Breathing

When I first start running (after about 5 minutes of fast walking to warm up), it takes a while for my breathing to get regulated, so I'm a bit huffy and puffy. I wonder if I'm red in the face as well. I usually get red when I exercise, even if I'm not overdoing it, and have told people who exercise with me (class instructors, etc.) not to worry about it. Since I run outside, I hope that the random people who see me on my route don't think I'm about to keel over! Eventually my breathing does calm down and I settle in for the rest of my run, but I suspect I stay red most of the distance anyway.

Body memory

Today I decided to do an indoor workout. I looked through my collection of workout videos, which turned out to be two (I swear I used to have some more...must've sold or lost them along the way). Anyway, I did Richard Simmons "Sweatin' to the Oldies". And before you even consider making fun of me for that, give it up. I've long believed that if more people applied as much energy, enthusiasm and encouragement to the problems of life as he has applied to helping people be healthier, the world would be an entirely different place. Besides, his videos actually have fat people in them, which is way more motivating than trying to exercise along with people whom you will never look anything like. (And, in case you've never seen a Richard Simmons video, at the end of the workout, each person is celebrated for a brief moment by dancing for a few seconds as everyone else claps, and his/her name and weight loss to date is displayed on the screen. And for the people who haven't lost any weight yet, the screen says "just starting" and everyone claps even louder.) Okay, so enough of the "why I like Richard Simmons" rant. On to my original point.

I had not done this particular workout in years. I mean, probably something more than 6 years. But I remembered nearly every move of every routine. It was a little odd. I know about the concept of "body memory", but this was the strongest example I had personally experienced.

The workout itself wasn't particularly intense, though. I remembered it being a harder workout. Hopefully that means I'm fitter now than I was then!

The 20 minute wall

I went for another run today, and committed to myself when I started that I would run two miles. I managed to do so, but it was a struggle (although primarily a mental challenge). I've discovered that if I can just keep going for 20 minutes, I get settled in at that point and can keep going some more. I think of it as "the wall" - a mental block of sorts. If I can get past that wall, I do pretty well.

I'm still not speedy, by any means - I ran my two miles in 28 minutes today - but I'm getting gradually better, so I'll keep sticking with it and talking myself through the first 20 minutes!

Discouraged

I went back to Turbo Kick today for the first time since my surgery. It didn't go well. You wouldn't think that an aerobic exercise routine would be bouncier than running, but it was. Ouch. Add to that the fact that it's not a solitary activity and you have the embarrasment factor as well. So it was quite discouraging, and at one point I was literally on the verge of tears, thinking things to myself like "what makes you think you can do this?" and "you will never be as fit as Sara" (who was leading part of the class), "she has been exercising her whole life and you just started, so it's impossible for you to get even close to where she is".

And then I remembered a quote I have posted on my desk:

"The past is a history lesson, not a road map." My present and my future do not have to be defined by my past! So what if Sara has been exercising her whole life and I haven't? I'll focus on exercising now and not worry about what I did or didn't do previously.

So I kept going, and didn't cry. I still looked and felt pretty pathetic, but I finished!

Slow...but back in training!

I went for a run today, but it was just barely a run. I only went slightly over a mile, and my pace was not impressive. But I'm back in training and pleased about that! I'm hoping it won't take me long to get back up to speed, and start covering slightly more distance again. I'll keep you posted...

Muscles

For your information: zip lining will work muscles you didn't know you hadn't worked recently (and maybe some you didn't even know you had!)

Yes, I went zip lining yesterday. And yes, I am feeling the ache in many (most?) of my upper body muscles. But it was fun and I would do it again!

Climbing

The exercise I got today was climbing - up to the zip lining platforms and up the stairs to the indoor waterpark slides. Well, it was better than nothing! Tomorrow will be an all day in the car day, heading back home, so exercise is not going to happen then. Will have to get back on track on Monday! At least it will be easier to run again once I get back to sea level.

Socks

I went to the gym today to run on a treadmill. Now, you have to understand that at the resort where we are, the gym is not in the same building as where we are staying. We are in a condo building, and there are two buildings which include workout facilities and indoor pools. The closest one to the building is over a mile away.

I was going to a class in Digital Photography before the gym, so I packed a bag with my workout clothes and shoes, plus a bathing suit so I could take a dip in the pool (or a soak in the hot tub) after running.

After photography class, I headed over to the gym, only to discover that I had failed to bring socks! I briefly considered running barefoot, but rejected that idea out of concern that other people in the gym would find it unsanitary (which is pretty illogical, actually, because truth be told the bottom of my feet is most likely cleaner than the bottom of my shoes, but whatever...) I then thought about running in my shoes without socks, but decided that was a terrible idea and would most likely lead to pain. So I didn't run at all. Dangit! I have got to get back on track soon!

