I Challenge You!

I think I'm Back! (Herpreet)

2009-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

I guess the title says it all.

I am considering training for a half marathon. I need to kick myself in the butt to get active again. I need to do so because Austin is making me fat (I live within a half mile radius of the best cupcakes I have ever had in life and the best pie I have ever put in my mouth), and because not doing anything is making me moody and depressive. I need endorphins.

So. Maybe if I just start writing about the desire to exercise, I will finally actually just do it! Did I just give Nike a plug? Hmm.

We Be Lazy

2009-10-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

I actually have given up on looking at my blog reader or anything else blog-related. However, I was doing quite well with staying active. Last week I pretty much failed at exercise, but I do walk the dogs 1/2 hour in the am and 1/2 hour in the evenings, which is at least doing something. I look forward to squeezing a run in this afternoon or tomorrow at lunch. Hope everyone is doing well-

I'm still here. (cristin)

2009-07-08T08:43:00.001-07:00

Go Natalie!!

I have been working out for the most part but very lazy about posting. I guess it’s better that way than the other way of being lazy about working out. I even exercised 3 times during my 10 day Louisiana stay! I must say it is very hard to work out in Louisiana so I get where you are coming from, Natalie.

This summer I’ve been running and doing pilates and learning to play tennis! James and I are still trying to fit in some swimming time but it just doesn’t seem to work. I did go for a great swim in Lake Michigan last weekend and it was wonderful but hardly a workout. But I was on vacation until Monday and it was been hard to get back in to it as always.

But I’m going to the gym after work today. I swear.

Well, well, well... Look at me.

2009-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I did nothing for the month of June, until today, June 30. I got off my ass and ran in the sweltering heat. I didn't get too far, but dammit, I did it. And I'm going to try and stick with it. The end.

End of the week, Cristin

2009-05-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

I need to start writing down what exercise I did in my calendar each day-I am finding it extremely hard to remember what I did from day to day. Is that old age? I think it is.

On Tuesday, James and I went for a lunch time run by the lake. It was gorgeous outside so we took advantage of it. That’s what you do in Chicago-take advantage of the weather. It was short-about 20 minutes or so but it felt good.

Wednesday I actually got up when my alarm went of at 6:35! That is unheard of just so you know. I did 20 minutes of yoga and then a few minutes of meditation. I am trying to add these things into my life. Ideally, this is how I would start every morning. So far it was just Wednesday.

Thursday I walked to the gym (20 minutes) and then did 12 minutes on the elliptical and then about 15 minutes of weight lifting. I decided I couldn’t do 2 or 3 sets of everything due to the fact that I get kinda bored with it so I did one set of everything for as many reps as I could. I think I got a pretty good full body workout in. I might do this more often too since I feel like I should do more weights but I get so down thinking about lifting weights for 45 minutes.

I realize I am constantly changing my workout and what I want to focus on. I can’t decide if that is a good thing or not.

Happy Long Weekend!!!

Week Whuddever, Natalie

2009-05-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday I basically did a lot of lifting, moving, running up and down stairs, running around like a crazy person for like 6 hours. Therefore, I took the rest of the week off. And the beginning of this week. Hopefully group exercise will start up again soon and have classes I want to take, because I'm not doing very well on my own. Today I mowed the lawn, weeded, and planted in my yard. THEN, I installed a dog door. One would not think that this would be too labor intensive, but my jigsaw is like 300 years old, and my door varies in thickness. Hopin' to do something fun and active tomorrow afternoon... not sure what yet.

Some of Week 19, some of week 20, Cristin

2009-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

I can’t remember what I did last week. I know I took a few days off because my whole body was sore and I think I just needed some rest. Took a long walk on Thursday and did an hour and ten minutes of Pilates with my Denise Austin DVD. That lady is crazy. First, she’s old. Secondly, she talks to you as if she’s teaching a class of 4 year olds. It was slightly maddening. It was hard to get too mad because the DVD is actually pretty tough. Especially since I did the “customize” work out and accidentally added every single 10 minute segment to my personalized work out.

I woke up on Saturday with a raging headache and tried to go for a run but the pounding was so bad I had to stick to walking. I wasn’t hung-over. I did celebrate my birthday the night before but I was very grown up and didn’t get drunk. I think I had too many different types of wine. Word to the wise: stick with the same kind all night.

Sunday morning I was headache free and went for a 3-mile run that felt great! Later on, I walked about 2 miles, which was nice because in between the walking and the running I ate a ton of food. Not only was it my birthday weekend but two other friends’ as well. So I basically celebrated all weekend long. This is why on Monday I came home from work and took a nap instead of a run. “Just Do It” kept entering my mind but my body wasn’t on board.

Natalie-I don't think you have to start over!

Week 1? Day 1 Natalie

2009-05-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Do I have to start all over again? This afternoon I got over my fear of the rec center pool, and headed over for a swim. I didn't swim for a particularly long time, but man, i can already feel it in my muscles. All of those little muscles that don't get used running, biking, doing ballet, pilates, yoga... yowza. I hate to even think what it's going to feel like tomorrow. At any rate, it's good to be back. Missed y'all! Oh, and week 18 I did ride my bike once. ha!

End of week 18, beginning of week 19, Cristin

2009-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

I didn’t feel well Friday but I did take a 20 minute walk because after I slept for a couple hours after work I felt kinda gross and needed to get out of the house. Luckily, by Saturday I felt fine and went for a run.

On Sunday I also ran and added in some push ups, tricep dips, step ups, and sprints. After that I did a few round offs, cartwheels and handstands just for fun. I watched the NCAA Gymnastics Championships earlier in the day and was feeling quite inspired! In case you didn’t know, I really wish I was an elite gymnast. Big time.

Monday was another run. I’ve been running a lot more because the weather is so nice it pains me to be inside a gym sometimes. I’ve really gotten back into it and I couldn’t be happier about it. For the most part, I’ve been running a little over two miles and on Saturday I ran 3. I am so excited to be a runner again! I’m not focusing on time so much although I am aware of it and it seems like I’m running right around a 10 minute mile which is A-OK with me.

Week 19, Herpreet

2009-05-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Everybody! This is my final week of training before my triathlon. I am a little terrified, a little excited, and on some level, calm. The calm part baffles me and makes me less calm. Inner voice: Why are you so calm? You shouldn't be so calm. What's wrong with you? You better get anxious. If you're too calm, you'll freak out on the day of the event.

Today, we went out to Lake Austin. There are infinite places to swim here, I'm finding. I drove way into the hills and then down toward the water. One of our instructors lives on the lake. Our task was to swim 1/4 mile out to some reed grass and then back in for a total of 800 meters - race distance. My instructor advised that I use fins. Part of me didn't want the fins because it's easier to swim with them. But I think Coach V was wise. She said that I have anxiety about the murkiness - so I should get the fins on and concentrate on building my confidence about swimming in the KIND of water, since I already know that I can do the distance. She was correct. This is the FIRST TIME EVER that I have SWAM in murky lake water. Not treaded or floated or done some incorrect version of breast stroke. No, I swam. Freestyle and Back stroke. Occasionally, I did tread and float a bit to reorient myself and make sure I was swimming fairly straight and not way out to the middle of the lake. I did great. After the swim, I took the fins off and dove in and swam in the murk, blind as could be under water. But I reminded myself that when I breathe, I can see, and I can check to make sure I'm following the course correctly. If I can stay this calm on Sunday, it will feel like a major major feet.

Week 18, Herpreet

2009-05-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Week 18 was last week, and suddenly, I'm feeling like I'm keeping track of a pregnancy. Only pregnant people speak in weeks, right? The birth of our fitter selves.

So last week, week 18. I had an amazing swim at Barton Springs. Amazing. It was amazing because I did not let myself tread one single time. I swam 4 lengths (1/2 mile) doing only free style and back stroke. I did stop at the end of each length and rest, BUT, I was calm and collected while I swam.

Wednesday, we did a 3 mile run. I did walk for part of it, and I was okay with that.

On Saturday, I went out to Walter E. Long Park, which is the site of my event this Sunday. We rode the bike course. I felt, well, not so great about my 12 mile ride. It is VERY VERY HILLY. The hilliest ride I've ever done, and I had to stop and walk my bike up one of the hills. ARG. I left feeling panicked - like - how the hell am I going to ride up all those hills after I've swam 1/2 mile???!!!! Negative, negative, negative thoughts.

Week 17 and 18 I think.

2009-05-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Agh! I haven't written in so long! But I have been exercising.

Last week I ran on Monday and Wednesday and I made it to Pilates on Friday AND ran in the evening too!

This week I ran on Sunday,went to the gym BEFORE work on Monday and ran on Tuesday. I took off Wednesday and Thursday due to some scheduling problems. And today I don't feel well so I am leaving work early and skipped Pilates. If I feel better later on I will try to get a run in.

