Day 21: merrily merrily merrily merrily...

Today I resumed my regularly scheduled programming after a two day hiatus. Olivia and I opted for something new & fancy and decided to head over to the REAL gym at UMD!



Seeing as it was 7 a.m. and people were probably a) still up from last night working on assignments [fie, procrastinators!] b) still up from last night wasted or c) still down from last night wasted, there was nary a soul getting his/her workout on. We were definitely okay with it.

As we are both sniffly, we also chose a light workout with minimal cardio.



We first took on the rowing machine:

and rowed our boats gently down the stream for a good 2 miles.

Following this, we did some weight training. I have three machines that I am particularly fond of. Last summer, my arms started looking pretty shapely after having used them for three months. Today, I found myself struggling to complete 2 sets of 10 with 20 pounds on them.

Our journey ended with Olivia on the elliptical and myself pedaling for 2 miles on a bike with a resistance of 8 (for the first mile) and then 6.

All in all, it was a very low impact day. I didn't feel as sweaty and breathless as I normally do. And I definitely didn't feel like I deserved the omelette I desired. But I ate it anyway.

Tomorrow, I am losing my rock climbing virginity. Never fear, however - I'll use protection!

Days 20 & 21: mixing it up

I hope you enjoyed my father's post as much as I did!

For the last two days, I haven't exercised in a standard fashion for a few reasons: a) my days have been pretty booked and b) i now have a cold and can't really breathe through my face.

However, during this down time, I found some creative ways to be recreational -

Exercised my elbow: My father was correct in his predictions that my elbow would be getting a work out, lifting all of those drinks to my mouth. It was tough, but I obviously had to celebrate my sister's day of birth.

Exercised my mind: That's right. I started reading "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf. My brain muscles hurt.

Exercised my fingers: I spent many an hour practicing the piano. My fingers were pretty out of shape. I'm going to have to start a regimen for them, as well.

Exercised my sense of indulgence: I took a delightful bath and slept in and ate well and had some retail therapy time with my mom.

Exercised my sympathy: Visited my sister's exboyfriend who took a nasty spill over a 700 foot cliff. It was super sad to see him lain up in bed :(

Exercised my organizational skills: Since I'm moving into an apartment with a full kitchen in a few weeks, I took everything I own from my last apartments and unpacked all of it, went through it, and then repacked everything I'm taking with me. It was quite an ordeal.

So there you have it, folks! I haven't entirely been super lazy. I also haven't been as active as normal, but getting sick is certainly an indication that my body needs [needed] a bit of a break/

It's back to the gym tomorrow!

Day 19: hacked!

Todays post is being written by Mugsy's's father.

In the brief period of daylight Mugsy saw today she, Becca , and myself rode bikes 5 miles around a reservoir in Holyoke, Ma. My bike:


Well... not exactly... mine is about 40-50 yrs old covered w/dust, cobwebs, grass, and now goose crap! When I pulled it out today both tires were completely flat and I had to pray (yeah right) that they would hold their air so I didn't end up in the same trouble as the legal immigrant had. (has anyone verified her legality?)

Anyway, Becca's boyfriend, Hozay, ran the entire way (sucker!) (but impressive nonetheless).
I had no trouble with leg fatigue, however I hate the ridiculous posture you assume while riding a bike (hunchback of Notre Dame).

Enough about me, my wife, Megan's adoptive mother has done squat for exercise today- I know thats not really relevant but I felt like mentioning it, & because this is a blog, anything goes- I mean do you really believe the fantasies Meg writes? This morning until 2:30 PM the most movement she did was rolling over in bed! Now that Megan is done with school we expect big things from her (no, not her butt). Truthfully I am impressed that this is day#-whatever it is- and she's still keeping it up, I've never lasted this long with any exercise regimen.

I've talked to Mugsy to see if we can hire a private eye to shadow that young foreigner from Eastern Europe to see if she really does all the miles she claims to-awfully suspicious...

Well tonight Mugs has a very ambitious workout planned for herself- yes, I fear her elbow will be having a really stressful evening. (Becca's birthday celebration)

Gotta go, but I will be monitoring this site for reality so, if necessary I will hack in and let you know THE TRUTH.

adios amigos,
Senor

Day 18: more than

I didn't have a chance to update yesterday because I was running around (not literally) like a crazy person. I didn't get back to West Springfield until 3 a.m. and then promptly passed out and stayed in this state until 2 p.m. I also think I'm getting sick, which is super lame.

ANYWAY.

