Quick update!
I will be riding in the MS150 Ride to the River this Fall. It will be a journey from San Antonio to New Braunfels and back on October 6-7. I have done the Houston to Austin ride twice before with a corporate team. I mainly did it for physical challenge and to support a great cause but I didn't really know anyone that was affected by MS. It was quite emotional, however, to go along the route and read the signs from those who are affected. It is inspirational and motivating to keep pedaling no matter how hard the wind is pushing back or hot your quads are burning, knowing that you CAN do it and are doing it for those who no longer can.
This time, I am riding because the sister of a dear friend was diagnosed. She is young and full of life and I have seen how quickly her lifestyle has been impacted by this disease.
I am riding for her and for the hopes that the monies raised can help fund progress in research and ensure that people like her, affected by MS can live their best lives.
Please consider helping me reach my fundraising goal and/or joining my awesome team FLITE!
Bike MS - Valerie's fundraising page
You can follow my training journey on instagram @fullhouseofroyals
Thank you!
Valerie
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Monday, July 18, 2016
Fitness and Me - A relationship history
If you follow me on IG @fullhouseofroyals - you'd think I was a fitness fanatic and always have been.
However, if you have followed me over the years here or on other social media or if you know me IRL, you'd know that I am either highly committed to the point of annoying or completely disconnected, uninterested and not giving of two shits with regard to exercise, fit and healthy living and all that jazz.
I have had the benefit of genetics on my side for the majority of my life where when I heard "it's not fair, you're so skinny" it was really a true statement. It wasn't fair. I ate anything and everything whenever I wanted to. I did not workout and still fit in size 4-6 on the regular. That shit is just not right. Right?
Well, skinny was ok then because I was young and lazy (and clueless). Then I had kid #1 & #2...and I was all "what the f happen to my hips?!" So like a woman with a mission, I worked my tail (pun intended) to get in shape. It worked, of course. I put in the time and commitment to exercise every day, even if for a little bit until I was back to my fighting self. (at least my clothes fit again)
With 2 babies, I was on and off the workout wagon. I'd go a few months and then off. Again, no consistency. As they got older and I had a better handle of my schedule, I tried to make more of an effort. We had a home gym with the bench all the weights on it and a recumbent bike (which was my post baby savior) and that is all. I tried to go down there a few times a week for a little while but still not enough to be impactful.
Then, my life turned upside down for awhile. I started riding my mountain bike on trails outdoors by myself. It was very therapeutic. You have a lot of time to think and reflect when you are on a long bike ride and you get to appreciate things that you normally would take for granted. Like the bunnies crossing the path or the beautiful vibrant colors in the birds or the crazy sounds of the water in the bayou or the cicadas in the trees.
Finding solace on a bike was great but also very time consuming. Loading it up and getting all the gear up to the trail and back was a pretty big commitment out of any given day. Then one Summer in 2009 actually, I was sitting on the couch watching the IRONMAN championships in Hawaii on TV. You know how they cut away and do those inspirational stories about people overcoming huge obstacles and committing to doing something so massive for themselves, for a cause on behalf of someone else or just to prove that anyone CAN do whatever they set their minds to do? Yea, well...I was watching that and I can't remember what or who the story was but it inspired me. It motivated me. It MOVED me. Literally.
I jumped off the couch, laced up my shoes and took off running. There may have been an f bomb thrown in the mix to the tune of "f this, I have to do something". I am not a runner. The only time I ever ran was in high school gym when we had to run around the track. Or if someone was chasing me, duh. (Actually, I take that back. I ran before that. When my sister in law was getting wedding ready and we lived in the same apartment complex, she started training for a half marathon. I trained with her on the treadmill until I hurt myself. I didn't really "train"...I didn't even own running shoes...just tennis shoes...you know the ones. I didn't know anything about heartrates, pace, nutrition, stretching...NOTHING. (it was pre-internet so ignorance was easy) I can't even remember how far I ever ran...4 miles? 6?) Sorry, tangent much? Heehee
So I ran...I ran hard and fast and turned around and ran all the way in to my living room with fists in the air and a "HELL YEA!". It was Summer in Houston so probably also about 100 degrees outside. In the middle of the day. It was the worst time ever to try to take up running. But I did. Shoot, I didn't even know how far I went! Come to find out, I drove to my turning point and learned that I ran 2 miles roundtrip. WHAT?! Oh joy!
What followed was trials and tribulations of doing something to my body that my body was just not used to. I learned a lot about shoes, pace, heart rate, gadgets, body mechanics, plantar fasciitis, IT bands, stress fractures, going out too fast, too hard, too slow too much too soon. All that. I did 5ks, 10ks and eventually my first ever half marathon. With all the injuries and still being green to it all, it was an overall 'Meh' experience. I found that my knees were weak, my hips tight and my heart not very efficient. But I also found that there was a sweet spot to this running thing. The first mile or two were pure crap. Everything cracked and your head goes through an inventory of all the things that hurt. I was looking forward to the next light post or tree to be my stopping point and I always pushed just a little further. But then, when you finally find a groove and you are already on your way back home you realize, hey...I can totally keep going. I'm going around the block again! No, I'm going around the neighborhood again! And 5 miles turns into 8 or 9. Runners high. It's a real thing.
Prior to this run epiphany, we as a couple, had run through one round of P90X. I believe if I had continued with that while running, I would have eliminated a lot of my injuries. But that is nor here or there now. Just hind site talk. I learned through that experience that I CAN do pushups! A lot of them! My muscle tone was probably in peak form for my life at that time.
After the half marathon was done, I decided I needed to put my love for the bike to better use. My dad, an avid lifelong cyclist, has been telling me for YEARS that that is what I needed to put my efforts in. But of course, do we ever listen to our parents? Uh, yea. Exactly. He was also the one that told me I should run track in high school and I thought he was nuts. I shoulda listened. Sorry dad. :/
My dad had done many bike races and rides over the years including the MS150 a good 12-15 times. My hubby was nice enough to buy an official road bike and I started training as soon as the half was done. I experienced some brutal training rides in freezing winter and in the hills but no injuries other than IT band flare up here and there. I did the MS150 two years and to this day, love getting out on the bike. I try to do a minimum of 20 miles (much to my hubby's dismay...haha) and will sometimes try to ride with my dad and not get my ass handed to me. (He is tough to keep up with...his "casual" rides are hardcore workout rides for me!)
Fast forward to having two more babies. Nothing is more motivating than knowing the outcome of things from previous experience and knowing what to do to change results. So last two babies, I worked out AFTER as a remedy to get "back" to my old me. This time, I was going into the pregnancy being the best, fittest me so that getting back is not quite such a difficult journey.
My pregnancy fitness was on point. It was my first REAL training. I learned how to swim (I think I documented some of that here on this blog!), I started doing yoga regularly and also added spin classes and aerial fabric and conditioning classes too. Baby #3 came and went and my body snapped back like a rubberband. It was fantastic! And then...I got busy being a working mom of 3 and I slipped again. Until I found out I was pregnant with #4. New goal! I got back on the same type routines and again, boom, that kid popped out and was back to my old self in no time flat.
I ran with them, pulled them on the bike and did some spot workouts at home here and there but again...nothing to keep me committed.
Last year, I figured my goal oriented nature was the only way to keep me on track. Sign up for things, commit to train, show up and do it. I've documented my whole trial "half ironman training" experience on this blog too. Feel free to peruse at your leisure. ;)
I worked my butt off for a good chunk of the year. I ran, swam and biked. I hot yoga'd here and there and I lost my ass. Literally. All the cardio makes all the curves disappear on me. I did several sprint tris and then school happened. My schedule blew up and getting the workouts in was getting harder and harder. So, I stopped trying. Rather than miss a few here and there, I chunked the whole program because I didn't want to "half ass" it. Makes sense. No.
