My ride home from work yesterday is one I will remember for a very long time. It was cold (freezing!!), windy and raining. The rain hit like little icicles which stung when they hit my exposed bits. By 10 minutes in, my hands were numb. My feet were so cold it was painful and when I got home I couldn't feel my toes. My shoes filled up with icy water and my socks just soaked it up and kept the cold close to my skin.
I normally push hard up hills and I say to myself "feel the burn" like a mantra. If I can feel the burn then I know I am working hard. Well yesterday the burn was the only thing keeping me warm!
However I laughed pretty well all the way. No one saw me because no one was fool enough to be out in weather like that - but if they had seen me they would have thought I was insane. I'm not sure if my laughing was hysteria brought about by freezing my butt off, but the ride struck me as hilariously funny.
It was funny because I CHOSE to ride home. I knew what the weather was like and I still went out in it. If, in the future, I question my dedication to this whole exercise guff I will remember that ride. If, in the future, I wonder if I have the will power to keep going - I will remember that ride.
I don't know if anyone has ever experienced an epiphany where everything seems to come into focus - well for me it was yesterday, through the rain and the cold and the gusts of wind that almost knocked me off my bike. THAT'S what was so funny - that clarity could come in such conditions!!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Piker
Yesterday after work I started riding to the gym as usual and I got to the car park and it was full. I looked up into the windows on the upper level and I could see people using all the treadmills. So I went home. Just like that. I didn't even go inside. I didn't even get off my bike!! It has been so busy at the gym it's painful. It seems to take forever to do my weights routine and sometimes I don't get a choice on the cardio equipment - I just take what's left. Well not yesterday!! I wasn't cranky or anything - just passively resigned to the fact that the gym is always super busy after work.
But this morning I went in BEFORE work. I had great plans of doing this when I first started but I just haven't been organised enough. Today I was organised! And you know what - the gym was almost empty!! I used all the equipment when I wanted to in the order I wanted to. I had a selection of treadmills and I even chose the fitball because it was purple - instead of grabbing anything. I was in and out in an hour - including showering! And best of all - I feel great! Beaut way to start the day.
I normally get to work early because I tend to be a bit of an early bird. But if I just plan to be on time instead of early I reckon I could hit the gym every morning. That way I could give my workouts some variety because I'm not doing weights every day. I never leave work early anyway so I'm just working extra for nothing.
He he - I did my five minutes running at 9km/h again! Shhhh.
But this morning I went in BEFORE work. I had great plans of doing this when I first started but I just haven't been organised enough. Today I was organised! And you know what - the gym was almost empty!! I used all the equipment when I wanted to in the order I wanted to. I had a selection of treadmills and I even chose the fitball because it was purple - instead of grabbing anything. I was in and out in an hour - including showering! And best of all - I feel great! Beaut way to start the day.
I normally get to work early because I tend to be a bit of an early bird. But if I just plan to be on time instead of early I reckon I could hit the gym every morning. That way I could give my workouts some variety because I'm not doing weights every day. I never leave work early anyway so I'm just working extra for nothing.
He he - I did my five minutes running at 9km/h again! Shhhh.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tagged
I got tagged by Kathy - so here goes:
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Relationship? Soul-sharing
3. Your hair? Multi
4. Work? View!
5. Your sister? Nope
6. Your favourite thing? cat
7. Your dream last night? freaky
8. Your favourite drink? tea
9. Your dream car? convertible
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your shoes? Sachi
12. Your fears? cockroaches
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? hubby
15. What are you not good at? Dieting!!
16. Muffin? yuck
17. Wish list item? House
18. Where you grew up? Queensland
19. The last thing you did? Laugh
20. What are you wearing? Suit
21. What are you not wearing? necklace
22. Your pet? cat
23. Your computer? flash
24. Your life? Fortunate
25. Your mood? Contented
26. Missing? Nothing
27. What are you thinking about? Gym (!)
28. Your car? old
29. Your kitchen? old
30. Your summer? HOT!
31. Your favourite colour? Yellow
32. Last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Yesterday
34. School? Valued
35. Love? Blessing
Umm... I'm not sure who HASN'T been tagged yet. (Seems like all the regulars!!) I choose Hann and Running Uphill.
