Friday, January 30, 2009

.....


Hey ladies- Next weekend (the 7th) I will be in O-town saturday morning...if you two decide you want to go for a cool down walk after your long run I am game for meeting up with you. Or if you decide you would rather just go for a walk- I am game :) Just let me know.

Also did you realize my due date is the same as the Ogden 1/2 Marathon. AND Rory (GG) and me are the same age...we both graduated in 2003! If you two weren't my friend already- don't those two facts make me cool enough to be or what!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Swimming Etiquette?

So far so good with my training schedule this week.  Wrote about it here.  But... here's my story for ya'll.    My morning went something like this.

4:45 am *blaring beep* ugh...arrrrgh.... 10 more minutes.......
5:07 am  CRAP.  i really need to get out of bed
hurredily ran around the house grabbing all the swimming essentials and get dressed for spin class.
5:21 am yesss i rock, totally here early.  what? only 3 spots left in the class?  for. the. love.
5:23am get settled into my warm-up
5:45am  is this done yet?  my legs are gonna fall off
5:56am you want me to do WHAT? for how long? at WHAT resistance?
6:10am  please, please, please make it stop.  what? sprints??? nooooooo
6:11 am it's only been a minute of sprinting?  can't. breathe. properly.
6:16am oh thank goodness spin is over. 
6:18am stretching feels sooooo good.
6:30am dagnabit i forgot my baby powder again! hair. splitting. ouch. cap. ow. my eyes. arrrrghhhh.  okay, whew, the cap is on my head, i repeat, the cap is on my head.  
6:38am this is great. only two swimmers in the pool.
6:40am what the heck? 8 swimmers in a 4 lane pool?
6:45am okay, this is ridiculous two ladies are doing water aerobics, during LAP TIME in between lanes.  don't be mean lori... don't be mean lori.
6:46am seriously? i have to swim AROUND you because you're a rather large lady! grrr. don't be mean lori. don't be mean. 
6:48am if i just got really close maybe i could "accidently" kick her.  no lor, be nice. 
6:50am what? someone else wants to try and squish in? what are we sardines?
6:55am okay.  i'm done. no more "accidental" feels by any. one. else. this morning. creeps.

yup.  what a thrilling morning.  these ladies took up one lane and half of the middle lane... and sometimes ended up on my blue line.  i wouldn't know until i was basically running into her butt and had to quickly swim around her.  arrrgh.  what's the etiquette?  do i show them the swim schedule and say "ummm this time is reserved for lap swimming? so move. it.?" or do i just do what i did and be passive and get frustrated.  thoughts?  

20 bonus points for me though, that workout kicked my butt this morning.  i was WAY proud of myself. A) for waking up B) for pushing myself.  so here's me patting myself on the back:  pat. pat. 

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

DIG DEEP...all the way TO CHINA DEEP

I have this crystal clear memory of running all bundled up in the winter, on Canyon Rd heading towards Monroe to begin the old Ben Lomond loop having Lori tell us about how insane the Great Wall of China Marathon training is and how you actually train to run stairs...I have always wanted to see China- these were my thoughts as I was walking this morning. It is amazing how much more running I think I am capable of when I am walking :) 25 weeks of pregnancy and my walking/stretching is going great and I am feeling great- great enough to sign up for the Great Wall of China Marathon! Sorry no new up to date "fit pregnancy stuff"

So girls as you train just chat "dig deep all the way to china deep"

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Cause Wakin' Up Is Hard To Do

I was a bum.  I slept through my workout yesterday morning.  Yup.  I told myself that the hubs had the day off of work so I could TOTALLY workout in the afternoon.  The afternoon rolls around.. I'm having too much fun with the hubs to go workout.... finally it hits 4:45pm and I realize I STILL haven't worked out.  BLAST.   I throw on my running shoes and head out the door.  I was ambitious and got this hairbrained idea to run 2.5 miles down to Amanda's work to say hi and then head back home.  Well, I forgot these three things:
  • it had been snowing and was almost nighttime
  • its cold when it's almost nighttime
  • at nighttime it gets dark
You'd think I'd remember those things.  I went out of the house in a light jacket, no beanie, no gloves... in the snow... good job Lor.  On the way down to Amanda's work I realized I wouldn't be able to get back home before dark, which rocks, cause to get to Manda's work you run through a seedy area.  It's not that bad, but it has the potential especially when you're alone.  I had the freakest moment... around 24th and Madison a dude just starts jogging behind me, cat calling and whistling at me.  Eeeeek!  I started spriting as fast as I could.  I'm sure he wasn't going to do anything and was just drunk or a creep, either way it freaked me out.    I crawled into Amanda's office, texted Van and he came and picked me up.  There was NO WAY I was running in the dark back up to our house.  Bleh.  Note to self: never do THAT again.

