Not much to say

It’s Wednesday and that means it’s time for a weekly checkin.  I’m not sure there is much to report since I’ve got my lovely cast on my ankle.  But I thought it would be a good idea to keep consistent with these posts, so I have something to write about over here and this poor blog doesn’t get neglected.

I say not much has been going on in the exercise world, but hobbling around on crutches is definitely exercise of some parts of your body.  I’m glad I was trained up for Tough Mudder otherwise my arms really would have been in trouble.  Not to mention I hobbled around Chicago last Thursday…even hobbled close to 2 miles from Lincoln Park Zoo back to my hotel.  What Google maps said would take about 35 minutes, it took me 2 hours.  Heh.  Speedy I am not.  But that included many a break on the benches through the park and well, I did it.  I kept thinking I wanted to take a cab, but never got to a place where I saw one that could pick me up.  So I made it back to the hotel and promptly crashed into bed for a few hours.

I also made it through 3 airports on the crutches.  Leaving Chicago the security line was moving like molasses (and flying with a cast means extra security precautions, just so you know) and I thought I’d just get to my gate in time to board.  But I was hauling ass on those crutches with my bag and purse slung around my shoulders.  I was dripping sweat by the time I got to my gate…only to find out it was running about 30 minutes behind.  *deep breath*  But at least I had time to pee.

I did actually do “real” exercise yesterday.  I plunked down with my phone and Nike Training Club and worked out my abs.  It felt so good to stretch out my lower back.  I also have been trying to stay on top of my pullups.  The bar is just sitting there hanging.  I don’t want it to get lonely.  But honestly I’ve only done it twice in the last week.

I’ve been pretty exhausted lately.  I’m not sure if it’s my body coming down after all the training I was doing for Tough Mudder and my long runs for the half I did on September 11th.  Or if it’s the amount of current stress in my life right now.  Or, more likely, a combination of the two.  But I’ve been napping most days and still going to bed at my normal time.  I’m ready for some zen in life.  Though I don’t see it coming any time soon.  My silver lining is that I’m only supposed to be casted for a month (one week down, 3 to go) and then move on to a walking boot for 2-4 weeks.  So that puts me at getting back to running in December.  I can’t wait.  Running is such a stress reliever, ego booster for me.  I knew I was going to miss it…but it’s not surgery.  It’s not being told “your stupid determination ruined your chances for getting back to running.”  It’s knowing what I knew in the midst of the pain coming down that mountain.  I am young and healthy.  I will heal.  I will be out of the loop for a bit, but then I will come back strong.

Because I can.  And I will.

 

Spring In2 Action – Buff Brazen Bunnies – Week 2

Well this past week has been tough.  There was some major emotional/family drama going on in my house – that which I’m not delving into here, but know that it altered the adults-only plans for the weekend and had me in tears on many occasions.  So with that said, here’s my adherence to my goals for the challenge.

1. Running – 3-4 days a week – I ran Thursday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday – Sunday I ran my 9 miles outside.  I almost flaked on it too.  I was tired from the time change and I didn’t want to.  And it was super windy.  And halfway through the toes in my left foot cramped up when I stopped at a red light.  Cramped up to the point I had to take my shoe off and rub them.  It was very bizarre because when I was running they were find; it was only when I stopped.  So I’m upping my intake of bananas and electrolytes.  I also cut my 6-miler short by a mile yesterday because I mentally did not have it in me to continue.  But I’m okay with that.

2. Nike Training Club - Okay. I did better this week.  I got one ab workout done and then I cursed myself for not doing it more because my abs? They hurt.

3. 100 Pushup Challenge - Yep.  Done and done.  Though on Monday my last set was of 20.  I made it to 15 and had peck failure. So I had to stop for 10 seconds and then do the last 5.  Yeowch.

4.  Increase Water Intake – Well.  Mmm. I can’t honestly say I got in consistent water this week.  Although I should have drank more; crying is not only exhausting it’s dehydrating.  I’m going to try and get back on the horse with my water this week.

So overall I hit my goals.  I “substituted” NTC for less water.  It all evens out, right?  And I have some fun news about the Tough Mudder event I talked about last week, go read over here all about it!!

