Tag Archives: Exercise

I Always Liked Turtles Better Than Rabbits

06 Monday Dec 2010

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You remember the story of the tortoise and the hare?  I do.  It’s how I race, slow and steady!  I’ve never really cared to  interval train and don’t really care that I don’t get faster.  I started running to relieve stress and for fitness.  You don’t need to get increasingly faster to hit those goals!  Although I have to admit I don’t like my newest trend which is getting slower!  My usual 5K time is around 30 minutes.  Not great.  Not horrible.  Just smack dab in the middle of the pack.  I like it that way.  I’ve still accomplished something usually before 9 AM on a weekend, while others are still snuggled up in their bed.  I also admit I’m not an athletic type of person.  I have to fight myself every single step of the way!

This last Sat I ran the Tiger Race in South Pasadena.  Unlike my more athletic friends I choose to stay with the 5K vs. stepping it up to the 10K.  I was slow.  32 minutes plus.  I can make a lot of excuses on why that was,  like I was sick the week before and hadn’t exercised since Monday, the start was brutal with a mass of walkers deciding to start at the front of the pack and causing me near-miss collisions for the first 1/2 mile, I was freakin’ freezing, etc.  But I’m a big girl.  I know why I’ve gotten slower.  I just don’t run as much.  My “faster” times were all run when I was doing 3+ miles every single day.  Although running is NEVER easy for me at that point it was definitely easier.  A 5K was a walk in the park.  Now I’ve swapped running days for Bar Method days and I’m lucky if I get my one run a week in.   So even a little ol’ 5K is a big deal to my non-running self.  I’m not unhappy with this exchange as I see more changes (for the better) in my body shape due to Bar Method.  Who can get angry at an exercise that elongates my runner thighs?  The folks at the Bar Method, in general, give a thumbs down to running as it works against flexibility and is, in general, considered a harsh exercise for your body (my feet would agree with this!).  I accept their dislike toward running but really don’t share it.

Running my little races is fun.  I get to see some of the same people over and over and there is definitely a running community that is fun to be part of even if I’m on the very very very very very very fringe of it.  So slow or not I’m going to keep going.  I may not go far and I may not go fast but EVENTUALLY I get to cross the finish line!  That turtle and me!

KT Tape I Heart You!

03 Wednesday Nov 2010

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I’ve had a serious problem with my feet lately.  When I run, walk, hike, etc. the balls of my feet feel like they are on fire.  That 5K with Riggins last week?  I almost wanted to cry.  I WALKED the distance and still had serious pain.  I’ve always had problems but the past few months have gotten really bad.  I’m sure it is from wearing high heels to work during the day and the running I’ve done on pavement.  I manage to do a pretty good job ignoring it but the last couple races I’ve had it has been really difficult to ignore.  AND I’M ONLY GOING 3.1 MILES!  The thought of going any further (not that I would) is just unthinkable.  Then, while reading a runner’s blog the writer/runner said she was trying something called KT Tape for her knee problems.  I looked it up online and learned more about it.  KT Tape is that colorful odd-looking tape you saw on a number of Olympians.  Mostly on their shoulder or knees.  The website includes tutorial videos on how to place the tape on your body depending on your specific need.  There was a video for my problem so I thought, “why not?”

Before my Halloween 5K on Sunday I went to Dick’s and bought a couple of packs of tape.  The tape is supposed to last 5 days so I put it on Sat night and went to bed.  The next morning I got up early, pulled on my sneakers and a Halloween costume I could run in and set off for the race.  About 1/2 through the run I realized I wasn’t in pain like I would normally be and because of that I had more energy.  Lately my 5Ks have included walking … something I would never allow in before but now had become a necessity.  Not Sunday.  Sunday I had no need to walk.  I could power through without a problem.  It was great to be able to walk around after without hobbling around like a freak!  I even finished within the top 100 racers winning myself a nice happy pumpkin!

