My Little Water Baby

That's my water baby! Alex loves to swim. This picture was taken in Indiana at a family reunion held by one of my mom's cousins. Alex has turned into quite the swimmer this year. He's in his second round of swimming lessons at the YMCA... first time without mom in the water, too. We're getting ready to sign him up for the next class. It's amazing to me how fast he's learning and how much more confident in the water he is now.

I think it is so important for kids to learn how to swim. Most municipalities offer very reasonably priced swimming lessons. And the YMCA doesn't turn anyone away, so if you're concerned about price there are usually options available. (disclaimer: I did work for the Y for just over a year. I no longer work there but still fully support the institution)

It's just such an important life skill to have. I'm glad my parents enrolled me in swim lessons as a kid. Swimming is great exercise and it's something we can do together as a family. What more could you want??

Once a week is better than nothing...

I've been struggling with fitting exercise back into my routine. I was supremely spoiled last year... with being able to workout at work, during the work day. It helped me train for and complete three 5ks last year, something I never would have though possible due to being extremely out of shape and with my hatred of running.

With this new job, my schedule is the same, but there's no working out at work (other than trips to the cafeteria for lunch and walks around the building on the way to meetings). I'm usually exhausted in the evening, and too tired in the morning. So I'm stuck with weekend workouts. Last weekend I had a great workout... 35 minutes on the elliptical, and almost all the arm and upper body weight machines. I'm on my way out the door right now for another workout. I think I'm going to treadmill it today and see how it goes.

I am happy to report that I did sign Alex up for one more parent-child swimming class, which is turning into a great workout for me. We did one of these classes when he was two. It was fun, but not much stayed with him. He's doing great, and I'm doing water aerobics with a 35 pound weight one night a week. So I guess techincally I'm getting two workouts in a week, but I need to do better. I need to stop hitting snooze in the morning. I know it will make me feel better in the long run and it will definitely boost my energy.

I'll keep you posted!

Feel the Burn

So I did it. I got out of bed at 5:15AM and went to the gym to run.
It was dark out. The moon was still up for crying out loud!
But I did it. And my morning went a lot better than normal.
Alex rolled out of bed right after I got home, so we had our cereal together (which never happens!). I was dressed and out the door by 7:30 (also a rare occurrence).

Maybe there's something to be said for forcing yourself to get out of bed and get moving?
We'll see how I feel tonight...

Completely off the exercise wagon

I have fallen off the exercise wagon and fallen HARD.

I was doing so good when I was at my last job, mainly because of the convenience of having a workout facility at work. I was running at least 3 times a week. In fact, it was about this time last year that I started getting serious about running.

Now, it's been 2.5 weeks since I've been to the gym. I keep trying to get my butt out of bed in the morning to go, but it's been so damn cold I just can't do it. Getting up at 0-dark-hundred to freeze on the way to the gym, sweat, then freeze on the way home just doesn't do it for me.

But I made such progress with running that I feel guilty about not doing it. And I hate to admit it, but I miss running. I am determined to get out of this rut. I want to run a few more 5ks this year. And that's not going to happen if I don't get off my duff.

So in the meantime, until I'm able to get off my duff, I will eat salads for lunch. Baby steps to the gym, baby steps to the treadmill, baby steps to the salad bar...

Uh Oh...

It just hit me... a month from today, I have to put on a swimsuit.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've booked a midweek get-away at one of the waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells. It's the first time we've done this and I'm excited about that, but not about the prospect of putting on my swimsuit. Eek. Must get back on the exercising bandwagon! And quick!

I haven't run in nearly two weeks. I don't want to give up on it either. So I'm hoping to get back into the swing of it this week. I know I can do it!

T-Minus 22.5 hours and counting...

