Is this realistic?

[dizzyr]

Chiomaca it sounds like you had a great time! I've been reading the marathon weekend thread and its so inspiring. I really need to look at my goals again and see what I really want. The one thing I did realize reading the threads is that I'll want to make sure I am fully trained and prepared for it. It sounds like the more undertrained people were the less they were able to take advantage of the things that made disney different from other races like the character photo ops and the rides. I want to be able to do all that so if I'm going to do it 2016 is not the year. I have all the opportunity in the world to run here and if I can't motivate myself enough to run on my own I won't be trained enough to really enjoy a disney run. Time to reevaluate things.

 

[Chiomaca]

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'm not really a podcast listener. I was a while ago and then sort of dropped off. I don't listen to my iPod/Phone on the way to/from work anymore because my new neighborhood doesn't require that I insulate myself from people on the street. And I don't generally use one on my runs either, unless I'm dying for distraction, and then it's music. I won't necessarily admit it to the group, since I seem to have been subsumed, but I'm not likely to listen often.

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.

There are many pictures of me out on the web, but I'm happy to stay relatively anonymous when I can. I hadn't realized I was going to be in the blog pics - most of the pictures that I am not in from the first half of the race and the last one of Lee and Laura, I actually took.

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.

I do a few hill workouts on the treadmill. One of my favorites is after I do a manual, moderate speed run - 1 mile warm-up, 2-3 miles at 10k/half pace. After I do that, I slow back down to a warm-up pace (11 min/mile ish) and crank up the incline to 10. Every tenth of a mile, I drop the incline by one and at half a mile I start bumping up the speed at the same time I drop the incline, so that by the time I have done a mile, I am roughly back to my regular pace. The other treadmill workout I do is pyramids - one mile warm up, then increase the incline each minute: 3,4,5,4,3 - run at zero for 3 minutes - incline 4,5,6,5,4 - zero for three minutes - 5,6,7,6,5 - zero for three minutes, then reverse back down to the first interval set. I try to keep the pace steady, but admit that the last cycle kicks my butt so I sometimes slow it down. You could do all sorts of variations including shorter pyramids (3,4,3) or fewer, or starting with a smaller incline. I think it helps.

Chiomaca it sounds like you had a great time! I've been reading the marathon weekend thread and its so inspiring. I really need to look at my goals again and see what I really want. The one thing I did realize reading the threads is that I'll want to make sure I am fully trained and prepared for it. It sounds like the more undertrained people were the less they were able to take advantage of the things that made disney different from other races like the character photo ops and the rides. I want to be able to do all that so if I'm going to do it 2016 is not the year. I have all the opportunity in the world to run here and if I can't motivate myself enough to run on my own I won't be trained enough to really enjoy a disney run. Time to reevaluate things.

I think there is truth to what you are saying. You might consider the Dopey isn't the right answer for 2016 for you, but that the 10k or half could easily be within your reach. You'd still need to commit since your current pace is slow, but I think that doing a lot of walking in your windy river is probably helping you out there - I don't suppose running or walk/running is an option there? For me, right now the Dopey is more of an idea than a decision. Goofy was a true challenge but if you can do that, adding the 5k and 10k is more of an issue for the 3am wake up calls more than fitness. I already didn't get a whole lot of time to enjoy the parks, I think I would do even less if I knew I had such early wake-ups calls four days running. You could do one of the other distances - which are totally fun - maybe even do the 5k and 10k, or half - and then cheer for the marathoners while you enjoy the parks with your family? I think if you really want to do Dopey, you can, but you've got to amp up your commitment RIGHT NOW and the intensity has to ramp up slowly but surely as the year develops.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm not really a podcast listener. I was a while ago and then sort of dropped off. I don't listen to my iPod/Phone on the way to/from work anymore because my new neighborhood doesn't require that I insulate myself from people on the street. And I don't generally use one on my runs either, unless I'm dying for distraction, and then it's music. I won't necessarily admit it to the group, since I seem to have been subsumed, but I'm not likely to listen often.

There are many pictures of me out on the web, but I'm happy to stay relatively anonymous when I can. I hadn't realized I was going to be in the blog pics - most of the pictures that I am not in from the first half of the race and the last one of Lee and Laura, I actually took.


I do a few hill workouts on the treadmill. One of my favorites is after I do a manual, moderate speed run - 1 mile warm-up, 2-3 miles at 10k/half pace. After I do that, I slow back down to a warm-up pace (11 min/mile ish) and crank up the incline to 10. Every tenth of a mile, I drop the incline by one and at half a mile I start bumping up the speed at the same time I drop the incline, so that by the time I have done a mile, I am roughly back to my regular pace. The other treadmill workout I do is pyramids - one mile warm up, then increase the incline each minute: 3,4,5,4,3 - run at zero for 3 minutes - incline 4,5,6,5,4 - zero for three minutes - 5,6,7,6,5 - zero for three minutes, then reverse back down to the first interval set. I try to keep the pace steady, but admit that the last cycle kicks my butt so I sometimes slow it down. You could do all sorts of variations including shorter pyramids (3,4,3) or fewer, or starting with a smaller incline. I think it helps.


