I'm just jumping in here......no time to read previous posts, so someone please let me know if I missed anything crucial. I will try to keep up from this point on......the past is behind me. I will get back on track....one of these days!

Amy: your daughter is adorable!!

 

[deekaypee]

Belated Happy Father's Day!

Vic: So tell me about the Florida Mall hotel. It sounds like kitschy fun, although I can't say the same for domestic security meetings. I hope you can get back into a regular WO routine soon.

AmyKab: Can you tolerate one more anecdote about the 1/2/full marathon? I can confirm that the difference in the start times for those in the back of the corrals is fairly long. I think it was over a 1/2 hour for the 1/2 and about a 1/2 for the full. I was in the very last corral for the full, btw, so I was a true back-of-the-packer. And it was pretty crowded back there--I spent the first few miles moving between people, and it felt like I moved horizontally (or zig-zaggy) as much as forward.

That said, unlike your friend, I didn't think it was horrible or disorganized. Now, these were my first events and my main goal was to finish the Goofy. So my expectations might have been different. Still, I knew what to expect from such a large race because of DOOD's experiences and the information here--and I was mentally prepared for it.

And even without that information, I think I would have found the Disney races well organized, smooth-moving, and exciting. There's so much to see and do (besides running, there are tons of photo ops), the participants and volunteers are so friendly, and--dang it all--it's Disney. I was quite happy with the event. In fact, if I have one regret, it was that I was so focused on finishing that I didn't stop and take more pictures, or enjoy the ambiance more. That's something I'll address this year in the full. I'm not doing Disney for the PR--I'm doing it to hang out with WISHers and experience some PD!

P.S. The pic of your DD is delightful!

Lisa: You're doing Goofy 2010? So am I--Goofy every other year!!! Thanks for the drill sergeant routine. I needed it, and still need it, even if Dave thinks us pretty princesses are capable of going without. Btw, I pictured you in Lou Gossett, Jr. mode. (I guess that dates me. )

It sounds like your weekend was challenging on all counts. On the good side, you've been upping your WOs. (How's the RW plan working for you?) The noshing with the other parents sounds like it's at least quality food--and a great social experience. Sometimes that's important. And I know you'll knock that pound right off with all your upcoming runs and bikes!

Congrats to your DD and her team! "Snuggle of doom...." Sounds delightful to me, especially if followed by a popsicle. I hope you're getting good nights of rest this week--that is, as you've mentioned, a worthy goal. I'm still working on it. (Doing better than I've done in the past, if not as well as I'd hoped. )

Wendy: You're always welcome to give me a little drill sergeant talking-to! For you, and your wacky sense of humor, I'm imagining the guy from Stripes (with Bill Murray, a favorite film of mine). I'm with you on the Disney events--I really like most things Disney, and it was the carrot that got me running. I had positive expectations for the event, and I think it set me up for a positive experience. DOOD was already a runner, a fairly competitive one, and he loved doing the Disney races for fun. (And he's not a Disney fanatic.) OH, and how was RftC?

Beth: Yay for doing the 5 miles yesterday, and for shaking up the route. I concur, not only did it probably help with the boredom (mental) but the body's comfort level. More challenging--keeping the body on its toes.

Stacie: Ouch for the sore quads and calves. Sounds like the hills were killer. I think you deserve a sports massage for your 5K victories! Good for you for making gradual changes in your eating--that's the way to make them permanent. I switched over to oatmeal permanently a few months ago. I love it now, even as I miss my Cheerios. Keep us informed as to tasty ideas from your new Gluten-free cookbooks. I live about a block away from a Gluuteny bakery; I should probably try something from it, just for kicks. What week of C25K are you on?

Tracey: Welcome back!!! I'm glad you had a great time at MB, as you and your family deserve it. Your extended family--12 in a condo--sounds a lot like the vacay my ILs go on every other year. To me, it always sounds like one of Dante's circles reserved for special people. But you make it sound delightful. I can't wait to hear the details.

Dave: You're always so supportive of us pretty princesses. I wish I lived up to your expectations. But no, I really do need a good butt-kicking now and then. So you just put on your Kung Fu Panda moves, and help get me in gear! I always look forward to your YARC posts for just such a reason.

Maria: on the pound lost! That's fabulous! It sounds like your switcheroo is showing some results already. And great job counting your points (hear that, Tracey--you've got a buddy here!); I need to get back to counting calories. I'm sure you'll manage this week's wonky schedule (DS, Celtics) with the ease now that you're firmly on a streak.

