First - my knee has no pain - that is 2 days post-bike ride. That makes me super happy. Beyond super happy. Yay!
Ok - now onto - Finding the balance.
I am a person who tends to thrive on routine and planning. That doesn't mean that I'd don't like spontaneity, but it does mean that I am more productive and efficient when I have a routine. When I have a routine and a weekly plan for working out, meaning it is Lifting Monday or Biking Tuesday, then I tend to be more consistent in working out and my life feels comfortable. Unfortunately, my life has not recently allowed for routine. The home buying process, getting Hubs ready for elite level racing, working, cleaning the house for people staying with us, and etc has made my life unpredictable. Some mornings I have to get up and review our purchase contract instead of going to the gym. Other mornings, I have to run to the medical school bookstore to pick up a book for Hubs who is studying for a Board exam that he has to take next week. Tomorrow I am going to come into work early so that I can go to watch Riverdance with Hubs' mom tomorrow night. Listing these things out makes me tired alone, and it definitely makes me realize that I need to allow for flexibility in my life.
Now that it is getting nicer outside, I think that I want to move my off-days to weekdays so that I can get in longer workouts outside on the weekend, especially on my bike. This is going to be a learning process and take discipline to make this transition because I do enjoy not have "responsibilities" like work and working out on the weekend. So anyway, it looks like today and tomorrow are going to be my off-days this week. That means I'll need to get my workouts in every day for the rest of the week, or double-up one day. I guess we'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I heart my bike.
So, Thursday I didn't end up going for a workout after work. I looked at the weather and told myself that a long outdoor bike ride on Saturday would be much more productive (and I was right!)
Friday morning I went to the pool. I actually didn't end up swimming though. The water was waaaay to hot for lap swimming. So I just did some water aerobics and talked to Cindy the pool lady. It was enjoyable and relaxing, even if it wasn't the most taxing workout. Then I spent the rest of the day full of anxiety about our house purchase. The inspection overall went well, but there is one major potential plumbing issue. It really made me anxious - as in - high blood pressure, might throw-up anxious. I am better now, but Friday was not a pleasant day. So the Hubs and I went out to dinner on Friday night, discussed life, the house and the move and I felt much better.
Then yesterday - my bike. My lovely, wonderful bike. It was beautiful outside, and the sun was shining. So much so that my face is a bit burnt today. It still was a bit cool/cold when I started out biking because I wasn't appropriately dressed, but by halfway through my ride I was fine. I ended up doing about 13 miles along the Lakefront path. It was pretty busy, which means you can't go fast the whole time, but I finished up my ride (including a stop at the turn around and a quick phone call) in about 1 hr 20 minutes. Pretty good. Plus, I forgot my knee brace. I was a little worried at first, but there was no pain at all. I think that is just how perfect my bike fits me. My bike just makes me smile.
On that note though, mechanical issues with my bike do not make me smile. I admittedly know nothing about bikes or maintenance. In fact I almost walked my bike to the bike shop before riding yesterday because the brake was sticking (due to having to shove it in the car - I really need a bike rack). Luckily, Antonio - Hubs' rowing buddy - was around and knows a lot about bikes. He saved the day and made a super easy fix. I think I am going to offer to make him dinner in exchange for Bike Maintenance 101. It will make me feel a lot more confident.
Friday morning I went to the pool. I actually didn't end up swimming though. The water was waaaay to hot for lap swimming. So I just did some water aerobics and talked to Cindy the pool lady. It was enjoyable and relaxing, even if it wasn't the most taxing workout. Then I spent the rest of the day full of anxiety about our house purchase. The inspection overall went well, but there is one major potential plumbing issue. It really made me anxious - as in - high blood pressure, might throw-up anxious. I am better now, but Friday was not a pleasant day. So the Hubs and I went out to dinner on Friday night, discussed life, the house and the move and I felt much better.
