Dabbling in Fitness: Full Moon 5K

Last Thursday I joined my good friend Jen on her first 5K.

I was worried. She's been training - like actually training - for a race for MONTHS. I've been running like 3 times in the past 6 months. She goes running like three times a week. Oh, and she actually runs all three miles. In a row.

So, going into the race I treated it like I've treated all of my other races: just run the beginning, run the end and maybe run a little in the middle. Just finish in less than 60 minutes (because they will close the course on you).

I really wasn't expecting anything - especially since the last time I ran before the race I completely bonked. It was an awful run. And my other runs either got thunder-and-lightning stormed out or I just was a sleepy, whiny baby and stayed in bed.

Then something amazing happened.

I ran the full first mile - no walking. And I ran it at a 12:20 pace.

First - I'm fairly certain that's the first time I've ever run an entire mile without a walk break.
Second - I KNOW that's the first time I've ever done a mile that fast.

I honestly don't know how I did it. But it felt AMAZING. Even after the first mile I was able to run more of the race and improved my overall time by TEN MINUTES. Yes. 10 full minutes. I can't even tell you how excited I am about that. :)

This is the first 5K I've run at night. The race started at 9 p.m. Every other race I've run has been in the morning and I usually try to run before work or in the morning on the weekends. Running at night is awesome. I think I need to start doing it more. :)

While the actual running of the race went really well, there were a few drawbacks. First - I am covered in mosquito bites. Second - I had a few bugs fly into my eye and my nose. It's really hard to run when you've got a gnat in your eye.

Anyway, now I'm looking at a ton of other races. I definitely had a runner's high after the race and wish that it wasn't so hot and humid out this week - because I think I'd be totally killing my 1.5 mile route right now.

Until next time - happy dabbling! :)

Dabbling in Fitness: For the Love of Yoga

I've been doing yoga on and off for the past several years. My first yoga class was in college and I took it as a quick and easy gym credit. It easily became one of my favorite classes. Then I found a studio that offered 10 classes of hot yoga (Bikram yoga) for $10. I've never done anything that makes me feel so, incredibly relaxed and just plain good - inside and out.

So, after several years of not wanting to shell out the money for a studio membership, I'm back in the swing. As much as I enjoy my at home yoga dvds (they are quite good), being back in a hot yoga class is maybe the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time.

Now, the point of this post was to explain why I love yoga. Which is surprisingly hard to do...

I'll try, though.

You'll hear from every instructor that yoga is mind, soul, body. That's the total truth. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it is absolutely true. Especially when it comes to hot yoga. The body part is self evident. Yoga stretches and tones every muscle in your body. The mind and soul parts are a bit harder to explain... I think the mind part comes from spending an extended period of time in the quiet focusing entirely on yourself which extends into the soul. Giving yourself time to focus on you and only you is so good for the soul. It might feel selfish - but I've come to accept that sometimes taking time for myself is the best thing I can do for myself - and those rewards extend to the people around me because I feel so much better.

Now, I've had friends in the past who have been hesitant to try yoga because they don't think they are flexible enough or they don't think they'll have the time or a studio membership is too expensive. I've let myself use some of those excuses, I admit it. But - they are just excuses. Yoga is for ANYONE. I've been in class with women who look about 120 years old and people 3 or 4 times my size. Some people can hardly lift their legs off the floor when they start and some need blocks to sit on - but each person gets something out of their practice and slowly everyone gets closer to where they want to be.

I guess what I'm trying to encourages is anyone who has ever thought even a little about trying yoga to go for it. Find a studio, rent a mat and try it. I'd suggest a "regular" class for your first - but after a class or two or some time with an at home dvd giving a hot yoga class a chance. It sounds INTENSE - and it can be. But if you take your time, bring a lot of water and take breaks when you need them - you will experience something amazing. Every toxin, stress, fear, negative anything will be gone and you will feel transcendent. Yes. Transcendent.

Find a yoga mat! :)

Until next time - happy dabbling.

