This afternoon I went to the gym over my lunch break for an easy ride on the recumbent bike. Today is supposed to be a Rest day but I am enjoying the book I am currently reading and wanted to sneak in a few pages over lunch. Hitting the gym and slowly peddling away on the recumbent bike is a nice way to accomplish this.
Anyway, as I jump one of the three recumbent bikes I notice the guy on one of the other bikes. To my amusement, he isn’t peddling, he doesn’t even have his feet on the peddles. He’s watching a soccer game on the TV and he’s just using the bike as a chair!
He looks like a guy who could use a few sessions with an exercise machine and my initial thought is, “Come on, dude. You’re here watching the game, why not put your feet in the peddles and burn a few calories while you’re at it! You are in a gym – MOVE! Do something for goodness sake!”
Is this not the epitome of laziness? Did I not just witness the real life version of that picture of the guy sitting in the Lazy Boy walking his dog on a treadmill? What is wrong with people?
The whole time I’m whirling away on the bike, multi-tasking right next time him, he’s just sitting there. At one point, he fiddled with the seat adjuster and I thought maybe he was going to actually start using the bike as it was intended instead of as a seat. I was ready to change my opinion of this man. I was ready to swell with pride at him taking steps toward better health. However, disappointment set back in when he just moved the seat further back to get more comfortable.
Then I had another thought; I felt guilty. I don’t know this guy. He could have been up at 5 this morning, earlier than me out running or walking or hitting the gym. Maybe this guy races all the time in the area and is constantly coming in ahead of me. What if this is one of the guys who speeds past me on the trail, zooming past on his bike as he commutes to work under his power?
I don’t know this guy or his life. I’ve already judged him and I feel guilty. Anyway, he leaves before I finish my time on the bike and I’m left wondering; is he the lazy schlub I cast him as or am I guilty of misjudging him?
It has led me to wonder what people will think about me when I go out to happy hour tonight and stuff my face with burgers while drinking a beer. I’ll see people out for their after-work run and wonder if they run past shaking their head at all these lazy people eating and drinking in bars, leading unhealthy lifestyles. Are they feeling as self-righteous as I did next to the guy in the gym? How awful!
Judge not, lest ye be judged….Indeed!
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Motivation
I’ve been slacking off on cross-training and strength training lately and this morning I finally made it a point to get some quality time in the gym.
I exercised on the elliptical for 25 minutes (15 going forward, 10 going backwards). It wasn’t a strenuous workout but my heart rate did rise, which is the point. Next, I went through my BROCCLS strength training workout and it felt great to do some solid strength training. I am feeling some DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) from yesterday’s long run so I skipped the lunges and squats.
One of the aspects of cross-training that I look forward to is that I can usually read a magazine while I’m on one of the machines (walking on the treadmill, elliptical, and bike). Ever since I started doing all my runs outside, I haven’t had been able to read my magazines (Runner’s World, Fitness & Wired) and cross-training presents a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. This morning I read part of the way through the most recent Runner’s World.
Honestly, it is what motivates me to get out of bed early on cross-training days. It struck me as funny during the workout this morning: what a strange thing to motivate me to do cross-training! Here are some additional motivations I could come up with:
I exercised on the elliptical for 25 minutes (15 going forward, 10 going backwards). It wasn’t a strenuous workout but my heart rate did rise, which is the point. Next, I went through my BROCCLS strength training workout and it felt great to do some solid strength training. I am feeling some DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) from yesterday’s long run so I skipped the lunges and squats.
One of the aspects of cross-training that I look forward to is that I can usually read a magazine while I’m on one of the machines (walking on the treadmill, elliptical, and bike). Ever since I started doing all my runs outside, I haven’t had been able to read my magazines (Runner’s World, Fitness & Wired) and cross-training presents a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. This morning I read part of the way through the most recent Runner’s World.
Honestly, it is what motivates me to get out of bed early on cross-training days. It struck me as funny during the workout this morning: what a strange thing to motivate me to do cross-training! Here are some additional motivations I could come up with:
- Sometimes I am motivated by others like when I see other people on the trail and I keep running a little bit further than my intended distance just so they don’t see me stop.
