Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[Steffwalks]

Hi Fellow Grubby friends!

Debra - Greenies are these green treats for cats and dogs that are good for their teeth and their digestion, givers them better breath, too! They just love the things! They come in lots of flavors. My cats will sit up for greenies. I am working on a burning hoop trick.....

I have adopted the attitude of Dave McGovern on speed work. You can't go faster until you can go faster. So, I do speed work. I don't care for it, particularly, but then again.....I'm slow! Have I ever mentioned that I don't like Pilates, either.

Lisa - Voyager, now that sounds interesting. I kinda like that. I have got to get a tv out in the gym, though. Or something. I do have the iFIt system on the Voyager (aka dreadmill) and an Ipod connetion; but I am just not sure that's going to do it for me! LOL

I haven't decided whether I like knowing the race route before hand or not. I like being surprised. I kinda like NOT knowing the difficultiies because then I don't dread them. Hmmmm, I guess I LIKE NOT knowing best, afterall. But have fun! Anything called a beach can't be all that bad!

DOOC has a cleaning lady. She's the Ductchess!

Beth - Howdy!

Grubby Panda - Whatchadoin' my friend, besides passing along those wonderful gems of wisdom! We should get together for a beer!

Maria - What Panda said. I can be ready for exercise, instantly; and sometimes I can be ready in two weeks. It always helps me to do better and enjoy it more if I have new clothes I have to try out. New clothes makes even a sweaty mess look great!

Mike - Here's another GOOD LUCK WISH, although, I doubt that you need any good luck. You are prepared. You are inspiring and you are a hottie. So, go for it! Become a sweaty mess we can all be proud of! Love the trigger fish, that you and the kids do!

Tracey - This is so surprising to me, but DOOC (who hates stuff like this) wants to go see Mamma Miah. It looks like fun! Let us know what you think!

Jeff - I turn out such meals when we are camping, other campers want to come over and join us! Gotta love a dutch oven! Ever make a two layer cake on a camping trip? Your cobbler looks yummy!

Everybody else! Come out and play!!!

From the Great Plains atop the Cap Rock. had to take my truck in yesterday for some maintenance. Ended up having to leave and waiting for a ride. So, I didn't get much of anything done. But I did try out the Voyager a little bit. I think I am going to appreciate it, even if I don't actually it!

Make a great and healthy DAY, get out there and sweat!-- Connie

 

[JustSmile]

Good morning' Lean Meaners and lurkers!
I started to post yesterday and then all my kidlets woke up---so I'm partly working off of notes that I took yesterday.
Beth...sorry you're feeling . I hope yesterday was better.
Connie...really the TM is not so bad. I figure it's one time I can watch a movie and keep myself moving. The boys and I watched Airplane yesteday while I ran.
Stacie...Oh, a cleaning lady, I wish. When I became a SAHM, I became the full time cleaning lady. I think that this will be fantastic for you and free up some time for you to do other things. Good luck figuring out all the specifics.
Mike...When I put in the glass top cookstove, I learned that I couldn't use the iron skillets on top. I'm eventually gonna go back to a gas cooktop. Now, you have trained hard for this ironman and I agree with Maria, that others are probably in the same predicament as you. But, I'm also thinking that you've also trained at a heavier weight, so that could be an advantage. Either way, you're doing this and we are so proud of you for having it in you to sign up. Go Mike, Go Mike, It's Your Race Day.
Debra....We're suffering from the fried hard drive as well. Although, it appears to work sometimes when we give it a good "smack". We'll be shopping for a new laptop in the next week or two. I seriously do have aprons, some of my friends think that it's funny. I think I'll have to start practicing carrying a pitcher of PowerAde. I'm thinking the sloshing will ruin my new shoes---which are lime green!
Lisa... It's fantastic that work is paying you to stay fit, in a sense. Money for new clothes would be great motivation for me. Glad to hear the abscess is better. I love that ad that you mentioned. I may run like an animal, but it's a slow animal. My speedy older son told me one day that I was jogging, I told him that it's running if it's as fast as you can go! I have a RW article on my fridge that's highlighted where it says, "I am twice the woman I was when I thought I was meant to look pretty on the side lines. Sweaty and smiling, breathless and beautiful; Running helps up all shine. A lesson worth passing along."
Maria...Admirable goals! I'm on the same plan as you are trying to stay on points and keep hydrated. I'm just working on more good days than bad..
Jeff....Yum, peach cobbler. I bet you're an awesome dad!
Panda...What happened to your dad's house in Hawaii? Does he still live there? You're out there bright and early getting your workout in.
Jeanne...Do you miss the rowdiness of all your kids in the house? On days when I'm exhausted from the mess and the wrestling matches, I think, "I"ll miss this when it's gone!" But, then that's what grandkids are for.

