As of this morning, I have officially finished my personal Get Fit Challenge. I tried twelve new things, each of them twice (with a blip or two along the way).
It has been *fantastic*!
My goal for the winter was to maintain my fitness and my weight after a good spring, summer and fall of running and training and feeling fit. I have met that goal! My weight has been stable this winter, and I did an hour long run yesterday and did a fine job. Three or four years ago, or even last year, neither of those things would have been true in March.
This challenge was a crucial tool I used to meet that goal.
And it was so much more than I had hoped or planned for, too. I mean, I figured 24 extra workouts would be good. But they led to many, many more workouts than that. I have already incorporated into my regular routine yoga, spinning, effective workouts in hotel gyms with a little folded up page from a magazine telling me how fast to go, and quick morning workouts with a TV instructor when that’s all the time I had to spare. When I started running less because my running pal had to get his leg fixed, I had many other good options at my disposal.
I also learned a lot: It really does help if I make a plan to do something new multiple times before I write it off (this lesson has served me well in many areas of my life, actually). Other people to work out with is a really helpful thing. A time deadline gets me to the gym earlier, and an instructor gets me to work harder. There is a reason they make bike shorts. There is a reason so many people like yoga so much.
And I learned I can withstand feeling like a jackass, and the pay-off for doing so is great.
I also learned a lot about what I *don’t* like: The rowing machine, for sure. Chlorine smell on my skin. Being late to fitness classes. The rowing machine.
I am a little sad about letting go of this challenge. I have other fitness goals for this year – the first contenders are running my first half marathon and incorporating more ambient movement into my life – and I might write about those here since the Get Fit Challenge doesn’t end for another month. But this challenge has been fun, and useful, and educational, and I will miss it.
But mostly I feel pleased with the results, and proud for having done it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thing #8 Again. Kind of.
Thing #8 the first time around was a Yoga Pilates Fusion class. It was fun, and fine, but since I went the first time on a fluke, my schedule has yet to allow me to return. So I decided for #8 again to try another core/strength/fitness building class. I went to a demonstration of a kettlebell class.
What, you might ask, are kettlebells? Here’s the wiki entry, but basically they are weights with handles, which distributes differently their weight vis-à-vis your body so you get a different workout than with barbells or dumbbells.
Also, they are cool.
John Rockstar (not his real last name, but close) is a certified kettlebell trainer who teaches groups and individuals at my gym. He has taught a lot of things to Sally the Trainer, so I’ve already had some experience with them. But his intro this morning was great – I learned a lot about kettlebell training in general (turns out it is very, very good for runners and for people who sit a lot. I am both. No wonder Sally the Brilliant Trainer has had me using them!), and more about form and moves in specific. I felt like a Strong Russian Voman.
John teaches a bunch of classes for a reasonable fee, and I think I might try one out next time I can’t make a session with Sally the Trainer.
And, for those keeping track, that was my last Thing.
What, you might ask, are kettlebells? Here’s the wiki entry, but basically they are weights with handles, which distributes differently their weight vis-à-vis your body so you get a different workout than with barbells or dumbbells.
Also, they are cool.
John Rockstar (not his real last name, but close) is a certified kettlebell trainer who teaches groups and individuals at my gym. He has taught a lot of things to Sally the Trainer, so I’ve already had some experience with them. But his intro this morning was great – I learned a lot about kettlebell training in general (turns out it is very, very good for runners and for people who sit a lot. I am both. No wonder Sally the Brilliant Trainer has had me using them!), and more about form and moves in specific. I felt like a Strong Russian Voman.
John teaches a bunch of classes for a reasonable fee, and I think I might try one out next time I can’t make a session with Sally the Trainer.
And, for those keeping track, that was my last Thing.
Thing #12 Rowing Machine Again. Sigh.
Wow. At least I went in this time with lowered expectations. And I only did twenty minutes. *Knowing* that my heart rate wouldn’t get above 120 allowed me to appreciate what there was to appreciate about the rowing machine. It is easy on the joints. It’s more like a brisk walk than a run, but knowing that I was happy to take a brisk walk before my strength training workout. It would make a good warm-up for other activities. It is a change of pace.
Still and all, no. Just… no.
Still and all, no. Just… no.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thing #12 Rowing Machine
Well, my final activity was in the vein of where I started -- a machine I haven't used at the gym.
I didn't like it.
Brent the Trainer and Spin Class Instructor kindly gave me some tips about form before I started -- don't hunch, use my core muscles (stomach, back) to keep me in good form, pull my shoulder blades back and down. Good advice, and I think my form was pretty good for that half hour I was on the machine.
The good stuff: The machine has some thoughtful design features -- adjustable foot holds so I can tighten the strap across the proper part of my foot, and flexible foot holds so when I row my foot is well-supported. And it is a cardio activity that uses the major muscle groups of the upper rather than the lower body. And the Jackass Factor was fairly low -- it wasn't too hard to figure out what I was supposed to do, and there weren't a lot of surprising and complicated dashboard issues.
The hard stuff: But Lord, did I not like the rowing machine. It was nearly impossible to get and keep my heart rate where I wanted it to be, and I was bored silly. More than once I looked longingly at the treadmill, for crying out loud. When the treadmill looks exciting, you know you're bored. Once again the I-pod saved the day and I made it through (though another downside is that I needed to use two hands the whole time, making it hard to skip the songs I didn't want to hear). My back was sore from yesterday's workout (props to Sally The Excellent Trainer) and the form I needed to keep kept reminding me how tired my back was already.