Good point about booking flights. DOOD and I need to do that--it's just so hard to get him to commit.

Jeanne: for jumping back in the foray--and back on the wagon! We've missed you, even though we know how busy you've been!!!

As for me: I'm sitting here, DISing with a double scotch and water. No, you don't drive me to drink. It's my parents. I called them this weekend--Father's Day, you know--only to learn their basement flooded in the storms. And they were all upset about things being ruined, no flood insurance (they don't live in an area where it's common to get it), and having to clear out their basement. (They're not in good health.) They all but asked me to come home, in their round-about, hinty way.

I don't know how many of you remember this, but I'm relatively estranged from my parents. I see them about every 2-3 years, which is probably too often for all involved. But I do have an overactive sense of filial duty at times--and this is one of those times. So I call DOOD, we brainstorm various solutions, I work out my schedule today so that I can leave and go home. Then I call my parents to tell them I can come home for a few days and clean out the basement. Only to get into a fight with them--well, as much of a fight as I can get into with my rather passive-aggressive parents. Long story short, I'm not going home. And I've been driven to drink. Yep, I've got healthy coping mechanisms, I do. But at least I'm not overeating.

In other news, I'm still not feeling joy in the running, the WOs, or the eating. But I'm listening to my Lean Meaners. And I'm following the advice I've been known to give others: Fake it until you feel it. That's the strategy I tried following with my parents--figured if I faked being a good child, acting like I was one, maybe I'd actually become one. Alas, that wasn't meant to be, but at least it's keeping me active and eating well. Hopefully, the strategy will begin to pay off soon in my Lean Meaner life.

 

[jeanneg]

Debra: so sorry to hear about the bad flooding in your parents' basement. I'm even sorrier to know that the relationship is strained....it makes me so sad because it shouldn't be that way. Whatever demons you are battling with them, please know that everyone here loves you. I am saying a little prayer right now that things turn out OK.

 

[deekaypee]

Debra: so sorry to hear about the bad flooding in your parents' basement. I'm even sorrier to know that the relationship is strained....it makes me so sad because it shouldn't be that way. Whatever demons you are battling with them, please know that everyone here loves you. I am saying a little prayer right now that things turn out OK.

No worries, Jeanne. My parents are "good people," so the estrangement generally isn't traumatic. I fully credit them with giving me some of my most important values--a strong sense of independence and a love for learning. We just don't click and it's healthier if we don't spend a lot of time with one another. Less drama, more cordial relationships, and far less stress. We love each other, but don't like each other, kwim? On the up side, I have people in my life who serve as my substitute parent figures, and my parents have people in their life who serve as their substitute daughter figures. It all works out the way it's supposed to.

As for the flooding, I can't believe how many areas have been affected! My brother's house got hit by a tornado while they were in Europe--minimal damage, but the insurance hassles! And our local rains are supposed to be all this week, and I'm just hoping my new digs have a well-constructed basement! I hope none of you are facing damage or a lot of clean-up work!

 

[windwalker]

Yes Yes Yes we love our funny, silly, witty and wonderfull Debra.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Debra))))))))))))))))))))))))


Walking Panda

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning Lean Meaners. It is raining here, hence the work computer issues again. I thought I had the worst IT experience the last time I called but this morning the person there to answer barely spoke English and once again, it is sit and spin time. He has actually made some calls though which is more than the clearly English speaking person I got previously did. I am waiting to hear from Verizon,

Dave: You are such a source of strength for all us princesses. Whenever we get down on ourselves, there is our wonderful Panda to pick us up, dust us off and kick us in our butts!!! I know that sometimes my inner strength loses its way out and I forget to listen to that voice inside. Thank you for being there to remind us all to listen. I am so glad to hear that you have your training partner back!!!

Debra: After my father passed, I was finally able to forgive him for all the pushing he did when I was younger that ruined my self-esteem. I battled the feelings of not being good enough until my 30s. You are a person of strong fortitude to be able to find the happy place and have that cordial relationship with your parents. Keep the positive thought in mind and you know we are here when you need us.

As for the lack of love with running, if you don't have an upcoming race, try doing something different. I have enjoyed adding in the biking to my routine. Maybe it is time to take a class or find a running group for awhile. I am a loner for the most part but it is nice to run with someone once in awhile. With mourning the loss of my 5K this weekend, I seem to have given up also. I have been 3 straight days with nothing, nada, zip and I don't really feel bad about it except that I know I will never lose that pound without motivating myself. We have rain predicted all week and I have to find a way to live around this. Have I mentioned my disdain for the TM???

