Decided to add up my distances over the past week tonight. I have run 7.5 miles and biked 56.5 miles in one week. Amazing to see the totals since it doesn't really feel like that much. Legs are getting sore and an upper body day tomorrow probably wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm still feeling a little funky/sick and I'm pulling an all nighter tonight to work on a report so it may just be a rest day altogether.
Must admit, I've been getting a little down not seeing the numbers on the scale change at all. I know things are working and changing because I can feel them, but it's hard when it's not noticable one day to the next. I am still in disbelief that I bought an XS shirt the other week and it actually fit! Regardless, it's still nice to see the numbers get smaller. *Hoping*
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Who knew?
Decided to take little man on a run with me tonight. We used the Super Spartan Workout of the Day as inspiration.
Three reps:
Half mile run, 200m bear crawl, 200m sprint
Cool down: Quarter mile jog
First, may I just say, bear crawls SUCK! Lol.
Found out he's got me in the speed department but, man, his stamina stinks! Surprised me a little considering the fact that he's working out in football for two hours a night, but I guess football is more like sprints and less like distance running in that they run a play and then rest over and over.
I had to laugh when he started off sprinting away from me and running to the nearest bench to sit and wait for me only to be asking at less than a mile if we could please stop. Haha.
We both had fun though- a lot more fun than either one of us expected to have. And, even though it certainly wasn't any record breaking time for me, I think I'll be taking him out with me a lot more often. :0)
Three reps:
Half mile run, 200m bear crawl, 200m sprint
Cool down: Quarter mile jog
First, may I just say, bear crawls SUCK! Lol.
Found out he's got me in the speed department but, man, his stamina stinks! Surprised me a little considering the fact that he's working out in football for two hours a night, but I guess football is more like sprints and less like distance running in that they run a play and then rest over and over.
I had to laugh when he started off sprinting away from me and running to the nearest bench to sit and wait for me only to be asking at less than a mile if we could please stop. Haha.
We both had fun though- a lot more fun than either one of us expected to have. And, even though it certainly wasn't any record breaking time for me, I think I'll be taking him out with me a lot more often. :0)
Get Moving
Despite being sick, yesterday was actually a good day training wise. Spent two hours at the gym in the morning, biked 26 miles on the random hill setting at a 2.5 min/mi pace and did countless sit ups and figure 8's with the medicine ball.
Felt so much better after leaving the gym, much more renewed and my head was so much less congested. Had a great afternoon with the kids, enjoyed the day and the cooler temperatures (if the high 90's are considered "cooler temperatures").
Went for a short but productive run last night after it cooled off some. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as making time for the PFT. Managed a 9:24 min/mi for 1.4 miles, getting closer and closer to the 8 min/mi for 1.5 miles that I need to hit. It was hot and I was a sweaty mess by the time I made it back to the house, but I was happy-ish with the results.
I was looking back at my blog last night and I realized it's really only been two weeks of hard work (and even then I've been slacking more than I probably should be) and I've come a long way already. I can't wait to finally see the numbers I want to see and I'm sort of having fun finding new ways to work out. I never thought I'd enjoy biking as much as I do and it doesn't seem like I'm all that bad at it. Maybe this whole triathlon thing isn't such a far off idea.
Felt so much better after leaving the gym, much more renewed and my head was so much less congested. Had a great afternoon with the kids, enjoyed the day and the cooler temperatures (if the high 90's are considered "cooler temperatures").
Went for a short but productive run last night after it cooled off some. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as making time for the PFT. Managed a 9:24 min/mi for 1.4 miles, getting closer and closer to the 8 min/mi for 1.5 miles that I need to hit. It was hot and I was a sweaty mess by the time I made it back to the house, but I was happy-ish with the results.
I was looking back at my blog last night and I realized it's really only been two weeks of hard work (and even then I've been slacking more than I probably should be) and I've come a long way already. I can't wait to finally see the numbers I want to see and I'm sort of having fun finding new ways to work out. I never thought I'd enjoy biking as much as I do and it doesn't seem like I'm all that bad at it. Maybe this whole triathlon thing isn't such a far off idea.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
It's been a rough week. The heat is really starting to get to me and it's seriously limiting the time I have available to train. Some nights it stays so warm that it's not even comfortable to go out in the middle of the night and exercise. Gotta love living in the desert.
