Posts tagged: gym

Training Week 12

By , January 10, 2010 7:43 am

Ugh, this is way too long. Trying to work on that! If you decide to skim, make sure you check out my wipe-out story in the January 9 section (and I always appreciate your feedback on my questions in bold!).

Day 78 | January 4, 2010: strength

I had nightmares on Sunday about how busy the gym would be Monday (due to New Years Resolution-ers). How sad is that? It was unusually crowded. There were a lot of new faces, and a lot of randomness (meandering from machine to machine) but I only had to adjust my routine a bit.

I ended up using the new machines on Monday, and had to up the weight a bit on them (the weight was in different increments than the old machines). Yep. I had shaky arms afterward. Loved it!

Ha ha. I heard a funny conversation in the locker room while I was changing to go work out. One woman was getting ready to leave and another woman came in and recognized her. “Oh!” said the women who was walking in, “You’re starting the new year off right!”

“Actually,” the other woman said, “I have been doing this since October!” (Then she talked about one of the trainers and how great the program is that she set up for her and how it “saved her life.” Yeah. She said that.)

I bet that woman who had just finished her workout was feeling pretty good about herself, being able to say she had been working out since October. The other woman did say this was her “first workout.” Hope she can stick with it!

Biangular Lat Row: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 50 lb, 15 @ 50 lb
Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb
Biangular Chest Press: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 50 lb, 15 @ 50 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lat Pulldowns: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Pectoral Fly: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Arm Curl: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb
Seated Leg Press: 15 @ 70 lb, 15 @ 70 lb, 15 @ 90 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Leg Curl: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Hip Abduction: 3 x 15 @ 115 lb
Hip Adduction: 3 x 15 @ 55 lb
Woodchop: 15 each side at 30 lb
V Bar Pushdowns: 3 x15 @ 30 lb

Day 79 | January 5, 2010: 6 m run + cross

I don’t know what it is about running on the office treadmill in the morning, but it has been going really well for me. I think I am a morning runner.

I headed back down to the gym at lunch time for some biking. A coworker saw me taking my jewelry off (to lock at my desk) and said, “Are you going to the gym? Weren’t you there this morning?!” (Why yes, I was, remember, you said to me “Your motivation sickens me, Kim!”). Ha. She was only teasing me, but hey, I told her, I have nothing better to do at lunch time…

The only problem is that I am starting to get really hungry. And it’s hard not to eat everything in sight!

Distance: 6.0 | Time: 59:34 | 1: 10:21 | 2: 10:11 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 9:50 | 5: 9:41 | 6: 9:31
Bike Time: 45:00 | Distance: 8.22 (Set on “Ozark Trails”)

Day 80 | January 6, 2010: strength

What is your opinion on strength workouts – should you target areas, like “upper body” or “lower body” per day, or do entire body strength workouts?

I fit in what I can – strength 2-3 times a week, so I focus on whole body (like below). But I overheard this guy telling another guy in the gym about how disappointed he was when his son came home for Christmas and he found out that the son’s college track coach had them doing entire body workouts in the weight room. I was surprised he was so upset (I’m so nosy, I know!).

Biangular Lat Row: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 50 lb, 15 @ 50 lb
Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb
Biangular Chest Press: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 50 lb, 15 @ 50 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lat Pulldowns: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Pectoral Fly: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Arm Curl: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb
Seated Leg Press: 15 @ 70 lb, 15 @ 70 lb, 15 @ 90 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Leg Curl: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 20 lb

Day 81 | January 7, 2010: 6 m run

I had another great 6-miler on the office treadmill (well, great until the last 7 minutes when I had to poo like no other). I get there early, turn on NBC and read the captions while I run and listen to music. Ha, it would be so cool if there was a station I could turn out to read blogs! Would you tune in? The only problem would be leaving comments.

