How did your workout go today?

Too early in the morning for me to have worked out yet, at least on a workday. Yesterday was a fitness skate at the Veloway and this afternoon will be my final ride on the Greenbelt. Thursday... Rocky Hill Ranch Next week... Colorado, Rocky Mountain high! ;-)

Woo whee Stacey. Same here. It's not early, it's just that I didn't make it to the Q yet today. I'm expecting a visitor from the WELL to roll into town today (sabrina) that I promised to plug in to the Q on her pass through Austin. She left a message on my recorder last night from somewhere out in West Texas.

Well, I like the Q. I think it is too crowded though. You sometimes have to wait several minutes before a weight machine is available.

What is your typical workout federico? It didn't used to be crowded at all but adding 2 million dollars worth of equipment and putting a major promotional effort has packed the place. I wonder how far they're going to take this before it takes a Mexico City or Calcuttalike atmosphere? I like the 2nd row of machines from the far aerobics room. I like it that they give you a self test before you get started.

Workout? I don't know what it is about this summer in Maine; it has either been too rainy or too rainy, and when it rains, I become too depressed to workout. I mean, it isn't as if I don't belong to a "club" with good machines and a *great* view (actually, just a room in my house with a few machines and a window overlooking the lake), it is just that rain seems to be such a disincentive to working out. Oh well, I suppose I will get my act together and workout today (unless I find a good movie on Directv :) http://www.umeais.maine.edu/~hayward

Solution: position your exercise bike in front of the tv and run the tv off of pedal power. I didn't work out yesterday, I spent the day walking miles and miles at the Whole Life Expo. The guys doing "acromassage" sure got a workout. Can you imagine suspending another person upside down with your feet while giving them a massage. These guys did that for several hours. Acromassage they call it. Wild stuff. Tomorrow, the Q, or maybe later on today.

Wokred out at a gym yesterday... ewwww yucky. But as was proved last year, winter is a hard time to maintain my regular exercise stuff -- cycling, skating and running. So the gym would be a supplement. It was a Bally's but REALLY old and dingy feeling. Not the best time but I enjoyed the sweating.

Thanks Paul, for the info on browsing. I've gone back and looked at a few of the older conferences and read old responses. How sad I was this a.m. when I read the first entry into this section... "my final ride on the Greenbelt" My I do still miss Austin an awful lot. I need a plane ticket for me and my bike. Or maybe I should just ride back the ,,10+ miles.

You could do it!

With a personal sag and great weather, I probably could. Dammit Paul, now you got me thinkin'...

Yesterday I snuck in a skate down the Platte River trail from Englewood into the foothills. Absolutely INCREDIBLE day. Cool, like autumn and sunny like Colorado. Good smelling air, Canadian geese all around (chasing the ducks out of the water) and changing leaves.

Wow, sounds like a Rocky Mountain high. We've been getting a lot of rain today, and we need it to green things up around here. I hope to get out on the trails tonight when I get off work. I'm going to do some video of the woods around my place and put them somewhere on the site. I'll point to it later. Have you seen our new main page today, Stace?

'fraid not. The spring takes soooo long to load up on my itty bitty 8MB Mac.. I promise to try and catch a glimpse later.

I'm going to move that animated gif off the main page, it does take a long time to load. I'll make is so you can click on the picture on the main page and go to the animated gif. What are you running for a browser and telnet program on that itty bitty Mac?

netscape and nsca(?)

Cool. How was your workout today, Stacey? Mine consisted of moving furniture and running up and down two flights of stairs in my house. And crawling around in the basement running phone and network wires.

moving? I had a killer mtn bike ride on Saturday but it snowed yesterday so I might wait a couple of days to do it again until the trail dries off! Not a difficult ride but a long, beautiful, exhausting ride!

Not moving, just rearranging. I'm tired tonight from the weekend. It's so nice and cool out I feel like a walk in the woods before the sun goes down. The spider webs near clearing out on the trail. And I need to air out some and get some exercise.

Spider webs in your head?

The spider webs build up along the trail I cut through the woods if I miss a few days of walking, well, the spider webs in my head too from too much being inside!

Obviously I need to clear the webs in my head!

Today's a gorgeous day for a workout, cool, crisp, not a cloud to be seen. I'm planning on a few miles jog later when I get off work. There's a nice breeze today too.

A bike ride last night. Gorgeous day but by the time I got off the mtn, it was FREEZING cold! Welcome to Colorado, where the temp drops 20 degrees in 15 mins if it so desires!

Today I woke up with a leg cramp, for the long walk/run yesterday. Do I need to eat more potassium?

Bananas! Need to take better care of yourself, for sure :-)!

The gym thing again. Dingy and dank but I worked up a sweat and played with the free weights. Snow tonight and through the weekend so maybe a bike ride...

Did the gym thing yesterday, first real workout since I hurt my back. Still a little stiff and sore but sweating for an hour seemed to help. The sauna is what keeps bringing me back! Not nearly as nice as the Q, but hey, I'm on a budget!

My workouts have been *great* the last two days. Mile swims both days. Sauna. Hot Tub. Steam Room. Exercise machines. Pumping up the ol' bod. Got to. Or turn into a brain in a jar (ughh).

Sounds like a great B movie plot. "Man loses Q pass, mutates into... BRAIN IN A JAR!!!"

Don't worry, I have a spare Q card.

Whew! That could've been a disaster.

Always good to have a clone around.

Do you have one sprouting in the back 40?

Not yet, maybe time to get one started.

I had the most fun on Friday! I wanted to go for a jog but it was way too cold. So I turned up the tunage and danced around in my basement! Whew! I had a great time and a great workout [read: I was sore the next day!]

I love to dance around the house to great music.

What do you dance around to?

The best station I can find. I really don't play CDs or tapes much.

radio gets me frustrated. too many commercials and all the same songs.

KUT has some cool music sometimes. And some stations play like 6 songs in a row or do albums.

I agree with the KUT statement. They are one of the few stations that understands the word 'variety.' The popular stations seem to get stuck on 'alternative top 40' tunes.

Sometimes KOOP has some good stuff but can't be counted on.

We've got KCTL (out of Ft. Collins)

I *need* workouts in the winter! No landscaping to to other than chopping wood for the fire, and the daily walks with my daughter to her schoolbus stop, with some Xcountry skiing when weather allows. I use free weights for about 1.25 hours each day since the membership I *won* to the fitness center lapsed. Good discipline's not as bad as it sounds!

I've found Colorado winters difficult for that reason. Very little biking in the snow (although it has been done!), no skating and uncomfortable running. But I do hate gyms...

I know what you mean about the gym scene, I think I tried to get you over to the Q once, remember?

And I conceded but that was at 6am when I had the place to myself. Nothing campares to the great outdoors but a completely empty gym, track, pool and sauna are certainly worthwhile explorations!

I can get you another week pass on your Austin visit. Still happening right?

Yes, still happening. And, hey, that might be a grand idea!

early morning run. a bit nippy but clear and beautiful. took a new route and was a little disappointed in the first mile until I returned home and noticed the 10% grade that I had climbed! snowshoeing in Estes Park tomorrow!

Went for a skate Wednesday afternoon/evening. I had planned on a 10-mile out and back (just a quick muscle mover) but my competitive nature got the best of me. When I arrived at the hill up to Chatfield Dam, there were two men skating ahead. Well, I had to see if I could pass them. And when it looked as if they were going to continue up the sttep grade... well, I had to also. Once I beat them to the top *giggle* I stopped and chatted with them for awhile and they talked about a new route back to the Platte path. It added another few miles but I discovered a new trail and new rates of speed coming down from those hills (yikes!) Total a little over 18 miles. Felt good.

We're back, the spring.net domain name transfer brought us to our knees today. But we're back. And beautiful.

Boy, did that create confusion on my end for the last two days...

and what's so significant about confusion on your end WER?? *smile*

fine!

Sweating wise: Spent all day Saturday on the MTB (between trailriding, commuting and screwing around we got in about 30 miles) Lesuire skate with a couple of girlfriends on Sunday (not very far, not very fast) And, after the drastic temperature drop (and 3 inches of snow) I'm back to the gym tonight.

Spent a lot of time on the basketball court with my son, who's 6'%" and has an intimidating slam dunk. Wore me out!

I'm figuring it should read 6'5"? What can I say? Stay in his face with yer hands up! My son's about 3'1", but since watching "SpaceJam" 20 million times or so has all the basics down...wears me out too!

5" is correct. 6-5. And he has this awwsome reverse slam dunk. I tried the hands in the face trick to not much avail, it's hard to get my hand in someones face who is over the rim somewhere near Telstar 5.

after the illness from hell (from which I still have not recovered my voice -- some say it's sexy so I might try and develop the gravelly sound a bit) I was told minimal exercise. I believed minimal to be four times a week but... it has not worked out as planned. A very easy MTB ride, some gardening and a seven mile skate have completely downed me again. Anyone else have more success today?

Watched some dolphins on TV swimming around very fast. Wore me out. Had to turn it off and lie down. Still haven't caught my breath. How long does this take? Probably depends on the sofa.

Thursday's the big day, moving in to the new house. I called the pool cleaners yesterday and had them set up a weekly appointment. It's going to be a "swimming summer"!

WooWoo!

I am on a fitness binge again... sneaking in skates during lunch, a run here and a bike ride after work. In three weeks I think I'll enter an inline marathon (either that or a foothill century ride). I certainly miss some of my old routines from Austin but nothing beats cycling in the mountains! Today I snuck in a 12 mile skate between summer school and the computer center and took a 32 mile bike ride after coming home to an empty house. I figure if I wipe myself out good and completely, I shall really be able to take full advantage of the jacuzzi bathtub!

What's a good place to pick up a low end bike in Austin, one that would be good for street and dirt. Any brand recommendations?

I had the BEST skate (well one of the best anyway!) I skated along the Platte River up to Confluence Park at a nice lesuirely pace... no racing today! Too lazy to explain it all now, but my legs and whole body felt really strong... I feel really good now! (29 miles roundtrip)

Specialized makes a good range of bikes. Sounds like you would want a Hard Rock. Can fit knobby or slick tires (off road and on road) sits more upright so it is not as ideal for aggressive trail riding but can certainly take you through Zilker! Go visit Bicycle Sport Shop already!!!

Is this a good bike for someone my size, Stace'? Any particular model Hard Rock?

I'd suggest you try Buck's Bikes on Jollyville Rd. They have a good selection and good prices.

try out a few types Paul, cause all frames and frame makers are a bit different. Trek or Kona might be better for someone with a long torso like you (they CERTAINLY don't fit me!)

What's you height?

5'2"

I remember when I was 5'2" those were the best years of my life everything seemed to work out just fine but then my workouts went so well too just pick-up baseball and basketball and football games with friends after school and on weekends and at night I'd go up to Rec Hall at Penn State hardly ever got kicked out lotsa stuff to do there indoor track, way up high, that went around the main gym lotsa basketball courts squash courts, handball courts, raquetball courts weight rooms badminton is intense indoors during a special Christmas 2 week period, every year, kids got coaching on indoor track stuff (with races), and even boxing (with headgear and bloody noses and real short rounds and no more'n 3) and there was a summer indoor swimming program for kids who were no taller'n 5'2" that was taught by Penn State football assistant coaches gymnastics room (trampoline was wide and long, and high up off the floor---like, 4 or 5 feet) and there were these cool belts you could wear that came down from the ceiling ---you'd put 'em on and they could let you be like Peter Pan, swoopin' around through the air---I did get kicked out once for doin' that they were supposed to be used to practice floor exercise routines, and they were hooked to the wall when not in use tennis courts were clear across campus---it was fun to play at night on clay courts one time I played against some women on the tennis team over at their tennis courts they complained about me serving too hard against 'em they weren't like you, Stace if it were you, it'd sure enough be me complainin' about you serving too hard as I get older and more'n and more'n stooped over, I like to think how it's getting me closer to that ultimate height where I can return to the best years of my life and everything'll work out just fine again with great workouts

ah but I shall never achieve that volleyball greatness that comes with physical stature...

we need setters bad good ones with tremendous setter stature tremendous accuracy, quickness, diving ability somebody who can take IV replenishment and get right back in there someone with incredible volleyball instincts if you're that one, we need all your physical stature and all the Stacey you can give

I wish I could just tap into some of her energy...

Stature is not that important when there are six players on the team.

a team with Michael Jordan might be alot better'n the same team without him and someone else in his place ---and then applying that idea to volleyball (or staceyball)

big hike today, taking advantage of the warm weather!

In the mountains?

Don't leave us in suspense. Where did you go? What did you see? How long did it take? How do you feel now?

I resigned from my former job and now work in the foothills. Everyday at lunch (weather permitting) I hike up the foothills, into Deer Creek Canyon and up the hogback. I usually see chipmunks and black squirrels but a week or so ago I saw a two-point buck and several does. It's relaxing and invigorating and perspective generating and... just really wonderful. the sunshine on my face in the middle of the day, clean air (not Brown Cloud air), quiet yet naturally noisy...

Sounds good. Do you take the same route every day? If so how far is it?

different routes, different trails... as far as I can run, walk or hike in about 45 minutes!

That's great. I miss wildness. Everything is so tame here in the city. Even the deer will walk right up to you. And I miss the solitude of the trees.

it was the squirrels that really got me living in Austin... they not only walk right upto you, they climb into your pockets looking for something to eat!

They haven't done that to me yet, What they have done is to sit in a tree at eye level look me in the eye and chatter at me.

they climb into your pockets looking for something to eat! hmmm...that sounds familiar... and speaking of, you gonna be in town next week, Stace?

yup! I was gonna try and surprise you at LI (since you're always there, I figured my chances were excellent) but seeing as you must pay too damn much attention to my senseless prattle... I guess you already knew I'd be a comin! Flying into Austin late Tuesday eve, heading to SA for Wed - Sat (or Sun) and then in Austin until Wednesday (12/2) gonna be around?

Monday after Thanksgiving at work open till close, and Tuesday I work open till 5ish, off on Wednesday...

