It's the Sacramento Valley in July, which means it's hot. It wasn't hot like it sometimes gets here (I think the high today was around 99, but it's not unusual for it to be in the 105 range this time of year), but pretty warm nonetheless. I am trying to get back onto the "exercise is not negotiable" thing. So I showed up, and I rode 13 miles today.
So that's a form of victory.
I was whining at Starbucks afterwards that "I am never going to be one of the fast people. Never!" when one of our Fearless Leaders assured me that it was all right if I was never fast. Now, she could have cataloged for me all the ways I am faster now than I was back in January when this whole adventure began, but underneath the whining, I really do know that. I think maybe I should not be spending my spare time watching the Tour de France, where they go faster uphill with a headwind after riding 80 0r 90 miles than I do going downhill on a Saturday morning when I first get out there. Maybe I should not spend so much time looking at all the Fast People out on the bike trail. I just got that wee little competitve bug, and it's hard not to compare myself to all the Fast People who pass me every Saturday out there.
But it's time to get a better attitude about the whole thing. I look better. I feel better. I have that sense of accomplishment that nothing else I've ever done has brought me. I smile and try to cheer on the other large folks I see out on the trail, because I know how it is. It's hard work to just show up sometimes, and it can be a struggle to keep at it in a way that it's just not for the naturally athletic. There's a whole load of emotional baggage I carry with me when I exercise, though it gets a little lighter from time to time. I know how it is. I feel it every time I go.
So....lighter baggage? Well, that's one more form of victory, is it not?
I was happy to see the ever-exuberant Praying Guy out there again this morning. I tell you, rain or shine, that brother is out there, and while he's a little eccentric, he always brings a smile to my face. I've gotta stop and talk to him sometime!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Why are good habits so easy to break?
Hello!
Last night, I hauled my lazy self out to the track for the Tuesday Night Workout that has been a part of my life for, what, almost eight months now. It was hard to just get out there and get moving! Last week, I did not go because my daughter was sick, and then on Saturday, we did not do our usual bike ride because there was a triathlon on the bike trail, so it was closed to normal traffic. So, only two exercise sessions missed, and I would so much have rather been on the couch instead of out on the track! Why is it that these habits, which I have struggled so hard to establish, can just vaporize at the drop of a hat?
But I got out there, and as we keep telling one another, when we show up, sometimes that is victory enough.
I also managed to get in the pool this morning and swim 800 yards. I did the same "21 minutes" time as I did last week - 625 in 21 minutes, but I snuck in another 50 yards before the swim team kids showed up to claim their lanes at the pool. I am liking swimming a lot more than I did at the beginning, and it's nice to feel some success there. My weight is not so overwhelming in the water, and it's good to feel that one place it's not holding me back. The bike is pretty good for that too, but the water is just special that way.
Hang in there, folks, and keep those habits! Hang onto them!
Last night, I hauled my lazy self out to the track for the Tuesday Night Workout that has been a part of my life for, what, almost eight months now. It was hard to just get out there and get moving! Last week, I did not go because my daughter was sick, and then on Saturday, we did not do our usual bike ride because there was a triathlon on the bike trail, so it was closed to normal traffic. So, only two exercise sessions missed, and I would so much have rather been on the couch instead of out on the track! Why is it that these habits, which I have struggled so hard to establish, can just vaporize at the drop of a hat?
But I got out there, and as we keep telling one another, when we show up, sometimes that is victory enough.
I also managed to get in the pool this morning and swim 800 yards. I did the same "21 minutes" time as I did last week - 625 in 21 minutes, but I snuck in another 50 yards before the swim team kids showed up to claim their lanes at the pool. I am liking swimming a lot more than I did at the beginning, and it's nice to feel some success there. My weight is not so overwhelming in the water, and it's good to feel that one place it's not holding me back. The bike is pretty good for that too, but the water is just special that way.
Hang in there, folks, and keep those habits! Hang onto them!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
What's with the 21 minutes?
Hi all,
Lately, I have been comparing my swimming performance in terms of how many yards I can swim in 21 minutes. Why such an odd time?? Well, there is a little story. My last swimming workout before the triathlon was 500 yards, and I timed myself to see how long it took for me to go that distance. The triathlon swim was 800 yards, and I was pretty much convinced that I was still going to be out there after two hours or something. It took me 21 minutes, and I was pretty excited about that.
So, since then, I have been comparing my performance to that one, known quantity. After the triathlon, when I got back in the pool and started keeping track of my times again, I could swim 550 yards in 21 minutes. Last week, I made it 600 yards. Today, it was 625 in 21 minutes.
I've been keeping track of my times and distances in a minorly obsessive way. To me, it feels like I really have to hold on to my successes. I have to keep a tight grip on anything that vaguely seems like athletic victory. When I swim in the mornings, I keep my "Road ID" bracelet on all day, just to remind me that I did actually get up early and go swim, and that I did do a good job at it. (get your own Road ID - everyone should have one, especially if you exercise alone - at www.roadid.com. They only cost $20.00. Totally worth it.) I tell people about my little victories, because I know how easy it is to let go of them. I know how quickly things can change from "pretty good" to "horrifically overweight." It's like a sort of talisman. I hang on.
