Yesterday after I lifted I decided it was time to practice what I had learned at my first swimming lesson. I went in the locker room, where I sat for 10 minutes trying to woman up and make myself go get in the pool. Why does that intimidate me so much?
I thought about just going home. Then I thought about going home and telling my son I was too much of a wuss to get in the pool and try. Once when he was a teenager and hated acknowledging that he even had parents, someone said something to him about my weight loss. He replied, "My mom has so much will power and when she makes up her mind to do something, she does it." It felt really good to know there was actually something he liked about me at that time. I felt like out of all my parenting mistakes, at least I had taught him one good thing. Parenting is so fraught with guilt; but sometimes, as in learning to swim, that can be a good motivator.
So rather than go home and admit defeat, I put on my beautiful pink-and-green swimming cap and got in the pool. While my husband effortlessly swam a mile in the lane next to me, making not drowning look so easy, I paddled a while with my kick board, practiced floating on my back, and got out the styrofoam barbell thing to practice putting my face in the water and trying to do some strokes with my arms. Well, it was all pretty pathetic, but if life is fair, floundering and flailing and accidentally breathing through your nose should burn off a lot of calories. More calories than swimming a mile, I should think. No? I don't want to hear about it.
Once I had completely embarrassed myself (though, to her credit, I never once heard the lifeguard snicker), I put on the life belt and jogged in the water. My swimming teacher had told me that was an option I can use while I wait for my knee to heal. I felt pretty silly but it actually did get my heart rate up a little bit, so I guess it's better than nothing.
Tomorrow I will go back and try again. Maybe I will ask one of the 3-year-olds for some pointers.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Good News/Bad News
Had my first swimming lesson last night.
Good news: I went, in spite of my anxiety attack.
Bad news: I continued having an anxiety attack until the lesson was over.
Good news: I didn’t drown.
Bad news: I still might.
Good news: My teacher is really nice, doesn’t make fun of me for sputtering or my fear of drowning, and is a physical therapy major so understands my knee problem.
Bad news: The other people taking lessons at the same time are under 3 feet tall, 45 years younger than I am, and they all swim better than I do.
Good news: I look really stylin’ in my new pink and green swimming cap.
Bad news: I dropped my goggles and when I went back to look for them they were gone, so now I have to buy a new pair. But I did look really stylin’ in them as well.
Good news: I was encouraged when my husband said, “You didn’t learn to run a half-marathon in one night so don’t be discouraged about it taking a while to learn to swim.”
Bad news: I was discouraged when my son said, “Seriously, Mom, who doesn’t know how to swim?”
Good news: I’m going back next week for another lesson.
Bad news: I’m going back next week for another lesson.
Good news: I went, in spite of my anxiety attack.
Bad news: I continued having an anxiety attack until the lesson was over.
Good news: I didn’t drown.
Bad news: I still might.
Good news: My teacher is really nice, doesn’t make fun of me for sputtering or my fear of drowning, and is a physical therapy major so understands my knee problem.
Bad news: The other people taking lessons at the same time are under 3 feet tall, 45 years younger than I am, and they all swim better than I do.
Good news: I look really stylin’ in my new pink and green swimming cap.
Bad news: I dropped my goggles and when I went back to look for them they were gone, so now I have to buy a new pair. But I did look really stylin’ in them as well.
Good news: I was encouraged when my husband said, “You didn’t learn to run a half-marathon in one night so don’t be discouraged about it taking a while to learn to swim.”
Bad news: I was discouraged when my son said, “Seriously, Mom, who doesn’t know how to swim?”
Good news: I’m going back next week for another lesson.
Bad news: I’m going back next week for another lesson.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Wall
No, I'm not talking about Pink Floyd. Nor am I talking about what Humpty Dumpty sat on and from which he subsequently had a great fall. I am talking about the wall that Becky and I seem to have hit.
We simply cannot find our motivation. Is anyone else feeling this way? We are blaming it on the unending cold, gray, damp days but it could be any number of things. Becky has been going through some big life changes. I finally broke down and went to the doctor about my knee, which has been bothering me since the half marathon. Apparently I have a patella something chrono something something, which basically means I hurt my kneecap. I have to take naproxen, wear a brace, go to physical therapy, and oh, by the way, no running, no elliptical, no bike, no nothing involving my knee unless the physical therapist says so. I can already feel my butt getting bigger. He did say I can continue with my plans for swimming lessons, which start tomorrow, so that is one bit of good news.
Anyway, Becky and I were supposed to lift together yesterday. Neither one of us could get the oomph to get to the gym. So we decided we would lift today. At first it seemed it was going to be another no-go. We sat and talked and griped and shared our miseries for about the first half hour of our workout session. Then as we got up to leave I said, "You know, as long as I'm here..."
We ended up doing about a half hour of lifting, mostly with the Bosu ball, and I will say once again: If you don't have one, GET A WORKOUT PARTNER! If I had not had Becky waiting for me at the gym, I would not have gone. If she had not had me to say, "Come on, lift with me a little bit," she would not have lifted. And miracle of miracles, just like every single other time we think we don't want to exercise but do anyway, we both ended up feeling a little better. We even laughed a few times! It wasn't one of our more stellar workouts and I doubt either of us will feel any soreness tomorrow, but we did it. Sometimes that is enough.