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Relationship? Soul-sharing
3. Your hair? Multi
4. Work? View!
5. Your sister? Nope
6. Your favourite thing? cat
7. Your dream last night? freaky
8. Your favourite drink? tea
9. Your dream car? convertible
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your shoes? Sachi
12. Your fears? cockroaches
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? hubby
15. What are you not good at? Dieting!!
16. Muffin? yuck
17. Wish list item? House
18. Where you grew up? Queensland
19. The last thing you did? Laugh
20. What are you wearing? Suit
21. What are you not wearing? necklace
22. Your pet? cat
23. Your computer? flash
24. Your life? Fortunate
25. Your mood? Contented
26. Missing? Nothing
27. What are you thinking about? Gym (!)
28. Your car? old
29. Your kitchen? old
30. Your summer? HOT!
31. Your favourite colour? Yellow
32. Last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Yesterday
34. School? Valued
35. Love? Blessing
Umm... I'm not sure who HASN'T been tagged yet. (Seems like all the regulars!!) I choose Hann and Running Uphill.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New cycling route
I have found a different way to ride home from work!! Kind of sad, really, the things that get me excited... It is slightly longer - but the best part is that there are street lights all the way! I have been riding home that way all week. It is much, much steeper to start with but takes me directly to the river and I get to ride home along the river. Even though I ride the brakes for the first km, the rest of the trip actually requires more effort than my old route. So it's all good really. Longer, slightly more effort and well lit. I feel much safer than struggling through Kings Park in the pitch black. Plus this new way is a lot more populated. I don't really like the first section because it is along the freeway and it reminds me that I'm in the city. (Not that there is anything wrong with Perth - it's just a ... well ... city.) At least through Kings Park I hardly saw traffic and cars - just trees. But then once I hit the river it's beautiful again. A tad breezy, but beautiful. 5km along the river and I hit UWA and I'm almost home! I'm still riding through Kings Park on the way to work, so I've got some variety.
I lost my chain for the first time and managed to put it back on with only minimal swearing. I haven't found that quick release thing that is supposed to be on the chain somewhere, but a bit of gentle prodding seemed to work as well.
I've invested in some thermal underwear. (Boys can stop reading now.) I have never worn thermal underwear and I had no idea it made such a difference!! I shopped around (as you do) and eventually settled on some woollen stuff called "icebreaker" from Mountain Designs. I had no idea that wool could be so soft and light. Plus if I am to believe the brochure it does not retain odours, warms better and breathes better. "This 100% natural fibre is the undisputed champion of outdoor wear. It is silky soft, lightweight and strong. It insulates and breathes perfectly. It doesn't hold odour, stays warm when wet, dries quickly and doesn't itch. What's more, your icebreaker is annually renewable and biodegradable." Sounds impressive, eh? What actually sold me is the fact you can wear it during exercise. I bought a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. I even got a pair of gloves that I can wear UNDER my cycling gloves. I'm still trying to work out whether I can wear my skins at the same time, but that might take a bit more practice. I wore the t-shirt under my shirt when I cycled in to work this morning. It was really good. Nice and warm. I still don't have anything for my nose and face - I'll have to see if they've got anything for your head at Mountain Designs. Might even have to check out the socks now that I know the other stuff is so good.
Gym stuff goes well. I'm doing weights, aqua aerobics and yoga. I missed spin this week which is a bummer. I've treated myself to 5 minutes on the treadmill at 9km/h - moving up from 8.5km/h. Such a speedster! I found it quite challenging, so clearly my cardio fitness is not as good as I would like to think it is. I was pretty happy to finish at 5 mintues. A great feeling to get the heart rate through the roof though. My plan is to stick at 5 minutes but maybe gradually increase the speed when I get comfortable. I ran into Vanessa from the WAMC at the gym and she said that sometimes if people have been injured, they take a long time to get back into it simply because they are frightened they will become injured again. That's EXACTLY where I am at. But at the same time I have become comfortable in taking it slowly, and I am happy in myself not to overdo it. I realise now I was pushing myself too hard, because I thought my progress was too slow. But progress is still progress - I'm learning that now.
