Exercise accountability thread

[hopetocurl]

Originally Posted by 2poodles

We tried picking up the older toy poodle to carry her up this really steep hill - but she got real embarassed and squirmed until we put her down. I have a feeling they'd be humiliated in a doggie stroller!

Apparently, my dog is too *good* to be seen walking... HA! Now, she won't even walk further than my street... so I manage her weight by managing her diet.

[a.l.i.c.e.]

I want to join the thread! Maybe posting my runs will help me actually do them as opposed to just planning them and then only doing half of it.

I am doing a training program for a 10k that I'm running on September 13. I was never athletic AT ALL growing up (I twirled baton, but that was it), and I am a sloooow runner (about 5.5 mph), which I am ok with most of the time, but lately I've been wanting to add speed as well as endurance, which is hard to balance. My longest run to date has been 5 miles, but that included two brief walk breaks. I am up to running a full 4 miles pretty consistently.

I ran 4 miles in just under 44 min. today . I have a 2 mile run tomorrow, then another 4 on Friday and a 5 () on Saturday. We'll see how it goes...

If I could run the 10k at 6mph, I would be happy. Any faster than 6mph and I would be amazed with myself.

[a.l.i.c.e.]

I skipped my two mile run this morning because DH and I walked 4 miles last night (that bought me to a total of 8 yesterday with the morning run ), so I thought I could sleep in a bit today. When I woke up, my calves were screaming, so I did some light stretching. I hope to do a little bit of upper body/ab work tonight, and start running again tomorrow (The plan for Thurs., Fri., Sat., is 2-4-5). We will see how it goes...

[2poodles]

45 minutes of yoga and 45 minute walk this morning. My two toy poodles do awesome downward dogs - they're very inspiring!

[a.l.i.c.e.]

Originally Posted by 2poodles

45 minutes of yoga and 45 minute walk this morning. My two toy poodles do awesome downward dogs - they're very inspiring!

The mental picture of this made me smile at my desk. My boston terrier could probably benefit from the relaxation of yoga, and she does a great downward dog too. Unfortunately, she won't sit still long enough to do much more.

[wild~hair]

Originally Posted by 2poodles

wild~hair - Kripalu was fantastic. .... I am absolutely going back sometime!

Thanks for the detailed update, 2poodles. Sounds amazing and very inspiring!

I would probably really benefit from a workshop like that. I've had so many helpful yoga instructors who've given me tips on how to manage my back, but to really immerse myself in it and focus on it would be wonderful.

Y'know, I was talking about my hip and leg bothering me, I had started to think maybe it was a symptom of my scoliosis, actually. But I did that yoga on Monday night and it eased up significantly right away, and by the next evening the pain was completely gone. This was something that had been getting worse and worse for over a week. Amazing what yoga can do.

I'm keeping up with the yoga and it hasn't come back. I think keeping up my core strength is really helpful, which is something that had been neglected, with all the biking I was doing.

When I was first diagnosed with scoliosis, they told me to do sit ups so as to strengthen my abs and better support my spine. So it makes sense that yoga would be so beneficial.

Here's my update:

25 minutes of yoga on Tue night

20 minutes of biking Wed night

[wild~hair]

Originally Posted by 2poodles

45 minutes of yoga and 45 minute walk this morning. My two toy poodles do awesome downward dogs - they're very inspiring!

My cat Bobo loves to "do yoga" with me — er, rather lay across the mat as I try to maneuver without stepping on him.

And of course rub up against me and purr.

[Amandacurls]

Originally Posted by franfaircloth

I want to join the thread! Maybe posting my runs will help me actually do them as opposed to just planning them and then only doing half of it.

I am doing a training program for a 10k that I'm running on September 13. I was never athletic AT ALL growing up (I twirled baton, but that was it), and I am a sloooow runner (about 5.5 mph), which I am ok with most of the time, but lately I've been wanting to add speed as well as endurance, which is hard to balance. My longest run to date has been 5 miles, but that included two brief walk breaks. I am up to running a full 4 miles pretty consistently.

