More Elliptical

This morning, I did 50 minutes on the elliptical. Yesterday I did 65 minutes on the elliptical, then 5 minutes on the treadmill. Excited about getting ready for the 5K road race on the 17th. It'll be the first time that Laura and I have run together, which will be fun!

More elliptical

Did 50 minutes on the elliptical this morning. Foot's still a little tender, so no more running this week. Oh well, next week! I'm learning how much runing I can take right now.

Still enjoying using the iPod while I work out. I go between podcasts and songs, usually my "workout" playlist.

Friday Workout

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical. Still a bit tired, and my foot's sore from the plantar fasciitis. *sigh*

The Rice Diet reunion is this weekend, so things are really hopping there! A number of people I've met from the past year are back. It's nice to see so many familiar faces this week at the Rice House. I'm looking forward to being on the panel tomorrow afternoon.

This morning's workout

I did an hour on the elliptical this morning, but kept it low-key, after two workouts in a row that had me a little tired and sore. The plantar fasciitis in my foot is better-still a little tender, but better.

More Running

This morning I did 20 minutes on the treadmill for 1.57 miles, followed by 25 minutes on the ellptical! Felt pretty strong at the time, but I'm feeling it in my body now! I'm feeling a bit tired and sore. Ah well, all for a good cause. Hope I can actually get to bed at a decent time tonight; that always helps.

Good workout!

This morning I did a vigorous hour and 30 seconds on the elliptical. Had to use an elliptical machine that has the arm movements (though I passed) and only has resistance (but not crossramp/incline) today, but I made the best of it, using the hill climbing program. I'm a little more tired than usual now from the workout, but it was a good one. I went the 30 seconds over, by the way, to make sure I surpassed both 5 miles and 600 calories burned. :)

Some Treadmill

I did 10 minutes on the treadmill this morning, was a strong run! I followed with 4o minutes on the elliptical machine. Feeling good, wish I'd had more time for a longer workout.

Almost an Hour

Today I did 50 minutes on the treadmill. My ankles (=tendons?) were pretty tender after all the exercise yesterday, so I backed off just a little. They're feeling better after taking it easy today, so I look forward to more exercise this week, hopefully including some running.

Double Workout Today

This morning I did an hour on the elliptical machine (yay!), and after I got back home from breakfast at the Rice House, George and I did a combo of running and walking around the apartment complex. It was fun to get out and exercise with him, though it wouldn't have been enough for me. Glad I got my own workout in, helped me to enjoy the exercise with him even more. We only did maybe 20 minutes total, but I am a tad sore from the double workout. It feels good. If we make it to the North Carolina State Fair this evening, I'll get even more walking in!

Training for another 5K

Well, I didn't exactly start training for another 5K this morning, as I only managed to do 30 minutes on the elliptical, due to continued weariness. But I did register for a 5K next month, the Apex Turkey Trot on November 17th! I'm excited to have this to shoot for and can't wait to get back on the treadmill now.

There's another 5K in Raleigh on November 10. I'm thinking about doing it too. Could I do 5Ks two weekends in a row?

Tired today!

I only did 30 minutes on the elliptical this morning. I was up past midnight the past couple of nights, finishing up the paper for my computer class. Tonight I'll be crawling into bed early by default. Meanwhile, I'm looking for some 5Ks to register for to get me going again. I need a jump start to stay motivated.

Back to an Hour

I did an hour of exercise this morning, on the elliptical again. I plan to get back to the treadmill soon. I miss running, and the motivation that having road races as goals gave me.

Almost an hour

Did 55 minutes on the elliptical this morning. Feeling a little tired, and my foot was getting sore.

Can tell the seasons are changing, as it's nippy and dark when I head to the gym. I'm able to watch the sun come up, but not so much now, from my elliptical machine.

A Little More Running

I did 5 minutes of running this morning after 35 minutes on the elliptical. Feels good to be reintroducing running to my morning routine!

An Hour!

Got back up to an hour on the elliptical this morning! Yay!

On Healthy Vacation

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical at the hotel's gym. It's a nice change of pace to be able to work out in a new, though temporary, location. I've brought all my meals from the Rice Diet with me, which makes our vacation a little different. Sleeping in and eating out aren't a big part of my vacation routine anymore. It feels good to be healthier on vacation. :) George and I hope to get some R&R in; it's just been redefined a bit.

Meanwhile, today is the first aniversary of my participating in the President's Challenge for physical activity. While I pretty much breezed through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, now I'm on the Bronze level, and am only 30% of the way there! (And points carry over from one level to the next. At this rate, it'll take me two more years (and change) to finish the Platinum! Wow! I'm determined to do it, though.

Good workout!

This morning I ran on the treadmill for 20 minutes, 1.59 miles! Then I did another 30 minutes on the elliptical. It all felt really good!

