Day 112: Apps make me miserable

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Hello everyone!

Welcome to Tuesday, the most overlooked day of the week. Tuesday, poor Tuesday, just that day between Monday (dreaded) and Wednesday (occaisionally celebrated.) Tuesday, for me, is a milestone day each week. I go to Club and get weighed in. The club, I've noticed is getting smaller and smaller. We started off with a full 20 - 25 people in club. Now on a weekly basis we may have something like 6, maybe 8.

A couple weeks ago when we were discussing motivation and how it may have changed there was an obvious question: Why are you here?

I mean, nobody forces us to go to club. There's no real incentive to go to club. In fact, we don't really get any money until we hit the 'on your own' period. So, why go to these meetings? Hell, the meetings bore me sometimes more than they educate, but sometimes I get to think . Sometimes I get a little spark out of them.

Usually, though, the club just gives me perspective. The most sucessful people go to the meetings, stick to the plan, and keep themselves accountable. I intend to be successful.

So, yesterday's victory was a fantastic 2.5 mile jog. I have a general idea of how long it took me (25-30 minutes); but, I don't have an actual record. Why? Because my stupid App kept crashing. I had an app similar to my C25K one downloaded and ready to go. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a piece of crap.

Back to the drawing board.

Tonight's App extravaganza is going to be with Zombies, Run! which I'm going to use during my jog over to club this afternoon. I've only heard good things about it, so I hope that it doesn't let me down.

Of course, I think the majority of my frustration comes from the fact that the music purchases I made on Google won't play on my phone and are inaccessible to my apps. I love you, Android, but your app integration with your music integration lags far, far behind iTunes.

Well, time to get some work done around here. I hope everyone has a Sparktastic day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSMOSTIMPROVED 10/10/2012 4:44AM

We should right a book called The Running Wars! Yesterday, it was cold and rainy then all my running buddies bailed. No fun and dangerous to run at the crack of dawn alone. I also need a new pair of headphones because all 3 pair I own are broken in various ways. Sigh. So you keep showing up for the Club and pushing through sucky apps on run because you are going to be a success! All the club drop outs will see you next summer and wished they'd push thru too!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RISINGBLUESTAR 10/10/2012 3:13AM

Maybe the reason for the members not returning was because a lot of people don't feel comfortable weighing in in front of others. It could also be that the info they were receiving wasn't right for meeting their needs. It's great that you go even if it is to get a tiny spark. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

SKEETOR 10/9/2012 8:04PM

Rule #1: Cardio Report Inappropriate Comment

Days 110 - 111: Gym Bags, Towels, and Totes Oh My!

Monday, October 08, 2012

Good morning everyone!

I almost didn't blog today because I didn't think I had much to say.

Still sore from my adventures in Yoga? Check.
Back on the exercise wagon? You bet.
Working on getting back into the 1200-1400 calorie range? On target.

So, as you can see, it's situation normal around here. Just working at the usual exercise and calorie goals just like everyone else.

What did hit me is that I'm totally stumped on something. Something fundamental and so simple that you wouldn't think I'd be stumped by it.

Here's the situation, I work in a building with a gym and locker room in the basement. It's great and convenient and totally encourages me to work out more often than I would otherwise. I mean, how can you say "I don't feel like going to the gym today..." when you literally are sitting on top of it all day long. There is one itty bitty problem: I know for a fact that there are waterbugs (AKA, a breed of roach) living in the locker rooms. I've seen them crawing up the walls on a couple of occaisions. I'm not all that bothered, they have yet to bother me in the shower and So long as they don't attempt to fly at me I'm a live and let live kind of girl.

So, my problem is that I don't under any circumstances want to leave my shower kit down there any longer than it takes for me to go for a run and shower. What can I say, I'm phobic about having one of the critters hitch a ride with me upstairs (or worse, home!)

So, I'm looking for a couple of solutions. First, my shower kit lives at work and I've been toting it downstairs in a plastic bag for a few months now. I think it's time to graduate to something a little more... sturdy. Yes, I ripped the bag. Additionally, I need something a bit bigger to fit my towel in. Being that I shower at work following a run two or three times a week it's not like I'm changing my towel every day which leads me to my second issue...

... Is it wrong I'm considering one of those damned sham-wow's? I mean, they're compact and super absorbant... I'm just tired of hauling my big ass terry-cloth towl downstairs all the tie is all.

For the curious, my gym bag is a perfect size for my workout clothing. It fits a pair of shoes, an outfit, and sometimes a sweatshirt comfortably. Really, its the 'carryon' or 'overnight' sized bag from the luggage set I got for christmas a few years ago - but it's the perfect sized gym bag for me.

I'm thinking about getting a tote like the ones they sell at grocery stores for those who are far more earthy than me and shun plastic bags. (I use those bags, darn it!) Is there a better option, though?

