During May & June I'll be embarking on an intense training period as the triathlon date fast approaches. I'm excited about that.
During the next two weeks I'm not going to be at the gym, but rather I'll take time out to make peace with my body, maybe do a few body weight excercises. I'll be out of the country mostly & formal exercise won't be accessible to me in the same way. I look forward to May & June. I'll also start taking a dance class in a few weeks & I'm excited about that.
Otherwise, I'll be trying to update even before the 8 week training program beginz...Thank you all for your support!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
what to do when you have no time to exercise???
For the past week I've exercised twice. Been working till late. I thought I was gonna lose my mind, but I made it. My regular fitness routine starts tommorow. It's been hard, but I had a chance to reflect in really intense & sometimes self destructive ways.
The good thing is I'm back!!! & here to stay:):)
The good thing is I'm back!!! & here to stay:):)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Spring update
Been doing ok. Taking rest time & sweating in healthy amounts & eating in healthy amounts.
I love my gym. I hate my job.
Nothing is new.
I want to write about my Triathlon bootcamp class that I took last Tuesday at the a*# crack of darn, but I really am too lazy to type.
I'm here.
I'm in a bit of a foul mood because I was looking forward to my training session today, but my trainer bailed at the last minute. Jerk. An emergency came up & I have to reschedule. The problem is that I won't have a free hour to spare for a few more weeks. At least not for that. I have plenty of tie for sillier things.
The strangest thing- people are super nice to me here at my new gym. I like it. I have made some awesome acquaintances & I'm already a groupie in this hot trainer's exercise classes. I mean I attend EVERY class the trainer teaches. Obsession much??!! No. Dedication to athleticism.
I love my gym. I hate my job.
Nothing is new.
I want to write about my Triathlon bootcamp class that I took last Tuesday at the a*# crack of darn, but I really am too lazy to type.
I'm here.
I'm in a bit of a foul mood because I was looking forward to my training session today, but my trainer bailed at the last minute. Jerk. An emergency came up & I have to reschedule. The problem is that I won't have a free hour to spare for a few more weeks. At least not for that. I have plenty of tie for sillier things.
The strangest thing- people are super nice to me here at my new gym. I like it. I have made some awesome acquaintances & I'm already a groupie in this hot trainer's exercise classes. I mean I attend EVERY class the trainer teaches. Obsession much??!! No. Dedication to athleticism.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Getting back into the groove...
of exercise...after 3 rocky weeks.
Tommorow is my slow exercise day. Today I took three awesome classes & now I'm relaxing before I take my Yoga Basics class. My first real yoga class!!!!
Tommorow is an easy light day exercise wise.
I feel obese & that's a real issue for me:( It's hard to talk about this & have people tell me that I'm not fat, because honestly it doesn't help to hear such "encouragement". I love my body, but I also need to nurture it into the changes that it's going through.
In two weeks my life will be turned topsy turvy. Only for 10 days though. My exercise schedule will be stolen from me because I'll be working from 8Am - 8pm during that time period:( Next week is a 3 day weekend & for sure I will be swimming & spinnin' like a mad woman to make up for it.
On a not-so-good note, my ankle injury is rearing it's nasty head lately. Running is out of the question & I have no idea how I'll make it to the triathlon if I can't run. I have been walking on the treadmill though. The fact is I can't give up walking or else I wouldn't be able to get anywhere. I'm resting a lot though.
Tommorow is my slow exercise day. Today I took three awesome classes & now I'm relaxing before I take my Yoga Basics class. My first real yoga class!!!!
Tommorow is an easy light day exercise wise.
I feel obese & that's a real issue for me:( It's hard to talk about this & have people tell me that I'm not fat, because honestly it doesn't help to hear such "encouragement". I love my body, but I also need to nurture it into the changes that it's going through.
In two weeks my life will be turned topsy turvy. Only for 10 days though. My exercise schedule will be stolen from me because I'll be working from 8Am - 8pm during that time period:( Next week is a 3 day weekend & for sure I will be swimming & spinnin' like a mad woman to make up for it.
On a not-so-good note, my ankle injury is rearing it's nasty head lately. Running is out of the question & I have no idea how I'll make it to the triathlon if I can't run. I have been walking on the treadmill though. The fact is I can't give up walking or else I wouldn't be able to get anywhere. I'm resting a lot though.
Monday, March 10, 2008
State of the art...
I'm a snob when it comes to the finer things in life...
I'm cancelling my gym memberships & yoga membership so that I can afford the fancy gym! I actually save quite a bit this way.
Ever since I made that decision, I can breathe easier & I feel happy. I start my exercise there today. I'm beginning a 6 week cross training routine. Then a break. Then an 8 week Olympic triathlon workout routine. then tapering...then triathlon!!!!! Wow!
I met a triathlete wannabe this weekend. Good to know I'm not alone!
I'm so glad I have this blog. I appreciate the advice & encouragement others leave for me & the experiences others share on their blogs.
I did get a new swim suit 3 weeks ago & I followed the advice of a blog reader who told me where to go for expert advice. Hooray! I ended up getting a TYR diamond back. Supposedly chlorine resistant. Either way, this is the last swimsuit I buy before I buy my trisuit in June:):):):):):):):)
I'm cancelling my gym memberships & yoga membership so that I can afford the fancy gym! I actually save quite a bit this way.
