I found out this morning that working on new exercise equipment can be dangerous. I'm in Cheyenne, Wyoming this week. A friend had to come over for meeting, so I rode along. It's my last trip for a while, so I thought I'd take advantage of it. He went to his meeting this morning, and I headed to the fitness center at the motel.
They had two treadmills, a stepper and a bike. I love riding an exercise bike. The hardest part is figuring out the controls. I programmed a warm up which was seven minutes and kept going up in intensity. I love being able to program things cuz my bike has none of that. It broke a long ago and I can't even adjust the tension. After the warm up I put it on manual so I could do my intervals. I loved watching my speed and heart rate. I started out on intensity 2 and did the first one minute interval at 4. Then the next one was at 5 and I only went back to 3 for the regular part. Two just seemed too easy after the interval. I did a couple intervals at 5 and the last one was at 7 just to see if I could do it. I have learned I can do anything for either thirty seconds or a minute. When I got off the bike, I was on such a high. Exercise is addicting.
Now for the dangerous part. It's dangerous on my pocketbook. I want a new bike. I want one that I can program and change the intensity on. So all my change is going in a jar for a bike. I hope to have one by the time the weather gets yucky this fall and I can't walk outdoors.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
$85 and Five Minutes
A couple months ago on a bad weather day I went up to the rec center and walked ound their track. It takes 11 3/4 times around to equal a mile. It took me twenty-five minutes to walk that mile. My feet hurt, I was out of breath and it was a tough walk. I have tried to walk at least 3 days a week since then. I have to be honest and admit sometimes it is only two. Sometimes it was with my walking DVD in the house. Springtime in the Rockies isn't the best.
Tonight I decided to try a little test. I walked over to the middle school track which took 2:15. A mile there is only four times around. I started around the track. At the end of the first 1/4 a mile it was only 7:15. Pretty good. Amazingly enough I was pretty much able to keep up the pace the whole walk. The feet felt pretty good. At the end of the mile my stop watch read 22:17. That means I walked the mile in 20 minutes!
Now I will explain the rest of the title. Last weekend I went to Salt Lake City to look for a new pair of shoes. I'm the kind of person who used to go to Walmart for shoes. Then when I worked on my feet I started buying nicer shoes at Payless. A year ago I went to Sketchers in Park City and paid an outrageous amount for a pair of shoes. Two of us went in together cuz the special was buy one, get one half off. So I think they ended up being about $40. That seemed very high to me, but they were worth it. It was nice to go to work and not have my feet hurt. I can almost tell my weight by how my feet feel after a day of work. I knew last summer I had gained weight because my feet hurt, and I wasn't on them all day.
Two weeks ago a friend of Lala's brought me a pair of shoes. She said her Grandmother had given them to her, but they didn't fit. They are Reeboks and felt very nice on although they were obviously well worn. But what I liked the best was that they are very light shoes. I hadn't realized how heavy the sketchers are until then. So I ended up at New Balance in Salt Lake on Saturday.
The first thing they did was have me take off my shoes and walk over a gel-filled pad. Then she showed me the image that shows I have fallen arches (big surprise) and put a lot of weight on my big toes when I walk. She showed me several shoes. She also was able to explain the difference between the different kind of shoes such as walking, running, cross trainers, etc. She told me Sketchers are good shoes, but they are heavy. Well, my little 7 1/2 feet are now a size 8 1/2 D. She told me your feet can grow 1/2 a size every five years. I knew they were wide, I think that comes from all the years of going barefoot. At least that is what Mom always told me.
I finally settled on a these shoes. They actually felt better than the $95 dollar pair. Skeeter was with me, and helped encourage me. He told me it wasn't like I was buying shows to sit at an office desk or watch tv in. These shoes are an investment in my health, and I've proven I'm serious about the life style changes I've made. He even said he'd pay for them. So I bit the bullet and pulled out the debit card.
Since then I've taken a couple of walks in them and absolutely love them. My feet are tired when I get home. But they don't hurt the way they did. I know that is part of the reason I shaved five minutes off my time. By the third lap around the track I would slow down because my feet were hurting. So all in all, it was a good investment. Now we'll see how long they last.
