45 minutes on a stationary bike of steady state riding is boring. That's what I have to say about that. Yesterday after work I headed to the gym to do just that, but I had no iPod, no Dave the Bike Guy to keep me company, no Today Show or equally entertaining tv, nothing. Just boredom. Despite that, it was a good, sweat-inducing, low intensity workout.
Today is a much appreciated rest day. It felt to get up this morning and get ready for work at the house, instead of at the gym. Very relaxing and I feel good at work today.
Exciting news - spring weather has arrived and I can wear clothes that I haven't worn since the Summer 07 season. It is such a nice reward. I think I've lost about 6-8 lbs from my all-time high that I reached during this passed year. I'd say that I have another 10 lbs of fat that I'd like to take off, but if my body keeps changing without taking off the pounds, I'm ok with that too. I can definitely feel a change in my shape and I certainly feel healthier. I know well enough that the numbers won't change super fast these days, especially as I continue to develop muscle. I'm just happy because my clothes are fitting better and it takes a lot more to get me to huff and puff these days!
Showing posts with label Workouts - Biking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workouts - Biking. Show all posts
Thursday, May 14, 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.
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.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Yay for Spring; Bike Suggestions?
This weekend we left the Big City and visited Hubs' family who lives about 1.5 hours away. It was beautiful weather all weekend, and I definitely wanted to get outside while I could because I know that it will cool off again because it is only mid-March. I definitely am getting antsy for the warm weather to really sit in though.
On Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went to look for new bikes. She actually does a lot of biking - as in she is currently in much better shape than I am. Last summer, she and her sister and a couple other friends went on a 275 mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage - often biking around 40 miles a day. Seeing how excited they were after they completed their trip made me realize in part that if you really want to do something, then you can do it. Even if it is more challenging than you could have realized - ie: the tornado that put trees down along a long stretch of the path that they were biking.
Anyway, now she is ready for a bike upgrade and was looking forward to looking at bikes. Originally, I thought that I would use my old bike (the old mountain bike that I got for my 13th birthday) but I am realizing that it is just not feasible. It would be way too tiring. It was really nice to go bike shopping with her and Hubs - and made me super excited to get a new bike.
The bikes were a bit more expensive than I had hoped they would be. I tried several Trek models, and really liked the Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I found a store back in the Big City that still has some 2008 models and that makes them a little more than $100 cheaper. So the plan is to go to the store, look at the 7.2 and then try a bunch of other brands that are similar. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I am sorta rushing into this, but at the same time, I'd hate to miss saving the money on the older model. If anyone has any suggestions at all - brands, good websites, considerations, etc - please please let me know. I definitely know that I do not want a road bike at this stage - so I am in the market for a hybrid.
After getting excited by trying a bunch of bikes on Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went on an 18 mile bike ride along a nice flat path on Sunday. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes. The weather was beautiful - bright and sunny and light to moderate wind. It was around 60 degrees, plus the wind. I rode Hubs' dad's bike and we had a great time. I decided to wear the knee brace because my knee has been bugging me recently. It seemed to help. Towards the end of the ride when my legs began to really get tired, my knee started getting sore, but by the time we got back to the house my knee felt fine. My knee feels good today too, which makes me super happy. After the bike ride yesterday, I was exhausted. It made me a little nervous because I can't imagine going running after that. Being outside and the long workout really got the best of me. My legs were beat, my tush was sore, and I was tuckered out. The good news is that I felt great this morning and all day. No soreness at all and a good night sleep seemed to take care of the tiredness.
This week is a bit of a weird workout week - I guess it is a lesson in flexibility. I worked out on Sunday, which I normally don't do and I didn't work out today. So, Tuesday and Thursday are lifting days. Wednesday will be swimming day and then I'll do some running on Friday hopefully. That's the plan at least.
I'll keep you posted on the bike situation - I'd love suggestions!
On Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went to look for new bikes. She actually does a lot of biking - as in she is currently in much better shape than I am. Last summer, she and her sister and a couple other friends went on a 275 mile bike trip along the Great Allegheny Passage - often biking around 40 miles a day. Seeing how excited they were after they completed their trip made me realize in part that if you really want to do something, then you can do it. Even if it is more challenging than you could have realized - ie: the tornado that put trees down along a long stretch of the path that they were biking.
Anyway, now she is ready for a bike upgrade and was looking forward to looking at bikes. Originally, I thought that I would use my old bike (the old mountain bike that I got for my 13th birthday) but I am realizing that it is just not feasible. It would be way too tiring. It was really nice to go bike shopping with her and Hubs - and made me super excited to get a new bike.
The bikes were a bit more expensive than I had hoped they would be. I tried several Trek models, and really liked the Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I found a store back in the Big City that still has some 2008 models and that makes them a little more than $100 cheaper. So the plan is to go to the store, look at the 7.2 and then try a bunch of other brands that are similar. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I am sorta rushing into this, but at the same time, I'd hate to miss saving the money on the older model. If anyone has any suggestions at all - brands, good websites, considerations, etc - please please let me know. I definitely know that I do not want a road bike at this stage - so I am in the market for a hybrid.
After getting excited by trying a bunch of bikes on Saturday, Hubs' mom and I went on an 18 mile bike ride along a nice flat path on Sunday. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes. The weather was beautiful - bright and sunny and light to moderate wind. It was around 60 degrees, plus the wind. I rode Hubs' dad's bike and we had a great time. I decided to wear the knee brace because my knee has been bugging me recently. It seemed to help. Towards the end of the ride when my legs began to really get tired, my knee started getting sore, but by the time we got back to the house my knee felt fine. My knee feels good today too, which makes me super happy. After the bike ride yesterday, I was exhausted. It made me a little nervous because I can't imagine going running after that. Being outside and the long workout really got the best of me. My legs were beat, my tush was sore, and I was tuckered out. The good news is that I felt great this morning and all day. No soreness at all and a good night sleep seemed to take care of the tiredness.
