Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[mkymsehi]

Mike & Stacie: Great job on your races! Keep it up.

 

[laxdef69]

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!

Partially Hydrogenated is also transfat...

 

[deekaypee]

Connie: Your cats sound so well-mannered. Well, except for that birding instinct they still possess. (My cats no longer have that, for which I'm occasionally grateful, like your story reminds me!) Thanks for the update on Mamma Mia. I'm thinking it will be on my roster this week as it's playing at the movie house I walk by 3x a week! Congrats on the small, no-miserable indulgence of fried shrimp.

Beth: Congrats on your 5K! It sounds like you had an all-around great race with your time--yay for your PR--and running with a friend! I think I'm just as happy for you for the "taking-stock" post. It's so easy to overlook/forget/dismiss our accomplishments, and that you took the time to think about and post what you can do is terrific! Thanks to you (and Mike & Connie) for the trans-fat reminders!

Mike: Congratulations on your tri. It's hard to tell without reading your RR (I'm going to get to it today) but you sound like you're happy! WTG and I hope you're enjoying some well-deserved R&R.

Stacie: Congrats on your 5K! You looked great in your pics and I think you did great, too, especially with the heat/humidity. I do hope you realize how well you're doing, even if it was your slowest. (Tell Matt he's a weather wimp for me. It'd be mean to say so, except I'm one too! )

About The Dark Knight: You know me, I love to watch movies, critique them, rip 'em apart. I'm a skeptic when it comes to any Hollywood hype. So when I say that I didn't look at my watch once during the film, that's my ways of saying it's a good film, really good. And I'll be darned if the Hollywood hype wasn't spot-on about Heath Ledger as The Joker. He's worth the price of admission.

About the Pgh Vintage Grand Prix: Oh, what fun, even though DOOD and I got a little overheated on the first day! Lots and lots of cars--British, German, Italian, American, and so on--to see. I'm not a huge car fan, but you can't have lived in Detroit without getting a little autophilia. I'm a fan of the little roadsters, especially the MGA series. Anyway, we saw a lot of cars at the show, then went back yesterday for an afternoon of picnic lunch and race-watching. I don't know how competitive it was, but we were up close and personal to the track, so that was fun.

Dave, Lisa, Vic, Maria, Tracey, Jeff, AmyK, Wendy, Cindy, Bill and other LMers: Hi and

As for me: Well, Batman and cool cars...that was my weekend. Plus working out. We did most of our time at the gym--even been sleeping on our futon in the living room--because of the heat. Interestingly, DOOD suffered from the heat more than I did, which I think is a first. But we've got a cold wave coming, with temps in the 70s predicted by mid-week! I'm very, very happy.

And speaking of taking stock, I'm trying to find small moments of gratitude in my fitness life because Beth's idea rocks! So while I'm not happy that I've gained weight since mid-June, I'm very happy to know I have the energy (and right now, the time) to increase my workouts. I'm nudging up my miles slowly, pre-January training. But I'm also adding some low-impact cardio XT time to help with the weight loss. And I'm super happy that adding time--and trying the new, higher-intensity ARC trainers at my gym--doesn't intimidate me the way it used to. Being willing to tackle new equipment is a big change for me.

But, just to get back to my less postive self...what I'm not so happy about is the cost of produce in my parts. All our food prices have gone up a lot in the past few months. But I gasped price of a bunch of celery this weekend: $2.79! And everything else on top of it.

 

[mkymsehi]

what I'm not so happy about is the cost of produce in my parts. All our food prices have gone up a lot in the past few months. But I gasped price of a bunch of celery this weekend: $2.79! And everything else on top of it.

Deb,

You want sticker shock, come visit me in Honolulu and you'll learn what expensive really is! Gas, milk, vegetables, well just about everything. Only things free here are the sun, salt spray, and cool ocean breezes. The sacrafices I make for all you mainlanders.

So what's in your diet that's making the weight fluctuate? Scotch covered Ice Cream . Just kidding.

