December 30 - Today is my 27th Birthday! Last night I purchased a new car, a 2010 Honda Fit. It is 'fitting' for this journey of fitness that my car also be oriented to my effort.
I have been feeling so crappy about myself for not working out as I need to do. And alas today I was blessed to be let out of work at 2:00pm so I had no excuse to not run. I couldn't claim I was too busy, too tired, too full from eating, migrainey, or anything even remotely acceptable as a reason to not run. So when I got home I changed and got on with the journey.
The Baltic Sea - First 1.0 miles in 12:09 118cals, kept going and completed the 1.5 miles in 17:37 172cals.
I did 10 kettlebell throws per arm of the 15lb kettlebells.
Listowel, Ireland - This course is starting to become infamous as the 'just a little bit more but not the whole thing' course. I targeted to do 1.0-1.5 miles and end it. But once I got going I urged myself on to do 2.0 miles. And then once I was there I urged myself on to do the last 0.5 miles. And so in 26:54 I completed 2.5 miles 289cals. My split times were: 1.0/11:35; 1.5/16:28; 2.0/21:37. I ran at 5.0, 5.5, 5.8 and even 6.0mph.
Most Motivating Song heard during the workout: Chris Cagle "My Love Goes On and On"; it has a good driving beat for a fast run.
New Miles: 4.0
Total Miles: 31.5
Miles Remaining: 1469.5
Weight: 145.2
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
1 marathon + 1 mile
Woke up and felt like not doing anything, so I got myself on the treadmill and jogged/ran 1.0 miles of the Baltic Sea in 12:06 117cals.
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 27.5
Miles Remaining: 1472.5
Weight: 144.0
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 27.5
Miles Remaining: 1472.5
Weight: 144.0
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Get back on the horsepower
On December 21 I got back on the horsepower after what felt like a long time. It was so easy to just sit and do nothing and it was so difficult to remember the journey I am on for myself. But alas 6 days after my last run I ran up the Alps between St. Johann im Pongau and Alpendorf. 2.5 miles of variable inclines and jogging; done in 32:58 and 314cals.
Most motivating song heard during the workout: Two Man Gentleman Band "Drip Dryin' (Reprise)"
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 26.5
Miles Remaining: 1473.5
Weight: 145.0
Most motivating song heard during the workout: Two Man Gentleman Band "Drip Dryin' (Reprise)"
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 26.5
Miles Remaining: 1473.5
Weight: 145.0
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Embrace the Pace
I completed the Local 1.0 route in 13:09 121 cals. It was a good warm up with two elevation changes to prepare me for my second mile of running Bruges, Belgium. Instead of fighting the pace this time I embraced the pace from the first step. I climbed on up to 6.5mph and held that pace for 2.5 minutes then I gradually slowed back down, completing 1.0miles in 10:31 117cals.
My ankle popped out of its socket for a few strides mid-run; I held myself up on the arm rails and methodically rolled my foot front to back til it felt better, then I kept on running. Usually when that happens I can feel it pop back in but this time it didn't. Afterwards as I cooled down my ankle quickly got sore, indicating it still needed to pop itself back into the right place. You may wonder: Does popping your ankle back into its socket hurt? The answer is: Yes, but fortunately only momentarily.
I then lifted my 5lb weights 5 different ways 15reps each. Did 10 push-ups then crunched out 100 crunches the pushed out 10 more push ups.
New Miles: 2.0
Total Miles: 24.0
Miles Remaining: 1476.0
Weight: 140.0
My ankle popped out of its socket for a few strides mid-run; I held myself up on the arm rails and methodically rolled my foot front to back til it felt better, then I kept on running. Usually when that happens I can feel it pop back in but this time it didn't. Afterwards as I cooled down my ankle quickly got sore, indicating it still needed to pop itself back into the right place. You may wonder: Does popping your ankle back into its socket hurt? The answer is: Yes, but fortunately only momentarily.
I then lifted my 5lb weights 5 different ways 15reps each. Did 10 push-ups then crunched out 100 crunches the pushed out 10 more push ups.
New Miles: 2.0
Total Miles: 24.0
Miles Remaining: 1476.0
Weight: 140.0
Monday, December 13, 2010
Do more!
My warm-up consisted of sweeping the driveway of 2 inches of snow. This got me ready to run the beach of the Baltic Sea at 5.0mph for .5miles then 5.4mph for .5 miles then 5.0mph for .5 miles. I finished the 1.5miles in 18:08 178cals.
