God gives you thunderstorms... This morning's weather mentioned there may be late day thunderstorms. I knew this could interfer with the swim agenda. I do have lots to do for dinner tomorrow night but I could knock the swimming out pretty quickly. Around 3pm the skies got dark outside the office. And I thought - 3 hours - it will pass. At 5:40 I called the Y - yep the pool was closed. So I went to the grocery store and came home...
Tomorrow night's menu - homemade bruschetta, grilled pesto chicken (sorry for those of you that don't like chicken), whole wheat pasta tossed with grape tomatoes, basil, spinach, red onion and olive oil, and for dessert... well that's a surprise....
SO much for tomorrow's work out.
Saturday I will be hitting the paths in the park again and the pool. So that's good. But I do have another birthday celebration that night.
And Sunday - riding the rollercoasters!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Scar on my face...
Some attentive reader noted my comment about the scar on my face and asked me to expand - claiming they did not notice...
So here we go... Summer of '96. I had just moved back to my parent's house from Bermuda. I was in a sulky mood most of the time. It was a rainy weekend in July. I had spent the 4th with friends in NYC and it was great. But now that it was rainy I was sulky again. My parents were in the process of preparing the house I grew up in to be sold. They decided on that rainy day that it would be good to scrub the deck off our back door. They cleaned I sulked. OK - maybe I didn't sulk. I remember being restless.
Eventually the sun came out and my mood perked up. I threw on my sneakers and decided to hit the streets for a walk (yea - didn't run much then either). I went out the back door and promptly off the back step. I landed at the bottom of the steps. There were only 3 or so steps so it was no big deal. EXCEPT the side of my face hit the upper level of the deck and cracked open.
I remember sitting there with my hand on my cheek, back near my left ear, and I could feel the gap in the flesh. "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY, DADDY" was all I remember screaming... and there he came from WAY in the back of the yard running. Not the first time I had shed blood in the back yard and he came to my rescue. This was however the first time I ever had to get emergency medical care...
He calmed me down. Calmed my mom down. I think we called urgent care. And off we went.
There wasn't much wait at the urgent care. They saw me a lot faster than if we had gone to the ER. And I have never been much for hospitals (even less so now). The doctor said he could patch me up and get me over to a plastic surgeon or he could do the sutures himself. I opted to just have them done there. 12 stitches and 1 tetanus shot later we headed back home.
And I only felt like passing out or maybe it was vomitting about 30 minutes after we got home.
I spent the rest of the summer with zinc ozide on my face. I used lots of vitamin E. And my friend Fiona at Strands gave me a small bottle of Clarins Skin Repair to help with the scarring. To this day I still recommend the Clarins Skin Repair. And way off on my left cheek near my ear there is scar.
So here we go... Summer of '96. I had just moved back to my parent's house from Bermuda. I was in a sulky mood most of the time. It was a rainy weekend in July. I had spent the 4th with friends in NYC and it was great. But now that it was rainy I was sulky again. My parents were in the process of preparing the house I grew up in to be sold. They decided on that rainy day that it would be good to scrub the deck off our back door. They cleaned I sulked. OK - maybe I didn't sulk. I remember being restless.
Eventually the sun came out and my mood perked up. I threw on my sneakers and decided to hit the streets for a walk (yea - didn't run much then either). I went out the back door and promptly off the back step. I landed at the bottom of the steps. There were only 3 or so steps so it was no big deal. EXCEPT the side of my face hit the upper level of the deck and cracked open.
I remember sitting there with my hand on my cheek, back near my left ear, and I could feel the gap in the flesh. "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY, DADDY" was all I remember screaming... and there he came from WAY in the back of the yard running. Not the first time I had shed blood in the back yard and he came to my rescue. This was however the first time I ever had to get emergency medical care...
He calmed me down. Calmed my mom down. I think we called urgent care. And off we went.
There wasn't much wait at the urgent care. They saw me a lot faster than if we had gone to the ER. And I have never been much for hospitals (even less so now). The doctor said he could patch me up and get me over to a plastic surgeon or he could do the sutures himself. I opted to just have them done there. 12 stitches and 1 tetanus shot later we headed back home.
And I only felt like passing out or maybe it was vomitting about 30 minutes after we got home.
I spent the rest of the summer with zinc ozide on my face. I used lots of vitamin E. And my friend Fiona at Strands gave me a small bottle of Clarins Skin Repair to help with the scarring. To this day I still recommend the Clarins Skin Repair. And way off on my left cheek near my ear there is scar.
Vacuuming
Oh you laugh - but if you know how much I hate to vacuum you would call it a workout as well. So that's what I am doing tonight. And I am blogging about it because I have mastered the fine art of procrastination. And if you had a pug that shed as much as mine you would understand my hesitation.
When it is all said and done - it would probably only take me a half hour. But I will surely drag it out for a good hour....