We simply cannot find our motivation. Is anyone else feeling this way? We are blaming it on the unending cold, gray, damp days but it could be any number of things. Becky has been going through some big life changes. I finally broke down and went to the doctor about my knee, which has been bothering me since the half marathon. Apparently I have a patella something chrono something something, which basically means I hurt my kneecap. I have to take naproxen, wear a brace, go to physical therapy, and oh, by the way, no running, no elliptical, no bike, no nothing involving my knee unless the physical therapist says so. I can already feel my butt getting bigger. He did say I can continue with my plans for swimming lessons, which start tomorrow, so that is one bit of good news.
Anyway, Becky and I were supposed to lift together yesterday. Neither one of us could get the oomph to get to the gym. So we decided we would lift today. At first it seemed it was going to be another no-go. We sat and talked and griped and shared our miseries for about the first half hour of our workout session. Then as we got up to leave I said, "You know, as long as I'm here..."
We ended up doing about a half hour of lifting, mostly with the Bosu ball, and I will say once again: If you don't have one, GET A WORKOUT PARTNER! If I had not had Becky waiting for me at the gym, I would not have gone. If she had not had me to say, "Come on, lift with me a little bit," she would not have lifted. And miracle of miracles, just like every single other time we think we don't want to exercise but do anyway, we both ended up feeling a little better. We even laughed a few times! It wasn't one of our more stellar workouts and I doubt either of us will feel any soreness tomorrow, but we did it. Sometimes that is enough.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tennis, Anyone?
I love my DVR, and here's why. The Australian Open started this week. That means that every night you can find me plopped and immobile on my couch while I try to decide who I like better: Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. They are both incredibly talented players, they are both gentlemen who act like they've got some sense, and let's face it, they're both pretty darn cute. I'm also starting to lean a little in favor of Gael Monfils, but that might just be because I really like to say his name.
Anyway, in honor of the Australian Open, here is the workout I'm planning to do Sunday with Becky. We have not tested it out yet so do it at your own risk until I can get back to you with the results.
THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN WORKOUT
Each person gets one of the following:
Challenge - you may challenge your workout partner to do an exercise twice.
Tie Break - you may challenge your workout partner to see who can do more reps in an exercise.
Love - you may take one opportunity to stall.
There is some jumping and hopping in this workout, and that would be because it is the Australian Open and you know what there are lots of in Australia, right? Kangaroos. Come on, work with me here. I know it's dumb but it will be fun. Also you should make a lot of racquet during this workout.
Circuit #1 - The Game Set - Start with one minute jump rope. Then do:
1. 15 Push-Ups
2. 30 Stability Ball Squats
3. 40 Oblique Crunches to the left
4. 15 Reverse Crunches
5. 30 Lat Pull Down
6. 40 Oblique Crunches to the right
Circuit #2 - The Set Set - Start with one minute jumping jacks (with weights if you're feeling sassy). Then do two sets of 15 each:
1. Leg Curl/Leg Extension Super Set
2. Roman Chair
3. Chest Press/Flye Super Set on the stability ball
4. Triceps Extension
5. Upright Row/Bicep Curl Super Set
Circuit #3 - The Match Set - Start with one minute jump rope. Then do 2 sets at 30 seconds each:
Skull Crunches
Overhead press on the stability ball
Triceps Pressdown with rope
Wall sit/bicep curl
Dips
Circuit #4 - Deuce
Get the advantage of 100 crunches.
G'Day, Mates!
Anyway, in honor of the Australian Open, here is the workout I'm planning to do Sunday with Becky. We have not tested it out yet so do it at your own risk until I can get back to you with the results.
THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN WORKOUT
Each person gets one of the following:
Challenge - you may challenge your workout partner to do an exercise twice.
Tie Break - you may challenge your workout partner to see who can do more reps in an exercise.
Love - you may take one opportunity to stall.
There is some jumping and hopping in this workout, and that would be because it is the Australian Open and you know what there are lots of in Australia, right? Kangaroos. Come on, work with me here. I know it's dumb but it will be fun. Also you should make a lot of racquet during this workout.
Circuit #1 - The Game Set - Start with one minute jump rope. Then do:
1. 15 Push-Ups
2. 30 Stability Ball Squats
3. 40 Oblique Crunches to the left
4. 15 Reverse Crunches
5. 30 Lat Pull Down
6. 40 Oblique Crunches to the right
Circuit #2 - The Set Set - Start with one minute jumping jacks (with weights if you're feeling sassy). Then do two sets of 15 each:
1. Leg Curl/Leg Extension Super Set
2. Roman Chair
3. Chest Press/Flye Super Set on the stability ball
4. Triceps Extension
5. Upright Row/Bicep Curl Super Set
Circuit #3 - The Match Set - Start with one minute jump rope. Then do 2 sets at 30 seconds each:
Skull Crunches
Overhead press on the stability ball
Triceps Pressdown with rope
Wall sit/bicep curl
Dips
Circuit #4 - Deuce
Get the advantage of 100 crunches.
