Alex and I finally made it up Black Mountain today. We tried to walk up this one several weeks ago, but I managed to lead us astray. When you realise that Black Mountain has the Telstra Tower on top of it, you have to wonder how anyone can miss it, but miss it we did. Today, we asked for directions!
Alex has been doing a fitness challenge and she's got this whole "get your heart rate up and burn calories" thing going. That's great, but I was getting really puffed out trying to keep up with her. I'm supposed to be the fit one! She's done a fabulous job over the past few weeks. As we walked along my knees were telling me that they were planning on being tired and that was before we got to the start of the trail.
Once we got to the start of the Black Mountain Summit Trail Walk, we had a 2.7 km walk up the mountain, which is 812 m high. Unfortunately, I have no idea how high we were when we started the climb, but the path was definitely steep. The info at the start of the trail indicated that it would take 1 hour, 10 mins to get up the trail. I had hoped this would slow Alex down, but she scoffed at the idea and tore off up the path. I trailed along behind her, thinking that we were certainly getting a good cardio workout. I was sorry that I'd (a) worn jeans, thinking it would be a leisurely walk and (b) not bothered with my hrm for the same reason. Still, Alex got us up the mountain in 22 mins, 40 secs, which I thought was pretty good going. Once upon a time I wouldn't have managed to walk 3 km on flat ground in 30 mins.
We took a few photos up at the top, chatted to a lovely girl who uses the trail as her "thinking path", helped out some tourists and then headed back on down. We got to the bottom in 22 minutes, which was a lovely ramble. My knees were definitely feeling it and they were very glad when we stopped for lunch at the cafe. All up, we were walking for nearly an hour and a half.
I'm really glad that Alex likes doing activities like this when she meets up with me. It's so much better than just heading out for a coffee. I'm going to miss her for the next few weeks as she's off overseas. We've booked in our next climb up the mountain though, for the weekened after she gets back.
Sunday, 9 September 2007
Friday, 7 September 2007
Personal Training and Body Balance
This morning I headed off to Personal Training. After a warm up, we moved on to some leg work - single leg extensions and leg presses in the complicated looking leg machine. I normally use the easy one that has the weights already loaded. I didn't think I was working my legs all that hard, but my left knee was definitely tired when I was climbing the stairs at work later in the day.
Krissi commented on my good form on the leg extension. I told her that my knees had always been sore when I started at the gym, and so I'd worked really hard to have good form. I figured they needed all the help they could get. I'm really keen to get the form right when I exercise as I don't want to get injured. I like the way Krissi checks up on me. She's really good about giving me safety information too. It gives me a lot of confidence that I'm in safe hands.
After the leg work we did some chest presses and alternated them with pushups. Krissi told me my pushups yesterday were really bad (even I knew that!) and that I needed to forget everything I'd learned and start again. Instead of looking at the ground, I'm to look at my elbow. It seemed to help. I was telling Krissi that I'd been thinking about my fitness goals and that doing pushups properly was something I'd thought I should work on. Next thing you know, Krissi extended it to body weight exercises, and we're going to be working on pushups, chinups and dips. I tend to avoid dips like the plague, which tends to be a sign that they are something I should work on, and I'm like most women - I think chinups are beyond me.
There I am, thinking we'll be doing assisted chinups. Instead, Krissi sets up the Smith machine and a bench, and I'm doing the bottom part of a real chinup (close grip). Well, that's an exaggeration. I'm gripping the bar then stepping to the floor - hardly a moment when I'm holding myself up on the bar in sight. I predict that I'll be working on this for some time. Still, I reckon I'll be a really cool aunty if I casually do a few chinups for my nephews. LOL
When we got to the abs work it was a relief as I thought we'd be doing dips too. I hate them with a passion. Actually, they aren't as bad as I'm making them sound, but I'd rather do any other sort of triceps exercise than dips. Oh well, I'm sure they'll be good for me.
This evening it was Body Balance. I was looking forward to it, as it's a nice relaxed class. I struggled with the getting back up from the downward dog position, so tonight I asked the instructor for some help after the class. It made a lot more sense. Hopefully I'll start to get the hang of it.