Ever since I made that decision, I can breathe easier & I feel happy. I start my exercise there today. I'm beginning a 6 week cross training routine. Then a break. Then an 8 week Olympic triathlon workout routine. then tapering...then triathlon!!!!! Wow!
I met a triathlete wannabe this weekend. Good to know I'm not alone!
I'm so glad I have this blog. I appreciate the advice & encouragement others leave for me & the experiences others share on their blogs.
I did get a new swim suit 3 weeks ago & I followed the advice of a blog reader who told me where to go for expert advice. Hooray! I ended up getting a TYR diamond back. Supposedly chlorine resistant. Either way, this is the last swimsuit I buy before I buy my trisuit in June:):):):):):):):)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
After my 2 week exercise hiatus...
On Saturday I returned to my lovely world of sweat...I certainly jumpstarted it.
You are not going to believe this, but I made strength gains just from taking time off!! I'm benching 10lb more. I'm using 3 lb more weight in my sculpt class...
It's quite exciting really.
In yoga class though, I seem to have deteriorated:( But I'll get it back in a few days...patience.
On Sunday, DOMS was killing me & yoga class was almost impossible to get through, but I made it.
Something great happened at Spin class on Sunday. This woman I don't know came up to me after class & said,
"You have such perfect form & I'm always looking at you to figure out how to fix my own form"
Wow!!! It was so good to hear. I'm always working on my form. Good form sometimes takes time.
For those of you that spin...you know position 2? I always engage my core & the rest of my body is still & balanced except for my legs that are pedaling...you can balance a pot of water on my head & it wouldn't fall...I think that's why the woman commented on my form...I love second position. Great for quads.
My push up form is pathetic- better now, but still not good enough at all for me. But it takes constant practice & strengthening of core, chest & tricep to get to the absolute perfect form. A lot of people can crank out pushups with bad form & they don't even know it...Very bad for the lower back to abandon form like that...
I'm back in sweatville!
You are not going to believe this, but I made strength gains just from taking time off!! I'm benching 10lb more. I'm using 3 lb more weight in my sculpt class...
It's quite exciting really.
In yoga class though, I seem to have deteriorated:( But I'll get it back in a few days...patience.
On Sunday, DOMS was killing me & yoga class was almost impossible to get through, but I made it.
Something great happened at Spin class on Sunday. This woman I don't know came up to me after class & said,
"You have such perfect form & I'm always looking at you to figure out how to fix my own form"
Wow!!! It was so good to hear. I'm always working on my form. Good form sometimes takes time.
For those of you that spin...you know position 2? I always engage my core & the rest of my body is still & balanced except for my legs that are pedaling...you can balance a pot of water on my head & it wouldn't fall...I think that's why the woman commented on my form...I love second position. Great for quads.
My push up form is pathetic- better now, but still not good enough at all for me. But it takes constant practice & strengthening of core, chest & tricep to get to the absolute perfect form. A lot of people can crank out pushups with bad form & they don't even know it...Very bad for the lower back to abandon form like that...
I'm back in sweatville!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Vancouver musings...Another Transformative month ahead...
I have done NO exercising for two weeks. I feel lousy. While in Vancouver, I rode around "my" bike in Richmond & around the Pacific sea wall it was amazingly beautiful!!
Vancouver is the cleanest city I've ever been to. Also the healthiest city. It seems like the yogic lifestyle was prevalent almost everywhere I went. "Everyone" runs outside even in the winter. People take walks in central park & rent bikes all the time. I've never seen so many bike rental stores in one place!! I'm hoping that I can spend my summer working & exercising outside there. Wow- that would be bliss. And I thought central park was the be all and end all...Stanley Park, here I come!!
March 1st begins my fitness routine again. I can't wait to get back into my groove. This month I am mostly focusing on the other parts of health- cooking my own meals instead of store bought things. One of my goals is to cook every week for the week ahead and to eat something ever 3 hours or so. It may be a challenge, but it will be better for my metabolism in the long run and a cheaper way to live.
I will also be starting an 8 session dance class next week. It's a sensual African dance class. I will tell you more about it once I actually start! I can't wait to start swimming again! The March madness begins on Saturday the 1st of March:) February was awesome! Please stay with me through my journeys.
Vancouver is the cleanest city I've ever been to. Also the healthiest city. It seems like the yogic lifestyle was prevalent almost everywhere I went. "Everyone" runs outside even in the winter. People take walks in central park & rent bikes all the time. I've never seen so many bike rental stores in one place!! I'm hoping that I can spend my summer working & exercising outside there. Wow- that would be bliss. And I thought central park was the be all and end all...Stanley Park, here I come!!
March 1st begins my fitness routine again. I can't wait to get back into my groove. This month I am mostly focusing on the other parts of health- cooking my own meals instead of store bought things. One of my goals is to cook every week for the week ahead and to eat something ever 3 hours or so. It may be a challenge, but it will be better for my metabolism in the long run and a cheaper way to live.
I will also be starting an 8 session dance class next week. It's a sensual African dance class. I will tell you more about it once I actually start! I can't wait to start swimming again! The March madness begins on Saturday the 1st of March:) February was awesome! Please stay with me through my journeys.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Living & discovering Yoga...