Vacation

As I've mentioned, I'm on vacation. I'm choosing to not let that be an excuse, though. So I'm still eating smaller portions, not having dessert, etc. Well, at least not at every meal! I did eat dessert today...bananas foster is hard to resist, so I decided to make that my splurge for the week. I'm also working to keep exercise in my day as well, although I missed that today. (Not such a good day today - dessert and no exercise! Whoops. Oh well...back at it tomorrow!)

It's easy to find excuses to not do the things that keep us healthy. "I'm tired." "It's raining." "I'm on vacation." "I don't have the right clothes/shoes/whatever." (I know, I've used them all.) There comes a point, though, where you realize that excuses are simply that - excuses. I am in control of my choices. I can choose to make excuses or I can choose to take care of myself. It's not about making a single choice, either. I mean, it's not that one day you say "from now on, I choose to...(fill in blank here)". (Well, it may be that way about some things, but not about exercise and healthy eating.) Instead, it's a choice which needs to be made every day. Every meal. Every time an opportunity to make an excuse rears its ugly head.

Zumba

The resort where I am staying offers several exercise classes throughout the week. Today, my sister and I went to the Zumba class. I had heard about Zumba but never tried it, and didn't know too much about it other than that it was dance based. It was quite fun, and a good workout to boot. I liked that it was not extremely high intensity aerobic exercise, but still got me sweating. That level of exercise - obviously working out but not out of breath - is really great for fat burning. And I have plenty of fat to burn, so bring on the Zumba!

Better, but still slow

I tried to run this morning and was basically, but not completely, successful. The place where we are staying had a 5K run, which I joined. I thought that it would be a marked path and everyone could go at his or her own pace (I didn't care that I wouldn't "win"). It turned out, though, that it was a "stay together as a group" kind of thing, and I just couldn't keep up, so I went back after a while rather than continue to hold the group back.

I felt a lot better in terms of pain, though, so I counted that as a victory. I could basically run without the area from my surgery hurting, which was great. Also, after I gave up on finishing the run (which was outdoors, at approximately 2000 feet, with several uphill stretches...no wonder I was having trouble!), I went to the recreation center for the resort and walked and ran on a treadmill instead. So I still got plenty of exercise!

Altitude

I'm on vacation in the mountains. I went for a run today and noticed that it was a bit more difficult than usual. Part of that is that I haven't been running daily recently as I heal from my surgical procedure. But I think part of it is also the altitude. Not that I'm mile high (we didn't go to Colorado), but when you usually run at sea level, it doesn't take much of a change to feel the difference. It's okay, though...I'll keep running. Just maybe slower.

Checkup

I mentioned that I went for a post-surgery check up the other day and got the "all clear" to begin running again (well, to start with a combination of running and walking and work my way back up to running). What I didn't mention was how cool the conversation with my Dr's PA actually was. It went like this.

Me: Oh, one more question.
PA: Yes?
Me: Is it okay for me to run again?
PA: You should run as is comfortable. How far were you running?
Me: Only 2 miles. I just started running this year and had worked up to 2 miles.
PA: Good for you! I started running a while ago and recently ran my first marathon.
Me: Cool!
PA: Do you have a goal?
Me: Yes. (At this point, I told him the goal...but as per usual I'm still not going to share specifically what it is here. We talked for a few minutes about my goal and similar events.)
PA: Anyway, you should try to do 2 miles again, but combine walking and running. Then work up from there as you are comfortable.
Me: Sounds good. I have an interim goal I'll be doing in May with my sister.
PA: That shouldn't be any problem.
Me: Great. I'm not sure I'll ever work up to running a marathon.
PA: Oh, you will.

It was just great to not only get the answer to my question, but also to talk running for a few minutes from someone with a similar experience (recently took up running, liked it, kept going), and to get some encouragement. Good stuff for a checkup visit!

Hydration

I wrote recently about being intentional. Well, something I really need to be intentional about is ensuring I drink enough water (and other liquids). I always drink plenty of water after a workout, but during the rest of the day, I just don't think about it or remember to keep a bottle of water at hand. I really want to drink more liquids (without calories!), for multiple reasons: it's just generally good for my health, plus it helps with weight loss by keeping things "flushed out" and flowing, and by curbing snacking when I'm not really hungry. But it's just something I've always had a challenge doing. Any ideas?

2 miles

Today I did 2 miles...in 34 minutes. Ordinarily, that would not be impressive at all. But it was a combination of running and walking, as was recommmended when I went for my follow up check after my surgery. So given the fact that it was nearly half walking, I didn't think it was too terrible. Certainly not going to win me any races, but decent. I was mostly just pleased to do 2 miles again!

