I've done some good training lately. Let's see if I can recall it all in order to post about it!
On the 22nd (the date of my last post), I swam for about 35 minutes. My H got frustrated with his swimming and quit early and in the midst of that I lost track of my laps. I'm pretty sure I did 11 and possibly 12 laps (I try to underestimate).
On the 23rd, I ran: 2.25 miles (10/20 run/walk).
On Christmas eve I got up and went for a swim by myself mid-morning. I kept track and I know that I did 12 laps. I was comfortably swiming a full lap without rest, so I feel like I am definitely making progress. Then I got home and did another PowerFit workout. This time, I did the back, biceps & thighs workout. I liked it! That afternoon, we took the dogs for a 1.5 hour hike - man did they love that! My legs were wiped out by the end of the day.
On Christmas day, we did a 25 mile ride. I had NO spark in my legs the whole time. The good news was that my legs were no worse off at the end of the ride than they were at the beginning. The bad news was that my neck, shoulders and back were bothering me...I really need to get more time in the saddle to better condition all those muscles again. While I was no faster at all (still a sucky strength to weight ratio going on!), I was breating much easier on the longer hills. The swimming and biking are clearly helping my cardio conditioning...so that is a major plus.
I took the 26th off and then on Sunday, the 27th, we took the dogs for another hike. I was scheduled to run, but I blew it off. I just had no energy!
Yesterday was going to be my next swim, but since I blew off my run on Sunday, I opted to delay the swim so that I could run and get back on schedule. I did another 2.25 mile run in 10/20 run/walk.
This is what my schedule looks like for the rest of the week:
Monday - run (done)
Tuesday - swim
Wednesday - run & PowerFit workout
Thursday - swim & core workout
Friday - run & PowerFit workout
Saturday - bike ride?
Sunday - swim & run
I am really enjoying the fact that I am starting to see some progress. It's so hard to get moving again after a time away, but the nice part is that gains are really, really aparent when you are this out of shape! ;-) Now...if only I could get my eating better under control. I was doing pretty well last week and then let Kringle get in my way. I managed to restrict my eating of it to Christmas day, but there was also a small blizzard consumed on Christmas eve and those two things set off the sugar cravings again. This week, my goal is to cut out sweets/sugar and get that craving monster under control again. Once I do that, I'll pick another item to work on. I think, that for once in my life, this step by step progress might actually work! I'm already done with diet coke (and all sodas)...so that's a start. Sugar and desserts are next. After that, I'll probably work on getting the veggie count up.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Priorities
How does one get their life in order? I find myself struggling with this constantly. Honestly, I somehow thought that as I got older, it would get easier. This has definitely not been the case.
Anyway, since last Wednesday, the only thing I've done is an 8/22 run on Sunday and one of my new PowerFit workouts (triceps, chest & butt). For the run, I changed from 1 min run intervals to 2 min run intervals. I did this because running for 1 minute wasn't a challenge at all. Going to 2 minutes means that I cruise through the first minute and then as I hit minute #2, I start to breathe a bit. I think a 3 minute interval would be a better challenge, but I don't want to rush my foot. Speaking of which, it's been hurting a lot lately. I don't know why, but I was really paying attention on Sunday during the run/walk and it actually hurt less when I was running than when I was walking. That little discovery kept me going.
Tonight I'll be doing swim #3. I just found out that the 10-week swim training session at the pool where the Tri is held does not fit my schedule real well. I'm going to see what I can find closer to home (at our training pool) instead. I may also just work on my own...depending on how things go.
Because I'll be swimming tonight, I'm moving my run/walks to Wed & Fri this week. And we will swim on Tues & Thurs. I will also be adding a PowerFit workout on run nights. I really want to do more of a focus on my core strengthening both for running, swimming and to hopefully solve this back pain issue. If I get strong and it still hurts, then I'll know a doctor's visit is in order.
Lastly, I joined a mentoring group over at BT, but I'm not 100% sure I'm ready to commit to it. I don't want to do this 'hard core' just yet and I'm afraid that'll be the MO over there. We'll see. If I set up MY plans - I can stick to just them and call it good. This is about ME...not about what anyone else is doing and I need to remind myself of that occasionally! :-)
Anyway, since last Wednesday, the only thing I've done is an 8/22 run on Sunday and one of my new PowerFit workouts (triceps, chest & butt). For the run, I changed from 1 min run intervals to 2 min run intervals. I did this because running for 1 minute wasn't a challenge at all. Going to 2 minutes means that I cruise through the first minute and then as I hit minute #2, I start to breathe a bit. I think a 3 minute interval would be a better challenge, but I don't want to rush my foot. Speaking of which, it's been hurting a lot lately. I don't know why, but I was really paying attention on Sunday during the run/walk and it actually hurt less when I was running than when I was walking. That little discovery kept me going.
Tonight I'll be doing swim #3. I just found out that the 10-week swim training session at the pool where the Tri is held does not fit my schedule real well. I'm going to see what I can find closer to home (at our training pool) instead. I may also just work on my own...depending on how things go.
Because I'll be swimming tonight, I'm moving my run/walks to Wed & Fri this week. And we will swim on Tues & Thurs. I will also be adding a PowerFit workout on run nights. I really want to do more of a focus on my core strengthening both for running, swimming and to hopefully solve this back pain issue. If I get strong and it still hurts, then I'll know a doctor's visit is in order.
Lastly, I joined a mentoring group over at BT, but I'm not 100% sure I'm ready to commit to it. I don't want to do this 'hard core' just yet and I'm afraid that'll be the MO over there. We'll see. If I set up MY plans - I can stick to just them and call it good. This is about ME...not about what anyone else is doing and I need to remind myself of that occasionally! :-)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Not Quite Fish-like yet
I did my second swim workout last night and it was a definite improvement over Sunday's effort.
We jumped in and I pretty much started swimming straight off - trying to really, really take it easy. I imediately lost track of the lap count. Basically, after the first lap, I was able to swim a length, rest a few seconds, swim back about 1/2 way and then I started to breast stroke because my breathing got too fast for my stroke again. Then I would get to the wall, rest for a minute or two, and then head out again. Each time I completed a lap, it took me a tad longer to recover my breath, so I know I was progressively challenging myself.
In between each lap, I tried to offer up some advice to my husband who was working on his breathing in the same lane. I really wish that I'd kept track of my laps, but when we started out, I didn't think I'd be able to do so many that I'd care! I'd say that I did a minumum of 8 laps, and more likely closer to 10 or 11. While that's not much by most people's standards, it's a big improvement over Sunday's effort, so I'm pleased. I obviously still have a long way to go.
So what I was doing is this: On the first lap, I breathed every third or fourth stroke and I started out breathing to my left (my strong side) that whole length. Then on the return trip, I switched and worked on breathing only to my right. I'd get about halfway back, breathing every stroke, and then I'd need to breast stroke or choke. So then I got smart and started with my WEAK side on the way down when I was fresh and then went to my strong side for the return trip. This worked a little better as I was able to make it 3/4ths of the way back in that pattern. I basically figure that the more I do, the better I'll get. Eventually I'll be able to make it all the way back, and then someday, I'll be able to skip the resting at the wall. I believe that I have the muscular/body strength (possibly with a few form tweaks), but I just need to improve my cardio capacity for this sport (well, for all sports, but this one first!).
I'm a little stiff and sore today. My hipflexors were sore from running the night before, so I was worried that swimming would be hard. I didn't notice any muscle pain in the pool, but this morning my whole lower body aches. Oh, I also was paying attention to whether or not I side kick while breathing (and if I rotate my body as I swim) and I do. That pleased me. I guess I must have actually learned something in all those swim lessons and training sessions I did as a child!
I'm looking forward to getting good at this. All I need now is some chlorine neutralizing shampoo/body wash and I'll be all set. ;-)
We jumped in and I pretty much started swimming straight off - trying to really, really take it easy. I imediately lost track of the lap count. Basically, after the first lap, I was able to swim a length, rest a few seconds, swim back about 1/2 way and then I started to breast stroke because my breathing got too fast for my stroke again. Then I would get to the wall, rest for a minute or two, and then head out again. Each time I completed a lap, it took me a tad longer to recover my breath, so I know I was progressively challenging myself.