I think, Bari did pretty good on her goals too – though we both had a few moments of needing the other to be a drill sergeant.  But that’s why we’re a team.  To kick each other’s ass when needed.

 

Spring in2 Action – Week 1 of the Buff Brazen Bunnies

 

One week down, five to go.  So how have you been doing with your goals for this challenge.  Me? Pretty good.  Let’s review.

1.  Running 3-4 days a week  – I ran Thursday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

2. Nike Training Club – nope.  Not once.  Thought about doing the abs workout after my run yesterday and I ran out of time.  Could I have squeezed it in somewhere? Yes.  Did I? No. 

3. 100 pushup challenge – Success.  I will be doing my pushups on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Those aren’t typically run days for me and it’s easy to squeeze in the few minutes in between questions from the kids.

4. Increase water intake – Yes. I’ve definitely been drinking more.  On non-run days I’m taking in about 40 ounces of water.  On run days it’s 60-70.  Not high volume but enough to keep me peeing.

All things considering I’m doing fine.  I also have been swimming on Friday mornings when my oldest is taking private lessons.  I’m only in the water for 30 minutes, but that’s long enough for me.  I have an aversion to my face being in the water.  I never learned to breath properly and the whole exhaling in water, turn head and then inhale has always left me choking on water.  But you know what? Last Friday I did 100 m of freestyle with my face in the water.  There is no doubt that I drank some water, but I did it.  First time ever.  I’m going to try it again this Friday.  But don’t call me a swimmer yet.  I’d still rather be backstroking it. 

I know I didn’t make any commitments to avoiding foods or making better food choices, but I have to come clean that I ate a box of Thin Mints.  By myself.  In less than 24 hours.  They were good.  And now they are all gone and I can’t do it anymore. 

This next week should be a good one, but I am traveling this weekend to see Beki and her Knight.  T and I are going barrel tasting with them this weekend.  And I’m really excited!  Not sure what the food situation will be like, but the plan is to get my 9-mile long run in Sunday morning before headed back to reality.  Is it weird that 9 miles outside sorta freaks me out?  It shouldn’t. 

Oh! I almost forgot.  T emailed me yesterday morning and asked if I’d be interested in doing the Tough Mudder this September.  I’ve looked at the tentative course map and of all the things that frightens me is the last part.  Sprinting through a field of live wires and getting shocked? After running and climbing and traversing and swimming 10 miles? That? Does not sound like fun.  But I think we are going to do it with some friends.  So, in addition to hopefully running in three half marathons, I might be adding this 2 weeks after my second 13.1  and 3 weeks before my third 13.1.  I may have lost my marbles.

 

Holiday Hoedown – Healthy Holiday Hos

Guess what!?! I’m finally back at the Sisterhood! Not that I ever really left, but the last challenge was only for *loooosers*, so I couldn’t play along.  I did follow the process and the participants did awesome.

But this challenge allows for those of us either not interested in losing or those more focused on being healthier through this holiday season.  And if some of my fabulous teammates lose a few pounds along the way, awesome.  I’m lucky to be part of Team “Healthy Holiday Hos”.  (Hi, Bari, Tiffany, Jamee, Beki, Lisa, Thea, and Elaine!)

This week’s fitness challenge is to log as many exercise minutes as you can.  And this only includes actual exercise.  Essentially the rule is no sweaty mess at the end, it doesn’t count.  Lucky for me I’m training for the marathon, and I sweat like a pig.  So since I missed the Tworkout last night because I was on a plane, I’m going to do it today. I’m also going to do my speed workout that I didn’t do yesterday morning at my hotel.  So all in all it works in my favor that I was a slug yesterday! Make-up time!!

The non-fitness challenge is to outline my goals for this challenge.  Honestly? I’m looking for the camaraderie that comes with the challenges.  Although, I do want to stay healthy (aka, not sick – which I’m working on right now), not broken (so I can keep up with my marathon training), and eat more healthy than not (which is actually how I try to live each day).

So here’s to racking up some exercise minutes over the next week!