forgotten socks

Ouch! I headed to the gym today only to discover no socks. That's what I get for packing a bag when I'm not feeling well. My workout was cut short due to the discomfort (pain) of the 'no socks' drama. I quick 30 minutes with some quick runs at 6.0 mph (fast for me). It was a good workout, but I wish I had been able to work longer. I think I burned about 170 calories, which is nice. I enjoyed a little Larabar after the exercise to get some carbs going. Tonight I will pack 2 sets of socks to avoid future issues.

P.S. I hope to have new photos uploaded soon. I'll work on it the next couple of weekends. I'm doing a practice race (10K) at Disney in a couple weeks.

sick day

Ouch...I woke up this morning and was nauseated for hours. I didn't make it to work, and I've been bed-ridden all day. So no exercise to report. I was excited too because I was going to attend a yoga class this evening. I'll be out again tomorrow. Cheer me on!

Darn Shins

Another fun day on the 'path.' Met up with my TNT group for a 1 hour extravaganza. 45 minutes of running with 15 minutes of stretching/strength training. I got 3 miles in, fighting shin splints the whole way. argh! It was so frustrating, but I must figure out how to effectively deal with them.
For the stretching, we did 25 pushups and 25 situps and even some squats. For the squats, we bent down in a squat then when raising would lift one leg. We did 10 for each leg with total 20 squats. We also did the fun 'coach pull' where we run in 2 circles (approx 30 feet?) dragging our coach behind us by a resistance band. Coach pulls us back and we strive forward.
It's been a good run, and I'm looking forward to a good night sleep. Training has started to become a bit easier (kinda), and it feels good to get out and get the blood pumping. I'm also enjoying the nice people that I'm meeting in the group (not enough boys though).
I'm out.

Just a Walk in the Park

Today was a Disney day. My friend, Kristin, and I wanted to test out part of our upcoming 10K, so we hit some 'free' areas of Disney. We walked the Boardwalk and trail from Hollywood Studios to the World Showcase entrance of EPCOT - twice. I think it measured to about 4.5 miles. We didn't go super fast as my 'long run' was yesterday, but we kept it steady and did a good amount of stretching throughout. It was good to get a feel for at least a portion of the race, and we even took the little hills backwards a couple times just to work some different muscles. It was 100% humidity, so even at 9:30am this morning, it was HOT. We had a good workout and ate pretty well overall.
We started the day with a double fiber whole grain bread lightly toasted with peanut butter and a banana. It was yummy, but not recommended for long run days (for me at least). We had a yummy salad and some bread at lunch from one of our fave places, Sweet Tomatoes.
I've been reading Body for Life and Runner's world this evening, and I'm getting some good tips for healthy eating and exercising. This has been a great experience!

The week over already

Looking back on the week I missed a couple days (well one was a rest day). On Wednesday, I felt beat. I don't know if I should blame the flu shot or not. I started feeling feverish and exhausted around the end of the day, and that's when I was supposed to be at the gym. I went home and went to bed at 9:30pm (early). I slept it off and was able to get into the gym at work for a 45 minute treadmill run.
This morning was the TNT group run, and we did 4.5 miles. I paced about 14:33; I'm not that fast when it comes to longer race distances, but I'm steady. I was tired and achy through the first couple miles but by the end I was in stride. I was glad that I went today since I had a raging headache Friday night that had me restless and pained.
Now I smell all stinky, but I've had a chai latte and that made the morning better. I am really enjoying the pain and thrill of doing a marathon. It's not easy, but I know I can do it.
Time for a quick nap before I go to support my friend in her race tonight.

BTW, I also need to shop for a fuel belt since I have to start carrying my liquids and clifshots. I also have to figure out good cross-training, and one of my coaches recommended Biggest Loser videos, so I'll be searching for that online today.

Fun times. Hopefully in the next week I'll be able to post some pictures of my progress.

Training in front of the TV

I desired more home time today so instead of hitting the gym, I got in front of my TV. 1 hour old-style walk aerobics. I think it was equivalent for 4 miles - got my heart pumping and also included a little stretching. It was really good. I enjoyed getting pumped in my comfort zone of home. I will be back at the gym later this week, but I'm also trying to figure out how to keep everyday fresh, add a little different element and keep it fun. Otherwise, I'll go crazy. I did miss getting together with my TNT buds this evening though...I have enjoyed our gatherings and comraderie.
Cheers! Maybe a little wine to celebrate a good day. Or may just a little break and a little rest.