On Thursday, after my final staff meeting of the year [ :( ], Laura B. asked me to go for a walk with her and we ended up doing a 6 mile loop before calling it a night.

At 7 a.m. I got up and went to the gym with Olivia. I decided I couldn't tolerate the treadmill and ended up doing 2 miles on the elliptical, instead.

Last night I had an uber fat night! I just don't get it. I've been working out every single day and eating way more healthy than I was for the entire semester and I somehow feel worse? I'm not sure how I didn't start working out earlier, based on my feelings towards my bod.

I wish I could see immediate results to keep me motivated. But right now, my motivation happens to be that I can't stand looking at myself in the mirror.

This just in: googled to see "how long before results from working out / eating right?"
Answer:

There is some justice: the longer you exercise, the easier it will be to make changes to your shape. That said, results are different for everyone. It’s a complex equation of existing muscles, your natural build, metabolism, fat distribution and many other factors. You actually do get an immediate health boost from exercise, but let’s be honest: how many are really after that? Most of us give up on exercise after a few weeks or even a few days because we don’t see the desired physical results. People like the aforementioned young lady are rare; most of us have to put in months before seeing any real improvement.

The point is, if you’re asking that question – how long before I see results – the answer is almost always: much longer than you want. Hang in there; change will happen. We all want to look good, and many of us want or need to lose weight. Those are healthy and admirable goals. But while exercise can and does help with these goals, at the end of the day, we’ve got to realign our thinking and remember that exercise, more than anything, is just a necessity for health, and despite what the marketers would have us feel, that is reason enough.

I'm not looking forward to going back to my dorm, as my ENTIRE BED is covered with discarded shirts that I decided looked disgusting as I tried them all on.

My fat day called back and I'm not sure I can hang up this time...

Day 17: stronger

Last night, I went for a 4 mile walk with my b.b.g. and then stayed up until 3 a.m. working on my graphic design portfolio. Needless to say, there was no way I was getting up at 7 to go to the gym. Instead, I opted for a 2.5 mile with Miss Olivia at dusk.

It was absolutely beautiful out. Perfect temperature. Perfect breeze. Perfect, indeed.

While on our walk, our conversation turned to two interesting things: fat days & dressing to fit your body.

It's amazing to me how one's appearance can change so drastically simply by changing clothes. I started off the day in a pretty normal outfit and felt confident in it and in the way I looked. As soon I put on my stretch pants, sneakers and teeshirt, even though technically I (as a person) still looked exactly the same, I instantly felt grungy and unattractive. What IS this bullshit?!

I'm sure it has something to do with psychology. I automatically equate my gym clothes with being sweaty, getting flushed and looking unkempt. In other words, needing a shower. Perhaps this mentality plummets me into ugly mode as soon as I step into my sneakers.

Still, I definitely think there's something to be said for dressing well. Or at least not dressing badly. Olivia mentioned that she would rather go up a size than wear clothing that doesn't fit. I absolutely agree.

Over the past 4 years, I've gone up 2-4 sizes, depending on the brand. Most people claim they didn't notice that I've gained like 30 pounds. Maybe they're just really good liars. But I'm also not trying to squeeze myself into things that don't fit. I am painstakingly aware of my fat rolls and thunder thighs and birthing hips. I'm not embracing them, but I'm also going to be realistic about them. I definitely take the time to try to dress in a way that makes the most of my body - whether I'm happy with it at the moment or not.

Especially on fat days. When I have a fat day, I feel like I have to overcompensate for the shitty feeling of fatness. I feel like I have to look extra good. Wear something that is super flattering and normally reserved for special occasions. Though sometimes I do just want to cover everything up and hide.

Ahh, the elusive fat days.

I found an article called "How to Survive a Fat Day" - which I find amusing.

The highlights:

- embrace your fat day (wear clothes that are comfortable)

- treat your fat day to aromatherapy and good smells

- get some exercise

- make sure your hair looks extra nice (apparently, fat days require amazing hair)

- make plans with friends

- do something nice for someone else

- check with your fat day and ask it why it's come to visit you. Where is this rooted? Do you need to change your diet? Your exercise routine?

I'm inclined to believe that my fat day is calling to remind me that I would look better if I became anorexic. But I normally hang up on it before it can convince me.

Day 16: faster

Today was pretty standard.

Up at 7. Ran/walked a mile on the treadmill while blasting sweet beats. Elliptical-ed for a mile.

I am also going for a walk this evening. I have to maximize the potential of this beautiful day, for sure!

