Exercise update

[brdgt]

Started a "cardio pump" class at the gym this week (2Xweek of cardio and weights) and scheduled out a half marathon training program to run the Salt Lake City half marathon in April with a goal of under 2 hours. I was thinking of doing a destination half marathon, but I like the idea of running on terrain I know, saving money on travel, and the timing is right for starting a training program now.

I continue to use Fitocracy and MyFitnessPal. The former has a lot of technical problems, but I have met some very nice people with useful advice and support. The latter has been mostly for myself - to maintain my weight through being aware of calories and portions - but I just joined a challenge group that seems very supportive and flexible.

I don't have money in my budget for yoga classes or a climbing gym membership, but this keeps me busy enough right now!

Comments

[alexeye.livejournal.com]

i am considering a half marathon on august 31, and was looking at that intermediate training program as well - though i think it is too heavy for my uneven work schedule. i'm thinking of creating a custom plan that incorporates the speed work but not quite so many miles during the week (plus i want to keep up with yoga this summer - last year's training/work schedule didn't allow for that).

[brdgt.livejournal.com]

I agree - I doubt I will do the Saturday runs, since we usually go hiking on Saturdays anyway - then, all it's adding to my usual regimen is the speedwork day and increasing the long runs.

[astronautical.livejournal.com]

the first 5 weeks of the half-marathon program are in general alignment with the 5K intermediate course, which I wanted to fit in to my schedule but figured with the iffy weather and not paying for an indoor treadmill I just couldn't commit to it. I'm looking forward to doing that in the spring, though, when I don't have to worry about the weather at 5AM because it's a tiny bit warmer!

I haven't been back on fitocrasy yet since restarting the exercise program last week, but I do mean to keep up with it. - wait, I just took a minute and put in all my stuff. phew!

[brdgt.livejournal.com]

Luckily, I have access to an indoor track for bad weather days (which has certainly boosted my confidence about my performance - I thought the laps-to-miles was wrong I was running so fast on a nice flat surface!). Nick takes a pretty small payroll deduction for me to use the gym (something like 7/month), otherwise I wouldn't be able to keep to this schedule in the winter.

Fitocracy had an epically bad update a few months ago that they still haven't recovered from - their mobile app is now pretty much useless so I only use it on my desktop. I've met some very helpful trail runners, some even in my area, who have given me lots of tips on gear and trails.

[alexeye.livejournal.com]

that was the update that quit me on fitocracy, as i only use it on mobile. it couldn't find any activities to log!

last night i did my first group fun run (ladies only, hosted by a local running shop), and despite the 20 degree temps and wind gusts of up to 35mph, it was SO GREAT to get out there during the winter and feel safe running in the dark. plus moral support for running in low temps! i know i'm lucky to have access to something like this, and i'm going to make an effort to take advantage of it while it remains cold and dark out there.

[brdgt.livejournal.com]

I got some Knuckle Lights for Christmas, but haven't had the chance to use them yet!

[alexeye.livejournal.com]

those are nifty! i liked that the fun run people had a box of lights you could grab in case you didn't bring your own. i need to bring my headlamp next time.

FWIW, one of the girls had a light that cinched around the back of her shoe, which fell off and got smashed by a car about .10 miles in. but there were also some armband lights that seemed pretty good & secure.

[brdgt.livejournal.com]

That's why I asked for these instead of a head lamp or clip ons - I'm afraid of them falling off/being annoying! I also thought these might come in handy for hiking.