<p>Such exciting news for the runners today! Blankmind, as long as you finished decent, it’s hard to regret a cupcake!!!</p>
<p>I appreciate the input form ANYONE on shorts ! I do prefer to not have too short shorts. I have decently long legs so, if they are short, they are SHORT! Will he at a shopping area next weekend that has Lululemon and Athleta so might have to go in ONLY to look for shorts!</p>
<p>blankmind- sounds like a good race! Congrats on the finish.</p>
<p>abasket- both Athleta and Lulu will be great sources for shorts. Lots of choices.</p>
<p>60 minute hot yoga class at the studio near my office (new to me). It was a really nice studio- 2nd story with windows so not like a dungeon (which some of them can be). It was 105 degrees, 45% humidity and it was HOT! The 60 minute class is only the standing series with no floor series. I was certainly glad to get out of there, but I did miss doing some of the floor stuff that is really good for my injury. I can do it on my own, of course. I got a groupon so I have a month at this studio for $39, which is a great deal. </p>
<p>Somehow (I’m thinking Patagonia’s email list), I ended up on the mailing list to receive the women’s swimsuit catalog from Athleta. I don’t know if their shorts are similar, but judging from the swimsuit catalog, their fashions certainly appears to wear well on long-legged women… 
</p>
<p>Gotta say, it’s better than walking back from the mailbox with a bill from the electric company… :)</p>
<p>Hi all - checking in. Congrats, deb222 and blankmind!</p>
<p>Had an active weekend - Took several spin and yoga classes, and today ran a 5k and then took a 2 hour bike ride with H on our tandem. My time wasn’t so good - I think I’ve been so focused on all the cross training (that I’m enjoying, so it’s good) that I’ve forgotten that to get better at running, “runners run.” I think I may go back to Couch to 5k and re-ground myself in the basics. I do well with more discipline! </p>
<p>LOL, iDad. …</p>
<p>Another good workout for me. Finally warm enough in the basement to break out the shorts and t shirt (alas, no Lulu shorts, just plain ol’ TJ MAXX Nikes…).</p>
<p>Kicked it up a notch on a couple of exercises. Did five chin-ups on all three sets. And cranked the alternating single arm bench press up to 45 lb DBs from 40. That was really hard. I hold one up with my right arm extended while doing six reps with the left arm. Then, keep the left arm extended while doing six reps with the right arm – all while trying to not drop a DB on my head. I did all all three sets with the 45s, but that was right at my limit. KB swings with a 50lb KB. A set of 12 of those is tough…</p>
<p>[YouTube:</a> Ol’ (formerly) fat guy chinups and KB swings](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>My 7-day rolling average on the scale this morning was my lowest since Dec 2011 at the very bottom of my fat loss, but I’ve almost certainly added a couple pounds of muscle since then.</p>
<p>Congratulations on the races deb and blankmind! </p>
<p>I had a light workout weekend–a few walks and a shortish hike. But I did everything out under the hot sun, so the sweating must count for something!</p>
<p>Thanks for the video comments. I should also add that when I hike, I’m always lugging my camera around. Extra weight on the neck, but many more excuses to stop and photograph the flowers :)</p>
<p>It’s interesting to me that so many of you hike. I live in a very flat area, so hiking doesn’t really happen here! Prk trail walks yes, hiking no! Is it something you have always done or a newer activity???</p>
<p>Waited till evening to run so that maybe it would cool down - not! Was 84 at 8:30. After a full weekend of entertaining people and tons of gardening, I didn’t have much gusto but got 2.65 sweaty miles in!!</p>
<p>Oh, it’s very flat here (total changes in elevation usually measured in 10’s of feet), but still a challenge. There’s even an official Florida Trail for hikers–much of it through swamp water! I’ve been hiking and/or walking in this state for 14 years–lots of park trails. I consider moving on mostly paved surfaces walking; and on unpaved, sandy or wet trails hiking. Bug spray and big hat, protective clothing, backpack, snack, water for hiking; skimpy shorts, cap, ipod and headphones for walking. Single file for hiking; walking abreast for… walking or strolling. Where the terrain varies somewhat as for x-country running is hiking; jogger’s or regular runner’s surfaces, walking. SLR camera is for hiking; Iphone camera for walking. These distinctions are, of course, of my own making, lol. Most important: hiking requires planning, usually the night before–usually a map; a casual walk–no advanced notice. </p>
<p>The last time I had hiked was in 1972, or thereabouts. One of the three fitness goals I wrote down the day I started dieting was:</p>
<p>Walk a mile without getting winded</p>
