A pretty good snowstorm hit us today. Snowed the whole time I was skiing. I was really happy to have my new skis. They're very nice in the powder and they held very nicely in the crud that was underneath the new snow. Yesterday was very warm and rainy most of the day. Today's snow is a godsend for the ski area. But, it wasn't just the snowstorm that made it big time winter. They're predicting a major cold snap sometime tomorrow. They're talking single digit temps with 20 mph winds. That's going to be bitter cold and real Vermont winter weather.
Part of me is hoping that no one shows up for lessons because it won't be much fun. But, I'll be there because I signed up for it; good or bad. It makes me stop and think about how happy I am to have my workout facility downstairs. I am able to pedal my stationary bike no matter what the weather.
I did an hour and a half yesterday. I tried reading while I pedaled. Interesting to me because I found I didn't pedal quite as intensely I didn't read nearly as fast as I usually do but, the time seemed to pass more quickly. I'm undecided on whether I'll make it a regular part of my schedule. Maybe I'll give it another go on a day like yesterday when I'm recovering from a hard run the day before or I'm just a bit tired. I'm back on the bike tomorrow because today, Monday, is a resistance training day.
Anyway, I enjoy winter despite the occasional intensely cold days. It's very beautiful outside right now and the skiing will be good thanks to the new snow and the cold (which will enable some additional snowmaking). Plus the change of seasons gives me variety in my workouts and makes me really appreciate the beauty each new season brings.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy To Be Back On The Road
Weather break!! Yay! 10 miles this morning outside on the road again. It's been 2 weeks and I felt it a bit. Because I am skiing during the week in the winter, I don't run on those days. I won't run in the dark on the roads in the morning before I go skiing (too dangerous) and I'm usually too fatigued (especially mentally) in the afternoon from teaching skiing all day to run when I get home.. So, I pedal the stationary bicycle. I actually think the break from summer's intensive training is good. My body (especially my feet) gets a rest and I think the cross training is probably good for my overall health and fitness. I know I'm working really hard when I pedal so I don't feel like I'm slacking! (That's the compulsive behavior talking).
Still it feels good to be outside running. I'm paying a bit of price with my feet for a poor decision though. I put some YakTrax http://www.yaktrax.com/ on and I got a blister. I'm not faulting the YakTrax; they're a life saver in the winter when it's icy. It's that the roads were really too dry to need them and I got a big blood blister on my left foot and a small one on my right foot. I could feel the blisters developing as the run progressed.
Oh well, this too will pass. Besides the tremendous feeling of satisfaction and well being when I felt when getting ready to shower afterwards was more than worth it.
Most discussion about exercise and fitness is about the physical effects. I think the psychological effects may be just as beneficial. I think my wife would agree as well. LOL Or, maybe she's just happy to have me out of her way for while. Anyway, my legs are not only my best doctors, they're my psychiatrists as well.
I'll bike tomorrow and do my resistance training on Monday. The blisters will be gone by next weekend & I'm hoping for some good weather. So is my wife!
Still it feels good to be outside running. I'm paying a bit of price with my feet for a poor decision though. I put some YakTrax http://www.yaktrax.com/ on and I got a blister. I'm not faulting the YakTrax; they're a life saver in the winter when it's icy. It's that the roads were really too dry to need them and I got a big blood blister on my left foot and a small one on my right foot. I could feel the blisters developing as the run progressed.
Oh well, this too will pass. Besides the tremendous feeling of satisfaction and well being when I felt when getting ready to shower afterwards was more than worth it.
Most discussion about exercise and fitness is about the physical effects. I think the psychological effects may be just as beneficial. I think my wife would agree as well. LOL Or, maybe she's just happy to have me out of her way for while. Anyway, my legs are not only my best doctors, they're my psychiatrists as well.