Any hints on keeping warm whilst cycling to work would be greatly appreciated.
I lost my chain for the first time and managed to put it back on with only minimal swearing. I haven't found that quick release thing that is supposed to be on the chain somewhere, but a bit of gentle prodding seemed to work as well.
I've invested in some thermal underwear. (Boys can stop reading now.) I have never worn thermal underwear and I had no idea it made such a difference!! I shopped around (as you do) and eventually settled on some woollen stuff called "icebreaker" from Mountain Designs. I had no idea that wool could be so soft and light. Plus if I am to believe the brochure it does not retain odours, warms better and breathes better. "This 100% natural fibre is the undisputed champion of outdoor wear. It is silky soft, lightweight and strong. It insulates and breathes perfectly. It doesn't hold odour, stays warm when wet, dries quickly and doesn't itch. What's more, your icebreaker is annually renewable and biodegradable." Sounds impressive, eh? What actually sold me is the fact you can wear it during exercise. I bought a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. I even got a pair of gloves that I can wear UNDER my cycling gloves. I'm still trying to work out whether I can wear my skins at the same time, but that might take a bit more practice. I wore the t-shirt under my shirt when I cycled in to work this morning. It was really good. Nice and warm. I still don't have anything for my nose and face - I'll have to see if they've got anything for your head at Mountain Designs. Might even have to check out the socks now that I know the other stuff is so good.
Gym stuff goes well. I'm doing weights, aqua aerobics and yoga. I missed spin this week which is a bummer. I've treated myself to 5 minutes on the treadmill at 9km/h - moving up from 8.5km/h. Such a speedster! I found it quite challenging, so clearly my cardio fitness is not as good as I would like to think it is. I was pretty happy to finish at 5 mintues. A great feeling to get the heart rate through the roof though. My plan is to stick at 5 minutes but maybe gradually increase the speed when I get comfortable. I ran into Vanessa from the WAMC at the gym and she said that sometimes if people have been injured, they take a long time to get back into it simply because they are frightened they will become injured again. That's EXACTLY where I am at. But at the same time I have become comfortable in taking it slowly, and I am happy in myself not to overdo it. I realise now I was pushing myself too hard, because I thought my progress was too slow. But progress is still progress - I'm learning that now.
Any hints on keeping warm whilst cycling to work would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Back into routine
I completed my test and have now returned to the world of reality. As I suspected, for the past four days I have done no exercise and I've eaten absolute crap. However (*lightbulb*) I missed my bike (!!) and craved healthy food instead of fast food. I was so pleased to jump on the bike this morning and ride to work. It was freezing, but that didn't matter. I've packed the gym clothes and am heading to the gym this afternoon. Now just to make the mental link to study-stress and exercise and I should be able to start living a much more healthy existance. Psychologically, study means constant snacking - my last hurdle.
Work means cycling. Free time means time for the gym (or running *sigh*). But study time still means snacking.
My latest gizmo for the bike - a pair of arm warmers! I looked at the leg warmers too but I didn't think any would fit me, and I wear long skins so I decided just to stick with the arm warmers. Bright red! I would have got yellow, but the colours seemed decidedly conservative. Red, black, white and blue. Boring. But very practical - they were great this morning.
My plan this afternoon - weights and 5 minutes on the tready as part of a 20 minute intense cardio session. As well as my cycling commute of course. In the dark. And cold.
Work means cycling. Free time means time for the gym (or running *sigh*). But study time still means snacking.
My latest gizmo for the bike - a pair of arm warmers! I looked at the leg warmers too but I didn't think any would fit me, and I wear long skins so I decided just to stick with the arm warmers. Bright red! I would have got yellow, but the colours seemed decidedly conservative. Red, black, white and blue. Boring. But very practical - they were great this morning.
My plan this afternoon - weights and 5 minutes on the tready as part of a 20 minute intense cardio session. As well as my cycling commute of course. In the dark. And cold.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Treadmill triumph
Those of you who know me well will know that I am studying. I've got a very important "exam" coming up. It's not really an exam, but essentially it is the same thing. I either pass or fail. It has consumed my thoughts recently - because if I fail I will not be permitted to keep studying at the university, or I will have to change my focus substantially which amounts to the same thing.