So my hubby got me going again Jan 1, 2016. Motivated me to get my ass in gear...I even had a hashtag for it. #newyeargetmyassingear (look it up, it's true!) I committed to doing SOMETHING every day. Not for a race day. Not for a due date. Not for a milestone birthday. Not for a weight number. Not for a size. Not even for a trip. Although having one as a reward is totally ok. :)
The new goal was to do something for ME. To set an example for my kids. To be healthy for my family. To motivate myself and others that could be in the same predicament. To prove that everyone has the same number of hours in the day and no matter how tight, you CAN make SOMETHING happen each day to make you feel better. Because every workout makes you feel better.
So now I am in month 7 of this #newyeargetyourassingear movement. SEVEN. Longer than pregnancy fitness time. Longer than post pregnancy fitness time. Longer than training for a full freaking ironman if you think on that. And I can say proudly that I have done SOMETHING 95% of those 7 months. Check my insta...haha. I keep myself accountable there.
Here's the thing I did this year that I hadn't done in the past (for very long anyway) - I started lifting weights. Consistently and often and actually increasing the weight too! I've had gym stints in the past but not like this.
I decided to use all the machines in the office gym and learn all the things that they can do. I'm stronger for it. Not skinny. My ass is semi gone but the part that has stayed is hard. Lol. You'll be able to bounce a quarter off that baby soon! Ha!
I am slowly becoming less timid about going to the big gym and trying a machine there. It can be really intimidating sometimes...especially if they don't have a little picture by them explaining how they work. Lol! I'm all about instructions, man.
I am now officially addicted. I look forward to going to the gym and have a hard time leaving because I want to try "one more" exercise. Times 3 rounds of 15 reps. Haha. I still run but my lack of steady training and heat/humidity of the summer has affected my pace which in turn affects my ego. Just keeping it real. I like to go fast. And when I can't, it pisses me off. So I go further instead. Slow and steady, I guess.
Here's a revelation: 7 months of weight training, some yoga, cycling and running and no injuries. Hmm. Maybe there is something to that whole moderation is king thing. (Remember the half marathon earlier this year? How I was all gun ho and then hurt myself? Well here's the refresher link and also here)
So now what? Staying on the steady train my friends. I am seeing big results in the way my body looks and I love the way I feel and I am not following some crazy training schedule or diet plan to do it (moderation and smart choices). My friend wants me to do a tri with her in a few weeks but I haven't been in the pool in a long while. I think I may have forgotten how to swim! I may give it a go, we'll see. I also have some pilates classes lined up, more bike ride dates with the hubby (yay) and I think I may get back to doing the aerial yoga classes again too. My other friend wants to do a destination race in Utah early next year and the triathlon in Cuba is also very tempting. I just don't know if I want the training schedules. Haha. Now that my muscles are stronger, running longer and harder may be easier and will keep me injury free. I will take that all into consideration soon.
In the mean time, we are going to be converting a double garage to a home gym later this year that I am really excited about planning and designing! It will be great to have a nice space to go to without leaving the house (or tripping over cars and My Little Ponies - haha)
So although fitness and I go way back and our relationship has been through ups and downs, it is finally this year that we've gotten to better understand one another and bond. I look forward to building this relationship and sharing it with my family and friends (including you!).
Come check out my daily updates @fullhouseofroyals on Instagram or on Snapchat : valofthevilla for motivation, inspiration, reviews, funny commentary, music, recipes or plain ol foodie pics. :)
Hope you're all having a fab summer!
Val
However, if you have followed me over the years here or on other social media or if you know me IRL, you'd know that I am either highly committed to the point of annoying or completely disconnected, uninterested and not giving of two shits with regard to exercise, fit and healthy living and all that jazz.
I have had the benefit of genetics on my side for the majority of my life where when I heard "it's not fair, you're so skinny" it was really a true statement. It wasn't fair. I ate anything and everything whenever I wanted to. I did not workout and still fit in size 4-6 on the regular. That shit is just not right. Right?
Well, skinny was ok then because I was young and lazy (and clueless). Then I had kid #1 & #2...and I was all "what the f happen to my hips?!" So like a woman with a mission, I worked my tail (pun intended) to get in shape. It worked, of course. I put in the time and commitment to exercise every day, even if for a little bit until I was back to my fighting self. (at least my clothes fit again)
With 2 babies, I was on and off the workout wagon. I'd go a few months and then off. Again, no consistency. As they got older and I had a better handle of my schedule, I tried to make more of an effort. We had a home gym with the bench all the weights on it and a recumbent bike (which was my post baby savior) and that is all. I tried to go down there a few times a week for a little while but still not enough to be impactful.
Then, my life turned upside down for awhile. I started riding my mountain bike on trails outdoors by myself. It was very therapeutic. You have a lot of time to think and reflect when you are on a long bike ride and you get to appreciate things that you normally would take for granted. Like the bunnies crossing the path or the beautiful vibrant colors in the birds or the crazy sounds of the water in the bayou or the cicadas in the trees.
Finding solace on a bike was great but also very time consuming. Loading it up and getting all the gear up to the trail and back was a pretty big commitment out of any given day. Then one Summer in 2009 actually, I was sitting on the couch watching the IRONMAN championships in Hawaii on TV. You know how they cut away and do those inspirational stories about people overcoming huge obstacles and committing to doing something so massive for themselves, for a cause on behalf of someone else or just to prove that anyone CAN do whatever they set their minds to do? Yea, well...I was watching that and I can't remember what or who the story was but it inspired me. It motivated me. It MOVED me. Literally.
I jumped off the couch, laced up my shoes and took off running. There may have been an f bomb thrown in the mix to the tune of "f this, I have to do something". I am not a runner. The only time I ever ran was in high school gym when we had to run around the track. Or if someone was chasing me, duh. (Actually, I take that back. I ran before that. When my sister in law was getting wedding ready and we lived in the same apartment complex, she started training for a half marathon. I trained with her on the treadmill until I hurt myself. I didn't really "train"...I didn't even own running shoes...just tennis shoes...you know the ones. I didn't know anything about heartrates, pace, nutrition, stretching...NOTHING. (it was pre-internet so ignorance was easy) I can't even remember how far I ever ran...4 miles? 6?) Sorry, tangent much? Heehee
So I ran...I ran hard and fast and turned around and ran all the way in to my living room with fists in the air and a "HELL YEA!". It was Summer in Houston so probably also about 100 degrees outside. In the middle of the day. It was the worst time ever to try to take up running. But I did. Shoot, I didn't even know how far I went! Come to find out, I drove to my turning point and learned that I ran 2 miles roundtrip. WHAT?! Oh joy!
What followed was trials and tribulations of doing something to my body that my body was just not used to. I learned a lot about shoes, pace, heart rate, gadgets, body mechanics, plantar fasciitis, IT bands, stress fractures, going out too fast, too hard, too slow too much too soon. All that. I did 5ks, 10ks and eventually my first ever half marathon. With all the injuries and still being green to it all, it was an overall 'Meh' experience. I found that my knees were weak, my hips tight and my heart not very efficient. But I also found that there was a sweet spot to this running thing. The first mile or two were pure crap. Everything cracked and your head goes through an inventory of all the things that hurt. I was looking forward to the next light post or tree to be my stopping point and I always pushed just a little further. But then, when you finally find a groove and you are already on your way back home you realize, hey...I can totally keep going. I'm going around the block again! No, I'm going around the neighborhood again! And 5 miles turns into 8 or 9. Runners high. It's a real thing.
Prior to this run epiphany, we as a couple, had run through one round of P90X. I believe if I had continued with that while running, I would have eliminated a lot of my injuries. But that is nor here or there now. Just hind site talk. I learned through that experience that I CAN do pushups! A lot of them! My muscle tone was probably in peak form for my life at that time.