Distance: 6.0 | Time: 59:34 | 1: 10:21 | 2: 10:11 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 9:50 | 5: 9:41 | 6: 9:31

Day 82 | January 8, 2010: cross

This post is getting WAY too long, so I am not going to say much about this uneventful hour bike ride (okay, except that I read a copy of Health and liked it – I might get a subscription).

Bike Time: 1:00:00 | Distance: 10.88 (Set on “Ozark Trails”)

Day 83 | January 9, 2010: 8 m run

Saturday should have been our half marathon in Disney World. I thought I would feel really sad that we were unable to race it (we had already paid the race fee – over $200 for the both of us), but when I saw the weather, I was happy we stayed home.

That snapshot of the weather was taken at 8:20 AM ET, at least 30 minutes to an hour after we would have been finished running – so it would have been even colder when we started running. The whole point of going to Disney was to have a fun, warm vacation in January. Guess this wasn’t the weekend for that (someone from my office went – I will have to ask them how it was)!

Ha, of course, I write that, then I am about to tell you how I ran 8 miles in this instead:

Well, I expect that kind of weather here! I couldn’t take another treadmill run. And even though we got a lot of snow this week, the sidewalks were mostly clear in my part of the neighborhood.

Can you tell I am smiling?

I didn’t feel cold at all when I was running. It was a comfortable and fun eight miles. Even with this:

Now, my pants didn’t look like that when I left the house. I was coming up to a turn right before the 7 mile mark. There was a huge patch of ice at the turn, and every time I  had passed it before, a dog barked at me from inside a nearby house. It had startled me the first few times, so this time, I mentally prepared for it. When the dog didn’t bark, I kind of turned to look at the house, and slipped, landing on my left knee. I got back up to keep running and noticed I tore through my outer pants AND my tights! A very hardcore fall! But I didn’t feel too sore when it happened. Strange! It will definitely bruise this week.

I had two Orange Shot Bloks (first time trying them) at about 4.5 miles. Of course, being brilliant (see slipping, above), I left them outside on our porch and they FROZE. So, there was some chewing involved. I may have actually liked them better that way! I didn’t notice a surge in energy, but didn’t run that much farther anyway.

I listened to a Vegetarian Food for Thought podcast while running. I know that vegetarian topics might not be interesting to everyone, but I really enjoyed it and recommend checking it out. There are about 100 free episodes, I think. I listened to one called “The Compassionate Kitchen: Eating Healthy in the Recession” and liked the style of it and the tips for saving money during the “recession.” I have been getting sick of listening to music and miss having someone to talk to, so this keeps me stimulated.

Ha, isn’t it funny how much dirty clothes you end up with after a cold weather run?

Distance: 8.0 | Time: 1:17:30 | 1: 9:51 | 2: 9:51 | 3: 9:49 | 4: 9:45 | 5: 9:41 | 6: 9:40 | 7: 9:40 | 8: 9:10

Day 84 | January 10, 2010: cross

I decided to take a bit of a rest day and just did Level 2 of The 30 Day Shred with 2 pound weights.

Week Summary: 20.00 miles

I felt really good this week – sore, but in a good way. Hmm, I do need to ask though, have you ever had soreness in the outside muscle of your lower leg? (In the area circled in red in the picture below – not sure why I decided to take a picture of MY leg, then circle it, instead of using some random leg on the internet.)

My right leg has been sore there for about two weeks. I can’t figure out what it is (online). I started to ice it a bit Friday night. It starts at the top of the leg and kind of runs down to my ankle.

I saw a few other things on the internet this week I thought I would share:

How flexible are your hamstrings? I’ve feared mine are very tight since I visited the doctor in September and they confirmed it. I saw this article on the Runner’s World website that says hamstrings are one of runner’s tightest muscle groups, and gives a stretch to follow to make them more flexible.

Does anyone participate in the forums on the Runner’s World website? I don’t follow them, but saw this thread (in their newsletter) asking about running blogs for inspiration – you night want to share yours!