A Little Running

I'm excited about running for 10 minutes on the treadmill this morning! It felt pretty good, though I could feel my foot a bit. I did 35 minutes on the elliptical afterward, and could really feel my foot then. Still, a good workout, all in all.

Different Machine

This morning, the machines I usually work out on were all full, so I tried another elliptical. It felt a little strange, but it worked. On the "new" machine, I couldn't change the incline, just the resisitance. I pressed the "variety" button to pick my workout, and instead of if two gluteal workout choices, the only one I could do was something called Cross Country. It was a good workout! Did it for 45 minutes.

I also jogged on the treadmill for two minutes. Eh. Wasn't in the mood this morning, but thought I'd give it a try.

Long workout

This morning I did 65 minutes on the elliptical-woohoo! I do feel tired now, partly to the workout, and partly to getting to bed late last night. Yawn!

Good workout

I did an hour on the elliptical machine this morning, and it felt great! I got a good night's sleep last night, to boot. What a difference a good night's sleep makes!!

More of the same

This morning I did another 45 minutes on the elliptical machine. I got to bed late last night due to a computer class assignment, so I slept in a little bit. I'm looking forward to getting more sleep tonight!

More elliptical

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, not bad. My foot's feeling better. I've been eyeing the treadmill again.

Back to an hour!

I did an hour on the elliptical machine this morning, and it felt great to accomplish that! And I did it with less sleep! It's a crazy balance I'm trying to find. *sigh*

Shorter Workout

This morning I did 35 minutes on the elliptical before returning home to get ready for work. Despite my busy weekend of studying, I finally feel rested with this morning's slight sleep-in. I feel much better this morning! I do miss the longer workouts, though. Tomorrow?

Elliptical workout

I had a really good workout on the elliptical machine this morning! Did 45 minutes in "variety" mode, with #9 resistance at a faster than usual clip. When I first got there, I was the only one in the gym, and that was kinda fun. :-)

Shake it up!

Today I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (doing the interval program), 5 minutes on the treadmill (for .37 miles) and 10-15 minutes on weight training. It felt great to run again, and my foot held up pretty well-minimal pain, and the upper body strength training is always good. (Second time thie week I've done that.) I've already logged my running on my online running log, and it's nice to see that continuation.

Still Working Out

I haven't posted much this week, but am still going to the gym, mostly for shorter workouts, though. I've been tired (getting to bed late), and am a little bored with my workout. This morning I did 15 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes of strength training to shake things up a little.

Weekend workouts

Saturday morning I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, 35 minutes yesterday, and 50 minutes on the elliptical again this morning.

Barely there

I just did 15 minutes on the elliptical this morning. After two nights out in a row for meetings, and several nights in a row up late, I'm out of steam. I'm glad I got to the gym and made the effort, but wish I'd had the time and energy to do more. Need to find some more time for rest as well as exercise. How would it be if I had children in addition? What if I were in grad school (which I'm planning) instead of community college right now? Guess it's all a matter of priorities.

More of the same

Today I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, then took a 15 minute walk around the Quad this morning. I didn't get much sleep last night, but have felt surprisingly peppy considering. I'll probably crash tonight!

I've decided not to do the 5K this coming Saturday, and continue to nurse the plantar fasciitis. Perhaps next month!

Half time

This morning I went back down to 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. I was up too late last night, and have really been feeling it today. I'm sooo tired!

60 minutes again

I did an hour on the elliptical again. Nice to see that number, since it had been a few days since I had been there. The scales jiggled back down a bit this morning, thank goodness. It's been a frustrating few days on the scales.

Labor Day Workout

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical before going to the Rice House. I'm still on a weight loss plateau (since last week! eeek!), so I'm planning to go exercise some more later. Gotta find away to jumpstart the ole metabolism!

Short workout, rest needed

This morning I did only 15 minutes on the elliptical before breakfast at the Rice House. I was sooo tired, so I decided to pack it in and head for breakfast, perhaps having more of a workout after breakfast. At weigh-in, I gained .3 of a pound, pretty discouraging after the plateau I've been on since Wednesday. I'm staying on the straight and narrow with the diet, so it's hard totell what's causing this. It's not time for my period or anything like that. I'll just keep sticking with it. Anyway, I was still tired after breakfast, so I came home and stretched out to read Harry Potter, and fell asleep for THREE HOURS! I feel so much better!

Crosstraining

This morning I did 10 minutes of walking on the treadmill, 5 minutes of upper body weights, and 45 minutes on the elliptical machine. Felt good to do different things, but the scales didn't budge this morning. I'll keep on keepin' on, though.

Time at the Gym

This morning I did 60 minutes on the elliptical. The foot is still hurting some. (I bought some new arch supports to try.) Saw Brigitte and Kelly at the gym, which was fun.

