If any of you follow me on twitter, you know I've been torn recently. Last year, my sister and I entered the lottery for the New York City Marathon. I just did it for fun, and of course, I got it. I deferred my entry, since the marathon was a month after my due date, and just sort of forgot about it.
Fast forward to last week, where I get an email from the NYC marathon saying "don't forget, you have a guaranteed entry for this year's marathon!" It got me thinking a little.
I have never imagined that I would run a marathon. Yes, I ran a 70.3, but to me, doing three sports for an extended period of time is a lot easier than doing one sport for an extended period of time. Running for over four hours has never been that appealing to me.
BUT, if there was any year to train for a marathon, this would be it. I wouldn't have to juggle training with working. I would just have to pop Zoey in the stroller and hit the path. Yes, the weather could interfere with it (how cold can the temperature be and still be able to run with a baby?? anyone know??) and I may have to stop to feed her on some longer runs (if I couldn't leave her at home with Matt and a bottle), but those things aside, I really have nothing but time this year. One big downside is the price. $347 for international runners. Ouch. But I could probably save up and try to expedia the crap out of some hotels. It would be a pricey trip, but it would be fun to be in the city we honeymooned two years later as a family.
So after looking up some training programs, I saw one that was doable that was 18 weeks. That got me thinking, the Calgary Marathon is 19 weeks away. And a shiny new route is in store for this year (with a big unveiling today!). So, maybe I could run the Calgary marathon this May, and then run NYC in November. Why not run two marathons in one year when I never thought I would ever do one. Am I insane??
What are your thoughts? Can I train with a baby? Can my body handle it? How slow will I be? So many questions!
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The home stretch!
Life has been a whole bunch of working and training!!
I swam lots this month, and it really improved my speed and technique. I'm feeling great, and hoping I'll make my swim well within the time cutoff for the race. Biking has been another story... Not too many rides on the real roads so I'm really going to focus on that after my half marathon.
Speaking of the half on the 6th, I'm getting really excited for the race! Matt and I are heading out early and taking my gramps to a red sox game, and we'll have a little time in Vermont to relax before the race. I'm told there's a little lake nearby, so I plan on doing a few swims there for training. My running hasn't been exactly where I want it for the race, but I feel confident that I'll do well, and if I don't get under 2 hours, which is my goal, it's not the end of the world. I know I have it in me, but if the weather is too hot, I think I may fade a little. I went for a training run in the heat a couple of weeks ago, and it was BRUTAL. It's very hot in Vermont right now, so it's not looking amazing, but I'll wait and see. I'll do my best, and that's as well as I can do! This race is about Team Alzheimer's, family, and enjoying myself, so if I can't perform the way I want, I will still get lots out of it.
After the race, it will be ALL about the bike. I will have my ass attached to that seat as much as I possibly can. I am slightly worried about the bike time cutoff for the half ironman. I am not allowed to continue racing if I finish the bike over 5 hours after I start the race, which means the swim plus the bike can't equal more than 5 hours. I really don't have an accurate estimate of what I'm capable of, but I just feel like I could take 4 plus hours to bike 94 km. I guess once I get out for a few long training rides, I'll know a little more what kind of time I'm looking at. I am a little nervous though, I'm not going to lie.
That's about that! Next week will involve a lot of flying and driving, but then fun and relaxing with the fam! Wahoo!
I swam lots this month, and it really improved my speed and technique. I'm feeling great, and hoping I'll make my swim well within the time cutoff for the race. Biking has been another story... Not too many rides on the real roads so I'm really going to focus on that after my half marathon.
Speaking of the half on the 6th, I'm getting really excited for the race! Matt and I are heading out early and taking my gramps to a red sox game, and we'll have a little time in Vermont to relax before the race. I'm told there's a little lake nearby, so I plan on doing a few swims there for training. My running hasn't been exactly where I want it for the race, but I feel confident that I'll do well, and if I don't get under 2 hours, which is my goal, it's not the end of the world. I know I have it in me, but if the weather is too hot, I think I may fade a little. I went for a training run in the heat a couple of weeks ago, and it was BRUTAL. It's very hot in Vermont right now, so it's not looking amazing, but I'll wait and see. I'll do my best, and that's as well as I can do! This race is about Team Alzheimer's, family, and enjoying myself, so if I can't perform the way I want, I will still get lots out of it.
After the race, it will be ALL about the bike. I will have my ass attached to that seat as much as I possibly can. I am slightly worried about the bike time cutoff for the half ironman. I am not allowed to continue racing if I finish the bike over 5 hours after I start the race, which means the swim plus the bike can't equal more than 5 hours. I really don't have an accurate estimate of what I'm capable of, but I just feel like I could take 4 plus hours to bike 94 km. I guess once I get out for a few long training rides, I'll know a little more what kind of time I'm looking at. I am a little nervous though, I'm not going to lie.
That's about that! Next week will involve a lot of flying and driving, but then fun and relaxing with the fam! Wahoo!
Monday, May 10, 2010
I'm a fish.