Then the Listowel, Ireland route came up and I did .25miles at 5.4mph then another .25miles at 5.0mph. I was wrapping up the last .5miles that I planned to do at 4.0mph when somehow I heard my body actually tell me "Do more!". I recovered so much in the walked half mile that somehow my body believed it could do more; it was surprising feedback and utterly unexpected. And so I listened to myself and was glad I did as I went another .5miles at 5.0mph and and it felt good! I did the second 1.5miles in 19:39 182cals.
I also did 100 crunches and 20 push-ups.
Most motivational song heard during the workout: Miley Cyrus "7 Things" (slightly embarrassed to admit that)
New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 22.0
Miles Remaining: 1478.0
Weight: 141.6
Then the Listowel, Ireland route came up and I did .25miles at 5.4mph then another .25miles at 5.0mph. I was wrapping up the last .5miles that I planned to do at 4.0mph when somehow I heard my body actually tell me "Do more!". I recovered so much in the walked half mile that somehow my body believed it could do more; it was surprising feedback and utterly unexpected. And so I listened to myself and was glad I did as I went another .5miles at 5.0mph and and it felt good! I did the second 1.5miles in 19:39 182cals.
I also did 100 crunches and 20 push-ups.
Most motivational song heard during the workout: Miley Cyrus "7 Things" (slightly embarrassed to admit that)
New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 22.0
Miles Remaining: 1478.0
Weight: 141.6
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Fitness Level 0.5
My Familiar Favorite 2.0 mile course came up and somehow I managed to jog/run it all. At the steepest parts I jogged at 4.6mph and during the low-to-no incline parts I ran at 5.0 or 5.2mph. For part of it my right ankle ached, right where I broke it. I stuck it out and finished the route. Then I brought up Listowel, Ireland and ran .5miles at 5.4mph. I finished the 2.5 miles in 30:22 307cals.
I lifted my 5lb weights at 15reps in 5 different ways. Laid on the floor and did 100 crunches then attempted real push-ups and pushed out 10.
Exercising felt good! That must mean something, so I'll take it to mean that I can proclaim myself at a new Fitness Level! Yes, I dare do that at just 19.0miles into this Journey1500. I am now at Fitness Level: 0.5! Perhaps I will have better perspective on my actual fitness level in the near future, say in 100 miles, but for now I dare to believe I am FL0.5! Perhaps I will remain at this fitness level for a while, I am not concerned about that right now, because it feels so nice to declare myself not at Fitness Level 0!
Most motivating song during the work out: The Magic Numbers 'This is a Song'
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 19.0
Miles Remaining: 1481.0
Weight: 142.8
I lifted my 5lb weights at 15reps in 5 different ways. Laid on the floor and did 100 crunches then attempted real push-ups and pushed out 10.
Exercising felt good! That must mean something, so I'll take it to mean that I can proclaim myself at a new Fitness Level! Yes, I dare do that at just 19.0miles into this Journey1500. I am now at Fitness Level: 0.5! Perhaps I will have better perspective on my actual fitness level in the near future, say in 100 miles, but for now I dare to believe I am FL0.5! Perhaps I will remain at this fitness level for a while, I am not concerned about that right now, because it feels so nice to declare myself not at Fitness Level 0!
Most motivating song during the work out: The Magic Numbers 'This is a Song'
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 19.0
Miles Remaining: 1481.0
Weight: 142.8
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Too much eating
December 8: In Gaithersburg, MD for work, my co-worker and I walked to dinner and back. After 2 days of over-indulgence and no exercise it felt nice to move about.
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 15.0
Miles Remaining: 1485.0
Weight: Unknown
December 9: Thankful to be back home and on the treadmill. I lightly jogged at an average 5.0mph pace and completed 1.5 miles in 18:49 and 183cals.
Most motivating song during the work out: Dierks Bentley 'Every Mile a Memory'. When this song came on I thought, "How fitting for this Journey!" You can't beat these lyrics when running on a treadmill: "Funny how no matter where I run, Round every bend I only see, Just how far I haven't come."
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 16.5
Miles Remaining: 1483.5
Weight: 143.8
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 15.0
Miles Remaining: 1485.0
Weight: Unknown
December 9: Thankful to be back home and on the treadmill. I lightly jogged at an average 5.0mph pace and completed 1.5 miles in 18:49 and 183cals.