When it is all said and done - it would probably only take me a half hour. But I will surely drag it out for a good hour....
When Motivation Wains
Discipline Kicks In....
I call this an American Expressism - and I learned it as a way to keep focused while making dials. It popped into my brain yesterday as I was changing into my bathing suit for the Y. You see I changed in the bathroom at work knowing full well that if given the opportunity I would find a way to not swim yesterday. I have learned changing can be half the battle.
Having the proper equipment with me is the other half but we're not to that point yet.
So I changed and lugged myself out to the car and was able to direct it to the Y. I was back on track. I am not going to falter on this I say in an effort to keep moving forward to the gym. And I get all the way into the locker room - woo hoo adult women's locker room - no more naked too old kids - of course within 30 seconds of thinking that some stark naked lady walked by - I'm not too comfortable with that either. I am getting my self all set and wouldn't you know - I didn't bring my contacts or my goggles. I must have left them somewhere else when I got done at SH's pool. And that's where the discipline left me.... I packed up my bag, walked back to the car, and drove home.
WAIT!!! There is a good twist to the story... I found said eyegear and was back at SH's pool within 20 minutes. I did breawst stroke non stop for 10 minutes. I did 2 sets of freestyles swims at 5 minutes each. I gave up counting laps or lengths. I also did some kickless freestyle strokes - wow do my arms feel that today. And for good measure - always some underwater swimming and back stroke.
So my arms feel it today. I think tonight will be a restful night.
Now off to work - big meeting this afternoon - well kinda
I call this an American Expressism - and I learned it as a way to keep focused while making dials. It popped into my brain yesterday as I was changing into my bathing suit for the Y. You see I changed in the bathroom at work knowing full well that if given the opportunity I would find a way to not swim yesterday. I have learned changing can be half the battle.
Having the proper equipment with me is the other half but we're not to that point yet.
So I changed and lugged myself out to the car and was able to direct it to the Y. I was back on track. I am not going to falter on this I say in an effort to keep moving forward to the gym. And I get all the way into the locker room - woo hoo adult women's locker room - no more naked too old kids - of course within 30 seconds of thinking that some stark naked lady walked by - I'm not too comfortable with that either. I am getting my self all set and wouldn't you know - I didn't bring my contacts or my goggles. I must have left them somewhere else when I got done at SH's pool. And that's where the discipline left me.... I packed up my bag, walked back to the car, and drove home.
WAIT!!! There is a good twist to the story... I found said eyegear and was back at SH's pool within 20 minutes. I did breawst stroke non stop for 10 minutes. I did 2 sets of freestyles swims at 5 minutes each. I gave up counting laps or lengths. I also did some kickless freestyle strokes - wow do my arms feel that today. And for good measure - always some underwater swimming and back stroke.
So my arms feel it today. I think tonight will be a restful night.
Now off to work - big meeting this afternoon - well kinda
Monday, July 28, 2008
Take a walk around the neighborhood...
So it may not be the plans I had for my Monday workout... I was going to walk from the office to the Y and then use the stationary bike and walk back to the office. It's a little Y - not the one with the pool.
BUT - my new glasses came in today. So I went to pick them up instead.
And THEN went for a walk around the neighborhood. The good deal with the neighborhood is there are hills - so it is a good extra kick in the workout. We did the loop 5 1/2 times. I beleive each loop is a half mile - I know I could go to MMR but I just don't feel like it. So I would say I was close to 3 mile give or take ...
Gotta stretch more...
BUT - my new glasses came in today. So I went to pick them up instead.
And THEN went for a walk around the neighborhood. The good deal with the neighborhood is there are hills - so it is a good extra kick in the workout. We did the loop 5 1/2 times. I beleive each loop is a half mile - I know I could go to MMR but I just don't feel like it. So I would say I was close to 3 mile give or take ...
Gotta stretch more...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Body Fat %
And while on the subject of weight loss and wellness programs - one of the past weeks I spent 2 days at a health fair - again a work thing... The second day there was this woman from Curves there... and she had this body fat counter... OK - let's just say mine was high... Not higher than I anticipated as I didn't know what to anticipate. But I would say it is high...
I have a co-worker who has been somewhat obsessed with her body fat count for a few months now. She even went and had some special test done with some hi-tech machine to get hers checked out. I was surprised at how high hers was. It startled her enough to go to the doctor. Me - I just know I need to work out more.
And then there is my friend, Michael, and he has done just that. Started to work out more... Hired a personal trainer and everything. And every week he notes his body fat count on his blog... EEERRRR is all I can say. He has done a great job - fat count down muscle count up.
I hope to be able to claim the same at the end of this tri thing.
More importantly I just want to be able to claim I finished it... Something more athletic than I have done in quite some time... How cool will that be.
I have a co-worker who has been somewhat obsessed with her body fat count for a few months now. She even went and had some special test done with some hi-tech machine to get hers checked out. I was surprised at how high hers was. It startled her enough to go to the doctor. Me - I just know I need to work out more.
