What was I thinking? I wasn’t. Stuck in rush hour traffic on 94 I thought that I would go for a run outside since the wind finally settled down for the first time in a while, instead of going to the gym looking at the back of someone’s head while running on the treadmill for an hour.
I ran outside a number of times in the dark last year, but this being the first time this year I was a little nervous to be out there on my own. Being overly cautious I stuffed my pepper spray and my cell phone in my pocket, put on my balaclava to hopefully disguise my ponytail and I started out on a course I ran many times. I enjoy running at night because, just like MTB at night, you can’t see what is coming up…you just continue. Although, I think I’m going to invest in a headlamp if I’m going to continue to run in the evening. It was difficult seeing the sidewalk from time to time especially when the oncoming car lights were strong.
I finally got home—almost feeling like it would never end—after 10 miles.
This morning I woke up before the birds to attend Jody’s spin class. This was the part I wasn’t thinking about: Who in their right mind would do a long run the night before and then go to Jody’s spin class? Ahem…ME!
Getting ready to head out the door was a chore…my ankles were sore from the night before. Funny how you can forget about what you just did…but thankfully I had a constant reminder.
I got to the gym and lifted and then lightly spun to warm-up. I needed it...today’s class was intervals—Jody style! 8 minutes of jumps, 8 minutes of rollers, 8 minutes of pure climbing, 8 minutes of jogging, 8 minutes of…we did it all. We learned a new Jody-ism word “Electric hands”. While we were in the jogging position we had to “take the bounce out” which means only your lower half is moving—not an easy thing to do. Anyways, while we were taking the bounce out she yells out “electric hands”—after being perplexed for a few seconds you realized she didn’t want you to use your hands to stabilize yourself. It was a good class…I need a nap.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Plan—there is no plan
I have a new plan. I’m not going to make one—for now. That is, I’m not going to say that I’m going to run until I’ve ran, I’m not going to say I’m going to spin until I’ve spun. For the past couple of weeks I’ve been saying in this blog that I’m going to do this or that and not upholding to those plans. So…I think I’m going to talk about what I’ve done not what I’m going to do—for now until I get back on track.
Saturday I didn’t spin. The idea of getting out of my warm bed was not something I wanted to do. Have you ever heard the saying “The hardest part about working out at the gym is walking through the doors.” It’s true, I just forgot about it that morning. I got a call from Erika mid-morning and I was going on for a few minutes how I was upset with myself that I didn’t go. Erika is one who understands how it feels to miss a workout.
I met up with the other four Hellion girls. The plan was to bedazzle—I still giggle when I hear that word—but instead we screen printed everything from jeans, t-shirts, even underwear—they were new, and clean. One of the girls is an artist who screen prints in her basement. The theme of the screen prints were of course cycling. Everything came out awesome. I love my new shirt!
I left the girls to meet up with the TH girls at Holly’s house to spin for 2 hours. Erika and I were the only ones able to make it. I’m amazed at Erika—7 months pregnant and she is still on the trainer for an hour. If I was 7 months pregnant I would need a grandma seat on my bike. Hell, let’s not wait—I’m thinking that I need one now!
I tried John’s rollers using the wall as support. You should’ve seen me, I couldn’t believe I could hug a wall like I did—I held on for dear life with one hand and the other hand on the handle bars—averaging about .5 mph for a whole 30 seconds. For those mere seconds—which felt longer—I could see the appeal of the rollers. I would eventually like to get one for fun, but I’ll wait to see if I can get a good deal.
Another side note: Please, Please, Please when you are at work do not eat popcorn at your desk especially if you do not have a door. Leave the popcorn munchies for home or if you are at the movies.
On Sunday I drove down to Matt’s 90-min spin class. It was fun to see a couple of MG guys there—we were just missing Bill. Matt introduced me to the guy next to me, Tom, who I guess was my Wednesday version. Tom looked like he had one too many the night before because he was spinning like he was on a Sunday stroll. I don’t know about the rest of the rows but the front row had a good time.