- Sometimes I think I keep running on a daily basis just so I have a “thing” that distinguishes me from most people.
- Usually, I eat healthier in front of Mike than I would if left to my own devices (popcorn for dinner is a reality when Mike is on travel), which is strange given Mike’s (horrible) eating habits you would think it would be the opposite.
- I don’t feel guilty listening to cheesy pop music (think Brittany Spears, Janet Jackson and Rhianna) when I’m working out because I can use the excuse that the songs are the “right” tempo. I think it is the only reason I use my iPod when I’m in the gym and it has been the sole reason I’ve gone to the gym on more than one occasion.
Whatever the motivation, as long as it keeps getting me in the gym and out on the road, I’m happy. I wonder what quirky things motivate other people?
Today’s Daily Dozen:
Elliptical – 25 mins., moderate intensity
Strength Training – BROCCLS (minus the LS)
Injury update: My foot felt a little weak when I began my 15-miler yesterday but once I was warmed up it felt better. For the remainder of the day, I had some soreness in my shin (I think because I was slightly compensating for my foot and changed my gait in the beginning) and my foot was tender to the touch. I am happy to report; however, today I haven’t had any pain. So far, so good (but my fingers remain crossed).
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Strength Training
There’s something very satisfying about a hard strength training workout.
I’ve been slacking off on doing strength training lately, opting for more cardio workouts and a few pushups, crunches and squats thrown in for good measure during my lunchtime gym breaks. Today, despite a desire to continue that trend, I told myself – “Self, you need to find a balance in your activities; it is time for some real strength training.”
It was an internal mini-battle of wills as I got dressed to workout. I didn’t really want to do strength training today. I really was having fun doing my own version of circuit training. However, it has been over a week since I had done a strength training workout and it was about time.
In the end the strength training angel won the argument and I went through my bench presses, rows and overhead presses a bit unwillingly. However, during the overhead presses, my triceps started to “feel the burn,” as they say, and something clicked.
I imagined myself working out with a trainer who was pushing me through a hard workout just like you see on The Biggest Loser. “Dig! Dig! Dig! One more! Don’t you dare give up!,” I said to myself.
And it worked. I curled my bicep curls, I crunched my crunches and rocked my lunges, throwing in some jumping lunges just to make it harder. Usually, this is where my strength training workouts end but not today.
I kept going. I pushed (and huffed and puffed and I’ll even admit to a grunt or two) through tricep dips. I did running planks for another ab exercises. I ended with squats – 25 reps for 3 sets!
The only reason I ended the workout was because it was time to back to work.
And I’m glad I forced myself to go through my strength training routine. As I was telling a friend last night, you never feel bad after working out; it is just a matter of getting yourself through the door. After all the internal moaning and groaning, I should remember – strength training makes me feel powerful! Grrrrr!
Today's Daily Dozen
3.07 mile run
Strength Training @ Lunch hour
I’ve been slacking off on doing strength training lately, opting for more cardio workouts and a few pushups, crunches and squats thrown in for good measure during my lunchtime gym breaks. Today, despite a desire to continue that trend, I told myself – “Self, you need to find a balance in your activities; it is time for some real strength training.”
It was an internal mini-battle of wills as I got dressed to workout. I didn’t really want to do strength training today. I really was having fun doing my own version of circuit training. However, it has been over a week since I had done a strength training workout and it was about time.
In the end the strength training angel won the argument and I went through my bench presses, rows and overhead presses a bit unwillingly. However, during the overhead presses, my triceps started to “feel the burn,” as they say, and something clicked.
I imagined myself working out with a trainer who was pushing me through a hard workout just like you see on The Biggest Loser. “Dig! Dig! Dig! One more! Don’t you dare give up!,” I said to myself.
And it worked. I curled my bicep curls, I crunched my crunches and rocked my lunges, throwing in some jumping lunges just to make it harder. Usually, this is where my strength training workouts end but not today.
I kept going. I pushed (and huffed and puffed and I’ll even admit to a grunt or two) through tricep dips. I did running planks for another ab exercises. I ended with squats – 25 reps for 3 sets!
The only reason I ended the workout was because it was time to back to work.