Today was a great day for workouts! I got up this morning, went swimming, and had such a confidence boosting swim! I did a warm-up of 600m, with some kicking, pulling and regular swimming, then I did 1650m of continuous swimming. Instead of just swimming and counting up to 1650, I started with 275, then I did 250, then I did 225 etc. until I got to 25 and I was done! I didn't stop between my sets (except a few goggle readjustments), so I still did 1650 continuous, but it helped make it a little more do-able for me, and also helped me not loose count. My biggest problem swimming is that I loose count of my laps and end up doing too few. (funny how I never do too many...) I then did a 200m cool down and called it a day. I just felt amazing having finished such a long swim in about an hour. The 70.3 swim leg is 1900m, so I was only 250 shy of the total. It made me feel so much more confident that I will actually be able to finish the swim part, and within the time cutoff too. My whole workout took an hour, so I know I'll be able to do 1900 within the one hour cutoff. I felt so good leaving the pool. I started to feel a little tight in my shoulders during the last 200m, but with time I know I'll be ok.
I worked all day at the shop, mostly taking returns from the big sale we had this weekend, but the time flew by and before I knew it, I went home and got ready for my run. I really didn't want to, but I sucked it up and went. I did 14km around the river, and I definitely overdressed. I got dressed, and even thought to myself "I think I'm going to be too hot", but went out anyway. I was wearing full length tights, a tank top, a long sleeve (I almost wore a thermal long sleeve instead, thank goodness I didn't), gloves and a thermal headband. I definitely didn't need all those clothes, but I wasn't BOILING and I survived. It tends to get windy around the river, so I think that's why I thought I should wear everything, but I could have at least worn capri pants, no gloves, and a normal head band. My head was very sweaty!
This week is all swimming all the time, so I'll smell like pool and have super dry skin. Fun!
I worked all day at the shop, mostly taking returns from the big sale we had this weekend, but the time flew by and before I knew it, I went home and got ready for my run. I really didn't want to, but I sucked it up and went. I did 14km around the river, and I definitely overdressed. I got dressed, and even thought to myself "I think I'm going to be too hot", but went out anyway. I was wearing full length tights, a tank top, a long sleeve (I almost wore a thermal long sleeve instead, thank goodness I didn't), gloves and a thermal headband. I definitely didn't need all those clothes, but I wasn't BOILING and I survived. It tends to get windy around the river, so I think that's why I thought I should wear everything, but I could have at least worn capri pants, no gloves, and a normal head band. My head was very sweaty!
This week is all swimming all the time, so I'll smell like pool and have super dry skin. Fun!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tender Tootsies
One of the great things about working at a running shop is that sometimes, I get free stuff. As an "athlete", it's awesome, because I go through gear, especially shoes, pretty quickly.
Last year, I got a pair of Saucony Triumphs because of a selling competition, which were awesome. I loved those shoes, even though I'm a Mizuno girl normally. I just really liked them. Saucony is known for changing their shoes, and this year's triumphs are quite different, and not really my cup of tea, so unfortunately, the relationship between me and the triumphs is over. At the staff christmas party this year, I got a free pair of Asics Nimbus, which I was was stoked about since they're pretty pricey shoes, and I love them every time I wear them around the store. (Another great thing about working at a running shop, I can wear different shoes around while I'm on shift to test them out, see how they fit, check for different aspects of them etc. which helps me when customers come in for specific complaints or requests). I was saving those shiny new asics in the back of my closet for when my triumphs bit the dust. A couple of weeks ago, I decided that it was time to bust em' out, and even though I know better, I took them out on a 16 km run. I know you really aren't supposed to wear new shoes on a long run, but since they were free, it wasn't like I was going to return them, so why not take the plunge and just go. They felt really good, except the ball of my right foot felt a little tender near the end. I haven't felt that since I ran my first half in Vermont. I remember near the end of the race feeling like the balls of my feet were raw. I kind of put that feeling in the back of my mind, and persevered through a few more runs. Last week in Maui I went on an 18km run (which was more of a 16km run in the end, oops) and again, I got that tenderness, this time in BOTH feet. I brought it a little more forward in my mind, taking note of distance, terrain, and socks. (I wore different socks on purpose, thinking perhaps it was that, not the shoes). I also have been running on my forefoot, so I thought maybe just high mileage combined with forefoot running was just making my feet tender.
This Sunday, I went on a real 18km run, and the balls of both feet were BURNING after about 8 km. Man o man I wanted to saw off my feet and just clomp the last kms out. (a little drastic, I know). I felt as though I had been running on cheese graters, and they felt just raw raw raw. I knew it had to be the shoes, and while I was wallowing in pain around the bow river, I remembered that I was wearing asics shoes when I ran the vermont half and felt the rawness. Not the same model mind you, because I couldn't afford the nimbus then, but still, the same brand. I decided to pop into the shop on my way home (which is conveniently a block from my house) and ask my manager what he thought. He immediately said "they're too wide and your feet are moving around too much". Funny, I felt tonnes of movement every time I ran in them, I just didn't really think much of it. He said compared to my Mizuno wave riders, these were WAY wider. Lucky for me, I can make due with the other three pairs I have kicking around until the mother's days sale in May, when I can buy a new pair of riders. Or maybe something else! Who knows. (Funny side note, my feet were so swollen after the run, I tried to put on my Mizuno wave riders and they didn't even fit! Yikes!)