G'Day, Mates!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Octane
There’s a new sheriff in town and I’m aiming to take him down, even if he is kicking and screaming every step of the way. That’s right. The Y has a new machine. It’s called the Octane and I’m totally intrigued.
It looks like an elliptical, but it’s not. Oh no. It is so very much more.
You step on, like an elliptical, and the pedals go around, like an elliptical. But the resemblance ends there. It has all these buttons you can push. I’m the mother of a boy. I know the importance of pushing buttons to see what they do. Some of the buttons are located right on the handles. For coordinated people, that means they can easily make adjustments to the level and stride. For people like me, that adds one more way I can fall off while trying to change songs on my iPod.
First I pushed the buttons to add an arm workout. This meant that ten seconds out of every minute were spent pushing and pulling the arm handles. Sounds easy, right? I could hardly make the handles move, yet I was so sore the next day I could not lift my arms.
Next I pushed the glute buster button. I thought that would turn the arm button off, but no! Fear not! You can work your arms and your glutes, all while having a strenuous cardio workout to boot! It did not seem quite as tough as the arm workout, but I have to tell you, my glutes were pretty sore the next day as well.
Based on the information I had gathered to that point, I decided not to push the button called “Personal Trainer.” I have enough experience working out with Becky to know better than to awaken that beast on my first try. I will save that for another day.
Guess how much time it took the Octane to cause me all this soreness and introspection about how I have been wasting my life so far on minor things like half marathons. Ten minutes. That is all.
Guess how many calories it said I burned. NOT VERY MANY! I think something must be wrong with it. Surely it needs to be adjusted.
Dripping with sweat, I decided I would go get on the regular elliptical, because it is my friend. It doesn’t laugh at me and try to make me cry.
But I will be back.
It looks like an elliptical, but it’s not. Oh no. It is so very much more.
You step on, like an elliptical, and the pedals go around, like an elliptical. But the resemblance ends there. It has all these buttons you can push. I’m the mother of a boy. I know the importance of pushing buttons to see what they do. Some of the buttons are located right on the handles. For coordinated people, that means they can easily make adjustments to the level and stride. For people like me, that adds one more way I can fall off while trying to change songs on my iPod.
First I pushed the buttons to add an arm workout. This meant that ten seconds out of every minute were spent pushing and pulling the arm handles. Sounds easy, right? I could hardly make the handles move, yet I was so sore the next day I could not lift my arms.
Next I pushed the glute buster button. I thought that would turn the arm button off, but no! Fear not! You can work your arms and your glutes, all while having a strenuous cardio workout to boot! It did not seem quite as tough as the arm workout, but I have to tell you, my glutes were pretty sore the next day as well.
Based on the information I had gathered to that point, I decided not to push the button called “Personal Trainer.” I have enough experience working out with Becky to know better than to awaken that beast on my first try. I will save that for another day.
Guess how much time it took the Octane to cause me all this soreness and introspection about how I have been wasting my life so far on minor things like half marathons. Ten minutes. That is all.
Guess how many calories it said I burned. NOT VERY MANY! I think something must be wrong with it. Surely it needs to be adjusted.
Dripping with sweat, I decided I would go get on the regular elliptical, because it is my friend. It doesn’t laugh at me and try to make me cry.
But I will be back.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A different kind of workout
I woke up really sore on Saturday morning. But it wasn't from running or riding or lifting--it was from laughing! Friday night the infamous swim team had land practice. We had perfect attendance even though it wasn't designated as mandatory. Those in attendance had had some tough moments in their week--you know, dealing with deadlines, juggling hectic schedules and challenging relationships, facing dark days that sometimes had to do with the gloomy weather and other times with life's losses. But there we were, gathered together to share pizza, beer and some really crazy games.
There was a moment earlier in that day that I almost cancelled. I was tired. It had been a long week. It just seemed like it might require too much energy. I am so glad that I chose to attend. I don't think we had a serious conversation all evening, unless you count talking recipes. Instead, we all decided (without voicing it) that our Friday time together was going to be purely for fun and a temporary escape from stuff that might have gotten us down in the previous weeks.
We ate, drank and were quite merry. We played some hilariously funny games, which is why my jaws and smile muscles were aching the next morning. Wow, are we a funny group! I loved every moment and will cherish every laugh we shared.
Five hours later we all went our separate ways, knowing we still had stuff to deal with, but maybe feeling a bit more refreshed having been reminded of the power of joy-filled moments.
So, my advice to you is never underestimate the power of laughter as a workout. Not only will it have you using muscles you may too often forget to use, but it will enhance your mental health in immeasurable ways.
There was a moment earlier in that day that I almost cancelled. I was tired. It had been a long week. It just seemed like it might require too much energy. I am so glad that I chose to attend. I don't think we had a serious conversation all evening, unless you count talking recipes. Instead, we all decided (without voicing it) that our Friday time together was going to be purely for fun and a temporary escape from stuff that might have gotten us down in the previous weeks.