And I’m glad I forced myself to go through my strength training routine. As I was telling a friend last night, you never feel bad after working out; it is just a matter of getting yourself through the door. After all the internal moaning and groaning, I should remember – strength training makes me feel powerful! Grrrrr!
Today's Daily Dozen
3.07 mile run
Strength Training @ Lunch hour
Monday, February 9, 2009
My Version of Circuit Training
I’m sorta in love with one of my cross-training routines.
Lately, on cross-training days and/or for lunch hour workouts I’ve been setting the treadmill to an interval or cross-country program, working the speed up to a nice, fast walking pace and then pausing every 10 minutes for a round of push-ups, running planks and squats. The workout seems to fly by – I’ve done three rounds for a total of 45 pushups, 60 running planks and 60 squats, not to mention almost two miles of walking incline intervals in under 40 minutes. I’ve worked by arms, my core, my legs AND my cardio fitness in one go.
I can see why circuit training is always mentioned in regards to how to get the most bang for buck in a short amount of time.
In fact, I enjoy this workout so much that I have actually been looking forward to it all day and I can’t wait for my lunch break.
Lately, on cross-training days and/or for lunch hour workouts I’ve been setting the treadmill to an interval or cross-country program, working the speed up to a nice, fast walking pace and then pausing every 10 minutes for a round of push-ups, running planks and squats. The workout seems to fly by – I’ve done three rounds for a total of 45 pushups, 60 running planks and 60 squats, not to mention almost two miles of walking incline intervals in under 40 minutes. I’ve worked by arms, my core, my legs AND my cardio fitness in one go.
I can see why circuit training is always mentioned in regards to how to get the most bang for buck in a short amount of time.
In fact, I enjoy this workout so much that I have actually been looking forward to it all day and I can’t wait for my lunch break.
Monday, February 2, 2009
(Mini) Vacation Running
This weekend we took a weekend mini-vacation to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to go skiing. Before leaving, I mapped out a run that would take me through downtown Gettysburg and several of the surrounding battlefields. I was looking forward to the novel sights and sounds of running a different route.
However, winter once again got in the way of my plans.
Pulling in to the parking lot of the hotel, I started to have apprehensions about the likelihood of my run taking place as planned because the hotel was on a busy highway with no sidewalk and very little shoulder due to the piles of snow that had accumulated because of plowing. After settling in, we walked across the street to get a snack and the ground was a solid sheet of ice in most places. I resigned myself to a no-go run, decided to sleep in and started making plans to run after we got home on Sunday.
The next morning, to my surprise I woke up with plenty of time to get in a run (without the alarm) and after laying in bed for a few minutes I realized I had no excuse not to get up and check out the hotel’s gym.
By 6:30 I was on the hotel’s only treadmill, trying to figure out how it worked. There was no manual button, only buttons for pre-programmed workouts most of them with significant inclines and speeds up to a fast walk, and none of them longer than 30 minutes. After a few frustrating minutes, I just started one of the programs, upped the speed and decreased the incline EVERY TWO MINUTES as it would try to force me through the programmed settings.
Rather than give in to the frustration, I told myself that I could make the most of it since it might actually make the indoor miles go by much quicker. Any in fact, the first 30 minutes and 3 miles did seem to go by pretty quickly. I jumped off the treadmill, did a quick set of pushups and then jumped right back on.
I set the program again and started running but I was determined to find a manual setting. The more I thought about it, the less sense it made. What kind of treadmill wouldn’t have a manual setting? This is insane. I graduated from college. I cannot let a treadmill defeat me.
And then I found, buried three deep under some category that didn’t make any sense. Satisfied that I hadn’t been beaten by a piece of machinery, I settled in for the next hour or 6 miles of running; eager to just while away the time and get the run over with.
I listened to some podcasts – Smodcast and two episodes of This American Life and just bopped along.
About halfway through that second hour, another hotel guest decided to gym me in the gym. He turned on the TV, warmed up and hit the universal gym weight machine.
And then a second guy came in to the gym. I had seen this gym peek in to the gym about a half hour early and this time he decided to stay. He climbed on the recumbent bike next to me, peddled very slow and kept throwing glances in my direction.