So, yeah. I've been running a lot more. And they have been such good runs! I've stopped trying to go faster and started running just to run and it feels great. Sometimes I'm not even aware of which songs I have heard or how many times I have run around the park. SWEET!!

TGIF.

End of Week 17, Part 2, Herpreet

2009-05-02T15:52:00.001-07:00

Friday's bike ride was a 3 mile warm up on a cycling loop and then a very scary 8 mile ride along the hilly highway. Yes. I said highway. I've never concentrated so hard on keeping my balance on a bike. Cars whizzing by at 75 miles an hour. Me riding on the shoulder. Who does that? Oh yeah, Ausinite cyclists.

Today, I met up with 2 women from my tri class. We swam 4 lengths of Barton Springs to practice for May 17. So, I completed an 800 swim today. I did free style, back stroke, and my weird treading/semi breast stroke... We stopped at the end of the pool, rested and swam back to the start. I admired the fish and the strange plants in the water. I didn't experience vertigo in quite the same way as the first time I swam in the springs. I now feel exhausted, but also less frightened about the event in a few weeks. I'm thinking of singing the theme song to Laverne and Shirley to myself as I swim the race.

Week 17, Fail. Natalie

2009-05-02T15:01:00.001-07:00

I didn't do smack this week. I'm trying to get papers finished so I can be done with the semester.

End of Week 17, Herpreet

2009-05-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

I had to look at a calendar to figure out the week... Are we all slacking off a little? We need some motivational kicks in the butt, don't we? That's my feeling.

Last weekend was my first triathlon. I did the 300 meter swim mostly on my back, and also...treading water. That may seem ridiculous, but free style in the open water just isn't working for me right now. I'm trying to figure something out for May 17 when I have to do 800 m. For now, I'm also a lot scared. Why, why, why can't the swim be in a pool, is what I'd like to know. I would do SUCH a good job if it was.

The rest of it was okay, some mishaps along the way. I had to pee the entire race, and by the time I got to the run, I ended up having to run off course to relieve myself. Dropped my water bottle again on the bike ride. Lessons learned: Pee in the water. Bring a cheap water bottle on your bike and don't stop to pick it up if you drop it.

This week, we had a swim on Monday. It was a nice "recovery" swim. Wednesday we ran, but I mostly walked. I put yankz in my shoes, and I think they were too tight and just not feeling right. My foot started hurting. So I'm switching back to my old laces. We ride bikes today. Tomorrow I'm going to practice my swimming.

Later ladies and Kevin.

Last week, this week, the week before last

2009-04-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Lots of things have been going on to make it hard to blog. I’ll see what I can remember.

I do know that on that horrible hungover Friday I actually did make it to the gym. I decided I needed to sweat my toxins out and I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes in the steam room followed by a hot shower. I felt almost as good as new. I felt even better when I started drinking again.

I’m not sure what I did last week. I know I took a short walk/run on Easter and then I think I made it to the gym several times during lunch. But I could be wrong. I know I made it to my Friday Pilates class. I think it was a pretty good work-out week.

This week started with an hour of cardio on Sunday and a 30 minute walk on Monday. The rest of the week has been out of my control. I plan to make it to the gym sometime today even if it is only for 20 minutes.

James and I are going to work with a trainer on our swimming! Herpreet, I need all your swimming advice. Specifically, where can I get a good swimsuit? You know, one, that, um, supports me in my swimming endeavors.

Week 16!!! Days 1 & 2

2009-04-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I attended ballet again, and I loved it again. I'm not sure what I'm going to do once the semester is over and they don't offer it anymore... for at least a month or so. Then there's the question if they'll even bring it back! But I have grown to also enjoy the PiYo class, and plan to continue with that. And I want to try out the butts & guts class too.

Today I went for a nice, long bike ride. The weather is beautiful, and I wanted to get outside. I'm still here, Herpreet. I'm just avoiding all of the posts in my reader that I have yet to read. I think I'm just going to go ahead and delete all of them. In other news, the end of the semester is looming. I have 3 fairly significant papers to get out of the way, a presentation tomorrow, and I took a final earlier today. I hate that I have given up on blogging, but I love that I've been exercising. I think they both do a little of the same thing for me, but exercise is good for me physically as well as mentally. This summer should see an uptick in blog posting. Nice rambling! The end!

Week 16! Herpreet

2009-04-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Four Months - Where is everyone!?

On Monday, I swam for the second time at Barton Springs. I panicked a little bit. I am working on getting over my fears. One of my classmates walked to the end of the pool with me and we got in and swam the length from the end to the start. Somehow it feels less daunting to begin in the deep end and work your way to the shallow end.

Today we are doing a bike/run brick, and on Friday, we are doing an easy run.

On Saturday, I do my first event of the season - 300 m swim, 12 mile bike, 2 mile run. I am SO nervous about the swim. It is in Lake Travis. I am considering trying to take one last swim in Barton Springs as practice, but I haven't made up my mind whether I'll do that or not. Technically, the week before an event, we are supposed to "taper" so that our bodies are good and ready for event day.

I also have a big shopping day planned - I'm getting a new tri-suit, new goggles, Some electrolyte powders. I think that's it.

Okay guys, send my a lot of good thoughts leading up to Saturday, but especially on Saturday morning.

Week 15, Day 2, Herpreet

2009-04-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday we did strength training. Where we run a quarter mile lap, do some exercises and run again. The strength training included step ups, squats, push ups, bicycle crunches, oblique crunches, super mans, squats. I think that's it. I'm apporpriately sore in my abs and butt and thighs.

Skipped my bike ride today because it's rainy and my last full day hanging with my old roomie. She heads back to NY tomorrow.

Week Whatever, Day 3 Natalie

2009-04-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

I went to PiYo again this afternoon, and really enjoyed it despite the fact that I heard at least two unmistakable farts during certain stretches. I was not bowled over by any noxious fumes, so I was able to contain my teenage sensibilities and keep from commenting (though I did notice a couple of other people holding in their giggles).

Today I had lunch at Subway because I didn't bring my lunch. Honey Oat bread does not have milk, nor does turkey (as far as I know...) The Veggie Patty does have dairy, which was a bit surprising and very disappointing, though the turkey wasn't bad. Actually, it was quite good.

For dinner I had salmon and asparagus. The hard part might be dessert. I heart cookies and milk!

Last Week and This Week, Natalie

2009-04-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I did ballet on Tuesday, and then exercised a lot by lifting drinks up off the bar and to my mouth. Spring Break '09 y'all! Yeah, not much exercise. But yesterday I returned to ballet, and today went for a grueling run. I hadn't run since before I started with the ballet, so I think I've lost my ability to pace myself. I felt really good starting out, and felt like I was running nice and strong, but then I pooped out. I also think this has something to do with me knowing about how far I've run no matter where I am in relation to my house. I need to start running elsewhere.

SO I'll keep it up because it's week 15!
I'm starting a non-dairy diet. Have any of you done that before? I've heard it can have an effect on psoriasis so I'm going to give it a shot... but I figure it will be really hard, because you never know where dairy is lurking. we will see. so far I've tried a silk yogurt for breakfast this morning (it was ok... not great, but tolerable for sure) and bought some tofutti cuties (non-dairy ice cream sandwiches) which were actually really good! I guess I just need to be careful and pay attention. I'll keep everyone posted.

The end.

Week 15, Conquering Fears, Herpreet

2009-04-14T06:33:00.001-07:00

Is that right? Is this week 15??

Barton Springs is a 200 meter long pool that is spring fed. It is a natural environmet - you can see the rocks at the bottom, plant life, fish. It is beautiful and clear water, and it has a constant, year-round temperature of 68 degrees.

Yesterday, we swam there. I was a bit terrified. We had to swim the length of it - no stops after 50 meters at the end of a wall pool. I started out okay. I dipped my entire body into the water to acclimate. When she said "go," I went. I was stunned that I was not feeling nervous or anxious or getting worn out. And THEN, the solid rock bottom four or five feet below me dropped off 17'. I had a vertigo sensation, seeing the bottom fall out below me do dramatically, and I freaked out. Happily, I didn't panic in the way I did in the bayou last year. I stuck my head out of water and treaded. Remembering my instructor's words (in a triathlon, any forward movement is good movement), I treaded forward until I calmed down a little, then I flipped over and did backstroke. Eventually, I worked my way back to free style. Then I alternated between free style and backstroke and treading. At the end of the pool, I paused, rested at the wall, tried to conquer my fear of having to swim back over the deep water, and eventually, I made my way back over the 200 meters.

I saw a big fish at the bottom, schools of little fish, and plants that stunned me, plants I had not at all expected to find in the water. It looked like gigantic aloe plants were growing at the bottom of the pool.