After the half marathon was done, I decided I needed to put my love for the bike to better use. My dad, an avid lifelong cyclist, has been telling me for YEARS that that is what I needed to put my efforts in. But of course, do we ever listen to our parents? Uh, yea. Exactly. He was also the one that told me I should run track in high school and I thought he was nuts. I shoulda listened. Sorry dad. :/
My dad had done many bike races and rides over the years including the MS150 a good 12-15 times. My hubby was nice enough to buy an official road bike and I started training as soon as the half was done. I experienced some brutal training rides in freezing winter and in the hills but no injuries other than IT band flare up here and there. I did the MS150 two years and to this day, love getting out on the bike. I try to do a minimum of 20 miles (much to my hubby's dismay...haha) and will sometimes try to ride with my dad and not get my ass handed to me. (He is tough to keep up with...his "casual" rides are hardcore workout rides for me!)
Fast forward to having two more babies. Nothing is more motivating than knowing the outcome of things from previous experience and knowing what to do to change results. So last two babies, I worked out AFTER as a remedy to get "back" to my old me. This time, I was going into the pregnancy being the best, fittest me so that getting back is not quite such a difficult journey.
My pregnancy fitness was on point. It was my first REAL training. I learned how to swim (I think I documented some of that here on this blog!), I started doing yoga regularly and also added spin classes and aerial fabric and conditioning classes too. Baby #3 came and went and my body snapped back like a rubberband. It was fantastic! And then...I got busy being a working mom of 3 and I slipped again. Until I found out I was pregnant with #4. New goal! I got back on the same type routines and again, boom, that kid popped out and was back to my old self in no time flat.
I ran with them, pulled them on the bike and did some spot workouts at home here and there but again...nothing to keep me committed.
Last year, I figured my goal oriented nature was the only way to keep me on track. Sign up for things, commit to train, show up and do it. I've documented my whole trial "half ironman training" experience on this blog too. Feel free to peruse at your leisure. ;)
I worked my butt off for a good chunk of the year. I ran, swam and biked. I hot yoga'd here and there and I lost my ass. Literally. All the cardio makes all the curves disappear on me. I did several sprint tris and then school happened. My schedule blew up and getting the workouts in was getting harder and harder. So, I stopped trying. Rather than miss a few here and there, I chunked the whole program because I didn't want to "half ass" it. Makes sense. No.
So my hubby got me going again Jan 1, 2016. Motivated me to get my ass in gear...I even had a hashtag for it. #newyeargetmyassingear (look it up, it's true!) I committed to doing SOMETHING every day. Not for a race day. Not for a due date. Not for a milestone birthday. Not for a weight number. Not for a size. Not even for a trip. Although having one as a reward is totally ok. :)
The new goal was to do something for ME. To set an example for my kids. To be healthy for my family. To motivate myself and others that could be in the same predicament. To prove that everyone has the same number of hours in the day and no matter how tight, you CAN make SOMETHING happen each day to make you feel better. Because every workout makes you feel better.
So now I am in month 7 of this #newyeargetyourassingear movement. SEVEN. Longer than pregnancy fitness time. Longer than post pregnancy fitness time. Longer than training for a full freaking ironman if you think on that. And I can say proudly that I have done SOMETHING 95% of those 7 months. Check my insta...haha. I keep myself accountable there.
Here's the thing I did this year that I hadn't done in the past (for very long anyway) - I started lifting weights. Consistently and often and actually increasing the weight too! I've had gym stints in the past but not like this.
I decided to use all the machines in the office gym and learn all the things that they can do. I'm stronger for it. Not skinny. My ass is semi gone but the part that has stayed is hard. Lol. You'll be able to bounce a quarter off that baby soon! Ha!
I am slowly becoming less timid about going to the big gym and trying a machine there. It can be really intimidating sometimes...especially if they don't have a little picture by them explaining how they work. Lol! I'm all about instructions, man.
I am now officially addicted. I look forward to going to the gym and have a hard time leaving because I want to try "one more" exercise. Times 3 rounds of 15 reps. Haha. I still run but my lack of steady training and heat/humidity of the summer has affected my pace which in turn affects my ego. Just keeping it real. I like to go fast. And when I can't, it pisses me off. So I go further instead. Slow and steady, I guess.
Here's a revelation: 7 months of weight training, some yoga, cycling and running and no injuries. Hmm. Maybe there is something to that whole moderation is king thing. (Remember the half marathon earlier this year? How I was all gun ho and then hurt myself? Well here's the refresher link and also here)
So now what? Staying on the steady train my friends. I am seeing big results in the way my body looks and I love the way I feel and I am not following some crazy training schedule or diet plan to do it (moderation and smart choices). My friend wants me to do a tri with her in a few weeks but I haven't been in the pool in a long while. I think I may have forgotten how to swim! I may give it a go, we'll see. I also have some pilates classes lined up, more bike ride dates with the hubby (yay) and I think I may get back to doing the aerial yoga classes again too. My other friend wants to do a destination race in Utah early next year and the triathlon in Cuba is also very tempting. I just don't know if I want the training schedules. Haha. Now that my muscles are stronger, running longer and harder may be easier and will keep me injury free. I will take that all into consideration soon.
In the mean time, we are going to be converting a double garage to a home gym later this year that I am really excited about planning and designing! It will be great to have a nice space to go to without leaving the house (or tripping over cars and My Little Ponies - haha)
So although fitness and I go way back and our relationship has been through ups and downs, it is finally this year that we've gotten to better understand one another and bond. I look forward to building this relationship and sharing it with my family and friends (including you!).
Come check out my daily updates @fullhouseofroyals on Instagram or on Snapchat : valofthevilla for motivation, inspiration, reviews, funny commentary, music, recipes or plain ol foodie pics. :)
Hope you're all having a fab summer!
Val
Monday, April 6, 2015
Creating a Virtual Workout Buddy System
The way last week started, it could have easily turned into a rest WEEK. After the Tri on Saturday, I rested on Sunday and really had not set any gameplan on how the rest of the week would go.
Sunday - I was hoping to meet up with Rox sometime in the evening for a run after Easter plans but as it turned out, hubby offered to run with me! I hadn't heard from her and it was getting late so we decided to just go. I am happy to report that he 1) didn't leave me in his dust (cause he's fast and gifted to be so without TRYING :\ ) and/or 2) didn't slack and slow me down either haha. Also happy to learn that the big kids not only babysat the littles while were out but ALSO bathed them AND cleaned and picked up the common areas too!! WHAT?!
The weather was perfect and the company even better...a solid 5 miles to finish the fly-by-the-seat week! :)
It wasn't exactly a "training" plan but it was a get your butt moving and blood pumping plan that worked. Off to start a new week and set a game plan for this week (to share with Rox) with my breakfast in tow: Cucumber pineapple smoothie, yum!
Happy Monday, all!!
Valerie
Thankfully, my buddy Rox reached out late Sunday to ask about signing up for our indoor cycling class at PowerOne. She and I always have a hard time syncing our schedules to workout together but we don't stop trying! Our latest thing is to be each other's "virtual" workout buddy. We give each other a rough outlook of the workouts in the week ahead and then we keep tabs on each other daily to stay accountable and on track. So if she tells me she's got bootcamp at 5, I'm getting a text at 4:30am telling me that she is on her way and waking me up for my barbell strength class. I'll text in her return when I'm done with my class. We never want to keep anyone hanging so getting a "text of shame" asking if you actually DID make it is a no-no. ;) It's been a week and so far, it's been working! This Monday morning cycle class is the only one we seem to both be able to make and very unlikely for either of us to miss. It is AWESOME. I'll have to write up on that soon.
