Sunday, June 24, 2007

Weekend Recap!

Gay Pride Weekend of Fun ROCKED!

Friday I was too tired and sore to get up for boot camp and I knew I was going to run the hill later in the day anyway with Mary, so I stayed in bed and snuggled. Then we got all ready for Mary to arrive.

Friday afternoon Mary and I ran the hills. It was HOT. She was much faster and better at running them than I was. She also did an extra spur to make it farther than 3 miles. No snakes were seen, so I was happy.

Friday night was the big Mexican Fiesta Super Supper was AWESOME. Everyone had a sombrero and lots of MFS margaritas were consumed. I thought that at ten o'clock after three pitchers that it would be fun to bring out the exercise ball and challenge Mary. We did lots of balance and strength work. I may have broken a toe trying to show her how to do biceps curls while on knees on the ball. It hurt.

Saturday morning I got up early and went to pump and pilates. Then Tim made a super yummy giant breakfast and we all ate on the patio. Then we all went swimming at Cherry Creek. It wasn't nearly as bad as the first open water experience.

Saturday night Tim and I played in a three club better ball tournament. It was soooo fun!! We didn't do all that well, but it was a blast.

Sunday we got up pretty early to get downtown in time for the Pride Fest parade. My Mom was marching with the PFLAG group and she was going to be close to the front, so I didn't want to miss her. We all met up and watched her in the parade and then she joined us later. It was very fun.

This afternoon we picked up my bike from the tune up it needed. I love it. I have already fallen off the bike, so I am not too worried about it anymore. I actually like the clipless pedals. I think it will be much easier to ride in the tri's that Mary and I signed up for. One in Denver and one in Kansas City the next weekend!!! YEAH! Fun!!!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Boot Camp, Week 2, Day 4

So today at bootcamp was awesome fun! We had about 16 stations that we did for 30 seconds and then walked 30 seconds and then moved to the next. We did three rounds and then stretched. It was so fun!

First we jumped rope, then did step ups, then mountain climbers, then pushups, crunches, back extensions, biceps curls, triceps dips, burpies, body squats, jumping lunges, medicine ball stuff....it was fast and fun. I was sweating!

Then I met the friend of the friend to run at Wash Park. It was super fun. We worked on the Chi Running that I have the book for....It was better with her help. I like it a lot.

Then I had pilates and pump. I was very tired after my 4 + hours of exercise today. I then had lunch with my pilates instructor and learned that she is really good friends with a guy I went to High School with. Such a small world!!

After a little downtime and dinner I am going to clean because MARY and Sarah Frog come to visit tomorrow!!! So happy!!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Boot camp week two, days 2 and 3

Yesterday, Tuesday, I rode my bike again to boot camp. We did intervals of three minutes cardio, three minutes weights. We did several of those and then ran laps on the track and then repeated. Then we did abs. It was fun, but not too difficult. Then I rode to the other rec center and swam 30 lengths. it was pretty crowded with kids in lessons, so I didn't do 50 like I had planned. Plus I wanted rest my elbow a little bit.

After I rode home I went to pilates and pump. During the back track in pump I was debating whether my elbow was ready for clean and press. I decided to try it and when I went up I heard the LOUDEST crack. And then my elbow was perfectly fine. It hasn't hurt again since. YEAH!!!

Today I could not get out of bed in time to ride to the gym, so I had to drive. I was just so sleepy. At boot camp we did Indian Running. I hadn't ever heard of it and I hope it isn't offensive to call it that.... The group that was running lined up in a single file line. We all started running and the last person in line had to sprint to the front. We did that for a mile and then ran back. We did some step ups on the park bench and squats. Then abs. I really liked today!

I also had pilates today. We did more step ups. My butt will be sore tomorrow! After pilates I met a friend at Cherry Creek and we rode our bikes. She knew the trail that I will ride for the triathlon. It took a long time because she was so nice and she kept stopping to teach me about the trail and how to use my gears best. I really learned a lot!!! I feel much more comfortable on the bike now. She also let me ride her awesome road bike with clipless shoes. It was not nearly as scary as I feared!

Tomorrow I am going running with a friend of friend around Wash Park. I am looking forward to it after bootcamp and before pilates and pump.

For the record....Tuesday - 4.5 hours of exercise
Wednesday - 3 hours

Monday, June 18, 2007

Boot Camp Week 2, Day 1

At Boot Camp today we did the obstacle course again and lots on running on the track. I like Mondays a lot. Very fun! I rode my bike to the field house again, so I have already done 2 hours of exercise today and I have advanced pilates and a 30 minute run left. So today will be 3 and a half hours of working out!!