This morning did a rockin' swim workout.  I'm really beginning to dig swimming.  It KICKS every muscle in your body AND your builds your cardio endurance.  Totally love it.  My week includes:
  • running a total of 10 miles (long run only 6 miles on Saturday)
  • swimming three times
  • biking for as total of 90 minutes 
  • two strength training sessions

What does your week look like for you?

Monday, January 26, 2009

It's Time

I no longer have any excuses. I need to get my act together. Motivation or not, it is time to train. This week my goal is to outline my training plan. The half marathon is 3 1/2 months away. Maybe I should start running, really running, again. Goals for this week:
  • Workout in the morning on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
  • Play soccer Thursday.
  • Really push myself in the workouts.
  • Make training schedule!

It is time to get off my butt and get motivated. Yes, yes it is.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Are you SURE a Marathon isn't easier?

Biking is kicking my butt.  Spin class about did me in today, and then to top it off I ran afterwards.... talk about killing myself.  All I could think of this morning was "seriously, a marathon might be easier than this..."  

One day at a time, one day at a time.  Glad I still have three months til the triathlon and I'm even HAPPIER that in a little over three months I get to run a half!  yay!  Something I feel 100% confident in and comfortable doing.  

Tally ho, friends...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Oh I LOVE It

Ever run a marathon? A half? Pretty sure I had a tears of laughter (and repressed memories) watching this... love. it.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Week Two Was a WASH

Well, I rock.  Yup.  I'm pretty much the coolest athlete ever.  I did ONE (yes, that's singular) workout last week.  I was throwing up everyday, had the worlds worst tummy ache and was just overall feeling like someone had hit me over the head with a hammer.  Least to say, I got one workout in and it was pathetic.  So..... I'm redo-ing my training schedule for last week. Yup.  Gotta get those particular swim workouts in, tally ho. 

Because of the holiday I'm not going to be swimming tomorrow, I'm planning on a nice 4 miler tomorrow morning.  It's been AWESOME weather here in Utah and I fully plan on taking advantage of it....even if Amanda feels like she should go with her hubby on a day date rather then run with me.  (picky picky) I MISS running.  For some reason Amanda and I have been very spotty with our runs the last two months.  Most of our cardio has been done at the gym, which is fun at all, but it's not the same as running outside... no, not at all.  

I'm getting excited to get my bike out on the road and get working towards the tri.  This week I'm headed down to the local bike shop to get the road bike tuned up.  I also am going to be checking out bike shoes, they are pricey so I'm hoping someone just decides to donate me a pair (ha) or I can find a serious sale online.  Those who bike, any thoughts of where to find cheap bike shoes?  Once I get my bike tuned I'm going to take it out for a nice ride.  I have a bike trailer for the babe, so I think my new goal is to go on an afternoon ride.  We'll see.  Hmmmmm.  I hope this weather sticks. 

I hope your workouts were better than mine!  What does your upcoming week look like?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

To Tri, Or Not To Tri...

...that is the question. As I've been looking at my year and setting goals, one question keeps arising. Do I train for a tri while Lori is still here and I have a training partner, or do I just say pffffft to the whole tri thing? To be honest, tri's scare me a bit...well really just biking scares me. Swimming is hard, but I know swimming. Running no longer phases me, but biking....well....every time I bike all I can do is picture myself getting hit by a car some place random that no one would find me. So I come to you my blogging friends and ask for your opinion. Do I just jump in and do it? Or stick to thie things I'm comfortable with? Hmmmmm...

