I've been getting all my Reading Challenge posts ready when I started toying with the idea of doing some kind of Health & Fitness journal slash blog, but am not really sure yet. I'll probably just keep posting here in a book, running, recipe pattern that keeps repeating.
In Fitness Challenge news, orannia and I have made an unofficial, but I think honest commitment to train for a triathlon in 2011. *High five!* Unfortunately, we won't be doing the actual triathlon together because we live on opposite sides of the planet, but we'll be virtual training partners. I know 2011 sounds so far away, but I'm going to need some time to train for it, especially the swimming part. Definitely a weakness. I can certainly swim... just not with great form or technique. In addition, I'm going to need the extended training period because the recent decline of my father-in-law's health now requires more intense, round the clock care for him, which is going to restrict the time I can spend exercising outside the home.
In the meantime, I'm continuing with the running and other cardio classes at the gym, although my long time standing routine of working out weekday mornings at the gym between 9-11 am is going to have to shift to 6-7 am. Truth be told, it's not really my thing to get up at 5:30 am to workout. I'm more of a night owl than an early bird. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do if she wants to be fit, be healthy, and feel good. And if she wants to improve her running times in races. And if she wants to climb those hills on her bike. And if she wants to do a triathlon in 2011.
My running class instructor, who has also become a friend to me over the last several months, offered to go running with me this morning at 6 am because she knew I wouldn't be able to make her beloved running class anymore. Isn't that so nice of her? I mean really. Who else would offer to go running with you at 5:30 am in the pitch black, 21 F winter weather? How could I say no?
So we ran 3 miles at my pace and finished in 35 minutes, which is pretty much my standard pace, but I know it was totally like a stroll in the park for her. I saw her stats. She ran the 5K last Friday at a 7 minute mile pace. Can you see why she's my inspiration? And she never makes me feel like I'm holding her back. She's awesome like that. You all should hire her as your personal trainer.
Anyway, we're running along, chatting away, getting passed by cars, blinded by the headlights of people obviously on their way to work, when I have this interesting revelation. I've been that driver on my way somewhere early in the morning when it's still dark or frigid cold and have passed runners all bundled up and wearing reflective clothing. I would think to myself, "Who in their right mind gets up this early on this cold of a day and goes out running in the dark? Running! How do they do it? What makes them do it?"
In the meantime, I'm continuing with the running and other cardio classes at the gym, although my long time standing routine of working out weekday mornings at the gym between 9-11 am is going to have to shift to 6-7 am. Truth be told, it's not really my thing to get up at 5:30 am to workout. I'm more of a night owl than an early bird. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do if she wants to be fit, be healthy, and feel good. And if she wants to improve her running times in races. And if she wants to climb those hills on her bike. And if she wants to do a triathlon in 2011.
My running class instructor, who has also become a friend to me over the last several months, offered to go running with me this morning at 6 am because she knew I wouldn't be able to make her beloved running class anymore. Isn't that so nice of her? I mean really. Who else would offer to go running with you at 5:30 am in the pitch black, 21 F winter weather? How could I say no?
So we ran 3 miles at my pace and finished in 35 minutes, which is pretty much my standard pace, but I know it was totally like a stroll in the park for her. I saw her stats. She ran the 5K last Friday at a 7 minute mile pace. Can you see why she's my inspiration? And she never makes me feel like I'm holding her back. She's awesome like that. You all should hire her as your personal trainer.
Anyway, we're running along, chatting away, getting passed by cars, blinded by the headlights of people obviously on their way to work, when I have this interesting revelation. I've been that driver on my way somewhere early in the morning when it's still dark or frigid cold and have passed runners all bundled up and wearing reflective clothing. I would think to myself, "Who in their right mind gets up this early on this cold of a day and goes out running in the dark? Running! How do they do it? What makes them do it?"
Those runner people were always so "other" to me. And yet, there I was today, one of those "others." Me! I'm doing that crazy pre dawn, running in frigid temperatures thing. And doing it willingly, no less. It was an interesting revelation to find myself on the flip side of my own perspective today. I suppose that means I've got a new perspective now. :)
Stay tuned for those Reading Challenges I keep promising. I'm getting them up very soon! Hopefully tomorrow.
You are awesome! I am cheering you on from the equally frigid temperatures of Minnesota, though while you are running, I am still snug in my bed. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll dream of running, that will get me closer to the whole fitness thing. I run after a toddler though, does that count?
:)
LOL, you're becoming my hero, Christine! You do it all: eat healthy, cook, read, blog, have a family and exercise! :)
ReplyDeletedid you ever know that you're my hero. WOW. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou make me wish I could be a runner, but I am built like a tugboat and it's not natural for me. *g* You're doing a great job! And I am in AWE of you training for a triathlon! WOOT YOU GO!
ReplyDeleteNo backing out now :) Right! Must speak to an expert about training, sort out a schedule...and buy a bike! YIKES! I haven't been on a bike (I'm not counting the stationary ones at the gym) for YEARS! And I looked at the local women's triathlon but I think that might be slightly cheating as it's quite short so will aim for a proper one! *panic* I used to swim all the time when I was young, so I have the technique, I'll just be rusty...which kind of means I shouldn't get wet, yes? *grin*
ReplyDeleteI'll probably just keep posting here in a book, running, recipe pattern that keeps repeating.
I really like the pattern BTW :)
Michelle, thanks for cheering for me and YES! Running after a toddler all day long does count. I remember those days. They were oh so tiring.
ReplyDeletenath, awww. You're so sweet!!! I do all those things, but not always so successfully. LOL. Especially the eat healthy part. Trust me, I indulge in the treats and junk food way too easily. Why else do you think I have to kick my own butt with the exercise thing! LOL! But thanks for the cheers!
K.B. Thank you! So the next time you come visit me, NO CUPCAKES. We'll just go RUN!
Naaaah. ;)
Brandy, don't be fooled. I am not exactly built like a natural runner either. Which I think has a lot to do with why my pace is 11+ minutes and not 10 or under! But I'm working on it...
orannia, don't panic! LOL The local women's triathlon is fine. We'll work our way up. ;) I don't think the one I'd sign up for is terribly long either. I *think* it's swim 2k, bike 15k, run 5k. I'll have to verify that, but that's not too bad, right? I can already at least do the biking and running separately. I'll just have to work on the swimming and then all three in a row. *gulp*
We use the Schwinn IC Pro at the gym for spin class, and while it is different than riding a real bike out on the road, it is a great indoor training method and a great overall workout. Getting out on a real bike won't be such a reach if you've been spinning at the gym. You can do it!
I'm glad you like my book, run, recipe pattern. I like it, too. :)
You are CRAZY!!! :) Seriously though, I admire you so much for all that you do. It's fantastic about you and Orannia getting together. Count me as a cheerleader :)
ReplyDeleteMariana, you should do the triathlon, too! I'm thinking of the Danskin one that is down the shore every September. What do you say?
ReplyDelete