Dabbling in Fitness: Getting in a Rhythm

I blogged last time that I put together a new fitness regimen. Well, it's been a few weeks and so far, it's going pretty well.

I admit - I haven't made it to every workout, every day - but there have been some extenuating circumstances.

Last Monday I was up and ready to run at 5am - and it started storming. Not just heavy rain. There was also thunder and lightning. I'm willing to run in the rain. I don't mind thunder. Lightning? No way. I'm terrified of being struck by lightning. So, I put myself to back to bed for another hour or so.

Then on Tuesday, I couldn't bike home because it was an election night and I needed to stay at work late.

Wednesday we had a conservation hike at a city conservation park - instead of yoga. It was beautiful - I'll share some thoughts and photos a little later in another post.

Thursday was a big day! The Full Moon 5K. It was AWESOME. And I'll detail that in another post as well.

This weekend wasn't as active as I'd have liked it to be. I still didn't get to the pool on the weekend. But I DID buy a whole bunch of new clothes! Since I hit the 15 pound mark pretty much nothing fit, so I needed some new stuff and I have got to say - it feels GOOD to have clothes that fit properly again.

Monday I got in some hot yoga. I am LOVING the hot yoga. If I didn't think it would be overkill and that I'd still have a lot of quality time with Chris, I'd do it every day. LOVE it.

Yesterday I finally made it to the pool. After 35 minutes in the lap pool and 5 minutes in the current pool one thing is abundantly clear to me - I am a pretty terrible swimmer. I cannot remember how to breathe properly while swimming. I remember the crawl stroke and flutter kicks, but breathing in between is just something my body is having trouble remembering. I'm looking into options for adult swim lessons to see if I an brush up on it so that I can get more serious about my swim training.

Now, this week I'm sure you all know that it's been ridiculously hot and humid. Because of that I have wussed out on a few workouts - namely riding my bike home from work yesterday and running today. I guess I thought a little rest would be better than getting a crappy workout and making myself sick.

So - next week is supposed to be slightly cooler - so that should help me get in more of the workouts I have planned.

Now - I have a bunch more to post - so stay tuned tonight for extra reading! And, happy dabbling in your own endeavors. :)

Dabbling in Fitness: New Regimen - aaaaand GO!

First off - sorry for the lack of reading material, kids. The past few weeks have been SUPER busy. I was at a 3-day training for work (nothing exciting - I promise), then we went on 6-days of glorious time off. Which I intend to fully blog about once the "lost" SD cards get to town with my in-laws. (Brief recap: Milwaukee Zoo - AWESOME. Paddle boats - AWESOME. Fireworks for my birthday - AWESOME. Hall & Oates for my birthday - SUPER AWESOME. Two days in the Dells going on tours and doing touristy things - AWESOME. Cave of the Mounds - AWESOME. Seeing friends in Dubuque for a BBQ & Fireworks - AWESOME.)

Anyway, I promised myself that once I made it through our "6-day weekend" I'd get back on track. So far, so good. Actually, I sort of started early...

Last Sunday I went "water walking" with my mother-in-law and her friend Patty. We've done this a few times - it's just what it sounds like: walking in water. We did it for 2 hours. It was awesomely fun. Even the few times I actually swam half the length of the pool (testing myself for the tri-training) felt good. I am nervous about swim training because I've never been a great swimmer - but I think the water walking (in 9 ft of water for 1/2 the pool length) really has helped me be less nervous.

I took Monday and Tuesday off from working out (mainly because we were in Dubuque on Monday and Tuesday I couldn't bike home as planned) - but I tried to be better about what I'm eating. I think it went quite well - I'm feeling good. :)

Wednesday I jumped right in. 1.6 mile run in the morning - which felt AMAZING. I wasn't fast. I didn't run the whole distance - but I ran more of it than I thought I would and I really did feel good after I was done.

Until I was at work and needed 2 cups of coffee to prevent zombification right at my desk. 5:15 is freaking early.