Then yesterday - my bike. My lovely, wonderful bike. It was beautiful outside, and the sun was shining. So much so that my face is a bit burnt today. It still was a bit cool/cold when I started out biking because I wasn't appropriately dressed, but by halfway through my ride I was fine. I ended up doing about 13 miles along the Lakefront path. It was pretty busy, which means you can't go fast the whole time, but I finished up my ride (including a stop at the turn around and a quick phone call) in about 1 hr 20 minutes. Pretty good. Plus, I forgot my knee brace. I was a little worried at first, but there was no pain at all. I think that is just how perfect my bike fits me. My bike just makes me smile.
On that note though, mechanical issues with my bike do not make me smile. I admittedly know nothing about bikes or maintenance. In fact I almost walked my bike to the bike shop before riding yesterday because the brake was sticking (due to having to shove it in the car - I really need a bike rack). Luckily, Antonio - Hubs' rowing buddy - was around and knows a lot about bikes. He saved the day and made a super easy fix. I think I am going to offer to make him dinner in exchange for Bike Maintenance 101. It will make me feel a lot more confident.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Making it work
No workout this morning. I am totally stressed by this home-buying thing. Came to work early to do personal paperwork and contract review. Hoping to go to the gym after work and do a bike ride.
So much for getting back into a routine.
So much for getting back into a routine.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Getting back in a routine
It is unbelievable how going out of town or changing up a day's normal activities can really screw with a routine. The other thing that is unbelievable is how much I depend on having a routine, especially in the morning. I am trying to settle back into my morning motions, which include working out, but I'll be honest, it is a struggle. Hopefully after a couple more days I'll be back into it.
This morning I arrived at the gym later than I had been going, but early enough to do a 30 minute workout. I figure that it is about time to stop the second lifting workout each week, so instead, I jumped on the treadmill. I guess that I need to reassign activities to new days so that they are appropriately spaced.
Today's workout was ok. Nothing special, but at least I went, which is super important to the whole routine thing. I give it a 5 out of 10. I felt out of shape. I didn't push too hard, and I was only half-way engaged.
Total duration: 33 minutes
All at 1.0 incline
5 min at 3.0
5 min at 5.0
5 min at 3.5
5 min at 5.2
5 min at 3.7
5 min at 5.4
3 min cool-down.
Yawn - it was just as boring typing as it was doing it.
I need to get re-excited about about this triathlon. I had been so excited about the bike and my workouts, and then my knee happened (which is still annoying me). And now the house stuff is going on. It's not that I'm giving myself excuses, but I'm just not feeling the enthusiasm at the moment. Hopefully, it will reappear when I get back into my routine and start seeing some fitness gains again.
This morning I arrived at the gym later than I had been going, but early enough to do a 30 minute workout. I figure that it is about time to stop the second lifting workout each week, so instead, I jumped on the treadmill. I guess that I need to reassign activities to new days so that they are appropriately spaced.
Today's workout was ok. Nothing special, but at least I went, which is super important to the whole routine thing. I give it a 5 out of 10. I felt out of shape. I didn't push too hard, and I was only half-way engaged.
Total duration: 33 minutes
All at 1.0 incline
5 min at 3.0
5 min at 5.0
5 min at 3.5
5 min at 5.2
5 min at 3.7
5 min at 5.4
3 min cool-down.
Yawn - it was just as boring typing as it was doing it.
I need to get re-excited about about this triathlon. I had been so excited about the bike and my workouts, and then my knee happened (which is still annoying me). And now the house stuff is going on. It's not that I'm giving myself excuses, but I'm just not feeling the enthusiasm at the moment. Hopefully, it will reappear when I get back into my routine and start seeing some fitness gains again.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Skipped Workouts - Bought a House
Well Hubs and I were out East this past week, which did nothing for my workouts. As in, I did no workouts last week. I got a decent lift in yesterday and I got in a 30 minute stationary bike ride this morning.
But on the up side - I got a lot of other great things accomplished.
1. I interviewed with a temp agency out East, so I should be ready to go with some income when I get out there - at least until I find something permanent.
2. Hubs had some really great racing this weekend, and now has secured the interest of the National Team coaches.
3. We bought a house, pending an inspection! This is the biggest one. It was such a whirlwind trip. We thought we would just look, find nothing and then figure out something later. Well we found a great place, and after some ridiculous negotiations, we found out this morning that we got the house. So tomorrow is inspection day. Keep your fingers crossed that the house isn't falling apart!!!