Most motivating song during the work out: Dierks Bentley 'Every Mile a Memory'. When this song came on I thought, "How fitting for this Journey!" You can't beat these lyrics when running on a treadmill: "Funny how no matter where I run, Round every bend I only see, Just how far I haven't come."
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 16.5
Miles Remaining: 1483.5
Weight: 143.8
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Texting while Walking
After stringing up the Christmas lights on the front porch and on the inside windows, I queued up a Christmas CD on the iPod and walked 1 mile. My Listowel, Ireland course was up with a blurry GoogleMap so while the thought of my Grandma's hometown was a nice thing to have for the 14:10 122cal walk it was disappointing to not be able to see anything but road names.
Also during the brief walk I attempted to send a few texts; this proved extra challenging and I did have to slow the pace down so I wasn't flung off the treadmill. I have no idea why people think it's an okay idea to text and drive since texting while walking is dangerous enough. This will be an activity I don't try again.
Best song heard during the workout: Guster 'Donde esta Santa Claus?'
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 13.5
Miles Remaining: 1486.5
Weight: 142.2
Also during the brief walk I attempted to send a few texts; this proved extra challenging and I did have to slow the pace down so I wasn't flung off the treadmill. I have no idea why people think it's an okay idea to text and drive since texting while walking is dangerous enough. This will be an activity I don't try again.
Best song heard during the workout: Guster 'Donde esta Santa Claus?'
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 13.5
Miles Remaining: 1486.5
Weight: 142.2
Friday, December 3, 2010
First Attempt at Running
I moved three 1.0 mile courses to the top of my iFit queue; so I could receive new scenery with every mile in the hopes to keep me going. I expected to briskly walk much of it and try my hand at jogging some to see how that would go, but immediately upon the start of my 3-mile-journey I discovered I was in for some expected territory but unexpected pace. I somehow hadn't created 3.0mph steady courses but rather the computer decided for me, and thus began my accidental foray into running.
Turns out I can surprise myself from time to time. I fought the increased pace for the first 2 minutes and then decided "I got to start running some time so why not today?" And lo and behold I found myself running around the streets of Bruges, Belgium at 6.5mph pace for few minutes. I pulled up the elevation display so I could see the pace surprises that were in store and sadly I forgot to watch the GoogleMap of beloved Bruges for much of the 1.0miles.
Overall impression of running: I am pretty certain the left side of my body suffered a stroke; my heart was straining and not from pumping too much but literally felt as though I was pulling a muscle and my left arm pinched a nerve up to my neck. So all in all I didn't pass out or appear to have suffered permanent damage, and I finished the mile in 10:58 and 117cals - so it was "successful".
After a little breather which included a strange side venture into talking into the woodstove while my husband listened on the roof to determine how best to proceed with enhancing our other fireplace, I returned to my NordicTrack1750 for round 2. The Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey of 0% incline and max speed of 6.5mph, which I toned back to 5.0mph, had me finishing my second mile in 12:20 117cals.
Enjoyed a Cardio break by working out my arms and abs. 10 x 10lb kettlebell and 100 crunches.
Then came mile 3, which was momentarily contemplated in the "Don't do" activities of life, on the shores of Presque Isle, Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. I'll call it the competitor in me but it may be the masochist, I ran half of this at 6.5mph and completed 1.0 miles in 10:40, 116cals.
I wrapped it all up in a cool down of lifting my 5lb weights in several different ways til I decided it was enough; about 6 different activities of 10 reps each, including Bicep curl, Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Overhead Dummbell Press, Front Deltoid Raises, and quick punches.
Bruges, Belgium
Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey
Presque Isle, Lake Erie, Pennsylvania
New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 12.5
Miles Remaining: 1487.5
Weight: 141.6
Turns out I can surprise myself from time to time. I fought the increased pace for the first 2 minutes and then decided "I got to start running some time so why not today?" And lo and behold I found myself running around the streets of Bruges, Belgium at 6.5mph pace for few minutes. I pulled up the elevation display so I could see the pace surprises that were in store and sadly I forgot to watch the GoogleMap of beloved Bruges for much of the 1.0miles.
Overall impression of running: I am pretty certain the left side of my body suffered a stroke; my heart was straining and not from pumping too much but literally felt as though I was pulling a muscle and my left arm pinched a nerve up to my neck. So all in all I didn't pass out or appear to have suffered permanent damage, and I finished the mile in 10:58 and 117cals - so it was "successful".