 

[deekaypee]

Deb,

So what's in your diet that's making the weight fluctuate? Scotch covered Ice Cream . Just kidding.

It's called take-out. Comes in all flavors.

 

[windwalker]

Hello Leaner and Meaner friends.

It was forcasted to be close to 100 degrees and as we were doing our 4th mile on the way to 10 miles the themperture was already 88 humid degrees at 8:00 am. By the time the 10 miles were over it was an even more humid 96 degrees.

After a break for pancakes with blueberries, a coffee and lots of water. Then I went home and push mowed the yard for 2 hours. I took 2 5 min breaks and drank 20 oz of G2 sports drink on each break.

Then after a shower and another bottle of water I vacuumed the house and mopped the kitchen floor. Now I'm relaxing. I still have a ton of energy and that is normal for me.

Amazing what you can accomplish when you stay hydrated. We went through some serious water and G2 today.

Yes prices suck. Transfat sucks to. 100 degree humid heat sucks.

But having friends that you get to meet at Disney, priceless.

Warm Panda

 

[postesf]

Hello Leaner and Meaner friends.

It was forcasted to be close to 100 degrees and as we were doing our 4th mile on the way to 10 miles the themperture was already 88 humid degrees at 8:00 am. By the time the 10 miles were over it was an even more humid 96 degrees.

After a break for pancakes with blueberries, a coffee and lots of water. Then I went home and push mowed the yard for 2 hours. I took 2 5 min breaks and drank 20 oz of G2 sports drink on each break.

Then after a shower and another bottle of water I vacuumed the house and mopped the kitchen floor. Now I'm relaxing. I still have a ton of energy and that is normal for me.

Amazing what you can accomplish when you stay hydrated. We went through some serious water and G2 today.

Yes prices suck. Transfat sucks to. 100 degree humid heat sucks.

But having friends that you get to meet at Disney, priceless.

Warm Panda

OMG!!! I'd be wiped out! I WISH I had that type of energy!!! I'd be taking a nap right now!

 

[mkymsehi]

But having friends that you get to meet at Disney, priceless.
Warm Panda

Here here Panda, I'll raise a glass to that!

 

[JustSmile]

Hey all! I just spent 30min writing responses to everyone and when I hit "preview", my computer froze.
So to sum it up...Dave-workout King , Debra-sweaty is sexy! Grocery prices stink! Dark Knight sounds good., Jeff you're a girl scout leader , Connie-Mamma Mia yay, I can't wait to see it! Beth, proud of you Mike, proud of you! Stacie, proud of you!
I got in an easy 2 miles at the lake and a looonnnnnng swim back in from the channel when I floated out too far! Otherwise, Life is Great and crazy busy around here! Keep sweatin' everybody and try to keep your shirts on (or not)!

 

[amykab]

Hey Lean Meaners! I'm back from vacation and unfortunately am back at work.

Vacation was fun and it was good to see my family. We went camping in Maine for a couple days, DD loved it! This past weekend, my parents had a belated first birthday party for Delena. We have been SO lucky with vacations this year. Normally we wouldn't be able to take as many as we have. But our parents have been super generous in helping us out a bit and we also had a reward ticket on SW airlines.

For any beer snobs out there, when we were in Maine we went to shipyard, sea dog and allagash breweries. I breweries. I also tried Switchback beer. I was not a fan. It is an english pale ale. A little too hoppy for me. It is unfiltered, so I when I saw it I thought it was a hef. or a wheat beer. Harpoon brewery in VT had a cider out that I hadn't seen before. That was yummy. So as you can see I did a bit of carb loading on my vacation.

I pretty much got in NO running or anything. I ended up recatching my cough/cold so I figured it might be a good idea to take the week off. I still feel like crap so I am unsure of what I will get in this week. I figure I can at a minimum do some walking if I am coughing too much to run. I hope to feel well enough though to finally complete week 2 of C25K. I'll do my pilates tonight as a start. I hope to complete the C25K right around the time to start 1/2 training.