I then went down to the Mall of America to take a few pictures for work and I checked out the new Nike Town store—not very impressive. I was impressed with the new Columbia store. Many more items were added to my “want” list, but I was quite impressed that they were featuring the Columbia-HighRoad team. On video, in the store front (with a real Giant bike), and whatever type of cycling gear the pros wear was available. You don’t see that in many stores.
Saturday I didn’t spin. The idea of getting out of my warm bed was not something I wanted to do. Have you ever heard the saying “The hardest part about working out at the gym is walking through the doors.” It’s true, I just forgot about it that morning. I got a call from Erika mid-morning and I was going on for a few minutes how I was upset with myself that I didn’t go. Erika is one who understands how it feels to miss a workout.
I met up with the other four Hellion girls. The plan was to bedazzle—I still giggle when I hear that word—but instead we screen printed everything from jeans, t-shirts, even underwear—they were new, and clean. One of the girls is an artist who screen prints in her basement. The theme of the screen prints were of course cycling. Everything came out awesome. I love my new shirt!
I left the girls to meet up with the TH girls at Holly’s house to spin for 2 hours. Erika and I were the only ones able to make it. I’m amazed at Erika—7 months pregnant and she is still on the trainer for an hour. If I was 7 months pregnant I would need a grandma seat on my bike. Hell, let’s not wait—I’m thinking that I need one now!
I tried John’s rollers using the wall as support. You should’ve seen me, I couldn’t believe I could hug a wall like I did—I held on for dear life with one hand and the other hand on the handle bars—averaging about .5 mph for a whole 30 seconds. For those mere seconds—which felt longer—I could see the appeal of the rollers. I would eventually like to get one for fun, but I’ll wait to see if I can get a good deal.
Another side note: Please, Please, Please when you are at work do not eat popcorn at your desk especially if you do not have a door. Leave the popcorn munchies for home or if you are at the movies.
On Sunday I drove down to Matt’s 90-min spin class. It was fun to see a couple of MG guys there—we were just missing Bill. Matt introduced me to the guy next to me, Tom, who I guess was my Wednesday version. Tom looked like he had one too many the night before because he was spinning like he was on a Sunday stroll. I don’t know about the rest of the rows but the front row had a good time.
I then went down to the Mall of America to take a few pictures for work and I checked out the new Nike Town store—not very impressive. I was impressed with the new Columbia store. Many more items were added to my “want” list, but I was quite impressed that they were featuring the Columbia-HighRoad team. On video, in the store front (with a real Giant bike), and whatever type of cycling gear the pros wear was available. You don’t see that in many stores.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Vindication…almost
Last night I went to the gym to re-do the long run that never happened on Tuesday. Everything was going great until ten minutes left my stomach started to cramp up. I tossed in my towel and headed home. Next time.
I went home and jumped on the trainer for about an hour. I changed my seat position—which was much better, but probably awkward for someone else. To my amazement I got my heart rate up to 165. The most I’ve ever got my heart rate up to on the trainer was 125. Finally a good work out on the trainer!!
This morning I missed Matt’s class. That is the second spin class this week I’ve missed.
Tomorrow I may take the plunge and go to Michelle’s class. Wish me luck. I’ve heard I may not enjoy her class since she is a yeller. Then I’m going to meet up with the Hellions to bedazzle. I know—they asked me why I was laughing when they invited me...aren’t you? Then later—much later is “sit on your trainer and spin” with the TH girls. I’m going to attempt Johns rollers…wish me luck. I’m imagining it to be similar to my experience of falling in my living room the first time I got Trek Senior—got stuck in the cleats and fell onto the coffee table. Don’t worry, the coffee table was fine. I, on the other hand, had a major dent in my leg.
I went home and jumped on the trainer for about an hour. I changed my seat position—which was much better, but probably awkward for someone else. To my amazement I got my heart rate up to 165. The most I’ve ever got my heart rate up to on the trainer was 125. Finally a good work out on the trainer!!