On a roll

Did another hour on the elliptical, pushed through the tiredness again. Didn't do a good job of getting to bed at a decent time last night. It'll catch up with me soon!

Back to an hour

Did another hour on the elliptical this morning, eventhough I was sleep deprived. Getting to bed at a decent time tonight.

Thinking about signing up for a 5K in a couple of weeks. Exciting to think about testing the waters again, and seeing how my foot does.

Short workout

This morning I did 40 minutes instead of the usual hour on the elliptical. Will try to get some walking in today to round out the hour. I have the extra energy, just didn't have the extra time this morning.

I'm still working on the President's Challenge, and am 27% of the way to the Platinum Award. Points are awarded for exercise in the President's Challenge, and 500,000 points are needed to hit platinum. I've completed bronze, silver, and gold so far. It'll take me a while to finish the platinum!

Back to an hour

I did another 60 minutes on the elliptical this morning. My foot's still a little sore, but otherwise, I felt strong. Got more sleep last night, thank goodness! I'm thinking about trying another 5K next month. I wonder how my foot would do....could I run through the discomfort? Should I?

Shorter workout

This morning I did 45 mnutes on the elliptical. Slept in a little, as I got to bed late last night. :-( Still went down on the scales this morning, thank goodness.

At breakfast at the Rice House this morning, two ladies who sat down with me were talking about their overeating habits. One said she overate at restaurants, while the other overate at home where no one else could see. One of them turned to me and said, "Lesley, what do you do?" It kind of caught me off guard, since I was in my own little world, hurrying my breakfast down to get to work. The lady who asked the question laughed and said something like, "You do it all, right?" Truth be told, yes. Restaurant portions are infamously large, of course, and high in sodium, among other things. There's that. I used to do my share of overeating at home too, especially in front of the TV. What a difference a year makes!

Morning workout

This morning I did another 65 minutes on the elliptical. It's really helping with my weight loss at the Rice Diet. Foot's still bothering me some.

Good workout

This morning I did 65 minutes on the elliptical for the second day in a row. I've been following the "variety" program's instructions to pedal backward and forward for the most part, to boot, and have had some sore muscles as a result, but am feeling stronger now.

Got to the gym earlier

I made it to the gym earlier this morning, did 65 minutes on the elliptical, plus some strength training (upper body), and was able to start getting ready for work a little earlier. Not a bad way to start the work week!

Much more elliptical

Yesterday after lunch, I went to the Duke Fitness Center and did an additional 30 minutes on the elliptical machine there, after doing an hour at Anytime Fitness. It felt great at the time, but I felt really tired later, and am a bit sore this morning. I still managed to do an hour on the elliptical this morning, though. I'm glad, though I was hoping to be able to last longer. I'd like to get to the gym in time to do 90 minutes on the elliptical every morning!

I ran into Bob at Duke Fitness, was nice to chat with him about Rice Diet stuff. He was telling me about a good personal trainer he works with, but I've already forgotten the person's name. Bob exercises 4-5 hours a day, amazing.

Elliptical and weigh-in

I did an hour on the treadmill this morning, and my foot didn't bother me as much. When I weighed in at the Rice House this morning, my weight finally hit the level where my BMI has fallen to the "overweight" level, where I was in the "obese" category before! That's been a mini-goal I've been shooting for for a while. Yippee!

More elliptical

This morning I did 50 minutes on the elliptical. (Was a little short of time this morning.) Need to get to bed earlier.

A Little Running

This morning I did 5 minutes on the treadmill (.36 mi), then 55 min on the elliptical. Foot still sore.

Combo

This morning I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, and I've walked 15 minutes around the Quad here at work. Hope to get another 15-minute walk in this afternoon to finish out the hour.

Back to an hour!

This morning I did 60 minutes on the elliptical for the first time in what seems like a while! My foot got sore, but I decided to push through this time. Felt great! Afterward, I did a little bit of upper body weight training with the free weights. There was another gal in the weights area when I went over, so I tried to push it with the 10 lb. weights, but had to return them for the 5 lb. weights. Oh well.

I'm still on the Rice Diet Program, and had a milestone of one year on it last week! It's been an amazing journey, and it's not over yet! I still have some pounds to lose, so I'm going to keep going!

Elliptical again

Yesterday morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, this morning I did 50 minutes. Feels good to be working my way back up to an hour. Lately I've been doing different pre-programmed workouts on the elliptical, and that's helped perk things up a little. The past couple of days I've done the "variety" one, which includes different crossramp levels. Beats having to push the up and down arrows myself so early in the morning!

Morning workout

This morning I did 32 minutes on the elliptical. Still struggling a little to get back to the hour-long workouts of old. Life has gotten busier, and my foot still hurts from the plantar fasciitis. *sigh* Hoping this weekend is better for exercise time.

