Prof40's Group -- Technically full but ... (Page 9)

Wow! I'm going to honestly just admit it -- I'm a total slacker this week. Work and life have left me drained, and yes, while I have had time to move the body, I've really just preferred to watch tv next to the fire. (Look at my log from yesterday and you'll see what I mean.)

But the combination of reading your post, and sipping at this amazing cup of strongly caffeinated morning coffee, has suddenly started me thinking about a long bike trainer ride. And while I've seen the Star Trek episode playing on TVLand at 7, it would certainly provide a better distraction than the morning news. I think you're motivating me....I'm almost quite sure of it, in fact.

Now I know that there's no way I can finish the challenge ahead of you, but darn it, I'm not going down without a fight! Take that, waterchick!

Liz, you kicked my , too My quads are still sore from Sunday's group cycling. My ego got in the way, and the old fat guy running it was absolutely NOT gonna see me whimp out--I kept up with the intermediate folks that do this every Sunday. Then I could hardly walk up the steps afterward (and since). So, I'm stuck punching only these days. My furnace completely went out, I couldn't get my backup coal stove (like a pellet stove, but coal) to start because I didn't get the vents cleaned from last season, and so we huddled in 48 degrees indoors with a space heater because who do you get in the night to answer their phones? All that shivering sort of left me feeling rather drained, too. And like, maybe all this training is getting in the way of life, just a wee bit. Should have had that coal stove serviced this past fall! So, I could REALLY punch for a few days from sheer frustration! My speed is improving a lot with that. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how boxing will help my sprints, other than maybe helping to relieve some tension Now my arms are a bit sore, too. Great. But, I have my first official swim lesson today--yah! And I'm pretty sure she's gonna laugh at my overzealousness with signing up for stuff that I'm not ready for---yet I don't even think I can do the weights today. Hell--there's still Friday and Saturday, right? And I did do 300 situps last night. My belly muscles are not sore, fortunately. Any sports that only require abs? Well, prof, some folks that haven't seen me in 6 months are vocalizing their amazement at my physique. But, I don't see the scale budging lately. I always go up a few pounds with harder exercise to grow muscles (or the associated water gain from inflammation). Then, the scale goes down again, but seeing the increase sort of freaks a girl out, so I try not to look very often. My thigh muscles are bigger, because my jeans are tighter in the legs, but looser in the butt. Maybe they need to make Levi's with triathlete sized proportions? Someone email them and suggest it, okay? Everyone keep trying--Spring will be here some day!!

Ok, ok... I I haven't written in probably a week. I apologize! School is starting to pile on already, but don't worry, I've been getting my workout in also. My roommate and I have been doing the abs, step, gluts, turbo, TBT classes. On top of that, I've had my weight lifting class two times a week. My body is feeling all of these classes! I have been walking around sore for about two weeks and I love every second of it. I haven't been able to find some of these muscles in years. I've still been staying away from running but I'm thinking about giving it a shot today. Not for long, just to see how things go. Plus I have abs, gluts and step tonight so I should be well worked by the end of the day. Last Friday after my classes I went and got on the bike and rode 20 miles. I don't know what got into me, but I felt really good afterwards. My boyfriend has started baseball season again and that is actually helping me out because I have more time to myself to do whatever. Although, this weekend we have a kickball/drinking tournament starting at 8 AM. Besides the fact that it is supposed to be about -10, it should be pretty fun. And like Prof said, CARB LOADING!

I hope everyone has a great day!

Good work, Jen!!! I'm glad you like sore muscles. Guess I'm a weenie, but I hate pain that lasts more than a day. Keep up the great work--it's not easy to do school and tri training. Did you sign up for one yet? I think you will be more than ready soon Maybe you and your boyfriend will run the relay with us in August? Just think about it--I'm having trouble coming up with the 12 for the team. I'm not giving up yet, though!

Ok, i just did my 2nd strength training for the week with 4/9 excercises being core focused. Is that oK? I ran yesterday,and walked a bit too, to make 1 hrs worth of cardio so I think I just completed the challenge...Ok, everyone else get moving!