Tomorrow is my first 5K. I've been "training" since January and the big day is almost here.
I have been running 3-4 days a week to get ready. Not as much as I'd like to, but as much as I can spare right now. More than once I have managed to run 3 miles in a row, so I know I can do it. And I'm sure the peer pressure of running with two friends and the thousands of others who will be running Storm the Bastille. It's a really unique race, starting at 9 PM and winding through Milwaukee's hip and trendy Cathedral Square and Third Ward neighborhoods, as well as parts of Downtown. I'll be running with Lacey and Amy, two friends and former co-workers from the TV station. We're just hoping no one has to carry us back to the car at the end.
I didn't run at all over the weekend, ran two miles on Monday, took yesterday off, and did a really easy 30 minutes on the elliptical (not much exertion on my part) just to stay loose. I need to get to bed soon, so I can get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is another Brewers game for work (for those of you wondering what I do, I'm in public relations for a major non-profit here in Milwaukee. I don't want to name my employer... if you really want to know which one, I'll send you an email, I promise.) which will be fun, and then tomorrow night is the race.

(For those of you with little one I have a Backyardigan's song running through my head "Racing Day it's Racing Day, Racing Day it's Racing Day! It's not sausage casing day, today's the day we race.")

I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow night. Wish me luck!

On Running... and eating better

Ran 2 miles on the track yesterday. Still can't believe I did that. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Going to cross-train today, then we'll try the old track again tomorrow.
This from the girl who HATED running growing up... the sweating, the burning lungs, the inflamed and sore muscles. I guess it's turning into a love/hate relationship now. I'm actually looking forward to running tomorrow. I can't believe I just typed that phrase.

As for eating... I'm trying to limit myself to one lunch run a week for both financial and health reasons. So far, so good. I'm trying to flip-flop between making salads and bringing leftovers or Lean Cuisines.

I'm also trying to get us to eat better at home. I bought tons of fresh veggies at the grocery store last week, and have used a good portion of them already. The farmer's market across the street from my office opens for the summer next Wednesday and I'm really excited about that. My mom also got me a copy of "Deceptively Delicious" about hiding fruits and vegetables in your food. Some of the suggestions are pretty simple and can be applied to my own recipes, so I'm going to try to start doing that, too. And last night we had turkey tacos. I really like the flavor of ground turkey and it's so lean, but it tends to be expensive. So I'm going to keep an eye out for it to be on sale so I can stock up. These are just small steps. It's not a mealtime makeover or drastic change... just little baby steps toward being healthier.

In all honesty...

On Thursday, I blogged about being bored, then claimed I was going to run 3 miles. I didn't run but instead did nearly 3 miles on the elliptical and then did some of the weight machines for about 20 minutes.

On Friday, I ran 3.2 miles. HAH! I did more than 3 miles a second time! That means I now have to start running on the track. BLECH! But I know I can do it... and I need to do it in preparation for the 5K, which is just a little over a month away.

Holy Crap! I'm the "Blog of the Week" on NaBloPoMo!

Therese... this is all your fault! My beloved book clubbing/blogging/crocheting buddy Therese nominated me for "Blog of the Week" on NaBloPoMo. I actually feel bad about it, because I'm not participating this month.

I'm excited about the prospect of more readers though. And a little shy at the same time. I think my life is really interesting (not) so I hope you at least find my writing mildly entertaining.
Um, let's see... if you want to know more about me, read this post. I'm a former TV news producer, so I like to write fake news stories. That's about it. If you're just stopping by, please leave a comment, or leave me the address of your blog. I love discovering new blogs!

In other news today... I RAN THREE MILES! Okay, it was really only 2.8 miles, and it was on a treadmill at zero incline, but I did it! This is huge for me. The first of my two 5K races that I'm training for is coming up in July. The three of us who are running it are registering for the race this week. And Lacey and I are doing a training run outside on Saturday (if the weather cooperates). Lacey by the way is kicking butt with all of this. She did more than 3 miles... and she's getting in great shape for her wedding in the process. I hope I can keep up with her!!