Yesterday I tried a different machine at the gym, a treadclimber for 10 minutes It burns a lot of calories, but I found muyself having to walk a little wider, and it's a noisy machine to boot.

Changing things around

This morning I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, and was ready for a change! Did 32 minutes on the recumbant bike. I soon discovered I don't burn as many calories on it as I do the elliptical, but my foot is feeling better. Hmmmm.

Early week workouts

Workouts the past couple of days have been out of sorts. Yesterday, as I was stepping onto the elliptical machines, Angela (one of my best friends from junior high) called, and we had the best time catching up!!! I sat down to talk, though, and ended up heading to the Rice House while we continued to talk. An hour and a half, we talked! :-) I finally had to go inside for my medical check-in and breakfast at the Rice House, or we might have continued talking for a while longer! After breakfast, I returned to the gym, but was only able to work out for 10 minutes. My schedule was a little out of wack, and I felt like I needed to get on with the day. Now, I wish I'd gotten on the treadmill while we talked and taken it at a slower pace as we chatted. At least I would've gotten more exercise in yesterday.

I overslept this morning, but got myself to the gym for a 15 minute workout. A little better than yesterday, but not a lot. I'll plan to get out for some walking breaks today to help get toward the hour of exercise I strive for.

A Little Longer

This morning I did 40 minutes on the elliptical machine. I got a little more sleep last night, but am still feeling some residual tiredness. I'm out running errands this morning (I'm typing at the computer at te public library, where I stopped to pick up a couple of books), but hope to get a nap in after lunch. Perhaps I'll get some more exercise in later today. If I don't, though, I need to remember that it's okay to get some rest!

Shorter workout

This morning I only did 35 minutes on the elliptical. Had a meeting after work last night, got to bed late. :-( Plan to get to bed at a better time tonight!

A Little More Running

I did 15 minutes on the treadmill this morning, and 45 minutes on the elliptical. My foot was pretty tender when I got through with the workout. I was ready to stop earlier, but pushed myself to finish.

I did manage to get to the gym a little earlier today. I need to work on continuing to roll back the time.

I'm starting to see pretty regular people at the gym early in the morning. There's always somebody there, which is good.

Adding minutes again

This morning I went 45 minutes on the elliptical, up from 35 yesterday. Still need to work on geting to bed a little earlier, so I can get up a little earlier. Balancing sleep and exercise can be a little tricky for me these days!

My foot's still a little tender from running on the treadmill a couple days ago.

Shorter workout

This morning I spent 35 minutes on the elliptical machine. I could've gone a little longer, but was crunched for time. I needed a shorter workout anyway after yesterday's push on the treadmill. Although I was tired, I got to sleep later than I wanted to last night. I hope tonight brings an earlier bedtime.

Back to some running

This morning I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill, jogging 2.27 miles in 30 minutes. I felt pretty strong, but my foot started hurting a little toward the end. Was so close to the 30 minute mark, I decided to push. Then I did 30 minutes on the elliptical. My foot was definitely tender by then. I iced it while I got ready for work this morning. I definitely feel a little more tired after that workout; C. even commented on it at breakfast at the Rice House this morning. Still, it felt great to run again!!!!

New Shoes and the Gym

I bought some new running shoes today, a pair of Brooks (Adrenaline GTS 7), at Raleigh Running Outfitters. Yay! Can't wait to try them out tomorrow. Meanwhile, I did 60 minutes on the elliptical this morning. Still enjoying the new gym; it's a nice change of scenery overall, and I just realized that it reminds me a little of the first gym in Durham where I started doing early morning workouts. The elliptical machines at the new place, like the old one, are located near the front of the gym, where the big windows are. Granted, it's in a strip mall, so the view isn't great, but still, it's nice to bea able to see the morning sky bloom as the sun rises.

Longer on the elliptical

This morning I did 65 minutes on the elliptical, felt strong. Watched the morning news for a while on the elliptical machine's monitor, then switched to music on the iPod. (After a while the news stories keep repeating, and the weather is the sme ole story this week.) I'm still enjoying the NPR podcasts, and have added some new music to boot. Afterward, I did a little strength training (upper body).

I tried to go get some new running shoes at 9th Street Active Feet a couple nights ago, after a good reminder from B. about the importance of good running shoes, especially with my plantar fasciitis. Alas, they were about 25 minutes from closing, and they needed more time for the consultation and all. I'll try again this weekend, there or at one of the other area stores that takes time with shoe fittings. B. suggested Raleigh Running Outfitters, and I've heard good things about Fleet Feet in Carrboro.

Another elliptical session

Had a nice surprise at the new gym this morning, ended up on the machine next to a lady I met a few weeks ago, running one of the trails at Umstead Park, but we didn't make the connection at first. Then, the lady who organized the running group came in to work out, and we made the connection! I'd only planned to work out 30-45 minutes this morning, but stayed on the elliptical for an hour talking and stuff. It was nice to see famiiliar faces at the gym!

