Hampton Inn Fitness Room this morning with CNN for a leisurely 3 miles on the treadmill. The good news is I'm having difficulty getting up at 4:30AM to get to Fitness Pointe for a 5AM start...its the bad news as well. I'm just dedicated to working out each day this week.
I got two more names from a new colleague yesterday to add to my shirt for the Komen Race for the Cure that I'm set for on Saturday morning. It will be my first "5K" race, which was on my bucket list at one point to run a 5K. I hope the weather holds. It will be nice to have some friends in the race too...although they are walking I know they will be with me!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 2, 2009
"Hampton's Travel Tips #316....get pumped
While on the road, fitting in as little as 30 minutes of exercise a day can have big health benefits...Take care of yourself"
How appropriate that this is the first travel tip I get put in with my room key after a week of no exercise last week. I crashed at midnight CDT last night and set the alarm for 6AM assuming I wouldn't work out, but my body clock got me up at 4:50AM. So I decided to put on my clothes and go downstairs to the hotel fitness and get 30 minutes in! I ended up with a 50 minute workout (30 elliptical, 20 treadmill)...and when I just got back to the room my alarm was going off! A good decision with good benefits. Lets hope I hold it for the week.
The fitness center at the Hampton can hardly be called that...1 each bike, treadmill, elliptical...but it is a good surrogate for Fitness Pointe.
The mirrors on the wall weren't too reassuring as I focused on the muffin top that still needs to go away...good motivation.
While on the road, fitting in as little as 30 minutes of exercise a day can have big health benefits...Take care of yourself"
How appropriate that this is the first travel tip I get put in with my room key after a week of no exercise last week. I crashed at midnight CDT last night and set the alarm for 6AM assuming I wouldn't work out, but my body clock got me up at 4:50AM. So I decided to put on my clothes and go downstairs to the hotel fitness and get 30 minutes in! I ended up with a 50 minute workout (30 elliptical, 20 treadmill)...and when I just got back to the room my alarm was going off! A good decision with good benefits. Lets hope I hold it for the week.
The fitness center at the Hampton can hardly be called that...1 each bike, treadmill, elliptical...but it is a good surrogate for Fitness Pointe.
The mirrors on the wall weren't too reassuring as I focused on the muffin top that still needs to go away...good motivation.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 31, 2009
Logged my first 16 miles on my new bike! I picked it up yesterday afternoon, but didn't have the motivation to get out yesterday. This morning when I woke up it was raining, so I headed off to Lifetime Fitness and reconnected with the elliptical machine for 5 miles, and then went to 7:30 church at St. Leos. I was appropriately dressed in red as it was Pentacost Sunday.
Around 11:30AM I decided to try to bike to Lou & Rob's house. I started by driving to an access point to the Fairfax County Bike trails and off I went. I figured out pretty quickly that it is downhill from my house to Lou's. So I didn't stay long at their house, and came back uphill in about 1:34. (Fancy trip computer on the bike). I popped two ibuprofen when I got home and not 10 minutes later Mom & Dad arrived!
We'll have Sunday dinner at Lou's and celebrate Rob's birthday.
Around 11:30AM I decided to try to bike to Lou & Rob's house. I started by driving to an access point to the Fairfax County Bike trails and off I went. I figured out pretty quickly that it is downhill from my house to Lou's. So I didn't stay long at their house, and came back uphill in about 1:34. (Fancy trip computer on the bike). I popped two ibuprofen when I got home and not 10 minutes later Mom & Dad arrived!
We'll have Sunday dinner at Lou's and celebrate Rob's birthday.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
May 30, 2009
4.5 Miles this morning before the day started...Feeling a bit of guilt for not working out at all this week when I was in Hammond -- no good excuse, just lazy! I did manage to get in 15 miles over the Memorial Day weekend - 10 of which were along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City Maryland. I really don't miss the humidity which is rearing its ugly head here in the MidAtlantic States.
Wayne was fired up this morning at WW - the topic of the day was motivation, which was just what I needed. Marcie was also helpful this morning giving me some things to think about to get back on the path of reducing weight.
Sue taught my CRT class this morning at Lifetime Fitness and she was a machine! Might be because she plans on the Reston Triathalon tomorrow. It is a great class but quite a killer.