After a little breather which included a strange side venture into talking into the woodstove while my husband listened on the roof to determine how best to proceed with enhancing our other fireplace, I returned to my NordicTrack1750 for round 2. The Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey of 0% incline and max speed of 6.5mph, which I toned back to 5.0mph, had me finishing my second mile in 12:20 117cals.
Enjoyed a Cardio break by working out my arms and abs. 10 x 10lb kettlebell and 100 crunches.
Then came mile 3, which was momentarily contemplated in the "Don't do" activities of life, on the shores of Presque Isle, Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. I'll call it the competitor in me but it may be the masochist, I ran half of this at 6.5mph and completed 1.0 miles in 10:40, 116cals.
I wrapped it all up in a cool down of lifting my 5lb weights in several different ways til I decided it was enough; about 6 different activities of 10 reps each, including Bicep curl, Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Overhead Dummbell Press, Front Deltoid Raises, and quick punches.
Bruges, Belgium
Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey
Presque Isle, Lake Erie, Pennsylvania
New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 12.5
Miles Remaining: 1487.5
Weight: 141.6
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
1 Mile isn't that much
Completed 1.0 miles at mostly 4.3mph pace in 14:21 and 121cals. The Baltic Sea course came up and my reaction was one of disappointment and then I thought about how sad that was that just yesterday I was so happy to 'be in' the Baltic and now I was disappointed. I realized quickly though that I was only disappointed because I created new routes last night and thought that one of them would be my route today.
During my walk I actually had the thought "One mile isn't that much." Not even 10 miles into this 1500 journey having this thought is surprising; I know right now 1.0 mile is still a lot for me and I am only walking it. But it gave me hope that if I am having this thought right now I soon will really not only think but believe that one mile isn't that much.
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 9.5
Miles Remaining: 1490.5
Weight: 140.4
Most interesting song heard during the workout (via Ryan's iPod): Rockapella 'Land of one thousand dances'
During my walk I actually had the thought "One mile isn't that much." Not even 10 miles into this 1500 journey having this thought is surprising; I know right now 1.0 mile is still a lot for me and I am only walking it. But it gave me hope that if I am having this thought right now I soon will really not only think but believe that one mile isn't that much.
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 9.5
Miles Remaining: 1490.5
Weight: 140.4
Most interesting song heard during the workout (via Ryan's iPod): Rockapella 'Land of one thousand dances'
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Baltic Sea
Today I enjoyed a 1.5 stroll down the beach of the Baltic Sea north of Riga, Latvia. I swift 4.2/4.4mph pace got me done in 21:24, 178 cals. The walk brought back memories of a windy 60 degree day in July 2010 when I swam in the 60 degree Baltic Sea with my husband and 3 friends. I received a nice mental vacation as I treaded thru the virtual sands of those 1.5 miles. I was grateful for the happy memories since I forgot the route was 1.5 miles and I thought it was only 1.0, so that happiness got me thru the surprise half mile I found myself having to complete.
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 8.5
Miles Remaining: 1491.5
Weight: 140.6
New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 8.5
Miles Remaining: 1491.5
Weight: 140.6
The Baltic Sea - Riga, Latvia, June 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
A tough cool down
Local 1.5 mile route today. Completed in 20:32, 187 cals. After the first 10 minutes walking I jogged at 5.5mph for two minutes then walked then again jogged at 5.5mph for .3 miles. My first attempts at incorporating jogging/running into the work out felt successful. I took a little lifting break and did a set of 10 (each arm) of 10lb kettlebells.
The 1.5 miles felt a little too good which led me to think doing another .5-1.0 miles was a good idea. I queued up the built-in iFit workout called 'Bog Springs' of Tucson, Arizona. It was an ever-inclining and speed changing 1.0 mile course. I struggled the entire 6:59 to catch up to the display and drop my speed to a walking pace. At one point I also mistakenly thought trying to jog was a good idea and thus I proceeded at 5.0mph at a high incline, likely for only a non-discernible amount of time/distance and my heart and lungs were working way too hard, and thus I transitioned my jog back into a walk and wrapped it up at .5 miles.