I think there is truth to what you are saying. You might consider the Dopey isn't the right answer for 2016 for you, but that the 10k or half could easily be within your reach. You'd still need to commit since your current pace is slow, but I think that doing a lot of walking in your windy river is probably helping you out there - I don't suppose running or walk/running is an option there? For me, right now the Dopey is more of an idea than a decision. Goofy was a true challenge but if you can do that, adding the 5k and 10k is more of an issue for the 3am wake up calls more than fitness. I already didn't get a whole lot of time to enjoy the parks, I think I would do even less if I knew I had such early wake-ups calls four days running. You could do one of the other distances - which are totally fun - maybe even do the 5k and 10k, or half - and then cheer for the marathoners while you enjoy the parks with your family? I think if you really want to do Dopey, you can, but you've got to amp up your commitment RIGHT NOW and the intensity has to ramp up slowly but surely as the year develops.

I like a good podcast here and there. Sometimes the music gets boring so I do the podcasts while I am running. I switch it up.

You are still anonymous then because while I have an idea what you look like I certainly wouldn't know you if I walked by you in the parks. You are safe, I won't stalk you.

I will change it up more on the treadmill and before we know it, we will be outside running and the winter will be over. I can't wait. I am still trying to decide if I should buy a new bike. I love riding my bike and it works different muscles than running, which is good. But I am not sure if I should spend the money. So, we will see.

Dizzy- the only thing stopping you from running whatever race you want next year is you thinking you can't do it. But, I agree with you. If you aren't committed then don't sign up. It will take a lot of work to be ready for that in 12 months and you have to be all in to make it happen. Only you know how important it is to you.

I am back up tomorrow morning and back to the gym. I need to refocus and find the middle ground between psycho training (my 3500 calorie goal) and making excuses (the couch potato plan). I went to my counselor yesterday and said I feel like I am allowing the excuses to take over again (not that I am not eating well and working out, because I am) and she said, "So don't let them". Seems so simple that I will begin tomorrow and focus less on calories burned and just have fun and put in the time.

 

[StayCool]

You guys sound like you are all doing awesome. I seem to be doing fine during the week but falling off on the weekends. I'm trying to get more motivated but honestly if I plateau here for a while I will take it. I want this to be a permanent change and am willing to go slooooowww as long as I am able to maintain it. I know if I buckled down I could lose weight much faster, but it would not be sustainable for me. Blah it is kind of frustrating but I don't want to get low and then bounce back up. I can't wait for spring and summer so I can get outside and move more. Winter has always been a tough time for me. I really don't like the cold. I did measure my waist yesterday and I have lost a couple more inches there so at least that is something.

Happy Monday!

 

[Chiomaca]

You guys sound like you are all doing awesome. I seem to be doing fine during the week but falling off on the weekends. I'm trying to get more motivated but honestly if I plateau here for a while I will take it. I want this to be a permanent change and am willing to go slooooowww as long as I am able to maintain it. I know if I buckled down I could lose weight much faster, but it would not be sustainable for me. Blah it is kind of frustrating but I don't want to get low and then bounce back up. I can't wait for spring and summer so I can get outside and move more. Winter has always been a tough time for me. I really don't like the cold. I did measure my waist yesterday and I have lost a couple more inches there so at least that is something.

Happy Monday!

Losing two inches is significant - good job! As for comparing your week days and weekends...that's no different for me. On my laziest work days (which is all of them lately since I can't train circus until my shoulder is better), my new fitness tracker says I average 12,000 steps. 2,500 is usually before I even get to work. This past three days? I've not gotten over 7,000 steps. 6,000 on Saturday because that's when I volunteer with the dogs. Didn't even hit 4,000 yesterday. I think if you're eating well and active during the week, you can afford a little slow down on the weekends. For me at least, weekends are the only times I sleep well and that also contributes to weight loss and fitness gain.

I like a good podcast here and there. Sometimes the music gets boring so I do the podcasts while I am running. I switch it up.

You are still anonymous then because while I have an idea what you look like I certainly wouldn't know you if I walked by you in the parks. You are safe, I won't stalk you.

I will change it up more on the treadmill and before we know it, we will be outside running and the winter will be over. I can't wait. I am still trying to decide if I should buy a new bike. I love riding my bike and it works different muscles than running, which is good. But I am not sure if I should spend the money. So, we will see.

Dizzy- the only thing stopping you from running whatever race you want next year is you thinking you can't do it. But, I agree with you. If you aren't committed then don't sign up. It will take a lot of work to be ready for that in 12 months and you have to be all in to make it happen. Only you know how important it is to you.

I am back up tomorrow morning and back to the gym. I need to refocus and find the middle ground between psycho training (my 3500 calorie goal) and making excuses (the couch potato plan). I went to my counselor yesterday and said I feel like I am allowing the excuses to take over again (not that I am not eating well and working out, because I am) and she said, "So don't let them". Seems so simple that I will begin tomorrow and focus less on calories burned and just have fun and put in the time.

