I Just Wanted To Be Athletic - And Now, I Am! (comments welcome)

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Corinna

I just read through your journal this evening and I have to say that I am sooo impressed with the gains you have made in running and fitness! You must be so proud of yourself . I love your attitude heading into that cruise. I am also getting ready to spend a fair amount of time at WDW and on the 4 day cruise. I'm very worried about my training getting sidetracked but I am sure that if we stick to our plan...and stay disciplined about the workouts....the vacations won't sidetrack our training and nutrition that much . I know that getting those runs in may be a bit of a challenge..but it sure tests our will and ability to be flexible with our training. Character building right .

Are you still cycling? I noticed in the first post that you mentioned group cycling? I have started biking this summer and have found it to be really helpful with my running .

Have a wonderful time on your cruise! Be sure to keep us posted on your training while you're away .

And congratulations on the strides you have made thus far (pun intended lol). Six miles is a great accomplishment, especially considering the weather this time of year!

 

[corinnak]

Hi AmyBeth!
I am glad you stopped by. I'm sure you're right that it is all character building.

I haven't done any cycling since that one class. I considered it several times, but I din't have a bike in Michigan, so it would have taken some doing to have gotten a bike ride in there. I also have been away from the YMCA, so no group cycling in a longish while either. I would like to go back and give it another try though. It does seem like it would be a nice change from the running sometimes.

Thanks for the kudos. I am proud of how far I have come, and so often I don't actually dwell on that because I am so busy looking to the next thing. When I stop and think about it, it kind of astounds me, though.

Good luck with your trip and your continued training. I am sure we will find ways to at least not lose much ground while out of our normal routine. I'll be sure to report back.

 

[kimwim8]

OK, if we were together, I'd give you a hug. For now, I'll settle for this. You are my voice of reason. I don't know what's been up with me lately. I am generally a very positive person and I don't like myself when I'm anything but positive. Maybe once I have my surgical gyn procedure done I'll be back in "balance". One can only hope, right?

I have TONS of faith in you, girl. You'll ROCK that cruise and maintain the balance. Have a splurge now and then but also get those workouts in.

Thanks again, my friend.

 

[corinnak]

Yikes - I can't even believe I forgot to give you GYN leeway, too. I am sure you will be more energetic and all around positive once you are through that. We all have that negative self talk thing, I think. When it gets too loud for your own positivity to drown out, that's what friends are for. I know cause I've got a friend like that too.

As for me, I got out and ran fairly early this morning. It wasn't so scaldingly hot, but I am reconfirming that this city is made up completely of hills. I did 3 miles (all I had time for) and was either running uphill or downhill pretty much the whole time. "Hills make me strong. Hills make me strong."

I also got some new running duds today from Target Boutique. Well, really just Target. They were getting low on running skirts - only had about 4 and only in black. I love those things but the XL ones I got before are kind of baggy in the shorts part. I know - But if the short legs ride up and my legs chafe, what is the point? I got a couple more sleeveless shirts too - cause that makes a surprising difference. All too soon, though I am going to be needing long pants and long sleeves. Hard to imagine when it is so steamy!

I keep saying that running is my prozac and I can't actually skip taking it. That would be foolish, right? Yeah, I don't think I ever mentioned that when I started C25K I was scrabbling my way out of a years-long depression, did I? Of course I had to do it without drugs for some reason I still can't fully explain. I also didn't want anyone to know about it with very few exceptions. I heard so many times that regular exercise can be as effective as meds in many cases of depression, but had a hard time getting 5 days a week of treadmill walking. I am so grateful to have found a variation that actually seems to work for me and motivate me to keep going. So you see, I MUST get my workouts in on this trip - no other option, really.

OK - back to work!

 

[C_leen]

Hi Corinna-

I think you are doing very well working in your running and going into your next trips knowing there are going to be some risky & fabulous eating temptations. You know what to do, and basically you just have to make good choices most of the time and share your plate when you choose something decadent.

I'm not very current on cruises, but perhaps one option would be running in the adult pool? Perhaps they have one of those weighted jackets you could sign out or rent. I haven't tried this, but I read about it in some running magazine I picked up. They recommended doing speed intervals in the water to offset the boredom factor that you aren't really going anywhere. At least on a cruise there'd probably be some great people watching... Anyway, the ships are SO huge, I suppose the track wouldn't be too onerous going round and round? I mean, even running in circles, looking out to sea?

