Exercise
5 mile run at local park. Completed it in 53:52.
Stretching
1 - 45-second prone cobra
Temps here were in the upper 80s, but it felt like 95 degrees. No wonder my running has been slow-going! What helped is that today, I finally took my hydration belt with me. That really helped - I was able to stop and sip water during the session.
Food intake was all over the place today. Part of my post-run eats included a small piece of red velvet cake. :P My protein intake hasn't been bad, but it's not optimal. Maybe a protein shake is in the pipeline in my very immediate future.
Energy levels: Not so bad today. Let's see how this week shapes up for me!
Eats
M1: 2 hardboiled med. eggs; 1 light pork sausage link; 1 Kashi GoLean waffle w/maple syrup; 3 cups of coffee w/milk
M2: South Beach protein bar
M3: 1/2 chicken breast; 1 cup spinach and mushrooms; sprinkle of goat cheese; 5 pcs. walnuts
M4: Nectarine; soy protein smoothie w/1 cup almond milk
M5: Eggplant parm; 1/2 cup whole-wheat penne
Energy Levels
All over the place. There isn't enough caffeine in my world. Or sleep.
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The temps here in south Florida felt like they were 105 F, and as such, the weather advisories told people to avoid outdoor activities whenever they could. Glad that today didn't have a scheduled run, then.
The yoga earlier tonight felt really good - since I'm not very flexible or coordinated, getting a chance to work on those areas is always welcome. So far, I'm enjoying this rest week. I forget how nice it can be to change my routine. Not every exercise session has to involve exertion and a free-floating feeling of .... pain. :P Sometimes, exercise can be fun AND relaxing. Go figure!
I forgot to mention that while I ran at the local park yesterday, I saw a father making his overweight son (probably by 30 lbs., at least) run hill sprints in the sweltering heat. That is just so friggin' awful, in my opinion. First of all, I don't think the kid is ready for such intense work (he looked bright red, and was huffing - just generally miserable) because of his weight, and more importantly, it was simply too hot to engage in that kind of exercise. Terrible. I wish I'd said something to the father, but how could I have approached it? *sigh*
I'd comment that maybe you could have more protein, like have the equivalent of 1 chicken breast with each meal. However, my intake today has been lower than optimal as well.
That's sad about father and son. When a kid's that overweight, I'm sure small dietary changes and just going for walks every day would do the trick to lose some weight!
Yeah, it's always hard to know what to do in those types of situations. You know the parent has the kid's best interest at heart, but they're going about it the wrong way. On the other hand, is that kid going to get any sort of exercise if his parents don't make him? Still, there has to be a better approach.
Your story reminds me of when, a couple of months ago, I saw a mother in line at Wal-Mart give her 2 y-o daughter a full-size Hershey bar. The girl consumed half of it while I waited in line behind them, and the mother made no move to take any of it from her. I wanted to smack the candy out of the girl's hands and tell the mother she was setting up her daughter for a world of health and food problems.
__________________
They call me Amanda, that being my real name, and "They" being people who know me in person as I don't go around introducing myself in real life as "scribess." 'Cause that would just be strange.
I forgot to mention that while I ran at the local park yesterday, I saw a father making his overweight son (probably by 30 lbs., at least) run hill sprints in the sweltering heat. That is just so friggin' awful, in my opinion. First of all, I don't think the kid is ready for such intense work (he looked bright red, and was huffing - just generally miserable) because of his weight, and more importantly, it was simply too hot to engage in that kind of exercise. Terrible. I wish I'd said something to the father, but how could I have approached it? *sigh*
It was 104 here in Texas and the football coach had my son start the 2 hour practice by running 2 miles. It can be hard for me to trust a coach with the safety of my child at times. I give it to the coach though, he runs and does everything with them. But, my son is a little heavy and out of shape. I don't let him know that I worry a little about him.