Hour-long workout

I did an hour on the elliptical this morning at the new gym, felt good to push through to the 60-minute mark. I'm enjoying the new gym still. I'm a little sore this morning. My foot's getting a little better, but it's time to buy some new shoes, I think.

Different gym

Last evening I joined a gym across the street from my apartment complex (that's open 24/7) for my early morning workouts. It's pretty basic in terms of of what it has (cardio machines and weights), but the equipment it does have is very good. The elliptical machine I worked out on for 45 minutes this morning is one of the nicest I've been on, and includes a vidoe screen for watching TV if one chooses. I got to watch the local morning news this morning, which was a bit of a treat. I also enjoyed being able to adjust the crossramp as well as the resistance on the machine. In addition, I liked the displays for various things like calories, time, and steps. I hope to get there early enough to do some strength training soon. My big goal is still to get back to running! I really miss it.

Weekend workouts

I had some good (and interesting!) workouts over the weekend. Saturday morning I did an hour on the elliptical at the Duke Fitness Center. It felt great to be on a good machine in a nice environment!

Yesterday morning, before breakfast, I went to the local gym chain in a nearby town for a 15-minute workout on the elliptical and some time in the sauna. (My foot was bothering me a bit.) On my way to the sauna, I noticed a man with a feminine-looking necklace and one earring (not a stud) in the hot tub. When he pushed himself up on the side of the hot tub, it was hard not to notice he had a thong on! Lo and behold, he came into the sauna, sat down, and started carrying on a conversation! We talked about a variety of things, from jobs to bathing suits (He suggested I get into the pool in my shorts and bra if I were inclined to swim, since I didn't bring my bathing suit--he came up with some other solutions as well...) to his broken earring--which is why he was only wearing one. I didn't think to ask him why he just didn't take them both off, or why he was wearing jewelry at all in the hot tub, pool, and sauna, especially after he commented on my wearing my running shoes in the sauna. Eventhough I consider myself to be open-minded and all, this whole set-up was fascinatingly strange to me! As he left the sauna, he introduced himself as Connie with a strong handshake.

Today I was back at my apartment complex gym for 45 minutes on the elliptical. All the variety and excitement of the weekend has helped me get off of a frustrating plateau on the Rice Diet. I'm feeling better today!

Sleeping in

Being Saturday morning, I slept in a bit, and it felt like a treat! I've just finished breakfast at the Rice House, so I'm heading to the gym for my exercise. I usually exercise before breakfast, and I must admit, there's part of me that wishes I had my workout behind me now, but sleeping in was oh, so sweet!

More exercise

This morning I did 60 minutes on the elliptical, up from 35 minutes yesterday. I didn't make time to ice my foot after the elliptical, so it's sore now. *sigh*

Need to shake things up

I need to rejuvenate my exercise routine somehow. I'm getting bored with it. *sigh* I'll be happy when my foot feels better....that's pretty limiting right now. I really miss running, being able to run in different places. Early Saturday morning I went to Umstead Park and walked for an hour. My foot didn't feel so good afterward, but it felt wonderful to get outdoors to exercise!

More elliptical

This morning I was back up to 30 minutes on the elliptical, though the apartment complex gym seems to be down to just one working elliptical machine. The other machines are a little questionable too. Time to seriously consider another regular morning workout place!

Looking for a change of pace

This morning I could only stand 5 minutes on the elliptical, then I headed outside to walk around the apartment complex for another 25 minutes. I feel the need to shake things up a bit with the exercise. Living where we do now, the options are a little different. I wish there was a good lap pool nearby for an early morning swim.

Quickie

This morning I only had time for 10 minutes on the elliptical machine. *sigh* Better than nothing, I suppose. I was up late taking care of "life things" last night, as I have a busy week of meetings and such the rest of the week. With the extra commuting time, I need to figure out how to do everything that's important, including exercise!

Back from vacation

My week of restful vacation is over! It's nice to be back in a more normal routine, though, I must admit. I did keep up with daily exercise last week, but also took a nap nearly every day. Boy, did that feel great!

This morning I was back ont he elliptical machine for 50 minutes.

More elliptical

I did 45 minutes on the elliptical at the apartment gym this morning, felt pretty strong. I'm still being careful about my left foot, which is feeling better today. Dr. Neelong gave me several suggestions for it yesterday, which included laying off of running. :-( His suggestions also included a new off-the-shelf orthotic for now, an oral anti-inflammatory, plus bicycling and swimming, and I've already been icing it sporadically. *sigh* I'm not going to give up on my running dream, but am a little sidetracked and discouraged right now.

Elliptical

I slept in a little this Sunday morning, so I did 30 minutes on the elliptical at the apt. complex gym. I had the gym to myself this morning, so was able to watch the local news on the TV in there. (George and I don't have any televisions hooked up yet, which has been a blessing--though I do miss the easy news feed on the TV a little!)

