Mother Talkers

Fitness and training diary w/o Mar 17

by Rachel

Sun Mar 16, 2008 at 10:04:55 PM PDT

This is an open thread for those who are training for a race of any shape or kind. Post your training regime for this week and come back to report on your progress. Got a question on training, walking, running, biking, swimming or anything to do with race preparation? Post it here - someone will know the answer!

So, who's starting to see spring weather? I love those first few weeks of spring because it totally re-energizes me for running outdoors. Here in Melbourne, we're in a freak heatwave. It's supposed to be autumn and it's friggin' above 100 degrees. Where are we, Perth? Not that I'd mind hanging out with Aussieyank, but one of the reasons I always liked Melbourne is because it's supposed to have cooler weather than the rest of Australia. Now I'm looking at Tasmania and going, hey, that's nice.

</angry, grumpy, heat-induced whine>

Tags: race, running, excercise, health (all tags)

Permalink | 37 comments

  • my week (0 / 0)

    Have I mentioned that it's hot? Really hot? Because it is. But I still managed to run three times last week and hit the gym twice. So I'm feeling okay!

    Monday: 45 minutes in the gym. Biked, lifted, ran for 1 mile (in 9 min! I had to fill extra time.)
    Tues: Run for 1h15 minutes. I reckon that'll be around six or seven miles, but I'm not fussed.
    Wed: Swimming with Jess.
    Thurs: Run for 45 minutes
    Fri: run? gym? Who knows; it's a holiday
    Sat: The inverse of Friday
    Sun: wildcard. Depends on if we go anywhere

    by Rachel on Sun Mar 16, 2008 at 10:07:53 PM PDT

  • Last week (0 / 0)

    I didn't exercise at all b/c I was laid low with a sinus infection.  I've mostly recovered, so I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things this week.

    I'll do easy runs M,W,F and some yoga T, Th.

    by mkkendrick on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 02:57:32 AM PDT

  • We had a "storm" (0 / 0)

    It's been so hot lately that I was looking forward to our huge storm on Saturday.  It was like one of those summer storms, with big fat drops of rain for almost 3 whole minutes.  Pffft.  Then it went from 72 degrees to 58 degrees 3 minutes after that.  But one thing this storm brought with it was wind.  Lot of wind.  Is it safe to run with it windy like that?  

    I "discovered" the coolest park near my house.  Well, I knew it was there, we just hadn't visited it.  There's a lake and a ton of ducks!  Anyway, there's foothpaths throughout the park.  It was nice because of the tree canopy, it wasn't too hot.  Still when I got out to the street side, I was running into wind that was probably going 5 - 7 mph.  

    Other than that, I'm just having problems with my husband.  I'm was going to take today off, but I'm a loser...my gym has this program were it keeps track of everything we do.  I'm in 1st place for women in my age group for calories burned and points earned.  I'm in 6th place for weights lifted.  I want to be first.  So, I'm thinking of going to the gym this morning to try to catch up to 3rd place at the very least.

    Blogging While Brown Convention Atlanta, GA July 25-27, 2008

    by fabooj on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 08:54:08 AM PDT

    • I bet you can catch up (0 / 0)

      and hang in there - is there anyone else who can help you out with kiddoes? Or a way you can kick his rear so you can go running?

      by mpg on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:53:01 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • minor pep talk (0 / 0)

      Okay! I KNOW how hard it is to find the "me" time you need to run.  I do it at 5am and for the last six months it's been nearly impossible for me to drag my ass out of bed to do it.

      So I feel you on getting it done.  But it sounds like you are motivated and focused, so don't let the man get in your way!

      As for how you'll get to 40 minutes of straight running when you can't do two, well, you just will.  Just keep creeping up that speedometer on the treadmill or talking yourself into running a little bit longer when you're outside.  Consistency is the key.

      We are all here for you fabooj!!!

      Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

      by Hillary on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 01:03:03 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • Thanks (0 / 0)

        I woke up this morning around 4:15 and thought, "Hmmm, I could probably do a run right now."  However, I don't think my neighborhood is that safe and something tells me that a black person running in the middle of the night is only going to attract cops.  LOL!  Everyplace I could go to run, has wild animals and I'm not trying to get eaten by a cougar.  Damn city living!  Maybe I should check what time my gym opens.  If I can hit it before the kids wake up, it just may be worthwhile.

        Blogging While Brown Convention Atlanta, GA July 25-27, 2008

        by fabooj on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 03:33:16 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    • wind (0 / 0)

      there's a school of belief that running in wind is good training because it provides extra resistance, which helps build muscle. Now, I think they mean mild wind - not a gale-force hurricane. But still, so long as it's not bothering you too much, it's not going to do any damage.