__________________
Peaches
The journey to health and fitness
Should be taken
Because you love yourself,
Not because you hate your body
Exercise 60 minutes - bellydance class (warm-up, choreography and cool-down)
Eats
M1: 1 med. hardboiled egg; 2 tbsp hummus; 1 slice Ezekiel bread; 1/2 cup cottage cheese
M2: South Beach peanut butter protein bar
M3: Eggplant parm; 1/2 chicken breast; 1/2 cup whole wheat penne
M4: Banana; 1 packet cheese crackers
M5: Chili; 1/2 cup jasmine rice; 1 scoop whey protein powder w/water.
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Instead of running like I was supposed to today, I went to bellydance class immediately after work. While I don't count it as a "real" workout (My heart rate hardly elevates during class, and the moves are fairly low-impact), I was in a social mood tonight, and going on a solitary 4 mile run kinda seemed like a downer.
Re: the protein intake, I guess increasing certain portions will help. I think what had happened is that I got so burnt out on eating protein, protein and more protein that I just started taking it back a few notches... Didn't see too much of a difference in body composition, and the protein-downturn coincided with me wrapping up NROLFW, so that worked out. However, if I get serious about lifting again (and if I join a gym, I will definitely do so - I miss barbells!!), I'll really have to become diligent there again. Even if it means eating another danged chicken breast, yuck.
Naive & Scribes - I think when you're a parent trying to encourage your kid to get more physical activity, it should be done in a fun manner, and not in the way that dad did in the park. And I was concerned because it was exceptionally hot on Sunday, and the father didn't seem to have water bottles with him (granted, there are fountains in the park, but still, even my running coach provides us Gatorade at the end of our workout sessions). There has to be a better way. And sheesh, that mom at the store encouraging her 2-yr-old to eat that Hershey bar, that's quite sad.
Peaches - I don't know how you moms do it, because, if I had a son, I'd still worry about my kid endlessly even though I'd also allow him to play football or do some other form of sports. But as long as the coach knows what he's doing, and he looks out for the well-being of his team, I think your son will be fine.
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Fun stuff of the day - I came across this clip: powerlifting a cat! My goodness, if I tried doing any exercise w/my cat, he'd have a total shit-fit and scratch me up so bad, LOL.
Fun stuff of the day - I came across this clip: powerlifting a cat! My goodness, if I tried doing any exercise w/my cat, he'd have a total shit-fit and scratch me up so bad, LOL.
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Fun stuff of the day - I came across this clip: powerlifting a cat! My goodness, if I tried doing any exercise w/my cat, he'd have a total shit-fit and scratch me up so bad, LOL.
I've been thinking off-and-on about getting a cat (I generally prefer dogs, but cats are lower-maintenance). I can just envision how my trip to the adoption agency/shelter would go:
Agency/shelter rep: *Looking over my paperwork* And why are you interested in getting a cat?
Me: Oh, you know. The typical reasons. Companionship. Powerlifting.
Rep: Um, pardon?
Me: Powerlifting. *Points to back* Need to strengthen my back. How heavy do your cats get?
Rep: *Shoves paperwork back at me* I'm sorry, I don't think we can accommodate you at this time. Now please leave before I decide to call PETA.
Yeah. People are weird.
__________________
They call me Amanda, that being my real name, and "They" being people who know me in person as I don't go around introducing myself in real life as "scribess." 'Cause that would just be strange.
Agency/shelter rep: *Looking over my paperwork* And why are you interested in getting a cat?
Me: Oh, you know. The typical reasons. Companionship. Powerlifting.
Rep: Um, pardon?
Me: Powerlifting. *Points to back* Need to strengthen my back. How heavy do your cats get?
Too too funny!!
I have lifted my cat before - the other day someone said she looked 'solid' - last time we weighed her she was 12lbs but I think she's lost a bit of weight since then, she doesn't look quite as hefty. I remember when I could pick her up with one hand!
Exercise
1 hour session with the running coach, which consisted of:
-1.5 mile warm-up run
-Plyo: Running w/knees to abs; butt-kicks; leaps; skips; single-legged hops; duck walks (these are like ass-to-grass squats, and you remain in the squat while you "walk" - this is a real quad-killer!)
-Circuit: Sprint up hill; at top, 10 pushups; run fast to bottom of hill; 10 inverted rows or pullups; sprint up hill again; 10 pushups; run down hill; 20 ab curls. Repeat 4-6 times.