Something else I noted after my long run on Sunday is that because of running mid to fore foot, my body is much less stiff. This time last year, I had a hard time walking up and down stairs, and felt stiff and sore all the time. This year after changing my running style, I'm fine! I have stiff calves from time to time, and sure I feel fatigued on Sundays, but comparatively, it's like night and day! This also could have something to do with my skipping runs left right and centre, but lets just say it is from running style, ok??
Last night I went to the swim conditioning class at Killarney pool for the first time in probably 8 months. I have been swimming, but not as much as I probably should be, so I was a little worried about the class. Normally, I'm the slow one in this class for sure. When the class started, right away I moved one lane faster because I could just tell I was faster than the people in the slow lane. After one lane, I was told by the instructor to move to the faster one again! I stayed in that lane for the whole class, but I was the fastest in it! Just to be clear, I really don't care if I'm faster than people, but this was a great reinforcement to me that my swimming is improving, and that my work is paying off. It feels good to have people say "oh you go ahead" when we're at the end of the pool. Anyway, I was really happy with the way I was swimming and it felt awesome to see improvement.
That's that!
Last year, I got a pair of Saucony Triumphs because of a selling competition, which were awesome. I loved those shoes, even though I'm a Mizuno girl normally. I just really liked them. Saucony is known for changing their shoes, and this year's triumphs are quite different, and not really my cup of tea, so unfortunately, the relationship between me and the triumphs is over. At the staff christmas party this year, I got a free pair of Asics Nimbus, which I was was stoked about since they're pretty pricey shoes, and I love them every time I wear them around the store. (Another great thing about working at a running shop, I can wear different shoes around while I'm on shift to test them out, see how they fit, check for different aspects of them etc. which helps me when customers come in for specific complaints or requests). I was saving those shiny new asics in the back of my closet for when my triumphs bit the dust. A couple of weeks ago, I decided that it was time to bust em' out, and even though I know better, I took them out on a 16 km run. I know you really aren't supposed to wear new shoes on a long run, but since they were free, it wasn't like I was going to return them, so why not take the plunge and just go. They felt really good, except the ball of my right foot felt a little tender near the end. I haven't felt that since I ran my first half in Vermont. I remember near the end of the race feeling like the balls of my feet were raw. I kind of put that feeling in the back of my mind, and persevered through a few more runs. Last week in Maui I went on an 18km run (which was more of a 16km run in the end, oops) and again, I got that tenderness, this time in BOTH feet. I brought it a little more forward in my mind, taking note of distance, terrain, and socks. (I wore different socks on purpose, thinking perhaps it was that, not the shoes). I also have been running on my forefoot, so I thought maybe just high mileage combined with forefoot running was just making my feet tender.
This Sunday, I went on a real 18km run, and the balls of both feet were BURNING after about 8 km. Man o man I wanted to saw off my feet and just clomp the last kms out. (a little drastic, I know). I felt as though I had been running on cheese graters, and they felt just raw raw raw. I knew it had to be the shoes, and while I was wallowing in pain around the bow river, I remembered that I was wearing asics shoes when I ran the vermont half and felt the rawness. Not the same model mind you, because I couldn't afford the nimbus then, but still, the same brand. I decided to pop into the shop on my way home (which is conveniently a block from my house) and ask my manager what he thought. He immediately said "they're too wide and your feet are moving around too much". Funny, I felt tonnes of movement every time I ran in them, I just didn't really think much of it. He said compared to my Mizuno wave riders, these were WAY wider. Lucky for me, I can make due with the other three pairs I have kicking around until the mother's days sale in May, when I can buy a new pair of riders. Or maybe something else! Who knows. (Funny side note, my feet were so swollen after the run, I tried to put on my Mizuno wave riders and they didn't even fit! Yikes!)
Something else I noted after my long run on Sunday is that because of running mid to fore foot, my body is much less stiff. This time last year, I had a hard time walking up and down stairs, and felt stiff and sore all the time. This year after changing my running style, I'm fine! I have stiff calves from time to time, and sure I feel fatigued on Sundays, but comparatively, it's like night and day! This also could have something to do with my skipping runs left right and centre, but lets just say it is from running style, ok??
Last night I went to the swim conditioning class at Killarney pool for the first time in probably 8 months. I have been swimming, but not as much as I probably should be, so I was a little worried about the class. Normally, I'm the slow one in this class for sure. When the class started, right away I moved one lane faster because I could just tell I was faster than the people in the slow lane. After one lane, I was told by the instructor to move to the faster one again! I stayed in that lane for the whole class, but I was the fastest in it! Just to be clear, I really don't care if I'm faster than people, but this was a great reinforcement to me that my swimming is improving, and that my work is paying off. It feels good to have people say "oh you go ahead" when we're at the end of the pool. Anyway, I was really happy with the way I was swimming and it felt awesome to see improvement.
