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August 03 I Broke 29 Minutes!OK, so it wasn’t by much, but I still did my 5 km run today in under 29 minutes. Official time from my stop watch / heart monitor was 28:58:9. That is a record for me. My heart rate was also quite high, pushing 105% of maximum, but it didn’t feel bad. And in the end, my recovery time was great (less than 2 minutes for my heart rate to drop from 177 bpm to around 120 bpm).
I was really looking forward to running today. Work has been more frustrating than usual this week and I needed time to be alone, clear my head, talk to God and just run!
Finishing my stretching, I headed out feeling good and motivated for the run ahead. My pace felt quick, my stride was fluid, my breathing easy. The sun shone, there was a cooling breeze off the lake and all elements were aligning.
There is a sun dial on the water front, where I do a time check. Nothing accurate because I only give quick glance at the watch and without my bifocals on I have some trouble seeing the digital read out as I bounce along. But today I was close to a minute ahead of my normal pace. It felt good and I ended up finishing the run a full minute faster than my previous best for that route.
For me this is incredible! I’ll be 49 in September and can’t remember being in such good physical condition EVER! Too bad we have to get old to get smart! I should have done this 25 years ago!
This may sound very ego centric (and verging on TMI) but I like the way I look right now. I still have a small roll, but when I look down I CAN SEE my belt buckle and I don’t see a fat belly hanging over the belt! Whoo Hoo! And when I look at myself in a mirror I can see my ab muscles. It’s no where near a 6 pack, but the definition is starting to show. This is a far cry from when I was almost 210 lbs with a 48” waist and did not like to look at myself in a mirror. Yeah, I’m probably strutting when I walk now, but why not – I look good!
If any of you need encouragement to exercise and diet to loose weight, then use me as an example. I considered myself the last person to be able to do this. I tried and failed many times. If I can do this – anyone can do this!
And it feels GREAT to accomplish this and be healthy and able to feel proud about how I look. I’ve probably added a lot of years to my life expectancy also, which is a good thing since with a lovely and younger lady in my life I want to be around and active for a long time. July 05 It's been a whileI haven’t run for a while. Thinking back it has to be at least two weeks since my last run. I have lots of reasons for it; conflicting time commitments, desire to work weights, bad weather, laziness are just a few of them.
But today I promised myself it was going to be a run day. Nice day for a run to. About 18 degrees, the shad flies are all but gone and I wasn’t dragging my butt because I stayed up too late the night before.
I was worried how things would go and ended up pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I completed the 5 km run without stopping in a time of 31 minutes, 30 seconds. That is actually a good time for me.
I started out on a very good pace and felt I might break the 30 minute time, but I slowed during the climb up the last hill and knew I didn’t have enough of a kick left to get below that magic number.
This afternoon my legs have been throbbing, but in a good way. My feet are sore, but that just tells me I might have to start looking for new running shoes. I can’t believe how quickly I’m going through running shoes with the running I’m doing. It gets to be expensive, but well worth it to avoid aches and pains that can plague a runner.
I certainly need the run after a long weekend of over indulging. I also have a weekend where over indulgence is a possibility again. Stacey and I are having a meet a greet BBQ at my place on Saturday. It will give me a chance to meet some more of her friends. I have invited a few people I know, but that circle is rather small. Hopefully the weather will hold out and we BBQ and then sit around the fire pit. I have ice for the beer and marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate syrup all ready to make smores!
Till later, take care and be safe! God bless our troops in Afghanistan. Even if some of the people of Afghanistan don’t want freedom for everyone, at least we are standing up for those that do. April 17 It didn't start out so goodHeading to the gym today was tough. A fellow I work with and I had planned to jog at lunch, but the closer it got to the time, the more excuses I was coming up with not to go.
First thing, my running partner had to cancel since he was in an all day meeting.
Then it was a little cold outside.
I had a bad sleep last night (woke up at 5AM) and was feeling tired. (I had a strange dream that I’m still trying to figure out if I should be scared or looking forward to it.)
The incident at Virginia Tech really weighed heavy on my heart and soul.
Work is a pain in the ass right now and generally my motivation and overall feeling were very low.
So all the way over to the gym I’m desperately trying to talk myself into running. As I changed I’m talking to myself trying to get the motivation level up.