I ran 4 miles in just under 44 min. today . I have a 2 mile run tomorrow, then another 4 on Friday and a 5 () on Saturday. We'll see how it goes...

If I could run the 10k at 6mph, I would be happy. Any faster than 6mph and I would be amazed with myself.

The most important thing in running, is pacing. Most runners make the mistake of going out really fast for the first half of the race, and then the second half suffers. If you have a goal of running say a 10 minute mile, it's best to run the first half at your ideal pace, so run the first half mile in 5 minutes and then repeat it. It's much easier to run a pace, it takes awhile to learn, but that way the second half of your race doesn't suffer, and you may even run negative splits (which is a good thing - when you run the second half faster than the first). So say you're doing the 10K, run the first 5K at your ideal pace of 6 mph (or 10 minute miles) and then do the last 5K at the same pace or faster.

[hopetocurl]

Originally Posted by Amandacurls

The most important thing in running, is pacing. Most runners make the mistake of going out really fast for the first half of the race, and then the second half suffers. If you have a goal of running say a 10 minute mile, it's best to run the first half at your ideal pace, so run the first half mile in 5 minutes and then repeat it. It's much easier to run a pace, it takes awhile to learn, but that way the second half of your race doesn't suffer, and you may even run negative splits (which is a good thing - when you run the second half faster than the first). So say you're doing the 10K, run the first 5K at your ideal pace of 6 mph (or 10 minute miles) and then do the last 5K at the same pace or faster.

I've found that doing the HIIT training has really helped me to increase my speed and endurance overall. I also have been using a treadmill to alternate working at an incline and resting on a flat...now THAT really helps.

I finished my 8 week training program this morning for HIIT... for the next few weeks I'm going to concentrate on the working/resting... to increase my endurance.

[Amandacurls]

Originally Posted by hopetocurl

I've found that doing the HIIT training has really helped me to increase my speed and endurance overall. I also have been using a treadmill to alternate working at an incline and resting on a flat...now THAT really helps.

I finished my 8 week training program this morning for HIIT... for the next few weeks I'm going to concentrate on the working/resting... to increase my endurance.

Just remember that when running on a treadmill, a 1% incline is equivalent to running outside. Which HIIT program do you use, if you don't mind my asking?

[hopetocurl]

Originally Posted by Amandacurls

Just remember that when running on a treadmill, a 1% incline is equivalent to running outside. Which HIIT program do you use, if you don't mind my asking?

I looked into HIIT at a couple of sites, but I decided to use the one at SparkPeople.com.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...les.asp?id=621

For me, personally, this one seemed like the most do-able one. Fit with my current fitness level.

[a.l.i.c.e.]

Thanks for the running tips! I saw the info about HIIT on here earlier this week and was intrigued. I plan to start incorporating it 1-2 days per week on my non-long run days.

I walked 4 miles with DH last night. No formal exercise planned for tonight, but we are meeting friends for bowling (that should count, right???), and I have a 4 mile run scheduled with my running buddy for in the morning.

As a side note--I never seem to be able to complete long runs on a treadmill. They seem easier to me outside. It doesn't *seem* like I get bored, they just seem hard to me in the gym, but much easier outside for some reason. Maybe it's just that my mind is more entertained by the change of scenery, change of incline (I run in a fairly hilly area) etc... Anyone have a similar experience?

[hopetocurl]

Originally Posted by franfaircloth

Thanks for the running tips! I saw the info about HIIT on here earlier this week and was intrigued. I plan to start incorporating it 1-2 days per week on my non-long run days.

I walked 4 miles with DH last night. No formal exercise planned for tonight, but we are meeting friends for bowling (that should count, right???), and I have a 4 mile run scheduled with my running buddy for in the morning.