That's that!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wowie
What is with our weather? It's so nice out these days. I feel like we are in for a terrible surprise soon (in the form of a blizzard) but I'll take it while it's here!
Life is great here, with the exception of me working ALL THE TIME. I know normal people are used to having only two days off a week, but I am not. I've been working like a dog trying to make some cash, and I feel like a zombie.
My saving grace is that my next three pairings have Maui overnights. I'll get a little rest and relaxation on the beach. I'm also hoping to get some nice hot runs in around the island. I just need to make sure I don't get lost. I have the worst sense of direction and I've tried to run in Maui before and turned around because I was scared I wouldn't find my way back to the hotel. Funny side note, I also signed up for some free yoga on the beach last year in Maui, and the man running it actually did something close to tai chi, and he was batshit crazy while telling us all about the history of china. He kept saying "now I bet you're all wondering what I'm talking about and what I'm doing" and we would look at each other and I'm sure we were all thinking "we're actually wondering why this isn't yoga and who the hell you are". Funny stuff.
Have a great week, and wish me luck.
Life is great here, with the exception of me working ALL THE TIME. I know normal people are used to having only two days off a week, but I am not. I've been working like a dog trying to make some cash, and I feel like a zombie.
My saving grace is that my next three pairings have Maui overnights. I'll get a little rest and relaxation on the beach. I'm also hoping to get some nice hot runs in around the island. I just need to make sure I don't get lost. I have the worst sense of direction and I've tried to run in Maui before and turned around because I was scared I wouldn't find my way back to the hotel. Funny side note, I also signed up for some free yoga on the beach last year in Maui, and the man running it actually did something close to tai chi, and he was batshit crazy while telling us all about the history of china. He kept saying "now I bet you're all wondering what I'm talking about and what I'm doing" and we would look at each other and I'm sure we were all thinking "we're actually wondering why this isn't yoga and who the hell you are". Funny stuff.
Have a great week, and wish me luck.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lead Legs
Yesterday I set out for another 14km run. This time, instead of it just being a long, slow distance run, it was a "progression run", which meant I had to hammer out the last 2km at speed 2 instead of speed 1. My training program focuses on three speeds: long distance speed, or speed 1, middle distance speed, speed 2, and then sprinting speed, speed 3. So even though I was flipping tired, I had to push the last 2 km and run FASTER. It's as much a mental exercise as a physical one, since after 12 km I wasn't really in the mood to push it, especially since I had a bad run (but more on that later). I decided that my strategy would be "the faster you run now, the sooner you get to stop", instead of the whole "train to get stronger and this will help me later" idea. I just wanted to stop running. I'm not really sure HOW much faster I really ran those last 2 km, but it felt horrible and agonizing, so I figure I pushed it enough.
As soon as I set out for my run, I had a feeling it wasn't going to be my best. My legs have been feeling like bricks lately, I think having something to do with the whole cycling thing, and I just felt fatigued before I even started. I didn't run very quickly, and I didn't feel "in the zone" like I often do on my long runs. Normally my shorter speed runs are the worst for me, and my long runs being a little easier and energizing. Yesterday, my only saving grace was a great podcast called "Running to Disney", which always makes me laugh because of Gordon's accent and sayings. He was doing a little q & a episode and he kept saying "dawggone" and wishing he was watching American Idol. Anyway, I pushed through my agony and finished strong. A memory of my first half marathon came back during yesterday's run, a memory of me chanting "keep going keep going" and I'm pretty sure "I'm never running again" was thrown in there a few times as well. Funny enough, I'm training for that very same race, so we'll see how my mental exercises help me! My speed was SLOW yesterday, which brought me down a lot. It's funny to think that after a 14km run I felt like I had accomplished nothing, and felt lazy because I hadn't run fast enough. Crazy, I know, but true. I really need to work on my attitude!
This morning I set out to the pool, but had a lackluster swim. I got through my workout, but didn't feel in any zone at all. I was struggling with my breathing which made me fade quite quickly. I'll just have to try to relax and improve next time. On a positive note, I finally remembered my ear plugs and they worked SO well. No water in my ears for the rest of the day, thankfully! I can't think of anything as annoying as water in the ear, except maybe chaffed thighs.
After my swim, I took back my recycling, which has piled up way past what it should have. I REALLY miss curbside recycling.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics. There are just way too many things to mention, but I'm loving AND hating them right now!
As soon as I set out for my run, I had a feeling it wasn't going to be my best. My legs have been feeling like bricks lately, I think having something to do with the whole cycling thing, and I just felt fatigued before I even started. I didn't run very quickly, and I didn't feel "in the zone" like I often do on my long runs. Normally my shorter speed runs are the worst for me, and my long runs being a little easier and energizing. Yesterday, my only saving grace was a great podcast called "Running to Disney", which always makes me laugh because of Gordon's accent and sayings. He was doing a little q & a episode and he kept saying "dawggone" and wishing he was watching American Idol. Anyway, I pushed through my agony and finished strong. A memory of my first half marathon came back during yesterday's run, a memory of me chanting "keep going keep going" and I'm pretty sure "I'm never running again" was thrown in there a few times as well. Funny enough, I'm training for that very same race, so we'll see how my mental exercises help me! My speed was SLOW yesterday, which brought me down a lot. It's funny to think that after a 14km run I felt like I had accomplished nothing, and felt lazy because I hadn't run fast enough. Crazy, I know, but true. I really need to work on my attitude!