Barbara Kingsolver has a new book out about food and maybe while you laze around you could read this to help you focus on making good choices. One of my green friends claimed the book was 'life changing.' I can't say but the review on NPR was positive as well.

Have a lovely running weekend. I am going to wake DH up to get us to Michigan for a family wedding. My running gear is packed!

Colleen
Who Landed in MO instead of MI

 

[corinnak]

Hi Colleen,
I so appreciate your confidence in my abilities to contend with this cruise. I am thinking that my main goals food-wise are to

1. Make the best choices I can given the limitations of the situation - I am further constrained by being a vegetarian in some ways. There is always a vegetarian option, but there is rarely any choice about what I am going to have, then. However, I think a good tactic for plated dinners will be to eat half or ask for a half portion, and by no means let them bring more than one entree apiece!!!!

2. Avoid too much in-between-meals-eating. There is food available all the time on a cruise, it seems. Gotta stick to Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with fruit as the main snacking option, right? I mean, ice cream every day only leads to bad things for me.

3. Get as many fruits and vegetables as I can. I went to a dinner show recently and the vegetarian option was cheese ravioli in a cream sauce with fried zucchini on top. The people who got chicken and beef all had green beans and potatoes and maybe carrots? Why were the vegetarians the only ones with no vegetables? I don't know. Oh, and I have this theory: I think the minute you deep fry something, it ceases to count as a vegetable.

What a great idea about running in the pool - I will find out if that is a possibility, for sure. I had a bad track-running experience earlier this year - it was a smaller track but the one on the cruise is going to be I believe 7 laps for a mile? Still too much turning the same direction for my creaky knees, I'm afraid. I am also going to look into group fitness classes onboard. The main thing is not to lose the cardio conditioning. It is the first to go, evidently.

I'll see if I can find that Barbara Kingsolver book before I go - she is so good. Though if it is a hardcover, it may have to wait. I think DH is going to bring Harry Potter along with us, so I'm trying to stick with the paperbacks so we don't overload our luggage.

Have a great time at the wedding - and good for you for bringing your running clothes. It is a great feeling to get the runs in even when the usual schedule is shaken up a little. Are you going to visit those singing sands?

And I saw on the other thread that it is your last C25K run this weekend too! I am SO excited for you and can't wait for you to join us full time on the graduates thread! We'll have to get a virtual cake for you or something. Or maybe flowers.

I am actually having a non-running weekend myself. Hopefully I won't get TOO cranky!

 

[kimwim8]

I keep saying that running is my prozac and I can't actually skip taking it. That would be foolish, right? Yeah, I don't think I ever mentioned that when I started C25K I was scrabbling my way out of a years-long depression, did I? Of course I had to do it without drugs for some reason I still can't fully explain. I also didn't want anyone to know about it with very few exceptions. I heard so many times that regular exercise can be as effective as meds in many cases of depression, but had a hard time getting 5 days a week of treadmill walking. I am so grateful to have found a variation that actually seems to work for me and motivate me to keep going. So you see, I MUST get my workouts in on this trip - no other option, really.

You WILL get those workouts in, I have complete faith in you. It sounds like you're right on top of how you're feeling and have control over it. Congrats to you for taking charge and using exercise as your way of maintaining your balance.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

Oh, and I really don't need GYN leeway, but I'll take it if you're giving it. I've been thinking maybe it's just because I'm getting older and my personality is changing into more of a "I don't care what other people think" personality? I hope not. I want to be a positive person as much as possible.

(sorry to hijack your journal, Corinna - how did this become about me? )

And lastly, congrats on your XL's getting too big. That's AWESOME!!! I'm not looking forward to the cold runs, but I'll take a "cool" run any time now.

 

[kimwim8]

yoooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[corinnak]

Yes, yes. I know. I am a most neglectful journaler....most of it goes into the Runners UNITE thread, I guess.

Anyhow, my quest to be athletic is paying off. One of my friends on Facebook has that dreadful "compare your friends" application and she judged me to be more athletic than some other of her randomly selected friends. So that's some progress, because a year ago, I don't think I could have been judged more athletic than anyone who wasn't confined to bed.

