I Hate Working Out at Home!

It's January in New York City, and it's getting frickin' cold! I have no gym membership at the moment, and have been contemplating a few different workout situations, but none of them perfect. Izzy and I decided that our beloved Quick Fitness gym was too far for us, especially when it's cold and we can't drive there on the Vespa. A popular gym franchise has opened up closer, but it is not close enough to make up for what this soul-less franchise lacks. I refuse to commit ever again to something that I don't love.

I was considering Class Pass, which for $99 a month, one can take classes at top studios all over town. But you are limited to 3 visits to each studio per month, and again there really aren't options super close to me. I really need to come home right after work most nights so I can take care of the doggies. Especially now that Izzy is going to barback some nights. I am lacking consistency.

Izzy has been thinking of ways to work out at home. I usually hate working out at home because I really need the energy and motivation of the instructor and the competitiveness of the class. Izzy showed me an interactive exercise bike online last night, suggesting that we could buy it: https://www.pelotoncycle.com This beautifully perfect bike allows you to take spinning classes either live or on-demand. The live classes are filmed in a NYC studio, and you can virtually "compete" against other users. But the price tag is hefty! $2000 for the bike, plus $40 a month subscription to the online classes. Plus clip less shoes and other accessories plus tax, I estimate the total for us would be $2800! But I couldn't stop thinking about this bike, and I convinced Izzy to take a class with me at the studio today.

When I created an online account through the Peloton website, I realized that they set you up with a free class credit. Score! because classes are $30 a pop. And that includes free clipless shoe rental (they clean after every use), super clean locker room with upscale toiletries, free bottled water, and even disposable flip flops for use in the shower. We signed up for a 45 minute class, which was about half full. The instructor was great, and even though the workout was intense, time really flew. After, I had an amazing "Morning Glory" smoothie at the coffee shop/lounge. Both of us felt amazing, but argh that price tag is steep.

There is a Peloton app, and for a limited time, all on-demand and live classes are free. So I got thinking, and started doing some Amazon research. And we figured out that we could get a really nice, sturdy belt-driven (and therefore extremely quiet) spinning bike that would not make our neighbors hate us, since we are apartment dwellers. I was inspired by a user review by someone who switched out the pedals for Shimano clipless pedals, added an iPad holder, a water bottle holder and a simple bicycle computer. We both got clipless shoes, and the total price with all of the extras that we want is about $700. Compare this to the cost of a gym membership for 2 and this is a very sound investment.

I really did not want to settle for something that wouldn't completely fit my need or leave me unmotivated, but I don't really feel like we are compromising much. I really hate buying cheap stuff, then not using it or replacing it with a more expensive item later. The only thing completely missing is the ability to compete on the leaderboard. And when they start charging for the classes through the app, if the cost is prohibitive,  I plan to check out other apps or websites like www.studiosweatondemand.com.

The class we took at Peloton utilized some very lightweight hand weights at the end. It was only a few minutes, but because we never rested our arms between sets, I really felt the burn. I looked on Amazon for some type of holder for the weights, but didn't see anything like it. The Peloton has a wire holder under the seat, possibly I can craft my own version possibly with Izzy's help.

Besides that, I have been doing more of the cooking. And I'm on a roll, Izzy loved some of the meals that I surprised him with. Today I made breakfast sandwiches. I made scrambled eggs with a little cheese and Trader Joe's soy chorizo crumbles, on a whole wheat hamburger bun with sesame seeds. That was a winner, I really have to remember that one! I am also going to step up my packed lunches. I ordered 6 32 oz glass jars on Amazon for about $15 so I can make salad in a jar. There are millions of recipes and ideas, I really like the blog www.organizeyourselfskinny.com, which is also helpful for my organizational aspirations. 

Also did some more purging of old things yesterday, I must keep going. I got an iRobot for Christmas, which is amazing! It sweeps or mops (GPS-driven) with almost no effort, and you would not believe how much gross stuff and dog hair it picks up. I prefer the wet mop option with a microfiber scrubby rag. All part of my plan to work smarter not harder. Seriously if you have a pet this is a must-have.