Finally I finished the stretching and headed out. It was tough slugging starting out. I had to keep telling myself to run through the wall, aim for the second wind, cause the first one was not there.
Finally I began to get my stride, my pace was good and I became determined to have a good run. No stopping, no walking, maintain the pace.
When I got back to the gym after running 5 km my heart monitor / stop watch was reading 29 minutes and 48 seconds! I broke 30 minutes!
That surprised me! At one point I could feel my pace slowing and I looked at my watch and guessed I would be in around 32 minutes. But somehow I managed to pick up the pace again and finished strong.
WOW did that feel good. I was exhausted, but feeling good, but my legs are hurting creatures tonight! March 29 A pretty good runI went for a run at lunch time today. Only the second time this spring that I’ve tried running outside. The last time I ran outside was not so good and I struggled in cold temps and with heavy legs. Only managed to get in about 2.5 Kms.
Today the skies were clear and sunny, the temps about 4C and I felt good heading over. It was a great day to be outside and running!
I went to the gym with the attitude that if I had to walk / run I would and not feel bad about it. As I headed out I felt pretty good and kept an OK pace.
About a third of the way into the run I began to think, “I’m going to have to stop at some point and do a recovery walk. I’ll go to the 20 minute mark”. I was struggling a bit but my thoughts were still on completing the run.
Then something interesting happened. I stopped thinking about walking and thinking about just doing the run. I didn’t have to set any overland speed records, just keep going.
The I reached the half way point. Looking at the stop watch I thought I was a bit behind time, but my heart rate was well below maximum and I was feeling pretty good.
At the 20 minute mark I decided to keep going and not do a recovery walk. My legs were beginning to feel better, my breathing was strong and my heart rate was still hovering at 160 bpm.
I finished the 5 Km run without stopping to walk. In fact for about the last half kilometre I picked up my pace and by the end felt I could run further. 33 minutes 17 seconds was my time. That’s just over a minute off my average time and about four minutes off my best time. Not bad for only my second run of the new season.
AND I DIDN’T STOP RUNNING! That is a huge victory for me. It is more a mental victory than physical.
Running outside is different and a lot more difficult than running on the treadmill. Don’t know why, but with the warmer weather, I am looking forward to being outside running rather than doing it on the tread mill.
Unfortunately because of a problem with my elbow, I can’t do any upper body workouts for at least 10 days. So running it will be for a while.
The weekend is coming close and I’m looking forward to it! Hope you have a great one! March 18 Tough Run!Glorious sunshine streamed through my kitchen window as I poured my first cup of coffee, “What a great day to for an outside run” was the first thing that went through my mind.
Much of the snow on the side of roads has melted, the sun is shining and I’ve been anxiously waiting to get off the tread mill and get one the streets again.
About an hour later, having finished my coffee and a light breakfast, I head to the computer to check out the temperature. The thermometer outside my kitchen window is showing a ridiculous 15C. The sun is hitting it directly and at this time of the day it always reads really warm. It does indicate there is warmth in the sun’s rays, but I’ve got to find out the air temperature.
-10C according to the Weather Network. Not too bad. I’ve got a new long sleeve running shirt and the track pants I picked up in Hawaii (Wal-Mart – really cheap) for cool days just like this.
About 9:30 AM I head out. Immediately I feel the impact of cold weather running.
I’ve never run in temps below 0C. Heck the last time I ran outside was in Maui with temps in the low 20’s.
I’m not sure if it is the temperatures, the beer and pizza I over indulged in on Saturday night or the fact it is my first time out this season, but I was struggling from the start.
My legs are heavy, my breathing is not in rhythm and my heartbeat skyrocketed (it eventually settled down!). What ever the reason, I didn’t make the entire loop and only did about half my normal distance. I just didn’t have it in me this morning.
It was nice to be outside running, but as I motored (or is that plodded) down the highway, that wind was cold and made me uncomfortable.
By Tuesday temperatures are forecast to be much better (by Thursday 11C whoopee!). I’ll try running outside again at lunch time. Hopefully with better results.
I have set a goal to do a 10 km run by the end of the summer and only being able to jog 2.4 km on my first time out is not encouraging! March 12 Thought I was in good shape!I’ve been exercising regularly for a long time. Lately I’ve been doing lots of weight training, jogging and cardio training. So I got quite the surprise today when I found out how weak my core or mid section really is.