Great Job, Watergirl! I finally had a swim lesson today. The good news is that now I can get from one end of the pool to the other with my face in the water and doing it mostly the right way. The bad news is my kick is weak, I drag one arm and sometimes still swallow water! I get tired easily, too. I'll practice again this weekend and have another lesson next Thursday. She seems to think I'll do okay with practice. I signed up for another cycling class Sunday--it's a technique class, so might be more geared for those of us a little wet behind the ears with all this stuff I'm checking out running shoes now and have learned that I underpronate and so am more susceptible to injury because I run on the outsides of my feet. So, I'm going to invest in orthotics and some good shoes. What do you all think of the Pearl Izumi's? Are they better than Nikes? The runnerworld site seemed to show that there was a lot of customer satisfaction with the Izumi's, but I haven't a clue. I run with cheap $12 Walmart shoes currently. I'm starting to get antsy for outdoor biking and running now. It's still really cold here and I'm too much of a whimp for it now--hats off to those of you that are training outside!!

Ok kids, I'm back at it. I promise to post and read like I'm supposed to, starting tomorrow. I've got a job interview that will open up my training scheudle if I get an offer. It will be working with premature babies so I won't have to pull on big people all day. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Jimbo the Great

WE HAVE A WINNER -- and good job on some serious exercising.


So....what do you have in store for us beginning on Sunday?

Nice work, everyone. Your posts are inspiring, and have repeatedly motivated me to get up and get moving when I really did just want to lounge. Thanks for the boost!

Get to a good running store for advice on shoes. And try on as many pairs as you can. Running stores usually have a treadmill, so you can try the shoes out then and there. And the sales person is usually a runner, who can recommend a number of models based on how much you run.

Or if you go to a big chain sports store, don't take the kids, and promise to try lots on and walk/jog a bit before buying. These are your feet we're talking about here, and a bad pair of expensive shoes just has a way of ruining your day. Tell yourself that you're going to spend an hour picking out running shoes and stick to the plan! And don't overspend! If you are going to run 15-20 miles a week, you don't need top of the line high mileage racing shoes!

I wear Asics. I like my model, and so far have not been tempted to stray. They're about $90. But I run about 100/miles month. If I ran less, I'd buy the $50 pair.

Orthotics -- hmm. If your gait is truly ugly, and you're at risk of injury, you better invest. But how do you know you really need them? Someone casually mention it? You did the wet-foot test on a paper towel? Or a running specialist told you? I'd investigate this a bit more before I go spending money until you know that you love running and plan on keeping it up and logging serious miles. But that's just my opinion. It ain't gospel!

Hi Prof, thanks for the running shoe tips. I might check out fleetfeet--I hear there are chains in Chicago, so maybe they are in Milwaukee or Madison as well. As to the orthotic issue, I'm a chiropractor and I have this foot scanner that can tell you where you are putting pressure and all about the arches, etc. I have some imbalance that is evident from that and I can just send Footlevelers the scan via internet and they will make an orthotic just for me. It's pretty slick. They also sell a running shoe with the orthotic you need made directly in the shoe. But, I underpronate and the shoe they sell is more for overpronation. Apparently underpronation leaves one more susceptible to injury to the iliotibial band and other tendons, and we need to stretch more. The dude who did 7 marathons really recommended getting orthotics made and putting them in the shoe. I'll get mine made and take the orthotic with me when I go shoe shopping. And if that doesn't feel right to me, I'll try the shoe with the custom built in orthotic. I have no desire to injure myself and will gladly pay more to try to prevent injury. I'm self-employed, so I must take care of my body so I can keep on working to support my kids! Most chiropractors deal with orthotics and footlevelers is a really good company, so if any of you want your feet checked, just call around to the local chiro's and see if they can work with you. Pick a doc with the scanner--it's more specific and gives WAY more information than the casts that you step into and mail to the company. I just got my scanner a little while ago, and need new orthotics made, since mine are about 8 years old now, and my body has changed a lot since then. There are chiropractors in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, so you guys over seas can do this, too You really run that much, Prof? Wow. The worldrunner guy runs 40-50 miles a week, too. But that sounds like more for ironman training to me! Hmmm, maybe by 2009 I'm sort of thinking maybe a half ironman that year. Guess we'll see how this season goes, first!

I have been working out but have not shared on here. I am off the grid (no email or cell phone) until monday, then I will write a larger post about this week and the upcoming week. I will say I added strength training back in about a month agao and I have lost 6lbs. I think I am down to my junior high weight.
Keep it up team!

FEBRUARY 3 REVIEW:

Good week here. Some slacking (me), some serious work (watergirl). Nice job!

So what's happened this week?