So I now heart KT Tape.  I think it is brilliant.  The body’s duct tape!  It can fix anything!  I really want my feet taped up all the time.  Sadly the tape didn’t last 5 days for me.  More like 2.  Monday I had it on at work but yesterday and today I don’t and that makes me and my feet sad!

KT TAPE … YOU ROCK!

Not Fast. Just Steady

20 Wednesday Oct 2010

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Did I tell you about my Triathlon a few weeks ago?  I don’t think I did.  I have now officially finished three tri’s.  WHOO HOO FOR ME!  This one was my hardest so far.   The swim and bike were both longer distances than I’ve done in the past but I don’t think that is what made it more difficult for me.  What seemed to be an issue was the crazy desert heat and odd terrain.  Here is a play-by-play of what went down.

I got up crazy early after sharing the floor of the motor home with Riggins.  The race was right next to a camp ground which was perfect!  Mom, Dad, Riggins & I showed up Saturday to check into the race and find our camp site.  Then the temps hit way past 100 and we started melting.  The rest of the afternoon was spent inside the motorhome with the air conditioning on full blast.

I made my way to the transition area with a flashlight and set myself up.  I got the prime spot right on the end of my rack!  That has never happened before.  I took it as a good sign.

When my wave hit the water I was really excited.  Then I IMMEDIATELY freaked out.  That is pretty common.  I train in a pool and hitting a lake where it is murky and I can’t see under water while being kicked by other women tends to throw someone off their game.  I told myself I could “freak out” until the first buoy and then I had to pull it together.  So that is what I did.  After the first buoy I was good to go and swam my little heart out.  Not fast but steady.  My theme.

My bike transition was a breeze due to the tri-suit.  Tri-suits are the most unattractive things you could possible every wear.  BUT no one said this was a fashion show.  They were made for a purpose and they work PERFECT for that!

The 14 miles on the bike was the most fun bike leg I’ve had ever!  I guess that bike training actually paid off.  Who knew?  I kept it at my steady pace and even managed to pass some folks yelling the mandated chant of, “YOU GO GIRLFRIEND” as I cruised by.   (This is an all female race and is very “women power” and “women rock” and “you can do it”.  You take away the smelly men and it is a much more encouraging atmosphere!)  I even said hi to a couple of cows and a bull snacking on and around some orchard trees.

Transition to run … no problemo.  Well minimum problemo.  I don’t have a place for water on my bike (lesson learned) so was parched during this transition.  I had to take time to gulp down some Powerade but it was too late.  The damage was done.  About 3/4s of the way through the bike ride it started to get hot and hotter and hotter.  I had stopped sweating and dehydration was nipping at my heels.

The run kicked my ass.  There is no nice way to say this.  The path was often dirt or sand and always uneven.  It is the first time in a Tri I have had to walk during the 5K and I did that often.  I wasn’t the only one.  The temperature had now made it to the 90s and we were all out!  BUT I powered through and finished “running” (or moving a bit faster than walking while in a jogging type body position).  My folks and Riggins were at the finish line to cheer me on.  A couple of high fives and I was across the finish line and had a new medal around my neck in just under 2 hours.

I’m going to ignore the HORRIFIC dehydration headache I had a few hours later.  My body didn’t want to process the 2 bottles of Powerade, 2 bottles of water, & 2 bottles of coconut water.  It didn’t care a hoot about me trying to rehydrate.  Luckily after some medicine, food and good ol’ caffeine my brain no longer felt like it was going to explode.

Tough … sure.

Worth it … totally!

I’m Still Taking That as a Compliment

20 Wednesday Oct 2010

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So here is what happened last night at my Bar Method class.  I walked in, grabbed my weights, and made my way over to the corner of the room.  People tend to stay in the same general spot class after class so I nodded “hi” to those around me.  One of the young women turned around and the following conversation took place:

Young Woman: I just have to tell you that you are looking really strong lately.  (Editors note – “strong” is translated in any woman’s head as “not thin but you know, not a big fat slob.”)

Wendy:  Wow.  You are now my new best friend.