And then there is my friend, Michael, and he has done just that. Started to work out more... Hired a personal trainer and everything. And every week he notes his body fat count on his blog... EEERRRR is all I can say. He has done a great job - fat count down muscle count up.
I hope to be able to claim the same at the end of this tri thing.
More importantly I just want to be able to claim I finished it... Something more athletic than I have done in quite some time... How cool will that be.
WW@W
I have shared this little tidbit of information with a handful of people - mostly in explanation to my comment that a tall black and Coke is 5 points...
Every year at work we do some sort of wellness program. We promote them for our clients so we try them out for ourselves as well. Last year we did a 10,000 step challenge. Basically everyone wore pedometers and tracked how many steps they took in day. The goal being 10,000. This year we are doing weight watchers at work. This is a program where the WW personnel actually come to the office to conduct the weigh in and meeting. It started the week before I left for Bermuda - Hence the comment a tall black and Coke is 5 points (for those not in the know...http://www.goslingsrum.com/flash/blackseal/index.htm)
I have stayed about even the entire time - well I stopped counting points after the bangers and mash at Frog & Onion... And I thought I was doing better now but the scale says not so much. OK - there was the bananas foster last week (there may be a theme here) and pizza. So this week I am trying to be better about it.
The funny thing about all this - the foods suggested aren't very different than what I eat already. So I don't think my body has experienced any huge shock to the system.
We have 5 more weeks to go so we shall see...
Every year at work we do some sort of wellness program. We promote them for our clients so we try them out for ourselves as well. Last year we did a 10,000 step challenge. Basically everyone wore pedometers and tracked how many steps they took in day. The goal being 10,000. This year we are doing weight watchers at work. This is a program where the WW personnel actually come to the office to conduct the weigh in and meeting. It started the week before I left for Bermuda - Hence the comment a tall black and Coke is 5 points (for those not in the know...http://www.goslingsrum.com/flash/blackseal/index.htm)
I have stayed about even the entire time - well I stopped counting points after the bangers and mash at Frog & Onion... And I thought I was doing better now but the scale says not so much. OK - there was the bananas foster last week (there may be a theme here) and pizza. So this week I am trying to be better about it.
The funny thing about all this - the foods suggested aren't very different than what I eat already. So I don't think my body has experienced any huge shock to the system.
We have 5 more weeks to go so we shall see...
Small Pool Swim
I may have mentioned previously that my friend has a pool in his back yard. Before the escapades at the Y, I started swimming at his pool. It is only 8 yards in length - so I had to count pretty high to get to the 250 yards. You laugh but when you are thinking - stroke, stroke, breathe, kick... you eventually find yourself at - what number am I at again?
But it's nice to go there to swim... salt water which I hope is easier on my hair, skin, ears... usually friendly conversation - as he does come out to say hello... easier than driving to the Y Just lots of reasons... But it does require swimming 32 lengths of the pool.
I swam today as we chatted - so not much of a speed or cardio thing going on there. But I did swim back and forth for about an hour. So for today - I am OK with it.
But it's nice to go there to swim... salt water which I hope is easier on my hair, skin, ears... usually friendly conversation - as he does come out to say hello... easier than driving to the Y Just lots of reasons... But it does require swimming 32 lengths of the pool.
I swam today as we chatted - so not much of a speed or cardio thing going on there. But I did swim back and forth for about an hour. So for today - I am OK with it.
Painting Baseboards...
Does that count as some sort of training? If anything I would think it could qualify for some good stretching time.... That's what I did with my Saturday afternoon. I have a few more paint jobs to touch up. I started with that one as it was my bathroom and I notice it every day. Now if I could just get motivated to finish the little bit around the kitchen window - OH and the living room...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Get the Lead Out
That's what I was told to do... My routine has not been as consistent as before my vacation as before I actually signed up for the triathlon.
So this morning I went to McMullen Creek Greenway in an attempt to walk 5 miles.
http://www.charmeck.nc.us/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Greenways/McMullen+Creek.htm
Instead I did 3.5 miles of interval training.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/nc/charlotte/493816396
I walked the first 0.75 miles. At each quarter mile marker from that point on I tried to run as long as possible. Remember I don't run. My goal is that eventually the quarter miles will run into one another to make a full mile (well actually 2).
0.00 to 0.50 walk
0.75 interval; 1.00 interval; 1.25 interval; 1.50 interval; 1.75 walk
2.00 interval (this was the longest interval that I ran - I was motivated as I was on my way back to the car...)
2.25 walk (I missed this marker); 2.50 walk (This marker is in the middle of a boardwalk along the path. It was wet. And the scar on the side of my face reminds me I am little hesistant to go running along a wet boardwalk)
2.75 interal; 3.00 interval; 3.25 walk
I was out there for 57 minutes - which averages 16.25 minute miles. Which is an improvement from my begining which was around 20+/- minute miles.