Work is super busy, so I'll check back in later with everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Meanies! How's it going? Not many checked in yesterday, so we probably are missing alot of people to vacation? Lucky them!!!!

The family and I are going to be heading up to Boston in August. My son is a die hard Red Sox fan, and we got a deal on a double header Paw Sox game. And it is the birthday weekend for kid #2.......so we are taking the time as a little vacation!

Yesterday went well for me with my exercise and with eating. I felt good at the end of the day! I got 3 hours of exercise in and worked too! I got up and ran 5 miles before work and then got an hour of stretch and an hour of Pilates done at the gym. I was exhausted at the end of the day!

Debra: I hear ya on the take out! It's hard to control intake and calories when you aren't making the food, but boy is it good! I always eat ALL of my take-out! Easy clean up too!

Mike: I read the first part of your race report yesterday, and can't wait for the rest! Great job!

Amy: Welcome back! Beer tasting.......sounds good to me!

Lisa: Sorry to hear you were sick yesterday......I love that you 'tested' it out with the bike ride! Sounds a little familiar.........

WWDave: You are the Energizer bunny......I would be exhausted! Good job getting everything done!

Lean Meaner Tip of the Day: Grocery shopping......the healthy way to shop for food is the perimeter of the store......All the natural food (and healthy) is all located on the edges of the grocery store. The processed, unhealthy food is all located in the center isles. So, stay to the edges of the store!!!!

Beth

 

[Steffwalks]

Good Morning, Meaners!

Welcome back, Amy. Sounds like you had a fun trip. We are out of Beer, right now. But I have some brewing up! I put all my homemade beer in the same kind of bottles and then it's a fun experience seeing what you get! LOL Come on by for a taste.

Beth and Debra - Take out and dine in all taste great. For me, not having to cook and clean up makes even a bad meal taste better!!!

Lisa - My alter ego! Get well, soon. I think if you utilize your many skills, you can make open looking eyes on your eyelids! Just like Captain Jack! But, I think it would be just a waste of energy in your situation.

Dave - Stay cool! Enjoy the munchkins!

Yesterday, I did intervals! I was so amazed at myself! I did 12:00 pace for .2 miles (that's point 2 miles) but that's a start. Can't go faster unless I know I can go faster!!!

Still waiting on call for my truck. It's been in the shop since Thursday. It needs a new part for the transmission. The part is about $700! But at least it will be good to go. The other day, pre-shop, I thought it was only gonna be good to stay!

Off to do some Pilates and stuff. Y'all make a great day!

 

[windwalker]

I just saw a preview for a new weight loss TV show. This one is called how to look good naked. Hummmm. I'll leave that one there and move on.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to workout today or just go to work later. I need to do weights but that means at least 30 min of brisk walking to warm up first. I don't believe in touching weights till you have a good sweat going. It is easy to pull something and your not sore the next day either if you are well warmed up.

Connie, 12 mpm pace, welcome to my world princess.

Beth I love your wagon tips.

Walk/run/rest/love strong everyone.

Procrastinationg Panda

 

[windwalker]

Ok I got off my butt and drove to the gym. Since I needed to warm up before the weights I decided to hit the road for a walk. It was late morning so already 90s and the kind of brutal humidity that you get just before a storm. I did my 4 mile hill route: first mile warm up 14:30, total time for the next 3 miles was 37:34 for a pace of 12:30 on the nose. I was pleased with that pace considering the hills and the heat.

When I got back to the gym I drank a bunch of water and then hit the weight room. Good bicep, shoulder and chest workout then a new exercise I thought up. Standing with a heavy barbell in each hand and twisting slowly as far each direction as I could for a count of 30 reps.

Lunch was a pound of fresh wild caught salmon and a box of microwave steamed veggies. The market had salmon on a manager's special sale since only one day before must sale date. $1.63 a pound.