Let's have a little party at my place, what say, Stace' with you, wer, Ray, Tim, Tami, and everyone.

Great idea. Say When!!

Whenever Stace' can make it. If she's game.

great idea!

GREAT time today playing around on all the exercise equipment I feel so alive, so awake, so fresh, so full of energy... so HUNGRY!

You make want to cruise over to the Q.

did'ya go???

What's on your workout agenda today Stacey? I'm going to try and get over the Q, it's *freezing cold* here today.

skipped the gym today... last minute holiday shopping. Dodging last minute Christmas shoppers was all the exercise I could handle today!

Ah yes, the shopping mall hurdles event.

the gym at work was a madhouse at noon... good thing I went at 11am! I'm really enjoying the fact I can exercise during lunch times here! I always feel so refreshed albeit very hungry by the afternoon! Went hiking on Saturday in the snow at Mt. Falcon... beautiful, beautiful! Yesterday drove up to Eldora and went snowshoeing! Tubbs has an expo and snowshoe rentals and trail passes were free! There really wasn't enough snow to need snowshoes until I went off trail... such fun! Pretty windy and cold up there, I didn't last two hours even!

short hike during lunch... super muddy but really sunny and warm!

How warm? What was the temperature?

63 F and dry, dry, dry... geeeeooorgeous!

Where I was at the time it was only 15 degrees warmer. That was in south Florida

great little hike during lunch on Monday... to work out all the sore skiing muscles... still warm and sunny and dry here!

25 minutes of hard backstroking this morning on an empty stomach at the Q. Gotta do this at least 4 times a week to burn off that excess fat.

where you been hiding that 'excess fat' Paul???

Well I've got a lot of it burned off, but there's still some work to do. Heading to the Q in a little while to burn off some more. Simple theory. Go to the Q first thing in the day on an empty stomach. Drink one cup of *black* coffee. Then work out furiously for 25 minutes, no matter what, just so it's aerobic. Simple, but doesn't it make sense that you have to burn fat when there's nothing else in there to burn? It's working so far. Folks have been making comments, ya know!

actually it doesn't make that much sense. Fat is fat soluble. Must have fat to burn fat. Yes, your body will burn adipose tissue, but it takes longer to convert. Plans like that can also backfire, leading to a slower metabolism as well as the hoarding of calories... if your body thinks it's starving, it'll be really stingy with the calories you do give it. Lowering your metabolism. Have a banana Paul... the potassium is excellent for you, the caloric intake is minimal but at least you've got something besides muscle to burn!

Hey, you're psychic. I bought 3 bunches of bananas at HEB last night. A force just moved me off Riverside into the produce section and on the express lane.

ahhh... and I am quite a force! *grin*

But, Stace, you've shattered all my simplistic notions of working out! They're lying in bits and pieces on the floor. Now I'm scared that I'm "tricking" my body by this black coffee 25 minute workout 4 times a week routine. What would you recommend instead? I did have a great swim two days ago and in about an hour I'm heading over to the Q for a 25 minute aerobic workout. I *have* lost a lot of weight doing this and I feel a lot healthier and more pumped up. A lot of folks are commenting that I look better, the improvement over the last 30 days doing this routine has been astonishing. Yesterday, I beat a 6'9" 20 year old kid playing basketball. And yet you say I'm doing it all wrong?

I'm saying that you're doing it all wrong as far as your body is concerned. It's the only one you have... don't make it work so hard in some ways. Push it to the limit with exercise and continue to allow your positive attitude to affect your body image but... feed it Paul!!! The results you've gone into would be the same if you went on some crackpot crash diet... of course your body will lose weight but once it figures out you're going to continue to deprive it of nutrients (not so much a calorie issue as a nutrient issue), it's gonna start hangin onto every piece of anything you put in your mouth and not let it go. Read SLOW metabolism! As long as you've continued to eat well during the day, you should be fine but a simple banana in the morning could improve your performance and it'll make your body feel better. I know, i know, you're saying you feel great already... I bet you do, endorphins do that to a person! Keep drinking the black coffee but throw a little bone to your system and see hhow it feels!

Well, I've been eating normally. But I just thought working out on an empty stomach first thing in the day would burn more fat. Well, I'm working on that bunch of bananas. Hooo hooo.

good boy! entering any 'stupid human trick' contests soon? Ironman?

so if I started a equivalent program, I should stir one teaspoon of lard into my black coffee before working out...right?

*laugh* sorta. could we try for something with actual nutritional value?

On Friday it snowed so fiercely that the Rockies game was postponed until August, Saturday I had to add an extra comforter to the bed, Sunday I worked in the garden without a jacket, today I took a bike ride during lunch (no jacket!!). My 'workouts' for lack of a better word have been sporadic. I guess I was just being kinda lazy. I now have a goal... a dualthlon on May 15. Really short distances but it's been awhile so I think it'll serve as a nice warm-up to an event filled summer. I love the outside, I love the outside... c'mon everyone, sing my happy song!

No posts on here recently! I joined a gym for the first time this week. I alsmost didn't get accepted because I've got chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). But 9 years on I'm ready to start really moving again. I'm a bit frustrated because my regime at the moment doesn't stretch me - the gyms being very cautious. So I'm only doing about 20 mins light work. I've been twice this week and feeling OK. When does the weight begin to come off?

Hiya Maggie! I got tired of working out by myself... glad you stopped in! The weight starts to come off after your metabolism really believes you've made a lifestyle change... consistency! And, depending on your regime, the scale may not show results as quickly as your body shape. Muscle weighs more than fat but it's also more compact... you'll be firmer before you're lighter. The best part about that is though... lean muscle mass also burns more calories... so... you're body will begin to burn more calories just by existing. Once you hit this point and continue to keep exercising is when you'll begin to notice the serious changes! Is there any active way to treat CFS? Have you modfied your diet with this new workout plan?? What gym did you join? Did you sign up for a personal trainer? Keep us up to date on the progress!

Hi Stacey, I'm glad someone was out there! Where do I start? Well, the Gym I've joined is run by our local council (in England). It's got a good local reputation and a lovely view of the river Thames which i enjoyed on the treadmill this morning. I had my induction this week and got a personal trainer who keeps an eye on me, and does reviews, fitness tests and stuff. That's where I hit the CFS problems becuase the Gurus say don't exercise, and the trainer was going by that. I've had it 9 years and I lead a full life, I just have to pace myself Active treatment of CFS. In the UK most of the problem is getting it recognised. Because the hospital thought my adrenal glands were packing up they stuffed me full of steroids. However, that did appear to give me a kick start, and from being a zombie I woke up. I also had a really good physiotherapist. She worked on the premise that if you don't do anything you won't be able to do anything. So she taught my husband passive exercises to do with me, and then encouraged me to take up badminton! All this at a stage where I could hardly get around. But it worked for me. I learnt to recognise the 'stop' signs, and decided that a few bad days were worth the increase in muscle tone. Once i plateaued and didn't seem to be making progress I tried cutting out various foods one at a time. Cutting out wheat made a big difference. now I can eat it, in moderation. Diet. I already eat a healthy, low fat, high fibre diet with lots of raw foods, but can't shift the pounds I put on with the steroids and after. There's been a real metabolism change. Any ideas?

How long have you been eating the diet you mentioned? Is it fat tissue that you're trying to lose or have the steriods put more 'bulk' on you as well? As you probably know, body buidlers use steroid type drugs to add girth that they are then able to tone... you may not have fat to lose, but some of that extra tissue... As is always the case, unless you're trying to bulk up (big, thick muscular look) use very light weights for extended repetitions. Even three - five pounds lifted over and over again (I go by time in minutes, not by number of repetitions) will tone those muscles. Stretch often and well to elongate those muscles and to relieve build up of toxins in the tissues (releases stress as well)... You are certainly on the right track! Sounds like you've got the CFS under control... is it at all episodic? Good days and bad days? Any triggers? Glad to have you around Maggie...

I've been on the diet for about seven years. I think I agree about the bulk. Apart form that one episode on steroids i haven't had any for 9 years. But - I heard it takes years for them to be out of the body. I'm doing the stretch exercises on an off during the day. I find it helps to relive tension whilst computing. I sit at my computer for 6-8 hours a day which doesn't help. haven't got into using weights yet. I think that comes laterin the programme. I have a review in 3 weeks time, although I' e decided to increase the levelon the bike (I'm on 0!!) and speed on treadmill (I'm on 3.2 which is far slower than my usual walking speed). My frustration at the moment is the cautiousness of the gym! However, I am grateful to be able to exercise and then being able to work as usual, so it must be OK, and I need to be patient. CFS is episodic for me, but now I hardly remember I have it. I have patches where I feel like I'm wading through treacle and everything is an effort, and everywhere aches. But I know it passes, and it just a matter of living through it. Wheat certainly makes a difference and I know if I've overloaded. Certain flours seem better than others. I think it may be to do with the added chemicals. Stress always pushes me over, especially time pressures.

I understand your frustration about the slow pace but your body will appreciate the gradual conditioning! How frequently are you going to the gym?

BTW, my workouts are going well. The month long hiatus I took to get married, honeymoon and visit relatives has not negatively impacted my fitness level as much as I thought it would and I put in 20+ miles running on Saturday. Today I'll do some easy weights, to continue to counteract those knee issues I've been prone to and maybe run for awhile. Although the weather is SO incredibley unseasonably warm, I may skate.

Congratulations. Does your husband run too? Hope you had a great honeymoon. I'm trying to go to the gym four times a week. We get to swim free too with our membership, so I went swimming after my workout today because I felt good. It's a small pool but not usually crowded. I like it because it's warm, and that helps my muscles. I upped the treadmill to 4.0 (I don't know what the rates refer to) and my heart rate kept under 130 and it felt much better than the slow speed. I also did 10 minutes instead of 5. So I feel good about it.

My husband thinks running is 'evil'. Unfortunately it is just about the worst sport for bad knees, but he's trying to be supportive... He's a big cyclist. Road and mountain bikes. For the last few years he's been doing ultra events and the next one is the Ididasport. This race is the equivelant of the Ididarod in Alaska, only on a mountain bike. Congratulations on upping your level and your time! Typically on a treadmill you can increase the speed and/or elevation. So, when you upped it to 4.0, you either increased the slope upon which you are walking or you graduated to 4km/hour.

I guess I upped it to 4 KM per hour. I decided not to go to the gym today as I felt a bit overstretched after swimming as well yesterday. However, I did do a brisk mile walk to the shops for the paper. Both my girls were runners at school, and both have had knee problems. My youngest daughter's boyfriend was captain of the junior England squad and is encouraging her to gradually get going again. His family are runners and regularly compete. At least I'm getting encouraged not laughed at! My husband is oining me at the gym, although his programme is three times as long as mine which is causing me some frustration (I end up hanging around for him). How often do you run? Do you work out as well?

I run 2-5 times per week... how's THAT for inconsistentcy!? My running schedule always depends on how the knee feels. My longest runs are usually on Saturdays and I take Sunday off. Honestly, I hate gyms, I just don't like being inside and sweating. But in the winter time the gym is a logical choice because I hate being sedentary more! I also rollerblade and mountain bike, although since training for this marathon, I haven't done either since July. I use weights a couple of times per week. Lots of repetitions, VERY little weight usually. At first getting used to using only 8 or ten lbs was difficult for me because I felt like I wasn't pushing my body at all. But after 50+ of anything, I start to feel 'the burn'. Today I woke up at 5am to hit the gym before work... I like starting my day out with the endorphin rush!

I pushed the treadmill up to 15 mins and got to 4.5 (?kms n hour) and the heart rate didn't go above 130, so I think I'm coping well. I also pushed the bike up a level to 1! So I'm feeling quite pleased. I think I just have to be happy with small things - although it's frustrating. Husband has curtailed his workout so that I'm not waiting an hour for him to finish. That helps the frustration too. How far do you run on your 2-5 times a week stints? Have you always run? Our girls began doing 5kms in Africa when they were 10-12 years old, but neither have carried on into adult hood, partly because of injury problems. they also hated running in the cold here.

Again, everything depends on the knee. Usually between 3-5 miles (is that like 5K - 8K?) per stint. Lately though I've been between 5-8 per stint and everything feels pretty good. My father used to run when I was little. Five miles every day. I would ride my little pink bicycle behind him, around and around and around the neighborhood. When I was about 10 I started enjoying running in school and I would take short jogs with my father. In junior high school (ages 12-14) I ran with the track team. In college I ran to relieve stress and would participate in 5K and 10K charity runs. I ran my first marathon in March of 1995 and two weeks later in a 10K, I seriously injured my knee. For ecovery (after 8 weeks of doing NOTHING!) I began cycling (with my then boyfriend, now husband). Only in the last year and a half have I started running on a fairly regular basis and only since July have I run exclusive to other physical activities. Today I will hit the gym AFTER work... somedays I prefer sleep to the treadmill!

and pardon me for not mentioning in the last post... Congratulations! ... on increasing your speed and still feeling great!

My personal trainer rang this morning - and my routine's been upped. I'm now on the bike twice in the session - the second time on the hill programme, and also on hill on the treadmill. So, I'll try it out tomorrow. She's also suggested weights - not sure if thats whilst on the treadmill or separate. I need to book a review session to be taught how to use them. So I'm feeling more positive. Now I've gone and got a cold!

Woo Woo! Maggie! (not cheering about the cold of course!) Good luck with the improved regime! I haven't done anything since Saturday. My semi long run (that is supposed to be getting shorter and shorter with the marathon quickly approaching) was a 14-miler but didn't set well with me. Slow pace, just didn't feel 'with it' and I was uncharacteristically sore afterwards. I decided it could be overtraining so I took a few days off. I'm headed to the gym today during lunchtime... just easy, easy, easy though. I hope you feel better soon Maggie!

When's the marathon? I read somewhere that people commonly overtrain. This isn't likely to be too much of a problem for me - yet - but what do you mean by that. Is it that muscles need time to recover - lactic acid and stuff?

