#3 Bucket List
Funnily enough I was reading an article of 225 things you should do before you die just yesterday. It must be a popular topic with it being the New Year and all.
Travel
1. Travel to Colorado - ski, hike, canoe, and explore
Everytime I see Colorado on television I feel drawn to it like it is the place I need to be because it has a taste of all seasons and feels like home.
2. Live on a boat for a whole summer
Chris and I talked about retiring on a cruiseship as it is cheaper than an old age home and still gives you all the benefits, but I would also spend the summer on a sailboat or cabin cruiser too.
3. Take my future kids to DisneyWorld
My husband has never gone and I went twice as a young child so I don't remember a lot (ie. the car ride down, the stay in the condo, and the days in the park are all equally exciting and memorable in my mind).
4. Backpack/Travel through Europe
5. Visit the West and East Coast of Canada
Family and Friends
1. Have 2 or 3 children
2. Renew my wedding vows on my 10th anniversary (also celebrate at least a 40th wedding anniversary with Chris)
Complete with new wedding dress, a photographer, and a small ceremony.
3. Become friends with other married couples my age that share common interests
Lifestyle
1. Buy a dream house in a small town on lots of land with mature trees
We currently own Chris' grandma's old house in a small town over looking the lake and it is awesome, but it is not what we would pick if we could spend $100-150,000 more.
2. Attend church often enough to become part of a church family
I've worked weekends for 7 years so I haven't been to church in ages.
3. Live debt-free
$50,000 of student loans take a long time to pay off.
Work
1. Have my own classroom of students to teach
Right now I teach multiple classes at multiple schools.
2. Retire before I'm 60 and take up volunteer work
I'm eligible at age 57!
3. Quit my part-time jobs
I love my part-time jobs most of the time, but it would be really nice to focus in on only one career.
Adventure
1. Skydive
2. Scuba dive
3. Friviously bet a large sum of money on one hand of blackjack or one spin of roulette
Skills
1. Do the splits
2. Cook a gourmet meal
3. Speak French fluently
4. Master an instrument (propbably piano or guitar)
5. Learn to sing
6. Learn sleight of hand magic tricks
7. Swim with proper form, learn to dive
8. Finish an entire Sunday Toronto Star crossword puzzle on my own
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Blog-a-day Challenge
I don't have the time or dedication to do a blog-a-day challenge. Plus, I think it could get boring to read depending on the topic. But, this one looked interesting so I am going to take up the challenge by posting about multiple topics every few days. My hope is that it will give me some inspiration on my non-gym days and get me blogging more frequently.
I came across it on She's Losing It which is a blog my husband got me onto.
1. New
I love tall black boots. I loved them before everyone started wearing them paired with skinny jeans, jeggings, tights, etc. I have had a pair in my shoe collection for as long as I can remember up until the past few years. Why did they suddenly drop out of my wardrobe?
One: Tall boots have to fit over your calves and I have big calves (18 inches to be exact). Yes, my calves are big because my body is big, but my calves are also big because they are toned and muscly - much to my husband's surprise when he first massaged them.
Two: I have been unable to find boots in standard shoe stores that will zip up. I used to have a winter pair from Sears that laced up the back with an extension panel, but nothing since.
The good news: I shopped at a Pennington's Superstore in London, Ontario that carries shoes to my surprise. And, low and behold they had two sexy pairs of tall black boots in my size. I am now the proud owner of knee high black leather boots with 3 inch heels! I tower over my husband in them as we are the same height on solid ground, but I feel sexy and that makes me feel happy.
2. Two
Two, two, two. What am I going to say about two? I have no idea (pause to think). What do I have two of? Two eyes, two ears, two hands, two feet, two boobs. Boobs! Chris and I went to the movies last night and watched This Is 40. It was hilarious (even Chris admitted he liked it). There are many scenes that focus in on the sex appeal of one actress' boobs, including a scene discussing the changes that occur to a women's breasts over the years.