My new bike arrived last night at the Bike Lane, and so today after unloading the car, I'll head over and pick it up. Thinking tomorrow morning I'll be on the O&D Trail or down in the DC area cycling around.
I'm going to try to be better about posting, as I find it keeps me honest about working out and watching the other aspects of my life. Have a great weekend!
Wayne was fired up this morning at WW - the topic of the day was motivation, which was just what I needed. Marcie was also helpful this morning giving me some things to think about to get back on the path of reducing weight.
Sue taught my CRT class this morning at Lifetime Fitness and she was a machine! Might be because she plans on the Reston Triathalon tomorrow. It is a great class but quite a killer.
My new bike arrived last night at the Bike Lane, and so today after unloading the car, I'll head over and pick it up. Thinking tomorrow morning I'll be on the O&D Trail or down in the DC area cycling around.
I'm going to try to be better about posting, as I find it keeps me honest about working out and watching the other aspects of my life. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19, 2009
Fitness Pointe, Munster Indiana
5AM back with all the Tuesday regulars and my favorite elliptical machine :) Trek'd 5.0 miles in a little over 38 minutes and felt much better afterward. Trying to work off all of the sweets and eats I had in St. Louis last weekend.
5AM back with all the Tuesday regulars and my favorite elliptical machine :) Trek'd 5.0 miles in a little over 38 minutes and felt much better afterward. Trying to work off all of the sweets and eats I had in St. Louis last weekend.
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 18, 2009
Hammond, Indiana
Back in Munster on Sunday night, same pattern just in a hotel...dinner, laundry and catching up on some work for re-entry.
Fitness Pointe this morning for 5 miles in 40 minutes..whew! Some of the same faces that I see Tues-Thur on Monday morning. Weather is chilly, hope it improves as the week goes on. How can it be Memorial Day this upcoming weekend?
Back in Munster on Sunday night, same pattern just in a hotel...dinner, laundry and catching up on some work for re-entry.
Fitness Pointe this morning for 5 miles in 40 minutes..whew! Some of the same faces that I see Tues-Thur on Monday morning. Weather is chilly, hope it improves as the week goes on. How can it be Memorial Day this upcoming weekend?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
May 16, 2009
Edwardsville, Illinois
What a great night put on by the parents and hosted by Debbie and Jimmie at their house. Lots of family and friends and we had a blast. I was able to meet many people I had heard about all my life and reconnect with one of my first "crushes." One of the grooms from Lou & Rob's wedding came and I told him "I Loved You" to which he was quite surprised...I was at the time 14 years old and he was 20+ and gorgeous. It was fun.
Today a bit of help to Kates and then a flight to Chicago
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16, 2009
7 Miles this morning ont the Schoolhouse Bicycle Trail, part of the Madison County Trail system. As it turns out the trail was just around the corner from our hotel, and I headed off at about 6:15AM to get a run in this morning. Midwest FLAT is what I experienced which made for an easy run...and at about mile 2 I had a gorgeous view of St. Louis off in the distance with a traditional red barn in the foreground. I didn't have my camera, so I'll just have to remember it.
Not many companions out on the trail, just one runner and 2 cyclist...I saw more animals than people -- 2 bunnies, several cardinals and other beautiful birds on the trail. I managed to get back before the rain came which was good.
Yesterday was another graduation festivity day -- ended with me visiting two casinos and making my own economic stimulus contribution to the local economy. Felicia was a newbie to casinos, and she was shooting dice and taking home more than she invested by the time we left the Casino Queen. Last party for Kates here in the midwest tonight at the home of Debbie and Jimmie in Edwardsville.
Big Red Women lost 8-0 to UMass last night in the first round of the tourney -- they came up against a very strong pitcher. Good news is that it is a double elimination tournament, so they have one more chance today versus Sacred Heart to stay in it. Lets hope it goes better today!
Not many companions out on the trail, just one runner and 2 cyclist...I saw more animals than people -- 2 bunnies, several cardinals and other beautiful birds on the trail. I managed to get back before the rain came which was good.
Yesterday was another graduation festivity day -- ended with me visiting two casinos and making my own economic stimulus contribution to the local economy. Felicia was a newbie to casinos, and she was shooting dice and taking home more than she invested by the time we left the Casino Queen. Last party for Kates here in the midwest tonight at the home of Debbie and Jimmie in Edwardsville.