I'll bike tomorrow and do my resistance training on Monday. The blisters will be gone by next weekend & I'm hoping for some good weather. So is my wife!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone! It's been a great last few days. I've been skiing with my granddaughter at Smuggs. She actually participated in one the classes I taught. Then, we skied off the top of Madonna Mountain. What a day! Thanks to some unique weather conditions, we saw some truly astonishing sights that included the Presidential Mountain Range in New Hampshire poking up through the clouds into the brilliant sunlight. There were the large evergreen trees completely coated in snow beaming in the bright light from a late winter sun beginning its descent behind Mt. Mansfield. And don't let's forget the afternoon glow of 'pixie dust' snow floating in the cold winter air on Midway.
Today we had a wonderful Christmas with our granddaughter and with the rest of our VT family. We had some outstanding food (I'm married to one of the world's best cooks).
Yes, I've managed to get my exercise in everyday. If you can even imagine the thrill of skiing off the top of Madonna Mountain with your granddaughter you'll not wonder even once more what gets me out of bed and working up a sweat first thing in the morning. I want lots more adventuring with all of my grandchildren for many years to come. So it's up early tomorrow morning and out on the road, weather permitting. If not, it's on the stationary bicycle for about 30 miles.
Today we had a wonderful Christmas with our granddaughter and with the rest of our VT family. We had some outstanding food (I'm married to one of the world's best cooks).
Yes, I've managed to get my exercise in everyday. If you can even imagine the thrill of skiing off the top of Madonna Mountain with your granddaughter you'll not wonder even once more what gets me out of bed and working up a sweat first thing in the morning. I want lots more adventuring with all of my grandchildren for many years to come. So it's up early tomorrow morning and out on the road, weather permitting. If not, it's on the stationary bicycle for about 30 miles.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Some Days Are Hard
Monday morning: Up at 4:45 a.m. after a busy weekend. I was unable to do my usual number of reps per set when I did my pull-ups. My weight was up 2 lbs., probably from fluid retention due to too many olives yesterday! LOL!! (We all have our weaknesses :-)). It was bone-chilling cold at the mountain with wind blowing straight up the hill.
It would be easy to get demoralized on a day like this. And, I admit my spirits were not as high as one of those days when I set a significant PR. But hey, we all have days that aren't the very best.
What to do? We'll for me it's psychological compensation. I made up for the pull-up failure by adding an extra set. And, I did a harder leg workout. (more on that another time.)
The weight thing always goes like this. My normal weight range is 145 - 149. I'm 5'9" and about 7-8% body fat. I weigh myself everyday before breakfast #1. When I get close to 149 I take immediate steps. Meals get slightly smaller (especially the evening meal - we call it supper here in VT) and I drink extra water or unsweetened ice tea (to help flush the salt). It usually fixes the problem in a day or two. I've read the advise about weighing on only once a week. But I want to see my weight every day. First, I was fat (212) once and seeing the scale at sub 150 reminds me of what I've accomplished even after all these years. Second, I want to nip any issues in-the-bud! Third, I like having a 6-pack to look at and I ain't letting that get away from me. I worked too hard to get it!
If you're trying to lose and you have a long way to go, maybe once a week is a good idea so you don't get discouraged by daily fluctuations. However, when you're maintaining, I recommend every day. Best time is ABBB (after bathroom, before breakfast).
Cold on the mountain is always tough to deal with but I've learned to layer up well and my jacket and pants have vents I can open. Better (for me) to overdress a bit and vent than to freeze. Handwarmers and toe warmers can be doubled up. I wear boot gloves and a butt warmer. So it wasn't terrible and when it warms up I'll really appreciate it. You can't really appreciate a good fireplace unless you've been truly cold! LOL.
Quote of the Day:
It would be easy to get demoralized on a day like this. And, I admit my spirits were not as high as one of those days when I set a significant PR. But hey, we all have days that aren't the very best.
What to do? We'll for me it's psychological compensation. I made up for the pull-up failure by adding an extra set. And, I did a harder leg workout. (more on that another time.)