Also, I'm buying a yoga mat this week for class. Yes, I'm going back. I love that I felt so grounded and stretched afterward.

So, here's wishing all my SparkPeeps a good Monday! Let's all start off on a good foot here - there's nothing we can't accomplish with the right attitude!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALANDES 10/10/2012 11:03AM

I am with a previous comment that maybe the best course of action is to ask someone in charge if they are aware of the issue and see if they have plans to resolve it. If not, then maybe there are others with the same problem and you can start a formal request. Nothing wrong with a shamwow. If you can use it, go for it! Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

POMATOJUICE 10/8/2012 3:38PM

UGHHH ROACHES! I HATE THEM! It's totally off-season right now, but sometimes you can get those large totes that are made with some sort of weird plasticky fabricy material. I have one, and I use it for wet stuff. If I wasn't in the middle of the state, I'd use it for the beach! I don't have any good suggestions for the gym bag though :( But as for the bugs... Roaches don't like bay leaves or cedar. You can place some bay leaves in your gym bag, or scatter some cedar chips at the bottom of the locker you use down there to help keep the creepy crawlies out of your stuff. I've also heard you can get cedar essential oil and use it in a spray bottle for a similar effect! Report Inappropriate Comment

BECCABOO127 10/8/2012 2:06PM

Can you put in a request to building management that they get rid of the waterbugs? I would not want to even get on the machines with roaches there. Yik I hope you don't have a cafeteria in the basement of the building like we did. lol! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSMOSTIMPROVED 10/8/2012 1:41PM

Normal is soooo good-- thank your lucky stars. I don't share your live and let live spirit as I am terrified of all things creepy and crawly but, so this is yet another reason I think you are so cool. As for the bag, I started using a multi-pocket gardening tote bag. It had a rubber bottom which was perfect for dragging into the locker room and all my stuff was in easy reach. I also stick a recycle bag that is lined with a zipper in my tote for the wet towel and swim suit. Report Inappropriate Comment

CKMATHERLY 10/8/2012 9:46AM

ENCHANTEDMAMA, I saw them in clearance last weekend at target....water bugs don't bother me. They are a toy for my cats. I'd like to find a good yoga class, but don't have the $$ right now. Report Inappropriate Comment

ENCHANTEDMAMA 10/8/2012 9:13AM

Nothing wrong with a sham wow at all. I use a plastic college dorm shower bag that has holes in the bottom. I got it at target last year after the back to college sales were over. I'm sure if you keep an eye out you'll find something that works. Great job on the running btw! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOAGIE22 10/8/2012 9:00AM

Git Er Dun!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 109: Another thing off the bucket list: Yoga

Saturday, October 06, 2012

Happy weekend everyone!

There are a lot of things I learned today, and I can't wait to share them all.

First off, my scale has been sitting at 196.3 for about a week. Inspection of my workout minutes as well as my calories has informed me that this is a stuck of my own doing. Firstly, i took it really easy this week and only did three two mile runs. That equates to about an hour worth of exercise. Second my calories in reality are probably closer to 1500-1600. Good to know what I'll get to eat to maintain when he time comes. So, it's back to the plan come Monday.

That's right, Monday.

I decided yesterday that I just need a couple of days off the program so I can hit it with renewed enthusiasm. I know, sounds crazy. I just need to not think about calories (still tracking) or how to fit in more minutes into my life. I just want a weekend to unplug.

So, in order to unplug I tried something on my bucket list: Yoga.

I've wanted to be a yoga person for years (much in the same way I wanted to be a runner.) Yoga people always look so good. They're almost always so grounded. They almost always seem to be so... comfortable and strong. Well, the yoga people I know. So, today I went to beginner's yoga class.

Confession: I told my brother I was going to 'stretching for runners' so that he wouldn't judge me.

Moving on - the class was crazy insane. First, it was heated yoga which meant the room was somewhere north of 80 degrees. I have never NEVER sweat so much in my life. I could have wrung the sweat out of my shirt when I was done.

Confession: I wore my StarFleet Academy t-shirt so as to allow everyone to generate appropriate stereotypes.

The class was an hour and 20 minutes in I was amazed I could at least pretend to keep up. So, I'm not graceful. So, I'm not really all that steady - I'm moving with all the skinny biznitches!

It was really a great experience and for $10 I got this week's class and next week's. So, I'm totally trying it again next week.