Funny story, I see runner's in their cute little running shorts and matching jog bra tops. I however, cover up my running bra with a shirt. Yesterday, the kids and I went down to the lower level where they could play, watch a movie, and I could use the TM. I went 6 miles, but about halfway in I was hot and sweaty (like Lisa's ad ). So, I pulled my shirt off to run in the running bra (easy now, it's a running bra with a jog bra cover). My DS8 was totally absorbed in the movie, hey it was Airplane, he had good reason. Anyway about 10 minutes later, he said to his older brother who's 10, "Holy cow, Josh, mom's running so fast her shirt flew off! Thank goodness, she has that bra thing on!" His brother just looked at him and shook his head. I almost couldn't run, I was laughing so hard. Kids say the craziest things!
Have a great weekend and get out there and get hot and sweaty!

 

[princessrunner]

Tracey:

Glad to hear you run that fast!! I sure don't. I was sooooo hot yesterday that I considered removing my tank (yes I was jog bra equipped underneath) but I looked at my saggy, baggy, stretch-marked mommy belly and decided that I did not need to gross out the entire town on their way to the local dump... so I just sucked it up and kept on sweating. You are a better woman than I!!

I, too, run like a slow animal, maybe that woolly mammoth that they mentioned?? I picture myself as a cheetah and run like a woolly mammoth, there is your mental for the day!!!

 

[Steffwalks]

I picture a gazelle and RUN like a sloth.

 

[postesf]

Hello everyone!!! Hope everyone has a fun weekend on tap. Did I mention I was doing a 5K this weekend in Beaufort? We're going to Stacy so I'm doing the 5K in Beaufort. So far, it's just me. I don't know if Matt is going to do it or not. My mom may...it just depends. If it looks like rain...she won't be doing it.

Mike...Have FUN! I know you'll do great! Oh yeah...that fish is very cool looking!

Connie...Don't know hate when a wrench get thrown into the plans! ugh on waiting for your truck. Glad you tried out your Voyager. Good attitude!

Tracey...Thanks for pointing out you cannot use cast iron on a glass cooktop. I didn't know that and may have found out the hard way... Ah! That is so funny about your shirt "flying off!" Kids can say the funniest thing!

Lisa...How cool that you get paid to stay fit. We have to fill out a questionaire every 6 months and this give us a discount on your health insurance (supposidly). I like your plan better! If you are wooly cheetah, I'm a jogging turtle! lol. I'm not fast, don't think I ever will be. Hope you have fun at the beach!

Panda...HI! Glad you've worked out your hydration issues and are back to yourself!

Jeff... Your cobbler looks yummy! I LOVE cobbler. Don't think I can have it on the gluten-free diet though. bummer.

Jeanne...My house is cleaner right now too knowing that my cleaning lady was coming today. ha!

Maria...Good job getting your steps in!

Debra...How is DOOD's hard drive? Were the geniouses any help?? I thought you were doing the 1/2...nope...the full???

Beth...How ya feeling???

Vic...What's up???

Everyone else...lurkers...

Hope everyone enjoys their Friday and has a great weekend!!!
Stacie

 

[jeanneg]

Just a few quickie responses before we go out of town......again!

Mike: good luck to you with the Half Iron Man. I am sure you will do great!
BTW, please explain what a Clydesdale is. One of our local races allowed you to sign up as either an age-grouper or a clydesdale. i had never heard of that before and had no idea what it meant.