Intentional

I think I've blogged before about being intentional about exercise: ensuring I make time for it, keep track of it, and do it with good form so as not to hurt myself. There's also another thing I've realized recently about being intentional. When I intentionally and specifically focus on HOW I'm exercising, it makes a difference.

Specifically, recently, since all I can do is walk, rather than running, I have been very focused on using my muscles as much as possible while walking. So I don't just stroll along thoughtlessly. I've been walking for just under 38 years, so of course I can do it in a way that is completely brainless. Or, I can choose to really think about how my feet hit the ground, pushing off with my calves, activating my thigh muscles, squeezing my glutes, etc. as I walk. Even though I haven't been exercising nearly as much (in terms of calorie burn and workout length) for the last few days, I am continuing to lose weight (don't worry, not major amounts...still at a healthy pace). The fact that I'm still eating wisely (smaller portions is a major factor) also helps, of course. But I think I might be gaining or at least staying static in my weight if I weren't making an effort to ensure the muscle I've built this year stays with me during this time that I must walk instead of running.

Becoming

I went to the Health Center this morning to have blood drawn as part of my annual checkup (cholesterol screening, etc.) I was still not driving (they said to not drive for at least a week after the surgery last week), so I went with my husband John as he also needed to have blood drawn. It turned out he needed to stay longer, though, so I said I would just walk home. John said I could take the car and he would walk, but I said "no, I need to walk".

Then I said, "actually I need to run". And then it hit me. I really am looking forward to running again.

So then I said, "Amazing what I've become. I'm proud of what I've become, but at the same time it's funny."

John said, "It is funny."

Of course, that made perfect sense to us, in that I was expressing that I'm happy about becoming a person who wants to exercise (specifically, to run) every day...but that it's a bit surprising and new. The poor guy in the waiting room, however, looked a bit confused by the shorthand conversation.

Anyway, I am enjoying this becoming. I think one should never stop becoming...whatever it is one wants to become next.

Walk!

I managed to take a walk today! An actual walk, at an exercise pace (low impact exercise, but exercise nonetheless). I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday and I'm hoping to be able to start running again soon after that! In addition, the Thursday Turbo Kick session will be a St. Patty's (wear green) theme, and I would love to be able to join that! We shall see...

Better

I was able to walk today without feeling sick or exhausted. Still not walking what anyone would call rapidly, but it's an improvement and I'll take it!

2!

That's not a very high number. But it is a pretty exciting one, because it's the number of inches I have lost from my waistline!

I took a walk today, and was very pleased to get back outside and in motion. I was disappointed, however, that it wasn't much of a workout. I had hoped to walk at an exercise pace, but it simply wasn't possible. I'm still tired, and the motion of walking created a bit of pain, so I had to walk very slowly. It was a beautiful day, so I enjoyed the sunshine and the views of the water even though I was frustrated at not being able to burn more calories. This healing is definitely a slower process than I had anticipated (apparently, I am much older than I was the last time I had any kind of surgery...and that was oral surgery (wisdom teeth), which is really an entirely different thing). At this point, I'm hoping to be back to normal by the time we go on vacation next Saturday.

5 days without exercise...

...makes one weak. I am now officially frustrated and disgusted by the fact that I haven't walked in a week. Thank goodness tomorrow is Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so I can get out there!

Dreary day

It has been raining on and off all day today, so I have now gone four days without exercise. I am getting frustrated by this pattern, but there's no controlling the weather, and I still don't have a treadmill, so it is what it is. I'm hoping for a sunny day tomorrow so I can get in a walk!

Balance

Rest is good. Especially after a surgical procedure. But exercise is good too. In general, balance is good - get rest, exercise and healthy food every day. I've gotten plenty of rest recently, but no exercise and plenty of unhealthy food. Ack. I'm looking forward to getting back in training (low impact, walking training though it may be) as soon as I feel better!

Walking week

I had a surgical breast biopsy this morning. When I asked my Doctor when I could run again, he said "gravity is not your friend". Then he said to stick to walking for at least a week before starting to run again. Guess I can handle that. I won't be doing any walking or running today, though, since mostly what I'm doing is napping and trying to get over the weird dizzy feeling from the anesthesia. Tomorrow will be spent returning home, so it will be Thursday at the earliest before I get any exercise. Bummer! (Not that I would change anything, of course...I do need to know the results of the test, obviously.)

Intermediate goals

When you have a really long range goal, like mine is, it's definitely good to have intermediate goals, both to measure your progress and to provide motivation (and reasons for celebration) as you move toward your ultimate goal. (Yikes...I used the word goal three times in that single sentence. Ah, well.)