I don't listen to music much when I run. I find it messes with my pacing. Only when I'm really hurting. Music is verboten with my running group (current and previous), so I've gotten out of the habit. Now it's really only on the treadmill to keep me distracted from the boredom.

I wasn't referencing you guys about being anonymous, it's more of a general statement. As a senior officer, I count as a "public figure" and so it's easy to find me. In my small part of the world, I'm more well known than I would like. If any of this group is in a park at the same time I am, especially for a run, I'd be happy to do a meet up!

Try the treadmill hill workouts - they're challenging and IMHO count as both hill and interval workouts, so they're good for improving speed. As for the bike - you love riding. Biking is good for your running. So that strikes me as being a two-fer. But will you ride more often with a new bike?

Have fun!

 

[StayCool]

Losing two inches is significant - good job! As for comparing your week days and weekends...that's no different for me. On my laziest work days (which is all of them lately since I can't train circus until my shoulder is better), my new fitness tracker says I average 12,000 steps. 2,500 is usually before I even get to work. This past three days? I've not gotten over 7,000 steps. 6,000 on Saturday because that's when I volunteer with the dogs. Didn't even hit 4,000 yesterday. I think if you're eating well and active during the week, you can afford a little slow down on the weekends. For me at least, weekends are the only times I sleep well and that also contributes to weight loss and fitness gain.



I don't listen to music much when I run. I find it messes with my pacing. Only when I'm really hurting. Music is verboten with my running group (current and previous), so I've gotten out of the habit. Now it's really only on the treadmill to keep me distracted from the boredom.

I do sleep a lot more on the weekend. Usually either Friday or Saturday I will get 10 hours. It makes up for the couple of 6 hour nights I have during the week! I'm pretty type A in general so I use weekends to try to relax a little and let go of the pressures of day to day life. Although I do miss my Sunday morning runs. I used to get up at 6:30-7am and get my long run in for the week. Can't wait until the weather warms up!

As far as music goes, I usually need it when I run. It helps me get started. After that I just kind of get into my own little world. If it gets really rough and I want to quit it helps me keep going but I have hand picked my playlist to motivate me.

Well weigh in today and no big surprise, I am up 1.2 lbs. Oh well. I need to buckle down and I've been just floating along. I did go to zumba last night and we are doing a lot of squats so my bum is sore. lol I pushed myself to do more last night too. Sometimes I get too complacent and that is probably why I don't see more change. I think I need someone to kick my butt and tell me to work harder.

 

[Waiting2goback]

OK, so I typed a long response last night addressing previous posts. I hit enter to submit and it showed up as having been submitted and now it isn't here????


StayCool, 2 inches on your waist is awesome. I ran a million miles over the summer (at least it felt like it) and I lost no inches on my waist.

Chiomaca- Are you able to tell us what your rank is? I don't think you ever told us before.

As for the bike, I would ride it a couple times a week. What I did last year was alternate running and riding since they work different muscles. So, I would probably ride 3 days a week. But, I want to be able to go faster. My Target special was limited on top speed. So, I will need to spend a few hundred this time to get a good bike. Just not sure if it is the best use of my money.

No gym for me tonight. I got an awful night sleep last night so I am going to get to bed early. I go to work later tomorrow so I am planning a run outside, as it will be in the 30's, before work.

Hopefully this post sticks.

 

[Chiomaca]

I do sleep a lot more on the weekend. Usually either Friday or Saturday I will get 10 hours. It makes up for the couple of 6 hour nights I have during the week! I'm pretty type A in general so I use weekends to try to relax a little and let go of the pressures of day to day life. Although I do miss my Sunday morning runs. I used to get up at 6:30-7am and get my long run in for the week. Can't wait until the weather warms up!

As far as music goes, I usually need it when I run. It helps me get started. After that I just kind of get into my own little world. If it gets really rough and I want to quit it helps me keep going but I have hand picked my playlist to motivate me.

Well weigh in today and no big surprise, I am up 1.2 lbs. Oh well. I need to buckle down and I've been just floating along. I did go to zumba last night and we are doing a lot of squats so my bum is sore. lol I pushed myself to do more last night too. Sometimes I get too complacent and that is probably why I don't see more change. I think I need someone to kick my butt and tell me to work harder.

I get about the same amount of sleep during the week. Less recently because the current foster dog has needed a 2am potty break nightly. She has not done so the last four nights, though

I start training for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler on the 31st...am struggling with the whole getting up early on the weekend to run as well, so I'm looking forward to having a reason to get up on Saturdays.

There's nothing wrong with using music to motivate you. My groups don't allow music because we're supposed to be a group - make friends and chat to distract ourselves from the pain instead of having music. I've had some good chats with people I'd never have met otherwise. But I always have my headphones with me, just in case I need something to get myself moving. One friend has a half marathon playlist - she knows exactly where she is going to be at each song. It works for her.

It's better to be losing inches than weight, right? But it would be nice to do both, so get hopping! Or squatting, I guess.

OK, so I typed a long response last night addressing previous posts. I hit enter to submit and it showed up as having been submitted and now it isn't here????


StayCool, 2 inches on your waist is awesome. I ran a million miles over the summer (at least it felt like it) and I lost no inches on my waist.