Once I did an entire lap, I practiced swimming from the shallow end over the drop off a few times with the ambition to lose my panicky feeling. Eventually, I practiced swimming with my eyes closed and feeling comfortable knowing that 1) the water is DEEP and 2) I can't see the bottom, because, indeed, during the event, it's not at all likely that the water will be clear like Barton Springs. I tried swimming with eyes closed, opening them only when I needed to see to make sure I was swimming in a straight line.

Week 14, Day 4, Cristin

2009-04-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the gym during lunch and rode the bike for about 25 minutes. Then I decided it was nice enough to walk back to work (50 degrees and sunny!!) which was about a 20 minute walk. Then I met up with two of my girlfriends for some BYOB sushi and walked 20 minutes to the restaurant. When we got there, the wait was 45 minutes so we walked several blocks to another one and then several more blocks to find a BYOB Italian restaurant for dessert. Lots of walking! I am so pleased that the weather has been nice enough to walk. One, I love being outside and two, more calories burned without trying!

Today I am very hung-over so I skipped my lunchtime Pilates class.

Very very hung-over.

Week 14, Cristin

2009-04-09T14:58:00.001-07:00

On Monday, I did 25 minutes of cardio. Ten minutes on an elliptical and then 15 minutes on this stair steppy/elliptical type machine. It’s a great machine. I don’t know what it’s actually called but it uses more resistance than the elliptical and I think that is a good thing.

Tuesday I did 20 minutes of yoga at home from Exercise TV. I really want to add yoga to my life because I think I can really benefit from the calming, relaxing effects of it and I want to be more flexible. It’s really hard to find the time for it since none of the yoga classes at my gym work with my schedule. The grand idea in my head is to wake up in the morning and do it first thing. However, there is that whole I-am-not-a-morning-person problem. So for right now I am just going to try to fit it in where I can.

On Wednesday, James and I went to another version of last week’s torture class. The regular teacher was on spring break (I am so tired of everyone else getting a spring break) so there was a new teacher. He ran the class sort of as a boot camp. By the way, boot camp is hard. With every move we did, he would reference sport that used the move and called us athletes. I like to pretend I am an athlete so I liked it. He also called us soldiers at one point. I care less about being a soldier.

Week 14!!! Herpreet

2009-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today was a run. We have a new triathlon coach, and I sort of miss our former coach. It takes a while to get used to someone new, and I was finally used to Shellie O, and sort of loved her. But she had to leave us for a 9-5 office kind of job. Which, I know she's lucky to have landed, given the economy, so I wish her well.

I also know that I'll come to love our new coach. She is a grandmother. She is in her early 60s, and she started doing triathlons a few years ago. She's been training with Shellie O. ever since. She just got her USA Tri certification. When she first started training, she did not know how to swim at all.

So, clearly, there are already a lot of reasons to admire her. And I do. But she's definitely a quieter sort of person than the former kick-ass coach, who had competed, not one, but TWO iron mans. And she'd competed in three of them. She's also been doing these events for years and years.

Okay, I guess I need to move on. I just needed to mourn a bit.

Like I said, today we ran. I did just fine. I am a fine runner. I have no fears about running, pacing, endurance, etc. (Now if I was doing more than a 5K, I'd have a different story to tell.

On Friday, we bike. One good thing about my new coach is that I think, since she could not swim when she began, that she'll pay extra attention to my swimming (which I told her I am scared about).

Week 13, Days 3 and 4, Cristin

2009-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was my Friday lunch time Pilates class which I skipped last week so it felt even harder this time around. I wonder if it will ever get easier. A couple moves in particular are nearly impossible in my opinion. One is where are in bridge position and then lift one leg up and do all these exercises while keeping the bridge up. It hurts so much and yet when I look around these girls are doing it as if they could do it in their sleep!

Day 4 was a quick Saturday workout of some cardio and some weights. It was only about 30 minutes but I hit most of the major muscle groups and felt sufficiently sore the next day.

Week 13 Days 3 & 4, Natalie

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so day 3 probably shouldn't count, but I'll do it anyway. When I got home from school Thursday, the options were to go to a class or to borrow a ladder and climb up on the roof and throw limbs down. I'm afraid of heights, but for some reason really wanted to get up there. I feel like I should be on my roof at least once if I'm able, right? SO I borrowed the neighbors ladder and had them watch me as I climbed up and then launched huge limbs off the roof. It was more an exercise of fears than it was physical exercise, but I'll count it anyway. Day 4 was yesterday. I worked in the yard, and was feeling like it wasn't really technically work, but I can feel some aching in my legs and gut from all of the squatting and pulling I did. I yanked up a good number of cast iron plants, which were not really wanting to come up. If my neighbors were home, I'm sure they were curious as to what was going on in my back yard.

I said that I wasn't going to let the teacher from that resistance class affect me, but clearly it has. I haven't been back to the rec center since then. Ballet is still on for Tuesday though, so hopefully it will give me the guts to continue.

Week 13, Day 2, Cristin

2009-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

I walked home from the bus stop (aka Midway Airport) yesterday for my exercise. I was really hungry and I knew that once I got home I would only want to eat and not work out.

It seemed kind of warm outside but in reality it was cold and windy. I had to wrap my scarf around my head since I didn’t have a hat or gloves. It is April.

The whole walk took about 30 minutes including the walking against the wind and the stopping for lights. James read somewhere that you should walk at least 100 steps a minute for fitness purposes. So I did that.

Week 13, Day 1

2009-04-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I decided to take Friday off since I’d done so much already. Friday turned into Saturday, Sunday, Monday AND Tuesday! Ugh. One thing I have realized is that I get crabby if I don’t exercise. Another thing I realized is the less I work out, the easier it is to continue not working out. I knew both of these things were true to a degree but they both came on strong over those 5 days. In my defense, there was a snowstorm over the weekend (in March!) and I had to work late on Monday and Tuesday. It’s the end of Q1 people!

I finally dragged myself to the gym (with the help of James) during lunch on Wednesday and did 25 minutes on the elliptical. It was amazing! I immediately felt like a normal person again and better about life in general.

Endorphins work.

I was going to try to get up this morning and exercise before work but for some reason it is simply impossible for me to get up early. Always has been. It's frustrating. I want to be a morning person! Oh well. I'm hoping I will do an Exercise TV workout when I get home from work today.

Week Thirteen, Day 2, Herpreet

2009-04-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ran my ass off, figuratively. In my triath class, we did an entire 5K to benchmark our time. I had to stop and walk toward the end. I think I walked about 1/4 miles or a little less, and then I finished out the run and managed to catch up to the girl I'd been running with up until I had to stop and walk. When I caught up to her, I said, "Let's go in really fast," and she and I picked up our pace and pushed to the end as fast as we could.

We ran on a hilly trail (my instructor's words). And I finished in 32 minutes. I'm happy with that time. It would be awesome if ever I could break a ten-mile minute, but you know what? I'll take what I can get. I felt good about it yesterday, and today, my body feels not so good.

I am considering doing a really short event on April 28 to warm up for the real thing on May 17. The reason is that the April 28 one has a 200m swim in open water. 200 meters does not scare or intimidate me in the least, so I feel like it could be a really great pre-event practice to get me comfortable doing the 800m in open water.

Week 13 Days 1 & 2, Natalie

2009-04-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I returned to ballet. It was a very small class, so we were able to do some work at the barre... which I had been missing. So it was a good class with some heavy-duty leg stretching. Today I went to my first resistance training class, and I'm not sure if I'll be going back. The girl seemed kind of put-out that I didn't know how to do everything, but she also seemed a little put-out by the fact that the door was locked and she had to go get a key to get in, so maybe it really didn't have anything to do with the door OR with me. I need to stop being so self centered and realize that I'm really not that important to total strangers... it's usually something else. Besides, even if I was annoyed by someone who was lost, I'd admire their stickwithitness if they stuck with it until they got things down. So we'll see. But I did wish I had done the pilates class instead. So what is tomorrow... was it PiYo? hmmmm, that was Friday.... NO Friday was kick & sculpt, so PiYo it is! I think I might try something new again Friday if I can squeeze it in. I also need to try to squeeze a running day in soon too, it's been so long! surely I won't still be bored with it, right?

WEEK THIRTEEN, Herpreet

2009-03-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got back to it. I'm mostly over this miserable sinus infection I've had, and also beginning to feel panicked about my event in May.

We started the week with a swim benchmark. When I heard we were doing that, I was a little freaked out because benchmarks mean we just swim and swim endlessly while she times us. In the past we have done 400 meter benchmarks, but yesterday was an 800 meter benchmark - the distance of the swim for my event.