This weekend was very fun. I tried to take it very easy on my elbow. Friday after running I had lunch, got a pedicure, shopped for groceries with Tim, we made dinner and watched a movie. Perfect evening!

Saturday we slept late!!! Got coffee, made breakfast, mowed the lawn, laundry, cleaned the house and watched golf. Then we had our couples league. It was "skirt" night....everyone hits from the ladies tees. So we got Tim a grass skirt and he was the hit of the event! It was fun. He even got a free margarita!

Sunday we golfed with my Dad. Tim started the round with an EAGLE!!!! It was so awesome. He had about 70 yards to the hole after his drive and he just nailed it! There was a guy on the balcony of the condos right behind the first green and he clapped for Tim! I couldn't finish the 10th hole because of my elbow, but Tim and my Dad had awesome rounds. It was fun to watch.

Then we watched the end of the US Open and had dinner with my parents. Came home and watched TV and vegged. We packed a ton into the weekend, but it was worth it!!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Day 5

Today was the last day of the first week of boot camp. We met outside at a park in Douglas County and ran the trail. It was a three mile loop with LOTS of hills. I really, really liked it. I wasn't able to run all of it but I think I will be able to soon, my walking for minimal and I tried to just slow run when I needed a break.

The running instructor ran with me the whole way. She is amazing, she does several marathons a year and she has been really helpful with tips and advice. She showed me an area where I can practice some hill repeats. She said that will help with my time and it will be great for my conditioning.

The only part about the park that makes me nervous is about every 1o feet there is a sign for rattlesnakes. Yuck. But it was early and cool enough I didn't worry too much. I will definitely go back there for running and hill repeats. I think I will take Mary next week when she is here to visit me.


I am so happy that I signed up for the boot camp. I really, really like it and I feel like it is already helping me. It is fun and challenging. Woo-hoo!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Bootcamp Day 4, aka I'm an idiot

Today at Boot Camp I could only do cardio and legs, I couldn't do upper body. I hurt my right elbow last night and I can't do much without causing incredible pain. Lots and lots of pain.

I went to pilates and again, could only do leg stuff. Then Marsha told me I should just go home. I wouldn't be able to do much in the pump class. So I left and went to the store.

Boooooo Ann. Sometimes I can be such an idiot.

But I did get the wetsuit, so I am going to the swim clinic tonight. It might not be the best idea considering my elbow, but I don't want to miss it.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Bootcamp Day 3

Today was MUCH better at bootcamp. We spent the whole time on the indoor soccer field. We ran back and forth and skipped, lunged, squated, jumped, hopped, sprinted, etc... I was dripping in sweat after just a few minutes. I loved it!!

I rode my bike there again. It is getting easier. Also the tires being pumped up helps a lot. I can't ride on Fridays out to the hiking spot, but I love riding all the other days.

After bootcamp today I had my last half hour private on the bosu ball. Loved that, too!! Lots of squats and side lunges and balancing. The hardest part was putting it on the reformer and doing upper body work. I almost fell several times. Then I had pilates. This whole week is back to basics week at the studio, so we are doing just a very few exercises, but doing them super slow and learning again what it is supposed to feel like. It is much harder and better!

A girl in my class might sell me her wetsuit. She decided she doesn't like running so she won't be doing any more triathlons. She bought it for over $400 a year ago and she did two tris. She is willing to sell it for much, much, much cheaper to me if it fits! I need to get it tomorrow so I can do the swim clinic at Aurora Reservoir.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Boot Camp Day 2

I was pretty wiped last night. We were watching Big Love at 9:00 p.m. and I really wasn't sure I was going to make it through. I was asleep about 30 seconds after getting into bed. Yeah Exercise!

This morning I was a little sore in my quads, but not too bad. The bike ride to the gym was awesome today because Tim pumped up the tires last night. I knew they needed it, but I didn't realize how badly. It took about 5 minutes less to get there and about 50% less exertion.

We again warmed up by walking around the track. About half way through a little girl (18) started running, so I ran with her. She will help push me and I am pleased she is in the class! Then we got a lengthy explanation of all the universal machines. It took forever. There were way too many of us and way too few machines. We were supposed to do a machine and then run a lap and then repeat. It was chaos. I only got to do a few machines so mostly I ran the track. They said 10 laps on that track is a mile, so I ran about 2 and 1/2 miles today.

We also had a pushup test. I was able to do 20 "real" pushups, so hopefully in 4 weeks I will be able to improve that. All in all, I would rate bootcamp today as a 5. It was too crowded and chaotic. I got a fine workout in, but not as good as yesterday.

