I did my first Run – but it was on a treadmill

I had a choice on Friday. I could run, but on a treadmill or I could do something else at the gym. We were having company that night so my third choice was to wait until late in the evening, but that wasn’t going to get me outside. So I opted to just use the treadmill and get my running under way. I was surprised by how well it went.

Glad it was a lifting day

I successfully avoided having to do my first run yesterday because I had already scheduled a weight lifting day.  I have to admit, I was more than a little relieved to not have to face my running shoes just yet.  Instead, I focused on what I know and love – pushing around iron.  It was a good workout…

Running on a treadmill vs. running outside

 The following blog is reprinted with permission from fitandfabulous.wordpress.com.  It talks about running on a treadmill vs. outside.  It’s fairly technical – you could probably just summarize by saying its generally better to run outside:

1. How is treadmill walking/running different from land walking or running?

To read more, click here

Taking up Running

As part of achieving my 2007 resolutions, I have sought out the help of a coach.  After thoroughly dissecting my life and bad habits, she came back with her recommendations for fueling my body and exercise.  After a few times back and forth, one thing is apparent  I am going to take up running.

2007 Resolutions – Week 2 Results

Here is how I did in week 2 against my goals:

• For Weight loss:  My goal is to get under 200 pounds (or 10% bodyfat).  On a weekly basis,  I am targeting 1 pound a week. 
  • I lost 2 pounds this week 
  • My weight is now to 231.1 pounds (started the year at 239.1)
  • I have lost 8 pounds year to date
  • In total, I have now lost 24 pounds (from 255 lbs)
• For Miles cycled:  My goal is 4,000 miles which equates to 80 per week. 
  • I cycled 70 miles this week 
  • I have cycled 170 miles year to date
• For Hours exercised:  My goal is 300 hours, which equates to 6 hours per week. 
  • I exercised 5 hours this week 
  • I have exercise 13.5 hours year to date 
  • I worked out every day this week
  • I have worked out every day this year (14 days in a row)
  • I worked out 7 times this week:
    • 5x cycling – 3 hrs
    • 1x weight lifting – 0.75 hrs
    • 1x volleyball – 1.25 hrs
• For Blood Pressure:  My goal is to be at or below 120/80.
  • My BP was 138/85  
  • Last week was 136/93

Volleyball with my Daughter

Today’s workout was just fun.  I worked on volleyball drills with my daughter, Natasha.  This is something we started doing together about a month ago.  She got her very own membership to 24 Hour Fitness for her birthday in December.  Now we can go work on her volleyball anytime we want – well anytime there isn’t a full court basketball game going on.  Usually this means that she has to get up early in the morning to practice, and she does often.  We went three to four times a week while she was on Christmas vacation.  Now we can only go early on weekends, but it’s always a fun workout for both of us. 

TGIF, but remember to be grateful

As far as I’m concerned, this week can’t end fast enough.  While I have kept my streak in tact and have worked out every day this year, I have also WORKED every day this year.  Tomorrow will be no exception.  Next week is an all hands company meeting, and preparing for it is my number one priority right now.   I have my eye on all day meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday – and how am I going to get in a workout those days.  I won’t even go into the weather lately.  And to top it off, my dog is bored and won’t stop bugging me with his tennis ball…

But amongst all the chaos, snow, work and family crisisses, I’ve noticed that I have more day to day joy than I use to have. 

Torture 10,000

I’ve received a couple of questions about the torture 10,000.  It’s a century ride in Oregon and one of my main 2007 resolutions.  They advertise that it’s 70 miles of uphill and 30 miles of downhill.  below is a link to someone’s description of the 2005 ride.  His big complaint was that the ride was over 13,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet.

http://felixwong.com/news/2005/08/torture-10000-or/

The main website is http://pwtc.com/.  The ride was August 12th in 2006 and has yet to be announced in 2007.  Needless to say, this is a challenging ride for a big guy like me…

Dead Legs

I have kept my workout streak alive (I haven’t missed a day this year), but it has been hard the last two days.  I have also been working a lot of hours since the new year, so I am both physically and mentally tired right now.

Game Plan for week 2 – Hitting my Stride

My overriding goal for my second week is to now settle in for some consistency.   I don’t expect to lose another 6 pounds, and I doubt I am going to put in another 100 mile week.  Instead, I want to focus on Hitting my Stride.