We ate, drank and were quite merry. We played some hilariously funny games, which is why my jaws and smile muscles were aching the next morning. Wow, are we a funny group! I loved every moment and will cherish every laugh we shared.
Five hours later we all went our separate ways, knowing we still had stuff to deal with, but maybe feeling a bit more refreshed having been reminded of the power of joy-filled moments.
So, my advice to you is never underestimate the power of laughter as a workout. Not only will it have you using muscles you may too often forget to use, but it will enhance your mental health in immeasurable ways.
Monday, January 17, 2011
No Dieting!
It has been several years now since I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year. I am still asked how I did it, on a fairly regular basis. But I don't think losing the weight was my biggest challenge. I think keeping the weight off has been the much bigger challenge and one which, knock on wood, I seem to have figured out.
I drink a lot of water. For the most part, I eat very regular meals. I have breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner almost every day. I try to keep my meals balanced and healthy, and to cover all the food groups. I stay away from fried foods, desserts, and white breads and grains. I'm not saying I never have any of those things; I do. In fact I think it is a bad idea to deprive yourself of anything. But if I stick with healthy meals most of the time, the occasional cookie or biscuit is not going to make me put all my weight back on.
I also exercise very regularly. Some weeks I do better than others, depending on what else is going on in my life, but I have it in my mind to go to the gym almost every day. Then even if I can't make it one day for some reason, I still make it most days. Unless I know for sure that I cannot go, I bring my gym bag to work every day. Having it in the corner of my office reminds me that I am going to the gym after work.
Another thing I do is weigh myself every day. I have heard varying opinions on this; some people say that is focusing too much on a number and that you can get obsessed with what the scale says. But for me, I like to know if that number is trying to creep up a little bit so that I can make it stop creeping. You have to do what works for you with weighing.
And although I keep saying it over and over until you're probably sick of hearing it, I have a workout partner. It makes me accountable even though we don't always work out together. It keeps me showing up at the gym even if I don't feel like it, because I know the next time I see her she is going to ask what I've been doing at the gym lately. Then she will put me in my place by telling me she ran 100 miles on Saturday or whatever. But it keeps me motivated.
Start small - take little steps to improving your eating habits and exercise - and over time you will have those habits so ingrained that they feel like a natural part of your life and not a "diet".
I drink a lot of water. For the most part, I eat very regular meals. I have breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner almost every day. I try to keep my meals balanced and healthy, and to cover all the food groups. I stay away from fried foods, desserts, and white breads and grains. I'm not saying I never have any of those things; I do. In fact I think it is a bad idea to deprive yourself of anything. But if I stick with healthy meals most of the time, the occasional cookie or biscuit is not going to make me put all my weight back on.
I also exercise very regularly. Some weeks I do better than others, depending on what else is going on in my life, but I have it in my mind to go to the gym almost every day. Then even if I can't make it one day for some reason, I still make it most days. Unless I know for sure that I cannot go, I bring my gym bag to work every day. Having it in the corner of my office reminds me that I am going to the gym after work.
Another thing I do is weigh myself every day. I have heard varying opinions on this; some people say that is focusing too much on a number and that you can get obsessed with what the scale says. But for me, I like to know if that number is trying to creep up a little bit so that I can make it stop creeping. You have to do what works for you with weighing.
And although I keep saying it over and over until you're probably sick of hearing it, I have a workout partner. It makes me accountable even though we don't always work out together. It keeps me showing up at the gym even if I don't feel like it, because I know the next time I see her she is going to ask what I've been doing at the gym lately. Then she will put me in my place by telling me she ran 100 miles on Saturday or whatever. But it keeps me motivated.
Start small - take little steps to improving your eating habits and exercise - and over time you will have those habits so ingrained that they feel like a natural part of your life and not a "diet".
Friday, January 14, 2011
Somebody Please Toasted Me
I'm feeling a little obsessed today. A little consumed with but one thought. The toasted cheese sandwich at the Borough Market in London. It has been 4 years since I had it, and I have never forgotten it. I have tried to recreate it at home but I have not yet come anywhere close to making one that tastes so good.
If you've been to the Borough Market, you know it's an awesome place. And if you were lucky enough to get the toasted, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't been, it's time to add it to your bucket list. We never would have known about the market, or the sandwich, or for that matter been in London, if not for sister-in-law Keri. She was on a temporary job assignment and said anyone in the family who wanted to come visit was welcome. She probably regretted that statement after my husband and I took her up on the offer, but she was very gracious and never acted like she was tired of us. She was the one who took us to the Borough Market the day we arrived and said we had to eat a grilled cheese sandwich. All this exotic fare and we're supposed to eat grilled cheese? But she seemed to know what she was talking about and the line for the sandwiches was really long, which is always a good sign. Then we finally got our sandwiches and a whole new slice of heaven opened up for me.
What has me waxing rhapsodic about grilled cheese today? Keri is back in London. Her destination tomorrow? The Borough Market. Her intent? A toasted. Maybe two, if she's smart. I'm feeling a little consumed with envy.
