Lesson learned. It couldn't be helped, really, because of other things I have going on, but I missed tread time Tuesday and Wednesday. Got back on the track last night and made it three miles -- 1.5 walking, 1.5 running -- but it wasn't easy. My legs felt heavy.
Hopefully one-time peeve: Guy was sitting in the parking lot next to the track in a diesel pickup with the engine running. Seriously, couldn't you find someplace else to keep those glow plugs warm? I'm trying to breathe here!
Soundtrack was a smattering of P.O.D., guitar selections from August Rush Soundtrack, U2 and R.E.M.
YTD mileage: 102. WAX: 233, which is very cool. Two days off didn't hurt me on the scale. I felt heavy when I was running, but I wasn't really. I continued to eat sensibly. Food yesterday: HBO, coffee, banana nut muffin, poppy-seed chicken (which was delish by the way) and broccoli for lunch. Ravioli for supper.
The entire time at lunch (this was in the company cafeteria) I kept thinking, OK, you guys are going to now implement a battery of drug tests, since you've served us all poppy seeds, right? Is this a set-up? Now where was that tin-foil hat ...
Getting in a run today will be a challenge what with the blizzard and all. (that's a joke, btw). Since the temps are supposed to be in the upper 40s tomorrow, it shouldn't be a problem.
I'll try to be back on later with an update, but I might be too busy playing in the snow.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
I'm an overweight light weight
I must admit I was feeling pretty good about myself. I'm down 10 pounds the first five weeks of the year. I've traveled 99 miles on foot (counting tonight's three, 1.5 of which was running). I've altered my lifestyle and in some measures altered myself.
Then I ran into one of the regulars at Airport Road Park. (forgot the camera and the mp3 player; no pics yet and the soundtrack was my wheezing). This guy is pushing 60, and he's the most consistent runner I've ever seen. That's saying something, as much track and cross country as I've watched. This guy just cranks out lap after lap, same pace, never stops and if he breaks a sweat, I can't tell. So my third running lap (last one, they were 1/2-mile laps) I wound up stride for stride with him. The natural question: How many are you doing. "This makes 11 miles. I'm thinking about doing another one." So I ask if he's training for a marathon, and he says he just did one at Robins AFB. Ran it in 3 hours, 44 minutes, good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he said he does not plan to do. All I can say is, even at 234 pounds (that's what I weighed afterward), I was able to keep up with him for a lap. Or he was just pacing me. That's probably the way it went. But it definitely helped to be running with someone. Wish I'd gotten his name, but it held motivational value just running and talking with him a little. Maybe I can get more from my body than I'm getting now.
I'm happy to note that the extra half-mile lap caused me no problems, and I got a pretty good sweat going. So I'm thinking I'll keep that routine the next two weeks and then perhaps add another half mile. The rest of this week is going to be outside the normal plan, though. I'm going to be otherwise involved tomorrow and Wednesday, so the workout will take a back seat until Thursday.
Then I ran into one of the regulars at Airport Road Park. (forgot the camera and the mp3 player; no pics yet and the soundtrack was my wheezing). This guy is pushing 60, and he's the most consistent runner I've ever seen. That's saying something, as much track and cross country as I've watched. This guy just cranks out lap after lap, same pace, never stops and if he breaks a sweat, I can't tell. So my third running lap (last one, they were 1/2-mile laps) I wound up stride for stride with him. The natural question: How many are you doing. "This makes 11 miles. I'm thinking about doing another one." So I ask if he's training for a marathon, and he says he just did one at Robins AFB. Ran it in 3 hours, 44 minutes, good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he said he does not plan to do. All I can say is, even at 234 pounds (that's what I weighed afterward), I was able to keep up with him for a lap. Or he was just pacing me. That's probably the way it went. But it definitely helped to be running with someone. Wish I'd gotten his name, but it held motivational value just running and talking with him a little. Maybe I can get more from my body than I'm getting now.
I'm happy to note that the extra half-mile lap caused me no problems, and I got a pretty good sweat going. So I'm thinking I'll keep that routine the next two weeks and then perhaps add another half mile. The rest of this week is going to be outside the normal plan, though. I'm going to be otherwise involved tomorrow and Wednesday, so the workout will take a back seat until Thursday.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Going the extra mile
I intended to walk five miles today. And I did. Figured out another loop on the Tyus Park grounds that was 2.4 miles total. Did that twice, one lap around the .25-mile track and voila! Five miles. But wait! I'd made a pit stop and took off the backpack I carry on the long walks. As I was leaving the loo, I also left behind the backpack. The facilities are about 1/2 mile from where I was parked, so it took an extra mile to retrieve it. Voila! Six miles.