That's about it from here, I think I feel a nap in my not too distant future...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSMOSTIMPROVED 10/8/2012 1:46PM

Look at you all branching out!!!! Yoga is fun but, hot yoga scares me. I've heard it's really helpful to improve running. Keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKEETOR 10/6/2012 8:08PM

I like yoga, too, although I am not quite sure how I look..... Report Inappropriate Comment

DIZZYCOCOA 10/6/2012 7:31PM

awesome! i love yoga and do it every day. Report Inappropriate Comment

CANES4EVER63 10/6/2012 5:09PM

Awesome!! I've also always wanted to do yoga, but I've always been really hesitant to try it. I know that people won't judge you, but I won't be able to help but feel anything but intimidated! When I lose 20-30 more pounds, maybe then I'll finally start yoga :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BRAVENEWGRL 10/6/2012 4:01PM

It's addicting! Watch out! One minute you are a total gym rat. The next you are a full on yogi! And man does it help your booty perk up! Report Inappropriate Comment

MLH148 10/6/2012 1:59PM

sounds great! pushing to new things is great and this sounds like it was a good expeirence. Have a great weekend "off" and best for next week. Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 10/6/2012 1:55PM

Enjoy your nap and I'm glad you enjoyed the yoga. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

CCHEF1 10/6/2012 1:42PM

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REGILIEH 10/6/2012 1:35PM

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CANDOSUE52 10/6/2012 1:32PM

How great is that !!!! So glad you enjoyed. Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 108 - Fooling the Camera

Friday, October 05, 2012

So, this morning as I got ready for work and packed my gym bag I came across my favoritest t-shirt in the world - my Star Fleet Academy T-Shirt I've had since I was 6. That's 24 years. It's held up well, I must say, and I still like to wear it on occaision. Let's call it vintage.

Back when I started with Sparkpeople I posted a photo of me in the shirt - it's a pretty good photo, I must say. So, this morning when I came across it again I decided to take another photo.



From 211 pounds to 195.

You can definitely see how the shirt is starting to get looser. I can certainly say from experience that it used to sit at the top of my hips and bunch there - now it's coming down over my hips with little effort. It's also getting looser around my middle.

Ah, progress.

One of the things I did want to mention is that I tend to get a lot of responses to my photos along the lines of 'OMG, you don't look like you weigh XXX!' I also get that response from family I don't see often who just follow my photos on facebook - that I don't look like I weigh as much as they remember.

To some extent this is true - I mean, I have lost 11% of the weight I carried in July. However, it also has a lot to do with as Tyra Banks would say, knowing your angles. I know my hips are wide so I do myself a favor and I turn them. I know I have a thin waist that I can accentuate by arching my back. I also know that the way to make my bosom look best is to get in a position that allows my shoulders to naturally lie back (such as hands on the highest part of my waist, or posing for the gun show.)

Why do I mention this?

Because sometimes I feel a bit like a fraud in my photos. I am a size 15 (somewhere between a size 14 and a 16, yet not truly being either) and I generally wear a size large top. I am by no means a 'thin' or healthily proportional person. However, I know how to fake it until I make it. Granted, I know that my fake-it photos look a lot better now than they have in recent memory; but, it doesn't mean that I am anywhere near my goals in terms of appearence yet.


Reality at 201lbs

I guess what it boils down to is that just because I have to embrace my flaws every morning when I get out of the shower doesn't mean that I want the internet to, too. Is that a bad thing?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DIZZYCOCOA 10/5/2012 8:24PM

work your angles :) Report Inappropriate Comment

MSMOSTIMPROVED 10/5/2012 11:36AM

You know it!!!! ANGLES are a girls best friend. You look sooooo fracking good!!! That shirt is going to need some modifications if you want to wear it next summer. Report Inappropriate Comment

SOON2BSMALL1313 10/5/2012 9:08AM

that's awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKEETOR 10/5/2012 8:09AM

How can I hide a big nose? Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

LILAC_LANE 10/5/2012 8:04AM

So if I send you a list of my flaws, will you tell me how to fake it too? LOL I love your attitude, and I always get a chuckle and really encouraged when I read your blog. Have a great weekend! ~J~ Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 107 : Half Marathon Training Plan and Milestones

Thursday, October 04, 2012

I think I've mentioned like a million times now that I have a plan for reaching my half marathon goal.

Well, I have a general plan.

I'm looking for feedback here, guys - especially from those of you who are or have trained - does this look insane?

Right now my top mileage is 4 miles. So, I need to build my base up significantly in the next seven months. In order to do that, I've worked out a series of race milestones to work toward.. by setting mini-goals I think I've increased my odds for success.