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Everybody Kegel

yep you heard me! I always thought of kegel exercises as well kind of "inappropriate" for lack of a better censored word :) But apparently "Kegel exercises are simple techniques for toning the muscles in the vaginal and perineal area, strengthening them in preparation for delivery. This will also aid recovery postpartum. This exercise is one virtually every pregnant woman can perform and benefit from, any time." What to expect when your expecting, pg. 192
So there you have it add some kegel to your stretching!
If you need to learn how to kegel go to this link:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/kegels.aspx

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Week Two.

This week I have a decent training schedule, nothing too crazy, just mainly in the building phase in all three elements.  Should be fun!  I started drinking protein shakes after my really hard workouts and have seen a HUGE difference my energy level in the afternoons.  I think getting some calories and protein to my muscles after killing them has helped sustain me the rest of the afternoon.  I use EAS protein shakes, but there are a million out there... take your pick.

I'm excited to finally start having long runs on Saturday again.  Amanda and I haven't ran a 6 miler in probably two months.  It'll be nice to be a run that's longer than 30 minutes.  Where do you want to go friend?  I'm excited to have yet another week to try and work on my pesky eating habits.  I did decently this week, I made it 4 days out of 7 keeping my carbs below 195 grams.  (it's MUCH harder then it sounds... especially for a bread-lovin-sugar-lovin woman like myself).   I made it 5 nights out of 7 not eating after 8pm.  That's seemed to help.  

So... my goals for this week (in addition to my goals above):  cut down on my sodium intake and no diet coke all week.  No caffiene free, no full strength, NO DIET COKE.  I'm interested to see if I notice any difference. Hmmm.  I'll check back in and let you know.   As for me... I'm off to swim my little behind off in the morning.  What does your week look like? 

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

And with a new year comes new goals...

So its late, its been a long day and possibly this post will be really long and come across a little melancholic- I promised when I began this journey not to talk about weight but health, and I will keep that promise. But there is a big elephant standing in my head and I have to acknowledge its there.
I have been organizing this self-esteem group for early adolescent girls from scratch, it's taken a lot of work. I have enjoyed finding the most successful ways to help girls- and have soaked up all the information, but no matter what I read, learn or study. I keep coming back to the same question. "How do we become confident, self assured women all the time? How do we remain self assured in a world and environment were we are constantly reminded of our physical beauty, personal success and always reminded- no matter what, some other girl will be better?" I have realized whether we are 12 or 24 as women, our self-esteem is something that we always most nurture (if I'm wrong, please let me know what it is you do to). If we are not careful we can become our own toughest critic, meanest friend and most ruthless judge, culture and society don't help, but the media has nothing on the negative self talk we have the potential of poising ourselves with.
So you may be wonder what the elephant in my mind is- while friends its an elephant with three heads.
The first head is my personal expectations of what I should be capable of- I am the worst kind of over achiever. I am the kind that feels if I am not doing it all right this second than I am doing nothing at all, I have no thermometer to help me recognize what is acceptable and what is just plain crazy. I tetter/totter between these too aspects all the time. I have gotten to the point where I realize, I may never be able to gauge this appropriately so I often ask my husband, "Do you think this is too much?" or "Is it OK if I don't think I am capable of this?" or the best one, "I think I am tired, is it OK if I lay here and watch a movie?" This crazy elephant head is making me feel guilty for not still running and haven't difficult intense workouts. For me running is just not working, since I have no gauge to know when I am pushing to hard I worry I will damage myself or worst the baby. My days are long and tiring, and the energy just isn't there like its always been. For the last three weeks I have faithfully been going on daily walks- which I am loving, I love being outside, I love the winter air on my face, I love the slower pace, I love the beautiful white world around me. But I don't love the elephant in my head telling me walking not good enough. I wouldn't trade this time in my life for anything, and although this head is big and loud it isn't stopping me for being grateful for this experience and embracing it with all my heart.
The second elephant head is weight!I have never been super little, but I have always been able to fit in the size of jeans I desire. I have never owned a scale and have maintained a consistent weight give or take 2-3 the majority of my "Growing up" body life- sure I would always like a flatter stomach and never felt comfortable in a swimming suit- but its never been a battle for me. I underestimated how difficult it would be for me to gain weight while I am pregnant. Even though I know I am suppose to be gaining weight, even though I count my blessing every day for this opportunity even though I am excited to be showing and healthy. The fact is my bra doesn't fit I think my butt isn't as tight as its always been and I don't look like the pregnant girls on "pregnancy magazines" and its kind of bugging me.
The third head's job is simple her job is to simply make me feel guilty for even complaining about such minor, insignificant, silly, vain things. And to bet me up for even allowing such things to bother me- when I have absolutely NOTHING to complain about.

