Me to Guido, Tuesday:
Someday, I will walk to the trainer's desk at the top of the hour, and you will standing their waiting like a shiny new penny. I will faint away in disbelief.
Guido to me:
Hey, Deb... ya know you should write that!
So I have.
Balance disc and dome added to the core moves, plus super sets (two exercises done without a rest between them: one on a stable form, one on an exercise ball) for chest/arms. And additional weight. What a workout!
At a point this past January (February?) I realized that there are a number of choices I have made in the past several years that made me sad and unhappy.
I didn't feel well physically, and I chose to cut back on participating in things.
I vowed to change.
The first step in making this change was to commit to walk in the Bay To Breakers race this spring. OMG, I need to get up and get to downtown San Francisco before 8 am!! On a Sunday!!
Today it is OFFICIAL!! I just received my participant's packet in the mail.
'This is my bib. Look closely, as it will not make it on any of the news broadcasts of the race. They concentrate on the speeding fast runners in front of me and the costumed partiers who will be behind me.
I'll be in the middle doing something just for me.
This is a 12K race (about 7.5 miles) with one small hill at the 2.5 mile mark. Everyone talks about this hill, but it's only 2 15 feet tall with a 11.2% incline. 
Yeah, it sucks. But I walk a higher hill with the similar incline whenever I walk from the bottom of the hill I live on up to our house. This hill will be challenging but easy-peasy.
The rest of the walk is flat or downhill.
This is my timing chip. I'll tie this to my shoes and when I step over the start line it will come to life (it's alive!!). Then when I cross over the finish line it will stop and give them my official walking time. No guessing for the gal in the crowd!
I'm aiming at finishing the race in about 2:15. I usually do a 3.0-3.5 pace, so this is reasonable.
I'll be taking BART over and back, so will be spending time with their timetable to make sure that I dont' screw this up. I don't wish to get there too too early (it will be chilly) and definately not too late.
And if you see that little yellow MUNI sticker, it lets me ride the MUNI bus back to BART without carrying lots of money to worry about the bus.
I am so glad I have the cellphone I do. Because I have a nice 1 GB smartcard in it, I can carry a whole lot of music to listen to while I walk. The fabulous Grace has agreed to supply me with my music mix. Anything will be game as long it's not too country or opera.
Also, I am inviting any friends who would like to to call after the time I should finish and check on my time (or congratulate me). If you'd like to be part of this pack, let me know and I'll send you the number and approximate time to call.
What's next? I'm not sure. I do know that I'm hoping to hike the Grand Canyon in the spring of 2009, The Indians return to Arizona for spring training that year, so I can get a double hit of goodness in one trip.
Well, darn it all! I'm not sure if I've gained any weight (I think I have), but I certainly didn't lose anything.
Not surprising I guess given that I spent 5 days at the Claremont last week, eating food made with too much butter and cream. And not working out all that hard.
I got home on Wednesday and worked out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, then my typical Sunday workout. Today my legs felt tired, so I'm taking the day easy. Took the dogs for a nice walk, but that's it. Let's hope that I'm building more lean muscle and not just working at equilibrium. (damn, I'm working too hard to be at equilibrium!!)
Plan for this week:
Tuesday: workout with Guido
Wednesday: cardio and core
Thursday: workout with Guido
Friday/Saturday: rest days.
I started tracking my food intake again, paying attention to total calories and (most importantly for me) fat intake. Others have a problem with sugar or simple carbs.. me? It's fat.
Hopefully I break out of this soon!
I regularly check out the predictions for the New and Full Moon at Lisa Miller's website: astrowisdom.com. I think I found the link from Julie. I am forever thankful.
There was a New Moon this past Tuesday (4/17). I just read about this (hey, I was buried in my workshop) and find the information quite interesting. Starting about 2 days before this moon and continuing still, I have this overwhelming sense of loss/mourning and find myself crying at the drop of a hat.
The description of this New Moon is part:
Because Aries is the youngest of the signs, this is the New Moon for fresh starts, turning over a new leaf or starting a new phase. Aries represents the inner child; that amazingly trusting, innocent soul that lives within each of us. Even in the worst of times, it is important to be aware of the ever-present humor that exists in the darkest moments of our lives. After all, the greatest comedy does arise from the deepest tragedies.
Maybe this sense of mourning is for past.. it's finally saying goodbye to habits, thoughts and beliefs that I've held on to that aren't working anymore. It's an end and a beginning.
If your life is in upheaval, this is the best time to set your intention and make change happen your way. The New Moon in Aries is the best time to create a ritual for figuring out exactly what you want; no matter how hard the solution, no matter the amount of despair and hopelessness. Renewal is a matter of changing our perspective to include the magical and imaginative realms of possibility; especially with Sun/Moon/Mercury in impulsive, quick-minded Aries, Uranus and Mars in imaginative Pisces, Venus in all possibilities Gemini, and Jupiter in generous and hopeful Sagittarius. These planetary placements will make it possible to dive back into a childlike world where if it can be thought, it can be made to happen.
