HLSG/WWSG - Week of 7/13

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang - looks like I'm first in again. I'm really not that anal that I need to be first - anyone can start... really.

This week the fun begins! I begin training for the Richmond Virginia Marathon - being run in late November. I don't have the full schedule handy - it is in my car and I really don't want to go out right now and fetch it :rolleyes:. But I do know that tomorrows run is a simple one - 3 hills (try to find an 8-10% grade hill that is at least 1/4 mile long in Norfolk -- yeah right!) following about a 2 mile warm up and followed by a 1 mile warm down. The hardest thing will be finding a hill to run. Maybe I can find something in Maryland (I'm travelling to Columbia MD tomorrow - just north of DC) or if not then I'll try to pick up a treadmill run. The hills should be run at 10k pace so it could be a blast.

The rest of the week is pretty easy - it would be a step back if I actually did the schedule but my coach said that I shouldn't step back, just let the program catch up with me (and that won't take too long).

Healthful living this week is taking care of myself as I travel Monday - Wednesday. Luckily I'll have someone to drive with me so I won't have to worry about nodding off on the road (a good thing).

Today's workout was a cross-train day with weights. Even after the 6 hours of lugging fabric bolts around (that was quite the upper body workout) we (coach and me) did a good lower body workout together then I did the upper body stuff (he does his upper body during the week).

Hope that everyone has a good week. Anything planned for the middle of July? I'm still trying to get ready for the Rock n Roll half marathon that is happening in Virginia Beach in late August. Other than that just trying to catch up on the things that got put off last week during the budget crunch.

Have a great week and I'll chat with you all later.

Peace,
Les

[heide]

Hi all,

Les, it sounds like you've jumped right back on track after the crazyness of last week.

Jackie, you've been in my thoughts as you go through the process of this potential move. I haven't been saying much, because you're doing what you need to do and we're here as a sounding board and release for you. To me, I can be happy anywhere I am. I see a move as a fresh start and a challenge to be relished. We all like our comfort zone but sometimes it's good to shake that up. It can be re-energizing. It sounds like you've got the right mindset and your family seems to be supportive, so good luck and all the best with this new venture.

As for me, I'm doing more of the same...

Sunday: 9 holes golf w/ DH
Monday: easy tennis
Tuesday: 9 holes golf, plus tennis with DH
Wednesday: tennis lesson
Thursday: 9 holes golf
Friday: tennis? or pilates or both
Saturday: 18 holes golf

I feel like I'm doing lots, but I somehow need to work in strength and flexibility in there. The golf and tennis are social obligations as well as exercise, so I guess I just need to crank things up a bit and start adding rather than substituting. That's a challenge. Any ideas?

Have a good week everyone and I'll check in with you later.

heide

[cinbis]

It looks like I'm not the only one that is late in posting this week! Thank you, Les, for getting us started...again!

While I was running this morning (6 miles), I was thinking where I could run to avoid hills! It is so funny to me, Les that you're looking for hills! I think I could run farther and faster if I didn't have to constantly deal with them. I have to ask, why were you carrying bolts of fabric around for 6 hours???!!!

Heide-I know you're limited as to what is available in your area, but a Pilates tape may be something to fill the void you mentioned. I don't work nearly as much on my strength training now as I used to. I know I need to fit that in some how. That is not unusual in the summer for me though. Getting to the gym is more difficult with the kids home. Running early in the morning seems to work better.

Jackie-we're all in suspense! Any news?

Here's my plan:

Sunday: ran 4 miles, walked 45 min. at night
Monday: ran 3 miles, walked 20 min after run, Yoga
Tuesday: ran 6 miles, walked about 10/15 min. after run
Wednesday: cardio or weights and cycle, walk pm
Thursday: run (I'd like to run 6 again), walk pm
Friday: cycle and not sure what else
Sat: not sure (taking 5 kids to a Weird Al concert Friday night...may relax on Sat!).

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Cindi

[Laura]

Hey everyone -- I won't be posting much this week as I am leaving tomorrow to watch SO's son at sectionals for swimming.

Ran 8 yesterday and hated most of it! :(
I will do something tonight maybe 4-5 miles and upper body
Lower body weights early as we leave for the airport at 9
Thursday I hope to get in around 7 and then 9 on Sunday.

The rest of the week is up in the air, but I am bringing my exercise bands with me to get in some strength training, just in case the hotel does not have a gym. I can't wait to run at sea level!

Cindi- you are really putting in the miles --good for you!

