It's a good thing that there are only 12 days of Christmas... I can't eat like this for much longer. There are just too many stinking treats around all the time. I did so well with my diet for a long time, but now it's all gone to pot. Part of the reason is that I've been eating out a lot more lately, rather than just sticking with the stuff I make for my own lunches and dinners. And with all the other stuff going on, it's even harder to keep up with theworkouts. Thankfully, I haven't ditched any workouts or I'd be in REAL trouble!
I have stopped complaining about the weather. It's been actually pretty decent here for a week or so. I did make it outside for another run on Christmas morning. The run itself didn't go very well, but it was still a great way to spend my Christmas morning. There were not many cars out, and I was able to go through a lot of thoughts during that hour.
One other thing has really thrown me off during this holiday season. With all the parties and people coming to visit and days off of work and then days back on at work, my sleep schedule has been far from stellar. This weekend, I just decided to not set my alarm at all and see what happened. I must have really needed it because I slept for nearly 10 solid hours both nights! I'm easing back into it during this week because I'm sure this weekend will be a little strange as well. In a week, I should be back to normal.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Bah, Humbug!
Some days are just better than others. Although not what the title of this post would have you believe, today was one of those days. The temperature peaked at just above freezing today, so I vowed to take advantage of that situation. At 7am, it was still about 5 degrees out, so there was no chance of me going out for a run. By noon when I went to the pool, it felt down-right balmy at 26 degrees, and the sun was shining. However, by the time I got home from work, it was dark (obviously - today was the shortest day of the year) and the temperature was falling, but (on purpose) I didn't bring any running gear with me, so I HAD to go home to run.
I got all bundled up and ready to head out. I glanced in the mirror and decided that I looked more like I was going to rob a bank than go for a run. I'm not sure why, but most of my cold-weather running gear is black. Always thinking safety first, I put on my fabulous new reflective vest. I figured it would not only be great for cars to see me as I ran along the sidewalks and across the streets, but it might come in handy in allowing passersby to see me sprawled out on the sidewalk with a broken ankle from some jerk not shoveling his sidewalk and me slipping on his ice.
Thankfully, I never went down, but I would like to send a hearty, "Bah, Humbug!" to all the lovely Ames residents who don't do a very good job (if any) of snow removal. Granted, it has been one of the top 10 snowiest winters ever here, but that just means you should be well-practiced at clearing your sidewalk!
Icy paths not withstanding, I had one of the best feeling runs of the last 4-5 months. It's amazing how much better I felt outside (on ice and hills and in the freezing cold) than I have inside (on the treadmill, in a climate-controlled environment). And I never missed the music I usually listen to when I run inside. It truly reminded me of why I love to run! I can't wait to get back out for a couple more runs later this week and weekend.
The swim today was also pretty good. I think that some of the good workouts may be partially due to the higher than normal consumption of simple sugars (i.e. all the treats that comeout of nowhere this time of year). One of the downfalls of working out so much is that it is pretty easy to maintain your weight. That, in turn, means that I feel like I can "splurge" with a cookie or six throughout my day. Really all that does is screw up the way my body would rather have it. I know that my body has been reponding very favorably to the healthier diet I've been eating (this week not included).
Today's main set in the swim workout was 20 x 25's with 10 seconds rest. This is not a really taxing workout, but it is interesting when I think back to the other 3-4 times I've done this workout. Today's was much easier. I have become so much more comfortable with the bilateral breathing. I think one of the hardest parts for me to breakthrough was the longer stretch between breaths. As my book taught me, it's not that my cardiovascular endurance has improved so much, it's more that my body is learning how to tolerate the carbon dioxide levels in my blood much better. And, mentally, I've become much more comfortable with the burning feeling that those elevated levels cause. It should be really interesting to see how I feel when my workouts jump up from about 1300-1600 yards/workout to 2600-3000 yards!!
