Another Year, Another Season of Lent
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Well folks, we’ve come full circle to when I first got really active on my blog. It’s Lent right now, and if you are not familiar with the season, that’s okay. In simplest terms I have 40 days and 40 nights for reflection. During that time I can give something up or take something on. One year that meant attempting to run a 5K which evolved into attempting to train for a half marathon. I was on track with my fitness until this past fall when I took on a big project that took all my spare time.
So this year I am taking on some fitness goals but I’m also taking on some business goals. If you want to follow along with the fitness side, check out my other blog. But here I’ll be talking about the importance of setting goals and how to reach them. I’ve even changed the title of this category to Big Goals as part of the challenge.
Years ago before I graduated from Meredith College I took part in an intensive program known as Leadershape. For one week we worked on developing a vision, setting stretch goals, and identifying the steps necessary to reach those goals. I have found that this is something I use on a regular basis. I may not always have a clear vision but I know what big goals I want to reach and I plan out the steps to reach them.
Join me in the coming days as I set my Stretch Goal, and then work to reach it with small milestones and hard work.
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It’s not Giving Up, It’s Listening to your Body.
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So after struggling 2 weeks ago I was doing some heavy research into better ways to train, and ways to train faster for the upcoming Half-Marathon. Then my sister thankfully emailed me and suggested we focus on running the 5K. We’ve both had a few health issues, and are struggling with various muscle aches and pains. So our new plan is to focus on training to run the entire 5K. Afterwards we’ll begin training for a 10K and then the Half Marathon.
So some may look at this as giving up. I’m sure there is a small part of our minds that is relaxing now that we don’t have such a daunting challenge ahead of us. I was too focused on getting a good pace. Now that I’m not trying to reach the 13.1 mile distance, I’m able to work on getting a safe and good pace for my body. My shin splints have disappeared, I’m not struggling to breathe as much, and best of all I’m really enjoying running now.
I repeated week 4 this past week, and I’m glad I did, I was still struggling on the last 5 minutes of the running intervals. Looking forward to my run tomorrow, week 5 here I come!
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I can do this… Really, I can!
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I’m back from a bad bout of walking pneumonia with a lingering cough! With that came the return of training. Starting at square one was not fun, but I made it. I’m now finishing week 4.
The big struggle now is all the little things that are popping up. Tight and sore calf muscles, a little problem with my sciatic nerve, and extreme hunger and thirst!
The calves and nerve issues I’m dealing with. Some good stretching and yoga on a daily basis, and regular visits with my massage therapist to correct the problem now before it’s too late.
The hunger and thirst deal, I’m having to work on. Weight Watchers continues to help with that and also hinder me. I long for high caloric food, but am beginning to really focus on their list of “filling foods”.
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I’ve set myself a steep goal, but I know I can make it. To make it easier I’m setting smaller goals and rewarding myself when I reach them. The first small goal is to workout every day for one week. So far I have missed at least a day every week. My run counts as a workout, but I want to either be weight lifting, taking a class, or just walking the beach.
This week’s bout with shin splints crippled me. I spent the first day with them applying heat and stretching. Since then, it’s been ice 3 times a day and lots of stretching. Since one of the reasons for shin splints is not stretching well, I’m really going to be focusing on that.
Another cause is uneven surfaces, now that I’ve started running downtown, that can’t be helped as much. The third most common cause is inadequate footwear. That I plan to remedy this week with a new pair of shoes. I’m not going to invest too much at this point in them. My plan is to get a true running shoe closer to the date of the race.
Also, as I continue to read more about Half Marathons and training for them, I may find myself the day of the race, doing a Walk/Run method. While my sister thinks I should just run the 5K I am determined to complete the full Half Marathon distance.
So this holiday weekend I’m reading up on training tips and more, getting some extra exercise by cleaning the house and purging more things (this involves several trips up and down the stairs to throw things out), and looking into some more low impact ways to workout in between training days.
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Back to the drawing board
Well, I just finished my last day of training for the week. As you may recall, I decided to do the interval training on the elliptical this week to catch up from being behind. So how did it go? Hmmm well, I’m selling the elliptical, (you can purchase it here) what does that tell you?
4 years ago I saw a friends elliptical that she had bought at Wal-Mart for next to nothing. I saved up a little bit and bought my own. It took me 3 nights to put together. I used it religiously for about 3 weeks and then it started collecting dust. Every time I would start a new workout regime I would use it one or two times and then it would sit again. It only used batteries for power and I would constantly steal them for remotes for the TV so I could remain lazy.
Well now I’m trying to use it again and it is driving me crazy! The floors in my new home are extremely uneven and the elliptical rocks back and forth like a ship in a storm. It also moves about a foot while I workout. I start facing the bed and it moves right inch by inch. I tried putting shims under it so it would not rock. That worked until it came off the shims while moving. Today it came off 7 times!
Soooo what to do? Easy, I’m selling it and making a quick buck. I have found a great deal on a membership at my locally owned gym Crest Fitness. And for now, until the heat dies down, you will find me on a treadmill there or in a pilates class training away. I hate to get rid of the little elliptical that has been with me so long but I feel it is best for both of us. I hope it finds a good home with level floors and someone who will use it, at least when it rains if not more.
