(I give up!)
MOWC, thank you for your comment. When I was searching for a trade name for my personal training studio/practice, I ultimately chose one incorporating “Odyssey” in the name because on many levels I really do conceive a fitness lifestyle to be an “epic journey” through life. As we evolve, change and age, so too must our goals and approaches to fitness. We can’t and shouldn’t remain static, rotely doing the same things all the time. To an outsider looking in, all of our reports about our runs, races, cycling, exercise plans and sessions and accomplishments probably appear to be more than a bit narcissistic but it’s this sharing of our experiences that is part of what makes this board so special. I really enjoy reading about what everyone is doing and the sharing of experiences and knowledge because I appreciate that everyone is on their own personal fitness journey through their own lives and the sharing on this board enables me to share a bit in that experience.
Perhaps all of this is part of the reason that IDad’s presence on this board is keenly missed by so many. He unstintingly shared so much of his own Odyssey.
Great post, MNK!
Michael, I love your posts. I so wish I could come train with you!
Bunsen, I have one of Matt Fitzgerald’s books - New Rules - parts of it are way over my head - the training in particular, but he does have useful guidance on eating that works for slowpokes like me! I too would like to lose weight - I had hoped to lose more this year but I’ve gone the opposite direction. I need to keep reminding myself that healthy eating is not a license to eat a lot of healthy food. When I look at my intake, though, it’s not substantially different than what I’d been eating previously to lose. Carbs are higher though, and I think that’s my sign to cut back on those. I’m not a bear preparing for winter!
MNK’s practice is literally 5 mins from where I grew up, in suburban Philly. Next time I get out there, I want to check out that studio and meet him!
Your words are so true MK - you echoed and put into words the truth about this thread!
Day off today for the Veteran’s holiday! Every Veteran’s Day I take my pup for his yearly appt at the VET! It’s a beautiful day so some outside time for me and pup is in order! One nice walk off the checklist this morning!
Pizzagirl, it would be a pleasure to meet you. If you happen to be out this way in warm weather, we can even play outside! 
An article on metabolism with some practical suggestions:
Ha, ha abasket – taking your dog to the VET on VETerans’ Day!
Cardio + weights yesterday. I took it easy on the weights after my “hiatus” to help prevent the “aches and pains of restarting.” Running this morning – 4.16 miles. I’m still feeling uncoordinated and out of whack, but today was marginally better than Monday. Baby steps. Of course, as always, my favorite part of exercising is being done with it!
My office is closed today for Vetrans day so my first workout of the day will be lugging a 4 drawer legal size filing cabinet from our garage up 2 flights of stairs to a spare bedroom my wife uses as her office. It was delivered yesterday in the rain so I had the delivery guy drop it in the garage (2 flights of stairs) instead of our front door foyer (1 flight of stairs). In retrospect, that wasn’t the brightest idea. Getting it up the 2 flights without damaging the walls, the cabinet or myself will be a real test of “functional fitness” lol.
We are not closed today for Veterans’ Day, but our company tends to recognize holidays by letting us wear jeans- so jeans it is today!
Didn’t want to get out of the warm bed, but did my 4 miles this morning since I have a work dinner this evening. It was 42, clear and crisp- actually very nice.
I have 48 hours to decide on a spot at a local fitness center that specializes in personal trainers for almost every client. I would have two 55 minute sessions a week, for 12 weeks plus open access to the gym and a preliminary meeting with their registered dietician. These are friendly, supportive fitness professionals in a small, well-equipped space whose clients are generally older people. I had an informational “interview” and was really impressed by it all. But I may be having magical thinking about the whole concept’s ability to change me
The downside is the cost, which is around $1500 for the 12 weeks. We could barely afford it, but I am reluctant to believe it is the best way to spend our limited funds, esp. just on one of us. I don’t think we could afford for it to continue (past the 12 weeks, the fee would be less, but still more than we spend on things we can live without) We are also discussing buying a high-end rower for home instead of the trainer. It would be less, and everyone could use it, not just me.
What would you do?
$1500 for 24 private sessions? After accounting for the “fringe benefits,” that comes down to about $60/hr, which is not an unreasonable price. The main question is: can you really afford it without needing a loan? Do you have to pay the fee upfront? Are there any refund provisions if for certain reasons?
Maybe a better solution would be a handful of private sessions (to get you started on tge right track) followed by a series of less expensive group classes?
Speaking of home gym equipment, my rule is to buy something that you have used in the past regularly and enjoyed or something that almost certainly will be used (like a treadmill if you are training for races during snowy/rainy months).
I would love to get into the Lululemon conversation but I’m so damn cheap. Idad got me conditioned to hit the tjmaxx/Marshall racks. I don’t like to spend much on good (expensive!) clothes because I feel I’m going to trash them. I’m an all “whites and colors wash together in the washer” type of guy. Can’t take the time separating and worrying about temperature, right detergent and dryer temperature! My family has learned that if they have anything nice they need to keep it away from my wash pile.
Question for the group, if you don’t mind- I have recently taken up aquacise and am trying to figure out the best bathing suit option to provide umm, firm support. Any recommendations?
http://www.speedousa.com/conservative-ultraback-with-princess-seam—powerflex/style-7235031
This looks like something that could work: fabric that is somewhat chlorine-resistant, supportive upper part…Suits always get stretched out in the water, so when trying them on dryland, make sure the fit is very snug. If there is a local swim store that carries racing suits, I recommend going there and checking what they have for water jogging etc.
I have this suit from Nike - I do not like suits with a built in bra but have found this one to be supportive and flattering. And yes, I need support. I use it for vigorous sport type water exercise. As Bunsen mentioned, make sure it fits very snugly.
http://www.nikeswim.com/products/detail/nylon-core-solid-fast-back-tank/#001
@ohiopublic - I have a whole bunch of cheap workout wear from Old Navy that is newer than some of my Lulu stuff. Guess what - it’s trashed and I followed the washing/drying instructions exactly! The Lulu has held up really well and it’s more comfortable. No rubbing seams, no pinching where it shouldn’t, doesn’t have a strange smell…buy a piece or two and you might be convinced!
You might also find that Sileverescent shirts can be reused for workouts without washing them That’s what Mr. occasionally does, and even though his GC/MS-like nose makes him super sensitive to funky smells, he says the shirts truly don’t stink even after sweat-wringing workouts.
For aquacise- I’ve seen women wear sports bras and bike-style (no chamois) shorts in the pool. The tight speedo-style suits work well, too. There are a number of discount online swimsuit vendors that the swimmers/triathletes use to get cheaper suits.
Agree about the durability of Lulu and Athleta. To me, it’s worth the money.