Chiomaca- Are you able to tell us what your rank is? I don't think you ever told us before.

As for the bike, I would ride it a couple times a week. What I did last year was alternate running and riding since they work different muscles. So, I would probably ride 3 days a week. But, I want to be able to go faster. My Target special was limited on top speed. So, I will need to spend a few hundred this time to get a good bike. Just not sure if it is the best use of my money.

No gym for me tonight. I got an awful night sleep last night so I am going to get to bed early. I go to work later tomorrow so I am planning a run outside, as it will be in the 30's, before work.

Weird. I hate it when that happens.

I'm a Navy Captain. There are a lot of us, especially in the puzzle palace, but my demographic make-up makes me somewhat unique. That's not always a good thing. The funny thing is, there's only one other person with a similar demographic breakdown - and we were roommates on a ship from 2001-2003. How funny is that? Still one of my closest friends.

Does it have to be a new bike? I've gotten some really nice tech stuff barely used on Craigslist. It's one of the nice things about being surrounded by people with more money than motivation. Got a very nice Garmin from a guy who thought buying it would motivate him to run. Nope. If you're going to ride three days a week - really - then it's probably a good use of your money, but you might as well try to get a good deal.

Supposed to snow here tomorrow. So, that means the world is coming to an end and the grocery stores will be out of all the white things: milk, eggs, toilet paper. I have no idea why, but DC is predictable in that one very specific way.

 

[dizzyr]

I'm way less active on the weekends as well and I was just saying to my cousin yesterday that I need to change that because I really feel it when I go too long without a workout of any kind. I walk and do the pool mon-thur and then Fri-Sun I'm more of a slug. It's time to change it up. I used to bike all the time - it's starting to get nicer weather wise so I may dig my bike out of the shed for a tune up. I just really need to figure out what will motivate me and keep me going.

My dad was an air force captain! He was an MP - you didn't want to mess with him. Of course he's putty in my hands LOL!

StayCool - that's great about the inches, I REALLY need to measure myself one of these days so I can see if there is ever any progress in that direction. I've pretty much worn the same size for years though so I don't think there has been!

 

[StayCool]

StayCool, 2 inches on your waist is awesome. I ran a million miles over the summer (at least it felt like it) and I lost no inches on my waist.

No gym for me tonight. I got an awful night sleep last night so I am going to get to bed early. I go to work later tomorrow so I am planning a run outside, as it will be in the 30's, before work.

Thanks. I wish the lbs were going down with it. lol Hope you got your run in. I can't wait until it is either warmer or my hubby gets his construction stuff off my treadmill! lol I haven't run since my race which is bad... I have a 5k coming up at the end of April so I need to get moving again.

I start training for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler on the 31st...am struggling with the whole getting up early on the weekend to run as well, so I'm looking forward to having a reason to get up on Saturdays.

It's better to be losing inches than weight, right? But it would be nice to do both, so get hopping! Or squatting, I guess.

I'm a Navy Captain.

The Cherry Blossom Ten miler is something I would like to do someday. It would be awesome to run around DC.

Yeah I guess it is better to lose inches than weight. lol However I am greedy. Time to step it up.

Navy Captain? That's awesome. My husband was a staff sergeant in the Army. I have to say though, I'm glad that he is retired. Takes a load off my mind.

StayCool - that's great about the inches, I REALLY need to measure myself one of these days so I can see if there is ever any progress in that direction. I've pretty much worn the same size for years though so I don't think there has been!

Thanks!

Well I went to the thrift stores today to get some new work pants. I hate trying on clothes and today was no exception. My work pants now are so loose that I spend all day pulling them up. I thought my size would have gone down more so I was a little disappointed. I did realize something today though. I think that since my pants were so loose I just relaxed about my eating. I think that wearing clothes that actually fit will help me stay focused and work toward making them loose too. lol

Tonight is a Zumba night so I will get my butt there tonight. I really can't wait until warmer weather gets here. I can get outside and do stuff. I like fresh fruits and vegetables more so than what we get here in the winter. It's just easier to do what I am supposed to do.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Hello All. I am so busy lately that I am only logging in every other day, which stinks.

My workouts are suffering, I am tired and my body kills from this job and being on my feet 8-10 hours a day. I really thought about venting but you guys don't need to hear that. So I will leave my vent that brief.

Chiomaca- the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. I have never heard of it but I wish I could run it. I need to sign up for a race to get me focused but the ones I want to run are not open for enrollment yet. I could sign up for another race but if I have limited time I want to spend it running the races I really want to run. One is the Heartbreak Hill 1/2 Marathon. Yes, it is the same Heartbreak Hill from the Boston Marathon. I figure it will give me experience running part of the course and the medal is awesome.

Anyway, a Navy Captain. That is awesome too. I still find you very interesting.

I have been looking on Craigslist at bikes but so far the ones on there cost more than the ones I am looking at in the bike shops that are new. I mean some of the bikes on CL are well over $1000 for USED. That's crazy. But, I may need to pass on the bike. I have been trying get along with the "wife" to last as long as we could here and be able to try and save some money and she just informed me this morning that I do nothing to contribute around here. Meanwhile she sang the same tune when I was home with the kids for 7 years, so clearly she is just miserable and always will be. Anyway, I may need to save the money and try moving out this summer, we shall see.