But on the up side - I got a lot of other great things accomplished.
1. I interviewed with a temp agency out East, so I should be ready to go with some income when I get out there - at least until I find something permanent.
2. Hubs had some really great racing this weekend, and now has secured the interest of the National Team coaches.
3. We bought a house, pending an inspection! This is the biggest one. It was such a whirlwind trip. We thought we would just look, find nothing and then figure out something later. Well we found a great place, and after some ridiculous negotiations, we found out this morning that we got the house. So tomorrow is inspection day. Keep your fingers crossed that the house isn't falling apart!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
M.I.A. - too much going on
Well, blogging has been rough recently, but I am sticking with my workouts. Here's a rambling non-coherent update for you:
Thursday - I did a 20 minute power walk at a 1.0 that got my heart rate up, followed by a 10 minute run and a 5 min cool-down and leg stretches. My knee seemed to hold up well and I was pretty please with it.
Friday - I went ahead and swam, even though I contemplated taking the day off. I was tired and a my knee was a bit sore. I did a 25 minute swim including kick. Nothing special, sorta lazy.
Saturday - I took my bike out for its maiden voyage, and it was AWESOME! I heart my bike so much. I did an 8 mile ride and my knee felt good and still does two days later. The whole ride too me about 45 minutes, which means I'm currently looking at 1.5 hours for my 15.5 miles ride during the triathlon. That is way too long, but I hope the times will get better. Plus, as I did the first four miles I was super scared that I was really really out of shape. It turns out that I was riding into a nasty cold headwind. By the time I turned around I had a terrible ice-cream headache from the wind. Riding the last four miles with the wind to my back was a lot faster and much more pleasant. Plus, I was a little more adjusted to riding around people. Even though it was cold, the bike path was busy with lots of runners, walkers, roller-bladers (who should be outlawed from this earth!), and bike riders who were all trying to enjoy the "warm" day that we had. Note that "warm" was really only about 40 degrees. I can't wait for the real warm weather and being able to get outside more. But at least the cold weather gives me some time to get a bike rack. Currently, I have to put it in the back seat of our Camry, which means I have to take the front tire off every time. Because we already have a cartop carrier for Hubs' boat, I think that we'll just get a cartop rack for the bike. Any thoughts from people who have used these? I really think the biggest challenge will be making sure that I can hoist it up there, but the new bike is so light that I think that I should be able to do it.
Sunday - rest day that was super busy. Lots of errands and baking and laundry. I made peanut butter balls for Hubs. I wished that I liked them because they are a great, nutritious snack for active people. Simply, mix together equal parts creamy peanut butter and honey, then add dried milk until you can roll the mixture up into balls. Then roll the PB balls in chopped walnuts. They keep the best in the fridge. At room temp, they become a little messy.
Monday - no workout yet today. I am hoping to do some pilates or something like that when I get home.
This week - is going to be hectic. We are headed out East to look at homes and for Hubs to race at Speed Order. All of that means that there is no gym for me, which means a lot of running. Hopefully the knee holds up.
Hopefully I'll be able to post once this week with an update of the housing search, Hubs' results, and my workout progress.
Thursday - I did a 20 minute power walk at a 1.0 that got my heart rate up, followed by a 10 minute run and a 5 min cool-down and leg stretches. My knee seemed to hold up well and I was pretty please with it.
Friday - I went ahead and swam, even though I contemplated taking the day off. I was tired and a my knee was a bit sore. I did a 25 minute swim including kick. Nothing special, sorta lazy.
