Is this realistic?

[StayCool]

I am lucky that I have spent so many years building up the shoulder stabilizers and that I have a rockstar chiropractor. Spend Tues-Mon of the past week doing all the post-injury things, ice and anti-innflamatories, then heat, etc.. and on Monday evening at my standing appointment, he did some testing and slipped the shoulder back into the socket and reset my clavicles and most of the intense pain has subsided. Now it's just soreness as the muscles get used to being back in the right alignment. That bodes well for long term issues, but may still be challenging for the run. He doesn't want me to do any rehab exercises until the end of this week. My expectations for the race were pretty low, and are even lower because it looks like Sunday is going to be in the high 70s! Ack. I'm just going to have fun. I'll worry about PRs in the spring and fall!

Dizzy and Stay Cool - awesome! I'm glad you guys are feeling more into the swing of things. I think that switching things up and walking in addition to Aquafit is a great idea. BTW, I did a version of Aquafit about 15 years ago rehabbing from Runner's Knee and it was sometimes harder than my old running workouts. If you're still thinking of running races, you could also buy a waist belt and try water running if you can get to a pool during open swim periods. It's supposed to be really good for rehab, but I imagine it's a great way to stay in running shape when the weather is bad.

And finally, because a friend posted a link to this yesterday - this Cirque performer's 3-5 hour workout program is why I will never be good enough to perform at any real level. And this is the workout he does AFTER 1-2 shows a day.

I feel like I have monopolized the thread this morning since I replied individually to each post sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo you all need to listen to me ramble LOL!!!

My only thought for the day is I WANT TO GO TO DISNEY RIGHT NOW!!!

please resume regular programming!

Chiomaca - that is a crazy workout. The only way you could do that is if that was your whole life. The fact that you can do any of that though is amazing! Good luck this weekend and I hope you have a blast.

Dizzy - Lets go! Sounds like they will be having some great running weather. lol

Waiting2goback - I'm glad that you have relaxed a little. It is great to have goals but when they require an exceptional amount of effort it can undermine confidence and motivation. I've been there, done that too. The type A in me I guess. We are our worst critics.

I dragged myself to Zumba last night in the freezing cold. It is a big town hall and there really is no heat. So I wore and tank top, long sleeve shirt and then a sweat shirt with gloves and a headband. After about 20 minutes I was ok but wow, that was cold. My asthma didn't like it but I pushed through anyway.

I'm not back to paleo by any means right now. I am tracking all my food (even when I don't want to) and for now that is going to be good enough. I am staying within my points. My motivation is still MIA but I am sticking with the routine. As long as I stay consistent, eventually it will get better. I can't wait for it to warm up and actually see the sun!

 

[Chiomaca]

I have decided to relax my goals. I am currently pretty healthy, based on my physical a couple weeks back. So, the number on the scale doesn't matter for any other reason than my own mind. So, do I need to kill myself to get under 200 lbs by April? Nope. I am trying to convince myself to give up the goals and just do the workouts for fun and just keep eating well and let the weight take care of itself.

No workout for me the last couple of days. I can't remember if I mentioned my sons medical issues but he has been complaining of pain in his bladder area so he may have another UTI. I was at the ER last night trying to get his urine tested for an infection. He still has a fever today so he was home from school with me this morning before work. But I have been eating well and I will get back at it once he is doing better. He has an appointment in Boston tomorrow.

I think I had more to say but can't remember so you guys get off easy tonight. Chiomaca, not sure when you're leaving but just in case I wish you luck and hope you have a good time this weekend. Don't overdo it. And, I will go watch your link as soon as I post this.

Glad you've decided to reassess your goals. I don't think you have to abandon them, just adjust your sails a bit. No plan survives first contact with the enemy. (And now you guys have your fill of my military-isms )

You've mentioned your son's issues but not specifically. Is it urinary reflux? That's nasty. Sending healthy and healing thoughts up to the frozen north.

The link was to a written workout - and it is crazy! I can do a lot if it, but not all and not to that volume. But I'm okay with that because I have other priorities. I do know that the Cirque performers I know with family do not have a workout program that intense. Right now I'm just searching for something rehab-friendly that will keep my core solid. I'm looking at this series because I like the way they're laid out and the .pdfs are free. And pictures! I'm looking at the Total Ab challenge as a starting point.

Stay Cool, I thought of you the other day when I was making dinner for the week. I found a no bean turkey chili with sweet potatoes that is paleo friendly and is really good.

 

[Chiomaca]

Oh - I leave tomorrow morning. Straight to the Expo I think, then Magic Kingdom for a couple of rides and dinner at Epcot. Key there is that it's close to my hotel. I should be in bed by 8:30 on Friday night!

It's turning out to be really bad timing though - hair on fire stuff at work (not realted to Paris, other people's hair is on fire for that) and not enough people to do the job right. If I wouldn't be losing thousands on this trip, I'd skip it.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Waiting2goback - I'm glad that you have relaxed a little. It is great to have goals but when they require an exceptional amount of effort it can undermine confidence and motivation. I've been there, done that too. The type A in me I guess. We are our worst critics.

