Monday was a 2 hour gym bonanza that I somehow survived and am not that sore from. I guess that means I have to go harder.
Yesterday I jogged for 25 minutes, followed by Shred. My foot and lower calf cramped up near the end of it all, and I couldn't move it no matter how hard I tried for about a minute. It was the most awkward thing being stuck on the floor looking like a lazy butt and desperately trying to hit the feeling back into my foot. I think I just over-taxed my calves and did not stretch them out enough. All's well that ends well, however. All looks clear for now, so I don't think there's any strange underlying reason for the muscle seizure.
Work is exciting and busy. There's a swim championship, so there are lots of swimmers wandering through the store. We're going to have an extra setup in the middle of all the action for the next 3 days. I bought a swimsuit a few weekends ago, and I was just waiting for my goggles and cap to come in. The goggles have arrived, so I'll soon be the proud owner of a new pair of some women's Vanquishers.
I'm really inspired to start swimming again. It has been........ I don't know, over 15 years since I did swimming lessons at school. Working around swimmers, though, and being a buyer for swim gear, you can't help but become enthused about the sport. I'm pumped! I hope to start trying out the swimming pool at the gym (the one I'm signed up for, not my work gym). Ben has been swimming there, so I hope to join him one day for some laps. I will probably have a lot to say about it the day I start.
For now, it almost looks like I'm getting back onto coffee. Hahaha. I've slept really poorly recently, wracked by strange dreams and a certain excitability for life. I'm pumped about the day, but a little too much. My mind is too active at night, and it prevents me from relaxing.
But here's to keeping life exciting! You know I'd want it no other way.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Stress Busters
I went to the gym to blow off some steam after work today. I hopped on a treadmill and ran for half an hour, doing some sprinting, then some plain running, and then some sprinting again. It felt good to crank up the speed and feel the stress melt away. It came back after my workout, but at least for a bit of time it disappeared. I'm also a lot happier that I'm back on the whole running thing, even if it is on a treadmill. As I mentioned last entry, I've been getting antsy with this winter's cold, unforgiving outdoor weather. All it took was half an hour to remind myself of what I have to look forward to in the spring.
On a side note, I dropped my iPod in the middle of my run, which prompted a five minute search on my hands and knees. I felt like a creeper looking under my fellow gym rats' machines. Two people immediately noticed my weird actions and asked what I'd lost. I described my iPod, and they helped me look for it. I eventually found it just behind my treadmill and in front of an elliptical machine. So nice of those two people to put their workouts on hold to help me out. I'm very grateful. :) [Needless to say, my faith in humanity was restored at this point.]
I feel deliciously sore from last night Pump with Marie, and my quads are a bit jelly-ish from my run today. Looking forward to Shred tomorrow with Marie and Susana! That's it for now.
On a side note, I dropped my iPod in the middle of my run, which prompted a five minute search on my hands and knees. I felt like a creeper looking under my fellow gym rats' machines. Two people immediately noticed my weird actions and asked what I'd lost. I described my iPod, and they helped me look for it. I eventually found it just behind my treadmill and in front of an elliptical machine. So nice of those two people to put their workouts on hold to help me out. I'm very grateful. :) [Needless to say, my faith in humanity was restored at this point.]
I feel deliciously sore from last night Pump with Marie, and my quads are a bit jelly-ish from my run today. Looking forward to Shred tomorrow with Marie and Susana! That's it for now.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The Goings On
It is high time I updated this blog. It's been over 3 months since I last wrote. A lot has happened.
In about mid-November, I broke my toe. I couldn't walk properly for 3 weeks, and couldn't exercise or run for much longer. Around this time, I also got a new job. So it was one terrible thing followed by one awesome thing. The job also kept me from going to the gym often, as I had to focus and put lots of hours in. I was doing 10 hour days, so I was frequently passing on the gym. In more recent weeks, I have revisited my gym schedule and have put more effort into making the time. I now do at least 2 classes per week, have a 3rd as a "I'd better do it, but if I miss it it's not the end of the world", and then I try to fit in my own little workout, whether it's on a treadmill or something.