I'm on vacation this week, so I hope to get some more exercise in during the week ahead!

Getting better

I was able to do 50 minutes on the elliptical this morning, felt stong and not so tired. Hoping to get more sleep over the weekend, looking forward to feeling less tired and getting back on a more normal exercise schedule.

Next week I'm taking a week of vacation, but staying close to home. Maybe I'll get some extra exercise in, to boot!

Bunnies!

This morning I did another 31 minutes on the elliptical at the apt. complex gym. It's nice having basic machines so close, as I'm still staying up later than I should, getting settled into the new place. On the way back to the apartment, I spotted three rabbits together in the grassy, wooded area at the back of our apartment building. It was a treat to stop and watch them for a few minutes. I saw one first, in the green grass. He hopped toward the trees when he saw me, and once I saw him again in the pinestraw area, I was able see the other two, which were camaflouged against the pinestraw and dirt.

Back "home"

This morning I was back at the apartment complex gym for 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. It was nice not to have the drive to the gym I had yesterday. I was spoiled at the old apartment with good gyms nearby...that's what I miss most, I think.

There is a gym across the street from the complex that's open 24/7, and I considering joining for my early morning exercise. I've visited once, and it has really good cardio machines and plenty of weights, but not pool, steamroom or sauna that I like so much. I may very well join any way, since the gym at the apartment complex has limited cardio and weight machines.

I haven't run at all this week due to weariness and my tender ankle/heel. I'm feeling slightly more rested today, and my foot feels a little better too. Maybe I can get back to running this weekend.

Venturing out

This morning I drove to Raleigh to work out, and one of the locations of the gym chain I belong to. I wasn't particularly impressed with anything except the hot sauna, and the traffic was pretty heavy for early morning. Between leaving late (was up past midnight last night--whew!) and having to find this new place, I only got a 15-minute elliptical workout in, followed by about 5 minutes in the sauna. I didn't feel very satisfied when I finishsed. *sigh* It was good to explore, but I think I'm going to keep searching for a better early-morning gym.

I'm also going to go to bed sooner tonight! The sleep deprivation is starting to take its toll.

Tired from moving

George and I moved over the weekend, so I really got a lot of exercise through that! We're in a nice apartment on the THIRD floor now, so I'll be getting some extra built-in exercise climbing the extra stairs. I'm still pretty worn out (and sore in the legs!) from moving, but I'm glad I've been exercising and have lost some weight. That helped a lot with the move.

Meanwhile, I used the new apartment complex gym this morning. George got up and went with me, bless his heart! It went pretty well. I did 35 minutes on the elliptical there, and then got in the pool. My bathing suit is getting really loose....need to get a new one!

Another try at the treadmill

I tried the treadmill again this morning, but only lasted three minutes before I had to stop due to the pain in my left foot. *sigh* I did 30 minutes on the elliptical with relative ease, even with less than 5 hrs of sleep. I'm definitely looking forward to a little more sleep!!

George and I are moving to our new apartment tomorrow morning, so that will be my exercise for the day, especially as our new pad is on the third floor (no elevator!).

Better today

My left foot is feeling better today, thank goodness. I did the elliptical again, though, for 30 minutes. This morning I went to my other morning gym, and it turned out to be a great change of pace. I sat in the steam room for a few minutes after my workout....heaven!

Hope to get back on the treadmill tomorrow.

By the way, I realized recently that I could feel my ribs, at least while I'm lying in bed. It was strange to feel them....can't remember how long ago I could feel those bones.

Oh, bother!

Between my weariness and my hurting left foot, I only did 20 minutes on the elliptical this morning. It's a little discouraging, for sure. I told the nurse about my foot issues this morning at medical check-in at the Rice House, and she used to have plantar fasciitis too. She gave me several good suggestions, including some stretches. I'm going to try those things and see if it helps. I'm so eager to get back on track with the exercise and training. I think getting a good night's sleep will help.

Ouch

I couldn't exercise as long this morning, as my left heel and ankle are pretty tender. It could be due to my longer workout yesterday, perhaps because I was up late packing my apartment. I took some ibuprofin when I got home from the gym this morning, and put my foot on ice for a few minutes.

I did 3:04 on the treadmill for .23 mi, and 35 minutes on the elliptical.

Perhaps I'll start swimming soon. I need to get a new bathing suit, though....my current one is too loose! :)

Saturday Running Group

I joined a running group Saturday morning to run the Graylyn Trail, a 3.22 mile out-and-back trail at Umstead Park, and it was a challenge for me! It was more hilly than I'm accustomed to--not a bad thing, right?! As I expected, I was at the back of the pack, but the group was nice enough to loop back around a couple of times. I finished the run in 43:57, a fair pace for me with the hills. I was so worn out I went home and took a nap, and felt some residual tiredness yesterday. Honestly, I felt a bit like I did after my first 5K in April of last year. I felt like I accomplished something by finishing the run, but it was a little discouraging to feel worn about like I did a year ago! I did enjoy meeting the other women, though: Brigette-the organizer, plus Karen, two Amys, and Debbie.

