<p>MOWC, my curiosity was piqued by the above comments so I did a search of this forum to better understand the history. Along the way, I stumbled onto your post about the parenting travails that may explain your online monicker ;). I think you and I should co-author a book!</p>
<p>Today is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year. An important holiday in the Jewish calendar that marks the beginning of a 10 day period of self reflection. It seems only fitting that I will be spending the day finishing the rehabbing of my basement as a training studio in anticipation of the equipment delivery scheduled for Saturday. A New Year, with new beginnings.</p>
<p>And it’s pouring rain here, so indoor wattage training on the bike for me today before the family and friends descend for the holiday dinner at our house.</p>
<p>For me running 3 miles is my perfect run. I’ve decided that 3 miles is where I’m most comfortable. I like to do other things than run. I can go out and run my 3 miles and start to finish it takes less than an hour out of my day. I like to golf and I like to ride my bike. I like what I do to be unstructured. </p>
<p>I did a 10k earlier this year. It was great and I am sure I will do it again next year. But to run 3 miles, it’s not something I have to think about. When I was training for the 10k, it was training. I had to be scheduled in my run days, in my mileage and in fueling and hydration. Which is fine and I totally understand but right now I’m happy to get out there and get it done and not think about my long run that week. Or what to eat or how to carry my sports drink. </p>
<p>I am also happy that this is a happy positive non competitive place to go. </p>
<p>Sabaray, you can do it. I am in awe! Even though I am happy with my running right now, it doesn’t mean that I don’t understand the commitment and time it takes to do this. I am so happy for you. </p>
<p>For me personally, being exhorted to “beat someone else” completely turns me off. It’s why I despised gym class growing up, and even today I find I do much better in environments where I can just what I do and that’s fine. I may never run more than a 5K, and I’ll never break 30 mins, but I’ve run ten of them, and that’s something I never ever thought I could say about myself and that is all the victory I need. </p>
<p>I think for me the biggest hurdle was also thinking of myself as a person who could do and enjoy athletic things. Two examples - there is a forest preserve in my area that features a long stone step “staircase.” I asked my D to hike it with me when she was last in town and we had so much fun we plan to do it again. I <em>never</em> would have voluntarily chosen to do something like that before. Second example - a Barre studio opened near my work. I corralled a bunch of coworkers - most of whom I’m old enough to be their mother - and we are all taking an intro class next week. Me, the gym dropout. These are the victories I need and I thank this thread for being supportive of all goals. </p>
<p>I very much understand the desire to enjoy fitness and exercise for its intrinsic value and feelings of gratification. By nature, I can be a very competitive person. I was a collegiate level competitive diver and also spent many years involved in martial arts competitions. Professionally, I have spent the last 36 years of my life as a lawyer with an advocacy/litigation practice. Twenty years ago, I decided the world of exercise and fitness was going to be my haven to escape from the competition and Type A behaviors that played so much of a role in my life. Today, the only sports competitions I have are with my self. Can I be a little better today or tomorrow that I was yesterday or today. Can I achieve steps to hit my personal goals and feel good about accomplishing them. Many of my cycling friends have urged me to race. I refuse. It would destroy the beauty and calm I get from my riding because it would change my mindset. Even though I often push myself hard and ride with some hardcore racers, I do it for the experience of challenging myself to be better, to feel accomplished in my own skin, not to “beat” anyone else. For others, the competition is exhilarating and motivates them. I understand and respect that too. It’s just not for me. It all gets back to what’s right for each individual. We are all seeking to be healthier, fitter and better in our own ways.</p>
<p>If I am not mistaken (and I might very well be), abasket, sabaray and I were all fairly newbie, beginning runners working up to 5Ks. They have both “overtaken” me in that they’re now faster, speedier and more consistent. I went off in another direction with hot yoga and Pilates and strength training and toned down my running focus in favor of biking with my H (we have a tandem). But it’s all good. </p>