The weight thing always goes like this. My normal weight range is 145 - 149. I'm 5'9" and about 7-8% body fat. I weigh myself everyday before breakfast #1. When I get close to 149 I take immediate steps. Meals get slightly smaller (especially the evening meal - we call it supper here in VT) and I drink extra water or unsweetened ice tea (to help flush the salt). It usually fixes the problem in a day or two. I've read the advise about weighing on only once a week. But I want to see my weight every day. First, I was fat (212) once and seeing the scale at sub 150 reminds me of what I've accomplished even after all these years. Second, I want to nip any issues in-the-bud! Third, I like having a 6-pack to look at and I ain't letting that get away from me. I worked too hard to get it!
If you're trying to lose and you have a long way to go, maybe once a week is a good idea so you don't get discouraged by daily fluctuations. However, when you're maintaining, I recommend every day. Best time is ABBB (after bathroom, before breakfast).
Cold on the mountain is always tough to deal with but I've learned to layer up well and my jacket and pants have vents I can open. Better (for me) to overdress a bit and vent than to freeze. Handwarmers and toe warmers can be doubled up. I wear boot gloves and a butt warmer. So it wasn't terrible and when it warms up I'll really appreciate it. You can't really appreciate a good fireplace unless you've been truly cold! LOL.
Quote of the Day:
"Running is real. It’s all joy and woe, hard as diamond. It makes you weary beyond comprehension, but it also makes you free." - Jesse Owens
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Winter Blahs
It's Sunday night and I'm fighting the winter blahs. I haven't run for a week. I'm glad I had the foresight to purchase a stationary bicycle way back when. I've done 90 minutes both yesterday and today. I rode hard. I know I'm getting a good workout because I'm tired and I've lost about 3 lbs. when I finish. Still.... I miss running. I could have hit the road either day but single digit temps, icy roads, and wind overwhelms my determination. So, I'm fighting guilt and the blahs.
Yes, I realize I may be suffering from some psychological flaw like compulsion or obsession. Yes, I got some good exercise. But it wasn't running. Maybe it will even do me some good to miss. My feet will get a rest. (Maybe some toenails will begin to heal. LOL). Maybe I'm worried about losing my resolve (mental illness again).
I'll ski tomorrow. I'll lift weights tomorrow. That's my Mon., Wed., Fri. routine. I'll pedal again on Tues. & Thurs. because I'll not run in the dark in the winter (or the summer for that matter). But I sure hope that the coming weekend brings at least one nice day so I can get back on the road.
Yes, I realize I may be suffering from some psychological flaw like compulsion or obsession. Yes, I got some good exercise. But it wasn't running. Maybe it will even do me some good to miss. My feet will get a rest. (Maybe some toenails will begin to heal. LOL). Maybe I'm worried about losing my resolve (mental illness again).
I'll ski tomorrow. I'll lift weights tomorrow. That's my Mon., Wed., Fri. routine. I'll pedal again on Tues. & Thurs. because I'll not run in the dark in the winter (or the summer for that matter). But I sure hope that the coming weekend brings at least one nice day so I can get back on the road.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Aversion to Exercise
It was surprisingly easy to get up at 4:45 this morning after yesterday's adventure. It must be a symptom of the onset of old age. LOL Anyway, I got in my 90 minutes of stationary biking. Interesting observation for the day: I had DVR'd a couple of SportCentury programs from ESPN. I got so engrossed watching the Rocky Marciano and the Casey Stengel stories that the time flew by. Perhaps my workout wasn't as intense as it might have been if I hadn't been so caught up in the shows. But, I still got in some cardio and calorie burning. I think it isn't necessary to have an A+ workout every time. I mean everything we do has a best day and worst day of each week (and month and year for that matter). My take is that I still got a pretty good workout.
This makes me think about exercise in general. A moderate workout is not a bad workout. How many times have I read that a brisk walk (pretty moderate for a runner/racer) is all that's required for good health? So why don't more people do it?
In my winter life I teach Adult Alpine Skiing. I am frequently astonished (you'd think I'd get used to it but I don't) at how out-of-shape people are. Even 20 somethings. I don't just mean overweight or obese (although many are) I mean in really poor condition. For example, they are out of breath and complaining of fatigue after a 5 minute walk over moderate terrain in their ski boots (some quit after a half-hour).
