With temperatures well into the 50's this weekend, I ventured out into much more pleasant weather with happy results.
# of runs: 2 (about 2 miles each)
# of walks: 2 (um, I wasn't tracking, but probably about the same distance)
# of yoga sessions this week, indoors: 2
# of jumping-around-with-the-bug-type-indoor-dance-parties: I lost count.
The bug was sick most of last week (Monday-Thursday) and actually moped around the house. The sight of a three-year-old moping was truly heartbreaking, at least until it became accompanied by a persistent whine around day 3.
"I don't want to do ANY-thing, Mama," came the plaintive cry, followed by curling up on the floor in front of the fireplace with a blanket. "Not ANY-thing."
These long, languorous sessions were broken up with occasional manic outbursts of "Let's dance! Let's jump! I want to run!" that would last approximately five minutes before ennui once again reared its ugly toddler head, and the pleas for more cartoons resumed.
I am glad to be at work this week and no longer an unwilling inhabitant of Elmo's World.
The bug's health has returned to the "fine fettle" setting and she crept relatively willingly to school this morning. We also attended an art-project birthday party this weekend I'll tell you about in a future post.
1.28.2008
1.22.2008
Week 3: the cold.
Remember how I mentioned my weather wussiness?
This week's exercise has been primarily indoors. Yoga = good, did at least 4 sessions, hurray! Strength training = did it once. Outdoor runs? Zero. Outdoor walks? Only of the "parked at the far end of the lot" variety, with one half-hour exception.
It's supposed to warm up into the above-freezing zone beginning today. This morning it was one degree. Yes, one. Colder than Alaska, actually. And still people were biking to work along the Diagonal Highway. Sickos.
I seem to be lacking a certain hardcore gene. Or perhaps I just appreciate my digits and appendages more than the next fellow.
So here's what I'd like from you, lovely readers: Suggestions for indoor training and workout videos you actually do repeatedly. I'll dance, lift weights, jazzercise, T-Tapp, whatever, if you can give it a hearty recommendation. Help me sort the wheat from the chaff in this regard. I've got a few good yoga videos and CD's, but am fairly destitute in all other fitness video areas, so let the suggestions roll in!
p.s. Nothing that requires extensive or expensive equipment, please. I've got an exercise ball, free weights, and a medicine ball already so bonus points for anything that incorporates those.
This week's exercise has been primarily indoors. Yoga = good, did at least 4 sessions, hurray! Strength training = did it once. Outdoor runs? Zero. Outdoor walks? Only of the "parked at the far end of the lot" variety, with one half-hour exception.
It's supposed to warm up into the above-freezing zone beginning today. This morning it was one degree. Yes, one. Colder than Alaska, actually. And still people were biking to work along the Diagonal Highway. Sickos.
I seem to be lacking a certain hardcore gene. Or perhaps I just appreciate my digits and appendages more than the next fellow.
So here's what I'd like from you, lovely readers: Suggestions for indoor training and workout videos you actually do repeatedly. I'll dance, lift weights, jazzercise, T-Tapp, whatever, if you can give it a hearty recommendation. Help me sort the wheat from the chaff in this regard. I've got a few good yoga videos and CD's, but am fairly destitute in all other fitness video areas, so let the suggestions roll in!
p.s. Nothing that requires extensive or expensive equipment, please. I've got an exercise ball, free weights, and a medicine ball already so bonus points for anything that incorporates those.
1.15.2008
Week 2: home again.
Given the recent warming trend, the bug and I have gotten out for several walks this week, although there was only one day this weekend when I approached a solo jog. Yesterday, however, was a bit different.
I got a heart rate monitor with footpod for Christmas and wanted to go to the track to calibrate it so I can track distance and all those other fun stats that come with a new gadget. It's taken me a while to locate a local track open to the public, as all the campus ones are restricted to student athletes (grrr....) or to people with rec center memberships. I finally found one near our house, and the bug and I set out yesterday afternoon.
She made it all the way around the track with me while I jogged the required 400m test lap, although there was plenty of complaining on the second half of the lap. ("I'm so tired...you're going too fast...I want you to stop....") The home stretch begged for a finishing line to break, but instead we were surveyed by a couple of local middle schoolers until we got back to the starting line. This upped her spirits a bit, as did the dogs we passed on our trail walk shortly afterward. She appreciates an audience for her efforts, I suppose. :) It's supposed to be in the 50's again today and then cool off and snow the rest of the week, so we'll try to get out again before winter resumes its usual outdoor-exercise-suppressing course.