Finally, in response to a comment left on my last post... enough already!! This blog will be the first place I tell when I get my new triathlon bike. My hope is still to get to Minneapolis sometime in January to go check out the big bike store there, Gear West. They have a great selection and lots of experience in fitting tri bikes. And, just for the record, I ALREADY have a road bike. I've had it for 3 years and it's what I climb aboard 3-4 days/week in my basement for my bike training. It is the perfect RAGBRAI bike, but not the perfect triathlon bike.
This week, I am looking forward to getting a couple more good workouts in, having a great lunch at Hickory Park on Friday with my parents, Jerry, his wife Laurie, and their son AJ, then heading back to the Quad Cities for a quick Christmas visit.
If I don't blog again before Christmas, have a great one!!
I got all bundled up and ready to head out. I glanced in the mirror and decided that I looked more like I was going to rob a bank than go for a run. I'm not sure why, but most of my cold-weather running gear is black. Always thinking safety first, I put on my fabulous new reflective vest. I figured it would not only be great for cars to see me as I ran along the sidewalks and across the streets, but it might come in handy in allowing passersby to see me sprawled out on the sidewalk with a broken ankle from some jerk not shoveling his sidewalk and me slipping on his ice.
Thankfully, I never went down, but I would like to send a hearty, "Bah, Humbug!" to all the lovely Ames residents who don't do a very good job (if any) of snow removal. Granted, it has been one of the top 10 snowiest winters ever here, but that just means you should be well-practiced at clearing your sidewalk!
Icy paths not withstanding, I had one of the best feeling runs of the last 4-5 months. It's amazing how much better I felt outside (on ice and hills and in the freezing cold) than I have inside (on the treadmill, in a climate-controlled environment). And I never missed the music I usually listen to when I run inside. It truly reminded me of why I love to run! I can't wait to get back out for a couple more runs later this week and weekend.
The swim today was also pretty good. I think that some of the good workouts may be partially due to the higher than normal consumption of simple sugars (i.e. all the treats that comeout of nowhere this time of year). One of the downfalls of working out so much is that it is pretty easy to maintain your weight. That, in turn, means that I feel like I can "splurge" with a cookie or six throughout my day. Really all that does is screw up the way my body would rather have it. I know that my body has been reponding very favorably to the healthier diet I've been eating (this week not included).
Today's main set in the swim workout was 20 x 25's with 10 seconds rest. This is not a really taxing workout, but it is interesting when I think back to the other 3-4 times I've done this workout. Today's was much easier. I have become so much more comfortable with the bilateral breathing. I think one of the hardest parts for me to breakthrough was the longer stretch between breaths. As my book taught me, it's not that my cardiovascular endurance has improved so much, it's more that my body is learning how to tolerate the carbon dioxide levels in my blood much better. And, mentally, I've become much more comfortable with the burning feeling that those elevated levels cause. It should be really interesting to see how I feel when my workouts jump up from about 1300-1600 yards/workout to 2600-3000 yards!!
Finally, in response to a comment left on my last post... enough already!! This blog will be the first place I tell when I get my new triathlon bike. My hope is still to get to Minneapolis sometime in January to go check out the big bike store there, Gear West. They have a great selection and lots of experience in fitting tri bikes. And, just for the record, I ALREADY have a road bike. I've had it for 3 years and it's what I climb aboard 3-4 days/week in my basement for my bike training. It is the perfect RAGBRAI bike, but not the perfect triathlon bike.
This week, I am looking forward to getting a couple more good workouts in, having a great lunch at Hickory Park on Friday with my parents, Jerry, his wife Laurie, and their son AJ, then heading back to the Quad Cities for a quick Christmas visit.
If I don't blog again before Christmas, have a great one!!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
The End of the Christmas Parties
Even with all the going out and Christmas partying, I have kept myself firmly on track this weekend. I arose early on Friday morning and had a decent 6-mile run on the treadmill at work before I actually "went to work." What a blessing to be able to do that! It's pretty much one-stop-shopping for me when it comes to working and working out!