I'll do it again, though. There's a good reason I try everything twice. Maybe I'll love it next time!
I didn't like it.
Brent the Trainer and Spin Class Instructor kindly gave me some tips about form before I started -- don't hunch, use my core muscles (stomach, back) to keep me in good form, pull my shoulder blades back and down. Good advice, and I think my form was pretty good for that half hour I was on the machine.
The good stuff: The machine has some thoughtful design features -- adjustable foot holds so I can tighten the strap across the proper part of my foot, and flexible foot holds so when I row my foot is well-supported. And it is a cardio activity that uses the major muscle groups of the upper rather than the lower body. And the Jackass Factor was fairly low -- it wasn't too hard to figure out what I was supposed to do, and there weren't a lot of surprising and complicated dashboard issues.
The hard stuff: But Lord, did I not like the rowing machine. It was nearly impossible to get and keep my heart rate where I wanted it to be, and I was bored silly. More than once I looked longingly at the treadmill, for crying out loud. When the treadmill looks exciting, you know you're bored. Once again the I-pod saved the day and I made it through (though another downside is that I needed to use two hands the whole time, making it hard to skip the songs I didn't want to hear). My back was sore from yesterday's workout (props to Sally The Excellent Trainer) and the form I needed to keep kept reminding me how tired my back was already.
I'll do it again, though. There's a good reason I try everything twice. Maybe I'll love it next time!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Random Thought #5 Update
Technically I have one new thing to do twice, and one new thing to do for a second time (Yoga Pilates Fusion), to finish my challenge. The one new thing shouldn’t be a problem, but getting back to that Yoga Pilates Fusion class will be almost impossible. It meets at a time when I now have a standing meeting. So I’ll try an additional something new at least once. It shows me that the “twice” requirement, and the desire to try things that actually fit in with my life, were wise guidelines. This one thing just doesn’t work for me.
But overall, this challenge has been way better than I dreamed! I now go to a spinning class at least once a week, and do yoga – at home or at the club – at least once a week as well. A number of times now I have done cardio, mostly running, based on a routine suggested in a magazine. If I only end up with those things as a regular part of my repertoire, I’m good to go!
But overall, this challenge has been way better than I dreamed! I now go to a spinning class at least once a week, and do yoga – at home or at the club – at least once a week as well. A number of times now I have done cardio, mostly running, based on a routine suggested in a magazine. If I only end up with those things as a regular part of my repertoire, I’m good to go!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Thing #5 Again Fitness Pilates
This time was better than the last. Part of it is that it was a different teacher, whose style meshed with mine better with mine. And, as always, part of the inmprovement was that doing something a second time is almost always easier and less stressful. I knew more what to expect.
I liked this class – it certainly works my muscles hard in ways that I don’t always do in my other workouts. And I like the focus on the core for a whole host of reasons – it has done wonders for my posture, my clothes fit better without a loss of weight. More importantly it t is truly amazing how much strength in the abs and back supports any other athletic effort. Or daily life pursuits like carrying groceries or pushing doors open, for that matter.
I will say that I don’t push myself as hard as when I’m working one on one with Sally The Trainer. There were a couple of moves where I just eased off when the muscle burn got to be too much, or the muscle shake got too pronounced.
I still managed a good workout, though, so I’ll go back!
I liked this class – it certainly works my muscles hard in ways that I don’t always do in my other workouts. And I like the focus on the core for a whole host of reasons – it has done wonders for my posture, my clothes fit better without a loss of weight. More importantly it t is truly amazing how much strength in the abs and back supports any other athletic effort. Or daily life pursuits like carrying groceries or pushing doors open, for that matter.
I will say that I don’t push myself as hard as when I’m working one on one with Sally The Trainer. There were a couple of moves where I just eased off when the muscle burn got to be too much, or the muscle shake got too pronounced.
I still managed a good workout, though, so I’ll go back!
Thing #11 Both Times Magazine Workout
I don’t write much in here about running. I have been running since the mid-nineties, and it is genuinely one of my favorite things in the world to do. You know how comedians always joke about never seeing runners smiling, and why would someone want to do something like that? Ha ha and all, but when was the last time you, or someone you’ve seen, pushed themselves hard in *any* activity while smiling? It isn’t like Jessie, the lady in accounting, has a grin on the whole time while she works on her the budget report, or Dan the woodworker is all smiley while he focuses on fitting the dovetail joints together just right. I’m just saying, just because I’m not smiling doesn’t mean I’m not happy, content, or satisfied. Even so, on easy runs on the summer when it’s warm and sunny around the lake I often do have a smile on. I just love running.
But I’ve run a lot, so I don’t write about it here too much. Until now! This weekend I used a treadmill to do workouts suggested to me by Fitness magazine. On Saturday I spent about 35 minutes doing an acceleration run, meaning I started at a moderate level and every five minutes I upped the speed. On Sunday I did ladder intervals, meaning I ran pretty hard for five, rested for two, harder for four, rested for two, even harder for three, rested for two, etc. I faithfully did whatever the magazine told me to do.
It was great! I worked way, way harder than I would have without the suggested routines, and they were useful training runs for the upcoming running season as well as solid indoor workouts. They also kept the interest factor higher than running at my own discretion does. And while it felt a little weird to consult a piece of paper while I was running, overall the jackass factor was pretty low.
