I went camping in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This involved a lot of roaming around battlefields/cemetaries, which counts as "exercise" I suppose. But I did about a mile walk/jog around the campground. I did a second more than a mile walk on another day, which left me a shvetty mess. One good thing was that I drank water with every meal I had "out," which I think helps.
I was going to do another killer walk at the cabin, but I had to put exercise as a non-priority when the Internet wasn't working.
I'm heading home on Wednesday (August 12), so I should be back to regular walks plus total body conditioning classes.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Week of July 27 - August 2
The rain has been a thorn in my side this past week. Every time I readied myself to go out for a walk/run, the sky looked menacing. A quick check of weather.com usually said something to the effect of "WARNING: Thunderstorm imminent. You will be soaked and possibly struck by lightning if you try to go outside!" So that meant I had to keep indoors.
As an alternative, I busted out some sort of Dance DVD that I bought ages ago at Walmart. It wasn't bad, and I was amazed how ridiculously sweaty I got! I learned absolutely no moves though. Nothing I could recall anyway. I just remember Gunthar staring at me with a baffled expression and trying to dancing lunges arond my coffee table.
I did manage to fit in some quick walks, however. Plus, I needed to have pity on my Dad's busted back and had to help heave-ho things in preparation for our trip. We drove up on Thursday. Nothing could be done that day, due to the late hour.
Saturday I tried to be ambitious (which always spells trouble). I took a mountain walk from the cabin to the recycle bins, which is about 1.2 miles. I had to charge up a steep hill in the beginning, but the rest was a steady decline and then a leveling out to a flat surface (which I ran). The problem was that about half-a-mile was going uphill. I had to stop several times, unfortunately. And when I got home, I was a shvetty mess. Took a shower and felt proud of myself and all.
Today (Sunday), I have been DYING. I walk around like an old woman because I'm so sore. I definitely needed to do more stretching. Good grief. Hopefully I won't be that way tomorrow, as I'm heading to Gettysburg! YAY!
As an alternative, I busted out some sort of Dance DVD that I bought ages ago at Walmart. It wasn't bad, and I was amazed how ridiculously sweaty I got! I learned absolutely no moves though. Nothing I could recall anyway. I just remember Gunthar staring at me with a baffled expression and trying to dancing lunges arond my coffee table.
I did manage to fit in some quick walks, however. Plus, I needed to have pity on my Dad's busted back and had to help heave-ho things in preparation for our trip. We drove up on Thursday. Nothing could be done that day, due to the late hour.
Saturday I tried to be ambitious (which always spells trouble). I took a mountain walk from the cabin to the recycle bins, which is about 1.2 miles. I had to charge up a steep hill in the beginning, but the rest was a steady decline and then a leveling out to a flat surface (which I ran). The problem was that about half-a-mile was going uphill. I had to stop several times, unfortunately. And when I got home, I was a shvetty mess. Took a shower and felt proud of myself and all.
Today (Sunday), I have been DYING. I walk around like an old woman because I'm so sore. I definitely needed to do more stretching. Good grief. Hopefully I won't be that way tomorrow, as I'm heading to Gettysburg! YAY!
Friday, July 24, 2009
This Week's Progress
Sunday (July 19), I helped unload the camper which involved quite a bit of heaving. By the time that was done, I had no time to work out. So I'm going to say that was my work out.
Monday (July 20), I was swamped with work. Plus, it was raining. So I decided it was too risky to go out for my walk/jog when it could very soon downpour.
Tuesday (July 21), I went to total body conditioning. My friend Erin tried to text me about going to Border's instead. I didn't get it until I was walking up to class, which was better all around. I did the weights and such and didn't spend more money on books!
Wednesday (July 22), I did my extended walk. It was quite muggy, and I didn't feel like I was in the state of being to be pushed. Don't get me wrong, I was sweating like a ... I don't know what. Plus, I walked around 5pm, which meant a lot of cars were on the road (which always makes me self conscious about jogging). In fact, I saw my uncle driving down the road and waved. The whole time I thought this must be at least 45 minutes, but when I got home, it was only 30 minutes. Ha-ha.
