And then, there are those who combine the ventilary threshold approach (talk test) with heart rate training by pegging heart rate at each VT threshold and using those numbers to set up hr training zones instead of trying to determine max hr. It’s all different ways of trying to get to the same place, there are pros and cons to each method and it either can be a lot of fun figuring out what process works for you or can make your head spin ! 
Jym: do you have a heart rate monitor? If not, buy one. That way you’ll have a better sense of how high your HR is. The monitors on the machines in the gym (elliptical and treadmills) are not very reliable. Agree with what MOWC says above about the benefits of the heart rate monitors.
Worked out with my trainer today–lots of core work/lunges/kettle bell work/battle ropes/running up/down stairs–it was a good workout. I also did 30 minutes on the elliptical before I left.
@NJres : Have you looked at Joe Friel’s book Fast after Fifty? Full of good research.
Wanted something a little different from running but our gym is on “holiday break” for classes (university) so…45 mix of two youtubes - salsa and cardio core!
I have been struggling with this cold, but after work headed to a “flex and flow” barre class. Really hard! Incorporated a lot of upper body work using resistance tubing wrapped around the barre and core work. Nice mix of ages and body types as well so I felt very comfortable. My chest still feels congested, so I’m going to try and do some cardio at the gym tomorrow morning. Don’t think I can handle the hill.
I have said, I have a Fitbit HR.
Forgot to post yesterday – 45 mins on the Arc machine and 15 mins of other cardio.
Today’s workout will include wading through the USPS international shipping mazes to send S Christmas goodies in South Korea. That will be the not-so-fun part – then I’m off on my 1 day of shopping at actual brick and mortar stores in downtown Boston. Walking through Boston Common will be an added bonus!
Hey everyone - the entire Rock & Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon series is on sale today - some up to 50% off. I’m planning to sign up for San Diego and possibly Las Vegas half-marathons
http://www.runrocknroll.com/worldwide-series-sale/
^^^ Great deal!
Took the day off to do cookie baking with D2 today. Also need to take her to a dentist appointment mid-day - how’s that for opposites?! Cooking baking vs Dentist!
Took a long walk this morning with pup because I could (not going to work) and will do the same later in the day.
Lots of good food at my book club party last night but I took only small portions and ate slowly. Treadmill this AM and plan to go to yoga this evening.
One day at a time.
I stopped by work this morning (yeah, on my day off). We share our academic space with another department and the ladies were whining about “oh my, so much food around! And we are having Olive Garden for lunch today so I guess dieting and exercise will have to wait!” - why is this the mentality? FallGirl has it right - no one is asking you to be a saint - enjoy some food. Have smaller portions. Cut down your eating or choices the other meals of that day. GET THE 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE IN!
I admit I get very frustrated with the “I’ll get on the diet/exercise/health bandwagon in a few weeks” mentality. Have your cake and work it off too!!!
CBBBlinker, my suggestion is to fill out the customs form at home on the USPS website, print it, and bring it with you. It will make shipping so much easier!!! The bar code on the printed form contains all of the information that the PO can retrieve by scanning it, and all you have to do is to pay for the package. You can probably do it at home, too. I just sent a package to friends in Europe this way. Took me less than 5 min at the PO.
I lost 2 pounds this week. The bad news is that it is all due to stress… not healthy food or exercise.
I hate that, Bunsen…I hope your stress resolves soon. Be gentle with yourself.
Thanks, will try. I need to get my butt out onto the trail!
With stress, maybe you DO need a tad of comfort food!!
@BunsenBurner - yeah, I tried the USPS website last night. I found it confusing since I was mailing a bunch of different gifts, not just one thing. And there were all these warning about how I was supposed to list each and every item and give its value – but there wasn’t enough room on the form to do that. Add the fact that their website was incredibly s-l-o-w and I finally gave up. Fortunately I had the inspired thought to go to Staples instead of the local branch of the USPS! No lines, a very helpful, pleasant clerk, and BOOM! I was done.
Lovely walk through the Common & Public Garden. Hit 10K steps with no problem.
I agree. A few weeks ago when my scale was inching up I decided to practice more mindful eating and get on the treadmill now, not after the new year. There will still be parties and treats, but I don’t have to just give up.
The weather is due to “change” tonight - we have had 50+ for several days - so lucky! Looks like a brief period where “3” will be the first digit in the temperature reading. So, took a mid day cookie baking break and did a 3 mile run. Just so, so lucky to be running 1/2 of December in capris and a tech shirt.
I can’t wait for the temperature break! Mid 80’s and humid in central Florida, still. I hit the gym for 5 mile run on the treadmill followed by weights. Today was just one of those days when I needed a hard workout with loud music to get out some mental kinks. My youngest is home for his Christmas break. I love having him here, even if it means doubling up on the food prep!
CBB, not to derail the thread… But if you have similar items, group them in the declaration. “Assorted chocolates” - 5 - 2 lb - $10. That’s what I always do. Always works. You don’t have to list every single bar separately. And guesstimate the weight and value.
Will be stress-free by the end of this week, fingers crossed. Ate a burger for lunch - tossed the bun.