I am old!

Wow, am I tired! I did ride my bike to the office today which is sweet. By the time I got home, fully tired. But I did put in a four mile run. More then intended, but I was feeling good. I do believe that I have worn myself down enough to actually be able to sleep right when my 9 PM bedtime rolls around!

Safe travels tomorrow.

Pearl Necklace

Get your mind out of the gutter! For real, today at the gym, I saw a woman on a treadmill wearing a full on strand of pearls. Out of control. I sincerely hope this is not a new dress code they are implementing.

An exciting afternoon gym session consisting of 30 minutes on the stair climber, some weight lifting, and a 3 mile run. Pretty good.

Tomorrow is my first day of work and I really hope to continue to make time for the gym. That said, if health is a priority, I'll make time!

By the way, Amy, wanna ring me at 4:30 tomorrow morning? You can help me with my job by making sure I get up!

Hello World!

Hey, let's get back to this again!

After my stint of super-health I took a vacation when Mom and Megan took a vacation! As all vacations should be, it was super fun. But, it is time to hit the gym again.

I have not been to the gym since my company left, but I have been walking outside. Today was my first day back into sanctioned gym-ness and it felt.....wait for it.....like shit! Actually, I have been fighting a headache since yesterday and that really did not help me at the gym today. But I did my thing, and now it is official that I am back to the gym.

So, yeah.....

Where are you, Amy? I will write a post if you will.......

Howdy Stranger!

Hello! I know I said I would post last night, but I have had a heck of a lot of trouble with blogger.

I did go to the gym yesterday and, sadly, they were playing "Stars are Blind". Why oh why couldn't it be "Stars are Mute"????

It was nice to get over there. An escape actually, which I feel really bad saying.

At it again

Day two! I ran a quick mile first thing - outside in the humidity. I'm very pleased with myself!

First time in two weeks

Oh I've been so miserable! Sick. Then Carter and I had a run in and I ended up with a serious bruise on the top of my right foot. That was last Sunday and, in fact, yesterday was the first time I've worn a shoe and not a sandal. So today I walked! It felt good. I'm very happy about it! Good to be back.

Two Days in a Row

What a small milestone, but it is important to celebrate those too! I walked two days in a row. The first day I went 2 1/2 miles! The hardest part was to NOT run. Walking is good for me as it is. Running is too, but I think walking is easier on my body. The second day I went just 3/4 miles as I was pushing Anderson in the stroller and wasn't sure how he'd do. It was just the right amount for both of us! It is hard pushing someone all around town.

I didn't walk today as it was...who knows. No reason. No good reason anyway. Tomorrow!

Walking in the kitchen

At the Ryan house of course. I finally wore my pedometer down there but had not reset it so still have no idea my # of steps. Crazy me. I did one EXCELLENT thing today at that place - yoga. It was silent and still. I meditated and then did some yoga. Very refreshing. Now THAT is fitness!

3

Today I put in a quick three miles. And since that was 2.99 miles more then I felt like running, I say yay for me.

Maybe I had too much coffee today. I feel yucky!

At it again

Well the boys are napping...at the same time! Unheard of. But I did get back on the tredmill and go for a walk. 18 minutes for a mile and up hill. Very cool. This morning when I had to stop because the baby woke up Carter told me he needed to stretch with me! Funny guy.

On a Carter note, he was blinded by the lyrics today. Instead of singing "better than a bologna sandwhich" he sang, "better than your bologna sandels." Yikes in either case!

Walking

Yesterday I took the boys for some huge walk. Well it was just a mile, but try it up and down hills pushing 50 pounds of wiggling boys! I was pooped.

Today I got on the tredmill (raing/thunder here). 3 minutes into it Anderson woke up. Yee haw! I can't be on the tredmill when he is up since he has a need to touch the belt. No good. That is that.

I haven't been excercising regularly since I'm working now. Not really sure how to manage it. I'm going to wear my pedometer in the kitchen tomorrow to see how many steps I'm taking.

