The Half is Approaching...

I'm a little overwhelmed by Becky's encouraging words from yesterday!  In fact I got a little choked up.  Because I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without her. 

She's the one who suggested the half-marathon in the first place.  However, at this point in time, I'm not sure yet if I'm grateful about that!  The Half-Marathon is in two days. The day after tomorrow. Not tomorrow but the next day. Two days. Today’s the 8th, the race is on the 10th. Tomorrow there will only be one more day. Do you get it? Two days. I’m starting to feel a little anxious; can you tell? It is quite apparent to me, because I had a pretty involved dream about the Half-Marathon the other night.


In my dream, I woke up at 8:15 (the race starts at 7). I stumbled out the door of my house (luckily, in my dream, I lived right at the start of the course) and went to the table where the race coordinators were waiting for the runners to start coming back in. I asked if I could still run. They had to have a conference to decide, because no one had ever been so late before. They finally decided that yes, I could run, but only a 5K because I was so late. So I started running and was immediately blocked by obstacles, including but not limited to traffic (because they had already opened the route back up), and also a couple of guys carrying a sheet of glass across the street. I had to stop for all these things and was feeling very frustrated that my first half marathon time was going to be totally ruined by my oversleeping. Wow. How many deep meanings can you take from that dream?

So for today’s October challenge, you get a trick, which is for you to have a sugar-free day. Because really, I don’t need anything else to wire me up.

Hats off to Nancy

Three days from now my friend Nancy will join over 2,500 participants the YMCA Half Marathon.  I want to  share just a few observations about her endeavor:

1. When I first met Nancy over 7 years ago the prospect of her contemplating, much less training for, any kind of running event did not seem even remotely possible.

2. I distinctly remember the first time Nancy ran a mile without stopping.  She was so proud--and so tired.

3.  I also remember the day Nancy announced she was going to join Team 13 in training for the half marathon.  I think she was a little unsure that she would be able to actually meet her goal of 13 miles, but she was determined.

4. Now Nancy runs and runs and runs some more.  (Yes, still with tissue, but some habits are impossible to break).  Sometimes a side stitch slows her down; some days are easier than others and some days Nancy seems to experience the true joy of running.

Nancy has come a long way and I am so proud of her.  After months of training the big race is almost here, and Nancy's ready.  On Sunday morning she will rise before the sun and head to the start at the top of the hill.  I will be across the river at the finish line, and amazingly, I will be able to see the runners begin the route from my vantage point and I will be in awe--of all of those who have dedicated themselves to accomplishing this goal, but I will be especially in awe of Nancy.

My hat is off to you, my friend. Good luck in your run.  Enjoy.  Savor the moments as you endure the miles. I will be there to cheer you across the finish!

Oh, the TREAT for the day:  Buy some fall flowers.

Another Tricky Day!

Sometimes you get in an exercise rut. Everything feels like the same-old, same-old. When you start to feel that way, look around for a new challenge to shake up both your body and your mind. For over a year I went to a class at the Y called Body Pump. It was an awesome way to get an extra session of lifting every week. When I started feeling like it was time for a change, I switched to kickboxing. That was also an awesome class and boy, did you work up a sweat. Unfortunately I developed plantar fasciitis in my foot, which seemed to be aggravated by kickboxing, so I had to stop. It’s been a while since I tried a new class and I was really feeling like it was time.


How lucky for me, then, that the Y started offering “Whose Class Is It Anyway?” on Monday nights. Each week you can try something different to see what you might like. This Monday I tried “Rhythmic Yoga.” The class starts with some basic yoga moves and then speeds things up so that you are getting a cardio workout as well as doing a lot of stretching and toning. Based on how sore my abs were for the rest of the night, I can guarantee you that I will be back for more.

With that said, then, today’s trick could really be a treat, depending on how you look at it. It’s always good to try something new! So for today, try using a stability ball for something new. Or if you have never used a stability ball, now’s the time to give it a try. Some of the things we do on the stability ball include: crunches, push-ups, chest press, flyes, dips, seated overhead press, squats, front raises, bicep curls…they really are pretty versatile. You could design almost a whole workout around one.

Or take this trick up a notch and try a new class at your gym! It may be just what you need to get you fired up.

October Challenge Day 5

Today's challenge for me is waking up.  Boy, am I having trouble.  I have already taught an hour long cycle class and had a big cup of coffee and yet my eyelids continue to droop.  It doesn't help knowing it's going to be a long day.  But, wait, what is the trick (or treat) today?? 

Why, it's a treat:  Spend some time outside!

That sounds like a great idea.  A bit of fresh air and some sunshine may be just what this tired body needs. It really is amazing how being outside can truly refresh a person.  I know I'll  find comfort in the beauty and feel a sense of freedom just by getting out of these four walls.  So, no more time for this computer stuff.  I am going to treat myself to some outside time.  Make sure you do, too.  

October Challenge - Days 3 & 4

Sorry there was no blog yesterday.  We played the trick on ourselves and our arms were just too tired to type. 

Yesterday’s trick, which you can do today instead, was to change up your regular push-ups by using a Bosu ball.  See our blog from September 3 if you aren’t sure what a Bosu ball is or how to use one.  It’s pretty new to us as well. 

If you can’t find a Bosu ball, use a stability ball.  If you can’t find a stability ball then you can elevate your feet on a low table.  If you can’t find a low table, well, we give up. 

Just so you know, we each did 35 Bosu ball push-ups yesterday (3 sets of 10-10-15).  We don’t want to lie to you so we will just come right out and say it: they were hard. 

For today you can also do another trick, which is 15 walking lunges.  It may make you feel better to know that we also did those yesterday, and we added bicep curls to them.  So really, we aren’t asking you to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves. 

Day 2 Challenge

A fun treat just for you,
On this challenge--Day Two.
Find a friend, a good scary flick
The Birds or Psycho--it's your pick.

Pop up some corn and settle in,
Let the season of frights begin.
Enjoy this treat we've chosen for you
Check in tomorrow to see what's new.

October Challenge - Day 1

Boy, did you guys ever get off easy.

I was all set to start you off on your October challenge with a trick, but I left it up to the women in my office to decide and they picked a treat for you.

So for October 1st, your instructions are to decorate your home and/or yard for fall. How easy is that? The good part is that since we are participating in the October challenge as well, we also get to decorate today!

Have fun and be sure to check back tomorrow to see whether you will get a trick or a treat!  And see yesterday's blog if you need to know what the October challenge is all about.