I was last to finish. Slow, determined, not the greatest swimmer, but on the other hand, improving in some ways. I could not swim free style the whole way. I alternated between free style and back stroke. I have really REALLY got to learn another stroke, because back stroke, while it helps me recover my breath, SLOWS ME DOWN. I don't want to be the last finisher in the swim in May. There. I said it. I do not want to be last.

Week 12, Days 2 and on. Herpreet

2009-03-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

These days did not happen for me. After a great Day 1 Swim, I got SICK. I was practically immobile and more than practically grumpy!

Week 12 Day 3 Natalie

2009-03-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I attended a Kick & Sculpt class, which consisted of 30 minutes of kick boxing (which unfortunately involved coordination), 15 minutes of resistance training, and 15 minutes of stretching. I recommend the instructor, too. I think what I like most about this instructor and yesterday's instructor is that they walked around checking to make sure that people were doing things properly rather than just let everyone possibly do everything wrong. So. There ends my exercise week, because the exercise I'm going to get today involves the dictation I just finished and the hour or so on my ass driving down to New Orleans. The End!

Week 12 Day 2 Natalie

2009-03-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

I was about to just not do anything today because it was such a gray day and I was nursing my wounds following my rejection (see post below)... but I decided to attend a PiYo class, which is part pilates, part yoga. It was okay, it did not put me to sleep, which yoga tends to do. There was a lot of leg and stomach work, so I might even try it again sometime, plus the teacher was really nice. The End!

REJECTION!

2009-03-26T17:04:00.001-07:00

Dear Natalie,

On behalf of Baton Rouge Gallery, I regret to inform you that your application was NOT selected to be part of Venus Envy 2009 Exhibition. This decision was based on the following criteria: conceptual and aesthetic diversity, feasibility of proposal, overall artistic merit and relevance to the Venus Envy mission statement. Thank you for your time and we encourage you to reapply next year.

AS IF!!!!

Week 12, Days 3, 4 and 5, Cristin

2009-03-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Day 3- 20 minute lunchtime workout. I decided to try those 90-second sprints. My verdict? Super hard.

Day 4- Hour long class called FITsport. Basically, it is an hour of sheer torture. We did several two-minute stations in a circuit (i.e. - jump rope, tricep dips, shuttle runs, squats with a kettle ball and many, many, many more) and in between each, we all faced the center and did one minute of a different cardio/strength move. Then we ran sprints and other drills, and then we did the circuits once more but only for one minute each. BRUTAL.

I treated myself to pizza for lunch and dinner on day 4.

Day 5- 25 minutes on the elliptical at lunch with the newest US magazine.

Yes. I am already on day 5. I work in a cubicle all day and will do ANYTHING to leave the building at lunch but not spend money. Also, James picks me up and drives me to the gym. 5 workouts in 5 days would never happen if it weren’t for these things. Trust me.

Week 12 Day 1 Natalie

2009-03-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

I skipped ballet last night because I had a paper to write. Boooooo! But today I went to a NEW! class (new for me...) the 30-20-10 class, where you do 30 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of resistance training, and 10 minutes of stretching and stuff. It was a good workout, but I am terribly uncoordinated and wasn't able to follow a lot of the cardio work. But someone was kind enough to tell me that it gets easier the more you do it, so I may try it again. Now I'm watching my neighbors climb up a ladder onto(?) their roof. I heard a loud crash earlier, I wonder if a mountain goat fell to its death. I'm gonna check it out.

Week 11 Arm Workout days 2 &3

2009-03-25T16:34:00.001-07:00

So I continued to paint Saturday morning for about 4 hours, and then spent all day Sunday painting. ladder climbing, brush painting, a little roller painting, and moving furniture and appliances around. The end. I felt chintzy counting it as exercise, but then my ipod lose it! app told me that 4 hours of painting burns like 450 calories. but wait, that's not that much considering it was 4 hours. I have no idea what is a lot of calories.

Week 12, Day 2, Cristin

2009-03-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Went to the gym during lunch and did my Monday circuit. Only this time, instead of the jump squats I did this sort of skip jump thing. Why? Because I saw it in a magazine of course.

I also added some handstands and cartwheels just for the fun of it.

Yay! 3 months!

Week 12, Day 1, Herpreet

2009-03-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!!!! We are at the THREE MONTH Mark girls 'n boys!

Today I swam, swam, swam! I was so worried that I would not do a good job today after the week of Spring Break. BUT. It was like the fish in me came out to play for the first time! Amazing. I realized that I am so mentally tired usually, and today I had no mental exhaustion coming into the water with me.

This has renewed my confidence for the event. I have a solid 2 weeks of summer break prior to the event. So I'm going to use those 2 weeks to REALLY focus on improving my swimming.

Week 12, Day 1, Cristin

2009-03-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hurray! Sunday start again. I always think the rest of the week will come easy if I start on Sunday.

James and I went out for a workout in our neighborhood park since it was so nice outside. We walked, jogged, ran sprints, jump roped and did step ups. It was about 35 minutes and intense. I have to say that having a husband who wants to work out a lot too really helps me with my goals. I worked a lot harder yesterday than I would have without him.

Thanks, James!

Week 11, Days 2 and 3 (and maybe 4)

2009-03-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Day 2: Friday lunch time Pilates class.

Day 3: I read in one of my magazines that some star ran 90 second sprints to get in shape for a movie. So of course, I decided to do that too. Well, it turns out 90 seconds is a long time for a sprint (I imagine she had some crazy trainer pushing her through. I do not) so I modified it a bit. There are light posts lining the lakefront so I ran the distance between them as a sprint and then walked the next one. I don’t know how many I did but when I got inside and checked the time I had been out for an hour. Then I decided to do weights. I don’t know why but I still felt like working out so I went with it since those days do not come around very often. Overall, I worked out for an hour and a half. I felt very productive.

I didn’t technically make my goal of 4 days in the week. I did take two brisk 25-minute walks on Tuesday but it was to and from a concert and alcohol was involved. I wasn’t going to count it but then I read Herpreet’s post about SXSW and I think I’ll count it.

Week 11, SXSW, Herpreet

2009-03-22T11:58:00.001-07:00

So there is this little festival in Austin called South by Southwest. And I guess it has been my workout for the last week. It did not involve any running or cycling or swimming. It did involve listening to music, booze, and A LOT of walking around. And standing. A LOT. At first I felt guilty for not doing anything, but when I realized how much walking I've been doing, I decided this was exercise in and of itself for week 11.

Arm Workout, Day 1

2009-03-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Was going to go do something this afternoon, but got very wrapped up in painting the kitchen. It was actually pretty strenuous work. Painting a ceiling is always a good arm workout, and I had to go over everything with a brush afterwards to get into all of the crevices and stuff. Hope to finish up tomorrow or Sunday, it's going to be a loooooooong weekend!

Yesterday I was going to do something, but then remembered that I wanted to enter a painting into BR Gallery's Venus Envy show. It was due yesterday evening at 6:00, and I got it in. Now we just have to wait and see if it got into the show. I'm not holding my breath!

Kevin---I got 'er done

2009-03-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Not only did I get 'er done, but I finished it up on a FRIDAY MORNING!

Not only did I finish up my successful week on a Friday morning, but on M, W, and F I did abs, weights, AND cardio. It was grueling. No shortcuts. In fact, when I felt like my ab stuff was getting easier, I even added more stuff today. No half-steppin' 'cause I'm not a half-steppa!

Somebody give me some props!

30 Minute Pilates Class, take one

2009-03-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

I went to a short pilates class this afternoon when I got finished with class. It was okay. I'll probably go to another one if I am in class until 3:30 again (it starts at 3:50), but I will probably NOT wait around if I get out of class early (like today and every day this semester). I might try out a 30/20/10 class tomorrow afternoon, or I might go for a run. I guess we will see when we see! Oh, and Kevin, I have a beginning pilates dvd if you would like to borrow it!

Week 11 Day 1, Natalie

2009-03-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Another week, ANOTHER BALLET CLASS!!! Love it, loved it, will love it some more next week. I might try out another class tomorrow afternoon when I get out of class. This weekend I felt like I might be coming down with something so I relaxed and read a lot. No exercise, but at the same time, no marathon drinking events either. hmmmm.

Week 11, Day 1, Cristin

2009-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Another Monday trip to the gym during lunch. I ended up doing the same thing I did last Monday since it was so effective:

15 pushups, 15 jump squats (with a 10 lb weight this time) 3 different ab exercises, one minute of jump rope.

I did one set through of each in a circuit and repeated 3 times.

I’m going to go ahead and say that this is a pretty good work out if you are short on time. It makes me sweat hard and it’s only 20 minutes or so with a warm up. All you need is a jump rope and a hand weight if you have one. Even if you don’t you can just do the jump squats without it-they are hard enough. You don’t even have to go to the gym.