Anyway - the point. For the next four days I will be enveloped in my own little world, not even coming up for air. I am worried about my exercise regime. I'm no good at maintaining a routine when I travel at the best of times. Unlike people like ajh who seem to be able to exercise anywhere!!
I went to yoga at the gym on Sunday. It was yogalates - sort of a combination of pilates and yoga. The class was so big I couldn't see the instructor because of all the people. I found it very difficult and tried to copy off the people in front of me. I was one of the lucky ones who got a mat and a fitball. Others turned up and were told there was no room, and no equipment left. Not really good organising.
I did weights on Monday but struggled to find empty machines. It was so busy you had to wait at a piece of equipment until someone finished and then you could use it. I think I might need to rethink the times I am going. Clearly everyone is going at the same time!!
Now for the naughty bit. I jumped on the treadmill for 5 minutes. Only 5 minutes, but I found it easy at 8.5km/h! Man it was great! I was really frightened I'd get into trouble - like a little girl stealing lollies from the lolly jar! But I didn't get into trouble and I had minimal pain. Still I am not going to overdo it - having learnt the hard way - so 5 minutes will be plenty for now. Almost like a reward for going to the gym! Hee Hee!!
And now I am away for four days - sigh. Still, my cardio seems surprisingly good so hopefully I'll be OK if I don't manage to do too much exercise.
Anyway - the point. For the next four days I will be enveloped in my own little world, not even coming up for air. I am worried about my exercise regime. I'm no good at maintaining a routine when I travel at the best of times. Unlike people like ajh who seem to be able to exercise anywhere!!
I went to yoga at the gym on Sunday. It was yogalates - sort of a combination of pilates and yoga. The class was so big I couldn't see the instructor because of all the people. I found it very difficult and tried to copy off the people in front of me. I was one of the lucky ones who got a mat and a fitball. Others turned up and were told there was no room, and no equipment left. Not really good organising.
I did weights on Monday but struggled to find empty machines. It was so busy you had to wait at a piece of equipment until someone finished and then you could use it. I think I might need to rethink the times I am going. Clearly everyone is going at the same time!!
Now for the naughty bit. I jumped on the treadmill for 5 minutes. Only 5 minutes, but I found it easy at 8.5km/h! Man it was great! I was really frightened I'd get into trouble - like a little girl stealing lollies from the lolly jar! But I didn't get into trouble and I had minimal pain. Still I am not going to overdo it - having learnt the hard way - so 5 minutes will be plenty for now. Almost like a reward for going to the gym! Hee Hee!!
And now I am away for four days - sigh. Still, my cardio seems surprisingly good so hopefully I'll be OK if I don't manage to do too much exercise.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Spin - weeeeeeeeee!
Spin last night was a blast!!! Although I have to say that it was damn hard work!! My calves are so sore today. I think it will still take a bit of practice to get the technique right though, because I worked really hard on one of the sprints and gave it everything, then wanted to slack off but couldn't! You can't stop your legs moving!!! No one ever said that before! I almost fell off and exploded from lack of breath. I understand the bit about not tightening the knob thing to make it easier. Phew! What a workout!! There were a few beginners there so we all got help adjusting our seats and handlebars and the instructor kept an eye on us. I'll be back!
Then I decided to brave the road home - and I think I'll stick to the path from now on. It didn't seem to matter how far to the left I rode, the cars zoomed past so damn, damn close to me. And a bus. Man that was freaky. I was concentrating so hard that it was unpleasant - but I noticed (when I got home) that my top speed was 44.2! Aaarrgh!!! No WONDER I was freaking out. But there were fewer uphills - the road must be smoothed out for the cars compared to the path.