In between each lap, I tried to offer up some advice to my husband who was working on his breathing in the same lane. I really wish that I'd kept track of my laps, but when we started out, I didn't think I'd be able to do so many that I'd care! I'd say that I did a minumum of 8 laps, and more likely closer to 10 or 11. While that's not much by most people's standards, it's a big improvement over Sunday's effort, so I'm pleased. I obviously still have a long way to go.
So what I was doing is this: On the first lap, I breathed every third or fourth stroke and I started out breathing to my left (my strong side) that whole length. Then on the return trip, I switched and worked on breathing only to my right. I'd get about halfway back, breathing every stroke, and then I'd need to breast stroke or choke. So then I got smart and started with my WEAK side on the way down when I was fresh and then went to my strong side for the return trip. This worked a little better as I was able to make it 3/4ths of the way back in that pattern. I basically figure that the more I do, the better I'll get. Eventually I'll be able to make it all the way back, and then someday, I'll be able to skip the resting at the wall. I believe that I have the muscular/body strength (possibly with a few form tweaks), but I just need to improve my cardio capacity for this sport (well, for all sports, but this one first!).
I'm a little stiff and sore today. My hipflexors were sore from running the night before, so I was worried that swimming would be hard. I didn't notice any muscle pain in the pool, but this morning my whole lower body aches. Oh, I also was paying attention to whether or not I side kick while breathing (and if I rotate my body as I swim) and I do. That pleased me. I guess I must have actually learned something in all those swim lessons and training sessions I did as a child!
I'm looking forward to getting good at this. All I need now is some chlorine neutralizing shampoo/body wash and I'll be all set. ;-)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Catching up....
in more ways that one!
Let's see - I've been a total slacker when it comes to running and pretty much all training. I don't know what happened to me last week, but I let it get away from me. Part of the problem was that I had many days where I ended up staying late at work. That just set me up with entitlement issues and feeling the need for 'rewards' for all the hard work I was doing. And of course, I convinced myself that I was 'too tired' for working out. Ugh.
The good news is that week is behind me. I'm pretty sure it was also the last week that I can afford to throw away with a looming tri next spring! On Saturday I spent the day running errands and cooking. I also did quite a bit of chores around the farm. Unfortunately, by the time evening came around I was exhausted and really just needed to sit down. We watched a movie and went to bed early. On Sunday we got up reasonably early and headed out for breakfast and then to join the pool.
After we forked over our six month membership fee, we headed for the locker rooms to change into our suits. We weren't sure where to shower before swimming, so we skipped it. Then when we went to swim, we weren't sure what lane we should be in...what exactly does 'slow', 'medium' and 'fast' mean? Luckily, there weren't too many people there and as we were trying to decide which lane to choose, the guy in 'slow' moved over. We opted for 'slow'. I jumped in and immediately started swimming. It felt good! For a bit...then I started to breathe harder...and then harder...and then I couldn't even swim freestyle anymore because I needed to breathe more often than my stroke would allow. All this happend in the time it took me to swim 4 lengths of the pool. Wow, I'm out of shape!
What is confusing is how I get in shape. Do I just keep doing this and just stopping when I get to the point where my form falls apart? Or do I then switch to breast stroke and keep going? I think my plan will be to try and hold back more on the freestyle so that I can go for longer...and then when I can't, switch to breast stroke and maybe alternate the two for a bit. I've also got a few form pointers that I can work on, so that'll help me get my mind off needing to breathe way more than my stroke allows! ;-) I also tried to time myself. I wanted to know how long it took me to swim 500 yards (the length of our tri swim). This was difficult to do. First of all, I'm out of shape and couldn't swim 500 yards. Secondly, the pool was set up in meters, not yards and thirdly, I kept losing count! Tonight I'll try to pay closer attention - I also know that 9 laps in a 25 meter pool is almost the same as 10 laps in a 25 yard pool so that'll be my timing goal (eventually). Right now, my goal is to have the ability to swim 500 yards in one session!
Yesterday I had to work late again, but when I got home, I had a light dinner and then forced myself to put on my running shoes. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill in an 8/22 run walk pattern. It wasn't particularly difficult and in fact, felt better than the 6/24 intervals because the whole thing seemed to go faster. What I think I'll do next time is try and change my intervals to 4x2min ones insead of 8x1min ones. This is because 1 minute really doesn't challenge my cardiovascular capacity and if I don't, I can't improve it. This will also mean longer walk intervals which is boring...but I'll live. I pretty much skipped the entire 6/24 week (only did it once), so I hope that doesn't mess up my progression. The 8/22 didn't feel too challenging and even though my hips are sore today, I think I can keep going with this level. I believe that this will still allow me to get to 30 minutes of straight running by the time the tri rolls around.
Let's see - I've been a total slacker when it comes to running and pretty much all training. I don't know what happened to me last week, but I let it get away from me. Part of the problem was that I had many days where I ended up staying late at work. That just set me up with entitlement issues and feeling the need for 'rewards' for all the hard work I was doing. And of course, I convinced myself that I was 'too tired' for working out. Ugh.
The good news is that week is behind me. I'm pretty sure it was also the last week that I can afford to throw away with a looming tri next spring! On Saturday I spent the day running errands and cooking. I also did quite a bit of chores around the farm. Unfortunately, by the time evening came around I was exhausted and really just needed to sit down. We watched a movie and went to bed early. On Sunday we got up reasonably early and headed out for breakfast and then to join the pool.
After we forked over our six month membership fee, we headed for the locker rooms to change into our suits. We weren't sure where to shower before swimming, so we skipped it. Then when we went to swim, we weren't sure what lane we should be in...what exactly does 'slow', 'medium' and 'fast' mean? Luckily, there weren't too many people there and as we were trying to decide which lane to choose, the guy in 'slow' moved over. We opted for 'slow'. I jumped in and immediately started swimming. It felt good! For a bit...then I started to breathe harder...and then harder...and then I couldn't even swim freestyle anymore because I needed to breathe more often than my stroke would allow. All this happend in the time it took me to swim 4 lengths of the pool. Wow, I'm out of shape!
What is confusing is how I get in shape. Do I just keep doing this and just stopping when I get to the point where my form falls apart? Or do I then switch to breast stroke and keep going? I think my plan will be to try and hold back more on the freestyle so that I can go for longer...and then when I can't, switch to breast stroke and maybe alternate the two for a bit. I've also got a few form pointers that I can work on, so that'll help me get my mind off needing to breathe way more than my stroke allows! ;-) I also tried to time myself. I wanted to know how long it took me to swim 500 yards (the length of our tri swim). This was difficult to do. First of all, I'm out of shape and couldn't swim 500 yards. Secondly, the pool was set up in meters, not yards and thirdly, I kept losing count! Tonight I'll try to pay closer attention - I also know that 9 laps in a 25 meter pool is almost the same as 10 laps in a 25 yard pool so that'll be my timing goal (eventually). Right now, my goal is to have the ability to swim 500 yards in one session!
Yesterday I had to work late again, but when I got home, I had a light dinner and then forced myself to put on my running shoes. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill in an 8/22 run walk pattern. It wasn't particularly difficult and in fact, felt better than the 6/24 intervals because the whole thing seemed to go faster. What I think I'll do next time is try and change my intervals to 4x2min ones insead of 8x1min ones. This is because 1 minute really doesn't challenge my cardiovascular capacity and if I don't, I can't improve it. This will also mean longer walk intervals which is boring...but I'll live. I pretty much skipped the entire 6/24 week (only did it once), so I hope that doesn't mess up my progression. The 8/22 didn't feel too challenging and even though my hips are sore today, I think I can keep going with this level. I believe that this will still allow me to get to 30 minutes of straight running by the time the tri rolls around.
Monday, December 7, 2009
I love cold weather!
This was taken last year at our house - we have no snow yet this year. It's true...I do. I'm just happier and feel better about life when the air is cold and bright. Weirdo. Yep!