It is readily apparent that these folks have gone a very long time getting almost no exercise. Why is that? The news media are rife with articles expounding on the virtues of exercise. There is national diet craze that has been going on for decades. Doctors are advising everyone to get their 30 - 60 minutes a day. It's nearly impossible not to know that exercise is needed for good health. So why don't we exercise. What is the aversion, if that's what it is? It isn't that difficult. We know it's good for us. There is huge image pressure in the advertising media to have a certain body image. We find time for TV and other forms of entertainment. I admit I'm clueless. The problem, in fact, seems to be worsening.
Does it stem from the abandonment of physical education in schools? Is it due to the proliferation of video games which have replaced outdoor activities? I admit I'm at a loss to explain it.
Meanwhile, the flip side is that I enjoy being fitter than most. I was colder than the dickens today but I got in day 4 of skiing this season.
How cold was it. I think it topped out at about 5 degrees F. The wind was blowing about 10 m.p.h. You can look up that wind chill. I'm not sure I want to know because tomorrow promises more of the same. I'm thinking a lot of fantastic things must have happened today for surely hell finally froze over!
This makes me think about exercise in general. A moderate workout is not a bad workout. How many times have I read that a brisk walk (pretty moderate for a runner/racer) is all that's required for good health? So why don't more people do it?
In my winter life I teach Adult Alpine Skiing. I am frequently astonished (you'd think I'd get used to it but I don't) at how out-of-shape people are. Even 20 somethings. I don't just mean overweight or obese (although many are) I mean in really poor condition. For example, they are out of breath and complaining of fatigue after a 5 minute walk over moderate terrain in their ski boots (some quit after a half-hour).
It is readily apparent that these folks have gone a very long time getting almost no exercise. Why is that? The news media are rife with articles expounding on the virtues of exercise. There is national diet craze that has been going on for decades. Doctors are advising everyone to get their 30 - 60 minutes a day. It's nearly impossible not to know that exercise is needed for good health. So why don't we exercise. What is the aversion, if that's what it is? It isn't that difficult. We know it's good for us. There is huge image pressure in the advertising media to have a certain body image. We find time for TV and other forms of entertainment. I admit I'm clueless. The problem, in fact, seems to be worsening.
Does it stem from the abandonment of physical education in schools? Is it due to the proliferation of video games which have replaced outdoor activities? I admit I'm at a loss to explain it.
Meanwhile, the flip side is that I enjoy being fitter than most. I was colder than the dickens today but I got in day 4 of skiing this season.
How cold was it. I think it topped out at about 5 degrees F. The wind was blowing about 10 m.p.h. You can look up that wind chill. I'm not sure I want to know because tomorrow promises more of the same. I'm thinking a lot of fantastic things must have happened today for surely hell finally froze over!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Momentum
What a day! We just found out yesterday that our granddaughter wanted to come visit for the holidays. That got us pretty excited and in the frenzy that followed a flight was found that got her to Boston a 5:00 this morning. So we got up at 12:15 a.m. for a quick breakfast and a long drive. Pretty exciting stuff (but makes for a long day!). The drive was a bit dicey at times due to snow on the roads in New Hampshire. Fortunately, traffic was very light. How many places can you drive 115 miles and only surpass 3 vehicles and have no vehicle surpass you? Not many, I'm guessing. Our timing was nearly perfect. Her plane landed just as we arrived at Logan. Except for an emergency-avoiding pit stop by me (LOL) the trip went well. Caffeinated drinks helped keep me alert and we were back home by 9:30 am. That's a lot accomplished that early in the day.
I was pretty tired when I got home and it would have been easy to jump in the sack and get some badly needed sleep. But, I haven't missed a day of solid exercise since November 10th and knowing that was enough to get me downstairs pumping iron before my nap.
People often comment on my fitness or my physique and question me about my workout habits and routines. Usually the conversation includes a comment from then that goes something like: "I need to get started doing something."