The marathon is in Honolulu, Hawaii. yes, muscles AND joints need time to recover. It's not so much a lactic acid issue... that dissipates after less than a day but when you pound your body's joints with such force, they need a few days at least to swell and heal and the muscles that you may have pulled and torn (that's how your muscles grow... tearing and reforming) need time to gather their strength again. It's analogous to any repetitive stress injury... do it often enough and your body will retaliate! (how's the cold?)

Feeling better today, lots of VitC and echinacea. Decided to go to the gym even though I wasn't on top of the world. Actually felt I worked out today, achey legs this evening. managed the new settings on the treadmill fine. Started with hill level 1 at 4.5 km per hour which was comforatable. Did 15 mins. Then to reclining bike. Tried random level 2 as specified by trainer. Too tough on the thighs, so graded down, and finally ended up on level 0!!! I lasted the ten minutes but it was tough. I can feel the tightness in the tighs now 7 hours later. Next time I'll begin on level 0 and go upwards gently! anyway it feels good. I'm still having trouble keepingmyheart rate down. At the least extra effort it peaks above 136. I'm supposed to keep under 130 beats per minute. I'm not feeling stressed (well, apart from that last bike ride). My resting pulse is normally pretty high ( around 88) and I'm 46. I just hope it'll settle as I continue. I guess if your run is in Hawaii you'll not have to contend with bad weather. We get so cold and damp here it's difficult to do much outside. It's dark by 4pm now, and that's a beginning. How do you avoid overtraining? Do you do different things on different days?

It gets dark here early too since Daylight Savings Time ended... makes me grumpy. Congratulations... that's what I call a 'good hurt' To avoid overtraining I need to rest a bit more and yes, do different things on different days... I'm using muscles that I don't use too much during running... to get my heartrate up and keep the endorphins going but not over fatigue the muscles I really need in a couple of weeks. I've been warned to expect a little rain in Hawaii but the temperatures should be between 60F and 70F for the 5am start... With regard to your heart rate... is the gym trying to keep it around 80 percent of max? Your resting rate should lower as your heart gets more efficient at pumping blood (i.e. as it gets stronger) Glad your feeling better! Now my hubby's got a cold :-(

now I've got the cold...

Sorry about that, I suppose it's sort of inevitable. I realised one problem with the heart rate was probably the Sudafed I was taking to dry up the cold. Now I'm not taking it the heart rate's settled. I managed level 2 random on the reclining bike today, it was a bit of a push but OK. So I must be getting stronger. I have a review next Wednesday. My trainer was not available when I was, so I'm with the gym manager - the guy who overruled her about me. So I'm very happy about that. We talked about be inning some weights. I want to do some upper body and abs. That's all positive isn't it! Unfortunately (well, sort of) we go on holiday the day after the review so I won't have a chance to put the new programme into practice until after Xmas. But at least I can set it up. Is the cold hampering the marathon prep?

the cold kind of hampers everything... not really hurting the marathon prep... I should be resting a good bit anyway. I did go to the gym yesterday... I just walked on the treadmill at 4 miles/hour for 20 minutes. Te slow pace got me moving but didn't make my heart beat race... I think it was the best thing to do. Where are you going on holiday? Will you exercise while you're away??

We're going to a place called Rock in Cornwall (far West of Britain). Its really a small sailingplace (we don't) on the river estury. Lots of craggy scenery and peace and quiet We're borrowing a holiday home of some folk who are happy to have people in it out of season. I think the only exercise I'll get will be walking, but that's OK. Christmas is usually a down time as far as exercise goes for me. I try and stick to the diet and get going again aftrerwards. By the way - I lost two pounds and it's st ying off. That's the first loss for months. Hope you feel better soon. What's the actual date of the marathon?

Congrats on your loss Maggie! I AM feeling much better today... thanks for the well wishes. I took a morning run (just a few miles) and that kinda cleared me up a little. The marathon is on December 12th! At five a.m. Marcia's time! I think I'll skip the gym tonight... and save the energy to play with my hubby!

Good idea. Mine's a PhD widower, so going to the gym together is FUN!!! Cold's better but the gym was a bit of a slog this morning. I'll be on holiday when you run the marathon, but I'll think of you. What time are you aiming for?

originally I was aiming for under four hours... but now that I've been running every week with Dawn, I'm just going to run with her the whole time and whenever we finish, we finish. Have a GREAT holiday!

Thanks. Tomorrow's the big day for the re-programme. 8.30 in the morning is not my best time. I just bope the heart rate stays down and that lets me expand my programme. I'm hoping for abs and weights. I'll post in tomorrow night with results and then - I'm off.

I ran for 75 minutes yesterday during lunch (before the big holiday pig-out... I mean party) and I'll go after work today for an hour or so. I will probably put in a few miles on Wednesday and just walk on Thursday (for my MENTAL conditioning) and then we're off at 6am Friday morning... no more exercise until Sunday at 5am! good luck keeping the HR down tomorrow morning!

I had a good re-programme, really clicked with the instructor - she listened to me!!!! We added the air-bike as warm up, kept the other settings on reclining bike and treadmill, added two upper body weights machines, which I coped with fine, and the cross-trainer (ski machine) for 2-5 mins only, oh and some abdominal floor exercises. I felt fine and felt I could cope with the added challenge without killing myself. BP down to 108/84, heart rate behaved well. And I've lost a kilo (2.2lbs) on their weigh ng machine. I'm pleased. Best of luck for the weekend. I'll be thinking of you. Bye till after christmas

Y'all are inspiring me to get back to working out at the Q, as soon as I finish building the cottage and cabin, which is my main exercise now. I get in a lot of walking on my little construction project out in the country.

I leave tomorrow at 6am... eek!

Bon Voyage, Stacey, and Aloha! Go for it!!! I posted relevant information in Geo or Newa/weather and also in Team Leukemia. I have called off all rain dances and blessings as this is getting ridiculous! Weather is cool and rainy at the moment Will Brandon be going with you? (He should for your moment of glory in the Aloha State...!)

Brandon will be going with me and thanks for the bon voyage party... I posted this in the Team Leukemia topic but I will post again here: As many of you are aware, I leave tomorrow morning to participate in the Honolulu marathon. I am running to raise money for the Leukemia Society. Thank you to those of you who have supported me with encouragement and kind words. A special thanks to those of you who have donated money to the Leukemia Society to help fund the finding of a cure for this disease. Although I am still shy of my fundraising goal of $4200 by a considerable amount, the money seems trivial compared with the news I received today. Gage Risley, my seven year-old patient honoree, is in Children's Hospital in Denver right now and will have a bone marrow transplant tomorrow morning. He has gone through seven days of chemotherapy to eradicate good and bad cells from his body and hopefuly the new marrow he receives tomorrow will produce new cancer free cells to replace the old. Gage has not been responding well to treatment and the marrow transplant is a last resort. Please keep Gage and his family in your thoughts... Again, thank you to all of you who have contributed to making other more aware of this disease and to help find a cure. If you care to make a tax deductible contribution to the Leukemia Society, or know someone who would, please send checks (made payable to The Leukemia Society) to me at: Stacey Tinianov 5864 S Huron St Littleton, CO 80120 Thanks, Stace

well the run went great and I felt fine afterwards... but I was kinda sluggish for a week I finally got back to the gym on Sunday afternoon and went again yesterday during lunch. No running yet... I'm giving it two weeks... but I used the elliptical trainer and restarted a weight program... small weights LOTSA reps. I feel full of energy and ready to do another marathon but doctors/coaches/trainers all say give it a few months so that my body can rest and repair and then retrain again...

So what will your workout be now? How will it change?

easy on the running for awhile... let the joints heal maintain knee strengthening exercises return to some of the quad and calf and butt exercises I had eliminated as I neared the marathon add some real life cycling (on a real live bike, not the exercycle) play on the elliptical trainer (easier on the knees) I think I'll bring my skates to San Antonio seeing as ice and snow shouldn't be a problem...

What about swimming?

Hi I'm back from holiday. I daren't go near the scales for a week or two!!! I just slobbed for the duration apart from a little gentle walking. We plan to go to the gym tomorrow and I can try out my new programme. Glad to hear you feel fit and well after the run Stacey. How's Gage Risely doing?

I haven't heard from his mother yet, he is still in the hospital, which is to be expected... I will let you all know as soon as I find out new information. (thanks for asking Maggie!)

Thanks for info. I overdid it on Monday, and I'm still suffering! My husband had his reprogram so rather than hang around I did my full program for the first time - including weights and cross trainer. Stupid me! I think it was the cross trainer that was the problem. I managed four and half minutes this time, but my thighs are still quite painful. I haven't had this after using bikes so I guess that's it. Got mad because hubby has gone for a five day program and we didn't talk about it. Silly really but I was frustr ted as I'm coping well with three days and didn't want to push it too far too quickly. I'm dependent on him for transport to the gym so I can't do my own thing. I've decided that if I do go on the other days I'll just do walking and maybe some biking, and leave my fuller program on the three days as at present. If the pool's open maybe I'll swim. This week the thames has flooded and is up over the park by the gym. The ducks love it! Did you have a good holiday?

sounds like someone misread the words to White Christmas and you got stuck with a Wet Christmas instead! At least the ducks are happy! We had a great holiday but I didn't get much exercise in either. If walking around the shopping center counts, I did plenty but otherwise I only managed one hour long run (on Friday morning). A friend of mine bought rollerblades yesterday so today during lunch we went in the employee parking lot and taught her to skate! She's doing very well, just needs some time and practice learning how to use the brake. But the weather was beautiful... sixty degrees (F) and sunny! Walking or swimming sounds like a great way to fill in those extra days! I can see how you would be frustrated with him but honestly, I wish someone would drag my bum to the gym five days a week! And how was your holiday?? Besides being lazy!

Found my way here thanks to Marcia. The rollerblades sound fun. Glad you had a good holiday. Mine - One word - fluey virus!!! Not at Christmas, but just as I was about to get going again - explained why I felt so iffy when I last went to the gym. Went to the gym today for the first time for a week. Felt a bit stiff today but majored on bike and treadmill with the light weights. Feel OK tonight so haven't overdone it. Had thought about swimming as well, but decided against it. The leisure centre has a diddy (small) pool, not good for serious swimming, but after gym its fine as a cool down - it's nice and warm, and so are the changing rooms. Trouble with shopping centres is that you just amble, but its tiring!

Guess wot! - I cycled (stationary bike) 15 kms yesterday. A real first. Watching TV whilst cycling really does help!!!! (Yeah I know I'm soft)

Soft, nothing! You cycled 15 km. Better than I did, but with the flu I cough a lot when I get winded and I do not need to break more ribs. Mine is on hold!

Take care. Didn't do so well today, managed 3.5km. It's so much more difficult at home than in the gym.

I know...wrong atmosphere and no shame in stopping early if no one will find out. I need the dicipline of someone looking to see that I have stayed the course, though I do well enough if Iknow I have something definite as a goal...like really great hiking friends coming for a visit... But, lacking that, I have problems getting motivated! I have eased off until I stop coughing so much that I get terrible headaches.

I played football out in the street yesterday.

I haven't done that since i was a kid :-) we played irish rules which meant it was sort of a mix between footer and rugby - oh sorry did you mean American football???? different animal entirely (yuk! yuk!)

Hope it was touch or flag football, Terry. You could get really messy knees on the pavement otherwise. How're ya feeling today? Yup, Maggie, it's gridiron!

I'm feeling pleased with myself, started some other weights today - inner and out thighs - hope it does some good!!! Doing low weights lots of repititions. Cycled 10km, plus treadmill. Still not losing weight though! I think I'd ache for a week if I played any kind of football.

I, uh, guess I started something with weight ages ago...

I'm still trying to get voluptuous but all I get is where I don't want it to be. Now, if we could just rearrange what we have...

Thanks for making me feel better!!! I was feeling really fed up beacause despite my dedication at the gym I'm STILL not losing any weight - and yes I am eating properly. Is there a condition called computer addicts bum? (oops is that a naughty word for you? sorry)

Hey, who said voluptuous? I meant burdened! ;=}

Alexander, I think your burdens are business-related and there is no exercise other than exorcise to get rid of them ;) Maggie, heavens...bum is a great word. No offense at all. You should hear what I hear over here for that part...unless you like the Hawaiian version, Okole, which is acceptable in polite society.

Oh I like that one - how do you pronounce it? Oh-ko-lay?

oh-KOH-lay....and for a toast when drinking the words are Okole Maluna ( which translates as "bottoms up!" maluna = mah-LOO-nah

Is the penultimate syllable always stressed?

Almost Always...there are times when in a lengthy word (much like Welsh and German, they string descriptive adjectives together in one fused word), that there are secondary stresses. Exceptions which come to mind immediately are Haleakala (the East Maui volcano) = HA-lay-ah-kah-LA with the ultimate syllable getting the most stress. The other which comes to mind is Hualalai, a volcano on our island which almost everyone mispronounces: It is, correctly, hoo-ah-LAH-lie. But everyone says hoo-ah-la-LIE. Including me, because I heard it that way for a LOT of years be fore I was clued in that it was incorrect.

Interesting. Do you speak Hawaian fluently? Does the % of speakers fluctuate around the islands? Off topic I know, but I'm interested. On topic: still arguing with hubby about the gym. He's keen to go five times a week - I'm content with three. Gives my tired muscles a rest in between bouts of exercise. I did thigh weights yesterday. Do I know it today!! That's with only light weights and three repetitions. It's supposed to tone the flab. I'm comforting myself with the thought that my fat is turning into muscle and that's why I'm not losing weight!!!

I speak hardly any Hawaiian, understand slightly more, but have a keen ear for pronounciations. I think it is the height of insult to live in a culture and not pronounce the words correctly. John is great at Hawaiian. He has actually studied it whereas I am strictly self-taught. It was a dying art, speaking Hawaiian, but they have reintroduced it into the schools so it is being spoken by a new generation - leaving those of us in the middle the only ones incapable of holding a conversation in it. Yes, Maggie, my dear, you are getting svelte but you cannot tell because you are turning the jiggle into something of greater weight and of infinitely greater appeal. Great!