Becky is quite the grilled cheese connoisseur (yes, I had to look up how to spell that). If you call her around lunchtime and ask what she's fixing, you can almost be guaranteed that the answer will be, "grilled cheese." But she is not stuck in a rut, oh no. For her grilled cheeses are quite creative. She uses different cheeses and different breads and is constantly coming up with new and delicious combos. However, she has not yet come up with a toasted.
Maybe someday someone will give us a big bucket of money so we can fly to London and she can be treated to the grilled cheese of her life.
If you've been to the Borough Market, you know it's an awesome place. And if you were lucky enough to get the toasted, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't been, it's time to add it to your bucket list. We never would have known about the market, or the sandwich, or for that matter been in London, if not for sister-in-law Keri. She was on a temporary job assignment and said anyone in the family who wanted to come visit was welcome. She probably regretted that statement after my husband and I took her up on the offer, but she was very gracious and never acted like she was tired of us. She was the one who took us to the Borough Market the day we arrived and said we had to eat a grilled cheese sandwich. All this exotic fare and we're supposed to eat grilled cheese? But she seemed to know what she was talking about and the line for the sandwiches was really long, which is always a good sign. Then we finally got our sandwiches and a whole new slice of heaven opened up for me.
What has me waxing rhapsodic about grilled cheese today? Keri is back in London. Her destination tomorrow? The Borough Market. Her intent? A toasted. Maybe two, if she's smart. I'm feeling a little consumed with envy.
Becky is quite the grilled cheese connoisseur (yes, I had to look up how to spell that). If you call her around lunchtime and ask what she's fixing, you can almost be guaranteed that the answer will be, "grilled cheese." But she is not stuck in a rut, oh no. For her grilled cheeses are quite creative. She uses different cheeses and different breads and is constantly coming up with new and delicious combos. However, she has not yet come up with a toasted.
Maybe someday someone will give us a big bucket of money so we can fly to London and she can be treated to the grilled cheese of her life.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A year ago
It was a year ago today that my 76-year-old father left the house for the very last time. A year ago today that he said good-bye to his cardiologist and friend and had his defibrilator deactivated. A year ago that my father, knowing his days here on earth were growing short, announced that he "wouldn't change a thing in his life's script."
It was a year ago today, a day much like this one--cold and gloomy--that Dad shared that most powerful gift---a life with no regrets. I marvel at that. And I also know that because of the kind of man Dad was and the kind of life he led, he truly meant what he said--no regrets.
I would like to be able to make that kind of proclamation as I faced the end of my days, but I won't be able to. But I can learn from Dad, and I can strive to have fewer regrets. I can learn to make the most of whatever lies ahead in the sunny, as well in as the gloomy days. I will work to make my life's script one that focuses on the positive, and embraces life with hope and optimism. It is the very least I can do to honor my dad for the gift he gave to me.
It was a year ago today, a day much like this one--cold and gloomy--that Dad shared that most powerful gift---a life with no regrets. I marvel at that. And I also know that because of the kind of man Dad was and the kind of life he led, he truly meant what he said--no regrets.
I would like to be able to make that kind of proclamation as I faced the end of my days, but I won't be able to. But I can learn from Dad, and I can strive to have fewer regrets. I can learn to make the most of whatever lies ahead in the sunny, as well in as the gloomy days. I will work to make my life's script one that focuses on the positive, and embraces life with hope and optimism. It is the very least I can do to honor my dad for the gift he gave to me.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Ahhhhhhhh!
A couple of years ago I read a magazine article that totally justified my splurging on myself and made me completely happy. The article was discussing ways to stay healthy all winter long. In addition to the usual - eat right, wash your hands, exercise, get plenty of sleep - it said that having a monthly massage had also been shown to be beneficial to your health. What excellent news! The theory was based on the fact that massage reduces stress, and reducing stress improves your immune system. I didn't really care what the theory was, though, I just cared that I could stop feeling guilty about spending that money on myself. In fact, to take this a little further, my family doesn't like it when I'm sick and neither does my employer. Maybe they should chip in!
I went yesterday for my monthly health-boosting massage and I just want to tell anyone out there who hasn't ever had a massage, it's time to get started. And if you've had one but it's been a while, now's the time for another one. You won't regret it!
I went yesterday for my monthly health-boosting massage and I just want to tell anyone out there who hasn't ever had a massage, it's time to get started. And if you've had one but it's been a while, now's the time for another one. You won't regret it!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Grumbling with pride
Ok, so I have been teaching a triathlon training class a couple nights a week for two hours each night. As I have told the class participants I don't care if you ever do a triathlon or not, my goal is to push you to do things you ordinarily wouldn't do. In other words, I want everyone to get out of their comfort zone. Nowhere in that pep talk did I encourage anyone to cause themselves physical harm.
Yet, I stand accused of that very thing.
I ask you, was it MY fault a new body part hurt each day of the week after your first class? Did I tell you to get a black eye when you hurriedly exited the deep end of the pool and encountered the diving block? Are you really going to blame ME for the leg cramps you experienced during your swim? And don't you dare say it was MY idea to do another set of walking lunges.