This morning I set out to the pool, but had a lackluster swim. I got through my workout, but didn't feel in any zone at all. I was struggling with my breathing which made me fade quite quickly. I'll just have to try to relax and improve next time. On a positive note, I finally remembered my ear plugs and they worked SO well. No water in my ears for the rest of the day, thankfully! I can't think of anything as annoying as water in the ear, except maybe chaffed thighs.
After my swim, I took back my recycling, which has piled up way past what it should have. I REALLY miss curbside recycling.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics. There are just way too many things to mention, but I'm loving AND hating them right now!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Back at it.
Lately, I've been having some motivation issues with running, cycling and swimming. I've set a very lofty goal for 2010, which is completing a half ironman on August 1st, and I will also run one, if not two half marathons before that. I've got all my training schedules, all my gear, a bike, a bike trainer, new bike shoes, fancy running tights, and all sorts of other things, but I'm finding it hard to just START!! I've gone for runs, a couple of bikes, but nothing serious at all. I know I need to get serious if I want to be able to set some PRs in the runs and acutally be physically able to finish the 70.3, I just can't find it in me to get going.
Today, that changes. Starting today, I have officially begun my training for my 2010 races. I went for a great swim this morning (I believe it's my first since my sprint triathlon WAY back in July) and a nice long bike ride at Killarney. I felt good. I was happy and was looking forward to the rest of my training. I need to adjust my bike a little so that I can use my trainer on the porch, so until then, I'll try to do my cycling at the hotel gyms. The swimming part will be a bit tougher to fit in on the road, but I can at least do the other workouts and then get the swims in at home. I'll figure it out. I think my life will revolve a bit around my training, but I'm ok with that. It will be a great distraction from all the wedding stress!
So there you have it. I've published it to the world. Now I really have to do it.
Today, that changes. Starting today, I have officially begun my training for my 2010 races. I went for a great swim this morning (I believe it's my first since my sprint triathlon WAY back in July) and a nice long bike ride at Killarney. I felt good. I was happy and was looking forward to the rest of my training. I need to adjust my bike a little so that I can use my trainer on the porch, so until then, I'll try to do my cycling at the hotel gyms. The swimming part will be a bit tougher to fit in on the road, but I can at least do the other workouts and then get the swims in at home. I'll figure it out. I think my life will revolve a bit around my training, but I'm ok with that. It will be a great distraction from all the wedding stress!
So there you have it. I've published it to the world. Now I really have to do it.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
A little product review
I was very excited to get home from this pairing (not that I didn't have a fabulous one, one that included a sleepover at Kristen's and a lunch time run with her and her coworker) because I had a new pair of running tights waiting for me at my store! I had ordered a pair of CW-X compression running tights and I was just itching to get out and try them.
From the website:
The CW-X Pro Tights unite the major joints of the leg to offer optimum muscular support for activities with linear movement, such as running and Nordic skiing. The patented Support Web™ brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web also creates a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. Combined with targeted variable compression to increase circulation and reduce fatigue, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.
So I set out today to test them out. First of all, these puppies are TIGHT. To put them on, you have to gather the whole leg up in your hand like you would if you were putting on nylons. If you just pull them on like normal pants, the crotch of the tight will never get high enough. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I HATE it when my pants sag a bit at the crotch and I always feel like I'm struggling to get a full range of motion when I run. So after quite a struggle to get them just right (not to mention the banding around the tights is supposed to contour your muscles so I had to shift them around a bit) I ended up having to yank them up pretty flipping high on my waist. Because they are supposed to be like a second skin, obviously the waist is tight too. I would have taken a picture but I didn't want to put you through that. Muffin top-o-rama.
Anyway, I got ready, chose a shirt that wasn't tight so I wouldn't show the world my muffin top, and set off on my run. I sort of hoped that I would be able to run forever without being tired or sore, but alas, no miracles. I had a bit of knee pain, but I'm pretty sure that's unrelated to the pants. I ran about 12 k and my knee only hurt a bit at the end, so I'm quite certain it wasn't the tights. My muscles aren't really too sore right now, which is good, but my muscles don't get super super sore after this kind of distance normally. I think I'll really be able to see a difference (if there is one) after longer distances, since it's been a while since I've gone over 12-14k. I liked the way they felt while I was running... It was almost like I had more support (which I guess I did) and I liked the tight feeling. I felt a little more aware of my muscles because of the banding, which I can't decide if I like or not. They were just there.
All in all, so far so good. We will see how it helps later on with the longer distances and higher frequency of my training. I hope!
From the website:
The CW-X Pro Tights unite the major joints of the leg to offer optimum muscular support for activities with linear movement, such as running and Nordic skiing. The patented Support Web™ brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web also creates a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. Combined with targeted variable compression to increase circulation and reduce fatigue, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.