Easy Run

Yesterday I had an easy run and then lifted weights for an hour. I ran 5.3 miles in 60 minutes. Still far below my goal of the magical, mystical 10 minute mile but endurance is just as important as a fast pace, I believe. I am happy to report that this pace was very easy for me - my heart rate reached 154 - so my heart is getting very healthy and has, once again, become a very strong muscle. You would not know it by my tummy, but it is so! Today I will pick up the pace on my run because, obviously, 154 is too low for a work out heart rate.

I remember that when I worked at the VA the nurses used to delight in taking my blood pressure (I know, sounds silly, but when you work at a research facility opportunities for these types of shenanigans abound) because my resting heart rate was so low - an average of 52 beats per minute. I asked once if they often saw rates like this and Sue said "only once in a while, when we get athletes in". And that is a good goal, I think. Not weight, not so much size or running pace. But to get back into that arena where I am proud of my self and surprised to be considered an athlete!

I Stink

I had a slacker day today - I only ran three miles. Why? Because I stink. Really. Once I got to the gym I realized that my gym clothes smelled soooo bad. I was actually worried about someone using the treadmill next to me. So, I ran my responsible adult amount of 3 miles and then came home and put every single gym related clothing item in the wash.

The locker room was terrifying today. I saw a GIGANTIC older gal full of angry purple stretch marks rubbing her extreme nakedness all over the benches.

Without question, the gayborhood extends to my gym parking lot. One gentleman I saw removing his gym bag from his car trunk did not seem to mind that someone had written in his windshield dust "I *heart* cock". And good for him, I say. We all gotta love something!

I just wish all my gym gays would follow me home. I would prefer to live in the gaytto vs. the ghetto any day.

Post Slacker

Do not let my recent lack of posts fool you - I have been going to the gym every day. I was getting a little bored with my long run days (that really could prove to be an issue for me) so I have taken to running 15 minutes (1.37 miles) and lifting weights and running 5 minutes - and so it goes. I do four running sessions which is 5.48 miles. It keeps me happy for now.

I will admit I required some ice cream therapy tonight. I made a very minor effort to mitigate the damage and bought one of Ben and Jerry's 'better for you' types of ice cream. I must say - it was great and served its purpose.

plyometrics

I walked quickly, then ran, then walked, then ran, etc. It was a great change. I've been walking outside with the boys a lot and using the tredmill not as often. I miss it! It is a lot easier to just walk or run than walk while pushing 50 pounds! I am being fairly consistant which pleases me.

The Gym

I ran 5 miles this morning and then continued on until I hit 60 minutes. Then I went to a pilates class this evening. Now, you know me: I am never one to judge! But, wow, was that a lame-o class! Also, have you ever seen Old School? My teacher reminded me of the Andy Dick character. Mind the stepchildren!

I have finally noticed interesting* about my gym. It has an infestation of Bears. Bears who wear short shorts and spank one another for a job well done. And have purple teletubbies in their cars.

*By interesting I mean scary.

Yesterday

I had a gigantic day at the gym yesterday. Being Tuesday it was weightlifting day. But because I fully slacked on Monday I decided to get in a couple of additional miles. Here is the rundown:

Elliptical trainer: 15 minutes
Run: 2 miles in 22 minutes
Weights: arms/upper body
Walk: 1 mile at a 4% incline
Weights: legs
Run: 1 - 12 minute mile at a 2% incline

I was tired!! It is funny that I have started considering my distance days as my easy gym days. Since when is 5 or 6 miles a vacation???

Lazy Tuesday

I was ever so busy today (I hate that). I did not go to the gym until 3:30 or so and when I wait until the afternoon my motivation is pretty marginal. That said, I ran 3 miles in 34 minutes. I am tired and sore so I just wanted to warm up my old bones. I will be back at it tomorrow!

Maybe I am tired due to an iron deficiency. I went to donate blood the other day and they were unhappy with my level of iron (which is a show stopper for them) and I realized that I have rarely eaten meat over the last few weeks. Are there enough hours in a day to live a nutritious life?

