November Update

I’m still here. I’ve been very lazy about logging my exercise. I’ve been mainly walking and lifting weights. My right knee is bothering me a bit. I am a bit concerned about not running but it will be okay. Truthfully, I’ve also been lazy about running because it’s getting cold out. I realize I need to get some warmer workout gear. I just can’t afford it right now. I’m thinking about taking my running indoors. I haven’t had much success running on the treadmill but I do not want to get so out of shape with running that I have to start all over again. My next 5K is on Thanksgiving day. I'm beginning to have doubts. It will be okay. All I can do is try.

My First Bulu Box

Woo hoo! I received my first Bulu box today. My first thought was, "it looked much bigger in the photos." I start reviewing the products after this weekend.

I have my 5K on Saturday. Everything I read says you shouldn't try anything new before or on race day. I'm so anxious about Saturday. I haven't run at all this week. I haven't had the energy or the motivation. I'm also worried about the weather. It's been unseasonably cold. I'm bummed I won't be able to show off my new t-shirt:

Countdown!

I've got four days until my 5K. Starting to get very nervous. I didn't run yesterday. Today I did a slow, two-mile walk to loosen up my left quad. I then had a nice, hot soak in the bathtub. At this point I think it's all going to be mind over matter. I am doing this 5K all alone. I haven't even asked anyone to go with me. I still want to do this one on my own.

I am also concerned about the weather. It's been cold in the mornings and I have not done any early morning runs. I purchased a long sleeve tech shirt and gave it a test "run" this evening during my walk. I think it will be fine. I'm planning to bring along my gloves just in case.

There's nothing else I can do at this point except hydrate and stretch. Tomorrow I am planning to do a two-mile run. I'll walk again on Thursday and Friday.

Tuesday's Training

I am not sure what to blog about, but I want to stick with my plan to blog more this month, so this will be short. Today I did and Elliptical workout and some weights. I can definitely notice improvement in my upper body strength.
I am so enjoying my staycation. After I was bummed that I wasn’t travelling but I think it has been good for me. I did not realize how tired I am. It is giving me the opportunity to rest and workout the way I would like to. It is going to be interesting to see if I can maintain this momentum once I begin work again next Tuesday.

Today I also did some window shopping. I want some new workout gear. I want to wear a nice orange neon shirt for the Big Pumpkin Run in month. If this is the case, I want to break it in now. This is where I get so frustrated. Why, oh why, is it so hard to find workout gear for big folks? We work out too. I get tired of having to order my gear online. For once, I would like to walk into a store and buy a nice shirt or shorts…and not spend an arm and a leg!

Couch to 5K: Week Eight, Day 1

Whew! I did it! I was so happy, so proud, so full of accomplishment and pride. I look down at my Nike+ app and it paused about10 minutes before I did! My heart sank. I was looking forward to seeing my pace and distance. I ran for 28 minutes and I wanted to see my stats! I guess that was a sign not to worry about those numbers.

I went from elated, to deflated, back to elated. The most important thing is that I completed my workout. I was so worried that I wasn't going to make it. I went from, you can do it, Sheila to Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!

5K Training

I have not started training for my second 5K as planned.  I’m starting to have second thoughts about it.  I didn’t start last week before I had a cold AND it was so windy and cold out due to the storm Sandy.  Then, I joined LA Fitness and I’ve been working on building a workout routine.  Truth is…I’m tired.  I still have a stuffy nose along with sneezing.  I cannot afford to get sick.  I just don’t think I have the stamina for running outside in the cold.  I thought about training on the treadmill but I don’t like running on the treadmill – it hurts my knees. 

I was reading my latest issue of Runner’s World and I realize I may need to work on having better gear to run outside.  I still have time to get it together. 

My First Pair of Hiking Boots

After trying on several pairs of hiking boots, I finally purchasing a pair -- North Face Tyndall Mid WP. 

I chose this pair for a number of reasons.  The first being that they are lightweight.  A number of the boots I tried on were very heavy and clunky. 

The second thing I like about these boots is that they feel very much like high-top sneakers.  They're very comfortable.

They're waterproof.  I wanted the waterproof style, just in case,.

I also like the removable inserts.  I could exchange them for my own orthotics.  Truthfully, I do not think I'll need them.  I'm going to try walking with and without them and see what I think.