So this is my three headed elephant friend,I know that it really doesn't exist. I know its a waste of time to worry about. I know elephants...usually don't go away and sometimes they don't need to-but by clearing the air, they become something less feared and more easily embraced, nonjudgmentally. But O'Well because around her neck I also know there is a sign that hangs, "Changes in life are never easy- you can do it, we are cheering for you what an excited time!"

So I shared with you the silly inter workings of my weakness- With the message, don't worry about your elephants, don't hide for them, but let them be... Remember slowing down intense workouts and gaining weight is part of the journey. We all will hit obstacles, just let yourself slow down if you need too. Here are so tips to feel you get over some of those obstacles and "elephants"

Obstacle Nausea
Solutions "Find a time of day when you're not as prone to feeling ill, and do something less strenuous," advises Weiss. "Instead of taking an early-morning Spinning class, do yoga in the late afternoon." Thirty minutes before your workout, eat some bland crackers. Motion-sickness bracelets such as Sea-Bands ($10), available at drugstores, also can help, as can ginger.

Obstacle Backache or hip pain
Solutions Stick to a low-impact workout featuring fluid movements, such as swimming, pool walking, or exercising on the elliptical machine or the recumbent bike. "These types of exercise increase blood flow, which loosens up your back and hip joints so you don't feel as achy," says prenatal exercise expert Amie Hoff, a fitness consultant for New York Sports Clubs in New York City. Swimming the breaststroke is a great option since it keeps your pelvis open and relaxed.
Light stretching may also do the trick by releasing tension in your hips, lower back and hamstrings. After a cardio warm-up, sit on the floor with your legs out straight or in a V and gently lean forward from your hips for 15 to 30 seconds, Hoff suggests. Also try sitting with your legs in a butterfly position (feet together, knees out). Weiss recommends pelvic tilts, which can be done while standing against a wall or seated on a ball or even in your car. (For instructions on performing pelvic tilts correctly, visit fitpregnancy.com/ontheball.)

Obstacle Frequent peeing
Solutions A gym workout means you'll be close to a bathroom, and if you're taking a class, tell your instructor you're pregnant so she'll understand your frequent departures. If you prefer walking in the fresh air, plan your route in a neighborhood that has a coffee house or restaurant on every block, or locate the bathroom at a local park and do laps in the vicinity. For trail hiking, bring along toilet tissue—and make sure you're still able to squat.
Late in pregnancy, as your baby moves deeper into your pelvis, you may leak urine when you work out. "Wear a pad so if you drip a little, you'll be protected," says Hoff.

Obstacle Swollen feet and ankles
Solutions Swelling is partly caused by the pressure of your uterus on the veins in your legs, which causes fluid buildup. Swimming offers relief because the water's buoyancy lifts the baby off your pelvis. "If you have a hard time kicking, place a buoyancy ball between your legs and use your upper body only," Hoff advises. "Just being horizontal should help with swelling."
Avoid the treadmill and elliptical trainer, but consider the recumbent bike, which places less pressure on your ankles. Buy athletic shoes one-half to one size bigger than normal so you have plenty of wiggle room, and remove the laces from the top holes. Make sure the rest of the shoe is snug and supportive.
Swelling typically subsides at night, so work out earlier in the day. Massage may also help, says New York City fitness trainer and prenatal-massage therapist Anne Taylor. "Have your partner use an exfoliation brush to massage your feet and calves in an upward motion, which will help recirculate extra fluid that can accumulate in the legs," Taylor says.