After catching my breath I figured a proper cool down was in store. So I brought up the regular treadmill track feature and walked. For most of my first lap I thought "Man this is the hardest cool down lap! I must have just walked and jogged harder than I thought!" and I contemplated stopping (also known as giving up). Then I looked at the display and the incline was at 10.5%! So I trekked out the remaining part of the lap, completing .25 miles in 4:24, 58 cals then set the incline to 0.0% and did a proper cool down starting at 4.2mph and working my way down to 3.4mph, completing .25 miles in 3:54, 34 cals.
Most motivating songs during the work out: Dispatch 'General' and Jet 'Take it or leave it'.
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 7.0
Miles Remaining: 1493.0
Weight: 139.6
The 1.5 miles felt a little too good which led me to think doing another .5-1.0 miles was a good idea. I queued up the built-in iFit workout called 'Bog Springs' of Tucson, Arizona. It was an ever-inclining and speed changing 1.0 mile course. I struggled the entire 6:59 to catch up to the display and drop my speed to a walking pace. At one point I also mistakenly thought trying to jog was a good idea and thus I proceeded at 5.0mph at a high incline, likely for only a non-discernible amount of time/distance and my heart and lungs were working way too hard, and thus I transitioned my jog back into a walk and wrapped it up at .5 miles.
After catching my breath I figured a proper cool down was in store. So I brought up the regular treadmill track feature and walked. For most of my first lap I thought "Man this is the hardest cool down lap! I must have just walked and jogged harder than I thought!" and I contemplated stopping (also known as giving up). Then I looked at the display and the incline was at 10.5%! So I trekked out the remaining part of the lap, completing .25 miles in 4:24, 58 cals then set the incline to 0.0% and did a proper cool down starting at 4.2mph and working my way down to 3.4mph, completing .25 miles in 3:54, 34 cals.
Most motivating songs during the work out: Dispatch 'General' and Jet 'Take it or leave it'.
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 7.0
Miles Remaining: 1493.0
Weight: 139.6
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Are you running today?
Ryan asked me, "Are you running today?" I promptly said "No." And then that question made me pause, and I thought, "Yes it's 10pm, but hey I caught a quick nap earlier and the treadmill is in my house, so you better do something!" and so I thanked Ryan for that motivating question and changed into workout clothes.
I didn't go running, but I did bring up my Antarctica Route and walked at 4.2mph at 0% incline for 1.0 miles in 14:53 burning 113 calories. My legs were a bit tired pre-walk but by the end I was loosened up. Finally feeling healthy coming off of a 5-day cold it was good to get a workout in where my lungs felt normal. Grant it, I didn't push myself and did the bare minimum to dent my 1500 mile journey but it still felt good to get a mile in. I surprised myself by actually exercising given little prompting. Perhaps soon Ryan's prompt will be replaced by an inner-prompt, but for now I am grateful I was asked "Are you running today?".
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 4.5
Miles Remaining: 1495.5
Weight: 140.8
Now is a good time to point out that my weight tends to fluctuate between 2-3lbs within a day, so "gaining weight" from one workout to the next is anything but atypical. I am just weighing myself pre-workout or post-workout and when I work out doesn't have a set schedule so there isn't consistency other than the fact I am taking the time to weigh myself to generally track my progress.
Most motivating songs during the work out: April Smith and the Great Picture Show 'Like a Movie Loves a Screen' and 'Colors'
I didn't go running, but I did bring up my Antarctica Route and walked at 4.2mph at 0% incline for 1.0 miles in 14:53 burning 113 calories. My legs were a bit tired pre-walk but by the end I was loosened up. Finally feeling healthy coming off of a 5-day cold it was good to get a workout in where my lungs felt normal. Grant it, I didn't push myself and did the bare minimum to dent my 1500 mile journey but it still felt good to get a mile in. I surprised myself by actually exercising given little prompting. Perhaps soon Ryan's prompt will be replaced by an inner-prompt, but for now I am grateful I was asked "Are you running today?".
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 4.5
Miles Remaining: 1495.5
Weight: 140.8
Now is a good time to point out that my weight tends to fluctuate between 2-3lbs within a day, so "gaining weight" from one workout to the next is anything but atypical. I am just weighing myself pre-workout or post-workout and when I work out doesn't have a set schedule so there isn't consistency other than the fact I am taking the time to weigh myself to generally track my progress.