This morning I missed Matt’s class. That is the second spin class this week I’ve missed.
Tomorrow I may take the plunge and go to Michelle’s class. Wish me luck. I’ve heard I may not enjoy her class since she is a yeller. Then I’m going to meet up with the Hellions to bedazzle. I know—they asked me why I was laughing when they invited me...aren’t you? Then later—much later is “sit on your trainer and spin” with the TH girls. I’m going to attempt Johns rollers…wish me luck. I’m imagining it to be similar to my experience of falling in my living room the first time I got Trek Senior—got stuck in the cleats and fell onto the coffee table. Don’t worry, the coffee table was fine. I, on the other hand, had a major dent in my leg.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The StairMaster
Doesn’t that sound scary...”THE STAIRMASTER”…it was, that StairMaster kicked my ass last night. I was sweating all over the place—like someone dumped a bucket of water on me, and my left calf was cramping. My left calve was cramping!—Now with all that running and cycling that I’ve done wouldn’t you think that my left calve would be the last thing to cramp?! I don’t know how successful I looked, but I tried to make it look like I wasn’t in as much pain as one would be towering over the other sweaty people. You can pretty much see Iowa from that height.I started the workout running, I got into the habit of running on the treadmill on Tuesday afternoons—I know yuck, but I’ve been able to endure it. So there I was with my iPod, 25 minutes just went by, I FINALY was getting into a groove—even lip singing a few songs (yeah I do that)—when I hit the f-n’ emergency stop button!! Of all the buttons on any machine…that damn stop button on the treadmill drives me crazy! Just when you settled into the pain and are starting to feel good you take a drink of water and BAM you hit the damn stop button and all of your hard work is gone. Starting over isn’t the same. You’ve already gotten past that period of time that you told yourself “if I get past this point I’m solid.” I could have restarted and finished my hour run…but I was pissed. So I went onto the StairMaster for 40 minutes.
As luck behold, my AM/FM radio (that I switched to—yes I still like to listen to the radio) that I’ve abused way too much, was rebelling. It crapped out on me after 25 minutes of my 40 minute climb.
I finished my cardio, and did about 45 minutes of weights before I called it a day since I wanted to get up early and go to Jody’s spin class…which I overslept and never got to her class.
Did I have a good workout? Spite the obstacles—yes it was a good workout.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pedaling nowhere
This weekend was the MN State XC race. Kristy Kream showed that you don’t try hard enough until you toss your cookies before you pass your competition to take second place. Congrats Kristy on a stellar year and for your second 2nd place win at a state champ race this year. Linda Sone took first for the women’s 1/2/3 race. And Moorhead native Patty Cakes came around and got 1st for the men. It was a awesome race to watch especially on the steps in the wooded area. Beer, bonfire, hotdogs, music—when the racers came by it felt like you were a screaming fan in the middle of a European race. Hollywood even stopped for a few laps to join in on the festivities before jumping back on his bike to finish the race. It was crazy! I guess next year I’ll have to barrow a bike and add cross racing to my season.
During the race a number of snow-biking guys came by to check out the event on their 4" fat tire Pugsley. I’ve been following Jill from Alaska’s blog so I’ve heard about this beast of a bike—but it was awesome to see them rolling around and a number of them.
It was so cold out but I tried to hang around as long as I could to chat with my fellow racers, but my body couldn’t handle the cold. The rest of the night I spent rapped in a blanket popping vitamin I from the headache I eventually got from defrosting.
Sunday felt like a lazy day—but I got out the trainer and spun for 1.5 hours. I don’t know if it’s my 1980 hand-me-down trainer, but I never feel like I get much of a workout from the trainer except being uncomfortable. I’d much rather be on the bike at the gym if I’m going to pedal nowhere. So not feeling like I got much of a workout—I went to the gym and ran for an hour. I stayed at a lower speed but I varied my incline. I focused more on the up and down of the incline that the hour flew by!