Dizzy- nice to hear from you. I think you should try dusting off the bike and seeing if that gets you motivated. I LOVE riding my bike. Still a good workout but no impact. And I find I can daydream more riding my bike which makes the time pass quicker.

I'm off for now. Hoping to get in some kind of workout tonight. Keeping the fingers crossed.

 

[Chiomaca]

The Cherry Blossom Ten miler is something I would like to do someday. It would be awesome to run around DC.

Well I went to the thrift stores today to get some new work pants. I hate trying on clothes and today was no exception. My work pants now are so loose that I spend all day pulling them up. I thought my size would have gone down more so I was a little disappointed. I did realize something today though. I think that since my pants were so loose I just relaxed about my eating. I think that wearing clothes that actually fit will help me stay focused and work toward making them loose too. lol

This will be my first Cherry Blossom. It's a lottery now, so harder to get into. The nice thing about DC is that there are a lot of cool races. The little ones aren't anything to speak of tourism-wise, becuase they're usually up in the downtown area. But the Cherry Blossom, Rock n Roll races, and the Navy-Air Force Half are great options to see the city. Or, just come down as a tourist and run - we have amazing running trail systems that are all interconnected.

Interesting the thought about the pants. You can't discount the psychological impact of things, I guess.

Chiomaca- the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. I have never heard of it but I wish I could run it. I need to sign up for a race to get me focused but the ones I want to run are not open for enrollment yet. I could sign up for another race but if I have limited time I want to spend it running the races I really want to run. One is the Heartbreak Hill 1/2 Marathon. Yes, it is the same Heartbreak Hill from the Boston Marathon. I figure it will give me experience running part of the course and the medal is awesome.

Anyway, a Navy Captain. That is awesome too. I still find you very interesting.

I have been looking on Craigslist at bikes but so far the ones on there cost more than the ones I am looking at in the bike shops that are new. I mean some of the bikes on CL are well over $1000 for USED. That's crazy. But, I may need to pass on the bike. I have been trying get along with the "wife" to last as long as we could here and be able to try and save some money and she just informed me this morning that I do nothing to contribute around here. Meanwhile she sang the same tune when I was home with the kids for 7 years, so clearly she is just miserable and always will be. Anyway, I may need to save the money and try moving out this summer, we shall see.

Dizzy- nice to hear from you. I think you should try dusting off the bike and seeing if that gets you motivated. I LOVE riding my bike. Still a good workout but no impact. And I find I can daydream more riding my bike which makes the time pass quicker.

I'm off for now. Hoping to get in some kind of workout tonight. Keeping the fingers crossed.

The Heartbreak Hill Half sounds cool. I've seen it discussed in Runner's World. Might add something in that area to my list of races someday.

I get the feeling that even is a little studio apartment, your life would be improved by moving out. I'm sorry to say that because you seem realy devoted to your kids, but I'll bet you get an energy boost just being away from her negativity.

Dizzy - definitely dust off the bike!

I got in an okay workout yesterday. Ran two miles instead of the three I'd planned, but I was inside on the track (8.5 laps = mile) and I was getting overheated and a bit nauseated. I did a few sets of hip/glute lifts on a machine I have only recently noticed that might help with my glute weakness, and then a core workout from the Neila Rey website I'd posted earlier. It was a good one. As long as the weather isn't awful, I will run with the pups on Sunday.

 

[StayCool]

This will be my first Cherry Blossom. It's a lottery now, so harder to get into. The nice thing about DC is that there are a lot of cool races. The little ones aren't anything to speak of tourism-wise, becuase they're usually up in the downtown area. But the Cherry Blossom, Rock n Roll races, and the Navy-Air Force Half are great options to see the city. Or, just come down as a tourist and run - we have amazing running trail systems that are all interconnected.

I got in an okay workout yesterday. Ran two miles instead of the three I'd planned, but I was inside on the track (8.5 laps = mile) and I was getting overheated and a bit nauseated. I did a few sets of hip/glute lifts on a machine I have only recently noticed that might help with my glute weakness, and then a core workout from the Neila Rey website I'd posted earlier. It was a good one. As long as the weather isn't awful, I will run with the pups on Sunday.

I didn't know that the Cherry Blossom was a lottery. I will keep that in mind. It would be awesome to see the trees in full bloom. Someday I have to take my husband down there and do all the touristy things. He has never been and I know that some of the memorials are very meaningful to him.

I don't know that I could run on a track. Going in circles would be very boring. Especially when you have to run so many laps just for 1 mile.

I was kind of planning on running outside Friday when everyone else was at school/work. It was only 15 degrees out so I decided to pass on that. I really can't wait to get back outside. And it is still January. lol I need to learn some patience.

I got a workout of sorts today. We use wood pellets to heat our house and had to get some today. So I unloaded a ton of pellets from the back of our truck. Up on the tailgate, down and carry the bag 50 times... That should count for something, right?