I dragged myself to Zumba last night in the freezing cold. It is a big town hall and there really is no heat. So I wore and tank top, long sleeve shirt and then a sweat shirt with gloves and a headband. After about 20 minutes I was ok but wow, that was cold. My asthma didn't like it but I pushed through anyway.

I just realized that with everything I wanted to accomplish and the goals I gave myself during my marathon that I didn't really give myself enough time to do it all. I mean, 4 kids, 40-50 hours a week at work, normal daily living that needs to be done, burning 3500 calories a week AND study for my CFA while trying to sleep. It was too much and I wouldn't enjoy any of it. So, I will still try to qualify for Boston but if I only get down to 8:00 miles instead of 7:00 I will be OK. If I eat healthy and keep exercising I will eventually lose the weight I want to lose.

Yeah, it's been cold here too. It was 0' when I got in the car this morning to bring my son to the doctor. It was like that for about 3 months last winter. I am hoping it doesn't last that long again this year, that was brutal. Good for you getting to class though. I'm proud of you.

Glad you've decided to reassess your goals. I don't think you have to abandon them, just adjust your sails a bit. No plan survives first contact with the enemy. (And now you guys have your fill of my military-isms )

You've mentioned your son's issues but not specifically. Is it urinary reflux? That's nasty. Sending healthy and healing thoughts up to the frozen north.

The link was to a written workout - and it is crazy! I can do a lot if it, but not all and not to that volume. But I'm okay with that because I have other priorities. I do know that the Cirque performers I know with family do not have a workout program that intense. Right now I'm just searching for something rehab-friendly that will keep my core solid. I'm looking at this series because I like the way they're laid out and the .pdfs are free. And pictures! I'm looking at the Total Ab challenge as a starting point.

I won't abandon them. I am just going to try and enjoy the ride a bit. I was starting to not enjoy it with all the pressure I put on myself. I did a lot of work last year to get healthy. Now that I am it should be fun. I know the weight will eventually come off, and if I doesn't I am still healthy. The weight coming off is all about how I look and just proving I can do it. I ran a marathon, what else do I need to prove.

It looked like a hard workout for you. Would you consider P90X3 for you core program? I haven't done all the workouts but I know it is core focused and my core has been sore from the workouts I have done.

Oh - I leave tomorrow morning. Straight to the Expo I think, then Magic Kingdom for a couple of rides and dinner at Epcot. Key there is that it's close to my hotel. I should be in bed by 8:30 on Friday night!

It's turning out to be really bad timing though - hair on fire stuff at work (not realted to Paris, other people's hair is on fire for that) and not enough people to do the job right. If I wouldn't be losing thousands on this trip, I'd skip it.

Have a great time. I am actually not that upset about not going to the parks. I wish I was running the races. But, I still think your mouth should be washed out with soap for saying you'd skip the trip!!!

You can always find a reason to work. But sometimes you need to take time for yourself to recharge the batteries. Nobody ever laid on their deathbed wishing they worked more.

 

[Waiting2goback]

You've mentioned your son's issues but not specifically. Is it urinary reflux? That's nasty. Sending healthy and healing thoughts up to the frozen north.

He was born with bladder exstrophy. It means his bladder wasn't formed and it was outside his body. There is a lot involved but it means his "plumbing" is all messed up and it does cause urinary reflux. This means he can get a UTI, bladder, or kidney infection pretty easily. So, he had a UTI a couple weeks ago and has been complaining again this week, on top of 102.5 fever. So, we get concerned. When he was 2 1/2 he got a kidney infection. At noon he was normal and by 4:00 his fever was at 104.5 and he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. That's how quick it happens. We need to watch him like a hawk so the workouts took a back seat this week. His appointment today was his yearly check up with his urologist. It was just a coincidence but perfect timing.

He has a few other conditions as well. Nothing life threatening but it is a lot for a little boy to handle. Just one is hard but he has a lot to deal with.

 

[Chiomaca]

He was born with bladder exstrophy. It means his bladder wasn't formed and it was outside his body. There is a lot involved but it means his "plumbing" is all messed up and it does cause urinary reflux. This means he can get a UTI, bladder, or kidney infection pretty easily. So, he had a UTI a couple weeks ago and has been complaining again this week, on top of 102.5 fever. So, we get concerned. When he was 2 1/2 he got a kidney infection. At noon he was normal and by 4:00 his fever was at 104.5 and he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. That's how quick it happens. We need to watch him like a hawk so the workouts took a back seat this week. His appointment today was his yearly check up with his urologist. It was just a coincidence but perfect timing.

He has a few other conditions as well. Nothing life threatening but it is a lot for a little boy to handle. Just one is hard but he has a lot to deal with.

Wow. Poor kid. I totally understand your need to focus on him. I have some good friends who lost their 8 month old to a UTI from urinary reflux - she'd have been 10 this December. All but one of their four kids ended up on preventative daily antibiotics with annual check-ups because the faulty valve that caused theirs is genetic.