I only wish that the "Happy Hour" on Friday afternoon with Team Satisfied (and a couple representatives of Team Bad Monkey) had been just that: just an hour. But, as tends to happen with Team Satisfied, things got slightly out of hand. Good thing I jumped at the chance to get a ride home at 10pm, as Sparkle didn't jump at that chance and paid the price most of Saturday...
Although not feeling 100%, I did get an hour in on the bike. Still making my way through the vast collection of VHS movies that I collected over the years. If anyone has any laying around that aren't getting any use because you've switched to strictly DVD, send 'em my way. I've still got a lot of winter indoor training to go!! (By the way, this week's movies were "Days of Thunder" and the "Doors")
Saturday night it was back on the party wagon, this time to the shop Christmas party. This year, instead of just having a nice dinner out, we elected to add a sporting event to the evening! Bowling was the name of the game and the young "kids" got beat by the old guys 451-415. It was brutal. I'm just now getting over it. Actually, the gift exchange which followed was a more heated competition. But in the end, everyone went away with a lovely gift. Satisfied Sid joined us at the bowling alley, and although he didn't bowl, he did try to keep his "claw game" winning streak alive. It wasn't his night, though, and he went home empty handed (except for the NASCAR Uno game he won in the gift exchange).
As the rest of the party departed for the Moose Lodge for some post-party beverages, Sparkle and I did what everyone else REALLY wanted to be doing on their Saturday night - we went grgocery shopping. It's really amazing how few people there are in Hy-Vee at 11:30 on a Saturday night!
Since I didn't have a rest day this week, I took today off. I still managed to do a lot, but working out was not one of the activities. Instead, I baked cookies and wrapped Chrsitmas gifts. I am off to the final Christmas party of this year. My church group is going caroling for some shut-ins, then it's time for a few more cookies and treats... AND another gift exchange! I'll keep you posted...
I only wish that the "Happy Hour" on Friday afternoon with Team Satisfied (and a couple representatives of Team Bad Monkey) had been just that: just an hour. But, as tends to happen with Team Satisfied, things got slightly out of hand. Good thing I jumped at the chance to get a ride home at 10pm, as Sparkle didn't jump at that chance and paid the price most of Saturday...
Although not feeling 100%, I did get an hour in on the bike. Still making my way through the vast collection of VHS movies that I collected over the years. If anyone has any laying around that aren't getting any use because you've switched to strictly DVD, send 'em my way. I've still got a lot of winter indoor training to go!! (By the way, this week's movies were "Days of Thunder" and the "Doors")
Saturday night it was back on the party wagon, this time to the shop Christmas party. This year, instead of just having a nice dinner out, we elected to add a sporting event to the evening! Bowling was the name of the game and the young "kids" got beat by the old guys 451-415. It was brutal. I'm just now getting over it. Actually, the gift exchange which followed was a more heated competition. But in the end, everyone went away with a lovely gift. Satisfied Sid joined us at the bowling alley, and although he didn't bowl, he did try to keep his "claw game" winning streak alive. It wasn't his night, though, and he went home empty handed (except for the NASCAR Uno game he won in the gift exchange).
As the rest of the party departed for the Moose Lodge for some post-party beverages, Sparkle and I did what everyone else REALLY wanted to be doing on their Saturday night - we went grgocery shopping. It's really amazing how few people there are in Hy-Vee at 11:30 on a Saturday night!
Since I didn't have a rest day this week, I took today off. I still managed to do a lot, but working out was not one of the activities. Instead, I baked cookies and wrapped Chrsitmas gifts. I am off to the final Christmas party of this year. My church group is going caroling for some shut-ins, then it's time for a few more cookies and treats... AND another gift exchange! I'll keep you posted...
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Keep On Keepin' On
Not much new to report from Ames. Training continues to go well. The weather continues to be uncooperative. I am so stinkin' busy with the holidays so close at hand. Clients are making appointments then breaking them a few hours later. I don't seem to know if I am coming or going most of the time. Shopping is getting done in spare minutes between projects and work. My Christmas cards are not ready to go yet. I'm kinda running out of time!