Apparently, however, the fingers are being pointed and the thought of blaming me has indeed crossed your mind. And, as I was not so gently reminded by an attorney, I am not legally protected if anyone keeled over after one of my classes. Hey, I am not asking anyone to do what I wouldn't do. I'm doing the miles and the crunches right along with you. I have a few aches and pains, too, ya know. We are all definitelyl getting out of our comfort zone.
The really cool part is that even though there is some whining going on, we keep coming back AND we are getting stronger and tougher with each passing week. Maybe it's not really whining, but grumbling with pride!
Yet, I stand accused of that very thing.
I ask you, was it MY fault a new body part hurt each day of the week after your first class? Did I tell you to get a black eye when you hurriedly exited the deep end of the pool and encountered the diving block? Are you really going to blame ME for the leg cramps you experienced during your swim? And don't you dare say it was MY idea to do another set of walking lunges.
Apparently, however, the fingers are being pointed and the thought of blaming me has indeed crossed your mind. And, as I was not so gently reminded by an attorney, I am not legally protected if anyone keeled over after one of my classes. Hey, I am not asking anyone to do what I wouldn't do. I'm doing the miles and the crunches right along with you. I have a few aches and pains, too, ya know. We are all definitelyl getting out of our comfort zone.
The really cool part is that even though there is some whining going on, we keep coming back AND we are getting stronger and tougher with each passing week. Maybe it's not really whining, but grumbling with pride!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Always Be Prepared
That's the Boy Scout motto. But it worked pretty well for me yesterday, too. I must have had some kind of premonition when I packed my gym bag, because for some reason, I put in two pairs of workout pants. I never do that. I don't even know why I did it this time. I just did.
I spent half an hour on the treadmill before meeting up with Becky for a nice hard session of lifting. So I had worked up a bit of a sweat before she and I even got started. Then I sweated more as we worked out. As I stood in front of the mirror to check my form as I did a set of upright rows, I noticed that I appeared to be having a personal problem. I was wearing gray leggings and a long t-shirt. But the t-shirt did not hide the fact that I had sweated a lot and it had run down...well, I hate to be rude, so I will just say that it looked like I had wet my pants. It showed up quite plainly against the gray leggings. I said, "My! That's an unfortunate place to sweat!" This story illustrates yet another good reason to have a workout partner: you have someone to laugh hysterically at you when you do something really dumb, like look like you wet your pants.
Then I remembered my inexplicable need to pack two pairs of workout pants in my bag. So I went to the locker room and changed into a nice baggy pair of black sweats. There are three morals to this story:
I spent half an hour on the treadmill before meeting up with Becky for a nice hard session of lifting. So I had worked up a bit of a sweat before she and I even got started. Then I sweated more as we worked out. As I stood in front of the mirror to check my form as I did a set of upright rows, I noticed that I appeared to be having a personal problem. I was wearing gray leggings and a long t-shirt. But the t-shirt did not hide the fact that I had sweated a lot and it had run down...well, I hate to be rude, so I will just say that it looked like I had wet my pants. It showed up quite plainly against the gray leggings. I said, "My! That's an unfortunate place to sweat!" This story illustrates yet another good reason to have a workout partner: you have someone to laugh hysterically at you when you do something really dumb, like look like you wet your pants.
Then I remembered my inexplicable need to pack two pairs of workout pants in my bag. So I went to the locker room and changed into a nice baggy pair of black sweats. There are three morals to this story:
- Listen to your intuition.
- Always have a workout partner to help you through the tough times.
- Don't wet your pants.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Winter Saturday
My husband started training today for the half-marathon coming up in April. He got up and went for a 4 mile run with the University track team at 7:30 this morning. It was 19 degrees, with snow on the ground and a nice brisk wind to add to the comfort level.
But he did it, and guilt being a good motivator, I decided I could do it too. I waited until the afternoon. After all, by then it had warmed up to a near-tropical 22 degrees, the sun was shining, and although the wind was still blowing at a pretty good clip, there was no snow on the roads and no real reason not to go.
My husband recently gave me all kinds of equipment to make exercising in the cold a more feasible thing for me to do. A wicking hat, with a slit in it for my ponytail. Wicking tights, with zippers at the ankles so you can put them on over your shoes. A fancy-schmancy jacket with a liner and all kinds of pockets and key holders and even an iPod holder. The liner has slits in the wrists so you can loop the sleeves around your thumbs. Wicking gloves, with another key holder. So I was all set.
When I got outside, the wind hit me right in the face. I decided I really only needed to go as far as the end of the driveway. But when I got there I thought I might as well go to the end of the road. Then I thought as long as I was out and dressed in all my suitable attire, there really wasn't any reason to go the whole 4 mile loop.
Here's the funny thing: once I got going, I really didn't feel all that cold. And there is so much beauty to see outside on a bright winter day. The seed heads of grasses waving on the side of the road. The dried red fruit on the sumac branches, standing out against the snow. A few brave birds were out flitting around and making racket.
I was glad I went, and now I'm back home getting ready for a nice hot shower. I should probably be drinking some hot tea to warm me up as well, but instead I'm having a diet coke. The only thing on me that's chilled is my face.
Maybe I need a wicking balaclava.