Thursday (July 23), I went to total body conditioning again. This was the last class in July. They start back up in August, but of course I'll be out of town in Gettysburg for that first week, which means I'm left to my own devices for two weeks. We did a circuit around the room, and let me tell you -- I haven't sweated that much in ages! It was REALLY bad. I'm not sure why. I was even wearing my lightest, sleeveless shirt.
Today, I'm slightly sore from last night. But not bad (thank you, shower). I'm hoping to take my extended walk/jog before going to a matinee!
Monday (July 20), I was swamped with work. Plus, it was raining. So I decided it was too risky to go out for my walk/jog when it could very soon downpour.
Tuesday (July 21), I went to total body conditioning. My friend Erin tried to text me about going to Border's instead. I didn't get it until I was walking up to class, which was better all around. I did the weights and such and didn't spend more money on books!
Wednesday (July 22), I did my extended walk. It was quite muggy, and I didn't feel like I was in the state of being to be pushed. Don't get me wrong, I was sweating like a ... I don't know what. Plus, I walked around 5pm, which meant a lot of cars were on the road (which always makes me self conscious about jogging). In fact, I saw my uncle driving down the road and waved. The whole time I thought this must be at least 45 minutes, but when I got home, it was only 30 minutes. Ha-ha.
Thursday (July 23), I went to total body conditioning again. This was the last class in July. They start back up in August, but of course I'll be out of town in Gettysburg for that first week, which means I'm left to my own devices for two weeks. We did a circuit around the room, and let me tell you -- I haven't sweated that much in ages! It was REALLY bad. I'm not sure why. I was even wearing my lightest, sleeveless shirt.
Today, I'm slightly sore from last night. But not bad (thank you, shower). I'm hoping to take my extended walk/jog before going to a matinee!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yesterday, the exercise was "eating."
So yesterday, my main exercise was "eating." After chilling out at the camper, we decided to hit the outlets, visit my dad's friend (who owns a quick lube & tire shop), and then had dinner at Captain George's, which is a seafood buffet venue. We sat in a booth with its own TV, and Mom and I (in particular) gorged on delicious snow crab legs. SO. GOOD. I don't know how much I ate, but it could be more than 3 lbs.! I couldn't do much in lieu of exercise, because it stormed and poured down rain. So Friday was my "day off."
Today, I took another trek twice around the campground. I wore my Keene sandals this time, which was much less stuffy that sneakers and socks. This time I ran two portions of it, and it wasn't too bad I kept having to stop because campers were pulling in, and kids with bikes were sharing the road. That's fine though. I didn't expect to run anything, so that's fine.
Wore my bathing suit so I don't get some unsightly tan lines before the weddings. Day before yesterday my shoulders started to burn, so I applied some sun block there. Today, the tops of the boobs got the brunt of the sun. Not too bad though. I was only outside for 20-30 minutes.
All in all, this was definitely required. Feel better after eating all that food, and I took a shower. We may walk some of the beach again tonight (perhaps with Gunthar in tow)!
Today, I took another trek twice around the campground. I wore my Keene sandals this time, which was much less stuffy that sneakers and socks. This time I ran two portions of it, and it wasn't too bad I kept having to stop because campers were pulling in, and kids with bikes were sharing the road. That's fine though. I didn't expect to run anything, so that's fine.
Wore my bathing suit so I don't get some unsightly tan lines before the weddings. Day before yesterday my shoulders started to burn, so I applied some sun block there. Today, the tops of the boobs got the brunt of the sun. Not too bad though. I was only outside for 20-30 minutes.