I won't be able to run with the group next Saturday because we're moving, but I plan to return in a couple of weeks if the group keeps going. I'd love to be able to nail that trail and get my time down on a challenging route with hills.

Yesterday I walked 40 minutes around the East Campus Wall, but was back in the gym this morning for 65 minutes on the elliptical. My left ankle and heel are still pretty tender, so I wanted to go easy. Hopefully I'll feel like running on the treadmill tomorrow.

Back to the treadmill

This morning I had a couple of stints on the treadmill, totaling 23 minutes and 1.88 miles. I also spent 20 minutes on the elliptical. I felt pretty strong, and wish I'd had more time to work out. (I need to get to the gym earlier!)

Been pensive lately about how this time last year, I caught the cold that I didn't pay much attention, since it was the end of the fiscal year at work (like NOW!). That was the start of body's downhill slide toward the hospital stay and the Rice Diet. What a difference a year makes! Last week, while lying in bed, I realized I could feel my ribs! Wow! It freaked me out, but George thought it was a hoot, and was surprised by my reaction. I'm still feeling them just about every night in bed, and just can't believe it. Perhaps it's partly psychologicial, my reaction, in realizing I'm missing a layer of "protection."

Elliptical again

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical and passed on the treadmill. I've been sore in my left foot in the ankle, heel, and in the back of the arch. After some research, it looks like I have tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. (Actually, one of the doctors at the Rice Diet suggested the tendonitis a few weeks ago when I had the ankle pain only.) I'm taking Tylenol/Advil and trying to do an ice pack at night, but it felt especially sore yesterday, so I decided to pass on the treadmill today. Eventhough it was still sore this morning, I pushed for 45 minutes, and now my ankle and heel are feeling better than yesterday. There's something to be said for rest and crosstraining. :)

I did miss running this morning, though, and am looking forward to hooking up with a running group at Umstead Park on Saturday. It'll be my first foray into running groups, and of course I'm a little worried about keeping up. The 6 AM meeting time is good for me, though, even if it's a bit of a drive to Umstead from where I live now. (After next weekend we'll be much closer! Yay!)

Good treadmill workout

This morning I warmed up with 5 minutes on the elliptical, then ran a 5K (3.1 mi) in 38 minutes on the treadmill! Was excited about the time, though it was indoors (at the gym) and with just a little incline (.5% for part of the run). I was a bit tired when I finished, but felt fairly strong. I'm coming to enjoy the treadmill, especially since I can control the speed and increase/decrease as I want/need. I need to remember to incorporate the incline function as well, to mimic racing more realistically.

Back at regular gym

This morning I went back to my normal gym, after a different routine for the past three days. It was good to get "back home." I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and a total of 16 minutes on the treadmill for 1.24 miles.

George went to his gym this morning too. Since he doesn't have to be at work until after than I do, I assume he went a little later than I had him out of bed yesterday morning. ;-)

Gym with George

George and I went to the gym together this morning, and it was nice to be together at the gym early on in the day. I only did 30 minutes on the elliptical, though, then spent some time in the sauna. I don't like the cardio machines at this particular gym as much--it's a different one from the gym I usually go to, because they're older models and are showing their wear. George was wanting to see how exercising first thing affected his day, and asked if we could go together, so I thought it sounded like a great idea. We plan to do it again on Wednesday. :-) I think I'll add some strength training into the mix then. Meanwhile, I'll plan to go to my regular morning gym tomorrow.

Saturday Morning Workout

This morning I did 30 minutes on the ellipticl, then 20 minutes on the treadmill for 1.52 miles. I had to go to the gym in Chapel Hill, since it's open 24/7, and the closer gyms that I could go to don't open until 8 AM on Saturdays. I missed being able to sit in the sauna after my workout this morning, as the wet area in the Chapel Hill gym is closed for repair.

I had an earlier workout this weekend morning because I went to a McLamb family reunion in Dunn, NC, today. The turnout was very good, and it was a lot of fun to see part of that side of the family. With this particular branch of the family tree, I didn't know everyone at the reunion, but every year, I meet and get to know more people.

More running

This morning I warmed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical, then 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.4 miles. The running felt pretty strong, so I added some incline to the workout. I'm a little tired now. I'd like to get up to 30-minute runs more days of the week.

I've been having some pain in my ankle (tendonitis) and something new just under my heel, at the back of the arch. Started icing it last night, and need to get some more ibuprofin.

