Category: let’s get physical

I have a lot to write about and plenty to do in the real world. In the meantime, here’s a shot from yesterday.

My calves hate me.

I don’t know what it is.

The last time around everything was sore all of the time.

This time, my calves actively ache as I run. With every stride, it’s as if they’re saying, “I. can’t. be.lieve. you. are. do.ing. this. to. us.”

Well, believe it.

Running is something I’d actually like to become good at.

But not while risking an injury.

I’ve been looking into stretches.

I’ve been wondering about my stride.

They say this sort of thing goes away with time…

And I definitely hope so.

I drafted this post about a week ago. And although I’m done with Natrel, the brand I’m using right now is almost as good. 😉

For a while they’ve been saying that chocolate milk makes an excellent recovery drink.

I bought some at the store, and man…

We’ll see how it does. Price-wise, it sure beats the protein supplement that I bought last month.

For now, though, let us meditate on the taste.

I reckon there are adults who drink chocolate milk all the time. I’m not one of them.

Imagine my surprise after I first downed some of this

earlier today.

I don’t know what chocolate milk is supposed to be like, but this was nothing short of evil.

Note that the box says “1%”. One percent my arse! *whispers* I thought one-percent milk was low in fat. *stops whispering* I tell you, if not for the label, I would’ve thought I was drinking melted chocolate ice-cream.

Is that how it should taste? Because if so, well…Damn.

I felt kind of guilty. On the other hand, as a young lover once said

Give me my sin again. – Romeo

It was on sale. The least I can do is finish the thing.

1. I’ve discovered a couple of interesting articles, via a forum that I frequent.

a) Do you know anyone who says, “I can’t be racist. I have BLACK FRIENDS!”?

Meanwhile, certain things that they say or do tell a different story…?

Well. Here’s an article for them. Leave it open on your computer the next time they come over.

b) This is what happens when TMI and racism collide. Some of the products that they have out there for women blow my mind.

2. In Personal Fitness News I am exercising more, and finding that I like it.

Source

It all started a few weeks ago. I have a gym membership, but I never used to go.

I had joined when they first opened, then cancelled my membership. Fast forward to last year. I joined again, and my attendance was spotty.

A few weeks ago their third anniversary came around, and I realized something. I’d never gone for my orientation. Also, during their anniversary open-house, I won an hour’s worth of personal training.

Now, to some, an orientation plus an hour of training may not sound like much. But that two hours’ worth of working out has been a real revelation to me.

I feel more driven and purposeful when I’m in the gym. My trainer came up with a plan for me that included several different exercises. I feel as though I can make the most of my time. I feel ambitious and eager to do and learn more.

And even though just now I caught myself craving a chocolate bar…I find I’ve really been put off of sweets. That’s a revolutionary change if ever there was one!

I’m almost there.

This Friday, I’m going to run for a full 20 minutes, non-stop. Unlike last week, when the thought scared me, today I’m excited. Not “OMG!” excited. Rather, I feel a sort of calm warmth and curiosity. I’ve never run for a full 20 minutes before.

*thinking*

I just remembered that I’ve done it on a treadmill. But somehow, I don’t think it’s quite the same.

Over the past few weeks, my sense of motivation has been a pleasant surprise. “Oh, tomorrow’s [Monday/Wednesday/Friday]. Gotta run!” Like clockwork, I make sure my gear’s all set. I keep looking for information about the sort of food I ought to be eating and when I should replace my shoes.

All of this and I have yet to reach 5k.

Nevertheless, my determination to get through this has come as a surprise. I’m actually impressed, even though I don’t know where the road is going to lead.

We truly are wonderfully made.

I have no idea. But I’m trying.

Last night was the end of my second week of the Couch to 5K program.

I don’t know what it is. But somehow in the back of my mind I think I’ve always viewed running as one of the more admirable sports. Something that requires just what I lack–discipline, and physical stamina.

The C25K program isn’t bad in theory. You start out alternating between running and walking. For those of you who can’t memorize the length of different intervals, there are podcasts that you can download. I’ve been using one without any music. You can add your own tracks to it using a program like GarageBand (if you’re a Mac head). I’m not sure what the PC alternative is.

Audacity, perhaps?

(I don’t mean to sound like a wuss, but I don’t think I’d have quite the same motivation if I was running in silence. Right now I’m at the point where I need someone–or something–to kick my butt.)

In spite of how good my new exercise regimen sounds in my head, physically, I’m being tested. Every morning I wake up aching. If this perpetual soreness doesn’t leave me, I may move on to something else.

*thinking wistfully of my bicycle*

Here’s one of the best blog posts I’ve never written:

“Triathlons are from the DEVIL…”

I was inspired. Why?

1. The writing. Like a good book or movie, it draws you in and keeps you there ’til the very end.

2. I’ve been trying to get into exercising. Meanwhile, Satan keeps messing with me. I keep making excuses.

Still, that hasn’t stopped this chick from having mad fantasies about being super-fit.

3. The way Todd mentions his older competitors. I’m related to and was raised by people who won’t let a number stop them.

Overall, an excellent read.