Young Woman:  Yeah I was watching you last night (Editors note – this isn’t weird.  I know it sounds weird but it isn’t.  The class, although great, is repetitive and after a while you tend to watch other folks.  After all you can only stare at yourself sweating and breathing hard in a dance mirror for so long.) and you look so much “stronger” since you started class, what was it?  About 3 months ago.

Wendy:  Thanks!  Actually it has been a few more months than that.

ABOUT 13 MONTHS IN TOTAL.  NOT A FEW … 13.   Sigh.  I felt stupid saying, “well actually I’ve been coming for over a year my body just doesn’t care.”  It’s true that I’ve noticed myself being more toned and strong lately but let us break this down. During the past 13 months at Bar Method I’ve gone to class 3 nights a week, I’ve trained (and completed) two triathlons which required ongoing swimming, biking & running, I hike with Riggins every weekend, and all in all spend every second of free time sweating.  So it really is bullshit that I don’t look exactly like Supergirl  Not the actor, the ridiculously good-looking cartoon version.  I mean come on.  Look at her abs!

In fact what seems to be a draw for most people to the Bar Method is the quick results.  Just ask Ricki Lake or that Osborne girl.  They say “AMAZING” results in just months, weeks, SECONDS!  Go to Yelp and read about people dropping pant sizes after few short classes.  Ummm … how do I say this nicely?  LIARS.  LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE.

It’s true that my body changes slowly but even so, stop with the lies.  You are making me look bad.  Poor little me that works for over a year for one semi-compliment from a classmate.  That’s okay.  I’m still taking it as a compliment!

Odds & Ends – Countdown to Tri

01 Friday Oct 2010

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ALMOST TRI TIME!  I’m starting to get nervous.  9 more days to a swim, bike, run race!  I’m sure I’ll be fine and I think I have trained enough (although this weekend is shot to hell with social events and appts. so I don’t know what I’m going to do) but I haven’t reached my normal breaking point!  My usual (usual as in the last two times I’ve done a Tri Sprint) this last weekend I should have had a mental break where I scream, “NO MORE!  NO MORE RUNNING.  NO MORE BIKING.  NO MORE SWIMMING.  NONE.  I HURT.  GO AWAY.  I DON’T CARE ABOUT NO FRIGGIN’ TRI.”  But I didn’t and I don’t see that coming.  This tri snuck up on me and I’m a-okay with that!

Odds & Ends – Ouch Update

01 Friday Oct 2010

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As you know I’m in a constant state of ouch.  The other day I was talking to my friend on the phone when she told me she thought a bar class was coming to Philly and she may give it a shot.  I launched into my normal kudos on the Bar Method and let her know what was hurting like hell that moment due to the class the night before (btw it was the muscles in the lower side of my back and my abs).  She suggested perhaps I should not do things that “hurt like hell.”  Can you imagine that?  Just think of it!  A life without pain?  Does that even exist?  It sounds so blissful!

(BTW right now the tops of my thighs hurt and the muscle in the back of my thigh that leads to my bum hurts like hell.)

The Wendy Uniform – Comfort Is Number One

13 Friday Aug 2010

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Emails from Lucy and Lululemon usually go to my spam email folder. I’ve never changed this since it is a GOOD thing. I can’t bear to unsubscribe. This way I feel like I’m still getting the information from these fabulous stores without actually seeing them and falling into their trap. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS. The email above made it through my spam filter and found it’s way to my inbox. It’s like poison. What happens when I see words like “exclusive deals” and “free shipping” is that I can’t help but to click on it. I’m powerless against it. Then I get sucked into the following logic:
* I have 10 million pairs of work out pants but these are more than 50% off. How can I not buy them?
* Just yesterday I was saying I need to replace a few of my work out tanks. Why not do that now?
* I can wear this in my everyday life not just working out so totally worth it.

Next thing I know my “cart” is full of lovely lovely lovely items and my pocketbook (electronic of course) is feeling the pain.