Ten minutes later, two more people show up. This gym consists of one treadmill, one bike, one elliptical and a universal gym weight machine so it is officially over-crowded at this point. The bike guy’s glances are getting more and more impatient.
I stop the treadmill a little less than a half mile short of the 9 planned miles and gave up on the run. I was a little bummed that I couldn’t finish out the run in relative piece and quiet but I have to respect that I had hogged the machine for most of the morning.
Oh well. At least I was able to run while on vacation and I felt great being able to start my day better than I had thought I would be able to start it. I was ready to face a day on the bunny slopes!
However, winter once again got in the way of my plans.
Pulling in to the parking lot of the hotel, I started to have apprehensions about the likelihood of my run taking place as planned because the hotel was on a busy highway with no sidewalk and very little shoulder due to the piles of snow that had accumulated because of plowing. After settling in, we walked across the street to get a snack and the ground was a solid sheet of ice in most places. I resigned myself to a no-go run, decided to sleep in and started making plans to run after we got home on Sunday.
The next morning, to my surprise I woke up with plenty of time to get in a run (without the alarm) and after laying in bed for a few minutes I realized I had no excuse not to get up and check out the hotel’s gym.
By 6:30 I was on the hotel’s only treadmill, trying to figure out how it worked. There was no manual button, only buttons for pre-programmed workouts most of them with significant inclines and speeds up to a fast walk, and none of them longer than 30 minutes. After a few frustrating minutes, I just started one of the programs, upped the speed and decreased the incline EVERY TWO MINUTES as it would try to force me through the programmed settings.
Rather than give in to the frustration, I told myself that I could make the most of it since it might actually make the indoor miles go by much quicker. Any in fact, the first 30 minutes and 3 miles did seem to go by pretty quickly. I jumped off the treadmill, did a quick set of pushups and then jumped right back on.
I set the program again and started running but I was determined to find a manual setting. The more I thought about it, the less sense it made. What kind of treadmill wouldn’t have a manual setting? This is insane. I graduated from college. I cannot let a treadmill defeat me.
And then I found, buried three deep under some category that didn’t make any sense. Satisfied that I hadn’t been beaten by a piece of machinery, I settled in for the next hour or 6 miles of running; eager to just while away the time and get the run over with.
I listened to some podcasts – Smodcast and two episodes of This American Life and just bopped along.
About halfway through that second hour, another hotel guest decided to gym me in the gym. He turned on the TV, warmed up and hit the universal gym weight machine.
And then a second guy came in to the gym. I had seen this gym peek in to the gym about a half hour early and this time he decided to stay. He climbed on the recumbent bike next to me, peddled very slow and kept throwing glances in my direction.
Ten minutes later, two more people show up. This gym consists of one treadmill, one bike, one elliptical and a universal gym weight machine so it is officially over-crowded at this point. The bike guy’s glances are getting more and more impatient.
I stop the treadmill a little less than a half mile short of the 9 planned miles and gave up on the run. I was a little bummed that I couldn’t finish out the run in relative piece and quiet but I have to respect that I had hogged the machine for most of the morning.
Oh well. At least I was able to run while on vacation and I felt great being able to start my day better than I had thought I would be able to start it. I was ready to face a day on the bunny slopes!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Treadmill: (Re) Aquainted
A good night's sleep was not on the agenda for me last night. I tossed and turned most of the night and made the decision to skip my run in the morning and get an extra hour of sleep. Surprisingly, I didn't feel terrible this morning while I was getting ready for work so I threw some running clothes in my bag, thinking, if I felt like it I could make up the run during my lunch hour. I felt great about the decision (yes, I will break my inclination toward laziness) even if it didn't pan out.
However, running at lunch would mean running on the treadmill and it's been several months since I've run on the treadmill. When I'm running outside, it doesn't feel like exercise; it feels like a morning cup of tea - comfortable and familiar and an essential way to start my day off on the right foot. On the treadmill, it's different.
When I am running outside I hardly worry about my pace, time, distance or calories burned until I'm done and then I let myself think about those things. Outside, on the bike trails, I am more concerned with the sights and sounds around me, the temperature, the weather, and the way my body is responding as it warms up and I try to find my stride. On the trails, just the idea of being out in nature is enough to occupy my mind and sustain my body to get me through any run. Again, on the treadmill, it's different.