Dear Metabolism,

Dear Metabolism-

Where have you gone? I’ve been working out at least three times a week since January and I have yet to lose a pound. It’s really getting annoying. I started running, thinking I could run my ass off, but so far that hasn’t worked. I eat breakfast everyday… because that was supposed to spark your interest. Well, it hasn’t yet. Consuming dairy three times a day was also supposed to get you going… so far it hasn’t. Taking a multivitamin... still no reaction. What do I have to do to get you to start working again?

We were so close in high school and college. You let me eat way too much pizza, way too many tacos, all while maintaining an adequate weight. Did I do something to upset you?

I know I’m not seriously overweight. I weigh about 35 pounds more now than I did when I got out of college. I'm not asking for the world here. I just need to see a little effort on your part. Maybe 10-15 pounds?

I’m going to keep working out. I’m going to start doing more strength training. I’m going to try to stop snacking, eat less, and drink more water. I’m doing my part… now I need you to do yours!

Thanks,

Sydney

Both articles are done...

Now it's time to go running. I'm hoping to hit 2 miles again today.

M is for More than One Mile

(MILWAUKEE) We have breaking news from downtown Milwaukee. A mom in her early 30s broke a personal record yesterday while running on a treadmill at a downtown fitness center. The woman threw a towel over the monitor on her treadmill and just started to run. She made it for 15 minutes, then decided she wasn't winded or in pain, and went another 5 minutes, then another 5 minutes, then she eased down the speed a bit. She pulled the towel off the monitor only to see that she had run ***2.1 miles***.



"How can this be?" asked a friend since high school. "She used to wheeze through running the perimeter of the school in gym class."


Her parents were equally dismayed. "I can't believe it. Is she okay?" asked her mom. "Can she still walk? Is she breathing?"


Crews tried to reach her older sister for comment. The older sister was running herself, and said "Two miles? I'm training for a half marathon. I can do two miles in my sleep. But good for her. I'm proud of her."


The woman had been struggling to get past the 1.25 mile mark, having a particularly bad run just this past Wednesday. She credits her success to some research, and a great playlist on her MP3 player.


"I started digging around on some running websites. One site said not to eat 2 hours before running to avoid side-cramps. It also said not to stretch before a run, but to warm up by walking for about 5 minutes," she told a reporter while gasping for breath. "I honestly could not have done it without my playlist. Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Finger 11, Cake, Audioslave, and Muse all had a lot to do with this success."


Trying not to rest too much on a one-time record, the woman is planning to replicate the feat again on Monday.

My rules for the locker room

I've never been a fan of the locker room. I'm just a very modest person and I'm not at all comfortable with letting it all hang out. This is why I think there should be rules in the locker room and beyond.

1. Cover UP! I understand toweling off after showering or being in the sauna. And changing into a sports bra is a must. But do you really need to walk around buck naked in the locker room, applying makeup, brushing your teeth, blow-drying your hair, etc.? This goes for men and women both. I don't care how comfortable you are with your body... I DON'T WANNA SEE IT!

2. Don't overload on perfume or body spray before your workout. Be considerate of your neighbor. I was almost overcome by the scent of cotton candy half way through my run on the treadmill yesterday. Some chickie got onto the treadmill next to mine and must have gotten in a fight with her Bath and Body Works product before setting foot on the gym floor.

3. If you're watching the in-house cable system, avoid loud guffaws or laughter. You may just startle someone into falling off the treadmill, elliptical, or other equipment.

4. Don't sneak up on friends who are working out, and for goodness sakes, don't tap someone's shoulder while they are on a treadmill.

In happier news, I'm now able to run 1.25 miles on the treadmill before taking a break. Slowly but surely I'm increasing my distance. Once I can do 1.5 miles in a row more than once, I'm going to start running on the track.