I’ve been seeing a physiotherapist for a problem I have with my elbow. I think I strained it while doing my weight training. During the sessions I was talking to the assistant and telling him about my training. The physiotherapist then pipes up “Oh, you should get Danny to do a few sessions with you, he is really good at developing programs.”
So I took him up on the offer and today was the first of three sessions I have with Danny as we rebalance and rework the program I’ve been doing. The instructions were simple; I want to tone my body, strengthen my core, get rid of the last little paunch I have and continue to do the cardio work.
Danny was impressed with the strength in my upper body and legs. The fact I could do more that 2 chin-ups (I did five correctly, with full extension of arms!) was impressive to him. Then it came to the core exercises.
HOLY COW! As I did the exercises I was shaking like a flag in a 100 kmph wind! Even a friend joked later that she couldn’t believe the way I was shaking when I was doing the core exercises. Heck I couldn’t believe it! I thought all the sit-ups and crunches I had been doing were helping me. But the exercises Danny had me doing really focused on the core, in a way I’ve only been giving lip service to in the past. The sit-ups and crunches I’ve been doing were apparently not being done properly and not adequate to achieve the strength I’m looking for.
And I know I have more in me, cause this evening I’m not stiff or sore in the core at all. This means I can push it a bit harder once I learn the routine and begin working it.
The routine will be a split program; weights one day, cardio the next. There will be three weight routines; one lower body, one upper body and one mixed. And each of the weight lifting days, at least a third of my time will be spent on core exercises. My goal is to have a six pack abs for the first time in my life and not just a six pack in the fridge.
Wednesday is day 2 of the instruction. I’ll keep you posted on how things go. December 31 They Started Early!I managed to drag my sorry butt to the gym yesterday. I’m sure a lot of people started their New Years resolution early cause it was busy.
On any other Saturday you can easily find a machine to work on. Shortly after I got on the treadmill they all filled up. I looked around (which is a challenge since I don’t wear my glasses and everything is a little fussy ;)) and saw that only a few of the recumbent bikes were not in use. Every other piece of equipment was whirling with dreams of loosing the extra pounds gathered over years of doing little or nothing.
This is normal. I’ve been going to gyms for a lot of years and every January it is the same. This rush will be over by February and certainly by March the attendance levels will be back to “normal”. Too bad really, since many of these people who start with good intentions really need to stick to it.
The challenge, of which I was guilty of before, is that people go out and rocket right into a high energy workout. Then they find their muscles revolt against their body and it hurts – a lot!
This pain will quickly squelch any motivation or good intentions. That, and the fact that exercising and going to gym is a major commitment of time and energy, results in so many dropping away and giving up on the exercise routine.
The grey hairs I have provide evidence of some experience and wisdom garnered over the years and the key I found; start slow – work into the routine and build your strength and stamina. Also, weight loss is a long term commitment. There is NO quick fix to the loosing weight. Make no mistake, it takes a lot of work and commitment to achieve results.
Unfortunately in our world of instant gratification and a pill that solves any alignment, people are not willing to commit the effort to achieve the results.
So for now I will put up with the crowds. I know they won’t be around for long. November 29 Where did the energy go?I was psyched and ready to do a run on the treadmill at lunch today, but was unable to complete the run today. I simply did not have the energy in me today!
I’ve been sleeping well at night, so that can’t be the reason.
I did increase the weights of my leg routine yesterday and my legs were a little stiff today, but generally I’m feeling pretty good – physically speaking.
I knew I was in trouble going over. Just before lunch I just about talked myself out of going to the gym all together. But I did go and make an attempt at the workout.
As soon as I got on the treadmill I knew I was in trouble. Some days you glide along and everything feels smooth. Not today. My legs were tight, my breathing laboured, I began perspiring immediately. My heart rate was in a good range, but the rest of me….blah!
After 10 minutes on the treadmill I was wiped. I figured I would move to the cross trainer. It provides a good work out, but doesn’t pound the body the way running does. That lasted five minutes today.
I just didn’t have the energy to keep going! So what should have been a 30 minute run turned in to 15 minutes of struggling to keep going.