Two Updates!

Two updates in one post. Will the insanity never end??

Yesterday I ran six miles at an 11.32/mile pace. Today I did the usual Monday mix of cardio and weights. It was odd, though, because my muscles felt very fatigued. Perhaps it is because I am OLD!!!

As you may have noticed, nothing too exciting ever happens at the gym! You would think someone would faint or people would get into a fist fight over equipment. But, no. Nothing! Is it my personal responsibility to spice things up? Perhaps get the police involved? Your thoughts, please.

A Solid Run

I put in five miles today - nothing special about the time which was 11.32 per mile. But still, that is better then sitting on my couch!

I have been very consistent with going to the gym, none too consistent with writing updates! I shall endeavor to do better.

Amy, where are you? I miss you here!

Back to it!

Although I have not been posting, I have been going to the gym on a daily basis. Thus far, I have been sticking with my M/W/F weightlifting, T/Th running, and then the weekends I just do as I feel.

Let's get back to posting - It is fun to see what you are doing! I am going to attempt to get back into posting on a daily basis.

The Gym

As you know, I have joined the gym. I really wanted the opportunity to lift weights and, frankly, I come up with a lot of excuses not to run outside. Now that it is warming up I know I would need to hit the pavement by 8 if I do not want to roast. Of course, I could run in the evening but, hey, I am lazy. By 6 PM I am done!

Yesterday I ran 3 miles and lifted weights. Today I ran 5 miles - just under 12 minutes per mile. My intention is to do light cardio and weight lifting on M/W/F and long distances (for me!) and speed work on T/Th/S. My goal is to get back to a ten minute mile by August. Very doable, I think.

I will keep you posted!

I'm dying!

I wanted to get some exercise in this morning but the thought of running my normal route left me a tad bored. Thus I decided to run up and down this gigantic hill over by the Balboa tennis courts. It took just 3 minutes for me to recognize the true enormity of this hill. It is long and it is steep. It took me about thirty minutes to do it 10 times. It was more challenging then any 4 mile run in recent memory.

I need to include a workout like this at least once a week - I think twice would be even better. Hills really help with speed during a normal training run.

As I mentioned, eating well has been my recent issue. I had a really healthy day yesterday and I am off to another great start today. And, happily, I like everything I am eating and I feel great.

Update

Hello stranger!

I put in good runs yesterday and today - four miles each day. My time needs a lot of work, but it feels good to be out and about and doing something to improve my health. As I told you the other day, I am feeling better/happier then I have in a long time. Because of this, I want to run. And because I am out and about I feel even better.

That said, recently my eating habits have been wretched. I think a lot of that is based on the fact that I have been so tired. Yesterday I made something to freeze, so that should help a lot. I also made a really good WW bread.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/8 cups water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flaxseed oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid lecithin
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup flax seed
• 2 tablespoons bread flour
• 3 tablespoons whey powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 
  
• I skipped the flaxseed oil and used olive oil (it was $12 for a tiny amount!) and I did not use lecithin. I did some research on lecithin and I understand that the liquid lecithin tastes horrible and you need a substantial amount more to get any nutritional value. Also, you have to be sure to mill your flax seeds. I actually just bought Red Mill milled flax seed.
• Anyway, give it a try! It made good bread.
  

Will I never learn? Or is it ever...

I ran today. Big mistake already! I'm sooo sore, no, in pain. I'm just impatient or what. Consistancy is still the key. Then I wouldn't push it.

I have an inordinate amount of frustrated energy tonight. I have no outlet right now. ARGH!

Cement Haiku

Oh, ghetto running
You scare me with dogs and falls
Joy! I am intact

Busy!

I have been so busy recently that I have fully neglected to post any updates! As I am still busy today, this will be short and sweet.