Tonight I decided to try a little test. I walked over to the middle school track which took 2:15. A mile there is only four times around. I started around the track. At the end of the first 1/4 a mile it was only 7:15. Pretty good. Amazingly enough I was pretty much able to keep up the pace the whole walk. The feet felt pretty good. At the end of the mile my stop watch read 22:17. That means I walked the mile in 20 minutes!
Now I will explain the rest of the title. Last weekend I went to Salt Lake City to look for a new pair of shoes. I'm the kind of person who used to go to Walmart for shoes. Then when I worked on my feet I started buying nicer shoes at Payless. A year ago I went to Sketchers in Park City and paid an outrageous amount for a pair of shoes. Two of us went in together cuz the special was buy one, get one half off. So I think they ended up being about $40. That seemed very high to me, but they were worth it. It was nice to go to work and not have my feet hurt. I can almost tell my weight by how my feet feel after a day of work. I knew last summer I had gained weight because my feet hurt, and I wasn't on them all day.
Two weeks ago a friend of Lala's brought me a pair of shoes. She said her Grandmother had given them to her, but they didn't fit. They are Reeboks and felt very nice on although they were obviously well worn. But what I liked the best was that they are very light shoes. I hadn't realized how heavy the sketchers are until then. So I ended up at New Balance in Salt Lake on Saturday.
The first thing they did was have me take off my shoes and walk over a gel-filled pad. Then she showed me the image that shows I have fallen arches (big surprise) and put a lot of weight on my big toes when I walk. She showed me several shoes. She also was able to explain the difference between the different kind of shoes such as walking, running, cross trainers, etc. She told me Sketchers are good shoes, but they are heavy. Well, my little 7 1/2 feet are now a size 8 1/2 D. She told me your feet can grow 1/2 a size every five years. I knew they were wide, I think that comes from all the years of going barefoot. At least that is what Mom always told me.
I finally settled on a these shoes. They actually felt better than the $95 dollar pair. Skeeter was with me, and helped encourage me. He told me it wasn't like I was buying shows to sit at an office desk or watch tv in. These shoes are an investment in my health, and I've proven I'm serious about the life style changes I've made. He even said he'd pay for them. So I bit the bullet and pulled out the debit card.
Since then I've taken a couple of walks in them and absolutely love them. My feet are tired when I get home. But they don't hurt the way they did. I know that is part of the reason I shaved five minutes off my time. By the third lap around the track I would slow down because my feet were hurting. So all in all, it was a good investment. Now we'll see how long they last.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Worst Part of theFlu
I had a couple grandkids start to get a stomach bug or 'flu' as we all call it this weekend. Monday morning I woke up feeling awful. I got ready and headed to work because most of the time as the day goes on, I feel better. After an hour, I knew it was time to head home before I lost what little I had for breakfast all over my desk. I got home, ate a couple of soda crackers and headed to bed. And all I did for the next 24 hours was sleep and wake up to run to the bathroom. There was a time when I thought I was going to have to get better to die.
Yesterday I took the day off again. I have a few sick days at work, so I figured it was better to use one and try to rest up and get totally better. By last night I was a lot better, and then it hit me! With being sick both Monday and Tuesday, I hadn't done my walking. And this was the week that I was to start with a 28 minutes walk with two minutes of it running. Wow, to think that the worst thing I could think of was that I had missed my workout. What a change I've made.
So I went to work and thought all day about what time I'd get the walk done. I have found it is so much easier to get it done right after work. So I hurried home, changed my clothes, grabbed a drink and my mp3 player and headed up the road. Oh, I also grabbed the leash and Buster cuz he was loose again. I love walking cuz I can take a different route. Today I did right to the light before I crossed the road cuz I figured that would be easier. And there is a tiny little up and downhill under the freeway which was kind of fun. As I got back to the baseball fields, I jogged through the parking lot. I've got to figure out a better way to keep track of the time. I wore two stop watches thinking that would work. But I had to stop and check the one when I got tired to see how long I'd jogged. I might have to find a countdown timer that I can set for two minutes and start it when I'm ready.
Now here is where any of you help me. Are there any of you out there reading this? Hello, can I hear you breathing? I'm not sure actually. But if anybody is reading this, please give me your ideas on how to best time a two minutes run in the middle of a walk.