Soundtrack was Sounds of the Seventies: 1975.
You're No Good, Linda Rondstadt
Jackie Blue, Ozark Mountain Daredevils
That's the Way (I Like It), K.C. and the Sunshine Band
Must have got Lost, J. Geils Band
Sister Golden Hair, America
Why Can't We Be Friends, War
Philadelphia Freedom, Elton John
Black Water, Doobie Brothers
Love is a Rose, Linda Rondstadt
How Long, Ace
Dance With Me, Orleans
Free Bird, Lynnrd Skynnrd
You Are so Beautiful, Joe Cocker
Feel Like Makin' Love, Bad Company
Lady Marmalade, LaBelle
Pick Up The Pieces, The Average White Band
Island Girl, Elton John
Some Kind of Wonderful, Grand Funk Railroad
The Hustle, Van McCoy
Let's Do it Again, The Staple Singers
A few posts back, I mentioned posting some pictures. So I'm going to try my hand at it here. These are all at Tyus Park. Think of them as scene setters.
At left is be the sign at the entrance to the park. Below is the marker honoring Wyomia Tyus.
This guy flew over me and landed in the tree, then watched as I walked past. That would be a red-tailed hawk, my friends.
This is the 1/4-mile walking track where I do most of my workouts.
Exercise area by the track. It has sit-up benches, pull-up bars and other stuff that I don't know the names for. I try to stay away from this area. Nothing but pain there for me.
Shot from half-way up the closest thing to a hill on the course.
And this is the play area that lacks all sense of scale.
Soundtrack was Sounds of the Seventies: 1975.
You're No Good, Linda Rondstadt
Jackie Blue, Ozark Mountain Daredevils
That's the Way (I Like It), K.C. and the Sunshine Band
Must have got Lost, J. Geils Band
Sister Golden Hair, America
Why Can't We Be Friends, War
Philadelphia Freedom, Elton John
Black Water, Doobie Brothers
Love is a Rose, Linda Rondstadt
How Long, Ace
Dance With Me, Orleans
Free Bird, Lynnrd Skynnrd
You Are so Beautiful, Joe Cocker
Feel Like Makin' Love, Bad Company
Lady Marmalade, LaBelle
Pick Up The Pieces, The Average White Band
Island Girl, Elton John
Some Kind of Wonderful, Grand Funk Railroad
The Hustle, Van McCoy
Let's Do it Again, The Staple Singers
A few posts back, I mentioned posting some pictures. So I'm going to try my hand at it here. These are all at Tyus Park. Think of them as scene setters.
At left is be the sign at the entrance to the park. Below is the marker honoring Wyomia Tyus.
This guy flew over me and landed in the tree, then watched as I walked past. That would be a red-tailed hawk, my friends.
This is the 1/4-mile walking track where I do most of my workouts.
Exercise area by the track. It has sit-up benches, pull-up bars and other stuff that I don't know the names for. I try to stay away from this area. Nothing but pain there for me.
Shot from half-way up the closest thing to a hill on the course.
And this is the play area that lacks all sense of scale.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Beatin' the rain
So while others around metro Atlanta were refilling on balsa wood for the coming deluge, I was out walking and running. It was sprinkling, but never got heavy enough to make me concerned about my electronics, and by the time I'd finished the run portion, the rain had stopped. In its place was a brisk wind, though, and it got fairly chilly. This week's routine was thus maintained: two miles walked, one run. Listened to U2 (Vertigo, Pride, One, Mysterious Ways) and Van Halen (Good Enough, Get Up, Why Can't this be Love, Best of Both Worlds, Dance the Night Away, Spanish Fly, Beautiful Girls).
WAX: 234. YTD Mileage: 90. Intakes: HBO, coffee, spaghetti, wheat bread and water for lunch. Baked flounder, green beans, mac & cheese and tea for supper. No in-between meal snacks today.