After boot camp I rode to the other rec center and swam 50 lengths of the pool. Then I rode home. Then I had to have a sammich. This afternoon I had pilates and pump....All for a grand total of 5 hours of exercise today!!!! YAHOOOO!!!!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Boot Camp Day 1

I woke up feeling pretty well this morning. I was tired, but that was more from the busy weekend than the run yesterday. I wasn't all that sore. I left the house at 6:50 a.m. to ride to the Field House. I got there by 7:20 a.m. It was a good ride...I saw a deer about 15 feet ahead of me. I about crashed trying to get my camera phone out, but he ran away before I could snap a picture.

I got to the gym and we were all told to warm up by walking around the track. Most people were paired off with friends. I have one friend in the class, but I tried to talk to others. Some wouldn't talk to anyone but their friend. And loudly! He is the only man in our group. (he didn't talk very loudly AFTER the workout.)

So then we went downstairs and got instructions for the day. It was an obstacle course on the basketball course. Lots of high stepping in ladders, kicking your butt while you step over things, jumping jacks, wall sits, side squats, lunges, etc... We were supposed to go upstairs and run the track in between sets. They told us to do four sets, but I only finished three. Most everyone else didn't finish two. No one besides me finished three. Then we did some silly upper body work with bands. I hope we use real weights more often. Those bands are very silly and girly.

Then we went home. I loved it. I loved being the most fit! But that might have just been because it was all cardio today. My friend Josette can lift heavier weights than me, but she can't run too much because of her knees. Actually, lots of people in the world lift heavier weights than me!

So then I rode home. Still love the riding home part, it is mostly all downhill. On the way home there was no more deer, but sadly, I saw a snake. So I can never run on the trail again. Boo.

I loved riding to boot camp and home and I think this will be a GREAT month. I certainly got my heart rate up today. I will wear my HRM tomorrow. Forgot it today.

Then I had Advanced Pilates. We focused almost solely on inner thighs and quads. Now I think I will be sore tomorrow!!

It has been a super workout day and I am very happy. Tomorrow will be harder. Bike, Boot Camp, Pilates, Pump, Swim.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

8k Review!!

I finished my first 8k and I loved it. I was totally nervous and puke-y again before the start. When does that go away?? We got there and parked and picked up my bib and packet. The medium shirts were gone, so they are supposed to mail me one. The smalls looked like they might fit Maddie. Not even teeny-tiny Mary could have fit in one.

After registering I went to porta potty lane. Tim held the bags while I went and then I held them while he went and Dinger from the Rockies, Whooly from the Mammoth and Crusher from the Crush were all going to the porta pottys too. When Wholly came out he was funny....he acted like it was terrible and wouldn't let people go in that one. HAHA.

So then I got in the line to start and Tim was by the side. I was nauseous. The we started. The first half of the race is one giant slow hill. I once again started out very fast and then was passed by seemingly everyone. I need to learn to start at my pace and stay there. When we passed my car I wondered about quitting, but I didn't. And it got a lot better. That hill from the river all the way up to Pearl St and 19th or so is killer. I was about 1/3 of the way done when the leader ran back through the other way. She was fast!

At the second water table I got a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade. It was underneath the Denver Pavilions and in the shade so I walked and drank a few sips. Gatorade always makes me want to hurl, it is so darn sickly sweet. Then it was down 15th to Larimer. At Arapahoe Tim was waving to me and he ran with me the few blocks to Larmier. He was so fun to see and really boosted me when I needed it!! He said he would see me at the finish line and I was doing great!! He was so positive and happy for me!

Then I turned and ran through Larmier Square. I love that area. Then there was more water at the walkway down to the Cherry Creek Bike Trail. We ran that to Confluence Park and then had about a block left. I had just enough left to run the last bit and people were everywhere cheering on all the runners. It was awesome. Such a great feeling. Tim was waving and had a HUGE smile for me. It was so fun.

They handed out water when you gave them the bib tag and then everyone got a medal!!! I love that I got a finisher's medal. So COOL! I want to wear it all day!

I am so happy that I ran it and am looking forward to my next race. I need to find some more to do, but I might stick to smaller ones. This seemed large.

I ran a total of 5.26 miles and it took 51:39. I kept thinking we were going to be done, because I thought an 8k was 4.97 miles, but the finish line was farther. I hope they post the results soon!!

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Workout Review

Wednesday: Ride to Gym, Run 30, Ride Home
Thursday: Pilates, Pump
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: Pump, Pilates, Golf

I have been taking it a bit easy on my workouts so I can be all ready for my race tomorrow. I wish I was running today! I am ready!