But I'm getting ahead of myself! Back to my toe injury.
The horror. I was limping around, taking the TTC to work every day, trying to rest my foot and leg at all possible moments... I grew lazy and tired as I limped around and didn't want to walk anywhere. It took a while for the residual pain to wear off. I think I had phantom broken toe syndrome of some kind, because even when I was sure it had to be ok, I could still feel twinges of pain when I bent my toe even slightly out of alignment. It screwed up my workout regimen, and put me behind quite a bit. I haven't fully recovered from this setback, partly because it was so long that I'd been off my feet, but also because it happened just before I got this new job. The injury timeout bled into the "I have to work fifty-six hours per day" sentiment, and voila. No gym.
But now I'm back, and I'm back with a vengeance. There is not a day that passes by that I don't think about the 10K run that got me started on this trip, and the 10K that's coming up in May (yes, I signed up for the Sporting Life 10K again, so I'll be aiming to beat both my previous 10k times). The weather outside has been miserable. It's the coldest Toronto winter that I can remember, and one of the snowiest in this city. It's been slippery and treacherous, so running (avec or sans Ben) has not been an option. I swear, though, that the first warmer (as in not -20C), dry day that comes along, I'm going to strap on my shoes and get out there for a nice jog around the neighbourhood. You can only do so much on a treadmill.
In other exciting news, Ben and Susana both joined Goodlife, so Marie and I have some new workout buddies. We're all gung ho about the place. Ben likes to swim, and now that I work in a store that sells amazing swimwear, I figure I should join him. In fact, I just bought a swimsuit today, so once my goggles and swim cap come in (on order right now), I'm going to join him.
Working in a building that houses a gym has certainly raised my bar a bit higher. Now that I take care of ordering and selling fitness and sports equipment, I feel the need to further educate myself about these things, as well as get super duper in shape. I have let myself slide these past few months, but I think with the warmer weather just around the corner, I'm starting to wake up to the fact that this life is not ok and that I need to move my booty!
Tomorrow, however, there will be not workout for me. I am doing a wonderful, relaxing spa day with Esther and Rachel. Monday I can work and workout, but Sunday I will rest, sit in a hot tub, and sooth my body and soul.
I promise, my dear internet, that I will not neglect you for so long again - unless I have a very good excuse. A broken toe just doesn't cut it. Until next week.
In about mid-November, I broke my toe. I couldn't walk properly for 3 weeks, and couldn't exercise or run for much longer. Around this time, I also got a new job. So it was one terrible thing followed by one awesome thing. The job also kept me from going to the gym often, as I had to focus and put lots of hours in. I was doing 10 hour days, so I was frequently passing on the gym. In more recent weeks, I have revisited my gym schedule and have put more effort into making the time. I now do at least 2 classes per week, have a 3rd as a "I'd better do it, but if I miss it it's not the end of the world", and then I try to fit in my own little workout, whether it's on a treadmill or something.
But I'm getting ahead of myself! Back to my toe injury.
The horror. I was limping around, taking the TTC to work every day, trying to rest my foot and leg at all possible moments... I grew lazy and tired as I limped around and didn't want to walk anywhere. It took a while for the residual pain to wear off. I think I had phantom broken toe syndrome of some kind, because even when I was sure it had to be ok, I could still feel twinges of pain when I bent my toe even slightly out of alignment. It screwed up my workout regimen, and put me behind quite a bit. I haven't fully recovered from this setback, partly because it was so long that I'd been off my feet, but also because it happened just before I got this new job. The injury timeout bled into the "I have to work fifty-six hours per day" sentiment, and voila. No gym.