Saturday - I took my bike out for its maiden voyage, and it was AWESOME! I heart my bike so much. I did an 8 mile ride and my knee felt good and still does two days later. The whole ride too me about 45 minutes, which means I'm currently looking at 1.5 hours for my 15.5 miles ride during the triathlon. That is way too long, but I hope the times will get better. Plus, as I did the first four miles I was super scared that I was really really out of shape. It turns out that I was riding into a nasty cold headwind. By the time I turned around I had a terrible ice-cream headache from the wind. Riding the last four miles with the wind to my back was a lot faster and much more pleasant. Plus, I was a little more adjusted to riding around people. Even though it was cold, the bike path was busy with lots of runners, walkers, roller-bladers (who should be outlawed from this earth!), and bike riders who were all trying to enjoy the "warm" day that we had. Note that "warm" was really only about 40 degrees. I can't wait for the real warm weather and being able to get outside more. But at least the cold weather gives me some time to get a bike rack. Currently, I have to put it in the back seat of our Camry, which means I have to take the front tire off every time. Because we already have a cartop carrier for Hubs' boat, I think that we'll just get a cartop rack for the bike. Any thoughts from people who have used these? I really think the biggest challenge will be making sure that I can hoist it up there, but the new bike is so light that I think that I should be able to do it.
Sunday - rest day that was super busy. Lots of errands and baking and laundry. I made peanut butter balls for Hubs. I wished that I liked them because they are a great, nutritious snack for active people. Simply, mix together equal parts creamy peanut butter and honey, then add dried milk until you can roll the mixture up into balls. Then roll the PB balls in chopped walnuts. They keep the best in the fridge. At room temp, they become a little messy.
Monday - no workout yet today. I am hoping to do some pilates or something like that when I get home.
This week - is going to be hectic. We are headed out East to look at homes and for Hubs to race at Speed Order. All of that means that there is no gym for me, which means a lot of running. Hopefully the knee holds up.
Hopefully I'll be able to post once this week with an update of the housing search, Hubs' results, and my workout progress.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Getting Back on Track
I'm back!
Never fear - despite my laziness with blogging, I have not been lazy with workouts. On the other hand, I've definitely been letting myself slip on the food department. This past week has been a long lesson in the distractions and frustrations of life.
In my life outside of being a soon-to-be triathlete, Hubs and I are trying to get ready for our big move out East. Next week we are visiting our new city so that Hubs can compete in a rowing race. While we are out there, we want to look at housing. The problem is that we are in the middle of the buying our first home vs. renting an apartment debate. We are trying to move forward with buying, but the process is overwhelming and that has been consuming my life recently. Hopefully, I will be able to get back into the blogging routine and keep all of you updated on the move and etc. Also, because I know that a couple of you (or maybe all of you) know Hubs, I'll keep you posted on his racing season - I think it is going to be a good one! If I am ever MIA for longer than I should be, feel free to call me and keep me going. Life's unexpected-s can make it a tough journey at times.
Two weekends ago, I went back to my hometown to visit my family. It was wonderful to see them but two bad things happened while I was there. First, my knee really flared up and has been sore to painful since then (more on this in a minute). Second, I abandoned my honesty with food policy. This caused most of the weight that I had lost (I had been doing really well) to come back, and made me super frustrated. I really have to learn that food is not always a reward or something that I just "deserve." I need to learn to pick the sweet or treat that I really want, rather than just eating all of it. My family in general is bad with food, and it is really hard to be good around them. The problem is that I gained the weight while I was home and then said screw it, continuing to indulge in way too many sweets. I need to resolve to getting back to honesty. I felt better and was happier when I was doing it and I need to get back to it.
So - workouts. At least I've been good here. I've been trying to take it easy on my knee, especially last week. I swam four days last week and lifted once. Then I took off both Saturday and Sunday, and by Sunday afternoon my knee was feeling great. I was really please with my progress and decided to get back to my regular schedule and trying to pick up the intensity again.
Monday I lifted, as per usual on Mondays. I did a 10 minute warm-up and my normal lifts (I can't remember the specifics at this point in time). By the afternoon my knee was tired and by evening it was sore and tired, but not painful.
Tuesday I hit the stationary bike for 40 minutes. Resistance set at 4, and nothing special. Just a low cardio sweat. It was a great ride and my knee felt good the whole ride and all day long. Well, until I fell off the bottom stair at work into the wall. Then my knee started hurting again. I was so ticked. I hate when I do stupid things like that.