Sometimes I feel like I never work out for long enough since I’m always trying to fit it in between things so I like finding stuff like this that make me feel like I really used my 20 minutes wisely.

I’m sure I stole it from a magazine or something. But I like to pretend I made it up.

In other news, it’s going to be 70 degrees here today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 10, the rest of the days

2009-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

Work was super busy so I wasn’t able to report last week.

Day 2 was on Monday and I went to the gym during lunch and did a short, intense workout. I warmed up a bit on the elliptical and then did 3 sets of 15 pushups, 15 jump squats with a 12 pound weight (I thought I grabbed a 10 lb weight and will do so next time since 12 was nearly impossible), 3 different types of ab exercises and then one minute of jump rope. Overall, an exhausting workout left me sore the next day so I was proud of that since it was only about 25 minutes.

So proud, I took Tuesday and Wednesday off.

Day 3 (Thursday) was another short workout during lunch-20 minutes on the elliptical. Lately my gym has had no good magazines. The only one there is Fit Pregnancy or something. I am sure I will be addicted to this magazine when I am pregnant but right now, I just want the latest US please.

Day 4 was my Friday Pilates class. I keep waiting for it to get easier but it does not. I was pleased to see some new girls in there making faces because it hurt so much so that was good. I am no longer the newest person in the class.

On Saturday, I decided to go for a run since it was 50 degrees and sunny here. I had trouble getting myself in the groove so I ran for a song, walked for a song for about 40 minutes. Truth be told there was a lot more walking than running going on.

Week 10, Days 1 and 2

2009-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ahh!! I got behind on my reporting-in! Let's see.

First, Natalie, ballet sounds SO FUN! I love that you are taking an adult ballet class all by yourself. This sounds to me like the effect of yoga, but also like it's easier to find your peaceful, happy center with all that soft, girly pink. I know. I have clearly got an image in my head. Let's not burst it.

Kevin. I really like the idea of Ab-fab March, and I may jump on the bandwagon. In theory. I was planning to go to an ab class on Saturday. And I thought a lot about it, but I never made it there. Is this the kind of experience you are having?

Cristin, it is relieving, to me at least, that some weeks are off weeks for you. Otherwise, you'd be like the Schwarzenegger of this blog, and that would really intimidate me. On the other hand, I hope that this week (11), goes really well for you. And well, for ALL OF US!

On to Week 10 recap. You'll notice thee is no "day 3" in my heading. Because my day 3 was about listening to my body. My body said, on Friday: Do ABbsolutely nothing. My own kind of Ab workout. It was quite nice. Monday, I swam again, and survived it. Wednesday, I ran, and I was very pleased with the run. We did another workout where we ran a 1/4 mile, did some crunches, super mans, push ups, lunges and squats and we repeated that 4 times total, plus we did a cool down and for our warm up, we did some running drills.

Week 10 Day 2 Natalie

2009-03-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you, that ballet can wreak some havoc on the old muscles. Yowza! I'm still sore today! But I went for a run this afternoon, and it's definitely time for me to relocate for my runs. I'm just sick of my routes! So maybe next week I'll try the lakes or even try to do more at the rec center. I suppose we'll see when we see. I'm off to New Orleans this weekend for the St. Patty's Day parade down there, so this may be it for me as far as exercise goes, but I think that the ballet class was a goal in itself and I reached it, so I'm okay with just 2 days this week. Happy weekend everyone!

Week 10 Day 1 Natalie

2009-03-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

I went to the ballet class at the rec center today, and it was fun. Mainly fun because I am able to laugh at myself, but I felt really good afterwards. Maybe because I got over my fear of doing something new BY MYSELF. I mean, I didn't get over it, but I was able to overcome it and get my ass in there. It was about an hour long and included stretching, jumping, and what may have been a little pilates. All around a good little workout I think! Also at the beginning, the instructor made some announcements- such as what days you can come in for free fitness and nutrition evaluations, which I think I'm going to need to check out. So as I've grown a little bit bored with running, I might just cut that down to once a week and keep doing new stuff. Then I'll have a whole arsenal of activities to choose from. Exciting! So Kevin, for me we have:

Running/Elliptical = Out
Trying out various classes = In

Have a great week 10 guys!

Kevin--Ab Fab March

2009-03-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Okay--as I reported, last month I didn't meet my lofty goals of ellipticizing 4 times a week, but doing it 3 times a week really helped. Now though, I seem to be eating to catch up with the calories I'm burning, in addition to the cramping and dreams of desert thirst. I was burning flab and increasing lung capacity & energy, but my posture and build wasn't really improving. Plus, I seemed to be burning everything except for the fat that lives in my belly, which is refusing to budge, like a bad tenant who's fighting their eviction in a long, drawn out court battle.

Sooo, I'm switching gears and putting my abs through boot camp. And I'm hitting the weights again, after a month off. Last night, I did this for the first time. I thought I was good and broken in by the intense cardio of last month, but after my leg raises, crunches, and a couple of sets on the rowing machine, I felt like I was going to meet an unspectacular death right there on the floor of Anytime Fitness. I forgot how much the heavy exertion of working with weights taxes the body.

So today, I'm feeling good. I'm a little sore, but it feels like (and I hope) I'm going to be mega-sore tonight. I have to get to where it hurts to laugh (but not so much that I avoid laughter). I need to feel this way all March long, at least to where I feel like if my abs aren't sore, then something's missing.

I just read an article about how you need to change up your routine every so often to keep challenging your body, and keep from exercising the same areas to the point of diminished results. So I'm going to do this for about 3 weeks, then replace the weights with the elliptical. I usually always have 2 things going out of abs, cardio, and weights, and just rotate one out when it gets old. I was also going to start running the lakes, but I sprained my ankle during the Spanish Town parades (for trying to walk while drunk), and it's not healing right.

I'd also like to time it to where I get back on the elliptical during the height of March Madness. So I guess, more like two weeks. I just like to watch basketball while I do cardio, b/c I think, "those guys are still running up and down the court, and they've got to be exhausted. If they can do it, I can!" Which of course, is not based on any real world logic, but it works as a motivator.

To recap--week of 4 4o's=out
Ab Fab March=in

Wish me luck!

Week 10, Day 1, Cristin

2009-03-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Eh, yeah, so last week wasn't the greatest. Oh well. I started this week off with a 20 minute run outside. It was kind of rainy and kind of cold but it felt good.

I'm hoping that getting back to my Sunday start will make this week more productive.

Week 9 Days 4 & 5 Natalie

2009-03-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

That's right! 5 days! Friday I did a short run but ran hard, followed by some yard work that involved using a rake AND a shovel. Yesterday was Race for the Cure, but I didn't think I wanted to run, so I rode my bike over there so that I could walk it without feeling guilty. Then I ran the fun run and part of the 5k. Then I rode my bike home. Today was a day of pure lazy and relaxation. Slept past noon, had lunch with JK, then snacks and a visit with the neighbors. ah!

Week 9, Day 3 Herpreet

2009-03-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING. Is. My. FRIEND. This is the mantra I am trying to teach myself. On Friday, for my traith. class we cleaned our bikes and then watched some videos on how to transition between events on race day and also on open water swimming and swimming in general. That evening, I forced myself to go to the Y and swim. I ended up doing: kickboard (100 yards), pulls (100 yards), side kick (100 yards - this drill is damn hard btw), and then I swam 100 yards freestyle. I ended with a 50 yard kickboard cool down. So, 450 yards all together - mostly of drills.

I was feeling lame about doing all these drills with so little swimming, but once I got home I was famished, so I figured I did get a work out in. Also, I'd been writing for 4 hours before I swam - and I get moody when I write. I end up sort of adopting the attitude and psychology of the characters, and that can make for a manic-me. The swimming really helped kick those angry adolescent boys out of my psyche. I decided I always need to exercise after long stretches of writing. For my mental health.

I am awfully terrified of the swim portion of the race. 800 yards. 1/2 mile. This feels like an impossible feat to me - no end of the pool to stop and take a breath at before I continue on. Just a big, deep lake. I'm trying not to be scared and trying to remember that I've still got 2 1/2 months to train and work up to the proper endurance. And also reminding myself that 1/2 the battle is being psychologically prepared. The mantra. SWIMMING. Is. My. FRIEND.

Kevin--I have neither been to the gym, nor exercised at home one time this week.

2009-03-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share that with you guys.

I hadn't posted last month, because I kept setting my goal to do 4 40 minute sessions on the ellip each week. For the last few weeks, I've only been able to do 3. Which isn't bad, but it's also short of my goal.

So this week, I thought I'd go back to the weights, but I think there's a mental block here as I shift gears back into that mode. I don't know exactly what the block is--maybe I'm still dehydrated from the month of the endless elliptical.