I have said it before. One of the advantages of getting older is you are wiser and willing to listen to your body more closely. Today my body is telling me “cool it” so I will listen and let it rest.
Drama rehearsal tonight – things will start getting intense as we are now less than two weeks away from opening night! To be truthful, things are not tight yet and the cast has not hit their stride (yours truly included). Hope that happens soon – time is not a luxury we have. Then again, it is usually that kind of pressure that brings everything up a notch and brings the entire production together. November 17 That was pretty good!Today is Friday! Yeah I know I’m a rocket scientist.
So what is the significance of that? It relates to my exercise routine. Normally on Fridays I am dragging my butt trying to get through, will drop the weight level I’m “pushing” or will skip going to the gym entirely. AND I’ll do that when I have only worked out 3 or 4 times in the week.
But this week has been different. I have exercised for 6 straight days:
Sunday - ran 5 Km
Monday - upper body weight training
Tuesday - lower body / back weight training
Wednesday - ran just over 5 Km
Thursday - upper body weight training
Friday – leg weight training
Looking back at the week I’m thinking “Wow – that’s a lot of exercise!” And for guy who is pushing 50, I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to blast through my leg training and felt great doing it.
Don’t know what the difference is this week – maybe my conditioning has improved. What ever the reason I am looking forward to taking a day off tomorrow.
Hope you have a great weekend – Oh and for you Lori – GO LIONS! September 27 Not Superman!I’ve been having trouble with my feet, which is causing me grief on my running program. The short story is that my metatarsal bones in my feet are flattening out. This causes pain when I walk or run. Another one of the wonderful benefits of getting older!
I’ve been working with a physiotherapist to correct this problem and now have orthotics for my walking shoes. I’ve put metatarsal supports in my running shoes, and they seemed to work. Then about a week and half ago I tried to increase my running distance and got sharp shooting pain in to my knees and then it radiated to my hip.
Back to the physiotherapist! Now I’m doing some exercises to “re-align” some aspects of my stride. So today I thought I’m going to give this running another try.
I headed out with a Jack (someone who could run circles around me, but is a good fellow and slows down for me) and felt pretty good. Good news – no pain in the knees. Bad news – I blasted out a too high a pace and burnt out before the run was over. I guess a week and half lay-off is a lot. I did finish the 5K in about the same time that I ran this distance before I picked up my speed (See Sept 8 and 12 posting). I did the run in about 33 minutes, which is a good sign I went out too fast, given the amount of walking and running I did in the last half of the run.
My biggest concern was my heart rate, which got way too high (I peaked at 175 bpm, which is over the 100% range for my age). Don’t want to be one of the “over 40 runner” you hear about having a heart attack while on the course.
So it’s back to a slower and maybe shorter run this weekend. I’ll see how the foot and leg comes along and then I’ll push it up again.
The best part of this entire story – I’m still running! That to me is amazing, cuase in the past I would have given up way before this!
Take care and have a great day! September 08 A New Personal BestI decided to push myself yesterday during my noon hour run. I’ve been struggling with foot trouble, but that seems to be getting under control and my recent runs have felt pretty good. So yesterday I thought “Let’s see what I can do”.
It felt good as I motored along. My legs didn't have the feeling of being attached to cement blocks. My heart rate was close to 100% cardio target, but never went over it. I did do a one minute recovery walk at the 20 minute point, but other than that I just kept plugging along.
I was very pleased with the results. I did my 5 km run in 30 minutes 13 seconds. That’s almost two minutes better than my previous best. There is room for improvement, and I hope to get that time down to something close to 25 minutes.
Good news was that my legs didn't stiffen up or feel painful after the run. In the past I have "shuffled" around the office because of soreness in the legs. I didn't have that yesterday and today my legs feel great.
I also want to start pushing to the 10 km level. Maybe this weekend I’ll shoot for a 6 or 7 km run. August 03 Felt like foreverI’ve been trying to remember how long it has been since I last ran. Must be at least four weeks.
Today I thought it was time to try again. I do not have my orthotic yet, but I taped my foot and headed out for a short run. Glad it was short!
Things started out pretty good, but by about a couple of kilometres in I could feel my left foot beginning to “twinge”. It wasn’t really pain, but I could tell there was pressure being applied on the bones. Also my right knee began to hurt. At the mid point I was wondering “what the heck?”. But after a quick drink of water I headed back.