So anyway, when the day dawned sunny and chilly on Saturday, I was thrilled that we had planned to ride. I wanted to leave by 10:30, but it was closer to 11:15 before we got out on the road. No matter, we still had plenty of time to get in a nice ride (base building intensity) before I had to get showered to get to the hairdresser! We did about 26 miles - rolling hills - and it was very enjoyable. I'm still working too hard up hills, but until I drop some poundage, that isn't likely to change. My bike felt good, I was dressed correctly, and I feel like I got a nice workout. My lower back was screaming at me by the end, but honestly, not as loudly as the previous week, so that's good.
We got home, I took a shower, scarfed down some pasta & sauce leftovers and proceeded to load wood. We are expecting some cold temps the early part of this week, so I wanted the wood rack in the house to be FULL. Then I headed to my haircut. By the time that was done, I was ravenous. Apparently, a medium sized bowl of pasta was not enough fuel! We went out for Mexican and I definitely ate too many chips with salsa. Go figure. Eh.
Sunday was a lousy day. I was grumpy all day and nothing seemed to be going right. By the end of the day, I just wanted to go to bed so that the day would be done. We didn't get to swim because we don't have the money to pay for the pool memembership right now. I get paid on Friday - so I'm going to INSIST that we join next weekend. Secondly, I let the whole day get away from me before I realized that I was supposed to run! How did I let that happen? I don't think I'll "make it up". I think I'll just move on with whatever run I've got scheduled for Tuesday. Tonight I'll be doing some type of full body weight workout - with core. Can't wait!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Lower body difficulty
Training update:
Weights - Super Body Sculpt (FIRM)
Run - 6/24 2.0 miles
The strength workout was a bit of an eye-opener. First of all, I blasted through the upper body just fine and made note of where I needed to increase the weights. Then the workout moved on to lower body. In this workout, they are done in two distinct sections so that you can do either one for a short workout, or the whole thing for a longer one. Anyway, the lower body workout got to me. I was doing ok with squats but when we got to the leg press, I was dying. I picked up a fairly heavy weight (probably low end of 'heavy' when I was fitter) and did the first set. My right knee was making a little noise, so I slowed my tempo below the instructor and then kept track of how many I did so that I could match it on the other leg. I managed 12 to her 16. The workout then moved on to dips but I had to rest. I let that section go by and rejoined for lunges. When the second set of leg press came around, I almost opted out again but then decided that doing it without weights was better than standing there staring at the tv. That's when I realized why all the lower body work is so hard for me even though my lower body should be in better shape that the rest of me due to biking. All the lower body moves involve lifting both my weights AND my body weight. I'm 30 lbs heavier than when I last did some of these workouts! That's a hell of an extra barbell on my shoulders (or my ass)!! Once I realized this, I felt a little better about myself. I also realized that I was purposely not pushing the lower body that hard knowing that I still had a run to do and that we were biking Saturday morning.
So the run went fine. I was actually walking a tad slower than usual, but for whatver reasons, my normal 'power walking' speed just felt too fast. Maybe it was because I'd already done the weight workout? Either way, I kept my running intervals above 6.0 mph (up to 7.0 mph by the last one). I also created my cheat sheet for the 22/8 walk/run workouts which start next Tuesday.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Stumbling but not falling
That is how my fitness/training is going right now! I keep stumbling...but I'm not quite out and I WILL continue to keep on getting up and trying again.
Last night we didn't swim. I found out at 4:42 that I had a conference call with one of my customers at 5:00 for which I had to present. Nice. That ran late and I ended up not leaving work until after 7. Ugh. By the time I got home, I had a migraine. Thought it was from not eating squat since about noon, so I didn't take anything for it except dinner (leftovers). An hour later, it was still throbbing so I opted out of a workout in favor of Excedrin and quiet.
I slept like a log though. I think I was really tired.
Tonight I am meeting my husband for sushi after work. I love having sushi for dinner because I can keep from stuffing myself and it never interferes with workouts. On the training plan for today is a 24/6 run and some type of weight work. I might do a short full body workout and then my run as a way to loosen up a bit.
The plan for the weekend is as follows:
Friday - core workout and doing some Chi Running reading
Saturday - bike ride (probably 25 - 30 miles)
Sunday - swim (eek!) and then a 24/6 run
Last night we didn't swim. I found out at 4:42 that I had a conference call with one of my customers at 5:00 for which I had to present. Nice. That ran late and I ended up not leaving work until after 7. Ugh. By the time I got home, I had a migraine. Thought it was from not eating squat since about noon, so I didn't take anything for it except dinner (leftovers). An hour later, it was still throbbing so I opted out of a workout in favor of Excedrin and quiet.
I slept like a log though. I think I was really tired.
Tonight I am meeting my husband for sushi after work. I love having sushi for dinner because I can keep from stuffing myself and it never interferes with workouts. On the training plan for today is a 24/6 run and some type of weight work. I might do a short full body workout and then my run as a way to loosen up a bit.
The plan for the weekend is as follows:
Friday - core workout and doing some Chi Running reading
Saturday - bike ride (probably 25 - 30 miles)
Sunday - swim (eek!) and then a 24/6 run
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Official Triathlon Training begins!
I think I'm going to start using this blog to record my training (not workouts!) in earnest. While I'm still not really in the mood to blog about my fitness at the moment, as I mentioned before, I know that 1)once I get going, I'll be fine and 2) that I need a place to record my progress because once I get up to speed, I'm going to want to see where I started and how I got there.
So...consider this the first day on a new journey.
This new journey begins with actually signing up for my first triathlon. Yes, you read that right - I have officially signed up! I'll be doing the Canby Gator Grinder sprint triathlon next May. A sprint triathlon is a shorter distance tri. In the case of the Canby one, it'll be a 500 yd swim, 12.5 mile bike and 5K run. About 12 hours after I signed up, my husband got the bug and also signed up. It'll be his first as well. I'm happy to have him along for the ride, but I've warned him that his training is his own responsibility. We have different strengths and weaknesses, so we cannot do all our training together like we did for cycling events in the past. I will say that I'm glad he'll be at least going with me for my first swim. I'm still nervous about it - again, not the swimming part, but the pool etiquitte part! ;-)
I've also been looking for some other events to add to my new calendar. I think I'm driven to do this because I kind of feel like I could do a sprint tri right now (with no training) so while I do want to train because I want to do WELL, I feel like I also need a bigger challenge. I'm planning on riding the Crater Lake Century next August which will definitely be a challenge since I have not been doing long rides AND, it's at altitudes that my bike has never seen. So my season starts with the first sprint tri in May. Then I am thinking about adding another sprint tri in June but one with a lake swim (Canby is a pool swim). Then I'll do the century in August (saving July for training and farming). There are two Olympic distance triathons in September that I am considering. These would be about double the length of a sprint tri (1500 yd/meter swim, 25-30 mile bike and 5-6 mile run). This would definitely be a challenge (swim & run, anyway) and I want it on my schedule for the motivation it will provide. Plus, I'd like to be able to say that I've done an Oly!
What's next? HIM? Ironman? You never know! ;-)
Anyway, I think I'll start recording my training as I do it. Right now I've got a running plan that I am following that will take me to within a couple of weeks of the tri. Biking consists of occasional weekend rides and once it starts to get lighter, will also include some commuting to work. Swimming starts tonight and will probably be a couple of days a week of getting in shape for now. In February, I'm thinking of siging up for a group training class that takes place at the Canby pool and that meets once a week every week until the tri. In February, I'll also start using a sprint tri training plan that will include more structured workouts and some bricks but for now, I just need to get comfortable with each of the disciplines.
I'll be back tomorrow with my first official training update!
So...consider this the first day on a new journey.