<p>So I’ve discovered a new breakfast for myself. Even IDad would approve (well at least in part) ;). Ezekial 7 grain English Muffin, 2 Applegate Naturals Turkey Sausage patties, 2 slices of cheddar cheese, spinach leaves, all toasted, melty and so delicious washed down with a glass off skim milk. It keeps me fully satiated until lunch. Gone is the “healthy” cereal with fruit and milk. My new nutrition plan based on 40-50% carbs from mostly non-grain sources with the balance divided about equally between protein and fats seems to be working well. I’ve cut out all cereals, pastas and breads (except for the one Ezekial muffin per day) and have added a load of rainbow assorted veggies. It’s only been a few weeks but I think I’m seeing changes.</p>
<p>^^ If that was DadII’s intent, that’s just plain silly and a bit delusional. The reality is, a marathon or half marathon at a 9 minute pace, while a laudable accomplishment for all us “civilians” for whom that is a personal goal, hardly gives anyone bragging rights with their noses in the air. Tell me about it when you’re doing it at 6:30 minute mile pace or better. And the funny thing is that those who can hit those markers generally don’t look down their noses at their less accomplished brethren. Instead they appreciate the “critical mass” of excitement about a sport that gets generated by the participation of those at all levels of abilities. It’s just like with my cycling. I may feel great when I’m averaging 20 mph with hills and with speeds of 28 mph for long distances on the flats… And then I get blown off the road by the racers who average 35 mph on the flats and 28 mph with hills lol. And along the way, I do loads of rides, with pleasure, with riders who want to average 14.5 mph. We are all in this together.</p>
<p>Interesting how folks started on a path to fitness. The only fitness activity I engaged in as a kid was volleyball. I went out for a team in high school, but only because I wanted to be with my friends. Never did anything athletic again until I was in my mid-20s. My first husband was a runner and persuaded me to train and run the NYC Marathon with him. Since I was a lot slower than he was, I ended up running by myself during the training runs. I thought running was torture, but I finished the marathon and it was the beginning of the end–we divorced a year later. Never ran a race again either–too many bad memories. </p>
<p>About 6 years ago, I had a health scare (spot on my breast that required a biopsy and was benign) and decided I needed to get serious about health and fitness. I joined a gym, hired a trainer, and started doing a variety of fitness activities. Along the way I lost 40 pounds–since then, I’ve gained back 10 a few times, but have lost it (not without a struggle, which makes me realize that it’s better to just not gain it). I’ve also learned that I’m very strong for a woman my age and can lift heavy weights. I’m really proud of that. Sometimes, I’ll look around in yoga or a cycling class and realize that there isn’t anyone who is remotely near my age (62). My goal is to just keep active until I drop and push myself to try new things. I started yoga this year and I really enjoy it. Also started working with a new trainer–which is really good because she has challenged me in areas that the other trainer didn’t. Which is what I did today–an hour of training with a focus on lower body stuff plus some dead lifts (85 pounds–not bad for a 62-year-old almost senior citizen!!) I think this is a great place for support and advice.</p>
<p>Pizzagirl, your posts about Pilates are what motivated me to finally get it in gear and try it out - and I love it. I don’t know that hot yoga and I are ever going to be friends though - it just never seems to work in my schedule. I’ve only been “running” for the past 18 months but have done a half and a 10k in that time. I’ve never run a 5k, although that was my original goal back in 2009 when the thread started! </p>
<p>Michael, I’m going to look for those muffins. I eat something pretty similar as one of my two breakfast options - no cheese though. </p>
<p>I’m pretty sure MOWC could kick my rear pretty good on a run, even when on injured reserve. I’m grateful to have her expert tips and encouragement. Makes a big difference. </p>
<p>“The reality is, a marathon or half marathon at a 9 minute pace, while a laudable accomplishment for all us “civilians” for whom that is a personal goal, hardly gives anyone bragging rights with their noses in the air. Tell me about it when you’re doing it at 6:30 minute mile pace or better. And the funny thing is that those who can hit those markers generally don’t look down their noses at their less accomplished brethren.”</p>
<p>The biggest RL support for my running (or what I do that kind of resembles running, ha ha) has been from my multiple-Boston-Marathon-running friend whose best marathon time was well under 3 hours. He was completely supportive of me even though I was running literally half as fast and for only 1/9 the distance! He helped me understand that it didn’t matter at all – that I needn’t compare myself to his 30 years of training and it didn’t matter if I didn’t get anywhere other than where <em>I</em> wanted to be with it all. I’m still not sure where I want to go with this - do I want to try to get faster, run longer distances – I don’t know, but it’s about me, not beating anybody else. </p>