For the past week or so, I've been allowing myself to sleep a little bit later in the mornings. This is a direct response to the fact that I've been getting to bed a bit later due to the harried pace of the days. I think that I'd still prefer to get up at an hour that allows me to get one workout in before work, so I only have to figure out where to put one other workout later in the day.
My running has felt better this week. I can't wait to get back outside to run, but I'm still having the mental block of going out when it is a.) too cold, b.) too icy, c.) too cold of a windchill, d.) raining/snowing/sleeting, e.) all of the above. The treadmill is treating me well, but I know I really should be hitting the inclines to get at least some sort of hill workout in during the week. None of the other people at the fitness center have gotten mad at me (at least not to my face) for taking up an hour on the precious treadmills during the weekend. We are such a small facility that we only have 3 treadmills. I am big-time breaking the 30-minute rule. I'm sure no one complains just because I work there, but I do a pretty good job of picking off-peak times to double my alloted time.
Swimming has its good days and its bad days. Monday was a good day. Today felt like I was dragging a brick (or was that just my butt??) through the water behind me. I said a thankful little prayer that I signed up for a wet-suit legal Ironman. At least I'll have slightly more buoyant legs on that day! I had to laugh at myself today... after I got out of the water, I thought to myself, "After September, I may never swim again. This sucks!"
The events of this coming weekend may change my usual schedule (barring any changes that my clients choose to make for me). Team Satisfied is going out on Friday night to check out a new restaurant (which may also involve some adult beverages), so the 7 miler I was going to do on Saturday may get moved to Friday afternoon. The shop Christmas party is Saturday. That will have adult beverages for sure, as we will be going bowling after the party (and I bowl LOTS better with beer in my belly), so Sunday won't be a good day for a long workout. Perhaps a long-ish bike ride on Saturday afternoon and Sunday can be my rest day for the week.
For the past week or so, I've been allowing myself to sleep a little bit later in the mornings. This is a direct response to the fact that I've been getting to bed a bit later due to the harried pace of the days. I think that I'd still prefer to get up at an hour that allows me to get one workout in before work, so I only have to figure out where to put one other workout later in the day.
My running has felt better this week. I can't wait to get back outside to run, but I'm still having the mental block of going out when it is a.) too cold, b.) too icy, c.) too cold of a windchill, d.) raining/snowing/sleeting, e.) all of the above. The treadmill is treating me well, but I know I really should be hitting the inclines to get at least some sort of hill workout in during the week. None of the other people at the fitness center have gotten mad at me (at least not to my face) for taking up an hour on the precious treadmills during the weekend. We are such a small facility that we only have 3 treadmills. I am big-time breaking the 30-minute rule. I'm sure no one complains just because I work there, but I do a pretty good job of picking off-peak times to double my alloted time.
Swimming has its good days and its bad days. Monday was a good day. Today felt like I was dragging a brick (or was that just my butt??) through the water behind me. I said a thankful little prayer that I signed up for a wet-suit legal Ironman. At least I'll have slightly more buoyant legs on that day! I had to laugh at myself today... after I got out of the water, I thought to myself, "After September, I may never swim again. This sucks!"
The events of this coming weekend may change my usual schedule (barring any changes that my clients choose to make for me). Team Satisfied is going out on Friday night to check out a new restaurant (which may also involve some adult beverages), so the 7 miler I was going to do on Saturday may get moved to Friday afternoon. The shop Christmas party is Saturday. That will have adult beverages for sure, as we will be going bowling after the party (and I bowl LOTS better with beer in my belly), so Sunday won't be a good day for a long workout. Perhaps a long-ish bike ride on Saturday afternoon and Sunday can be my rest day for the week.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Thawing Out
FINALLY! The temperature has risen above freezing for the first time in about 2 weeks. But, that doesn't mean that it has stopped snowing. We've already had over a foot of snow this winter, and it's not even the middle of December yet. It could be a long winter of hours and hours on the treadmill.