Training Week 10

By , December 27, 2009 8:46 am

Day 64 | December 21, 2009: strength + cross

I visited the office gym for an early morning strength and cardio workout. I was surprised by the amount of people there at 6:30 – about 6 or 8. Normally, it is me and maybe one or two other people. Monday’s surge (ha) made me kind of worry about how crowded the gym would be after the New Year and everyone’s resolutions. Do you worry about the gym being overcrowded?

Seated Row: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb
90 Degree Chest: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 40 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lat Pulldowns: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Pectoral Fly: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Arm Curl: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb
Leg Press: 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 80 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Leg Curl: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lunges: 10 each side with 5 lb weight each hand
Crunches: 15
Bicycle Crunches: 16
Woodchop: 10 each side at 30 lb
Drinking Bird: 10 each leg at 15 lb
V Bar Pushdowns: 3 x15 @ 30 lb

Bike Time: 30:00 | Distance: 5.75 (Set on “Random Hills”)

Day 65 | December 22, 2009: 5 m run + cross

30 boring minutes on the bike… 5 boring miles on the treadmill. Yawn…

Distance: 5.0 | Time: 49:49 | 1: 10:20 | 2: 10:00 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 9:49 | 5: 9:40
Bike Time: 30:00 | Distance: 5.98 (Set on “Random Hills”)

Day 66 | December 23, 2009: strength

I felt somewhat worn out so I did an easier strength workout. I LOVE working out, but I need to be careful I don’t over-do it! I’ve learned that I am not very good at staying active when suffering from an injury, so being sidelined is the LAST thing I want.

90 Degree Chest: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 40 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Pectoral Fly: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Arm Curl: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb
Leg Press: 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 80 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Hip Abduction: 3 x 15 @ 115 lb
Hip Adduction: 3 x 15 @ 55 lb
Lunges: 10 each side with 5 lb weight each hand
Crunches: 15
Bicycle Crunches: 16
Woodchop: 10 each side at 30 lb
Drinking Bird: 10 each leg at 15 lb
V Bar Pushdowns: 3 x15 @ 30 lb

Day 67 | December 24, 2009: 5 m run

I really wanted to run outside, but we had an ice storm on Wednesday (and it continued through Thursday) so I figured I better stick to the treadmill. For the last 2 miles of my run, Steven did Ab Ripper X. My abs hurts just looking at the tv!

Distance: 5.0 | Time:  50:03 | 1: 10:21 | 2: 10:11 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 9:50 | 5: 9:41

Day 68 | December 25, 2009: cross

I did Level 2 of The 30 Day Shred (with 2 pound weights) followed by a 2 mile walk on the treadmill. It felt good to get a workout in before the holiday festivities (even though it was a small workout!).

Running-related, I got a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline shoes (the GTs 10s!) for Christmas from my in-laws. I really wanted a new pair of running shoes, so I am super excited to have received them.

Pretty new shoes!!!

I also received some cash, which I will likely use for the Wisconsin Half Marathon entry fee, or to buy some YakTrax. Or to pay bills.

Distance: 2.0 | Time:  30:00 | 1: 15:00 | 2: 15:00

Day 69 | December 26, 2009: rest

Day 70 | December 27, 2009: 5 m run

Does anyone else feel super guilty exercising when they have guests in town? I tried to get up early to run, but I’ve been sleeping so well, I didn’t want to get up. So instead of putting in 8 miles, I put in 5, starting at 7:30. I feel bad leaving the house, but I feel so much better all day when I run.

I am going to count my 9:08 mile (in the 18° temp) for Lauren’s Winter Misery One Miler. It was the best I could do in the snow/ice covered sidewalks. I was already slipping a bit!

Distance: 5.0 | Time:  5030 | 1: 10:08 | 2: 10:18 | 3: 10:39 | 4: 10:14 | 5: 9:08

Week Summary: 15.00 miles

Now, to completely contradict what I just wrote… I am really happy with the amount of exercise I was able to fit in this week, despite feeling bad about taking time for it with guests in town. In the past, I NEVER worked out during this time of year. Not this much anyway. This year, I woke up wanting to exercise. And I feel so good when I do. So… I hope that is something that sticks around.