Finally, I like the mesh zones for ventillation.

I'm going to go a 4-mile walk tomorrow to break them in.  I plan to wear them when I walk to get used to them. 

Fall: Moving Forward

Fall is my favorite time of the year and I have been enjoying it.  I've taken a few trip to the mountains and went to an apple orchard.

I went hiking a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with it.  I recently joined an all-women's hiking group. 

Today I went shopping for hiking boots.  They feel kind of awkward.  I will continue shopping until I find the right pair.  I want to start walking in them because I'm planning to go on a group hike on the 20th.  It's a combination hike/birdwatching trip so I'm pretty excited.

I had to put my swimming lessons on hold for now.  I cannot afford the lessons and all the hiking equipment I need right.  A good pair of boots are not cheap.  I need to make sure they fit properly.  Even though my diabetes is controlled, I'm paranoid about getting cuts or blisters on my feet.  I also need to invest in a few "million dollar" pair of hiking socks.

I purchased a backpack on Ebay yesterday.  I also want to get a pair of convertible hiking pants. 

Well, that's it for now.  I'm so excited about enjoying this beautiful fall weather.

New Year, New Gear

I am back from Big Peach Running Co. It was time to get a new pair of sneakers. I am such a creature of habit. I have been purchasing the same shoe for a year. So, I forced myself to get a different shoe--Saucony Progrid Ride 2.

I am learning that this journey is about embracing different experiences. Something as simple as purchasing a pair of sneakers has become an empowering, exciting experience for me. Even though I had a little anxiety attack when I decided to purchase Saucony shoes instead of my usual Asics, I was making a symbolic choice to continue trying new things.

BOSU® Balance Trainer

Instead of getting bonus, we have been receiving corporate reward points. I cashed in some of my points for a BOSU ball. I think it will be a great addition to my home gym.

I gave it a trial run. They recommend you spend some time stepping on and off the BOSU. It was harder than I thought. I also spent some time just standing on top of it. Tomorrow I will view the DVD and try out some of the exercises.

Cheap Watch, Expensive Lesson.

I purchased a watch yesterday. This is major. I have not worn or own a watch since July 15, 1998. This is the day I took my mother to the doctor and he told us there is nothing else he can do. It was time to call hospice. She was so weak and frail. I broke my watch helping her get out of the car. I remember helping her get undressed and back into bed. I sat with her until she fell asleep. I noticed my watch was missing. I walked into the kitchen to find my father sitting at the table trying to fix my watch. He was crying. “Don’t worry about it, Dad.” I said. Now that I think about it, what was it? The fact that my watch was broken or that my mother was back there dying.

Since that day, I haven’t worn a watch. I’ve looked at watches over the years, considered buying a watch, but never did. Well, I’ve been looking at watches and considering purchasing one for almost two weeks. It’s bothersome to pull out my iPod to maneuver the stopwatch feature. So and decided the time (no pun intended) is now. So, this, my friends, is part of the hidden curriculum I wrote about last week.

I’m reading The Shack. The main character calls the grief he carries (over the murder of his young daughter) The Great Sadness. While reading this book, I realized I have my own Great Sadness. My mother’s transition was a pivotal point in my life. I stopped caring. Grief hovers over me at times like a big, black, dark, thunderous, dangerous cloud. I built this wall around my heart and distracted myself from it. I also think my desire to please my mother (even though she wasn’t a demanding person) superseded my desire to please myself. I started living my life on the surface. Hmm…all this from buying a cheap watch?

I must confess, folks. I’m still not sure I’m going to wear it.

Saturday Afternoon Post

I went shopping for running gloves today. Apparently, cotton is the enemy when you're working out. I also purchased a t-shirt that supposedly keeps moisture away from your skin. We'll see.

Today was challenging for me. Most of it was mental. I started focusing on how far I was walking, thinking about how I never thought I could walk this far, I then saw my old self, in pain, remembering how I could barely make it out of the Jeep and into the Chiropractor's office. Then, I heard myself huffing and puffing. I needed to quickly get out of my head. Once I did, I was fine.

Today's Shopping List

1. Tilipia

2. Red grapes

3. Red pepper

4. Eggs

5. Cheese

6. Tomatoes (I already have lettuce)

7. Low Carb Fuze

8. Cauliflower

9. Gala apples (my favorite)