Indoor yoga has also been a huge hit in the past weeks, as the bug has a kids' video of her own and likes all the animal stretches. So the winter fitness plan is on track at least for the first few weeks of the year. Hope your own resolutions are holding up as well.
I got a heart rate monitor with footpod for Christmas and wanted to go to the track to calibrate it so I can track distance and all those other fun stats that come with a new gadget. It's taken me a while to locate a local track open to the public, as all the campus ones are restricted to student athletes (grrr....) or to people with rec center memberships. I finally found one near our house, and the bug and I set out yesterday afternoon.
She made it all the way around the track with me while I jogged the required 400m test lap, although there was plenty of complaining on the second half of the lap. ("I'm so tired...you're going too fast...I want you to stop....") The home stretch begged for a finishing line to break, but instead we were surveyed by a couple of local middle schoolers until we got back to the starting line. This upped her spirits a bit, as did the dogs we passed on our trail walk shortly afterward. She appreciates an audience for her efforts, I suppose. :) It's supposed to be in the 50's again today and then cool off and snow the rest of the week, so we'll try to get out again before winter resumes its usual outdoor-exercise-suppressing course.
Indoor yoga has also been a huge hit in the past weeks, as the bug has a kids' video of her own and likes all the animal stretches. So the winter fitness plan is on track at least for the first few weeks of the year. Hope your own resolutions are holding up as well.
1.13.2008
Week 1: Austin.
So I'm not much of a one for resolutions but I do want to attempt posting at least once a week. Consider this first post of the year on time-delay, as we spent last week in Austin, Texas.
No one told me the food would be so good. I had both mind-blowing barbecue and awe-inspiring Tex-Mex within twenty-four hours. I stayed out past ten p.m. and listened to live jazz. And I got out for a run! Before April! I am a weather wuss so generally my fitness in the early winter is, um, sporadic at best.
Myself and the bug were there four days, and I got out for a walk or jog each day. (Matt stayed longer as his conference ran all week.) Our fine hotel also had a gym, which meant I got in some elliptical walking and a bike ride while watching CNN and feeling like a real grownup. (Since the only channel we were allowed to watch by the bug in the room was Cartoon Network. We do not have cable at home so she was fascinated out of her small pink mind by the non-PBS cartoon options. She attempted to sleep on top of the remote to keep us from changing the channel after she went to bed.)
Austin features a town lake and miles and miles of pedestrian trails so it was ideal for winter fitness. Temps were in the 70's and sunny...it was a real winter break vacation. Unfortunately the pollen count was off the charts so Matt spent the week on Claritin but he got in a few runs, too. It was a great vacation and kicked off the fitness year on a positive note.
I am loath to make solid fitness plans past "keep moving" at this point in the season but will reflect on the goals for the year ahead in future posts. Some of my bloggy friends have chosen truly inspiring goals and I look forward to hearing about their journeys and successes in the year to come.
No one told me the food would be so good. I had both mind-blowing barbecue and awe-inspiring Tex-Mex within twenty-four hours. I stayed out past ten p.m. and listened to live jazz. And I got out for a run! Before April! I am a weather wuss so generally my fitness in the early winter is, um, sporadic at best.
Myself and the bug were there four days, and I got out for a walk or jog each day. (Matt stayed longer as his conference ran all week.) Our fine hotel also had a gym, which meant I got in some elliptical walking and a bike ride while watching CNN and feeling like a real grownup. (Since the only channel we were allowed to watch by the bug in the room was Cartoon Network. We do not have cable at home so she was fascinated out of her small pink mind by the non-PBS cartoon options. She attempted to sleep on top of the remote to keep us from changing the channel after she went to bed.)
Austin features a town lake and miles and miles of pedestrian trails so it was ideal for winter fitness. Temps were in the 70's and sunny...it was a real winter break vacation. Unfortunately the pollen count was off the charts so Matt spent the week on Claritin but he got in a few runs, too. It was a great vacation and kicked off the fitness year on a positive note.