<p>I walked a quarter mile the first day. I was winded and had shin splints when I was done. A couple days later, I walked a half mile and thought I would die walking up the hill on the way back. A few days later, I walked a mile. Then, I started walking a mile on the Episcopalian Bros. land to the river, which had a couple of big hills. And, eventually a 5K walking route on past that to a local state park with dirt/gravel trails up and down along the river. I lost 90 pounds on those hills, walks that initially drove my heart rate up above 90% of my max.</p>
<p>When I moved to New Hampshire, I figured why not take advantage of quick access to the mountains and start doing a few walks in the White Mountains. The first time out, I took off from the car at my usual 3.5 mph fitness walking pace and was bent over panting like a dog in less than a quarter mile. It was kind of shocking how hard hiking in that terrain on those hills was/is. On the plus side, it was very apparent from the get go that it would be awesome exercise, especially when you put a 20 pound pack on your back.</p>
<p>To be honest, I would probably recommend hiking as the absolute best all around fitness activity for us “middle age” folk. It’s pretty low impact. Other than rolling an ankle, pretty low injury risk. There’s a cardio conditioning component. On hilly terrain, there’s a resistance strength component. Add a pack and there’s a core stability component. Plus, it’s just terrific to get out and enjoy the surroundings. I’m fortunate to have some of the most spectacular hiking in the country at my doorstep (well, within an hour or two drive), but there’s a lot of good hiking in a lot of different parts of the country, If I had flat terrain, I would hike faster and still get good exercise.</p>
<p>Spent weekend at vacation home and did a hot yoga class (vinyasa–75 minutes) today and a 2-hour walk along the beach on Saturday. Spent most of Friday unpacking and putting away all the supplies/food we brought down to the house (we close the house from December to May 15). Not sure how many miles I walked along the beach–but I hadn’t walked on sand since last summer and forgot that it’s not easy. Will take another yoga class tomorrow morning before heading back home.</p>
<p>Congrats on your race Deb and Blankmind. Enjoyed the hiking video Plantmom. Hope the hot yoga will help with your injury MOWC. Idad–have you ever done yoga? I think you’d enjoy it. It’s a good workout and requires lots of core strength.</p>
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<p>Ha. That would be a hoot. Ol’ fat guys don’t do yoga!</p>
<p>Actually, from what I’ve seen of it on YouTube, it’s similar to stuff I do as warm up and core exercises. Close cousins, maybe…</p>
<p>I am so amazed at the consistency that most of you who report in this thread work-out. Do you not have annoying needy children that get in your way. Elderly family that needs you. Do you ever lose your focus. How is it that you stay so consistent. Although I have made great improvements, I still find myself at the mercy of my family and others that take my energy and focus. For many of you, it seems like staying fit is your primary focus and priority. I wonder if it is the stage of life you are in or if you just have a magic trick to share with me that keeps you motivated and able to keep up your consistency. I am truly in awe! And, if there is a secret, can you please share it with me! I wonder if the discipline you show is a quality you have in the rest of your lives. Sorry for the ramble. Just wondering!</p>
<p>Hi all! Hope everyone had a nice long weekend/beginning of summer.We had OK weather (some rain, lots of gray/clouds) but at least it was fairly warm. </p>
<p>Congratulations to both deb and blankmind! I haven’t really thought about signing up for any races – I think I need to go for a longer stretch of time with consistent running (i.e. no injuries, so lengthy hiatuses) before I consider that. I can’t weigh in on running shorts since I only wear CW-X capris that have a sort of built in knee support. The length doesn’t bother me even in the heat of the summer.</p>
<p>Headed out to the gym in a few minutes. The rest of this week, in addition to the gym, my exercise will be continuing the seemingly never-ending weeding/cultivating, and cleaning the house top to bottom in preparation for a dinner party on Sunday. Two out of the 3 couples invited I don’t even know, and the main reason we seem to be hosting is because everyone wants a tour of the house! (Hence the thorough cleaning.) Oh well, it’s a good way to kick off the “on” season here at the beach. </p>
<p>Kudos on the races!</p>
<p>Peaceful mom, I do have a tip, but it sounds easier than it is and it is by no means foolproof. Get up early enough to engage in your baseline activity for at least half an hour to an hour and let the world know that is YOUR time.