But now I'm back, and I'm back with a vengeance. There is not a day that passes by that I don't think about the 10K run that got me started on this trip, and the 10K that's coming up in May (yes, I signed up for the Sporting Life 10K again, so I'll be aiming to beat both my previous 10k times). The weather outside has been miserable. It's the coldest Toronto winter that I can remember, and one of the snowiest in this city. It's been slippery and treacherous, so running (avec or sans Ben) has not been an option. I swear, though, that the first warmer (as in not -20C), dry day that comes along, I'm going to strap on my shoes and get out there for a nice jog around the neighbourhood. You can only do so much on a treadmill.
In other exciting news, Ben and Susana both joined Goodlife, so Marie and I have some new workout buddies. We're all gung ho about the place. Ben likes to swim, and now that I work in a store that sells amazing swimwear, I figure I should join him. In fact, I just bought a swimsuit today, so once my goggles and swim cap come in (on order right now), I'm going to join him.
Working in a building that houses a gym has certainly raised my bar a bit higher. Now that I take care of ordering and selling fitness and sports equipment, I feel the need to further educate myself about these things, as well as get super duper in shape. I have let myself slide these past few months, but I think with the warmer weather just around the corner, I'm starting to wake up to the fact that this life is not ok and that I need to move my booty!
Tomorrow, however, there will be not workout for me. I am doing a wonderful, relaxing spa day with Esther and Rachel. Monday I can work and workout, but Sunday I will rest, sit in a hot tub, and sooth my body and soul.
I promise, my dear internet, that I will not neglect you for so long again - unless I have a very good excuse. A broken toe just doesn't cut it. Until next week.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sail on, silver girl
Last weekend I was in the country just outside of Ottawa. I played some soccer with Angela and her brother, and we did a bit of walking/jogging. It was a wonderful and relaxing weekend. I slept in until 9 each morning (this is unprecedented for me, as I always wake up automatically by 7am), and we enjoyed a number of movies, TV shows, the Sims, and a 1000 piece puzzle.
When I got back to my Shred class on Wednesday, I lagged behind. It's amazing what even just a 5 day break can do. I also ate enormous amounts on the weekend (it was Thanksgiving!), so I'm sure that has also been slowing me down. Time to shave that off!
I did a Pump class today, and I was happy that my legs were doing all right and I was able to do the same weight as usual for them. At a party on Friday night with coworkers, I had a few good talks about fitness, and I have a number of friends who would like to workout with me. Bring it on. It's always nice to have a buddy to keep inspired.
I was actually feeling quite morose all morning, right up until I started writing this entry. Pump was fun, but I had this terrible shadow looming over me. I felt down and didn't even want to go to my class this morning, but I'll be damned if a silly feeling stemming from a dumb incident earlier int he week is going to take away my health. I won't let it change what I do in my free time. I have so much more going for me that it's ridiculous. Somehow, writing this all down has taken a weight off of my shoulders, and mulling over a talk I had with my mother has made me see the positive, or at least the different options I have.
Marie is back from the Dominican, so it's full speed ahead for our workouts this week. We're planning it out, and it looks like it's going to be a killer week (in a good way). Esther and Rachel ran the Scotiabank half marathon this morning, and I'm so proud of them! It really makes me want to train over the winter and next summer so I can join them next October. We'll see...!
Things happen, but life goes on. In fact, those things are life, so get used to it. It just makes the rest of life so much more enjoyable and that much happier.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Save the Breasts, Save the People, and Why I Run.
Apologies. I didn't update last week for a number of reasons, but mainly because I didn't feel I had anything vitally important to say.
Today, however, I do have something exciting to report: I did my first 5K run. It was the CIBC Run for the Cure, a run whose proceeds go towards the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A number of my friends signed up for it, so some of us met in the morning before the race. We were excited to be there. The gloomy sky and the spitting rain didn't deter us.
The race was not timed, so I brought my phone in lieu of a proper stopwatch. The run started at Queen's Park, went down Queen's Park/University, looped back up to Bloor, then back down St. George till College, where we ran eastward until the entrance to King's Circle, where the finish line lay.