Amykab: OMG what a cutie!!! We did Busch Gardens in Tampa when DD was 3 but she hated it. I think she would love it now cuz she is a coaster junkie. I am the sitter in the group. I like my feet on the ground. I can spin around in circles forever as long as I am on the ground.

Beth: Didn't mean to scare you off by not posting yesterday early!! I missed our Wagon Tip for the day. Maybe you could think of one that boots me in the JLo!!!

Everyone else: So nice to hear from everyone. Keep the posts coming. It is great to hear everyones input and how the June goals are going!!

From the Great North Woods, well, not much obviously. I was headed out on my bike yesterday but, as soon as I finished up work, it poured. Then it let up. Then it poured. I picked up the house, started some laundry and sat down with my PT books and worked on that. Then it was dinner and then it was practice and on and on. Funny how you start to make an excuse why you should not go out and it just keeps growing and morphing to fit the particular situation isn't it?? Despite the rain, I am determined to get out and run today. I do miss it when it does not happen. I also have a hard time motivating myself but it feels so much better in the end. With not doing any exercise I am starting to notice little aches and pains like my body is rebelling. Probably if I could physically kick myself in the butt, my body would do it. So, per the advice of the Great (and supremely awesome) Panda, I will listen to the voice inside me that is crying out for some exercise and rain or no rain, find a way to do 5 miles today. Expect no land speed records to be set, I will be happy in the fact that I have done myself some good.

How about one big and a lot of to all my Lean Mean friends out there!!!!!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Meaners......another Tuesday on tap for us today. I like Tuesday's for some weird reason......I am a little ODD!

I am getting my eating under control after FALLING off the wagon over the weekend. Yesterday went better.....and I got 3 miles in on the TM, and Pilates class on top of that!!! What a great day!!!! I have missed Pilates....sacrificed to baseball for the last 6 weeks. I did 'forget' ds's baseball practice last night, so I could get to Pilates taking my step daughter and dsis with me. The boys were a little miffed.....being left at home by themselves for an hour........I say tough!!!

Lisa: You didn't scare me away! I forgot to come back and post I guess..... Who knows......I did read the posts, but I guess I didn't reply. Sorry for the rain.....dampens all the outdoor plans, doesn't it?

Debra: Sorry to hear about the basement....been there and have done that! Not cool. Sometimes I think our family relationships are harder than anything. We are all disfunctional in some way, but as family we are to 'over-look' that. Well, it's not that easy, is it? Sometimes it's not healthy for us, and we have to know when to withdrawal from it. I think it's smart how you negotiate that.

Maria: Sounds like you are doing things well.....keep it up!

WWDave: Thanks for all the Panda words.......they help us all!

Wagon Tip of the Day: Intervals. I hate them, but doggon it they work. I did some last night on the TM. I do nothing special. I will run a little at 5 mph, and up it to 6 mph for awhile, back it down again to 5.2, and then back up again for 6.5. No real schedule, but I usually spend 4 to 5 minutes at each threshold. I have read in Fitness, that if you speed up and slow down in intervals, you can burn 10 to 15% more calories than if you stayed at the same pace the whole time. I am sorry I don't have a set schedule, but I know that they have them in Fitness and sometimes Self magazine. I just can't do the 'scheduled' thing.......I am a random sort!

Beth

 

[postesf]

Hey everyone...Seems quite a few of us are in a bit of a funk right now huh? I am totally irritated w/ myself. LTO last night so no aquabox! I did manage about a 1/2 hr of the PT exercises and stretching though. Still...it's not the same. Then...this morning, I was sleeping so good, I could not get myself out of bed to C25K (Week 2). I didn't even get to work until 8:30. There is absolutely no excuss...just laziness. ugh. So...We will work til 5:30, rush home, I will get through my 30 min of C25K then rush off to a meeting at 7:30. I am determined to get it in, but now it's all rushed and there is more of a chance of something coming up yet again...

Have I mentioned that my hair is falling out? I thought it was just a shedding phase, but now I don't know. It happened in Dec/Jan...slowed in Feb, but now it's been back for a few months. The drain is clogged...DAILY! I don't have much hair to begin with. It's thin and fine and does NOTHING. I've normally kept a perm/body wave in, but decided to let it grow out and give my hair a break thinking that may help. Well, it hasn't and now it just looks bad every day and it's still falling out. I don't know what to do. I'm wondering if it could be related to the gluten sensitivity/celiac thing.