Still trying to get my motivation back... Holding onto my routine is all I can handle right now.

 

[Waiting2goback]

The Heartbreak Hill Half sounds cool. I've seen it discussed in Runner's World. Might add something in that area to my list of races someday.

I get the feeling that even is a little studio apartment, your life would be improved by moving out. I'm sorry to say that because you seem realy devoted to your kids, but I'll bet you get an energy boost just being away from her negativity.

I got in an okay workout yesterday. Ran two miles instead of the three I'd planned, but I was inside on the track (8.5 laps = mile) and I was getting overheated and a bit nauseated. I did a few sets of hip/glute lifts on a machine I have only recently noticed that might help with my glute weakness, and then a core workout from the Neila Rey website I'd posted earlier. It was a good one. As long as the weather isn't awful, I will run with the pups on Sunday.

I can't tell you if that race is worth it yet or not but I would say if you are coming up here for a race you could try any of the races from the B.A.A. They are the organization that runs the Boston Marathon. I'm guessing they know how to put on a good race.

I would like to come down there and run a race down there. I would like to do the Marine Corp Marathon for sure.

You are 100% correct, a studio apartment would be good for me. The problem is, its tough to fit 4 kids into a studio apartment. But, I will save as much money as I can and see what happens comes summer.

Good job getting in a workout.

I didn't know that the Cherry Blossom was a lottery. I will keep that in mind. It would be awesome to see the trees in full bloom. Someday I have to take my husband down there and do all the touristy things. He has never been and I know that some of the memorials are very meaningful to him.

I don't know that I could run on a track. Going in circles would be very boring. Especially when you have to run so many laps just for 1 mile.

I was kind of planning on running outside Friday when everyone else was at school/work. It was only 15 degrees out so I decided to pass on that. I really can't wait to get back outside. And it is still January. lol I need to learn some patience.

I got a workout of sorts today. We use wood pellets to heat our house and had to get some today. So I unloaded a ton of pellets from the back of our truck. Up on the tailgate, down and carry the bag 50 times... That should count for something, right?

Still trying to get my motivation back... Holding onto my routine is all I can handle right now.

Carrying that many pellets is a workout for sure. Just keep plugging away.


I am struggling big time this past 2 weeks. I have been bummed out for a few reasons. The wife is giving me a hard time more and more lately. I feel lonely a lot lately. The job is killing me physically, I am always in pain from being on my feet.

As a result I haven't been working out consistently, which bothers me because I feel like I am giving into excuses, like everyone else does and I always did. I think if I kept my workouts consistent it would help fight off all of these other issues. I am hoping to get back to it tomorrow and start off a good week and built some momentum.

OK, thanks for letting me vent.

 

[StayCool]

You are 100% correct, a studio apartment would be good for me. The problem is, its tough to fit 4 kids into a studio apartment. But, I will save as much money as I can and see what happens comes summer.

I am struggling big time this past 2 weeks. I have been bummed out for a few reasons. The wife is giving me a hard time more and more lately. I feel lonely a lot lately. The job is killing me physically, I am always in pain from being on my feet.

As a result I haven't been working out consistently, which bothers me because I feel like I am giving into excuses, like everyone else does and I always did. I think if I kept my workouts consistent it would help fight off all of these other issues. I am hoping to get back to it tomorrow and start off a good week and built some momentum.

Yes, getting your own place will make huge difference. Finding one where you can have all your kids will be challenging. Just keep on keeping on and over time it will all resolve. Life will be good again.

As far as the extra time on your feet, you will get used to it. Make sure that you have good shoes on that are supportive and you should probably have more than one pair so you can alternate. When I was a floor nurse my feet hurt all the time until I found the right shoes. Then I could go 12 hours with no problem. I still wear those shoes today.

I am definitely sore today from all the bags of pellets, but it is in a good way. Still not eating right, I just need to rip off the bandaid and tell myself no! I'm spending a lot of time thinking about running again and just can't wait for warmer weather. I would like to become a "real" runner this year. Meaning running 3-4 times per week consistently. Here's to high hopes!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Yes, getting your own place will make huge difference. Finding one where you can have all your kids will be challenging. Just keep on keeping on and over time it will all resolve. Life will be good again.

As far as the extra time on your feet, you will get used to it. Make sure that you have good shoes on that are supportive and you should probably have more than one pair so you can alternate. When I was a floor nurse my feet hurt all the time until I found the right shoes. Then I could go 12 hours with no problem. I still wear those shoes today.

I am definitely sore today from all the bags of pellets, but it is in a good way. Still not eating right, I just need to rip off the bandaid and tell myself no! I'm spending a lot of time thinking about running again and just can't wait for warmer weather. I would like to become a "real" runner this year. Meaning running 3-4 times per week consistently. Here's to high hopes!

I don't know if I'll get used to it. My back, hips, knees, and ankles all hurt. I have good sneakers with gel insoles.

I didn't get to workout today. My manager had me come in early for a training session. I was supposed to get out earlier but that didn't happen because it got busy. Then my wife went out as soon as I got home. Tomorrow I have off but we have 2 feet of snowing coming tomorrow night so I need to hit all the stores to get ready. I will try to find time to get to the gym though. The lack of exercise is impacting my mood, BIG TIME!