Lisa: it's so interesting you like those Pearl izumi ads......I utterly detest them because I always feel they are talking down to me. I hate them so much I vowed to never buy their product. I don't run at all. Heck, I don't even jog! Everytime I see one of those ads i feel like they have undermined all my accomplishments because "all i do" is racewalk. I'm glad you find them motivating though. We all know you gotta go with whatever gets you going.

Tracey: love the story about your shirt blowing off because you were going so fast! I certainly would have let him believe that was the case. Too, too funny!
And to answer your question......no, I don't miss my kids. (Bad momma!) True be told, I love my kids to death and am always happy to see them, but it reaches a point where they really need to be out of the house. It's the same scenario each and every time they visit. I can't wait for them to get here .......and then I am thrilled when they finally leave! But I am looking forward to future grandchildren if and when the time comes.

Everyone else: have a great weekend!
(I'm off to visit child #4 in Chattanooga this weekend. He'll be 23 next week and it's the first times he's ever been away from home for a birthday.)

 

[princessrunner]

Jeanne, I don't take offense at the ads because I look at them like this:

You should be exerting maximum effort at whatever you are doing, no half-a$$ allowed.

I do not move fast by any means but I do always try to exert maximum effort. Yesterday in the heat, 11:16 was all I had. I was walking to save my life. I guess it is all in your perception. Sorry that you take offense to them. I think that's why I like this thread, you get every side of things honestly!!

I think the only Pearl Izumi thing I own is a pair of bike gloves because they have the most gel padding for my carpal tunnelized hands.

 

[JustSmile]

Tracey:

Glad to hear you run that fast!! I sure don't. I was sooooo hot yesterday that I considered removing my tank (yes I was jog bra equipped underneath) but I looked at my saggy, baggy, stretch-marked mommy belly and decided that I did not need to gross out the entire town on their way to the local dump... so I just sucked it up and kept on sweating. You are a better woman than I!!

I, too, run like a slow animal, maybe that woolly mammoth that they mentioned?? I picture myself as a cheetah and run like a woolly mammoth, there is your mental for the day!!!

I would NEVER take my shirt off in public! But, in the privacy of my home with the kidlets, well I just gave in. On the way to the dump, you might have been a bright spot in their day. This humidity is hard to run in! However, when I'm done, all that sweat makes me feel like I accomplished alot!

 

[laxdef69]

Since endurance athletes tend to be slight of stature, they have classes for us huskier fellas.

The Clydesdale class (for men) in Ironman events starts at 180 pounds (I think) and the Athena class (for women) starts at 150 pounds.

Just a few quickie responses before we go out of town......again!

Mike: good luck to you with the Half Iron Man. I am sure you will do great!
BTW, please explain what a Clydesdale is. One of our local races allowed you to sign up as either an age-grouper or a clydesdale. i had never heard of that before and had no idea what it meant.

 

[windwalker]

Tracey my father still lives in the two story A frame he had built there, he has added on to it a bit. When he bought the land it was jungle and now it's a desireable area.

Leaner Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Okay, folks, I woke up this morning at 5.30 in a bedroom that was 86 degrees. So guess who's going to The Dark Knight tonight. (Let's ignore the fact I was gonna go anyway....)

Lisa: Speedwork tends to come easily and be satisfying for DOOD, so as you can imagine we don't talk about it! But he IS liking the RW plan, which bodes well for my eventual adoption of it. I didn't know you are allergic to cats--that means my cats would definitely want to cuddle with you. Smart and sadistic, they are.

Great news on your health assessment, lower BMI, and the multiple gift cards. What a great company incentive! Your planned pace for a 10K is so impressive and I know you'll go even faster in better conditions and/or on race day. You're one of those poster children for speed and hill work. I guess I better follow your example, at least part of the time! I also think your assessment of yesterday's 10K, with the heat/humidity/breathing/need to run in the a.m., is spot on. And seeing the Crescent Beach route seems like such a smart race strategy. I never think about such things. I just figure I'll follow the people in front of me--maybe it's because I'm new enough to running that I haven't truly developed a RACE strategy yet. Anyway, have a great time this weekend--and for you (and me, Maria, Dave, and everyone else) I hope for a nice cold snap!