This morning I was up at 5am. At 6:30Aam I was in bed deciding whether or not to go to the 7Am yoga class...Then 10 minutes later, there was was outside the studio after a train ride, only to find out that the 7Am class was cancelled because of a mistake with building keys. There were 6 of us waiting out in the cold pretty bummed out about the fact that here we were up & about on a Saturday night, ready to medidate, or should I say, sweat!
Anyhow, it turned out to be quite an adventure...Two of the women there had been practicing at this studio for over 4 years and they began to gossip about different teachers...there seem to be a few types....
-the ones who are so strict & make you do every posture exactly the way the founder prescribes it, even though you may have injuries
-the ones who learn your name & acknowledge all your little progresses & help you modify asanas sensibly
-the ones who keep the room at 150degrees F & end up getting fired because people are burning up...
So far in my experience with fitness professionals & yoga instructors, I find that I'm extremely sensitive to negative energies. I've had two personal trainers & one of them is super hardcore & strict in an old school way but with little to be said about the emotional transformation & caring piece. But I do appreciate the END result...My other trainer was gifted in unconventional ways- his training sessions never included cardiovascular components. He would show me 3-4 excercises that involved core, balance & strength challenge all in one. The excercises were crafted by him & very hard, but super transformative for my body. We would also have very meaningful discussions & he was very profession, very personable & never got huggy or friendly in suspicious ways with clients. Flirting wasn't part of his image. He felt like a brother or father figure to me. I find that many personal trainers market themselves through flirting & I find that so unprofessional. Anyhow, it works though as a money making tool...
My experience with Bi.kram. instructors hasn't been too traumatic. I don't like the ones that don't learn the students' names. It's important to me that the instructor has excellent command of the english language...
I had one negative experience...I am happy with the progress that I've made with my supta vidrasana pose...but depending on the energies in and outside me, I don't always fully go into the posture. Even when I do go into it, my feet can't go straight back without pain. I also have very interesting shaped feet, so I may never be able to straighten the feet safely in this posture. That said, last week, one teacher was asking me to try to fix the feet. I told her that it hurt if I did so. Then she went on to tell me how important it was to try. I told her I tried every day & that I wasn't going to hurt myself in the process. Then she went on about how I need to try harder & how I was still new to yoga & bla bla bla. Yogic energy or not, I completely ignored her advice because it was coming from the control freak side of her- I wanted to beat her up. I don't appreciate anyone telling me what to do when it's not laced with love. I would NEVER do something that I wasn't comfortable with. I work hard in all my fitness & yoga endeavours & I'm one that knows to keep on trying, trying trying, until one day the change happens. However, it's only for me, not about any teacher or anyone else...
That said...Back to the cancelled class story...
So it's 7Am & we're all pretty upset that the class is cancelled. Two of the women were willing to do anything to find another class in a different Manhattan neighborhood. I was drawn to the idea of going back to bed, but I needed to be in Chelsea for my jumprope class at 10am, so the women were able to persuade me to come with them to a studio on the Upper Ea.st. Side. It was a little trek to get there but boy was it worth it!!! This studio is like a 5 star B.ik.ram. Yoga studio!! Fancy, two studios, amazingly well kept. I was blown away!!!I like my regular studion, but this one is quite something, I must say...200% more fancy, which I'm all about. I guess what can you expect from snotty Upper. Ea.st Side??!!! I got to know two wonderful women along the way, experience this gorgeous facility & a brand new positive energy. I bought mat cleaner & yinyang earrings at the studio. Don't ask me how I was able to make my 10am chelsea class, but I was able to run from one end of Manhattan to the other in 15 minutes- using public transportation. I love this city!!
So here I am wondering around Union Square looking for Par.ag.on Sports...I've been there a few times, but never on my own, so given my nonexistent sense of direction, I was getting lost...Here are the amazing things that happened to me this afternoon:
1. I stumbled upon the Union Square Bikram studio - it's gorgeous in there!! I didn't take a class, but I'm considering checking it out. Wow is all I had to say when I walked in there...
2. I stumbled across a huge yoga center called Ji.va.mukti. WOWWWW is all I can say. I walked in & I could feel my life changing forever. I spent time picking this staff member's brain about the center & what I could get out of it. They have a cafe in there & they gave me free food. All I felt was love & peace in there. I know I'm being extreme & cheesy. I will return to that place when the time is ripe.
3. I spent hours at P sports trying to find a bathing suit that was polyester(more resistant to chlorine), and that fit me, & whose style was acceptable in my eyes. Bathing suits can be way too expensive. You can find good deals online though...Anyhow, of course I wound up looking for a new workout outfit. Unsuccessfully.
4. Then I walked to J.ack Rab. & ended up buying a TYR swimsuit! Black & classy. Somewhat me.
5. I bought 5 amazing reads...
-The Joy of Partner Yoga (i've been wanting to do this for a long long time now & hopefully will find some friends to do partner yoga with)
-Bi.kram's Beginning Yoga class (I know I'm a sucker, but I just thought I should own this!)
-Jivamuk.ti Yoga (I can't wait to delve into this.