This week is a bit of a weird workout week - I guess it is a lesson in flexibility. I worked out on Sunday, which I normally don't do and I didn't work out today. So, Tuesday and Thursday are lifting days. Wednesday will be swimming day and then I'll do some running on Friday hopefully. That's the plan at least.
I'll keep you posted on the bike situation - I'd love suggestions!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sweatin' with the Oldies
I know - usually it is Sweatin' to the Oldies, and often that is the case at my gym. But it is always the case that I am sweatin' with the oldies. Every day I pray that none of the really really old people at the gym have a medical emergency while I'm there - otherwise it would be up to me and Dave the bike guy to save them. Dave is not a doctor or nurse (at least I'm pretty sure he isn't) and I am not confident about our combined skills - though I am officially certified by the American Heart Association, and Good Samaritan laws are on my side. I'd rather stick to knowing that Good Samaritan laws are on my side, and let my Hubs do the lifesaving. Tell the truth though, he's always worried about the same thing in the gym. Seriously, the average age is around 70.
The good news is that my quivering arms were only mildly sore this morning, though my tush is sore too from those leg presses. All in all - a good recovery considering how sore I was yesterday.
Today was Tuesday bike day. I was running late and feeling sluggish - so nothing fancy today. A simple 28 min steady-state stint on the bike at level 4 and cruising around 90 +/- rpm. I checked my heart rate around 18 minutes and it was at a 151 (according to the really old bike hand-held devices that I'm not sure I trust). I had a good sweat going though, and my breathing was nice and relaxed and steady with talking being easy - so I'm guessing 151 was about right. The workout itself gets a 7.5 out of 10, but it was way too short.
I think that the inevitable has arrived. I am going to have to start getting up earlier. I am not satisfied by these 30 minute sessions. So, I think the alarm is getting set for 5:30 a.m. or I could get everything ready tonight. When it comes down to it, I would rather just get up earlier - so I guess that's the way it goes. Maybe one day I'll be organized enough to not run around like a chicken with its head cut off every single morning. But I'm guessing this triathlon will be long over before I accomplish that goal.
The good news is that my quivering arms were only mildly sore this morning, though my tush is sore too from those leg presses. All in all - a good recovery considering how sore I was yesterday.
Today was Tuesday bike day. I was running late and feeling sluggish - so nothing fancy today. A simple 28 min steady-state stint on the bike at level 4 and cruising around 90 +/- rpm. I checked my heart rate around 18 minutes and it was at a 151 (according to the really old bike hand-held devices that I'm not sure I trust). I had a good sweat going though, and my breathing was nice and relaxed and steady with talking being easy - so I'm guessing 151 was about right. The workout itself gets a 7.5 out of 10, but it was way too short.
I think that the inevitable has arrived. I am going to have to start getting up earlier. I am not satisfied by these 30 minute sessions. So, I think the alarm is getting set for 5:30 a.m. or I could get everything ready tonight. When it comes down to it, I would rather just get up earlier - so I guess that's the way it goes. Maybe one day I'll be organized enough to not run around like a chicken with its head cut off every single morning. But I'm guessing this triathlon will be long over before I accomplish that goal.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Free food for tired legs
Every Tuesday we have an attorneys' meeting at work during lunch. And every Tuesday someone (if not me) complains about what was ordered for lunch. And every Tuesday the sweet girl who orders the food asks me if everyone liked the lunch and often I am forced to tell white lies so that I don't hurt her feelings, because obviously not everyone is always going to be happy. I suppose it is evidence that I haven't fully left the student world and entered into the adult world, because free food always makes me happy and I won't complain. Plus, I know that the girl that orders it tries so hard to find food that everyone will enjoy. Well, today everyone enjoyed the food. It was delicious! In fact, it is a good thing that it was a meeting and not a food-fest, because you would have had to roll me home. There was this delicious salad with raspberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and nuts and blue cheese, with a raspberry dressing. Yummy wraps - even if my chicken wrap was a bit too spicy for me - and some creamy tomato basil soup that I could have eaten twice as much of. I suppose this is why I have gained weight over the last few years - I love yummy food and I certainly lack self-control unless in the presence of others.
Today though, the food felt like a perfect reward for my tough workout this morning, even if it was more calories than I should have consumed. I really need to start figuring out the nutrition aspect of my training, but I'll get to that eventually I suppose.
Tuesday is bike day and I give the workout a 9 out of 10. I worked hard, sweated a lot, and got my heart rate really going. My legs were tired afterward and I felt good. Eventually I want to get this workout up to 3 sets of 40/20s.
5 min warm-up at Level 3
10 x 30 sec on - 30 sec off. (30 sec on at Level 9, approx. 103 rpm; 30 sec off at Level 7, approx. 53 rpm)
2 min rest off bike
repeat of 10 x 30 sec on - 30 sec off
5 min cool-down at Level 3
Today though, the food felt like a perfect reward for my tough workout this morning, even if it was more calories than I should have consumed. I really need to start figuring out the nutrition aspect of my training, but I'll get to that eventually I suppose.
Tuesday is bike day and I give the workout a 9 out of 10. I worked hard, sweated a lot, and got my heart rate really going. My legs were tired afterward and I felt good. Eventually I want to get this workout up to 3 sets of 40/20s.
5 min warm-up at Level 3
10 x 30 sec on - 30 sec off. (30 sec on at Level 9, approx. 103 rpm; 30 sec off at Level 7, approx. 53 rpm)
2 min rest off bike
repeat of 10 x 30 sec on - 30 sec off
5 min cool-down at Level 3
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