Heide- I so envious of your ability to play golf and tennis on a frequent basis; it sounds wonderful/

Les, if you want hills, you are more than welcome to come here!

[615bride]

well, it sounds like everyone is off to a great start. I am still plugging along although I'm working a camp this week so I feel like I'm back to work full time.

Monday - ran 3.3 miles
Tuesday - swim?
Wednesday - run 3.3
Thursday - swim
Friday - rest
Saturday - run 5

As you can see I'm going to try and start swimming laps to take some days off from the running. Pool running is not an option since the PT thinks it is the repetitive bending motion and not the pounding that brought on the injury last time. Does anyone swim for exercise? Is it boring? This is my fear. I'd like to go for a least a half hour but with no scenery or anyone to talk to...

Heide - golf is another thing I"d like to try. Do you recommend just starting with a lesson?

[heide]

Originally posted by 615bride
Heide - golf is another thing I"d like to try. Do you recommend just starting with a lesson?

Definitely take a lesson. Golf can be incredibly frustrating and anything you can do to lessen the frustration makes it more fun in the long run. A lesson help you get started by teaching you the mechanics of the game. I've really just started, myself. I took lessons as a child (when I was 13) and then in college, but never really played on a real golf course because I didn't have the time or temperament before. Now I've got the time and I'm more relaxed in general so it was a good time to start playing. The course I play on is all sand and dirt but I'm getting out and hitting the ball. We walk and it's a very hilly course, so I get about 2 hours of hill walking in, when I play 9 holes, or 4 hours when we play 18 holes. I really enjoy it.

[JackieO]

Originally posted by Leslie Ferguson
Today's workout was a cross-train day with weights. Even after the 6 hours of lugging fabric bolts around (that was quite the upper body workout) we (coach and me) did a good lower body workout together then I did the upper body stuff (he does his upper body during the week).

Peace,
Les

Ok, did I miss something while being AWOL from the boards for a few days? What on earth were you doing lugging fabric bolts around for six hours??

Not much to report on the "healthy living" front, I'm afraid. We spent Sunday afternoon and Monday scouting out our potential new location -- we're torn between two neighboring communities. The community we want to live in is just that -- a nice place with a real sense of community. The school district we would prefer, however, is in a community just seems to be a loose collection of homes & strip malls divided into quadrants by the intersection of two major highways. :( Still no job offer, but I know they were checking my references yesterday....so, maybe within the next few days we'll know more.

Met with a new client yesterday so I have some work to occupy my brain and keep me from dwelling on the uncertainty, which is really making me tired. I'm going to go up to the gym for a strength training working at noon....

One day at a time.....thanks for all your thoughts!

[jazzyjas]

Not to speak for Les but I think he mentioned helping LW at the fabric store for their yearly sale. He thought better him with sore muscles than her. Isn't that sweet?

I am having a bit of an off week -- I've been exercising but none of the usual stuff -- havn't made it to the gym yet this week. Oh well:rolleyes:

The party went well and everyone seemed to have a good time. After the initial frustration I was feeling, I decided to just let it go and not worry too much about it. Plenty of yummy food and the kids had a great time and the weather was beautiful. My dad did fine. (and I must comment on how wonderful it is to be able to invite both divorced parents and my father's new wife and not have to worry about anyone. At one point my father was sitting talking to my mother and on his other side my step mother was happily conversing with my cousin. It is so nice that they can be "adults".)

Hoping to avoid rain for tonight's Wednesday night ride. Juggling seeing a lot of people today and decided not to try and make it more stressful with going to the gym. There is always tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a good week -- I am spending mine planning for my vacation in August. Kayaking in Newfoundland.

Jas

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry folks but I've been away for a couple days - doing some work in Columbia/Laurel MD. What a great change of scenery!

To catch up the workout regime I got two outstanding runs in around the hills and lakes in Columbia. About an hour on Monday and Tuesday and boy do I feel the hill now! :rolleyes: But I wouldn't trade the stiff legs for anything. I think that today will be an easy day (yesterday was supposed to be easy really) plus I'm feeling the impact of two nights on a hotel bed - boy does my upper back hurt like the dickens. :(

Jackie and Cindi - (And you were correct Jasmine) I was lugging bolts of fabric for 6 hours becuase LW's fabric store was having it's annual sale (12 hours of cutting fabric). I think in the 6+ hours I was there the store had at least 3 suctomers at each cutting table and each customer had at least 6 bolts of fabric to be cut. After about 5 minutes there was no way to move around the tables so my job (along with lots of SO and DH) was to move the fabric back to the walls so the real clerks could do their job of cutting and selling fabric. And as Jasmine said - I figured better my sore arms (because I'm in better shape to do the heavy lifting than most of the clerks) than LW's sore back and arms. In fact last year when there were fewer people moving fabric back to the walls LW was out of business for almost 3 days after the sale whereas this year she (and most of the rest of the store) was back at it with vigor on Monday.