Seriously though, I'd wake up after an elliptical session in the middle of the night, with my throat sore and cracking. I could've sworn I had some dreams where I was wandering in the desert, dying of thirst (or something right out of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly).

Also--I was waking up with mini-charley horses, which is probably due to poor stretching, but it was enough to make me feel like I deserved a week off.

This morning, I did some weird crunches that my coworker taught me. She said she learned them from a Pilates instructor. So at least I went through 10 minutes of pain this week. Olympics, here I come.

Week 9, Days 1 and 2, Cristin, TGIF!!!!

2009-03-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Oops. It’s Friday and I only have two days in so far. 25 minutes on the elliptical on Wednesday and my Pilates class today. I did walk around a lot yesterday since I could because it was 60 degrees! And is again today. It will get cold again and possibly snow too but for right now, I love it. It is amazing what nice weather can do for your soul. I do not even hate myself for not working out very much this week. Yay!

And, Natalie just told me she knows my sister, Shannon. And that makes me happy!

Week 9 Day 3 Natalie?

2009-03-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I decided to do yard work for my exercise. I raked and bagged, and then began the long and tedious job of digging a winter's worth of leaves out of the flower beds. Then I started pulling up the stuff I don't want in there. There's a lot of stuff I don't want in there! There are these thick viney things that are hard to pull out of the ground, so I figure those are worth at least a mild muscle workout. I'm going to do something mild again tomorrow, and Saturday morning is race for the cure. I'm enjoying working other activities into my routine rather than just running. I need to come up with some new routes for runs, because I think I dread it because I'm sick of running the same route forwards and backwards and with a little variation here and there. I need to start running in the other direction or something. Humph. So, count it if you want to, deny me if you'd rather. I was NOT watching tv, which is what I usually do in the afternoons... so that's something, right?

Week 9 Day 2 Natalie

2009-03-04T17:51:00.001-08:00

I had big plans, BIG PLANS, to go to the ballet class offered at the rec center yesterday afternoon. But I couldn't find my ID, so I wasn't able to go. I spent the time furiously cleaning out my purse and my coffee table. It took about a half hour, and finally found my ID on the coffee table. Does that count as exercise?

This afternoon I went by with my freshly found ID and did the elliptical for 35 minutes. I did the cross training workout, and maybe it is way harder than the others... or maybe there was something wrong with the machine... but it was ridiculously hard. Like almost impossible resistance. So I messed with the resistance to levels that I could handle, but regardless, I can still feel the burn in my calves. Yowza! When I got home, I did a little bit of work and then went outside and raked and bagged leaves for about 45 minutes. I consider raking and bagging to be exercise. So there you have it, Week 9, Day 2. And a solemn vow to do all that I can to make it to the ballet class next Tuesday. Amen.

PS: Mardi Gras is over Lesley!

Week 9, Days 1 & 2, Herpreet

2009-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

On Monday, our class did a swim. We always swim on Mondays. Last week I was in the depths of despair. Missing my friends. Missing familiar places. Familiar plants. Familiar food. Everything. I had also been working on a story ALL WEEKEND. And that does not make for a healthy-minded-herpreet. In fact, when I hole up and write like that for days without stopping to see the sun, I turn into a low, low creature. So that Monday, I was not in a good place. And I couldn't finish our swim. And that made me feel even lower.

BUT. This past Monday, we swam a total of....1400 yards!!!!! Amazing. Last week I couldn't even do the 600 we did, and this week I pushed through a whole 1400!!! (1600 yards is a mile! -So think about swimming the mile you run. Not bad, right?). Just to be clear, this was not 1400 strait swimming. We did a lot of endurance building exercises. For instance, we swam 100, did a 20 second rest and then repeated for a total of 400 yards. Then we did a longer rest. Then we broke it down into doing 50 yards with 10 second rests in between, etc.

Today, we are running at Barton Springs. I am happy about this because a) I'm starting to really love running, and b) it's nice outside - yesterday I noticed wisteria growing and it made me feel incredibly happy!

Week 8, Day 3, Herpreet

2009-03-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hello ladies!!! And Kevin, if you're out there!

My day 3 last week was an excellent boost. My triathlon class did a 6 mile bike ride over hilly terrain, and then we got off and ran 1/2 mile. I know that's not a lot of running, but your legs feel like led none-the-less after a bike ride.

I was especially pleased because I have FINALLY figured out the gears on my bike after all these years, and doubly pleased because I made it up some not-so-fun hills without dying or having to hop off my bike to walk it up-hill.

Week 8, Day 4, Cristin

2009-03-03T07:46:00.001-08:00

So I did mange to get in one more week 8 workout. I did the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred Level 2. Wow. There is a reason it is level 2. I may have been a little quick to judge those Biggest Loser cry babies. It was only a 30 minute workout and I wanted to cry. And puke.

Nothing to report for week 9 yet.

Is it Week 9 Already?

2009-03-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Holy Guacamole! Week 9 starts off with a bang. I didn't especially feel like running this afternoon, but I did it anyway. I'm seriously considering trying to make the ballet class at the rec center tomorrow evening. The prospect of spring and warmer weather has me overjoyed!

Week 8, Days 1, 2 and 3 (warning: negative nelly post)

2009-02-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

I am not feeling it again this week. This is bad.

On Tuesday I worked out while watching the Biggest Loser (side note: this season is filled with the biggest cry babies ever! It is so stupid. I can barely stand it). I did Gwyneth P’s arm exercises again along with some cardio and abs for about 40 minuets.

On Wednesday I had a stupid day at work so I skipped rehearsal and the gym and when I got home I did 20 minutes of yoga from exercise TV while waiting for James to get home with the Thai food. It was actually harder than I thought it would be and it was exactly what I needed- something quick and restorative yet challenging.

On Thursday I ran 1.25 miles and walked another .25 miles. It wasn’t much but I was under a time constraint and also not feeling it like I mentioned above.

Today I skipped my lunch time Pilates class because I got to work so late (9:30) that I did not feel like I could turn around and leave an hour and a half later to go to the class! There was a 12:15 yoga class that I probably could have gone to but for some reason my ass did not leave my chair. I am trying not to beat myself up for it.

I think I need to sign up for a 5k to have something to train for to keep me motivated. Oh-and find a way to make a living as an actress and not whatever the hell I do and also move to a place where it isn’t winter 9 months out of the year (it’s going to snow this weekend!)

This is a horrible entry. I am sorry. I am being negative. I will focus on positive thoughts for the rest of the day.

I am excited to make your mixes! I am doing them this weekend. I know it will technically be the beginning of March but that is very close to my goal of the end of Feb. I hope you all like them.

Week 8 Day 2 Natalie

2009-02-26T14:57:00.001-08:00

I woke up yesterday morning feeling better than I have since before I got sick the first time. It was a welcome change! I sanded for most of the day, and then took care of some school reading. Today after class, I went to the rec center and ellipticalled for 45 minutes whilst watching Ellen. It was good times. I'm glad to be back!

Week 8, Days 1 and 2, Herpreet

2009-02-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

MONDAY. I. had. a. terrible. swim. I don't even know if you could call it a swim. I DID NOT feel up for my class. Then I got there, and we were supposed to swim 400 meters (8 laps/16 pool lengths) off the bat (after a short warm up). And we were supposed to swim them at race speed. I had to stop in the middle. We were trying to bench mark our time. I stopped at the end of the pool and said to my instructor: "I can't benchmark today. I'm sorry. I just know that I can't." And I was glad to admit it, but also felt really crappy about myself, on top of the fact that I've generally been feeling moody and homesick and have been missing my friends terribly. It made me feel worse. I did still get in a little swim and feel better for it than I would if I hadn't gone at all.

But it also put me into a panic about the triathlon. I started feeling like maybe I'm going to have another anxiety attack in the water on event day...

Today, I'm still feeling kind of blah and homesick. Friend-sick is the real problem. But I go on a run, and strangely enough - running has become the sport I'm best at of the 3 triathlon events. So hopefully, the run will help build my spirits. It's a beautiful sunny day here. So being in the sun will also hopefully help...

Week 7, Day 2 Herpreet

2009-02-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

Didn't meet my goals in Week 7 - only 2 workouts. But the second was a 6 mile bike ride on a really gorgeous day!

Week 8 Day 1 Natalie

2009-02-24T16:21:00.001-08:00

I didn't make it very far, but I ran this morning. I'm afraid I'm sick again. I was trying to ignore it, but there's no denying it. Hopefully it's just a 24 hour thing. I did a fair amount of work in the kitchen over the weekend, too... which might count for something. Now I'm going to go drown my sorrows in some ginger ale.

