Tag Archives: exercise

08.22.12
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Day 2: 3.5 mile run

Today was Day 2 and I had to complete a 3.5 mile run. My time was 32 minutes (can’t remember seconds and deleted from watch.) It was a pretty good run, despite almost being hit by a guy cutting through a parking lot. Oh FYI, don’t eat Indian before you run. I didn’t have any “issues” during the run, but it would have been a different story if I had to go any longer! I know most of you are rolling your eyes (I am too) and don’t kid yourself, I knew it was a bad idea myself, but it’s my kryptonite (especially chicken korma from Surahi).

I must also report that I have my first half-training injury: a blister! It’s nothing compared to some I’ve had but it’s at an awkward place on my ankle – one where I won’t be able to keep a band-aid on it. Therefore, I’ll be buying a new roll of duct-tape tomorrow (tip: if you have a blister in an awkward spot, put a band-aid on it and then duct-tape over it; works like a charm!)

 

One other thing that bothered me through this run was my shorts – the leg elastics aren’t tight anymore and I had to keep hauling them down (awkward!) Can anyone out there recommend a good pair of shorts? e.g.: flattering, yet effective. I had two pairs of the same Nike shorts for almost ten years and have to lay them to rest due to holes. I have to say, not a HUGE Nike fan, but they were the best darn shorts I’ve ever bought and well-worth the investment. Anyone wearing Lululemon shorts? They worth the million dollars?

Off to get my recovery drink and snack in. Happy trails!

08.21.12
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Day 1: I think Jillian Michaels may be my arch nemeses!

Tonight was Day 1 of my preparation for the half-marathon. Not sure quite what to do, I thought I’d consult with fitness guru and the spawn of Satan, Jillian Michaels. Several years ago I picked up a book of hers called “Making the Cut”  (not to be confused with the Canadian reality TV show)- despite her fierce delivery, Michaels book is a phenomenal source for everything fitness-related from her designer daily meals to a 30-day gruelling workout routine. When I originally bought the book, I completed the entire workout twice over. Then, as usual, I grew bored of it and it landed in a box. But after two years, it finally made its way back to my Calgary bookshelf and then my gym bag.

The first workout was a mixture of weights, resistance training, yoga (I added this in), jump rope and biking. I was cursing Jillian by circuit 2, but by the last circuit (5) I felt fantastic – knowing full-well that I’ll most likely be sore tomorrow for my 4 mile run. There is something totally satisfying about being able to complete the workout without throwing up – so I must pat myself on the back! I also committed a gym faux pas – I wore grey! I know, I know… you’re not supposed to wear grey because it shows sweat marks, but I’ll let you in on a secret: I was so excited to get this show on the road I didn’t care if people knew I was sweating! I finished the night with a 1o minute bike ride. It was boring. However, I did manage to find someone at the gym who was wearing the Vibram shoes I had recently posted on Facebook. He said they were great and I was happy to hear that you can buy them at Mountain Equipment Coop downtown, so I’ll be making a pit stop down there later this week. But I’m still curious to hear how women like them? I’ve read that if you’re a heel runner it’s extremely hard to adapt. I don’t know much about my running technique other than I’m usually slow and probably not meant to be a runner…

So tomorrow is my first run day. To run with or without the stroller … what should I do?

If you have any training suggestions for me, please share!!