I am loath to make solid fitness plans past "keep moving" at this point in the season but will reflect on the goals for the year ahead in future posts. Some of my bloggy friends have chosen truly inspiring goals and I look forward to hearing about their journeys and successes in the year to come.
A meme to kick off posting in the New Year.
Thanks to the "proletariat" for the post-inspiring meme.
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
Yes. My current job as interim director ends in August.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
I like my husband, so no new romantic relations are on the horizon. New friendships and professional relations, however--definitely up for that.
3. New house?
Thank God, no. I don't think so. We're happy in Colorado.
4. What will you do different in 08?
I'm going to start running before April. Even if it's only once a week and I'm a weather wimp, I'm not waiting for spring to run. Also, with my new work schedule, I'll be home with the bug more in the afternoons which is both different and good.
5. New Year's resolution?
How about "This year I will mail my Christmas cards before January 15th"? Some of you are still waiting...they're on the way, really. I'm going to be card-organized this year.
6. What will you not be doing in 08?
I'm taking a year off from triathlon and concentrating on running and swimming. I just don't like road biking that much so we'll see if absence makes the heart grow fonder.
7. Any trips planned?
We just got back from Austin, and conferences will take me to San Francisco and St. Louis in the months ahead. With Matt's shuttle launch coming up late summer/ early fall, a trip to Florida may eventually be in the cards as well.
8. Wedding plans?
Not for me nor for anyone I know well enough to be invited, unless one of my distant cousins surprises me.
9. Major thing on your calendar?
August marks the end of my current job, so whatever comes next will be starting around then. It's not quite a circlable date on the calendar, but it's likely to indicate another major life switch. The November elections are also major as I'm very interested in the political process.
10. What can’t you wait for?
I'm pretty patient, but I always look forward to spring. Winter gets old by March and I need sunshine.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
I'd like to be more timely with written communications that are non-work-related. I tend to suck at keeping in touch with friends and family and, ahem, posting regularly.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
The revised "going to start running in January" plan means that I will be posting at least once a week to reflect on the week's physical exercise. This has the potential to kill two birds with one stone so we'll see how it turns out.
13. Will you better your relationship with your family?
This seems likely as every day the bug grows is a new and exciting day, no joke. That sounds sentimental but she is cooler at just-past-three than I could have imagined and I'm sure the personality shifts will keep me on my toes in the year ahead. Matt and I don't always get enough time alone together but it's something we want to work on and our relationship is pretty darn good, thanks for asking, meme.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
Nicer than what?
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 07?
I need new jeans and potentially more professional clothing depending on what job comes next, so the new endeavor may color the answer to this question as the year goes by.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
Water is essential to human life. So, neither. Perhaps start drinking more in that sense.
17. Major lifestyle changes?
None that I can think of offhand. More recreational reading would be good, but that's relatively minor.
18. Will you do charity work?
I'll continue to donate time and effort to local theatre companies and will be directing in 2009 so will be looking forward to that.
19. Will you go to bars?
Why, when I have great companionship and better libations at home?
20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
Yes, until they give me a reason not to be.
21. Do you expect 08 to be a good year for you?
It would be pretty darn depressing if I didn't at least hope that 08 had the potential to be good. I have low expectations but high hopes.
22. How much did you change from this time last year till now?
I got to teach a class last fall, which was a good change and made me rethink my reasons for many of my political and personal positions on issues related to gender and child/elder care.
23. Do you plan on having a child?
I have one now, and I certainly plan to have her throughout the year.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
Additions would be nice, but I don't have anyone I'm planning to add to my (currently non-extant) enemies' list.
25. What happened in 07 that you did not think would ever happen?
The media completely ignored the last 75 years of feminist history and claimed Hilary Clinton was the first woman to run for U.S. President. Really, people, this is why colleges are still offering gender studies core classes.
26. Will you be moving?
(Consults Magic 8-Ball) Seems unlikely.
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in 08 that happened in 07?
I'd like to avoid backing into the car parked across from my friends' driveway again. One blind-spot, 5 m.p.h.-fender bender about every five years is enough of that.
28. What were your New Year's Eve plans?
Stay home, have a cocktail or two, read a good book, and snuggle.