For the most part I like my boobs. My husband loves my boobs. He claims I don't show them off enough, which working as an elementary school teacher I have to admit that is an intentional choice when selecting my wardrobe. The days I don't like my boobs are the days when I workout. When I'm running on the treadmill, or lifting weights, or jumping up on boxes, or doing any number of exercises, big boobs just get in the way and they hurt. There is no way my husband can sympathize with the uncomfortableness caused by bouncing boobies. My best solution to date it to wear a sports bra 3 cup sizes too small and just keep them squished to my body. I have no idea what I will do when I need to replace my current workout gear.
I came across it on She's Losing It which is a blog my husband got me onto.
1. New
I love tall black boots. I loved them before everyone started wearing them paired with skinny jeans, jeggings, tights, etc. I have had a pair in my shoe collection for as long as I can remember up until the past few years. Why did they suddenly drop out of my wardrobe?
One: Tall boots have to fit over your calves and I have big calves (18 inches to be exact). Yes, my calves are big because my body is big, but my calves are also big because they are toned and muscly - much to my husband's surprise when he first massaged them.
Two: I have been unable to find boots in standard shoe stores that will zip up. I used to have a winter pair from Sears that laced up the back with an extension panel, but nothing since.
The good news: I shopped at a Pennington's Superstore in London, Ontario that carries shoes to my surprise. And, low and behold they had two sexy pairs of tall black boots in my size. I am now the proud owner of knee high black leather boots with 3 inch heels! I tower over my husband in them as we are the same height on solid ground, but I feel sexy and that makes me feel happy.
2. Two
Two, two, two. What am I going to say about two? I have no idea (pause to think). What do I have two of? Two eyes, two ears, two hands, two feet, two boobs. Boobs! Chris and I went to the movies last night and watched This Is 40. It was hilarious (even Chris admitted he liked it). There are many scenes that focus in on the sex appeal of one actress' boobs, including a scene discussing the changes that occur to a women's breasts over the years.
For the most part I like my boobs. My husband loves my boobs. He claims I don't show them off enough, which working as an elementary school teacher I have to admit that is an intentional choice when selecting my wardrobe. The days I don't like my boobs are the days when I workout. When I'm running on the treadmill, or lifting weights, or jumping up on boxes, or doing any number of exercises, big boobs just get in the way and they hurt. There is no way my husband can sympathize with the uncomfortableness caused by bouncing boobies. My best solution to date it to wear a sports bra 3 cup sizes too small and just keep them squished to my body. I have no idea what I will do when I need to replace my current workout gear.
It's Beginning to Look Achievable
I finished my timed trials for my try-a-tri. I swam 300 metres (12 laps) in the pool the way I normally would with a time of 9 minutes. That puts me at the bottom of the pack for the swim section, but it is a time that reflects my inability to control my breathing while swimming with my face in the water.
I did 2 laps in the pool with goggles and a nose plug on. I have never been the type of person who can swim underwater without plugging her nose or constantly blowing air out of it so the nose plug is a new item for me, but it is a necessity for competition. These two laps I did in 30 seconds each instead of 45 seconds which makes sense as I was able to swim with much better form. However, I didn't breathe for most of those two laps and as a result was too winded to do any more continuous laps without taking a breather.
I will need to go back to the pool on a less busy day so I can have a whole lane to myself to practice breathing in time with my strokes. Once I accomplish this I am confident my swim time will fall around the 7 minutes mark (top race time is 6 minutes). I have also discovered that I will likely need a wetsuit (or a trisuit - which I just found out existed) for the race. It is not listed as a requirement, but no one in the photos is wearing just a bathing suit. Plus, it would be uncomfortable to cycle and run with a wet swimsuit under my clothes. Such as shame as I just bought a really cute purple swimsuit. Come summer I will have to try to hunt me down a plus sized trisuit, which from reading online is next to impossible.
As for my finishing time for all three events, it was 1 hour 4 minutes. The average time for females in my age group was 57 and a half minutes. I think I will get there even taking into account the fact that I did not time all three events back to back, nor did I do them out on the race course. My goal for August is to complete the try-a-tri in 55 minutes.