Monday's morning class and our induction of the buddy system was the catalyst needed to put the week on track. This is how it played out:
Monday - PowerOne Cycling
Tuesday - Tested the "text of shame" theory (we both did)...missed my morning swim but made up for it with a late 4 mile run.
Wednesday - Procrastinated as I discussed on a different post but swam 1650M and regretted the hesitation.
Thursday - 5:30am Barbell Strength class at the gym (this was my first time and would prove to keep me sore for...um, well...still a little sore.) :)
Friday - Planned to swim early but skipped the alarm since I was off from work and could get it in later in the day. Hubby decided last minute to head to office. My plan was toast. Called it a reluctant rest day.
Saturday - Morning swim...this time to finish the entire workout I had intended on Wed. This particular workout looked appealing to me specifically because there were drills included that I had not tried before. The link, from Triathlete Europe magazine, includes three different workouts. I did the shortest which I have attached here, which by the way, is the longest ever swim for me! Descriptions of the drills are included and I found them incredibly helpful. That No Walls drill was challenging and probably looked silly to get to the wall and suddenly stop, tread water and go again but I could tell it was working the endurance. Give it a try and tell me what you think.
 |
| Thanks to Tri Swim Coach for providing link to this on FB. |
The weather was perfect and the company even better...a solid 5 miles to finish the fly-by-the-seat week! :)
It wasn't exactly a "training" plan but it was a get your butt moving and blood pumping plan that worked. Off to start a new week and set a game plan for this week (to share with Rox) with my breakfast in tow: Cucumber pineapple smoothie, yum!
 |
| Cucumber, Pineapple, Banana, Coconut Water, a lil honey & ice. |
Happy Monday, all!!
Valerie
Friday, November 15, 2013
Partnerships that help get it DONE
The success of a business is sometimes as good as the partnership of the people behind it. If the people don't "partner" well, the business is likely to suffer. The same goes with my fitness regimen and partnerships needed for it to work.
As difficult as it is to be motivated to start an exercise program and have the energy to stick with it, it is more difficult to (and even tricky) to actually get it done when you have a big family abundant with activities for everyone. Sure, the plan could be to "ride my bike" today...but with soccer, a newborn, toddler and other logistical issues, those simple three words are tough to get crossed off that to-do list. That is unless, you are married to my husband. He tells me all the time "just do it, I'll figure it out".
He is THE reason why I have been able to do Aerial classes or join the Masters Swim class at the gym in the evenings. He is the ONLY reason I can get bike rides in. I mean, how else do you go on a bike ride with an infant? No nannies, no housekeepers or maids here...just an awesome husband who will coach, help with homework, make dinner, change diapers, give baths, put babies to sleep, help with the endless loads of laundry and pick up any slack that I may leave to run to get a workout in. It's his ability to do it without so much a complaint that makes it easy for me to follow through and keep on some sort of program (as erratic as it may seem).
He is the reason why I was able to get a 16 mile bike ride in yesterday. I didn't want to miss soccer but the timing was such that if I really wanted to get that ride in, the morning was the only time. He did not hesitate to tell me that he had it covered. "Just go and do it, you'll feel better and we'll be fine" he said.
I felt guilty but I knew that I needed to get on my bike and get miles in before this du. I had just picked it up from getting a tune up and because it was my first post baby ride, I was nervous! I had those pre-race jitters which made me all the more grateful that my friend Rox asked to join me late Friday night. She just got a bike and is the one who is always sending me races to sign up for (including the Du that we are doing together next month). Although she has just jumped in and already done a couple of small tris, she too was nervous.
It was a cool and overcast morning which normally makes it incredibly difficult to get out of bed but that nervous energy popped me right out. I got the bike loaded up and was ready to go and even pumped breakfast for my little guy. It was nice to not feel rushed about getting back and knowing that I can enjoy the ride and even extend it if I wanted to. I could not ask for a better ride. My bike felt like new, complete with a new chain and I was stocked up with tubes and CO2 cartridges, just in case. I pushed hard and got to show my friend parts of the trail she had never seen. A great workout! I dropped her off at home afterwards and called my husband, thinking they were well on their way to soccer. I was envisioning a shower, smoothie and running errands while they were gone when he said they were down the street fueling up. What?! I'm back that early? He offered to come get me and I swear I've never showered and changed so fast!
As much as I could have used a nap or some quiet time all to myself, there is no other place I'd rather be than with my clan. He picked me up and off we went. The sky cleared up and it turned out to be a gorgeous Fall day at the soccer field (both literally and figuratively.) As it turned out, later he and the big boy went on a boy's mountain trail bike ride at Memorial Park with friends and I was happy to return the favor!
I recognize that without this buddy system, staying in shape is way more difficult to near impossible. Props to you babe. Thank you.
~V
As difficult as it is to be motivated to start an exercise program and have the energy to stick with it, it is more difficult to (and even tricky) to actually get it done when you have a big family abundant with activities for everyone. Sure, the plan could be to "ride my bike" today...but with soccer, a newborn, toddler and other logistical issues, those simple three words are tough to get crossed off that to-do list. That is unless, you are married to my husband. He tells me all the time "just do it, I'll figure it out".
He is THE reason why I have been able to do Aerial classes or join the Masters Swim class at the gym in the evenings. He is the ONLY reason I can get bike rides in. I mean, how else do you go on a bike ride with an infant? No nannies, no housekeepers or maids here...just an awesome husband who will coach, help with homework, make dinner, change diapers, give baths, put babies to sleep, help with the endless loads of laundry and pick up any slack that I may leave to run to get a workout in. It's his ability to do it without so much a complaint that makes it easy for me to follow through and keep on some sort of program (as erratic as it may seem).
He is the reason why I was able to get a 16 mile bike ride in yesterday. I didn't want to miss soccer but the timing was such that if I really wanted to get that ride in, the morning was the only time. He did not hesitate to tell me that he had it covered. "Just go and do it, you'll feel better and we'll be fine" he said.
I felt guilty but I knew that I needed to get on my bike and get miles in before this du. I had just picked it up from getting a tune up and because it was my first post baby ride, I was nervous! I had those pre-race jitters which made me all the more grateful that my friend Rox asked to join me late Friday night. She just got a bike and is the one who is always sending me races to sign up for (including the Du that we are doing together next month). Although she has just jumped in and already done a couple of small tris, she too was nervous.
It was a cool and overcast morning which normally makes it incredibly difficult to get out of bed but that nervous energy popped me right out. I got the bike loaded up and was ready to go and even pumped breakfast for my little guy. It was nice to not feel rushed about getting back and knowing that I can enjoy the ride and even extend it if I wanted to. I could not ask for a better ride. My bike felt like new, complete with a new chain and I was stocked up with tubes and CO2 cartridges, just in case. I pushed hard and got to show my friend parts of the trail she had never seen. A great workout! I dropped her off at home afterwards and called my husband, thinking they were well on their way to soccer. I was envisioning a shower, smoothie and running errands while they were gone when he said they were down the street fueling up. What?! I'm back that early? He offered to come get me and I swear I've never showered and changed so fast!
As much as I could have used a nap or some quiet time all to myself, there is no other place I'd rather be than with my clan. He picked me up and off we went. The sky cleared up and it turned out to be a gorgeous Fall day at the soccer field (both literally and figuratively.) As it turned out, later he and the big boy went on a boy's mountain trail bike ride at Memorial Park with friends and I was happy to return the favor!
I recognize that without this buddy system, staying in shape is way more difficult to near impossible. Props to you babe. Thank you.
~V
Monday, July 15, 2013
Week 28 update and a shift in gears
This week marks the start of the third trimester and as important as exercise and fitness has been thus far in keeping in tip-top shape ready for baby (and after), drinking plenty of water, nutrition and sleep are equally important. I've successfully added plenty of water to my daily intake (thankful for the crushed ice machine at work that makes it so much easier) and this week I experimented for the first time with making smoothies and trying KALE! I've been trying to be more cognizant of what exactly I eat and don't eat and am working on getting a routine on that too. More on that later...