I was able to do the circuit 6 times, so I was satisfied. My pushups are improving - even after all that running, I was able to pump them out. I'm even happier to report that my sprinting was actual sprinting, and that I'm getting more accustomed to hills.
Eats
M1: 1/2 cup Kashi cereal w/milk; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup blueberries; lots of coffee
M2: South Beach protein bar
M3: Cup of turkey chili w/rice and broccoli; a Buffalo chicken wing (courtesy of a co-worker)
M4: Small slice of pizza
M5: Oikos Greek yogurt
M6: Protein drink; 1/2 chicken breast w/1 cup spinach; 1/3 cup whole wheat penne; scattering of goat cheese; a few walnuts
Energy Levels
Awful during the day, but once I got to the park, I was fine.
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I think the biggest challenge in exercising with a cat is, well, the fact that a lot of them will not hesitate to gouge your eyes out if you try to pull that crap with them. My orange tabby is only 12 lbs., but he has a long torso, and a really bad attitude, LOL. I remember that when he was a small kitten, it would still be a challenge to hold him because he'd just get all wriggly and combative. What a fighter. (Yes, I am a bona-fide crazy cat lady who likes that behavior in a feline.)
And I just found out today that one of dh's cousins is running in the Badwater Ultramarathon!!! Even more importantly, he's doing it to raise money for Project Hospitality. That charity has been very near and dear to dh's family for a long time (his grandma still sits on their board of directors), so I am definitely giving my support. And dh's cousin himself is pretty cool - he's a mild-mannered classical pianist by day, and a bad-ass ultrarunner by night, LOL. He was even profiled on Runner's World's website a few months ago, too.
Nice work on the circuit! And very cool about your cousin.
__________________
They call me Amanda, that being my real name, and "They" being people who know me in person as I don't go around introducing myself in real life as "scribess." 'Cause that would just be strange.
Exercise
4-mile run; didn't keep track of time but I presume it was around a 10 min/mile pace
Eats
M1: 1 hardboiled egg; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup blueberries; coffee
M2: Guava-filled pastry; slice of Cuban bread
M3: Eggplant parm; spinach (don't know amount); South Beach protein bar
M4: Nectarine; small wedge of Laughing Cow cheese
M5: Post-workout protein smoothie
M6: Chili; broccoli; hummus
Energy Levels
I actually had to take a nap in the break room during lunch. Not so hot, in other words. But it got better as the day wore on.
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Food would've been totally squeaky-clean had I not eaten a really flaky and tasty guava pastry that one of my co-workers brought with her today. She stopped by a Cuban bakery and got that, plus Cuban bread (which I can eat a whole loaf of in one sitting, left to my own devices). I hate to say this, but lard really does make a lot of things taste really good, and that includes bread.
Tonight I met up with the running club for my usual Thursday nite 4-mile loop. Despite the heat and humidity, I felt exhilarated throughout the run, even though I'm quite sure I was doing a middling cadence. Someone was gracious enough to set up a water station at the mid-point - that made a huge difference in run quality, too.
I also found out from one of my BIL's that I'm going to be an aunt again!!! He called me this afternoon and said in a very serious tone, "You know, you're on the short list to be a godmother to a second kid now." But I had absolutely no idea what he meant by that, so finally, he just had to blurt out that his wife is expecting, LOL. I'm someone who totally cannot read between the lines sometimes.
Fun stuff of the day - I came across this clip: powerlifting a cat! My goodness, if I tried doing any exercise w/my cat, he'd have a total shit-fit and scratch me up so bad, LOL.
There would definitely be blood here. I'm not looking forward to the vet's visit in a couple of weeks. I had to move the carry cage today and I had barely touched it and the little one did a belly crawl down the stairs.
__________________
They call me Amanda, that being my real name, and "They" being people who know me in person as I don't go around introducing myself in real life as "scribess." 'Cause that would just be strange.
I'm off today, which is great because I get to do what I want, technically-speaking. I got in extra sleep - always a plus!
