Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[getnthinr]

OK, so I read Debra's wonderful post -- which she had to write TWICE because it got lost the first time -- and I hang my head in shame. I'm not even done with all my catch-up thread reading yet, no way I'm going to try to respond to everyone in one post today/tonight/this morning -- what is 3:56AM when you've been up since 11PM the night before (long story)???

Anyway, I wanted to share some big news with you. In all my weight yo-yoing over the last 20 years, I could not seem to get below 200 pounds. Sometimes I'd get close, but almost always I'd get distracted by some vacation or crisis or something and climb my way right back up the scales again.

Well, yesterday, I entered ONE-derland!!! My weight FINALLY begins with a "1" again! Now I know 198 is nothing to brag about in the normal weight world, but I feel like I have broken through a mental barrier that has plagued me for nearly two DECADES!!!

I don't really see myself as any thinner -- I suppose because obviously, I'm still far from thin -- or even "normal weight" -- but breaking through the 200-pound barrier was a big milestone and I feel like I'm actually making real progress. Now I'm just going to hug that one and not let it get away from me.

Thank you all for supporting me even in my pitiful "read once or twice a month" status here. I know the demands in my life tend to be cyclical and I trust the time will come when I'll have more time to be more supportive of all of you.

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning meaners!! Such awesome happenings while I was away at the beach!

Howard: That's three woohoos for the PR. What an awesome job and WTG holding that pace when you are breathing harder than you want. I dislike that feeling. I feel that I am pushing too hard yet, I know I can push harder!

Wendy: That's three worships and three woohoos for you!! How totally awesomely spectacular. Welcome to the 100s baby!!!!!

Debra: And 3 PDs for you. Don't ask why everything is in threes, it just seems right!!! Boo hiss for migraines. Pre-run stretches include heel drops and the hurdler stretch just to loosen my very tight calves and hammies. Sometimes I start my run and within the first 0.25 miles I have to do heel drops again. Darned DNA. Your goals can be anything that you want, they just have to be clear, concise and have a time line so, you know, no pressure or anything. As for my ab committment, I wore a bikini to the beach yesterday for the first time in 14 years! I finally found one I was comfortable in and guess what, I looked better than quite a few of the 20 year olds (she says patting herself on the back) of course sitting next to my 13YO with the ripped abs I may have looked a little silly......

Maria: You get three and not because you are crazy but that is what my face looked like with the osprey story. Okay so I live in the middle of nowhere on 125 acres surrounded by dense wooded areas and nothing like this has EVER happened here!!!! I see deer, moose, various small rodents, fox, coyotes and on and on all the time but no one is munching a kill in my front yard!!!

Beth: Glad to have you back. We missed those wagon tips. I can't find three things to give to you so here are three for keeping us on the wagon!!

Dave: for you!!! Two months and a week, YAY!!!!

Everyone else: The darned thing limits you on smilies--who knew??

From the Great North Woods, I had a very relaxing wonderful time at the beach yesterday. It was not hot but it was warm and heck it was not raining!!! My DS6 snorkeled for hours and filled a bucket with rocks that he found. My DD13 had stayed up all night watching the gymnastics team competition so she slept wrapped in blankets on the beach for a couple hours. I read my Runners World and discovered all kinds of new tidbits to try out. Today is 2-4 miles easy and 2 miles moderate pace. I am going to shoot for 5 total miles so 3 easy and 2 moderate. Here's hoping that the cramp stays away for awhile. I really hydrated yesterday so we will see if that works. I am trying to get my miles around 30 a week so half training will not be so traumatic when I start. My ab work is going well and I am seeing a little definition in my obliques. Debra, needle-phobe here too. I would love a tat but I am just too scared. The piercing is quick and (nearly) painless so I have been told.

Have a great day meaners!!!!

 

[windwalker]

Good morning guys.

It's so cool to have Lisa back to bighten my mornings and Debra to brighten my afternoons. Of course our dear Beth is wonderfull with out Tips to keep us thinking right.

Wendy, so glad for you. Erica and I are doing the slimming and shaping thing ourselves. Erica has dropped 17 lbs so far and as her muscle tissue grows she will do even better.