Anyway, to that end, I'm planning an intermediate goal activity which will take place exactly 2 months from today. Like the big goal, I'm keeping it secret (at least on the blog) for now. There are two people who know about it, one of whom is hopefully going to do the activity with me, and the other is going to take care of Connor while we do.

Yes, I will, as with the big goal, eventually let blog readers know what it is. (Or maybe what it was...I may not post about it until I can post that I did it!)

Getting there...

I am about 15% of the way to my goal! Cool, huh?

Speaking of getting there, I will be going to the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area tomorrow and will stay there with a friend for at least one night, possibly two. (I'm having a medical procedure on Tuesday morning and not sure yet whether I'll be up for coming home later in the day on Tuesday or will stay another night and come home Wednesday. Don't worry, someone else will be doing the driving!) Anyway, I've been thinking about the fact that this most likely means that I will miss my running workout for the next few days, and it's really bugging me. I'm planning to pack running clothes and shoes, just in case I can get in a run tomorrow. Hope I can!

Slightly faster

My speed is going up ever so slightly each time I run (although it's still not particularly impressive and does not qualify to be called "fast"). Yesterday, I ran 1.7 miles in 27 minutes. Today, I ran further (1.8 miles) in less time (slightly over 26 minutes). Told you it wasn't particularly impressive, but at least it's improving!

Down

I had a Dr. appointment today (annual checkup, I'm not sick), and I learned several things.

My weight is down (this I already knew of course, as did you, faithful blog readers).

My resting heart rate is down (to 62).

My blood pressure is down (to 121/78). This one was especially exciting, as my Dr. had been concerned that my BP had been high for some time, and was recommending medication. I asked for some time to bring it down by changing eating and activity habits, and promised I would go on the meds if that didn't work. So I'm really glad it seems to be working!

I ran in silence again today, since I run faster that way. I did have my iPhone with me (I use it to time myself), so I listened to music during my warmup and cool down walking periods, and while I stretched. The first song that came on when I turned the music back on for the cool down walk was one of my favorites ("Defying Gravity"), and the first two lines were completely appropriate based on the good report about my health measurements:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same

I had to laugh! And then I enjoyed the rest of the song.

Self care

It almost goes without saying, but it's important to do other self care things (in addition to exercise). To that end, today I had dentist and opthalmologist appointments. Unfortunately, when you live on an island which has neither a dentist nor an opthalmologist on it, you have to go to the next island up (for the dentist), and the next one after that (for the opthalmologist). And while you're on these larger islands, you of course also need to do some shopping. This process takes all day.

So I didn't get any exercise today...and I'm actually a bit disappointed in that fact. But I shall be sure and get some tomorrow!

Counter-intuitive

I learned two things while running today, both of which are counter-intuitive.

1. Running without music causes me to run faster. I think this is probably because of my history of being in marching band in High School - when there's music playing, I feel like my feet must hit the ground in time with the beat. So unless I play music with a fast tempo, which apparently I don't, listening to music actually slows me down a bit. (Discovered this because my iPhone battery was dead when it was time to leave for my run today.) I also learned that there's something nice about running in silence (not that running to music isn't great, too...but there was just something rhythmic and lovely about the only sounds (in addition to birds, wind, other outdoor sounds) being the slapping of my feet on pavement.

2. Running faster is actually slightly easier than running slower. (Although I have to admit that it's entirely possible that the reason it felt that way has more to do with my body getting used to - and better at - running in general than it has to do with my running speed. Besides, I also have to admit that I'm still not running what most people would consider fast!)

Random observations while running

1. Running to Gaffer's and back, while interesting just because it's different, isn't as picturesque as running to Oyster Creek or Jackson Dunes and back. (Or nearly as lovely as running on the beach, of course. Although running this particular route may result in other rewards (more on that in a moment).

2. The first day after running on the beach is not when you feel the muscles that were affected. The first day you RUN again is when you feel it.

3. There are undoubtedly very few other things that can make me feel as loved as running by the daycare, having Connor notice me go by and yell "Hi Aunt Kati", followed by "look, it's Aunt Kati!", and then run alongside me (on the other side of the fence, inside the playground, of course) as long as possible. And then blow kisses, too!

4. This running is much more of a mind game than I previously realized. Today, I talked myself out of running the full time because I was feeling (and not in a good way) calf muscles I swear I hadn't previously been aware were there (as a result of the beach run). So I switched to walking when I was only about halfway through the workout for today on my training plan. The stupid thing is that, right before I stopped running and started walking, I had actually just begun feeling better. But because I'd already decided I was only going to do half the workout, that's all I did. I'm okay with the "mind game" element of running, though...I just need to choose to set my mind on finishing rather than on not finishing.