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I’ve got the fever!
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No really, I had a fever for 2 days last week! I came off a pretty successful weekend of healthy eating and a big workout on Saturday and got sick. You would think with 4th of July I would have been off my game. Instead it was the week after that got me off track.
So after a visit to the doctor and some serious meds, I’m feeling better but still coughing. I refuse to let it hold me back anymore. The first two weeks of working out made me feel so good. I had so much energy, was getting more done during the day and even at night. My weight was on the way down.
Now I’m working on getting the fever for exercise. After a rough start yesterday with no exercise and bad eating, I am now focusing on planning. Even as I sat last night pigging out on pizza and a glass of wine, I was thinking about getting up and working out this morning. And while I slept in a bit, I did get up and go. I’m also planning ahead for my meals today. I know what is low in points and I know I need to stay away from the vino. By planning I don’t sit down the next day and realize I’m out of points for the week.
In an effort to make up for last week and not get any further behind, I am going to continue trying to workout twice a day. Or at least have a second activity each day, like cleaning the house, walking the dog, or gardening. To help with the start of my Couch to 5k conditioning I am following the routine but instead of running I’m on the elliptical. Try it sometime. Keep a steady pace on the elliptical and when you’re supposed to be jogging intervals, ramp up the resistance and pick up your speed as if you were jogging. It’s a great workout!
So now I’m resting for a bit, and catching up on this blog and a few emails. But then its off to a meeting and weigh in. Look for posts on here from my sister who is training hard despite some mishaps.
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Starting From Scratch
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Oh how long it has been! I really had given up about halfway through Lent! I was done, running wasn’t my deal. The Wii fit would be my friend and exercise companion and all was right in the world.
Well then I moved downtown, and the weather got hotter and hotter! Despite the multiple trips I was now taking up and down the steps with boxes, the weight wasn’t coming off! In fact I was gaining more! I gave in to my mother’s urgings and joined Weight Watchers. The weight started to drop off, not fast but at a nice pace.
This isn't me. I would never wear anything like this, but I was getting a good size muffin top!
I was on track, and then I got off track! My birthday, a houseguest, and 3 busy weeks with events almost every night left me back where I had started with a little extra weight for good measure. I made the decision to get back on my program and change my meeting day. So this past Monday I went in to weigh and get some encouragement at a meeting. I was at 159.6 lbs!!! Thats’ all the weight back on plus 2 lbs!
If that wasn’t encouragement enough my sister called me on Sunday and asked if I would be interested in the Battleship Half Marathon this November! I must have been crazy because I agreed to do it and to run it! So by that night she had sent me a training schedule and I had enjoyed a quality amount of mimosas and red wine!
Monday morning I woke up and started my new mission. A healthy breakfast, followed by a 40 minute workout on the Wii, then a good lunch, and a healthy dinner. A few snacks throughout the day put me over my points, but I luckily had earned 2 activity points from the workout.
The schedule is this: 3 days a week of strength training and stretching, 3 days of interval training (walking then running then walking) and 1 day of rest. The first 2 weeks my interval training days are just me walking and then I’ll start in on the actual Couch to Half Marathon plan.
Because I haven’t worked out for some time, I’m adding in a little more to help with the weight loss and catching up to my sister who attends a spinning class twice a week in addition to other workouts.
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So Monday I took an extra 10 minute walk with my dog, and yesterday my walk was on the elliptical. Today I have started with another 20 minutes on the elliptical and will get in my strength training this evening after work.
So I invite you to follow along, make comments, and give support as I try to reach my goals!
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Day 8: Oh how the time flies…
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Go ahead, start chiding me, get on my back! I didn’t walk this past Thursday. It was raining, I had a rough morning, I just planned on having time later! So Friday came, then Saturday, then Sunday and I never got around to walking.
As I write this on a beautiful Monday here, I’m watching a group of nurses walking around the office complex. I’m sitting comfortably inside at my favorite coffee shop with a now cold cup of coffee and a small urge to maybe try a little workout at home later.
If it helps, I did try to get my Wii fit out on Saturday but couldn’t locate the disc to play on it. So another dollar goes in the pot and we’re up to $3.50! Ahh well as Scarlett always said “Tomorrow is another day” and I will have my alarm set and ready and hopefully Brewskeeball tonight will not impede on my schedule too much.
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Day 6: A renewed focus
I set my alarm for 5:45am. I was going to get up early and be at the park by 6:30… yeah I snoozed the alarm several times until 6:30. Waking reluctantly, I let Beanie out to take care of business, and fixed a large glass of water to help me wake up. Regretting not buying bananas while at the store over the weekend, I settled for my water and let Beanie back in.
He was wild. Turning in circles he urged me to move faster. Despite our week’s break he seemed to know that today was a walking day. I slowly pulled on my athletic gear, layering up for the early chill that I knew would soon burn off with the rising of the sun. I slowly tied my shoes, pulled my upside down hair into a clip and athletic headband, not worrying so much about it’s appearance, but more about not scaring my fellow exercisers on the path.