I will definitely do magazine workouts again. And not just running! Stationary bike, jumping rope, or strength workouts, too. There are a lot of good options other than just slapping on my headphones and running at a moderate pace for thirty or forty minutes. That gets really old, really quick.
But I’ve run a lot, so I don’t write about it here too much. Until now! This weekend I used a treadmill to do workouts suggested to me by Fitness magazine. On Saturday I spent about 35 minutes doing an acceleration run, meaning I started at a moderate level and every five minutes I upped the speed. On Sunday I did ladder intervals, meaning I ran pretty hard for five, rested for two, harder for four, rested for two, even harder for three, rested for two, etc. I faithfully did whatever the magazine told me to do.
It was great! I worked way, way harder than I would have without the suggested routines, and they were useful training runs for the upcoming running season as well as solid indoor workouts. They also kept the interest factor higher than running at my own discretion does. And while it felt a little weird to consult a piece of paper while I was running, overall the jackass factor was pretty low.
I will definitely do magazine workouts again. And not just running! Stationary bike, jumping rope, or strength workouts, too. There are a lot of good options other than just slapping on my headphones and running at a moderate pace for thirty or forty minutes. That gets really old, really quick.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thing #10 Video at Home Again. And Again.
That’s right. I have thrice used my television and Comcast DVR to record and do workout programs – twice since I last wrote about it.
First, I did the Namaste Yoga show again. I liked it, but shamefully I think I like it because it isn’t all that hard. Or, at least, doing it myself in the privacy of my living room means I don’t push it all that much. Regardless, I like it on a morning when I have a 7:30 meeting and can’t both get enough sleep and wake up in time to go to the gym, but dread the way I’ll feel if I don’t do *something*. The woman’s voice is soothing. So soothing, in fact, that I barely get irritated when she veers away from telling me how to do the new position and starts telling me that my breath is the foundation of everything I do. Or mysterious things about the air and my spirit. Lady, I do not know what that means for my everyday living. But I do like your complacent confidence in my capacity to maintain crane.
Second, I did a one-two punch combo of a stretching show and, of all things, a bellydancing show. I had recorded a bunch of different options, and these were the fresh ones I could do given the equipment I have added to the reality of having a downstairs neighbor who probably doesn’t want me thumping on her ceiling at five in the morning.
The stretching was sort of like yoga, but more… prosaic. Cathe the Stretch Max instructor was in a fitness room studio setting with a bunch of ladies in matching-eqsue outfits (like when Destiny’s Child or The Supremes wear outfits from the same materials but in different designs. Like that). With yoga the ladies are in nature somewhere, or dimly lit wood-floored rooms in nice but non-matching-esque outfits. I liked the stretches a lot – they woke me up, and seemed to target some muscles I use for running in a way that yoga hasn’t yet.
I don’t even know what to say about the belly-dancing. Even in my very own be-shaded living room I felt a little like a jackass, but also a little like a twelve-year-old girl trying on a secreted lipstick and nylons. Also a little curious-yet-uncomfortable about the intense Westernization and assimilation of this centuries old North African dance form. I mean, the show is called “Shimmy”.
Final analysis, though, is that these are a good option for me on light workout days, or days when the gym or an outdoor run aren’t an option. Or, frankly, when I want to do twenty minutes of easy yoga.
First, I did the Namaste Yoga show again. I liked it, but shamefully I think I like it because it isn’t all that hard. Or, at least, doing it myself in the privacy of my living room means I don’t push it all that much. Regardless, I like it on a morning when I have a 7:30 meeting and can’t both get enough sleep and wake up in time to go to the gym, but dread the way I’ll feel if I don’t do *something*. The woman’s voice is soothing. So soothing, in fact, that I barely get irritated when she veers away from telling me how to do the new position and starts telling me that my breath is the foundation of everything I do. Or mysterious things about the air and my spirit. Lady, I do not know what that means for my everyday living. But I do like your complacent confidence in my capacity to maintain crane.
Second, I did a one-two punch combo of a stretching show and, of all things, a bellydancing show. I had recorded a bunch of different options, and these were the fresh ones I could do given the equipment I have added to the reality of having a downstairs neighbor who probably doesn’t want me thumping on her ceiling at five in the morning.
The stretching was sort of like yoga, but more… prosaic. Cathe the Stretch Max instructor was in a fitness room studio setting with a bunch of ladies in matching-eqsue outfits (like when Destiny’s Child or The Supremes wear outfits from the same materials but in different designs. Like that). With yoga the ladies are in nature somewhere, or dimly lit wood-floored rooms in nice but non-matching-esque outfits. I liked the stretches a lot – they woke me up, and seemed to target some muscles I use for running in a way that yoga hasn’t yet.
I don’t even know what to say about the belly-dancing. Even in my very own be-shaded living room I felt a little like a jackass, but also a little like a twelve-year-old girl trying on a secreted lipstick and nylons. Also a little curious-yet-uncomfortable about the intense Westernization and assimilation of this centuries old North African dance form. I mean, the show is called “Shimmy”.
Final analysis, though, is that these are a good option for me on light workout days, or days when the gym or an outdoor run aren’t an option. Or, frankly, when I want to do twenty minutes of easy yoga.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Random Entry #4 Women, Hearts and Sports
Tomorrow, February 6th, is the 22nd Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. I think it's a day worth celebrating and promoting -- I am sporty now, in my own way, and like to encourage that for all of us.