I'm always amazed by the number of people who leave before the relaxation component of the class. It's the best bit. I guess they are probably too stressed to stay still for five minutes.
In response to your comments about the amount of exercise I do, it's really not that much. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be busy for the next three weeks - about 3 hours of exercise each day, but I take a lot of rest days. The difference lately is that I've started taking classes. I do 4 a week, two for cardio and two for stretching. The GOFC is meant to be a challenge on top of it all. That's one hour twice a week for four weeks, plus the bike ride there and back. I've cut back on doing weights while I'm doing the GOFC.
I look at the distances you all run, and you make it sound so easy. I think the main reason you think I do a lot of exercise is the variety. Well, maybe talking so much about it makes it sound like more than it is.
Isabelle, I was looking at my kitchen floor with disgust last night. It could do with a wash. It's on the agenda this weekend. The ironing basket is empty but that's only ever a temporary situation.
Krissi commented on my good form on the leg extension. I told her that my knees had always been sore when I started at the gym, and so I'd worked really hard to have good form. I figured they needed all the help they could get. I'm really keen to get the form right when I exercise as I don't want to get injured. I like the way Krissi checks up on me. She's really good about giving me safety information too. It gives me a lot of confidence that I'm in safe hands.
After the leg work we did some chest presses and alternated them with pushups. Krissi told me my pushups yesterday were really bad (even I knew that!) and that I needed to forget everything I'd learned and start again. Instead of looking at the ground, I'm to look at my elbow. It seemed to help. I was telling Krissi that I'd been thinking about my fitness goals and that doing pushups properly was something I'd thought I should work on. Next thing you know, Krissi extended it to body weight exercises, and we're going to be working on pushups, chinups and dips. I tend to avoid dips like the plague, which tends to be a sign that they are something I should work on, and I'm like most women - I think chinups are beyond me.
There I am, thinking we'll be doing assisted chinups. Instead, Krissi sets up the Smith machine and a bench, and I'm doing the bottom part of a real chinup (close grip). Well, that's an exaggeration. I'm gripping the bar then stepping to the floor - hardly a moment when I'm holding myself up on the bar in sight. I predict that I'll be working on this for some time. Still, I reckon I'll be a really cool aunty if I casually do a few chinups for my nephews. LOL
When we got to the abs work it was a relief as I thought we'd be doing dips too. I hate them with a passion. Actually, they aren't as bad as I'm making them sound, but I'd rather do any other sort of triceps exercise than dips. Oh well, I'm sure they'll be good for me.
This evening it was Body Balance. I was looking forward to it, as it's a nice relaxed class. I struggled with the getting back up from the downward dog position, so tonight I asked the instructor for some help after the class. It made a lot more sense. Hopefully I'll start to get the hang of it.
I'm always amazed by the number of people who leave before the relaxation component of the class. It's the best bit. I guess they are probably too stressed to stay still for five minutes.
In response to your comments about the amount of exercise I do, it's really not that much. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be busy for the next three weeks - about 3 hours of exercise each day, but I take a lot of rest days. The difference lately is that I've started taking classes. I do 4 a week, two for cardio and two for stretching. The GOFC is meant to be a challenge on top of it all. That's one hour twice a week for four weeks, plus the bike ride there and back. I've cut back on doing weights while I'm doing the GOFC.
I look at the distances you all run, and you make it sound so easy. I think the main reason you think I do a lot of exercise is the variety. Well, maybe talking so much about it makes it sound like more than it is.
Isabelle, I was looking at my kitchen floor with disgust last night. It could do with a wash. It's on the agenda this weekend. The ironing basket is empty but that's only ever a temporary situation.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Bike ride, Group Fitness, Style Consultation and Body Attack
This morning I headed out to the Outdoor Group Fitness session on my bike. I was looking forward to the ride, hoping to see the swans again, and generally at peace with the world. Then I got outside. It was raining. Lightly, but definitely raining. I seriously considered turning around and calling someone for a ride but I talked myself into riding in the rain as it wasn't too heavy.