Here is the thing. I like to be comfy. It’s kind of a new thing for me. Earlier in my life (like a year ago … ) I would refuse to go out in my “work out” gear. I’d rather die then go meet friends for lunch in anything but a dress or fancy jeans. AND shoes … tennis shoes were for working out and that was it! Going out required heels, fancy sandals, or fashionable boots. Tennis shoes were not a part of my regular wardrobe. In fact a few years ago (maybe a few more than a few) I made a trek out to what was, at that point, a new place for me – Lucy’s. I had discovered that their work out pants were far superior to my generic Target brand and worth the extra cash. While at the store I couldn’t help but notice that they were selling the brand as a lifestyle. One for young moms who felt the need to be sporty while still being semi stylish. I laughed out loud (and may have pointed in my mocking way) at a t-shirt that said “Got Kid?”. Who would wear that stupidity?

Me. Now. Well maybe not the “Got Kid?” shirt since that is really kinda dumb and I don’t have kids so would be misleading and somewhat creepy. BUT I do own a number of Lucy t-shirts, tanks, and long sleeve ts. Most with some design that someone thought was “sporty yet stylish” in that “young mom” way. AND I LOVE THEM. I LOVE THEM ALL. You are hard pressed to find me outside of work in ANYTHING but work out pants, t or tank, and tennis shoes. I LOVE BEING COMFY … IT FREAKIN’ ROCKS.

Now here is the kicker. I’ve never been able to stomach breaking down and wearing the Wendy Uniform to work. Even on casual Friday’s I pull out the fancy jeans and high heal sandals. It won’t last. I’m telling you that right now. One of my co-workers/friends, who introduced me to Lululemon, informed me she wears Lululemon gear to work all the time. Even going as far as wearing the pants instead of work slacks. SHUT IT! HOW EXCITING IS THAT? AND she is super fashion chick. Since she has said that I’ve noticed the little Lululemon ohm sign thing on some of her work outfits and think, “BY GOD SHE IS DOING IT. SHE IS LIVING MY DREAM.” Today I noticed our receptionist had a fashionable pair of pants on … WITH THE LULULEMON OHM SIGN THING ON IT. So you see. It’s only a matter of time before the Wendy Uniform really is all I wear!

People I Want To Be

11 Wednesday Aug 2010

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The muscle that is on the back of my thigh (I have no idea what it is called) is screaming with pain. I’m fully aware of the reason. It’s from doing fold over two nights in a row at Bar Method.

I often consider just not going to class. What is the point of an hour long work out that has me shaking, sweating, and in pain for not only the length of the class but long after? Then I get a visual of my teachers in my head and think, “so I can look like them.” THAT’S WHY.

The picture here is of the co-owners of the Pasadena Bar Method studio I go to. Adorable right? Combine them, soak them in water, and I will STILL be heavier then them. Seriously their thighs are the size of my wrist. I will never be as tiny as them. EVER. First of all I my height alone has me TOWERING over them. I’m like an Amazonian in their classes (in a good way — like Wonder Woman or Xena — at least give me that — let me think my giant-ness can be spun into a positive). The only way I’m matching their weight is if I stopped eating and moving for 6 months.

One day a teacher walked into the studio to lead our class. She usually teaches at a different location but was checking out Pasadena. The second I saw her I thought “HER! I WANT TO LOOK LIKE HER!” She was crazy fit, no question, but not crazy tiny. Her arms were perfect, legs slim and long, and stomach beyond flat. Now when I start to think about ditching a class I think, “nope … how will I ever look like Marin if I don’t go?”. Marin is my body hero and my goal is to be just like her!

I read in the Bar Method blog that Marin (not to be confused with Marnie) is in one of the next exercise DVD’s coming out. She is the one in the periwinkle tank pictured here (click). Don’t you love her? I should just go ahead and photoshop my face on top of hers (not in a creepy way) so I can have a picture of my ending goal!