The summer months have always been bittersweet for me. Having the kids out of school and working full time during these short and sometimes long 2.5 months is a difficult thing to balance. I want them to have all the fun in the world but I am limited to certain hours of the day that I can do those things with them. Mainly, in the evening after work. Our bedtimes have been nothing less than midnight as a result and I found that only sleeping 6 hours a night for several weeks straight (when you are use to 7-8) has a way of creeping up on you. That endless amount of energy seems to suddenly tap out and it kind of feels like hitting a brick wall. The Saturday morning Masters class is hard to make when you wake up after it's over! Whoops!
My exercise regimen slowed a little this week not just because I needed to catch up on my Zzzzz's some but also because some of my options have been pulled from play. For starters, my evening Aerial Tone class has been temporarily moved to a night that conflicts with Masters Swim. Secondly, I've cut out running for the time being because it has been so dreadfully hot at the times when I can run. Not to mention that the lack of sleep has made me too tired to have the desire to lace up when it's that miserable outside as well. Thirdly, since I had that flat on my bike, I noticed a few days later that the tire is flat again which means that there must be something still stuck in the tire that I must have missed. To add to that, I had some accident filled visions when I started riding last time...you know, the what if scenarios that run through your head in quick second pictures in you brain (or is that just me?) that cause you to be EXTRA cautious? After warming up though, these thoughts go away and the ride is fine but still, you can't ignore that a bike sitting with a flat in the garage combined with these images is not some sort of sign that long distance solo cycling should come off of the list as things to do at 28 weeks pregnant. I feel perfectly okay while riding in fact I LOVE IT but I am erring on the side of safety for fear of having a freak wreck because my tire gets stuck in a crack or a crazy squirrel runs out in front of me and I lose control. Better safe than sorry.
Having prefaced this update with all that I'll say that I do intend to maybe add treadmill runs (although I hate those), spin classes or even ride on the trainer (hate that too) as well breaking away and getting the Aerial class in during lunch. We'll see how I manage that.
Here is the update for week 28:
M- 1500M Masters Swim:
200 Easy Free
200 Pull
200 Kick
200 1 arm drill
200 Breast (a first for me...awkward but different is good)
400 timed free
2 x 50 25breast 25 free
Yoga challenge Day 8 - Kneeling Crescent (an easy one and a great shoulder, back & quad stretch post swim)
T- Yoga Challenges for Day 9 & 10
Revolved Downward Dog & Head to Knee Forward Bend
These both took a lot of warming up and stretching and I'd say we were doing Yoga for a good hour.
W- 1500M Masters Swim:
200 free
200 pull
200 kick
200 1 arm drill
100 alternating 25s 3, 5
10 x 25 kick 45RI (full class race) Ahh!!!
6 x 25 alternating 4,5 20RI (the rest of the class was at 8x @ 4,5,6,7,8,7,6,5)
200 easy free
Yoga Challenge - Rooster (I thought this was going to be easy...doing it post swim at a late hour I realized just how hard it was. I felt like a pretzel most of the time practicing and am absolutely amazed I was able to get off the ground)
TH- Easy stretching and Day 12 Yoga Challenge - Half Bound Extended Side Angle Pose
F- Did some serious Salsa & Merengue dancing at a birthday party with 4" heels. If you don't think dancing is a workout, I'll tell you my quads were still sore from it the next morning. So yes, it counts!! (plus, waaaaay fun!)
S- Missed Masters Swim but got plenty of sleep. Hooray! Spent a good amount of time working on Day 13 of our Yoga Challenge - Extended Leg Wheel Pose. Wow. What a doozy. I think I will be coming back to this one quite a bit post baby just so that I can compare improvements. I got the leg up but only in a headstand position. I felt like I was pulling a calf muscle so I didn't stay there very long. (This is likely due to that kick race in swim class). I was not happy with my regular wheel so I left it for later.
We also got a bike ride in on the new downtown trails later... no one took the mountain bike off the table, right? :) Side note: I thought this was going to be a leisurely ride but I found that pushing that heavy bike was a heck of a workout especially on my calves (oh, yea...NOW I see a pattern. I didn't realize it at the time, just now as I type it out. Ha!).
Worked on wheel again. Killing my calves here and hammies too. Almost felt them pulling while trying to do this again but finally happy with the result (all things considered). I practiced day 14 momentarily - tucked leg Headstand and realized that I was just not into it. I have zero core control so pushing up and having the wall "save" me was fine by me. I thought I'd try it again on Sunday.
S- Slept in and ran errands - complete much needed OFF day. Didn't even bother with the Yoga Challenge. But I did come close to cracking my kid's Fruit Ninja score! Haha! This a challenge that they put upon me the day before that I am DETERMINED not only to beat but also to set a new high score for THEM. :p
Stay tuned for week 29 updates as well as the results of my smoothie experimentation. I found some yummy and healthy ingredients and recipes I can't wait to share! Also, stay tuned to find out how this whole Fruit Ninja thing works out. ;)
Happy Monday!
~V
 |
| My first Kale smoothie! |
My exercise regimen slowed a little this week not just because I needed to catch up on my Zzzzz's some but also because some of my options have been pulled from play. For starters, my evening Aerial Tone class has been temporarily moved to a night that conflicts with Masters Swim. Secondly, I've cut out running for the time being because it has been so dreadfully hot at the times when I can run. Not to mention that the lack of sleep has made me too tired to have the desire to lace up when it's that miserable outside as well. Thirdly, since I had that flat on my bike, I noticed a few days later that the tire is flat again which means that there must be something still stuck in the tire that I must have missed. To add to that, I had some accident filled visions when I started riding last time...you know, the what if scenarios that run through your head in quick second pictures in you brain (or is that just me?) that cause you to be EXTRA cautious? After warming up though, these thoughts go away and the ride is fine but still, you can't ignore that a bike sitting with a flat in the garage combined with these images is not some sort of sign that long distance solo cycling should come off of the list as things to do at 28 weeks pregnant. I feel perfectly okay while riding in fact I LOVE IT but I am erring on the side of safety for fear of having a freak wreck because my tire gets stuck in a crack or a crazy squirrel runs out in front of me and I lose control. Better safe than sorry.
Having prefaced this update with all that I'll say that I do intend to maybe add treadmill runs (although I hate those), spin classes or even ride on the trainer (hate that too) as well breaking away and getting the Aerial class in during lunch. We'll see how I manage that.
Here is the update for week 28:
M- 1500M Masters Swim:
200 Easy Free
200 Pull
200 Kick
200 1 arm drill
200 Breast (a first for me...awkward but different is good)
400 timed free
2 x 50 25breast 25 free
Yoga challenge Day 8 - Kneeling Crescent (an easy one and a great shoulder, back & quad stretch post swim)
T- Yoga Challenges for Day 9 & 10
Revolved Downward Dog & Head to Knee Forward Bend
These both took a lot of warming up and stretching and I'd say we were doing Yoga for a good hour.
W- 1500M Masters Swim:
200 free
200 pull
200 kick
200 1 arm drill
100 alternating 25s 3, 5
10 x 25 kick 45RI (full class race) Ahh!!!
6 x 25 alternating 4,5 20RI (the rest of the class was at 8x @ 4,5,6,7,8,7,6,5)
200 easy free
Yoga Challenge - Rooster (I thought this was going to be easy...doing it post swim at a late hour I realized just how hard it was. I felt like a pretzel most of the time practicing and am absolutely amazed I was able to get off the ground)
F- Did some serious Salsa & Merengue dancing at a birthday party with 4" heels. If you don't think dancing is a workout, I'll tell you my quads were still sore from it the next morning. So yes, it counts!! (plus, waaaaay fun!)