Yesterday, I got mail from Disney for their Endurance Event series. While I was kind of thinking about entering their Race for the Taste 2009 (after doing a 10K, you can pig out at their food and wine festival), the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K in Oct. sounds like it's really up my alley. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and it'll almost coincide with that. I can run in costume, it's a night race, and there's a party afterward. Riding the Tower of Terror after-hours as a reward for the race sounds like a great plan!
Anne, my cat acts the same way when it comes to the vet. And the sad thing is, he wasn't always like that. But what happened is that last year, when dh and I were living temporarily in Texas, we had to take him to an entirely brand-new vet, and one of his technicians totally mishandled the microchipping procedure and poked our cat 4 TIMES with a huge needle. Of course, our kitty flipped out and had to be sedated. So now, whenever I take Pumpkin Puss to the vet, he gets extremely hostile and combative.
I have got to get caught up with saying hello and commenting on everyone's logs (not to mention updating my own)...I've been doing quick reads but busy and haven't posted.
But your Twilight Zone Tower of Terror run comment caught my eye. I'm a huge Disney fan and that is my #1 fav ride! Just looked at race info, sounds too cool. Brooks (my son) and I will be there that weekend, but only Thursday until Sunday am.
All the cat stuff pretty funny too. Bijou would take out y eyes if I tried.
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Instead of running like I was supposed to today, I went to bellydance class immediately after work. While I don't count it as a "real" workout (My heart rate hardly elevates during class, and the moves are fairly low-impact), I was in a social mood tonight, and going on a solitary 4 mile run kinda seemed like a downer.
I tried bellydancing for a month one time. I provided me with so much entertainment. Anytime I wanted to get a good laugh, I would practice the walk. I looked like a drunk trying to walk a straight line. It was so funny.
__________________
Peaches
The journey to health and fitness
Should be taken
Because you love yourself,
Not because you hate your body
My foam roller arrived today!!! I fussed around with it for a few minutes, but haven't yet fully introduced myself to it. I'll have to look at the introductory dvd that came with the roller, as well as look for a guide online. Still, it's perfect that it came in time for tomorrow, which is a rest day for me. I'll roll and roll and roll...
Also decided earlier that I should fine-tune two kettlebell moves that have left me flustered and befuddled: the Turkish getup, and cleans. Even though I took a break from most strength work this week, I figured I was feeling fine enough to do a few sets of each tonight. I'm still mystified by cleans, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of TGU's.
Scribess - Thanks for the congrats. And I could've snarfed down more of those danged guava pastries. They were all flaky, guava-y goodness, and went well with my coffee. Thank goodness my coworkers intervened and inhaled the rest.
Kim - I really want to enter the Tower of Terror 13K, but the thing is, my dh should be returning to the US for R&R sometime in October, and his exact dates until September. Oct. 24th might be the day he returns to the sandbox. But we'll see. And it'd be awesome meet ya in Orlando.
Peaches - Know what you mean about those bellydance walking moves. I still can't shimmy AND walk at the same time without looking like a moron. My instructor makes it seem so easy. But the hip thrusts and circles aren't bad, and I find myself doing the hip circles in non-bellydance settings, mostly as a warmup before running.
Having a pleasant weekend so far. I did foam roller work yesterday, focusing mostly on my back and hamstrings. I'm officially a foam roller convert now, LOL. It does hurt a lot, especially on the lower back, but I feel super afterward!
I'm also glad to report that I finally made it to a group long run early this morning. It made such a difference running at 6:30 AM as opposed to in the late afternoon - it isn't as hot and humid, and I didn't feel like I was going to collapse into a puddly mess. I logged 8 miles, which is 2 more than I thought I would do earlier. Bumping up my mileage is a continuous struggle, and it was effortless to do so today. Wish that could be the case all the time.
All this talk of foam rolling is making me want to try it. There are rollers at my gym but I need to find an online guide to get me started.
It's reported that we're having a heatwave here in the UK (land o' miserable weather) with temperatures rising to 33˚C/91.5˚F and I think of you running in similar temps. I gonna have to take a break from running!
It would be great if you could do the Tower of Terror 13K - getting to go on the ride afterwards would be so much fun!
Having a pleasant weekend so far. I did foam roller work yesterday, focusing mostly on my back and hamstrings. I'm officially a foam roller convert now, LOL. It does hurt a lot, especially on the lower back, but I feel super afterward!