Yesterday was walk and weights followed by stretching so today is longer walk and full calistetics and stretching routine with a sprinkling of AmyBeth's teachings thrown in.

Have a wonderfull day y'all.

Leaner Panda

 

[JustSmile]

Good Morning, leaners!
Amy...I read the words "might go to WDW this weekend" and I'm so envious. If you go, have a fantastic time. Glad to hear the lil' punkin' is feeling better. I'm not sure how antibiotics work, but I agree that they work fast.
Beth...sound like you had a great trip. Welcome back!
Jeanne...have a wonderful time on your cruise. Don't get too crazy, but if you do, come back and tell us all the details.
Julie...what? no birds in your backyard chompin' on prey.
Maria...oh my gosh! If I saw a cat eating bird, I don't know what I'd do. Really, if I saw anything eating anything in my backyard I would be .
Debra...so sad you're feeling Migraines are so bad--I stick with a dark room and an ice pack on the back of my neck. Hope you're feeling better soon. Thank you for always being so motivating. We all count on you and we're a better group because of you. We're lost without you. Thanks for offering to take Timmy shopping on the lookout for knockers. Yesterday, my DS15 told Timmy, "You're a goofball" and Timmy replied, "No, I'm not, I'm a piece of work." Obviously, we need to watch what we're saying!
Howard: Awesome PR. Congrats!
Jeff...Now, where are the pics of the beach boys and lifeguards?
Wendy...Welcome to the one-derfuls!!! I am so proud of you. Now, get some sleep.
Lisa... for the bikini What are you doing to get the abs of steel?
Vic...hope work is better soon.
Stacie...where are you, we miss you!
Everyone else....have a great day!

I got my 6 miles in on the TM yesterday. Not my favorite place to run, but it works for now. I'm gonna do 3 with the stroller today.
Stay strong all!

 

[Creativebeth]

Geez, Lean Meaners......so much to celebrate!!!

First and Foremost........WENDY........well, what can I say. I know all about the 200 pound mark, and you are the WOMAN to have moved on by it. That is saying something. You should be proud. Now, you never have to look back! I know how hard it is, and for you to keep yourself going is remarkable. I am celebrating with you! (in 3's for my df Lisa!)

Ok, Howard........what is the world is going on? Are you on fast forward or something? I guess you haven't got the memo.......we get SLOWER as we age......not lightspeed faster! All kidding aside......you have done a remarkable job, and you should be proud of yourself! I don't like that 'out of breath' feeling either, but way to hang in there!

My dear friend Erica.......17 pounds is wonderful! WTG! You are an inspiration to us all (sitting here on the wagon). Keep it up!

Maria......you don't have to invite me to dinner anytime soon! I don't think I would have been able to be in the same county with the bird eating the lastest dinner plate.....wow.

Dear Debra: Well, I know all about the migrane thing too......I hate them. I hope you are improving......usually takes me 3 days to get over them. They can hit you like a mack truck. We miss you, and were worried about you my friend......hope you are feeling better.

Well, about me......((((it's all about me, right?????))))) I have gotten some of my mojo back to work out. Running has been slow, but I have been ok with that. I am not looking to PR in VA beach, that's for sure! I got myself a new Pilates DVD and I did it last night. I love the Pilates, and I am thinking of taking a private class at my gym. It makes me want better toning and posture. ((((I have terrible posture, and always have))))) I will attempt to do my DVD and take class 3 times a week! Stretch class has really helped my flexibility too, and I will continue to try to take that 2x a week.

Wagon Tip of the Day: Breakfast. I never used to eat breakfast, because my kids were small and it took way to long to get them ready in the morning for drop off. I have very little energy during the day without it. Now, I can't start my work day without my breakfast. I find breakfast more important than any other meal of the day. Jump starts me, and I feel more in control of my eating having eaten breakfast. So, even if it's a smoothie or yogurt and fruit.......break the fast every day!

Beth

 

[jeanneg]

Well, yesterday, I entered ONE-derland!!! My weight FINALLY begins with a "1" again! Now I know 198 is nothing to brag about in the normal weight world, but I feel like I have broken through a mental barrier that has plagued me for nearly two DECADES!!!

Congratulations, Wendy.......that is awesome!