Cindi - Not sure that I'd really want hills all the time but having them as an option would be nice - could you import some to us here on the east coast? I think there are a few folks out here who'd love to have them.

Gotta get back to work but I hope that everyone is doing okay and missed all the fun of Claudette.

Peace,
Les

PS - Jasmine kayaking in Newfoundland sounds like a blast in August. Can't wait to hear about it.
Les

[kristalsnow7]

Hello everyone!

I am late in posting; the week is half over!

615bride I enjoy swimming for exercise, but haven't done much lately. I try to go about a mile when I do. It tones and stretches your muscles, and is a nice cardio workout to boot. Let us know if you like it. Heide, swimming might actually work for you, too, if you're looking to increase your strength and flexibility.

Les, Cinbis and Laura, I am very impressed with your running! I am still in the 2-3 mile rut. I think I get too sore from my weightlifting class. Every time I go for a run, my legs feel like bricks. :rolleyes:

Jackie, I'm sending good thoughts your way about the move. I know it's stressful not knowing exactly what will happen, but things have a way of working out in the end. I hope you enjoy the strength training workout.

Jasmine, kayaking in Newfoundland sounds like a dream!! Can I come with you? :D


I had a very wonderful weekend visiting my parents. My mother celebrated her 59th birthday, and my dad celebrated his early retirement. We spent many hours in the pool, but I admit we were mainly talking and treading water instead of swimming laps. ;) But, I did get in a few 2-3 mile runs, and some pleasant walks.

Here's my week.

Sunday---2 mile run
Monday---Body Pump Class (I really increased the weights and I am still sore today. :( )
Tuesday---off
Wednesday---2 mile run
Thursday---either a run or body pump, depending on when I get home from work, and how sore I am.
Friday---off
Saturday--3 mile run
Sunday---either a 3 mile run, or something else. Maybe play tennis if the weather is nice.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by kristalsnow7
Les, Cinbis and Laura, I am very impressed with your running! I am still in the 2-3 mile rut. I think I get too sore from my weightlifting class. Every time I go for a run, my legs feel like bricks. :rolleyes:

Thanks Kristal - it has taken a lot of years of running (and many, many miles) to get to the point where I am. 2-3 miles at a time isn't a bad thing and face it, that's where I started when i got back into running about 11 years ago. Heavy legs from lifting and legs that feel like a ton of bricks? A lot of the leg stiffness may come from the type/weight you lift. I do a legs workout once a week with 3 sets of 15-20 reps (thus low weight). Right now I am kind of pushing the upper limit of my strength and limitations but then again I'm not really in training yet - and I tend to feel like I've got heavy legs the day after my weights workout but I also tend to loosen up after about 10 minutes of running. Another source of "heavy legs" syndrome could be the speed that you run - especially after a legs weight excursion. You may want to look at either lifting a little lighter if you want to run with "lighter" legs or run a little slower the day after you lift (my preference really).

Keep up the good work and you'll be there really soon - trust me.

Peace,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang - had an interesting workout this evening. I got "clearance" to work out after work (because LW was working :rolleyes: ) so I went to the gym to try to keep my intensity under control. After getting in a decent 45 minutes on the elliptical had a VERY EXCITING experience when the lights went out in the gym and locker rooms. (What a great thunderstorm!!) The lights were off at least 20 minutes so I had to open my locker in the dark (luckily someone had a dim flash light) and shower and dress in the dark (lots of years experience there :rolleyes: ). Still able to get to the car in the rain of Biblical proportion - but boy was I soaked!

Now I'm just trying to get into the BR for a good night's sleep (assuming the shoulder and neck behave).

Jackie - Didn't mention it earlier but prayers for peace and confidence are lifted here.

Happy trails,
Les

[heide]

Heide, swimming might actually work for you, too, if you're looking to increase your strength and flexibility.

That's a really good idea, Kristal. At different times in my life, I have swum for exercise, and I was on swim team as a kid. I have access to a 50M pool, too. It shouldn't be too crowded now that it's "winter" here. I think I'll definitely add swimming to the mix next week!