I didn't gain more than maybe a pound on the two weeks in Europe. That is the upshot there. I think I have gained a pound since getting back, as well. I am still hovering right around 25 pounds lost, and it has been months. I keep wanting to get myself into gear, and I keep not really doing so, therefore, I don't actually write here. I think that my brain has gotten out of the right place over the summer. It could happen to anyone, I'm sure! The travel, the transitions, the constantly shifting routines, the stress. None of it makes a difficult thing any easier.

 

[kimwim8]

Don't you go getting down on yourself girlie. You've worked TOO hard to give up now. You have had a CRAZY summer. Now that it's cooling off again and school is starting - get back into it.

That September mileage challenge is calling you.....

(You know I love ya. I hope you're doing well. )

 

[corinnak]

Thanks for the credit, Kim! I got out twice this weekend to run with my dad - we were visiting over the weekend and he and I are hoping to run a race in September. Did I mention that? Anyhow, I guess I need to get my signature in order.....

And of course you're right - now that school is starting up, I can find a new groove. That is my plan!

 

[corinnak]

Well, I went to the personal trainer today for the fitness assessment. I suppose most of the details would be more appropriately posted to my "journal" but some of it is kind of funny. My hip to waist ratio is a laugable 1. It is seriousl 1. The way she measured it anyhow. Which seemed weird because my waist, she measured 2" below my belly button, which strikes me more as, uh, hips. And my hips, she measured lower, like on my thighs. Straight up and down, though. She is a nice lady, but when she was dividing the same number into the same number on the calculator, I told her "Uh, it's one, isn't it?"

There were other actual tests. I didn't do that well on the step test, which was the only cardio. Got a below average cause after 3 minutes of going up and down this stair step, my heart rate was higher than it should have optimally been, I guess. The test I did the best on was the crunches test. Which shows that there are abs under that flab around my middle, anyhow. She actually stopped me doing that when I got to the "Excellent" range.

She was horrified by how tight the backs of my legs were, though. She surmises that it's due to a slight scoliosis and all this gosh darned hill running. I guess that makes sense.

She seemed to be the nicest trainer I had ever worked with, though. Just genuinely nice and concerned and encoraging.

Also, we got kittens:

 

[kimwim8]

oh, Corinna...I wanna see the kittens!! The pic didn't come through.

Congrats on seeing a trainer...and one you actually LIKE! You go, super ab girl! I bet my heartrate isn't where it should be either.

How awesome that you are planning on running a 5k with your dad!

You are totally ROCKIN' the mileage challenge!

 

[corinnak]

Well, I put in the wrong piece of razzafrazzin' code. It works now. Sorry Kim!

I feel I am not actually rockin the challenge at the moment. I haven't run since last Thursday - muscle pull in my leg and all. But maybe I can walk on the TM a little tonight....

The 5K with my dad is a no-go. He can't come up that weekend. I think we have already made other plans, too. He suggested a 4 mile trail run, but it is Marathon weekend and I am volunteering!!! I think I need some more !!!!! I requested blanket distribution at the finish line. THAT should cure me of ever running a marathon, right?

I'm running (ha, ha - running - I sit on a stool and push some buttons) the light board for a new play in the city this month, too - it has been great and groovy fun, but it has complicated the schedule a bit!

 

[kimwim8]

Well, I put in the wrong piece of razzafrazzin' code. It works now. Sorry Kim!

I feel I am not actually rockin the challenge at the moment. I haven't run since last Thursday - muscle pull in my leg and all. But maybe I can walk on the TM a little tonight....

The 5K with my dad is a no-go. He can't come up that weekend. I think we have already made other plans, too. He suggested a 4 mile trail run, but it is Marathon weekend and I am volunteering!!! I think I need some more !!!!! I requested blanket distribution at the finish line. THAT should cure me of ever running a marathon, right?

I'm running (ha, ha - running - I sit on a stool and push some buttons) the light board for a new play in the city this month, too - it has been great and groovy fun, but it has complicated the schedule a bit!

First..... awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Those kitties are just too cute.

Second, you and your dad will run one someday. That's great that you can get out there and do that kind of thing with your dad. I'm still hoping my sister will run the 5k with me the end of the month.