Tuesday - walked
Wednesday - ran
Thursday - ran
Friday - woke up so darn sore and tired I am going to do some work and drink extra coffee prior to determining my course of action for the day! Odds are that I will give my body a break today and then run again tomorrow. There is something to be said for rest!

I have been eating really well this week and feel a lot better then I have in a long time.

Howdy Stranger!

Just a quick update before I head into the office. I have been walking but not a lot. It has been pretty rainy here and I am terrified of getting my iPod wet. For example, I was going to hit the pavement prior to the office this morning but weather.com told me rain, rain, and more rain! And it was pretty darn cloudy and windy. So, I decided to postpone. When I got out of the shower it was still dry - and sunny!!!!!

The sin of modern medicine

What may it be? The rule of rest until you feel better. First, life does not allow for this kind of prescription unless you are truly ill or deeply depressed. Even then life doesn't allow deep rest, but the illness may demand it, insist, refuse to leave until you're imbolized.

At any rate, my rant here is about the physical therapy treatments I took. During that time I was very depressed and in serious, serious pain. My therapist demanded I rest - not exercise - until I felt better. Only it made me worse. AND (this is the key I think) following these instructions seperated me from my knowledge of my body and self. In order to heal this bursitis I must be in tune with my body. Take things easy. But NOT cease all activity. Why did I follow those instructions?

I think I hold modern medicine in such high regard that it doesn't occur to me to refuse the prescriptions even though I know better. Well I am jumping off that bandwagon! I know my body and how I choose to treat it is my decision.

This all boils down to 1. I love acupuncture. 2. I do believe in mind/body/soul connection and one part out of whack or in neglect can manifest itself in another part. 3. Nourish yourself!

I'm walking daily and doing a light jog sometimes. I can go longer. I'm not in pain before, after, or during. I'm done with PT and have my second acupuncture appointment tomorrow.

Beating a dead horse!

I know that we have discussed consistency many a time and the fact that if we don't keep at it, not exercising will become part of our daily lives - and that is not what we want! Well, I was thinking today that maybe there is another component that discourages us and takes exercise out of our daily lives.

Let's not push ourselves so darn hard!

Yeah, I said it. This is my theory: I don't run for a week. Then I decide I am going to run four miles. And I do so. For two, three days. And I don't have fun. My body hurts. When I am done, I have a headache and stomach ache because I am out of practice and out of shape! So, then I don't run for another week.

Today I walked. 4.5 miles, with the .5 mile being up and down a big huge hill. And guess what? I had fun! Even though I did not run, I felt like I really accomplished something. It felt really good. Instead of lamenting the fact that I was not running, I focused of the good things walking can do for a body that running does not. Longer stride. Easier on the knees. Easier on the feet (and you know that is a biggie for me!).

So, yeah, let's be consistent. But lets not consistently brutalize our bodies.

Bursitis...still

So I've run just a couple of time since I've been to PT. I'm doing better, but still just sore. I truly fear I have chronic bursitis. I'm resigned to moderate pain daily. I'm walking each day, but running occasionally. The problem is my desire for #'s. I just want to go fast and far in a little time. But that isn't how it works! Take the time and walk at a moderate pace and thus, you'll do well. But this is hard. How on earth do I bide my time? I'm reading on the tredmill. What else can I do?

Sick, sick, sick

Oh I'm ill over this Toronto Trim thing and damn Wendy Lewis! Have you read of this? Have you heard of it? Too terrible. Perhaps if this kind of thing was done against one's will it may not be so couture. Oh I'm too sick about it. AND, I'm sick about this: I need to ask my lawyer if I can rant on this chick's (and I DO mean that in the most pejoritive term) website. I doubt it. Although I have thought lots about calling the paper here in town, etc. Thoughts?

Reflexes: This Bud is for You!

I put in a few miles yesterday and today. Today was better as I almost peed my pants yesterday. Yeah, sweet, eh? There I was, running. Minding my own business when I swallowed a bug. Upon this occurrence, I proceeded to cough and, honestly, gag, like there was no tomorrow. Attractive picture, no? And then, yeah, I peed my pants a tiny bit. Yep, sure did. It was as though all my involuntary reflexes were so focused on gagging they forgot to remember I am 32 and they should not let me pee my pants.

