I’ve done a one and a half hour ride many times in the last 6 weeks or so, but today, I’m just absolutely beat. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve finally got some actual heat going on…
Trainer today–worked with TRX, kettlebells, weight work on Smith machine. Also did a Pilates reformer class.
Liked your National Running Day post, MOWC.
Thanks, Bromfield!
I’m getting concerned about how much I sit. I’m working up the nerve to ask for an adjustable desktop at work so I can stand. I can plant my butt and be stuck for 2 hours or more! Even taking walking breaks and getting the steps, the fact is that I am sitting too much, and I really believe it is harmful from a health standpoint. We have several adjustable desktop contraptions at work, but most of them are for folks with real medical needs (back issues, etc) and one very senior VP. 
I’m pretty sure my boss would approve it, but I feel a little guilty since I am obviously not a medical problem (at this point). I am tempted to pay for it myself, but I’m not sure they like you to do that.
You could volunteer to be a guinea pig advocating for the idea to be expanded within the company for those who might be interested. Truly, you could be a mini research study!
You could offer to make a donation to a charity your company supports as a way of making a contribution towards the desk.
MOfWC, in my place of work, our General Counsel got the first standing desk. Then someone else, and then another guy, and so on. They are not as expensive as they used to be! I think if it prevents you from taking one sick day off, the company is in the green. So go for it! Make a business case.
They are under $300, but you still need a reason. I’m sure I could get a doctor’s note from someone. I’m the HR lawyer, so my request would not be denied
No workouts to report – we’re “in transition” from the beach to our urban location and on to my college reunion in ME this weekend.
BUT, I did want to report on my new running shoes. We live around the corner from Marathon Sports, which is a well-known running store with multiple locations in the greater Boston area. They advertise their shoe fitting prowess, and since I’ve only ever gone to a large sporting goods store, tried on a bunch of shoes and picked one, I thought I’d “get fitted.” The clerk watched me walk barefoot, we talked about my running, and then she brought out about 6 different pairs of shoes. First I tried the latest version of what I’ve been wearing, Brooks Ravenna. Long story short – I ended up with Asics. I was having an issue with a little too much wiggle room in the heel, and she said the Asics run just a tad narrower. So, even though in the past I’ve been able to buy shoes using a 20% off coupon at the large chain store, I felt it was worth it to pay full price this time around.
Happy Weekend to all!
CBB- it really does help to have a good fitting. Even at the specialty running stores, there are some personnel that are much better than others. Sounds like you got a good one!
The mile race last night was a fun event. I can say that I don’t really like this length of a race, though. It was too hard to figure out the pacing. And it was hard! I felt more beat after running it than I do after my typical 3-5 mile evening run - and I didn’t earn anywhere near as many calories. I ended up running 7:15. I don’t know how I placed but there weren’t that many ahead of me (this was the “Masters” division of over 40 females). It was a fun time and a good festivities afterwards, but not something I would probably do again.
Nrdsb4-I hope you’ve recovered from your ride. The heat can be so oppressive where you live. Hopefully you will get used to it again.
MOWC-you should go for it on the desk. Really, if you know it’s going to get approved then you’re doing a favor for other employees. There are probably many who would like the standing desk but don’t have the rank to feel they can make the request. As you and other higher level execs get them, it makes a case for the working level employees to be able to make a request. Your company seems very sensitive to promoting healthy habits and it’s another way to help support that image.
CBB-I hope you love your new running shoes. It helps so much to have somebody who knows what they are doing to fit you for the right shoe.
ohiopublic-I meant to mention that this race was set up perfectly for warming up. It was a mile straight down the main street downtown. Packet pick-up and the finish line ended right at the circle, the starting line was a mile north. So after picking up my bib, I did an easy one mile jog to the start line. It was a great way to warm up!
Speaking more about the standing desk…as you sit at your desk during the day, note at times HOW you sit - and probably, how bad it is for more than just your behind! I get antsy in my chair. I cross my legs, sit on one leg, lean forward, slouch, tense up my legs to try and lift myself and give my butt a break, etc. - none of this which is really good for probably many parts of my body!
If I’m one of your co-workers I might say, “cool, look what MOWC got - maybe if it works the admins will think about doing that for more of us” - I would see you as the office pioneer.
MOWC - here’s a study that came out Monday supporting standing at work:
I am loving my new standing desk & find myself standing 4-5 hours per day, with lots of swaying,etc to keep from getting uncomfortable. People in the company keep coming by to see my setup as if I were a museum exhibit - no one else has yet made the switch, but I expect that someone will soon. And I come home physically tired (not just mentally like before) and sleep very well!
Glad it went well, C3Baker. We used to have a straight mile race like that back in my Dallas days (in Plano, for @Nrdsb4 's benefit) and I thought it was really hard.
I did take the first steps to getting the standing work station. I have to go through the ADA accommodation process, so I asked for a note from my bone doctor. It’s not like I can’t have just about anything I want around here, but we are a lean company, and I want to do it the right way. If you walk around, you do see some standing work stations- even in some of the cubicles- and a few ball chairs.
I’m trying not to freak out about my hot, hilly and beautiful half marathon tomorrow. I haven’t run one since Toronto in October, since both of the winter races were iced out. When I picked up my packet yesterday the race director told me that there is now an award category for Senior Grandmasters (over 60) in the overall categories. I told him I wasn’t planning on being fast, and he said, “Well, there aren’t that many of you. Just saying…” I really didn’t need that pressure.
C3Baker - 7:15 is a great time!
@C3Baker, thank you!
Today I purposely did only a 30 minute ride. I feel great, not tired at all.
I am taking my bike to our lake house (where there are actual “real” hills) today. Hope to improve my ability to do hills and recover more quickly afterward.
@CBBBlinker, glad to hear you got some new shoes. Once, when I was running a lot in my youth, I had terrible shin splints. Found out my dirt cheap shoes were the cause. Got some really good quality shoes, and oh my gosh, what a difference!
Gertrude- thanks! I’ve seen a few things recently that brought this back to my attention. I think I’ll want to get something a little more cushioned to stand on, too.
I was an “early adopter” with a ball chair 2 jobs ago and everyone laughed and laughed and then said, “Hey, can I try that?” I was going to bring a ball here, but my desk chair is actually pretty good.
MOWC, there was an office episode where Dwight brings one of those ball chairs to work and proceeds to annoy everyone with it. Jim finally popped it with a pair of scissors-while Dwight was sitting on it, of course. 
Yeah- one guy here sort of bounces on his and you see this head bouncing up and down over the top of his cubicle. At least I have an office, so I could do ab crunches in private!
I would love to bounce on a ball chair!
I do push-ups in my office
Finally go to go back to a lunch time spin class. Work schedule has prohibited it the last few weeks. My D came and took it with me - her first spin class. Felt proud that I could share a physical activity with her.
(and to be honest, great to do something other than running which has all I have done the last few weeks!)