All in all, this was definitely required. Feel better after eating all that food, and I took a shower. We may walk some of the beach again tonight (perhaps with Gunthar in tow)!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Beach Walking
Although spent some 5 hours journeying from Cary to the beach and thought I wouldn't feel up to doing anything, Dad and I decided to explore. We walked down the road of the campground to the dunes. We crossed the walkway onto the beach itself and saw to our left, way in the distance, a pier. So I proposed walking to the pier and back -- barefoot! It was nice to move around and a good walk. Then we made our way to the front of the campground to the "store," which was barely a store at all. I was on the prowl for apple juice.
Today, I was left to my own devices. I slept in and had a not too healthy breakfast (read: Poptarts), but then I walked through the campground twice. This probably took 20-30 minutes, and I figured that I better not run any of it, because the road was full of little stones and sand. I could totally see myself wiping out. But I walked briskly, and I worked up a good sweat by the time I returned to the camper to shower and what-have-you.
Not sure what the plan is tonight, but the forecast is rain. Mom said she wanted to see the beach, so I was considering adding another walking venture to round my day out. But we'll see.
Today, I was left to my own devices. I slept in and had a not too healthy breakfast (read: Poptarts), but then I walked through the campground twice. This probably took 20-30 minutes, and I figured that I better not run any of it, because the road was full of little stones and sand. I could totally see myself wiping out. But I walked briskly, and I worked up a good sweat by the time I returned to the camper to shower and what-have-you.
Not sure what the plan is tonight, but the forecast is rain. Mom said she wanted to see the beach, so I was considering adding another walking venture to round my day out. But we'll see.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Mon, Tues updates
Monday, I took an extended walk which took me all the way from my house up to McCrimmon Dr. I'm estimating this may be over 1 mile, if not two. I judged distances by light posts, four segments of which I ran!
Tuesday, I did my Total Body Conditioning class at the Cary Community Center, which is always good. I still had trouble with push ups and a few shoulder exercises, but everything else was good! On the way out, I noticed the big track that weaves through the Park (forgot about that), so I may try running there someday.
Today I'm heading to the beach (Wed. - Sun.), but I have my exercise gear in tow! I'm hoping to continue the regimen!
Tuesday, I did my Total Body Conditioning class at the Cary Community Center, which is always good. I still had trouble with push ups and a few shoulder exercises, but everything else was good! On the way out, I noticed the big track that weaves through the Park (forgot about that), so I may try running there someday.
Today I'm heading to the beach (Wed. - Sun.), but I have my exercise gear in tow! I'm hoping to continue the regimen!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Goal: Disney 5K Marathon
I am not an athlete. Not by any measure. The most active I ever was occurred during high school, while I was in "band camp." I did do a fair amount of walking to and from class at NCSU. Also, when I lived in Ireland, it was necessary to walk everywhere in Dublin. But work out? Me? I'm a writer, and that means many hours spent typing at a desk or on the couch.
That's all changing.
First of all, I've been an avid fan of a Total Body Conditioning class at my local Community Center. This involves weights and low impact exercises. It's mostly about strength. Fortunately, the instructor is far from perky, refrains from shouting out "Knees up in the back!" and otherwise ignores you when you need to stop for a breather. Those moments are growing fewer and far between for me. I'm mostly pausing during push-ups, abdominals, and butt stuff. Otherwise, I'm lifting my 10 lbs bar over my head for every repetition!
Secondly, I started January 2009 with the whole Oprah "Best Life" craze. For the first time, I realized that exercising wasn't really a chore -- it was taking out time for yourself, to be kind to yourself. Because I knew my family was heading to Walt Disney World in March, I started walking every single day. I kept imagining myself walking from the entrance to Space Mountain, or from Frontier Land to Main Street. I didn't want to be out of breath. I wanted to have the endurance to enjoy the parks all day long.