Then my legs began to feel heavy. I could tell it had been a while since I ran. The wind capacity just wasn’t there. At times I felt like I was running no faster than a fast walk. Weight lifting is all and good, but it is not the same as a good cardio workout.
I did a couple of short recovery walks on my way back, but I did finish – not in very good time mind you, but I did it.
My legs were feeling stiff and sore in the afternoon also. Yep, I could definitely tell it had been a while since I ran. I just didn't expect to feel like forever since I ran.
Friday I will do the leg routine at the gym and then do another short run (3 km) on Saturday. I’ll work back up to the 5 km in time. Also looking forward to getting the orthotic next week. I hope that will correct the problem in my feet.
Take care and have a great day. August 01 Stinking Hot!Ontario is under a heat wave. Must be the one they recently had in BC! In North Bay we hit a high temp of 30C with a humidex of 42 degrees. Tomorrow is suppose to be hotter! AND I’m not complaining. I love the heat! Rather have this than -20C any day. Got my fans going, my window Air Conditioner and I’m doing fine.
Those who know me well can attest to two things; first I can be very particular about tracking things, and secondly I can be somewhat clueless at times. I tell you this to explain the events that happened to me at the gym today.
First the tracking of things. I have a weight routine I’ve been doing for some time now. To help me know how I’m doing I’ve created a worksheet with the various exercises I do and then I mark down the amount of weight I did on the exercise, the number of set and the number of reps within each set. All this helps me know when I should increase weights.
Now we come to the clueless part! I was doing an upper body workout today. After finishing my abdominal exercises and back stretching I looked at my chart and read “Chest Press” 115 lbs. Great – lets get to it.
Approaching the bench press I notice the plates are already on the bar. “Great, its already set at 115 lbs so I don’t have to do that”. I proceed to lay on my back, positioning myself under the bar, so I can do the 2 sets of 6 reps.
I finished the first set and think, “wow, the heat must be getting to me today, I’m having trouble pushing this weight”. But I get through my second set of 6 reps and prepare to move to the inclined bench press. This is the same basic exercise, but rather than lying flat, you are seated at a 45 degree angle. Object is still to push the weight over your head. Since I also wrote down that I did 115 lbs last time and this unit is right next to the bench press, I simply transferred the plates to the bar at the inclined bench press.
It wasn’t until I finished the first set on this exercise, which I really struggled with, that I did the math on the plates I put on the bar. 2 – 45 lb weights, and a bar that weighs 45 lbs. “Wait a minute! Something’s wrong here! That doesn’t add up?? WHAT – that’s 135 lbs, not 115 lbs!”
Usually I put 2 – 35 lb plates on the 45 lb bar – that’s 115 lbs. When I walked up to the bench press I wasn’t even thinking about the fact that it was 45 lb plates on the bar and not 35 lb plates.
The good news from all of this – I bench pressed 135 lbs today! Haven’t done that in a long time. Felt good also. Yeah I struggled, but I got my sets and reps in (OK, so I was a little sloppy in form, but I did it!).
Feeling rather pumped (so to speak) I proceed to add weight to my dumbbell bench press and closed grip preacher curls also. So despite the heat, I had a really good work out at the gym today.
Fortunately 45 lb plates are the largest plates the gym has, so I shouldn’t make that same kind of mistake again. I’m think I’m not so clueless that I would mistake having two 45 lb plates on each side of the bar!
Hope you can stay cool today! June 02 Did a real number on myselfI’ve got some new running shoes on order. But in the mean time I figured there would be no problem in continuing to run in my old shoes. Thursday I found out why that was a terrible idea!
I was a little into my run when I noticed the balls of my feet were beginning to hurt. I was just past the half way point when I could run no more. I had to walk the rest of way. My feet were extremely soar and despite having loosened the laces my feet still felt like they were tight in the shoes.
According to my friend, who has been running a lot longer than me “You have to learn to listen to your body”. He is so right. I hurt my feet about a week ago when I originally decided to purchase new shoes. I should have simply said I was going to wait until they were in before I ran again.
Now I will have to wait – probably upwards of two weeks to give my feet time to heal before I can run again. At least I can still work out at the gym. So for the next couple of weeks I will work on refining the new weight program I’m working on and doing the cardio machines.