As a side note--I never seem to be able to complete long runs on a treadmill. They seem easier to me outside. It doesn't *seem* like I get bored, they just seem hard to me in the gym, but much easier outside for some reason. Maybe it's just that my mind is more entertained by the change of scenery, change of incline (I run in a fairly hilly area) etc... Anyone have a similar experience?

I absolutely, absolutely HATE, HATE, HATE running on a treadmill. That is why I am doing the HIIT, the intervals are enough to keep me distracted and I don't run for as long, just enough to do the intervals. I run outside most of the time and only do HIIT one time a week. I had to come up with something to do on Wed. mornings because my DH decided to go to a 5:30am exercise class at the gym. I've got a treadmill at home and Wednesday's have always been my running day. So, here I am. You are not alone.

I miss my running partner, she moved last year, and I've not found another!!

[a.l.i.c.e.]

My running partner and I were both feeling lazy this morning. We walked 3 miles instead of running 4 as planned. Maybe I will get another walk in tonight, and I am hoping to run 5 miles tomorrow if other plans don't get in the way.

[ljo0310]

New to these boards so I just wanted to say hi! I have always been one to workout but I do go through lulls and right now I am going through one. I have been so busy this summer and I am having a hard time finding time to workout so as you can guess my body's response is around a 5lb weight gain, tired, unmotivated and just simply feel like a blob. I need to get back into the swing of things. Is there a week long detox thing I can do before my 15 year highschool reunion? I am not asking to find a quick fix but just something that will make me feel better in a week without starving myself of course. After that then hopefully I can get into a routine again.

[hopetocurl]

Originally Posted by franfaircloth

My running partner and I were both feeling lazy this morning. We walked 3 miles instead of running 4 as planned. Maybe I will get another walk in tonight, and I am hoping to run 5 miles tomorrow if other plans don't get in the way.

You know, I think that it's important to listen to how you feel. It'll keep you from getting burnout.

[2poodles]

Originally Posted by ljo0310

New to these boards so I just wanted to say hi! I have always been one to workout but I do go through lulls and right now I am going through one. I have been so busy this summer and I am having a hard time finding time to workout so as you can guess my body's response is around a 5lb weight gain, tired, unmotivated and just simply feel like a blob. I need to get back into the swing of things. Is there a week long detox thing I can do before my 15 year highschool reunion? I am not asking to find a quick fix but just something that will make me feel better in a week without starving myself of course. After that then hopefully I can get into a routine again.

How about just emphasizing fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains for a week? Try to avoid processed foods, alcohol, heavy fats and simple sugars. Along with that, try to get outside when you can, breathe fresh air and go for a walk every day. I would also highly recommend meditation and yoga, if you're up for it!

[a.l.i.c.e.]

DH decided to go to Shenandoah National Park yesterday, so I ended up hiking a very hilly 4 miles instead of running 5. I could tell that running has paid off in increased endurance. I used to be such a wimp, but now my DH kept asking me to slow down .

This morning I did a quick 2 mile run. I tried to do intervals similar to the HIIT method, but I was running outside without a HR meter, pedometer, or even a stopwatch, so they weren't exact (I timed them off of the songs on my ipod), but the best part is, the HIIT helped me beat my personal best for time for 2 miles (I am a SLOW runner, so that wasn't very fast, but still...)!!!

I have a 5 mile scheduled with my running partner tomorrow morning. I am hoping not to take walk breaks, but our route has two killer hills, so there might be some walking involved.

Thanks so much for this thread! It is helping me stick to my training plan (or at least makes me get moving in some way even if I don't stick to the original plan), and the advice has been great for this fairly new runner!!!!

[wild~hair]

Approx. 80 minutes of yoga tonight. My hip and leg are already thanking me. As is my shoulder, which was getting twinges of pain earlier today as well.

Help! I'm falling apart! But yoga will keep me together.

[2poodles]

Did 5 mile walk in just under 75 minutes - that's my target pace for the marathon.... now I just gotta work to keep it up for the full 26.2! Good thing the marathon's not 'til the end of November!