So I apologize if you ever get tired of hearing me tell you about how far I swam this morning (750 yards), or how far I rode last weekend (16 miles), or whatever. I'm trying to hang on, and keep a hold on this tenuous thread that's leading me to improved health.
In a related item, a number of people asked me if there was a "cause" I was doing the triathlon in support of. I finally came up, after many questions, with a response: I am the cause. My health, my longevity, my ability to be around to see my beautiful daughter grow up. I am my cause.
Be your own cause! Get out there and do something, and don't be afraid to tell anyone who is willing to listen about your success!
"Sugar"
Lately, I have been comparing my swimming performance in terms of how many yards I can swim in 21 minutes. Why such an odd time?? Well, there is a little story. My last swimming workout before the triathlon was 500 yards, and I timed myself to see how long it took for me to go that distance. The triathlon swim was 800 yards, and I was pretty much convinced that I was still going to be out there after two hours or something. It took me 21 minutes, and I was pretty excited about that.
So, since then, I have been comparing my performance to that one, known quantity. After the triathlon, when I got back in the pool and started keeping track of my times again, I could swim 550 yards in 21 minutes. Last week, I made it 600 yards. Today, it was 625 in 21 minutes.
I've been keeping track of my times and distances in a minorly obsessive way. To me, it feels like I really have to hold on to my successes. I have to keep a tight grip on anything that vaguely seems like athletic victory. When I swim in the mornings, I keep my "Road ID" bracelet on all day, just to remind me that I did actually get up early and go swim, and that I did do a good job at it. (get your own Road ID - everyone should have one, especially if you exercise alone - at www.roadid.com. They only cost $20.00. Totally worth it.) I tell people about my little victories, because I know how easy it is to let go of them. I know how quickly things can change from "pretty good" to "horrifically overweight." It's like a sort of talisman. I hang on.
So I apologize if you ever get tired of hearing me tell you about how far I swam this morning (750 yards), or how far I rode last weekend (16 miles), or whatever. I'm trying to hang on, and keep a hold on this tenuous thread that's leading me to improved health.
In a related item, a number of people asked me if there was a "cause" I was doing the triathlon in support of. I finally came up, after many questions, with a response: I am the cause. My health, my longevity, my ability to be around to see my beautiful daughter grow up. I am my cause.
Be your own cause! Get out there and do something, and don't be afraid to tell anyone who is willing to listen about your success!
"Sugar"
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Bonus Prayer Time
So I have not exactly decided yet what my next event is going to be, but it's time to do some more writing today. I've been struggling with what I do or don't have to say without the overarching theme of an Event to Train For hanging over it all. But I'll try to have something worthwhile for you...
This morning, I saw the Praying Guy not once, but twice out there on the bike trail. He's kinda out there, but I enjoy his enthusiasm, and it's always good to see him. Heck, I appreciate pretty much anyone praying for me, and one of these times I am going to have to stop and talk to him for a minute. If I manage it, and it is at all interesting, I will be sure to let you know!
I have been experiencing some improvements in health lately, and I think pretty much everyone who knows I swim knows about the Victory of the Speedo. But if I somehow missed you, I am here to say that I am now the proud owner of not one, but two actual Speedo swimsuits. The suit I had been swimming in fit well, but is not really made for what I am doing to it. I was very intimidated by the Actual Athletic Swimsuits, so I ordered one online so I could try it on at home. To my shock and amazement, it fit! And then I found another one on a clearance rack! It feels good to be getting even a little smaller. I also got to buy some clothes that are a size smaller than I have been wearing. So it's all good. I am most excited about lower blood pressure, more energy and (always) the fantastic human beings I get to train with.
One of our Fearless Leaders decided that since my initials are "CH" that my nickname ought to be "Sugar." We'll see if it catches on!
Yours in sweetness,
"Sugar"
This morning, I saw the Praying Guy not once, but twice out there on the bike trail. He's kinda out there, but I enjoy his enthusiasm, and it's always good to see him. Heck, I appreciate pretty much anyone praying for me, and one of these times I am going to have to stop and talk to him for a minute. If I manage it, and it is at all interesting, I will be sure to let you know!
I have been experiencing some improvements in health lately, and I think pretty much everyone who knows I swim knows about the Victory of the Speedo. But if I somehow missed you, I am here to say that I am now the proud owner of not one, but two actual Speedo swimsuits. The suit I had been swimming in fit well, but is not really made for what I am doing to it. I was very intimidated by the Actual Athletic Swimsuits, so I ordered one online so I could try it on at home. To my shock and amazement, it fit! And then I found another one on a clearance rack! It feels good to be getting even a little smaller. I also got to buy some clothes that are a size smaller than I have been wearing. So it's all good. I am most excited about lower blood pressure, more energy and (always) the fantastic human beings I get to train with.
One of our Fearless Leaders decided that since my initials are "CH" that my nickname ought to be "Sugar." We'll see if it catches on!
Yours in sweetness,
"Sugar"
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