Big Red Women lost 8-0 to UMass last night in the first round of the tourney -- they came up against a very strong pitcher. Good news is that it is a double elimination tournament, so they have one more chance today versus Sacred Heart to stay in it. Lets hope it goes better today!
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 14, 2009
Saint Louis University Law School Graduation
What a wonderful day we all had at "SLU" celebrating our newest attorney in the family! There were 14 of us in the audience watching especially closely for one of the 305 graduates to come across the stage. A quick "Go Hoos" as loud as we could after they announced Kates!
We went out for a late dinner at a rooftop restaurant and it was a beautiful night for such a party. That just kicked off a weekends worth of festivities.
I had a crazy trip West as my flight to St. Louis on Thur morning was cancelled and United booked me on the next day. When I called them at 8:15 on Thurs am to say that wouldn't work - they offered me the only alternative of a 10:20 AM out of Reagan. Mom and Dad rushed me down to DC and after stops at Outside Baggage Check, American Kiosk, American Check in, United Check in and then finally American Check in - I had my boarding pass and rushed to the gate. I was of course in seat "E" in the back of the bus squished between two men who could have been wrestlers in a prior life...More a comedy of errors trip but one I won't forget. The rest of the family was surprised to see me on the flight!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!! I am blessed to have my Mom with me today as she just arrived from Florida on Saturday.
Saturday I returned to Lifetime Fitness and my CRT class and got my you know what kicked! It was an excellent workout and the weight training is causing some minor pains in my shoulders and arms today.
Spent the day yesterday getting Mom and Dad acclimated back in Virginia and we had a quiet dinner at home.
Up this morning for church and to celebrate mothers day. It wasn't until 2PM that I went out and ran the Fairfax 5 Miler (local just around the neighborhood). It was pretty hot, but I feel much better that I did it. Off to Burke for family dinner to celebrate Mom's!
Saturday I returned to Lifetime Fitness and my CRT class and got my you know what kicked! It was an excellent workout and the weight training is causing some minor pains in my shoulders and arms today.
Spent the day yesterday getting Mom and Dad acclimated back in Virginia and we had a quiet dinner at home.
Up this morning for church and to celebrate mothers day. It wasn't until 2PM that I went out and ran the Fairfax 5 Miler (local just around the neighborhood). It was pretty hot, but I feel much better that I did it. Off to Burke for family dinner to celebrate Mom's!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6, 2009
Not much new to report -- 5 Miles in 41 at Fitness Pointe this morning. I feel very rushed as I have a 7AM CDT meeting so its been frenetic. At least I did the "right" thing and didn't skip it.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Sabotage is the word that comes to mind to me today. Stress from work and other issues gave me good excuses to get off the exercise plan and onto an unhealthy eating plan. I saw the results this morning on the scale at Fitness Pointe, where I clocked my 5 elliptical miles in 39 minutes and hit the showers due to early meetings. Starting again and working hard--need to sign up for a race to keep the focus on.
Weekend took me to Ocean City MD where despite the rain, it was nice to be at the beach and get some things done to be ready for the season. The snow birds return from Florida on Saturday and we had to make sure their nest was ready for them, although I think they may spend a month or so with me before heading east.
Big Congrats to Coach Blood and the Big Red Women's Softball team -- they won the Ivy League Division on Sunday besting Big Green (Dartmouth) in 2 of 3 games over the weekend. They are headed off to the "dance" next weekend -- place and time to be determined!
Sabotage is the word that comes to mind to me today. Stress from work and other issues gave me good excuses to get off the exercise plan and onto an unhealthy eating plan. I saw the results this morning on the scale at Fitness Pointe, where I clocked my 5 elliptical miles in 39 minutes and hit the showers due to early meetings. Starting again and working hard--need to sign up for a race to keep the focus on.
Weekend took me to Ocean City MD where despite the rain, it was nice to be at the beach and get some things done to be ready for the season. The snow birds return from Florida on Saturday and we had to make sure their nest was ready for them, although I think they may spend a month or so with me before heading east.