Tonight I’m going to go watch the guys look at themselves in the mirror.
During the race a number of snow-biking guys came by to check out the event on their 4" fat tire Pugsley. I’ve been following Jill from Alaska’s blog so I’ve heard about this beast of a bike—but it was awesome to see them rolling around and a number of them.
It was so cold out but I tried to hang around as long as I could to chat with my fellow racers, but my body couldn’t handle the cold. The rest of the night I spent rapped in a blanket popping vitamin I from the headache I eventually got from defrosting.
Sunday felt like a lazy day—but I got out the trainer and spun for 1.5 hours. I don’t know if it’s my 1980 hand-me-down trainer, but I never feel like I get much of a workout from the trainer except being uncomfortable. I’d much rather be on the bike at the gym if I’m going to pedal nowhere. So not feeling like I got much of a workout—I went to the gym and ran for an hour. I stayed at a lower speed but I varied my incline. I focused more on the up and down of the incline that the hour flew by!
Tonight I’m going to go watch the guys look at themselves in the mirror.
Friday, November 14, 2008
If Kenny can do it…so can I.
I don’t mean going to Jody’s class for your first time back lifting weights—that’s just a SF move—it takes months to get to that level. I mean, if Kenny can push out some push-ups I can do a few leg presses and bicep curls. Thanks Kenny for the inspiration!
Last night I went to the gym to lift. I forgot how insecure you feel at first, but I tried to block it out—give me a little time and I’ll get over it. I also forgot about how much time guys look at themselves in the mirror. I on the other hand, I don’t care to look at myself in a mirror at this time when I’m lifting weights—it’s embarrassing! I don’t need to need to see the painful look in my face when I’m trying to lift a dumbbell the weight of a soup can.
Getting back to the guys looking at themselves in the mirror—ladies next time your guy makes a fuss about you looking in the mirror too much, ask them how much time do they spend looking at themselves at the gym? 98% of that time they are not even lifting a weight.
Anyways, I had a pretty good workout and I felt like a noodle when I left. Can’t wait until next time!
This morning was Matt’s class. We heard all about his Grizzwald vacation, his daughter being quarantined on the ship, etc. Never a dull moment in his family. We also learned about Greg’s unique heart rate test—I’m surprised this hasn’t been tested before. He strapped on his heart rate monitor, sat on the couch and drank 5 different kinds of beers to find out which one would increase his heart rate more. Sam Adam’s won.
Last night I went to the gym to lift. I forgot how insecure you feel at first, but I tried to block it out—give me a little time and I’ll get over it. I also forgot about how much time guys look at themselves in the mirror. I on the other hand, I don’t care to look at myself in a mirror at this time when I’m lifting weights—it’s embarrassing! I don’t need to need to see the painful look in my face when I’m trying to lift a dumbbell the weight of a soup can.
Getting back to the guys looking at themselves in the mirror—ladies next time your guy makes a fuss about you looking in the mirror too much, ask them how much time do they spend looking at themselves at the gym? 98% of that time they are not even lifting a weight.
Anyways, I had a pretty good workout and I felt like a noodle when I left. Can’t wait until next time!
This morning was Matt’s class. We heard all about his Grizzwald vacation, his daughter being quarantined on the ship, etc. Never a dull moment in his family. We also learned about Greg’s unique heart rate test—I’m surprised this hasn’t been tested before. He strapped on his heart rate monitor, sat on the couch and drank 5 different kinds of beers to find out which one would increase his heart rate more. Sam Adam’s won.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
It's back.
So the past couple of months I’ve been in this funk. I’ve been working out…but not loving it. I NEED TO love it! Something happened this week—I can’t pinpoint a time—but now I WANT to get off the couch and into the gym instead of I NEED to get off the couch and into the gym.