Training Week 8

By , December 13, 2009 1:12 pm

Day 50 | December 7, 2009: Stretch and Strengthen

If I can get through Level 1 of The 30 Day Shred at 3:45 am… that must be a sign I am ready for Level 2, right?!

Day 51 | December 8, 2009: 4 m run + strength

Strength at the office gym… I think I need to figure out something to work my triceps. Any triceps workout suggestions?

Seated Row: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb
90 Degree Chest: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 40 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lat Pulldowns: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Pectoral Fly: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Arm Curl: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 25 lb
Leg Press: 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 80 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Leg Curl: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Hip Abduction: 3 x 15 @ 115 lb
Hip Adduction: 3 x 15 @ 55 lb
Lunges: 10 each side with 5 lb weight each hand
Crunches: 15
Bicycle Crunches: 16
Woodchop: 10 each side at 30 lb
Drinking Bird: 10 each leg at 15 lb

Damn you, winter snow storm. I was looking forward to running outside with Steven. No way that is happening in the slippery snow during a snow storm!

Steven and I both ran 4 miles on the treadmill (with one window open). I set it to 6.0 mph, but it feels so much harder than running that pace outside. This chart says that if you run at 6.0 mph at a 1% incline, it is more similar to running a 9:52 mile. Do you think that chart is correct? Do you find running on the treadmill easier or more difficult? I think the treadmills at office gym are easy, but I struggle at home!

Distance: 4.0 | Time: 44:11 | 1: 10:11 | 2: 10:00 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 10:00

Day 52 | December 9, 2009: cross

Steven and I did Level 1 of The 30 Day Shred together. It was his first time doing it, so there was quite a bit of giggling from me in the beginning. It’s just funny to have two people doing jumping jacks in tandem in our living room! Plus, you have Data running around our feet, chasing a little ball while we are trying to do the moves. Steven actually felt like it was a good workout, so I hope we can do it together again!

Day 53 | December 10, 2009: cross + strength

I was a bit pressed for time during lunch, so I fit in an abbreviated version of my strength workout:

Seated Row: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb
90 Degree Chest: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 40 lb
Shoulder Press: 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Lat Pulldowns: 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb
Leg Press: 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 60 lb, 15 @ 80 lb
Leg Extension: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 45 lb, 15 @ 45 lb
Leg Curl: 15 @ 30 lb, 15 @ 40 lb, 15 @ 20 lb
Hip Abduction: 3 x 15 @ 115 lb
Hip Adduction: 3 x 15 @ 55 lb

My train home Thursday evening was stopped on the tracks for more than 45 minutes (due to a pedestrian accident ahead of us). Instead of being pissed off, I was grateful to have my baby computer to keep me entertained, decided to move my run to Friday (Steven got 4 miles in before I got home), and just walk 2 miles on the treadmill in the evening.

Distance: 2.0 | Time: 29:50 | 1: 14:55 | 2: 14:55

Day 54 | December 11, 2009: 3.5 m run + cross

I got pissed off on Friday.

I woke up at 4:00 so I could be to work by 6:30 – giving me a full hour and a half to stretch, warm-up, run, cool down, and take a shower and prep before work at 8:00.

My train was stopped on the tracks just past my stop for 40 minutes. I was so pissed. I could feel my blood boiling. When we finally got to the city, I speed-walked to my office (warm-up), ripped off my gym pants (thank heavens I was already dressed in my gym clothes) and tried to fit those 4 miles in. I got in 3.5. I was feeling great, but had to go poo since 2.9 and it hurt.

I hate when my schedule is out of my control like this. JUST. HATE. IT. I know it’s no one’s fault, but I get so frustrated. I worked very hard to calm down and think I did a good job. I still treated myself to a bonus lunchtime workout to de-stress though!

Side Note: The office treadmill is a piece of cake compared to ours at home!