Please take me with you....I SO want to lose the "2", but it's just not happening. Any really good tips? (she asks as she readies herself for a 15-day eating orgy.........)

 

[amykab]

Hey Everyone!

Debra So sorry to hear that you were so . I hope you continue to feel better. I occasionally get bouts of vertigo and I know what it is like to not be able to look at anything like computers or books. With the vertigo it seems like the words are jumping up and down.

My hairdresser is totally on board for me going red. She actually seemed kind of excited I wanted to do something different.

Howard on the PR!

Wendy your weightloss milestone! I am hoping to be able to post the same thing next week. Only .5 more pounds to go.

Lisa Sounds like your trip to the beach! on the bikini!

Jeanne Have an awesome trip! I can't wait until DD is a bit older and we can finally do a disney cruise.

Everyone else

yesterday I did 4.1 miles walking with DD and DH. I seriously think that at this point I actually feel better after running intervals for 3-4 miles than I do after walking. I try to walk at a 14-15 minute pace and I just can't keep it up. I was super slow by the 4 th mile. to all of the walkers!

Made ressies today for TOT, since they finally released some passholder rates. We're booked at CSR for the weekend.

That's about all from FL!

Have a good day everyone!

 

[Steffwalks]

Hi Meaners!

Congratulations, Wendy!!! Way to go!

feel better soon, Debra.

Lisa, glad the beach was great! I want to wear a bikini...wait, no I don't!

Beth, welcome back, of course we missed you.

Muscle Cramps-eat cantalope, tomatoes and bananas, of the three, bananas aren't as powerful for the cramps, but it is easier to get. If it continues even with eating the above foods, use a recovery drink high in potassium. If you are on a high blood pressure med, consider adding potassium tablets to your med/vitamin routine.

Dave - Our favorite cheerleader, thanks for all the words of kindness and encouragement.

Please forgive the short and cryptic responses. I am kind of foggy, today. I have to go in for an MRI tomorrow. I definitely have a problem with the rotator cuff, it's not just impingement syndrome. Dang it, I already have races paid for!

 

[laxdef69]

Kiwi fruit are VERY high in potassium.

Don't neglect your magnesium ...you need all the iums...potassium, sodium and magnesium for electrolyte balance...

Fly by post here, WTO/LTO week...won't be back to normal until next Tuesday...

Mike

 

[windwalker]

Hello Leaner and Meaner buds.


I didn't know if you were aware, but on Saturday, August 16 @ 9:00 a.m., the Olympics will host the Men's final 20k Race Walk. On Thursday, August 21 @ 9:00 a.m. the women are scheduled for the 20k race walk. On Friday, August 22 @ 7:30 a.m. the men have their final 50k race walk.

Your News Panda is on duty.

Love to the pretty princesses and high five to the guys.

Walking Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Thank you all for the sympathy and empathy with the illness. I get migraines so seldom that I forget how they affect me, and when I do get them, they seem to be extra strong and accompanied with another ailment. I'm on the mend, really, and just being careful with eye strain as vision is usually my trigger (rather than food, stress, smells, or sounds).

Howard: Ahem! Now you know never to doubt the all-seeing wisdom of Debra, hmmm. CONGRATULATIONS on your PR! It's wonderful that all your training is showing results and that your hip didn't bother you. Bask in the glory--you deserve it.

Aloha Jeff:

Somebody has to, so it might as well be me.

Ahhh, I love this sentiment. It helps me through so many spots and justifies so many things. Your IT all-day seminar doesn't sound like any seminar that I've been invited (read: required) to take part in. Heavenly. I suppose it makes taper a little more pleasant, huh? Or do you do taper with your training/racing plan? (P.S. Are you in IT, btw? I realize I don't even know and it seems odd that I don't. Eh, I'm probably just nosy.)

Wendy: I hope you never feel bad/guilty/shamed by posting when and how you can--and I never want my posting to make you feel so. Remember, I have the luxury of time and no work surveillance. I just love it when you post your updates about your accomplishments. Especially such a momentous occasion and major accomplishment like this one! WOO HOO and YOU ROCK, TOO! Achieving your one-derland (love it!) goal is so great. I'm--we're--all so very proud of you. Now that you've broken one barrier, I'm positive lots of other goals won't be far behind. Do take care of yourself, and get some much-deserved rest.