S- Missed Masters Swim but got plenty of sleep. Hooray! Spent a good amount of time working on Day 13 of our Yoga Challenge - Extended Leg Wheel Pose. Wow. What a doozy. I think I will be coming back to this one quite a bit post baby just so that I can compare improvements. I got the leg up but only in a headstand position. I felt like I was pulling a calf muscle so I didn't stay there very long. (This is likely due to that kick race in swim class). I was not happy with my regular wheel so I left it for later.
We also got a bike ride in on the new downtown trails later... no one took the mountain bike off the table, right? :) Side note: I thought this was going to be a leisurely ride but I found that pushing that heavy bike was a heck of a workout especially on my calves (oh, yea...NOW I see a pattern. I didn't realize it at the time, just now as I type it out. Ha!).
Worked on wheel again. Killing my calves here and hammies too. Almost felt them pulling while trying to do this again but finally happy with the result (all things considered). I practiced day 14 momentarily - tucked leg Headstand and realized that I was just not into it. I have zero core control so pushing up and having the wall "save" me was fine by me. I thought I'd try it again on Sunday.
 |
| A little "acroyoga" with the babe while working on the extended leg wheel early in the day and finally happy with a regular handstand Wheel post bike ride. |
Stay tuned for week 29 updates as well as the results of my smoothie experimentation. I found some yummy and healthy ingredients and recipes I can't wait to share! Also, stay tuned to find out how this whole Fruit Ninja thing works out. ;)
Happy Monday!
~V
Monday, June 24, 2013
What week is this again?
Ah yes, week 25 and back to work and home from vacation. Going to a new job is a funny thing. All those routines we get comfortable in like driving to work on autopilot or parking in the same spot (so you don't lose your car every day) or even being so accustomed to the crappy coffee in the snack bar or walking distance to the copy machine and the bathroom are things we take for granted. All of these new things to get used to makes this week hardly routine. I've been trying a new route each day so when I hop in the car first thing, it requires a plan. The same goes for parking & the route home. Getting workouts in have been an adjustment as well. I've managed to pack a workout bag every day, just in case I can get a workout in at the office gym over lunch (complete with showers, fancy new equipment and a view, thank you very much!) I still haven't quite got the day figured out to even remember to eat lunch much less get some exercise out of the way. Thank goodness for evenings!
That's when all the workouts this week took place. Take a look, I'm feeling pretty accomplished!
M - Masters Swim 1250M - lots of friends were there so it was a total blast. Since we were caught up, we did the Yoga challenge for Tues. I had to find an alternative to the Bow pose with my belly bump so I did Half Bow.
T - 4.5M run - waited until sunset to enjoy a few degree cooler weather. The breeze and colors in the sky made it so enjoyable!
W - Masters Swim 1250M - thanks to my pal for watching baby girl since hubby had a late work night so I can get this one in. Friends there again, hopefully a sign of the summer...I like this!
T - 4.5M run - waited until sunset to enjoy a few degree cooler weather. The breeze and colors in the sky made it so enjoyable!
W - Masters Swim 1250M - thanks to my pal for watching baby girl since hubby had a late work night so I can get this one in. Friends there again, hopefully a sign of the summer...I like this!
Yoga Challenge x 2 to stay on top of it, post-swim.
Day 19 Upward Plank Variation
Day 20 Heron Pose
Th - AerialTone w my big girl - love the full body conditioning in this class. My body was tired & fatigued which made it that much tougher but pushed through. Still managed to do the Yoga Challenge for Friday - Grasshopper! So excited to have done this one...I never dreamed of being capable! :)
F - 16m bike - my new job affords me half days off EVERY Friday. I am so excited about this, I had to make good use of my first. Sidebar - GREAT first full week at work. Happy, happy, happy. Change does a body (and mind, heart & soul) good! :)
S - Off - Mommy & me swim & looooong day watching dodgeball tournament games & hanging by the pool.
Th - AerialTone w my big girl - love the full body conditioning in this class. My body was tired & fatigued which made it that much tougher but pushed through. Still managed to do the Yoga Challenge for Friday - Grasshopper! So excited to have done this one...I never dreamed of being capable! :)
F - 16m bike - my new job affords me half days off EVERY Friday. I am so excited about this, I had to make good use of my first. Sidebar - GREAT first full week at work. Happy, happy, happy. Change does a body (and mind, heart & soul) good! :)
S - Off - Mommy & me swim & looooong day watching dodgeball tournament games & hanging by the pool.
S - 2 days of tough Yoga Challenges to catch up on. Forearm Handstand (Pincha Mayusarana) for Saturday (day 22) & Forearm Backbend variation (Day 23) for Sunday. I have forgotten completely about the ab stuff because those guys are in the hundreds now. I did the plank for 1:30 after the yoga challenges so that's something I can definitely hang my hat on.
I won't lie, these two were the most terrifying of poses thus far. The bottom half of my body is way heavier than my top so the idea of lifting that into the air, sight unseen, is scary. My daughter was doubtful of her ability as well which gave me a little comfort. That is until..."mom, I was testing the poses out, THEY ARE EASY!!" Uh oh. Her friend was over and the three of us all joined around to watch her, take her picture and then give me a pep talk about doing it. Ugh.
Nik Walenda was in the process of crossing the Grand Canyon on a tight rope and my nerves couldn't stand to watch that wholeheartedly. I decided to warm up, stretch and practice while I listened a few feet away. The baby finds yoga practice time to be hilarious. She loves climbing all over me like a jungle gym and actually getting "in" to the poses proves difficult at times without her getting upset. (someone has to peel her off me and hold her) After playing with her some, and getting the girls to help/watch/snap pics during commercial breaks, I went for the handstand first. Ooof. I got real close to a door because the idea of flipping all the way back and landing ON my back was not at all pleasant.
It was hardly perfect but I got those heavy legs up in the air and was able to hold the position long enough for a picture. The practice in this usually comes after the fact, however. Reviewing the photo and realizing something is out of alignment or there's a weird angle or gasp! it's blurry!! The redo has always proved to be better which also proves...practice makes perfect! I did the handstand a few times, my fear easing up with each push up of the legs. The more I did it, the less heavy they felt. The second pose, which starts off in a wheel position I thought was going to be easier. Ha! I guess in my head, I knew that I wasn't going to fully put my legs on the wall so all I *really had to accomplish was wheel. I've done that million times...how hard could it be? Well...um. My shoulders and back are SO tight that I could barely come down from the wheel pose onto my forearms. In fact, I kept thinking..."how in the world does this work? My arms can't move in that direction!" The swimming and arm work from Aerial has had me sore (which I didn't notice) until I had to push my shoulders way back. It was incredibly tight which made staying in that position really hard. BUT! While I was there, I was willing to give the leg up a shot. I put one leg up and when I came out of the pose I was glad I could just check the box that it was DONE.
I literally broke a sweat and was out of breath...I rested and looked at the pictures while Mr. Walenda continued his historic walk. That's when I REALLY saw how bad my arms looked. Ugh. "That's all wrong!...we have to do it again!" I showed my daughter and her friend what I meant by examining the instruction photo and my lame-o one. She agreed to go back with her ol mom and redo the whole thing. Here we go again...climbing baby and all, starting over with a mental picture of what I wanted.
I tried it again but those shoulders didn't loosen up enough over a commercial break. I managed to pull up some and tighten the core enough to get BOTH feet up!! I was so excited to see the picture and that it looked better than it felt. I will have to try this again when I am not so tight and see if I can pull those arms back. In the mean time, that sucker is done!! Woohoo!! (and my daughter's friend decided to try it and totally nailed it!...I am so proud of her!)