The jiggle was definitely tired jiggle today. I struggled through an hour of programme, rowed (that's argue not row row) with hubby (again!) and puttered home where I have been adhering to my computer chair for hours.

By coincidence I was reading an article on the linguistic situation in Hawaii last night, in a library book I got out for something else. I'll post in Hawaii topic in travel.

I know about adhering to the computer seat...*lol* Resident male is sure it is attached permanently, evev though he has inspected me closely enough to know it is not the fact. Actually, it is more like a magnet. Any time I pass the room going on my way elsewhere, I always swoop in to check for new mail and posts. If I find any, it might be quite a while before I emerge again. Going to Travel to check your post in Hawaii...

It's hard going just now. Only managed 40 mins this morning and it felt like I was wading through mud. So just had a gentle bike ride and 10 mins on the treadmill. Fed up.

Oh Maggie I hope your not terribly discouraged... this is just a plateau for sure! Vary your routine a little so you can get excited about exercise again! Sorry for my extended absence... I couldn't find my way here! I have been going to the gym and I've started running again with my marathon buddy... now Wednesday nights because the weekends are for skiing (for her, not me!) I did go skiing for the first time right after new year's... I LOVED IT! Still, it is very expensive so I will only go occassionally when I feel like spending lots of money... On the 8th I entered my first snowshoe race... the breckenridge Snowshoe Skeddadle. What fun! I ran the 3K and thought I was going to die! The altitude is over 10,000 feet in Breckenridge... The most hysterical part is I won second place in my division! Tonight I'm going to the gym again... B is coming with me this time (he also came last Friday)... such fun to have him along! C'mon Maggie... keep it up!

Thanks, glad you found your way back. Marcia kept me company for while while you were 'lost'. Really I'm not doing too badly. I even managed two minutes on the cross-trainer and i'm not aching all over this time. If that's what skiing's like - well! I have another reprogramme booked for thurs. I don't expect too much change this time - but I'm with yet another trainer, my last one left the gym. I think it took ages to pick up after the bug I had at Christmas, which was why I felt so low earlier. I ve increased my protein intake and reduce carbohydrates. I'm still not shifting the weight which was making me feel bad. Still I haven't felt hungry all day with the extra protein. We'll see. Wow that snowrace sounds something. I guess you'd have to expend a lot more energy. Great you've got company at the gym - is he enjoying it or competitive?

He only has a five-day pass and is not competitive there at all. He's preparing for the Iditabike in Alaska and will probably have to spend some time pushing the bike so he's trying to simulate that at the gym. I took a spin class last night while he was on the elliptical trainer... what fun! The cycling class really helps me focus on my form without worrying about cars or rocks or bumps, etc... You drove a trainer to quit his job?!?!? You must be a demanding one *grin* Glad your're still pretty upbeat... try not to focus on the weight right now... remember, you are adding YEARS to your life!!

Yeah, I keep telling myself! and the he was a she - and I'm sad because she was nice. We went to the gym early (like 8 a.m.!) on Monday. I was worried it'd be full of beefy males, but it wasn't (ah). We're going to try REALLY early this week - 6.30 a.m. as T is teaching from 8.40 a.m. each morning. Don't know if my usual bleary eyed state can take it, but it is nice to get back early and not lose the whole morning. So, here goes tomorrow. What's the elliptical trainer? Sounds like you sort of go in circles - lol!

yep! Your legs move in an elliptical motion as opposed to straight up and down like a stair stepper or just horizontally like on a treadmill. The elliptical is supposed to be eaiser on your knees while working your entire body... there are handles as well that you push...

I know what you mean about the knees!

I think any number of active people know about knees. It is truly frightening to go to an Episcopal church and listen to the knees crunching as they kneel for prayer.

I've been continuing with the exercises that help keep my knees happy and so far... excellent results! Tonight I run with my marathon buddy. We've decided that Wednesday evening is a good time for both of us. I'm still motivated more by the social interaction but whatever works! Have you gotten a new program yet Maggie?? Marica, do you exercise? If so, what do you do?

Paul... in switching to the new server, we've lost the last twenty posts... can we get them back??

Want me to post them or send them to you? I have them.

Sure! And who knows Maggie's email address... gotta tell her about the big move!

I did yesterday since we email semi-regularly and she sent me one asking for HELP! getting onto Spring.

About those missing posts...Want me to post them or shall I send them to you for posting and editing? Let me know, and you wishes shall become fact!

Just throwing them up here would be fine... we could preface it with... items lost in the time warp... or some such introduction because I'm not sure there is an easy way to snuggle them into their appropriate chronological order... Whatever is easiest for you since you're doing all the work! (THANKS!)

Hi I'm here! Seems a bit of a muddle lately. Got a bit of a problem - blood pressure's been up. Am going to get it checked before I exercise during the next week and if it's still up go and see doctor. Feel Ok though.

These are the posts which got lost in the transfer of Spring from one server to another: Response 194 of 195: Maggie (sociolingo) * Wed, Jan 26, 2000 (15:31) * 1 lines New program tomorrow - ?rowing machine this time, or is that too ambitious?? More toning weights anyway. I'm feeling really good on the high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Don't know if I'm losing weight, but at least I don't feel hungry and my blood suger seems to be behaving so my brain seems to be working better too! Glad you're having the interaction Stacey - it does make a difference doesn't it. Marcia - do you take the computer chair to the gym???? (I think mine's permanently stuck) lol! Response 195 of 195: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Jan 26, 2000 (15:43) * 2 lines My main exercises consist of climbing things the big guys can't reach from the ground - hanging banners to stringing wires. I also crouch, stretch, push and pull heavy things all in the name of preparing the gym, civic auditorium or softball venue for games and taking it all down afterward. This happens several times a week during the academic year and it seems to keep me working better than some kids a lot of younger volunteers (commandeers, actually!). I know I need longer sustained activity but it is something I am not motivated to do so I begin and lose interest quickly. If my son ever gets my W95 laptop back to me with a fixed case I will be happy. Then it will go to baseball, softball and basketball games. You would not believe the lengths of modem cord I have stashed on reels just so I can get onto Spring! Response 196 of 196: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Jan 26, 2000 (15:52) * 1 lines I need a hiking buddy, actually. It is my sport and my love for outdoor activities. Alas, I hang around much older people who "do not hike!" Response 197 of 198: stacey leigh tinianov (stacey) * Wed, Jan 26, 2000 (16:53) * 7 lines Mmmm... hiking... lots to be had here in Colorado! It's good that you do something aerobic to get that heart rate up. Sadly enough a lot of people believe that if you're skinny, you must be fit. Not so... you're heart muscle NEEDS exercise as well to be as efficient as possible! good luck with the new program Maggie! I'll be running tonight in the cold... no snow though... maybe by tomorrow Response 198 of 198: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Jan 26, 2000 (17:18) * 2 lines You're right. I get just as out if shape (getting winded easily) when I get out of running around the ball fields. Gotta pant a lot for a decent length of time before you can do the stairs up to the field 2-at-a-time without breathing hard. Running up and down the stadium is good exercise, too. It is MY time of year. When I get to the top I am rewarded by a view of the entire southeast rift of Kilauea and I can see the various pu'us making vapor clouds like conical chimneys. Response 199 of 200: stacey leigh tinianov (stacey) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (10:06) * 3 lines That's a big, big payoff! My run last night WAS in the snow. We received about 3 inches between 3:30 and 6:30 and it came down all during our run. very pretty! Response 200 of 200: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (10:45) * 1 lines Man, that snow must have been blinding! Response 201 of 201: Marcia (MarciaH) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (11:28) * 1 lines Stace runs with a St Bernard along side. He is outfitted with a keg of mulled merlot...just in case! That kind of snow sounds lovely, and on all of those Colorado Blue Spruce, it should have been like running through a fairytale. I'd have been right along beside you! Response 202 of 204: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (12:58) * 6 lines I can't even begin to imagine running in the snow!!! Marcia was joking about the St Bernard wasn't she? I have this really funny picture of you now Marcia swinging around on wires and things. Good reprogram this afternoon. Yes, I have begun on the rowing machine. Funny thing was at that point this 'older' lady started joshing my trainer, i thought it was a bit funny - then he told me it was his mum!!!! He's also added some arm weights - you know tone up that dreaded under upper arm area, and shown me how to write my own programs for the treadmill. At least he recognises I have a brain!! I'm going to have some fun designing my own 'virtual' runs (well, walks). Next major rehaul of program is in 6-8 weeks. T had a nasty fall at work and has a ?hairline fracture of his left elbow and a badly strained right wrist. Rather inhibited his gym routine, so he's just doing treadmill and bike. A side note - after waiting three hours in accident and emergency dept of our local hospital - they sent him home without even a support bandage!!! Response 203 of 204: stacey leigh tinianov (stacey) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (13:42) * 7 lines how horrible! I hope he is feeling better soon. Did the hospital staff give him any advice on how to nurse either his elbow or wrist back to health? Congratulations on your new program Maggie! Sounds like just the spice you need to pep up the whole workout routine. Yes, Marcia was indeed joking about the dog... no dogs at our house! My running partner was actually another woman... my marathon buddy. The snow wasn't as blinding running as it was driving... the whole speed factor. But I did enjoy the beauty of it all. There were several other pairs of joggers out at the same time and a few lone runners but all else was pretty quiet. I was dressed adequately so the temperture drop wasn't really an issue. B rode last night though... much faster and much longer than I ran... he was pretty wet and cold by the end of the evening! Response 204 of 204: Maggie (sociolingo) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (17:46) * 5 lines We've had hardly any snow this year - a little on Christmas day, some in the air since but didn't settle. I must admit to being a couch potato where snow is concerned. I love it - from the inside looking out! Oh to be in Africa! No, the hospital didn't give any advice on the wrist or elbow, except - rest and leave the gym for a couple of weeks. Well, nothing wrong with his legs is there, so why leave the gym alone? To add insult to injury he lost his wallet somewhere between A & E and X-ray, of couse it's not been handed in. Pity about the St Bernard, that's be a lovely picture too! Response 205 of 205: Marcia (MarciaH) * Thu, Jan 27, 2000 (18:33) * 1 lines Oh dear, I'll bet Maggie sees me swooping like Peter Pan around the upper reaches of the gymnasiums...*lol* How funny! Sounds great, but it is not exactly like what I do. However, it is so much better than the actuality, I shall not disappoint and tell you how it really is. Response 206 of 206: stacey leigh tinianov (stacey) * Fri, Jan 28, 2000 (09:28) * 3 lines what a miserable day for your husband! I hope he's feeling better soon... rather short workout for me last night... the elliptical trainer for 35 minutes and then some weights. I was bored and went home... I'll try again today at lunch! Response 207 of 207: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sun, Jan 30, 2000 (10:33) * 2 lines Yeah, I think Marcia = Peter Pan is a good one!!! Seriously I know the actual facts are mundane but the thought's funny - has anyone read Piers Anthony Xanth novels? I think my 'cross-trainer' is the same as the elliptical. I still acn't manage more than 2 mins!!! 35 mins boggles me Stacey. We're going to try 6.30 tomorrow morning as last time we went 'early' T was almost late for work. I'll have a go at my new weights regime - and see what wonders Dave has dreamt up for me on programming the treadmil . Did I joke about taking the computer chair to the gym with me - well, he must have heard me - I can't even get away from computers there. I gather the trick is to decide on the programme before you get on the machine rather than just make it up as you go along. I'll let you know. Now wouldn't it be nice to have a virtual reality screen that went along with the programme ........ Response 208 of 208: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Jan 30, 2000 (13:55) * 1 lines If they did have that virtual cycling, I'd be going up the 345 from Olkd Sarum to Avebury right now!!! Response 209 of 210: Maggie (sociolingo) * Sun, Jan 30, 2000 (15:57) * 1 lines Come to that how about a virtual gym. I could let my virtual body do all the hard work! Response 210 of 210: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Jan 30, 2000 (16:40) * 2 lines I like that even better...but you're never gonna sell virtual food, and that is what puts the very real fat where we least want to have it...*sigh* (That was Old Sarum...but you knew that despite my clumsiness, huh?!) Response 211 of 211: stacey leigh tinianov (stacey) * Mon, Jan 31, 2000 (09:08) * 16 lines Actually, they do have sorta virtual exercise equipment... you still have to do the work... I've seen ergs (rowing machines) with different options where there is a picture of the water and the boat you're racing! I'm sure for enough money, you could find one of those type scenes to go along with just about any piece of equipment! Maggie, I think it all becomes relative after awhile. Thirty-five minutes on the elliptical is a helluva lot eaiser for me than thirty-five minutes on the treadmill, so I don't mind it one bit. As long as you continue to push your body a little more each time, you'll end up way beyond your wildest imagination as far as your fitness abilities are concerned. Really, you will! B had a race on Saturday morning, so my exercise for that day was jumping up and down trying to keep warm and cheer! Yesterday I took a nice walk around the pond and talked to the Canadian geese but it was too cold, despite all the sunshine, to be out for too long so I ended up heading to the gym for a quick burst of endorphins. It was kind of funny. I went to another of my gym's locations and used the same piece of equipment however, when I programmed in my usual level, I could hardly move the damn thing! I thought "I must've input my weight incorrectly and the machine is acting accordingly" so I switched it off and re-entered everything... No such luck! I could barely move my legs! So I just lowered my level and kept on but I couldn't help but think... which machine is not right... the one I usually work out on or this one??? I'm choosing to believe the one yesterday is broken!

End of posts from the old server If I missed any, let me know!

Maggie's email is sociolingo@hotmail.com

Now, we're on the new server.

Yippee! Looking good!

I played badminton today for the first time in ten years - now why can't I pick things up with my right hand, I ache! Seriously it was good fun ,even though I did get beat three games to one by my daughter.

how's the blood pressure? no workout today... Tuesday night... outside run with my marathon buddy... 6 miles Wednesday night... 35 minutes on the elliptical... no weights I'll go tomorrow during lunch for 40 minutes or so of exercise... Maggie are you on meds for your BP or do you control it with diet and stress reduction, etc.?