Also exciting on the fitness front... after gaining 5lbs over Christmas week I restarted my fitness routine and lost 4 of those 5lbs in one week. I don't expect the same results this upcoming week, but I am hopeful that I will lose 10lbs in the next 9 weeks before I depart on my Caribbean cruise. And, yes, I already have plans to hit the gym with Chris daily this year.
I did 2 laps in the pool with goggles and a nose plug on. I have never been the type of person who can swim underwater without plugging her nose or constantly blowing air out of it so the nose plug is a new item for me, but it is a necessity for competition. These two laps I did in 30 seconds each instead of 45 seconds which makes sense as I was able to swim with much better form. However, I didn't breathe for most of those two laps and as a result was too winded to do any more continuous laps without taking a breather.
I will need to go back to the pool on a less busy day so I can have a whole lane to myself to practice breathing in time with my strokes. Once I accomplish this I am confident my swim time will fall around the 7 minutes mark (top race time is 6 minutes). I have also discovered that I will likely need a wetsuit (or a trisuit - which I just found out existed) for the race. It is not listed as a requirement, but no one in the photos is wearing just a bathing suit. Plus, it would be uncomfortable to cycle and run with a wet swimsuit under my clothes. Such as shame as I just bought a really cute purple swimsuit. Come summer I will have to try to hunt me down a plus sized trisuit, which from reading online is next to impossible.
As for my finishing time for all three events, it was 1 hour 4 minutes. The average time for females in my age group was 57 and a half minutes. I think I will get there even taking into account the fact that I did not time all three events back to back, nor did I do them out on the race course. My goal for August is to complete the try-a-tri in 55 minutes.
Also exciting on the fitness front... after gaining 5lbs over Christmas week I restarted my fitness routine and lost 4 of those 5lbs in one week. I don't expect the same results this upcoming week, but I am hopeful that I will lose 10lbs in the next 9 weeks before I depart on my Caribbean cruise. And, yes, I already have plans to hit the gym with Chris daily this year.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Round Two: Great Success, Internal Debates, and Inspiration
After half a day in my school library reorganizing and reshelving all the books to prepare for the next few months of elementary school I made it to the gym for round two of my try-a-tri training. I hopped on the upright? bike (not the recumbant one), plugged in my headphones, turned on What Not to Wear, and set the bike to 'random' which gave me a series of hills to cycle. I chose my level (10-16) based on the resistance I was feeling during the climbs so that I could keep an RPM of at least 70 at all times.
My goal was to complete the 10km (6.21 miles) in under 30 minutes. It usually takes me 33 minutes to do 9km on the road so I new I would have to cycle like I was trying to race and not like I was just going out for jaunt. 30 minutes would also put me in the middle of the pack for the triathalon so anything less than this through further training would make up for my expected lengthier run time. I completed the 10km with great success! I had a final time of just of 26 minutes.
I am beyond happy with that time as this is the first time I've felt like I could actually compete in something. I surpassed my goal and now I have to figure out what my new one will be. For now, I will aim to shave 30 seconds off my time per month until the race. It will be interesting to see what my time is on the actual race course once the snow leaves Ontario in April/May. Did I mention I hate winter? Ugh!
Now for the internal debate...
Between the library and the gym I had an internal debate. It was after noon and I had not had lunch. Should I get something to eat before the gym or after? If I get it after than I would starve while cycling and eat too close to dinner. If I ate now than I would be buying fast food and I would be stuffed while cycling. I decided to get Subway and cycle stuffed.
Then I approached a gas station/coffee shop combo and pulled in thinking I could grab a muffin and a bottle of water instead because I would have a 20 minute drive to the gym from this location. Muffins are full of lots of calories though and I'm also trying to eat less breads (not eliminate them, just reduce as they make up a large part of my current intake). Therefore, my logic, grab the water to quench my current thirst and my future thirst while cycling and eat a chocolate bar for some interim energy at half the calories of a muffin. I didn't say it was a good idea, but that is the way my brain thinks when I'm hungry and craving sugar.