-The triathlete magazine
-Canada guide book
I've been transforming in many amazing ways, but the best is yet to come. A new 30 day cycle begins for me on February 25th. Meanwhile, I will continue to update you on my adventures. Thank you for being a part of this, virtually.
Anyhow, it turned out to be quite an adventure...Two of the women there had been practicing at this studio for over 4 years and they began to gossip about different teachers...there seem to be a few types....
-the ones who are so strict & make you do every posture exactly the way the founder prescribes it, even though you may have injuries
-the ones who learn your name & acknowledge all your little progresses & help you modify asanas sensibly
-the ones who keep the room at 150degrees F & end up getting fired because people are burning up...
So far in my experience with fitness professionals & yoga instructors, I find that I'm extremely sensitive to negative energies. I've had two personal trainers & one of them is super hardcore & strict in an old school way but with little to be said about the emotional transformation & caring piece. But I do appreciate the END result...My other trainer was gifted in unconventional ways- his training sessions never included cardiovascular components. He would show me 3-4 excercises that involved core, balance & strength challenge all in one. The excercises were crafted by him & very hard, but super transformative for my body. We would also have very meaningful discussions & he was very profession, very personable & never got huggy or friendly in suspicious ways with clients. Flirting wasn't part of his image. He felt like a brother or father figure to me. I find that many personal trainers market themselves through flirting & I find that so unprofessional. Anyhow, it works though as a money making tool...
My experience with Bi.kram. instructors hasn't been too traumatic. I don't like the ones that don't learn the students' names. It's important to me that the instructor has excellent command of the english language...
I had one negative experience...I am happy with the progress that I've made with my supta vidrasana pose...but depending on the energies in and outside me, I don't always fully go into the posture. Even when I do go into it, my feet can't go straight back without pain. I also have very interesting shaped feet, so I may never be able to straighten the feet safely in this posture. That said, last week, one teacher was asking me to try to fix the feet. I told her that it hurt if I did so. Then she went on to tell me how important it was to try. I told her I tried every day & that I wasn't going to hurt myself in the process. Then she went on about how I need to try harder & how I was still new to yoga & bla bla bla. Yogic energy or not, I completely ignored her advice because it was coming from the control freak side of her- I wanted to beat her up. I don't appreciate anyone telling me what to do when it's not laced with love. I would NEVER do something that I wasn't comfortable with. I work hard in all my fitness & yoga endeavours & I'm one that knows to keep on trying, trying trying, until one day the change happens. However, it's only for me, not about any teacher or anyone else...
That said...Back to the cancelled class story...
So it's 7Am & we're all pretty upset that the class is cancelled. Two of the women were willing to do anything to find another class in a different Manhattan neighborhood. I was drawn to the idea of going back to bed, but I needed to be in Chelsea for my jumprope class at 10am, so the women were able to persuade me to come with them to a studio on the Upper Ea.st. Side. It was a little trek to get there but boy was it worth it!!! This studio is like a 5 star B.ik.ram. Yoga studio!! Fancy, two studios, amazingly well kept. I was blown away!!!I like my regular studion, but this one is quite something, I must say...200% more fancy, which I'm all about. I guess what can you expect from snotty Upper. Ea.st Side??!!! I got to know two wonderful women along the way, experience this gorgeous facility & a brand new positive energy. I bought mat cleaner & yinyang earrings at the studio. Don't ask me how I was able to make my 10am chelsea class, but I was able to run from one end of Manhattan to the other in 15 minutes- using public transportation. I love this city!!
So here I am wondering around Union Square looking for Par.ag.on Sports...I've been there a few times, but never on my own, so given my nonexistent sense of direction, I was getting lost...Here are the amazing things that happened to me this afternoon:
1. I stumbled upon the Union Square Bikram studio - it's gorgeous in there!! I didn't take a class, but I'm considering checking it out. Wow is all I had to say when I walked in there...
2. I stumbled across a huge yoga center called Ji.va.mukti. WOWWWW is all I can say. I walked in & I could feel my life changing forever. I spent time picking this staff member's brain about the center & what I could get out of it. They have a cafe in there & they gave me free food. All I felt was love & peace in there. I know I'm being extreme & cheesy. I will return to that place when the time is ripe.
3. I spent hours at P sports trying to find a bathing suit that was polyester(more resistant to chlorine), and that fit me, & whose style was acceptable in my eyes. Bathing suits can be way too expensive. You can find good deals online though...Anyhow, of course I wound up looking for a new workout outfit. Unsuccessfully.
4. Then I walked to J.ack Rab. & ended up buying a TYR swimsuit! Black & classy. Somewhat me.
5. I bought 5 amazing reads...
-The Joy of Partner Yoga (i've been wanting to do this for a long long time now & hopefully will find some friends to do partner yoga with)
-Bi.kram's Beginning Yoga class (I know I'm a sucker, but I just thought I should own this!)
-Jivamuk.ti Yoga (I can't wait to delve into this.
-The triathlete magazine
-Canada guide book
I've been transforming in many amazing ways, but the best is yet to come. A new 30 day cycle begins for me on February 25th. Meanwhile, I will continue to update you on my adventures. Thank you for being a part of this, virtually.
Friday, February 15, 2008
My 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge...