I think they're right. I really believe that getting started is the hardest thing about establishing an exercise regime (or any routine). Once you get into an habitual routine it seems to me it's much easier to keep it going than it was to get it started. We humans like ritual. How many of us have our little 'morning coffee' routines? Often our morning routines are so habitual we're on auto pilot.
Well, the same is true for an exercise regimen. I admit to being a tad obsessive compulsive (my doctor laughed and said at least I picked a good thing to be OC about). I use this 'disorder' to fuel my fitness. I hate to miss days. As a result, I find a way to fit it in. Maybe that's why I like mornings. I get it done and off my mind. I want to keep my momentum going.
We can all use this knowledge of our human behavior and channel it into good habits. It needn't be everyday (although that may work best for you as it does for me) but establishing a healthy routine that includes exercise can help anyone build momentum that improves health and fitness.
I suppose you could argue you can carry this to far and turn it into something unhealthy. I'm sure that's true so I encourage moderation and common sense. But the truth is this: prudent use of momentum can be used to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Quote of the day: A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
I was pretty tired when I got home and it would have been easy to jump in the sack and get some badly needed sleep. But, I haven't missed a day of solid exercise since November 10th and knowing that was enough to get me downstairs pumping iron before my nap.
People often comment on my fitness or my physique and question me about my workout habits and routines. Usually the conversation includes a comment from then that goes something like: "I need to get started doing something."
I think they're right. I really believe that getting started is the hardest thing about establishing an exercise regime (or any routine). Once you get into an habitual routine it seems to me it's much easier to keep it going than it was to get it started. We humans like ritual. How many of us have our little 'morning coffee' routines? Often our morning routines are so habitual we're on auto pilot.
Well, the same is true for an exercise regimen. I admit to being a tad obsessive compulsive (my doctor laughed and said at least I picked a good thing to be OC about). I use this 'disorder' to fuel my fitness. I hate to miss days. As a result, I find a way to fit it in. Maybe that's why I like mornings. I get it done and off my mind. I want to keep my momentum going.
We can all use this knowledge of our human behavior and channel it into good habits. It needn't be everyday (although that may work best for you as it does for me) but establishing a healthy routine that includes exercise can help anyone build momentum that improves health and fitness.
I suppose you could argue you can carry this to far and turn it into something unhealthy. I'm sure that's true so I encourage moderation and common sense. But the truth is this: prudent use of momentum can be used to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Quote of the day: A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Value of Training Partners
When I moved back home 4 years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to make a running connection with my brother and my neighbor. When everything goes according to plan we train together about once a week, usually on Saturday or Sunday. Occasionally, we get lucky and are able to make our schedules coincide for a midweek run.
We all look forward to running together. We run and race at different speeds but that doesn't dampen our enthusiasm one bit. We always start our training runs together and after about 2 miles or so we'll run out of chit-chat conversation and begin to spread out depending on how we feel that day and of course our intrinsic ability. But, ofttimes we'll have little, unspoken mini races within the training run, measuring ourselves against the others and our own standards. . None of this would happen without the camaradery and encouragement of the others. In other words, we push ourselves to run outside our normal comfort zone (in a fun way). The friendly competition helps each of improve in ways that running solo doesn't. We reconnect at the end of each run and have a thorough debrief as we cool down and stretch, talking about how we felt and congratulating one another
That's not to say that my solo runs aren't productive. I work on my technique, run intervals and race up hills, all sound training techniques. But, my training partners add another dimension to my training that's not only beneficial but a lot fun!
Each of my training partners appreciates the value the others bring to our training regimen. We're better runners and better racers because of it. We go to races together and cheer each other on. Even though I'm running alone more often than not, those guys help me. We talk about our solo runs and encourage each other. Moreover, thinking about my upcoming runs with them often motivates me to push a little harder when I'm out by myself.
Another great thing about training partners is they'll get you out there when you might be thinking about missing that day. Think about it: your alarm goes off at 6 a.m. and just when you think "I'm too tired" or I'll go a bit later", you remember that your partner will be waiting. That will get you up and on the road. This is a terrific strategy for anyone trying to establish a training regimen.