Most motivating songs during the work out: April Smith and the Great Picture Show 'Like a Movie Loves a Screen' and 'Colors'
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Routes
These are my first attempts at making workout routes. I mixed in the easy, medium, and hard and all default to 3.0mph which I can adjust during the workout.
Antarctica - Easy, 0% incline, 1mile
Baltic Sea - Easy, 1% incline, 1.5 miles
Mo's Familiar Favorite - Hard, 10.5% incline, 2.1 miles
Ireland - Medium, 2.5% incline, 2.45 miles
Local 1.5 - Medium, 6.5% incline, 1.5 miles
Local 1.0 - Medium, 5.5% incline, 1 mile
Ryan's Familiar Favorite - 6 mile loop
Downtown - Medium, 3.5% incline 1.5 miles
Austria - Hard, 10.5% incline, 2.65 miles
Antarctica - Easy, 0% incline, 1mile
Baltic Sea - Easy, 1% incline, 1.5 miles
Mo's Familiar Favorite - Hard, 10.5% incline, 2.1 miles
Ireland - Medium, 2.5% incline, 2.45 miles
Local 1.5 - Medium, 6.5% incline, 1.5 miles
Local 1.0 - Medium, 5.5% incline, 1 mile
Ryan's Familiar Favorite - 6 mile loop
Downtown - Medium, 3.5% incline 1.5 miles
Austria - Hard, 10.5% incline, 2.65 miles
Plus 2.5/Minus 2.5
After our workouts last night we joined iFit and discovered we could create workout routes on GoogleMaps that could be downloaded to the treadmill! First impression, working out is going to be fun!
I promptly made several routes, each of varying lengths and incline changes. This way we can run familiar and unfamiliar courses from our neighborhood and around the world. I created a few local maps and then a few additional fun maps of locations we have traveled to and some we haven't.
Saturday, November 27 Workout: I incorporated some lifting and crunches into the workout. While Ryan ran his '3-mile loop' I did 4 sets of 10, each arm, of 10lb kettlebell throws. Took an arm break and did 70 crunches (20 + 15 + 15 + 20) which was followed-up by 2 sets of 10 kettlebell throws of 15lbs. Then to round it out I did 30 more crunches (20 + 10); total crunches: 100.
Once on the treadmill I brought up the 'Downtown' 1.4 mile, low incline trail. I was at .7miles in and fast-pace walking at 4.2mph when I accidentally hit the key which promptly stopped my workout. After re-starting I re-loaded the trail, I completed the first .7miles of the trail in 10:04 at 4.2mph and 86cals. I then finished the remaining .7miles - 1.4 miles at 4.2mph in 20:28 177cals. Then I just 'went to the track' and did .4 more miles in 5:47 50cals then walked a cool down of .1mi. Pre-working out I anticipated completing 1.5miles but somehow by the end of it I wound up doing 2.5. The brisk walk felt good and was completely doable.
Total Workout: 2.5 miles, 36:19, 313 cals.
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 3.5
Miles Remaining: 1496.5
Weight: 138.2lbs (pre-workout)
I promptly made several routes, each of varying lengths and incline changes. This way we can run familiar and unfamiliar courses from our neighborhood and around the world. I created a few local maps and then a few additional fun maps of locations we have traveled to and some we haven't.
Saturday, November 27 Workout: I incorporated some lifting and crunches into the workout. While Ryan ran his '3-mile loop' I did 4 sets of 10, each arm, of 10lb kettlebell throws. Took an arm break and did 70 crunches (20 + 15 + 15 + 20) which was followed-up by 2 sets of 10 kettlebell throws of 15lbs. Then to round it out I did 30 more crunches (20 + 10); total crunches: 100.
Once on the treadmill I brought up the 'Downtown' 1.4 mile, low incline trail. I was at .7miles in and fast-pace walking at 4.2mph when I accidentally hit the key which promptly stopped my workout. After re-starting I re-loaded the trail, I completed the first .7miles of the trail in 10:04 at 4.2mph and 86cals. I then finished the remaining .7miles - 1.4 miles at 4.2mph in 20:28 177cals. Then I just 'went to the track' and did .4 more miles in 5:47 50cals then walked a cool down of .1mi. Pre-working out I anticipated completing 1.5miles but somehow by the end of it I wound up doing 2.5. The brisk walk felt good and was completely doable.
Total Workout: 2.5 miles, 36:19, 313 cals.