      Urgh. So sorry to hear that the husband doesn't get it. Mine can be a real pain in the ar$e too. These days, I'm getting a lot of attitude about running on the weekends - a lot of, "well, you're home during the week. I don't see why I have to pick up the slack for you with Jess on my weekend." GRRRRRRRRR.

      by Rachel on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 02:28:26 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • I'm so tired.. (0 / 0)

    I've been up with little boy every few hours in the night for weeks and it messed up my schedule big time this weekend - I missed my Saturday afternoon yoga class, which is my favorite one of the week (always has a good vibe and I just seem to be loose at 3:30 on Saturdays).

    But I did make it to two yoga classes last week, Monday and Thursday and also went on two long bike rides - one Friday with both kids, one Sunday with DH too. I get extra points for this since my bike is heavy and I've got 35 pounds of toddler in a seat behind me.

    I'm going to yoga again tonight. And next week the kids are going to Arizona to see grandparents - I might try to do yoga every day!

    by mpg on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:55:38 AM PDT

  • me (0 / 0)

    Well, we ran 10 miles yesterday and it didn't totally suck!  I didn't set any records, but I'm still standing.

    So this week, I need to do 5 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, 5 on Friday and 10 on Sunday.

    Wish me luck!  The shins only bother me a little outside, still working on getting them to stop on the treadmill....

    Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

    by Hillary on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 01:04:18 PM PDT

    • I laugh when I read your post (0 / 0)

      because I seriously can't imagine running that much in a week! Partly that's because my hips are so messed up. I used to routinely race walk that much, but I can't anymore. So I just go and sweat it out at hot yoga.

      But I do wish you luck. I think the weather around here is supposed to be pretty nice this week.

      by mpg on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 06:39:12 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • Hijole! (0 / 0)

      That's a lot of running.  I just can't imagine doing 10 miles.  Hell, I can barely visualize 5 miles.  My legs feel like jelly after my sad little intervals.  

      Funny, I get shin splints on treadmills too, but not when I'm out on pavement.  Why is that?

      Blogging While Brown Convention Atlanta, GA July 25-27, 2008

      by fabooj on Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 10:36:23 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • it's a difference in movement (0 / 0)

        some people complain that they feel "boxed in" on treadmills, for example. Remember, the treadmill is actually moving the ground underneath you, causing you to make opposing movement. On land, the ground is steady and you're moving forward. It's an artificial environment, and it changes gaits which can lead to shin splints.

        And I promise, fabooj, in a few months, you'll look back and marvel how far you've come. When I started jogging, I ran two blocks and puked my guts out. Bit by bit, you'll start going farther and faster. And we'll all be there along with! ;-)

        by Rachel on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 04:30:35 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        • Boxed in... (0 / 0)

          Yeah, that's why I don't like the elliptical.  I feel like it's bouncing me.  I much rather run up flights of stairs.  I don't do the treadmill, ellipticals or stair masters at the gym.  I'd much rather walk outside, but the trainer at the gym said that I really should get on those machines.  Sigh.  They should pipe in fresh air and the smell of jasmine into the gym.

          Blogging While Brown Convention Atlanta, GA July 25-27, 2008

          by fabooj on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 02:15:45 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          • they can be helpful (0 / 0)

            I use the treadmill when I am training for a race and doing speed sessions; it's easier to have the precision of dialing in the proper speed and not thinking about when and how fast. Plus, it is made with material that's gentler on the joints and tendons, which is never a bad thing.

            So yeah, maybe try making your peace with the treadmill. But you know what? If it ain't working, it ain't working. This whole thing is a bout what makes you feel best and most motivated to get out there and move. Your trainer should understand that, too.

            by Rachel on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 02:51:10 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            • Thanks (0 / 0)

              She told me today that I should really do the treadmill and elliptical for 10 min. each time I come in for the next two weeks.  Then after that we'll sit down and review.  She said the same thing you said about setting the tempo.  We'll see.  I plan on going back tonight and doing the 10 minutes.  So we'll see.

              Blogging While Brown Convention Atlanta, GA July 25-27, 2008

              by fabooj on Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 05:19:58 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

  • my week... (0 / 0)

    Well...this week we get the couch to 5K plan off the ground. No more nice walks. Today we actually jogged. Okay...it was 60 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking, repeated for 30 minutes... :)

    More of that on Thursday and Saturday, and few yoga sessions in there if I can manage...

    by aussieyank on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 01:53:14 AM PDT

  • OK, it's definitely the shoooooooess!!!! (0 / 0)

    I ran my full five miles on the treadmill today - yeay for me!  No pain in the shins...