Is complete!! I am so amazed & extremely proud of me!
It has been an amazing month of intense training, wonderful eating & self reflection. I look fabulous, my clothes fit better. I've been eating very well. I feel confident in my body. I feel wonderful when I dance.
The biggest accomplishments during this past month have been non physical. I have taken care of business- things that I postponed doing for YEARS, I took care of. I have a to-do list posted on my wall every week and I ALWAYS accomplish what I should. I am very disciplined in my personal life & taking care of business. I am better at returning calls. I know what I want out of life and I'm ready to do what it takes.
I didn't get to write as much as I hoped. I took some rest days & felt alright about it. Last night I even had chocolate and that too was alright!
I know you're interested in the physical accomplishments:
-I am slimmer & more toned
-I can fit into clothes haven't worn in a while
-I can do pushups with 200% ease than I could/couldn't in January
-I can excercise for 15 minutes & break a sweat that equates to a 1hr workout.
-I am swimming 40 laps now!!!
-My eagle pose has improved
I'm an athlete.
It has been an amazing month of intense training, wonderful eating & self reflection. I look fabulous, my clothes fit better. I've been eating very well. I feel confident in my body. I feel wonderful when I dance.
The biggest accomplishments during this past month have been non physical. I have taken care of business- things that I postponed doing for YEARS, I took care of. I have a to-do list posted on my wall every week and I ALWAYS accomplish what I should. I am very disciplined in my personal life & taking care of business. I am better at returning calls. I know what I want out of life and I'm ready to do what it takes.
I didn't get to write as much as I hoped. I took some rest days & felt alright about it. Last night I even had chocolate and that too was alright!
I know you're interested in the physical accomplishments:
-I am slimmer & more toned
-I can fit into clothes haven't worn in a while
-I can do pushups with 200% ease than I could/couldn't in January
-I can excercise for 15 minutes & break a sweat that equates to a 1hr workout.
-I am swimming 40 laps now!!!
-My eagle pose has improved
I'm an athlete.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
3 days to go!!!!
Yesterday I took two yoga classes in a row! Today I took a class at 7Am, then another one at 7pm. Pretty fabulous! I double up today so that on Thursday (valentine's day), I won't have to do any excercise, but I also won't have to feel guilty about it!
I feel good:)
Today I did't swim & I didn't go to the bootcamp class. I'm learning how to take little rests in between so that I don't burn out.
Otherwise, I'm flying!!!
I feel good:)
Today I did't swim & I didn't go to the bootcamp class. I'm learning how to take little rests in between so that I don't burn out.
Otherwise, I'm flying!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Day 24...6 days to go!
I'm going strong!!! I had 2 rest days this week but I'm still on schedule!
My pushups are 200% improved from how pathetic they were 3 weeks ago!!! You wouldn't believe it!! I haven't weighed myself since Feb '07 but I feel very light...
Damn thunderthighs still exist, but I like the way I look in a bathing suit...
Yesterday my swimming partner & I saw this professional swimmer doing his freestyle- it was AMAZING- his strokes are long & powerful- it takes him 4 strokes to do a lap, yet it takes me 400 strokes to swim the same lap. I'm pathetic. I do acknowledge my little progresses though. I'm up to 40 laps a day (4 days a week or something). woohooo...
Namaste.
My pushups are 200% improved from how pathetic they were 3 weeks ago!!! You wouldn't believe it!! I haven't weighed myself since Feb '07 but I feel very light...
Damn thunderthighs still exist, but I like the way I look in a bathing suit...
Yesterday my swimming partner & I saw this professional swimmer doing his freestyle- it was AMAZING- his strokes are long & powerful- it takes him 4 strokes to do a lap, yet it takes me 400 strokes to swim the same lap. I'm pathetic. I do acknowledge my little progresses though. I'm up to 40 laps a day (4 days a week or something). woohooo...
Namaste.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Is it yogic to...
fantasize have sexual fantasies during yoga postures in class???
I woke up quite ill today, but I'm trying to fight it so desperately because I can't afford to miss work...I tried to sweat it out. I also drank the Cold Warrior tonic from JG on 72nd street.
Otherwise I'm feeling good & flying high athletically.
I woke up quite ill today, but I'm trying to fight it so desperately because I can't afford to miss work...I tried to sweat it out. I also drank the Cold Warrior tonic from JG on 72nd street.
Otherwise I'm feeling good & flying high athletically.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A part of the triathlon community...
Yesterday I attended a meeting for people who are training for NYC Tri. It was held at anonymous high end health club in Manhattan. Anyhow- it always feel good to be adressed as an athlete & get to be surrounded by other triathletes. I ran into an acquaintance & it's good to know that I'm not the only one attempting this for the first time. Hooray for good training & July 20th & post July 20th parties celebrating this goal!!!
Full time athlete...Help me with my research:
That's one of the things I dream of being...
Anyhow on a more serious note...
Feb. 17th, I'm flying to Vancouver, BC. Just for a few days, but I'd like to check out their high end health clubs/training facilities & I'm looking for suggestions.
More importantly, I'm also researching high end health clubs/training facilities in Toronto.
Most importantly, I'd like to complete a few tris in Canada this year- any suggestions of good events would be welcome.