 

[dizzyr]

Dizzy, will you tell me more about aquafit? They have a class locally but I really don't know what it is.

It’s basically an aerobics class in the water but with less pressure on your joints. You can do shallow or deep water (deep water is usually more strength and shallow is more cardio). If you do shallow you can increase or decrease your workout level by how much of your upper body is out of the water. I try to be just below my chest for the best workout. At our pool there are three levels – Aquafit Lite (usually for older people or someone who is recovering from an injury), Moderate and Moderate/Intense. For me the harder the better so that’s a problem sometimes. With aquafit the workouts are really dependent on how good the instructor is. It’s the same for any class of course but at least with an aerobics class your heart rate will increase almost no matter what. With aquafit you have to be above a certain activity level for it feel like you are getting a good workout. In a good class I’m winded, in a great class I sweat (yes I actually sweat in the pool!). There used to be 2 awesome instructors, a couple of good ones and a handful of not great ones but in the last few months one of the awesome ones and 3 good ones have left so there are a lot of not great ones right now. As they get more experience they will hopefully get better. Monday’s class was the awesome instructor but I left 10 minutes after the Wednesday class started and walked the river. At our pool we have a windy river (it’s awesome!) and I walk against it. In the morning the flow is moderate because it’s mostly used by adults for exercise but in the afternoons it flows VERY quickly because it’s all kids and walking against it is HARD! I try and swim against it but I can’t, I actually go backwards lol My cousin and friend were with me and weren’t going to leave the class even though they hated it as much as me because the felt bad leaving in the middle of it. I said it wasn’t like we were saying anything nasty to the instructor we were just quietly leaving the class and that it was about my health and not his feelings. Also if three people walked out after a few minutes maybe he would wonder why and improve his class. I left and after about a minute they joined me in the river lol.


Chiomaca Glad your chiropractor was able to help – have a TON of fun this weekend  We have waist belts at the pool for the deep water class and for water walking but I don’t use them – partially because it’s harder to do the class without the belt and partly because I have a built in floating device! Water running is great – I actually joked with my daughter that we should water run the polar bear virtual 5K race!


Waiting2goback I’m glad to hear that you are relaxing your goals – I think you will have more success and also feel better about things which is the ultimate goal really.


StayCool a friend of mine agreed to try a Zumba class with me this month. I know once I go and try it if I like it I will go on my own but for my first one I wanted a friendly face in case I’m walking into a class full of hard bodies KWIM! I noticed one of the instructors is one of my daughter’s friend’s mom so I may start with her class (although he and my daughter did just get into a fight last month and I got a call from the teacher so that may be a bad idea LOL)!

Stay Cool, I thought of you the other day when I was making dinner for the week. I found a no bean turkey chili with sweet potatoes that is paleo friendly and is really good.

Oh can I have the recipe? I hate beans but love chili and love sweet potatoes!

He was born with bladder exstrophy. It means his bladder wasn't formed and it was outside his body. There is a lot involved but it means his "plumbing" is all messed up and it does cause urinary reflux. This means he can get a UTI, bladder, or kidney infection pretty easily. So, he had a UTI a couple weeks ago and has been complaining again this week, on top of 102.5 fever. So, we get concerned. When he was 2 1/2 he got a kidney infection. At noon he was normal and by 4:00 his fever was at 104.5 and he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. That's how quick it happens. We need to watch him like a hawk so the workouts took a back seat this week. His appointment today was his yearly check up with his urologist. It was just a coincidence but perfect timing.
He has a few other conditions as well. Nothing life threatening but it is a lot for a little boy to handle. Just one is hard but he has a lot to deal with.

Poor little guy, that is a lot (both for him and you). How old is he? I think you told us before your kids ages but I don’t remember except that they were younger than mine I think.

 

[StayCool]

The link was to a written workout - and it is crazy! I can do a lot if it, but not all and not to that volume. But I'm okay with that because I have other priorities. I do know that the Cirque performers I know with family do not have a workout program that intense. Right now I'm just searching for something rehab-friendly that will keep my core solid. I'm looking at this series because I like the way they're laid out and the .pdfs are free. And pictures! I'm looking at the Total Ab challenge as a starting point.

Stay Cool, I thought of you the other day when I was making dinner for the week. I found a no bean turkey chili with sweet potatoes that is paleo friendly and is really good.

That sounds really good. I second dizzy, if you could post the recipe when you get back, that would be awesome!

Oh - I leave tomorrow morning. Straight to the Expo I think, then Magic Kingdom for a couple of rides and dinner at Epcot. Key there is that it's close to my hotel. I should be in bed by 8:30 on Friday night!

I've been thinking of you this weekend. I hope you are having a blast. Someday when I've lost the weight and am a bit fitter I think I might tackle the Dopey. There's a long term goal for me. lol

He was born with bladder exstrophy. It means his bladder wasn't formed and it was outside his body. There is a lot involved but it means his "plumbing" is all messed up and it does cause urinary reflux. This means he can get a UTI, bladder, or kidney infection pretty easily. So, he had a UTI a couple weeks ago and has been complaining again this week, on top of 102.5 fever. So, we get concerned. When he was 2 1/2 he got a kidney infection. At noon he was normal and by 4:00 his fever was at 104.5 and he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. That's how quick it happens. We need to watch him like a hawk so the workouts took a back seat this week. His appointment today was his yearly check up with his urologist. It was just a coincidence but perfect timing.