But he did it, and guilt being a good motivator, I decided I could do it too. I waited until the afternoon. After all, by then it had warmed up to a near-tropical 22 degrees, the sun was shining, and although the wind was still blowing at a pretty good clip, there was no snow on the roads and no real reason not to go.
My husband recently gave me all kinds of equipment to make exercising in the cold a more feasible thing for me to do. A wicking hat, with a slit in it for my ponytail. Wicking tights, with zippers at the ankles so you can put them on over your shoes. A fancy-schmancy jacket with a liner and all kinds of pockets and key holders and even an iPod holder. The liner has slits in the wrists so you can loop the sleeves around your thumbs. Wicking gloves, with another key holder. So I was all set.
When I got outside, the wind hit me right in the face. I decided I really only needed to go as far as the end of the driveway. But when I got there I thought I might as well go to the end of the road. Then I thought as long as I was out and dressed in all my suitable attire, there really wasn't any reason to go the whole 4 mile loop.
Here's the funny thing: once I got going, I really didn't feel all that cold. And there is so much beauty to see outside on a bright winter day. The seed heads of grasses waving on the side of the road. The dried red fruit on the sumac branches, standing out against the snow. A few brave birds were out flitting around and making racket.
I was glad I went, and now I'm back home getting ready for a nice hot shower. I should probably be drinking some hot tea to warm me up as well, but instead I'm having a diet coke. The only thing on me that's chilled is my face.
Maybe I need a wicking balaclava.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Snowy Friday
It snowed this morning. The good kind of snow, the kind that just frosts the trees and makes everything pretty and white and clean looking, but clears off the roads really quickly. What are the chances that I could get my husband to come home early from work and drink some hot chocolate and look at the snow before it gets dark? Probably not much better than getting my 22 year old son to help me build a snowman. With either scenario, I don't have a snowball's chance in July. So what is a woman to do? How about the Snowflake Circuit?
This workout DOES take more than an hour!!! We estimate about 1 hour 20 minutes. It is also one of our more difficult workouts. So if you are new to lifting or don't have 1 hour 20 minutes, feel free to pare down where you need to. Just try to be sure to cover all the muscle groups and to do the cardio.
Start with an Iditarod Run for 10 minutes (run on the treadmill)
First Circuit - Old Man Winter Muscles:
2 sets of 15 bench press
2 sets of 15 assisted pull-ups
2 sets of 15 overhead press
2 sets of 15 bicep curls
2 sets of 15 triceps pressdowns
Then do an evergreen elliptical ride for 10 minutes (10 minutes on the elliptical)
Second Set - Fitness Flurries:
1 set of 15 step-ups (per leg)
1 set of 15 stability ball push-ups
1 set of 15 lunges (per leg)
Then take a Stairmaster sleigh ride for 5 minutes (5 minutes on the stepper)
Third Set - A wintery mix of muscles:
1 set of 15 lat pull-downs
1 set of 15 stability ball squats
1 set of 15 upright rows
1 set of 15 leg press
Do another Stairmaster sleigh ride for 5 minutes
Final Set - Chilling Challenge:
1 set of 15 hammer curls
1 set of 15 leg extensions
1 set of 15 leg curls
1 set of 15 triceps extension
100 crunches
Your cheeks will be nice and rosy when you finish, even if you haven't spent the afternoon in the snow.
This workout DOES take more than an hour!!! We estimate about 1 hour 20 minutes. It is also one of our more difficult workouts. So if you are new to lifting or don't have 1 hour 20 minutes, feel free to pare down where you need to. Just try to be sure to cover all the muscle groups and to do the cardio.
Start with an Iditarod Run for 10 minutes (run on the treadmill)
First Circuit - Old Man Winter Muscles:
2 sets of 15 bench press
2 sets of 15 assisted pull-ups
2 sets of 15 overhead press
2 sets of 15 bicep curls
2 sets of 15 triceps pressdowns
Then do an evergreen elliptical ride for 10 minutes (10 minutes on the elliptical)
Second Set - Fitness Flurries:
1 set of 15 step-ups (per leg)
1 set of 15 stability ball push-ups
1 set of 15 lunges (per leg)
Then take a Stairmaster sleigh ride for 5 minutes (5 minutes on the stepper)
Third Set - A wintery mix of muscles:
1 set of 15 lat pull-downs
1 set of 15 stability ball squats
1 set of 15 upright rows
1 set of 15 leg press
Do another Stairmaster sleigh ride for 5 minutes
Final Set - Chilling Challenge:
1 set of 15 hammer curls
1 set of 15 leg extensions
1 set of 15 leg curls
1 set of 15 triceps extension
100 crunches
Your cheeks will be nice and rosy when you finish, even if you haven't spent the afternoon in the snow.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Puzzlement
What is it about bodies? I can't figure them out. Or at least I can't figure mine out. I don't have time to worry about anyone else's.
Why is it that you can eat pretty much the same amount of food every day, get a pretty consistent amount of exercise, and STILL have days where you could eat the paint off the walls and other days where you could just take it or leave it? And while we're on that subject, why can't we have more of the take it or leave it days and less of the eating paint off the walls days?