This week is also National Women's Heart Week, another worthy, worthy celebration! The Get Fit Challenge is *all about* our fitness and health, and our hearts are at the center of that (well, usually a little left of center, but you get the idea).
A couple more reasons to Get Fit this week!
This week is also National Women's Heart Week, another worthy, worthy celebration! The Get Fit Challenge is *all about* our fitness and health, and our hearts are at the center of that (well, usually a little left of center, but you get the idea).
A couple more reasons to Get Fit this week!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Random Entry #3 The Cold
One thing I’ve noticed about this challenge – the most communicative people are those who like yoga, and those who like cross-country skiing. I promise my attitude about the former is quickly clearing up (I mean, hey, I did yoga *at home* today! See the previous entry).
My feelings about skiing are mixed, however. I know it’s great exercise, and it would be a great entry on this blog. I like to imagine myself hearty, rosy-cheeked, cruising smartly down well-groomed trails, puffs of well-earned steam floating from my hale, healthy lungs as I think virtuous thoughts about the benefits of outdoor activity.
But, honestly, the true picture is far less romantic. Rosy cheeks give way to a runny nose, and my virtuous thoughts give way to fervent prayers for a speedy release from the vice-grip of cold that won’t shake loose no matter how hard I am working. No matter how many times I tell myself I am supposed to warm up once I get going…I don’t. Not enough to make the first horrible freezing half hour worth it, and not enough to overcome the hours of relentless self-talk I have to endure to make myself go outside in the winter to be active. And when all is said and done, my loved ones are forced to endure my whiny, crabby attitude about the whole endeavor.
So God bless and God speed, cross country skiers! And outdoor winter runners! And snow-shoers! I admire and envy your fortitude! For my part, I salute you from my running track, my spin class, my yoga pose, and my swimming pool! I salute you from the warmth of my space heater, the warmth of the sauna, the warmth of an extra pair of slipper socks! I salute you from the bottom of my warm, warm heart!
My feelings about skiing are mixed, however. I know it’s great exercise, and it would be a great entry on this blog. I like to imagine myself hearty, rosy-cheeked, cruising smartly down well-groomed trails, puffs of well-earned steam floating from my hale, healthy lungs as I think virtuous thoughts about the benefits of outdoor activity.
But, honestly, the true picture is far less romantic. Rosy cheeks give way to a runny nose, and my virtuous thoughts give way to fervent prayers for a speedy release from the vice-grip of cold that won’t shake loose no matter how hard I am working. No matter how many times I tell myself I am supposed to warm up once I get going…I don’t. Not enough to make the first horrible freezing half hour worth it, and not enough to overcome the hours of relentless self-talk I have to endure to make myself go outside in the winter to be active. And when all is said and done, my loved ones are forced to endure my whiny, crabby attitude about the whole endeavor.
So God bless and God speed, cross country skiers! And outdoor winter runners! And snow-shoers! I admire and envy your fortitude! For my part, I salute you from my running track, my spin class, my yoga pose, and my swimming pool! I salute you from the warmth of my space heater, the warmth of the sauna, the warmth of an extra pair of slipper socks! I salute you from the bottom of my warm, warm heart!
Thing #10 A Video At Home
This one was on the list for a long time – do a workout at home with some sort of helpful person on the TV guiding me through. It languished on the list, in spite of its obvious convenience, because I couldn’t figure out which workout to do. Should I buy a DVD? If so, which one? Better yet, should I go to the library and pick out a few, or look online and put them on hold and go pick them up? A great theory I have yet to put to practice.
No, dear reader, laziness won the day here. Turns out the cable I pay a lot of money for has a health channel, which in turn has many hours of workout programming. I just set ye olde DVR, recorded a bunch, and picked one that looked do-able (which means didn’t involve equipment I don’t have at home, and wouldn’t bug my downstairs neighbor at 6 in the morning).
Here’s the kicker – I did yoga. In my own home. Of my own free will. It felt pretty good! I added a brisk walk downtown today since once I fast forwarded through the commercials it was only about a 25 minute workout. Still and all, if felt good to do the poses – even in spite of the breathy, encouraging tone of the invisible instructor and the super-human flexibility of the ladies actually doing the “practice” on-screen.
No, dear reader, laziness won the day here. Turns out the cable I pay a lot of money for has a health channel, which in turn has many hours of workout programming. I just set ye olde DVR, recorded a bunch, and picked one that looked do-able (which means didn’t involve equipment I don’t have at home, and wouldn’t bug my downstairs neighbor at 6 in the morning).
Here’s the kicker – I did yoga. In my own home. Of my own free will. It felt pretty good! I added a brisk walk downtown today since once I fast forwarded through the commercials it was only about a 25 minute workout. Still and all, if felt good to do the poses – even in spite of the breathy, encouraging tone of the invisible instructor and the super-human flexibility of the ladies actually doing the “practice” on-screen.
Thing #9 Swimming Again
Swimming went better this time – it was a better workout, and less stressful.
Helpful things I learned from doing it the first time (or got helpful tips from faithful readers):
1) Wet my hair before I put on the swim cap. It helps protect the hair. I also continued the fine tradition of putting in a leave-in conditioner the night before.
2) Lots of lotion after lots of soap helps cut the chlorine smell.
3) The goggle marks disappear after about an hour, with no permanent damage.
4) If I don’t push off so hard from the side of the pool, I force myself to work harder *and* my goggles don’t fill with water.
