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

Stacy - what date is your birthday? I never quite got the exact date from your thread somehow. Is it today?
 
Nope, it's this friday.. the big 3-0!! I am very excited! Although, i won't really get to spend it with my family, i am leaving after work on friday to head to Cape Cod to do a weekend Craft Show, It's a big show, and i can use the extra $$.. But, my mom and sis will be with me.. so it's not all that bad! And we always stop for Lobster on Sunday on the way home from the show! LOL
 
You know...just because I'm not staying at the Poly doesn't mean I wouldn't LOVE to see the pics. :rolleyes1

(you know I love ya. ;) )
 

Kim, my facebook friend,:hug: you don't need me to send you a link to those pics - they are in an album on my facebook page. I will send you a link if you want, though.
 
Stacy,
I'm glad you enjoyed the pics - I wish I had taken MORE.

Sounds like a good plan for your birthday, even if it does involve work.
 
So on the way out of the Y after my weekly butt-kicking, I picked up the seemingly quarterly newsletter from this branch. I open it up and there is a YMCA Staff Spotlight on my trainer. So I was reading along and it's very interesting about how she's attending college for her degree in Exercise and Sports Science, which is above and beyond her trainer certifications. And then I get to the fourth paragraph. She writes:

"A client of mine who has been training for long distance road races told me recently that she noticed a distinct improvement in her performance as well as lessened muscle and joint pain. Her chiropractor and massage therapist have noticed a change in her muscles and skin tone as well."

Well, I'm not sure about the skin tone, but darned if she and I didn't have that exact conversation last week. She doesn't mention any other specific clients and I am pretty sure it's me she's been referring to - I've been singled out! And furthermore, I'm "training for long distance road races!!!" Guys, I've arrived. I'm becoming athletic.

You know what else has become awesome? My kicks in Kung Fu are so much higher than they used to be. I am not sure if it is because I have gotten my hamstrings stretched out, but it is really great for me. I am seeing a little muscle definition in my arms.

When I started with Becky almost 2 months ago, she had me do a pushup test. I did 15 girl push ups, and the last 2 were terrible. Last night, I did 35 girl pushups, and they were all good!

Yes sirree, bob, I'm getting there.
 
OK, back over here for info on my training for that 5K in December. I maybe haven't mentioned that. I'm planning on a Jingle Bell 5K on December 15, and I would LIKE to be able to run it in under 30 minutes. Though I would settle for 31, I suppose. :laughing: So I have jumped into the middle of the Bronze 5K training plan in The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik.

Today, I did my first "Pace" run. It was 4 miles long and a lot like going back to do part of C25K but FASTER. I did 4- 2.5 minute runs at 6mph (race pace, in theory) and 1-5 minute stretch at 6mph. Sounds a lot like...what, week 3? week 4? I guess it makes sense - cause what do I need to do but get that 10 minute/mile pace we were always coveting back then. It always seemed so unattainable, and in some ways it still does, but I am going to strive, nevertheless.

I watched that NOVA about the regular people training for the Boston Marathon, and was inspired rather than horrified, as my friend Sara thought I should be. Yes, one woman got stress fractures, but she got them at the very start of training - seeminly, she was very prone to them.

Anyhow, running along on my dreaded treadmill, I was thinking about running the 10 mile race this summer, then the 1/2 marathon in January, 2009. And then I thought, well, maybe I should plow ahead from there and run the Twin Cities marathon in the fall of 2009. Which is a crazy thought, I know. Someone please tell me that I should run at least 3-5 years before attempting a full marathon, ok? Another great thing about that show, I think I now understand VO2 Max.

I also realized, running this pace run, that I really am a penguin. I love the running itself, I love being able to breathe comfortably when I run. I am not built for speed, but I kind of like the long haul as long as I don't go anything resembling fast. However, there is part of me that still continues to wish that my comfortable run were a little speedier. So I will do pace runs and I will do strides, I will do long runs and so called "recovery runs" and I will hope to see some increased performance next month.

I went out and bought winter running clothes on Tuesday. I am not confident that I have the right stuff, but I am going to try it out on my next short run. Hopefully tomorrow.
 
Hi Corinna...was just thinking about you after your post in Kim's journal totally cracked me up! ;)

Sounds like you are following a really solid plan. I have no doubt that you'll totally smash the 30 minute mark! Just don't get discouraged...the speed comes.

As for training for a marathon...you have the discipline...you can definitely do it...there is no reason you shouldn't go for it. And besides you are giving yourself plenty of time to train which is a big key to success!

Good luck and let us know how training is coming along. :)
 
Awww. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Amy. I appreciate it.