This new journey begins with actually signing up for my first triathlon. Yes, you read that right - I have officially signed up! I'll be doing the Canby Gator Grinder sprint triathlon next May. A sprint triathlon is a shorter distance tri. In the case of the Canby one, it'll be a 500 yd swim, 12.5 mile bike and 5K run. About 12 hours after I signed up, my husband got the bug and also signed up. It'll be his first as well. I'm happy to have him along for the ride, but I've warned him that his training is his own responsibility. We have different strengths and weaknesses, so we cannot do all our training together like we did for cycling events in the past. I will say that I'm glad he'll be at least going with me for my first swim. I'm still nervous about it - again, not the swimming part, but the pool etiquitte part! ;-)
I've also been looking for some other events to add to my new calendar. I think I'm driven to do this because I kind of feel like I could do a sprint tri right now (with no training) so while I do want to train because I want to do WELL, I feel like I also need a bigger challenge. I'm planning on riding the Crater Lake Century next August which will definitely be a challenge since I have not been doing long rides AND, it's at altitudes that my bike has never seen. So my season starts with the first sprint tri in May. Then I am thinking about adding another sprint tri in June but one with a lake swim (Canby is a pool swim). Then I'll do the century in August (saving July for training and farming). There are two Olympic distance triathons in September that I am considering. These would be about double the length of a sprint tri (1500 yd/meter swim, 25-30 mile bike and 5-6 mile run). This would definitely be a challenge (swim & run, anyway) and I want it on my schedule for the motivation it will provide. Plus, I'd like to be able to say that I've done an Oly!
What's next? HIM? Ironman? You never know! ;-)
Anyway, I think I'll start recording my training as I do it. Right now I've got a running plan that I am following that will take me to within a couple of weeks of the tri. Biking consists of occasional weekend rides and once it starts to get lighter, will also include some commuting to work. Swimming starts tonight and will probably be a couple of days a week of getting in shape for now. In February, I'm thinking of siging up for a group training class that takes place at the Canby pool and that meets once a week every week until the tri. In February, I'll also start using a sprint tri training plan that will include more structured workouts and some bricks but for now, I just need to get comfortable with each of the disciplines.
I'll be back tomorrow with my first official training update!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Training vs working out
Seriously - what is the difference? People generally make this distinction, but for the life of me, I'm not sure why.
If your workouts are desgined to make you faster or better for some event, near as I can tell, this makes them 'training'. But what about training for life? Or for weight loss? Or for physique? Does it have to be an event?
And really, isn't it all just semantics?
I will readily admit that I have a greater compulsion to hit all my training sessions moreso that I do all my workouts. Maybe it's because training implies a seriousness that should not be ignored and an end time frame which cannot be changed. Or maybe it's because by its nature, the word training indicates that if you do it, there will be progress.
Whatever the reasons, 'training' sounds better than working out. For from now on, I'm in training. :-p
If your workouts are desgined to make you faster or better for some event, near as I can tell, this makes them 'training'. But what about training for life? Or for weight loss? Or for physique? Does it have to be an event?
And really, isn't it all just semantics?
I will readily admit that I have a greater compulsion to hit all my training sessions moreso that I do all my workouts. Maybe it's because training implies a seriousness that should not be ignored and an end time frame which cannot be changed. Or maybe it's because by its nature, the word training indicates that if you do it, there will be progress.
Whatever the reasons, 'training' sounds better than working out. For from now on, I'm in training. :-p
Monday, November 23, 2009
Progress report
I'm not sure if I am going to use this blog to track my training or if I'll use some other source. For now, I'll just update when I can and call it good. I'm not much into writing these days and yet I know that when it's all said and done, I'm going to want a record of my journey.
I've started 'running' since my last post. I put the word running in quotes because you cannot justifiably call what I do running. It's more like fast walking with some run intervals. I'm up to 24 min walk with 6 min of running. I'll do one more at this length tonight and then I go to 22 min walk/ 8 min run. I'm up to running at 6.0 mph or faster for the intervals - but seeing as they are so short, it's not hard. I actually prefer to run faster to blow off the frustration of forcing myself to walk so much! My foot has been pain free until the last week when it aches occasionally, but nothing too much to take.
On the recommendation of some women on TE, I bought the ChiRunning book. It's about running using the principles of Tai'Chi to help you be more efficient, and to be pain free. It's all about using the correct biomechanics in your form. It sounds amazing and I really, really hope it works. I just hope that I have the ability to learn all this stuff from a book! I might check to see if they have an certified trainers here in my area. I could certainly use all the help I can get!
Yesterday we explored the aquatic center. It was nice! The smell/feel of the pool area brought back a lot of memories from high school. I'm looking forward to getting some swiming under my belt. I'd really like to get my husband to swim with me a few times to get me started, but I'm not sure if he's going to commit or not. Even if he doesn't, I'll still force myself to go. I know it'll get easier once I get the hang of it. And to be clear - I'm nervous about the etiquitte of swimming and using the pool and the lanes...not about the actual swim itself! I have two suits that will work, but neither are perfect. There is one more on its way, so one of the three will have to do. I also have goggles (but no swim cap yet). I have very short hair still, so I may not be required to wear a cap, but I'll want to get used to one as we get closer to the TRI, of course. We didn't join the pool when we were there because we've been spending SOOO much money this weekend. I get paid on Wednesday though - so I'm thinking I'll sign up and do my first swim next weekend. Eeek!
Lastly, I've been doing full body FIRM weight workouts about once a week. I know that's not enough, but hey...it's something. ;-)
Friday, October 30, 2009
It's official
I've agreed to do my first TRI - a sprint distance in early May. Oy!
I will actually start my 'training' tomorrow with my first run in 4.5 years. Here's to hoping I can ramp it up slow enough to avoid foot trouble. Actually, last weekend I was in Cabo with some girlfriends. We did a TON of walking and while I managed to develop shin splints (something I totally forgot was a problem for me when doing lots of walking), my foot never once started to hurt. That is HUGE and it may bode well for eventually running again.
So the plan is as follows (officially - I think I've mentioned this before):
Oct 31st: begin running (SLOWLY)
Nov 15th (or thereabouts): begin swimming
I'll be joining a local pool club OR a local gym that has a pool. I'll need to take lessons to learn how to breathe properly since sprinting while holding my breath (how I used to swim competitively) will not fly when the distance is 500 yards or longer.
Dec 1: sign up for the TRI!
Feb 10th: begin 11 week training program
In the meantime, I'm going to be ramping up my activity in general, using a lot of circuit training to get back into both cardio and strength shape, and losing weight.
I took off my GWF while I was in Cabo, but I have it back on now and I'm trying to get in more 'steps'. Yesterday I met all my goals except my calories - I was still 800 short. I'll do better going forward.
As far as what I will record here - I'm not sure. I may log my training, I may log my progress (speed, scale, etc)....I may just use this for a place for word spewing...we'll see.
I will actually start my 'training' tomorrow with my first run in 4.5 years. Here's to hoping I can ramp it up slow enough to avoid foot trouble. Actually, last weekend I was in Cabo with some girlfriends. We did a TON of walking and while I managed to develop shin splints (something I totally forgot was a problem for me when doing lots of walking), my foot never once started to hurt. That is HUGE and it may bode well for eventually running again.
So the plan is as follows (officially - I think I've mentioned this before):
Oct 31st: begin running (SLOWLY)
Nov 15th (or thereabouts): begin swimming
I'll be joining a local pool club OR a local gym that has a pool. I'll need to take lessons to learn how to breathe properly since sprinting while holding my breath (how I used to swim competitively) will not fly when the distance is 500 yards or longer.
Dec 1: sign up for the TRI!
Feb 10th: begin 11 week training program
In the meantime, I'm going to be ramping up my activity in general, using a lot of circuit training to get back into both cardio and strength shape, and losing weight.
I took off my GWF while I was in Cabo, but I have it back on now and I'm trying to get in more 'steps'. Yesterday I met all my goals except my calories - I was still 800 short. I'll do better going forward.
As far as what I will record here - I'm not sure. I may log my training, I may log my progress (speed, scale, etc)....I may just use this for a place for word spewing...we'll see.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Motivation waves
The last time I updated, I was on a fitness 'high'. Since then, I've done very little activity. Thanks to my GWF, I've also been staying on top of my consumption and kept it in check, but still. The point of this whole effort is to improve my fitness...not to just try and eat next to nothing so that I can sit on the couch all night! I just find it interesting that depending on the time of day, I might be on a motivation high or a motivation low. I know that for the past few days, the highs have come when there was nothing I could do about it (like at work) and the lows come when I've got the time to do the workout. Figures.