Yikes. That is a lot for all of you and definitely scary.

It’s basically an aerobics class in the water but with less pressure on your joints. You can do shallow or deep water (deep water is usually more strength and shallow is more cardio). If you do shallow you can increase or decrease your workout level by how much of your upper body is out of the water. At our pool we have a windy river (it’s awesome!) and I walk against it. In the morning the flow is moderate because it’s mostly used by adults for exercise but in the afternoons it flows VERY quickly because it’s all kids and walking against it is HARD!

StayCool a friend of mine agreed to try a Zumba class with me this month. I know once I go and try it if I like it I will go on my own but for my first one I wanted a friendly face in case I’m walking into a class full of hard bodies KWIM!

Aquafit sounds interesting I just think it would be difficult to talk myself into it when it is so stinking cold out. lol And I was wondering what you meant by walking the river. At first I was thinking an actual river! Erf. Guess I need to get more sleep. lol

And don't be intimidated by Zumba. Everyone messes up the moves. And in my classes the fitness level is from very unfit to very fit. The nice thing is all the moves can be modified to where you are at. You just do what you can and keep moving! It takes me a long time to get a routine down and I just fake it until I make it. lol

I've been looking into weight training programs because I have no clue what I am doing. I found one that is 4 weeks long and walks you through all different exercises. It is designed to be used with free weights, but I think I can do a lot of them with my weight machine. Just have to wait for my husband to get done.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Wow. Poor kid. I totally understand your need to focus on him. I have some good friends who lost their 8 month old to a UTI from urinary reflux - she'd have been 10 this December. All but one of their four kids ended up on preventative daily antibiotics with annual check-ups because the faulty valve that caused theirs is genetic.

He is on preventative meds too. He has several he takes every day for all his conditions.

Poor little guy, that is a lot (both for him and you). How old is he? I think you told us before your kids ages but I don’t remember except that they were younger than mine I think.

He is 5.

I've been thinking of you this weekend. I hope you are having a blast. Someday when I've lost the weight and am a bit fitter I think I might tackle the Dopey. There's a long term goal for me. lol

Aquafit sounds interesting I just think it would be difficult to talk myself into it when it is so stinking cold out. lol And I was wondering what you meant by walking the river. At first I was thinking an actual river! Erf. Guess I need to get more sleep. lol

I will do Dopey one day too. Still planning on 2018 for the 5 yr anniversary.

Don't feel bad. I thought it was a real river too.

I did a new workout this morning from X3. It is called the Challenge. It's push ups and pulls ups. It was a great workout. I am sore right now typing, it should be even worse in the morning. Planning to get up early again and do another new one tomorrow before work. Haven't been able to get back to the gym to run yet, hopefully Monday. Oh, and StayCool. I feel you on the cold. It was 7' when I got out of work tonight. I'm ready for it to be done already.

 

[StayCool]

Thankfully it has warmed up to a balmy 30 degrees so Zumba wasn't too bad tonight. It is a toning Zumba class which means that we do work with hand weights. My zumba sticks are pretty light so today I took actual hand weights and my arms can feel it. I am slowly getting back into the groove of exercise and trying to eat better. I'm not eating great, but not horrible either. Hope everyone is doing well!

 

[StayCool]

Weigh in today: Down 1.6 lbs.

For a total of 18 lbs. Slow as heck, but at least I'm still going in the right direction.

 

[Chiomaca]

I'm back! Had a wonderful time and am moving better than I'd expected. The trip started and ended poorly with travel (airline) woes, but that's typical for January.

Once I finally got in on Friday, I checked in, hit the Expo and then went straight to Epcot so I could make my dinner reservation. After, I pretty much walked into the most popular ride there, Test Track, thanks to the single rider line, and then went back to the hotel.

Saturday morning was COLD - at least for FL. I was a bit overconfident about going from 20 degree weather to 40 degree weather and was woefully underdressed. I am only slightly ashamed to say that I pulled an extra sweatshirt out of the pile of discarded clothing and wore it for the first five miles. I still couldn't feel my hands at the end of the race! I maintained a decently respectable 11min/mile pace but did stop for pictures at the Castle and a few other places. I was holding back for the next day, but I felt really good at the end. After a shower and nap, headed to Hollywood Studios and rode Tower of Terror, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Star Tours, found Goofy and got a pic with him, then had dinner at the park.

Sunday I joined up with a Navy friend that was also doing Goofy, and his gigantic running group, the Mickey Milers. There were about 30 people at the gathering point, and spread out from Corral B to Corral K/L. I hung with the group of 9 people planning to do 2:1 run/walk intervals. We had a blast! We stopped for all sorts of pictures, and rode Expedition Everest at mile 13. Somewhere around mile 23 we cut back to 1:1 intervals, which was fine with me. It took us about 6+ hours to do, but I enjoyed every second. I took an ice bath, napped, and had dinner that night. Played at the Magic Kingdom on Monday before my flight home - did all sorts of things I'd never done before like a character breakfast, pics with Tiana and Stitch, who are my favorites. I was not as impressed by the Seven Dwarves Mine Train as the DIS led me to expect. And as ever, I still prefer Disneyland to the World.