I brought my water up to the counter and perused the chocolate bars while I waited for the person ahead of me to pay. Should I get Reese's peanut butter cups? Or a Mr. Big because that would be more filling as a meal replacement? No, it is too sweet. What about a Mars bar? Or a Crunchie? Maybe I need a Crispy Crunch? I really want the peanut butter cups, but they don't wash down well with water to drink. Oh, too many choices, I'll just get the peanut butter cups.
Cue the inspiration...
Before I could reach for the chocolate I looked up and was greeted by someone who frequently inspires me through the things she has oversome and the fitness goals she sets for herself and she looked good. Good healthy and good happy. I even liked her outfit and wished I wore smaller clothes so I could go out and buy it on the way home. So I didn't grab the chocolate because the smart part of my brain kicked in and thought that really wouldn't be a good idea and it decided I would just have to cycle hungry and then grab Subway (and stress not McDonald's) on the way home after.
We chatted for a bit and she told me about her newest goal - to focus on her nutrition and diet for 3 months because she can do anything for 3 months. She was also going to continue with her current fitness (which includes horseback riding - so jealous!). I told her of my plans to go to the gym and cycle and she told me how she loves reading my blog and my husband's (www.wisdomcouragepower.blogspot.com). She didn't know why, but she new that it was inspirational and great to hear from other people going through the same struggles. I have to say it is inspirational to read other blogs too, hear feedback from others, and check in with friends about their own journeys.
Thanks for the push to do better today and good luck with your adventures.
My goal was to complete the 10km (6.21 miles) in under 30 minutes. It usually takes me 33 minutes to do 9km on the road so I new I would have to cycle like I was trying to race and not like I was just going out for jaunt. 30 minutes would also put me in the middle of the pack for the triathalon so anything less than this through further training would make up for my expected lengthier run time. I completed the 10km with great success! I had a final time of just of 26 minutes.
I am beyond happy with that time as this is the first time I've felt like I could actually compete in something. I surpassed my goal and now I have to figure out what my new one will be. For now, I will aim to shave 30 seconds off my time per month until the race. It will be interesting to see what my time is on the actual race course once the snow leaves Ontario in April/May. Did I mention I hate winter? Ugh!
Now for the internal debate...
Between the library and the gym I had an internal debate. It was after noon and I had not had lunch. Should I get something to eat before the gym or after? If I get it after than I would starve while cycling and eat too close to dinner. If I ate now than I would be buying fast food and I would be stuffed while cycling. I decided to get Subway and cycle stuffed.
Then I approached a gas station/coffee shop combo and pulled in thinking I could grab a muffin and a bottle of water instead because I would have a 20 minute drive to the gym from this location. Muffins are full of lots of calories though and I'm also trying to eat less breads (not eliminate them, just reduce as they make up a large part of my current intake). Therefore, my logic, grab the water to quench my current thirst and my future thirst while cycling and eat a chocolate bar for some interim energy at half the calories of a muffin. I didn't say it was a good idea, but that is the way my brain thinks when I'm hungry and craving sugar.
I brought my water up to the counter and perused the chocolate bars while I waited for the person ahead of me to pay. Should I get Reese's peanut butter cups? Or a Mr. Big because that would be more filling as a meal replacement? No, it is too sweet. What about a Mars bar? Or a Crunchie? Maybe I need a Crispy Crunch? I really want the peanut butter cups, but they don't wash down well with water to drink. Oh, too many choices, I'll just get the peanut butter cups.
Cue the inspiration...
Before I could reach for the chocolate I looked up and was greeted by someone who frequently inspires me through the things she has oversome and the fitness goals she sets for herself and she looked good. Good healthy and good happy. I even liked her outfit and wished I wore smaller clothes so I could go out and buy it on the way home. So I didn't grab the chocolate because the smart part of my brain kicked in and thought that really wouldn't be a good idea and it decided I would just have to cycle hungry and then grab Subway (and stress not McDonald's) on the way home after.