My mp3 died. I was against using one, didn't think I'd like it, was concerned I'd get all tangled up in the wires as I ran. And I did get strung up a bit on occassion, too, but quickly learned to accept that minor fault with the amazing benefit of having music in my ears. I mean, let me be honest -- I had a walkman. An original walkman, that weighed like 7 pounds. And then nothing since. So you can see that I'm not that technically up to speed. But now that I'm without this little gadget, I'm going through withdrawal. Amazing how quickly I became addicted to using it -- I'd even strap it on to get the mail. (I know that sounds strange to you city folks, but imagine living in the country, where your mailbox is just over a 1/4 mile round trip from the front door.) The good news? Customer service is sending out a new one. Bad news -- in about 2 weeks. But enough about my whining.

PHOENIX set the challenge, which involved some good old fashioned "enjoy what you're doing" mojo. And it was a fun challenge, even though I failed to complete it. I had 1 more weight training session to do, and since I lifted yesterday for the first time this week, I'm out of contention to finish. She's also seen some great improvement in the swim -- good stroke work with her instructor -- and is shoe shopping. And she's planned her race season. Plus she's organizing a relay team for a long run. Add some spinning classes. Whew -- just looking at what she's done this past week has left me exhausted.

MALPHH reports that he fell up the stairs in the midst of celebrating a national holiday. I'm looking forward to seeing the video on YouTube. He's also invited us to hang out at his place for a bit, which doesn't sound as good as it once did since he's dieting. Who wants to visit when there's no junk in the house to gorge on?

ERICJONES hit the pool, and is working on pacing. That's hard to do, I admit, because I like to just open it up a bit too when I start. But going fast early means dying early, which is just not good for a long swim practice. Since I haven't swam since last Saturday, he's got my pool time beat.

WATERGIRL completed the challenge and made it all look just too easy. Kudos to her. I'm anticipating her challenge for this coming week.

JENG is back at school, is lifting on a regular basis, and is taking it easy on the running until her injury clears up. She's done some good cycling. And she's participating in a kickball/drinking tournament later this morning in the predicted -10F air. Ah, college. Good times.

JIMBO has returned from the missing and was interviewing for a new position. Keeping fingers crossed here, and looking forward to his next post.

BGT reports that she's lost 6 pounds and has promised to log her work on her return next week. She's actually at a place in the world where she has no access to email or cell phones this weekend. Sounds unbelievable. And nice.


Well, that's it then. I'm allegedly headed to the pool this morning. Last week, it was swim team practice in the last 3 lanes, and I was stuck in the lane next to them. It was just no fun, no fun at all, being lapped by 12-year olds.

I guess I have to post a challenge now. It seems like its been a hard week for some people so I will try and get people motivated by posting a very doable challenge.

Since some of us have been having difficult times with food and diet issues, I am going to do a diet challenge. Not an elmination but an addition of food- fruits and vegetables. I have always struggled to add enough of these into my diet and I think if I did, I would eat less junk. So, go to this website: http://www.5aday.gov/index.htmland put in your stats and it gives you a reccomended daily amount of fruits and vegetables; ie. for my age and sex, it says 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables. I want you all to meet this goal reccomended for your personal stats at least THREE days this week. Or, just a basic 5 servings of fruit or vegetables/day will work too.
For the excercise challenge, pick one of the sports and do 3 workouts this week; a slow and easy, a speed intervals or hilly workout, and a longer distance one. And even bigger challenge would be to pick the sport that you like the least, or do the worst at!

For the slow and easy: focus on form and breathing at an easy rate the whole time, plan on at least 1/2 hour.
For the speed interval or hills: Pick a set amount of time or distance and work at 75-85% effort for that time and then take a 1-2 minute break in between. Do at least 4 intervals of whatever you pick. Or more if you want!
And for the long workout- look at the longest amount of time or distance you have spent in that sport so far in one workout and add 10% onto that. Then go out and do it!

Ok thats it, i hope its not too complicated. Have fun!

Nice challenge, watergirl! Very healthy--I might try to just make the diet one my permanent challenge for as long as I live! I tend to crave the carbs--the bad sugary ones, then because they have so many calories, I just starve the rest of the time because I indulged in the chocolate volcano monster cake or whatever. Then I wonder why I feel so depleted.....

Well, today I challenged myself to do an indoor tri at the Y competing only against myself. I did the swim the proper way 1/4 mile, biked 10 miles and ran 3 miles. However, I had to rest a lot for the swim, because this is only the second day I've ever swam "properly" (okay I suck at this, but at least it's more proper than before). Then I had to change clothes as they don't really want people dripping wet in the fitness room. The bike continues to be the easiest for me and I truly clocked in at an average 23 mph and tried the random hill setting. Then I was pooped for the run, so I actually walked on the treadmill for part of it and I had to take a break during that to go get my son ready for his swim lesson (plus I had to pee and get a drink). So, it wasn't an official triathlon, but it was the best I could do at this point!