So, I am like you StayCool, I am badly waiting for the nice weather. And, you can be a real runner. I became a real runner last year and you can too.

Oh, and I just learned I may not get to run my races this year. I guess vacation time is on a first come basis and one of my coworkers requested a long weekend for almost every weekend from April to October. He has been with the company so long he has enough vacation time to do it. So, I may not get to run. I can tell you that will speed up my looking for a new job if that is the case.

OK, enough of my venting.

 

[Chiomaca]

I didn't know that the Cherry Blossom was a lottery. I will keep that in mind. It would be awesome to see the trees in full bloom. Someday I have to take my husband down there and do all the touristy things. He has never been and I know that some of the memorials are very meaningful to him.

I don't know that I could run on a track. Going in circles would be very boring. Especially when you have to run so many laps just for 1 mile.

I was kind of planning on running outside Friday when everyone else was at school/work. It was only 15 degrees out so I decided to pass on that. I really can't wait to get back outside. And it is still January. lol I need to learn some patience.

I got a workout of sorts today. We use wood pellets to heat our house and had to get some today. So I unloaded a ton of pellets from the back of our truck. Up on the tailgate, down and carry the bag 50 times... That should count for something, right?

Still trying to get my motivation back... Holding onto my routine is all I can handle right now.

The track can be bad, but it's better than the treadmill, mostly. I split it into sections - 8 for a warm up, 4 fast, 4, slow (repeat 2-3 times), 4 cool down. I try never to have to count past 8. And I always run a few extra after I think I'm done because I'm pretty sure I still lose track. I only run for a set time, not distance though.

Hauling wood pellets around definitely counts as both strength and cardio! Bet it got your heart pumping and your body temp up, right? My Aunt does the same with hay bales for the horses.

You got the treadmill cleared off yet?

You are 100% correct, a studio apartment would be good for me. The problem is, its tough to fit 4 kids into a studio apartment. But, I will save as much money as I can and see what happens comes summer.

I don't suppose she'd move out with the stipulation that contributing to some of housing counts towards child support? My sister moved out with her kids and left her husband alone in their house, too. I know there are reasons, but it always seemed selfish for the one without the kids to stay. Then again, my ex-BIL is a pretty charming dude, too. (Sadly, very charismatic which is how he fooled us all.)

Sounds like you definitely need to find another job! And what a jerk your co-worker is being. We have an impolite term for people like that in the military. Any manager who worked for me that allowed that kind of behavior would find him/herself explaining to me exactly why he/she didn't give a crap about the other people in the work center. RHIP should have some limits. (And I'm going to stop there because I have very strong feelings on leadership, management, and taking care of your people that you guys don't need to hear.)

Can you at least do some P90X while you're stuck inside?

I was sort of lazy this weekend. I did a trapeze class Saturday morning because I thought my shoulder would hold up, and it did through the class. I even managed a pull-up, which I didn't think would work. But two hours later the injury pain came back in full force, from the shoulder down the bicep. Not cool. I didn't do anything the rest of the weekend aside from walking the dogs. Today I made a PT appointment for the 9th. In the meantime today, I ran three miles on the track because it was sloppy wet outside, some core work, and wall push-ups since my shoulder isn't up for full-body push-ups. I think this may be my standard weekday workout for a while.

You two North-Easters stay safe this week!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I don't suppose she'd move out with the stipulation that contributing to some of housing counts towards child support? My sister moved out with her kids and left her husband alone in their house, too. I know there are reasons, but it always seemed selfish for the one without the kids to stay. Then again, my ex-BIL is a pretty charming dude, too. (Sadly, very charismatic which is how he fooled us all.)

Sounds like you definitely need to find another job! And what a jerk your co-worker is being. We have an impolite term for people like that in the military. Any manager who worked for me that allowed that kind of behavior would find him/herself explaining to me exactly why he/she didn't give a crap about the other people in the work center. RHIP should have some limits. (And I'm going to stop there because I have very strong feelings on leadership, management, and taking care of your people that you guys don't need to hear.)

Can you at least do some P90X while you're stuck inside?

I was sort of lazy this weekend. I did a trapeze class Saturday morning because I thought my shoulder would hold up, and it did through the class. I even managed a pull-up, which I didn't think would work. But two hours later the injury pain came back in full force, from the shoulder down the bicep. Not cool. I didn't do anything the rest of the weekend aside from walking the dogs. Today I made a PT appointment for the 9th. In the meantime today, I ran three miles on the track because it was sloppy wet outside, some core work, and wall push-ups since my shoulder isn't up for full-body push-ups. I think this may be my standard weekday workout for a while.

You two North-Easters stay safe this week!

My wife doesn't give in on anything. The only way I get what I want is if I go to court and win it but there is no guarantee that I win in this state. The only guarantee there would be is I'd be paying a lot of money in legal fees if I didn't win. I'm not saying I haven't ruled it out because if she keeps telling me I am useless and not contributing then I may just file and fight it out. I have bent over backwards to try and get along with her and at some point everyone has a breaking point.

