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.
Thanks for the tip, and I started following it. She's an inspiration, because I don't want to give up my pursuit of strength, either!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Juleske
You're making a convincing case for joining a running club here!
I think there's a tad bit more pressure on people in Florida to be in shape as it's so hot and humid, so there are more opportunities for the guys to go shirtless, and the women to wear tank tops. The guys here just love to show off, too, I notice.
Naive - I definitely don't want to lose 10 lbs. just to shave off 2 minutes! You know, hanging around the 9:15-9:40 mark is starting to look more and more appealing...
It's Friday, and since I'm off today, I've been a lazy sloth this morning. I am still in my pajamas, and haven't finished eating breakfast yet. It's also already 11:33 AM, according to my clock.
Since Wednesday, I've had DOMS in my forearms, of all places, LOL. It's because of the grip work I was doing then (military presses, inverted rows, swinging around on the monkey bars, and hanging leg raises). That means I gotta continue improving grip strength, then! I'll head to the park w/all the neat gym and monkey bars tonight and do an upper-body strength workout before I get in a 4-mile run.
I also have to stock up on more benadryl. These mosquitoes are just making a meal out of me every time I head outdoors. My legs are covered in bites, and I already miss wearing my shorts, even if it's only been a few days. And I also found out on the news last night that there may be rabid cats in the neighborhood I run on Sundays. Do you think they make lightweight Hazmat suits for runners?
Hmm, well I suppose if you forewent the Hazmat suit, the rabid cats might actually help you reach that goal of knocking 2 min off your time.
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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.
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.
I had forgotten how tiny you are! I did read it at the beginning of your log and then forgotten. At any rate, I support the nay to the fat loss. Especially since you're leery of getting to 100lbs and that extra few lbs at your height/weight won't equal faster race time.
I had forgotten how tiny you are! I did read it at the beginning of your log and then forgotten. At any rate, I support the nay to the fat loss. Especially since you're leery of getting to 100lbs and that extra few lbs at your height/weight won't equal faster race time.
*nods*
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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.
Even though I felt like utter crap this afternoon, headachy, lethargic and all, I finally got a 8:43/mile run this evening!! I don't know how it happened. All I know is that I warmed up with a mile jog, plus some pushups and swinging on the parallel bars, and was actually dreading the run. But I did it!!
That elation propelled me through the rest of the workout, which I finished off by doing my coach's plyo routine. After that, I headed home and called it a day since I heard thunder rumbling in the distance.
Unfortunately, now I have the sudden urge to snarf a sheet of cookie dough. But, whatever. Tomorrow is the 4th of July, where I'll get to watch the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, 1776, and of course, the fireworks that will be blown up by my house. The neighbors in the row of houses across the road from me have already started doing that!
We heard a few fireworks here tonight, which doesn't make any sense. Canada Day was Wednesday night, but I figure it's just someone setting off some that they had left over.
Weirder even is that we heard fireworks here too, over on the other side of the pond. We had something like "WTF?" since it's a rarity to ever hear it, outside the New Year's Eve fireworks and the days leading up to it.
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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.
Guys, thanks for the kudos on my run. I was starting to think that I'd forever be stuck at the 9 minute mark - silly of me, I know.
Today's a rest day, and I've spent most of the morning making food for next week: crockpot chicken with salsa, mini egg quiches, turkey meat loaf, and protein pancakes. I hate cooking, but I don't mind spending a few hours out of my weekend doing so to avoid it repeating it every day!
Plans for this Saturday: go to a cookout and eat like a pig, watch fireworks, and don't drink too much (because I have to wake up at 5 AM tomorrow).
Quote:
Originally Posted by realcdn
We heard a few fireworks here tonight, which doesn't make any sense. Canada Day was Wednesday night, but I figure it's just someone setting off some that they had left over.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Espi
Weirder even is that we heard fireworks here too, over on the other side of the pond. We had something like "WTF?" since it's a rarity to ever hear it, outside the New Year's Eve fireworks and the days leading up to it.
I think a lot of people will seize any opportunity they can to blow shit up. Still, it's funny how even in the Netherlands there were fireworks going off, too.
I've always been leery around firecrackers, even those little cherry bombs and sparklers freak me out. One of dh's uncles is missing part of his right-hand ring finger because of an accident w/sparklers he had as a teen.
While surfing through YouTube, I found this Sesame Street clip on how Thomas Jefferson was inspired to write the Declaration of Independence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXoXtoiAGXo
I don't think Grover actually helped in shaping it, but that's our history lesson for the day, LOL.