I have the training back under control. I got two solid strength training workouts in this week, one good "long" run of 6 miles, and a "long" ride of 75 minutes on the trainer, plus my two swimming workouts and other shorter workouts. I decided to try to be a little less anal about the training right now. My goal is just to just be consistent with my workouts, and I'll worry about getting more hard-core in February.
Actually writing out my program has helped give me a little more perspective. The training will be pretty intense for at least 20 of the 30 week program. So, for right now, I just want to be a little more relaxed - making changes mid-week, taking a day off if I feel like I need it, etc.
Putting the dates into the calendar made me also realize that I'll actually be using a 29-week program, rather than the 30-week schedule I thought I would use. I will be in Colorado during "Week 1" to help out with my soon-to-be-born nieces and do some skiing. It will be a great final "off" or "cross-training" week before I turn into a single-minded triathlete.
I have the training back under control. I got two solid strength training workouts in this week, one good "long" run of 6 miles, and a "long" ride of 75 minutes on the trainer, plus my two swimming workouts and other shorter workouts. I decided to try to be a little less anal about the training right now. My goal is just to just be consistent with my workouts, and I'll worry about getting more hard-core in February.
Actually writing out my program has helped give me a little more perspective. The training will be pretty intense for at least 20 of the 30 week program. So, for right now, I just want to be a little more relaxed - making changes mid-week, taking a day off if I feel like I need it, etc.
Putting the dates into the calendar made me also realize that I'll actually be using a 29-week program, rather than the 30-week schedule I thought I would use. I will be in Colorado during "Week 1" to help out with my soon-to-be-born nieces and do some skiing. It will be a great final "off" or "cross-training" week before I turn into a single-minded triathlete.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Putting it in Writing
This weekend, I took a bit of time to copy my training program onto a calendar. It's one thing to read about what you should do. It's all still theory when you read it in someone else's book or magazine article. It's a whole new ballgame when you put it into your planner and come to recognize that you've got to fit upwards of 20 hours per week into an already busy schedule. There were only a couple times when I had the "Oh, $#!%" feeling. I can see easily how to get a 4 or 5 hour ride followed by an hour run into a Saturday, but when I realize that I have some serious training to do on, for instance, the weekend of my grandmother's 100th birthday celebration in July, that's when I start to get the shakes. I'm sure that I'd much rather be spending time with my whole family who will be trekking cross country to Chicago for the celebration, but I also know how supportive they'll be (and are!). Maybe I'll even talk some of them into riding with me!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
I Love the 80's!
Once more the weather forced me inside for the whole weekend. And actually, that is a lot truer than even I am willing to admit. I didn't leave the house at all on Saturday until around 5 to go to church and then again at about 8 for the Team Vardo Christmas party at our neighborhood (smoke-free!!) drinking establishment. The snow finally stopped around 2 or 3 in the afternoon, leaving about 3-4 inches of the white stuff behind. That meant I hit the bike for my daily dose of exercise. Since moving the bike/trainer to the basement (and, thus, away from the DVD player), I have had the occasion to dig out all the old VHS tapes I had stacked away and to reconnect the VCR to the 13" TV in the basement. Time passes oh, so quickly when watching old Tom Cruise movies from the 80's. Yesterday's treat was "Cocktail," the first half anyway. Next up is "Top Gun," then such classics as "National Lampoon's Vacation" and everyone's holiday favorite, "A Christmas Story."
Today, I again ventured out into the great white world, this time to hit the fitness center for an hour of fun on the treadmill. It's especially enjoyable for me, since I have learned the ability to stay upright on the machine while watching folks try their darnedest to kill themselves on the weight equipment. As a personal trainer who emphasizes safety first, that is an aquired skill. For example, the two people who spent Friday morning working out in open-toed sandals. Or the 6'2" guy who sets the hip machine up for himself as though he was a 4'8" little old lady; my back was killing me just watching. Then, there are the classic over-achievers who load about 50% more weight on the machine than they can actually handle and grunt and scream while trying to build as much momentum as possible to move the weight. Clearly, they are getting a great workout... but my all-time favorite has to be the groups of women who think that by simply being IN the weight room, they are getting all the effects of USING the weight room. Sorry, ladies, it doesn't work that way. You actually have to MOVE the machine ALL the way through the FULL range of motion to garner ANY sort of effect. But, I digress...