I was planning on working out on Monday night but after work we picked tomatoes like mad for a few hours and by the time we went in (we were picking in the dark with lamps!), it was late. We made dinner but there really wasn't time to digest before doing a workout. I can't workout past about 9:30 pm or then I can't sleep, so I skipped it. On Tuesday, I got hooked on watching the biggest loser again. Ugh! Wednesday I met a friend for dinner (healthy sushi), but I got home rather late and again couldn't see fitting in a workout before I had to get to bed. And as it is, mornings have been REALLY difficult this week. I just can't seem to drag my butt out of bed right away when the alarm goes off. It's pathetic, actually.
Tonight I've got nothing planned but cooking a healthy dinner and then doing a nice workout. I'd like to do a full body strength workout and then do a little running on the treadmill. Tomorrow I'd planned to bike into work but logistically, that's turning into a nightmare. I *may* still be able to figure out a way to do this...I'd have to leave the party liquor here at work. I'll have to carry a half gallon of milk in a glass jar with me on my commute. And I'd have to bike to the grocery store at lunch tomorrow to pick up the last few things I need for the party. Biking to my friend's house after work will be laughable, too. I'll be carrying a full bottle of tequila, one of grand marnier, two cans of limeade, my clothing, my laptop and my purse. Let's just hope it's not pouring rain!! (Ugh, I just checked...it's supposed to be!) I may have to rethink this...
Anyway, I'm getting more and more excited about the possiblity of doing my first sprint triathlon next spring. My plan is to slowly ramp up my running over the next month to see how it goes. If I can do it (even slowly) without pain, then I'll sign up for a pool membership and try swimming. If that goes well, then I'll sign up for the tri in early December when it opens up. Apparently, this is a GREAT one for beginners. I think it'll be fun. I get excited just thinking about it! :-)
I was planning on working out on Monday night but after work we picked tomatoes like mad for a few hours and by the time we went in (we were picking in the dark with lamps!), it was late. We made dinner but there really wasn't time to digest before doing a workout. I can't workout past about 9:30 pm or then I can't sleep, so I skipped it. On Tuesday, I got hooked on watching the biggest loser again. Ugh! Wednesday I met a friend for dinner (healthy sushi), but I got home rather late and again couldn't see fitting in a workout before I had to get to bed. And as it is, mornings have been REALLY difficult this week. I just can't seem to drag my butt out of bed right away when the alarm goes off. It's pathetic, actually.
Tonight I've got nothing planned but cooking a healthy dinner and then doing a nice workout. I'd like to do a full body strength workout and then do a little running on the treadmill. Tomorrow I'd planned to bike into work but logistically, that's turning into a nightmare. I *may* still be able to figure out a way to do this...I'd have to leave the party liquor here at work. I'll have to carry a half gallon of milk in a glass jar with me on my commute. And I'd have to bike to the grocery store at lunch tomorrow to pick up the last few things I need for the party. Biking to my friend's house after work will be laughable, too. I'll be carrying a full bottle of tequila, one of grand marnier, two cans of limeade, my clothing, my laptop and my purse. Let's just hope it's not pouring rain!! (Ugh, I just checked...it's supposed to be!) I may have to rethink this...
Anyway, I'm getting more and more excited about the possiblity of doing my first sprint triathlon next spring. My plan is to slowly ramp up my running over the next month to see how it goes. If I can do it (even slowly) without pain, then I'll sign up for a pool membership and try swimming. If that goes well, then I'll sign up for the tri in early December when it opens up. Apparently, this is a GREAT one for beginners. I think it'll be fun. I get excited just thinking about it! :-)
Monday, October 12, 2009
GoWear Fit
I can't believe it's been so long since I last updated! Time flies when you are having fun, right?
I received my GWF on Thursday, 10/1. I charged it up a little, put it on, and did a my first workout in ages. It gave me a calorie burn about what I would have expected for a 40 minute strength training workout. Then I charged it up fully and slept with it on (since it monitors my sleep patterns for me). Very cool! I can generate lots of different reports and stuff, so once I get the hang of it, I'll be sure to post a few.
I've been wearing it as much as possible ever since. I don't wear it in the shower (it's water resistant, but not water-proof) and I flip it over (so it doesn't make contact with my skin) when I'm driving. The first time I drove to work with it on, it counted the drive as 30 minutes of moderate activity! Maybe our car needs new shocks? ;-)
What have I learned? 1) I burn WAY less than expected for someone of my weight. I guess this shouldn't be a surprize because not only am I over 40 and not nearly as muscular as I once was, but it takes me crazy low calories to lose weight at a fast pace. So, slow loss it is! Secondly 2) I'm pretty active. I hit my 'steps' target every day and most days, I go way over. That's cool. 3) It's not very effective for cycling. I wore it on my arm for my first ride and it came out with the right number of exercise minutes but the intensity was way too low. When I wore it on my calf for ride number two - it was closer, but still seemed low. It was super cold that day, so I may have been pushing the effective temperature limit a bit (40F is the lowest). I have lost weight since I got it though. And I also try to walk more at work and take the stairs more all the time - just to burn calories.
All in all, I really like it. It's a fun tool. I also pay for the website to upload my data and log my food. The food logging is actually pretty good and I've been very consistent with it (partly why I've lost some weight, I'm sure). I haven't yet been trying to cut back on my intake because I wanted to ge a week under my belt with 'normal' eating to see where I sit. I fear that cutting back will lower that burn, so I wanted a baseline with which to compare.
I've also been better about my workouts. I did a short strength workout the day I got it (Firm Supercharged Sculpting), and then another one the Saturday after that (Body Sculpt Blaster). Then on Sunday I was active around the farm (and burned more calories than my workout day!). I rested the following Monday, did a cardio/sculpt workout (Firm Vol. 4) on Tuesday, rested on Wednesday, rode my bike 18 miles on Thursday, did a longer cardio/sculpt (Firm Aerobic Body Shaping) on Friday, rode for 35 miles on Saturday and then on Sunday rested. Tonight I'll be doing another sculpting workout.
I'm also thinking about begining training and possibly signing up for my first ever triathlon next May. More on that later though...
I received my GWF on Thursday, 10/1. I charged it up a little, put it on, and did a my first workout in ages. It gave me a calorie burn about what I would have expected for a 40 minute strength training workout. Then I charged it up fully and slept with it on (since it monitors my sleep patterns for me). Very cool! I can generate lots of different reports and stuff, so once I get the hang of it, I'll be sure to post a few.
I've been wearing it as much as possible ever since. I don't wear it in the shower (it's water resistant, but not water-proof) and I flip it over (so it doesn't make contact with my skin) when I'm driving. The first time I drove to work with it on, it counted the drive as 30 minutes of moderate activity! Maybe our car needs new shocks? ;-)
What have I learned? 1) I burn WAY less than expected for someone of my weight. I guess this shouldn't be a surprize because not only am I over 40 and not nearly as muscular as I once was, but it takes me crazy low calories to lose weight at a fast pace. So, slow loss it is! Secondly 2) I'm pretty active. I hit my 'steps' target every day and most days, I go way over. That's cool. 3) It's not very effective for cycling. I wore it on my arm for my first ride and it came out with the right number of exercise minutes but the intensity was way too low. When I wore it on my calf for ride number two - it was closer, but still seemed low. It was super cold that day, so I may have been pushing the effective temperature limit a bit (40F is the lowest). I have lost weight since I got it though. And I also try to walk more at work and take the stairs more all the time - just to burn calories.
All in all, I really like it. It's a fun tool. I also pay for the website to upload my data and log my food. The food logging is actually pretty good and I've been very consistent with it (partly why I've lost some weight, I'm sure). I haven't yet been trying to cut back on my intake because I wanted to ge a week under my belt with 'normal' eating to see where I sit. I fear that cutting back will lower that burn, so I wanted a baseline with which to compare.