So, what brought this subject up you're asking? Well, my brother and training partner dropped by last night while I was watching the Celtics and sold me on entering some relay marathons next summer. I'll run the first half and he'll run the second half. We'll travel together with our wives and have some mini-vacations. This gives us some real performance targets to focus our training on. What a great idea. We're all jacked up about this. Plus, think of the motivation for solid training. We'll be talking and thinking about that on each of our runs as we try to peak for these races. How good is that?!
Add a new dimension to your running. Find a training and racing partner and add some new fun to your work-outs. You'll be all the better for it.
Tie those shoes!
P.s. I was up at 4:45 this morning and did 90 minutes on the stationary bike before I went skiing. How'd you do today?
We all look forward to running together. We run and race at different speeds but that doesn't dampen our enthusiasm one bit. We always start our training runs together and after about 2 miles or so we'll run out of chit-chat conversation and begin to spread out depending on how we feel that day and of course our intrinsic ability. But, ofttimes we'll have little, unspoken mini races within the training run, measuring ourselves against the others and our own standards. . None of this would happen without the camaradery and encouragement of the others. In other words, we push ourselves to run outside our normal comfort zone (in a fun way). The friendly competition helps each of improve in ways that running solo doesn't. We reconnect at the end of each run and have a thorough debrief as we cool down and stretch, talking about how we felt and congratulating one another
That's not to say that my solo runs aren't productive. I work on my technique, run intervals and race up hills, all sound training techniques. But, my training partners add another dimension to my training that's not only beneficial but a lot fun!
Each of my training partners appreciates the value the others bring to our training regimen. We're better runners and better racers because of it. We go to races together and cheer each other on. Even though I'm running alone more often than not, those guys help me. We talk about our solo runs and encourage each other. Moreover, thinking about my upcoming runs with them often motivates me to push a little harder when I'm out by myself.
Another great thing about training partners is they'll get you out there when you might be thinking about missing that day. Think about it: your alarm goes off at 6 a.m. and just when you think "I'm too tired" or I'll go a bit later", you remember that your partner will be waiting. That will get you up and on the road. This is a terrific strategy for anyone trying to establish a training regimen.
So, what brought this subject up you're asking? Well, my brother and training partner dropped by last night while I was watching the Celtics and sold me on entering some relay marathons next summer. I'll run the first half and he'll run the second half. We'll travel together with our wives and have some mini-vacations. This gives us some real performance targets to focus our training on. What a great idea. We're all jacked up about this. Plus, think of the motivation for solid training. We'll be talking and thinking about that on each of our runs as we try to peak for these races. How good is that?!
Add a new dimension to your running. Find a training and racing partner and add some new fun to your work-outs. You'll be all the better for it.
Tie those shoes!
P.s. I was up at 4:45 this morning and did 90 minutes on the stationary bike before I went skiing. How'd you do today?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Ski Day - Getting Up Early
4:45 am is pretty early. In order to get my workout completed in the morning and get to the ski area in time to take a warm-up run and be ready for the start of class at 10:00 am, I have to get up early. I don't make a big deal out of it, but today one of my students asked me what time I had to get up in the morning. I got the usual reaction when I told him: shock and revolt. Apparently, there is a real aversion out there to early rising.
Maybe it's because I started delivering a morning newspaper when I was 11, but I don't really think it's so difficult getting up at a quarter to 5. To me, 10 minutes after I get up, it doesn't really matter what time it is. Five a.m. feels about the same as six a.m. after I've been up for 15 minutes.
I could sleep in another two hours and work-out when I get home from skiing. However, it has been my experience that when I do that, I often experience obstacles to getting my workout completed. You'll have to admit there aren't a lot of distractions at 5 O'clock in the morning! LOL
I admit that I don't really feel very productive being in bed. I like staying up in the evening and I like getting up early (usually about 6 even if I don't have anything urgent to do). I also know that I need 7 - 7.5 hours sleep to keep my energy level high. I really think the whole concept of getting up early is all about attitude. I've said this many times and it's as true as ever: it's easy to find excuses if you need one to avoid getting something done.