A couple of thoughts for you guys - I saw about half a dozen women who were at least 80-90 pounds overweight who were in the process of doing the Dopey Challenge. I don't know if they completed all of the races or got swept, because we passed them a couple of times, but I never saw them doing anything but moving. I don't think they stopped for pictures, so we saw them several times, but they were out there doing it. So don't let your weight concerns be a driving factor, let your training do the talking

Also, I saw a LOT of people with W.I.S.H. jerseys - so maybe you could look into joining the group here. They looked like they were having fun and a bunch of the guys I ran with knew them, so it seems to be a small world. And the bright green jerseys were cool.

I wish I'd done a few more long runs, and I really wish I had followed my previous rule of "no circus" for the two weeks prior to the race. But I finished, about 15 minutes slower than my half PR and cheerfully set a Personal Worst in the marathon.

Sweet Potato Chili recipe. This was so good I'm going to make it again this week. And maybe all winter. I don't like beans either.

Congrats on the progress Stay Cool, both with weight and fitness level!

(I thought it was a real river, too!)

 

[Chiomaca]

It looked like a hard workout for you. Would you consider P90X3 for you core program? I haven't done all the workouts but I know it is core focused and my core has been sore from the workouts I have done.

The Cirque workout wasn't hard in terms of exercise, with the exception of the planche work, I can, and will do pretty much all of what he does. What I don't do is the volume - and I run more than he does. I'm not likely to try P90X in any version, mainly because I already pay through the nose for my running and circus stuff and there is a ton of free or near free workout/fitness information around that is body weight oriented. I just discovered Al Kavadlo, and really like his exercise progressions. Takes you from being unable to do a push-up or pull-up and leads you to hard stuff. Given my new need to rehab, I'll be starting over again with wall push-ups and assisted pull-ups, so it's timely.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thankfully it has warmed up to a balmy 30 degrees so Zumba wasn't too bad tonight.

It's been frigid here too. I think it was 34' yesterday and rainy. Today, back into the single digits and yes, everything is frozen from the rain yesterday.

Weigh in today: Down 1.6 lbs.

For a total of 18 lbs. Slow as heck, but at least I'm still going in the right direction.

Slow and steady is better than fast and putting it back on. Adopting the healthy lifestyle will lead to long-term success as opposed to crash diets.

I'm back! Had a wonderful time and am moving better than I'd expected. The trip started and ended poorly with travel (airline) woes, but that's typical for January.

Once I finally got in on Friday, I checked in, hit the Expo and then went straight to Epcot so I could make my dinner reservation. After, I pretty much walked into the most popular ride there, Test Track, thanks to the single rider line, and then went back to the hotel.

Saturday morning was COLD - at least for FL. I was a bit overconfident about going from 20 degree weather to 40 degree weather and was woefully underdressed. I am only slightly ashamed to say that I pulled an extra sweatshirt out of the pile of discarded clothing and wore it for the first five miles. I still couldn't feel my hands at the end of the race! I maintained a decently respectable 11min/mile pace but did stop for pictures at the Castle and a few other places. I was holding back for the next day, but I felt really good at the end. After a shower and nap, headed to Hollywood Studios and rode Tower of Terror, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Star Tours, found Goofy and got a pic with him, then had dinner at the park.

Sunday I joined up with a Navy friend that was also doing Goofy, and his gigantic running group, the Mickey Milers. There were about 30 people at the gathering point, and spread out from Corral B to Corral K/L. I hung with the group of 9 people planning to do 2:1 run/walk intervals. We had a blast! We stopped for all sorts of pictures, and rode Expedition Everest at mile 13. Somewhere around mile 23 we cut back to 1:1 intervals, which was fine with me. It took us about 6+ hours to do, but I enjoyed every second. I took an ice bath, napped, and had dinner that night. Played at the Magic Kingdom on Monday before my flight home - did all sorts of things I'd never done before like a character breakfast, pics with Tiana and Stitch, who are my favorites. I was not as impressed by the Seven Dwarves Mine Train as the DIS led me to expect. And as ever, I still prefer Disneyland to the World.

A couple of thoughts for you guys - I saw about half a dozen women who were at least 80-90 pounds overweight who were in the process of doing the Dopey Challenge. I don't know if they completed all of the races or got swept, because we passed them a couple of times, but I never saw them doing anything but moving. I don't think they stopped for pictures, so we saw them several times, but they were out there doing it. So don't let your weight concerns be a driving factor, let your training do the talking

Also, I saw a LOT of people with W.I.S.H. jerseys - so maybe you could look into joining the group here. They looked like they were having fun and a bunch of the guys I ran with knew them, so it seems to be a small world. And the bright green jerseys were cool.