New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 3.5
Miles Remaining: 1496.5
Weight: 138.2lbs (pre-workout)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Mile 1
Last week my husband, Ryan, came home and excitedly asked me what I did that day, exercise-wise. I sheepishly admitted: nothing. I am the most motivated I have been in a long while and yet I managed to still do nothing.
Pending the arrival of the treadmill I did go on one 1 mile walk with Ryan and every day, since the end of October, I have walked the stairs at work 3 flights each way. It is sad how winded those 60 steps make me, but I can tell the difference it is making with my lungs, heart, and legs. In addition to that there was one night where I lifted my 5lb weights because Ryan lifted his 30lb weights; his activity motivated my activity. On this journey I hope to grow in self-motivation; where all these small steps I am taking will add up to me being permanently self-motivated.
On Tuesday, November 23 the Treadmill arrived! Weight 350lbs. The delivery company put it in our garage leaving us to move it upstairs into the freshly painted, bright-yellow, Journey1500 gym. Ryan and I together could lift it, but I wasn't strong enough to walk it anywhere. It wasn't until Friday, November 26 that, with the help of a few friends, the Treadmill made its way upstairs and Ryan and I assembled it.
Once the Treadmill was assembled we started playing with its features and before I knew it I was walking. I hadn't anticipated actually walking at that moment but once I was .2 miles into what could be my first mile I decided to make it the official Mile 1.
Having a cold and exercising isn't the best combination but I did it. I averaged 4.0mph with various inclines, as per whatever iFit workout I had selected. Then a difficult 16 minutes later I had finished Mile 1! I exclaimed "I did it!" and raised my arms in accomplishment, then pressed stop, and caught my breath.
Total Workout: 1.02miles, 16:17, 194 cals.
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1.0
Miles Remaining: 1499.0
Weight: 139.4lbs (post-workout)
Pending the arrival of the treadmill I did go on one 1 mile walk with Ryan and every day, since the end of October, I have walked the stairs at work 3 flights each way. It is sad how winded those 60 steps make me, but I can tell the difference it is making with my lungs, heart, and legs. In addition to that there was one night where I lifted my 5lb weights because Ryan lifted his 30lb weights; his activity motivated my activity. On this journey I hope to grow in self-motivation; where all these small steps I am taking will add up to me being permanently self-motivated.
On Tuesday, November 23 the Treadmill arrived! Weight 350lbs. The delivery company put it in our garage leaving us to move it upstairs into the freshly painted, bright-yellow, Journey1500 gym. Ryan and I together could lift it, but I wasn't strong enough to walk it anywhere. It wasn't until Friday, November 26 that, with the help of a few friends, the Treadmill made its way upstairs and Ryan and I assembled it.
Once the Treadmill was assembled we started playing with its features and before I knew it I was walking. I hadn't anticipated actually walking at that moment but once I was .2 miles into what could be my first mile I decided to make it the official Mile 1.
Having a cold and exercising isn't the best combination but I did it. I averaged 4.0mph with various inclines, as per whatever iFit workout I had selected. Then a difficult 16 minutes later I had finished Mile 1! I exclaimed "I did it!" and raised my arms in accomplishment, then pressed stop, and caught my breath.
Total Workout: 1.02miles, 16:17, 194 cals.
New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1.0
Miles Remaining: 1499.0
Weight: 139.4lbs (post-workout)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Who Am I?
Mo. Female. Age 26. Current Fitness Level: 0.
After a lifetime of participating in sports I have let my fitness slip in the last few years. I played soccer through high school and college, and now at age 26, four years after graduating from college, I am at a point where I need to jump back in to what I have always known - exercising, running, and feeling healthy.
I was a co-captain of my college soccer team and finished my college career in the best shape of my life; able to run 8 miles no sweat, lift my 15lb free weights easily, and actually looking forward to the next opportunity to run or workout. I carried that with me the following-year, continuing to run and exercise, through 2006. I was never much of a distance runner, usually getting all my fitness from competitive sports, and so setting out to just run for the sake of running was difficult but I did find joy in going on quick 2-3 mile runs.
Then in 2007 I got lazy. I stopped running. I gained weight. In the Fall of 2008 I attempted to get myself back into things and I was running and cross-training steadily until March 2009 when I broke my right ankle playing co-ed indoor soccer. The injury sidelined me until June 2009 when I could finally walk again, and in August 2009 I was cleared to run again. I spent Fall 2009 going to the track and walk-running, but never getting myself motivated enough to go regularly or go far.