And the first 30 minutes (where there were more intervals) I did better at a little over 15 minute miles.
So I am happy with that.... And at the advice of a friend I am going to go stretch some more now...
So this morning I went to McMullen Creek Greenway in an attempt to walk 5 miles.
http://www.charmeck.nc.us/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Greenways/McMullen+Creek.htm
Instead I did 3.5 miles of interval training.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/nc/charlotte/493816396
I walked the first 0.75 miles. At each quarter mile marker from that point on I tried to run as long as possible. Remember I don't run. My goal is that eventually the quarter miles will run into one another to make a full mile (well actually 2).
0.00 to 0.50 walk
0.75 interval; 1.00 interval; 1.25 interval; 1.50 interval; 1.75 walk
2.00 interval (this was the longest interval that I ran - I was motivated as I was on my way back to the car...)
2.25 walk (I missed this marker); 2.50 walk (This marker is in the middle of a boardwalk along the path. It was wet. And the scar on the side of my face reminds me I am little hesistant to go running along a wet boardwalk)
2.75 interal; 3.00 interval; 3.25 walk
I was out there for 57 minutes - which averages 16.25 minute miles. Which is an improvement from my begining which was around 20+/- minute miles.
And the first 30 minutes (where there were more intervals) I did better at a little over 15 minute miles.
So I am happy with that.... And at the advice of a friend I am going to go stretch some more now...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Private Ryan
So I haven't felt all that well this week. Today's the sinus headache kicked in full force and I decided it would be a good night to sit on the couch and watch the tele... Of course there was nothing on the tele. I decided I would watch Moulin Rouge - it has been a while since I watched it and that would be a light little romance with some good music. And somewhere between that decision, changing into my pjs and pulling the movie out of the closet I ended up with Saving Private Ryan. A little darker and more gruesome than my original thought for Friday night on the couch. Last week there was that special on PBS about WWII with Martin Sheen as narrator - I figure this must be a carry over. And even though it is a far cry from Ewan McGregor singing Your Song - I am glad I chose it. What a GREAT movie - cinematography, actors, story line, leadership, patriotism... So a good choice. Maybe I will get the Moulin Rouge in tomorrow night - after a day of trying to get in my crazy sleu of workouts...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Splash & Dash
The Y is doing a swim run... in 3 weeks...
I wonder if I could do that by then
400 yard swim and a 5 k
OK - let's just ignore my non-running ability...
I could finish something like this
Not in stellar time but I think I could finish it...
I would have to ramp up the next few weeks of swimming - which isn't a bad thing...
I did 400 yards tonight... Hmm a thought....
See what KP thinks...
I wonder if I could do that by then
400 yard swim and a 5 k
OK - let's just ignore my non-running ability...
I could finish something like this
Not in stellar time but I think I could finish it...
I would have to ramp up the next few weeks of swimming - which isn't a bad thing...
I did 400 yards tonight... Hmm a thought....
See what KP thinks...
Glub GLub Glub
I can say there were no incidences this evening on the trek to the pool.
If I was a few minutes later I would have had space in the "fitness" pool but instead opted for the activity pool instead. The lane next to mine was a group of 4 girls (very little girls) taking their first (well it seemed like their first) swimming lesson. It was cute to watch them and listen to the instructors instructions.
Me - I did 2 sets of 2 laps of the breast stroke - uh - total of 4 laps or 200 yards. And 4 sets of 1 lap of free style - uh another 4 laps or 200 yards. I definitely find the breast stroke easier. And I like the muscle groups it seems to focus on. However I really need to get better at the freestyle. I was in the pool for a total of 20 minutes - I would like to work up to being swimming for a total of 30 minutes. We shall see how I progress on that one.
And let's be honest - if I had my wish it would be 30+ minutes of swimming in the Caribbean with a tank and mask - but that's a whole other agenda...
In the walking world - I don't pretend to call it running just yet. I did 1.2 miles this evening - the weather is perfect out there - so I did the loop around the neighborhood. I thought I'd do longer but I tired out.
So now I am sitting here with a cup of hot tea, the laundry kicking in some more downstairs and maybe some bills to pay - now that will be fun...
If I was a few minutes later I would have had space in the "fitness" pool but instead opted for the activity pool instead. The lane next to mine was a group of 4 girls (very little girls) taking their first (well it seemed like their first) swimming lesson. It was cute to watch them and listen to the instructors instructions.
Me - I did 2 sets of 2 laps of the breast stroke - uh - total of 4 laps or 200 yards. And 4 sets of 1 lap of free style - uh another 4 laps or 200 yards. I definitely find the breast stroke easier. And I like the muscle groups it seems to focus on. However I really need to get better at the freestyle. I was in the pool for a total of 20 minutes - I would like to work up to being swimming for a total of 30 minutes. We shall see how I progress on that one.