Mike: It sounds like you and DOOD are two of a kind with the speed work. Or should I say you're both one with the speedwork & very meditative about the whole thing. I'm sorry to hear that your plan to compete in the Clydesdale XL1 division isn't going as planned. It makes it harder to be in the right place mentally. However, I have every bit of faith in you and your abilities, scale/division be damned. I know you've been training hard and faithfully. I'm just glad you're keeping up with your hydration (not that I ever seriously thought you'd try to cut water weight). I'm gonna wish you luck on the Ironman (and avoid the theatrical "break a leg" comment, as it doesn't translate well) and that you enjoy the rewards of all your hard work! Btw, I think you guys got ripped off with the Clydesdale name--Athena is so much cooler a division moniker. (Imagine me flexing my non-existent bicep.)

Maria: I'll answer the Morelli/Ranger question on the Ohana thread, as I just whipped through the first Stephanie Plum book yesterday. I think your three daily goals are quite reasonable and do-able, even with the challenges of Wednesdays slog. My money for that experience is on the heat wave that has hit your area; I understand it's making breathing difficult for some folks. And make sure you stay hydrated!

Stacie: Yay for C25K W2D2! I've never had a cleaning person, although sometimes I think I'd like a career in that area. I think setting people's houses in order would appeal to me. DOOD's hard drive is, indeed, fried. The geniuses confirmed that we'd done all the diagnostics we should have--including connecting our computers so that we could look for his HD with my monitor and Disc Utility software. So while visiting the genius bar didn't solve the problem, it did confirm we're not entirely ignorant. Now we wait for their team to try and salvage his information and to replace the HD. DOOD and I are doing the full, so I'm going to be there to support you on the 1/2. Maybe with Key Lime Pie in hand and definitely with my ILs in tow. (Despite my occasional issues with them, I think everyone will find them gracious and attentive!)

Jeanne: Given all you've done with the kids, and how you've been super busy ever since I've known you, I'd say you more than deserve to enjoy the "extra" time a cleaning team gives you. And the peace of mind. Have a great, great time with DS. I hope you come back with some cool tales about his birthday celebration and about Chattanooga!

Aloha Jeff: Ah, the cast-iron peach cobbler temptation. Just had to add that to the thread, didn't you? I don't know why you hesitated to compliment Mike on his set. I compliment loads of people on their, um, equipment. Every chance I get.

Connie: If you can get your cats to do the burning-hoop trick, I'm sending you mine. Not to teach them the same trick, but to convince them that jumping on the kitchen countertop is bad, bad, bad. Maybe I should try the Greenies bribe? As for speedwork, I don't like it--but suspect I've invested too much importance on it and immediate results. Maybe if I just let the results sneak up on me. I, too, do lots of things I don't like to do. Not Pilates, per se, which I enjoy. But I eat broccoli. I love that you've named your new toy/tool Voyager--but then again, I like Star Trek. It sounds like it (he? she?) is being good to you, or at least better to you than your truck. I hope the maintenance issue on the latter is resolved quickly and inexpensively.

Tracey: Why are your aprons funny, or is it just aprons in general? (I have several--I'm a kitchen klutz, and can't imagine baking without them.) Regardless, it sounds like your Princess 1/2 costume would come together pretty easily! I hope your hard drive is repairable--DOOD's is dead and he's without his baby for the next week or so. At least the Apple people are really good with customer service.

Airplane! You're raising your kids right. Are you teaching them to speak jive, too? What I love is how you're keeping yourself and your DSs entertained with movies, and then your DS is starring in his own version of Kids Say the Darnedest Things! I'm kinda disappointed that you have no plans for taking your shirt off in public. I wanted a reason to follow in Jeff's footsteps and congratulate someone on their fine set!