So I set out today to test them out. First of all, these puppies are TIGHT. To put them on, you have to gather the whole leg up in your hand like you would if you were putting on nylons. If you just pull them on like normal pants, the crotch of the tight will never get high enough. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I HATE it when my pants sag a bit at the crotch and I always feel like I'm struggling to get a full range of motion when I run. So after quite a struggle to get them just right (not to mention the banding around the tights is supposed to contour your muscles so I had to shift them around a bit) I ended up having to yank them up pretty flipping high on my waist. Because they are supposed to be like a second skin, obviously the waist is tight too. I would have taken a picture but I didn't want to put you through that. Muffin top-o-rama.
Anyway, I got ready, chose a shirt that wasn't tight so I wouldn't show the world my muffin top, and set off on my run. I sort of hoped that I would be able to run forever without being tired or sore, but alas, no miracles. I had a bit of knee pain, but I'm pretty sure that's unrelated to the pants. I ran about 12 k and my knee only hurt a bit at the end, so I'm quite certain it wasn't the tights. My muscles aren't really too sore right now, which is good, but my muscles don't get super super sore after this kind of distance normally. I think I'll really be able to see a difference (if there is one) after longer distances, since it's been a while since I've gone over 12-14k. I liked the way they felt while I was running... It was almost like I had more support (which I guess I did) and I liked the tight feeling. I felt a little more aware of my muscles because of the banding, which I can't decide if I like or not. They were just there.
All in all, so far so good. We will see how it helps later on with the longer distances and higher frequency of my training. I hope!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Seems like a listy thing to do!
There are a lot of lists going around the internet these days so I'll join in. Just a list.
- I have watched a lot of star wars lately.
- I just ate a large bag of mini eggs that my mum got me for easter. I feel a little sick.
- I think there was a ghost in my hotel room last night. Either that, or I was in some kind of electromagnetic force field. All the lights in my room (lamps and overhead) flicked on and off for about 10 minutes. Also, my cell phone started flashing, the screen flickered, and one light that doesn't normally stay on stayed on. It was a fairly new hotel, so I'm just going to say it was something wonky with the wiring. Or a ghost.
- I have a very very busy week starting tomorrow. I hope I survive.
- My left ankle is almost always cold these days.
- I'm starting to feel like I can actually swim properly. It's taken a while, but I'm not as panicky and frantic in the pool as I used to be.
- I really want to do something outside today, but I'm stranded indoors by laundry and not wanting to over exert myself for my busy week.
- I'm REALLY excited for Kristen to come for a visit this weekend.
- I hope I run a strong race next Sunday and will be disappointed if I don't. (I think that's normal).
- I think I may need to buy a bicycle.
- I have finally perfected homemade hash browns. I've tried for years to make good ones out of fresh potatoes and today I finally did it. And it was so simple. Now I need to perfect the shredded hash brown.
- We will get our new work uniforms in the next couple of weeks. I hope they fit and look good!
- I got the greatest coffee from the farmers market last week. I worked with a first officer who told me about it, and she actually is friends with the two owners. They both quit their jobs as engineers one day and started this coffee shop and it's been really successful. It's amazing and totally worth the extra cash.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Anyone know a good hip stretch?
I'm finding my hips are getting very stiff as my running distances increase. I'm also biking more than I used to (which means more than never) and that's hurting them a bit as well. I know the one where you are in a lunge position and then bring your pelvis forward, and this other one on the floor with one leg extended backwards and one leg crossed in front (is anyone else finding it hard to describe a stretch?!?), but I need some others. Those two aren't doing it for me.
Maybe it will be easier to find links instead of describing. That was hard.
Maybe it will be easier to find links instead of describing. That was hard.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
iPizzle
I need some new tunes.
Matt suggested I erase everything on my iPod and start anew. Good idea? I think so. Any suggestions? I'm thinking work out business mostly. I can only listen to lil' John's Skeet and Destiny's Child's Lose My Breath so many times. I pretty much have my "workout" playlist memorized and I know which song is coming next before the previous one has ended. Though Touch the Sky by Kanye does help me get through mile two, in my opinion the hardest mile no matter how long the run, most days. He might have to make a come-back in my new playlist. So yeah, toss a few my way.
Matt suggested I erase everything on my iPod and start anew. Good idea? I think so. Any suggestions? I'm thinking work out business mostly. I can only listen to lil' John's Skeet and Destiny's Child's Lose My Breath so many times. I pretty much have my "workout" playlist memorized and I know which song is coming next before the previous one has ended. Though Touch the Sky by Kanye does help me get through mile two, in my opinion the hardest mile no matter how long the run, most days. He might have to make a come-back in my new playlist. So yeah, toss a few my way.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
It's Valentine's Day today!
I'm not a big Valentine's day kind of girl... I used to be, but now, I've realized it's not really too big of a deal. I'm not severely opposed or anything, and I always like the Valentine's from my mum and Granny, but I don't need a big ole hoopla from my boyfriend.
