Posts tagged: Treadmill

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 11

By , January 3, 2010 12:08 pm

Day 71 | December 28, 2009: cross

I walked 4 miles on our treadmill at home. Our treadmill has been getting squeakier and squeakier. I hope nothing is wrong with it!

Distance: 4.0 | Time: 1:00:00 | 1: 15:00 | 2: 15:00 | 3: 15:00 | 4: 15:00

Day 72 | December 29, 2009: cross + strength

Tuesday was my first day back in the office and I felt TIRED, like “How did I make it into the office?” tired. I was already planning on doing an abbreviated version of my workout and then I got to the gym and three of the machines I use were gone (they are being replaced). I took that as a sign to make the workout short and sweet!

Lateral Raise: 15 @ 25 lb, 15 @ 37.5 lb, 15 @ 37.5 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 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

I fit in a 2 mile walk when I got home. It should have been a run, but I am kind of sick of our treadmill… and it’s only the beginning of winter! I think I prefer the treadmill at work.

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

Day 73 | December 30, 2009: 6 m run

I ran 6 miles on the treadmill at work. I was half conscious when I started running and accidentally set my pace for 6.2 mph instead of 5.8. Oops. After I realized it (it took me a whole mile!) I decided to stick with it.

Distance: 6.0 | Time: 57:28 | 1: 9:41 | 2: 9:41 | 3: 9:41 | 4: 9:31 | 5: 9:31 | 6: 9:23

Day 74 | December 31, 2009: cross

Ugh, I had every intention of doing a strength workout, especially since I wouldn’t be back at the office until Monday, but I just… didn’t. I wasn’t feeling it. My back kind of hurt (total lame excuse) and I felt like an easy bike ride instead.

Bike Time: 45:00 | Distance: 8.24 (Set on “Random Hills”)

Day 75 | January 1, 2010: 5 m run

I ran 5 miles on the treadmill at home while watching a show on TLC called “Obese and Pregnant.” It was really interesting and actually kept me intrigued during the entire run. Has anyone else seen it?

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

Day 76 | January 2, 2010: cross

Saturday was a very lazy day… a “stay in your pajamas until 4:00” sort of day! I would have liked to do more than a 3 mile walk, but meh, I was stuck inside with the stupid treadmill (high of 10° or something).

Distance: 3.0 | Time: 45:00 | 1: 15:00 | 2: 15:00 | 3: 15:00

Day 77 | January 3, 2010: 3 m run + 1 m walk

I think running inside is killing my running mojo. Do you ever feel like that? I intended to take a long run outside but got up and saw this:

Ugh. So I got on the treadmill, but just couldn’t take it. I ran 3 miles (perfectly timed to what I had left to watch of The Godfather: Part II) then walked 1.

I am just going to hope I can run outside next week.

Distance: 4.0 | Time: 45:31 | 1: 10:21 | 2: 10:11 | 3: 10:00 | 4: 15:00

Week Summary: 24:00 miles (includes 10 miles of walking)

This was not my best week. Sure, I got my workouts in, but I felt lazy. I didn’t feel it. I think this super cold weather is making me feel crappy (And it doesn’t help that I have a super sick husband. Poor thing! Hope he doesn’t pass it on to me). I’ll just keep doing what I can…

I added a little ticker on the right to keep track of my running mileage for 2010. My plan was 1000 miles. Then I saw this 1,010 in 2010 challenge and thought, why not? Anyone else in? (current participants listed here) You can track the miles however you want – running, walking, swimming, biking, elliptical, etc. I am just going to track my running miles.

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.

Training Week 7

By , December 6, 2009 5:17 pm

Note: We were training for the Disney Half Marathon on January 9th but decided we should not go. We are still somewhat following Hal Higdon’s Novice Half Marathon training program for fun. We will probably modify the training schedule to coordinate with our schedules (and aches and pains, ha) but I like to report it here on Sundays to hold me accountable!

Day 43 | November 30, 2009: Stretch and Strengthen

Blah blah blah, same routine as last Monday and Wednesday. I was a bit sore from the 30 Day Shred. How sad is that?!

Day 44 | December 1, 2009: 4.5 m run

If someone would have told me I’d be wearing shorts for an outside run on December 1st, I wouldn’t believe them! But, I was. We had a high of 50º and it was still pretty warm when I got home. I wish all of December could be that warm!

This run felt mostly effortless. Of course, we weren’t running fast, but it’s a good sign to me that running is starting to feel really comfortable and natural again. We ran through our neighborhood and got to check out everyone’s holiday decorations. We saw some pretty funny ones. Too bad I didn’t have the camera with me…

Distance: 4.5 | Time: 44:35 | 1: 10:20 | 2: 9:57 | 3: 9:54 | 4: 9:44 | 5: 4:38

Day 45 | December 2, 2009: 3 m run or cross + strength

The schedule didn’t call for it, but I did some strength training during my lunch break – same routine as Monday. To all of you who exercise in the office gym – does it weird you out when you see coworkers down there? On Wednesday I saw a lot of guys from my floor, then two girls in the locker room. So yeah. Not that I was looking, but now I’ve seen my female coworkers semi-nude.

Check out the map of our walk below – wondering why it is so random?

Because we wanted to take pictures of some of the more… elaborate decorations we saw on Tuesday to share with you all. Sadly, they do not look as funny in the photos as they do in real life. I guess they look silly in context. Now I just seem bitchy for posting these. They just had a lot of mis-matchy stuff and it made us laugh.

Brr, it was a cold walk! It was windy and neither of us had our heads covered (dumb, I know). When we got back, both of our faces felt cold for quite some time.