Dave: Although I'll be enjoying the dark, coffin-like coolness of the movie theater, I'm also planning a little outdoor fun this weekend. It's Pittsburgh's Vintage Grand Prix Race this weekend. We missed it last year (it was our second weekend here) so we're planning on a full day in Schenley park--from walking there, to picnic & frisbee, to seeing the car sights. I'll be thinking of your sassy (and not fat) self--and of course also be thinking of Vic.

About the Pearl Izumi Ads: I tend to like the "man up" (my mantra) tough-talk present in these ads, even though I can see people's points about their anti-jogging & running elitist stance. You all know I like my drill sergeant talk. I say, we define ourselves as runners, joggers, and walkers--no matter what our speeds--and don't take their "We are not joggers" campaign too seriously. I mean, I don't let my family and friends define what I do (most of the time), so why would I let a company do so? That's what I think is cool about how Lisa embraces the ads and in how Jeanne ignores them. Whatever works for each of us. I also have to say, though, that I their gear.

As for me: I love all the animal/running images. I'm a flaming....well, I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I'm flaming. Armadillo? That sounds like a drink, so that's what I'm calling it. I probably run like a squawking flamingo, though. My inner version? I run the way an otter moves through water, oddly graceful. No running for me today, just XT as scheduled. My joints have been sore, almost achy, in this heat--and I can't figure out why. Any clues? Also, my hands are swollen, but I expected this. Tomorrow I do my 4-5 miles before heading out the the car show/race. And I will be bringing plenty of water for the day.

Stay lean, mean, and hydrated this weekend folks! And remember, sweaty is sexy!

 

[mkymsehi]

Good morning L&Ms

It's going to be a hot weekend here in Hooterville.

Jeff, my father bought 2 acers of land in Hawaii in the early 50s in the hills above the North Shore and then in the mid 60s he retired there in an A frame Cedar home he had shipped from the Main Land. He paid $5000 for the land and about the same for the house.

Leaner Panda

Leaner Panda,

Hooterville, is Pettycoat Junction just down the tracks? Say Hi to Bettie Jo, Bobbie Jo, Billie Jo for me next time you ride the Cannonball.

I sure hope that North Shore house is still in the family? Must be worth a fortune now.

 

[Steffwalks]

Hello!Hello!Hello!Hello!Hello!Hello!!

Heck of an echo in here this morning!!!

Debra- Send your cats on over. Mine never claw the furniture, jump on the table or the countertops, or other bad behaviors. They are well trained! I suspect that they do bad stuff when I am not around, but they behave the rest of the time. I have to admit that the gray cat has forgotten herself when she has gotten terribly excited and made that jump, but she quickly recovered and got right down, well....except for the bird incident. She caught a bird and brought it in the house and took it under the kitchen table. When she moved her paw, the bird flew off and she went after it. One of the cupboard doors was open and it landed there. Charcoal went after it! I shooed them both out as quickly as I could!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! See ya!

 

[mkymsehi]

Aloha Connie,

Well some of us were out running this morning, especially me with my 14 miler. Since I have table duty for the Marathon clinic tomorrow, followed by our Girl Scout Bloodmobile Drive, I got my miles in today.

Off to the movies soon, have a great day.

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Meanies, how's it going? Guess what??? I was running a 5K this morning.....I think I got pretty close to a PR...... 32:21. I ran with a friend and we kept each other going pretty well. I knew she had more at the end and sent her on her way at the end, but I only finished about 45 sec after her. not bad!

Eating could be better......indulged in a small bag of chips after my race. They tasted pretty good!

How is everything else, everyone?

Beth

 

[laxdef69]

BethCongrats on your PR! Setting those is exciting, its wonderful to see how far you have come! As far as the samll bag of chips, I'm quite certain from a caloric perspective you still netted out ahead...after a race, you need some simple carbs and sodium...hopefully they were without transfats!

70.3 Miles total...

1.2 Mile Swim

56 Mile Bike

13.1 Mile Run.

I'll post up a race report when I get it written....THANK YOU ALL for your support and encouragement over the last 20 weeks!

Mike

 

[Steffwalks]

Good morning and Aloha!!