It seemed like a sensible idea for all of five minutes. I cruised along, feeling proud of myself for not letting the elements defeat me, until I realised the rain was getting heavier. And heavier. Now, it's an outdoor fitness challenge I'm doing, so the course isn't cancelled for inclement weather. I realised I'd better keep on going and hope that the rain didn't get any worse. Eventually, I was riding along thinking, "I'll get there so Krissi knows I was going to come, and then I'll ride home again straight away. I can't do this. I can't exercise when I'm all wet." I was nearly at the park when the rain stopped. Thank goodness!
We did boxercise this morning. It's one of my favourites. We started out with a warm up that involved jogging and punching. It was fun once I got into it. We kept changing what we were doing. For example, we'd go clockwise in a circle, punching forwards or sideways or up in the air, then we'd change direction, then we'd touch the ground with our left hand, and so on. We then played a numbers game which was amusing. When a number was called out we had to clump into groups that size. If you didn't get into a group you ended up doing pushups. I managed to get in a group each time, which was good except I missed out on doing the pushups. It's weird how the pushups seemed like winning in reverse.
The boxercise session was the usual punching and then doing some other exercise. We did pushups with jabs, squats with hooks, lunges with uppercuts, and short sprints with combos. Then we played ambush, which is also fun. One person is punching and the others in the group tap them on the shoulder from behind, run away, then turn around and put their hands in position for a particular type of punch. It's quite amusing, especially when someone my height is trying to indicate high punches for someone much taller.
It started raining during the session, but fortunately it stopped before I had to ride home. On the way I kept my eye out for the swan family I saw on Tuesday. They were out and about, and the five cygnets were still fluffy balls of grey. It was terrific to see them again.
I had the morning off work today for the shopping expedition part of the Style Consultation. It was so much fun. My credit card is now a little melted, but it wasn't as expensive a trip as I'd expected. SC and I shopped solidly for three hours. We worked from a list SC prepared when she went through my wardrobe. We started off in a lingerie shop, where I was introduced to a contraption that gives me a much firmer waist. I also bought a pretty bra - nothing like the Enell but probably an engineering wonder all the same. We then headed off looking for some clothes, which was fun. I bought a few different outfits, in some great colours. I also ended up with two pairs of shoes, a pair of jeans, some costume jewellery and makeup. Now all I have to do is manage to put all this together with some semblance of style.
Oh, we managed to buy everything on the list, except for a pair of trousers and a casual jacket. We substituted a couple of skirts for the trousers and we decided to give the jacket a miss for now. I'm really looking forward to wearing my new clothes and mixing and matching them with my existing wardrobe.
This evening I headed off to Body Attack. The instructor for tonight's class is terrific and it's always good fun. I was feeling tired but I decided to give it a go anyway. I'm glad that I did, because I managed to get through it, even though I found it a little hard. I figure that by the end of the GOFC I'll be fit enough to handle the two sessions on the one day without feeling exhausted.
After class I decided to tell the instructor how much I enjoyed her classes. I'm sorry I didn't do it before today as she was so pleased. At least I did it today.
As for tomorrow, I have personal training in the morning with Krissi, and Body Balance in the evening. On Saturday some of the girls are going for a run. I might join them. I haven't managed to get out for a run this week. It's still been a great exercise week, and there's been a little running in the GOFC, so I'm not fretting about it.
It seemed like a sensible idea for all of five minutes. I cruised along, feeling proud of myself for not letting the elements defeat me, until I realised the rain was getting heavier. And heavier. Now, it's an outdoor fitness challenge I'm doing, so the course isn't cancelled for inclement weather. I realised I'd better keep on going and hope that the rain didn't get any worse. Eventually, I was riding along thinking, "I'll get there so Krissi knows I was going to come, and then I'll ride home again straight away. I can't do this. I can't exercise when I'm all wet." I was nearly at the park when the rain stopped. Thank goodness!