Distance: 2.17 | Time: 32:45 | 1: 14:47 | 2: 15:16 | 3: 2:41

Day 46 | December 3, 2009: 4.5 m run + strength 3 m run

I was all ready to run in the 29°F weather with Steven when I left work… until I stepped off the train to walk to my car and immediately realized the day’s snow and rain had turned into a dangerous icy combo. So, first treadmill run of the season…

I always use the treadmill on a 1% incline. I started running and had pain in my left shin (this happened last week on the treadmill too – what does that mean?). It went away, but then I kept getting twinges on the outside of my right leg above my knee but below my thigh (What the hell is that?! This better not be an IT band issue!). Then I snapped my headband across my eyes (ouch!) and got entirely too hot. Steven actually opened the window for me. I cut it short at 3.00 – I did not feel good. Definitely a fail run. I am running outside next time, as long as it is not icy.

Do you run on a certain part of the treadmill? I always stay too close to the front because I think I might slip off the back! There are tread marks from my shoes on the front of the treadmill cover thingy. Oops.

Distance: 3.00 | Time:  30:21 | 1: 10:21 | 2: 10:00 | 3: 10:00, plus 1 mile total warm-up and cool-down

Day 47 | December 4, 2009: rest strength

On Thursday, Erin was kind of enough to show me a few moves on her office’s cable machine. The schedule didn’t call for strength on Friday, but I was planning on fitting it in since I can’t next Monday (on travel). I tried two of the moves Erin showed me – the Woodshop, and what’s she’s calling the Drinking Bird. The first works the transverse abs and the second works the weakest parts of your body when you do it. I was happy to have some new moves to add (although I am uncertain if I did them correctly). Thanks, Erin!

I did the routine below. Note, I didn’t do any leg machines because of my legs being sore on Thursday. 

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
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

Day 48 | December 5, 2009: 50 min cross

We had a super busy day and only managed to fit in a short walk. Oh well.

Distance: 1.67 | Time:  25:52 | 1: 15:20 | 2: 10:32

Day 49 | December 6, 2009: 7 4 m run

This run was powered by Vegan Cinnamon Rolls!

We put vegan cream cheese on them when we ate them.

Yum! We made vegan cinnamon rolls to take to our friends’ home on Sunday morning. Steven followed a recipe making them. Shall I share the recipe and a post of our cinnamon roll pictures?

Steven has a sore hip, so we cut this run down to 4 miles. He had to stop at 3.1 though, because his hip started to bother him. I hope it goes away. We are going to adjust our running schedule until he feels better.

The run felt pretty good for me (love those 35° temps!). Must have been the vegan cinnamon rolls! And the fact that I wasn’t on the treadmill.

Distance: 4.0 | Time: 38:48 | 1: 9:57 | 2: 9:54 | 3: 9:49 | 4: 9:04

Week Summary: 13.01 miles

Steven and I had a discussion this week about how we want to move forward with our training (hence the message above in italics). We were originally training for a half we are not running anymore, so we’ve decided to loosely follow the schedule, by running three days a week, but increase our mileage more slowly. I am really grateful to be able to do my runs with Steven. I feel like it is a good way for us to catch up, and a good way to connect. It’s sometimes difficult to coordinate our runs depending on how our bodies feel that day, but we are dedicated to working out together. I feel lucky that I have a partner to help me get in shape (especially as we go through the holiday season).

Did you read the article on Well this week about shinbone (tibias) stress fractures? Since I had a stress fracture in my shin this summer, I found it particularly interesting. The article covered two studies. The first study recommends strengthening your calf muscles to prevent stress fractures (but says this is only applicable to women), and the second study (from the university I went to) recommends shortening your stride.

I have been muchos careful when my shin, icing it often, and paying close attention to how it feels. I did have strange leg aches ALL WEEK, all over my legs. I wonder if it is from the “hills” I ran last Sunday. Ha ha.

I might be a bit biased…

By , August 19, 2008 5:14 am

Pros of exercising INDOORS, on the treadmill:

  • Flat, even terrain
  • No wind! No resistance!
  • Flat screen tv to watch
  • Proximity to shower/bathroom
  • Ample light
  • No one can see you huffing and puffing
  • No funny outdoor smells
  • NO BUGS IN YOUR BRA

While Steven and I were walking home after running in the park last night, the area under my right breast really started to itch. Sports bras are a bit uncomfortable, so I figured that was all it was, and kept itching at it. I hurried up to the shower to peal it off and found…

… a little black bug with tiny legs.

GROSS! GROSS! GROSS! GROSS! GROSS!

Gross.

You can probably guess that I took a LONG shower and scrubbed extra hard.

In all honesty, I prefer running outside over running on an indoor track, and I prefer running on an indoor track over running on the treadmill. But last night we had to run in the dark. And it’s August! I can’t get home any earlier, so I guess I will be using the treadmill a lot more (than I prefer) during the colder/darker season. I’m lucky we have one at home.

Treadmills: They’re not just for cats with glowing eyes anymore!

By , August 14, 2008 12:32 pm

<image: Data on the treadmill>

Thanks for the lolcat, Christina

Coincidentally, my infrequent posting corresponds directly to the increase of daily exercise in my life.

Instead of my usual evening routine of eating dinner then lounging somewhere with my computer, I am now eating dinner, exercising, taking a shower… and maybe turning my computer on to check my email.

But it’s more than that. My “quietness” seems to have seeped into real life as well. People I see every day are asking me “Is something wrong?” “Is everything okay?” “Why have you been so quiet lately?”

Nothing’s wrong. Everything is okay, and actually, I feel happy! But I don’t know why I’ve felt so quiet lately. All I know is, I don’t quite feel like myself.

If that makes any sense.

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