After Fondue

So last nite I decided to dine on a fondue dinner at a really yummy restaurant. My friend and I made some smart choices with what we were dipping in the cheese and ensuring that we ate veggies. We even had food leftover (except for dessert) that she was able to take home.
After a big meal ending at 10:15 at nite, getting up at 6am to do a run was not happening. I headed out for a 30 minute walk around 9am this morning. I was fighting with my shins again (shooting pains). I took time to stretch during the walk and work it out. When I came home pouring in sweat, I crawled onto the floor for some exercises. Crunches, push-ups, squats, lunges. It was good.
After my exercise fun, I headed to the grocery store to pick up some new food items and get ready for a new week of dining. I even tried some muscadine grapes!
I'll be ready for my Monday night workout and will soon build up my endurance.
I am an Endurance Athlete!

Big Bertha

Holy crap, I didn't know there were hills in Central Fl. Today, I found the big one. I did 2 miles then went up & down this hill 3 times, then finished with 2 more miles. Since I'm definitely not used to doing hills being in Fl, this was all new.
So the second time going up the hill, I went backwards. Wow, that was slow moving. It works some different hills, and I need to train this way because WDW has a lot of ramps (little hills). I know I will be ready for the race! I will not take this training lightly. I heard some inspirational stories today about why people run and experiences they've had. Inspiration to kick butt!

Day Off

All I can say is a day off feels good!

First Day of Really Trying Strength Training

How do I begin? Well, it all begin this evening following a snack of nothing (bad idea) to the gym. I geared up and hopped on the treadmill for about 10 minutes. I wanted to get my heart pumping, and I had no clue how I was to fill 60 minutes of cross-training.
After the treadmill of light walking but getting warmed up, I found a little area of floor to explore. My dad gave me some calistenics (sp?) exercises that he still actively uses and are good for that strength training stuff. I looked so amateur, but I had a guide and it's all I needed. I didn't do any crazy jumping around (save some of it for at-home), but I did get dirty on the floor.
I did forward and backward lunges, crunches, push-ups, squats and a couple others that really worked some muscles. I'll probably be aching tomorrow - I can't believe doing a few push-ups really made my arms feel jiggly.
After doing about 20 minutes of training (no weights, no machines), I hopped back on the treadmill for another 10 minutes to make my treadmill experience a mile.
It was an interesting experience. Like I said, I felt like a novice especially with 4 girls there being coached by a couple trainers. I realized later tonite, however, that it doesn't matter. I made the decision to improve my health, and going in with my little cheat sheet was the best way I could get started.
I'm sure I'll be achy, but I made a decision to exercise, to work on my healthiness, and I acknowledge myself for taking that action.

P.S. After the workout I met up with a group of friends that I visit with once a week (great group of women). We watched a movie called "The Shadow Effect" and it really started to connect for me what I'm doing and why I'm choosing to participate with Team In Training. It was a good evening.

Biggest Loser

Today's workout was not the greatest. Since this daily regimen is new to me, I am so tired today. I spent the whole time trying to be okay with feeling so tired, but it hit me as I tried to strength train this evening. It was brief, but at least I did some of it. Tomorrow is another day!

So I watched the first episode of 'The Biggest Loser' tonite (DVR). I cried for the first 45 minutes. They made it so emotional, plus in some ways I can relate to these individuals. We all have our stories, our habits, and our ability to choose. I do this race not only to raise funds for a deadly disease but also to create a better life for me. If I can become a healthier individual while helping others, then it's a real win-win.

So I make my choices day by day, hour by hour and moment by moment.

Ooops, what I supposed to cross-train

Well, I was supposed to cross-train today, but as I didn't know what else to do, I just ran. Oops! 45 minutes on the treadmill - again my fast walking with a bit of jogging. I did interval training on the machine today, so it would go from 0 incline to 3. It was a good workout.
I bought new shoes over the weekend, so I tested them out today. I spent about 20-25 minutes in my new 'kicks' but switched back to my old shoes, since I want to get into the new shoes easily.
So I asked a personal trainer what would be a good idea for cross-training, and she told me that I should jump over a bench to build my endurance. So I guess that will be added to the mix this week :)

Side bar: after exercising for an hour, going to singing rehearsal for 2.5 hours is rather exhausting. It's okay, because I'll be fine doing both in the same night soon, but today kicked my butt. My bed is calling!

Added the Strength

Well, I met up with my TNT group at a local park for some running and strength training. My shins were just hurting, so I moved a bit slower trying to shake it all out.
45 minutes of walk/run
15 minutes of strength training -
25 push-ups
25 crunches
dragging the coach around w/ resistance band on waist

It was great meeting people and exercising. We even celebrated a birthday with a little cookie (maybe 2).
This exercise is tiring of course, but feels good. I am surprised that my butt isn't dragging, but it's good to get healthy.