Distance: 3.5 | Time: 34:02 | 1: 10:00 | 2: 9:40 | 3: 9:41 | 4: 4:41
Bike Time: 31:00 | Distance: 5.60 (Set on “Random Hills”)

Day 55 | December 12, 2009: cross

Another day of The 30 Day Shred, Level 1. It’s getting pretty easy – time to move on, Kim.

Steven and I also walked 1 mile and ran for 1.5. We intended to run further but Steven had a sudden splitting headache and felt like he was going to throw up, so we quickly walked home. No big deal!

Distance: 1.5 | Time: 14:29 | 1: 9:57 | 2: 4:32 + .5 mile warm-up and .5 mile cool-down

Day 56 | December 13, 2009: 6 m run + strength

I finally tried Level 2 of The 30 Day Shred. Whoa! I got through it, but definitely had to pause a few times to make sure I was doing it correctly. I did the “easier” versions of the Jumping Plank and the Plank Jacks. I thought the Walk-Out Pushups were a great move, even though it killed my wrists. Oh Jillian, you continue to surprise me with your torturous innovative workouts.

A few hours after The Shred I headed outside for an enjoyable 35° run – no joke, it’s the perfect temperature for me! (Steven decided to run on the treadmill).


Data ran outside to be in this picture.

I was hoping I would find clear sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, but I didn’t. There was definitely a bit of slippery snow running, so I did the last half of my run in the neighborhood park (it’s on asphalt), which was clear. I was kind of bored running without Steven, so I jammed to some tunes (one headphone only, of course)! I definitely played “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys more than once. What song are you jamming out to when exercising these days?

Distance: 6.0 | Time: 58:08 | 1: 9:43 | 2: 9:47 | 3: 9:57 | 4: 9:40 | 5: 9:40 | 6: 9:18

Week Summary: 18.00 miles

I enjoyed having a flexible schedule this week (except for Friday’s late train). I made a draft schedule, but modified it as I went along. It was fun to go with the flow and do what I felt like fitting in. I still set goals for each day, but was easier on myself about meeting them.

My legs have been feeling pretty tight for the past two weeks. It may be time to try and fit some yoga in.

This is a LONG post with only one photo… so here are some random ones for your entertainment!


Data wrapped up in a blue towel.


Our Christmas Tree downstairs. Note the huge Nativity.


Huge Willow Tree Nativity. Mom, I am still missing a few pieces!


The Star Wars Christmas Tree upstairs. Note the awesome Star Wars ornaments!


My fave ornament/the coolest shuttle in the entire trilogy – the Shuttle Tydirium.


And Leia is looking pretty hot in the slave girl outfit.

Not so fast

By , October 7, 2009 12:42 pm

It’s frustrating that running is not as easy as it used to be. I AM grateful that my shin doesn’t hurt (as much as it did before – a slight pain is still there) and I KNOW it will get easier with time.

But right now, my mind remembers how much I loved it and how easy it used to be. Then I get on the treadmill and it’s not what I remember. And I struggle – mentally – not physically.

Today I ran 1.5 miles. I wanted to run 2, but felt like I was pushing it, and as I mentioned, felt mentally defeated.

But, I am looking on the bright side – I can’t expect to recover instantly. And 1.5 miles is pretty good for someone who hasn’t been running in the past two months. I have to take small, baby steps.

I always feel encouraged when I work on in the office gym. Now, this is going to sound weird, but hear me out. I’ve noticed that most of the women who use the locker room are very comfortable with their bodies. They are not worried if someone else sees them naked. They even stand around and have conversations about exercise while they are drying off or getting dressed. I’ve never been too shy about my body, so this doesn’t weird me out (like it does some people). It actually makes me feel good about myself, seeing other women being so comfortable with who they are. Just thought I would share that…

I need… something

By , September 13, 2009 8:20 am

I need a schedule. I need planned workouts to follow. Since the doctor has told me I can’t run (or use the elliptical) my workouts have been pretty lame, and infrequent. And it doesn’t help that they told me NOT to push myself when riding a bike. What is the point of working out if I am not going to feel all tired and drained and sore?! I’m so frustrated. I miss the ease of running. Hauling my workout clothes to and from the city, so I can use the office gym, is not convenient. But, it’s FREE.