    I wore my OLD shoes. Not the ones from the ankle thing, the ones from BEFORE that. When I first put them on, they felt tight, but they instantly felt like part of my feet.  There was no slapping sound on the treadmill, no feeling like I was pounding at any point.

    So, now the question is, what do I do? These shoes were discontinued. I am going to see if I can find any back inventory on line, but I'm not hopeful.  So, I need to find a shoe that is like this one.

    I am just so happy that it didn't hurt to run!!!!

    Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

    by Hillary on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 07:46:54 AM PDT

  • Waiting for my (0 / 0)

    husband to get home so I can go for a run.

    My exercise routine is so sloppy/erratic these days...I never bother to post here. I used to be so "fit", and now I just try to maintain. I'm off to get my third cup of tea, now...It's a BIG heavy cup to lift, anyway.

    by tarantula on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 03:19:29 PM PDT

    • maintenance is fine (0 / 0)

      like you, I'm in a phase of "do it when I can." I write here so I'm forced to keep honest and motivated, but exercise is something that's one aspect of my life right now, and just one on a list of priorities. Unlike when I'm training for a half marathon, when it becomes a higher priority.

      Please don't feel like you can't post here - most of us aren't in the running to become the next Jane Fonda (wow, does that date me!); we just like to trade stories and successes!

      by Rachel on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 04:20:32 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • Too long, feel free to skip (0 / 0)

    We are slowly changing our routines - sorry so long, but appreciate the chance to record. This morning I weighed 104.4 kg - I've weighed more, but also much less. Felt terrific at 82 (180 lbs) & muscly (with lots of loose skin, but so what), so my long term goal is to get back within striking distance of that.

    My week so far (and planned)...

    Sunday: Carried lots of bulky (but not that heavy) boxes up and down stairs, down a winding path and back up, etc., what seemed like a thousand times but probably wasn't really that bad. (DP used to passionately collect stuff that we are now trying to reduce the amount of.)

    Monday: Joined a health club. (Thank you Rachel for the Curves feedback - I liked it there, but we went with Fitness First for other reasons. But not before Curves had measured us all anyway, very enlightening!) Inflated our exercise ball, but got distracted before I could use it.

    Tuesday: Actually TRIED the health club: first use of free weights for about six months!, and loved the x-c skiing machine (well that's what I call it) but spent lots of the time helping the other 2 get on/off the machines, choose which one to try next, etc. Also addressing the "what will we wear, getting a second deodorant so I can leave it in the gym bag" issues for all 3 (I am the shopper). DP and sister point out that the exercise balls at the gym are lots nicer than the one I inflated, can I return it to Rebel Sport and complain?

    Later Tuesday: took down the Christmas tree at last, broke it in pieces, and carried each one to the attic. (Let's not discuss why the tree was still up. Yes, it is artificial.)

    Still later Tuesday: initiated sex as a way to try to help DP (who has insomnia) get to sleep, but then started to enjoy myself as well. TMI, but it does elevate our heart rate and we are so unfit that every bit of exercise counts.

    Wednesday: Talked to the trainer on the phone :) - he says will be critical to also sleep and eat properly in order to see any results. Take the ornament boxes up later?

    Thursday (planned): gym after school, possibly first meeting with trainers for all 3 of us. Once DP and DSD learn the machines then I can work out more. There is a good yoga class at 10.30 but not sure I can get away.

    Friday: (gym closed for Good Friday - maybe a long walk?)

    Saturday: Something fun (if possible), or if not, pushing a wheelchair up and down mall ramps work some of the large muscle groups.

    ++++

    Whoops! I sound whiny. Actually I am thrilled and grateful, as I have wanted to join a gym for a long time, and we can't really afford it, but DP and I decided enough was enough and we will find the money somehow. Maybe I will go for a higher-paying job.

    Cheers,

    Maddie

    by madwoman in the attic on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 11:46:25 PM PDT

  • Monday was DH's birthday (0 / 0)

    so I had cake.  :)

    Yesterday I did weights and some easy exercises for my separated abdominals (who knew?) and a series of leg lifts.

    Today I did my weights and walked the park with the kids, and will be doing the leg lifts at home.

    Tomorrow I'll walk the lake

    Friday I have NO IDEA since I have guests

    Saturday I'll be hiking a bit in Tilden with the guests

    Sunday is easter.  No clue.

    However, April st I'm starting that runner's world couch to 5k program, and I made an appointment to CHECK OUT my local curves.  Any idea how much those run?

    What do you mean, uh-oh? baby pictures

    by round peg inna square hole on Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 06:39:08 PM PDT

Permalink | 37 comments