We chatted for a bit and she told me about her newest goal - to focus on her nutrition and diet for 3 months because she can do anything for 3 months. She was also going to continue with her current fitness (which includes horseback riding - so jealous!). I told her of my plans to go to the gym and cycle and she told me how she loves reading my blog and my husband's (www.wisdomcouragepower.blogspot.com). She didn't know why, but she new that it was inspirational and great to hear from other people going through the same struggles. I have to say it is inspirational to read other blogs too, hear feedback from others, and check in with friends about their own journeys.
Thanks for the push to do better today and good luck with your adventures.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Hey, Hey, Success!
Dragged my butt to the gym today before noon because I have been feeling motivated to go. I was not very motivated this morning though when I was all cozy in my covers on the couch, but I went anyway. I told Chris I would go in the morning and be home to make lunch as he only had to work a half day. I left it right to the wire to leave.
I strategically chose my treadmill. I almost took the one between two fast and fit runners, but decided their fast pace would distract me from keeping a steady one. Plus it felt a little intimidating. I relocated to a treadmill between two walking young girls. I was ready to feel like a champ by kicking up the speed between them.
I set my treadmill to a modest 4.5mph and proceeded to do my 3km (1.86 mile) trial run. I ran a full 7 minutes before I had to take a walking break, but then I was able to do roughly 2 minute sets of walking then running. I even set the treadmill on an incline!
Bad News: I'm still getting a stitch in my right side when I run. It is mild enough that I can ignore it for the most part. Today I got huge cramps in my calves though at the 1 mile mark. I had to really slow it down to keep from feeling like my muscles were going to burst out the back of my legs. I discovered keeping the steady run pace was better than walking it out though. Any suggestions for muscle cramping while running? I did not stretch before as my trainer advised me not too, but I did stretch after.
Good news: My ego took a boost because the girls on either side of me kept looking over at me and upping their pace for short bursts. And, when they left a fit young guy ran at breakneck speeds next to me for short bursts and then watched me run on his rest times. I just watched Ellen Degenerous' stand up "Here and Now" with the odd glance around the room. TV makes running go so much faster.
Better News: I hoped to complete my 3km in under 30 minutes to feel like I was even close to being competative for the try-a-tri with some training. I managed to do it in 29 minutes! So, if I shave 1 minutes off my time every month I will be able to achieve a competative time for the run portion in August (I'm aiming for middle of the pack). - Sad realization...that means I need to run the entire 3km at 6mph without walking breaks :( but it's possible.
Wednesday is cycle day. 10km on the bike.
I strategically chose my treadmill. I almost took the one between two fast and fit runners, but decided their fast pace would distract me from keeping a steady one. Plus it felt a little intimidating. I relocated to a treadmill between two walking young girls. I was ready to feel like a champ by kicking up the speed between them.
I set my treadmill to a modest 4.5mph and proceeded to do my 3km (1.86 mile) trial run. I ran a full 7 minutes before I had to take a walking break, but then I was able to do roughly 2 minute sets of walking then running. I even set the treadmill on an incline!
Bad News: I'm still getting a stitch in my right side when I run. It is mild enough that I can ignore it for the most part. Today I got huge cramps in my calves though at the 1 mile mark. I had to really slow it down to keep from feeling like my muscles were going to burst out the back of my legs. I discovered keeping the steady run pace was better than walking it out though. Any suggestions for muscle cramping while running? I did not stretch before as my trainer advised me not too, but I did stretch after.
Good news: My ego took a boost because the girls on either side of me kept looking over at me and upping their pace for short bursts. And, when they left a fit young guy ran at breakneck speeds next to me for short bursts and then watched me run on his rest times. I just watched Ellen Degenerous' stand up "Here and Now" with the odd glance around the room. TV makes running go so much faster.
Better News: I hoped to complete my 3km in under 30 minutes to feel like I was even close to being competative for the try-a-tri with some training. I managed to do it in 29 minutes! So, if I shave 1 minutes off my time every month I will be able to achieve a competative time for the run portion in August (I'm aiming for middle of the pack). - Sad realization...that means I need to run the entire 3km at 6mph without walking breaks :( but it's possible.