On the treadmill, I can't do anything but focus on time, pace, distance and even calories burned, no matter how many articles I've read about how these things, with the exception of time, can be wildly over- and under-stated on treadmill displays. Listening to music, reading and/or watching TV isn't enough to get me in the zone on a treadmill and I look forward to escaping in to my runs so it has been tough to embrace the treadmill. What's funny is that I started my running life almost solely on the treadmill. With the exception of my weekend long runs, training for my first marathon was done exclusively on a treadmill and then one day, a month after the marathon I got the idea to run home from work. Once I tried running home from work once a week, I started craving outdoor running more and more, always looking for other ways to incorporate it in to my routine.
Eventually, a year or so had gone by and one morning as I headed down to the gym for my morning treadmill run, I turned and went out the door instead. I was nervous on the darkened streets that day but as the sun came up over the office buildings, those nerves turned into excitement. I was giddy the rest of that day and from then on, I scorned the treadmill. I didn't want anything to do with it because it had never made me feel like those first early morning runs outside.
That leads me to today. Since I didn't have room for cold weather gear in my work bag this morning, I either skip my run or run on the treadmill. In the end, the run is always going to win out so I decided to stay focused on the act of running instead of the means by which I would be taking that run. I won't lie and say it was my favorite run. My body isn't used to treadmill running anymore but it was still another successful run. One more run that I had run yesterday.
Today's Daily Dozen:
3.45 mile run (18 mins. run/1 min. walk x 2 intervals) @ lunch hour
However, running at lunch would mean running on the treadmill and it's been several months since I've run on the treadmill. When I'm running outside, it doesn't feel like exercise; it feels like a morning cup of tea - comfortable and familiar and an essential way to start my day off on the right foot. On the treadmill, it's different.
When I am running outside I hardly worry about my pace, time, distance or calories burned until I'm done and then I let myself think about those things. Outside, on the bike trails, I am more concerned with the sights and sounds around me, the temperature, the weather, and the way my body is responding as it warms up and I try to find my stride. On the trails, just the idea of being out in nature is enough to occupy my mind and sustain my body to get me through any run. Again, on the treadmill, it's different.
On the treadmill, I can't do anything but focus on time, pace, distance and even calories burned, no matter how many articles I've read about how these things, with the exception of time, can be wildly over- and under-stated on treadmill displays. Listening to music, reading and/or watching TV isn't enough to get me in the zone on a treadmill and I look forward to escaping in to my runs so it has been tough to embrace the treadmill. What's funny is that I started my running life almost solely on the treadmill. With the exception of my weekend long runs, training for my first marathon was done exclusively on a treadmill and then one day, a month after the marathon I got the idea to run home from work. Once I tried running home from work once a week, I started craving outdoor running more and more, always looking for other ways to incorporate it in to my routine.
Eventually, a year or so had gone by and one morning as I headed down to the gym for my morning treadmill run, I turned and went out the door instead. I was nervous on the darkened streets that day but as the sun came up over the office buildings, those nerves turned into excitement. I was giddy the rest of that day and from then on, I scorned the treadmill. I didn't want anything to do with it because it had never made me feel like those first early morning runs outside.
That leads me to today. Since I didn't have room for cold weather gear in my work bag this morning, I either skip my run or run on the treadmill. In the end, the run is always going to win out so I decided to stay focused on the act of running instead of the means by which I would be taking that run. I won't lie and say it was my favorite run. My body isn't used to treadmill running anymore but it was still another successful run. One more run that I had run yesterday.
Today's Daily Dozen:
3.45 mile run (18 mins. run/1 min. walk x 2 intervals) @ lunch hour
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Strength Training = Strength, Who Knew
The act of running doesn't necessarily make me feel strong - I feel free, I feel happy and I feel like I am making a difference in my health - but a sense of strength doesn't enter in to it until I have finished a run and I have time to reflect on the distance I've covered. The same goes for hiking and biking; I don't feel strong until I've accomplished something. I've come to realize that I exercise mostly for the feeling I get afterwards.
