Getting into shape

[jim]

My wife almost didn't make the marathon - the training trashed her knee. Apparently that is pretty common, like 1/4 of the people who sign up don't end up doing it.

I do know my body and it is definitely not suited for a marathon. In fact, I won't even run 2 days in a row. Starting to feel it in the knees and back. I'm a cross trainer - lift, run, spin, cycle, swim, basketball, yoga - whatever. Probably good for anyone in general but the benefits are exponentially better for us old guys. It's the only way that I can be serious about working out without injuring myself.

[Freed Roger]

My wife almost didn't make the marathon - the training trashed her knee. Apparently that is pretty common, like 1/4 of the people who sign up don't end up doing it.

I do know my body and it is definitely not suited for a marathon. In fact, I won't even run 2 days in a row. Starting to feel it in the knees and back. I'm a cross trainer - lift, run, spin, cycle, swim, basketball, yoga - whatever. Probably good for anyone in general but the benefits are exponentially better for us old guys. It's the only way that I can be serious about working out without injuring myself.

Yeah, getting to the start is an accomplishment, because you are kind of putting yourself on your razor's edge. You can only do that so often. I think the finishing rate is probably 60% of the initial signups.

I'm a cross-trainer with a running focus, or try to be. For years, working out was mostly just weight control, and wanting to be able to drink/eat the stuff I like. (I still can't eat/drink like I used to, but oh well). Now I do it with purpose of making going up and down the hills outside more enjoyable. Being in shape allows for my mental side to kick in - The Zen stuff - zoning out while being in the moment.

It's good to have an endgame to push myself. Participation in an event is a good barometer. The races are kind of new to me, first trail race in late 2011 -so I can see myself tapping out on much of it in 5-9 years. By then I plan to be slightly slower, but completely healthy and hope to have more time to do some extended backpacking trips.

People that don't know me well can be pretty indignant about participation in long distance running - especially the marathon and ultra. I don't do it because I win or for attention. I don't tell people much about it on my own, ....except for these here internets.

I've heard from many that I'm supposed to breaking down and falling apart with the distance running. - but for me it simply hasn't been the case. I ran 1600 miles this year. Some of it's luck, I know. much of it's being smart and enjoying it. I have less aches and pains now than when I wasn't doing this - though being 15 lbs lighter helps with all that.

[jim]

The Zen stuff - that's important. I got through some pretty serious personal [expletive] that I'm sure I wouldn't have made it through in one piece without staying diligent with the workouts. I could feel like absolute [expletive], all nervous and stuff, and then it would just melt away as I started working out. Best drug out there. Except for hyrdocodone and a couple of beers. I'm not going to [expletive] you, that's actually better. But it's a [expletive] to get.

Keep doing what you can while you can.

I've been researching my latest little injury here and I actually think I've tweaked something else that they call the "swimming muscle". I swam extra long last Saturday because I thought I couldn't get hurt swimming. God damn it.

[IMADreamer]

Been a rough few days. My back got much worse sometime around Christmas. I can't put my finger on why but walking is getting tough. I guess I'm heading to the doctor as soon as I can get in. I also haven't slept much because every move I make hurts. Needless to say I haven't gotten any exercise for the last few days.

[jim]

I'm 99% sure I have a grade 1 Latissimus Dorsi strain. I'll just work through it.

Doctors are irrelevant with google. dreamer you just need to google harder to find out what is wrong with you. You may need to go to a doctor to tell him what you have so he can write an rx.

[Michael]

I've lost 10 pounds in the last two months. Nothing spectacular, but I'm making it through the holidays. I want to drop another 25 in the next 5 months.

This sounds dumb, but the key for me is to cut back on booze. I make really poor food choices when I'm drinking. The poor choices are compounded if I'm hungover the next day. If I only moderately drink once a week the weight just falls right off of me.

[Jocephus]

booze is always a culprit...but its so good when it hits your lips

[Michael]

booze is always a culprit...but its so good when it hits your lips

tis true, tis true.

At work my wife got a nice bottle of sipping tequila. I'm ashamed to report last weekend temptation got the best of me.

[Jocephus]

you might try what me and my father do every january...no booze for the month. helps cleanse the body in a sense.

[Michael]

you might try what me and my father do every january...no booze for the month. helps cleanse the body in a sense.

Going to Vegas on the 23rd. Moderation is my only hope.