Exercise
Ran for 58:26 - Have no idea how many miles I covered, but since I was slow today, I guess 5.4 -5.5 miles.
Some foam roller work, mostly on the glutes, lower back and hams
Haven't been tracking my food. Gotta get back on the bandwagon tomorrow.
First things first, I woke up at 5 AM feeling dizzy, due to my right ear canal being clogged since yesterday afternoon. So no early morning run was in the pipeline today, and I slept in til 8 AM. Energy levels have been unsteady, and I suspect a lot of of it is due to those damned female issues... TOM started yesterday, and whenever that happens, it's hard for me to get a good night's sleep. That and my ear aren't exactly making me feel optimal and nice. I was rather grouchy this morning, too.
On the bright side, I downloaded a free 2-week membership to 24Hr Fitness, so I'll prolly go tomorrow. I'll definitely hang out in the weights section - I miss deadlifts!!!!
No real update from me here today, except that my energy levels took a nosedive (again) earlier. Between my clogged right ear and going on a field trip to the Everglades yesterday with a bunch of kids, I'm just wiped out. I didn't do any real exercise today, and it's just as well. I even tried doing a set of 10 pushups, and couldn't even finish that. I'm going to bed early tonight, and stare at the ceiling for a while before I doze off.
Yesterday's trip was really cool, though. I think I had more fun than the kids we took with us, LOL. We did a swamp buggy tour, and saw lots of gators, some water buffalo and wandered around the area for a bit. I also got to try alligator tail for the first time - the taste is quite bland, believe it or not. But the texture's... weird. Kinda like eating something that is ultra-dry and chewy. It's something I won't order again in the immediate future, that's for sure.
Tomorrow's my session with the running coach - wonder what wicked, evil stuff she plans on having us do then. Hmm....
Hopefully, I'll be in better spirits, too. I'm just too mentally and physically drained at the moment to do much.
You might want to check with UconnJulie.......I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to foam roll your lower back.
But one of the foam roller exercises suggested in the Perform Better cd-rom is rolling it on your lumbar region - back and forth from there to the mid-section of your back. However, I'll ask if it's not recommended to do so.
I'm just not sure.....I seem to recall Julie saying something about it in the past....and to use 2 tennis balls instead...on either side of the spine??
Exercise
Ran for 58:26 - Have no idea how many miles I covered, but since I was slow today, I guess 5.4 -5.5 miles.
Some foam roller work, mostly on the glutes, lower back and hams
Haven't been tracking my food. Gotta get back on the bandwagon tomorrow.
First things first, I woke up at 5 AM feeling dizzy, due to my right ear canal being clogged since yesterday afternoon. So no early morning run was in the pipeline today, and I slept in til 8 AM. Energy levels have been unsteady, and I suspect a lot of of it is due to those damned female issues... TOM started yesterday, and whenever that happens, it's hard for me to get a good night's sleep. That and my ear aren't exactly making me feel optimal and nice. I was rather grouchy this morning, too.
On the bright side, I downloaded a free 2-week membership to 24Hr Fitness, so I'll prolly go tomorrow. I'll definitely hang out in the weights section - I miss deadlifts!!!!
Sorry about your clogged ear! A couple of months ago I wound up with some impacted earwax in my right ear. It wasn't too painful, but it bugged me enough and I didn't want to risk getting an ear infection, so I finally went to my PCP to have it removed (my attempts with a water-filled syringe didn't take). Sucked to pay the "outpatient surgery" fee that my insurance didn't cover, but I was glad to get it done.
And I hear you on TOM woes. Like I said on my log a while back, sometimes it sucks to be a woman.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYC_Native
But one of the foam roller exercises suggested in the Perform Better cd-rom is rolling it on your lumbar region - back and forth from there to the mid-section of your back. However, I'll ask if it's not recommended to do so.
Hmm, my DVD has a lumbar roll, too. I also hadn't heard that it may not be recommended to foam roll the lower back. It's felt good when I do it, but I also have tennis balls so I could easily switch.
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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.
Weighing in on the foam rolling the lower back thing at Jane's request ...
In GENERAL for most women I avoid it. Many women are already hyperlordotic (ie swaybacked or in an anterior pelvic tilt) and rolling the muscles over a foam roll can certainly exaggerate that. In this case, since it's important to release those muscles (insertion of the lumbar extensors, and quadratus, and even upper glutes) I like to use a lacrosse or tennis ball (against a wall if needed).