Saturdays are now consumed with football. Spending all day in the extreme heat seems to literally just suck the energy right out of me. Add that to the fact that I'm getting sick. I really, really need to sweat this junk out of me before it hits me full force. I can't lose any more momentum right now and taking a couple weeks off to take care of a cold is not on my agenda.
Tomorrow I'll be hitting the gym early. Well, early for a Sunday. And I'm gonna kick out whatever this junk in my sinuses is. Happy Sunday to me.
Considering ways to integrate my Beachbody training too. This week I'm going to try hitting my Beachbody workouts at 5:30am before work with sprint training, long runs, and biking in the evenings.
Had a long talk with a good friend last night. It's nice to have people in my life that tell me I can do it. And it means a lot more when it's coming from someone that you don't feel is just being supportive but who actually means it. I doubt any of my close friends really know just how important they are in this process. Hopefully one day they will understand just how much I owe them.
Saturdays are now consumed with football. Spending all day in the extreme heat seems to literally just suck the energy right out of me. Add that to the fact that I'm getting sick. I really, really need to sweat this junk out of me before it hits me full force. I can't lose any more momentum right now and taking a couple weeks off to take care of a cold is not on my agenda.
Tomorrow I'll be hitting the gym early. Well, early for a Sunday. And I'm gonna kick out whatever this junk in my sinuses is. Happy Sunday to me.
Considering ways to integrate my Beachbody training too. This week I'm going to try hitting my Beachbody workouts at 5:30am before work with sprint training, long runs, and biking in the evenings.
Had a long talk with a good friend last night. It's nice to have people in my life that tell me I can do it. And it means a lot more when it's coming from someone that you don't feel is just being supportive but who actually means it. I doubt any of my close friends really know just how important they are in this process. Hopefully one day they will understand just how much I owe them.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Step It Up
Time to step up cross training. Starting tomorrow, I'll be incorporating (at least) 200 sit ups, 200 push ups, and 200 lunges every day to be done incrementally throughout the day. I'm also going to put more focus on my diet. I was doing well at first and have slacked off some due to busy days at work. No more excuses. No more junk food. And no more soda!!
I am continually floored at how drastically my body responds to different types of fuel. I notice huge changes to the way I feel and my energy levels based on what I eat. Time to focus on fresh food and balanced diets. Not cutting out junk food altogether, but definitely in moderation. And the amazing way my body feels and performs when I treat it well is thanks enough.
I am continually floored at how drastically my body responds to different types of fuel. I notice huge changes to the way I feel and my energy levels based on what I eat. Time to focus on fresh food and balanced diets. Not cutting out junk food altogether, but definitely in moderation. And the amazing way my body feels and performs when I treat it well is thanks enough.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Training
Looking for new ways to step up my training. Picked up a weighted vest this week, 20 lbs max. Lemme just say, 20 lbs hanging on your body feels a hell of a lot heavier than you reasonably think it should. Ran with it for the first time tonight, only 6 lbs to start, not trying to kill myself after all. Wow, did that bring down my run time. (I'm pretty sure a snail passed me.) Went from a comfortable 10:30/mi to 11:30/mi for a total of 3 miles. But it's just a start. My hope is that I can get more comfortable with the vest and then *crossing fingers* my run time without the vest will increase. We'll see how well my theory plays out...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Secrets
There are very few people in my life that know about my decision to pursue a law enforcement career. Well, very few people in my real life.
I can't decide if I'm not telling people because I am afraid of failing and want the fewest amount of people to know if I don't make it or if I'm afraid of negative reactions. I guess a little of both.
Ironically, it was my ex that convinced me to pursue my dreams. Maybe because he knows how much I gave up to support his dreams while we were together. He encouraged me to apply and assured me many times that I was physically capable of meeting the requirements. It's certainly appreciated, but I'm still not sure where he gets that much confidence in me.
While I admit I'm scared about the possibilities and of how far I have to go before I will qualify; I have noticed I'm walking a little taller, smiling a little more, and enjoying my life the way that I have needed to for a long time since making the decision to go for it. I am comfortable with myself and I can already see positive changes in my run times and my endurance. Each small victory takes me one step closer to the dream.
As much as I enjoy being happy and upbeat, people are starting to notice. And now, I don't know what to say when people ask me why I'm so happy. I've been trying to make up lots of excuses, but I'm running out. Haha. How many times can I say I'm happy because it's not Monday or because it's 4 o'clock before someone realizes I'm fibbing?
