15 April 2007

So this is how it goes.

I've been doing my weight training fairly consistently for the past few months. I do get discouraged because I don't see improvements. The improvements come so slowly it's hard to see them. Yes, I can do a move with a higher weight or when held a certain way I can see the cut in that muscle. But on the whole it's slow seeing. I'm guessing it's because I'm actually changing my body and that is going to take time. But improvements are happening even if they can't be seen.

I overslept this morning so didn't make it to my marathon clinic. I was however, determined that I would run today. So I headed over the botanical garden for the run that kicks my butt. Now back in December I said I was going to run the botanical gardens regularly and conquer it. Well, it rained (hard), and I did this and that and the other thing and that plan kind of fell by the wayside. So today I headed back. My goal was to run the entire way, about 5.5 miles. It's serious up and down and a tough, tough run.

I parked my car, got ready and headed out. It was tough because it's uphill right from the gate, but I started in bound and determined to make it. Initially the hills were really kicking my butt but I kept going and going and going........... What I noticed is that my legs were just fine. My heart rate and breathing increased on the uphills but the legs felt great the whole way. I had a goal in mind for reaching the back gate and I didn't really look at my watch the whole way there. When I got to the back fence I finally looked at my watch. I was 5 minutes faster than I was last time and I felt fresh and strong. It was unbelievably awesome!!! I felt so good I could not believe it. I took a water break and headed back down. I just felt amazingly good the whole way. As I got about 1/2 mile from the car, it started pouring rain. By the time I got to the car I was soaked and I didn't care at all. I have not had that good a run in a long, long time. Bottom line: entire run 10 minutes faster than last time, 20 minutes faster than December.

So what I learned was that all those squats and lunges are paying off. My legs are incredibly strong and have really great endurance. I'm guessing I can't "see" a whole lot of change because the muscles are being built under the fat layer. I have got to work on burning off that layer of fat so those shapely, beautiful muscles show through. Whew, what a great run!!

4 comments:

Dances with Corgis said...

I don't know about the weather in Hawaii right now, but here in NYC it was a GREAT day to sleep in- pouring rain ALL day. We got 5 inches!

You rock for being consistant on the weight training. That is the one area of mine I have totally let fall to the wayside. Should amp it up. I will try and emulate you!

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Think of yourself as a fine wine, you just get better with age. :)

And good job with your run today. WooHoo!!

angelfish24 said...

Way to go on your run through the botanical gardens! That's awesome that you had a better time than last time.
I hear what you said about getting tired of trying to lose weight all the time. I've been battling my wt for the last 15 yrs but I was fine before that point. Just don't make it too strict on yourself, like when you say no sugar. I know when I make absolutes in my thinking, it doesn't last as I feel deprived. But maybe that's just me. I don't want to give up on myself as I really do want that healthy wait and I can feel myself being at a healthy wt and know what it feel like and I want that feeling again!! I'm sure you will get there too. You know, 2 steps forward and one step back but we will get there. It is damn hard though some days, I wish it wasn't. I think exercise is the key and for me throwing all the crap out of the house so I won't eat it.

Vickie said...

Wow! Great job! This should be a good motivator to keep you going forward.

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