I found a flyer for a tri group in the LaCrosse area! I had done a web search for one in my area, but came up empty, so this was a nice surprise! I intend to join and try to get recruits for the Relay.

I signed my son, Noah, age 8, up for a duathlon May 6. I won't be doing the adult race; I'll just be there to cheer him on. He's taking swim lessons, but I'm gonna give him awhile before suggesting a true tri for him yet. Might as well get the kids involved so they understand why Mom needs to practice.

In my personal life, my furnace now works, I just got a fine for forgetting to renew my car registration (oops), and the ironman dude just wants to be friends because I didn't put out on the first date. Then there was the 26 year old who has done 7 marathons and is going to Antarctica this month--he truly wanted to date me, but he looks even younger than his picture and I'm really not very good at cradle robbing--he's two years younger than my baby brother--it would just be too weird! However, a guy named Mohammad invited me to be his Tantric Sex partner, as he's taking "classes" from some people on tantranova.com! Although this was an inticing and intriguing offer (look it up!)--I declined and told him when I find my true life partner, I'll take the classes with that person--Mohammad had informed me that he does not want to be in a committed relationship, just friends and sex class partners! Oh my, this internet dating stuff is very strange.......There is a tri/marathon guy emailing me now that actually has children who live with him full time, does something in real estate and is currently in California doing a marathon. He actually seems sane and hasn't even hit on me yet! You married folks really need to appreciate what you've got--this singles dating stuff is really a lot harder than tri training. There's no mentor group for it

Hi! My name is Megan and I'm looking for a group to join! I was previously in a group since late December, but there was an unfortunate incident with the leader that left us leaderless. So I'm hoping to sneak into a group, if that's still possible.
I'm basically a tri newbie. I did one team sprint tri 2 summers ago, and am currently signed up for 1 olympic, 1 duathlon, and an 8k run.
I'm located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, and am trying to find local swimming groups/classes, since that seems to be my most challenging area.
I think that's about it! Please let me know if I can be an offical group member! Thanks!

That's some challenge for the week!

And since I didn't make it to the pool at all last week, I'm announcing that the swim will be my focus sport for this challenge. I know, I know, I'm setting myself up for failure. But if you never try, you can never earn glory. Unless you have no shame and seek a career in reality tv.

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone does on this! Logs, please, people, so I can follow your efforts! You'd be surprised at how much you motivate me to get out there and do something!

Nice job on the personal triathlon -- the effort is definitely worthy of applause!

And as for the dating life....man, I don't envy you. The last time I dated, I was still meeting women the old-fashioned way -- drunk and in bars.

You're in. So what races are you doing, and how's your training coming along?

Hey team well my ankle is all good after my over indulgent australia day. Anyway i went for a run today first time in a long long while while it was fairly short it did give me a chance to get the blood flowing. it also has a massive hill 3/4 of the way through i have named it "death mountain" anyway Whilst i was running i had very tired arms just above my bicep area i think but not sure that my arms are too tense whilst running i sort of hold them up with my fists closed and my thumbs inside my fist.,.. if that makes sense any suggestions on my running style why it hurts am i just too weak and a cry baby or is there a different teqneique that i can try.


cheers!

malphh

Okay, today I tried to eat more fruits and veggies, even ate peas and red baby potatoes for breakfast! Then I swam for about 20 minutes, but pushed myself to do more laps and used a floaty thing to practice doing laps just kicking, because mine is weak. I can really feel it in my low back muscles--this is an exercise I am not used to at all. I still get so tired from the swim. When does it get easier? Is three times a week really gonna cut it? My indoor tri is in about a month now. So, I think that was one work out doing the 10% more.

Then I did another group cycling class, but this one was more techniques of cycling where you can ask a million questions and they don't push you so hard. I met folks from the Bluff Busters Tri group here that I intend to join, and folks from the River City Running club (a woman who coaches running, too), and was invited to attend a Velo cycle club meeting next Saturday night. Guess I scored big! Everyone was very encouraging and helpful. Guess there about 50 members in the tri group. So, maybe I can get together that Relay team yet??? I cycled at a good pace but not as hard as I could, for about 70 minutes. Then I had to get my kids from the Y watch because they only offer childcare during certain times and the time was up. So, I think that is another part of the challenge--the longer workout with emphasis on form and not so darn hard.