Yay, another convert!
__________________
They call me Amanda, that being my real name, and "They" being people who know me in person as I don't go around introducing myself in real life as "scribess." 'Cause that would just be strange.
I certainly understand prioritizing your hubby's return (which I hope is for a nice long bit of R&R)! But if the Disney run thing works out let me kow. We'll be leaving that morning, but would be thrilled to put a real face to the name if possible maybe on Saturday.
Did you get a long foam roller. I'm really regretting buying the 12" short one. It works, but think the longer one would be better. And love that yours came with a video. I've watched a few youtube ones to get an idea, and have an ebook. But a DVD would have been a nice add. I need to be more regular about using mine. On the advice of my doctor and massage therapist, I've also been rolling my IT band/outer thigh with a rolling pin...kinda like those roller sticks I see on running sites, but with handy kitchen tools (that do not get any other real use in my kitchen)
I went down to Miami for job training today, and met w/my counterpart in that location's office. Don't know if it was really worth the long drive, but hey, I got a nice lunch at a nearby cafe out of it.
Workout today was hardly arduous: it was a few sets of pushups, leg curls, squats and planks. However, I need to slow it down on the reps, since I'm mostly doing bodyweight stuff now. I have a tendency to just steamroll through my strength workouts because I want to get it out of the way.
Food today and over this past weekend was sketchy - nothing over-the-top bad, though I did have buttered popcorn and chocolate cake for dinner on Saturday nite... and not much else before then that day. I'm snacking on cherries right now to get in some nutrients, but I know that doesn't quite make up for eating transgressions, either.
And it's really summer down here in the Sunshine State. I got 5 mosquito bites, 2 of them on my right leg. Unfortunately, I also got an allergic reaction to those, so my leg is partially swollen. I'm taking a benadryl tablet in a few minutes to treat it. Ugh!
Quote:
Originally Posted by poppypixie
All this talk of foam rolling is making me want to try it. There are rollers at my gym but I need to find an online guide to get me started.
You know, I feel silly for being a little skeptical about the foam roller, because after using it a few days ago, I felt so much better after the fact. Even one of the runners I met at the meetup yesterday raved about his, LOL. And if you want a starting point for it, here's a worksheet that I'm using to help me maximize my roller usage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimikaw
I certainly understand prioritizing your hubby's return (which I hope is for a nice long bit of R&R)! But if the Disney run thing works out let me kow.
Did you get a long foam roller
I'll definitely let you know what my Tower of Terror 13K plans eventually amount to, because it would be cool to meet a fellow JP'er in person. And yup, I got the long roller, or at least the 3' one, because I needed it for my back. Definitely get the long one. It's not expensive at all, and soooo worth it!
Exercise
Running - 9:24/mile pace. Total mileage: 2.36
Eats
M1: 2 mini egg quiches; 1/2 Luna chocolate/pb bar, coffee
M2: South Beach protein bar
M3: Turkey chili, jambalaya w/a few pcs. of turkey sausage
M4: South Beach protein bar (I'm noticing a trend here, LOL)
M5: Protein smoothie; 2 pesto-parmesan crackers w/1 slice honey ham
M6: Ratatouille, 1/2 chicken breast
I finally began addressing my protein-problem by bulk-cooking breakfast over the weekend. Breakfast is one of those meals I want to totally skip, unless I happen to be in a New Jersey diner and have access to Taylor ham. I made a batch of cottage cheese pancakes, and mini egg quiches (using my muffin pans), packed w/spinach and mushrooms. I'm still working on the texture issue - they came out a bit too chewy this time around - but they are pretty good. I'll post the recipe if anyone's interested.
Workout was abbreviated tonight because of the rain. I actually ditched bellydance class so that I could run instead. But at the 20-minute mark, I decided to call it a day because the raindrops were becoming fatter and more frequent. Plus, I become chicken when I hear thunder.
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I've been thinking about my running performance and body fat percentage recently. I'm wondering if I should get into fat-loss mode again, because it may help me in running faster.