Strength Training, however, is the exception. I actually feel a sense of strength while lifing weights or doing body-weight exercises (push-ups, chin-ups, squats, lunges, etc.). When I eke out those last couple reps, I feel empowered. Even though my muscles are taxed, in those moments of strength training I feel like I could accomplish any feat.
I could run a 24 hour race. I could compete in an Ironman and give the world's strongest Strong Man a run for his money. I can get that fit, toned body I want. I can eat healthy - all the time, make all the right decisions. I can come back from injury a stronger runner. I can lead the long, active life I envision. It all seems possible as I lift those weights for one more bicep curl or push myself for one more lunge.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lunchtime Workout
I started working at a new job recently and one of the aspects of the job that I like is that the building has a gym. While the gym isn't "Health Club" sized or filled with the latest and greatest equipment it has everything I need to workout and then some.
I've decided to take advantage of the work gym three times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - and use the time to focus on strength training. All too often I have the intention to get in a lower, upper and/or core workout after a run or cross-training (anything other than running) but I end up either rushing through it, cutting it short or simply running out of time and skipping it altogether. My lunchtime workout will be focused on getting a stronger body so that when I do get back in to running, I'll be one mean, lean running machine!
Today was my first time using my lunch hour to get in a workout. I warmed up with an easy walk on the treadmill for 5 miles, about .27 miles and then grabbed an exercise ball for a good core workout. I found this core workout in a Runner's World article about two moms, and old friends, who were chronicling their efforts to train for the San Fransisco Women's Marathon. It is a series of 8 exercises - 6 incorporate the ball:
Squats (ball against the wall)
Push ups (feet balancing on ball - tougher than it sounds)
Lunges (back leg on ball, a great balance challenge - alternate legs)
Plank (no ball)
Tricep Dips (no ball)
Crunch (on ball)
Back Extension (on ball)
Twisting Crunch (on ball)
I do 2 sets of 15 reps with about 30 secs of rest in between (I am up to a 30 sec. hold on the plank). My goal is to work up to 3 sets of 15 but, until now, I've never had the time to dedicate to really focusing on strength training. The trick to this core workout is to actively engage the core with each exercise and really concentrate on the core. If I do that, I get a good workout and I can usually feel it the next day.
Since I had about 10 minutes left until I had to get cleaned up and head back to work, I hopped on the Stair Climber (a machine no longer available in my apartment gym) and ended the lunchtime work out with a nice little sweat.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Back on the Bike
The weather forecast for today was Sunny with a high of 55 degrees, in other words it was a perfect, crisp autumn day.
Taking full advantage of the day, I hopped on my bike (and hopping on my bike entailed spending 10 minutes pumping air into both tires since I haven't ridden my bike since last spring) and headed out. I picked up the Martha Custis Bike Trail just off N. Quincy Street and headed west until I hit the junction with the Mount Vernon Trail and stopped off at Roosevelt Island.
I parked my bike and took off on the trails, which were blanketed in yellow leaves; the visual effect was stunning. As I walked the 1.5 mile perimeter, I savored the experience of being outdoors and finally being able to do something active after a month of non-running. I'll admit I had to fight the urge to take off ,to hear the crunch of the leaves under foot and to feel the cool air in my lungs.
I will also admit that I took my time on the trail, going so far as to even stop to say "hi" to Giant Teddy, because the bike trail heading back home has some monster uphills. My legs started out this morning a little sore from the lower body strength training yesterday and my muscles were really feeling it on the ride home!
All in all, I ended up doing 8.8 miles round trip - 1.5 walking and 6.3 biking. It felt good to get out the bike again and I loved the walk around Roosevelt Island. Even if I didn't do anything else for the rest of the day, the day wasn't wasted.
Taking full advantage of the day, I hopped on my bike (and hopping on my bike entailed spending 10 minutes pumping air into both tires since I haven't ridden my bike since last spring) and headed out. I picked up the Martha Custis Bike Trail just off N. Quincy Street and headed west until I hit the junction with the Mount Vernon Trail and stopped off at Roosevelt Island.