I won't lie, these two were the most terrifying of poses thus far. The bottom half of my body is way heavier than my top so the idea of lifting that into the air, sight unseen, is scary. My daughter was doubtful of her ability as well which gave me a little comfort. That is until..."mom, I was testing the poses out, THEY ARE EASY!!" Uh oh. Her friend was over and the three of us all joined around to watch her, take her picture and then give me a pep talk about doing it. Ugh.
Nik Walenda was in the process of crossing the Grand Canyon on a tight rope and my nerves couldn't stand to watch that wholeheartedly. I decided to warm up, stretch and practice while I listened a few feet away. The baby finds yoga practice time to be hilarious. She loves climbing all over me like a jungle gym and actually getting "in" to the poses proves difficult at times without her getting upset. (someone has to peel her off me and hold her) After playing with her some, and getting the girls to help/watch/snap pics during commercial breaks, I went for the handstand first. Ooof. I got real close to a door because the idea of flipping all the way back and landing ON my back was not at all pleasant.
It was hardly perfect but I got those heavy legs up in the air and was able to hold the position long enough for a picture. The practice in this usually comes after the fact, however. Reviewing the photo and realizing something is out of alignment or there's a weird angle or gasp! it's blurry!! The redo has always proved to be better which also proves...practice makes perfect! I did the handstand a few times, my fear easing up with each push up of the legs. The more I did it, the less heavy they felt. The second pose, which starts off in a wheel position I thought was going to be easier. Ha! I guess in my head, I knew that I wasn't going to fully put my legs on the wall so all I *really had to accomplish was wheel. I've done that million times...how hard could it be? Well...um. My shoulders and back are SO tight that I could barely come down from the wheel pose onto my forearms. In fact, I kept thinking..."how in the world does this work? My arms can't move in that direction!" The swimming and arm work from Aerial has had me sore (which I didn't notice) until I had to push my shoulders way back. It was incredibly tight which made staying in that position really hard. BUT! While I was there, I was willing to give the leg up a shot. I put one leg up and when I came out of the pose I was glad I could just check the box that it was DONE.
I literally broke a sweat and was out of breath...I rested and looked at the pictures while Mr. Walenda continued his historic walk. That's when I REALLY saw how bad my arms looked. Ugh. "That's all wrong!...we have to do it again!" I showed my daughter and her friend what I meant by examining the instruction photo and my lame-o one. She agreed to go back with her ol mom and redo the whole thing. Here we go again...climbing baby and all, starting over with a mental picture of what I wanted.
I tried it again but those shoulders didn't loosen up enough over a commercial break. I managed to pull up some and tighten the core enough to get BOTH feet up!! I was so excited to see the picture and that it looked better than it felt. I will have to try this again when I am not so tight and see if I can pull those arms back. In the mean time, that sucker is done!! Woohoo!! (and my daughter's friend decided to try it and totally nailed it!...I am so proud of her!)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Playing catch up on week 22
As promised, I took my transition week and made sure to get back on the wagon. More changes are coming up next week which will put the program on a "see how it goes" basis.
I managed to kick the week off strong by getting a workout in on a holiday. No easy feat I assure you, but so well worth it. Here's a snapshot of how my week went:
Monday - Memorial Day! A full day at the club...bowling, dodgeball, pool fun in the sun, hanging out with friends and then...my desperate plea..."can ya'll keep watch of the baby while I go swim?" Ooooh, what a party pooper mom I was! Haha. I managed a decent 1250M with only 2 interruptions of "how many more laps mom?...we are ready to go" D'oh! Talk about turning an already difficult swim into a sprint. Rush, rush, rush.
Tuesday - A free day? What to do? Oh, not one to sit idle, I ran errands, had lunch with family, got some pampering mani/pedi time and then...I loaded up Blu and went out for a ride. How could I not?! It was such a fantastic opportunity! I went a little over 22 miles in honor of baby boy V and his 22 weeks of baking. It was a great ride and half way through I got caught in a rain shower that was absolutely exhilarating and refreshing! After such a great ride, I was ready to sit back and watch my 5th grader perform in the year end program.
Wednesday - Another free day with more TexMex serving up at lunch so I thought I'd head out for a run in the morning. It was a tough one. I procrastinated and got about 4 loads of laundry done before heading out (I must have known how hard it was going to be). It was hot and humid and after such a long break since my last run, it was just hard to catch my breath. None the less, I got over 5 miles in...followed by chips n salsa, and a fajita taco and barely enough energy for my nephew's graduation and dinner. Pooped is an understatement for hump day.
Thursday - My "baby" girl turned 11!! Another fantastic "free day" complete with a hair cut (lost about 5 lbs of hair!) and lunch at school with both my girl, my boy AND my hubby! A family affair over Subway and cake pops can't be beat. An early dinner at the restaurant of baby girl's choice meant no Aerial class. :( (two weeks without and I'm having some serious withdrawals)
Friday - Volunteering for the 5th grade class at their graduating event should be workout enough right? A fun filled day at the University of Houston Recreation Center proved exhausting but I managed to get the kids to the club after school for some fun in the sun and with the intent that I could squeeze in another swim. A swim meet at the lap pool and live music and drinks at the adult pool kept me from my workout and I'm actually ok with it. I didn't leave the club feeling guilty or mad even that I didn't make it work somehow but rather...relaxed. It's pure joy to just sit and watch the kids play in the pool. Having the hubby and baby join later was icing. That kid is a water baby, I think. She dives in, holding her breath in anticipation of the cool water that will come over her head. She comes out with with her big eyes drenched and long lashes flattened against her face. I'm thinking she will be a challenge this summer since she appears to be fearless. I'll have to try to capture this on video or pictures, it is just too cute.
Saturday - Off - too many errands to break away for a long workout but did start 2 different 30 day challenges. The first is an Ab challenge that a big group of friends are all doing. It starts off easy enough but the coming weeks look...well, let's just say that I may pull the "I'm pregnant" card and modify it. ;) The other is a Yoga challenge on Instagram. My daughter and I follow a group of yogi's on IG that have a monthly challenge with different poses. We attempt them from time to time but we've never tried doing (and photographing) every single day. We'll see just how far we get (it'll depend on how complex and crazy some of the poses are!)
Sunday - Swimming was in sight as well as a family bike ride but more errands to run before a hectic week left me thinking that the Ab and Yoga challenge were all I was going to get in. It was late in the day when a window opened up and I laced up for a quick neighborhood run. I ran 3.5 miles and honestly, I was dreading it because the run earlier in the week was awful...the heat, humidity and the allergies I'm fighting make it so difficult to breathe that I just want to STOP. This is usually ok except it makes a quick run into a looooong drawn out one. Thankfully, this one went a whole lot better but it was still both hot and humid (and shorter too).
All in all, I lost a little steam mid week but I think closing it off with a run makes me feel *a little* better. It's a big week around the household complete with new jobs, travel, graduation and the last week of school. I'm not sure how the workouts will pan out but I've got my fingers crossed that I can get creative enough to make something happen. At the very least, I have those 30 day challenges that will keep me honest and on my toes.
Until next week,
~V
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Week 17 Work out Wrap Up
It was a hectic Monday and I didn't get around to posting my 17 week wrap up. This week was the first of, I'm sure, many to come where I have to improvise for changes in the schedule. Without further ado, here goes:
Monday - Lunchtime Aerial Tone class
Tuesday - I'll call it "Twowheel Tuesday"...a fun family bike ride (a little over an hour)
Wednesday - off (couldn't make it to Aerial Tone) :(
Thursday - missed Yoga at lunch but caught Aerial Tone with kiddo at night see here
Friday- off
Saturday- off
Sunday- 60 laps in the adult pool at club (25yd)
So you see, I missed two scheduled classes but managed to pick up an evening class and conveniently labeled the family bike ride a workout because...we could have all been on the couch watching tv, right?! I knew it was a good workout when my kids start getting tired and complaining that their legs are sore. Ha! Plus, riding the mountain bike takes that much more effort than my road bike. That thing is heavy!