So, I got up at 4:45 a.m., had a light breakfast and got my workout done from 5:25 to 7:00. Standing in the shower I was feeling rather satisfied with myself. Breakfast (#2) tastes really good when I know I've had a good work-out. An even bigger bonus is how much more ready I feel to start skiing. Conditions weren't the best but I was warmed up, fit, and ready when I got there!
Everyone has a work-out time that works best for them but I highly recommend getting a head start on the rest of the world.
Quote of the day: "Somewhere, someone busier than you found the time to workout today."
Maybe it's because I started delivering a morning newspaper when I was 11, but I don't really think it's so difficult getting up at a quarter to 5. To me, 10 minutes after I get up, it doesn't really matter what time it is. Five a.m. feels about the same as six a.m. after I've been up for 15 minutes.
I could sleep in another two hours and work-out when I get home from skiing. However, it has been my experience that when I do that, I often experience obstacles to getting my workout completed. You'll have to admit there aren't a lot of distractions at 5 O'clock in the morning! LOL
I admit that I don't really feel very productive being in bed. I like staying up in the evening and I like getting up early (usually about 6 even if I don't have anything urgent to do). I also know that I need 7 - 7.5 hours sleep to keep my energy level high. I really think the whole concept of getting up early is all about attitude. I've said this many times and it's as true as ever: it's easy to find excuses if you need one to avoid getting something done.
So, I got up at 4:45 a.m., had a light breakfast and got my workout done from 5:25 to 7:00. Standing in the shower I was feeling rather satisfied with myself. Breakfast (#2) tastes really good when I know I've had a good work-out. An even bigger bonus is how much more ready I feel to start skiing. Conditions weren't the best but I was warmed up, fit, and ready when I got there!
Everyone has a work-out time that works best for them but I highly recommend getting a head start on the rest of the world.
Quote of the day: "Somewhere, someone busier than you found the time to workout today."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Getting through the pain
Yes, I'm in pain. Sore shoulder from over use. Sore left calf from getting hit hard by the Sterling chairlift. Yesterday, I did 2 hours on the stationary bike. Not much calf work or shoulder work involved in that, is there? It's easy to find excuses not to exercise. It takes determination to find a way to get it done. I am reminded of the 1st sentence in one of my favorite quotations. “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. ..." Calvin Coolidge.
We had a nice dinner with some friends last night. It always make me feel good to be the fittest person in the room. We had a nice meal but I managed my portions and choices. One thing I really love about being fit is how good it feels. Of course it takes time and energy but that's the motivation for eating properly. Who wants to throw all that away. No, nothing tastes so good as fitness feels. Did I sacrifice a good time? Of course not! But I made good choices. This time of year you will hear a lot of folks talking about all the food they eat during the holidays. The truth is that if you eat properly between New Years Day and Thanksgiving, you can get away with some (carefully managed) celebratory holiday eating.
This morning I got up with renewed enthusiasm. It's amazing what momentum does. Who wants to back up! Not me. It was windy and chilly. I still have a little pain in my calf but I can tell it's not too serious. So I ran 10 miles. Was it hard? Sure, running into a stiff head wind is hard. But I got it done!! Hard is what makes it great. Now, I have all day to savor that feeling of accomplishment.
What did it take? Less than 90 minutes of my day. 6.25% of the day! Imagine that. Such a small investment for such big returns!
I'm chillin' now. Pulse: 49 (still recovering). Time for some football.
We had a nice dinner with some friends last night. It always make me feel good to be the fittest person in the room. We had a nice meal but I managed my portions and choices. One thing I really love about being fit is how good it feels. Of course it takes time and energy but that's the motivation for eating properly. Who wants to throw all that away. No, nothing tastes so good as fitness feels. Did I sacrifice a good time? Of course not! But I made good choices. This time of year you will hear a lot of folks talking about all the food they eat during the holidays. The truth is that if you eat properly between New Years Day and Thanksgiving, you can get away with some (carefully managed) celebratory holiday eating.