Third, rest up that pulled muscle. No need in rushing back out there if it's not completely healed. Take your time, and start out slow (no jumping out there for a 6.5 miler or anything )

You are one busy lady, I tell ya.

 

[corinnak]

So today I met with Becky, my new trainer. She sure knows a thing or two. She had me doing these brutal squats (she is really trying to strengthen my quads, I guess - cause my hamstrings are soooo tight and she thinks its an imbalance from the running, but mostly from the HILL running.) and she stretches me out mercilessly, too. Which you don't usually say about stretching! Then there were things for my back and arms, and some pilates stuff for my squishy middle, but the squats were probably the worst of it.

Anyhow, she seems to have things in mind, but I am certainly going to be feeling this tomorrow!

The kittens are tussling together right now. I can't stand how cute they are!

No runs this week so far.

 

[kimwim8]

No runs this week so far.

You and me both, sister. My lunchtime gym buddy isn't gonna be at work tomorrow, so I'll probably go out for a walk. That is, if I can get away from my desk. (sorry, that's all about me, isn't it?) I have that 5K next weekend.....gotta get some good runs in before that.

Anyway, I'm completely jealous of you & your trainer. I would love love love to have that kind of gym to go to, with real trainers. I need help with what to do, that's for sure. Keep up the great work, girl. And good luck moving around tomorrow (I'm betting you're gonna be all kinds of sore - 'cause I sure would be!)

 

[corinnak]

Oh gosh! Don't be jealous - it's just the YMCA. She had me doing these walking squats and lunges with an 18lb bar across my shoulders for the length of the racquetball court. Ouch. I do really appreciate having someone pointing out issues with my form (of which there are many) though.

OK, well here is a solemn pact. Tomorrow, regardless and no excuses, you get out during lunch if you possibly can, and I swear I will at least log a couple of TM miles in the morning, OK? If I have to WALK it, I will.

My legs are feeling OK for the moment, but there is a little issue with going down the stairs. It was worse with BodyPump, though!!

I did pretty well tracking my food today AND I made a nice black bean soup tonight, in spite of being completely out of canned tomatoes, usually a major component of my black bean soup. It was like a completely different soup! I kind of love that about soup. So fun to free-form. Well, maybe not fun. So Possible to free-form.

OK - see you out there tomorrow, Kim, right???

 

[kimwim8]

OK - see you out there tomorrow, Kim, right???

Oh shucks, I didn't see this til NOW! I did take a lunch break, but I didn't walk. It was 90 degrees, and I didn't want to be stinky girl after lunch. BUT, I did go to the running store and order a new pair of sneakers!!! New sneakers is always great incentive for gettin' out there!

I'm sure you did your TM this morning, like the good girl that you are! I am going to do an On Demand workout and some ab work. (yes, somehow your journal has become about me, my dear )

(oh, and I'm STILL jealous of the gym)

 

[corinnak]

90 degrees - yuck. I am sure your co-workers appreciate your lack of stinkiness. Anyhow, I did hit the treadmill, even though I suspected you hadn't seen my pact. Well, a one-sided pact is still a pact. I was on for an hour and did 3.5 miles. Walking a bunch and running some. Both because my legs are achy and because I put on the heartrate monitor and was trying to keep that within more reasonable bounds. I don't usually pay attention to HR and slow down when I feel like I HAVE to etc. But that fitness test where I climbed up and down the step for 3 minutes and had a heart rate in the "below average" range made me think maybe I'm working too hard? It is either that or I am not working hard enough. I need to ask the trainer about that tomorrow. I will not generally go twice a week, but this week, apparently she wanted to hit me hard, and next week, we are meeting once for a full gym orientation (free with the Y membership) and once for my usual whuppin'. If you could feel my legs today, Kim, you would NOT be jealous. I'm not sure that an hour on the TM, even an easier sort of hour, was the right thing to do to them.

I am excited about your new sneakers - that is so cool. I still haven't worn out my first pair of shoes - they are missing in that still-lost bag. What color did you get? Cause that's the MOST important thing, right?

It's OK with me if my "journal" becomes all (or even somewhat) about you. I'm not too proprietary about it! How is that on-demand workout? I don't think we get that here, but it sounds very cool.