Big Congrats to Coach Blood and the Big Red Women's Softball team -- they won the Ivy League Division on Sunday besting Big Green (Dartmouth) in 2 of 3 games over the weekend. They are headed off to the "dance" next weekend -- place and time to be determined!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
Happy May Day!
Women's Triathalon -- 1/2 Mile Swim, 12 Mile Bike Ride, 3.2 Mile Run
Is peaking my interest...I've been considering buying a bike to ride this summer and had a great lunch with a colleague who is running a 1/2 Ironman Tri on Saturday. I'm only in the beginning stages of thinking about it, but the distances above don't seem too overwhelming.
Trek Women's Series Link: http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/
Women's Triathalon -- 1/2 Mile Swim, 12 Mile Bike Ride, 3.2 Mile Run
Is peaking my interest...I've been considering buying a bike to ride this summer and had a great lunch with a colleague who is running a 1/2 Ironman Tri on Saturday. I'm only in the beginning stages of thinking about it, but the distances above don't seem too overwhelming.
Trek Women's Series Link: http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/
Thursday, April 30, 2009
April 30, 2009
15 Miles this week at Fitness Pointe, trying to crank up my speed today and I did finish in under 40 minutes (but just barely).
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29, 2009
5 Miles Ellipting at Fitness Point at 5AM (Might be a day of 5s :)!
Crazy week that I hope ends on the upside. Big negotiating day today.
I decided to stay in St. Louis and skip the Marine Corp Half in Fredricksburg...will hopefully run the 10K with the Marines for the marathon. I really enjoy running with them.
Crazy week that I hope ends on the upside. Big negotiating day today.
I decided to stay in St. Louis and skip the Marine Corp Half in Fredricksburg...will hopefully run the 10K with the Marines for the marathon. I really enjoy running with them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
Back at Fitness Pointe for 5 miles on the elliptical this morning. Quads were quietly shouting that this was not fun, but after about 3 miles they settled down and got in the groove. I've pretty much dedided to skip the MCM 1/2 In Fredricksburg and extend my visit to St. Louis to celebrate Law School graduation for Kates.
Big thanks to everyone who checked in on Sunday to see how I survived NYC.
Thought the weather would be warmer here in the Midwest so I came without a coat -- it was pretty darn chilly at 45 degrees waiting outside for the 5AM open of FP.
Big thanks to everyone who checked in on Sunday to see how I survived NYC.
Thought the weather would be warmer here in the Midwest so I came without a coat -- it was pretty darn chilly at 45 degrees waiting outside for the 5AM open of FP.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 26, 2009 2:49
Race Day Morning
Up at 4AM, relaxed and now have everything together for the day. Its a beautiful morning (sunny) and sure to be stinking hot as I say out on the course. Anxious to see how bad Harlem Hill is (and we have to do it 2x!) More when its over.
Up at 4AM, relaxed and now have everything together for the day. Its a beautiful morning (sunny) and sure to be stinking hot as I say out on the course. Anxious to see how bad Harlem Hill is (and we have to do it 2x!) More when its over.
2:49 (The actual clock said 2:55)...under 3 Hours! I believe I shaved an hour off my time from last June which is pretty remarkable. The ice bath is preparing right now and then a shower and quick trip back to DC.
Ended up being a "fun run" with no timing, and they cancelled the full marathon due to the heat. It was pretty brutal, but a very nice course with 2 killer hills (in Harlem). More after some nourishment.
Ended up being a "fun run" with no timing, and they cancelled the full marathon due to the heat. It was pretty brutal, but a very nice course with 2 killer hills (in Harlem). More after some nourishment.
Great trip to NYC and back in DC by 5PM. I wasn't able to ice bath anything more than my feet, which might have been a bad decision (I'll know more tomorrow). I really enjoyed the day - especially as I was ready to stop at mile 7, glad I pushed through. I have to find a way to have energy past mile 1o -- the majority of the final 3 miles was power walking (and jogging down hill). The website reports there were 7700 of us out there!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25, 2009
Race Day Eve :)
8AM Shuttle to NYC, where the Hilton had my room ready for me at 10AM :) Headed down to the Fitness Expo on the subway and made several pretty cool running purchases. Pretty sure my suitcase will be packed going home. It was packed! 10,000 runners and I am #6309.