I signed up for the 2010 Pittsburgh Half Marathon hoping to motivate myself with an end target and leading up to it I sat and did nothing. In May 2010 I somehow successfully completed the Pittsburgh Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in 2:18:49. Then for the next few months I went running from time to time but never more than 3 miles and sometimes completing just 1 mile was a challenge.
This brings me to present day - where I have decided enough is enough. Enough sitting and being lazy. Enough sitting and feeling my heart and lungs get weaker and weaker. Enough not having arm strength or ab strength. Enough of nothing. It is time for something. It is time for the Journey of 1500 Miles.
My goal is to achieve my target of walking/running a total of 1500 Miles, whether that all be on my treadmill or also outdoors is to be seen. I am going to track each mile and note other fitness activities I complete on my journey back to being me.
Me playing for the Pittsburgh Banshees, 2007
My Broken Ankle, March 2009
Ryan and Me hiking the Austrian Alps on our Honeymoon, June 2010
After a lifetime of participating in sports I have let my fitness slip in the last few years. I played soccer through high school and college, and now at age 26, four years after graduating from college, I am at a point where I need to jump back in to what I have always known - exercising, running, and feeling healthy.
I was a co-captain of my college soccer team and finished my college career in the best shape of my life; able to run 8 miles no sweat, lift my 15lb free weights easily, and actually looking forward to the next opportunity to run or workout. I carried that with me the following-year, continuing to run and exercise, through 2006. I was never much of a distance runner, usually getting all my fitness from competitive sports, and so setting out to just run for the sake of running was difficult but I did find joy in going on quick 2-3 mile runs.
Then in 2007 I got lazy. I stopped running. I gained weight. In the Fall of 2008 I attempted to get myself back into things and I was running and cross-training steadily until March 2009 when I broke my right ankle playing co-ed indoor soccer. The injury sidelined me until June 2009 when I could finally walk again, and in August 2009 I was cleared to run again. I spent Fall 2009 going to the track and walk-running, but never getting myself motivated enough to go regularly or go far.
I signed up for the 2010 Pittsburgh Half Marathon hoping to motivate myself with an end target and leading up to it I sat and did nothing. In May 2010 I somehow successfully completed the Pittsburgh Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in 2:18:49. Then for the next few months I went running from time to time but never more than 3 miles and sometimes completing just 1 mile was a challenge.
This brings me to present day - where I have decided enough is enough. Enough sitting and being lazy. Enough sitting and feeling my heart and lungs get weaker and weaker. Enough not having arm strength or ab strength. Enough of nothing. It is time for something. It is time for the Journey of 1500 Miles.
My goal is to achieve my target of walking/running a total of 1500 Miles, whether that all be on my treadmill or also outdoors is to be seen. I am going to track each mile and note other fitness activities I complete on my journey back to being me.
Me playing soccer in college, 2005
Me pointing at myself in a Pittsburgh Banshees team picture from 2003 at the Western Pennsylvania Sports History Museum, 2008
Me and Ryan, playing Curling, April 2009
My broken ankle post-cast, May 2009
Origins of the Journey of 1500 Miles
What is the Journey of 1500 Miles? In an effort to kick-start myself back into being fit, and to get my personal health back on track, I purchased a NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill. The inspiration for my "fitness plan" is to walk/run at least 1 mile for every $1 spent on the treadmill purchase; a total of $1500 and thus 1500 miles. When I complete 1500 miles I can justify my treadmill purchase as worth the investment.
To round out my fitness plan I will do plyometrics, utilize a set of kettlebells ranging from 5lbs to 20lbs, and also use 2-5lb free weights, an exercise ball, and yoga mat. Additionally in my Journey1500 Gym I have a balance trampoline and a jump rope; usage to be seen. The key piece of workout equipment is nothing I could purchase - perseverance and the mental toughness to keep going when my body wants to stop.
Let the Journey1500 begin.
To round out my fitness plan I will do plyometrics, utilize a set of kettlebells ranging from 5lbs to 20lbs, and also use 2-5lb free weights, an exercise ball, and yoga mat. Additionally in my Journey1500 Gym I have a balance trampoline and a jump rope; usage to be seen. The key piece of workout equipment is nothing I could purchase - perseverance and the mental toughness to keep going when my body wants to stop.
Let the Journey1500 begin.
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