We did boxercise this morning. It's one of my favourites. We started out with a warm up that involved jogging and punching. It was fun once I got into it. We kept changing what we were doing. For example, we'd go clockwise in a circle, punching forwards or sideways or up in the air, then we'd change direction, then we'd touch the ground with our left hand, and so on. We then played a numbers game which was amusing. When a number was called out we had to clump into groups that size. If you didn't get into a group you ended up doing pushups. I managed to get in a group each time, which was good except I missed out on doing the pushups. It's weird how the pushups seemed like winning in reverse.
The boxercise session was the usual punching and then doing some other exercise. We did pushups with jabs, squats with hooks, lunges with uppercuts, and short sprints with combos. Then we played ambush, which is also fun. One person is punching and the others in the group tap them on the shoulder from behind, run away, then turn around and put their hands in position for a particular type of punch. It's quite amusing, especially when someone my height is trying to indicate high punches for someone much taller.
It started raining during the session, but fortunately it stopped before I had to ride home. On the way I kept my eye out for the swan family I saw on Tuesday. They were out and about, and the five cygnets were still fluffy balls of grey. It was terrific to see them again.
I had the morning off work today for the shopping expedition part of the Style Consultation. It was so much fun. My credit card is now a little melted, but it wasn't as expensive a trip as I'd expected. SC and I shopped solidly for three hours. We worked from a list SC prepared when she went through my wardrobe. We started off in a lingerie shop, where I was introduced to a contraption that gives me a much firmer waist. I also bought a pretty bra - nothing like the Enell but probably an engineering wonder all the same. We then headed off looking for some clothes, which was fun. I bought a few different outfits, in some great colours. I also ended up with two pairs of shoes, a pair of jeans, some costume jewellery and makeup. Now all I have to do is manage to put all this together with some semblance of style.
Oh, we managed to buy everything on the list, except for a pair of trousers and a casual jacket. We substituted a couple of skirts for the trousers and we decided to give the jacket a miss for now. I'm really looking forward to wearing my new clothes and mixing and matching them with my existing wardrobe.
This evening I headed off to Body Attack. The instructor for tonight's class is terrific and it's always good fun. I was feeling tired but I decided to give it a go anyway. I'm glad that I did, because I managed to get through it, even though I found it a little hard. I figure that by the end of the GOFC I'll be fit enough to handle the two sessions on the one day without feeling exhausted.
After class I decided to tell the instructor how much I enjoyed her classes. I'm sorry I didn't do it before today as she was so pleased. At least I did it today.
As for tomorrow, I have personal training in the morning with Krissi, and Body Balance in the evening. On Saturday some of the girls are going for a run. I might join them. I haven't managed to get out for a run this week. It's still been a great exercise week, and there's been a little running in the GOFC, so I'm not fretting about it.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Fitness test and Yoga
At this morning's Group Outdoor Fitness Challenge we started off with a fitness test. It consisted of a beep test, an agility test, pushups in a minute and a 1 km time trial.
I got to level 3-3 in the beep test. Back in May I started at 3-2 and finished at 4-1. It will be interesting to see if I make a similar improvement this time. We didn't do a warm up run first. The beep test has its own built in warm up, but I think I might have needed a longer one. I was quite sore when we started today, from Body Attack last night. I've made a mental note - don't overdo it before the fitness test on the last day!
For the agility test I managed 21.9 seconds. Last time I did it in 23.4, so that's a definite improvement over the past few months. I was really pleased about that. I did fewer pushups than last time but they are much better quality now. I managed 22 in the minute.
The time trial was interesting. I missed the one at the end of the running course. I'd decided for that one that I didn't care about the time. I just wanted to run for the whole kilometre. I was the first runner, and the others followed in 30 second intervals.
I took off a little too fast I think. After about three minutes I had to stop to throw up. I'm not sure how much time I lost - maybe 15 seconds. I got myself running again, but at a much slower pace. I was struggling, but I decided I was going to run the rest of the way.
When I was within sight of the end Krissi was encouraging me to run faster, but I didn't have it in me. There were two runners right behind me, but I managed to get across the line first. I immediately threw up again, which was a little embarrassing. It felt so good when I stopped. ;-)
Anyway, I ran the kilometer in 5:55. I did it in 5:48 during the running course. I think if I hadn't thrown up on the way I would have done better than that. I just have to figure out how to pace myself better. What I am pleased about is that I ran the whole distance. I had to take two walking breaks during the first time trial back in early June.