Spent much needed quality time with my dad this weekend and he was probing as well. We talked about my run training and what races I have planned. He had this look to him that I haven't seen in a long time. I think it was pride. He said that he's never seen me so motivated before and was wondering what was behind it. He knows me all too well. Luckily, my stepmother didn't let me get a word out of my mouth before she was scolding him for asking. I can't bring myself to tell either of my parents. I don't know why, I'm close to both of them. I think I'm just scared of not getting their approval. I will tell them eventually... I mean, I have to invite them to my graduation from the academy, right? ;-)
For now, it's just my confidants that are in the loop. And that's how it's going to stay. I guess the handful of people in my life that know will have to be really good at keeping secrets.
Shh!!!
I can't decide if I'm not telling people because I am afraid of failing and want the fewest amount of people to know if I don't make it or if I'm afraid of negative reactions. I guess a little of both.
Ironically, it was my ex that convinced me to pursue my dreams. Maybe because he knows how much I gave up to support his dreams while we were together. He encouraged me to apply and assured me many times that I was physically capable of meeting the requirements. It's certainly appreciated, but I'm still not sure where he gets that much confidence in me.
While I admit I'm scared about the possibilities and of how far I have to go before I will qualify; I have noticed I'm walking a little taller, smiling a little more, and enjoying my life the way that I have needed to for a long time since making the decision to go for it. I am comfortable with myself and I can already see positive changes in my run times and my endurance. Each small victory takes me one step closer to the dream.
As much as I enjoy being happy and upbeat, people are starting to notice. And now, I don't know what to say when people ask me why I'm so happy. I've been trying to make up lots of excuses, but I'm running out. Haha. How many times can I say I'm happy because it's not Monday or because it's 4 o'clock before someone realizes I'm fibbing?
Spent much needed quality time with my dad this weekend and he was probing as well. We talked about my run training and what races I have planned. He had this look to him that I haven't seen in a long time. I think it was pride. He said that he's never seen me so motivated before and was wondering what was behind it. He knows me all too well. Luckily, my stepmother didn't let me get a word out of my mouth before she was scolding him for asking. I can't bring myself to tell either of my parents. I don't know why, I'm close to both of them. I think I'm just scared of not getting their approval. I will tell them eventually... I mean, I have to invite them to my graduation from the academy, right? ;-)
For now, it's just my confidants that are in the loop. And that's how it's going to stay. I guess the handful of people in my life that know will have to be really good at keeping secrets.
Shh!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Beginning...
"To get something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done."
Through the trials and tribulations in my life there has been one person that's always there for me. Someone that I have always put second (or third, or fourth...). Someone I have neglected terribly. Myself. I am finally at the point in my life where I understand if I am happy, I will make those around me happy as well. So, the reinvention has been launched.
I have fully committed myself to living each day to its fullest. To embodying the person I want my children to be. To never put off for tomorrow what I can achieve today.
I want to run a marathon. I want to see the world. I want to compete in a Triathlon. I want to skydive. I will. I must condition myself to say "I will" and not "I want" or "I plan." Those are too impermanent. I will.
First things first. The marathon. With two decent mud runs under my belt, I have one more on the agenda. September 24th I run the Survivor Mud Run in Lake Elsinore. Plans were to run a 15k in Chicago in November; but plans for that fell through, leaving me with no more races until January 28th when I run the Super Spartan at Vail Lake. An 8+ mile hard core obstacle course, not intended for the feint of heart. I can't wait.
After that, it's marathon training. Haven't settled on the marathon to run yet. Will likely try to get into the San Fransisco Nike Women's Marathon, which typically runs in October and opens to registration via lottery in April. Truly, the venue doesn't matter as much as the run does. I will finish.
As much as I love to be active for myself and my kids, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit I do have ulterior motives. But that's a long story....
I grew up with a hearing loss and was conditioned to being told my whole life that I couldn't do things because of it. When I got older, I started to push the system, hoping for change. I fought for years against "minimum qualifications." I wrote the Governor(s), the President, the Department of Justice, and POST appealing to them to modify their standards. My primary point, the POST standards allow people with vision loss to use "corrective devices" (glasses/contacts) but they do not allow the same for those with hearing loss.