The Getting to Know You "interview" this week is a (blessedly short one) about childhood memories. I don't like to remember my childhood, having huge gaping holes in what it was like. I'm beginning to believe that those holes are normal; children's lives are so repetitive, what would we remember except the exceptions?
There were bonus points for sharing a photo. I can't. I don't have a scanner, only own about 5 photos of me as a child and have no way to share them. I was skinny and blonde with long curly hair. Use your imagination
Color Saturated Sunset, April 10, 2007
Tuesday was fairly normal day until sometime between 2 and 3 pm.
I woke up (and for the first time in ages remembered I'd dreamed), found a cool story to write for BlogHer, fed the dogs, did some straightening up.
Late morning workout. I was so good. I admitted that I will not do abs on my own (I hate abs!!), so now they will be a regular part of my training sessions. Guido will not let me out of doing the hated abs!!
Home from gym for lunch, check some email and some sewing. Then take the dogs for a walk. Time for change.
When we returned to my car at the end of the walk, I had been vandalized!
Some punk kids had smashed the driver's backseat window in and took one item from the car. For the record: they did not steal the money in the car; they did not steal the CDs in the car; they did not steal the wallet stashed in the glove compartment (or the credit card); they did not steal the car registration (useful info there for identity theft)!
They stole a backpack I use when I take the dogs for long walks. In it: a couple old tennis balls and some canine waste disposal bags. SURPRISE!!
The police report has been filed. The insurance claim has been made. The broken glass will be replaced sometime this morning.
Edit: Later Wednesday morning. While I commented that I'm glad they didn't break the rear window of my stationwagon, I just realized something key: if they had broken that window, I'd have a rear window sans inches of dog snot!
The policeman who took the report suggested that after the window is fixed, I take the car in to be detailed as they might be able to vacuum most of the glass out of the secret hiding places it's in now. Maybe they would be able to scrape that dog snot off, too.
Hey, spouser... how about an early birthday present of a professional detailing??
Looks like I have the perfect time to start packing for AQC.
Weight is staying the same. Yep, I've gotten complacent. I haven't written down every meal, haven't calculated % of fat, or counted calories in a few weeks. And have been letting myself get by with lighter workouts.
What do I think I'm going to accomplish? Am I wisely using my time and money?
Part of me feels like ... well, not giving up, but giving myself some slack this week. After all, next week I'll be at AQC. I won't be able to say: 6 meals, 300 calories each, balance 50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat please. Though the meals will probably closely correspond to those requirements if I wish. I do still plan on getting short workouts in every day (probably between class and supper, maybe breakfast and class...). But I know they won't be honking huge workouts.
I should just let things slide until I return...
And THAT'S how I get in trouble!!
Instead, I am dedicating this week for 4 full-blast, balls out workouts in a row.
Monday: 45 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of core.
Tuesday: 45 minutes of cardio, workout with Guido (some of that cardio will be during his hour).
Wednesday: 45 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of core.
Thursday: See Tuesday.
Friday: on my way down to AQC: See Monday.
Courtesy of Deb. Fifty questions, since I chose not to do the "Getting To Know You" thing this week.
1.Whats your name spelt backwards?
ybor arbed2. What did you do last night?
Baked banana nut bread and watched The Sound Of Music.
3. The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
A ringtone of the stadium singing "Wild Thing" from Major League.
4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?
Yes. Only to tell if it's really dead.
5. Last time you swam in a pool?
I don't swim. Last time I sat in a pool was our last cruise.
6. What are you wearing?
yoga pants, old t-shirt, polar fleece pullover, slippers.
7. How many cars have you owned?
I'm on my 8th.
8. Type of music you dislike most?
Country. Opera. Kind of a tie.
9. Are you registered to vote?
Have been since I received the right.
10. Do you have cable?
Yes. Cable or satellite is the only way we get any reception.
11. What kind of computer do you use?
An HP laptop with Windows XP.
12. Ever made a prank phone call?
Not that I recall, but I probably did.
13. You like anyone right now?
Yes, I like a lot of people. Somehow I think is a meme written by a high schooler (middle schooler??) and the question has a whole different level of meaning. Adults:So Not Cool.
14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
No. No. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO.
15. Furthest place you ever travelled?
Singapore.
16.Do you have a garden?
Yes.
17. What’s your favorite comic strip?
Hmm.. I hate to play favorites... but probably "A Rose is a Rose..."
18. Do you know all the words to the national anthem?
At least the first verse.. and most of the second... but not the third.
19. Shower, morning or night?
Mid-day after I workout at the gym. Otherwise morning.
20. Best movie you’ve seen in the past month?
Can't recall a particularly remarkable one.