Lately I've been working lots. I've been to Hawaii twice, which is fun, and Matt came with me the last time, and I'm going again this weekend. Hehe. It's great, but honestly I'm growing slightly tired of it. I know it's stupid to say I'm tired of Hawaii, but I go to Honolulu, a big city, and stay in the same hotel, go to the same grocery store, the same mall, the same beach, and then leave. It's not like I can really explore lots and lots. So I'm sick of the same 10 block radius of Honolulu. I would love to see more, but unless I rented a car or something, I can only go as far as my little feet and the pink line trolly can take me.
I've been trying a few different things with my diet lately. Since giving up meat and dairy, I've noticed some change in my body, and not in the way I was hoping. Instead of getting rid of my belly I added to it. The weight I've gained has gone all to the stomach so I'm trying to figure out what the reasons are. I've given up lots of things, and gotten nothing in return, so I guess you'd say I'm exploring my options. I'm not going back to the way I ate before, and I'm keeping a lot of the same principles, but until I get all the tests done that I've been instructed by my doctor to take, I'll lay low a bit. Good things have come from all my crazy eating, lots of differences that are positive, but gaining weight isn't really one of them. So we shall see. I'm not giving up. Just figuring out what to do. On a funny side note, the doctor told me to get tested for celiac, which isn't really funny, but he also asked me to get an ultra sound after feeling around my belly. I stared at him and said "to make sure there are no babies in there?!?!?!" in a pretty high pitched voice. He just looked at me and was like "uhhh, no." so then I felt really dumb, but really what was I supposed to think? Apparently there could be something in my abdomen that isn't supposed to be there, so an ultra sound would find it. Anyway I thought my reaction was funny and the doctor thought I was an idiot. Funny.
My running is going so so. I need another boost of motivation I think. I'm doing ok, but I'm getting a little blah about it. I'll back to where I need to be, I know I will. I'm just in a rut.
Have a great weekend!
Lately I've been working lots. I've been to Hawaii twice, which is fun, and Matt came with me the last time, and I'm going again this weekend. Hehe. It's great, but honestly I'm growing slightly tired of it. I know it's stupid to say I'm tired of Hawaii, but I go to Honolulu, a big city, and stay in the same hotel, go to the same grocery store, the same mall, the same beach, and then leave. It's not like I can really explore lots and lots. So I'm sick of the same 10 block radius of Honolulu. I would love to see more, but unless I rented a car or something, I can only go as far as my little feet and the pink line trolly can take me.
I've been trying a few different things with my diet lately. Since giving up meat and dairy, I've noticed some change in my body, and not in the way I was hoping. Instead of getting rid of my belly I added to it. The weight I've gained has gone all to the stomach so I'm trying to figure out what the reasons are. I've given up lots of things, and gotten nothing in return, so I guess you'd say I'm exploring my options. I'm not going back to the way I ate before, and I'm keeping a lot of the same principles, but until I get all the tests done that I've been instructed by my doctor to take, I'll lay low a bit. Good things have come from all my crazy eating, lots of differences that are positive, but gaining weight isn't really one of them. So we shall see. I'm not giving up. Just figuring out what to do. On a funny side note, the doctor told me to get tested for celiac, which isn't really funny, but he also asked me to get an ultra sound after feeling around my belly. I stared at him and said "to make sure there are no babies in there?!?!?!" in a pretty high pitched voice. He just looked at me and was like "uhhh, no." so then I felt really dumb, but really what was I supposed to think? Apparently there could be something in my abdomen that isn't supposed to be there, so an ultra sound would find it. Anyway I thought my reaction was funny and the doctor thought I was an idiot. Funny.
My running is going so so. I need another boost of motivation I think. I'm doing ok, but I'm getting a little blah about it. I'll back to where I need to be, I know I will. I'm just in a rut.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Weekend Update
It's less of an update of the weekend, and more an update that's occurring on the weekend. But I'm still calling it a weekend update.
This week I had all my annual training, which went quite well. I only got one question wrong on my exam, and my evacuation drills went flawlessly and I had no missed criteria or teaching points. The instructors commented that I was surprisingly loud and shouldn't have a problem getting my voice projected above all the mayhem. (Are we surprised, really?) Oh and that I portrayed confidence in my eyes (aka am bossy) which would lead to compliance. (Again, surprised?) So when I'm screaming for you to cross your arms, jump, and slide, you'll do it damn it. NOW!
Last night I had a little shin dig at my place, which was mainly me and Vanessa, eating, drinking, and painting our nails. To be fair, other people came soon, like Katie, we drank some more, then Matt, his brother, James and their friend came, we drank some more, then we went to Molly Malones in Kensington. Yvette met us there, THEN we went to Amsterdam Rhino, drank some more, and partied our little hearts out. Well I partied my little heart out the whole time really. My friend Andrew came and met us at Amsterdam Rhino which was cool, I hadn't seen him in a while, and all in all it was a good night. This morning, however, was NOT a good time. I haven't felt this terrible since, oh, Montreal in the summer... I honestly thought I would die of head explosion and nausea. I finally crawled out of bed at 3:30. Yes. 3:30 pm. I feel like death.