Ah, you were being diplomatic and letting her win, perhaps?! Good game but you have to have an even playing field. I know someone who backed over a trash can chasing a shuttlecock...not a pretty sight! (But, it WAS funny!) You must have used muscles you haven't used in a while or did it give you instantaneous CT problems?!

Ow I'm still hurting. I'm using my RSI hand barce and that helps a bit. I really didn't feel anything at the time but do now! I wish I could say that I was massaging her ego - sorry, it was just my out of practice playing. Had the BP checked this a.m. and it was fine. We agreed I'd get it checked again next week just to make sure. I've never had a BP problem before. I did wonder if the high protein/low carbo diet might have driven it up. Managed 1000m on the rowing machine this morning - despite the dogy arm. Hubby got fed up with me on the leg push up machine and insisted on increasing the weight as I was pushing to fast! (this is the one you lie on your back like having a baby! Different pushing motion though!)

hope the hand feels better soon! not too much activity this weekend... B had a race Saturday night... I just shivered... Short run yesterday morning... Getting ready for a lunchtime run... beautiful outside right now!

Really struggled this morning. I don't know why Monday mornings seem worse than others. Left after half an hour. Will try again tomorrow.

take it as it comes... can't work at 110% all the time! Tomorrow will certianly be much better... I know these things! *grin* BTW, what did you do in that 1/2 hour?? I'm running again... signed up for another marathon in March... A trail challenge this time!

Thanks for the encouragement! I did 5 mins warm up on the bike, then floor stretches, then 10 mins on treadmill varied programme, then onto toning weights machines and did bar pull downs (30 reps at 35lbs) and arm pushes (40reps at 35lbs) followed lastly by leg pushes but only managed 9 pushes today. Difficult to describe the machines if you don't know them. Then I did the abs exercizes on the floor, followed by cool down floor exercizes. Put like that it sounds quite a lot!! I found some nice cycle shorts in the supermarket this evening, so that'll perk me up a bit. You're a glutton for punishment - another marathon so soon? Where's this one?

this one is in my own backyard (so to speak) It will be held at Chatfield State Park on March 11th. I can see Chatfield (spit on it if I were so inclined) from work! And the park is only 10 or so miles from my house. The course is a 13.1 mile loop, so two loops for me. There are three events that day running simeltaneously, a half-marathon (13/1 miles) marathon (26.2 miles) and a double marathon (52.4 miles) so I'm not EVEN the biggest glutton! Does sound like you accomplished quite a bit a the gym! Congratulations! I think I am familiar with your machines... bar pull down = lat machine (long bar above your head that you pull down either in front of your body to your chest or behind you to the middle of your back) leg pushes = quad and butt machine (lie on your back, slightly tilted and push out from a squat-like position) Arm pushes... hmmm... maybe I don't have a clue about this one. I know an arm pulling machine... where you sit and pull towards your boob area... is this the opposite?

You got them! I think I did mean arm pulls! I also hae two leg ones - one you straddle and push outwards, the other is the opposite. There are two 'fine' arm muscle machines too (I could have used free weights for these but chose the machine). I guess these machines are pretty standard. So the marathon is just over a month away. I guess that's not too bad for preparation time is it?

not too good either really... I didn't lose TOO much fitness after the last marathon but I'll need to build fast, as I should be tapering already very soon. Went rollerblading today at lunch with a friend... it's not running but mental health is just as important as physical health at this point! Did you have a better session today at the gym, Maggie? Any hikes lately Marcia? Paul, are you still swimming? Too chilly for Barton Springs?

Oops - felt really weary this morning and stayed in bed instead of going to the gym. I'll try again tomorrow.

Only through the Gym back and forth hauling stuff (good for upper body toning) and chasing myself up and down the stadium stairs. I'd like to go again tonight as I can feel the tightness wearing off and I gotta keep at it to do any good. Much druther find a good hiking partner, but not sure who would be "acceptable" and still be able to hike (like a 99 year old man/woman?!)...*sigh* Sounds like an ankle-twister, Stacey. Are the running paths packed earth or blacktop?

no asphalt or cement!! mostly packed earth but some rough trails as well. Ankle support will be imperative! I'm thinking another rollerblade at lunch would set me right... Maggie! We all have mornings like that... better get your bum outta bed tomorrow though! *grin*

Too right I did! I feel quite pleased with myself - I rowed 1000m in just under 6 minutes. My record. The gym has a 2000 metres challenge on for the next few weeks. It's in age grops and sexes and you have ten attempts to get your fastest speed. If I can manage the 2000m (in one go) then I think I'll have a go. At least I'll be in the veterans class!!!!! Oh, I also lost another two pounds, that makes 6 in three weeks. An uneven surface sounds quite difficult for running. My girls used to run on packed earth in bare feet!!! (Couldn't do it now, they've grown too soft)

Stace, when does Brandon do his Iditabike? After watching crazies doing downhill on mountain bikes on the X Games last night, I thought of him and wondered if you were mushing north soon.

we leave a week from tonight... the Iditabike starts on the 19th! the uneven surface is a bit difficult but... all in good fun! Congrats Maggie on a fabulous workout! Go for the 2000! A little competition always fuels those muscles!

I'll be looking for you on one of the sports TV channels. Now that football is over they cover stuff like X-Games (which I actually enjoy!)...I think Iditabike qualifies for coverage! Even in hiking a buddy (not exactly competition) makes it better and more vigorousm even though I hit my stride and maintain it for best results. Go Maggie!!!

Sorry, Stace! I posted some information from ARRL for Terry in here instead of the other window I had opened in Radio conf. So, I got rid of it!

Whoo Hoo! I rowed 2000metres this morning in just under 12 mins - maybe I'll make that challenge after all. I also managed 2 mins jog on the treadmill without collapsing. I know it doesn't sound much but I haven't actually run in years!

Hey, I'm impressed. Perhaps the roadrunning Stacey won't be (but I know she will be), but the rest of the frost-in-the-hair group are very proud of you!

Congrats Maggie! When is the rowing challenge??? I, on the other hand, haven't run a step since Saturday morning... except for last night, running around cooking a special dinner before B got home! I'm planning on running at lunch today but I think it'll be too warm to run outside with the workout clothes I brought so I may be heading to the gym again. Hopefully I'll get some running in in Alaska but I'm really not terribly fond of cold so I may just huddle in my big parka and shiver for exercise!

the challenge runs from 1st march for a month. You have 10 goes at your best time. My husband managed around 8 mins for the 2K but his target is just over 6mins which is really tough. I haven't dared look at the target times for my age group yet. I figured if I ran (well jog) 2 mins out of my 10 mins then I can gradually increase it as the puff get better. I upped the speed to 6.5. kms per hour and that seemed OK. However, my heart rate went tight up to 160, although it came down quite quickly to 130 once I kept the speed down to 5 kms per hour. do you think that's OK? I'm aiming to be able to jog round the village with my youngest daughter by the Summer (it's a couple of Kms).

you're body shows great recovery ability!! The fact that it dropped so quickly means your heart muscle is getting more and more efficient! have you caculated an approximate maximum for yourself yet? typically it's figured by subtracting your age from the number 220. The result is close to your body's maximum heart rate although you should try and maintain somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of that while working out. Sounds like you're progressing famously!!

That makes my maximum 174. So I guess I shouldn't go much higher than the 160. thanks.

Yes, 160 is probably really good for you but don't worry TOO much about that... B exceeds his all the time! (by a few points here and there, when he's working REALLY hard). I've exceeded mine on occassion... The pulse to watch is your resting rate, as you get more and more fit, your heart gets more and more efficient and takes fewer pumps for it to do the same amount of work... I bet your resting rate is much lower than it was a couple of months ago! No running for me at lunch... AFTER work I'm running with my marathon buddy!

Skipped off today - had a Hepatitus jab yesterday in each arm and I'm reacting. Will try tomorrow.

Feeling lousy, got a head cold now on top of Hep jab achy arms.

Not fair! Why the Hep shot? Are you travelling soon? All of the kids here get them, but not usually the adults.

This is the last of the shots we started last year prior to the africa trip. It gives us hep protection now for 10 years. Last year we were like pin cushions - Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hep x 2 kinds, Meningitis, Tetanus and I can't remember what else. We hope to go to Mali in October for 6 months. The cold's still hanging around and I feel sick and dizzy with the phlegm, so no gym this morning again.

Keep it loose. Amazing what the human body can do to protect itself when necessary and given the chance. Sheesh! Pin cushion, indeed! You need Alexander's hot toddy and a lot of rest. Sleep it off and you will be back to exercising sooner...(Ignore the mess and daughters for the time being!)

Yes, I really am off to bed now!

greetings from Alaska!! Hope you're feeling better Maggie... No working out for me the last few days, just supporting Mr. B He's off on the trail as I type... seven hours into it... I don't have any updates, much to my own chagrin. The weather is MUCH warmer than we anticipated... 30s and sunny. The humidity makes the air seem a might bit chillier than it would be at 30F in Colorado but the sun is beautiful. LONGGGGG sunsets here, no Northern Lights to speak of yet... I did take a four mile walk today, on the Iditasport trail... marathon jitters should have me out running but I don't LIKE running in the snow.

Good point about not running on the snow. You do not need to slip and break something at this point. I checked solar flux and stuff like that and it is building again. A big sunspot showed up the other day. If you can last a night or two more you should see something!

Oooh, you're in my time zone now!!!

Geez, this thing really exists: http://www.travelfacts.com/tfacts/htm/anc/anccal.htm#Top FEBRUARY 4 Iditasport Races. The 350-mile Iditasport races include: Iditabike, Iditashoe and Iditaski. Come join the fun. 907-345-4505

Boo hoo I've put on a couple of pounds - all this inactivity! Hope you get to see the Northern Lights - exciting.

Your scales need adjusting, that's all... How could you have put on even an ounce with your two daughters home and running you ragged?!

Beats me but I have. It's just not fair - they've both lost weight!!!

Temporary water gain...isn't that what it always is?! Unfortuantely, it likes to take up residence and make itself at home on you...*sigh*

I've been working with hand weights lately to counteract the lack of activity that part usually gets in hiking and computerizing. Seems to be doing something because I can feel it.

My mind boggles - explain!

Never used little hand weights shaped like dumb-bells? Neither have I. I use a one-pound tin of beans in each hand and to reps in every direction I can think of. back over my shoulders, underhand upward, out to the sides, forearm curls. Little forms of the body-builder's art.

I can understand that - but how does that affect the bit that computer chairs affect???

Just the inactivity of the arms. Nothing whatsoever for the part on which I sit unless you consider that I do not consume the contents of the cans...*sigh*

I am a skinny Englishwoman-type which is lately just getting a healthy-looking amount of meat on the bones. I have never watched calories except to eat the things with the most in hopes that I would become somewhat more voluptuous... (Guess you did not want to hear that...)

That was me - until CFS struck. Changed my metabolism!

Ray's daughter is battling it and I wonder if I am, as well. I am not nearly as hyper as I used to be, but almost nothing gets done which is not inside of my monitor. You mean I'm gonna get voluptuous now??!! Btw, did you get much understanding from your family? R thinks both his beloved daughter and I are just gold-brinking and malingering. Ducking responsibilities, etc. etc. Yeah! sure...like I'd wish this on my worst enemy?!

The family were great, others weren't. Had your thyroid checked out? Might be worth it. Mind you it's a good excuse not to do housework *smile*.

I know that it is an excuse for just about anything...but so was Carpal-Tunnel during which I dropped things because I had to do the work and He would not help. I am just hoping that it is just a long hangover from the flu I got at Christmas. I am overdue for a blood work-up. That next. (Just changed the beds, did three laundry loads and hung the sheets to dry on the line - like them better that way.)

I got mad - no laundry done over the weekend whilst I was in bed with the dratted cold, no washing up either and a husband and two adult females around to do it. I did a good job banging the dishes round yesterday. Today they were done before he went to the gym! (I can be effective sometimes!) Yes, it's prob the hangover from the flu. I'm still off from the gym, can't breathe properly and any effort exhausts me. After I did that 2000meters rowing last week and all!

Give me some ideas for a workout at the Q, I need to get back in to working out. I'll try and follow through!

Terry, If you would rather do almost anything but exercise, I'd suggest you hire yourself a trainer to get you on the right track. If that is out, get a good video and follow it. (I am posting this until the really dedicated exercisers get online again)

Maggie, it is time you sat down that group of dependent adults who are abusing the privilege and tell them the use of the kitchen will henceforth be limited to those cleaning up after themselves. Can you look stern enough to make it stick - at least, with your grown daughters (who have NO excuse!)I am angry for you!!!

I find the biggest problem at the gym is boredom!! So - on the exercise bike I get to look at the mens magazines (not naughty ones, Marcia!) they put out for all those beefy types - so what if I get funny looks, I don't care. On the treadmill I've decided I shall master it and it shall not take me where it wants to go. So I while away my twenty minutes reprogramming it. I get funny looks for that as well - what's the matter don't they think a middle aged mum's got brains? It's surprising how quickly the time passes when you looking at the second clock and planning two moves ahead. Weights I like and use as the carrot to keep me going. I just love anouncing to friends that I've taken up weightlifting! At my gym the personal trainer comes free (well, with the membership fee) and I get a reprogramme every 6-8 weeks. What do you want to do Terry? When I get back to the gym hopefully in the next day or two I'm going to take it quite easy at first. Maybe this will help as an idea: I usually do 5-10 minutes warm up on one of the bikes (I don't think it matters which) on a fairly low level (say three) manual programme; I then do stretches for a few minutes. Then it's on to cardiovascular work, I rotate the machines in this category so I don't get bored and my body doesn't get used to a set pattern. For example I might start with ten to fifteen minutes (or even 20 if I feel like it) on the treadmill, using either my own design programme or one of the machines programmes, I then row 1000 metres (although I'm trying to do 2000), at this point I would probably go and do weights, or if I'm not feeling up to it I'll do a 5-10 minute cool down on the bike, then final stretches and finish and shower. Usually takes me between 45mins to an hour. I find the cross trainer (elliptical trainer?) really tough, and don't do the stepper either, but those could be added in the cardiovascular group of machines. Are those the sort of ideas you were looking for?