Saturday I got outside for the first time since my Du and ran about 10 miles. Things were feeling pretty good until mile 7. It was windy, but I didn’t get the nice dreaded piercing winds until I passed a lake that accelerated the coldness. I made it back home before it really got cold. Instead of recovering I got a call from my sister who was on her way and wanted to go shopping. Family obligations should have limitations.
As a honorary Silver Cycling member SC had their year-end banquet Saturday night. Points (Amy) got Most Awesome Acquisitions, Kristy Kream got Most Improved Rider, and (OC) Jackie got Best Female Rider of the Year. I got socks that were too big. Next year looks like it will be a good year for the Hellions we picked up two more riders—so WATCH OUT Birchwood the Hellion Six is on your tail!
Side Note: If you are in cube life at work and are chewing gum—STOP IT! Your neighbor does not need to hear you smacking and popping your gum.
Sunday was a 90 minute spin class. Usually Matt teaches this class, but he’s been hanging out with his kind at Disney. Jackie’s fiancée Greg taught the class—Greg just signed up for 2009 FL Ironman. I’ve been pessimistic about spin class subs—the last one, I am not kidding, almost put me to sleep! Greg’s class did nothing of the sorts. His music was motivating and for an instructor who doesn’t know my bluff—not that is hard to catch—he called it out a few times. No messing around with him—when he wants you at you’re AT it better be at your AT.
After class I raced out to Lake Rebecca to watch the psycho-cross race. 25 degrees—do I have to say anything more? I was only able to see the 10 A racers—get their tails kicked by Adam Bergman. The peanut gallery (Amy and myself) had a good time yelling at the racers. Hollywood gave it a good try but only won a new nickname—Pumpkin.
Last night was my long run on the hamster wheel and this morning was Jody’s class. As always she kicked my tail, but I was more interested in the new video she popped in—it was MTB like I’ve never seen before! Holy crap those guys are fast!! I said it before, I wish I had the skills and guts to ride ½ or even a ¼ as good as them.
Saturday I got outside for the first time since my Du and ran about 10 miles. Things were feeling pretty good until mile 7. It was windy, but I didn’t get the nice dreaded piercing winds until I passed a lake that accelerated the coldness. I made it back home before it really got cold. Instead of recovering I got a call from my sister who was on her way and wanted to go shopping. Family obligations should have limitations.
As a honorary Silver Cycling member SC had their year-end banquet Saturday night. Points (Amy) got Most Awesome Acquisitions, Kristy Kream got Most Improved Rider, and (OC) Jackie got Best Female Rider of the Year. I got socks that were too big. Next year looks like it will be a good year for the Hellions we picked up two more riders—so WATCH OUT Birchwood the Hellion Six is on your tail!
Side Note: If you are in cube life at work and are chewing gum—STOP IT! Your neighbor does not need to hear you smacking and popping your gum.
Sunday was a 90 minute spin class. Usually Matt teaches this class, but he’s been hanging out with his kind at Disney. Jackie’s fiancée Greg taught the class—Greg just signed up for 2009 FL Ironman. I’ve been pessimistic about spin class subs—the last one, I am not kidding, almost put me to sleep! Greg’s class did nothing of the sorts. His music was motivating and for an instructor who doesn’t know my bluff—not that is hard to catch—he called it out a few times. No messing around with him—when he wants you at you’re AT it better be at your AT.
After class I raced out to Lake Rebecca to watch the psycho-cross race. 25 degrees—do I have to say anything more? I was only able to see the 10 A racers—get their tails kicked by Adam Bergman. The peanut gallery (Amy and myself) had a good time yelling at the racers. Hollywood gave it a good try but only won a new nickname—Pumpkin.
Last night was my long run on the hamster wheel and this morning was Jody’s class. As always she kicked my tail, but I was more interested in the new video she popped in—it was MTB like I’ve never seen before! Holy crap those guys are fast!! I said it before, I wish I had the skills and guts to ride ½ or even a ¼ as good as them.
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