Amykab... You DD is so cute!!!

Dave...Thanks for the kind words!

Lisa...I hope you get your IT issues worked out! I hope your 5 miler is not too soggy!

Deb...Sorry to hear about the strained relationship w/ your parents. At least is sounds like you have both come to terms with it, accepted and a found a way to make it work. Sorry you've lost the joy of running...I've never really had it anyway. I just do. I hope way day to really enjoy it and look forward to and really enjoy pushing myself. It all just seems like a struggle now. We can't all be ScoJo!

Maria...Yay for losing that lb! and booking your flights! and eating well and exercising! Keep up the good work! You are doing well!

for everyone!!!

Hope you have a great day!
Stacie

 

[postesf]

Hi Beth! We were posting at the same time! Intervals are good! I am hoping with starting the C25K back that will help with the weigh loss since it's pretty much all intervals until the very end!

Have a great day! and Yay for getting to pilates last night!

Stacie

 

[Creativebeth]

Stacie: Could it be that you are not eating enough protein? I know it's been said that sometimes gastric bypass patients can lose their hair if they don't get enough protein....not saying that is the definite problem, but I have heard that before. I am not sure what else could cause that, other than over processing (which I think you have eliminated as a source). Maybe a trip to the doctor would be in order? I know I can go through periods of time when I lose more hair, but never that it's noticeable with hair clogging the drain. Do you take vitamens? I hope you can figure it out.......

Beth

 

[Creativebeth]

Stacie: I just read in the community board that Pantene shampoo is bad for your hair. Someone said that it made her hair fall out! You don't use Pantene, do you? Some healthy hair tips in thread "Hair Management" on the CM.

Beth

 

[princessrunner]

Morning all...here for the moment. Keep your fingers crossed.

Stacie: This could have something to do with a thryoid imbalance, protein issues, shampoo or just the dreaded "M" word. My hair is very fine and thin and I have days where I shock myself. I have to be really careful brushing after a convertible ride or a fast bike/run because it will get all snarly and fall out. Hoping for nothing too traumatic!!

As for the love of running, I think you do have it or you don't. I think that for some people it is the fastest way to get your exercise in and burn calories. For some of us, it is freedom, a place to test ourselves and let the wild side show without scaring anyone!! Now that you have me thinking....I miss my run....

Beth: Intervals...I too am a random intervaler. Actually, I am a random everything. I swear my mind works in too many directions at once most of the time. I will do 1 easy mile, 1 faster mile, 1 easy mile, etcetera for my intervals unless I am on the TM and then I use the interval program of 4/4. I have also adopted the 4/1 interval that AmyBeth (we miss her so) has been using just not as fast. I am starting back on hill training as the Applefest half apparently has a very large upgrade at mile 9 (such a lovely place for a hill) so I figure I better prepare. I am not good at adding in sprints but I can manage a tempo run here and there.

here's hoping I can keep talking today!!!!

 

[windwalker]

Guys I had one of those workouts that make you just tingle all over it was so good. I did my 4 mile hills route, 1st mile was warm up at 13:42, last three miles 36:03 for a pace of 12:03. I was doing a comfortable cruise, when I stopped I almost kept going to do the route again, I felt so good.

I finished up with some stretching and weights.

Erica decided she needed some extra rest for her tootsies so she is still in bed. That was probably a good decision on her part since she did a pretty good 6 miles yesterday. She was limping a bit during the day so I think she was feeling it more than she would admit. Women!

The African bowtie Erica made came out very good. She used Boca meat. I thank that is a creature that is mostly veggie.

Speaking of creature a coyote ran across the road right in front of me this morning. A bunch of rednecks can running out of an auto parts store and chased after it. I wondered what they had planned if they had caught it. A wild dog creature about border collie size, that is cornered and scared could probably bite of parts of you that you would surely miss.

Lisa, I think you are an amazing person. With all you have on your plate you still have so much encouragement for everyone. My Erica was once a very meek and shy person. Now her self esteam is right where it should be.

Have an awesome day dear friends.

Walking Panda

 

[princessrunner]

Dave, I am sure you had something to do with Erica's self-esteem being where it is. You are a very positive and loving person....although we don't have to live with you...

One of the things my DH has taught me over the years is that if I was going to be silent and everyone was not going to like me because they were wondering what I was thinking, I might as well let it out and then they could either have a reason to like or dislike me. And, I feel much better now..... Anyone who has met me up close and in person would probably not describe me as meek or mild, a little hyper , a little talkative ...okay a lot.