After work, we hurriedly got some dinner, took the dog out and hit Target so I could get a fancy "yoga towel" (it's extra absorbent and helps you not slip around on your mat - worth the $$) before I hit my first hot yoga class in YEARS. Let me tell you - it was TOUGH. Every pore was gushing out sweat by the end of the 90 minute class. My toes and foot arches were cramping something fierce and at one point I sincerely thought I was going to cry/pass out. But, it was so worth it. So. Very. Worth it. After 90 minutes of static poses in a mega hot (105 degrees) room I was so incredibly relaxed I could hardly walk. I probably looked drunk coming out of the studio. I remember loving the bikram classes I took in Iowa City - and this was no different. Loved. It. Can't wait to go back on Monday.

Thursday I rode my bike home from work. (2.6 miles - I thought it was 3. Oh well.) It was okay. I haven't been on my bike since last fall when I was biking home on a semi-regular basis. Actually getting on the bike and getting going was no problem. What was a problem were the hip cramps I started getting about halfway home! I thought I was going to have to call Chris for a ride home! Apparently, my body's not quite up for run, yoga, bike ride on back-to-back days. I'll get there - I'm just not there yet.

Friday I *planned* to run in the morning - but stayed up super late Thursday night watching Friday Night Lights and only got like 4 hours of sleep. Hello "snooze" button! (Actually, I just turned the first alarm off and stayed in bed until 6:45 - then hit snooze continually until like 7:30. Oops.)

After having much the same reaction to my alarm this morning (internally going "UGH. It cannot possibly be time to get out of bed yet") I lounged for a bit - and then finally got off of my butt and went for a run.

Today's run SUCKED. It was more humid than I thought it would be (but, honestly not bad). My iPod froze about halfway in. I was sweating like a beast. I was going sooooo slow. I just felt blah. BUT - that just means I have Monday's run to get back to my "AAAAHHHHH" running feeling from Wednesday, right? Plus - doing so will allow me to really get to the gym on Saturday to swim.

I do have to be up front about next week - it will be a big challenge and a true test to my dedication. I am mega-busy next week with something planned every night except Monday. Which means a total rearrangement of some of my workout plans.

Monday should be "normal" - early run, pm hot yoga
Tuesday will feature early morning (6a) yoga and likely staying late at work for the primary/election.
Wednesday I *plan* to get up and run in the morning and then we're planning to attend a conservation walk at a local park.
Thursday I am running a night-time 5K (YIKES - totally not ready)
Friday I *plan* to get up and run in the morning since we have an engagement party to attend (YAY!)
Saturday I *plan* to hit to pool.
Sunday I *plan* for a "rest day" that includes a trip to Rockford for some Drum Corps. Here's hoping I won't be too stiff and sore to get out of the car!

That's it. If anyone's got any suggestions for keeping the muscle aches away - please share. I'm still a little achey from hot yoga on Wednesday. (Yup, still feeling it 3 days later. Awesome!)

I've got some non-exercise, non-diet related blogs planned in my head - but I'll have to find a little time to get them posted... If you want me to test something out (diet, recipe, craft, exercise, adventure, etc.) - just let me know and I'll oblige! :) I'm all about trying stuff out!

Until I find the time to hit the blog again - happy dabbling!

Dabbling in Fitness: Tackling a Tri

So, I've decided to try a tri. Not a full triathlon - a sprint triathlon.

Just a few months ago, the idea of a triathlon kind of petrified me. But, a few weekends ago, I went to one as a spectator (and cheerleader) and it was so inspiring to watch the athletes in action - that it made me start doing some more research.

Here are 3 of the athletes that helped me realize that I want to do this - and that I can do this:

Teresa Mackin, Brian Holzgraefe & Jamie Hersch are a few of my awesome co-workers. The trained for several months and then participated in the Capitol View Triathlon.

Now, admittedly, I'm not in nearly as good of shape as they were when they started, so I know that I need to take more time to train. So - I have a plan.