My design for this little shindig was five of seven days. For the first time, I've gone five straight days, and I could tell a difference tonight. Legs felt a little heavy on the run. Tomorrow is an off day, and from the looks of the weather forecast, it's a good day for it.
I'm hurting for my little girl today. She got two pieces of disappointing news, and there wasn't a thing I could do to make it better. She kept a good attitude about it, and I was proud of her for that, and maybe the lesson to be learned is in that. She knows she has options, and she knows we love her.
OK, it's late. Gotta go get some sleep.
WAX: 234. YTD Mileage: 90. Intakes: HBO, coffee, spaghetti, wheat bread and water for lunch. Baked flounder, green beans, mac & cheese and tea for supper. No in-between meal snacks today.
My design for this little shindig was five of seven days. For the first time, I've gone five straight days, and I could tell a difference tonight. Legs felt a little heavy on the run. Tomorrow is an off day, and from the looks of the weather forecast, it's a good day for it.
I'm hurting for my little girl today. She got two pieces of disappointing news, and there wasn't a thing I could do to make it better. She kept a good attitude about it, and I was proud of her for that, and maybe the lesson to be learned is in that. She knows she has options, and she knows we love her.
OK, it's late. Gotta go get some sleep.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
No music, no problem
Left mp3 at office today when leaving work. Strategic error. I got my three miles in (one running, two walking) and my theory about the music making it easier was confirmed. Among the other negative signals your body sends you, if you hear how difficult your breathing is, motivation becomes a big challenge. But here's my mantra: I will not be beaten by an inanimate object. I guess sound of breath is inanimate. It's not tangible enough to make me admit defeat, in any case.
Blah, blah, blah, right? I wasn't going to hit the track today, but it was too nice out not to, and it's supposed to be miserable here the next two days, so I went. One of the next two is going to be a day off. Don't know which one yet. Probably a game-time decision tomorrow. If it's not raining or only misting, I'll probably jump out there and get it over with.
WAX was 234, mainly because I was weak on the intake side. HBO for breakfast, coffee, had a nutrigrain fruit bar mid-morning. Baked chicken breast and green beans for lunch. Brownie at 3 or so. About 4:30 is where it went really went south. Had to stop to use the bathroom on the way home, and could not walk past the soft drink case. Then I couldn't walk past an eclair. I had indigestion before I'd gone another 10 miles. When you eliminate soft drinks and then drink one on occasion, you realize how bad those things make you feel. And Coke just doesn't taste good to me any more. Agua, por favor. Non cocas mas.
YTD mileage: 87.
Got a cool piece of news yesterday. I'm going to be hosting Monday triva shows at Truett's Grill in Griffin. If you're in town, come check it out. You might win something.
Blah, blah, blah, right? I wasn't going to hit the track today, but it was too nice out not to, and it's supposed to be miserable here the next two days, so I went. One of the next two is going to be a day off. Don't know which one yet. Probably a game-time decision tomorrow. If it's not raining or only misting, I'll probably jump out there and get it over with.
WAX was 234, mainly because I was weak on the intake side. HBO for breakfast, coffee, had a nutrigrain fruit bar mid-morning. Baked chicken breast and green beans for lunch. Brownie at 3 or so. About 4:30 is where it went really went south. Had to stop to use the bathroom on the way home, and could not walk past the soft drink case. Then I couldn't walk past an eclair. I had indigestion before I'd gone another 10 miles. When you eliminate soft drinks and then drink one on occasion, you realize how bad those things make you feel. And Coke just doesn't taste good to me any more. Agua, por favor. Non cocas mas.
YTD mileage: 87.
Got a cool piece of news yesterday. I'm going to be hosting Monday triva shows at Truett's Grill in Griffin. If you're in town, come check it out. You might win something.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Gone Country
Listened to Trace Adkins on the track tonight. Songs about Me album, some really good stuff. Can't go wrong with Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. If that makes me look like a sexist pig, well, I'll just have to live with it. I like the song.
stats
3 miles, ytd total 84. Tonight, one mile running, two walking
Weight after exercise (WAX) 234.
intake: HBO/milk, coffee, muffin at 10, chili with wheat bread for lunch, water to drink, Chicken soup and turkey sandwich for supper with water.