Marathon Hangover

On November 2, 2014 I ran the NYC Marathon in 6 hours, 24 min and 15 seconds. Wind was very strong that day, and my knee started to hurt about 5 or 6 miles in. I never hit a stride that felt really good, it was mostly pain the entire run. But I did it, and I can cross it off the list. Will I do it again? Well I don't want to say never, but I'm not making any plans at the moment. I did thoroughly enjoy wearing my medal for the entire day when I returned to work.

I think I peaked too early with my training because I never was right after the 18 mile training run, which was my longest training run. Izzy said that I didn't even look like I had ran 18 miles by the time I crossed the finish line. But I must have pushed just a little too hard because my knee did not fully recover by the marathon.

I believe that a half marathon is the best distance for me. I have signed up for the NYC Half, plan to run the Brooklyn Half again, and I will be looking for more half marathons to sign up for next year. Maybe, I mean MAYBE after I get many many more half marathons under my belt, then I will be in the position to attempt another marathon. The difference between a half marathon and a full marathon, in terms of wear and tear on my body, the financial commitment, and the time commitment are HUGE.

My goal for next year is to improve my speed, and run close to a 2 hour half marathon. I've only attempted 2 short runs since the marathon, but after Christmas it will be time to get back into it. I needed to recharge physically and mentally. I did some bikram yoga, and did vinyasa yoga for the first time in about a year and had a very rude awakening. I am fully committing myself to a well-rounded and varied workout routine. I even went swimming with Chester the other week, and I would like to do more of that.

I am also planning to do a 3 day juice fast after Christmas, to jump start healthy habits again. I've been making juice with my Breville juicer here and there, which only sort of makes up for all of the sugar I've been eating at work. At least Izzy and I have been taking a break from drinking at the moment. I've lost track but I think it's been almost 2 months for him and a little less than that for me. All part of the plan to get really focused...

Some goals for next year that have been brewing in my head: waking up earlier and working out, taking more classes that are in the spirit of my career goals, practicing Spanish and becoming more fluent, and getting my apartment organized and de-cluttered. Stacy tuned for that list...

Planning for the marathon

I am in taper mode, so only running enough to keep loose and maintain fitness.  If you've been following along, I missed some training due to a knee injury.  The week before the marathon for me is actually being used to get back into running.  This year I had ann ankle injury that prevented me from running for the last 2 weeks before the Brooklyn Half and I PR'ed big time.  So there is an advantage to being rested and building up your glycogen.  At this point, I've put in my time and I'm not going to turn it around just by working really hard in the last week.  Even worse, I could injury myself which would make for a miserable marathon day.  (Or no marathon day.)

I've been planning and ordering my final items on Amazon, and testing items out.  I ran with my first ever arm warmers tonight.  They were not as life changing as I thought that they would be. 

I ran 2.55 miles tonight with Landon, my chiweenie.  He is an amazing runner.  He has great posture and form.  His muscles are really defined.  I'm so proud of him.  Plus tonight I could tell he really enjoyed it.  After all that running, couldn't believe that he was in the mood tonight with Irene.  :P

Tomorrow night I'm supposed to run 3 miles, and then 5 miles on Thursday.  I think that I will go to the expo at the Javitz on Friday after work.  Or I might go Saturday, but I want to avoid coming to the city and also that should be a day of rest.

Friday/Saturday I will make sure that I will do laundry if needed and start charging devices and gathering supplies.  I mom getting some really great tips, and I keep ordering additional items on Amazon.

Feeling tired but making multiple trips to Organic Avenue.

Note to self: drink more water

Rest & Recovery: 6 days until the NY marathon

Ok, this looks worse than it really is.  I am practicing taping my legs with kinseology tape (I use Mummy Tape), plus I am covered in compression shin sleeves, a knee brace with ceramic particles (to bring heat and blood flow to my knee), and plantar fasciitis boots.  This was last night as I lay in bed.  Poor Izzy, he is a sport to put up with all of this.