There are several instances where I actually encourage foam rolling the lower back ...
1. Someone with virtually no lordosis. The office geek with the flat lower back and no butt. In addition to lumbar extension exercises, I will let them foam roll the lower back.
2. Someone with very good body awareness who is able to get into and maintain a posterior pelvic tilt while foam rolling the lower back. (For example I roll my back all the time, but I am careful to posterior pelvic tilt and really squeeze to maintain the entire time).
I think I have the Perform Better DVD, but haven't watched it. Just found it, so I'll watch and report back my opinion on their recommendations.
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
IF you are going to foam roll your lower back because you feel you have good body awareness especially related to your pelvic positioning, then I'd do it like this:
1. Start by sitting on the foam roll and leaning back so your hands are on the floor. You are essentially in a "crab walk" position with your butt on the foam roll.
2. Posterior pelvic tilt. Focus on really pulling your pubic bone up toward your ribcage and holding it there, while still breathing.
3. With your feet, draw your butt down over the roll and let the roll travel up your back to your mid-back (just below your bra-line). Use your arms to support some of the weight, and keep your focus on the posterior pelvic tilt. Do not let your butt sag over the other side of the roll. Reverse direction, stopping at the top of your butt where it meets your lower back. Repeat 10-15 rolls.
Otherwise, just get in there with a lacrosse ball or tennis ball ... I like this for really specific triggers in localized areas.
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
Julie, thanks for clarifying that. However, now I'm beginning to wonder about the rest of the Perform Better foam roller demos... I guess in this case, being a slothful office geek proved to be an advantage, as I don't have much of a butt, either. I'll also try the lower-back roll, but with a tennis ball against the wall. I never thought about doing that.
I did show up to my coaching session earlier tonight, even though I didn't want to. It wasn't painful, even though the workout sounds like a lot: 1.5 mile tempo run as warm-up, plyo work, then 8 hill sprints, and pushups in different variations (regular, wide-stance and diamond). The sprints are coming along more easily. Guess all that time doing HIIT paid off.
I haven't been tracking my food intake like I said I would at the beginning of the week. I've been too indifferent and tired to do so.
Energy levels are kind of picking up again, coinciding with the tapering off of TOM. However, my issue w/the clogged right ear definitely needs a doctor's visit. Oh joy.
I also found the info helpful! I do have a butt, so I should probably stick with tennis ball against the wall.
Sorry the clogged ear requires a doc visit. But it's better to get it taken care of before it turns into something nasty rather than just annoying.
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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 made it to the doc's today, and he confirmed that yes, I do have an ear infection. So he sent me off w/a prescription for antibiotics, and Zyrtec-D. No big deal, but it's so frakkin' annoying. Since today is my day off, I indulged in a mini pity party after the pharmacy trip at Chipotle, and treated myself to extra guacamole and cheese with my veggie bowl. Then I took an hour-long nap.
The good news is that I finally dragged my ass to the nearest gym earlier this evening, and am now a member of 24Hr Fitness. It's the gym closest to my house and overall, it's ok, though it could be a bit more spacious. However, my membership also gives me access to other 24Hr Fitness locations throughout the US. Good deal!
Since I got my blood pressure and heartbeat checked out while at the doctor's, here are my #'s:
BP - 107/73
Resting heartrate- 60bpm
Them are pretty good numbers, I'll say.
My workout today was very dismal because I'm still feeling "meh," but at least I hung out in the weight room. I also couldn't do much in the way of balance/stability exercise because of my ear thingie.
Exercise
All 2x8, except for planks
Front squat/push press - unloaded Olympic barbell
Step-ups - bodyweight
Seated row - 75 lbs.
Plank - 75 secs.
Cable horizontal woodchops - 20 lbs.
5 minutes on the rowing machine
Now I'm waiting for the decongestant and antibiotics to work their magic. I'm going to eat dinner in a little bit, and see if I'm up to bulk-cooking for next week, too. Also, I have to remind myself to consume more kefir to counteract the antibiotics' effect on the body.
That membership will stand you in good stead at the Summit, if you go and it's still held in Kansas City, Mo next year. A group of us ventured in a horrendous storm to go work out.
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Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
People from this board have a yearly get together, usually with speakers. This year's Summit in May was held in Kansas City, MO with the following presenters: Lou Schuler, Alan Aragon, and Jamie Hale. Leigh Peele was slated but ultimately unable to attend. Past that it was basically an excuse to hang out with every one, go to dinner together, party and sometimes even workout. Ninja was our able organizer, transporter and host - selecting restaurants, the hotel and setting up an outing to a Royals game. An awesome time to be sure - looking forward to next year's edition.