Starting after the holiday, I am going to use swimming, biking and running to get in shape. Apparently, a triathlon training program is a GREAT way to get in shape and avoid injury because of all of the cross-training it provides.

I've taken the past few weeks to really think about it and read a few articles to see what training is needed. Thankfully, because the distances aren't terribly intimidating, it doesn't take a terribly intensive training program to get ready for sprint tri. You start with a half-mile swim, transition onto a bike that you ride for 12 miles and then finish off with a 5K. And by training for all three - you're hitting all major areas of your body when you work out.

So, I've got some of the 5K running training down. I know that is a do-able distance for me. I'm fairly comfortable biking - although I haven't biked more than 3 miles at a time for a long time. The swimming is the part that I think I'll be the most nervous about - but if I start working up to the swimming part of it all now, I think by next June (the next Capitol View Triathlon - the race I hope to be ready for) comes around, I'll be comfortable enough to do the swim.

Now, I have read several training guides, but this one from Women's Health looks fairly comprehensive and easy to follow - plus, it uses tips from Barrie Shepley, Canada's former Olympic and National Triathlon Team coach:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/triathlon-women?page=1

In addition to the swimming, biking and running, I'm planning to work in some yoga to keep my muscles limber and loose. The local yoga studio I have always wanted to try is offering new students their first month of unlimited yoga for $40. Hopefully that will help me find a few classes that are at convenient times and work well for me. :)

I also recently read an article about making time to exercise that had some really good tips. The biggest one: Make an Appointment. I think if I tinker around with my schedule before and after work a little, I'll be able to find the ideal balance for working out/training. Ideally, I'll run 3 times a week, bike 2 times a week, take 2 yoga classes a week and swim once a week. The key will simply be to find the best balance with work and spending time with Chris & Dexter.

(Here's the article: http://mobile.active.com/mt/www.active.com/women/Articles/6-Steps-to-Kick-Start-a-New-Workout.htm?cmp=17-7-852 )

I know that my plan is ambitious. But, I think if I'm able to stick with it, it will be good in the end. Besides - it gives me an opportunity to get into a routine before the winter - so that I can more easily substitute in gym workouts for running and bike riding - and if I'm in the routine of running as the weather changes, maybe I'll actually put my cold weather running gear to use! :) Additionally, by starting with the training now, I think I'll be in better shape to take a "break" if needed over part of the winter and I can start up again in March (since the training plan is 12 weeks long).

Once I get closer to the triathlon, I'll need to start thinking more about gear. I don't think I'll purchase a special road or triathlon bike - there are local stores that offer rental bikes. I need to think more about purchasing a wet suit. That is another item that can be rented locally - and I want to know for sure if I'll use the wetsuit routinely before I invest $200-300 in one. There are lots of gear options, just like with any sport, but I think for my first triathlon I'll be okay without purchasing too many high-end items. Plus - I can put some of the lower-priced items on my Christmas list! :)

In the meantime, I need to keep my motivation. For that, I'm going to need help! Ideally, I'd have a couple of friends willing to sign up and train with me - but I know that a triathlon can be really intimidating! (See my reaction earlier this year: YIKES!) So - if you see me in real life, ask me how training is going. If you read my blog regularly (instead of seeing me in real life) and I don't update - comment and ask me how it's going. And if I seem discouraged about the training - offer up some words of encouragement - they really do help!

So until next time - when I'm planning on an awesome post about date nights! - happy dabbling. :)

Dabbling in Dieting: A bit off course...

After running the Race for the Cure I went a bit off course. It's been quite busy around here lately, making it much harder to stay true to the diet. While I have slipped into some old habits (drive-thrus and french fries and eating out every night with no exercise to combat all that extra not-great-for-me food), I have found it a little comforting that I haven't gained back too much weight. 3-4 pounds.

Despite my backslide (which likely isn't going to right itself in the next 2 weeks - which I'll get to), I did try a new activity this weekend. Water walking.