It was a good workout. I definitely felt more of a rhythm, and there’s something really great about water. It was especially good because I did it on a morning where I couldn’t make a full hour class, had an early meeting, and still wanted to work out. If I continue, I might consider hiring a coach for an hour or two to give me some basic pointers so I’m not reinforcing bad habits.
Helpful things I learned from doing it the first time (or got helpful tips from faithful readers):
1) Wet my hair before I put on the swim cap. It helps protect the hair. I also continued the fine tradition of putting in a leave-in conditioner the night before.
2) Lots of lotion after lots of soap helps cut the chlorine smell.
3) The goggle marks disappear after about an hour, with no permanent damage.
4) If I don’t push off so hard from the side of the pool, I force myself to work harder *and* my goggles don’t fill with water.
It was a good workout. I definitely felt more of a rhythm, and there’s something really great about water. It was especially good because I did it on a morning where I couldn’t make a full hour class, had an early meeting, and still wanted to work out. If I continue, I might consider hiring a coach for an hour or two to give me some basic pointers so I’m not reinforcing bad habits.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thing #9 Swimming
I swam laps for a half hour this morning. This activity is a perfect example of why I need to try things twice – I could tell that it will be a great workout, and a great meditation, but I was getting used to the new equipment so much that today’s swim wasn’t particularly fun or contemplative.
I swam a lot as a kid, at least recreationally. I took some beginner lessons, and (get this) I took springboard diving lessons for two years in junior high with my friend Molly. And I spent every summer in junior high and high school splashing around in a neighbor’s pool with a bunch of neighborhood kids. It was great, though I am certain it left me with a lot of bad swimming habits. Those are very, very fond memories, however.
That’s probably why when I arrived at college and was required to fulfill PE credits, I chose to do self-directed swimming laps. I could go when I wanted, and I had to go for a certain amount of time. I would smoke afterward, but swimming before smoking is better than *not* swimming before smoking.
But I never used goggles, or a swim cap, and I certainly never really paid attention to the etiquette of the lap pool. I haven’t swum regularly since my sophomore year.
Today was fine. The goggles aren’t natural or comfortable yet, the suit wasn’t a great athletic-fit choice, and my stroke was more “flail” than “crawl”. But it felt good to be in the water, and I could go on my schedule and not someone else’s, and it certainly got me working hard. I will certainly try this again, and give it another real shot.
Other thoughts:
1) I notice that when I am going to try something significantly new, and it isn’t on someone else’s timetable, I procrastinate. I got in the pool a full half hour later than I intended. But I swam my laps, by golly!
2) Swim goggles are complicated little buggers, but they let you see underwater. I had never used them before in my life, and once I got the fit right they were really, really cool. I could see! For a glasses/contact wearing girl, that’s a big deal. Even the goggle marks on my face for the subsequent forty-five minutes made me feel tough. And big thanks to the guy in the lane next to mine who saw me struggling and offered sage and useful advice.
3) Swim caps are good, but they aren’t perfect. But then again, I’ve got a lot of hair at this point. It got damp, but not wet.
4) My swimsuit still had sand in it from a vacation two years ago. That is apropos of nothing, though it did make me long for a hot, sunny beach to justify the gritty reality of a sandy swimsuit.
I swam a lot as a kid, at least recreationally. I took some beginner lessons, and (get this) I took springboard diving lessons for two years in junior high with my friend Molly. And I spent every summer in junior high and high school splashing around in a neighbor’s pool with a bunch of neighborhood kids. It was great, though I am certain it left me with a lot of bad swimming habits. Those are very, very fond memories, however.
That’s probably why when I arrived at college and was required to fulfill PE credits, I chose to do self-directed swimming laps. I could go when I wanted, and I had to go for a certain amount of time. I would smoke afterward, but swimming before smoking is better than *not* swimming before smoking.
But I never used goggles, or a swim cap, and I certainly never really paid attention to the etiquette of the lap pool. I haven’t swum regularly since my sophomore year.
Today was fine. The goggles aren’t natural or comfortable yet, the suit wasn’t a great athletic-fit choice, and my stroke was more “flail” than “crawl”. But it felt good to be in the water, and I could go on my schedule and not someone else’s, and it certainly got me working hard. I will certainly try this again, and give it another real shot.
Other thoughts:
1) I notice that when I am going to try something significantly new, and it isn’t on someone else’s timetable, I procrastinate. I got in the pool a full half hour later than I intended. But I swam my laps, by golly!
2) Swim goggles are complicated little buggers, but they let you see underwater. I had never used them before in my life, and once I got the fit right they were really, really cool. I could see! For a glasses/contact wearing girl, that’s a big deal. Even the goggle marks on my face for the subsequent forty-five minutes made me feel tough. And big thanks to the guy in the lane next to mine who saw me struggling and offered sage and useful advice.
3) Swim caps are good, but they aren’t perfect. But then again, I’ve got a lot of hair at this point. It got damp, but not wet.
4) My swimsuit still had sand in it from a vacation two years ago. That is apropos of nothing, though it did make me long for a hot, sunny beach to justify the gritty reality of a sandy swimsuit.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Random Entry #2 Equipment and Gear
Gear and equipment for new activities are a dilemma for me. I don’t want to be “that guy” who buys all the best stuff for a sport she’s never done, uses it once or twice, then lets it sit in a closet somewhere as a quiet recrimination. Or have fancy equipment that serves the needs of someone far past my skill level. Talk about feeling like a jackass.