Today's run actually felt pretty good. Thankfully, the Fall Out Boy CD has not worn out due to repetitive use. It has been a life-saver for me during my treadmill days. I had a great stretch after the run and even contemplated a nap on the mat in the weight room during the stretch, but that probably wouldn't have looked very professional...
Today, I again ventured out into the great white world, this time to hit the fitness center for an hour of fun on the treadmill. It's especially enjoyable for me, since I have learned the ability to stay upright on the machine while watching folks try their darnedest to kill themselves on the weight equipment. As a personal trainer who emphasizes safety first, that is an aquired skill. For example, the two people who spent Friday morning working out in open-toed sandals. Or the 6'2" guy who sets the hip machine up for himself as though he was a 4'8" little old lady; my back was killing me just watching. Then, there are the classic over-achievers who load about 50% more weight on the machine than they can actually handle and grunt and scream while trying to build as much momentum as possible to move the weight. Clearly, they are getting a great workout... but my all-time favorite has to be the groups of women who think that by simply being IN the weight room, they are getting all the effects of USING the weight room. Sorry, ladies, it doesn't work that way. You actually have to MOVE the machine ALL the way through the FULL range of motion to garner ANY sort of effect. But, I digress...
Today's run actually felt pretty good. Thankfully, the Fall Out Boy CD has not worn out due to repetitive use. It has been a life-saver for me during my treadmill days. I had a great stretch after the run and even contemplated a nap on the mat in the weight room during the stretch, but that probably wouldn't have looked very professional...
Friday, December 02, 2005
Priorities, Priorities
Either the day off helped or I was just imagining that I was very tired. Today's workouts went so much better than the ones from earlier in the week. There were some other circumstances that also changed, but they are out of my control, and I just have to learn how to accept those.
I love my job, because I can workout whenever I have a spare moment. I lifted weights at 3 seperate times today: before my classes, over lunch, and after my post-work run. Plus I did some strength training in my classes today. I haven't been as regular with the weights as I would like, so I am trying now to just fit it in anytime I have a chance.
The weather situation is not improving at all. This morning the windchill was below zero. I just can't bring myself to go in that. Since it is snowing again, I guess I'll still be inside for my bike ride and long run this weekend.
I have made a startling discovery: my body feels better when I eat the right foods! I have been really doing quite a good job on both the quality and quantity of foods that I have been eating. The biggest change that I have noticed is that I can't go more than a couple hours without nurishment. I can't really say that I have a problem with that, but it is hard to eat in the middle of fitness classes and personal training sessions.
I'm still kinda stressing about what kind of bike I'll be purchasing. That really needs to become a priority in the next few weeks. But then again, so does sleeping, stretching, eating well, strength training...
I love my job, because I can workout whenever I have a spare moment. I lifted weights at 3 seperate times today: before my classes, over lunch, and after my post-work run. Plus I did some strength training in my classes today. I haven't been as regular with the weights as I would like, so I am trying now to just fit it in anytime I have a chance.
The weather situation is not improving at all. This morning the windchill was below zero. I just can't bring myself to go in that. Since it is snowing again, I guess I'll still be inside for my bike ride and long run this weekend.
I have made a startling discovery: my body feels better when I eat the right foods! I have been really doing quite a good job on both the quality and quantity of foods that I have been eating. The biggest change that I have noticed is that I can't go more than a couple hours without nurishment. I can't really say that I have a problem with that, but it is hard to eat in the middle of fitness classes and personal training sessions.
I'm still kinda stressing about what kind of bike I'll be purchasing. That really needs to become a priority in the next few weeks. But then again, so does sleeping, stretching, eating well, strength training...
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