Week 7, Days 3 and 4, Cristin

2009-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Dragged myself to the gym again last night. 30 minute workout with cardio and weights. Of course, as always, I was glad I went. I read or heard somewhere that if you don’t feel like working out you should go into the gym, change into your gym clothes and walk out of the locker room. If you still can’t handle it after that, leave. I have walked into the gym more than once with that mentality and it is true-once I change I am fine (or at least more willing to give it a go). I guess it also works if you are a person who drives to the gym already in your gym clothes. Drive there, park, walk in and if you still don’t feel it go home.

I can’t wait to be able to do things outside again. We are supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow this weekend. Boo.

I’m going to my lunch time Pilates class today too. I don’t mind lunch time workouts so getting there should be no problem.

Welcome Back! Week 7, Day 1 Natalie

2009-02-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I took my last day of antibiotic, so decided to stop at the rec center on the way home. I did the elliptical for 35 minutes, one of the cross training routines. I usually just do easy start and stick with a comfortable level. It was hard! But I stuck it out and finished it. It also felt good to be back to doing something more active than walking the dog.

Since I don't know how to do weights or anything, I've decided to start working on some home renovations on my off-cardio days. That's right. I'll be paint scraping and sanding and all kinds of good stuff for a while. My arms have never been more toned, or strong, as when I worked in antique restoration. It's amazing how quickly repetitive motion can build up those muscles... after a few months I was so strong! So that's my plan.

So that's that.

PS

2009-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Where is Leslie?

Week 7, Day 2, Cristin

2009-02-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

Made it to the gym and did 15 minutes on a bike and 15 minutes on an elliptical. Not my best stuff but I really really did not want to go so I am glad I did what I did. This week has been hard for me. I think it was having 4 days off of work in a row. It just makes me want another vacation. And I am tired of winter.

Week 7, Day 1, Herpreet - and special message to Kevin

2009-02-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hola!

Last week, we did a bike ride instead of a hike - the weather was bad on Saturday, so no hike. But Sunday, we got out and rode. I admit that after 2 1/2 miles we stopped and had a glass of wine and a sandwich before we rode 2 1/2 miles home...

TODAY!!!! A run on a beautiful day! I go at noon.

Kev - WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET YOU BACK ON TRACK???? HOW CAN WE HELP??

Week 7, Day 1, Cristin

2009-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

The weekend mostly consisted of wine tasting, eating and more wine tasting. I managed to take two walks around the woods where we were staying (a cottage in Michigan-so cute and relaxing and all around a fantastic mini vacation) but they were both pretty easy and short. Got back last night and (reluctantly) worked out while watching the Biggest Loser. I did some arm exercises by Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer again and added cardio and abs for a 45 minute workout.

Natalie-do not feel bad about taking it easy while you are sick. Your body needs it and will recover faster if you rest. Do it.

Herpreet-Your workout sounds like it was killer! As soon as I can run outside comfortably (weather wise) I am going to try it!

Kevin-Hi!

Week 6, Day 5!, Cristin

2009-02-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

5 days! Yes it’s true. James wanted to work out Friday morning before we left for the weekend and I reluctantly agreed. We did the Jillian’s 30 Day Shred workout. That sh*t is hard. In the end I was glad I did it.

Week 6 Day 2,3, etc.

2009-02-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm still not feeling 100%. I went on a walk with my friend and the dogs on Wednesday, then yesterday I actually ran. I went very slow, and not very far, and today I feel as though maybe I took a step back. So I'm going to stick to walking until at least Monday. Poop. I have not enjoyed my rest because it's included illness, and I don't want to lose steam!

Week 6, Days 1, 2, and 3! Herpreet

2009-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hola bloggercisers! On Monday, I did a swim at the Y with my class. We did a lot of swim drills that I was really bad at. And this frustrated me. I also swallowed water. I did not care for that. When I got home, I had to pour a mix of vinegar and rubbing alcohol into both ears to get the water out. Make, of the tone of this, what you will.

Then, on Wednesday, we met at a local highschool's track. Digression: The entire track is made of recycled rubber from running shoes. That is pretty cool, if you ask me. I did a 1/4 mile jog to literally warm up while I waited for the other team mates to arrive. It was a windy day. When they arrived, we all did a 1/4 mile warm up together. Then the real workout began:

1/2 mile around the track (2 laps) - 10 push ups - 10 supermans - 20 bicycle crunches - 10 squats - 10 lunges.
1/4 mile around the track - Repeat above exercises.
1/4 mile around the track - Repeat above exercises.
1/4 mile around the track - Repeat above exercises.
1/4 mile around the track.

Needless to say, yesterday, I WAS VERY SORE. I moved around like a really old lady. Today, I am mildly sore. We don't have class today, b/c it's an Austin public school holiday, and our coach has kids, as do people in the class. We also don't have class on Monday. BUT - I am going to self-motivate.

Tomorrow, for my day 3 of this week, I plan to do a hike with C. I don't know yet where we'll go, but for my birthday, he gave me a book that includes a bunch of nice trails around Austin. So, that will be my day three. I think I deserve a relaxed hike after that crazy Wed. workout.

Week 6, Day 4, Cristin

2009-02-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Whoa. 4th day by Wednesday. Crazy. I knew I had to get them in because I’m going out of town on Friday and while there is talk about doing fun outdoorsy stuff this weekend there is equal talk of multiple wine tastings and steak dinners. And that stuff usually wins. So I managed to drag myself to the gym between work and rehearsal and do a full body workout. I almost talked myself out of it but am so glad I went. It makes me think that if I managed 4 this week I should be able to get 4 in every week. Great. I have just raised the bar on myself.

I am going to make you all a mix and send it out since I came up with the idea. And then someone else can/doesn’t have to make one next. So email me your addresses when you get a chance. My goal is to get it to you all by the end of February.

Week 6, Day 3, Cristin

2009-02-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

I’m going out of town Friday and am going to miss my new, beloved Pilates class. So I made it to a different one at the other gym yesterday. It was a lot less vigorous and I don’t feel like it was a great work out. But, it was relaxing and maybe that is what I needed.

Week 6 Day 1 Natalie

2009-02-10T16:13:00.001-08:00

I'm taking things really easy this week because it seems I've got an upper respiratory infection-type thing going on over here. This afternoon when I got home Annie and I joined my childhood friend Aaron and her parents' dog Sam on a stroll about the neighborhood. I wouldn't call it exercise, but at least I'm doing something despite my urge to sleep.

Week 6, Day 2, Cristin

2009-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lunchtime workout on the treadmill. I went just over 1 ½ miles in about 20 minutes, walking included. And I’ve decided that is great since I really need to work on actually being a runner again before I try to care about time. And then I did 20 push ups. Not bad for a Monday.

Week 5, Day 3

2009-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

It was a cycle/jog!!! 40 minutes cycling indoors and then we transitioned to a short jog. So we'd start thinking about what the triathlon will feel like...That was Friday.

Week 6, Day 1, Cristin

2009-02-09T08:59:00.001-08:00

Managed to get in my Sunday start with an hour an a half of ice skating. It’s really the perfect exercise because it just feels like a good time. And yesterday was particularly fun. The rink in our neighborhood has been pretty crappy lately so we took a drive to Hyde Park (Barack Obama’s neighborhood!!) and skated on a rink that is on the sight of the Midway of the 1893 Worlds Fair. And then we headed to one of Obama’s favorite restaurants called Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop and ate Southern food that made me miss home and also think that I simply ice skated in order to eat since it was pretty calorie laden. But who cares? Barack Obama eats there!

PS:

2009-02-06T14:56:00.001-08:00

Do you guys realize we've stuck with it for the better part of 5 weeks?!?!?! Congrats to us all!!! PPS: I had a dream last night that Cristin and Kevin hated me and thought I was a slacker. sniff sniff.

Week 5 Day 3 Natalie

2009-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Just went for a run. Friday afternoon. Didn't really feel like it because I feel I might be malnourished because I didn't eat dinner last night and today I've had cheese puffs, coke, birthday cake, and 1/2 of a Take 5 candy bar. But it was fine, and I actually picked up my pace a bit. 2.24 miles. No elliptical this week, house renovations kept me from going to the rec center. Maybe I'll try for tomorrow. The end!

Week 5, Day 4, Cristin

2009-02-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

TGIF!!!

Pilates at lunch time today and HOLY HELL Pilates is hard! How could I have not remembered that from last week? I don't think it helps that I am still sore from my day 3 workout.

Even though I am in pain I am still VERY excited about being able to include Pilates in my routine. I looked forward to it all week and even had dreams about it. It is possible that I am a little too excited but what can I say? I envy flat, toned stomachs and I want to get me one.

I am also very happy that I got 4 days in and Saturday can be free.

Happy Weekend!