On the other hand, I am not going to try swimming without a swim cap and goggles. I pay wayhay too much money for Michelle and Goodie to do fancy things to my hair to let it become a chlorinated sheaf of pale, dried wheat.
Don’t get me wrong. Most of the gear investments I’ve made over the years have been worthwhile – good running shoes, a heart rate monitor I’ve had for twelve-plus years, a good water belt for running. I played Ultimate Frisbee for ten years in the same pair of cleats. I manage to get a lot of basic clothing essentials at great prices, too, either on sale or consigned. Even so I’ve been willing to spend more than usual, even at sale prices, for nice yoga pants or a quality wicking tank or t-shirt or solid winter running gear.
The point is that I use them. Those were all well-considered investments after I’d used basic and/or cheap gear for awhile and really knew I liked the sport or activity.
This is a little different. I have no idea if I’ll like swimming, or sledding. But if I’m going to try it, I need to make an upfront investment.
Yesterday I went to a big ol’ sports retailer and bought gear I’ve decided I’d like for the next phase of this challenge. I only bought things I couldn’t easily get from a local retailer (e.g., my running shoes and gear come from the running-specific store in my ward) or get used (I am not going to buy used bicycle shorts. It’s just not going to happen.).
The inventory:
1 pair winter boots (kids boots, good brand, on sale)
1 swim cap
1 pair swim goggles
1 pair bicycling shorts (turns out I like spinning!)
1 pair athletic shoes for club workouts (to replace a pair of beyond-worn-out shoes)
Each piece will help me maintain something I like, or try something I don’t know about. But I didn’t buy every bit of gear for every potential new endeavor. I’m not investing in a new swimsuit, for example, until I know I’ll be swimming with any great regularity. The one I have from Marshall’s that I bought at the last minute for a vacation two years ago will do just fine as part of this experiment.
But I didn’t get the cheapest of everything, though. While I bought the cheapest bicycle shorts they had (padding for those rides will be nice, but I am not Jan Ulrich or anything. Doing 50 minutes of spinning was fine without it. I think it will just be better *with* it, even at the cheapest level) I did not buy the cheapest goggles or swim cap. Four extra buck for goggles that felt ten times better seemed OK to me.
The only sad part was showing up for a spin class today in my shiny new bike shorts and having to do yoga instead because the bikes were all full. (The January Effect at the gym is remarkable. My wish for all those folks is that they’re filling the bikes in March, too!)
On the other hand, I am not going to try swimming without a swim cap and goggles. I pay wayhay too much money for Michelle and Goodie to do fancy things to my hair to let it become a chlorinated sheaf of pale, dried wheat.
Don’t get me wrong. Most of the gear investments I’ve made over the years have been worthwhile – good running shoes, a heart rate monitor I’ve had for twelve-plus years, a good water belt for running. I played Ultimate Frisbee for ten years in the same pair of cleats. I manage to get a lot of basic clothing essentials at great prices, too, either on sale or consigned. Even so I’ve been willing to spend more than usual, even at sale prices, for nice yoga pants or a quality wicking tank or t-shirt or solid winter running gear.
The point is that I use them. Those were all well-considered investments after I’d used basic and/or cheap gear for awhile and really knew I liked the sport or activity.
This is a little different. I have no idea if I’ll like swimming, or sledding. But if I’m going to try it, I need to make an upfront investment.
Yesterday I went to a big ol’ sports retailer and bought gear I’ve decided I’d like for the next phase of this challenge. I only bought things I couldn’t easily get from a local retailer (e.g., my running shoes and gear come from the running-specific store in my ward) or get used (I am not going to buy used bicycle shorts. It’s just not going to happen.).
The inventory:
1 pair winter boots (kids boots, good brand, on sale)
1 swim cap
1 pair swim goggles
1 pair bicycling shorts (turns out I like spinning!)
1 pair athletic shoes for club workouts (to replace a pair of beyond-worn-out shoes)
Each piece will help me maintain something I like, or try something I don’t know about. But I didn’t buy every bit of gear for every potential new endeavor. I’m not investing in a new swimsuit, for example, until I know I’ll be swimming with any great regularity. The one I have from Marshall’s that I bought at the last minute for a vacation two years ago will do just fine as part of this experiment.
But I didn’t get the cheapest of everything, though. While I bought the cheapest bicycle shorts they had (padding for those rides will be nice, but I am not Jan Ulrich or anything. Doing 50 minutes of spinning was fine without it. I think it will just be better *with* it, even at the cheapest level) I did not buy the cheapest goggles or swim cap. Four extra buck for goggles that felt ten times better seemed OK to me.
The only sad part was showing up for a spin class today in my shiny new bike shorts and having to do yoga instead because the bikes were all full. (The January Effect at the gym is remarkable. My wish for all those folks is that they’re filling the bikes in March, too!)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Get Fit Challenge Begins!
Today is the offical start of the Get Fit Challenge. Get more information, sign up your team, or log your minutes of activity at the Get Fit Challenge link on the sidebar over there.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Thing #7 Spinning Again
I did another spin class this morning. I figured it would be easier to negotiate the etiquette and set-up this time since I had done it once. I felt a little cockier than I should have, it turns out – I tried to claim someone’s bike, not realizing the gently draped towel on the handlebars meant it was already claimed. But doing this challenge has created a whole new spirit for me – I laughed and apologized to the nice man whose bike I was trying to steal (clearly his favorite, since I think I saw him on it last time) instead of feeling like a jackass. Who knew this experiment would have such useful side benefits?