I am desperately seeking advice on all of the above.
Anyhow on a more serious note...
Feb. 17th, I'm flying to Vancouver, BC. Just for a few days, but I'd like to check out their high end health clubs/training facilities & I'm looking for suggestions.
More importantly, I'm also researching high end health clubs/training facilities in Toronto.
Most importantly, I'd like to complete a few tris in Canada this year- any suggestions of good events would be welcome.
I am desperately seeking advice on all of the above.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Day 12 of the madness & food updates...Also my first real yoga class...
I'm flying!!! I feel fabulous. I had two rest days during this past week. I have been eating fabulously & living still. I ate wonderful food at my friend's dinner party-:) Yay home-made cookies & sorbet. I went out for dinner on Friday nite at the Republic. I was happy to find delicious options that felt good to eat...I am still eating massive amounts, which is good. I eat tons of veggies, lots & lots of chicken, beans,nuts, raisins etc... I'm also eating a lot of fruit- blueberries, peaches, nectarines. Today I treated myself to a J.mba Juice smoothie. Delish.
I feel fit. My pushups show a slight improvement, but still need a lot of work. The past two days, swimming has been ridiculously easy & pleasant. I felt like a fish. I'm adding 10 more laps to my routine & also now working on drills. I feel like I can swim. I just don't know how to tread water- how ridiculous is that....I can tread, but only for a minute(barely)- I can't imagine treading for longer than that...I'm staying away from back stroke & breaststroke for a while. My freestyle is rocking & I need to hone that & be efficient. I keep wondering- how does one swim in a straight line in the ocean? With hundreds of other people in the water???
Speaking of firsts- I took my first real yoga class yesterday!! Vinyasa Yoga. About 10 minutes into the class I realized I had signed up for 90 minutes of madness- plus it was an advanced class. I am still hung up on the foreign names used for the postures & the ommm chanting, but I will try to be open minded & overlook that. I can pretend to be an ignorant closeminded person at times. I just need a really positive introduction to yoga. This class wasn't a positive introduction to yoga. It was advanced- everyone could do head stands except me- everyone knew what do to & the instructor barely demonstrated anything. The good thing is that because I'd taken Bikram & because a lot of my friends are yogis, I'm familiar with a few postures- enough to get me by. I know how to get in & out of the asanas. However, I know I know nothing & that I have much to learn. I am looking to hire two people:
1) Wanted: Someone to teach me how to do a head stand safely & effortlessly & other cool postures like lotus. This is a 6 month job. I'll pay in food/kindness. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.
2) Wanted: Someone to turn me into a fish that can swim backstroke & tread water effortlessly & swim for miles & miles & miles. This is a 6 month contract also. I'll pay in hugs. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.
The bonus pay for both occupations will come in the form of fame for you when I become an ironwoman in 5 years!!! I'll attribute my success to you (part of it anyway), dear imaginary trainer.
Am I kidding? Way too much adrenaline & endorphin in me!
My dream is to be a full time athlete. I'm looking for a soccer league for the summer. I hate my present occupation. The funniest thing- last week I was reading my horoscope & it talked about the perfect profession for my zodiac sign- Leo as being a personal trainer! It was exciting to read that because I already figured out last year that working in some shape or form in the fitness & health industry is my calling. I already have my certification. But I'm not ready to make a career switch yet- many obstacles. I'm not ready to be there yet & I'm working on me. I don't want to do it for money- just because I enjoy it...I want to teach group excercise classes mostly & get my spinning cert...Need to take the CanFitPro test. Today I took a sports conditioning class & I used to take this class once a week during the summer till I fell off the bandwagon. Anyhow, it was great because after 5 months of absence, I show up to the class & it's still the same students taking it- they all look the same & all, but the instructor was someone new- it turned out to be a trainer that I used to work with at the gym. So there was definitely no slacking off for me in that class! It was good though to see someone who knew me. Will definitely go back next week. I haven't excercised at the gym I used to work at in 6 months - I definitely need to go back. It's hard to work out there because it just becomes a huge social scene of people wanting to talk to me & telling me that they miss me & that I should come back to work & bla bla bla.
Otherwise I'm soaring. I pray that I keep up this momentum through Feb 16th. Or should I say...forever.
I feel fit. My pushups show a slight improvement, but still need a lot of work. The past two days, swimming has been ridiculously easy & pleasant. I felt like a fish. I'm adding 10 more laps to my routine & also now working on drills. I feel like I can swim. I just don't know how to tread water- how ridiculous is that....I can tread, but only for a minute(barely)- I can't imagine treading for longer than that...I'm staying away from back stroke & breaststroke for a while. My freestyle is rocking & I need to hone that & be efficient. I keep wondering- how does one swim in a straight line in the ocean? With hundreds of other people in the water???