I notice that the swift guys and gals at my meets are low in the bf % - they have six-pack abs and all. I'm not envious of the women, since their upper bodies aren't as nicely developed, but I keep looking at the guys. It's obvious that some of the male runners are into lifting weights. Their arms, chests and shoulders are too chiseled to happen upon by accident. I'm not even checking them out because they're hot or anything, but they probably think I'm doing that.
So... I dunno. I'm happy at my current weight, and even if I'm a bit soft at my current body fat percentage, I'm content w/my appearance. But what if it's holding me back from taking things to the next level? Any thoughts?
No thoughts on getting to the next level, but have you checked out Wendy's log. She's very much into the running and often muses about the fact that she still definitely likes to lift.
Tuesday, 6/30/09
I notice that the swift guys and gals at my meets are low in the bf % - they have six-pack abs and all. I'm not envious of the women, since their upper bodies aren't as nicely developed, but I keep looking at the guys. It's obvious that some of the male runners are into lifting weights. Their arms, chests and shoulders are too chiseled to happen upon by accident. I'm not even checking them out because they're hot or anything, but they probably think I'm doing that.
You're making a convincing case for joining a running club here!
I've been thinking about my running performance and body fat percentage recently. I'm wondering if I should get into fat-loss mode again, because it may help me in running faster.
I notice that the swift guys and gals at my meets are low in the bf % - they have six-pack abs and all. I'm not envious of the women, since their upper bodies aren't as nicely developed, but I keep looking at the guys. It's obvious that some of the male runners are into lifting weights. Their arms, chests and shoulders are too chiseled to happen upon by accident. I'm not even checking them out because they're hot or anything, but they probably think I'm doing that.
So... I dunno. I'm happy at my current weight, and even if I'm a bit soft at my current body fat percentage, I'm content w/my appearance. But what if it's holding me back from taking things to the next level? Any thoughts?
I think if you're happy at your current weight, then you should keep on training at that weight. Or what I'm trying to say is train to see how fast you can go at that weight. If I remember correctly, you just got back into running when you started this log? The thing with running and fatloss is that you have to shift running into maintaining mode with fatloss, not "decrease my race time". Plus it's also looking at how much weight you would have to lose to actually affect race times by a significant amount. What if a 10lb loss meant only 2 minutes faster at your race? That's a lot of effort to go through just to shave 2 minutes off..........Just my thoughts, I went through the same dilemma....and right now my running has suffered for the sake of my vanity.
I made it through tonight's coaching meet, which was more cardio-intensive than previous workouts. We did interval circuits around a track - running fast on the long portions, and slowing down on the short ones. As much as I hate intervals, there's something inside me that relishes them, because that is my strong suit. My timing going around the first 2 loops of the track was 3:50. On the last 2 loops, it went down to 3:34. I couldn't believe it, but I finished strong and was even told by one of the women there, "dang, you're fast." Still can't believe I'm "fast" though.
I think I could've been a bit sprintier if I hadn't done an upper-body workout just a few minutes before then, but whatever. I got in some inverted rows, and played on the monkey bars for a while. I also did military presses w/the 26-lb kettlebell at my house after the whole session was done.
Still thinking about the fat-loss stuff, but I'm leaning more towards a "nay" for now. I should really focus on improving my endurance, plus getting my protein intake to good levels on a daily basis.
The other reason why I'm reluctant to do fat loss at this point is that I already think I'm a lightweight. I weigh 105 lbs. soaking wet, with a brick in each hand, LOL. And, while I don't relish being overweight, I just get leery when I'm close to the 100 lb. mark. It makes me feel uncomfortable, because it just seems like it's crossing over to weak-and-infirm territory. It may sound weird to you guys, but I can't help it.
My goodness, if I tried doing any exercise w/my cat, he'd have a total shit-fit and scratch me up so bad, LOL.
(Yes, I am a bona-fide crazy cat lady who likes that behavior in a feline.) 
Of course, our kitty flipped out and had to be sedated. So now, whenever I take Pumpkin Puss to the vet, he gets extremely hostile and combative.
I couldn't believe it, but I finished strong and was even told by one of the women there, "dang, you're fast." Still can't believe I'm "fast" though. 
Linear Mode