Tomorrow, I am SO excited, I am going to the Banff Springs Hotel for brunch. I am fasting for the rest of today so I can eat enough tomorrow to last until Monday. This brunch, if you haven't been, is phenomenal. Food as far as the eye can see, and anything imaginable. I am known to eat, ummm, a few cherries jubilee, that is made at a station all fresh and delicious. Anyway, lots of food, good food, and I get to eat it all day tomorrow.
My plans for the day involve sitting on the couch. So I better get back to that. All this typing is making my head hurt.
This week I had all my annual training, which went quite well. I only got one question wrong on my exam, and my evacuation drills went flawlessly and I had no missed criteria or teaching points. The instructors commented that I was surprisingly loud and shouldn't have a problem getting my voice projected above all the mayhem. (Are we surprised, really?) Oh and that I portrayed confidence in my eyes (aka am bossy) which would lead to compliance. (Again, surprised?) So when I'm screaming for you to cross your arms, jump, and slide, you'll do it damn it. NOW!
Last night I had a little shin dig at my place, which was mainly me and Vanessa, eating, drinking, and painting our nails. To be fair, other people came soon, like Katie, we drank some more, then Matt, his brother, James and their friend came, we drank some more, then we went to Molly Malones in Kensington. Yvette met us there, THEN we went to Amsterdam Rhino, drank some more, and partied our little hearts out. Well I partied my little heart out the whole time really. My friend Andrew came and met us at Amsterdam Rhino which was cool, I hadn't seen him in a while, and all in all it was a good night. This morning, however, was NOT a good time. I haven't felt this terrible since, oh, Montreal in the summer... I honestly thought I would die of head explosion and nausea. I finally crawled out of bed at 3:30. Yes. 3:30 pm. I feel like death.
Tomorrow, I am SO excited, I am going to the Banff Springs Hotel for brunch. I am fasting for the rest of today so I can eat enough tomorrow to last until Monday. This brunch, if you haven't been, is phenomenal. Food as far as the eye can see, and anything imaginable. I am known to eat, ummm, a few cherries jubilee, that is made at a station all fresh and delicious. Anyway, lots of food, good food, and I get to eat it all day tomorrow.
My plans for the day involve sitting on the couch. So I better get back to that. All this typing is making my head hurt.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Ouch?
So snowboarding was awesome, but the day ended with be biting it hard on the ski-out at Sunshine, slamming my head on the ground, almost getting my face slashed by a brand new snowboard, and feeling all around like death all in one fellow swoop. I got distracted, did some kind of spinning fall which resulted in impacting my ass, knees, elbows and head all at once. Then Matt skidded and almost hit my face with his board and we both just kind of sat on the ground for a while reflecting on what had just happened and being thankful that my face wasn't slashed open and that I still had the use of my legs and arms. I'm still stiff in the neck and have bruises, but it was so worth it because everything leading up to that was incredible. The weather was great and the snow was awesome, and we had a total blast. I boarded really well (except for that fall) too so I was excited.
Anyway, my weekend after that was pretty alright, I got a free breakfast in Regina (hotel), a free dinner in Ottawa (mum), so that makes it nice. I'm off now for a long while since I have my annual training starting Monday. I just finished four out of the five homestudies, so I'm well on my way. I also got to do a seriously wicked awesome homestudy on our new cart service that included videos and how-to's. I swear I have never wanted to barf more. "Of course", says the sickeningly sweet flight attendant in the video, "we would never deny a guest the use of the lav during cart service, so back your cart into the galley, wait for the guest to pass, and resume service. Oops, careful of that transition!" (referring to the lip on the floor that separates the plastic floor and the carpet. Seriously, it was cheesier than anything I've ever seen. Oh well, I got a laugh.
I also did a homestudy on good body mechanics and wasted one hour of my life learning how to bend my knees. I realize it's important, but seriously. An hour? Give me a break. It was slightly humorous to be doing the homestudy while thinking about how much my neck hurts from snowboarding though... And while slouching on my mum's medicine ball. Maybe I should re-read some of those points...
Anyway, my weekend after that was pretty alright, I got a free breakfast in Regina (hotel), a free dinner in Ottawa (mum), so that makes it nice. I'm off now for a long while since I have my annual training starting Monday. I just finished four out of the five homestudies, so I'm well on my way. I also got to do a seriously wicked awesome homestudy on our new cart service that included videos and how-to's. I swear I have never wanted to barf more. "Of course", says the sickeningly sweet flight attendant in the video, "we would never deny a guest the use of the lav during cart service, so back your cart into the galley, wait for the guest to pass, and resume service. Oops, careful of that transition!" (referring to the lip on the floor that separates the plastic floor and the carpet. Seriously, it was cheesier than anything I've ever seen. Oh well, I got a laugh.
I also did a homestudy on good body mechanics and wasted one hour of my life learning how to bend my knees. I realize it's important, but seriously. An hour? Give me a break. It was slightly humorous to be doing the homestudy while thinking about how much my neck hurts from snowboarding though... And while slouching on my mum's medicine ball. Maybe I should re-read some of those points...
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