My muscles aren't as sore as last week. Maybe I'm getting used to this? I really think I need to just get some really warm clothes--face masks and stuff--and try an outdoor run. Either that, or maybe running laps in the gym? Would that be better than a treadmill? I think the run is going to really challenge me, because it is last in a tri and I am so very tired by then. But, if I can get really good at running, will it get easier? Or is it always a challenge in tri's?

Now get this--a guy in Madison emailed me and wants me to be his Domme/mistress! What kind of energy am I putting out there? I'm just this sweet old lady with three kids! Really, I am It's even more tempting than the Tantra dude, though. He's a lot cuter, taller and said he'd gladly do Tantra lessons for me.......Hmmmm That's what I get for posting a picture of me in a wetsuit!! Should have done this years ago! Who knew triathlon gear was sexy?

ate my 5 veggies and 2 fruits today was a good day training did a quick run then a bike ride together and finished with a hour of weights

cheers
malphh

Hi Team

Against the run of play, I'm back.

Completed absolutely none of the challenge (unless I can count doing push ups over the toilet whilst throwing up in which case I am a clear winner!) for which I profer my apologies, and have managed to put on 6lbs despite spending three of my five days in India within a short sprint of the toilet! I think that five nights of the finest food in the world simply does not agree with me which is a shame because I love spicy foods and good wines.

I suspect it is some kind of revenge for so many years of colonialism as none of the other westerners I spoke to suffered similarly save for a vast cartoonish fellow countryman of yours who covered the 40 yards or so between the resturant and the gents like a greased otter, announcing to everyone on the way in a very loud Southern accent exactly what was happening "down below".

The resulting explosion event made the chap who handed out the towels in the restroom step outside for a moment!

Other than that, and being involved in no less than seven seperate traffic accidents, having my bags stolen at Mumbai airport, getting into a bout of fisticuffs with said thief, bribing several "officials" not to beat the poor chap senseless and being denied access in to the UK as my passport was "suspicious" (I am about as English as you could get- I even have a title!), the trip was altogether uneventful.

Turning to this weeks challenge (and well done to watergirl for winning last week) all I can say is that it is great after the last week to compell myself to eat well. As to the exercise challenge, I like it!

Today I have had porridge made from oats (about which it was said by Samuel Johnson: A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people) and a banana so I am one up on yesterday when I had a true Yorshire Sunday roast (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_roastfor an artery clogging description) and didn't have room for anything else.

I hope you are all looking forward to your week.

Mark

Hi Team

I am still in the fray as a wicked viral respiratory infection (I guess thats what you get when you are an infectious disease doctor) coupled with a 24h hospital shift managed to dampen my spirits.

After making a full recovery and putting in several good workouts last week, I went snowboarding with a work colleague this weekend. On the first run of the day she decides to bisect my path suddenly and I fell forward so quickly that I landed on my sternum.....knocked the air out of my lungs(a strange feeling that has not happened to me since childhood) and bruised several ribs (I am hoping they are just bruised...don't want to get an x-ray).

To add insult to injury it looks like I have caught another respiratory virus....oh woe is me. I guess thats what I get for mixing business with snowboarding.......

Still it seems pretty banal compared to Mark's escapades. I had my exposure to India last November when I was assailed by a bevy of gastrointestinal critters. I, however, was able to survive with my secret weapon...daily prophylactic pepto-bismol. It has never failed me since I discovered its wonders in fending off Montezuma's revenge. Armed with my trusty pink and frothy friend I was able to enjoy the wonders of South Indian food while minimizing time spent in the the majestic interiors of the WC.

As for the challenge I like it...its doable and we can increase the ruffage and thus attain the status of being the most regular group (in the gastrointestinal sense) in BT cyberspace!

Mark: Where do you get your material???

Jose: Glad to see your back, I was wondering what happened to you! wintersports can be dangerous but are SO much fun. Luckily, its early in tri training season so i dont think this injury will sideline you too long ( ;

Phoenix: Online dating has its perils but I am a success story- After much resistance to the idea, I turned 30 and decided to try it "just for fun". Its now 3 years later and last July I married the guy with whom I had my first online date. Stranger things have happened!

Prof: way to go on the swimming- I have decided to pick MY nemesis sport-cycling-to focus on this week. I strive to do marathon trainer rides like you but its coming slowly...We'll see how i do by the end of the week. I rode outside again today, it was lovely but I was so slow!

BGT- We miss your enthusiasm!

Good job on the fruits and veggies everyone, I havent even been as good!