At least today the pain, burning sensation and throbbing has subsided. Last night I thought I was going to have to go to the emergency ward for the way they were hurting me. But then I remember I have a very low tolerance for pain and I would have to get over it. But when I went to bed I didn’t think I would sleep because of the pain. As it was it took me some time before I was able to get comfortable enough to sleep.
So today I took the day off of training. Tomorrow I’m going for a motorcycle ride with a group of Christian riders and then a BBQ afterwards. I’m hoping it doesn’t rain so we can enjoy ourselves.
That is it for now, take care. May 30 OW! THAT HURTS!!!!!!I've changed my weight work out routine to a split body. Rather than doing one set of exercises for each muscle group, I’m focusing on a particular area each work out. More sets, more repetitions (reps) and somewhat lighter weight is suppose to help you tone muscle. I’m certainly not looking at becoming a body builder, so figured it was good for me!
Yesterday was the first time I worked my legs. Six sets of 10 reps of squats and six sets of 10 reps of a “hack squat machine”. There were several other leg exercises I did also.
I could feel trouble early! The muscle burn started at about the third set of squats! When it was time to walk down the stairs to the main floor of the gym, my legs were so rubbery I had to hold the rail so I wouldn’t fall.
This morning when I got up I found I had muscles in my butt that I didn’t know existed. I know they are there because they HURT! I think I’ll smack the young guy who gave me this routine. That will be just for “why didn’t you warn me!” Then I’ll thank him, cause the program will work in the long run - if I make it to the long run!
I just wish I could stand up from my chair without looking like an 90 year old guy trying to get to the bathroom! Every time I move I’m reminded that I’m not a twenty years old anymore.
Given the very hot humid day it was today I didn’t do my jog. Yeah right! Like I could have done that anyway! I did do a work out on the elliptical cross trainer, just to keep the muscles moving.
Wednesday is an upper body work out, so I guess by Thursday I won’t be able to lift the fork to eat. And I thought I was doing so well…….
I’ll let you know how things go! April 14 My first 5K run!“I did it” – as my youngest daughter would say as she accomplished a new task for the first time.
I ran 5K this morning! It took me just about 37 minutes, so I wasn’t breaking any overland speed records, but I DID IT!
From a psychological perspective this is huge. I had trouble getting to sleep last night (coffee and a six hour drive has a tendency to get me wound up) and was not highly motivated to run this morning. But it is a beautiful sunny morning and I had promised myself I would at least try this. So off I went.
The legs and feet felt like cement weights at times, but I plodded along, took two very short “recovery walks” and ploughed through. What an awesome feeling to have completed this.
Now it’s off to our Church’s Good Friday service. This will be interesting, since I wrote a sketch that will be performed today. This will be the first time I’ve watched something I’ve written be performed, where I haven’t been involved in either directing or acting in it.
I hope you have a great day, and a wonderful Easter Weekend. And through out it all please remember that Jesus said” I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Praise be to Him! April 05 Another Milestone!It snowed here yesterday. Yes all of you on the "wet" coast can laugh at us poor buggers still suffering through this most miserable weather and cruel joke! It meant it was too cold to run outside, so I ran on the treadmill in the gym.
For the first time I was able to maintain my running pace at 5.2 mph for a full 20 minutes. Might not sound like much to most, but to me it is huge. AND I still had enough of a kick at the end to do that last minute at over 6 mph. During a 30 minute session (5 minute walk - 20 minute run - 5 minute walk) I covered 2.37 miles.
Today I'm not even feeling anything in my legs, so my conditioning must be improving. It is suppose to be +8 on Thursday so I'll be running outside again.
I would never have dreamed that I would be enjoying running!
Oh, and one last thing. Happy birthday to my good friend Hal, who hangs out in Vancouver. April 01 3.4That is the number of kilometres of the run my friends and I did this morning. Took us about 25 minutes, so we’re breaking any overland speed records, but for me to do this, with one short walking period was a great accomplishment. I hope to push this to 5 Km in the near future.
That was my third run this week. My exercise routine has become a six day a week thing, with my days alternating between working on weights and running.
The running is especially rewarding because for most of my 40+ years I hated running. To be doing it and enjoying it, is a wonderful experience.