At least I was able to get a little running fix from meeting up with a fellow running blogger, Mica, on Friday.

Kim and Mica

Kim + Mica + the Flamingo

I have to admit, I’ve had a pretty big girl crush on Mica since I started reading her blog. Her hilarious entries have caused me to laugh out loud on the train (where I always try to follow the rule “silence is golden”), and I may be guilty of talking about her a bit to Steven, as in, “Steven, you have to read what she wrote, it’s so funny, ha ha, snort snort, giggle.”

The meet-up was exactly how I hoped it would be! Mica was just as funny, honest, and real in person. I discovered I relate to her on a lot of levels, and that immediately made me feel comfortable around her. I love making connections like that. Plus, her boyfriend, Harrison, was nice enough to put up with me as well. He was just as friendly and open. Damn. Why can’t I meet more people like this who live here?

Thanks for meeting with me, Mica and Harrison!

And, thank you to all of you running bloggers whose stories I follow and keep me excited about running while I am healing!

Lame lunch run

By , June 11, 2009 1:07 pm

I have an appointment tonight, as well as guests in town, so I decided to get my run in during lunch, in the office gym. I was really looking forward to it all morning, hoping that it would break up the monotony of the day and get me energized for the afternoon.

But instead of having a carefree, relaxing run like I usually do, I ended up stressing out about work issues and watching the clock the entire time. I had to rush to get 3 miles in, then shower and get ready to go back to my desk (in one hour).

It feels good to have the run out of the way, but it wasn’t the quality I wanted it to be. I didn’t get to de-stress at all.

My marathon training schedule starts next Monday, and I think I am going to have to fit lunch time runs in a couple of times a week. Maybe next time it will be sunny and NOT raining*, so I can get outside and enjoy the run more.

Warning: exercise seems to be one of the only things I feel like writing about right now, so you’ll probably get a lot of that.

*This is June, right?

Preventing summer letdown

By , May 14, 2009 5:54 am

I was flipping through an old issue of SELF magazine (July ’08) at the gym last night and felt like the blurb “Prevent summer letdown” was speaking directly to me:

image:How to prevent summer letdown

(In fact, that entire page – front and back – may have been speaking directly to me. The article next to it was titled “How I stopped cursing a blue streak” and the one on the back side of the page was “Be a good gossip.”)

I spend a lot of time during the winter and spring fantasizing about the summer. A LOT. Steven can back me up on this because he’s had to listen to me talk about it all winter long.

What am I fantasizing about? Weekends spent at the cabin in Guttenberg (Iowa), boating, swimming, eating, lounging… and also nice summer days, with long runs in the warm sun.

Steven and I have coordinated our schedules so we have a quite a few 3-day and 4-day weekends this summer. But, who’s to say that we will be able to stick to our plan of getting away to Guttenberg 100%? I know we won’t. We already have weekends filling up with plans that require us to stay home over the weekends, and who knows what the weather will be like anyway. Oh, and it would be good to get some chores done and not abandon Data completely.

The article recommends keeping an element of reality in your fantasy. And isn’t that good advice for any fantasy? I would say so. It seems our fantasies become more attainable (and turn into goals!) when we DO give them a sense of reality.

So I am going to follow some of the tips when I feel like I am “stuck at home” this summer. We have an amazing forest preserve system in the county I live in that I have really been wanting to explore. We have a grill, and neighbors we like to spend time with. And we do live “close” to that wonderful city of Chicago – there might be something to do there!

Maybe I should have saved this for a Friday Question (since I seem to have trouble coming up with them), but do you have summer fantasies? Do you usually see them out? Or do you need to prevent summer letdown as well?

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