And let's be honest - if I had my wish it would be 30+ minutes of swimming in the Caribbean with a tank and mask - but that's a whole other agenda...
In the walking world - I don't pretend to call it running just yet. I did 1.2 miles this evening - the weather is perfect out there - so I did the loop around the neighborhood. I thought I'd do longer but I tired out.
So now I am sitting here with a cup of hot tea, the laundry kicking in some more downstairs and maybe some bills to pay - now that will be fun...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Excuses Excuses
How does a 12midnight phone call prompting a 6:30am departure time for work... do for an excuse?
Due to the bad weather I had to unexpectantly rearrange my work schedule today.
I found myself on the road before 6:30am headed to the office to pick up my laptop and head to a clients...
That's about all I care to say on the subject....
Everyone is so thankful for my flexibility... yee haw!
Due to the bad weather I had to unexpectantly rearrange my work schedule today.
I found myself on the road before 6:30am headed to the office to pick up my laptop and head to a clients...
That's about all I care to say on the subject....
Everyone is so thankful for my flexibility... yee haw!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Swimming
Given my inability to breath much this morning and the early morning meeting... I did not drag myself out of bed to hit the pavement this am... But I also knew I would be hitting the lanes this evening...
Again the adult ladies' locker room was closed. They must be doing renovations. So today's dilema - there were no lockers availble. Truth be told - for the size of the Y I am not surprised to find that to be the case... I guess Neptune or Ariel were looking out for me because by the time I changed, put in my contacts, yucked up my hair, a locker became available. Locked it all up and out into the pool area I went.
But before I get in the water - let me share some more observations I made on this trip to the pool. #1 - the age limit for the family locker room is 6, so yes that naked fat boy may have been a bit old, #2 - today I witnessed 2 young girls wearing string bikinis into the fitness pool to swim laps - i stopped paying attention once i got in the water so maybe they were really headed to the outdoor pool - but the last i saw them they were waiting for a lane and #3 this city can be truly multi-cultural if you get out in it every once in a while - or at least the Y is...
So now for the pool - there were a few lanes open in the activity/warmer pool. This is where I wanted to swim as I wouldn't feel the crush of continuing to swim if I shared a lane in the fitness pool. In the water I went.
I did 3 laps with the brast stroke. I consider that my warm up stroke. It uses lots of muscles but it is not as exhausting.
Then I did 3 laps of free-style. For the triathlon I need to do 5 laps of freestyle - well I suppose I could use any if I was really struggling...
And that was all... 300 yards and 15 minutes later....
Let me tell you I know I was getting workout - I could almost feel myself sweating while in the pool. And by the time I left the gym my face was still bright red. The bright red that if I had been in an aerobics class I would have excused myself for fear of overheating... I have done that a few times - the cool off sucks in situations like that becaue inevitably I want to pass out....
So I consider it was a good workout.
In my ideal mind I wanted to hit the treadmill as well. Nike was not looking out for me as I did not have any socks. But even if I did remember the socks - the treadmill probably wasn't in the cards for this evening. Perhaps tomorrow - although I have slated that for house cleaning - a fate worse than a triathlon - dishes and vacuuming - UGH!!!
Again the adult ladies' locker room was closed. They must be doing renovations. So today's dilema - there were no lockers availble. Truth be told - for the size of the Y I am not surprised to find that to be the case... I guess Neptune or Ariel were looking out for me because by the time I changed, put in my contacts, yucked up my hair, a locker became available. Locked it all up and out into the pool area I went.
But before I get in the water - let me share some more observations I made on this trip to the pool. #1 - the age limit for the family locker room is 6, so yes that naked fat boy may have been a bit old, #2 - today I witnessed 2 young girls wearing string bikinis into the fitness pool to swim laps - i stopped paying attention once i got in the water so maybe they were really headed to the outdoor pool - but the last i saw them they were waiting for a lane and #3 this city can be truly multi-cultural if you get out in it every once in a while - or at least the Y is...
So now for the pool - there were a few lanes open in the activity/warmer pool. This is where I wanted to swim as I wouldn't feel the crush of continuing to swim if I shared a lane in the fitness pool. In the water I went.
I did 3 laps with the brast stroke. I consider that my warm up stroke. It uses lots of muscles but it is not as exhausting.
Then I did 3 laps of free-style. For the triathlon I need to do 5 laps of freestyle - well I suppose I could use any if I was really struggling...
And that was all... 300 yards and 15 minutes later....
Let me tell you I know I was getting workout - I could almost feel myself sweating while in the pool. And by the time I left the gym my face was still bright red. The bright red that if I had been in an aerobics class I would have excused myself for fear of overheating... I have done that a few times - the cool off sucks in situations like that becaue inevitably I want to pass out....
So I consider it was a good workout.