Have a wonderfull day y'all.

Walking Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Thanks, Dave! That .2 isn't all that far, but it felt wonderful to be moving at that speed and natural. I feel like a real racewalker, now!!! I know I can make that my speed for long distances, now.

 

[windwalker]

You surely can Connie. Once you start doing a speed your body starts believeing it's possible. I have confidence in you Capain. I'm proud of how far you have come since the ToT.

Proud Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Dave: 100 degrees! Wow! You are the poster-panda for strength, fortitude, and hydration! And, yes, you are indeed priceless. Or at least worth the workout my credit card gets with these Disney trips!

So glad you moved out of procrastination mode and into workout mode. I'm sure you feel better for it. I delayed working out today and ended up cutting things short, too. And then I always want to kick myself, because 9 times out of 10 I feel so much better after some of that sexy sweating you folks talk about. I think your pace was great, with or without the heat & humidity!

Stacie: Yea, Dave has tons of energy, more than I do too. But I must point out how active you've been between your C25K, 5K races, and biking. You rock! (Me, I roll.)

Aloha Jeff: Dave's sentiments are worth a toast, true, but I also think you'll find an excuse drink a good cold one any time!

Tracey: Ah, I see you're the leader of the Lean Meaners shirt-optional brigade. I'm definitely coming out to cheer for you on the course. I just love spectator sports, especially the reactions of the spectators! Great job getting your run in at the lake--even better job with the swim. C'mon, admit it, you were totally up to the challenge of that extra-long swim. P.S. "Eat right, pee white." Been cracking me up all week. Okay, so I DON'T have a sophisticated sense of humor.

AmyK: Welcome back. I'm glad you had a good vacation and got to enjoy time with your parents; it almost makes coming back to work worth it, huh? I'll bet Delena's b-day party was a great photo op for your photogenic princess. It's cool that you've had such good luck vacations; I'm new to flying SW, but it seems like they treat their customers well. (Do they?) I'm sorry to hear you weren't feeling well enough to run, but I'm sure the time off helped you recovery. No running, and the beer of course. Beer cures everything, doesn't it? I told DOOD about your suggestions. Once he gets beyond his envy, I think he'll look for some of the labels.

Beth: I don't know how you said it, but now the Go-Gos "Vacation" is running through my head.

Vacation/All I ever wanted/Vacation/Had to get away/Vacation/Meant to be spent alone

Just trying to spread the love here. You had a very great and active day yesterday. That's a HUGE part of your day. No wonder you were tired. But wow--congratulations, that's got to feel good!

Connie: Your 12 mm pace is wonderful news. I'm really going to try and embrace this philosophy:

Can't go faster unless I know I can go faster!!!

It's so true, reminds me of Buckaroo Bonzai ("Where ever you go, there you are") or maybe Yogi Berra ("If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else"). Wise words that make me smile. I didn't know you brewed beer! Wow, that's pretty darned cool. My ex-DH did that, and I was always impressed at the science and skills that goes into brewing. (And you actually made me think of my ex and smile. I think you're a miracle worker!)

Beth and Connie: I love take-out for the same reasons you do, especially the easy clean up in hot weather. It's weird, because normally DOOD and I don't eat out a lot. I didn't do so much take-out without DOOD around, but recently.... Maybe it's because it's summer and we're still new to THIS neighborhood, because we're trying a lot of new places. It's good stuff, with lots of fresh ingredients, and tasty. But portion control and sauces and baked goods, oh my! I console myself with the idea that it's the temporary infatuation with new restaurants and that I'm able & willing to put in extra miles during the nice weather.

Lisa: Where's our Maine princess? Too much softball, hay bales and speedwork?

Maria: Speaking of princesses, hey where's our Star Trek Princess?

Vic: Not that I spy on other threads, but I understand a belated Happy Birthday is in order!