Lisa: I have no doubt that your abs not only hold everything in place during bikini season but hold up well to the 20-somethings. As for comparison with your 13yo--really, does anything hold up to the glow of an adolescent in their fresh-faced, athletic beauty. *Sigh.* It's good to be the mom of one, though I can say that now, as she hasn't hit teen snarkiness. (And I know you didn't look silly, either, and love the fact you've got definition in your obliques going on. Your piercing is going to look hot, hot, hot.)

Dave: It sounds like your training days have been filled with some excellent core and stretching work. How long does your average stretching routine take, if I may ask. I've been trying to incorporate more of that into my WOs, but still feel I'm cutting it short. Short-sighted, I know. Do you know what station will broadcast the race walking events? I'll DVR them if I can. Need to learn the stride, just because it's cool.

Tracey: I just love the casualness with which you say 6 miles yesterday, 3 miles today. TM, stroller, trail, wherever. You just go out (or stay in) and do it. Very low drama. I should emulate that. Oh, and isn't a piece of work something like art?

Beth: I remember thinking, when learning in previous posts that you get migraines, that I'm lucky not to get them anymore... You sound excited about the possibility of taking a Pilates class--definitely go for it if your schedule permits. (Although reading your schedule of classes makes me go !!! You're so organized with things.)

Amy: Vertigo, huh? It doesn't sound nearly as cool as the movie. Red hair, though, always cool. (Or hot, depending on the reference point.) ITA with your assessment of walking and walkers. That said, I also you for getting out there and doing your running intervals and walking, too. You're getting tons of exercise and hitting your C25K (and other goals) really well! I'd congratulate you on your ToT ressies, etc., but I'm just jealous. Still waiting for that job contract....

Connie: I had no idea that bananas weren't as good for leg cramps as cantaloupes or tomatoes--or kiwi fruit. Wow, thanks for the information (and Mike, too). GOOD LUCK with the MRI and rotator cuff. This means surgery, does it? Sending you PD for the results and please let us know if we can do anything.

Mike: Thanks for the fly-by--great tip. I hope your work eases up and/or becomes less frustrating!

To jump on Beth's bandwagon tip, several studies show that people who eat breakfast not only lose more weight, but they keep it off: here are two articles found on WebMDhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617142920.htm about breakfast.

As for me: I did run today, slow and on a TM to avoid raising my HR too much (too much exertion can send me into a relapse or trigger a migraine). Eh on the miles. It got the job done, but I worked harder than I think I normally do. Today is the day DOOD and I celebrate our "real" anniversary, so it's out to eat. We may see a movie--I'm on the fence right now about seeing one because of my eyes. We might delay gratification. He did bring out presents--in the plural!--today that I haven't opened, so I'm ready to play with the wrapping paper!

 

[KeenHo]

Thank you Beth, Amy, Debra and everyone else for your high fives and woo hoo's. I appreciate it very much!

Tonight I did a day after run. I wanted to run 6 easy ones but it started to rain about halfway through and I cut it short to 4 miles.

Miles: 4.01
Time: 38:58
Pace: 9:43

Splits:
9:39
10:42
9:13
9:21

Have a great evening everyone!


Howard

 

[windwalker]

Debra, I usually do what ever walk distance I'm going to do then one of three workouts:

1. Weights for upper body, moving from exercise to exercise with no rest between. This takes about 20 min. Then I'll stretch calves, shins, quads and hams. That takes about 10 min.

2. Hit the pool and run laps with high knee lift. Then stretch quads, hams, calves and glutes. Total time about 30 to 45 min.

3. This is mandatory for at least once a week and I try for two days a week. I go in the aerobics room and setr up a step next to a post so I can hold on to it. I do deep calf stretches by hanging my heels off the step and hold on with just my toes. The I hold on with my heels and raise toes up and down off the step. This makes the shins very strong. Then I do standing calf stretches and squats.

I move from there to standing and doing arm circles, trunk twists, and side bends. From there I move to the mat for a good stretching routine of quads, hams, glutes and ITbands. I do groin sdtretches and shin stretches then it's time for cat backs, cobra and plank.