Wednesday is cycle day. 10km on the bike.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
I Hate New Years' Resolutions
I literally dropped off from the blogging world without explanation, but I'm back! I intended to make it back sooner, but to be honest I haven't done anything related to my blog intentions "learning to love the gym" as I have not been at the gym since my last post (ages ago).
I have however, continued to talk about fitness motivation with my husband. The result - I don't have it and he has lots and I want it to rub off. I am still searching for that thing that will motivate me to keep going to the gym when the gym gets hard, or I get tired or sick, or work pops up and life takes over. I want to want to be the person who loves going to the gym, but I'm just not there yet.
Therefore, I continue to renew my fitness goals and make plans in my head and on paper and eventually I will actually start to physically implement them. That brings me to the New Year and the resolutions that come with it. I've never been good at setting or keeping them when I do voice some sort of goal for the year. I've also recently read that diets and fitness goals tend to start on Mondays with the start of a new week. Coincidentally, I am going against what I hate and re-renewing my fitness journey on a Monday just in time for the New Year. I have 9 hours tomorrow in which to get my butt to the gym and time myself for a 3km run to jump start my try-a-tri training. Here's to my new energy as I go forward!
PS I've also recommitted to eating healthier bento box style lunches and I genuinely enjoy them and they work well with my crazy work schedules. Part of this inspiration comes from a slew of documentaries I've watched lately thanks to Netflix Canada. Here's a pic of today's menu:
I have however, continued to talk about fitness motivation with my husband. The result - I don't have it and he has lots and I want it to rub off. I am still searching for that thing that will motivate me to keep going to the gym when the gym gets hard, or I get tired or sick, or work pops up and life takes over. I want to want to be the person who loves going to the gym, but I'm just not there yet.
Therefore, I continue to renew my fitness goals and make plans in my head and on paper and eventually I will actually start to physically implement them. That brings me to the New Year and the resolutions that come with it. I've never been good at setting or keeping them when I do voice some sort of goal for the year. I've also recently read that diets and fitness goals tend to start on Mondays with the start of a new week. Coincidentally, I am going against what I hate and re-renewing my fitness journey on a Monday just in time for the New Year. I have 9 hours tomorrow in which to get my butt to the gym and time myself for a 3km run to jump start my try-a-tri training. Here's to my new energy as I go forward!
PS I've also recommitted to eating healthier bento box style lunches and I genuinely enjoy them and they work well with my crazy work schedules. Part of this inspiration comes from a slew of documentaries I've watched lately thanks to Netflix Canada. Here's a pic of today's menu:
 |
| oven roasted chicken lunchmeat, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber dill yogurt dressing, grapes, Babybel cheese |
 |
| pistachios for a snack |
Sunday, November 4, 2012
What's New and Exciting?
I've been away from my blog because I am frustrated with my lack of weight loss progress and felt like it was pointless to blog about it. But, then I realized even though I'm not losing weight I am making fitness more a part of my lifestyle. I've been trying and accomplishing so many things these past two weeks that have me excited about and attending my work outs.
Yoga
I have been wanting to take some yoga classes again for awhile now, but they never work with my ever-changing teaching schedule. I kind of fell into this Relax and Rejuvenate class as it was before some gym meetings I had scheduled. It is definitely more relaxing than a workout, but it is strengthening my core and improving my flexibility without requiring much exertion and therefore I have kept going and then tack on a workout afterwards.
Member Connect
The YMCA offers a free member connect program where a trainer shows you around the gym and gives you ideas for workouts. I met with Heather and now feel like I've been oriented to my new gym and have a few ideas for interval training and strength training to try out.
Belly Dance
This is an awesome class! Learning to belly dance was on my bucket list. There are only a few of us in the class so we get to learn a lot at our own pace. I go home every week with a new routine, some sore muscles, and a happy face. I'm going to miss this class in December when my schedule changes.