Speaking of firsts- I took my first real yoga class yesterday!! Vinyasa Yoga. About 10 minutes into the class I realized I had signed up for 90 minutes of madness- plus it was an advanced class. I am still hung up on the foreign names used for the postures & the ommm chanting, but I will try to be open minded & overlook that. I can pretend to be an ignorant closeminded person at times. I just need a really positive introduction to yoga. This class wasn't a positive introduction to yoga. It was advanced- everyone could do head stands except me- everyone knew what do to & the instructor barely demonstrated anything. The good thing is that because I'd taken Bikram & because a lot of my friends are yogis, I'm familiar with a few postures- enough to get me by. I know how to get in & out of the asanas. However, I know I know nothing & that I have much to learn. I am looking to hire two people:
1) Wanted: Someone to teach me how to do a head stand safely & effortlessly & other cool postures like lotus. This is a 6 month job. I'll pay in food/kindness. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.
2) Wanted: Someone to turn me into a fish that can swim backstroke & tread water effortlessly & swim for miles & miles & miles. This is a 6 month contract also. I'll pay in hugs. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.
The bonus pay for both occupations will come in the form of fame for you when I become an ironwoman in 5 years!!! I'll attribute my success to you (part of it anyway), dear imaginary trainer.
Am I kidding? Way too much adrenaline & endorphin in me!
My dream is to be a full time athlete. I'm looking for a soccer league for the summer. I hate my present occupation. The funniest thing- last week I was reading my horoscope & it talked about the perfect profession for my zodiac sign- Leo as being a personal trainer! It was exciting to read that because I already figured out last year that working in some shape or form in the fitness & health industry is my calling. I already have my certification. But I'm not ready to make a career switch yet- many obstacles. I'm not ready to be there yet & I'm working on me. I don't want to do it for money- just because I enjoy it...I want to teach group excercise classes mostly & get my spinning cert...Need to take the CanFitPro test. Today I took a sports conditioning class & I used to take this class once a week during the summer till I fell off the bandwagon. Anyhow, it was great because after 5 months of absence, I show up to the class & it's still the same students taking it- they all look the same & all, but the instructor was someone new- it turned out to be a trainer that I used to work with at the gym. So there was definitely no slacking off for me in that class! It was good though to see someone who knew me. Will definitely go back next week. I haven't excercised at the gym I used to work at in 6 months - I definitely need to go back. It's hard to work out there because it just becomes a huge social scene of people wanting to talk to me & telling me that they miss me & that I should come back to work & bla bla bla.
Otherwise I'm soaring. I pray that I keep up this momentum through Feb 16th. Or should I say...forever.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Week 2 report & update on my 30 day Challenge
Today is Day 7 of my 30 day challenge.
The 30 Day challenge is a countdown until Feb 15th, my next week vacation from work. Here is what I have to accomplish in 30 days:
-30 hot hatha yoga classes aka, the dreaded word...Bikram
-20 Spinning Classes
-12 Strength Training sessions
-20 Swimming sessions
-4 Books Read
-4 Chapters/poems written
-4 Rest days (at least)
-Continue to eat well
If I accomplish all this, here is my reward:
1. A new bathing suit
2. A new hairdo
3. Tattoo
4. Brazilian Wax, Total body wax & Brow threading
So far I have 3 Spins, 3 Strength training sessions, 5 swims, 6 yoga sessions.
Hooray!!!!!
C'mon a little encouragement from you won't hurt!
The 30 Day challenge is a countdown until Feb 15th, my next week vacation from work. Here is what I have to accomplish in 30 days:
-30 hot hatha yoga classes aka, the dreaded word...Bikram
-20 Spinning Classes
-12 Strength Training sessions
-20 Swimming sessions
-4 Books Read
-4 Chapters/poems written
-4 Rest days (at least)
-Continue to eat well
If I accomplish all this, here is my reward:
1. A new bathing suit
2. A new hairdo
3. Tattoo
4. Brazilian Wax, Total body wax & Brow threading
So far I have 3 Spins, 3 Strength training sessions, 5 swims, 6 yoga sessions.
Hooray!!!!!
C'mon a little encouragement from you won't hurt!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Help- the chlorine ate up my bathing suit:(:(:(
To be honest I haven't been that good with looking after my bathing suit.
But I just want to scream, I'm annoyed about this!! It's deteriorating really fast lately. Probably a combination of the chlorine & the fact that my room is 100 degrees warm.
Now I'm on the hunt for a really good swim suit brand that won't get eaten up quickly. I'll pay whatever & I promise to look after it better. My last suit was/is N.ike. Please offer suggestions of good brands & good places to shop. Don't say Mac.ys. or Mo's. Until then I might just be caught indoor skinny dipping. Save me. Thank you.
But I just want to scream, I'm annoyed about this!! It's deteriorating really fast lately. Probably a combination of the chlorine & the fact that my room is 100 degrees warm.
Now I'm on the hunt for a really good swim suit brand that won't get eaten up quickly. I'll pay whatever & I promise to look after it better. My last suit was/is N.ike. Please offer suggestions of good brands & good places to shop. Don't say Mac.ys. or Mo's. Until then I might just be caught indoor skinny dipping. Save me. Thank you.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Week 1 Report!
I raise a glass of water to the past week! I'm soarin & flyin!
Here are the good things about the past week:
Consistent excercise
close to 90 laps total
Sweated every day!!
Ate well!