This morning I got up with renewed enthusiasm. It's amazing what momentum does. Who wants to back up! Not me. It was windy and chilly. I still have a little pain in my calf but I can tell it's not too serious. So I ran 10 miles. Was it hard? Sure, running into a stiff head wind is hard. But I got it done!! Hard is what makes it great. Now, I have all day to savor that feeling of accomplishment.
What did it take? Less than 90 minutes of my day. 6.25% of the day! Imagine that. Such a small investment for such big returns!
I'm chillin' now. Pulse: 49 (still recovering). Time for some football.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Day 1 - Ski Season
5 O'clock came about 10 minutes after I woke up. I managed to lay there in bed waiting for my phone alarm to roust me. I don't want to be falling asleep at 9:00 tonight. It's a struggle in the winter between wanting to stay up at night and wanting to get up in the morning. Adequate sleep is absolutely necessary. I wish 6 hours was enough but I need 7 to 7.5 in order to keep my energy level high. Trouble is I like to watch C's basketball and I like to get up early. ( I watched the 2nd half this afternoon. ) I am getting back in the winter groove though. I remembered to eat breakfast #1 a bit lighter so I'd feel better during my workout. Only got in about a hour of resistance training due to early class at the mountain. Monday I'll be back to the normal schedule and can get back to 90 minutes. Still, it's an adjustment. Shoulder should be back to normal by Monday also. It's feeling better tonight. Shorter winter lifting workouts (90 min.) will be less punishing on the shoulders.
Breakfast #2 was higher in protein to help sustain me until lunch. I don't like to go 5 hrs. between meals but it is inevitable when I'm teaching skiing. I packed a nice fruity lunch to tide me until I got back home.
Cold, windy, & snowy at the mountain but the snow cover was better than I expected. A couple of the trails I hit were already bumping up. It took me a couple of runs until I felt like I started getting my form back but when I left I really felt good about it. I think Sunday will be a really good day. My brother wants to go and the snow should be good since it was snowing hard when I left the mountain.
I'm hoping for a nice morning tomorrow so I can get a good run in. Gotta work off those 2 pieces of that fabulous pizza my wife made! LOL.
Breakfast #2 was higher in protein to help sustain me until lunch. I don't like to go 5 hrs. between meals but it is inevitable when I'm teaching skiing. I packed a nice fruity lunch to tide me until I got back home.
Cold, windy, & snowy at the mountain but the snow cover was better than I expected. A couple of the trails I hit were already bumping up. It took me a couple of runs until I felt like I started getting my form back but when I left I really felt good about it. I think Sunday will be a really good day. My brother wants to go and the snow should be good since it was snowing hard when I left the mountain.
I'm hoping for a nice morning tomorrow so I can get a good run in. Gotta work off those 2 pieces of that fabulous pizza my wife made! LOL.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
1st day of skiing
This was supposed to be the 1st day of skiing for 2009/10 season. (I have new skis that are itchin' to be skied on.) Up at 5am for an hour on the stationary bike before heading up to the mountain. It isn't difficult to get up at 5 to go skiing. I was ready to get up at 3:45 when I awoke ready to pee!! There's a Celtics game on tonight and I want to be awake for the end if possible.
A good ride lots of sweat (calories burned). I'll do 90 minutes next week when I don't have to be on the slope 'til about 9:30 am. I'm pumped up to ride hard because of a lighter resistance workout yesterday due to a sore shoulder from overwork. This time between golf and skiing makes be workout extra hard to make up for the extra sitting around time. ( I know I'm crazy.)
I'm getting old too. I got half-way there when I realized I had left my boots sitting in the hallway! :-((. Tomorrow will be the 1st day of skiing. I may be rationalizing but..... it was pretty windy and it mightn't have been a great 1st day.
I expect tomorrow's workout will be hard.
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