This evening I headed off to Yoga. As ever, I enjoyed it. We started off on the floor, with a lovely relaxing meditation. I was encased in a blue ball of light that gradually turned to white light. I kept thinking about work stuff and kept having to clear my mind again. It's quite a challenge to stop thinking.
I keep feeling as though I'm improving and then doing something that just goes to show how far I still have to go just to manage the beginners' poses. We did something called the rabbit, which had me falling over onto my forehead. Fortunately, not very far but I felt like such a klutz. I'm in awe of the more advanced moves.
There was a hilarious section where Michelle just sat up and watched us for the second rep. We were lying on the floor with our hands stretched out and palm to palm, and our feet also stretched. We were supposed to roll ourselves completely over and back by using our abs. It sounds a lot easier than it is. It was fun trying though.
I'm going to keep going to this class though as I feel great after I'm finished - really relaxed and mellow. My flexibility is improving too.
Enell bra update
My goodness it's a strange looking contraption. I don't know what I'd expected. I'd seen photos of the bra on a model but it looks a lot different in real life. I wore it this morning to the GOFC. After I tried it on, I did a little jogging on the spot and thought, "Hmmm, this isn't going to work. I'm glad I only bought one." I figured I must have ordered the wrong size, as so many people swear by the bra.
The leaflet that came with the bra suggested that I should build up to using it, so I figured the GOFC would be a gentle introduction - not full on running, but a bit of effort. I meant to pay close attention to how it felt whenever we were running, but I completely forgot. In fact, I didn't even notice, which I think has to be a good sign.
When I got home, I was delighted to see that I didn't have the usual red marks from tight straps. Without having done a proper run, I am pretty sure that this bra is a winner.
Edit
I forgot to mention my bike ride this morning. I rode to and from the GOFC. It's getting light so much earlier. I made it up all the hills, and I rode down the scary hill as well. Even better than that, on the way home I saw a pair of black swans with their grey fluffy cygnets. They were right beside the bike path so I got an excellent view. I was wishing I had my camera with me.
I got to level 3-3 in the beep test. Back in May I started at 3-2 and finished at 4-1. It will be interesting to see if I make a similar improvement this time. We didn't do a warm up run first. The beep test has its own built in warm up, but I think I might have needed a longer one. I was quite sore when we started today, from Body Attack last night. I've made a mental note - don't overdo it before the fitness test on the last day!
For the agility test I managed 21.9 seconds. Last time I did it in 23.4, so that's a definite improvement over the past few months. I was really pleased about that. I did fewer pushups than last time but they are much better quality now. I managed 22 in the minute.
The time trial was interesting. I missed the one at the end of the running course. I'd decided for that one that I didn't care about the time. I just wanted to run for the whole kilometre. I was the first runner, and the others followed in 30 second intervals.
I took off a little too fast I think. After about three minutes I had to stop to throw up. I'm not sure how much time I lost - maybe 15 seconds. I got myself running again, but at a much slower pace. I was struggling, but I decided I was going to run the rest of the way.
When I was within sight of the end Krissi was encouraging me to run faster, but I didn't have it in me. There were two runners right behind me, but I managed to get across the line first. I immediately threw up again, which was a little embarrassing. It felt so good when I stopped. ;-)
Anyway, I ran the kilometer in 5:55. I did it in 5:48 during the running course. I think if I hadn't thrown up on the way I would have done better than that. I just have to figure out how to pace myself better. What I am pleased about is that I ran the whole distance. I had to take two walking breaks during the first time trial back in early June.
This evening I headed off to Yoga. As ever, I enjoyed it. We started off on the floor, with a lovely relaxing meditation. I was encased in a blue ball of light that gradually turned to white light. I kept thinking about work stuff and kept having to clear my mind again. It's quite a challenge to stop thinking.
I keep feeling as though I'm improving and then doing something that just goes to show how far I still have to go just to manage the beginners' poses. We did something called the rabbit, which had me falling over onto my forehead. Fortunately, not very far but I felt like such a klutz. I'm in awe of the more advanced moves.