At this point I am just trying to establish my career to the point I can get a better job as soon as possible. I am studying for my CFA. It is way harder than expected but worth it if I pass.

Once I can move out and still be able to provide a nice place to live for my kids I will do so. I have been looking and the choices are not great given my income right now.

But, I will just keep moving forward. I need to get out of this funk I am in and get back to my regular exercise. It is hard to do with this weather. I know its an excuse but its brutal out there. I am in the 24"+ area with the estimates being as much as 3 feet with 50-60 mile per hour winds. I somehow have to get up and snowblow so I can try to get to work only to come home and snowblow again.

Should they cancel work, due to a state of emergency, and I am home with power in the house I will try to get in a workout. I have been feeling achy and stuffy all day. Its all so frustrating.

Are you sure you didn't injure your shoulder? The pain all the way down the bicep is concerning. Make sure you fully heal before you do anymore circus workouts so you don't do any permanent damage. Stick to your running for now.

 

[StayCool]

So, I am like you StayCool, I am badly waiting for the nice weather. And, you can be a real runner. I became a real runner last year and you can too.

Oh, and I just learned I may not get to run my races this year. I guess vacation time is on a first come basis and one of my coworkers requested a long weekend for almost every weekend from April to October. He has been with the company so long he has enough vacation time to do it. So, I may not get to run. I can tell you that will speed up my looking for a new job if that is the case.

I hope you are prepared for the storm. I imagine you are getting a lot more than I am!

I will work on being a "real" runner as soon as I can either get outside or on my stinking treadmill. Erf. And as far as your coworker being off, can only 1 person be off at a time? If that is the case, I agree with Chiomaca. That is ridiculous. I can understand seniority. I have worked in union shops and everything is about seniority. However, this is ridiculous. How does someone get that much vacation time anyway?

The track can be bad, but it's better than the treadmill, mostly. I split it into sections - 8 for a warm up, 4 fast, 4, slow (repeat 2-3 times), 4 cool down. I try never to have to count past 8. And I always run a few extra after I think I'm done because I'm pretty sure I still lose track. I only run for a set time, not distance though.

Hauling wood pellets around definitely counts as both strength and cardio! Bet it got your heart pumping and your body temp up, right? My Aunt does the same with hay bales for the horses.

You got the treadmill cleared off yet?

I was sort of lazy this weekend. I did a trapeze class Saturday morning because I thought my shoulder would hold up, and it did through the class. I even managed a pull-up, which I didn't think would work. But two hours later the injury pain came back in full force, from the shoulder down the bicep. Not cool. I didn't do anything the rest of the weekend aside from walking the dogs. Today I made a PT appointment for the 9th. In the meantime today, I ran three miles on the track because it was sloppy wet outside, some core work, and wall push-ups since my shoulder isn't up for full-body push-ups. I think this may be my standard weekday workout for a while.

You two North-Easters stay safe this week!

I can see where the track would be better than the treadmill. No watching your footing and you still get to control your speed. When I think of a track all I imagine is a circle... round and round. lol

Moving the pellets definitely got my HR up and I took my coat off. I have some residual soreness in my quads, obliques and biceps. I intentionally made it harder than it had to be just to get the workout in. lol And it seems like the pellet supply is starting to dry up some and we will need one more ton... so that will be my weekend again.

No treadmill yet. I'm about to clear it off and use it where it sits. But my husband has been consistently working on the room so it's not for lack of trying. It is so weird to think that I am itching to run. I haven't done it since October but I am definitely itching.

Not cool about the shoulder. I had a shoulder impingement once (from trying to do "real" pushups ) and lived with it until it started keeping me up at night. Now I swear by PT. I hope you get in there and get what you need. At least you can still run and do some modified exercises.

Well the snow is here in my area. It's that really fine stuff that is slippery. We won't get much compared to Waiting2goback, but I guess I will see when I get up in the morning. I came home from Zumba tonight and slid past my driveway. I have a Chrysler Aspen which is a huge all wheel drive SUV and tonight was the first time it has ever slid on the road. I've even tried to make it slide when I was in a parking lot screwing around. Tonight, just driving straight and scared the crap out of me!

I did get my Zumba in tonight. I wasn't going to let the snow get in my way. I think I am ready to get my head back in the game now. I pushed a lot harder at Zumba tonight and it felt good. I am fully expecting a gain tomorrow on the scale because my eating has been so horrible. But I think I found my motivation. So here we go!

 

[StayCool]

Ok, well weigh in is today. Down 0.8 lbs and I ate everything in sight this weekend. Oh well I will definitely take it. Here's to starting strong this week and staying on track!

I forgot to post something yesterday. So, I have this drawer of clothes that are just too small. So I put them away thinking that *someday* I would get into them. Most of them are brand new with tags that I didn't try on when I bought them and I suck at returning things. Anyway, when I was doing laundry this weekend I was transitioning out clothes that are too big and I went to put them in that same drawer. So I decided to try on the stuff in there just for the heck of it and it fit!!! I was pretty surprised actually but it made me feel like I am accomplishing something.

Happy Monday!