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Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Also, I have to remind myself to consume more kefir to counteract the antibiotics' effect on the body.
Yes, up the kefir! Can't remember where I found it, but as I was browsing about kefir I found one anecdotal story about someone who kicked off the flu in about three days, I think, using kefir. Love it!
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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 on day 3 of the antibiotics + decongestant treatment, and there hasn't been a huge change in my ear. One of my friends told me of a natural remedy for ear infections: open a capsule of garlic oil and pour it into the affected ear, then stuff it with a cotton ball. Let it sit there for a few hrs. and then rinse out w/hydrogen peroxide. But I really hope the meds work - I'm sick of hearing this ringing out of my right ear, and generally feeling blah.
Yesterday I wallowed in more self-pity and ate a mound of chocolate chip cookies, plus corn and pancakes. I immediately felt weird after eating all those carbs, but this morning I'm feeling more alert. Go figure.
Scribess - The kefir better do something for me, that is all I'm asking for! But I know for a fact it is already - my tummy hasn't revolted against the antibiotics yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stingo
That membership will stand you in good stead at the Summit, if you go and it's still held in Kansas City, Mo next year. A group of us ventured in a horrendous storm to go work out.
That is wonderful to hear. I'd love to make it to next year's Summit. Hanging out, drinking beer and partying - that's my idea of a great meetup. With the occasional workout sandwiched thrown in somewhere, of course. The only 24Hr Fitness locations I can't use my membership at are the Ultra Sports ones.
Gah.. don't even THINK of doing that with the oil. Hydrogen peroxide is very toxic/harmful and your ears far far too sensitive to be even thinking about first letting possibly contaminated garlic oil go inside and then rinsing it.
Take generic probiotics & if you want prebiotics like kefir is good too..
As for the food.. it was good for the soul and now you feel better too, and who knows it's going to be easier to drop some wt (that was the purpose right?)
BTW, am dreaming to come to the Summit one day , it must be a great time.. (even though I tend to be anti-social at times = don't feel comfortable in groups)
Gah.. don't even THINK of doing that with the oil. Hydrogen peroxide is very toxic/harmful and your ears far far too sensitive to be even thinking about first letting possibly contaminated garlic oil go inside and then rinsing it.
Take generic probiotics & if you want prebiotics like kefir is good too..
As for the food.. it was good for the soul and now you feel better too, and who knows it's going to be easier to drop some wt (that was the purpose right?)
BTW, am dreaming to come to the Summit one day , it must be a great time.. (even though I tend to be anti-social at times = don't feel comfortable in groups)
Oh shit, I didn't know that about the hydrogen peroxide and the garlic oil. Thanks for letting me know about that. I was going to stick w/the doctor's instructions anyhow and just take my meds (and avoid the pool/ocean), but I might've resorted to this "remedy" somewhere down the line and made things worse. I'll try to be patient. And besides, I love kefir. The fact that they have health benefits is a huge boost to my spirits.
I actually decided I'm going to stick w/maintenance and not try to drop any fat/weight, LOL. This was before I got the sickies - I figured it would just create more stress for me, and not enhance my running performance. And since I was able to run a mile at 8:43 over a week ago (finally), it confirmed my decision.
Funny how the carb-loading always makes me feel kind of... queasy immediately afterward. I notice that it feels so good while I'm chowing down on them, then I feel bloated and weird, and about 12 hrs. later, I feel stellar, like nothing happened. Those chocolate chip cookies, in particular, were worth all this since they were homemade.
And I also found out on the news last night that there may be rabid cats in the neighborhood I run on Sundays. Do you think they make lightweight Hazmat suits for runners?
I don't know how it happened. All I know is that I warmed up with a mile jog, plus some pushups and swinging on the parallel bars, and was actually dreading the run. But I did it!! 
I was starting to think that I'd forever be stuck at the 9 minute mark - silly of me, I know. 
But it's better to get it taken care of before it turns into something nasty rather than just annoying.
So he sent me off w/a prescription for antibiotics, and Zyrtec-D. No big deal, but it's so frakkin' annoying. Since today is my day off, I indulged in a mini pity party after the pharmacy trip at Chipotle, and treated myself to extra guacamole and cheese with my veggie bowl. Then I took an hour-long nap. 
Linear Mode