This morning about 8:00 I ate my usual Greek yogurt and fruit. No more, no less than usual. And by 8:15 all I could think about was lunch. What was I going to have? How much longer until I could have it? How could I keep my mind off it until then? What time is it now? How about now?
Thank goodness lunchtime finally got here. But when's dinner?
Why is it that you can eat pretty much the same amount of food every day, get a pretty consistent amount of exercise, and STILL have days where you could eat the paint off the walls and other days where you could just take it or leave it? And while we're on that subject, why can't we have more of the take it or leave it days and less of the eating paint off the walls days?
This morning about 8:00 I ate my usual Greek yogurt and fruit. No more, no less than usual. And by 8:15 all I could think about was lunch. What was I going to have? How much longer until I could have it? How could I keep my mind off it until then? What time is it now? How about now?
Thank goodness lunchtime finally got here. But when's dinner?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The iPod Blues
Today on the treadmill
I'll be sad and blue
Left my iPod at home
Don't know what I will do
Once when it was broken
I was down and lonely
Then sister in law Keri
Shared an ear bud with me
My husband had fixed it
Fixed it up real good
That iPod was working
Just the way that it should
I walked out this morning
Did not give it a thought
Just realized this moment
That it was not brought
So now I am singin'
I'm singin' the blues
Don't know how I'll last
Don't know how I can't lose
Please check back tomorrow
Is it sunshine or rain
Find out if I'm jamming
Or if tears fall again
I'll be sad and blue
Left my iPod at home
Don't know what I will do
Once when it was broken
I was down and lonely
Then sister in law Keri
Shared an ear bud with me
My husband had fixed it
Fixed it up real good
That iPod was working
Just the way that it should
I walked out this morning
Did not give it a thought
Just realized this moment
That it was not brought
So now I am singin'
I'm singin' the blues
Don't know how I'll last
Don't know how I can't lose
Please check back tomorrow
Is it sunshine or rain
Find out if I'm jamming
Or if tears fall again
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Another Resolution
This is my friend Kathy.
Kathy is pregnant. In case you couldn't tell. A few months back I mentioned that Kathy was the person who got our office fired up to go for daily walks. And now she is still the one who gets our office fired up to go for daily walks. She went for a two mile power walk today at lunch. By herself! (She couldn't get anyone else fired up). And it's pretty darn chilly today! Granted, her walks are not as quick as they once were, but the fact is that she got out and did it.
Kathy's New Year's Resolution? A bathing suit body by summer. Here's how I know she will be able to keep her resolution: Except for her belly, you would hardly even know Kathy is pregnant. She has gained the amount of weight her doctor recommended, but her face isn't puffy, her fingers aren't swollen, and from behind you can't even tell there's a big belly around front.
It isn't magic. It's her daily walks. It's the fact that she is still participating in Zumba and Brazilian dance class at the gym. It's the fact that, until very recently, she was still doing some running. (All this exercise was with her doctor's blessing). The only exercise she really gave up during pregnancy was lifting weights. Why wasn't I that smart when I was pregnant? That kind of self discipline will have Kathy back to bathing suit shape in no time at all. Whereas it took me 15+ years.
Kathy's New Year's Resolution? A bathing suit body by summer. Here's how I know she will be able to keep her resolution: Except for her belly, you would hardly even know Kathy is pregnant. She has gained the amount of weight her doctor recommended, but her face isn't puffy, her fingers aren't swollen, and from behind you can't even tell there's a big belly around front.
It isn't magic. It's her daily walks. It's the fact that she is still participating in Zumba and Brazilian dance class at the gym. It's the fact that, until very recently, she was still doing some running. (All this exercise was with her doctor's blessing). The only exercise she really gave up during pregnancy was lifting weights. Why wasn't I that smart when I was pregnant? That kind of self discipline will have Kathy back to bathing suit shape in no time at all. Whereas it took me 15+ years.
Monday, January 3, 2011
PHEW!!!
The holidays are over. Anybody else feeling a sigh of relief coming on? I don't mind telling you, I'm ready for life to get back to normal. I love seeing family and friends, going out, being busy 24/7...for a few days. But then I really need to get back in my routine. I get tired, my body feels out of whack from the rich food and lack of exercise, and I even start craving things like raw carrots. You know you're vitamin-deficient when that happens!
Right now spring feels like it's a long time away, but the days are getting just the tiniest bit longer each day. Tank top season really will come again. I will have to keep that in mind during January and February, and in the meantime, today I have made good choices about what I have had to eat and this afternoon I will be heading to the gym. My brilliant husband figured out how to fix my non-functioning iPod so I am ready for a good cardio session and then some weight-lifting.
Keep your focus and stick with any resolutions you have made - you will be so glad you did!
Right now spring feels like it's a long time away, but the days are getting just the tiniest bit longer each day. Tank top season really will come again. I will have to keep that in mind during January and February, and in the meantime, today I have made good choices about what I have had to eat and this afternoon I will be heading to the gym. My brilliant husband figured out how to fix my non-functioning iPod so I am ready for a good cardio session and then some weight-lifting.
Keep your focus and stick with any resolutions you have made - you will be so glad you did!
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