I knew the teacher, too – he’s a trainer at the gym as well as a resident of Southwest Minneapolis, so I see him when I go in to train with The Trainer. Or at the store one time. So I felt more comfortable just asking for his help with the still-mysterious handlebars. (I did manage to remove them all by myself when I was done. Woo hoo!)
All of this meant I had a great time and a great workout. What I still really like about spin is that there’s company and an instructor, but you don’t have to work any harder than makes sense for you. It means I work out longer and harder than I would by myself, but I am not embarrassed by not being as fit as the people on the other bikes. They have no idea how high – or low! -- I spin that little wheel that increases the challenge.
See? This experiment is really paying off now. I think I could happily take spin classes in the winter to get a good cardio workout.
As an aside, a photographer from the Southwest Journal was waiting for me after class. I had agreed to it as part of a story they’re doing on the Get Fit Challenge, don’t get me wrong, but it’s still a little disconcerting to be photographed at 7 in the morning. In workout clothes. After a tough workout.
Ah, well. Such is life. The alternative was to not do the spin class, and that wasn’t acceptable.
I knew the teacher, too – he’s a trainer at the gym as well as a resident of Southwest Minneapolis, so I see him when I go in to train with The Trainer. Or at the store one time. So I felt more comfortable just asking for his help with the still-mysterious handlebars. (I did manage to remove them all by myself when I was done. Woo hoo!)
All of this meant I had a great time and a great workout. What I still really like about spin is that there’s company and an instructor, but you don’t have to work any harder than makes sense for you. It means I work out longer and harder than I would by myself, but I am not embarrassed by not being as fit as the people on the other bikes. They have no idea how high – or low! -- I spin that little wheel that increases the challenge.
See? This experiment is really paying off now. I think I could happily take spin classes in the winter to get a good cardio workout.
As an aside, a photographer from the Southwest Journal was waiting for me after class. I had agreed to it as part of a story they’re doing on the Get Fit Challenge, don’t get me wrong, but it’s still a little disconcerting to be photographed at 7 in the morning. In workout clothes. After a tough workout.
Ah, well. Such is life. The alternative was to not do the spin class, and that wasn’t acceptable.
Thing #8 Yoga Pilates Fusion
Honestly, after awhile, is a Yoga Pilates Fusion class that different from Fitness Yoga or Fitness Pilates? I’m not sure. This is all new to me. It seemed kind of the same as the yoga class I’ve taken (I suppose magnified by the fact that it’s taught by the same woman), but I recognized a few elements from the Pilates class I took. And it worked my abs harder. She still referenced the heart center and said “namaste” at the end, though.
Regardless, I took it on a whim. I was at the gym a little later in the morning than usual. I had my mp3 player all geared up to do a bike workout or some such, but then I saw this on the schedule and I figured “why not?” Why not indeed. It was a 75 minute class, which I didn’t know going in, and it really did work my abs harder than fitness yoga had. She focused on shoulders, so as I self-corrected my posture all day I could really feel it. But from the other things I tried it was familiar enough to not feel like a jackass, which was a nice break, and I think my hamstrings have loosened at least 3 millimeters since I first tried yoga. So that’s good.
It was the instructor’s birthday, too. She’s my age. I had thought she was ten years younger, and I have seen her in the stark gym light and not just the gentle warm yoga room light, so that’s saying something. There must be something to this yoga thing after all. Happy birthday, Ellie!
Regardless, I took it on a whim. I was at the gym a little later in the morning than usual. I had my mp3 player all geared up to do a bike workout or some such, but then I saw this on the schedule and I figured “why not?” Why not indeed. It was a 75 minute class, which I didn’t know going in, and it really did work my abs harder than fitness yoga had. She focused on shoulders, so as I self-corrected my posture all day I could really feel it. But from the other things I tried it was familiar enough to not feel like a jackass, which was a nice break, and I think my hamstrings have loosened at least 3 millimeters since I first tried yoga. So that’s good.
It was the instructor’s birthday, too. She’s my age. I had thought she was ten years younger, and I have seen her in the stark gym light and not just the gentle warm yoga room light, so that’s saying something. There must be something to this yoga thing after all. Happy birthday, Ellie!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Random Entry #1 Choosing Activities
When I started this challenge I wrote up a list for myself of activities I would consider trying. This challenge started as, and remains, a genuine opportunity for me to stay active this winter and find activities I like for the longer run. As a result, the activities need to be things that I am willing to do, that fit in with my schedule, and that I would be able to repeat over time if I liked them. And so, even though there are outdoor activities on my list, I really haven’t been drawn to try any of them. That’s what got me here in the first place. I love Minnesota, I love Minneapolis, but I really, really do not like being cold or being out in the cold for very long. So it takes either a supreme act of will, or a lot of social support, to participate in outdoor winter activities.
This is not the first experiment I’ve tried to get more active in the winter. I used to run outside all winter long. It was a lot more effort to get myself out the door than it was worth, though I will admit to feeling very, very tough after having done it. I have all the right gear, too -- the fancy jacket and pants, tights, gloves, a flashing red light. But I would procrastinate, be miserable, and only run for twenty minutes. And I'd be cold for half of it, running in the dark and cold, trying not to slip on icy patches. I could tell myself all about learning to love it, and the benefits of staying out longer, and it is a great option for some people. Plus it's free. But after three years of disappointing results I really had to just face it -- there had to be better option.