Because this regimen has been pretty steady, I've now found many benefits from exercising. In fact, I get very antsy when I don't do anything. Whenever I'm driving by and seeing someone jogging with headphones on, I can't help but think, Why am I not out there? It puts my mind at ease. It's become a ritual before showering, so that I really enjoy the warm spray on my back. And gastric irregularity? A thing of the past. I'm drinking copious amounts of water, and I'm turning to better dietary choices. Although my weight hasn't dropped like I want it to, my body is leaner. I wore actual shorts not too long ago, which I haven't done since high school.
I have a heart condition, but I'm not letting that stop me. Certainly I'm paying attention to my body when I'm out there doing things, especially in this terrible North Carolina heat. But I'm determined to become a runner. I've always envied muscular legs and the ability to run long distances. Up until now, I've jogged portions of my walk, but I haven't pushed myself.
Now, we're going back to WDW. Lo and behold, while checking the events of 2010, there is a 5k Family Fun Run, which I think takes you through Epcot. This is an early morning event before the park opens. Even though I've read some complaints about the disorganization, I'm considering doing it. Why? So that I have a goal. Be able to run 3+ miles in a respectable amount of time. Even if they give me a cheap, cheesy medal at the end of it, I know I would be so unbelievably proud of mysef. I would be like those runners I so admire -- the folks running a marathon. Amazing!!!
So this blog's goal is to document my process. I want to see all the work I've put into it. To enter the race, I will have to register by January, so I have some time before deciding whether I will do it. But I'm hoping the mere idea of this will kick me into gear and have me running farther and longer than ever before!
That's all changing.
First of all, I've been an avid fan of a Total Body Conditioning class at my local Community Center. This involves weights and low impact exercises. It's mostly about strength. Fortunately, the instructor is far from perky, refrains from shouting out "Knees up in the back!" and otherwise ignores you when you need to stop for a breather. Those moments are growing fewer and far between for me. I'm mostly pausing during push-ups, abdominals, and butt stuff. Otherwise, I'm lifting my 10 lbs bar over my head for every repetition!
Secondly, I started January 2009 with the whole Oprah "Best Life" craze. For the first time, I realized that exercising wasn't really a chore -- it was taking out time for yourself, to be kind to yourself. Because I knew my family was heading to Walt Disney World in March, I started walking every single day. I kept imagining myself walking from the entrance to Space Mountain, or from Frontier Land to Main Street. I didn't want to be out of breath. I wanted to have the endurance to enjoy the parks all day long.
Because this regimen has been pretty steady, I've now found many benefits from exercising. In fact, I get very antsy when I don't do anything. Whenever I'm driving by and seeing someone jogging with headphones on, I can't help but think, Why am I not out there? It puts my mind at ease. It's become a ritual before showering, so that I really enjoy the warm spray on my back. And gastric irregularity? A thing of the past. I'm drinking copious amounts of water, and I'm turning to better dietary choices. Although my weight hasn't dropped like I want it to, my body is leaner. I wore actual shorts not too long ago, which I haven't done since high school.
I have a heart condition, but I'm not letting that stop me. Certainly I'm paying attention to my body when I'm out there doing things, especially in this terrible North Carolina heat. But I'm determined to become a runner. I've always envied muscular legs and the ability to run long distances. Up until now, I've jogged portions of my walk, but I haven't pushed myself.
Now, we're going back to WDW. Lo and behold, while checking the events of 2010, there is a 5k Family Fun Run, which I think takes you through Epcot. This is an early morning event before the park opens. Even though I've read some complaints about the disorganization, I'm considering doing it. Why? So that I have a goal. Be able to run 3+ miles in a respectable amount of time. Even if they give me a cheap, cheesy medal at the end of it, I know I would be so unbelievably proud of mysef. I would be like those runners I so admire -- the folks running a marathon. Amazing!!!
So this blog's goal is to document my process. I want to see all the work I've put into it. To enter the race, I will have to register by January, so I have some time before deciding whether I will do it. But I'm hoping the mere idea of this will kick me into gear and have me running farther and longer than ever before!
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