There was a hilarious section where Michelle just sat up and watched us for the second rep. We were lying on the floor with our hands stretched out and palm to palm, and our feet also stretched. We were supposed to roll ourselves completely over and back by using our abs. It sounds a lot easier than it is. It was fun trying though.
I'm going to keep going to this class though as I feel great after I'm finished - really relaxed and mellow. My flexibility is improving too.
Enell bra update
My goodness it's a strange looking contraption. I don't know what I'd expected. I'd seen photos of the bra on a model but it looks a lot different in real life. I wore it this morning to the GOFC. After I tried it on, I did a little jogging on the spot and thought, "Hmmm, this isn't going to work. I'm glad I only bought one." I figured I must have ordered the wrong size, as so many people swear by the bra.
The leaflet that came with the bra suggested that I should build up to using it, so I figured the GOFC would be a gentle introduction - not full on running, but a bit of effort. I meant to pay close attention to how it felt whenever we were running, but I completely forgot. In fact, I didn't even notice, which I think has to be a good sign.
When I got home, I was delighted to see that I didn't have the usual red marks from tight straps. Without having done a proper run, I am pretty sure that this bra is a winner.
Edit
I forgot to mention my bike ride this morning. I rode to and from the GOFC. It's getting light so much earlier. I made it up all the hills, and I rode down the scary hill as well. Even better than that, on the way home I saw a pair of black swans with their grey fluffy cygnets. They were right beside the bike path so I got an excellent view. I was wishing I had my camera with me.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Body Attack and Ceroc Dancing
This morning I had planned to go for a run, but I got to bed way too late last night. When I woke up all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep. I debated getting up for a while, and then I remembered that I was going to do Body Attack this evening and the Group Outdoor Fitness Course tomorrow morning. I decided that rolling over and going back to sleep was incredibly sensible.
Tonight is going to be a short entry, as I really should get myself to bed. I HAVE to get up tomorrow for the GOFC and I clearly need to catch up on some sleep.
I enjoyed the Body Attack class. I was able to take it up another level in intensity today. I felt like I worked really hard and got maximum benefit out of the time.
I'd forgotten about Ceroc. My friend, Mel, and I decided a couple of weeks ago that trivia was getting a little dull and that we'd try something else. Ceroc Dancing is what we chose. It was a mad scramble to get there. I raced home from the gym to shower and change. Then I didn't have any cash, so I had to find an ATM. I was a couple of minutes late and it had already started, so there wasn't time to stand around feeling selfconscious. It was heaps of fun and I'll definitely go again.
Tonight is going to be a short entry, as I really should get myself to bed. I HAVE to get up tomorrow for the GOFC and I clearly need to catch up on some sleep.
I enjoyed the Body Attack class. I was able to take it up another level in intensity today. I felt like I worked really hard and got maximum benefit out of the time.
I'd forgotten about Ceroc. My friend, Mel, and I decided a couple of weeks ago that trivia was getting a little dull and that we'd try something else. Ceroc Dancing is what we chose. It was a mad scramble to get there. I raced home from the gym to shower and change. Then I didn't have any cash, so I had to find an ATM. I was a couple of minutes late and it had already started, so there wasn't time to stand around feeling selfconscious. It was heaps of fun and I'll definitely go again.
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Goal achieved - three runs in a week
I've done it at last - I've gone out and run three times in one week. I'm really glad that I'd booked young Andrew for a run on Saturday, because I knew that this one was in the bag as soon as the second run was over.
As planned, we did the Spring Into Shape course. The 4 km loop was pleasant, the day was sunny, and we did it easily. Andrew just loped along - he's an incredibly fit athletic 11 year old. He enjoyed the run and pulled up looking like he'd barely made an effort. He's quite keen to come along with me and my other nephew (also Andrew) on a future run. All I have to do is organise it. I think we might run around Albert Park Lake.