I do not expect I will ever run a marathon – that is not my goal. But to be out there, plugging along is a good feeling. To be able to run with good friends adds an extra element of enjoyment to the event.
I was also very pleased with my weight training this week. Last week I wrote how by Friday I was so tired that I was unable to push the same level of weights. Well this week I didn’t have that problem! And remember, I had also done two runs during the week, so I was surprised. If I can do that again next week I’ll consider increasing the amount of weight I “push” on each exercise.
That is it for this Saturday. I’m expecting a boring evening as I have nothing planned and will likely just hang out, by myself [sniff, sniff] and try not to feel sorry for me!
On an up note, I pulled my motorcycle out of storage today. It took several cranks, but it did fire up just fine and seems to be purring right along. If it is a nice day tomorrow I hope to take it for a ride, just to get into the swing of spring.
Have a great one! March 20 A body does need restThe axiom that a body needs rest became very evident this weekend.
I’ve been going to the gym 5 times a week for the last couple of weeks. Always at lunch time. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I do weights, while Tuesday and Thursday I do cardo.
Normally I do a single set of 15 reps on each exercise. Last week I increased the weight of each exercise by 5 pounds.
By the end of the week I find I’m hard pressed to get over 12 reps complete for each exercise. This past Friday I could hardly finish my weight routine (but then I did do a more vigorous cardo on Thursday with the jogging).
Today, after a nice weekend where I rested from gym exercise, I easily completed the program and felt I could have pushed a few more reps out of most of the exercises I do. It made me feel pretty good. But by this Friday, I’ll be struggling again. And it is not always the physical work of the week that takes it out of me. Many times I’m mentally exhausted by the weekend and can’t mustard the physical strength I could early in the week. Whow I guess I’m human!
On a different note, I attended my first rehearsal for the small part I have in a play with a local community theatre group. It was great being involved in the rehearsal process again.
I do feel a little sheepish about having my friends come to see me. I’m not embarrassed by the role. Quite the contrary. I’m going to have a blast with the role. It’s just that my role is sooooooo small and I found out this weekend that I’m going to play it “headless” that it hardly seems worthwhile for them to spend the money and take and evening of their time to see me, but not really see me, on stage for maybe five minutes. Alas, they are good friends and assure me they want to come and see the play, irregardless of how much stage time I have. It should be fun!
That is it for now, I’m off to vegetate for the rest of the night! March 16 Waking up the musclesI don’t remember the last time I jogged. I found out today that my leg muscles don’t remember that either. With my diet and weight loss I’ve been concentrating on weight lifting and alternating days with a lighter “fat burn” on a cross trainer.
It must have well before my Hawaii vacation since I last jogged. I got to the gym today and I got the brain wave (maybe more like a cramp!) that I should jog.
It went very well! I thought it would be difficult to finish the run and I would be too winded to complete it, even though I do not run continually. The way I jog (as a beginner to this torture) is to walk “briskly” for 6 minutes (warm up), then jog five minutes, recover walk for 1 minute, jog for five, walk one, etc. At the end I walk another 6 minutes as a cool down. This takes 35 minutes, 15 minutes of it walking, 20 minutes running.
I was very pleased and surprised at how easy the jogging felt. I was not winded and felt like I could run longer. I rationalize that as me not carrying as much weight as I did before or that I was really pumped up listening to Meatloaf’s “Bat out of Hell” CD.
Whatever the reason I felt very good to do it……until I went to get off the treadmill. I could tell the muscles in my legs were working hard while I was running, but didn’t pay much attention to it. But when I tried to get off the treadmill my leg muscles (the large quad muscles in front and the ones in back that run up to the gluteus maximus) screamed in pain. All the leg work on the weights didn’t prepare them for the run!
I’m OK now, although still a moving a little slower than normal. I also have to learn that “reap what you soe”. I had been making fun of a co-worker who started an exercise routine and had really sore leg muscles. She took great pleasure in my pain when she realized my predicament. I deserved it!
Tomorrow is another weight lifting day and then two days of rest, so I should be OK by Monday. I’m going to work in at least one jog a week for the time being. It does feel good to do complete it.
I’m celebrating St. Paddy’s day tomorrow, so won’t be posting until Saturday – like anyone really cares sheeeeeze! Till next time…. |
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