I've also been better about my workouts. I did a short strength workout the day I got it (Firm Supercharged Sculpting), and then another one the Saturday after that (Body Sculpt Blaster). Then on Sunday I was active around the farm (and burned more calories than my workout day!). I rested the following Monday, did a cardio/sculpt workout (Firm Vol. 4) on Tuesday, rested on Wednesday, rode my bike 18 miles on Thursday, did a longer cardio/sculpt (Firm Aerobic Body Shaping) on Friday, rode for 35 miles on Saturday and then on Sunday rested. Tonight I'll be doing another sculpting workout.
I'm also thinking about begining training and possibly signing up for my first ever triathlon next May. More on that later though...
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday Update
My GoWear Fit device is scheduled for delivery on Thursday. Should I skip work that day so that I can be home when it arrives? Just kidding!
My back feels different. I can't explain it, except to say that it no longer hurts the same way as it did. I'm not sure if it'll take time for my body to be 'over' the hormones from the IUD, or if just removing the offending device has made a difference or not. Basically, the pain is less sharp and now it feels more like it's due to a weak back (and weak core muscles). We went for a 35 mile ride on Saturday. It was a GREAT ride, actually. The weather was perfect. We started out with a tail wind for a bit and then some rolling hills. We picked up another rider for awhile and tried to keep up. My husband could have ridden at his pace no problem, but I was having issues. I had no trouble keeping up on the flats or downhills, but as soon as we had any elevation to climb, I dropped off the back. It was so obvious that my husband even commented on it. My response? Well, duh! I'm 30 lbs heavier...it's going to take a lot of muscle building to compensate for the extra weight...or a lot of weight loss to get back to where I was! I'm planning on a little of both! Anyway, I've noticed that my back hurts most (on bike) when I'm pushing hard (climbing, sprinting, into a headwind, etc). Unfortunately for me, the last 12 miles of our ride was into a nasty headwind! We were pushing VERY hard and going, at best, about 12 mph. It was awful! When we got back home, I actually yelped in pain as I dismounted my bike. Wow...talk about a sore back!
I'm pretty sure that this can be improved with core strengthening. I've seriously slacked off on this effort - so my hope is that with some focused improvement, I can make a difference in this area. Because of the back pain though, I opted out of weight training. I'll be doing a workout this evening though since my back is much better today.
My back feels different. I can't explain it, except to say that it no longer hurts the same way as it did. I'm not sure if it'll take time for my body to be 'over' the hormones from the IUD, or if just removing the offending device has made a difference or not. Basically, the pain is less sharp and now it feels more like it's due to a weak back (and weak core muscles). We went for a 35 mile ride on Saturday. It was a GREAT ride, actually. The weather was perfect. We started out with a tail wind for a bit and then some rolling hills. We picked up another rider for awhile and tried to keep up. My husband could have ridden at his pace no problem, but I was having issues. I had no trouble keeping up on the flats or downhills, but as soon as we had any elevation to climb, I dropped off the back. It was so obvious that my husband even commented on it. My response? Well, duh! I'm 30 lbs heavier...it's going to take a lot of muscle building to compensate for the extra weight...or a lot of weight loss to get back to where I was! I'm planning on a little of both! Anyway, I've noticed that my back hurts most (on bike) when I'm pushing hard (climbing, sprinting, into a headwind, etc). Unfortunately for me, the last 12 miles of our ride was into a nasty headwind! We were pushing VERY hard and going, at best, about 12 mph. It was awful! When we got back home, I actually yelped in pain as I dismounted my bike. Wow...talk about a sore back!
I'm pretty sure that this can be improved with core strengthening. I've seriously slacked off on this effort - so my hope is that with some focused improvement, I can make a difference in this area. Because of the back pain though, I opted out of weight training. I'll be doing a workout this evening though since my back is much better today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New outlook and new toys
I had my appointment with my new doc yesterday afternoon and it went well. I am IUD free!
I had a LONG talk with him about my weight gain and my struggles to lose weight. I also mentioned how, even before I got my IUD, it was exceedingly difficult for me to lose weight. More so that it should have been based on my level of fitness and fatness at the time (as assessed by fitness professionals...not just by me!). So he took blood for a thyroid test even though I'm sure that I'm fine. In our conversation, the whole calories in vs calories out question came up. Yes, in theory, this makes sense. The problem I have with this...how do we really know the 'calories out' part of the equation? I mean think about it...if you have an equation with two unknowns, how in the world can you solve it? You can't. Period.
Calories in - calories out = weight loss (simplified, of course)
Calories in: known. It's easy to track - weigh the foods, write down everything, etc.
Calories out: unknown. In just about every situation, this is a guesstimate based on the general population. What if a person isn't like the 'general population'? And how do we figure this out?
weight loss: unknown. Again - you can estimate this if you know the two pieces on the other side of the equation...but if those are also estimates, then it is entirely possible that your whole calculation is flat out wrong.
I've always felt that estimates were a poor substitute for real data. AND, I'm pretty sure that I don't fit the 'typical' mold. I think this for two reasons. 1) I discovered that I have a naturally very low resting heart rate, low blood pressure, and a low max HR. When I workout, my aerobic HR is significantly lower than other people I workout/ride with. Significantly - even when I am out of shape. This tells me that any calorie burn estimated based on HR is going to be off. 2) I had my RMR tested by breathing into a device a few years back. It came out VERY low and at the time I was extremely fit. Even the fitness professionals were confused by it.
These two things make me wonder if normal 'estimates' for calorie burn are going to be accurate enough for me. So...watching the Biggest Loser got me thinking about it and then some posts on one of the fitness forums I hang out on sealed the deal. I ordered the GoWear Fit device today. This is a device that measures daily calorie burn by using a combination of heat sensors and motion sensors. Studies have shown the accuracy to be quite good. It's similar to the BodyBugg worn by the Biggest Loser contestants but it's not tied into 24-hour fitness like the BodyBugg is...they are both actually made by the same company. Anyway, I ordered it this afternoon and I can't wait to get it so that I can start learning how my body REALLY burns calories. I am willing to bet that I'm not 'typical' and that my calorie burn is either alarmingly low or freakishly high. We'll see when it gets here!
In the meantime, I'm feeling way more positive with the IUD out. I feel like I finally have a fighting chance at losing this weight now! To that end, I decided to start logging my food at Fitday again (at least until the GoWear Fit gets here and I start using their logging software) and I have plans to workout tonight. My back is also feeling better, though that could just be coincidence. Either way, I'll take it! ;-)
I had a LONG talk with him about my weight gain and my struggles to lose weight. I also mentioned how, even before I got my IUD, it was exceedingly difficult for me to lose weight. More so that it should have been based on my level of fitness and fatness at the time (as assessed by fitness professionals...not just by me!). So he took blood for a thyroid test even though I'm sure that I'm fine. In our conversation, the whole calories in vs calories out question came up. Yes, in theory, this makes sense. The problem I have with this...how do we really know the 'calories out' part of the equation? I mean think about it...if you have an equation with two unknowns, how in the world can you solve it? You can't. Period.
Calories in - calories out = weight loss (simplified, of course)
Calories in: known. It's easy to track - weigh the foods, write down everything, etc.
Calories out: unknown. In just about every situation, this is a guesstimate based on the general population. What if a person isn't like the 'general population'? And how do we figure this out?
weight loss: unknown. Again - you can estimate this if you know the two pieces on the other side of the equation...but if those are also estimates, then it is entirely possible that your whole calculation is flat out wrong.
I've always felt that estimates were a poor substitute for real data. AND, I'm pretty sure that I don't fit the 'typical' mold. I think this for two reasons. 1) I discovered that I have a naturally very low resting heart rate, low blood pressure, and a low max HR. When I workout, my aerobic HR is significantly lower than other people I workout/ride with. Significantly - even when I am out of shape. This tells me that any calorie burn estimated based on HR is going to be off. 2) I had my RMR tested by breathing into a device a few years back. It came out VERY low and at the time I was extremely fit. Even the fitness professionals were confused by it.
