Starting to feel GOOD

It's still very 'early days' in my recovery and rebuild phase, but I am starting to feel better and stronger and motivated...again!

THANK GOD!

I just talked to a neighbour whose also recovering -- but from cancer :( -- and he's in the rebuilding phase. A "physical fitness" friend of his said that the body's "muscle memory" has a 3-month shelf-life -- after which it's like starting over from ZERO!

Maybe that explains why this has been such an uphill battle...but I am starting to see/feel the LIGHT!

Today (so far) I have done:

- my core morning routine: 3 sets of 15-reps each 1) push-ups; 2) sit-ups and 3) squats
- 30 minutes of run/walk (also getting better/stronger)
- 5 minutes of post-run stretching

I have a swim class tonight that I have not gone to since mid-February...and I am 'thinking' of going. Now that's a change!!!!

:)

Slow running...

Didn't workout this weekend...but I did this morning!

Ran 30-minutes outside (actually ran...walked...ran...walked). But I am going further, faster, harder...slowly!

Did my core workout: push-ups/sit-ups/squats - 3 sets of 10 each.

And later I'm going to the pool to do my 2km....

SO...no big breakthroughs...but I'm staying the course (except for the wknd) and keeping on keeping on!

Building a daily routine...

Building a "good" daily routine or habit seems to be tougher than letting one slide or developing bad ones...or really fun but not so good for you (or your goals) one!

I am having a better time of it lately. This week has been fairly successful!!! I have run almost every day. And I have added some "core" workouts -- push-ups/sit-ups/squats -- really basic stuff. But it has been a slow climb. And today I crested a new plateau: I ran 30-minutes and 10+ more blocks than Wednesday (I didn't run yesterday). And I've added a 3rd set to my "daily core routine" too.

Progress...not perfection!

Out of shape but not out of the running...

OMG...it is sooooo easy to get out of shape and sooooo hard to get in! What's up with that???

Well, not to bemoan the situation, I am determined to do something about it. So I went running again today. Same 20-minutes of run/walk and I am happy to report that, although I was oddly more winded today, the second half of the "run" went a lot easier. I am happy and proud of myself. I am also planning to run daily until I am running the full 7-10km without walking that I was doing in the middle of the winter. I do not want to turn into an Arnie-"after" photo. (What happened to him anyway? Steroids? Old age? Sex scandals?)

:)

PS: I am also adding a daily increasing dose of push-ups/sit-ups/squats (which are also oddly way more difficult than 6-months ago when I could do 10x what I did today! Argh!)

Running sucks!

It's been a while since I've run outside...and I haven't run much at all lately. OMG...running sucks! It is hard and it hurts and it's sweaty! :p

BUT...I did 20-minutes of run/walk and then I stretched. And that is at least a START!

This is tougher than I remember...

I didn't have a very good week last week EXCEPT for making it back to the 2km mark on my swim. The rest of the week sucked -- mostly because of work and partially because of tiredness and inertia (aka: laziness)! ARGH!

Late last year and into Feb of this year I was doing great! Upwards of 15+ hours a week doing most of my training and a lot harder/longer...but NOW I cannot seem to get back in the swing of it! Two weeks ago I was SURE I had it back...and then last week happened and I blew it!

ARGH!

Today...I did 1100 meters until someone started bleeding in the pool and they closed it for disinfection for two hours:

4 x 100 w/ 30 second rests
2 x 200 w/ 60 second rests
1 x 300 and then they closed the pool!

:(

Truth be told...I was tired already by the 1100 meter mark and unsure if I could complete...so I was secretly elated about the pool...but disappointed in myself and that jerk with the nose bleed!

Back at it tomorrow!!!!

Follow your bliss...

I am really, really enjoying swimming. I have been most passionate and excited about getting in the pool (and hopefully soon, a lake). Much more than running and biking. So I am thinking about focusing a little more on this and not worrying about getting my runs/bikes up to the same level. I want to LIKE...nay, LOVE, what I am doing and from that passion I am hoping to expand it into those other 2 sports.

Today was a breakthrough...I pushed through (with relative ease) to the 2km mark...as follows:

4 x 100 m + 30 second rests
3 x 200 m + 60 second rests
3 x 300 m + 90 second rests
2 x 200 m + 60 second rests

My coach wants to me do more 'technique' but I am just focusing on endurance. Once I am swimming for 1km at a stretch (which equals 1000 meters / 25 meter lengths = 40 lengths)...I am going to re-focus on technique. But until then...I just want to SWIM!

:)

Consistency pays...

Well I have had a pretty good week so far...I have made all my training sessions 100% or better.

Yesterday was a "rest" day and I took advantage, because even though I am NOT training at the level I was 3+ months ago, it is more than I was a week ago and it takes a toll. I was tired yesterday AND I had the beginnings of a bit of an injury. I think I either over stretched on Wednesday or I understretched all week. My right leg was feeling "pulled" and hurt like a bitch.

Thursday was a new breathrough for my swim. I hit 1400 meters as follows:

4 x 100 meters w/ 30 second rests
3 x 200 meters w/ 1 minute rests
1 x 300 meters w/ 2 minute rest
1 x 400 cool down

I was feeling so proud! I could have swum more and/or I could have swum longer sets. That's my big goal....swim uninterrupted longer sets. And I feel like I am on my way. I am also really loving swimming. WHO KNEW.

So today I was supposed to go outside and bike for an hour. Well it is pissing rain here again and I am not that strong-willed or dedicated. SO...I am going to head to the gym soon and squeeze in an hour on a stationary bike (maybe I will jump in the pool too).

BUT...my big lesson is to be/stay consistent and do something everyday (except, of course, on rest day).

I'm back on track...

Although I know that it is very premature to declare this, BUT I feel like I am back-on-track with my training. All of that being based on merely four days of consecutive training...lol...but it's more than the mere physical. It is the mental/spiritual. I am "feeling" it again. I am enjoying it again. I want more...again!

In fact yesterday, I glanced at but didn't yet book some tri-events for the next few weeks. I think I might do that today!!!

Yesterday was a stretch/strength/core day and I through in some biking on a stationary bike for 20-minutes...just to keep warm. Today I have 1400 meter swim and Friday is a "day-off". But Saturday I am looking forward (weather permitting -- scaredy cat) to a big outdoor bike. My first this season. I am going to join my colleagues/cohorts for a BIKE RALLY training ride. It's already up to 85-km...so I am a bit anxious...but it's not a race!

Cardio-licious

I'm on-track with my training so far this week and I'm thrilled! WOOHOO!

Especially since yesterday was tough for me. 1-hour of non-stop CARDIO. My set was:

- 10 minute run
- 20 minute eliptical (10 min @ Zone 2, 10 min @ Zone 3)
- 10 minute rowing
- 20 minute running

Add in some warm-up/cool-down, I logged in at 1:10 minutes total...and I am still standing.

I did NOT do any stretching afterward, because it was a long time in the gym and my buddy had to go. But suprisingly today I am neither stiff nor exhausted/in-pain. All of which I fully expected. SO...I am thrilled!

(PS: Still weighing in at 212lbs...argh...but this too shall shift!)