In other news, my golf game is improving. Yay! My tennis game is improving too. I think I'm just getting fitter. Yay!:cool:

[615bride]

I did try out swimming and it's definitely a different but intense work out. I didn't quite swim a mile but can see myself liking it a lot. I have a very weak upper body and know I should start using weights but find it so boring for some reason. Maybe swimming will start some tonnig in the arms?!?! I'm still on track with my weeks workouts...Hope everyone else is doing well.

[kristalsnow7]

615bride, glad to hear you enjoyed the swimming workout. I definitely think it will tone your arms! Hope you enjoy it, too, Heide.

Les, thanks for the advice about the sore legs. In my body pump class, we do about 10 minutes of squats and lunges with a barbell on top of our shoulders. I can really feel it in my legs the next day! I think I'm going to have to decrease the weight, or maybe do a tripod stance, otherwise I won't be able to increase my mileage on my runs. Thanks for all of your encouragement! And how exciting to have a "blackout" at the gym!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by kristalsnow7
Les, thanks for the advice about the sore legs. In my body pump class, we do about 10 minutes of squats and lunges with a barbell on top of our shoulders. I can really feel it in my legs the next day! I think I'm going to have to decrease the weight, or maybe do a tripod stance, otherwise I won't be able to increase my mileage on my runs. Thanks for all of your encouragement! And how exciting to have a "blackout" at the gym!

You're welcome - I've learned that lesson the hard way in the past 4 years :rolleyes: and if I can help you not have to live through the "I can move or run from my legs workout" stage then I'm ecstatic.

THe "blackout" at the gym was fun but I'm glad to say that today we didn't have the same problem. In all training has been surprisingly good this week. Today went after work (again) and did about 45 minutes on the elliptical. And even worse it was humid like all get out.

Tomorrow is a much earned rest day but I may take a walk at lunch if the weather is as nice as it is predicted. But of course there's still Saturday (and it's supposed to rain - YEAH!!!).

Thoughts and good wishes.
Les

[JackieO]

Well, sort of. I got the verbal offer late this afternoon and the written letter will be delivered via Fed X. I have 48 hours to accept and another 48 hours to pass the drug test. :rolleyes: Having worked in the nuclear industry with fitness for duty requirements, that shouldn't be a problem. :rolleyes: :p :p

All in all, a good offer. Salary in the ballpark, three weeks of vacation (with the opportunity to buy another week), 401k (with 50 percent company match up to 6% of salary), pension, medical and health insurance whether I want it or not! Relocation assistance, incl. realtors fees, also!!! Hallelujah! I am moving through paralysis to action to fear to ..... I don't know what. We're meeting with the realtor tomorrow to get our house listed. It's not clean enough to show at the moment, but we'll spend the weekend working on that. So....no formal workouts planned, although I think we'll run to the club for a good workout Sunday after church.

:cool:

[615bride]

Congratulations JackieO, that's exciting. As for me, camp has ended so it's back to tutoring for the rest of the summer. I am aiming to run five miles tomorrow. Going to check the weather to see how early I'll have to get up to beat some of the heat....

[Leslie Ferguson]

Jackie - That's great news about the job - I know the job process will be a snap. And the house - that will all come together too (but just in case here they come). Getting the house ready to sell will be a workout - regardless of how neat and tidy it is. Just be good to yourself as you go.

Bride - Good luck on getting out before the heat. It's been so warm here that we now start at 7 am (had been starting at 8 am until last week) in an attempt to beat the heat. It doesn't really help that much but hey - 5 degrees is plenty really. The best thing going for us in Norfolk right now is the rain. YEP it's raining now (and will be for the foreseeable future) so... Here comes the Romp in the Swamp!! The mud bath of mud baths tomorrow morning on the trail.

Today was a much deserved rest day and a fantastic dinner (date night tonight - yes still take those after 20 years of marriage) with LW.

Getting ready to turn in -- have a fantastic Saturday all.

Peace,
Les

[cinbis]

Wow, I am behind! I haven't received any emails saying anyone posting on the thread. I meant to check, but have been wrapped up in so much stuff this week, I didn't have time.

Congratulations Jackie! That is so exciting! Let us know your final decision.

Les, I didn't realize your LW owned a fabric store. Thanks for the info about weight training. I don't do much weight training for my legs because I feel I put them through a constant workout between running and cycle. I don't know if that's a good idea or not. We have plenty of hills here in NH, I'd be glad to send a few down to you!!!