I made sure to start at a brisk pace, because unlike the 10k, I didn't have to conserve my energy for later. I could feel I was pushing it faster than usual, but I felt good. Just past the 3K (I think) mark, there was a water station, so I grabbed a cup. I took a little sip and then aimed my cup at a garbage bag a man was holding for empty cups. I threw it in, but I think I got some on him, so I turned around to yell that I was sorry. While not looking forward, I ran right into another man who was handing out water. I swerved out of his way.... right into a garbage can. It almost fell, so I steadied it quickly, as I yelled out more apologies and continued on my way. The episode was absolutely ridiculous, and it unsettled me, my heart speeding from guilt, embarrassment, and residual fear.
Despite this hiccup, I finished the run at 27:46. That's a 5:33 min/km, faster (as planned) than my previous 10K pace (5:51 min/km.)! In a previous entry, I wrote that 25 minutes was my goal, but that I would be happy not reaching it this time around. Indeed, I'm absolutely happy with my time! I'm very proud that I ran strong, and I'm confident that I will improve next time.
Something that also really struck me today was that I was running for something very near and dear to many people's hearts, and something that, honestly, is a threat to me and all of my friends and family. Breast Cancer is a looming shadow over the shoulders of many women, a number of them younger than I am. Today I heard a statistic that 1 in 9 Canadian women is expected to, at some point in their lives, be stricken with breast cancer. 1 in 9?! That's terrible. So today I ran for the people that cannot run themselves. I ran for my future, my friends' futures, my family members' futures. I ran to promote healthy living, something that has so many healing properties, both physical and mental. I ran to show that there are people supporting you when you feel hope is lost in the face of an indiscriminate genetic sentence.
Today, however, I do have something exciting to report: I did my first 5K run. It was the CIBC Run for the Cure, a run whose proceeds go towards the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A number of my friends signed up for it, so some of us met in the morning before the race. We were excited to be there. The gloomy sky and the spitting rain didn't deter us.
The race was not timed, so I brought my phone in lieu of a proper stopwatch. The run started at Queen's Park, went down Queen's Park/University, looped back up to Bloor, then back down St. George till College, where we ran eastward until the entrance to King's Circle, where the finish line lay.
I made sure to start at a brisk pace, because unlike the 10k, I didn't have to conserve my energy for later. I could feel I was pushing it faster than usual, but I felt good. Just past the 3K (I think) mark, there was a water station, so I grabbed a cup. I took a little sip and then aimed my cup at a garbage bag a man was holding for empty cups. I threw it in, but I think I got some on him, so I turned around to yell that I was sorry. While not looking forward, I ran right into another man who was handing out water. I swerved out of his way.... right into a garbage can. It almost fell, so I steadied it quickly, as I yelled out more apologies and continued on my way. The episode was absolutely ridiculous, and it unsettled me, my heart speeding from guilt, embarrassment, and residual fear.
Despite this hiccup, I finished the run at 27:46. That's a 5:33 min/km, faster (as planned) than my previous 10K pace (5:51 min/km.)! In a previous entry, I wrote that 25 minutes was my goal, but that I would be happy not reaching it this time around. Indeed, I'm absolutely happy with my time! I'm very proud that I ran strong, and I'm confident that I will improve next time.
Something that also really struck me today was that I was running for something very near and dear to many people's hearts, and something that, honestly, is a threat to me and all of my friends and family. Breast Cancer is a looming shadow over the shoulders of many women, a number of them younger than I am. Today I heard a statistic that 1 in 9 Canadian women is expected to, at some point in their lives, be stricken with breast cancer. 1 in 9?! That's terrible. So today I ran for the people that cannot run themselves. I ran for my future, my friends' futures, my family members' futures. I ran to promote healthy living, something that has so many healing properties, both physical and mental. I ran to show that there are people supporting you when you feel hope is lost in the face of an indiscriminate genetic sentence.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Injuries and continuing gym bonanzas
Injury alert! Nothing too bad, but my thumb has been giving me trouble the past few days. It got sore from stapling large amounts of papers together at work (I would constantly jam the stapler into the palm of my hand to help the staples get through the pile). Now it hurts to even hold a glass of water. Some rest should get it feeling back to normal, but for now, I'll tread (or hand?) carefully.