29. Did you have someone to kiss at midnight?
Yes, but "midnight" happened when the ball dropped in New York and we were probably both snoring by the actual time. Ah, marriage. :)
30. One wish for 08?
Good health for myself and those I love.
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
Yes. My current job as interim director ends in August.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
I like my husband, so no new romantic relations are on the horizon. New friendships and professional relations, however--definitely up for that.
3. New house?
Thank God, no. I don't think so. We're happy in Colorado.
4. What will you do different in 08?
I'm going to start running before April. Even if it's only once a week and I'm a weather wimp, I'm not waiting for spring to run. Also, with my new work schedule, I'll be home with the bug more in the afternoons which is both different and good.
5. New Year's resolution?
How about "This year I will mail my Christmas cards before January 15th"? Some of you are still waiting...they're on the way, really. I'm going to be card-organized this year.
6. What will you not be doing in 08?
I'm taking a year off from triathlon and concentrating on running and swimming. I just don't like road biking that much so we'll see if absence makes the heart grow fonder.
7. Any trips planned?
We just got back from Austin, and conferences will take me to San Francisco and St. Louis in the months ahead. With Matt's shuttle launch coming up late summer/ early fall, a trip to Florida may eventually be in the cards as well.
8. Wedding plans?
Not for me nor for anyone I know well enough to be invited, unless one of my distant cousins surprises me.
9. Major thing on your calendar?
August marks the end of my current job, so whatever comes next will be starting around then. It's not quite a circlable date on the calendar, but it's likely to indicate another major life switch. The November elections are also major as I'm very interested in the political process.
10. What can’t you wait for?
I'm pretty patient, but I always look forward to spring. Winter gets old by March and I need sunshine.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
I'd like to be more timely with written communications that are non-work-related. I tend to suck at keeping in touch with friends and family and, ahem, posting regularly.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
The revised "going to start running in January" plan means that I will be posting at least once a week to reflect on the week's physical exercise. This has the potential to kill two birds with one stone so we'll see how it turns out.
13. Will you better your relationship with your family?
This seems likely as every day the bug grows is a new and exciting day, no joke. That sounds sentimental but she is cooler at just-past-three than I could have imagined and I'm sure the personality shifts will keep me on my toes in the year ahead. Matt and I don't always get enough time alone together but it's something we want to work on and our relationship is pretty darn good, thanks for asking, meme.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
Nicer than what?
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 07?
I need new jeans and potentially more professional clothing depending on what job comes next, so the new endeavor may color the answer to this question as the year goes by.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
Water is essential to human life. So, neither. Perhaps start drinking more in that sense.
17. Major lifestyle changes?
None that I can think of offhand. More recreational reading would be good, but that's relatively minor.
18. Will you do charity work?
I'll continue to donate time and effort to local theatre companies and will be directing in 2009 so will be looking forward to that.
19. Will you go to bars?
Why, when I have great companionship and better libations at home?
20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
Yes, until they give me a reason not to be.
21. Do you expect 08 to be a good year for you?
It would be pretty darn depressing if I didn't at least hope that 08 had the potential to be good. I have low expectations but high hopes.
22. How much did you change from this time last year till now?
I got to teach a class last fall, which was a good change and made me rethink my reasons for many of my political and personal positions on issues related to gender and child/elder care.
23. Do you plan on having a child?
I have one now, and I certainly plan to have her throughout the year.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
Additions would be nice, but I don't have anyone I'm planning to add to my (currently non-extant) enemies' list.
25. What happened in 07 that you did not think would ever happen?
The media completely ignored the last 75 years of feminist history and claimed Hilary Clinton was the first woman to run for U.S. President. Really, people, this is why colleges are still offering gender studies core classes.
26. Will you be moving?
(Consults Magic 8-Ball) Seems unlikely.
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in 08 that happened in 07?
I'd like to avoid backing into the car parked across from my friends' driveway again. One blind-spot, 5 m.p.h.-fender bender about every five years is enough of that.
28. What were your New Year's Eve plans?
Stay home, have a cocktail or two, read a good book, and snuggle.
29. Did you have someone to kiss at midnight?
Yes, but "midnight" happened when the ball dropped in New York and we were probably both snoring by the actual time. Ah, marriage. :)
30. One wish for 08?
Good health for myself and those I love.
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