Obstacle Exhaustion
Solutions "Everyone has a time of day when they have the most energy, so schedule your workouts then," Hoff says. Dial down the intensity and break up your workout into 10-minute sessions, either stretching or resting in between. Weiss suggests choosing an activity that's enjoyable and social, like taking a walk with a friend. "Stroll around the block once and tell yourself you can stop. Chances are, you'll get to the front door and feel like doing another lap."

Obstacle tips were taken from Fit Pregnancy's website http://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy_exercise_motivation/yourpregnancy/1136?page=2

Swimming might just be my new favorite thing...

Holy moly.  I finished my first swimming workout this morning.  Well, techincally not my first EVER but my first in about 3 years.  I forgot how nice swimming is.  It's hard and it hurts but once you get in a rhythym you just sit back, and chill.  Very similar to running.  I had a lot of time to think about things in the pool today, something I wasn't planning on. 

I tried to push myself as hard as I could.  I'm sure the really-buff-I'm-such-an-awesome-swimmer guy next to me was rolling his eyes as I sat at the side of the pool gasping for air after my sprints, but I felt like I was working hard.  Yay for doing a hard solo workout.  But get this.  Someone stole my towel.  Yup. Stole my towel.  It was quite the interesting feat trying to get dry without a towel (I now know that you can get towels from the gym desk...).  I was annoyed that someone would take my towel.  Maybe I should have the MIL monogram "Lori's" into a towel.  Hmmm.  My birthday IS coming up.... 

It was a good workout.  There were a lot of positives this morning:
  • I realized I'm a LOT stronger and more fit than I was last time I swam
  • I'm more confident in my athleticism
  • I'm more determined to actually DO a triathlon, which pushes me to do better in the pool.

Yippee for a good workout!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Awesome New Exercise.

Trust me.  I TRIED.  I tried with all my heart to get a picture of this exercise.  But I just couldn't angle the camera correctly and my little Jaylee only had so much patience. 

I've been trying to do this for YEARS and Jaylee is finally old enough that she GETS it.  You lay down on the floor, put your feet between your child's legs (or willing workout partner).  They lay on your shins, you do a leg press and push them up at the same time you're pushing them up with your arms (hands interlaced) so you're holding them up in the air with your hands and shins.  

Holy.  Quad and shoulder/chest workout!!!!  Jaylee is old enough now that she can provide the resistance that I need and she pushes back on my hands.  It was AWESOME.  We did about 20 and my legs were burning as were my hands...she weighs about 40 lbs now and I was feeling it by the end. JJ thought it was HILARIOUS and fun!  Awesome. Playing with the kid AND working out.  Not much better, eh????  

When I have Van around I'll have him snap some pictures.  Yes yes.  Oh yah.. check this blog out too.  Wish me luck tomorrow! 

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Nummmmmmy Lunch

I made this fabulous salad yesterday.  I cut up 1/4 of a head of lettuce, 1/2 avacado, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 4 carrots diced and 1 TBL spoon of Asian Toasted Seasame dressing.  (I drizzled it around the salad on the outside so I could dip it and it would run to the bottom of the salad)

Holy awesome-ness.  It was so good that I took a picture and wanted to share it with you.  

Total calories? 273
Total grams of carbs? 20  (i'm supposed to have 35 grams, max per meal)

YAY! I'm alllll about this lunch more often.  Plus avacados are GREAT for you.  They are high in good fat.  

Friday, January 2, 2009

Winter Training

You need some of these
Yak Trax.  
     They will save your life in the winter time.  You can pick them up at REI, Canyon Sports Warehouse, Sports Authorty or online here. Running on packed snow and ice will never be the same.  We should have had them on this morning, we were sliding EVERYWHERE. Seriously, once I bought my first pair four years ago?  Winter training has been SO much better!  Definitely worth the investment.  
       And yes, in answer to your question Jennifer, you just get out there and do it.  We tend to do your speed training at the gym on the treadmills but all our other runs are done outside.  Make sure you have some good running tights, gloves, and wick shirts.  Cotton shirts and lightweight pants will FREEZE you in this time of year.  Target has a good selection as does Sports Authority.  If you have the time the Park City outlets are an awesome place to stock up on running clothes.  When it gets REALLY cold we pull out our face masks.   It saves our poor chins. 

What other winter training questions do you have?  We can post a training schedule or workout ideas.  Just let us know!