Treadmill Running
Yes, running! At a slow pace, but a steady pace. I'm lengthening my running intervals and shortening my walking ones. A pair of too loose yoga pants was the only thing that kept me from extending my current 5 minute interval time. I did make it 1.5 miles instead of 1 mile this time though.
Swimming
I returned from swimming one day to tell Chris that I completed my 20 laps for the day. He asked "Why only 20? Aren't you doing 40 laps (1km)?" Yeah, thanks Chris for boosting my self-esteem. My response was I'm doing 20, but sometimes I go ahead and do more. He didn't understand if I can do more why wouldn't I? So now I do 40 laps in the pool every time and I've extended the number of laps I do each swim style for before switching. I'm also spying on the swim to fit classes and stroke improvement classes to get ideas.
Cycling
It is quickly becoming winter here in Canada (I saw snow a few days ago) so I am no longer cycling outside. I will be starting indoor cycling this week though to keep up my progress.
Try-a-Tri
I figured with all the swimming, running, and cycling I am doing I might as well put it together to do a triathlon. Last year I signed up for a charity race that I did not do because I was not able to run well enough. Chris wants me to do The Warrior Dash, but I think it's a lot out of my league. So a local try-a-tri scheduled for August next year is my goal. It's a 300m swim, 10km bike, and 3km run. It currently takes me about 12 minutes for the swim, 35 minutes for the bike ride, and I'm guessing 30 minutes for the run for a total time of 1 hour 17 minutes. Last year in my age and gender category the fastest time was 45 minutes, the slowest 1 hour 13 minutes, with the average time being 58 minutes. I think it's totally a reasonable goal to set for myself for next year.
Yoga
I have been wanting to take some yoga classes again for awhile now, but they never work with my ever-changing teaching schedule. I kind of fell into this Relax and Rejuvenate class as it was before some gym meetings I had scheduled. It is definitely more relaxing than a workout, but it is strengthening my core and improving my flexibility without requiring much exertion and therefore I have kept going and then tack on a workout afterwards.
Member Connect
The YMCA offers a free member connect program where a trainer shows you around the gym and gives you ideas for workouts. I met with Heather and now feel like I've been oriented to my new gym and have a few ideas for interval training and strength training to try out.
Belly Dance
This is an awesome class! Learning to belly dance was on my bucket list. There are only a few of us in the class so we get to learn a lot at our own pace. I go home every week with a new routine, some sore muscles, and a happy face. I'm going to miss this class in December when my schedule changes.
Treadmill Running
Yes, running! At a slow pace, but a steady pace. I'm lengthening my running intervals and shortening my walking ones. A pair of too loose yoga pants was the only thing that kept me from extending my current 5 minute interval time. I did make it 1.5 miles instead of 1 mile this time though.
Swimming
I returned from swimming one day to tell Chris that I completed my 20 laps for the day. He asked "Why only 20? Aren't you doing 40 laps (1km)?" Yeah, thanks Chris for boosting my self-esteem. My response was I'm doing 20, but sometimes I go ahead and do more. He didn't understand if I can do more why wouldn't I? So now I do 40 laps in the pool every time and I've extended the number of laps I do each swim style for before switching. I'm also spying on the swim to fit classes and stroke improvement classes to get ideas.
Cycling
It is quickly becoming winter here in Canada (I saw snow a few days ago) so I am no longer cycling outside. I will be starting indoor cycling this week though to keep up my progress.
Try-a-Tri
I figured with all the swimming, running, and cycling I am doing I might as well put it together to do a triathlon. Last year I signed up for a charity race that I did not do because I was not able to run well enough. Chris wants me to do The Warrior Dash, but I think it's a lot out of my league. So a local try-a-tri scheduled for August next year is my goal. It's a 300m swim, 10km bike, and 3km run. It currently takes me about 12 minutes for the swim, 35 minutes for the bike ride, and I'm guessing 30 minutes for the run for a total time of 1 hour 17 minutes. Last year in my age and gender category the fastest time was 45 minutes, the slowest 1 hour 13 minutes, with the average time being 58 minutes. I think it's totally a reasonable goal to set for myself for next year.
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