Hey! Do I have that sort of reputation? I would think you were reading auto mechanics or house remodeling...*grin* I know a lady who downloaded novels off the net and read them as she cycled through the miles. She has legs like a soccer player but there is not an ounce of flab on them! Maggie sounds like she has a program I could live with and actually show up for. One thing about that, I hate to waste money, so I would show up!! Good for you not being intimidated! Huzzah!

The money angle is true, although I also think it's a good deal. I don't agree with a lot of things our local council does, but the running of the local sports centres at affordable prices is great. Did I tell you we get to swim for free too, and use the other 'huge' sports centre as well - all for the same fee (oh and we get discounts in local stores as well). I've really appreciated everyone's encouragement as I got stuck in to the program.

Maggie, that is what we are here for. Encouragement and informational goodies traded, plus advice and opinions. It is free...and worth every penny *grin* You have a great "deal" going with that recreational center. I hope it gets lots of use by the young and bored as well as by the older and wiser...

Go Maggie!! Keep up the work... the boredom is real... change things up a little... buy yourself a new workout outfit... get different color shoelaces... bribe yourself with the promise of a hot soak in the bathtub... a massage... a slinky nightie... KEEP the intensity up... you can do it!!! I am working out of a slump as well. The promise of extreme discomfort (arising from completing a marathon I've not trained properly for) has done little to spur me on. But your story has... I know that boredom... and now I've made it my enemy... *leaving my workstation to go for a walk outside*

Stace, are you ok? You are scaring us in Screwed 19...Word association...

Mmm please answer that one! I'm still off the gym, can't shake this chest cold. Every effort and I'm off coughing again. I'm determined to get there on Monday!!!

Mine finally went away...but it was stubborn and hung around far longer than necessary. Stay away from smokers. I stayed home because of that...for about a month!

ummm... how did I scare you (ie... what did I associate??) Ummm... I'm fine... better than fine... enjoying the last few days of my job, cause I gotta a new one starting March 6th! Woo Woo! More money, more bennies...

Response 805 of 806: Maggie (sociolingo) * Tue, Feb 15, 2000 (14:21) * 1 lines suntan Response 806 of 806: Stacey Tinianov (stacey) * Tue, Feb 15, 2000 (16:03) * 1 lines melanoma Response 807 of 807: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Feb 15, 2000 (16:51) * 1 lines malignant Response 808 of 809: Stacey Tinianov (stacey) * Tue, Feb 15, 2000 (17:19) * 1 lines tumor Response 809 of 809: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Feb 15, 2000 (18:36) * 1 lines lump Response 810 of 811: Stacey Tinianov (stacey) * Wed, Feb 16, 2000 (12:10) * 1 lines breast Response 811 of 811: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Feb 16, 2000 (12:15) * 1 lines remove Response 812 of 812: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Feb 16, 2000 (12:16) * 1 lines Stace, are you ok? Response 813 of 814: Alexander (aschuth) * Mon, Feb 21, 2000 (17:41) * 3 lines pace [I had something cut out of my back a couple years ago, a mark that could have changed.] Response 814 of 814: Marcia (MarciaH) * Mon, Feb 21, 2000 (18:33) * 3 lines (OMG...she mentioned she has breast cancer genes on both sides of her family...) somber Response 815 of 816: Maggie (sociolingo) * Tue, Feb 22, 2000 (15:48) * 1 lines concerned Response 816 of 816: Marcia (MarciaH) * Tue, Feb 22, 2000 (19:34) * 1 lines worried Response 817 of 818: terry (sprin5) * Wed, Feb 23, 2000 (00:15) * 1 lines troubled Response 818 of 818: Marcia (MarciaH) * Wed, Feb 23, 2000 (12:43) * 1 lines distressed

Delighted to know you are well. Even better, about your new job with more money and bennies. Whoopee!!! (Can you see why we were concerned?)

a very valid word association IMHO but thanks for thinking of me IRL as well! Very thrilled to report I am in fine health... REALLY damn good health if I can say that w/o jinxing myself... oddly enough I did fill out a survey for the breast cancer society last night... from doing all those fun runs methinks... BTW, WAY too windy to walk outside today. A friend and I tried it but were almost physically blown away... walked inside the building instead.

I fill those surveys out, as well, and I am healthy and whole and happy to be so. You have a front going through with snow on one side and just plain strong wind on the other. Hang onto something out there. You are a tiny lady!!! I was just worried when your word associations rang a warning bell in my mind, is all...Happy to have it put to rest.

Back to the gym today after three weeks off sick. Boy was it a struggle. Just treadmilled and biked a bit and then gave up and went home. Will try again on Wednesday.

Now you know why they call it "back to the grind"! I have not been as religious as I should be about following my routines, either!

This tiredness and sinus problem is really bothering me. Can't shift it. Everytime I go and do something physical my head bangs and I feel really yuk.

I know the feeling. It'll take a month or better to really get rid of it. I guess I still have the fringes of it going by the number of typos which are getting posted lately! Plenty of water, vitamin C (off the tree is best) and rest!!!

Ha! Ha! I ended up in bed again this afternoon, just flaked out. Hubby is still gong to the gym every morning and disgustingly healthful. Oh well, at least he can cook dinner!

They do make the most curious dinners - at least, my caretaker does. Tends to be all put in one pan with canned cream-of-somthing mixed in to the entire thing and served over rice. It is nourishing, but it does make me long for food I can recognize after a few days of that! Take care, Maggie. You cannot be replaced!

Actually it was stuffed chicken breasts (from the freezer) with loads of fresh veg. Very tasty and nice, even if I couldn't eat very much.

Oooh, sounds very nice, indeed! Not grey at all! Fresh veggies?! I am impressed. Give my best to your chef...!

Managed a full work out today. Felt pretty smug, specially since I was up early.

I have good news and bad news," a defense attorney told his client. "First the bad news. The blood test came back, and your DNA is an exact match with that found at the crime scene." "Oh, no!" cried the client. "What's the good news?" "Your cholesterol is down to 140."

You're gonna be all buff and we will be shamed into treadmill torture. I'd much rather run arund the baseball field during batting practice! Better scenery~!

Mr. Smith was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him in a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for 2 days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for 2 weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least 5 pounds." When Mr. Smith returned, he shocked the doctor by losing nearly 20 pounds. "Why, that's amazing!" the doctor said, "Did you follow my instructions?" Mr. Smith nodded. "I'll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead that 3rd day." "From hunger, you mean?" "No, from skipping."

oh Maggie... sounds like you had a rough time of it! My routine got all shook up with this new job... so far away from my favorite gym! I did go today during lunch though to another gym that is much closer to my new work... feel much better now!

Dr has put me on antihistamines to try and reduce inflammation. Seems to be working. Band of pain seems less today, but not quite gone yet. New routines are always difficult at first aren't they. Spect it'll settle down soon. I did manage 500m rowing last visit in just over 5 mins at level 6, so my strength is back. I wasn't too winded either. Difference was when T was pacing me on machines, the company really seems to help.

Hiya Maggie! My routine has gotten even stranger... I'm walking an hour after work each day now! How are you doing with things??

It's been tough, but i'm fighting back. i amnaged a 45 min work out yesterday without collapsing in a heap when I got back, so i guess i'm doing OK. I'm going carefully though. Have you got somewhere nice to walk?

There is a park right behind my house... with a big lake and geese and ducks and trees and then there is a historical museum next to that with sheep and horses and peacocks and pigs and chickens. A beautiful place to walk actually! good job on the long workout!! I've been mighty tired lately so I'm going pretty light too... made me change my eating habits pretty severely!

We've been walking by the Thames recently at Marlow. It's really nice this time of year. We amble mainly rather than power walk. I'm too tired to do much else, and too much pain. Still losing weight. 11 pounds in 2 months which is about right i think. Not too fast.

Wow Maggie! That's awesome! Perfect schedule to! Experts say you shouldn't lose more than 1 lb per week if you plan to keep it off! You are really making that lifestyle change... congratulations. I think I have to hit the gym today because the weather went from sunny and seventy (F) to sleeting! *grumble*

Heya, the Stacey! Good to see you - missed you. How's the new job, nice folks there? They better pay decent and treat you nice!

Hey again Alexander! Always good to be missed. Thanks! The new job is great, my new coworkers are nice and bright. The pay is good and they treat me just right! four weeks of paid vacation is a good benefit too! How've YOU been? Another issue due soon?

Maggie... are you feeling alright??

Not really. The sinus problem's back and I've been very achy with CFS type pain. Didn't go again today. More luck tomorrow?

Nope! I spoke with her today and yesterday...she is really having a relapse of the bronchial flu she had 8 weeks ago. I sent her to bed with some brandy and her really nice husband, Tony...(I know these things because the sends me messages when she and I are messaging each other.)

Maggie... are you feeling better??? Marcia... are you exercising???

No...*expecting to be smited with a divine thunder-bolt* Except for running around the house which hardly qualifies...*sigh*

How are you feeling these days? I KNOW you exercise...

Actually made it back to the gym today. Light work out on bikes and treadmill only. Will try and build up again slowly. Husband feeling good - did 10 minutes jogging for the first time. Arghhhh

Yeah!! Maggie!! I've been taking that cycling class on Tuesdays and Thursdays but it kicked my A** last Thursday. Walking everyday and then biking and rollerblading in the interim. Actually my exertion has slowed lots... still keeping the heart rate under 140 and the temperature low. Lots of napping...surprised I haven't put on ten pounds already!

You need the naps! Now this morning I'm ready to go to the gym - and he's still sleeping!!!! Oh well! Maybe I'll persuade him to go swimming instead. Had wheezing attack out yesterday, so bad had to use inhaler, so I need to take exertion carefully.

walk around the park again yesterday... and what a blustery day! Today is still windy, not as severe but colder too. Careful Maggie! Listen to your body!

Keep bundled up - you do not need bronchitis right now, Stacey! *Hugs* Fresh mountain air is great, though! Can't over do on that stuff!

yeah, keep well, Stacey. You definitely do not want what I've had. Only exercise today has been humping things around as we continue to sort out things.

I'm really getting in to some serious swimming now, yesterday was the real first day of swim season. The water temp's up to about 74 now. I'm doing a lot of underwater laps.

Is that in the sea or a bath? I'm impressed - I've never been able to swim much underwater, I get too panicky. What strokes are you using?

I'm a huge backstroker. I swim in my backyard pool, it's 35' long, so I can do laps. I do a lot of underwater laps as well. And I use fins, I hear they give you more of a workout. The water was up to 74 yesterday, I said that. No real sea to speak of around Austin, just the Hill country lakes.

You inspired me to go today. Missed out on the gym this morning, so went swimming instead.

Great Maggie, I'm going for a dip in a bit myself.

anyone know where to get a two piece maternity suit?? I've seen some (UGLY) one pieces but no two piece ones.

Mothercare are usually pretty good in the UK. Don't know if they mail order to US. Might be worth a search. My gym/swim card only gives us access 6.30am - 5pm monday to friday. So I always lose momentum over the weekend. The pool at my gym is very small for a public bath, probably about the same size as yours Terry. It is lovely and warm though which scores highly for me above the other public bath which is huge, but cold.

Stace, thinking about it, your tummy is gonna itch anyway from stretching to accommodate the scion of the Tinianov clan, and sunburn would not be a good thing to chance. I, who have no stretch marks, but has sisters who have know you don't want to risk burning that tender stretched skin. I have seen adaptations of bikinis (gross - they cover just about nothing) and prim dressmaker-style suits. I was pregnant during the winter. Did not have to deal with it!

I have seen nice two pieces (that cover the bump Marcia, not like a bikini at all) but here one piece seems all the rage. I even braved going into mothercare for you Stacey (my kids disowned me!) and sorry, only one-piece.

When your belly button becomes an outie and your figure looks like a reflection in a really bizarre mirror in the fun house, you might have problems fitting into anything Omar-the-tentmaker did not make! Are you still planning to be in Hawaii in October? I was asked if it was not uncomfortable, but with long legs and arms, it was not a problem and nothing hurt or itched. Guess I was lucky. But, I never had a swim suit...was pregnant from September through the middle of May - carefully planned that way.

Did a good workout on Monday and a jog/walk round the park too. but then got pulled off to go ten pin bowling and whacked myself out for the next couple of days. Still aching. Managed half hour workout today now muscles are a little easier. Just bicycling,treadmill, light weights and stretches. Feel tired, but OK. May go swimming later.

Same here, I'm going swimming later, when it heats up.

Didn't get there the shopping took too long *sigh* Have a nice swim!!!

Saturday had a good, though difficult 25 mile ride. Sunday rested. Monday & Tuesday rode 6 miles each day. Weds ran 2 miles (not smart). today rest... tomorrow i'll probably lift.

WoW!! Must be negative % fat on you...!

oh no... i'm carrying about 10 extra lbs of the 'jiggly' variety. By mid summer I should be down to 130 (or less) with a greatly reduced % body fat ;-). There was a time in my life when I was measured at 10.2 % but it was long ago and doubtful to be repeated.

Is such low body fat desirable as we (not you) get older? Nuthin to fall back on if we catch the flu or have a prolonged recouperation? The is little on me to pinch inch-wise, but in the places meant to be pinched there is just enough. I think I'll leave well enough alone!

I'm stillstruggling with body image let alone body fat!. never could keep above 98lbs until the last ten years and CFS. But you've heard it all before ... I'm still in the process of changing fat for muscle. It's been a struggle, but I am determined to be fit for Africa (eta mid-October). Even on my worst days now I am doing miles better than I did last November when I started training, so I take heart. Hope to go swimming later today. Moving furniture around should also burn off some calories! Back onto high protein, low(ish) carbohydrate diet. It does seem to make a difference to me.

I hope to go swimming later also, I'm trying to get my friends interested in a poolside barbecue.