Exercise Milestone

I didn't get to workout today, and I was REALLY disappointed. I had a first yesterday. I ran a mile in a row on the treadmill. It took me 12 minutes, but I didn't stop. I just kept plugging away. I walked for 1/4 mile to warm up. Ran for 1 mile. Walked for about 4 minutes, then ran for another 1/2 mile. So total running was a mile and a half. Even more amazing to me, was that I did it without tunes! My MP3 player died during my Wednesday workout and I forgot to charge the battery, so I was out of luck. I was on an exercise high after that. I realize that a lot of people run faster, farther, longer, whatever than I do, but this was big for me. I have always been a wimp when it comes to running, so this was a major accomplishment for me. I ran into one of the personal trainers afterwards, and he was so encouraging! He asked me if I was planning on running any 5Ks, so that I had a goal to work toward.

And I am planning to run two different 5Ks this year... I want to run Storm the Bastille in June and I want to run Race for the Cure in September. I believe Ms. Lacey is going to join me. (Right?!) We're sharing running playlists (which will come in handy when I remember to charge my darn batteries!) and sharing notes on running. I know I've got a long way to go, but I have a goal and a workout buddy, so I'm on my way!

Tuning up my workout

I am by no means a runner, but I’m trying to become one. I got an MP3 player for my birthday last year and I love it. It’s really helping me with my workouts. I find if I have the right song playing, I can run or go on the elliptical for 40 minutes and not even realize it. I find the elliptical easier on my joints, plus I don’t get as winded. But I have set a goal for myself of being able to run for 3 miles, either on a treadmill or on the track, by summer. I’m up to 1¼ miles… with the rest of the time spent walking briskly. I’m trying to work my way up. I also need to get better about adding strength training. I'm posting a list of songs I like for running. I would love to get some suggestions. Post them in comments!!!

Songs I like to Run to:
Start Me Up – Rolling stones
The Distance – Cake
Monkey Wrench- Foo Fighters
The Pretender- Foo Fighters
Best of You- Foo Fighters
All My Life – Foo Fighters
Times Like These (not the slow version)- Foo Fighters
Generator- Foo Fighters
Cold Hard Bitch- Jet
Do the Evolution – Pearl Jam
Wishlist- Pearl Jam
Doesn’t Remind Me- Audio Slave
The Underdog- Spoon
Paralyzer- Finger 11
Ray of Light- Madonna
Rehab- Amy Winehouse
Makes Me Wonder- Maroon 5
Fire It Up- Modest Mouse

What in the world was I thinking?

Working where I do (the YMCA) there's really no excuse for not working out... other than being horrendously bogged down with projects or meetings, which happens from time to time.
I've been pretty busy the last couple of weeks, but I'm trying to make it to the gym 2-4 times a week. Didn't get there yesterday, but I did today. I like running on the elliptical. I'm a visual exerciser. I need the boost I get from seeing how many calories I've burned or how far I've gone. I also like knowing when my 30 minutes of cardio is done. Today, all the ellipticals were taken. It's been awhile since I went any kind of distance on a treadmill, but I thought "What the heck? I can do 30 minutes on the elliptical at a pretty good pace, certianly it's time to really try and run."

Oh man was that stupid! I was listening to some great music on my MP3 player (some Rolling Stones, Cake, Foo Fighters) and was really rocking out. I walked fast for 5 minutes to warm up, then I started running. I ran half a mile. Then I kept going. I ran 3/4 of a mile. I had to stop and walk a bit, catch my breath. Then I ran another third of a mile. Walked a little more for a cool down. When it was over, I had run over a mile, and walked about half a mile. I haven't run a mile in at least 3 years. I've never been much of a runner, so this was quite an accomplishment for me. I was getting that endorphine rush. I got a huge drink of water and headed for the locker room. After I got dressed and headed for the car, it hit me. The seizing muscles. My feet felt like two ton weights. I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror and I was beet red.

I'm sure I'll be feeling worse tomorrow. But you know what? I ran a mile today!!!! And while my body aches, it feels REALLY GOOD knowing I did it!