Week 5, Day 3, Cristin

2009-02-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

I did a full body workout yesterday. It felt great! I try to fit these in at least once a week because I know my body changes the most when weights are involved but for some reason it has been quite awhile since the last one. I am sore! But it felt great. (on a side note-there was another girl there who was super duper skinny and wearing pants that said LOVE right above her ass-why? why?)

Week 5, Days 1 & 2, Herpreet

2009-02-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

The triathlon training is going really well. Monday, we did a 1000 meter swim - which is just over 1/2 mile! Not all at once, but in total.

Today, we ran 3 miles! Since I usually hit a wall at 2 miles, I am exceptionally happy about this. We did a little game to build our endurance. I'll tell you what it was so you can try it too if you want - you can play alone. We did a nice slow warm up jog, and then someone would yell out, "To the 2nd bench! Moderate!" And everyone had to run a moderate pace to the 2nd bench on the trail. When we got there we'd slow back down, and the next person would yell, "To the water fountain! Fast!" And we'd pick up the speed and go to the fountain, then bring it down and the next person would yell out. We did slow, moderate and fast pace. It really made running the trail move SO MUCH FASTER.

In general, I have to say, that today is the first day I felt really, truly psyched that I am doing another triathlon. I decided that after finishing this one, if I don't panic in the water, and all goes smoothly, I am officially going to be able to say that I am a triathlete.

I haven't begun training every single day. I'm giving myself one more month of only training on my class days, but come March, I'll get going to an everyday routine.

I'm sad to report that the yoga has gone by the wayside. Hopefully, I'll get to it again, eventually.

Week 5 Day 1, Day 2 Natalie

2009-02-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

I didn't fit the 3rd day in last week, unless you want to count a marathon drinking event in Philadelphia on Friday. Wing Bowl, a chicken wing eating contest and annual shit-show lured me in at a ridiculous hour and spit me back out late in the evening. Needless to say, I spent much of Saturday on my friend's couch watching The Worlds Scariest Places as narrated by Zelda Rubenstein.

But I came home Sunday night, and as much as I really didn't want to, I went for a run Monday afternoon when I got home from my internship. It wasn't fast, it wasn't very long... about 2.3 miles at a sluggish pace, but hey- I did it, right? And today I went for a quick jaunt when I got home from school, just under 3 miles, with an attempt to work on speed by trying to pick up the pace for a minute or so every once in a while. So, I'll keep with that and hopefully hit the rec center for some ellipticaling tomorrow. I also bought the Women's Health guide to fitness or something ridiculous about that, which should be stuffed with helpful information about how to get fit. If I find anything amazing, I'll be sure to pass it on. SO! there we have it.

Week 5, Day 2, Cristin

2009-02-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

30 minute lunchtime workout. Elliptical and push ups/ab work. I am very glad this happened because I was not sure I was able to do it. I am crampy and crabby. Sorry, Kevin to bring cramps into this blog but I cannot help it.

I also realized recently that I am tired of my workout play lists. Today it didn't matter because I was lucky enough to score a copy of US magazine at the gym but for the most part I am tired of my music. I thought maybe we could all make a mixed CD (or whatever media form kids are using these days) of our workout tunes and send them out. Or we sort of pick names and make one for that person and them rotate each month or something. Just a thought since we never got the rewards program off the ground. And I need new music.

Week 5, Day 1, Cristin

2009-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

I decided that a Sunday start is key to me getting at least 4 workouts in each week. So I ran OUTSIDE on Sunday. Yes, it was a balmy 37 degrees here so I seized the opportunity! I ran for about 20 minutes over lots of snow and ice but it felt great!

I am also happy to report that my jeans are fitting better than they did at the beginning of January. Hurray!

Week 4, Day 3, Herpreet

2009-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

YAY AUSTIN!

Today, my triath. training class met at a place called the Veloway. It is a cycling and roller blading trail. No runners, No people with triple-wide strollers. No people walking 5 dogs. I love the Town Lake trail, but it gets mad-CROWDED.

The Veloway has two trails. One is a 3.1 mile loop with low hills, and the other loop is super hilly. We rode the less hilly one today - I did 6.2 miles. I am incredibly happy about this. I rode the entire way up the highest hill on my first round without having to lift off my bike, but on my second round, I had to lift.

My yoga seems to have fallen by the wayside. I'm going to see if I can find a Saturday or Sunday class at the Y, because I think it's more realistic that I'll make it to class on one of those days.

Week 4, Days 1, 2 and 3, Cristin

2009-01-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

I thought about blogging separately about each day but decided it was too much work.

Wednesday- Week has been busy but finally got Day 1 in on Wednesday. I managed to fit in a 30 minute workout between leaving work at 6:00 and having to be at rehearsal at 8:00. 25 minutes on the elliptical. 5 minutes on the rowing machine. It was just fine.

Thursday- Day 2 lunchtime workout. I ran! For 2 miles. On the treadmill. My run and I happened to have a great relationship this day. I increased the pace and the incline every minute for 4 minutes and then ran one minute easy and repeated this 4 times with a warm up and cool down walk (the 2 miles included my warm up walk FYI). It felt great and I’ve realized I can do anything in one minute increments.

Friday- Day 3 lunchtime Pilates class! The branch of my gym that is near my work offered free weekends (including Fridays) in January to the members of the South Loop gym (the one I go to). And after January it’s only $5/month if you want to add it to your membership. I think I will do this. I’ve wanted to add Pilates to my workouts but I have not been able to find the time. This solves that problem as well as the whole working out on Friday sucks problem. And another good thing is I don’t feel the need to shower after Pilates so I don’t feel rushed getting back to work. Sure there are those who would argue that I must shower but I ignore them. I would love to add this gym completely to my membership (the multi gym package) but it basically doubles the cost. And even when the economy was in great shape and we were all greedily spending money like fools I couldn’t afford that.

And I agree, Herpreet. We are all doing Great!

Week 4, Day 2, Herpreet

2009-01-28T19:52:00.001-08:00

The triathlon class is GREAT for keeping me regular with cardio. Today we ran. I did a 2 miles total - walking and running. The first 1/4 mile walk was a warm up. Then a one mile run. Then a 1/4 walk, then a 1/2 mile running cool down. The one mile was to record my benchmark - Today it took me 10:50 total, with my avg. 1/4 mile being 2:43 I think. So I'm aiming to first get back to a 10 minute run, which feels very doable, and then to bring my run down to maybe 9:30 min.

I haven't been keeping up with my yoga, but I'll try to get back with that, I promise.

By the way, I feel like we are all doing exceptionally well!

Week 4, Day 1, Herpreet

2009-01-27T19:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I scraped myself up and went to my triathlon training class. We did a 100 yard warm up. And THEN, we did a benchmark. We had to swim 400 yards (16 lengths of the pool, or 8 laps) and she timed us. We were allowed to stop and rest as needed. The whole 400 took me 12 minutes and 45 seconds. (I was the slowest person in my class.) After swimming the 400, I did a 50 yard cool down, swimming backstroke. All in all, 550 yards.

So, I guess I'm setting a goal to build up my endurance and to be able to pace myself so I can do 400 yards in 10 minutes. Which means I'd finish 800 yards in 20 minutes. Have I mentioned that I'm sort of terrified of swimming 800 yards without stopping?

Week 4 Day 2 Natalie

2009-01-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

Since I want to be sure I get at least 3 SOMETHINGs in this week, I took a short run this evening after Annie and I walked down to the dog park with our neighbors and their dog. It was just over a mile, but it was something. I can't decide if I'm going to run or elliptical tomorrow. I suppose time will tell....

Kevin Week of 4 40's--Nailed It

2009-01-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

I feel like a completely different person. I don't feel as stuffy, stiff, or tired as I had after pigging out during xmas. My singing is better, thanks to extra lung capacity. Everything is just better.

So I'm assigning myself---another week of 4 40's! I just did number 1 last night. I felt a lot stronger and pedaled (ran? ellipticalled?) a lot more smoothly. The time is starting to fly by. I feel too good after each time to screw with my routine for a while. I'm doing one more week of these puppies, maybe two, before I go back to the machines. I can't kid myself--this is what I need to work on the most, not building muscle. First, I need to get in SHAPE.

Week 4 Day 1 Natalie

2009-01-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Is it really week 4? I'm off to a good start- ran 3.3 miles this afternoon with a brand spankin' new pair of shooz. Many thanks to my sister for providing me with a new pair of shoes for Christmas! The weather was nice, but I forgot about the beast of a hill in hundred oaks. ow! This week I'm going to have to squeeze everything in before Thursday because I'll be getting on aeroplane and flying to Philadelphia mid-day Thursday. But I plan to be back in action next Monday-- No excuses!! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Lesley is in need of a new power cord for her laptop- so she hasn't been able to update. Surely she's been exercising though, right Les? Tomorrow is her birthday so let's give her a giant bday shout out....