Mike: Today, I'm going to catch up with your RR. But I've glanced at it--way to rock your first tri as a 1/2 IM, regardless of the glitch with the wetsuit. I also the definition of a Clydesdale and have change my mine about the category name.

All other Lean Meaners: I'm missing you!

As for me: Like I said, I dawdled this morning before getting up the gumption to XT. But I did it. I've discovered I have motivational problems in the heat, which means eventually retiring to Florida (meaning Orlando, of course) might not be in the cards. But thinking about marathon weekend got me through it today, probably because the race-volunteer thread has gotten me thinking about January.

Seeing how thinking about Disney and you all inspired me today, I decided to contact my ILs and as them to make final decisions on whether they're going to come to Disney with us, for how long, and if they're going to volunteer at the 1/2 with us. Once I hear back from them definitively, I'll be booking our hotel. Yep, that's right, I still haven't booked for January or October. (January is easier as it's between semesters.) And once I book, I might as well start marathon training proper, right? That ought to help with the take-out problem.

 

[mkymsehi]

Aloha Jeff: ... but I also think you'll find an excuse drink a good cold one any time!

All other Lean Meaners: I'm missing you!

HEY, HEY, HEY,

I resemble that remark.

Shout out to Wendy, Mel, Tigger Jeff, Amybeth, Scojo Scott, Cruella de Mom, Lisa. Where'd you all go? It's been a while since we heard from y'all. Hope everything is well with you.

 

[KeenHo]

I am definitely becoming leaner so I thought I would post on this thread. I was not worthy earlier this year.

Weight in early May: 210
Weight at end of May: 206.9
Weight today: 195.7

Total loss since early May: 14.3 lbs.

Total loss since end of May: 11.2 lbs.

My Goal: 180-185 lbs. by the Marine Corps Marathon on October 26.

Oh.. Oh, yes... I am not becoming meaner. That is very un-Disney.

My endurance is increasing though.

Keep up the great work everyone!



Howard

 

[postesf]

Howard!!! Congrats! That is fantastic! I've not had much luck getting leaner yet...but it is on it's way! I swear!

Deb...yay for you getting that XT in! Better woman than me. I slept in. ugh. I will do it tonight though. I promise. Thanks for the encouraging words to get those steps on the Weekly thread! If you have a margarita, I promise to drink it! Seriously though...that will be a lot of trouble. Just thought that you would do it... I will just be so happy to you on the course at your Water Station or wherever you end up voluteering. I'll be looking for you! (Although I don't really know what you look like! ha!) I'm not sure yet where we are staying. I have not made those ressies yet. I'm thinking we may come down on Tuesday night late and stay at Coronado Springs. Do the 5K on Friday morning, go back, shower and check out and either move to Animal Kingdom Lodge or Poly. I would LOVE to stay at Poly, but is so expensive. I just don't know if it's in the budget. I'm undecided if we will leave late Sunday or Monday. If we leave on Sunday, it's only 2 nights in a deluxe, if Monday...well that's 3 nights and more $$. We are planning on volunteering for the full which means we'd have to be up and packed super early to check out and get our stuff to the front if we leave on Sunday night. Do you see my issues here... WOW. Got a little long-winded on that one!

Mike...Just another pat on the back for a job well-done! Congrats again on your tri! What a tremendous accomplishment!

Connie...Yay on your pace!!! That is great news! I'm so happy for you!!!

Dave...Good job getting to the gym! It's great you have a flexible schedule that allows to make those types of decisions!

Amykb...Welcome back!!! Glad to hear you had a great vacation. Coming back to work always so difficult!

Beth...Good tip of the day!

Vic...How are ya?

Lisa...Where are you?

Jeff...HI!

Tracey...Hello!

Everyone else! A Big ol

I know some folks have it in their siggie's but if it's not too much trouble... Can I ask all who is going to in January to post that in their next post? I get confused on who's going and doing what. I just want to try to keep track!

Thanks guys! Hope you have a great evening!
Stacie