I wish I'd done a few more long runs, and I really wish I had followed my previous rule of "no circus" for the two weeks prior to the race. But I finished, about 15 minutes slower than my half PR and cheerfully set a Personal Worst in the marathon.

Sweet Potato Chili recipe. This was so good I'm going to make it again this week. And maybe all winter. I don't like beans either.

Congrats on the progress Stay Cool, both with weight and fitness level!

(I thought it was a real river, too!)

Glad you had a good time. Glad you took your time and enjoyed the races too, running the fastest time you can isn't always the most fun.

I listen to the Mickey Miles podcast but I haven't joined the team yet. I don't think it makes sense to if I can't go to the races anytime soon. But, I did hang with them at the ToT race and everyone was nice to me.

The Cirque workout wasn't hard in terms of exercise, with the exception of the planche work, I can, and will do pretty much all of what he does. What I don't do is the volume - and I run more than he does. I'm not likely to try P90X in any version, mainly because I already pay through the nose for my running and circus stuff and there is a ton of free or near free workout/fitness information around that is body weight oriented. I just discovered Al Kavadlo, and really like his exercise progressions. Takes you from being unable to do a push-up or pull-up and leads you to hard stuff. Given my new need to rehab, I'll be starting over again with wall push-ups and assisted pull-ups, so it's timely.

I hear ya. I didn't want to spend the money either but I haven't been spending a lot lately so I treated myself. Come spring when I am buying new clothes and shows and a new armband for my new phone, etc... it will add up.

I am off work today. I have been slacking and I am going to go running and I am actually considering running outside today. It's sunny and about 10'. But, I don't want to drive all the way to the gym and I just feel like running outside. So, I might try to get in 3 miles or so. Although I don't want to get sick either so I am torn. I'll update you later tonight.

 

[Waiting2goback]

So, last night I was woken up with a cramp in my calf. It used to happen pretty frequently before I began exercising. So, it was a sign I have been slacking. I did end up running outside. It was up to 23' when I left the house to go to the gym so I ran outside. I only did 2.5 miles because it started getting really cold and it was windy.

I was worried the knot in my calf would hurt when running but it didn't. It sure does now, but at least I got the run in. It felt good to be back outside and off the treadmill.

 

[StayCool]

A couple of thoughts for you guys - I saw about half a dozen women who were at least 80-90 pounds overweight who were in the process of doing the Dopey Challenge. I don't know if they completed all of the races or got swept, because we passed them a couple of times, but I never saw them doing anything but moving. I don't think they stopped for pictures, so we saw them several times, but they were out there doing it. So don't let your weight concerns be a driving factor, let your training do the talking

Also, I saw a LOT of people with W.I.S.H. jerseys - so maybe you could look into joining the group here. They looked like they were having fun and a bunch of the guys I ran with knew them, so it seems to be a small world. And the bright green jerseys were cool.

I wish I'd done a few more long runs, and I really wish I had followed my previous rule of "no circus" for the two weeks prior to the race. But I finished, about 15 minutes slower than my half PR and cheerfully set a Personal Worst in the marathon.

I'm glad you had a good time! That stinks about how cold it was though. How is your shoulder feeling? Did that play a factor in the race at all?

I was probably what, 90 lbs overweight when I ran TOT. For me, that was pushing my limits though. Some weight has to come off before I could tackle a marathon distance. Someday though, I will set my sites on it and get it done.

There is a WISH group on facebook and I lurk there for motivation some times. They do look like a lot of fun and are very supportive of each other.

So, last night I was woken up with a cramp in my calf. It used to happen pretty frequently before I began exercising. So, it was a sign I have been slacking. I did end up running outside. It was up to 23' when I left the house to go to the gym so I ran outside. I only did 2.5 miles because it started getting really cold and it was windy.

I was worried the knot in my calf would hurt when running but it didn't. It sure does now, but at least I got the run in. It felt good to be back outside and off the treadmill.

Good for you, getting outside. I can't wait until I can do the same. I don't have any winter running gear at this point and as cold as it has been, I just wouldn't be able to hack it.

Speaking of cold, this morning it was -12 when I got up. Thankfully no windchill though. It is going to make for an interesting Zumba class tonight. Any other time I probably would have just skipped it, but there is a woman there that was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I told her I would be there. It is going to be her last class until the doctor clears her so I feel like I have to be there for her, even if it isn't for me.

My hip is sore and has been since Monday's zumba. I think all the squats we did are taking their toll. Guess we will see how it goes tonight.

 

[Chiomaca]

I listen to the Mickey Miles podcast but I haven't joined the team yet. I don't think it makes sense to if I can't go to the races anytime soon. But, I did hang with them at the ToT race and everyone was nice to me.

If you listen to the Podcast, you've heard my friends Lee and Laura, who do most of the Disneyland talking. I hadn't known it existed until they told me about it on Sunday. If you go to Laura's All Ears blog about the marathon, I'm in several of the pictures.