Yesterday I took the day off again. I have a few sick days at work, so I figured it was better to use one and try to rest up and get totally better. By last night I was a lot better, and then it hit me! With being sick both Monday and Tuesday, I hadn't done my walking. And this was the week that I was to start with a 28 minutes walk with two minutes of it running. Wow, to think that the worst thing I could think of was that I had missed my workout. What a change I've made.
So I went to work and thought all day about what time I'd get the walk done. I have found it is so much easier to get it done right after work. So I hurried home, changed my clothes, grabbed a drink and my mp3 player and headed up the road. Oh, I also grabbed the leash and Buster cuz he was loose again. I love walking cuz I can take a different route. Today I did right to the light before I crossed the road cuz I figured that would be easier. And there is a tiny little up and downhill under the freeway which was kind of fun. As I got back to the baseball fields, I jogged through the parking lot. I've got to figure out a better way to keep track of the time. I wore two stop watches thinking that would work. But I had to stop and check the one when I got tired to see how long I'd jogged. I might have to find a countdown timer that I can set for two minutes and start it when I'm ready.
Now here is where any of you help me. Are there any of you out there reading this? Hello, can I hear you breathing? I'm not sure actually. But if anybody is reading this, please give me your ideas on how to best time a two minutes run in the middle of a walk.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Week Three
I've made it to week three. At least the beginning of week three. And the weather has been nice for a couple of days, so I can walk outside. One day last week I slipped my MP3 player and headphones in my purse. I got to work early, so I walked around the shop. Now to do 15 minutes is about 15 laps around that shop. And the guys just think it is hilarious to watch me. As I would make the loop, I would find obstacles in my path. They would be watching me out of the corner of their eye just to see my reaction. Wow, I must be dedicated if I'm willing to put up with that abuse. LOL
A couple times now I've gotten off work, changed my clothes and walked to the daycare to get Max. Today I had to walk there and do a few more blocks to get my fifteen minutes. I want to do the whole fifteen at once and not take a break in the middle while getting Max. I did the fifteen and then picked him up. So in total I walked twenty-two minutes.
Then there is the weight machine. I've made progress. I was only able to do ten pounds for the first couple of weeks. But that is too easy now, so I've raised it to fifteen. I realize that isn't a big accomplishment to some people, but I'll take any improvement right now.
After dinner Monique wanted to go to the track and walk. So we grabbed the dogs and Max and away we went. It's only about three minutes to the track. She said she needs to be able to jog a ten minute mile for PE. She did it in 11:10, so we have to keep working. It takes me about 25 minutes to walk a mile. I think I could have done it faster, but my feet were hurting. I really need a new pair of shows. I read that someone who is seriously training for a 5K will go through a pair of shoes every three months. Wow, that will get expensive.
The one thing I have found is that my mental attitude is so much better with my workouts. In fact, I can't stand missing them. I do believe I'm addicted to fitness. Go figure! LOL
A couple times now I've gotten off work, changed my clothes and walked to the daycare to get Max. Today I had to walk there and do a few more blocks to get my fifteen minutes. I want to do the whole fifteen at once and not take a break in the middle while getting Max. I did the fifteen and then picked him up. So in total I walked twenty-two minutes.
Then there is the weight machine. I've made progress. I was only able to do ten pounds for the first couple of weeks. But that is too easy now, so I've raised it to fifteen. I realize that isn't a big accomplishment to some people, but I'll take any improvement right now.
After dinner Monique wanted to go to the track and walk. So we grabbed the dogs and Max and away we went. It's only about three minutes to the track. She said she needs to be able to jog a ten minute mile for PE. She did it in 11:10, so we have to keep working. It takes me about 25 minutes to walk a mile. I think I could have done it faster, but my feet were hurting. I really need a new pair of shows. I read that someone who is seriously training for a 5K will go through a pair of shoes every three months. Wow, that will get expensive.
The one thing I have found is that my mental attitude is so much better with my workouts. In fact, I can't stand missing them. I do believe I'm addicted to fitness. Go figure! LOL
Monday, April 6, 2009
Outdoors vs Indoors
I have decided it is a good thing this 5K isn't inside on a treadmill. I got on last night about 9 pm without putting boards under it to make it level. I went quite slow, only 1.7 mph, but after 11 minutes I had to stop. I was having trouble getting my breath and my chest hurt. It took me about ten minutes to feel back to normal. I'm not sure I'll try that again.