My training is at a bit of a halt at the moment. I've been having aches and pains in my knees and back, but more to the point, I keep having the occasional heart palpitation while exercising. I had one on Sunday towards the end of the 6 miler. It's usually a fairly brief thing and it goes away when I slow down. Doesn't happen every run, but if I've worked pretty hard, it seems like it happens mostly when I am running on a flat part after doing a bunch of hills. Only once per run. Weird, right? I guess I didn't mention that before, but it does make me a little nervous. I've got a Dr's appointment for after the holiday, but am not sure I should be doing the hardcore workouts until after I see him and/or have whatever tests he may want me to have.

I don't want to be an idiot or hurt myself. But I am kind of feeling the lack of a run....and am seeing that November goal growing increasingly unrealistic. If I don't manage to make the 30 minute mark in December, I know I will be able to do it next year.
 
So 50 miles for November is just out of the question. Between about two weeks from the Solo-Parenting Thanksgiving Disney Trip in which there was no one with whom I could leave my kids while going out for a run and the week before that in which I was having, if I'm recalling correctly, knee and leg issues from sprinting in those marginal gym shoes.....I've re-evaluated.

I ran 4 miles today (plus warm up and cool down) and I really think I can squeeze in another 6 miles before the month is out. So I am revising my 50 mile goal to 30 miles. Cause it's actually possible.

I went to the eye doctor today. My eyes are just the same badness as ever. Which = not too bad. Or even "People get surgery to make their eyes like yours." Which is not the same as perfect vision. I have mono-vision, which means one eye is nearsighted, the other eye is maybe a little farsighted and together, somehow, I come out 20/20 and won't need bi-focals for a long while. I recently had a hard time with the Pirates of the Caribbean VR ride at Disney Quest, and can't do those 3D movies without glasses, but otherwise, I am pretty much fine. TMI - fortunately, it's just boring TMI, not awkward and uncomfortable TMI.

SO I have been wanting some sunglasses for running for some time now, and tried to get some at the mall, but there wasn't much assistance and the ones I tried weren't comfortable, so I just bought a $20 pair and called it good. But it really wasn't so good. So I asked at the eye clinic and they were happy to show me what they had. I ended up getting a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses with the unappealing name of Hurricane. I had thought I prefered a different model, but wasn't sure how they'd work with my classy running visor. So I went home and GOT my running visor. Hilarious. And put my hair up for running and put on the visor and tried on the sunglasses. The ones I was afraid might slip around didn't move and were super comfy. The ones I thought were better, maybe, sloshed all over my face and didn't work so great with the visor. You just never know. Anyhow, I am excited. They are super lightweight and really reduce glare. So what did I do after this? I came home for a run. On the treadmill. Silly. Except that it was around 20 degrees out. So maybe not TOO silly.

No weird chest sensation today, so that was good. A little coughing. Not sure if I was pushing too hard at first or what, but I had planned to do 2-3 miles, and ended up doing 4, cause the first 2-3 are the hardest. I swear they are. I don't feel like I lost TOO much training with my 2 weeks of and 1 week on the DDP. Maybe a bit of aerobic conditioning. It will come back.

And because I love you all with affection unspeakable (Just like Frederick loved the Pirates of Penzance), I am going to share with you the photo of the super special vegetarian VIP platter that chef TJ of Boma presented me with after I had already eaten a whole bunch of food and thought I was about done.

IMG_5842_2.jpg


It was INCREDIBLE. And had I known that he was bringing something, I would have saved more room. I usually manage just fine at Boma and didn't expect anything, even when the server sent out a chef to talk to me because all I wanted to know was which soup was vegetarian. Anyhow, I was pretty full, but I felt I had to eat some of this and it was amazing. Those are mushrooms on the skewers, cabbage, green beans (which I already ate most of before thinking to take a picture) and the yummiest tofu ever.

On the other side of the table, you can see the desserts selected by my son who was "pretty full. I might want a LITTLE dessert."
 
Hey girl. Man, I guess I've been visiting you so much on the C25K thread that I don't stop by here. :headache: Sorry, Charlie. Won't let it happen again.

Where's that trip report? You know you gotta do one!!!! :surfweb:

Glad to hear you didn't have the heart palps on your last run. Keep an eye on yourself, lady.
 
Well, I'm back from the doctor, and the verdict is that I seem to be a vampire. The machine wasn't working and all they could get was a flatline. I am getting referred for some sort of imaging thing and they'll do the EKG thing then, they say. My doctor said I wasn't describing anything too terrible and I can continue to exert myself for the time being, as I haven't passed out.....yet. :)

I know, I sound all cavalier about it. I haven't had any actual dizziness, just FYI.

Kim, I really HAVE to do a trip report? Are you sure? Is that a rule somewhere? Can I just post it here?

Tonight is Kung Fu. Last class before the next belt test. Yikes. This time next week, I could be a blue belt! :eek: Planning to run on the TM either this afternoon after pickup or tonight after KF. Not the most optimal, but I had to go to the doctor earlier! I am feeling a little less athletic than I was....gotta get that focus back a little.