So, last night I was woken up with a cramp in my calf. It used to happen pretty frequently before I began exercising. So, it was a sign I have been slacking. I did end up running outside. It was up to 23' when I left the house to go to the gym so I ran outside. I only did 2.5 miles because it started getting really cold and it was windy.

I was worried the knot in my calf would hurt when running but it didn't. It sure does now, but at least I got the run in. It felt good to be back outside and off the treadmill.

Good for you! 2.5 miles in that cold is impressive. Do you have a foam roller for that spot in your calf? I do a lot of self-massage in the mornings when I'm achy - my feet and calves in particular.

How is your shoulder feeling? Did that play a factor in the race at all?

My shoulder is okay. I definitely feel it, and I think there is more soft tissue damage than I'd hoped after the chiropractor's visit, but I think I can rehab it in a month or so. I'd love to say that it played a factor in our race time as an excuse but the honest truth is that we did a LOT of goofing off on the run. My GPS said we ran over 29 miles...and while GPS is often off a little, I'd say we did indeed run several extra miles on top of the rollercoaster ride. One guy live Tweeted the whole thing, we stopped for pictures at really random spots (the stockade in Frontierland, the very smelly water treatment plant) in addition to lots of character stops, and at each of the Mickey Miler cheering stations. Somewhere between 20 and 21 we stopped with one MM cheer person and ate Pringles, donuts, orange slices, chatted, took some pictures, then eventually continued. It really was a traveling party for 26 miles. Had I run alone and tried to do my usual pace, it might have been more of an issue, but as it was it was easy to stay with the group.

-12 outside? Ack. I went to college in Vermont and remember those temps...am happy to be all the way up in the 30s today! I remember running in those temps in college, but I was young, dumb, and invincible then.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Good for you, getting outside. I can't wait until I can do the same. I don't have any winter running gear at this point and as cold as it has been, I just wouldn't be able to hack it.

Speaking of cold, this morning it was -12 when I got up. Thankfully no windchill though. It is going to make for an interesting Zumba class tonight. Any other time I probably would have just skipped it, but there is a woman there that was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I told her I would be there. It is going to be her last class until the doctor clears her so I feel like I have to be there for her, even if it isn't for me.

My hip is sore and has been since Monday's zumba. I think all the squats we did are taking their toll. Guess we will see how it goes tonight.

I don't really have any winter gear either. I put on some tight exercise pants, and long sleeved shirt, and my spring coat/windbreaker, and off I went.

That is awesome that you will show up to support her. Now just remember her on those nights you don't feel like going, and go for her.

Yeah, I am sore too. I can't believe how quickly I have fallen out of shape.

If you listen to the Podcast, you've heard my friends Lee and Laura, who do most of the Disneyland talking. I hadn't known it existed until they told me about it on Sunday. If you go to Laura's All Ears blog about the marathon, I'm in several of the pictures.

Good for you! 2.5 miles in that cold is impressive. Do you have a foam roller for that spot in your calf? I do a lot of self-massage in the mornings when I'm achy - my feet and calves in particular.

My shoulder is okay. I definitely feel it, and I think there is more soft tissue damage than I'd hoped after the chiropractor's visit, but I think I can rehab it in a month or so. I'd love to say that it played a factor in our race time as an excuse but the honest truth is that we did a LOT of goofing off on the run. My GPS said we ran over 29 miles...and while GPS is often off a little, I'd say we did indeed run several extra miles on top of the rollercoaster ride. One guy live Tweeted the whole thing, we stopped for pictures at really random spots (the stockade in Frontierland, the very smelly water treatment plant) in addition to lots of character stops, and at each of the Mickey Miler cheering stations. Somewhere between 20 and 21 we stopped with one MM cheer person and ate Pringles, donuts, orange slices, chatted, took some pictures, then eventually continued. It really was a traveling party for 26 miles. Had I run alone and tried to do my usual pace, it might have been more of an issue, but as it was it was easy to stay with the group.

-12 outside? Ack. I went to college in Vermont and remember those temps...am happy to be all the way up in the 30s today! I remember running in those temps in college, but I was young, dumb, and invincible then.

Yeah, I hear Lee and Laura on there, ALL THE TIME. Nothing against them but I feel like telling Mike and Michelle it is time to change up the guests a bit more. They obviously know a lot about the races but it feels like every show is the same. But, I may go check out some of her blog stuff. How will I know which one you are if I see the pics?

I do have a foam roller and I have been using it more but still not enough. I should really be stretching more too. So frustrating. I feel like there is not enough time to get it all done now that I am back to work.

I heard that lady on the Mickey Miles podcast talking about cheering for you guys. She spends hours getting all her snacks and stuff together. She said she does the mini donuts and orange slices in particular because they are always a favorite. I will get there one of these years and I can't wait. I bet it is an awesome race, as far as marathons go that is.

Back to the gym tonight. I forced myself and it wasn't pretty. I'm sore from running yesterday so I took my time and just did about 25 minutes. Just enough to try and get back in the habit of going. It is disappointing but better than not going at all.

Off to do some studying. Have a good night all.