My mother-in-law introduced me to this over the weekend while we were in Dubuque for the weekend. We went on Saturday and Sunday and it was quite fun! Basically - you just walk back and forth in the pool. Since the pool at the Y in Dubuque has a deep end, we did wear floatation belts - which I think really increase the resistance in both the deep and shallow ends (the water pulls against the belt and you also have to use your core and leg muscles to stay upright and touching the bottom of the shallow end). While it doesn't feel like you're working very hard while you're in the water, you sure can feel it when you get out!

I think the water walking is a great way to ease into something else I've been wanting to do - swim. I've never been a great swimmer, but it's supposed to be such a great full-body workout that I really want to get into it. Plus, two weekends ago I went to watch the Capitol View Triathlon and now I totally want to do a sprint marathon next year! And to do that, I've gotta swim.

Now, I don't anticipate being able to totally get back on track until after the 4th. I'm in some training for work this week and we're going out to lunch each day (today we had some pretty darn good Indian food). Next week Chris & I are celebrating my birthday and our anniversary (a little belated) by spending time in Milwaukee and the Dells and I just don't think I'll have the self-control to stick to the diet while on "vacation."

So - renewed dedication to the diet and working out starts July 5.

The renewed dedication will probably see a few modifications. If I start working out as much as I keep telling myself I will, I'll probably need to work in some carbs. I'm planning to get a yoga studio membership, swim on the weekends and work in more runs and bike rides during the week. The goal is working out in some way 6 days a week. Nothing drastic - but at least 20 minutes every day. A run, a bike, a swim or a yoga session. Plus, on the weekends I'm sure I'll want to fit in a hike or two... :) It's ambitious, but I just want to take advantage of everything that's around in the summer and get in a good routine before too much time goes by. We'll see how well I do...

Once I'm back in the swing, I'm sure I'll be back to blogging more - especially once I start the swimming and yoga on a regular routine!

Until next time - happy dabbling!

Dabbling in Fitness: Race for the Cure

With just 2 weeks to go, I signed up for the Race for the Cure. After signing up I had a few hesitations... first fundraising - I've never been good at it; second was training because I've been very lax in forcing myself out on runs the past several months.

My original fundraising goal was $100. After just one day with a sign up sheet at work - I had to raise my goal. Not just double it - but triple it! In the end, my co-workers and a few others really came through in donations and pledges - I raised $435 for Susan G. Komen! That made me feel great! It's so inspiring to know so many people willing to give what they can to a good cause - and it helped me really dedicate myself to making it through the full course.

Another reason to do it: my friend Trevor said he'd run the race with me! We don't get to see Trevor too often - he's usually off filming for the company he works for - so it's always nice to catch up. And, it's especially nice to have someone to run alongside on a 5K. Trevor was kind enough to go as slowly as me and take the very long walk breaks with me. I kept wanting to tell him that he didn't need to run with me - but he seemed to not mind and we were having a good time chatting as we ran. Hopefully the next time we race together I'll be in better shape and can run the full race course!

Anyway - race day was GORGEOUS. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze. It was quite humid, but not too hot. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people running for a good cause - and seeing all of the breast cancer survivors was especially inspiring.

The race course itself didn't really have any hills and there were plenty of people along the course cheering everyone along. Hopefully for one of my future races I'll have a few cheerleaders of my own - either along the route or at the end. I think seeing a familiar face along the way would be a great motivator.

I didn't have a great time - 52:18 was my time. (That's like an 18 minute mile! Yikes!) But it did feel good to be out running. Today I'm a little sore - but I attribute that to then walking around downtown and doing a LOT of crouching to get photos of the classic cars at Cars on State.

Since Chris was working the event, he wasn't able to get a photo of me crossing the finish line - but he did get this fun shot after the end of the race:

I did treat myself to a non-diet lunch after the race: Chicken sandwich and a Pimms Cup at The Coopers Tavern. Best chicken sandwich I've ever had - it had chipotle mayo and avocado spread and it was the kind of sandwich I dream about. Totally worth the splurge. :)

Until next time - happy dabbling! :)