I finished college and got a job in a field that matched my major (sociology/social work). For the past 7.5 years, I have had a job. Not a career, not a profession, not a love. A job. And depending on the day, it can be incredibly rewarding or incredibly frustrating. I have longed every day for the opportunity that I feel like I missed because of my ears. I gave up on the dream several years ago. And, at a point in my life where I had started to search desperately for a job that I would enjoy, I stumbled upon information that literally has changed my life.
Two weeks ago, I learned that POST had updated their standards and now allow "corrective devices" for vision AND hearing losses. At the same time, I had been referred to a specialist through my doctor to see if I can get some of my hearing back.
One week ago, I applied for a position as a Police Recruit with the City of San Diego.
That is terrifying to say out loud. And yet it makes my heart race. I love the City and if I had to pick one Department anywhere to work for, San Diego would be it. It's where my heart is. It's one of the first Departments to adopt the new POST standards and I couldn't have discovered it at a better time.
I don't expect any of it to be easy. And I have so many things running through my head telling me I'm crazy and I should give up. But, what's the point of living if you're not really LIVING? And what's the point of getting up every morning if you're not getting out of bed to do something that makes you happy? Maybe it's the mid-life crisis but I will not look back on my life with regrets. End of story.
I will live every day to the absolute maximum. I will be happy, kind, and generous. I will accept that there are things I can not change and I will simply let them go. I will live MY life the way I want people to talk about it after I'm gone. I will.
Through the trials and tribulations in my life there has been one person that's always there for me. Someone that I have always put second (or third, or fourth...). Someone I have neglected terribly. Myself. I am finally at the point in my life where I understand if I am happy, I will make those around me happy as well. So, the reinvention has been launched.
I have fully committed myself to living each day to its fullest. To embodying the person I want my children to be. To never put off for tomorrow what I can achieve today.
I want to run a marathon. I want to see the world. I want to compete in a Triathlon. I want to skydive. I will. I must condition myself to say "I will" and not "I want" or "I plan." Those are too impermanent. I will.
First things first. The marathon. With two decent mud runs under my belt, I have one more on the agenda. September 24th I run the Survivor Mud Run in Lake Elsinore. Plans were to run a 15k in Chicago in November; but plans for that fell through, leaving me with no more races until January 28th when I run the Super Spartan at Vail Lake. An 8+ mile hard core obstacle course, not intended for the feint of heart. I can't wait.
After that, it's marathon training. Haven't settled on the marathon to run yet. Will likely try to get into the San Fransisco Nike Women's Marathon, which typically runs in October and opens to registration via lottery in April. Truly, the venue doesn't matter as much as the run does. I will finish.
As much as I love to be active for myself and my kids, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit I do have ulterior motives. But that's a long story....
I grew up with a hearing loss and was conditioned to being told my whole life that I couldn't do things because of it. When I got older, I started to push the system, hoping for change. I fought for years against "minimum qualifications." I wrote the Governor(s), the President, the Department of Justice, and POST appealing to them to modify their standards. My primary point, the POST standards allow people with vision loss to use "corrective devices" (glasses/contacts) but they do not allow the same for those with hearing loss.
I finished college and got a job in a field that matched my major (sociology/social work). For the past 7.5 years, I have had a job. Not a career, not a profession, not a love. A job. And depending on the day, it can be incredibly rewarding or incredibly frustrating. I have longed every day for the opportunity that I feel like I missed because of my ears. I gave up on the dream several years ago. And, at a point in my life where I had started to search desperately for a job that I would enjoy, I stumbled upon information that literally has changed my life.
Two weeks ago, I learned that POST had updated their standards and now allow "corrective devices" for vision AND hearing losses. At the same time, I had been referred to a specialist through my doctor to see if I can get some of my hearing back.
One week ago, I applied for a position as a Police Recruit with the City of San Diego.
That is terrifying to say out loud. And yet it makes my heart race. I love the City and if I had to pick one Department anywhere to work for, San Diego would be it. It's where my heart is. It's one of the first Departments to adopt the new POST standards and I couldn't have discovered it at a better time.
I don't expect any of it to be easy. And I have so many things running through my head telling me I'm crazy and I should give up. But, what's the point of living if you're not really LIVING? And what's the point of getting up every morning if you're not getting out of bed to do something that makes you happy? Maybe it's the mid-life crisis but I will not look back on my life with regrets. End of story.
I will live every day to the absolute maximum. I will be happy, kind, and generous. I will accept that there are things I can not change and I will simply let them go. I will live MY life the way I want people to talk about it after I'm gone. I will.
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