The whole "going for a run" thing was quite amusing. I'd had the idea that we'd go running early on Sunday morning. Sandra picked me up from the airport at 8 am on Saturday, brimming with her usual enthusiasm. She had it all worked out .. we'd go to basketball to see Terry play, go to the city to run, and then come back for Andrew's game later that day. She was looking forward to visiting Birrarung Marr with Terry and Eugene - there's a fabulous playground there - while Andrew and I ran. It all sounded fine except for the fact that I'd had a late night on Friday, that included several glasses of champagne, wine and port, very little sleep and an early start. I really wasn't feeling up to running across the road, let alone 4 km.
I thought about suggesting my Sunday morning alternative, but I could see that Andrew was as keen as mustard to run with me. I changed into my running gear and thought "thank goodness we're only doing one loop". Terry's basketball game was hilarious - he's in U10's and the boys are just starting to work out what's involved. We then headed off into town. The weather was fabulous. By the time we arrived, I was looking forward to the run. Andrew and I headed off in one direction and Sandra and the other two boys in the other.
Even though I'm a Melbourne girl, I haven't spent all that much time along the Yarra. It was lovely to see so many people out and about enjoying themselves. There were quite a few people running. We were passed by quite a few cyclists so we decided to run off the bike path for about half the run. It was more relaxing not having to worry about getting out of the way.
After we got back to the starting point we turned back to meet Sandra and the boys. We ran back to them as it looked more impressive than walking. I encouraged Andrew to do some stretching and then we were done.
I was pleased that I did the course so easily even though I'd started out tired. There's a lot of 'face' involved in being an aunt who is taking her nephew running. While the boys are well able to outrun me, if I'm inviting them running I have to be able to do the run!
After the run we visited the playground and it is every bit as good as the kids had told me. They had a great time. While we were sitting there watching them clamber all over the place, I spotted a set of stairs, so the three kids and I ran up the stairs (60 steps) just because they were there. Sandra was happy to supervise. We had lunch at South Bank and then headed back to Andrew's basketball game. I was in bed early and had today off any form of exercise at all!
Well, I took the day off doing any form of exercise. I still managed to shop for exercise. I was given a Rebel Sport voucher the other day, so I bought a running skirt. I wasn't sure what size to buy and I didn't have the energy to try it on, so I went for the smaller size on the grounds that it would eventually fit. Fortunately, I'll be able to wear it straight away. Tonight I finally bought myself a Garmin Forerunner 305 on ebay. I've been looking at them for ages. My yoga dvd's and my Enell bra had all arrived safely in Melbourne, so I picked them up when we called in on Dad for Father's Day.
Now all I have to do is repeat the three runs in a week!
As planned, we did the Spring Into Shape course. The 4 km loop was pleasant, the day was sunny, and we did it easily. Andrew just loped along - he's an incredibly fit athletic 11 year old. He enjoyed the run and pulled up looking like he'd barely made an effort. He's quite keen to come along with me and my other nephew (also Andrew) on a future run. All I have to do is organise it. I think we might run around Albert Park Lake.
The whole "going for a run" thing was quite amusing. I'd had the idea that we'd go running early on Sunday morning. Sandra picked me up from the airport at 8 am on Saturday, brimming with her usual enthusiasm. She had it all worked out .. we'd go to basketball to see Terry play, go to the city to run, and then come back for Andrew's game later that day. She was looking forward to visiting Birrarung Marr with Terry and Eugene - there's a fabulous playground there - while Andrew and I ran. It all sounded fine except for the fact that I'd had a late night on Friday, that included several glasses of champagne, wine and port, very little sleep and an early start. I really wasn't feeling up to running across the road, let alone 4 km.
I thought about suggesting my Sunday morning alternative, but I could see that Andrew was as keen as mustard to run with me. I changed into my running gear and thought "thank goodness we're only doing one loop". Terry's basketball game was hilarious - he's in U10's and the boys are just starting to work out what's involved. We then headed off into town. The weather was fabulous. By the time we arrived, I was looking forward to the run. Andrew and I headed off in one direction and Sandra and the other two boys in the other.
Even though I'm a Melbourne girl, I haven't spent all that much time along the Yarra. It was lovely to see so many people out and about enjoying themselves. There were quite a few people running. We were passed by quite a few cyclists so we decided to run off the bike path for about half the run. It was more relaxing not having to worry about getting out of the way.
