Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Good Advice

When heading out for an "out and back" winter run, I've been told it is best to always start against the wind. Today the wind was from the south, so I headed south on our road. My goal wasn't speed or time, but rather to just get out there and enjoy it. I think of these as BTN runs. (BTN: Better Than Nothing) I was taking a nice, easy pace with a run/walk ratio of 4:1. Like I said, I was out just to be out!

The longer you can put up with the cold wind in your face, the longer you get to enjoy the wind at your back.

There's a life metaphor in there somewhere, but I'm going to be late for work if I sit here and try to tease it out.

Chuck and I went out to the ski trail at Courtney Lake yesterday. It was so much fun! I think I'm getting more comfortable on the skis- accepting what they are and understanding that I probably won't hurt myself if I fall. It was a lovely afternoon, and I hope we can go out again soon.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Mid-Winter Whatever

We've made it halfway through the month of January. Yay! There's only five more months until spring!

I've been checking in on the website for my local running club almost every day. When are they going to update the race calendar? Did they update today? No. *sniff* Maybe tomorrow...!

Since I'm running every other day, I'm alternating weeks with three and four runs per week. I've been averaging 11 miles per week, which is really low. I'd like to get up to at least 20 miles per week. The problem is, I just don't know how to make myself stay on the treadmill more than about an hour; my longest run for weeks and weeks has been six miles. And I'm a little hesitant about running four or more days a week. I've been telling myself that I need that day off between each run, that I can't run two days in a row.

I have to keep this in perspective, though. Before a year ago, I thought it was something to jog a quarter mile in the middle of my walk. I am making progress.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Problem? No problem.

Chuck took the kids ice skating this evening. Not just the big kids, he took them all. It's a rare treat for me to have the whole house to myself. You'll never guess what I did.

Did I drink the last beer and play on the internet? No.

Did I shower with the door open? Not yet.

Did I clean the house just so I could enjoy seeing my living space neat and tidy if only for a few moments? Yeah, right.

As soon as they were out of the driveway, I changed clothes (with the door open), grabbed my gatorade and the iPod, and hopped on the treadmill. Six slow miles without a single interruption. It was heaven.

I don't have a problem. It's a passion. :o)








Thursday, January 5, 2012

January 2012 Measurements

(All measurements are in inches.)

Weight: 182.4

neck: 14
shoulders: 43.5
bicep: R- 12; L- 12
chest: 39
bust: 40.5
@ braline: 35.75
waist: 33.25
@ bellybutton: 34.25
low ab: 37.25
hips: 41.25
thigh: R- 22; L- 22.25
calf: R- 13; L- 13.25

Estimated Body Fat: 30.4%

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Freak Out

I took my measurements before working out today. Wrote them all down, then used the same body fat calculator that I've been using the last couple of years. (I know it's not the most accurate way to assess body composition, but I mainly use it to watch for a downward trend.) The last time I did this, I was at 26.9%. I figured that being right after the holidays my number would be (artificially?) higher. And it was. 38.7% THIRTY-EIGHT-POINT-SEVEN PERCENT!!??

!?!?!?

I admit, I freaked.

It wasn't until hours later, I was at work and realized why it was so high. I had entered my height as 60 inches. That's five feet! I was so relieved, I literally LOL'ed.

So, given the fact that I am SIX feet tall- not five- my estimate came out to 30.4%. I'm not loving that number, but at least it is still in the "acceptable" category for a woman. And I bet once I'm back to a more normal diet, that number will go down quickly enough.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year 2012

We are two days into the new year, and I haven't screwed up writing the date even once.

I usually make resolutions for the new year, but I haven't yet this year. Maybe I'll have my act together in time for the Chinese New Year, January 23 this year. It will be the year of the Dragon. Cool.

I did put together a workout schedule for myself for this month. I will be running every other day and doing either strength training (weights) or yoga or resting the other days of the week. My main goal this month will be to build my base mileage. I'm also doing some interval runs to break up the treadmill monotony.

So, more on resolutions to come! I'll also be recording weight and measurements, and I'll talk hubby into taking some fitness pics for me.