I parked my bike and took off on the trails, which were blanketed in yellow leaves; the visual effect was stunning. As I walked the 1.5 mile perimeter, I savored the experience of being outdoors and finally being able to do something active after a month of non-running. I'll admit I had to fight the urge to take off ,to hear the crunch of the leaves under foot and to feel the cool air in my lungs.
I will also admit that I took my time on the trail, going so far as to even stop to say "hi" to Giant Teddy, because the bike trail heading back home has some monster uphills. My legs started out this morning a little sore from the lower body strength training yesterday and my muscles were really feeling it on the ride home!
All in all, I ended up doing 8.8 miles round trip - 1.5 walking and 6.3 biking. It felt good to get out the bike again and I loved the walk around Roosevelt Island. Even if I didn't do anything else for the rest of the day, the day wasn't wasted.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Early Morning, Empty Gym
It's early on a Saturday morning. I always wake up early on Saturdays, which means I almost always have the gym to myself on the weekends.
Since I'm healing from what I suspect is a stress fracture in my right foot caused by overtraining for a fall marathon, I've been hitting the gym in my apartment building lately to use the treadmill (walking only BUT lots of inclines), the free weights and occasionally the recumbent bike. Being injured and not being able to do what I love to do -- running -- has forced me to reintroduce myself to opportunities of a gym.
This morning with the gym to myself I hopped on the treadmill, turned up the music on my Shuffle, opened the latest edition of Runner's World, and sang along as I upped the incline for an hour long powerwalk (occasionally increasing the incline and speed to get my heart rate up and the sweat going). These early morning Saturday treadmill sessions in the gym have provided me with the opportunity to perfect the fine art of treadmill dancing, something I could never do when I am out running. I look at it as a way to work the arms as well as legs.
Towards the end of the hour another Saturday morning early-riser showed up to the gym and that put an end to the dancing and singing. Somewhat sheepishly, I finished off my powerwalk, cooled down, and hit the weights for full body strength training workout, I call Broccolis (well, really, BROCCLS but its close enough -- Bench press, Row, Overhead pull, Curl, Crunch, Lunge, Squat. I guess I need find another "O" and an "I" exercise). Preferring free weights to the machines, I hammered out the upper body work but struggled with the lunges and squats. Taking off a month from running and weights severly impacted my fitness.
Happy, energized and a bit smelly I returned home...just in time to see Mike off for some Billy Goat Trail Rock Scrambling. I am bummed I can't join him but I think my foot might be able to handle it next weekend! However, I'm thrilled to have once again had a whole gym to myself for a little while early on a Saturday morning. It's a great way to greet the day!
Since I'm healing from what I suspect is a stress fracture in my right foot caused by overtraining for a fall marathon, I've been hitting the gym in my apartment building lately to use the treadmill (walking only BUT lots of inclines), the free weights and occasionally the recumbent bike. Being injured and not being able to do what I love to do -- running -- has forced me to reintroduce myself to opportunities of a gym.
This morning with the gym to myself I hopped on the treadmill, turned up the music on my Shuffle, opened the latest edition of Runner's World, and sang along as I upped the incline for an hour long powerwalk (occasionally increasing the incline and speed to get my heart rate up and the sweat going). These early morning Saturday treadmill sessions in the gym have provided me with the opportunity to perfect the fine art of treadmill dancing, something I could never do when I am out running. I look at it as a way to work the arms as well as legs.
Towards the end of the hour another Saturday morning early-riser showed up to the gym and that put an end to the dancing and singing. Somewhat sheepishly, I finished off my powerwalk, cooled down, and hit the weights for full body strength training workout, I call Broccolis (well, really, BROCCLS but its close enough -- Bench press, Row, Overhead pull, Curl, Crunch, Lunge, Squat. I guess I need find another "O" and an "I" exercise). Preferring free weights to the machines, I hammered out the upper body work but struggled with the lunges and squats. Taking off a month from running and weights severly impacted my fitness.
Happy, energized and a bit smelly I returned home...just in time to see Mike off for some Billy Goat Trail Rock Scrambling. I am bummed I can't join him but I think my foot might be able to handle it next weekend! However, I'm thrilled to have once again had a whole gym to myself for a little while early on a Saturday morning. It's a great way to greet the day!
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