Oh, and Kim, don't worry about it. I forget to write over here in favor of the C25K thread, too. :laughing:
 
Kim, I really HAVE to do a trip report? Are you sure? Is that a rule somewhere? Can I just post it here?

Nah, you don't HAVE TO, but you know I want to see pics!!! :goodvibes

Have a good weekend, girl. Stay away from any mirrors...:maleficen (sorry, closest smilie to a vampire :laughing: )




you know I couldn't let that one slip by....:rolleyes1
 
OK - once this "Friend Thanksgiving" is out of the way, I'll make an effort.

It is good to have the 30 miles for November done. Of course, there is no way to know how far I walked at WDW, but as I was only counting running, it is a fairly moot point. I just have to remind myself that it's not like I was totally sedentary for that time I wasn't running.

I feel all thick around the middle after my week on the dining plan, though, and I'm still off-task in the food department. Does it seem like I am constantly having to refocus on that?
 
Well, at least I'm not the only one. Not refocusing very well here today. And the "Friend Thanksgiving" was postponed till next week due to weather concerns as well as my 4 year old throwing up in bed this morning at 5am. And being kind of feverish and tired all day. Friends don't bring friends stomach flu - that's our rule and we are sticking to it. So next week. But I made the mushroom gravy and cranberry sauce already, so I went ahead and made the huge Cheddar Vegetable Pot Pie as well. I'll make another one next week, but by then, it won't be special because we'll have had leftovers of it for a week. :sad2:

I shoveled some snow today - didn't get winded. I did get cold fingers. I also got to try out some of my winter running gear, but not the gloves - I was wearing man-gloves with grips, but that's not the point. My hat wasn't covering my ears as well as I would like, so that is something to bear in mind. The leggings and pants I had on seemed to really stop the wind pretty well, though, and in general, I managed to stay just the right temperature as I worked, so that bodes well for outdoor running in the cold weather. Which I need to do a few times before this race on the 15th. :scared1:

I need to get the photos from the other camera loaded into the computer, then I will do my best to recount the Crazy Ringworm Solo Parenting Trip of Thanksgiving 2008 for you, Kim. Maybe I should leave out the ringworm part from the title....
 
I need to get the photos from the other camera loaded into the computer, then I will do my best to recount the Crazy Ringworm Solo Parenting Trip of Thanksgiving 2008 for you, Kim. Maybe I should leave out the ringworm part from the title....

Don't you dare leave a thing out!!! :goodvibes

Glad to hear your winter running gear will hold up! I just know you'll be fine at that race.

Oh, and how the heck am I supposed to be "good" when I have 3 parties to go to this week??? :guilty: grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. One of which is my own bday, and it's just WRONG to not party-hardy on your bday. :banana:

ETA - are you willing to share the cheddar veggie pot pie recipe, my friend??
 
Wow, that's a lot of parties, Kim. I don't even have that excuse, but I've gained a couple pounds back (and I can feel where they are) so I am going to re-journal today. So far, so good. Just do the best that you can, and have a happy birthday. :hug:

I would be glad to share the Cheddar Vegetable Pot Pie recipe, but then I'd also have to share the Mushroom Gravy and Cranberry Port Relish recipes, too. None of it is very diet-friendly. It's holiday food. I guess the pie is fine if you don't eat much of the crust. :rolleyes1 Do you really want it?

I keep planning to start the report, but then get called away by something else. For instance, yesterday, I went to the dentist. Turns out I need a root canal on one of my molars. So I called to schedule that and the doctor I was referred to wasn't covered by our insurance. And then it turns out that there is only one endodontist in our area who IS covered by our insurance, which isn't any sort of obscure insurance or anything, so it's weird. And I called them today (their office closes at 2pm) and she had an appointment for tomorrow or after the 1st of the year. So I have a root canal tomorrow.

My DS is home from preschool today. Our cat is getting neutered and we are blowing off preschool. He wants to write something:


lsvjfhguregfuwegywetdytxgw6xegxe6x7g2316exf1e5i13xcdxf135cd216cx5

Make of that what you will. We had snow yesterday. I got out and shoveled last night. Super thrilling. So there is more than a foot out there now, I think. I saw a guy out running on the street this morning and was very impressed. We have a LOT today, though. I really should run at least a little. Maybe tonight. But tonight....

After school, my older son has his first OT appointment - sensory issues - and then later, we have our kung fu belt tests, for which I feel fairly unprepared. I mean, I didn't miss any classes, I just always feel like I don't know the forms as well as I should or as well as the kids around me do. So I'm a little nervous about that. There is always the potential for great embarrassment at a belt test. But if all goes well, by the end of the day, my son will have his green belt and I will have a blue belt. Wish me luck....if you're out there.
 
Corinna -- wow! Sounds like you have your hands full..and over a foot of snow -- ugh, sooooo not looking forward to that white stuff.. LOL
Good luck to you and your son tonight for your belt tests, i will be thinking of ya!
 














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