Beanie’s agitation grew with each step I took as I dragged myself out the door to face the brisk air. We loaded up and headed out, forgetting my gloves. Upon arrival at our favorite park, I knew I was going to want those gloves and more. I zipped up my sweatshirt, pulled my hood up, and buried my hands in my pockets. I would miss some added exercise by not swinging my arms, but I hoped that the rising sun would raise temps as my walk progressed.
We had our usual stilted start, Beanie bounding from bush, to tree, to trashcans. Finally he settled into the rhythm of the walk and trotted on. I tried to focus on nothing but the sound of my steps. Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. I had tied my right shoe a little loose but didn’t feel like stopping to fix it. I was clearing my mind, focusing on the repetition and trying to push out the concerns of the upcoming workday and other worries.
I read an article yesterday on WebMD that had led me to this new “Zen” mission. It was Blissing Out: 10 Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress On-the-Spot and I was determine that my walk would be my meditation for the day. Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. Beanie pulled on the leash, wanting to linger at the drop off for the doggie bags. I pushed on. My mind wandered, I brought it back. Relax your toes, relax your shins, Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak.
We were already around the back side of the park, I knew my pace was a little slow, so as I came to one of the gentle slopes up I pushed a little harder to speed up. I have never been one for speed walking. My aunt often complains when I walk with her about my slow pace. I enjoy the walk too much, she pushes to sweat, burn, and get done.
Focus Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. My calendar loomed in front of me (a calendar that is giving me problems with my blackberry right now) and I began to plan out my time working at the local coffee shop, and when I would have time to write this blog. Then I jumped to what time should I take lunch. I was not meditating.
Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. I cleared my mind, and before I knew it we had made the first loop. Beanie strained wanting to head up to the car, but I urged him on. I knew the second lap was hard for him, it was hard for me. I was going to start slowing down, my breathing would get more labored, I would most likely begin coughing towards the halfway point.
We got down the path and Beanie made several attempts to turn me back to the car. 4 times he turned 180 degrees and walked as far as the leash would allow. I reigned him in and locked the leash at a closer length until he gave in and dutifully trotted in front of me. We had reached the back side of the park again. I wasn’t meditating.
Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. Beanie’s bag dispenser slapped haphazardly against the leash. The roar of a bulldozer for a nearby road expansion came rolling into the park. I saw a bench up ahead. It looked like a cozy couch in my mind. I pushed on, picking up the pace despite my labored breathing. I began to wonder how many people ever actually just sat on that bench and enjoyed nature. I decided it got much more use as a stopping place to stretch, tie shoes, or check a pulse. No one sits on benches in parks anymore, except for old, slightly overweight white men, in political thrillers.
Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. We were easily halfway, I pushed on and pushed all thoughts but my pace out of my mind. The coughing began. I knew I should have taken my allergy pill before I left, but hindsight is always 20/20. I pushed on, letting the coughs come, but trying to not let them slow my pace. We neared the edge of the woods, and a waft of cigarette smoke caught me. I coughed some more and wondered who would want to smoke at a park. I had only seen people exercising like me, who combines that with the cancer sticks. I never did when I smoked.
I turned back to my shoes. Step, Squeak, Step, Squeak. Push on, almost there. Beanie decided to stop for one last gift to nature. We were almost there, the home stretch.
At last we finished, I deposited Beanie in the car and his present in one of the special receptacles placed around the path. I threw some trash away out of the car as I was near a trash can.
We had done it. We were both out of breath and wanting water and I hurried home to satisfy our thirst. It had been a good walk. I felt renewed in my goal to be starting Couch to 5K in another 2 1/2 weeks. I decided I should come out over the weekend and take a leisurely walk, maybe even check out the cross country trails in the park that beckoned me as I passed their trailhead markers.
Meditation, check minus. Sense of accomplishment, check plus.
Day 4 and 5: the loss of momentum
So no posts this week on walking because I haven’t been doing it. The pain in my side is actually a Gall Bladder issue that got worse before it got better. $2 in the till for missing the walk. Hoping to try again next Tuesday. Word on the street is that warmer weather is heading to town. I’ll believe it when I see and feel it. Meanwhile I’m hooking up to the Wii Fit and doing some gentle yoga.
Post Note: The Wii Fit never manifested itself. Will add it to a long list of things to do this weekend!
Day 2: Pushing through the pain
Today was not a good day for me. Having been slightly chilled the last time I walked I put on what I thought would be sufficient layers, not checking the weather report. I was frozen about halfway around the first loop.
As the cold increased so did the pain in my shins. I had not felt any soreness from the first day of walking until this point. But every step was getting more and more painful. As I rounded the back side of the park, and hit some downward slopes the pain increased.
I also began to feel pain in my side. Having recently had a ruptured cyst I was worried that I was overdoing it so soon.
By the time I reached the car after only one loop I was shuffling my feet and holding my side. So I made the decision to not complete a second loop despite my lenten discipline. So a $1 will be going into the box later today.
Let’s hope next week proves more productive.