Mini-Goal Races:
28October - Freaky 5K run
22November - Turkey Trot 5K
8 December - Jingle Bell 5K
MID-JANUARY - Unknown 10K
MID-February-MID-March - Additional 10K AND 10 mile road race
APRIL - Another 10 Miler
MAY - HALF MARATHON

October training: 2 days: 2.5 miles; 1 day 3.2 miles, 1 day 30 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day Cross
November training: 2 days 3.2 miles, 1 day 4 miles, 1 day 30 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
December training: 2 days 4 miles, 1 day 5 miles, 1 day 40 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
January: 2 days 5 miles, 1 day 6 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
February: 2 days 5 miles, 1 day 7 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength 1 day cross
March Week 1: 2 days 4 miles, 1 day 7 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
March Week 2: 2 days 4 miles, 1 day 8 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
March Week 3: 2 days 4 miles, 1 day 8 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
March Week 4: 2 days 4.5 miles, 1 day 9 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
April Week 1: 2 days 4.5 miles, 1 day 9 miles, 1 day 60 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
April Week 2: 2 days 4.5 miles, 1 day 9 miles, 1 day 60 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
April Week 3: 2 days 5 miles, 1 day 10 miles, 1 day 45 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
April Week 4: 2 days 4.5 miles, 1 day 9 miles, 1 day 40 minutes; 1 day strength, 1 day cross
May Week 1: 1 day 4 miles, 1 day 2 miles, 1 day cross, HALF MARATHON.


So, I've called out progressive mileage goals - increasing semi-weekly. When I state a minute goal it's an easy paced run - not going for distance but for time. Strength training is my day to work on my core and upper body. Cross training will likely be biking. Maybe I'll swim, we'll see.

I've planned a few repeat weeks. As I learned with the C25K program, things don't always go exactly according to plan. I wanted the flexibility to step back if I need to. This also means I have the flexibility to step forward if I feel like I'm ready.

Alright, guys, have at it - does this look like a reasonable way to train?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSMOSTIMPROVED 10/4/2012 11:06PM

Frack- I have no idea! I will say that it is so important to get rest when you start to get run down. Also, think about how you are going to get your running in as the winter creeps up on us. I'm just so proud of how you just jumped right in there and got a plan going. You are just moving it along! Keep it up sista!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PASTAFARIAN 10/4/2012 3:34PM

I totally agree with EMMANY - except for her opening sentence! The idea of going from 4M to HM in such a short time makes me wonder - what's the rush? If 5K races turn you off (too short for you to get warmed up? Some other reason?), why not focus on 8K and 10K races - at least for a while. To skip these shorter races is to miss not only lots of fun races but also to miss experiences that will help you train for a HM. Better to make (and learn from) mistakes in shorter races than in longer races! And increasing distance isn't just a matter of extending your workout; lots of things change at increased distances. You may find that you have physical issues at longer distances. You may even find out that you have no pleasure in anything beyond a 10K. Nothing wrong with that. But when you set a goal of HM while having no experience at anything over 4M, it sounds like you just want to skip a whole bunch of important experiences. Don't get me wrong - I know plenty of people do exactly what you're proposing. But you did ask for feedback after all and you did ask if you sounded insane. :-) No, you're not insane but you are not leaving room to learn, to recover from injury, etc. What's the rush? Report Inappropriate Comment

EMMANYC 10/4/2012 1:28PM

I think that overall your plan makes sense. I have a couple of suggestions for you to consider. 1) Think about including a cutback week about every 4-6 weeks (your body will probably tell you when you need it). My sister is a very experienced long distance runner and racer and she says the cutback weeks help her body recover and come back stronger. She usually limits her exercise in a cutback week to "easy", "relatively short", "fun" and/or "different" activities. For example, she might do something aerobic every other day (instead of 6/7 days), and those activities might be things like riding her bike into town (5 miles there and back) to have lunch with a friend, going ice-skating, taking a dance class etc. Instead of some of her usual strength workouts, she tries something different like a yoga or pilates class - or gardening! She might fit a run in there (because otherwise she gets crazy legs) but it's a short workout and again, she tries to make it a different experience (running around the lake in a park she doesn't usually visit etc). And she sleeps a lot. 2) Include more strength training, especially ST specific to runners. I'm doing some physio right now and my PT has me doing core strength work about 6/7 days: abs, hips, glutes. It is making a big difference in my ability to run without injury. While it is best to give large muscle groups (like legs, arms, shoulders) a day off between ST workouts, my PT says it's ok to work your core almost every day - because really, it IS working every day to hold you up. If you're interested, I have a blog from about a month ago with an ST workout for runners. I would recommend that you do core strength exercises at least 2 out of 3 days and other strength exercises at least twice (preferably 3 times) per week. It doesn't have to be a long workout - even 10-15 minutes of targeted exercises can make a difference. 3) Do you have the option of taking a running class or joining a running group? If so, it's something you might want to consider at some stage. Ask people at your upcoming races if there's something in your area. 4) Don't be afraid to incorporate cross-training into your long slow runs from time to time, especially if you are experiencing some discomfort from the pounding your body takes from high-impact running. I often do my long slow runs as a combination of running, walking and elliptical. That way I can build up my endurance while reducing the risk of injury. You can also use cross-training (especially the elliptical and a spinning bike) to develop your cardiovascular capacity and leg strength to run fast. Comment edited on: 10/4/2012 3:12:35 PM Report Inappropriate Comment