I ended up running approximately 24 miles this week! And I feel good...no pain! I'm happy about that!

We had my older DS's 13th b-day party last night. We took our kids and 3 friends to see Weird Al. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't expecting to like it, but he is very entertaining. The venue was horrible, but still a good time.

Younger DS is headed for Cub Scout camp tomorrow. I found out at the beginning of the week that he didn't have a bunk mate and there was an odd number of kids attending camp. This turned into a huge issue. I am absolutely appalled at how other parents have handled this. DS is such an easy going kid. He wasn't the issue. I usually give people the benefit of the doubt, but this time I'm very disheartened. Fortunately, two neighbors were kind enough to let my son bunk with their children. This was just settled today. I have been dealing with this all week. It was making me crazy!

It's a beautiful day.....hope you're all having a great weekend!
Cindi

[Leslie Ferguson]

Cindi - OOPS! I didn't mean that LW owned the store - just that the store she works at and manages the largest department - cottons (nearly 1/2 the store's square footage) - was having the sale. It doesn't change the facts of the story though, it is still tough slinging bolts of fabric around for 6+ hours.
** I didn't think that I needed to do weight training for my legs for the same reason (all my running) but I found out otherwise. I have come to appreciate that running works one set of leg muscles well (hamstrings) and the other not as well (quads). So I have started doing a routine of lower body lifting with high reps (15-20) of light weight to strengthen and hopefully even out the muscle tone. In all it has helped my knees and lower body a lot to do the weight training so I highly recommend some kind of lower body workout (I only do mine once a week too).
** Sorry to hear about the Camp fiasco too. Can you believe some people? :mad:

Back to yesterday's comments -- this morning didn't disappoint - mud up to my shorts both front and back! :cool: Happy as a little kid again.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and stays cool. -- Happy trails,
Les

[JackieO]

Originally posted by Leslie Ferguson
[
Back to yesterday's comments -- this morning didn't disappoint - mud up to my shorts both front and back! :cool: Happy as a little kid again.

Les

:p Well, it's not mud exactly, but dirt is dirt, right? I am absolutely FILTHY from de-cobwebbing the basement this afternoon! We live in an old house with an unfinished basement that has to be used for all sorts of storage since we have a 1920's style single-car garage. Consequently, it doesn't get much <ahem> attention in the housekeeping dept. It's a hot day, however, so being underground wasn't all that bad. It looks a lot better now, and I won't be thoroughly embarrassed when prospective buyers look at it.

We went to the gym, too. Got in my upper body strength training and a short ride on the bike. Would have loved to have gone to the pool, but the basement called....the house is working its way into the realtors system, and we're hoping to start showing it early next week. Keep your fingers crossed, guys! Thanks.

[cinbis]

Les-that was nice of you to help out in the store! Thanks for the weight lifting advice. I'm going to do that on Monday since our group training is cancelled. Glad you enjoyed your run!

Jackie-sounds like you accepted the new job! Good for you! Good luck showing your house. I'm sure the upstairs looks great with all the new paint.

Cindi

[JackieO]

I was in the middle of a PM from wallycat tonight when DH yells up the stairs: "I've invited a realtor in to look at the house!"

Seems that the assistant who was printing out our listing sheet sent it to the wrong computer and the sheets were flying out all over the copy room. (It doesn't go into MLS until Monday.) One of the realtors noticed and offered to help clean up, saw the specs and thought, "Hmmmm....sounds just like what my client is looking for." She drove by on her way home to check it out, DH happened to be outside and he thought she was someone he knew, so went to talk to her. Long story short, she likes our house and will be contacting her client. And maybe this is just the optimistic realtor in her, but she said, "This house won't last long in this market."

Ok, another deep breath. But after spending hours in the cobwebs today, I am indulging in some pool time tomorrow after church. Speaking of which, I need to go to bed early tonight. Our organist/music director is out of town and I'm in charge of the service. :eek: Haven't had to handle one on my own in a year or so, and I haven't practiced much, so the congregation will be hearing a lot of moldy oldy hymns in place of "special music" tomorrow! :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

Jackie - WOW! Are things moving at the speed of heat for you these days. :cool: New job offer... job offer accepted... house on the market... a looker before it actually (officially) gets to market... We can't keep up with you. :cool: BTW - dirt is cool too - always feeds the little kid in everyone. Prayers for "success" at church in the am and peace and pastoral emotions as the move continues to blaze away.

Cindi - PM coming your way.

Hope everyone else had an event-filled Saturday.
Peace,
Les