MMm sounds nice - can I come? (virtually of course!) House male took too long reassembling a wardrobe (don't ask!) so I missed out again. Will go for a walk around the village instead - it takes about 20 mins and has two nasty hills. We're off to the seaside on Sunday for three days, maybe I'll go paddling! (seriously I'll take my swimming costume and try and find a pool)

Of course you can come. Maybe I'll beam the webcam out at the pool!

Trying to imagine what a swimming costume looks like...long sleeves, pantaloons and dust bonnet?! Oooooo! Terry! Do that and you will make a new site for Drool (sitting here with nose pressed against the monitor again...)

*giggle* Sorry, dear, swimming costume is what WE call it!!! Never thought it might sound odd. I suppose i could have sed swim suit or cozzie. Actually i have two at the moment, one is strapless and black with silver, with a matching flimsy wrap-round, and the other more traditional and blue swirly. What on earth do YOU call it!!!!? (yes, i knew you were joking) What time do you want us Terry? Do I bring a bottle?

bathing suit or swim suit

Might want to know what sort of beast will be on the BBQ unless this is gonna be a all-veggie one, in which case the whiter the better, I'll bet.

drool! I'm happy either way.

Feel good - did go for that walk round the village and i didn't puff once either!!! Should try and make it a daily event. I still have the ambition to jog it when my daughter comes home ... (she's the runner of the family)

No dogs to nip at your heels, or worse? That is what is so off-putting here!

Very few stray dogs around here. Haven't seen any for ages, thank goodness. I'm scared of dogs I don't know!

hey spring-ers! did 22.5 miles on the bike before work in a record breaking 1:43. Sunday rode 21 miles. the plan is to ride 20-25 again weds and fri then shoot for 40 on sat or sun. Gotta get the mileage up there. only 5 weeks until my first century ( 100+ miles in 1 day). my butt, she is sore...

Wow!!! I AM impressed! Get your butt a gel seat - or does that not help in these extremely long rides?

What does that work out to in avg mph? 13 mph? I think you need to get this up to about 20 mph don't you (this is an uneducated opinion, I don't know whta kind of course you're on).

gena... have a blast with the century... my first was out of Austin and ended up at a brewery! Talk about incentive!

i'm not worrying to much about speed. right now it's endurance and muscle memory i'm trying to get back. but yes, you're right... the avg speed right now is about 13 mph. the rides (both the June ride and the Sept AIDSRide) are not races. You get no prize for finishing first... you do, however, get a motorcysle escort if you are last ;-) i think as i get more in shape the speed will come up.

Back to pounding round the village today I think and into the gym on monday. The scales MUST be lying!

Need some keep going vibes please! The going was tough at the gym yesterday, only managed half an hour. Today's jaunt was aborted due to a flat tyre. Give me energy!!!

ENERGY Sorry Maggie I've been scarce... my routine is pretty messed up too. Perhaps I need to log in more frequently and some of your good energy too!

Stace! Been worried about you!

Wow, Stacey, glad you're checking in! I've been thinking about you too.

Hi Stace, been sending nice thoughts and prayers your way!!! Gotta get up and dressed now and try again at gym. I hate it when it gets busy (like it was bank holiday monday). At least the view over the river is nice.

Well, managed an hour's workout yesterday, felt really good on the treadmill and did 25 mins, plus elliptical trainer and full weights programme. Downside is I crashed badly in the evening, really zombied out and weepy. Took a very gentle half hour this morning just bike and treadmill, legs very heavy, still feel wiped out. That's the problem, I never know I've over done it until I have!!! I felt so good yesterday morning, but then wham!

Oh Maggie... I've been there (zombied out and weepy)... in fact, been there very recently. I walked yesterday.

Stace, look at my poem in poetry 2. Still very achy. But did a ramble up and down hill with daughter and boyfriend last night which was very pleasant but my legs felt like jelly afterwards. Didn't go to the gym today, deided to err on the cautious. HUG

End of another week. Exercize wise it's been a good one. Got to the gym three times and did full workouts twice. Third time pulled out because house male looked grey and tired on the weights and I got scared and pulled him off (he will NOT give in ... what do I do???). No swimming, too many school parties using the pool. Have gone for distance rather than variety this week. Managed 10K biking and felt good afterwards, and can cope with elliptical trainer again although I'm only doing 5 minutes before my knees go. Not feeling anywhere near as achey this week. This is sounding more and more like maggie's diary - come and join me someone please!!!

What's an elliptical trainer?

Well, that's what Stacey called it. My gym calls it a cross trainer. You stand at it and it has sort of flat things where your feet go which move in an elliptical manner (circular) smoothly either forward or backwards, and it has poles which you move forward and back at the same time. Sort of whole body work out. I find it really tough on my knees, the muscle just above the knee really aches. It may be because i am quite short.

Back in the gym today, taking it easy because I had a fall on Saturday. Just bike and treadmill and stretches.

a fall?? Are you okay? I rode my bike into work this morning. Feeling better! Brandon and I went garage sale-ing Saturday on bicycles!

Good news! Yeah, I'm OK just hurt where I sit on.

Breathing out for Stacey!! Yes!!! I guess if we tell Maggie to stand in the corner it would be a relief?! Ever try sitting on an ice bag??!

Ha Ha funny not!

*ouch* Maggie! Yep, feeling better. I wrote my final entry in the Pregnancy Today diary. Smiling more often and thinking about the future. May skate today but the Pine Junction wildfire is making the air heavy and ashy.

*smile* *HUG* Stacey Took the option for a lie in this morning - will do better tomorrow. Bruising is easing up a bit now.

Good news on the bun front.....

Now, if I can get the house male to stop snoring and move we'll go to the gym. He looks so peaceful I hesitate to wake him!!!

50 miles on Sunday... and uh-huh! my butt was so sore! gotta get a new saddle. hit the gym Monday morning for some lifting. rested on Tuesday. will do 20 tonight after work (it's raining this morning), lift Wednesday, ride Thursday (20 again, REST Friday then on Saturday I go 60. 50 was really hard. i got fatigued, then on a hill I twanged my groin muscle (that'll make you scream) so the last 10 miles of the 50 was excruciating. one of my riding partners actually grabbed the back of my jersey and towed me and my bike up the last hill after i couldn't get my leg to work right. am fine now... an icebag on the offending muscle (ye-ouch) and a few anti-inflammatories and all is well.

Yep, maybe you need one of those gel seats. Saturday's going to be a real test for you, what's the route like that you'll be riding for those 60 miles? Are you drinking a lot of liquids?

did ya wake him Maggie?? Sounds like a fun time you've got planned gena, enjoy the riding! Paul... did you get a bike?? I rode in to work again today. Great way to start the day. The wildfires around here are still going but the wind has shifted enough that there are no more ashes falling on our heads here in Littleton. Woke to a camping smell though... just like a campfire. Very sad.

That sounds really horrible, Stacey. I had not heard .. No, I let him sleep. he's been working hard moving things around and in the garden, and I've pulled him off the gym twice in recent week because he looked so grey (he has a long standing heart problem). As usual, it's try again tomorrow .... Go for it Gena! i can't imagine 50. I've managed up to 15K so far on staionary bike. It's too hilly here to do much outdoor riding. (Yeah, I know I'm a chicken!)

Wondered about you and that fire... This for Terry: The AquaBike Now you have an excuse to put in a swimming pool! The AquaBike is an exercise bike that you submerge in a swimming pool. It has non-skid feet so it will not damage your pool floor. The bike is thoughtfully constructed out of waterproof materials so it is guaranteed not to rust. Bikes like these are used at fancy spas all over the world. You will just have to use your watch for timing since it's hard to put electronics on something that is submerged in water. The bike works in two to five feet of water.

What's the url for this?

oops, sorry. Here it is: Truck delivery is required. The AquaBike retails as item number 4007 for $795 from Frontgate. They can be reached at (800) 626-6488 or on the web at http://www.frontgate.com.

Cool bike, too bad you can't actually ride it places underwater. I checked out the url. $8 bills is kind of pricey, you could rust out a few regular stationary bikes for the same price. But not a bad idea. There's a 14 foot pool/spa that uses "waves" to swim against if you're cramped for space.

I was thinking the same thing....an idea posting mostly, I thought you could use the idea somehow.

Bad morning at the gym again, managed 1000m rowing but not much else. Groin injury really aching as the bruising comes out. Decided enough was enough.

Ah feel yer pain, Maggie.

Somehow that does not feel reassuring in that particular accent...*smirk*

thankya verrrrrry much (elvis style???)

Somehow that does not feel reassuring in that particular accent...*smirk*

double post courtesy of Yapp......

interrrresting!

Must be a busy day on Spring. It usually does not happen unless there are lots of posts being processed. which makes me wonder why, if they are working on overload, they are increasing the load by duplicating some of them.

tried whitewater rafting yesterday! what a rush, definitely qualifies as a back/shoulder workout!

What River Stace? How far did you go? Any overturns?

Wow! always wanted to try that! Was it scarey???

I went white water rafting on a portion of the American River in the Sierras of California. Not only was it fun, it really bonded our group as friends, I remember David Katz, Karen Katz, Jay Baldwin and his friend Kathleen were my expert group of rafters (esp Jay and Kathl, they started on of the rafting organizations). It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Went down the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge! Check out the trip here All class III and IV with a couple IV+. VERY FUN! Wasn't scary once we were going... I was good and nervous beforehand though! No one swam! YEAH!

I am SO jealous!!!! Not a chance in Mali I think, the river Niger is too large, slow and lazy. I'm going to have a real challenge trying to keep my fitness up. I need to start planning that now I think. Anything equipment I take will need to be lightweight. I wondered about a really good skipping rope. any ideas?

Back in the gym early this morning, but only because SO was lecturing. So only a short workout, but at least we went. Anyone come up with ideas for a program to diffuse computer stress??? I need some things to do in a confined space that will get my circulation back going again!! Better posture might help, so might getting out of the house more (....don't mind me, I'm goofy after an early morning and not much sleep)

Maggie, if I were to give you any advice here, I'd have to be sure to take it too! Lots of computer stress for me so I've taken to riding my bike to work 3x a week. Helping a little but my posture has really been slouchy lately. Which of course, leads to a general state of "blahness" Jump rope... great idea! I'd get a synthetic one, maybe nylon for durability and lightweight. Calasthenics are a good way to go when you're stuck out of your element, or quick jogs in safe areas. When do you leave??

I ended up with lots of upper back pain because I slouch too much. After suffereing for 6 years, I figured out that if I hold my arms up over my head and stretch upwards for a minute or so a day, sometimes holding my hands together, it goes away completely. :)

Thanks Ann, I'll give it a try! I'm fed up of aching!

Has anyone tried Pilates? I've got a video, which I could take with me to use as the group house has a recorder (takes US/UK videos). Is Callisthenics similar to Pilates? The exercises on the video seem very similar to the ones we used when I was ballet dancing (many years ago now). Stacey, do you know if there is much correlation between price and useablity of ropes? I've seen them priced up to �18. It seems to me that the really light ones are very frustrating to use. The streets around the 'Center' are really physically too bad to jog in, if you can avoid the raw sewage streams and stuff. We did brisk walking last time and the Center is four stories so there's loads of stairs to run up and down too. At least this time I can manage the stairs - when we went last year I was still pulling myself up hand over hand using the hand rail. So I've actually come a long way since November when I started at the gym and I'm obviously a lot stronger now. I just dread losing it all and going backwards again. I'm back in the gym at least 3 times a week now. I seem to be over the yukky bugs that really pulled me down, but am still aching from CFS. I keep putting off my next re-programme which is long overdue now as I'm still not managing my full progamme regularly yet. I leave mid-October for 6 months this trip.

hi gang! well the Ptown ride went well. i did 60 of the 128 miles then woked the SAG stops with some NY friends. i felt pretty good. this week i'll drop back to 50 on saturday then pop 65-70 next weekend. got to try out a few seats too. got home and went to http://www.koobi.com and ordered the KOOBI SI. Lovely seat... and it doesn't press on 'grrlie parts'. it arrived with the UPS man last night.

Is it a "gel" type seat?

Managed a full workout again yesterday, including forwards and backwards on the elliptical cross trainer and a few minutes jogging. Ache very badly today though and still not totally over the fall I had, the coccyx region is still sore and exacerbated by sitting at the computer! I can manage 3K in 5 mins on the bike now, at level 4, so am improving all the time.

Went swimming yesterday and got my portable basketball backboard up by the pool, so I did a shootaround.

hi. sorry for the absence. lots of changes around my house. the KOOBI seat is not a 'gel' type, it's a 'split' type. am loving it! after my long rides my butt is the one place i'm not sore anymore ;-) i got a new job... resigned from Siemens and will start with Biogen tomorrow. they 'showed me the money'...

So went in to the interview and said "Show me da money!". And they did. So that sounds like a biotech company right? Oh yeah, congratulations!

hi gang! Maggie... how ya doing with the working out?? I've been in a funk... in and out I suppose. Went running yesterday for the first time in ages (since the 20K)... I may make a trip to the 24 hour gym late tonight for some weight work. Surprisingly enough, my weight hasn't fluctuated. If you all remember, I was supposed to be putting on some body fat as recommended by an OB... I FEEL fat but the extra doesn't show.

Great you're back! I've been doing a lot of construction work, and getting out in the heat a lot. No structured workouts though. The work is getting me more in the mood to workout.

Back from holiday. I'm up and dressed and we'll be off to the gym in a minute. I'm going to take it real easy there today as I haven't done much for a few weeks.

Well, we're getting into the wind down exercise wise, with only a month to go to lift off...I was really pleased with myself recently when my rowing was up to speed again, and I completed 1000 metres in justover 5 mins with the setting on high resistance. My shoulders ache a bit today, but I'm pleased with myself... Thinking about exercise in Mali: Stacey, I bought that skipping rope.....I have gone for a really good leather one, and it came with an exercise programme. We also got a resistance trainer - a sort of loop thing you put inder your foot. I think with running up and down stairs and the skipping and resistance we should be able to keep muscle tone up. I'm definitely fitter than I was when we went last year, so I hope we can keep it up. I just hope I don't get dysentry again!!!!