 

[Chiomaca]

I don't really have any winter gear either. I put on some tight exercise pants, and long sleeved shirt, and my spring coat/windbreaker, and off I went.

I hope there were gloves and a hat, too. Frostbite is not fun.

Yeah, I hear Lee and Laura on there, ALL THE TIME. Nothing against them but I feel like telling Mike and Michelle it is time to change up the guests a bit more. They obviously know a lot about the races but it feels like every show is the same. But, I may go check out some of her blog stuff. How will I know which one you are if I see the pics?

Yeah, they said they were on there a lot, and I imagine that if they're constantly talking about the races and expos, then it would sound very similar. I only listened to the Marathon weekend and Star Wars previews. I met Alex, too. He introduced himself as "The question guy" and told me I needed to join the group, but I didn't hear him on either of the podcasts. I don't know exactly what the intent of the podcast is, aside from a group of friends getting together and talking though, so I don't know who else they'd get. I'm in 2-3 of the marathon pics, turquiose skirt, white tank top and pink arm warmers. That tank top has gone into the "no long run" pile as it chaffed the heck out of the inside of my upper arms and made for a sad post-run shower. the funny thing is that top was a last minute addition. I ran Princess in the same outfit but just with a matching sports bra to get the Jasmine look without being in an actual costume, tossed the top in just in case it wasn't warm enough for that, and it turned out to be much cooler than predicted.

I heard that lady on the Mickey Miles podcast talking about cheering for you guys. She spends hours getting all her snacks and stuff together. She said she does the mini donuts and orange slices in particular because they are always a favorite. I will get there one of these years and I can't wait. I bet it is an awesome race, as far as marathons go that is.

She's in the pictures, too! A big long pole with all sorts of signs on it. She takes requests for food and hands it out. I hate Pringles but let me tell you, that was the best food I'd ever eaten at the time. I really needed the salt. I ate so much more on that run than I ever have before - Disney passed out bannanas at two separate aid stations and mini chocolate bars as you enter Hollywood studios. I ate it all! Next year I will stop and buy a Mickey Bar during the race, too.

Back to the gym tonight. I forced myself and it wasn't pretty. I'm sore from running yesterday so I took my time and just did about 25 minutes. Just enough to try and get back in the habit of going. It is disappointing but better than not going at all.

Off to do some studying. Have a good night all.

Are you doing anything besides running at the gym? I know I've asked before, but if there are weight machines or benches to do bodyweight stuff, that's a nice way to balance the running/elliptical. Do you just do a straight run on the treadmill or do you vary the program? I like doing hills on the treadmill.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I hope there were gloves and a hat, too. Frostbite is not fun.


Yeah, they said they were on there a lot, and I imagine that if they're constantly talking about the races and expos, then it would sound very similar. I only listened to the Marathon weekend and Star Wars previews. I met Alex, too. He introduced himself as "The question guy" and told me I needed to join the group, but I didn't hear him on either of the podcasts. I don't know exactly what the intent of the podcast is, aside from a group of friends getting together and talking though, so I don't know who else they'd get. I'm in 2-3 of the marathon pics, turquiose skirt, white tank top and pink arm warmers. That tank top has gone into the "no long run" pile as it chaffed the heck out of the inside of my upper arms and made for a sad post-run shower. the funny thing is that top was a last minute addition. I ran Princess in the same outfit but just with a matching sports bra to get the Jasmine look without being in an actual costume, tossed the top in just in case it wasn't warm enough for that, and it turned out to be much cooler than predicted.


She's in the pictures, too! A big long pole with all sorts of signs on it. She takes requests for food and hands it out. I hate Pringles but let me tell you, that was the best food I'd ever eaten at the time. I really needed the salt. I ate so much more on that run than I ever have before - Disney passed out bannanas at two separate aid stations and mini chocolate bars as you enter Hollywood studios. I ate it all! Next year I will stop and buy a Mickey Bar during the race, too.



Are you doing anything besides running at the gym? I know I've asked before, but if there are weight machines or benches to do bodyweight stuff, that's a nice way to balance the running/elliptical. Do you just do a straight run on the treadmill or do you vary the program? I like doing hills on the treadmill.

I didn't have a hat on but I did have some gloves that didn't do all that much as there were really thin.

I don't know who Alex is. I have never heard him mentioned and I have been listening for almost a year now. The intent of the show is to provide discussion and info about running, and Disney races. There are certainly places to get more information on running than that podcast but they know a lot about Disney races. Plus, it just makes me feel like I am there for a few minutes while I listen. As for Lee and Laura. They clearly know a lot about these races as well but Mike and Michelle could have regular listeners on or something to change it up a bit.

I do like when they have the Disney people on: Jeff Galloway, Tara Gidus, Carissa, Fitz, Rudy, etc... They provide info and they are entertaining.

I saw you in the pic. It's nice to put a face with the name, kinda. Its hard to make you out but it is better than nothing.

As for me, I mostly run on the treadmill. I do some elliptical and I do some of the machines that work my upper back, as I am trying to improve my posture. I try to run at an incline because it gives me a better workout. Gets the heart rate up more than if it is flat.