The weekend's plans were altered quite a bit because of the buckets of rain that fell over Houston and by late afternoon Sunday, I was going stir crazy. I patiently waited for my daughter to finish a school project and rushed everyone to get ready for the pool before it was too late. Of course, upon arrival, the disappointing sign "Lap Pool Closed - Sorry for the Inconvenience" just about brought me to tears. Waaaa! I had all my swim gear but didn't think to pack anything for a gym workout if need be. Bikini circuit training, I'm guessing, is frowned upon. ;)
I quickly dashed over to the adult pool and seeing that it was 1) open and 2) had lines on the bottom of it was enough for me to jump in and give it a go. At first, I swam 50 laps. Not knowing what the length of the pool was and not wanting to go *under* what I had done the previous two weeks was driving me a little crazy. I pulled my portable computer to the ledge of the pool (i..e. iPhone) and looked up the club and it's pool stats. I quickly learned that it is 25 yards versus the lap pool's measurements of 25 meters. I knew I would be short and when hubby walked by with the baby to check on me, I put him to work to do the math. I figured an extra 10 laps would more than suffice and sure enough, with his research, I learned that I surpassed what I swam last week! Yay! (I really am that competitive with myself).
1 yard - .9144 meters.
60 x 25 yards = 1,500 yards x .9144 = 1,372 meters
That's 122 meters or almost 5 laps more than last week!
So...now, I KNOW that I can easily add laps without feeling like it's just too much and bonus, I learned that I have a backup pool if necessary. Win-win! This week, I'll have to shoot for 1,500 meters. (What's another 5 laps, right? Totally doable!)
Hope everyone had a fantastic Monday on off to a great week!
Monday - Lunchtime Aerial Tone class
Tuesday - I'll call it "Twowheel Tuesday"...a fun family bike ride (a little over an hour)
Wednesday - off (couldn't make it to Aerial Tone) :(
Thursday - missed Yoga at lunch but caught Aerial Tone with kiddo at night see here
Friday- off
Saturday- off
Sunday- 60 laps in the adult pool at club (25yd)
So you see, I missed two scheduled classes but managed to pick up an evening class and conveniently labeled the family bike ride a workout because...we could have all been on the couch watching tv, right?! I knew it was a good workout when my kids start getting tired and complaining that their legs are sore. Ha! Plus, riding the mountain bike takes that much more effort than my road bike. That thing is heavy!
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| I love this DoubleCam app! Takes a simultaneous pic from both front and back cameras of the iPhone. Here I am following my little ducks (baby duck is in a seat in front of dad) |
I quickly dashed over to the adult pool and seeing that it was 1) open and 2) had lines on the bottom of it was enough for me to jump in and give it a go. At first, I swam 50 laps. Not knowing what the length of the pool was and not wanting to go *under* what I had done the previous two weeks was driving me a little crazy. I pulled my portable computer to the ledge of the pool (i..e. iPhone) and looked up the club and it's pool stats. I quickly learned that it is 25 yards versus the lap pool's measurements of 25 meters. I knew I would be short and when hubby walked by with the baby to check on me, I put him to work to do the math. I figured an extra 10 laps would more than suffice and sure enough, with his research, I learned that I surpassed what I swam last week! Yay! (I really am that competitive with myself).
1 yard - .9144 meters.
60 x 25 yards = 1,500 yards x .9144 = 1,372 meters
That's 122 meters or almost 5 laps more than last week!
So...now, I KNOW that I can easily add laps without feeling like it's just too much and bonus, I learned that I have a backup pool if necessary. Win-win! This week, I'll have to shoot for 1,500 meters. (What's another 5 laps, right? Totally doable!)
Hope everyone had a fantastic Monday on off to a great week!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Another beginning
Seeing as this will be my last pregnancy, I thought this a good a time as ever to start this. I hesitated one too many times with my last pregnancy and before I knew it, I was working on post-baby fitness and getting my body "back". Perhaps it will be something I will continue post baby this go round too just to keep me on track and accountable with staying fit while trying to run a household of 6.
I was on a pretty regular program (though not regimented) of running, cycling and occasional P90x videos peppered in for abs, arms and leg toning. That is until I started feeling bleh. That is the best way to describe it really. It wasn't morning sickness per se it was more of just feeling yuck all day. And that feeling, is just not conducive to wanting to exercise. It completely zapped my energy.
What I have learned in the last few years (usually the hard way) is that when I stop exercising because I have no energy, I feel WORSE. I become sluggish, moody and my body just starts to feel achy all over. This realization (every time I have it) is when the difficult transition BACK into some sort of routine takes place. The eye opening experience of "wow, I lost so much strength and endurance in just 6 weeks!" and "ugh, I have to start all over again!" takes place and then you get your butt in gear to make the change.
So that's where I am at. I'm 16 weeks pregnant and into my 2nd week of getting my butt in gear. I started easy with a family bike ride. My husband was so concerned that I was still in the "bleh" zone and kept asking "are you ok?, how are you feeling? do you want to head back or keep going?" After just a half mile I was responding "GO, GO, GO!!!" The immediate satisfaction of feeling the slightest of burn in the quads while pushing down on the pedals was not something I was not willing to give up so soon.
We did the P90X arm/shoulder workout a couple of nights later and the soreness that followed for the next couple of days was all I needed to get me back IN the mode.
My company sponsors a weekly lunchtime Yoga class that I seem to always forget about or forget to pack my clothes and mat for. I was geared up last week, went and felt renewed. I also tried an Aerial Fabric class that a local dance studio/fitness center offers "Vault/Gyrotonic Houston". I've had my eye on this for well over a year when they had their "sampler" week between 6 wk class sessions. I had it in my calendar last Spring but with my son's crazy baseball schedule and having a few month old, I couldn't get away to try any of the classes and missed out.
That wasn't about to happen to me again this year! I've been checking on them periodically and when sampler week came around, I jumped on it...lucky for me it wasn't during the "bleh" period. Haha. I was also lucky enough that a coworker (who coordinates the office Yoga class) was also looking at the classes and we happen to find a night that worked to go together. Buddy system! Bonus!
It was fun, different and definitely something I'd like to commit to later on but my interest was caught and focused on an "Aerial Tone" class they offer on class by class basis. It combines Pilates, Yoga and Gyrotonic moves for a full body conditioning and strengthening workout using an aerial hammock.
I spoke with the studio owner to discuss my pregnancy and possible workout modifications (if necessary) and was happy to hear that she was not in the common camp of "alarmists". People who quickly think that because you are pregnant, you should halt and avoid all things active and become sedentary. As with all exercise, you should listen to your body FIRST. If it doesn't feel right, stop. I haven't always listened to my body but that was usually during runs when my IT Band flared up or my knee felt "off". When there's a baby on board, listening comes first.
Her response quickly led me to take her class on both days this week. My schedule wouldn't permit a workout any other time this week so getting it in while I could was optimal. ...and quite frankly, it was worth it! I highly recommend looking for these type classes as a way to "shake things up" with your workouts.
I also managed to drag the kids to the club on Sunday evening so that I can get a swim in. It has been almost a YEAR since I've been in the pool and honestly, I was nervous. It is not like riding a bike. Breathing is well...essential and not my forte in swimming. I struggled at first but managed to get 40 laps in with the kids cheering me on while sitting on the ledge. Yay!
I am well on my way to getting ultra baby fit with baby #4 if I keep this up!
Here's a progress picture of the barely bump at week 16...sorry for the graininess...it was dark and everyone was sleeping... :)
Here's a progress picture of the barely bump at week 16...sorry for the graininess...it was dark and everyone was sleeping... :)
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