I played hockey for a season. I liked it a lot, and it had been dream of mine for a long time to play. But I didn’t have the time to keep traveling to weird ice times in South St. Paul, and I didn’t have enough time to play to make myself skilled enough to fully enjoy it. And when you’re bad, it makes it even harder to pay a lot of money to drive 45 minutes to put on equipment for twenty minutes to play badly for twenty out of sixty minutes as a member of one of three lines.
I played basketball for a couple of seasons through the Minneapolis Park system, and that was fun. The fact that I was terrible didn’t stop it from being a good workout, and I really liked the women I was playing with. Once a week wasn’t enough to really keep me in shape, though, and once I was a candidate it was really hard to make the regular Sunday evening game time (though I did my best!).
I started with a The Trainer in part because I thought it would help keep me accountable over the winter months, and that has worked. But I can’t afford to see her as often as I need to work out.
So here I am! Casting my nets more widely for fun winter activities I’ll actually do. I have vowed to try at least twelve things. I vow to do each twice because I know that the first time I try anything, especially anything remotely sporty, it’s awkward and I don’t know the right level of effort or how the equipment works or where I’m going or who else will be there or what to wear. There’s a learning curve.
Doing something twice helps mediate the Jackass Factor, basically.
In the past, not knowing what I was doing has prevented me from, well, doing anything. But not doing anything leaves me feeling restless and unhealthy. Not doing anything also makes me really crabby – I need regular physical effort to work through my stress, and when I don’t we can all tell. Trust me. Working out is a cornerstone of my stress management plan. I do it to stay healthy and maintain weight, sure. But mostly I do it to stay happy and on a more even keel in my daily life.
So I will continue to focus on realistic activities for me, my interests, and my tolerance levels. My activities might not work for you at all – but I am certain there is something for you that will work with as much research as you can figure out to do. It’s kind of fun to find out what they are, too, Jackass Factor notwithstanding.
This is not the first experiment I’ve tried to get more active in the winter. I used to run outside all winter long. It was a lot more effort to get myself out the door than it was worth, though I will admit to feeling very, very tough after having done it. I have all the right gear, too -- the fancy jacket and pants, tights, gloves, a flashing red light. But I would procrastinate, be miserable, and only run for twenty minutes. And I'd be cold for half of it, running in the dark and cold, trying not to slip on icy patches. I could tell myself all about learning to love it, and the benefits of staying out longer, and it is a great option for some people. Plus it's free. But after three years of disappointing results I really had to just face it -- there had to be better option.
I played hockey for a season. I liked it a lot, and it had been dream of mine for a long time to play. But I didn’t have the time to keep traveling to weird ice times in South St. Paul, and I didn’t have enough time to play to make myself skilled enough to fully enjoy it. And when you’re bad, it makes it even harder to pay a lot of money to drive 45 minutes to put on equipment for twenty minutes to play badly for twenty out of sixty minutes as a member of one of three lines.
I played basketball for a couple of seasons through the Minneapolis Park system, and that was fun. The fact that I was terrible didn’t stop it from being a good workout, and I really liked the women I was playing with. Once a week wasn’t enough to really keep me in shape, though, and once I was a candidate it was really hard to make the regular Sunday evening game time (though I did my best!).
I started with a The Trainer in part because I thought it would help keep me accountable over the winter months, and that has worked. But I can’t afford to see her as often as I need to work out.
So here I am! Casting my nets more widely for fun winter activities I’ll actually do. I have vowed to try at least twelve things. I vow to do each twice because I know that the first time I try anything, especially anything remotely sporty, it’s awkward and I don’t know the right level of effort or how the equipment works or where I’m going or who else will be there or what to wear. There’s a learning curve.
Doing something twice helps mediate the Jackass Factor, basically.
In the past, not knowing what I was doing has prevented me from, well, doing anything. But not doing anything leaves me feeling restless and unhealthy. Not doing anything also makes me really crabby – I need regular physical effort to work through my stress, and when I don’t we can all tell. Trust me. Working out is a cornerstone of my stress management plan. I do it to stay healthy and maintain weight, sure. But mostly I do it to stay happy and on a more even keel in my daily life.
So I will continue to focus on realistic activities for me, my interests, and my tolerance levels. My activities might not work for you at all – but I am certain there is something for you that will work with as much research as you can figure out to do. It’s kind of fun to find out what they are, too, Jackass Factor notwithstanding.
Thing #6 Stairmaster Again
I did another thirty minute workout on the stairmaster. This went better than the first time – it was a newer machine and there were other people around. You’d think that going up stairs for a half hour would hurt my knees – but they felt and feel surprisingly good. It was a tough workout, too. I didn’t use a pre-program or anything, just switched it up myself, but apparently I am willing to work myself pretty hard because I was sweating hard halfway through.
One of the reasons I’ve been trying the stairmaster is because I’ll be climbing the IDS steps again on February 9th to help raise money to cure cystic fibrosis. The officer coordinating the Minneapolis Police Department team asked me to participate last year and while I posted a respectable time (well, I didn’t hang my head afterward at the very least) it nearly killed me. I figured a session or two on a stairmaster can’t hurt, right?
One of the reasons I’ve been trying the stairmaster is because I’ll be climbing the IDS steps again on February 9th to help raise money to cure cystic fibrosis. The officer coordinating the Minneapolis Police Department team asked me to participate last year and while I posted a respectable time (well, I didn’t hang my head afterward at the very least) it nearly killed me. I figured a session or two on a stairmaster can’t hurt, right?
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