Today I have an early tee time for the league and then home for a light pasta dinner and early to sleep!

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Before Numbers

This morning I went to get my measurements done prior to starting boot camp. I wasn't too disappointed.

I didn't write down all the measurements of my neck, boobs, chest, waist, upper arms, forearms, hips, upper thighs, knees, or calves. But I will get to see the changes after the month is up. I will post the results for the good of the internets. She said I had good muscle tone and skinny knees. Yeah!

I have 25.5% body fat. Which isn't too bad really. Considering lots of things....like how I used to be fat and sedentary and how I am a girl and how I can't stop eating. So I was pretty happy. I would be thrilled to lose 2% or more over the course of the program. But who knows....?

I also got weighed. I am officially 3.4 pounds heavier than my lowest weight. That's not too bad. I can lose that and more in a month if I am careful and good. I would love to lose 11 pounds.

So here is my schedule for the month....

Monday: Boot Camp, Pilates, Running
Tuesday: Boot Camp, Pilates, Pump, Bike, Swim
Wednesday: Boot Camp, Pilates, Running
Thursday: Boot Camp, Pilates, Pump, Bike, Swim
Friday: Boot Camp, Running
Saturday: Pilates, Pump
Sunday: Rest Day

So, I hope it is fun or it will be a really LONG month!!

My 8k is only 4 days away!!!! Here's hoping for under 50 minutes!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Tuesday Workout

Today I woke up a little sore. I could tell that pilates was harder yesterday!!

I had pilates and pump today. Both good. Starting next week we are going to go up in weight on one body part each week. FUN!

After lunch I went swimming. Mary had pretty much challenged me to swim a mile, so I did. It took 53 minutes. Not terrible, but no medals will be awarded either. I am pretty whooped now. I can certainly feel it. Also a little girl kicked me in the hip, so that hurts. They were playing in the open swim area next to my lane and she got too close. Ouch.

Then I spoke with the lady who will measure my body fat and inches and stuff tomorrow morning. I am excited for it, but I hope I don't get too down on myself because I am 45% body fat or something crazy. I can't do much about it tonight, though, so I am going to enjoy my last night of not knowing!!

Monday, June 4, 2007

Sweaty!!!

Today has been a nice Monday. I got up a little late-ish due to the Sopranos. The ending caused me to drink an extra bottle of wine.

I took Maddie for a little 2 mile walk. She needs to go on more walks. She was slow. Tim and I need to get back in the habit of walking after dinner with her. We all would do well with that.

Then I had my first advanced pilates class and I LOVED it!! It was much harder. We did teasers and lots of v-sits and shoulder stands with no straps and stomach massage and thread the needles. I am excited to do this class. The instructor said we will do 6 weeks and then if we want more we can continue. I think it rocks.

After pilates I rode my bike to the gym and ran 5 miles on the treadmill. I was so happy. I did it in 51:10. YEAH!!! Then I stretched and rode my bike home. I like doing that, I feel better than when I drive and it isn't far at all. It really doesn't take any longer than driving either with stoplights and dealing with the parking lot full of mini vans.

I am off to shower. I have a meeting tonight and I think the ladies would tell me I stink.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Sunday Check In

I have nothing much to report. I am taking to day off exercise wise. Last night we didn't do as well in our golf league. We had a great 1st hole and 8th hole, but otherwise it was ugly. We just laugh so much, though, that it is totally worth it.

Today I went to the store and spent a lot of money on groceries. I need to get back in the habit of planning our meals. We eat so much better when I do that. I am going to sign up for the boot camp today!!! So I will have to eat really good for those 4 weeks, so I can hopefully lose some weight while getting even stronger. And hopefully faster.

Tomorrow is my first day of advanced pilates, and I am totally looking forward to it, although I am a bit nervous!!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Saturday work-out report

Pump'd and Pilate'd. Then I mowed the grass. Golf this afternoon.

Friday, June 1, 2007

TGIF

I got a very nice run in this morning....a little over 3 miles. I also had a very nice stretching session. I am excited because I saw a poster for a bootcamp class at the new field house that opens at the end of June in Parker. I am going to look into it more.

I am hoping this weekend is very relaxing. We have our couples league golf tomorrow evening and then my Dad is coming for dinner on Sunday. He is bringing his new SkyCaddie for us to play with. More gadgets!! This one is for golf, for those of you not in the know.

I am about to go to a meeting downtown and then Tim gets home early and the weekend starts!!!! I am SO ready.