I spend 45 min to an hour on workout #3 depending on how much time I have.

All of these routines are after a hard walk workout of 3 to 6 miles.

Walking Panda

 

[mkymsehi]

Jeff...Now, where are the pics of the beach boys and lifeguards?

Here you go Tracey and Deb, just for you. It was a little difficult for me to get these for you.

 

[mkymsehi]

Bumping from the weekly thread:

While out on my 8 mile run, around mile 6 1/2 Guru Les and I spot a laptop bag abandoned on the sidewalk, sort of in the bushes. We stop to inspect it, and find that a prescription drug representative must have been robbed. The bag was filled with pens, and literature, but no medicines or laptop were there.

Not finding a police officer nearby, I ended up carrying it in one hand or a another while finishing my run. I'm sure it was the weirdest sight to anyone seeing me. It was at least 10 lbs, so my workout was more than normal.

In the last mile, we came upon a construction zone on the main road into Waikiki. There I found a police officer, and turned it over to him. Whew, running without the bag was so much easier.

At least if I'm ever late to catch a plane at the airport, I'm prepared for the dash from the counter to the gate.

Happy Admissions Day everyone, I hope you're all enjoying your holiday like me.

 

[princessrunner]

Morning meanies!! The sun is out and it's gonna be a great day today (no really I am trying to convince myself of that).

Debra: Thanks for the ab boost. I am feeling a little bloated lately with all the fresh veggies we are eating. Also eating later which is messing with my systems a bit. I used to get migraines until I started working at home. I still get them once in a blue moon like you but I think when you get them in frequently they are worse. They have to be right? I worked for a neurologist for awhile and they had this migraine medication called Imitrex that came in a nasal spray form. Holy pain batman. I thought my head was going to literally implode...and then it was gone. So, if you can tolerate the extreme pain for a short time, the migraine will release. I use Excedrin Migraine on mine and I do exercise just to really p-off those blood vessels!!!

Mike and Connie: Thanks for the reminder to get my -iums. These are not normal cramps though, they feel like constricting, tingly, pinching, hard to describe restless leg symptoms anyway. The only relief is, believe it or not, tonic water because it contains quinine which is the first line treatment for these symptoms. No gin, just tonic and it is bitter and gross but I have to do it when I feel them coming on, otherwise, it is a long night!!!!!

Connie: I am sending that you get some good news on the shoulder. This is like a fracture versus sprain thing to me. Impingement is difficult to treat but you can have your rotator cuff repaired. Not that I ever have. I just deal with the pain and agony when they come. Mine is in my supraspinatus muscle so not a major tear in a major place.

Dave: I have great respect for the racewalkers. I have tried it off and on and it kills my legs, really. Thanks for the update on when they will be racing so maybe we can all watch the perfect Panda technique!!!

Jeff: Beach boys....lifeguard.... Bran flakes on screen....

Everyone else: A big northern hi!!

From the Great North Woods....I did 5.5 yesterday with an average of 10:59 mpm pace. Not speedy like Howard but I was consistent, consistently slow, but consistent. I had my 3 miles easy (very easy) and the 2 miles at a 10 mpm pace. My legs are still a little sore from increasing my miles so I thought it better to go easy yesterday. I am also, as I stated earlier, feeling a little bloated and heavy from the increased fiber so today is water, water, water and see if we can flush out some of that, well, water. I have another 5 miles on for today and then running company errands (not mine, DHs) and tonight is the big lobster feed that everyone looks forward to in the family...except me...cuz lobster kills you know... I am making a tropical salad that has lettuce, mango and avocado in it with some chicken. Dressing is olive oil, lime juice and a little brown sugar for sweetness. It is really yummy and filling. Last night, I made a stir fry with summer squash, zucchini, mushrooms and, as my DS6 calls it, toe food.

Have the most wonderful Friday you can possibly have today Meaners!!!

 

[windwalker]

Good morning Lean and mean buds.

It's a beautiful cool morning here in Southern Kentucky. It's been an unusual year weather wise, of course every year here lately has been different. Last year at this time of year it was about 40 days in a row of over a hundred degrees and even the early mornings were hot and muggy. This year it's cool in the mornings and in the 80s in the afternoon. I like it.