Thanks reflexes. Way to save the day!

Ok, I'm here and I have news!

I hope you're both sitting down because I wouldn't want you to fall over when you hear this.

I joined the Fitness Center at the Holiday Inn on January 18th and I've been there EVERY SINGLE DAY SINCE!! I'm trying to lose some weight but so far that doesn't seem to be happening. I'm now up to 20 minutes on the treadmill at 3.5 mph and 10 minutes lifting weights. Then I close with 10 minutes on the bicycle or 5 minutes on the ski machine. By then I'm nearly dead.

I have promised myself that I will do this for one month and see what happens. Started January 18 so I will finish the month on my birthday.

I think I have lost 2 pounds but was hoping to drop more than that. Also, I have given up beer during this month but am having a couple glasses of wine per week.

Yes, I'm still eating ice cream. That will be the last thing to go and I'm not ready to give it up yet.

I'm just back from there now and having a rest. And a glass of wine.

Dad

A wandering mind is a beautiful thing.....

So, there I was. Running. Running. Running. When I looked around and paid some attention to my location I realized I was only a block away from Vons! I was almost done!

This is my favorite way to run - with a wandering mind. I do not pay attention to where I am or what I am doing. I just think about something else and suddenly I am home! Ok, well I do pay attention to some stuff, I guess. I make sure cars are not gonna hit me. I make sure I am not going to trip over a gigantic gaping wound in the sidewalk. Again. I make sure the neighborhood hooligans are not going to steal my iPod. I make sure Lark lady is not going to roll over my toes. I make sure I am not going to run over a skunk.

But other then that, I pay no attention.

Sob story

Ok, here it is ... the reason I'm not running now and may never again! First, let me say that I hope I can because I really like it (much to my suprise.)

I finally went to physical therapy for the pain in my hip. It is bursitis, but I also have a bigger problem. I have a bulging disc in my lower back causing problems with my sciatic nerve. They can't work on the disc until the bursitis heals. And for that to heal it needs a lot of rest. I was supposed to have PT yesterday, but didn't because I'm sick. I went to the dr. for that too and have an antibiotic. God bless people without insurance! How on earth can they manage?

Anyway I am lifting weights and doing pilates - oh was until I became ill. But for now no aerobic exercise. It may strain my hip more.

Man oh man!

Geeze, have I been lazy! I admit it. I have come up with every single possible excuse not to take care of myself! Well, no more. I am done with that type of thinking. I have my priorities back into perspective.

I put in a good run today - four miles. Four SLOW miles! Oh, well. It was excellent to be outside. I will run again tomorrow. Although, I have to admit, I despise running on Friday. It is garbage day. Very stinky!

Rock 'n Roll

Ok, so I'm not at studly as you JD, but boy am I back on top! I had an EASY run today of 2.5 miles. I felt great afterward. More tomorrow for sure.

Wal Mart

Since we're all about health here I thought I'd post this comeuppance.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13walmart.html?hp&ex=1137214800&en=21d0fec926319b31&ei=5094&partner=homepage

So far so good

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday was rough, I just wasn't feeling well. Today is kind of the same, but I ran anyway. I tell you sometimes you just have to force yourself forward. My day is great and I feel much better after the work out. All is well in IA.

4 Miles

I ran a slow four miles today.

I ran four miles today!

I am going to go with the positive interpretation of my run this morning. It was difficult, which makes sense. I have only been putting in three miles over the last week and a half. And, the four mile route is much more challenging then the run through Kensington. More hills.

Tomorrow I will do three again and trade off until four miles is my short run. Should not take long!

Great link

Here is an excellent link from our friend, Bartzilla.

Amy, you may want to use this at the library as it will probably take some time to load on dial up.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/index.php

Big Baby!

