Snowy Morning

I awoke to find that 2 inches of snow had fallen while I was sleeping.  Instead of hunkering down under the covers, I jumped out of bed, dressed in warm layers, and ran outside in my new snowboots.  :)

I shoveled for 30 minutes, and took the dog on a great walk.  It is the warmest it has been in over a week, so we took full advantage.  Bailey is such a snow doggie! 

When I did daycare in my home, I had a button I used to wear occasionally - it said "No Whining".   I'm tired of listening to myself whine about the weather, my back, etc.  So, I'm done with it! 

I like my new attitude - take the current situation, and ENJOY! 

Up and Moving

Ok, the back has slowly improved, so I'm back out there and moving again!  Unfortunately, it's only 12 degrees outside, so my routine is a bit limited to mall walking, DVDs in the house, and the Bowflex and Treadclimber.  I seriously can't complain, as most people don't have that many options.  It's just nice to feel better, at least enough to start up on those again.  :) 

I'm not sure how people in colder climates stay motivated to train for a marathon, triathlon, etc.  How do you make yourself go out and run when it's 10 out?  I bought an UnderArmour long-sleeved T-shirt, so I can run when it's chilly out.  But to me, chilly is 35-50, not 10.  How do you do it???

Fashion Sense?

There is an article in today's Washington Post about shrinking models in the fashion industry. The author notes that the average size of a model is down from sizes 4-6 to a 0-2. The average model is 5'10" with measurements of 33-23-34. Certainly not a Barbie doll. They're concerned that this is adding to the stress of young women to fit into this mold.

What I find contradictory, and which isn't mentioned in the article, is that the size labels in clothing have changed over the decades as well. What was considered a size 10 in the '60s and '70s has been re-labelled a size 6. People within the clothing industry have been quoted in recent years as purposely changing the sizing, to make women feel better about their larger size. (Is this their version of the dumbing down of America?)

So my question is... if the sizes have changed, and the models have changed, in roughly the same amount... are we not exactly where we started decades ago? Twiggy had a boyish figure in the 60s, looking remarkably like today's models.

Just a thought....

Rise and Shine!

I've always preferred exercising first thing in the morning.  I get my blood flowing, and get done sweating before I shower.  If I want to add more exercise later in the day, fine, but at least I got my planned stuff done. 

Due to the extremely cold weather we've had lately, I've put off exercising 'til it warms up. Well, I'm still waiting, and it's still below freezing.  So I need to change my strategy. 

This week, I've been walking in the mall, before it opens.  That works, but it doesn't cover the weight training or running.  So, when the temps are to stay below 30, I'll get up and get to the indoor pool for some serious laps.  When it's due to get above freezing, I'm going to dress warmly and get out there! 

Ok, that's my plan, and I'm sticking to it!  :)

Newly Motivated!

I've got a new gameplan!  I've picked my running goals for the next 14 months, so I'm psyched to get going on the training.  In September, I'm going to run the Rock n Roll half marathon in VA Beach.  The 8 months until then should give me enough time to build up to that distance, losing some extra weight along the way.   I'm currently not running much, due to the below freezing temps.  This should get me moving anyway, even if it's indoors.

My next new goal (a MAJOR one for me) is to run the full marathon on the Chesapeake Bay next March.  I'll have to really work to lose many preconceived notions I have about runners, marathons and my fitness level and abilities.

I've always seen myself as a big clod.  Put a thread on the carpet, I'll trip on it.  Even though I've recently run a 5k, and in the past finished a 10k, I've never seen myself as a competent athlete, able to reliably finish anything.  I have always seen 'real' runners as trim, graceful and FAST.   The funny thing is, I know plenty of runners who started at my size, and worked there way down, gaining speed as they slimmed down.

I'm a big fan of John "The Penguin" Bingham, and his philosphy on running.  I am always going to be a penguin, waddling toward the finish line.  I'll never soar like an eagle, but I'm ok with that.  I honeslty think penguins have more fun along the way.   And if it's not fun, why invest all of the time and energy? 