Then I decided to brave the road home - and I think I'll stick to the path from now on. It didn't seem to matter how far to the left I rode, the cars zoomed past so damn, damn close to me. And a bus. Man that was freaky. I was concentrating so hard that it was unpleasant - but I noticed (when I got home) that my top speed was 44.2! Aaarrgh!!! No WONDER I was freaking out. But there were fewer uphills - the road must be smoothed out for the cars compared to the path.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Shallow pool
I had a wonderful time at water aerobics last night, but it looks like the deep water running will be a bit difficult because the pool is only 1.1m deep!!! D'Oh! Still, I arrived a little early and sort of ran up and down the pool and that was fun - but weird. There was another bloke doing a similar thing so I didn't feel stupid - just weird. I asked my physio and he said the water should be no lower than my chest or it is too much impact. So I kept low, not knowing if that was the right thing to do or not!!! Em or Jojo - fly to Perth and I'll sign you into my gym and we can do a session in the pool!!! Lulu - I wish I couldn't touch the bottom but I CAN - so I'm going to have to modify "deep" water running to something else.
At the end of the aerobics session my legs felt like jelly and I could barely walk!! I think the cycle home was actually a good cool down - but I'm going to have to rug up like Andrew suggested. The other thing is that it was damn dark, and I am seriously thinking about risking the road on my way home in the dark. At least there are street lights. But it's the road. Hmmmm - lights and really scarey road, or really scarey dark and path? I don't know!!
I'm heading back tonight - there is a SPIN SESSION on at 5.30!!!!! Yippee! It'll be my first one ever!
At the end of the aerobics session my legs felt like jelly and I could barely walk!! I think the cycle home was actually a good cool down - but I'm going to have to rug up like Andrew suggested. The other thing is that it was damn dark, and I am seriously thinking about risking the road on my way home in the dark. At least there are street lights. But it's the road. Hmmmm - lights and really scarey road, or really scarey dark and path? I don't know!!
I'm heading back tonight - there is a SPIN SESSION on at 5.30!!!!! Yippee! It'll be my first one ever!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
First gym session
Well I've been to the gym "properly" now and I've got a real weights programme!! He he - I'm like a pro! It's very basic but I'm doing core strength exercises and all that good stuff. I have to say I enjoyed myself immensely. NOW I understand why everyone likes the gym so much! My arms are sore today - but I'm only supposed to do the programme every second day. So tonight is aqua aerobics. I'd like to do deep water running, but I want to check out the pool and stuff without oddly gawking - you know, less attention being drawn to being out of place and that sort of thing. Besides I figure I can ask the instructor about it - in the hope that she is knowledgable of course. The only description of deep water running is what I've read from Em and Jojo's blogs - I think I need some further instruction. PLUS I figure the aqua aerobics is good exercise anyway. That's at 6pm so it'll be a late (and cold) cycle home!
I want to develop some good habits, so I'm going to go to the gym before work for my weights, and after work for the organised sessions. But not every day because I think it would then become a chore. So Monday, Wednesday and Friday for weights and at least Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for sessions. Then anything else is a bonus. Plus I'm still cycling to work, so I'll get a little cardio every day anyway. There's yoga on the weekends too.
Oooh! Oooh! I bought some new gym clothes. And some yoga pants - which just look like floppy tracksuit pants to me. But they're Nike and they say "yoga pants" and they were expensive - so I hope someone will be impressed by them. Now I have one gym outfit and one yoga outfit - I'll see how long I last before I feel the need to buy more. I only own fat girl swimmers (you know with the little skirt that supposedly hides all the rolls of fat). I might yet be too embarrassed to wear them at aerobics - so togs could also be on the shopping list. I'll have to sus out what the "pros" are wearing. Except if they are all in bikinis. I don't do bikinis.
I want to develop some good habits, so I'm going to go to the gym before work for my weights, and after work for the organised sessions. But not every day because I think it would then become a chore. So Monday, Wednesday and Friday for weights and at least Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for sessions. Then anything else is a bonus. Plus I'm still cycling to work, so I'll get a little cardio every day anyway. There's yoga on the weekends too.
Oooh! Oooh! I bought some new gym clothes. And some yoga pants - which just look like floppy tracksuit pants to me. But they're Nike and they say "yoga pants" and they were expensive - so I hope someone will be impressed by them. Now I have one gym outfit and one yoga outfit - I'll see how long I last before I feel the need to buy more. I only own fat girl swimmers (you know with the little skirt that supposedly hides all the rolls of fat). I might yet be too embarrassed to wear them at aerobics - so togs could also be on the shopping list. I'll have to sus out what the "pros" are wearing. Except if they are all in bikinis. I don't do bikinis.
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