Holiday Blues

So this isn't about exercise. Just finding it hard to stay motivated lately. Yesterday was the first 'holiday' since dad's passing (obviously). It wasn't a big holiday. It was just a very sad day, a hard day. Dad always runs the grill, brother wouldn't help (he was't there til food was almost done anyway). Mom has no idea how to grill, I had a hard time getting the friggin' coals hot enough (at home we use matchlight... we are lazy!). Anyway it was just so glaring that he wasn't there, and won't be again. It sucked. Very sad day.
:(
So how do I get motivated again? I was doing really well until about the time he passed. I don't know how to get going again - ugh!

Someone kick me in the butt and get me motivated - please!

Bike Geek Central

Well, I am in touch with the truth - I am a geek. A cycle geek. I don't cheap out with my bike or the gear attached to it. That might be why it has taken me 8 years to get to where I am now with the gear. I started out in 1999 with a heavy and old 10-speed bike. That bike was free, from my brother. It was not my FIRST bike, but it was the first bike that I got only to cycle, not to have as a kid etc. I rode this bike a LOT, 1-2 hours 3-4 times a week. I started getting the right seat, then the right shorts, the jersey, the gloves, the warm up jacket and pants to go over the jersey and shorts - you know how it goes! Just before I got married in 2003 I bought the bike I now have, an Iron Horse Triumph - an entry level road bike with spiffy forks & rims. Working with my friend Ralph, who is waaaay into the gear, I ended up getting a cleat system for the pedals - and of course the shoes to go with it.

Now reader, today I was excited because I found my mini-pump and figured out how to use it for the presta valves, and lets not forget my Mother's day gifts - the awesome bike tool kit that fits in the seat bag, and a small camelbak. You probably don't want to ride with me - I would probably embarass you! LOL

I look like some middle-aged housewife that is trying to be something she isn't. HA! I will get there. Today I did the treadmill and tomorrow (weather willing) cycling at Kensington. please- nice weather! :)

And thank you furs for helping motivate me with your energy and gusto! :)

Come on - let's kick our asses into gear!

Numb Feet

So I have a weird problem. I guess I should do an internet search for a solution. My feet get numb when I am on they bike. I think they swell up while I am exercising. Isn't that strange? I can't understand why that would happen. I will have to see if someone makes compression cycle socks or something. I am used to using my cleats now, they are easy for me to get in and out of, so I can't get super thick or super thin socks cause then I will have to get new shoes. I already had to buy men's shoes because for some reason all women cycle things are made for VERY thin women. Or at least that is what is in the store. Anyone ever heard of feet getting numb while cycling?

My new cleats are in at REI waiting for me to pick them up, I should ask then. The sales people always seem pretty knowledgeable there, I could do some serious damage to our finances at that place!

Yay me!

Thank you to my motivator for getting me going today. (You know who you are!!)
I got my lazy butt on the treadmill and it felt a lot better than on Tuesday.
It is nice to have friends that are getting back in to shape too, even if it is virtual buddies - hey what ever it takes!
Let's all keep it up, we Rock!!
and yes, cardio 1st, strenuous exercises 2nd.... consider that a lesson learned - and a big fat DUH!!!!!!!
-f2f

Ugh... I don't want to exercise today

Well, I need to get moving. I took 2 days off from exercise. Yesterday I decided to drink wine instead of exercising. Oh well...

hit a wall today

Well, today was a crazy day. I didn't sleep well, and I mowed in 83 degree weather. I also decided to do planks, crunches before treadmill.. (and I did aquatics class yesterday, bike day before that). I am thinking that stuff they say about rest days; I think that I should have taken one today. I hit a wall. I was only able to do about 1/2 of what I usually do on there. Oh well.

Tomorrow will be a rest day I guess. Live & learn!

Holy man-candy as motivation

Okay readers... So today I decided to load up my bike, go to Hines Park and go for a ride. If you have never ridden it is a pretty gentle ride except for a few minor hills.... At least they seem minor when you are in the car.... when you are huffing and puffing it back to the car because you were busy looking at the scenery instead of watching the cyclometer.... well suddenly those hills seem killer!

So anyway.. rode 10.33 miles! Pretty good for the 3rd time out! No complaints from me anyway. I of course had on all the dork-gear - even those shoes that attach to the pedals. I am finally feeling comfortable in those shoes and can get in and out of the pedals without falling onto the pavement. I was out for about 45 minutes. I am still slow, but at least I am moving!

So here is the cool part that I wasn't expecting! There were plenty of hot cylists... I am talking about tan, fit, looking GOOD on a bike... And most of them were giving a nod or a wave to me. Big ole' out of shape me. Made me feel good, kinda like part of a club or something. Silly but true. Someone started talking to me a little bit as I was loading up the bike into the minivan (he had an older version of the same one)... neat how that is.

I used to cycle on my own just down roads or whatever, but never some place that is known as a bike path so it was pretty neat!

So there is a new motivator in town, hot eye-candy to keep up with... :)

-f2f

Another week, another pound?

Well, still exercising! All the other stuff happening isn't stopping me.. I might actually make it to the fall and keep exercising and even be able to do a 5K run without walking the whole thing! I am stoked!

The bike ride next year, we will see what happens!

Skipped some days.. now must pay

Well, I went on vacation for a few days and didn't exercise. I meant to. But I didn't not one lick of a work-out. I don't regret it! I had the kids with me, so screw it!

I am still considering my self in training. Looking for a 5K race in the fall to do in the area. I most likely will walk most of it, but what the heck! Got to get in shape for the 300 mile bike ride in July of 2008.

I have already lost about 6 pounds, been exercising for about 4 weeks consistently and really starting to feel pretty good. I am hoping that my motivation stays intact! I don't think my clothes are really starting to fit any differently yet, but hopefully soon. One bad thing about weight loss, it is so slow that it is hard to see the results. So I guess I had better keep up with pictures every so often in the biking gear to see the difference.