I found an article that compares treadmills and ellipticals and found that many of the conclusions I've made on my own are echoed here.

Epic battle ensues:

Main points*:

* the "+" indicates a benefit of the elliptical

the "-" indicates a benefit of the treadmill

+ elliptical is more impact-free = better for the joints

- however, the treadmill is simulated running, so it's better for those who are training to run

- also, the impact from the treadmill helps strengthen bones

+ but can lead to shin splints, whereas the elliptical glides without putting pressure on your joints

+ ellipticals give you a total body workout

- treadmills really work out the lower half of your body

+ elliptical allows you to burn the same amount of calories as the treadmill with seemingly less effort

+/- both offer the opportunity to vary speed, incline and courses

+ the elliptical works out different muscles depending on if you glide from front to back or back to front

Overall, I'd say the elliptical is definitely a better machine. For me, anyway. But I'm still going to train with the treadmill because I AM training to run.

And someday, maybe I'll be daring and venture to take these runs out into the sunshine.

Day 15: better

Today has been quite splendid - full of good news and good people and good purchases!

It all began on this humid Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. I made my way across the Freshmen Quad toward my faithful exercise companion and prepared to tackle my nemesis: the treadmill.

Enemy: defeated.

It was victorious, indeed! I did the entire Couch to 5 k plan and then an additional mile on the elliptical. The plan is finally starting to feel a bit more routine and less stressful and my shin splints were mostly unbothered by the workout.

I'm on Day 4 of fat days, so that's no fun, but I'm hoping it's just hormones or something. Bad lighting, maybe. All of my clothes shrank? Who knows.

By the end of the summer, all I'm sayin is that I best fit into my skinny pants.

Day 14: harder

This morning, I was admittedly too tired to wake up for my scheduled 7 a.m. romp at the gym.

Between 7:30 and 8:30, I popped on my headphones, my pedometer and my sneakers and went for a 3.5 mile walk around Ring Road, down Old Westport and back.

Revelation: the night was like summer. The sky was soft with cotton candy swirls and the air was thick with humidity and the lilies were potent and the shuffle on my iPod was hitting the spot.

Revelation: wearing jeans was a bad idea. Even my kneecaps were sweating by the time I returned.

I love this time of year.

When I got back to my room, I put on my first shorts of the season and have to say that I didn't feel entirely obese. So that's a step in the right direction. Next step: bathing suit????

Day 13: makes us

Well.

I woke up at 9 a.m. this morning and hit the gym, as per usual.

I started off with high spirits and hopes, taking extra time to do some stretches before beginning to tackle the Couch to 5 k plan.

My body just isn't cooperating.

It's really starting to make me angry. I mean, theoretically, this whole running thing should be getting easier, right? Why then, oh why, is it actually getting harder? I don't get it.

By the time I reached the half way point, my muscles were (yet again) aching. Traitors. I'm trying to do them a favor and this is how they repay me? By sucking. By preventing me from doing what I want to do.

And on top of that, I've had two fat days in a row. I'm not sure if males suffer from this, but I know for sure that females do. It's one of those days where you try on like 98 things and you feel awful and fat in all of them. It's one of those days where you look in the mirror and you just hate yourself and you vow to become anorexic and you vow to exercise 12 times a day (knowing that neither of those things will actually happen). But still, you think it.

It's really disheartening, honestly. It makes me think that maybe I just wasn't cut out for running. Maybe I won't ever be able to do a 5k.

Of course, this is just me being sour.

Tomorrow is another day and another chance to try pushing myself. I'm just wondering when it's going to start being rewarding.

And now, we interrupt this program to bring you a motivational picture:


Bitch.

Anyway, I finished off the morning with 2 miles on the elliptical. At least I have that.

Day 12: do it

Today, after a night of zombies and scorpion bowls, I dragged myself out of bed at the crack of noon and joined Olivia at the gym.

It was a relatively awkward day, as the gym was open to the general public and people kept walking in and out of the room.

I was feeling pretty lazy.

I did all of my stretches and then did half of the Couch to 5 k plan, followed by one mile on the elliptical, followed by a half mile on the treadmill before we peaced.

Then ensued: Breakfast (in which I ate a bagel and a salad). Spring Fest in the Quad (in which I ate ice cream, and guacamole and a snow cone). Freestones (in which I drank a mango poma-rita and a bloody mary). My room (in which I am now drinking Moscato with my fave immigrant).

And the meaning of all of this? I ingested 800000 calories.

Epic fail.