<p>Welcome back San-dee, though sorry to hear you are on the injured list! Do your best to follow the PT protocol and good job getting creative with what you CAN do!</p>
<p>Dad II (if you are still reading) you yourself have made great strides from many moons hear on CC. Kudos to you. But you know, there will always be someone faster/stronger/more competitive. As DebT said, we all have other baggage that may contribute to what we can or WANT to do. And sometimes we have to do things on our own physical and mental schedule. It took me 53 years to take up the pavement. As PG said, the bibs I display on my refrigerator secured with a magnetic chip clip and marked on the back to the event, date and my time are my “trophy” of success. But they represent more than a run time - they are a reminder of an accomplishment that I stay dedicated to. </p>
<p>In our house we also celebrate “small wins”. My first 5k was run in about 34-35 minutes. My last, under 32. Small win! A couple weeks ago, I found myself with extra time on my jaunt to the park to run so I ran 5 miles - I don’t always have the time for that, but that day “small win!” I don’t need the big win. Small wins are satisfying. </p>
<p>I have learned so much here - and admire the folks on this thread for a myriad of reasons. I can think of some of you I’d love to run alongside with on a 5K and some I would want to say, “good luck! But please run on ahead!” because I know their skill level is beyond my own and I’m PERFECTLY OK with that. </p>
<p>My win is that I can hear about an exercise class and a) it sounds interesting (as opposed to deadly) and b) I have enough confidence in it that I can give it a shot. I’ve done some higher-level hot yoga classes that kicked my butt. And it always seems I’m in these classes with women young enough to be my daughter, whose body parts are all appreciably higher than my own But I also now know – what’s the worst that happens? I take a child’s pose for a minute and then catch up when I’m ready? Nothing bad will happen, the world will still spin on its axis, and most importantly, no one else in the room really cares one way or the other. I get nervous before my 5K’s (I have one this weekend) and I’ve had to tell myself - what’s the worst that happens? You walk the rest of the way. </p>
<p>Even Jeff Galloway’s method of run-walk has helped me break the mindset. I’m woefully cardio undertrained right now, and about 5 pounds up from my low. So maybe I run a minute, walk a minute. Whatever. The fact that I look forward to it – that’s an AMAZING win for someone like me, who can still be brought to tears by memories of being picked last in gym class right before the fat kids. </p>
This post kind of made my day because that’s exactly how I’m feeling right now, 3 weeks to the day of buying a bike. I have never had so much fun before working out hard. In the past I did it, but hated it a great deal of the time. Today I did 13.4 miles. I don’t know if that would measure up to certain posters’ ideals, but it makes me very happy considering that 3 weeks ago I did a wobbly 2 miles and was totally out of breath and sore afterwards.
As to the gym class picking people, I too would have been picked towards the end if not for my super athlete best friend who was always captain and always picked skinny little total non athlete me first. No wonder we are still best friends-couldn’t ever let a gem like that go!
<p>Well, thank you abasket, I am TRYING to get creative and follow the PT protocol but it is awful BORING. . I am a big baby, and spoiled, I have had injuries before, but never one that took me out of things for so long. Poor me. </p>
<p>MichaelNKat, thanks for the tip regarding the bicycle shorts. “Nothing between me and my Calvins” made a big difference. Silly me. Well, live and learn!
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<p>OKay, go away for a day… So many posts to catch up with!</p>
<p>I can’t decide if Dad II was simply teasing or what. No smileys in that post on my screen. </p>
<p>San-dee, now it would be a good time to work on your toned arms. You can do a lot of upper body free weights exercises without putting any strain on the knee while it is healing. Sit on a bench or chair and do the lifts and crunches. </p>
But I also now know – what’s the worst that happens? I take a child’s pose for a minute and then catch up when I’m ready? Nothing bad will happen, the world will still spin on its axis, and most importantly, no one else in the room really cares one way or the other. I get nervous before my 5K’s (I have one this weekend) and I’ve had to tell myself - what’s the worst that happens? You walk the rest of the way. </p>