These two things make me wonder if normal 'estimates' for calorie burn are going to be accurate enough for me. So...watching the Biggest Loser got me thinking about it and then some posts on one of the fitness forums I hang out on sealed the deal. I ordered the GoWear Fit device today. This is a device that measures daily calorie burn by using a combination of heat sensors and motion sensors. Studies have shown the accuracy to be quite good. It's similar to the BodyBugg worn by the Biggest Loser contestants but it's not tied into 24-hour fitness like the BodyBugg is...they are both actually made by the same company. Anyway, I ordered it this afternoon and I can't wait to get it so that I can start learning how my body REALLY burns calories. I am willing to bet that I'm not 'typical' and that my calorie burn is either alarmingly low or freakishly high. We'll see when it gets here!
In the meantime, I'm feeling way more positive with the IUD out. I feel like I finally have a fighting chance at losing this weight now! To that end, I decided to start logging my food at Fitday again (at least until the GoWear Fit gets here and I start using their logging software) and I have plans to workout tonight. My back is also feeling better, though that could just be coincidence. Either way, I'll take it! ;-)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
More back pain
As I mentioned in my last post, my IUD has been giving me back trouble. In the past few days, it's gotten quite bad. To compound the problem, I opted to go for a bike ride on Sunday even though my back was hurting. That made it worse and I've had to take a few days off from any activity.
The good news is that I have an appointment with a new doctor tomorrow. My hope is that I can convince him to take the IUD out then and there. Since the flare up of my back, I've done some additional reading about the side-effects of the Mirena. It's actually pretty mind-boggling. Not only the back pain and the weight gain...but reduced sex drive, bad skin, moodiness, fuzzy thinking, migraines, etc....lucky for me, the worst part of my issue has been only weight gain and back pain. And to be honest, I've got this giddy feeling inside of me at the thought that my weight struggle can be explained. And even more so at the possibility that removing this tiny device could reverse this situation! How exciting would it be to get my old body back? Of course, with this change comes my own responsibility to eat right and exercise...and to apply myself diligently inorder to get to my goals before I turn 44. I was just informed last night that my mother started menopause at 44 so I should be prepared for the same. Lovely. ;-)
The good news is that I have an appointment with a new doctor tomorrow. My hope is that I can convince him to take the IUD out then and there. Since the flare up of my back, I've done some additional reading about the side-effects of the Mirena. It's actually pretty mind-boggling. Not only the back pain and the weight gain...but reduced sex drive, bad skin, moodiness, fuzzy thinking, migraines, etc....lucky for me, the worst part of my issue has been only weight gain and back pain. And to be honest, I've got this giddy feeling inside of me at the thought that my weight struggle can be explained. And even more so at the possibility that removing this tiny device could reverse this situation! How exciting would it be to get my old body back? Of course, with this change comes my own responsibility to eat right and exercise...and to apply myself diligently inorder to get to my goals before I turn 44. I was just informed last night that my mother started menopause at 44 so I should be prepared for the same. Lovely. ;-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Hormones
I did my CLX Burn#1 workout on Wednesday night. Considering that I'd not worked out in the previous 3-4 weeks, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I managed to use all the same weights and even though I sweated buckets, I didn't feel like I'd over done it or anything. It actually felt really good.
On Thursday, I was really sore so I took a rest day. While that doesn't fit my plan...it does fit my life and this isn't just about following some predetermined training plan. It's also about making some real life changes. Anyway, today (Friday) I'll do CLX Burn #2. The weekend is a bit up in the air as I will be riding at least one day and possibly two. I also want to get in my strength training, so we'll see how it all fits together. Weather plays a factor too, of course.
So as far as my nutrition, it's not been all that great. The past couple of days, I've been working hard to get in my veggies, but I've also let some unhealthy choices sway me. I've had scones for breakfast two days this week and today I had a big cookie after lunch. These things are not the end of the world, but certainly eating something like that everyday will definitely derail my progress. I'm playing the mental game a little bit right now though, so I'm trying to keep a simple balance between the healthy foods and a few 'treats' until I get a few things taken care of.
What the hell am I talking about, you ask? Let me share a little history first....
I've always been heavy. I've always had to fight my weight a bit. And as I said previously, I've always been an athlete. The thing is...even when I was STILL an athlete and doing way more exercise than I'd ever done previously, I was gaining weight despite efforts to lose. This started about 5 years ago. Right about the same time I started biking which was also about the same time that I stopped lifting weights regularly AND about the same time I started having hormonal issues. My hormonal issues stemmed from a fibroid problem. I had a few sessions of Depo Provera shots (BAD idea) and then got an IUD (after the fibriods were removed). The Depo shot really messed me up, but I thought that the IUD was a good thing. Since then...things just haven't been adding up. How could I be doing WAY more activity than I'd ever done previously, but still steadily gain weight? I've now topped out at 15 lbs higher than I've EVER been before. I've also suffered from some severe lower back pain that I was attributing to my fibroids. It's still there (and getting worse) making me worry that the fibriods are back. Upon doing a little research, I've discovered that the synthetic hormone in the Depo shot is the same as whats in my IUD (albeit in smaller doses). I read that this hormone often causes back pain and all of a sudden, the pieces and timing start to fit. This hormone also causes weight gain in some people. Bingo...another light on. So yes, I need to lift weights again and yes, I need to watch what I eat and keep up with the biking....but I'm pretty convinced that because of his hormone, I'm fighting a losing battle in terms of weight loss.
Because I still have this IUD, I've got this mental road block that it doesn't matter how hard I try, I still won't be successful at weight loss (I already know that it is difficult for me without hormone interference). So..besides the obvious back pain problem, I need to get this IUD out to solve the mental problem I'm having too. Anyway, this is partly why I'm not getting too worked up over my nutrition right now. It's just too much for me to manage at the moment, so until I get my IUD out, I'm just going to try to make reasonable choices and focus my energy on getting the activity levels back up to where they need to be. I will make an appointment to get the IUD out, but because we moved across the country only a little over a year ago...I need to find a doctor first.
On Thursday, I was really sore so I took a rest day. While that doesn't fit my plan...it does fit my life and this isn't just about following some predetermined training plan. It's also about making some real life changes. Anyway, today (Friday) I'll do CLX Burn #2. The weekend is a bit up in the air as I will be riding at least one day and possibly two. I also want to get in my strength training, so we'll see how it all fits together. Weather plays a factor too, of course.
So as far as my nutrition, it's not been all that great. The past couple of days, I've been working hard to get in my veggies, but I've also let some unhealthy choices sway me. I've had scones for breakfast two days this week and today I had a big cookie after lunch. These things are not the end of the world, but certainly eating something like that everyday will definitely derail my progress. I'm playing the mental game a little bit right now though, so I'm trying to keep a simple balance between the healthy foods and a few 'treats' until I get a few things taken care of.
What the hell am I talking about, you ask? Let me share a little history first....
I've always been heavy. I've always had to fight my weight a bit. And as I said previously, I've always been an athlete. The thing is...even when I was STILL an athlete and doing way more exercise than I'd ever done previously, I was gaining weight despite efforts to lose. This started about 5 years ago. Right about the same time I started biking which was also about the same time that I stopped lifting weights regularly AND about the same time I started having hormonal issues. My hormonal issues stemmed from a fibroid problem. I had a few sessions of Depo Provera shots (BAD idea) and then got an IUD (after the fibriods were removed). The Depo shot really messed me up, but I thought that the IUD was a good thing. Since then...things just haven't been adding up. How could I be doing WAY more activity than I'd ever done previously, but still steadily gain weight? I've now topped out at 15 lbs higher than I've EVER been before. I've also suffered from some severe lower back pain that I was attributing to my fibroids. It's still there (and getting worse) making me worry that the fibriods are back. Upon doing a little research, I've discovered that the synthetic hormone in the Depo shot is the same as whats in my IUD (albeit in smaller doses). I read that this hormone often causes back pain and all of a sudden, the pieces and timing start to fit. This hormone also causes weight gain in some people. Bingo...another light on. So yes, I need to lift weights again and yes, I need to watch what I eat and keep up with the biking....but I'm pretty convinced that because of his hormone, I'm fighting a losing battle in terms of weight loss.