I will always try to be there for all of you no matter what my personal situation because I love you guys!!! I also know what poor self image does for you. We all need to concentrate on the positive and let the negative go or work on improving it to a positive. Half empty or half full right???!!!!

As I was sitting here also, Stacie, I remembered my doc telling me that losing hair is also a sign of stress so that could be the "root" lol of your problem right there. Deep healing breaths.....

Hmmm, I think that's all the love I can spread right now. Oh, and if I did not have a million things on my plate, it would still not be empty...idle minds you know...and besides, it keeps me out of T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!

 

[postesf]

Thanks for the ideas and reccomendations! I think when I go back to have my bloodwork done in 8 weeks again for the Vitamin D check, I will ask to also have my thyroid checked. I do not currently take a Multi-Vitamin, but I know I should so I guess I'll add that to the routine and also try to increase the protein. I know my diet is not as balanced as it should be...

Oh yeah, and my life in general is pretty stressful...sigh. That could also be part of it.

Stacie

 

[princessrunner]

I am going to be the first to say that aging is not beautiful. Too much to discuss about how our bodies morph into something foreign at times. I believe that exercise is the key to keeping your mind and body healthy. Yoga clears my head and centers me. Running gives me joy and freedom. Pilates/core work and weights give me strength. The total package makes me feel like a strong and healthy beautiful person on the inside which is where it matters the most!!

Remember that we are all beautiful and strong princesses just like Dave says and our boys of WISH are handsome and strong. Being that I cannot hold a candle to a Panda post, maybe we can all find something about ourselves today that makes us feel happy, centered, balanced, strong and the truly wonderful people that we all are!!!

(oops who put that in there???? )

 

[postesf]

I am going to be the first to say that aging is not beautiful. Too much to discuss about how our bodies morph into something foreign at times. I believe that exercise is the key to keeping your mind and body healthy. Yoga clears my head and centers me. Running gives me joy and freedom. Pilates/core work and weights give me strength. The total package makes me feel like a strong and healthy beautiful person on the inside which is where it matters the most!!

Remember that we are all beautiful and strong princesses just like Dave says and our boys of WISH are handsome and strong. Being that I cannot hold a candle to a Panda post, maybe we can all find something about ourselves today that makes us feel happy, centered, balanced, strong and the truly wonderful people that we all are!!!

(oops who put that in there???? )

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine today! A postive force to be reckoned with!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi guys....another crazy weekend....but still hanging in there .

Debra: Love ya' girl! I know that feeling though, regarding the runs/workouts, that lack of mojo. It will come back. I like the idea of fake it until the love returns. I went through a bit of that myself after the Minnie. I think it worked and now I'm in an ok place with the workouts. Do you have anything new you can try...a new type of class or workout? Sometimes change of scenery helps .

Lisa: Great post . Wow..sounds like you had a similar weekend to ours. The girls won their tourney too...but had to battle the elements from strong storms and wind to blistering heat. Seems they are made of tough stuff and all came out winners . As for the workouts...I'm with ya', adding the biking into the week has really helped me enjoy exercising more. I needed that change to help me overcome the "funk" I had gotten myself into after Minnie. Ohhhh....and hey looks like Applefest is a go!!!!

Stacie: I *KNOW* things have been really stressful for you lately. THAT takes such a toll on us mentally and physically. The best thing you can do is carve out time for yourself every day...whether it be reading, exercising or doing something else that helps give you peace of mind. Always remember that your health is most important!!!

Panda Dave: Cool post! Thanks for that!!!

Beth: Yes on the intervals. They are great! I've been using them in my spin classes and everyone seems to feel like they get a great workout. Awesome for the heart AND for the endurance! wtg!

AmyK: Your daughter is sooo precious! Thank you for sharing that picture .

Everyone else...keep it up guys...we all go through ups and downs...just hang in there and remember that every little bit counts .

Which brings me to my workouts. Things have been going pretty well. I've settled into a good schedule of 3 days spinning (two classes are taught by me), occasionally a day of road biking and 3 days running. I'm still teaching a bunch of classes...but I don't get a great workout during so I still need to add classes in weekly. My goal has been to take one or two Pilates classes and one Yoga class from other instructors and so far, so good! I will be in an ALL DAY spin training on Saturday...that should burn a few calories LOL! I'm also teaching an EARLY (read: 5:45 am) class now on Monday's. Yikes! It's one of those combo spin/pilates classes. Here's hoping I can continue to get my lazy butt out of bed every monday morning LOL!