Quick lunch at Applebees and then up to TKTS where I snagged an orchestra row seat to Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater. I remember wanting to go see this show when I lived in NYC eons ago. It was excellent.
From there up to Tavern on the Green for the pasta dinner. It was a gorgeous night in the crystal room (all chandeliers) and I met up with Deanna who is running her 2nd 1/2 just like me. She's from NYC but we partnered up for dinner. We were joined at the table by women from NC, Texas, and Sarasota Florida! (We talked about Siesta Key!) Rocco DiSpirito (sp?) the NYC Chef was our guest speaker and he was good, and very sociable with the group.
#1 Train from Lincoln Center back down to Times Square, picked up some water and a granola bar for tommorow morning. I think I'm in for the evening, but it might be too soon to tell.
8AM Shuttle to NYC, where the Hilton had my room ready for me at 10AM :) Headed down to the Fitness Expo on the subway and made several pretty cool running purchases. Pretty sure my suitcase will be packed going home. It was packed! 10,000 runners and I am #6309.
Quick lunch at Applebees and then up to TKTS where I snagged an orchestra row seat to Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater. I remember wanting to go see this show when I lived in NYC eons ago. It was excellent.
From there up to Tavern on the Green for the pasta dinner. It was a gorgeous night in the crystal room (all chandeliers) and I met up with Deanna who is running her 2nd 1/2 just like me. She's from NYC but we partnered up for dinner. We were joined at the table by women from NC, Texas, and Sarasota Florida! (We talked about Siesta Key!) Rocco DiSpirito (sp?) the NYC Chef was our guest speaker and he was good, and very sociable with the group.
#1 Train from Lincoln Center back down to Times Square, picked up some water and a granola bar for tommorow morning. I think I'm in for the evening, but it might be too soon to tell.
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24, 2009
Big Red Women's Softball keeps winning, even after claiming their division title two weeks ago. Lets hope they beat Princeton at home and Dartmouth and Harvard end up so that the division title is in Ithaca. Go Coach Blood and the ladies!
On a hurried trip home from the airport last night I was lucky enough to meet Officer Woodward of the Fairfax County police who cited me for Disregard of a Highway Sign ($92). A little bit of George McCabe was with me in that the red octagon didn't say "Positively!" Second ticket in 35+ years of driving isn't too bad.
Weather looks warm for the 1/2 marathon on Sunday in NYC. I decided to fly up and back since USAirways had weekend flights that made it economical. I've spent an hour or so making up a new playlist of old music for the journey since this race allows earphones. I've procured the gummi bears and will take my camera to see if I can capture some pictures equivalent to my San Diego experience. I'll spend all day in NYC tomorrrow enjoying the day and getting psyched.
On a hurried trip home from the airport last night I was lucky enough to meet Officer Woodward of the Fairfax County police who cited me for Disregard of a Highway Sign ($92). A little bit of George McCabe was with me in that the red octagon didn't say "Positively!" Second ticket in 35+ years of driving isn't too bad.
Weather looks warm for the 1/2 marathon on Sunday in NYC. I decided to fly up and back since USAirways had weekend flights that made it economical. I've spent an hour or so making up a new playlist of old music for the journey since this race allows earphones. I've procured the gummi bears and will take my camera to see if I can capture some pictures equivalent to my San Diego experience. I'll spend all day in NYC tomorrrow enjoying the day and getting psyched.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009 (Take our Daughters to Work)
Watching Squak Box today on CNBC and one of the commentators had their daughter in to do a segment on "Green." Reminded me of the day, and made me think of the few times in my life I went to the Pentagon to see my Dad at work. I remember most the large offices and all the wood paneling and very much remember that women were secretary's at their desks and the men had the offices. Things certainly have changed. Hate to admit the project I have right now I wouldn't want to bring a young lady to....
Shortened my workout to 4.5 miles this morning as I had a 6AM CDT Conference Call so I had to rush through (but am glad I didn't give it up completely.) Really starting to focus my head around getting set for 13.1 miles on Sunday morning at 8AM EDT.
Shortened my workout to 4.5 miles this morning as I had a 6AM CDT Conference Call so I had to rush through (but am glad I didn't give it up completely.) Really starting to focus my head around getting set for 13.1 miles on Sunday morning at 8AM EDT.
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