So, given my new attitude, and new plans, I'm refusing to let the cold weather disrupt my activity level.  I'll use the treadclimber regularaly, and get to the pool for some great cardio. 

Time to get waddling - hope you discover a new goal too, something to keep you going!

Brrrr!

After a week of the high being 34 degrees, I'm ready to move back to Santa Barbara!  Ok, so I was ready to anyway... lol

I'm not sure how people in colder climates (I'm in VA) deal with the cold lasting for months.  There is a limit to how many times I want to do a workout DVD or the treadclimber.  Even though they're fun, I need fresh air.   Fresh air that won' t make my lungs freeze.  And the dogs need exercise.  Hopping on me when I'm doing my kickboxing routine doesn't count!  ;)

I'm off my BP meds til the new insurance card arrives.  My hands and feet are soooo swollen.  I don't want to get on the scale again until I've been back on the diuretic for a week!

The Race is On....

I've challenged myself.  I'm going to run a half marathon.  Not this week, but I'll build up and run the Rock n Roll half mary in VA Beach in Sept. 

What was the cause of this drastic decision?  Several things; my running has stagnated since my 5k in Oct. (So has my weight loss - could be be connected?  Hmmmm)  It's freezing out, and I need motivation to get out there and move.  Also, my daughter is running in a half marathon in her town, in March.  She's done a 5k in the past, and I hope she does great!  I could probably train, and join her, but I don't want to intrude on her big day.  I'll make my own goal, let her race be all about her.  :)

On my way to the half marathon, I'm going to run a 5 miler in March, and I'll find a 10k to run shortly thereafter.  If I can find a 10 mile run over the summer, I'll be good to go! 

I have no illusions that I'll be speedy.  I'm a dedicated penguin (John Bingham's term, which I lovingly embrace), and my goal is to enjoy, and to finish.  Preferably before they close the course.  lol

Wish me luck in my quest!

Splish, Splash...

I finally did it - I finally made it to the local gym, and went swimming.  I used to swim frequently, up to 3 miles at a time.  However, with the new puppy, I have found myself unable to make myself get out an go to the pool since summer. 

Running had also taken precedence over swimming, as I was gearing up for a 5k.  And after the 5k, I got too busy with wedding plans.  Now that the weather's cold and dreary, it's the perfect time to stretch my muscles in heated water, and just swim.

Going today reminded me of how good I feel in the water.  It's the only place I'm not heavy, and no matter how clumsy I am on land, I can't trip and fall in the pool.  ;)  I was able to swim 3/4 of a mile, which after 6 months on dry land, wasn't too bad! 

Now that I've had a taste of it, I can't wait to go back!

Just too depressing...

This morning, I checked my e-mail, and found one from Victoria's Secret, advertising their new bathing suit line.  Foolishly, I clicked on the link, thinking I'd find something to put on my mental list of things to get into when I lose more weight.

Unfortunately, this season, I sincerely doubt I'll be wearing one of their suits.  I don't want to offend anyone who can, don't get me wrong.  The new suits are just cut SO low, one would need to get a 'full Brazillian' to wear one!  I honestly don't know how some of the models kept the bottom on long enough for the photos.  Body glue? 

VS has always had the prettiest suits.  I'll just have to branch out this year, find another brand to aspire to, and keep this site bookmarked for another life (after my body transplant?  lol).

It's only January 10th... is it too early to be thinking of bathing suits?   Hmmm.....

Back on Track

I've been walking daily since I've returned from my honeymoon, but my body is saying it's just not enough.   The weight isn't peeling off (at least not at the speed I'd prefer), and I feel lazy.

Now, I realize that a 90 minute walk each morning isn't the definition of laziness.  However, I'd gotten used to running and weight training as well.  Time to return to the old routine!  I'm sure it'll help in the weight loss effort, as well as my energy level. 

Is everyone else still on the New Year's exercise bandwagon?  I've noticed the media really hitting on the health/weight loss issue, and the ads are insane at this type of year.  But how long do people stick to their new program???