(BTW the guy in the picture next to her taught a class at Pasadena once. I’ve NEVER seen a room full of women giggle and try so hard IN MY LIFE. It was almost embarrassing. When the normally scheduled teacher was back the next week she had obviously heard of the transformation her class went through and as individuals in the class crumbled and gave into the pain she exclaimed, “If I was a cute boy you all would be trying harder. Didn’t think I’d hear about that did you?”)

So that is my goal. I’m going to Bar Method myself into becoming Marin (again not in a creepy way).

Crotch Ouch

05 Thursday Aug 2010

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After my long bike ride on Sunday I asked a question that I’m sure had been asked a million times before. Why don’t they make bike seats comfortable? I mean what is the point of making them as painful as possible? Doesn’t seem logical.

I know from experience and from the dozen or so real bikers that yell at me via Twitter whenever I complain about an ouch in my crotch/bum area that biking shorts make a huge difference. It is obviously a scam of the biking industry. Why they feel they have to put super duper padding in your shorts, so you feel like you are walking around with a load in your pants, vs. just adding padding to the seat is beyond me.

The only “biker short” I currently own are sewn into my very pastel colored tri-suit. I’m not riding around LA looking like an Easter egg. So Monday I made my way to REI’s online site and found some women’s biker shorts on clearance. Today they showed up. Holy Adult Diaper Batman! These things are not kidding! I took a picture (above) for you to get an idea of what I’m dealing with here. The one pair I turned inside out so you can see the additional crotch/bum padding. The second I poised behind … standing on it’s own … like a ghost of the bike seat it never was.

I haven’t tried them on but I’m pretty confident I’ll look ridiculous wearing them. Oh well! At least there will be less crotch ouch!

Karma Ouch

02 Monday Aug 2010

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I did it! I went biking this weekend (finally). After getting all sweaty pumping up my tires (honestly soaking wet just from that activity), I loaded my bike into the back of my car, and took off for the LA River Bike path. Despite only bringing one biking glove I had oodles of fun. A strange and unusual experience for me to have … biking. It probably had something to do with my slow pace which will have to be challenged in the weeks to come if I want to get close to my normal Tri time (I say normal as if I’ve done it a million times — twice — I’ve done a tri twice before). This ride I took the time to notice the ducks and some white crane thing and the crazy homeless man drinking Jack and talking to himself. Then off the path weaving around Griffith Park for a total of over 15 miles! Top it off with the fact I was only beeped at once (It is beyond common for bikers to make their way through Griffith Park and most are at a much higher biking skill level than I am. It is well known to those who drive the area that bikes don’t stop. I understand that it is murder to slow down and unclip at each stop sign but even my patience is sometimes pushed to the limit. So I made it a point to slow down almost to a stop at every stop sign and only go forward with the car next to me so that I didn’t hinder traffic. Apparently a van-ish type vehicle full of rowdy young adults disagreed and wanted to see a full and complete stop. Luckily I reminded myself that I was on a bike and easy prey to a car full of nasties before my middle finger found its way to their rear view mirror view. I was soooo close. Whew. You would have found me wrapped around a light pole by the LA Steamers train.)

Upon returning home I knew my bum would hurt the next day but I was more worried about my lower back. My lower back has been KILLING me. That kind of ouch that keeps you up at night. I blame the running … because you have to blame something. I’ve had similar problems when I ran more regularly … yet another reason not to run as much. I cut way back on running when I started taking Bar Method class but recently stepped it back up for Tri training. I wasn’t going to take this pain lying down! Earlier that day I went shopping for my personal pain war. My Target cart had the following items:
*Epsom Salt
*Bengay
*Disposable stick on heat pads
*Shampoo (this has nothing to do with my back pain I just needed shampoo)
Add that to my bottle of Motrin and I was set! It worked! Sort of. I actually slept all night and my back just started hurting again just after lunch. I wonder if anyone at my office would be upset if I constantly smelled like Bengay?

Reminds me of a date I had (what doesn’t). The guy smelled of Bengay. I feel bad now that I judged him so harshly for that … karma.