In my ideal mind I wanted to hit the treadmill as well. Nike was not looking out for me as I did not have any socks. But even if I did remember the socks - the treadmill probably wasn't in the cards for this evening. Perhaps tomorrow - although I have slated that for house cleaning - a fate worse than a triathlon - dishes and vacuuming - UGH!!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Water Training
So I didn't end up in the pool at all over the weekend. I was headed to the Y on Saturday. But was not REALLY committed to the visit. I had too good of a day doing some work, having lunch with friends and running errands. So when MO noticed I did not turn into the Y she invited me over and we had some wine. OK - not the type of workout I had envisioned but it was fun.
Sunday I hadn't really thought about going to the pool. Instead I gave the dog a bath. Does that qualify as any sort of water aerobics? I mean I got as wet. And even though he is a tiny dog there is a bit of a workout helping him stay steady with his little leg disability... Probably just wishful thinking on my part to call it a workout of any sorts.
Today I got just under 2 miles in. The 1st mile was this morning. It was an intended workout. It was to be longer (closer to 2 miles like yesterday) but I got a late start. Which happens when you barely sleep due to a sore throat etc etc. The other wawlk was around 11am when I couldn't handle the throat pain anymore... The new Walkgreens is just of 0.30 miles from the office. So I walked there - no, not a workout but given the code orang air quality and the throat pain and now potential sinus pain - that's all this girl could muster.
Try again tomorrow.... POOL TIME tomorrow!!!
Sunday I hadn't really thought about going to the pool. Instead I gave the dog a bath. Does that qualify as any sort of water aerobics? I mean I got as wet. And even though he is a tiny dog there is a bit of a workout helping him stay steady with his little leg disability... Probably just wishful thinking on my part to call it a workout of any sorts.
Today I got just under 2 miles in. The 1st mile was this morning. It was an intended workout. It was to be longer (closer to 2 miles like yesterday) but I got a late start. Which happens when you barely sleep due to a sore throat etc etc. The other wawlk was around 11am when I couldn't handle the throat pain anymore... The new Walkgreens is just of 0.30 miles from the office. So I walked there - no, not a workout but given the code orang air quality and the throat pain and now potential sinus pain - that's all this girl could muster.
Try again tomorrow.... POOL TIME tomorrow!!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
My OWn Personal Sauna
I did one of those things today that I always notice others doing --- why in the world is that idiot out walking in the heat of the day? YEP - that was me. I needed to get out and move around. I was headed to the Y yesterday but it never happened. So I knew today I needed to move or maybe I would never get back into the swing of it.
SO in the heat of the day I did 2 miles... I feel somewhat accomplished with it as I think I did actually hit that 15 minute mark. But also stupid - poor air quality day and I already have a sore throat... But it feels good to have been out there and moving.
I went to MMR to log the info and the mapping system has been upgraded and isn't working - EEERRR.... The sad part is until today the whole month of July is blank as to my progress - i.e. NO progress... Well maybe when the mapping system is up and running I will finally find the distance around Spittal Pond!
Back to more attempts at productivity - happy Sunday.
SO in the heat of the day I did 2 miles... I feel somewhat accomplished with it as I think I did actually hit that 15 minute mark. But also stupid - poor air quality day and I already have a sore throat... But it feels good to have been out there and moving.
I went to MMR to log the info and the mapping system has been upgraded and isn't working - EEERRR.... The sad part is until today the whole month of July is blank as to my progress - i.e. NO progress... Well maybe when the mapping system is up and running I will finally find the distance around Spittal Pond!
Back to more attempts at productivity - happy Sunday.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
But you used to be a gymnast....
I have gotten that from a friend or two... Yes - I did. And I played field hockey 2 seasons. And was it 3 years for girls' intramural flag football? But I have never considered myself the athletic type.
I think it started with ballet. I pretty much only remember one ballet class. Grandmom L and my mom came to watch and I think that was my last class. I was YOUNG.
Then to Shore Gymnastics. I think I was in about grade1 then. I remember enjoying it. I don't know why I didn't stay there.
Grade 4 started cheerleading. Now let's keep in perspective the cheerleading back then is FAR different than it is today. I did cheereleading off and on through grade8. But I would never consider that ahtletic.
Grade 5 I think I started up gymnastics again. And by grade 6 or 7 I was competing on a team. This is probably one of those times where altheticism and endurance came into play. I remember we would run around the block across from the gym. I hated it and never improved. And when the weahter was bad we would run up and down the stairs of the 3 storey building. I am sure that was a good workout but not much fun. And again I don't recall ever feeling like I got any better at it.
Grade9 I did field hockey. It had something to do with the class schedule and what was available. A lot of girls started with field hockey that year. And that is the ONE time that I was truly run into the ground. We would do all these drills and more drills and more drills... My friend's son is doing something similar right now for football camp. I remember the pain he feels at the end of the day - your legs are so sore. I did 2 seasons and some summer camps for that but just wasn't enjoying it. And so ended my high school attempts at athleticism.