It's Hot Outside

The sun kissed my forehead this morning, and light blurred my vision as I slept in (enjoyingly) until 8:45am. I didn't even give myself a chance to delay, as I crawled my from bed and immediately changed into my running outfit. Now I see why they saw to lay it out the night before. I crawled down the stairs and out the door. Today I used my iPod to keep it pumping as I walked (little bit o' running) around the neighborhood for 40 minutes. By the time my little trip was over, its was 87 degrees outside. Holy cow, is that why I was sweating so much. I enjoyed half a Larbar (sp?) that tasted like Banana bread (thanks Julie). I decided to stop by Sports Authority in the search for spandex'y capris and try on shoes. Not so much luck in the shoe department, but I do have a pair of Brooks waiting for me to pick-up tomorrow from Track Shack. I also found some moisture-wick socks; I want to try out a different type of sock since my feet get so sweaty. I love shopping for athletic clothing.

Now that the sun is setting on the day, and I still feel pretty good. I am enjoying my first glass of Perrier, which I opted for instead of a glass of wine. It's a different taste, but I've read that drinking a bit daily improves body performance. So it can't hurt to try :)

See you on the track tomorrow!

First Official Day of Training

Holy cow, 5:15am came so early this morning. It was dark when I left home and dark when I started exercising...aack! I had to drive across town for this morning's training to be there at 6:45am. Unfortunately, I misjudged the time and got there a couple minutes before everyone ran off. 3 miles today - I decided to walk with 2-3 little spurts of running since this is the first time I've really gone out and run/walk outside since earlier this year. I am sliding easily into this training, so that I don't injure myself. I spent the walk by myself, but being nearby a number of fellow trainees. I was happy to meet my coach & mentor in person as well.
I left sweaty and looking 'hot' (by that, my poor face was bright red for 30 minutes afterward). It felt great, and I am so motivated right now to face the world. Why haven't I been exercising more when it gives such a rush?

Well, I'm going by Track Shack today to test out some new sneaks - expensive yes - fitting my foot and stride - awesome!

First official week of training for the marathon - check! Looking forward to more fun!

Laughter

Tonite I experienced my first yoga class for laughter. Laughter yoga where no mat is needed. We stood around for 45 minutes laughing with some breathing and stretching as well. It sounds odd and until you experience it, it's a bit hard to explain. We know laughing is good for us, so this is exercising our laughter to make the body feel good. I've decided eating Indian food right before was probably not the smartest choice, but it was a great 'cross-training' activity.
Night!

Weighing In

I don't own a scale because I'm one of those obsessive people that would weigh myself twice a day. Who needs that stress? So when I go to Publix or a friend's house, I hop on the scale. Until 7 months ago, I was okay with the number. Slowly, it's been increasing. Stress, bad eating habits, stress, lack of exercise, stress, you get the idea.
Today that has changed as well. At work, there is a special group doing a 'Weigh In'. There will be teams and contests and motivation for positive change. Today I hopped onto the scale; no, not in front of anyone. The only one who knows my number is the coordinator of the activity. For the next 5 weeks, I will weigh in and track my progress. Let's slow down on that junk food and soda and move into the direction of more vegatables and water. Like exercise, my eating habits are not that consistent. That is why I look forward to this new challenge with "Weighing In" and working with friends in a circle of accountability. We all need support in some fashion, and I have found a group that shares love so freely.
I am so grateful. So tomorrow is a new day with opportunities with positive change. Go in the direction of your dreams!

Buyer's Remorse

so about 3 days ago, I experienced buyer's remorse. Only it wasn't a purchase exactly, but the decision to do a marathon. Am I crazy? My body can't handle that. How will I ever find the time and energy for this task?
So today I slapped myself...well, not literally. I pushed those "can't" voices out of my head and decided that it's going to be great. I finally put on my sneakers (had been avoiding) and got on the treadmill to start next step of the journey. It felt good. Well, I may have been slightly nauseated after the effort, but only temporarily. It was probably from a lack of adequate water supply, so I'll fix that tomorrow.
Honestly, it felt good. My heart was pumping and legs were pounding the treadmill belt. I took it easy as one should easing back into a good exercise regimen. Like many, consistency in certain activities is not my strong suit.
I'm excited as well because some friends will be starting an accountability group. A group to go where I can have the support system to strengthen myself and also be a supporter for my friends in their journeys.
Today felt good and tomorrow will be great.