Preferences

The gym that I normally go to on Sunday evenings, as a treat after dropping BF off at the ferry to go home, has changed out a bunch of their cardio machines. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but I find the new ones to be uncomfortable and hard to use. It's not just that its not intuitive as to how to change the TV channel, but that half the time the volume doesn't work. The back rests on the bikes are "adjustable" between moderately uncomfortable and excruciating. I up and left tonight after struggling to get one working properly for myself and went to a different gym.

I've started working out 1 or 2 days a week with my work wife. She started at my company 3 months ago and we were fast friends. It's nice to have someone to keep me motivated, distracted, and accountable. I've been missing company for my misery. We're trying to use the pool one session a week, which is not my favorite activity. We warm up with cardio, do weights, and then get changed and swim some lengths. We're not doing 30min pool sessions at this point, but its a start.

I had a melt down on BF this weekend when I felt fat and gross and was uncomfortable in my own skin. He helped me talk through it and work out a plan, which always leaves me feeling more in control. This morning I realized how ridiculous I was being and we had a good laugh about it. He loves how I look even when I don't always see the same thing in the mirror. I, like many, tend to focus on the things that bug me rather than the big picture. I'm going to try to cut myself a little slack rather than being my own biggest critic.

I'm looking forward to the 24hr fitness center in Palm Springs next Sat-Wed. They're publishing the holiday workout schedule today and I am eagerly awaiting it. We only have one "activity" planned each day. This suits both BF and I. His goal is to sleep in. Mine is to relax and focus on what makes me happy and often that's working out.

Fleeting Days

I'm a Project Manager by profession; I still fail to create Plans for my personal goals. I find it daunting to write it all down knowing that often I am the only one that will hold me accountable for it. Days and weeks can go by without me starting fitness goals or measuring progress.

This is something that I'd like to change, but I haven't determined the best way to go about it. It used to be that BF and I would hold each other accountable for our runs and workouts. Being far away its easy to forget to ask about those items and you don't want to be too stern about missed workout plans over the phone.

I think I need to make it fun. They say you're more likely to stick to goals and plans if there are negative financial repercussions, but that seems pessimistic. I prefer implementing a reward system, like "no candy or sweets for a month in exchange for a Lululemon Running Skirt." I am going to work on determining my 2011 goals and the associated plan and reward system. Wish me luck.

Setting Goals

On March 27th I will be running the Dallas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. IT is touted as a fast and flat course with mild to warm weather conditions. I believe with some dedication to my training and an increased focus on speed intervals I may be able to get close to a 9'15" mile average. This is an aggressive goal, but I have been able to average this doing speed intervals on the treadmill. I am still drafting an official training plan and my Thursday/Sunday runs will be driven by the Running Rooms training program starting in January.

What are you contemplating for your 2011 fitness or life goals?

**Update regarding the Lululemon Hoodie, I went to the local store and they were able to dig one up for me from the back stock. I LOVE it and will post pictures next week**

It's Official: I'm a Biohazard

I was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia at the clinic last Saturday. Doctor figured I'd had it all week, but a demanding work schedule meant I couldn't get in any early. I was started on 10 days of antibiotics.

I'm okay with the med, no harsh side effects. I miss running. I was told I could work out "lightly" if I felt up to it, but no running and certainly not outdoor activities. I have an increased lung capacity from running and am "young and relatively healthy" so the doctor called it "walking pneumonia."

Essentially, it means my lungs are full of gross pus instead of air, but I'm not wheezing or coughing because there is a lot of space to fill. I miss running. I'm tired of spiking multiple fevers per day. I hate having to work half days because I have high maintenance East Coast clients that require my attention. I want to curl up in a ball on my bed and live there for a few days until this is over and done with.

I don't get sick often, but when I do it tends to be something significant like a blood infection or apparently pneumonia. Wish me luck in not getting intense cabin fever, while on the road to recovery.

Needless to say, I skipped the 5K Santa Shuffle last Saturday.

On a lighter note this link will take you the Lululemon hoodie I am dying to try on in grey.

Pseudo-Flu

I have felt like I am starting to get the flu for a few weeks now. It's significantly affecting my weight lifting at the gym, but not as significantly my running. It's really frustrating and at this point I would rather be sick and bed ridden to get better. Otherwise, when I only feel slightly run down I still do my workouts to avoid the non-workout guilt I'd otherwise experience. I'm going to try to get to the doctor tomorrow as my mother is worried I have "Walking Pneumonia."