This was preventative.  I don't currently have a PF issue, just trying to keep my Achilles healthy and long.  My knees were ok for a very conservative 5 mile run last night.

Today, I feel exhausted.  I didn't sleep well last night, plus a loud noise woke me up at 2:30 am.  If I can remember, I will take my resting heart rate in the morning.  If it is elevated, this is an indication that I may be overtrained or about to get sick.  

I said I was going to foam roll every morning and every night.  But I didn't wake up early enough this morning, and I was too exhausted all day.  The most important thing that I can do right now is rest and don't get sick.

I am supposed to run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday is an optional flex or short running day.  At this point, I am just going to do what feels good.  Friday will be carbo-loading/pasta.  Saturday is for resting and preparing.  At some point I will visit the Marathon Expo to pick up my number.

OMG.

Still don't know what I will wear, but piecing it together in my head.  

I downloaded the app today.  Follow me, I'm bib #65690.

OMG just 7 days left until the marathon!

Yesterday, I ran a 5k obstacle zombie run with Izzy at night.  We ran as humans, trying to stray away from the zombies who were out to eat our brains and steal our flags.  There was a lot of fast running from zombies, and a lot of running on uneven dirt and gravel in the dark.  I kept thinking about how this was a very risky move just a week away from the marathon.  But actually, it was just the kick in the ass that I needed, since I have missed so much training due to a knee injury.

Since the knee injury, I have had a couple failed attempts at running without pain.  And as time was running out, I felt paralyzed with fear and anxiety, which made it hard to start again.  But I did it, and the fast sprints felt good.  I remember stopping for water and thinking we were almost finished until someone informed me that we were actually at the 1 mile point.  Ha!  

I was worried about the obstacle part, but actually there was always the option to skip it.  The only obstacle that I didn't do was the rope climb up the wall.  I did try it for a second but it just wasn't happening, I'm too weak.

Izzy and I bought headlamps as suggested so that we could see in the dark.  Izzy's was bigger and stronger than mine, and it had a strobe mode, which we used at times to disorient the zombies.  I came up with a strategy: we would jog real slow and mellow, then when we got close we would suddenly burst out in a sprint.  This actually worked better than trying to fake them out.  We were laughing and having so much fun.  And guess what...

Izzy won his first medal!  And we were survivors!  So proud of him.  Seriously, he can do anything.

Speaking of medals, I added mine to my collection.  But soon there will be an 8th.  Seriously, just 7 more days...

I ran 5 miles tonight, even though my training plan called for 7.  I felt great, but that's probably because I was so liberal with the kinseology tape.  But I didn't want to push it.  Tomorrow will be a day off, and then I will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday will be carbo loading.  And Saturday will definitely be a day off.  I am going to foam roll every morning and every night before bed.

Speaking of tape, I have confirmed that Mummy Tape is much stickier than KT Tape, and I'm switching over.  I ordered more tape, arm warmers, and knee compression sleeves.  Forgot to order more gu gels.  What would I ever do without Amazon Prime?  

I still don't know what I will wear.  I might keep changing my mind til the last minute.

Pre-marathon jitters

11 days til the marathon and I'm freaking out.  I'm not doing what I know that I should do.  I ran 2.6 miles on Sunday and I stopped the second I felt a tiny bit of pain, even with both knees taped up.  I am not icing or foam rolling like I should.  Add an extra layer of anxiety: my 39th birthday is Friday.  Like in 2 days Friday.

I said a week ago I think that I would blog every day up until the marathon.  I thought this would keep me focused.  But I am absolutely freaking out!  Freaking out about the training that I've missed, beating myself for running too hard at the 18 mile Marathon Tune Up, and obsessing over everything I could have done differently leading up til now.  What's done is done, and my attitude does not help.  I know this in my rational mind, yet I can't stop.  And having a pity party about feeling old doesn't help either.