When I got off work today I came home and parked the car. Then I walked to the daycare to pick up Max. He liked walking home, and I couldn't believe how easy it was. It is only 4 or 5 blocks there, but it was a nice little walk. When I got there I had been walking about 6 1/2 minutes, so I just walked a couple more minutes then turned around. When I hit the gate again, I had done my ten minutes. Total time until we got home was 16 minutes. And it felt so good to be outdoors and the sun was shining and the snow is melting and maybe spring is here. If I wake up to snow tomorrow, I'm going to be so mad.
When I got off work today I came home and parked the car. Then I walked to the daycare to pick up Max. He liked walking home, and I couldn't believe how easy it was. It is only 4 or 5 blocks there, but it was a nice little walk. When I got there I had been walking about 6 1/2 minutes, so I just walked a couple more minutes then turned around. When I hit the gate again, I had done my ten minutes. Total time until we got home was 16 minutes. And it felt so good to be outdoors and the sun was shining and the snow is melting and maybe spring is here. If I wake up to snow tomorrow, I'm going to be so mad.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Walking: Day Two
I got off work today and decided to get my walking in before everybody gets home. If I wait before I know it, it's bedtime and I haven't gotten it done. So I pulled up the Couch to 5k site to see how far. Of course, I was sure it was ten minutes the first week. Oh, wow, it's 15 minutes today. The weather outside is so awful. The wind is blowing like crazy and it's even trying to snow again. So fifteen minutes on the treadmill with the incline? Oh, no way.
I spent five minutes looking for boards to put under the end, so it would be level. Then I thought 'oh, good grief. By the time you find the boards you'll be out of time. You did it for ten minutes, you can do it for 15 or die trying." As I pulled the treadmill out, I realized there were a couple wooden shelves back there, so I did cheat a little and put them under the back legs. It made a little difference. I figured it needs about 2 1/2 inches to be level, and this added maybe 1 inch. So I bit the bullet and got on and turned it on.
It really frustrated me that I can't just walk without holding on. I read an article online that says if you hold on at all you are taking some of your weight off and not getting as good of a workout. So I turned it on to 1.7 mph and started walking. I was able to do quite a bit without holding one. Then I would get a little wobbly and hold on for a few seconds. I also was able to up the speed to 2.2 for maybe 6 minutes in the middle. I did the 15 minutes!
I spent five minutes looking for boards to put under the end, so it would be level. Then I thought 'oh, good grief. By the time you find the boards you'll be out of time. You did it for ten minutes, you can do it for 15 or die trying." As I pulled the treadmill out, I realized there were a couple wooden shelves back there, so I did cheat a little and put them under the back legs. It made a little difference. I figured it needs about 2 1/2 inches to be level, and this added maybe 1 inch. So I bit the bullet and got on and turned it on.
It really frustrated me that I can't just walk without holding on. I read an article online that says if you hold on at all you are taking some of your weight off and not getting as good of a workout. So I turned it on to 1.7 mph and started walking. I was able to do quite a bit without holding one. Then I would get a little wobbly and hold on for a few seconds. I also was able to up the speed to 2.2 for maybe 6 minutes in the middle. I did the 15 minutes!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Day One
Ok, yesterday was a bad day, and I did not get my walking done. Good thing I planned to start yesterday, cuz I did get it done today. I haven't gotten home until almost 5, and by the time I do supper and bedtime for the kids; all I wanna do is go to bed. But luckily The Biggest Loser was on tonight. What am I going to do when it's not on anymore? It is my motivation. Of course, it was too cold and dark to walk then. So I pulled out the treadmill. Now I have never been able to walk on a treadmill. I can do the bike for 40 minutes, but something about treadmills and my coordination doesn't work. Plus we have lost the legs for it, so I didn't think about the incline. At least not until I'd been walking for about a minute, and I realized it was like walking uphill. I decided I wouldn't look at my stopwatch until the first song was over. Then a faster song came on, and that helped. When that one finished, I realized the time was on the treadmill and I had gone over six minutes. Well, at that point, I couldn't stop. I was ready to collapse when it finally hit the ten. But I did it! Not only did I walk on a treadmill and not fall off, I made it ten minutes at an incline. I still want to find that part. And maybe knowing how hard this is will help me walk on the level sidewalks during the day. LOL
Ok, anybody else out there starting this?
Ok, anybody else out there starting this?
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