After we got back to the starting point we turned back to meet Sandra and the boys. We ran back to them as it looked more impressive than walking. I encouraged Andrew to do some stretching and then we were done.
I was pleased that I did the course so easily even though I'd started out tired. There's a lot of 'face' involved in being an aunt who is taking her nephew running. While the boys are well able to outrun me, if I'm inviting them running I have to be able to do the run!
After the run we visited the playground and it is every bit as good as the kids had told me. They had a great time. While we were sitting there watching them clamber all over the place, I spotted a set of stairs, so the three kids and I ran up the stairs (60 steps) just because they were there. Sandra was happy to supervise. We had lunch at South Bank and then headed back to Andrew's basketball game. I was in bed early and had today off any form of exercise at all!
Well, I took the day off doing any form of exercise. I still managed to shop for exercise. I was given a Rebel Sport voucher the other day, so I bought a running skirt. I wasn't sure what size to buy and I didn't have the energy to try it on, so I went for the smaller size on the grounds that it would eventually fit. Fortunately, I'll be able to wear it straight away. Tonight I finally bought myself a Garmin Forerunner 305 on ebay. I've been looking at them for ages. My yoga dvd's and my Enell bra had all arrived safely in Melbourne, so I picked them up when we called in on Dad for Father's Day.
Now all I have to do is repeat the three runs in a week!
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Personal training and Body Balance
This morning I had my PT session with Krissi. We started off with 10 minutes on the treadmill. It gave us a chance to catch up on each other's news. While we were chatting, Krissi asked me if I'd join her in a challenge .. clearly she's worked out that challenge is the right word to get me sucked in. Of course I said yes.
We're going to run up Mount Majura. She walks up it each week with a client and thinks it would be a great run, but her client isn't up for it. The path is a bit rocky in places, so it would be a good test for my improved balance. We'll do it one Saturday morning, fairly soon. I'm sure she'll have a few more people coming along. Lola is already signed up for it. I love that the Team Black Women are so crazy!
During PT we did some squats on the Smith Machine, some barbell lifts for my shoulders and some abs work. Before we got started, I asked Krissi to check out my flexibility as there's all this stuff I can't manage in Yoga and Body Balance. I was concerned I wasn't flexible enough, but it looks as though it's my stomach being in the way. I guess that problem will eventually disappear. It's good to know my flexibility is ok.
This evening I did Body Balance. I like the new one .. the transitions between moves don't seem to be so fast. Either I'm keeping up better or they've slowed down. There's heaps that I can't do, so I have plenty of room for improvement.
One thing about Body Balance, it's very relaxing. I was all mellowed out at the end of class. It's a great way to end the working week.
Tonight I went out for dinner with some friends of mine. It was a lovely evening. I managed to confine my talking about running to the odd anecdote! Easier said than done, isn't it?
We're going to run up Mount Majura. She walks up it each week with a client and thinks it would be a great run, but her client isn't up for it. The path is a bit rocky in places, so it would be a good test for my improved balance. We'll do it one Saturday morning, fairly soon. I'm sure she'll have a few more people coming along. Lola is already signed up for it. I love that the Team Black Women are so crazy!
During PT we did some squats on the Smith Machine, some barbell lifts for my shoulders and some abs work. Before we got started, I asked Krissi to check out my flexibility as there's all this stuff I can't manage in Yoga and Body Balance. I was concerned I wasn't flexible enough, but it looks as though it's my stomach being in the way. I guess that problem will eventually disappear. It's good to know my flexibility is ok.
This evening I did Body Balance. I like the new one .. the transitions between moves don't seem to be so fast. Either I'm keeping up better or they've slowed down. There's heaps that I can't do, so I have plenty of room for improvement.
One thing about Body Balance, it's very relaxing. I was all mellowed out at the end of class. It's a great way to end the working week.
Tonight I went out for dinner with some friends of mine. It was a lovely evening. I managed to confine my talking about running to the odd anecdote! Easier said than done, isn't it?
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