The great thing about this week was the fact that I got to excercise with part of my fitness posse of friends:) The second greatest thing was Wednesday night's total body conditioning class- the instructor was awesome- the moves were unique & effective so on Saturday, I took another class with the same instructor- Cardio Jump Rope. Crazzzzyyy sweating & fun! Then trying to run over to Union Sq to make a spinning class that was full by the time I got there...darn:(:(
Another awesome thing about the week was Monday night's boxing class. Spose to be an indoor class & we showed up & the dude makes us run along CPW & do lunges & pushups bootcamp style at 9pm at night...so unexpected, but hey- I'm love that stuff to be honest though I may be cursing at the instructor the whole class, inside, I love a challenge.
Sad notes:
I almost cried when I realized that I'm benching 10lb less than I could in July 2007. Simply because I haven't been using my pecs much:(:( Gotta build back up to that.
Reflective notes:
I was blessed with gigantic thunder thighs which always appear big to me but not so big in photos. Today I took part in the no pants subway ride & the photos of me from that actually show my thighs to be toned. A camera never lies! I guess I'm not obese after all. Hooray!
Next goal: keep it up, self!!!! More reports in 3...2...1....
Here are the good things about the past week:
Consistent excercise
close to 90 laps total
Sweated every day!!
Ate well!
The great thing about this week was the fact that I got to excercise with part of my fitness posse of friends:) The second greatest thing was Wednesday night's total body conditioning class- the instructor was awesome- the moves were unique & effective so on Saturday, I took another class with the same instructor- Cardio Jump Rope. Crazzzzyyy sweating & fun! Then trying to run over to Union Sq to make a spinning class that was full by the time I got there...darn:(:(
Another awesome thing about the week was Monday night's boxing class. Spose to be an indoor class & we showed up & the dude makes us run along CPW & do lunges & pushups bootcamp style at 9pm at night...so unexpected, but hey- I'm love that stuff to be honest though I may be cursing at the instructor the whole class, inside, I love a challenge.
Sad notes:
I almost cried when I realized that I'm benching 10lb less than I could in July 2007. Simply because I haven't been using my pecs much:(:( Gotta build back up to that.
Reflective notes:
I was blessed with gigantic thunder thighs which always appear big to me but not so big in photos. Today I took part in the no pants subway ride & the photos of me from that actually show my thighs to be toned. A camera never lies! I guess I'm not obese after all. Hooray!
Next goal: keep it up, self!!!! More reports in 3...2...1....
Thursday, January 10, 2008
6 week goals...
I'm off to a fabulous start.
Aside from trying to fit in some fun classes- boxing & all...and going out dancing, here is my goal for the next 6 weeks.
Each week my training will consist of the following:
-5 swim sessions: Fast/Slow intervals Skill drills. 30 mins
-4 spin classes (minimum)
-3 strength conditioning sessions
I'm trying to find a way to fit in Bikram Yoga, but I probably won't be able to because of time constraints. It's also a cost issue. However it's worth it- completing the 30 day challege would rock my world.
I've been eating so well lately. I'm hungrier though so I do end up eating later than I really should.
Otherwise I'm flying!
Aside from trying to fit in some fun classes- boxing & all...and going out dancing, here is my goal for the next 6 weeks.
Each week my training will consist of the following:
-5 swim sessions: Fast/Slow intervals Skill drills. 30 mins
-4 spin classes (minimum)
-3 strength conditioning sessions
I'm trying to find a way to fit in Bikram Yoga, but I probably won't be able to because of time constraints. It's also a cost issue. However it's worth it- completing the 30 day challege would rock my world.
I've been eating so well lately. I'm hungrier though so I do end up eating later than I really should.
Otherwise I'm flying!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Jumpstartin' my year!
On the first of January I attended a fitness day at this facility on the Upper West Side. A huge fitness fair with some rocking classes, among which was a class on Chi Running!
If you remember I purchased a book about Chi Running several months ago. Running is a basic motion, but many times, the ways in which we run are strenuous on our bodies & accelerate injury & stress to the joints. Using some of the principles of Tai Chi, this form of running drastically reduces or eliminates injury. The main things I got out of the class are
-keeping the core engages while running
-propeling the arms backwards & using the rear delt
I still need to read the book a little more, but even with just these two concepts, running felt good. I was supposed to run the NYE race in Central Park but I decided it wasn't a good idea because it might invite reinjury. I'll run again in the spring.
I now have access to an good sized pool for my training. I have a training/fitness partner. One consistent training partner & two others that exist in spirit. Beginning on Monday I have a one- week jumpstart program. I'll also be starting a 5 week triathlon training program that is swim intensive. Details on all this coming right up...
If you remember I purchased a book about Chi Running several months ago. Running is a basic motion, but many times, the ways in which we run are strenuous on our bodies & accelerate injury & stress to the joints. Using some of the principles of Tai Chi, this form of running drastically reduces or eliminates injury. The main things I got out of the class are
-keeping the core engages while running
-propeling the arms backwards & using the rear delt
I still need to read the book a little more, but even with just these two concepts, running felt good. I was supposed to run the NYE race in Central Park but I decided it wasn't a good idea because it might invite reinjury. I'll run again in the spring.
I now have access to an good sized pool for my training. I have a training/fitness partner. One consistent training partner & two others that exist in spirit. Beginning on Monday I have a one- week jumpstart program. I'll also be starting a 5 week triathlon training program that is swim intensive. Details on all this coming right up...
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