Got a pretty good sweat working during the running portion. I walked the last two miles and still had some sweat going. To me, that's the immediate payback for the effort. I've always liked to sweat. My dad told me when I was little when I had a scraped knee or something that the bleeding was getting the bad out of me. Probably didn't bleed enough. But that's kind of my perspective on sweat. It's like a toxin purge or something. If, as the motivational cliche goes, pain is weakness leaving the body, then maybe sweat is malady leaving the body. Goofy? Yes? Deep? You be the judge. But it kind of works for me.
Watched the frist hour of Lost, off-and-on while I was preparing my taxes (yay! gettin' a refund! boo! it's already spent). Anyway, the sequence at the end where they were all getting off the plane had a very Wizard of Oz feel to it.
That's about it for the night. May your viewing time be engaging.
Stone out.
stats
3 miles, ytd total 84. Tonight, one mile running, two walking
Weight after exercise (WAX) 234.
intake: HBO/milk, coffee, muffin at 10, chili with wheat bread for lunch, water to drink, Chicken soup and turkey sandwich for supper with water.
Got a pretty good sweat working during the running portion. I walked the last two miles and still had some sweat going. To me, that's the immediate payback for the effort. I've always liked to sweat. My dad told me when I was little when I had a scraped knee or something that the bleeding was getting the bad out of me. Probably didn't bleed enough. But that's kind of my perspective on sweat. It's like a toxin purge or something. If, as the motivational cliche goes, pain is weakness leaving the body, then maybe sweat is malady leaving the body. Goofy? Yes? Deep? You be the judge. But it kind of works for me.
Watched the frist hour of Lost, off-and-on while I was preparing my taxes (yay! gettin' a refund! boo! it's already spent). Anyway, the sequence at the end where they were all getting off the plane had a very Wizard of Oz feel to it.
That's about it for the night. May your viewing time be engaging.
Stone out.
Cue the Sonny and Cher
It's Groundhog Day. Not much chance of General Lee seeing his shadow today. Punxatawney (or however you spell it) Phil, I don't know. General Lee's probably going to be tres irritated at having to come out of his hole in the rain. He'll say in his little groundhog language, "Welcome to Febru-ugly. Now leave me the heck alone."
My wife came home from the grocery store with a case of yogurt over the weekend. It had flavors in key lime, strawberry cheesecake, cherry and peach. I've now sampled them all, and they seem a fairly good sweet-tooth fix. The key lime tasted an awful lot like lime sherbet. Strawberry cheesecake didn't really have the cheesecake flavor. Cherry tasted like cherry. Peach tasted like peach. I'm OK with yogurt. Never been a huge fan -- I can walk past it in the store, unlike, say, the cereal aisle -- but I'll eat it if it's there.
Yesterday was a three-miler, one of them running. I was on the half-mile track, and the way I broke this up, there was a stretch where I ran the mile over the course of 1.25 miles (a quarter-mile walk between two half-mile intervals). I'm close to being confident I can run a mile without stopping, which would a small victory. Enough small victories and you've done something significant. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.
Soundtrack was the UGA Redcoat Marching Band, a collection of game day marches. Always gets me going.
Weight after exercise was 234. I had honey bunches of oats cereal with milk, coffee, coupla small chocolates, an Italian sausage hoagie with chips for lunch and home-made chicken noodle soup for supper.
YTD mileage: 81.
My wife came home from the grocery store with a case of yogurt over the weekend. It had flavors in key lime, strawberry cheesecake, cherry and peach. I've now sampled them all, and they seem a fairly good sweet-tooth fix. The key lime tasted an awful lot like lime sherbet. Strawberry cheesecake didn't really have the cheesecake flavor. Cherry tasted like cherry. Peach tasted like peach. I'm OK with yogurt. Never been a huge fan -- I can walk past it in the store, unlike, say, the cereal aisle -- but I'll eat it if it's there.
Yesterday was a three-miler, one of them running. I was on the half-mile track, and the way I broke this up, there was a stretch where I ran the mile over the course of 1.25 miles (a quarter-mile walk between two half-mile intervals). I'm close to being confident I can run a mile without stopping, which would a small victory. Enough small victories and you've done something significant. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.
Soundtrack was the UGA Redcoat Marching Band, a collection of game day marches. Always gets me going.
Weight after exercise was 234. I had honey bunches of oats cereal with milk, coffee, coupla small chocolates, an Italian sausage hoagie with chips for lunch and home-made chicken noodle soup for supper.
YTD mileage: 81.
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