I have been using the treadmill a lot to controll the speed I'm walking at so I'm missing walking outside. I probably should be doing more outside but I'm accomplishing more by making sure I do a progressively faster pace and hold it for a while. I'll probably regret missing these mornings when it's cold this winter. I'm not cold strong like Lisa.

I have had 2 strong workouts this week and today will be the third. So tomorrow I'll need to do an easy day. I'm going through one of those wonderfull phases where I'm at the edge of going to a new level so I have to play it just right.

Lisa, I love fish and eat it several times a week, but lobster doesn't do anything for me, I'll take a blackeded catfish or a salmon anytime. I like good grilled or broilled shrimp though. Erica has been keeping us full of fresh veggies so I have the body adjustment concerns because of the increased fiber also.

Jeff, thank you for the funny posts you do, the morning smile I get reading your posts is wonderfull.

Beth, thank you for the Tips, I used to do a thought for the day and I know how hard it can be to think of something every day.

Debra, glad you are feeling better. I don't get headaches but Erica does and she is down for the count when she does. I'm as hyper as a Jack Russell so I drive her nuts when she wants to just turn the world off and be left alone.

Maria , just incase you need one.

Everyone, have an awesome day and stay out of trouble.

Leaner Panda

 

[getnthinr]

Thanks to everyone for all your congrats. It really means a lot!

Congrats, too, to Howard on his PR and Erica for her loss (especially since she doesn't look like she has anything to lose to me!) -- and good luck to Amykab (I know you can do it!!!). And I love to hear from Debra and CreativeBeth and the ever-so-speedy Sr Olympic Panda. And Lisa, the "toe food" thing -- I just about fell out of my chair. It looks like toe food to me! Big wave to Connie and all the others I'm sure to have missed.

Good for you, Jeff, for being a good citizen. We're counting the days now... Oh my gosh, I can hardly think! DL! DL! DL!

Gotta go to work. Thanks for being so kind and sweet and supportive. I knew you folks would know what a big deal that 200lb barrier is -- now I need to set a new goal before I see a lot of you in January. I hardly have time to think these days, so I need to make an appointment with myself to give it some thought.

 

[JustSmile]

Here you go Tracey and Deb, just for you. It was a little difficult for me to get these for you.

I thought about it when I wrote it, but I wrote it anyway. I sooooo asked for it!
Debra...yes, a piece of work---a priceless piece of art---he's all the same to us. Glad the headache is feeling better. The migraines seem to last a little bit longer the older I get. Hope your anniversary celebration was wonderful and that the "presents" contained lots of special goodies. Don't "delay gratification" too long (about the movie I mean, of course). I laugh when you say I'm matter of fact about my workouts. I wish I was, but it takes alot for me to let everything go and get my workout in.
Connie...good luck with the shoulder. I know you were hoping to get by without medical intervention, but there comes a time when we no longer have a choice. Sending ixiedust: your way.
Dave....we love the Olympics and will be watching the race walking. It is so amazing to me how fast they move. Although our eyes will be glued for the men's 5,000m and the Marathon. There was an awesome article about Ryan Hall in the latest RW. He sets a fine example for young men across the country. My DS has his sights set on the 2016 Olympics.
Lisa...."toe food" you gotta love it!
Amy....that goal is right around the corner...snag it, girl.
Maria, Stacie, Wendy, Vic, Beth, Howard and everybody else....

For me, I missed my run yesterday....LTO! So today, it's gonna happen right when the kiddos get off to school.....and no excuses. Then it's , delivering paperwork to the school for Girls on the Run, searching for a sketch book, etc., etc., etc.,. My girlfriend said it best the other day, "There are some days when I feel like I'm on a TM and I can't get off." Someone has to do it, why not me? Wait, that's Jeff's line.......and somehow it's not working as well for my day.
Have a wonderfulllllllll day, y'all!

 

[princessrunner]

Tracey, I have been on the GOTR website but I cannot find info on how to start a chapter here. Do you have a contact or can you send me to the right link? I thought is was you that was doing this but I could not remember until you posted dropping off the paperwork. This is such a worthy and wonderful program!!!