So, Toronto had a (relative) heat wave today. The temperature was above freezing for the first time in 31 days. And I took full advantage of it. I ditched work an hour early (though not really since I worked through my guild-mandated lunch hour) and decided to forgo stale gym air and machines for some crisp air and slushy sidewalks. I mistakenly brought my iPod with me, as the earphones just didn't want to stay in my ears so I ended up carrying it in one hand for about 98 percent of the run. Still, it was liberating to be outside again... almost enough to recant my previous post about staying indoors and being happy about that. Maybe an amended statement is in order -- I don't mind running outside if there's snow on the ground, falling lightly even, but I abhor the gusting wind and freezing temps. That's when I retreat to the confines of the gym. Like all last week (Thurs: 5K, Fri: 4.5K. Nothing on the weekend)
All told, I was out for about 1hour and 30 minutes today, covering 10.4K (6.4mi) -- the longest distance I've completed since Jan. 2 -- and included a quick stop at the jeweler (how much is a wedding band anyway?) and then a hello to CMan.
I didn't stretch out enough, I'm sure of it. My knees are already twinging a little.
This is the online journal of one Toronto girl who is returning to the scene of her first and only marathon. On Oct. 9, 2011, she will run the Chicago marathon five years after the maiden marathon.
Tuesday, February 20
Wednesday, February 14
Hearts aflutter
My heart is all giddy today.
And not because it's Valentine's Day. As far as CMan and I were concerned, it was just Wednesday. Though he bought me flowers anyway. The jerk. (lol)
Anyways. Not that this foot of snow that fell overnight was interfering with my running -- oh no, I've pretty much given up on the idea of outdoor running for the rest of winter that includes frosty wind and slippery sidewalks and a face mask. I admire everyone who has the courage, resolve, and mojo to do this. I don't have what it takes to be out there. Mostly it's that I don't have good winter running gear. Or any winter running gear, let alone any of good quality. And I don't see myself investing in any either. I'm content -- perhaps resigned? -- to do this indoors on the mill, in a comfortable climate with a single layer of clothing, TV and/or unfrozen iPod available to distract, and no icy tears on my face. I accept this.
And so after warming up with some cardiovascular work of clearing the driveway -- I was kind of sad about having to do this because the untouched snow was just too beautiful -- I was at the gym by 6:30AM for core strengthening class and a 30-min jog on the treadmill, which covered 4K. My abs were sore from Monday's workout, like I thought they would be, though that didn't stop me on Tuesday when I slotted in some weight training. The aches from exhaustion are worth it. (Plus I finally booked that massage I wanted 3 weeks ago so I can undo all this achiness tomorrow)
I tell ya, I am back to routine now. And making exercise a priority again. Not only because it's doctor's orders for this Type2 diabetic where high blood glucose levels can lead to heart disease, among other complications. But let's be honest. The thought of being the center of attention in a wedding dress is actually starting to affect me too. In related news, I think CMan and I found our wedding venue today. Hearts aflutter, indeed.
And not because it's Valentine's Day. As far as CMan and I were concerned, it was just Wednesday. Though he bought me flowers anyway. The jerk. (lol)
Anyways. Not that this foot of snow that fell overnight was interfering with my running -- oh no, I've pretty much given up on the idea of outdoor running for the rest of winter that includes frosty wind and slippery sidewalks and a face mask. I admire everyone who has the courage, resolve, and mojo to do this. I don't have what it takes to be out there. Mostly it's that I don't have good winter running gear. Or any winter running gear, let alone any of good quality. And I don't see myself investing in any either. I'm content -- perhaps resigned? -- to do this indoors on the mill, in a comfortable climate with a single layer of clothing, TV and/or unfrozen iPod available to distract, and no icy tears on my face. I accept this.
And so after warming up with some cardiovascular work of clearing the driveway -- I was kind of sad about having to do this because the untouched snow was just too beautiful -- I was at the gym by 6:30AM for core strengthening class and a 30-min jog on the treadmill, which covered 4K. My abs were sore from Monday's workout, like I thought they would be, though that didn't stop me on Tuesday when I slotted in some weight training. The aches from exhaustion are worth it. (Plus I finally booked that massage I wanted 3 weeks ago so I can undo all this achiness tomorrow)
I tell ya, I am back to routine now. And making exercise a priority again. Not only because it's doctor's orders for this Type2 diabetic where high blood glucose levels can lead to heart disease, among other complications. But let's be honest. The thought of being the center of attention in a wedding dress is actually starting to affect me too. In related news, I think CMan and I found our wedding venue today. Hearts aflutter, indeed.
Monday, February 12
Hiatus over
So I've taken half a month off. That might explain why it was such a struggle to even maintain a 5mph clip today on the treadmill. I've been unmotivated to exercise in any form (the 10min walk to the subway on my work is really as good as it's been, sad as that is). Well, unmotivated isn't really the right word -- it's more like I just let it slip to the wayside and didn't make it a priority. I've been working slightly longer hours recently but I didn't adjust my bedtime, and so I've been too tired to contemplate running, lifting weights, trying to keep my balance on a ball.
I almost restarted the exercise routine last Friday when my cousin met me at my gym to try the BOSU class I keep raving about. Except it was cancelled at the last minute. We could've done 30 minutes on the treadmill. We didn't. In fact, we basically just turned around and left.
Life goes on. But enough with the excuses. I got through 5K today -- 80 percent of it sucked, and when I hit the last kilometer I finally felt like I was getting into a familiar groove. But I didn't want to push too hard on the first day, though I went to hardcore abs class. Something is going to hurt tomorrow. But I'm back and it's good to be here.
I almost restarted the exercise routine last Friday when my cousin met me at my gym to try the BOSU class I keep raving about. Except it was cancelled at the last minute. We could've done 30 minutes on the treadmill. We didn't. In fact, we basically just turned around and left.
Life goes on. But enough with the excuses. I got through 5K today -- 80 percent of it sucked, and when I hit the last kilometer I finally felt like I was getting into a familiar groove. But I didn't want to push too hard on the first day, though I went to hardcore abs class. Something is going to hurt tomorrow. But I'm back and it's good to be here.
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