I've ran 18 miles as my longest run.  I've built up my base.  Now just try really hard not to be injured 11 days from now.

I'm also quietly freaking out on the inside about a couple other things that I don't really want to share on the internet.  

Maybe I need more yoga in my life.  I went to hot yoga the past 2 weekends and felt great.  If someone would open a gym and a hot yoga studio within 2 blocks of my house, this would really help combat the winter blues.

I did find a great website with tons of information and advise about running your first marathon, and all about the NY Marathon: http://www.runarweb.com/index_e.php. 

I still don't know what I am going to wear.  The weather looks like it will be low of mid 40s and high of mid 50s.

I have been thinking about the various devices that I need to charge. Will I wear earphones?  The crowds and bands along the route are supposed to be amazing and motivational.  I really need new music and playlists, I'm open to suggestions.

I can't see putting myself through this again.  Especially next year, so close to my 40th birthday.  Why the hell do I put myself through this?  All this time, effort, money, pain, and anxiety!  (I did take the time to look up the chances of gaining entry by lottery which is 8-10% and I did check out the half marathon times for qualifying which I am nowhere near close.)

I promised myself and my fiancé that after this, I will chill out.  No more new projects, classes, sporting events, for at least a little while.  Which is not a specific unit of time, and is subjective.  I have to admit, I am already secretly planning to conquer conversational spanish and my great return to knitting so I can make wardrobes for my doggies.  I keep pushing myself and pushing myself and pushing myself. 

Am I any different or better than a workaholic?

What is my point?

Really need to reasses some goals after this.

Rest & Recovery: 19 more days of blogging 'til the marathon

Today was a scheduled day off from running for my training program.  My knee is a little hurty, but feeling much better overall.  It did start to bother me while sitting down for a long meeting, and then again while sitting in Spanish class.  Unfortunately, this is a repeat injury for me and the symptoms are way too familiar.

I have been taking a medication that a specialist prescribed for me last time I had the same knee injury: diclofenac.  For some reason Aleve doesn't really work for me, even the prescription strenghth.  But this medication really helped with pain very quickly.  I remember last time that I felt great by the end of my 1st 30 day supply.  After I went off of it, and the pain returned in 2 days.  By the end of the 2nd 30 day supply I was healed.  I'm about 2 weeks in so far, so the meds should having me feel great by race day.

I hate Physical Therapy.  I've done it twice before, different injuries and PT's.  I've learned a lot about my injuries and my body.  But I still hate it because I feel like all the exercises and poking around in my trouble areas just makes it worse.  Sometimes you need to just heal and rest.  My Chinatown acupressure guy is so much better, I seriously might go to him soon.

Izzy must have pulled something in his back because he burst out squealing in pain tonight for no reason.  Actually, as he was eating cookies and milk he suddenly keeled over in pain.  I laughed, because all I could think of is that the milk was bad and he had stomache cramps and explosive diarrhea was eminent.  I know, I am such a lovely girlfriend!  So I took my muscle roller stick to his back and backs of his entire legs.  I could tell that he enjoyed it, I think he was even able to block out the lecture I gave about how foam rolling.  And then I made him do it to me and it was magical and so much better than doing it to yourself.  They sell much more expensive ones, or I've heard people take a rolling pin to their sore muscles.  I got this one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GTLOUDM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seriously, they have a stick roller massager for pets: http://www.amazon.com/The-Stick-GW-740-Pet/dp/B001HTX80C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413255517&sr=8-1&keywords=The+pet+stick

I put some icy hot on my knee, popped a pill before bed, and put on my knee brace from Back On Track, which has ceramic powder within the fibres which creates infrared thermal warmth which is supposed to increase blood flow to the injured area and reduce inflammation: http://www.backontrackproducts.com/People-Products/Knee-Calf-Braces/Knee-Brace-w-Strap-p306.html

I did not foam roll and I did not wear my night splints for plantar fasciitis.  Still feeling a lot of tension in my hips, going to see if Izzy will hang me upside down tomorrow night in the gravity boots.

What else can I do???