Hey, Rejoice with me ....I did a personal best time today rowing two kilometres in eleven minutes 45 seconds at resistance 8 (10 is highest). During the Steve Redgrave (our olympic gold medallist, and a memebr of the gym where I train) rowing challenge earlier this year that would have been a good time for my age group. I was really pleased, my previous best time for 2K was 12 minutes 35 ....so that is a substantial increase ....

Way to go, Maggie! Major breakthrough.

Yeah, great feeling ....just how I wanted to leave the gym ....on a high note. Signing off from it tomorrow ....until March. Challenge now is to keep up the muscle tone in Africa ...we leave on 19th Oct. Got the skipping rope and rubber stretchy things for resistance ...and of course there's stairs to do ....heard we have an apartment on the third floor ...that should keep us pumping up and down stairs!!! Look in Travel and Cultures for updates ...

hi y'all! well, 4 months at the new job. it's good! really nice folks. Biogen is a bio-tech, specifically they make AVONEX, a drug for MS. the commute's a bit of a drag simply because i didn't have to do it for so long. but all in all, no complaints. no time for workouts... BUT the AIDSRIDE did go well...

Have to admit - have not worked out AT ALL in Mali - except for climbing 6 flights of ten stairs to our appartment several times a day. It's too hot to do mcu exercise - hit 118 on Saturday, only 105 today! I'm melting!!!

You are going to melt! 118! That even puts our Texas summer to shame. And you say only 105, melted Maggie.

OK, I'm back in cool UK!! Must get signed back up to the gym and get going on getting rid of the flab i've collected in Africa ..... actually I lost a little weight but not as much as I'd hoped after malaria and other unmentionable things... Did go swimming last sunday when friends held a goodbye pool party for us at a hotel.

Swimming! That's not fair, Maggie. I still am waiting for the water to warm up in the pools around here. It's still 50 degrees. What's the water temp in the pool where you swim?

The hotel pool didn't have a guage it felt like a warm bath though!!! Here (UK) the inside pool's are kept much warmer than when I was a kid. We have a 'water world' fun park not too far away and I plan a visit in the near future. They try to make a tropical atmosphere and keep it warm. Very few outside pools in the UK - we'd freeze!!!

I haven't checked the pool temp today out in Cedar Creek, it was 51 at Quail Creek yesterday but we may be in for a stretch of warm weather. Can't wait till swim season starts here because that's when I really get some good workouts in the pool.

Managed a good swim in a nice 'tropical' pool whilst on a mini-break to Devon. Looking forward to going back there again in a couple of weeks. Still haven't sorted the gym out yet ... boy am I going to be stiff once I get started again!

I've been swimming 3 days now, the water's up to 71 degrees and climbing. Looks like swim season is here to stay.

That's nice for you. Any pool parties planned???

Yep, a big pool party is planned for next month. Out of towners welcome! (There are two very nice guest bedrooms in Cedar Creek). I'll let you know when I set the date.

booking my ticket! *grin*

Boy do I miss stacey in here!!! Where's my workout partner?????? Getting back into it ...Been to the Gym three times this week and did my re-programme on Monday. I've put on 9lbs whilst in Africa ... BUMMER!!!! Now doing cardio-vascular (bikes and stuff) Mon and Weds, and resistance (weights) Tues and Fri. We go swimming on Thurs. Got a fitness test next week to give a base-line ot measure from.

I got a bike yesterday! My friend Eric won it in a contest and he already has a stable full of bikes so he sold it to me dirt cheap. It's a Trek dirt bike, red with silver speckles, it rides nice!

That's so cool, Terry! I played squash last night for the first time in a couple of weeks - great workout!

Never tried either ...have I lived yet? Last time I played badminton I ached for a week .... Today my workout is furniture removing and cleaning .. daughter 2 is moving out from home

I don't have any aches from last night, luckily. We had ten minutes before the court was free so I took advantage to warm up properly, which is something I don't usually have time for. Didn't make a huge amount of difference last night because I was exhausted (why do I always book a court for Friday night?!) but I feel better for it today. Gotta get back into my abs routine. I injured my back a couple of weeks ago whilst I was exercising and haven't got back into it properly yet.

Just went to Walmart and picked up some patio furniture and about 20 more plants for around the pool, it's going to get very tropical out there. Just went for a little swim. So that's my workout so far, carrying patio chairs and tables and swimming. I'm hungery, time for lunch!

I think lack of warm up and cool down was the prob when I last played badminton .. that and using muscles I don't using use. Talking of unused muscles ... got a new weights machine to work on pulling the muscles round my shoulder ... I'm hopeless at names of these ..I'm still aching a bit from that on Friday. I've switched from a machine to dumb bells for one exercise and seem to be coping much better with that. Silly really that I was scared of using the hand weights rather than the machine ... I think I thought I couldn't do it wrong on the machine. Trying to do all round body exercises now. If I do the whole routine my personal trainer set it takes an hour with warm up and cool down.

That's one of the problems I have with workouts - the amount of time it takes. I have a short attention span when it comes to lifting things, or doing any kind of repetitive exercise. I much prefer something like squash because at least there's a point! Doing that together with a short abs session (like, 5 minutes) and a set of press-ups (another 2 or 3 minutes) every night keeps me in reasonable shape. I don't need to be an Adonis :-)

We usually do 1/2 hour to 45 mins. I was amazed when I went swimming on thrus how much quicker I was. Home within the hour. I think I prob need this more than you do .............. What abs are you doing??? I'm using one of those roller bar thingies ... it beats sit ups for me ... and then some floor exercises. Have you ever tried one of those electrical impulse machines?

I'm just doing regular sit-ups. One set of 40 (can't be bothered with more), hands behind head, knees bent. I hate those roller bar things - they make my back and neck ache. I'm probably just not using them right, but I've never managed to get comfortable with them. I must start the press-ups again. They are actually a good anaerobic cardio workout, too (for about two minutes ;-) I'm supposed to be doing the Battersea Park run soon. I haven't run for ages...it's 3.5 miles. Not sure how I'll get on!!! I might do the Nike 10k later in the summer, but I'm not sure. That would mean training for it ;-) I don't have enough time as it is... I could always run to work I suppose.

If the roller bar thingy makes your neck ache you aren't doing it properly ..position seems v impt with it. I'm comfortable with it ... can't sit up on my own from lying anyway after old back injury when I was a kid. When's the Battersea Park run? Hannah did that a few years ago. We walked round the village this evening .. I decided to start jogging ...bad move ...Nothing is on the level here ... tired myself out ... one day ....anyway the walk was OK. Plan to try and do that most evenings unless its raining ...I think its a couple of miles ... takes about 25 mins at a briskish pace. Never do press-ups .. seems ot be a male sort of thing ..(but then was weights! and I enjoy those).

I'm tired from working in the shop all day, swimming, and entertaining friends, and showing the cottage to prospective renters.

Have a nice coool drink ....and RELAX ... and think of those of us just srating the day .... I really must get some writing done today ........

Back in the gym this morning ... hard going ... just biked, rowed and abs ...now I need to shower and get going writing ... got out on the bike yet Terry?

Not yet, plan to soon. Oh, I did ride it around the block.

Damn it, I'm still slacking on the exercise front. Did plenty of singing tonight, though, which is good for the abs...

Oh, and I screamed very loudly when I burned myself, which is also good for the abs ;-)

Beat you!!! I did them properly at the gym this morning ..bet I ache in the middle tomorrow! Onto weights again tomorrow I think ...we're out of sync this week cos we didn't go on Monday cos house male was feeling weak. Fitness test on Friday!

Did an hours weights today .. full all body programme ... so feel good. No aches from abs so thats good too. Back to writing ..

Half hour swimming this morning ... proper stuff ...lengths etc. House male has got a bad back ..trying to figure out which of the weights did it ....and no it wasn't me ...

Sounds good. I played squash last night, but I have managed to catch the world's worst cold. It's been travelling down the desk all week but, true to form, I am suffering from it 10 times worse than anyone else has. ARGGHH. Just in time for the Foxy French Girl's arrival in England. Where did I put that nurse's uniform....(oops! Wrong conference...:-)

I missed my Tuesday evening golf game this week, it's becoming a ritual. I'm hping to do some electrical work this evening on the new construction project, the conference center with the 8 guest rooms, I want to run the wiring and get a registered electrician to come in and to the finish work and main panel.

Oh well, at least you'll get some s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g Terry ... Hugs for the cold Mike ....nurses turn you on eh???? Make the most of the 'nursing' Mike! (*grin*)

Golf is extremely popular where I work. Sadly, I think I would be absolutely appalling at it :-)

Have you tried it, Mike?

Never with proper instruction, no. I get frustrated quite easily, and golf clubs are expensive... :-)

Well, I got the cheapest set they had at Golfsmith ( http://www.golfsmith.com ) and they work pretty well, I'm about 6-2 so I had to make sure they were long enough, I don't care much about the score, I just like to get out and walk around a scenic course and have the thrill of occasional good shot.

Well, maybe I will learn eventually. I'm playing squash a lot, which is also a very corporate sport :-) Good for the heart, though, so I'm going to carry on. Golf clubs are also very, very expensive to join in this country.

It costs about $8 to play one of the local courses and I prefer to carry my own clubs rather than rent a golf cart or have one of those golf bag caddies on wheels. It's pure enjoyment, that's why the score doesn't matter to me much, I just like walking around in a beautiful setting chasing after a little white ball. My biggest thrill recently was a 250 plus yard drive on the 9th hole of the Hancock Golf course. It went all the way to the water just beside the green.

Sounds great! I imagine there's a few golf courses in the wiiiide open spaces of Texas :-)

Quite a few, and many are very reasonable. We have the State Park course out in Bastrop which is picturesque and easy. There's also Colo Vista, which is one of the top courses in Texas, but it's a private club. My sister has been playing around with the idea of doing a golf travel website called golftravel.net and she has been booking folks with golf courses that have accomodations. There are a number of good public and private courses in Austin.

I watched some golf on TV over the weekend...fantastic spectator sport (as long as you're at home in the chair). There's few things I like more than falling asleep with golf on. Especially as the commentators in the UK have very soothing voices :-)

Golf on tv is very restful and relaxing, especially the Masters where there seems to be a higher level of reverance. The announcers at the Masters aren't even allowed to talk about money.

Sort of back in the gym after a sprained ankle and knock on the head ..didn't last long today though ....

Ooooh, hope you're recovering well, you sound like your in the condition of a lof the players in the NBA Finals right now, banged up!

I'm back in the swing of things, guys and gals! I have a chart up on my door reminding me to exercise and allowing me to see my progress. So far my mini program is: press-ups - 50 first set, 25 second set sit-ups - 40 first set, 20 second set dumbell curls - 12 first set, 14 second set (8.5kg - about 20lbs i think?) doesn't take me too long (which is very important) and concentrates on the upper body which needs the most work :-) also, the press-ups are a reasonable cardio-vascular work out!

I went swimming today, I do every day after work.

sticking with my programme...wish me luck! swimming just makes me eat, which is pointless because I don't need to put on weight anymore (which is a bizarre thing for me since I've always been really thin - it's quite nice now to have filled out a bit).

workout programme is going well...definitely seeing some improvement already. won't be many weeks / months before I have the Body Beautiful!!! playing squash tomorrow night, too.

Went for a swim just now.

Been back in the gym again ...ankle healing but slowly (doc says it may take months for the torn ligaments to heal properly) .. managed three gym visits and one swilm last week. Keeping to cycling for cardio vascular and weights for toning. Keep it up Mike and Terry!!!

I went swimming and played pool basketball a lot yesterday. Three couples from "Nia" dance came over who live or have ties to the Bastrop area. We had a huge discussion at the dinner table about culture and cultures, but I'll save that for another topic.

What's Nia dance Terry? Looking forward to hearing about your discussion on cultures ....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAGGIE

It is still your birthday here - arrrrrgh!

Grin....thanks for the wishes

Happy birthday Maggie. I think there's something about that in the cultures conference, I forget which topic number. It's a dance/aerobics class they have in Austin, I've been to it about half a dozen times.

Thanks Terry. The dance sounds fun ... I'll have a look ...BTW I made a stab at answering your questions there. They started belly-dancing keep fit at our sports centre ..well .. I thought about it ...

Went swimming yesterday ..ankle holding up well ..OK on breast stroke, but doesn't like the waggling on crawl! Aching today though so didn't go to gym.

Ok .. Terry and Mike ..how's the keep fit?????? I did 50 mins at the gym this morning . so feel quite pleased with myself. Did 5.8 km on bike at level 4 in 10 mins ..which was good for me.

I went swimming quite a bit last night. Back home in Texas now.

anyone still working out??? I get most of my exercise pushing a stroller, carting around a six-month old and picking up toys!! (just popped in to say 'hello'... we're fine and healthy and happy!)

Wow, glad to hear you're in good shape. I'm swimming and bicycling a bit, not much running or workouts though. What's the six month old's name?

Ah! HI PAUL! How've you been???? Silly me. Kendall is her name. She is absolutely amazingly incredible! Wowzers, I still find it hard to believe I had a hand in creating her! And to all you like-minded fitness individuals out there... breastfeeding is a GREAT weight reduction strategy. I have a hard time keeping my pre-preggo weight ON now. And the breast sizes... my how they grow! (sorry Paul, no intention of spoiling your delicate sensibilities *grin*)

I've been pretty good, Stace' I've been fixing up the Cedar Creek house, this week the big project was moving about 5 tons of flat rocks into an area between the pool deck and the pool fence. That counts toward workout time! Shocking, Stacey!

No workouts for a while since we've been moving around. But ... now I'm only 1/2 mile from the university we plan to get bikes and cycle in to the uni gym. How are you all doing?

Working out less since the end of swim season, around November 18th was the last good swim day. Maybe I need to join 24 hour fitness, anyone heard anything about this chain of clubs?

I'm working out and drinking Trek these days for rehydration. Run 1 mile and soon I'll be adding swimming to my daily routine.

mine was running up and down the stairs in the house (laundry day)

Getting in to bicycling again. Running, swimming, bicycling.