I visited the gym 5 times this week. Thursday night I tried a new Pump class, the instructor for which I really liked. Then Saturday I did Zumba for 45 minutes, then ran over to another gym to do Shred, followed by a class called Awesome Abs. The Zumba killed my shoulders, the Abs killed my butt (go figure). I feel really strong today!
In other news, I got some new responsibilities at work. It's nice that I'm trusted to start taking on new things. It certainly helps with confidence levels. Mood is good and motivation is high. This week is going to be another gym bonanza as I prepare for my next run, but work will have calmed down a bit. I'll be training for my new tasks, but I won't be working 10 hours per day. It'll be nice to focus on other things in my life, such as… everything else!
Steady as she goes for now. Perhaps there will be some more groundbreaking news next week. :)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
4/4
Monday Attack, Wednesday Shred, Saturday Attack, and Sunday Pump. It was pretty much a normal week, except that I would have done some running if it wasn't for work. I'm on my feet for most of the day at work, and the September rush creates some long hours, so by the time I get home, I'm not about to strap my running shoes to go on for a hungry, dark, cold, late night run. I need to stop making excuses, though...
Weather. The weather has changed. We were in the midst of a heat advisory, and then 2 days later it was suddenly 6 degrees. I'm sure once I get back outdoors for my runs I'll appreciate the cooler weather more (well, not 6 degrees, although 12 I don't mind), but for now, it's just a shock to the body and mind. I love the summer so much. I don't want to have to bundle up to step outside...
I have felt quite energetic this weekend! I jumped out of bed yesterday morning and this morning, ready to work out. Today at Pump, I pushed myself to a new level with the squats, upping the weight by a few kilograms. I was inspired by the soreness in my muscles the few days after the Longboat 10K. While I broke my record at that one, there was a price to pay. Extra leg work will help, since stronger legs will mean less pain after I push myself.
My next run is a 5K coming up on October 6th. It's the CIBC Run for the Cure. I've been thinking about my goal for that run. If I divide my 10K PB, I'd finish the 5K in about 29 minutes. But it's a shorter distance, so I should be able to push myself a bit harder for the duration. I've therefore decided to settle on 25 minutes as my goal. Now, I know that's quite a bit of a time difference, but it's not something I necessarily have to accomplish this October. If I don't make it on the 6th, then I'll aim to make it next 5K. Aim high or go home!
Weather. The weather has changed. We were in the midst of a heat advisory, and then 2 days later it was suddenly 6 degrees. I'm sure once I get back outdoors for my runs I'll appreciate the cooler weather more (well, not 6 degrees, although 12 I don't mind), but for now, it's just a shock to the body and mind. I love the summer so much. I don't want to have to bundle up to step outside...
I have felt quite energetic this weekend! I jumped out of bed yesterday morning and this morning, ready to work out. Today at Pump, I pushed myself to a new level with the squats, upping the weight by a few kilograms. I was inspired by the soreness in my muscles the few days after the Longboat 10K. While I broke my record at that one, there was a price to pay. Extra leg work will help, since stronger legs will mean less pain after I push myself.
My next run is a 5K coming up on October 6th. It's the CIBC Run for the Cure. I've been thinking about my goal for that run. If I divide my 10K PB, I'd finish the 5K in about 29 minutes. But it's a shorter distance, so I should be able to push myself a bit harder for the duration. I've therefore decided to settle on 25 minutes as my goal. Now, I know that's quite a bit of a time difference, but it's not something I necessarily have to accomplish this October. If I don't make it on the 6th, then I'll aim to make it next 5K. Aim high or go home!
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