And let's just face it - the girls' intramural football was fun and kicked some butt and were good (even had a casualty of a broken little toe) but it had more to do with comradery than anything else. It was just fun to be out with friends.
So back to the comment - I don't consider the gymnastics to have had any impact on this. Maybe some flexibility. Perhaps I should know better about stretching. And I CAN still do the occassional cartwheel.
I think it started with ballet. I pretty much only remember one ballet class. Grandmom L and my mom came to watch and I think that was my last class. I was YOUNG.
Then to Shore Gymnastics. I think I was in about grade1 then. I remember enjoying it. I don't know why I didn't stay there.
Grade 4 started cheerleading. Now let's keep in perspective the cheerleading back then is FAR different than it is today. I did cheereleading off and on through grade8. But I would never consider that ahtletic.
Grade 5 I think I started up gymnastics again. And by grade 6 or 7 I was competing on a team. This is probably one of those times where altheticism and endurance came into play. I remember we would run around the block across from the gym. I hated it and never improved. And when the weahter was bad we would run up and down the stairs of the 3 storey building. I am sure that was a good workout but not much fun. And again I don't recall ever feeling like I got any better at it.
Grade9 I did field hockey. It had something to do with the class schedule and what was available. A lot of girls started with field hockey that year. And that is the ONE time that I was truly run into the ground. We would do all these drills and more drills and more drills... My friend's son is doing something similar right now for football camp. I remember the pain he feels at the end of the day - your legs are so sore. I did 2 seasons and some summer camps for that but just wasn't enjoying it. And so ended my high school attempts at athleticism.
And let's just face it - the girls' intramural football was fun and kicked some butt and were good (even had a casualty of a broken little toe) but it had more to do with comradery than anything else. It was just fun to be out with friends.
So back to the comment - I don't consider the gymnastics to have had any impact on this. Maybe some flexibility. Perhaps I should know better about stretching. And I CAN still do the occassional cartwheel.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Nothing today...
It was mostly a day of eating out...
I need to expand on this topic some but not this evening.
Much to everyone else's chagrine I will be working tomorrow.
There are just things I want to get done...
So I am off to bed now
I need to expand on this topic some but not this evening.
Much to everyone else's chagrine I will be working tomorrow.
There are just things I want to get done...
So I am off to bed now
Back to the locker room
I was really losing energy fast last night. I totally forgot this story...
So when I learned I had about 30 minutes to kill before the swim lesson I decided I would go outside. Of course I needed my sunglasses so I trekked back into the locker room. This is where the nerd in me kicks in and the trying to be an athlete gets a good laugh. So I go back in the door I THINK I came out of. Well at least it wasn't too too embarrassing. I went in the door for the Family Changing Room not the Women's Family Locker Room. I realised I made a wrong selection when I saw some guy standing there. They have alcoves with curtains for changing - wouldn't that have been something if they had all be changing right there! Well let me continue... So I figure out - wrong door. I come back out to the pool area. If anyone had been watching me they would get a good laugh (I must add here that even though I have a great ense of direction when driving down the road - I get completely turned around inside buildings - malls, train stations, airports). So I look around to find another door - to my defense the door I was looking for was hidden behind a column (well kind of). I go in there, come around the corner and here stands this fat (I was going to say pudgy but he was really fat) little boy - and I reminded myself this is the Family version so that's OK. I go to my locker, get my glasses, turn around to go back out the way I came in --- only to realise the fat boy is standing there stark naked. And now I know that the sign on the door says something about boys up to 10 are allowed. But I am thinking unless you are a toddler - nudity is not an option. Shoot I hate when the women prance around naked in the adult locker room. But in the Family locker room - I am not going to prance around naked and neither should your children...
Next week the adult locker room will be back open - PHEW!!!
So when I learned I had about 30 minutes to kill before the swim lesson I decided I would go outside. Of course I needed my sunglasses so I trekked back into the locker room. This is where the nerd in me kicks in and the trying to be an athlete gets a good laugh. So I go back in the door I THINK I came out of. Well at least it wasn't too too embarrassing. I went in the door for the Family Changing Room not the Women's Family Locker Room. I realised I made a wrong selection when I saw some guy standing there. They have alcoves with curtains for changing - wouldn't that have been something if they had all be changing right there! Well let me continue... So I figure out - wrong door. I come back out to the pool area. If anyone had been watching me they would get a good laugh (I must add here that even though I have a great ense of direction when driving down the road - I get completely turned around inside buildings - malls, train stations, airports). So I look around to find another door - to my defense the door I was looking for was hidden behind a column (well kind of). I go in there, come around the corner and here stands this fat (I was going to say pudgy but he was really fat) little boy - and I reminded myself this is the Family version so that's OK. I go to my locker, get my glasses, turn around to go back out the way I came in --- only to realise the fat boy is standing there stark naked. And now I know that the sign on the door says something about boys up to 10 are allowed. But I am thinking unless you are a toddler - nudity is not an option. Shoot I hate when the women prance around naked in the adult locker room. But in the Family locker room - I am not going to prance around naked and neither should your children...