This morning, the knee felt like it was up to a decent workout. Right now, as I sit here, my knee is achey and sore. I don't know if I would call it "pain."
Wednesday's Workout - 8 out of 10. Good sweat and felt good.
20 minute warm-up walk at 3.5 and level 2-2.5 incline.
leg stretches for hamstrings (incidentally this feels 'good' for my knee - it doesn't really feel good, but it feels like it is needed)
3 x 1 min wall sits
3 x 15 each leg - inner and outer leg lifts while laying down
3 x 15 supermans
3 x 12 modified push-ups
3 x 20 double leg calf raises
3 x 10 seated rows with stretch-band
3 x 10 double-handed DB overhead tricep, 15
3 x 20 hand to knee on stability ball
PS - I picked up my new bike today! I am so excited and I can't wait to ride it this weekend. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
Never fear - despite my laziness with blogging, I have not been lazy with workouts. On the other hand, I've definitely been letting myself slip on the food department. This past week has been a long lesson in the distractions and frustrations of life.
In my life outside of being a soon-to-be triathlete, Hubs and I are trying to get ready for our big move out East. Next week we are visiting our new city so that Hubs can compete in a rowing race. While we are out there, we want to look at housing. The problem is that we are in the middle of the buying our first home vs. renting an apartment debate. We are trying to move forward with buying, but the process is overwhelming and that has been consuming my life recently. Hopefully, I will be able to get back into the blogging routine and keep all of you updated on the move and etc. Also, because I know that a couple of you (or maybe all of you) know Hubs, I'll keep you posted on his racing season - I think it is going to be a good one! If I am ever MIA for longer than I should be, feel free to call me and keep me going. Life's unexpected-s can make it a tough journey at times.
Two weekends ago, I went back to my hometown to visit my family. It was wonderful to see them but two bad things happened while I was there. First, my knee really flared up and has been sore to painful since then (more on this in a minute). Second, I abandoned my honesty with food policy. This caused most of the weight that I had lost (I had been doing really well) to come back, and made me super frustrated. I really have to learn that food is not always a reward or something that I just "deserve." I need to learn to pick the sweet or treat that I really want, rather than just eating all of it. My family in general is bad with food, and it is really hard to be good around them. The problem is that I gained the weight while I was home and then said screw it, continuing to indulge in way too many sweets. I need to resolve to getting back to honesty. I felt better and was happier when I was doing it and I need to get back to it.
So - workouts. At least I've been good here. I've been trying to take it easy on my knee, especially last week. I swam four days last week and lifted once. Then I took off both Saturday and Sunday, and by Sunday afternoon my knee was feeling great. I was really please with my progress and decided to get back to my regular schedule and trying to pick up the intensity again.
Monday I lifted, as per usual on Mondays. I did a 10 minute warm-up and my normal lifts (I can't remember the specifics at this point in time). By the afternoon my knee was tired and by evening it was sore and tired, but not painful.
Tuesday I hit the stationary bike for 40 minutes. Resistance set at 4, and nothing special. Just a low cardio sweat. It was a great ride and my knee felt good the whole ride and all day long. Well, until I fell off the bottom stair at work into the wall. Then my knee started hurting again. I was so ticked. I hate when I do stupid things like that.
This morning, the knee felt like it was up to a decent workout. Right now, as I sit here, my knee is achey and sore. I don't know if I would call it "pain."
Wednesday's Workout - 8 out of 10. Good sweat and felt good.
20 minute warm-up walk at 3.5 and level 2-2.5 incline.
leg stretches for hamstrings (incidentally this feels 'good' for my knee - it doesn't really feel good, but it feels like it is needed)
3 x 1 min wall sits
3 x 15 each leg - inner and outer leg lifts while laying down
3 x 15 supermans
3 x 12 modified push-ups
3 x 20 double leg calf raises
3 x 10 seated rows with stretch-band
3 x 10 double-handed DB overhead tricep, 15
3 x 20 hand to knee on stability ball
PS - I picked up my new bike today! I am so excited and I can't wait to ride it this weekend. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
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