21. Favorite pizza toppings?
Mushrooms, black olives, sausage, onions, spinach.
22. Chips or popcorn?
Both.
23. What cell phone provider do you have?
Verizon
24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
uhm... why would I do that??
25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
No. (definitely school aged author...)
26. Orange Juice or apple?
Pomegranate.
27. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?
The spouser. The dogs. Before that Roberta and Jeanne a couple weeks ago.
28. Favorite chocolate bar?
Schargenberger's 80% cacao dark chocolate bar.
29. Who is your longest friend and how long?
People tend to disappear from my life when we aren't active together. So longest friend would be about 9 years. Pick a Pickle.
30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
Late last fall. (sigh... will they be ripe soon?)
31. Have you ever won a trophy?
No.
32. Favorite artist?
Ruth Asawa.
33. Favorite computer game?
Don't play many.
34. Ever ordered from an infomercial?
Doubt it.
35. Sprite or 7-UP?
Between that choice? 7-UP. But I rarely drink soft drinks, and I do it's normally a Classic Coke.
37. Last thing you bought at the store?
Paint brushes for a class I'm taking next week.
38. Ever thrown up in public?
Yes. Enough said.
39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
Both? Given I've found love (and have doubts about "one true love" thing) I think I'll take the money.
40. Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. Lust at first sight, recognition of a kindred soul, yes. But Love takes time.
41.Can exes just be friends?
I've heard of it happening, but not often.
42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
My friend Linda about a month or so before she died.
43. Did you have long hair as a young kid?
Yes I did. Long, wavy/curly (thank you perms), and very light blonde.
44. What message is on your voicemail machine?
You've reached me. You know what to do.
45. Where would you like to go right now?
For a long, fast, winding drive along the coast.
46. What was the name of your first pet?
Fuzzy and Wuzzy. Two easter chicks given away by our babysitters.
47. What kind of back pack do you have, and what’s in it?
Definetely school age author. I only a backpack on long dog walks.
48. Last incoming/outgoing call on your phone?
A call from my friend Del.
49. What is one thing you are grateful for today?
I am always grateful for hot coffee first thing in the morning.
50. What do you think about most?
Strange and wonderful things and how to do them...
Think 50 (strange) questions was fun to read?? Why don't to answer them yourself then leave me the link in my comments? Promise I'll go read yours.
There were several strange, charming stories in the paper today.
First... the charming story of the coyote who simply strolled into a Quiznos and sat down in the cooler. He has a better home.
Second, and I cannot find a link to this story anywhere... but my local newspaper (the Contra Costa Times) has photographs of Eddie Money.. (yes THAT Eddie Money) performing at neighborhood locale: an elementary school. How the mighty have slipped?? I don't know.. but they added that he also gave the kids a music lesson, so maybe this is part of Musicians in the school program.
Among the activities being touted this weekend are two bands playing Monday night. They "blend klezmer and Gypsy music with punk." Gee. I have plans. Perhaps instead I should down some antihistimines and the catch the Moscow Cat Theatre... a circus with cats?? At $50 or more each, I think not. But if I were a cat person??
This wild turkey lives in the woods behind our house. Taken with major digital zooming.
I've been playing with Twitter for about a week now. I swear I don't know why. It's just folks writing what they are doing at that moment. You are limited to 140 characters (letters, punctuation or spaces).
So if a blog is like a short story, Twitter is a running haiku.
If you find folks you know (close, distant, work, friends, business, etc.) you can make them your twitter-friends and find out what they are doing. Who's eating what, when? What they watch on TV or listen to on the radio. What's the weather like AT THAT MOMENT.
It's oddly addictive, but not intrusive. Maybe that's it??
And then there is TwitterVision... just watch the twitter-bubbles rising from the world map...
Anyway, if you twitter away..I am darinhercules @ Twitter.
Appear to be down another pound. Last week ended up being lots of cardio and not much weight work. Every workout scheduled with Guido got cancelled by one of us. Still, for me it was good week. Never got that training walk for the Bay to Breakers in though.
I'm starting to worry that I'm getting to a "complacent point" where I start telling myself that basically I'm doing OK, so I start sliding. Not quitting, just not working as hard. It's a balance between burning out and not pushing hard enough. I'll have to monitor my moods.
This week:
Sunday was a full workout. Felt good at the end, but not too buzzy-high. Listened to a CraftSanity podcast from last November with Betty Christiansen, who wrote "Knitting for Peace." However long that podcast ran, that's how long I worked out. It was something very close to 1.5 hours. I normally hate long podcasts, but Sunday it was a great entertaining gift.
Monday: cardio and core.
Tuesday: cardio and workout with Guido.
Wednesday: cardio and core. (training length for B2B??)
Thursday: See Tuesday.
Friday: rest
Saturday: rest, rest, rest