Next week the adult locker room will be back open - PHEW!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Swimming
Have you been out here and thought that maybe I was going to leave you hanging? I did find it ironic that I did all this prep before my trip and now that I have officially signed up for the triathlon AND started this little journal that my motivation to get out there and get moving kind of dissapated. Well I knew once I got back from Bermuda I would feel that way... So on a good note the Y called over the weekend and they had a swim instructor available for me. And unlike the other location that had a waiting list and I had to commit to so many lessons this location seemed a bit more low-key on the subject.
So this evening I left work and found myself at the Y. This is one of the busiest locations in the area. And of course we all get pissed because we have to park so far away from the gym. I know it makes no sense whatsoever but that's the way it goes. I have been in the lobby a few times but haven't been inside this Y since I joined - yes another go figure moment...
First of all Ihad to pay for my lessons - I paid for 4 (will come back to that shortly).
Then found my way to the back. Man this place was hoppin' I guess camp etc was letting out.
I found the Women's Family Locker - the Women's Adult Locker is closed for the week..
And made my way to a locker changing area... I have to wonder - will the Women's Adult locker smell quite as bad? Gosh I hope not... I changed, pulled my hair up, put my contacts in and was all set to go...
Of course now begs the question - where the heck is the pool?
Thankfully there was a helpful woman in the locker as well and she pointed out the back exit to the pool area to me. I am such the novice. And yes it brings you out right in the pool air - hot, humid, lingering smell of chlorine, and that echo of splashing and playing that you get in an indoor pool setting. So this was a good step for me - here I was at the gym, in my bathing suit, getting ready to get in the pool. And there were others all around... Of course they can't tell from the outside how out of place I feel - that I am finding working late and crunching quarter end numbers to be far more appealing at this point than jumping in a pool.
I find my instructor - but I am early. I have arrived before my predecessor on her calendar - they are late. So I took the extra time to venture out to the outside pool. I sat there for a bit - maybe help boost that quickly fading Bermuda tan.
FINALLY I am in the pool to swim. And I am sorry JC - I learned this evening that I have good form. I little jerky with my head when I breathe and a little slow and less fluid on my follw through on my stoke - but nothing that won't work its way out in time and practive. We swam for the whole 30 minutes. I did at least 4 laps - probably more. She told me to save my money and just get in the pool and swim.
So that is going to be my new thing - Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 (because I know she will be there) I am going to get my butt in the pool for some swimming.
As for right now - I am beginning to feel the pain in my arms and hands - so I think I am off to bed.
Now to work that running thing into the mix - ugh...
So this evening I left work and found myself at the Y. This is one of the busiest locations in the area. And of course we all get pissed because we have to park so far away from the gym. I know it makes no sense whatsoever but that's the way it goes. I have been in the lobby a few times but haven't been inside this Y since I joined - yes another go figure moment...
First of all Ihad to pay for my lessons - I paid for 4 (will come back to that shortly).
Then found my way to the back. Man this place was hoppin' I guess camp etc was letting out.
I found the Women's Family Locker - the Women's Adult Locker is closed for the week..
And made my way to a locker changing area... I have to wonder - will the Women's Adult locker smell quite as bad? Gosh I hope not... I changed, pulled my hair up, put my contacts in and was all set to go...
Of course now begs the question - where the heck is the pool?
Thankfully there was a helpful woman in the locker as well and she pointed out the back exit to the pool area to me. I am such the novice. And yes it brings you out right in the pool air - hot, humid, lingering smell of chlorine, and that echo of splashing and playing that you get in an indoor pool setting. So this was a good step for me - here I was at the gym, in my bathing suit, getting ready to get in the pool. And there were others all around... Of course they can't tell from the outside how out of place I feel - that I am finding working late and crunching quarter end numbers to be far more appealing at this point than jumping in a pool.
I find my instructor - but I am early. I have arrived before my predecessor on her calendar - they are late. So I took the extra time to venture out to the outside pool. I sat there for a bit - maybe help boost that quickly fading Bermuda tan.
FINALLY I am in the pool to swim. And I am sorry JC - I learned this evening that I have good form. I little jerky with my head when I breathe and a little slow and less fluid on my follw through on my stoke - but nothing that won't work its way out in time and practive. We swam for the whole 30 minutes. I did at least 4 laps - probably more. She told me to save my money and just get in the pool and swim.
So that is going to be my new thing - Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 (because I know she will be there) I am going to get my butt in the pool for some swimming.
As for right now - I am beginning to feel the pain in my arms and hands - so I think I am off to bed.
Now to work that running thing into the mix - ugh...
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