More treadmill

I did 30 minutes on the elliptical this morning, then 17 minutes on the treadmill for 1.3 miles.

Thanks to RunJoey for letting me know about the running log at coolrunning.com. I've been giving it a try this week, and it has some nice features. I think I like it better than the one at running-log.com at this point.

At the gym this morning, I found the machines that I used to work out on at the other location, set up upstairs above the basketball and badminton courts. There were a few other people up there, but only people who'd also worked out early mornings at the former gym location that had closed down. It was like old times (though not that long ago!), and it was much more quiet up, there, no loud music blaring like downstairs in the main workout area. The machines from our former gym are a little fancier, to boot, more bells and whistles, so I'm happy about that.

Wednesday Morning Workout

This morning I did 12 minutes on the elliptical for .85 miles, then 45 minutes on the elliptical. I got some much needed sleep last night, so I'm feeling a bit refreshed today.

Running Journal

I started keeping a running journal again to track my running a couple of weeks ago. I keep it, along with a pen, in my car, so I can write my workouts down soon after I do them . There are charts and lists to help me keep track of my progress, but I haven't gotten that ellaborate yet. Instead, I've found an online running journal, running-log.com, that does the computations and charts for me. Sometimes I think to myself, how many places can I record all of my exercise?!

I like the idea of the paper journal, partly because I still have the one I kept in 1984, a tangible record of my past running days. I also like the online record of my running, though, which I can access anywhere I may be on a computer. The total mile and pace per mile computations are nice features that are helping me with goal setting. (For instance, last month I ran 18.77 miles total, so I'm trying to beat that total this month.)

On a roll

I started on the treadmill this morning, did 2 minutes, and decided to head for the comfort of the elliptical, partly because I'm dragging today. I did another 60 minutes on the elliptical, felt good about plugging through the workout with the help of the iPod. I'm tired today, partly because I had a meeting last night in Chapel Hill, and a long day at work yesterday. I may still be a little tired from the weekend's 5K. I have an appointment to get my hair cut tonight, but hope to get home at a decent time (and into bed at a decent time!). Maybe I'll tale a hot bath.

A lady at the gym this morning remarked on my t-shirt for a local race/walk, and it turns out she works at the same institution I do, but in another department. It didn't take us long to find people we know in common, which was fun.

It's mornings like this that I miss my caffeine!

Back to the elliptical

I did 60 minutes on the elliptical this morning, felt strong. I took yesterday off, and that felt good on a number of levels. I was ready to get back to the gym this morning, though.

It dawned on me this morning how busy my "new" gym is in the mornings. It's nice to be among a group of people and have time to myself first thing in the morning, without the need to make conversation, eventhough we all have fitness and an early morning schedule in common.

Race Report-Run for the Quay 5K, June 2, 2007

I ran in the Run for the Quay in Fuquay-Varina, NC, yesterday, and had a fun time! My buddy, Stephanie, went along and ran with me, and I enjoyed her company (as well as her navigational skills) alot.

It was a sunny, late spring morning, and I found Fuquay-Varina to be a charming town. The start and finish were at a local Methodist church, where we picked up our race numbers and timing chips. The race volunteers were friendly and organized, and the race started on time. The course had some mild hills, nothing too bad. We ran through some neighborhoods, and some of the residents were out in their yards, cheering us on. (One family even had a water hose rigged to a ladder at the curb, sending a light water mist over us as we passed by--that was great!)

I finished in 42 minutes even, for an overall pace of 13:31/mile. I ran the first mile in 13:05, so I slowed down a bit. I beat my last 5K time of 46:30, which was my goal, though secretly, I was wondering if I could break the 40-minute mark. (Perhaps next time!) I jogged the whole race for the second time in a row, and felt pretty strong throughout. There were bananas, oranges, and empty Bojangles boxes in addition to fresh water when I got to the tent after finishing the race. I'm glad the Bojangles boxes were empty! ;-)

I could feel a hint of the North Carolina heat of summer coming on, as I worked up a good sweat!

I'm hoping to find another race to do in July or August. I've found a 5K/10K combo in Fayetteville in August, and am wondering if I should stretch for the 10K, or continue to work on my 5K time. I'll see how my distance runs are coming along in another month.

Short workout

This morning I only did 15 minutes on the elliptical. I'd planned to do more, but had to stop to "answer nature," and ended up stopping off in the sauna in the ladies lockerroom for just a minute. The minute turned into a few more when a lady I've seen a lot during my early morning workouts came in, so we started talking. Next thing I knew, it was almost 7 AM! Oops! It was a refreshing change of pace, though.

Tomorrow I'm running in another 5K, and am looking forward to it! I'm hopeful about improving my time from the Run for the Oaks back in April. The race tomorrow is in Fuquay-Varina, in Wake County. Never had a reason to go to Fuquay-Varina before, so I'm looking forward to it.