Because I still have this IUD, I've got this mental road block that it doesn't matter how hard I try, I still won't be successful at weight loss (I already know that it is difficult for me without hormone interference). So..besides the obvious back pain problem, I need to get this IUD out to solve the mental problem I'm having too. Anyway, this is partly why I'm not getting too worked up over my nutrition right now. It's just too much for me to manage at the moment, so until I get my IUD out, I'm just going to try to make reasonable choices and focus my energy on getting the activity levels back up to where they need to be. I will make an appointment to get the IUD out, but because we moved across the country only a little over a year ago...I need to find a doctor first.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Excuses, excuses
I can't believe that I only started this blog yesterday and already I've got to post some excuses!
So last night after work, we got home at a reasonable time (after going out for sushi). I cleaned up the kitchen, processed the milk (we milk a goat daily), prepped the coffee maker for the next day, packed up my lunch and filled my water bottle. I was all prepared to change for my workout when I saw that The Biggest Loser was on TV. I have a weakness for this show. I can't help it. So I stood there like an idiot watching the intro and knowing full well that I was about to blow off my workout. My H actually suggested that we record it and watch it the next day, but for whatever reason, that didn't sit well with me. I wanted to watch it NOW. So, watch it I did.
During each commercial break I got up and did one more task so that come morning, I could easily fit in a workout before work. I'd decided that 'athletes' workout in the morning, so that was going to be my MO too. In fact, I was kind of excited about it. And then it occurred to me that every single time I've been successful with weight loss, I'd been working out in the AM. So...that was the plan. Get up 45 min early to get in a workout.
Then my H told me that we needed to carpool (he had to go into the office when he normally works from home) and we had to leave by 7:15am. Crap. That screws up my plans, but no matter...I'll just get up earlier. So I set my alarm for what I thought was 5 am.
At 6 am when I was startled awake by the dogs barking, it occurred to me that I must have set my alarm for 5 pm. Yep, sure enough. Thank goodness the dogs barked when they did so that I could at least get the morning chores done before we had to leave.
But yeah, you guessed it...no workout. I still ate my healthy breakfast and I'm still cooking a healthy dinner tonight. And I'll do both my strength and cardio workouts tonight (no biggie) but this may throw me off for the week because I don't want to do two heavy lifting workouts in a row without rest - particularly at this early stage. How frustrating!!
So last night after work, we got home at a reasonable time (after going out for sushi). I cleaned up the kitchen, processed the milk (we milk a goat daily), prepped the coffee maker for the next day, packed up my lunch and filled my water bottle. I was all prepared to change for my workout when I saw that The Biggest Loser was on TV. I have a weakness for this show. I can't help it. So I stood there like an idiot watching the intro and knowing full well that I was about to blow off my workout. My H actually suggested that we record it and watch it the next day, but for whatever reason, that didn't sit well with me. I wanted to watch it NOW. So, watch it I did.
During each commercial break I got up and did one more task so that come morning, I could easily fit in a workout before work. I'd decided that 'athletes' workout in the morning, so that was going to be my MO too. In fact, I was kind of excited about it. And then it occurred to me that every single time I've been successful with weight loss, I'd been working out in the AM. So...that was the plan. Get up 45 min early to get in a workout.
Then my H told me that we needed to carpool (he had to go into the office when he normally works from home) and we had to leave by 7:15am. Crap. That screws up my plans, but no matter...I'll just get up earlier. So I set my alarm for what I thought was 5 am.
At 6 am when I was startled awake by the dogs barking, it occurred to me that I must have set my alarm for 5 pm. Yep, sure enough. Thank goodness the dogs barked when they did so that I could at least get the morning chores done before we had to leave.
But yeah, you guessed it...no workout. I still ate my healthy breakfast and I'm still cooking a healthy dinner tonight. And I'll do both my strength and cardio workouts tonight (no biggie) but this may throw me off for the week because I don't want to do two heavy lifting workouts in a row without rest - particularly at this early stage. How frustrating!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Weekly Training Schedule
OK, this is my schedule for this week (adjusted to accomodate my laziness last night!):
CLX is a weight training program on DVD put out by Chalene Johnson. The system has three periods (Burn, Push and Lean) covering 90 days of workouts. I've already done the first three weeks (almost 4) of Burn, but since I then took a couple of weeks off, I'm repeating the last week before I move on to Push. For cardio I often ride, but this week I've got a conference call immediately after work on Wednesday and it'll be too close to dark by the time I get out to ride. I'll either dust off the treadmill that evening, or I'll pull out a video.
I also took all my measurements (and recorded my weight) as I began this program, so that'll still be my official 'starting weight'.
| Sunday | farm work |
| Monday | REST |
| Tuesday | CLX Burn #1 |
| Wednesday | cardio |
| Thursday | CLX Burn #2 |
| Friday | REST |
| Saturday | CLX Burn #3 |
CLX is a weight training program on DVD put out by Chalene Johnson. The system has three periods (Burn, Push and Lean) covering 90 days of workouts. I've already done the first three weeks (almost 4) of Burn, but since I then took a couple of weeks off, I'm repeating the last week before I move on to Push. For cardio I often ride, but this week I've got a conference call immediately after work on Wednesday and it'll be too close to dark by the time I get out to ride. I'll either dust off the treadmill that evening, or I'll pull out a video.
I also took all my measurements (and recorded my weight) as I began this program, so that'll still be my official 'starting weight'.
Start at the beginning
I've spent the last year of my life (and a bit longer), learning how to be a farmer and what it means to live a sustainable life. In this year, I have been working on my ability to do it all and maintain a balance. Can I be an engineer by day, a farmer by night and still not lose sight of who I am as an individual? I can't say that I really have the answer yet. BUT, in the past year, I've also learned that while I might think I'm still an athlete, I'm not. I've let age and life get in my way. This hits home pretty hard because I've spent my life as the 'athletic girl' and it's a bit jarring to come to the realization that this no longer applies.
I'm now in my 40's and like many women my age, I'm seeing how the body changes over time. Unlike many women my age though, I used to be an athlete. I used to play soccer, rugby and tennis. I used to lift weights and run. I used to ice skate, ski and swim. And in the past 5 years, I added cycling to my favorite sports. I even have a collection of workout DVD's that would put any library to shame. We have a treadmill, a squat rack, free weights and a full size club step in our basement collecting dust. I used to have a six-pack without even trying. I used to be asked to join co-ed work athletics because I looked like I played sports. I used to enjoy it.
Not anymore. I'm 35 lbs over-weight. I'm *almost* sedentary. I say almost because I still do quite a bit of physical labor around the farm, I did begin a weight-lifting routine about 2 months ago (that I've been slacking on for 3 weeks now) and I do still ride my bike on average about once a week. But I am no longer an athlete. No one would look at me and mistake me for someone fit. I've fallen off the wagon and it's high time that I picked up my lazy feet and scurried alongside until I can jump back on. I've slowly lost sight of one of my defining characteristics and admittedly, I'm feeling a bit lost.
So this blog is where I will document my journey back to fitness. Simple fitness. The kind that enhances my simple life and makes me a happier person. Come along and join me...
I'm now in my 40's and like many women my age, I'm seeing how the body changes over time. Unlike many women my age though, I used to be an athlete. I used to play soccer, rugby and tennis. I used to lift weights and run. I used to ice skate, ski and swim. And in the past 5 years, I added cycling to my favorite sports. I even have a collection of workout DVD's that would put any library to shame. We have a treadmill, a squat rack, free weights and a full size club step in our basement collecting dust. I used to have a six-pack without even trying. I used to be asked to join co-ed work athletics because I looked like I played sports. I used to enjoy it.
Not anymore. I'm 35 lbs over-weight. I'm *almost* sedentary. I say almost because I still do quite a bit of physical labor around the farm, I did begin a weight-lifting routine about 2 months ago (that I've been slacking on for 3 weeks now) and I do still ride my bike on average about once a week. But I am no longer an athlete. No one would look at me and mistake me for someone fit. I've fallen off the wagon and it's high time that I picked up my lazy feet and scurried alongside until I can jump back on. I've slowly lost sight of one of my defining characteristics and admittedly, I'm feeling a bit lost.
So this blog is where I will document my journey back to fitness. Simple fitness. The kind that enhances my simple life and makes me a happier person. Come along and join me...
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