This summer I realized how woefully out of shape I was. I went on a moderate hike with my friends and for the first time in my life I just couldn’t do it. I had to turn around. It literally made me cry to have to quit. September 1st I made a change, restricting my calories and exercising as much as I could handle. I started off 50 pounds overweight and unable to jog a half mile. Two months in I’ve dropped 23 pounds and can run 3-3 1/2 miles.
The challenge for me was how to keep it going. I’m a wimp in the cold, and I live in New England so that’s a problem. With some trepidation I signed up for Orangetheory Fitness. Today, my third class, was the kind of weather day I really needed to be inside for. It’s 42 degrees and raining. Ugh. Because my arms and core are quite weak I’ve had to modify a lot of the OT strength exercises but I know this will make me stronger.
OT is popular with several women in my running group - they do one or two classes a week as cross-training. Great results with the diet and exercise, congratulations!
I have a pretty extensive cold weather wardrobe now. I really hate the treadmill - it’s a last resort. I’m collecting some HIIT treadmill workouts to make it moderately more interesting this winter! I just don’t have room in my schedule to add anything else in.
@Sue22 -awesome! I prefer running outside at cooler temps, but last winter I supplemented outside runs with Orangetheory. I found it was a great combination of cardio and strength.
Another update: I got an email last week saying someone had dropped out of a hiking trip and would anyone like the spot for 50%? I quickly checked my calendar, and replied that I’d take the spot. I leave this week!
I have NEVER done anything like this. Never been on a paid-for hiking trip with guides. Never done something so spontaneous. Never spent $$ on myself only.
And, good thing it’s 50% off because the airfare is awful! Work will just have to wait until I get back! The earth will not stop spinning!
I was chuckling at the slew of emails I received for the trip, including one on conditioning. 5 months before your trip…3 months before your trip…oops, too late for that! My legs and lungs will just have to handle it, as is.
Sounds like fun @Midwest67 I wouldn’t worry about Utah, its mostly flat. :))
Seriously, a couple of years ago my family and I went to the big national parks in UT and I didn’t think there was anything that daunting and I’m not a big hiker like you. We went during the summer though and it’s probably getting very cold now.
Our Sunday hikes are mostly flat, and that’s why we knock out 10-12 miles. For sure, the elevation changes are going to be a challenge for me. I’m out of breath just typing that sentence.
When I return, I’ll re-visit the tiny glimmer of a thought that I might add a short run 1-3 days a week. I have Couch to 5K on my phone, I just haven’t used it!
While chewing my nuts and seeds this morning, I read that McDonald’s has promised to serve only cage free eggs by 2025. Of course, they’ll also begin serving this “hearty” breakfast sandwich on November 1:
I joined a gym yesterday - packed a gym bag, downloaded couch to 5K and am charging new wireless headphones. I hope I don’t embarrass myself . I’ve never been athletic or a regular exercises. Ever. But the 40’s are no joke for weight gain!
I like your avatar, @threebeans - adding in some exercise will definitely help with the health part! I think you’ll find that most gymgoers are too focused on their own workouts to pay attention to what anyone else is doing, so don’t worry about embarrassing yourself. C25K is a great program to get started if you enjoy running. If you find you don’t, there are certainly plenty of other cardio options. Let us know how it goes!
@Midwest67 The UT national parks are gorgeous. I’d go again for just the views, like Arches. The hikes that I remember were on paths and had some incline to them. But nothing like “double black diamond” type stuff. Great trip!
@threebeans Sabaray is correct. Most gymgoers are too focused on their own workouts. I know I am. And if you have a question about a machine, most folks will be happy to help you. Congrats to you, but remember, if you don’t like your gym, there’s always another one not that far away. I’ve gone thru a boatload of them over the years. Also, don’t be afraid to go to the weights area aka the “Geico Gym Bro” domain (it’s a funny commercial). :))
So, Sunday my legs were a bit dead and I only ran my 5K route. Last night I started my new programming cycle, which is entitled “Stamina.” Essentially, lower weight, but for longer time periods and more reps. Lots of squats last night! Ran a mile to warm up and then 1,500m of interval rowing during the workout.
It is about how women broke the hostile barrier of joining in endurance running during late 60s and early 70s. I was so shocked to learn that at that time, running was considered “not healthy for women’s child-bearing!”, women were only allowed to run 1.5 miles (!) by the very powerful amateur athletic union (AAU) and when they loosened up the rules reluctantly, they set the distance to 10 miles! And when they finally agreed to let women run marathon, they had to run 10’ earlier than the men!
One of the first women who did Boston marathon in 1967 was verbally abused by AAU regulator (her bib was violently rid off her back!) and her time was DQed!
As some of you probably know, I am a newbie in running and exercising, but I somehow got pretty emotional just listening to this podcast. I was mad but was also very much inspired by those women and men who challenged the authority and won in the end. Please listen to it. A great pod!
@threebeans
I was not athletic nor a regular gym goer until about 2 years ago. I am still not athletic, but I become a regular exerciser and I have never been this fit in my whole life. Exercise has made positive impacts both physically and mentally for me. And there are many “gurus” here as well! I learned a lot but more importantly, I got encouragement from people here and in real life. Exercise is hard but fun too.
I’m not sure. I’ve read about that problem, and I lean towards it not being that because I feel the sinus pain in my face, and not in my ears (which I’ve had before) and I feel nauseous whether I’m moving or not.
It feels more like what migraine sufferers have described — pain that makes you throw up. It doesn’t feel anything like motion sickness or vertigo.
Thank you for linking the manuveur. Bookmarking it, just in case!
I’m stocking up on “what works” to bring along on my hiking trip!
It most likely is not vertigo if you feel it when not in motion. I know pollens/mold are petty high for a long time around my area and my DS has been having stuffed nose for quite some time. And sinusitis is NOT fun.
Maybe beautiful Utah will heal any discomfort for you @Midwest67