Jeff - Sounds like a busy weekend! Good job on the 14 miles. I would have been out for hours doing that! I did do a hilly 3K!, though.

Beth- How exciting to do so well on a run!!! Congratulations!

Mike - Busy Man. Congratulations on your finish. Can't wait for the race report!

We ventured into the big city and saw "Mamma Mia" It was great. We both enjoyed it very much. "a frothy good time" as Debra put it!

Yesterday was a rest day. We went out for Chinese Buffet before the movie. Although, I didn't eat to the point of misery, I did indulge in some fried shrimp. Okay, off to have a productive day! See ya meaners!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Meaners......this thread has certainly gotten quiet! Why don't we do a roll call this morning, and all you lurkers post for us!!!!!

The weekend flew by for me......don't they always???? Summer, in general, is flying by!!!!! I can't quite believe that school is right around the corner again! My mom always told me that time goes fast when we are old, and she was right!

I am a good place right now. Again, I wish I could take some more weight off, but despite that, things are going fairly well. I am back into my running groove. I did a 5k this past weekend, and have a 5 miler scheduled for this Saturday. I don't usually do many local races, because I am so slow......but, I don't know why that bothers me. I am not usually last, but always have the fear that I will be. In the sceme of things, what does it matter? To answer my own question......it doesn't matter. The fact that I can pick up and run any distance without worrying about finishing, is it's own accomplishment. There was a time in my life that 5 miles would be impossible. Now, it's not impossible even though I am not at my ideal weight. Maybe I have been pinning all my hopes and dreams on finally reaching that 'special' weight, and in the process letting many accomplishments that I have reached go un-noticed. Time to take stock in the good we have done, and appreciate ourselves for have done it.

Lisa: Missed ya this am......how's it going? I had the hot humid weather this weekend too.....it slows me down also. Can't wait for a cooler fall!

Debra: How was the "Dark Knight"? I have heard good things!

Mike: Great job on the tri! Can't wait to read your RR!

Connie: I love a good Chinese buffet! We have one local, and the whole family loves it! I don't get there much, but when we do......look out!

To all the rest of you Meaners (Tracey, Maria, Jeanne, Wendy, Stacie, Amy)
I hope you check in today!

Lean Mean Tip of the Day: Eliminating Trans-fat ((((thanks to Mike for the idea!))))) Trans-fat is all BAD! It's the ingredient that we can all do without! (along with high fructose corn syrup) Look at labels to see what's in your food. Alot of companies have used the trans-fat to make food last longer on the food shelves in the grocery store. But, when we eat it, it does nasty things to our cardio-vascular system. So, your job today is to look at those food labels on your home pantry shelves! Get rid of those foods with trans-fat and HFCS!

Beth

 

[postesf]

Hello guys and gals! Hope everyone had a good weekend. I did that 5K in Beaufort this weekend. Here's a link to my race report (with pics!) if anyone is interested: http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26369739&postcount=82

Jeanne...Hope you had a great time visiting your son!

Deb...How was the movie? and the car show??? Oh and BTW, I never answered you in my journal, but yes, I do miss my physical therapist...Gus. He was great!!!

Beth...Yay on a PR!!! I am so happy for you. You are doing so well! To go out and run 5 miles is awesome. Maybe one day I can be like you!

Mike...How did it go, how did it go??? What a great accomplishment! I can't wait to hear about it!

Connie: Glad to hear you liked Mama Mia! I'd like to see it.

Time to get some work done!
Stacie

 

[Steffwalks]

Just an additional not about Beth's warning against trans-fats! Read the labels, anything that says hydrogenated (sp) IS a trans-fat! Also, anything that says "NO trans-fat" look at the serving size! If the serving size is one cookie and there is no trans-fat (2% or less) there IS trans-fat! They are getting really, really sneaky with those serving size things!

You will find most of the trans-fats in bakery goods, ie, crackers, cookies, breads, twinkies, etc. Be on the look out! That hydrogenation process operates to make the fats in our system just as solid as they make the vegetable oils in baking!