So, I made an excuse to cheat on my run distance today. I decided I did not have enough time to do the 4 mile run prior to my appointment so I just did the 3 mile again today. I do think I could have made it - so no excuses tomorrow. Also, the 3 mile route is none too exciting so I am ready to spice it up a tad. And this change will allow me to avoid the sidewalk that is apparently out to kill me!

The boy and I are going to the movies tonight. But NOBODY is going to eat popcorn!

By the way, Amy, the movie we are seeing is "The Ringer". A romantic, sweet story about overcoming all odds.

Some Fun

OK, here is a GREAT article. I mean it is no Carl Francoise, but it is only from the New York times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/10/national/10porn.html?8hpib

I just laughed and laughed all the way to the end!

Photos

Picture this: Iowa. 2006. Carter in bunny ears. (This would be a photo but I can't figure out how to add one!) My 'add image' button doesn't do a darn thing. Any advice?

11650

I'm wearing my pedometer! Very nice to be able to check my progress during the day. Plus I like to see how many steps I take during any given activity, say playing the Beatrix Potter game with Carter. (He is the bunny in my garden and I chase him!) It is interesting.

I ran today during a fun Sesame Street song time. Ooo you really want to run (away) from Big Bird after a while.

Another day....

I put another run in today. Funny thing, no one tried to run me down with their car. That left me a tad disoriented. I did manage to run by some super funky smells. I had to guess: a freshly fertilized lawn and a dead skunk. Yum! Oh, the joys of running outside!

I am thrilled that I have recommitted myself to running and health in general. I feel better all ready!

Also, I am pretty much healed - physically! The pride will take longer.

Pilates Confession

OK< A harsh realization - I like Denise Austin. I did her daily workout for four years in college - nearly every morning. And I just am used to her. I haven't been able to get out of bed yet to run, but give me a video of her and I'm up at 6 a.m.

So I've been doing pilates and then running. And frankly the pilates is killing me. Well, and I haven't run much either! (Slackers unite!) So I'm running daily now that I'm home from the holiday and doing this pilates video.

If you haven't tried pilates, I highly reccommend it. It is soothing mentally but hard physically. Very good.

Rebuilding

As I ran today, I was a little frustrated with the fact that I quit running for so long. While I was not working, I focused on running and general healh. Once I got back to work I did not understand how to manage my time. This not only had the obvious impact on my health but my work as well. I realize now, perhaps more then ever, that my physical and emotional health must be my priority. I imagine this will give me the Midus Touch: If I have my personal wellbeing going for me, everything else will follow!

I put in another 3 miles today. My intention is to run 3 miles/day through Sunday. On Monday I will begin a 4 mile & 3 mile/day tradeoff.

Dirt

Well, I did not shovel snow but I did shovel dirt! The area in alley (by the dumpster) becomes a muddy mess after we get rain. I can tell you, like shoveling snow, shoveling dirt is hard work!

Put in three miles today. It is very warm out so I am thrilled that I have cold water for my recovery!

Success!

A successful run today - I managed to stay upright!

3 miles with a few good hills. It is a beautiful morning. Not too hot but no need to dress warm. I will say, the drivers were on crack today! Excited to get back to work perhaps?

To the rescue!

http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/features/chamber/61637

At least I did it with flair.....

Have you ever wished that you had your own personal life camera man following you about and making a video of your adventures?

I went for a run this evening and took the most spectacular spill EVER!! This was not just a stumble brining me to my hands and knees. No, friends. I actually rolled! In a gigantic mud puddle! (An important aside – the iPod is fine.) It was so impressive some guy actually pulled over to ask if I was OK (I had to pick the busiest traffic time of day to run, natch). I told him I was fine but just really enjoyed playing in mud. Luckily, he seemed to believe me (wink, wink).

I tucked my tail and returned home. I am not sure if this is the best part or the worst part – I only managed to get a half a block from home prior to showing the world my sweet moves! Obviously, I took the alley home.

Oh, well. Tomorrow is another day!