Well, work once again was crazy this week, which hurt my ability to work out. I did manage to do SOMETHING though, and living in NYC means that I get exercise in just by walking to wherever I need to go. I am participating in Run to Finish's Holiday Booty Buster Challenge, so lets see how I did this week:
Monday: Nothing (holiday party)
Tuesday: Ran 2 miles
Wednesday: Walked for half-an-hour on the treadmill (about 1 mile)
Thursday: Nothing (another holiday party)
Friday: Nothing (too tired)
Saturday: Swam for 30 minutes
I am not counting the time I spend walking to and from the subway, etc., because it's too difficult to keep track of the mileage. So I am going with straight work out time. Now here is the HBBC point guideline:
1 Point per mile (run or walk or snowshoe)
1 Point per 15 minutes of weight lifting or pilates
1 Point per 15 minutes of another form of cardio (i.e. kick boxing, elliptical)
1 Point per 30 minutes of stretching or yoga or abs
Point total: 5 points.
Wow, that is sad.
But it is only the first week. And today I have an 8 mile run planned. So there.
In other news, I joined the local YMCA yesterday and then went for a swim where I found out that my suspicions were confirmed: my stroke sucks. I sat in the pool and also thought "Oh crap, I need to be able to swim 77 laps for the NYC Triathlon in July." Um, a little daunting. So, when I finally got home, I Googled "swim lessons" and will be promptly signing up for them today. The lessons are tailored to triathletes and are aimed at improving your stroke - just what I need. Unless I can breast stroke-it down the Hudson next July.
My other concern with regard to swimming? My hair. Call me vain, but I am worried about the chlorine drying out my hair. I need to do some research about how I can guard against this. Google here I come again.
I am also looking forward to the spinning classes at the Y. I have not really done much biking lately, so this will definitely help keep me in shape bike-wise. I am not thrilled that spinning class is offered at 6:00 on a Tuesday - I do like to eat before I work out and there is always the possibility I will have to work late - but I will take what I can get.
I am also going to try out some gels (or I should say A gel) today on my 8 mile run. I want to do the Manhattan half-marathon in January, and would like to take something other than Gatorade, which makes me very thirsty. But I have no idea which one my body will like the
best.
Also, I am thinking of joining a triathlon group. I think that it will really help with my swimming (in addition to my swim classes) and I will at least have other people around for support. All the working and then solo training usually means I end up doing everything by myself, which I don't mind, but it would be nice to hang around other people with the same interests.
Phhhew, that sure was a lot of random thoughts.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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3 comments:
You have alot going on! Good for you getting swim lessons to help with your stroke! Your hair won't be too bad but your skin will REEK of chlorine the whole day even after showering and putting soap ALL over numerous times to get it off. Gels are good - I recommend GU! Vanilla bean or chocolate outrage. Lots coming up for you, which is fun!!
Good job this week despite lots of holiday stuff going on, and hope the 8 miler went well!
I did swim team in high school and found a couple tricks...that kinda help. One is putting in leave in conditioner over night after a swim if you can. Two is that because it strips your hair you don't always have to shampoo, sometimes you can just use conditioner. I also invested in really good coniditioners and it helped a lot.
good luck with getting to 77 laps...yikes!
Joining a group definitely helps. Not only will you get commaderie and people to train with, you'll also receive a lot of helpful advice from others who are in the same boat as you or have more experience than you.
I'm planning to do the Manhattan Half too, although I don't plan to start training until after the New Year. Figured it'll help me to get motivated to get back out there when it's freezing cold.
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