I work late and have a lot of demands on my time. But for at least 3-4 weekdays, I absolutely slot in the morning time to get up the hill, and now that its warm enough, cool down with a post-hill swim. That might mean getting up between five and six, but its the only way I know to put it in. </p>
<p>Anytime thereafter is a crap shoot for me. Even weekends are unpredictable, though if I haven’t actually exercised, I will try to make sure I engage in something that requires exertion.</p>
<p>Yesterday, it was weed whacking a waist-high field for 2+ hours 
I’m not finished either…those hours only nailed a third of the field…my arm strength held up fine but I could no longer squeeze the trigger as my hands cramped. Unfortunately, the designers of my new, good, battery-powered weed whacker never imagined some crazy broad would just use multiple batteries to keep going so there’s no trigger stay.</p>
<p>It seems I’m never short on chores around here that involve exertion…in fact, part of my motivation to keep hauling up the hill is to stay in shape enough to manage to LIVE here for a good while to come. That’s the marathon I’m training for and it’s a long haul grift :)</p>
<p>I have always thought Crossfit was a really bad idea, but for anyone considering it, you should read this. I think it is a fair assessment.
<a href=“Why I don't do CrossFit - The Daily Dot”>Why I don't do CrossFit - The Daily Dot;
<p>Peacefulmom- Many of us here have huge demands on our time. I have the most demanding lawyer job of my entire career. I love it, but it is extremely fast paced and I have a lot of responsibility and it weighs on me. I have also faced kid issues (surgeries, travel, moves) with my 2 young adults as well as significant eldercare situations (out of state). I still managed to run 960 days without missing a day and compete in races at a level good enough to bring home some age group awards. I am also involved in my church, a college sports fan and other activities.</p>
<p>One key is to make it a priority in your life- just like eating or sleeping. As kmcmom said, early morning might need to be “your” time. You may need to be selfish about it. My kids were raised knowing that Mom and Dad’s exercise was going to be built into the day, even if it was running from one of their sport practices! There are always demands on our time, but, if we are honest, there aren’t many days that you can’t take 30 minutes to do something physical. It requires adjustments and flexibility. If the gym is 30 minutes away (or the pool, yoga studio, etc) that is probably not going to “stick”. You might need to get some home equipment. IDad and others can tell you how cheaply you can get what you need, really. We’re talking bands and a few weights, walking is usually accessible to anyone- even out of town or in an airport. </p>
<p>Having a workout buddy or accountability partner ( we are here for that) helps, too. </p>
<p>Bromfield- thanks. The yoga won’t help fix this injury but foes provide me the workout fix I need. It will also help me going forward with balance and strength, which will help prevent a reoccurrence, this goes back to the same old glute weakness, probably. I have a little feeling all the Vivofit barefoot walking on the sand in Florida a few weeks ago might have strained that piriformis, which makes the 2nd bad injury I’ve gotten after a Florida beach trip. Just different use of the muscles.</p>
<p>I am In really great pain a lot of the day. I am working on the trigger point, which when I get it a little relaxed, the pain eases. At the worst, I can barely walk. The oral steroids (not quite finished yet but no horrible side effects) and the shot have not seemed to help. What helps is Tylenol (not a fan, but a necessity now) and beer. A combination of the two is particularly effective and I can walk the dog around the block without agony. I’m doing my PT exercises and he will work on the trigger point again on Thursday. Yoga seems to go OK, except for walking in and out of the studio. It’s just a knot in huge muscle in the middle of my butt that is impinging on the sciatic nerve.</p>
<p>I agree fully with MOWC Peacefulmom. 30 mins is all exercise has to take. That might be a 3 mile run, a 2 mile walk, a great core workout or a yoga/Zumba / whatever video! I just look for a 30 minute pocket of time - it’s rare that its not there somewhere! I spend very little time “sitting” during the day - I work, have an elderly parent out of town, one high schooler still at home and a recent college grad back home for the moment. Just as I have to find time for emptying the dishwasher or folding the dang laundry, getting out and moving HAS to happen! </p>
<p>MOfWC, what a great post about finding time to exercise. So true.
I hate to sound as if I’m lecturing, but please be carefull mixing Tylenol and alcohol. This is a classic medicinal chemistry example of liver metabolism (The link explains what happens when the liver is hit wih both alcohol and acetaminophen). One beer is probably ok, but I would not push it any further.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Acetominophen.pdf”>http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Acetominophen.pdf</a></p>
<p>So sorry that your pain is not easing off significantly with the meds. :(</p>