WGOM Fitness

It’s a numbers game

14 Comments

Prior to my upcoming G.I. visit, I got lab work done and just got the results.  Across the board, all indicators were in the green (normal range).  Numerous key indicators were out of the range a year ago.

Reflecting on a year ago, I started with a trainer (Donovan) at my club to do strength/flexibility workouts.   I was well into the Walk With Bo program, which started in a walker, and got up to 108 different guest-stars (including a deaf-dog, CT Speaker of the House, the Mayor of Cagliari, and representation from This Nation).

I've been able to swim all along, even right away after the Big Surgery (after the first 1/2 lap I was so happy I cried) .

I started hockey-skating and running in November, ran a 5K (Mitten Run) on 12/3, two 10Ks (Hartford HMF 3/17, Collinsville 5/5), finished running all Hartford Streets 5/26, Reykjavik Half Marathon 8/24, and Von Trapp Trail 5K 9/23.  And 54% complete running Windsor streets as of this morning.

So I'm back in the saddle again, planning my next Half (probably Nordic/Baltic).  Feels good.

So Nation, how/what are you doing for your health?

 

14 thoughts on “It’s a numbers game”

  1. In addition to the aforementioned pickleball (played last night... I must be going harder than previous because I'm feeling it today in a way I didn't after the first few sessions), I've done a good amount of simple weight training the past couple months - mostly arms and chest/back type of stuff. I have definitely noticed a physical effect. I've also cut back pretty drastically on sugars, including my specific vice of soda (from about 1 a day to about 1 a week), and have focused on having small, healthy lunches (an orange, a yogurt, and pistachios, for example).

    Unfortunately, all of these efforts have seen absolutely zero change in my weight, which has me feeling entirely defeated. So much so that I've had larger lunches and a soda both of the last two days (because "what's the point?" - I still know the point, but that deflating emotion still carried the day).

    I have a big deadline for work next Monday, and my intention is to celebrate completing the task by getting back onto this horse. Trying to give myself a little bit of grace here, but... grumble.

  2. I averaged around 120 miles/week biking this summer and lost about 25 pounds so far, most coming, unsurprisingly, after I quit drinking. Quite frankly, I look really good at 42. I also had my yearly last week and, despite feeling like I've been snacking too much and eating too many sweets, my A1C was still 5.3, so basically I consider the 'beetus to be gone. And having a really nice gym at HQ with showers has been good for making my arms look really cool.

  3. I run 3 days per week. 3-5 miles. One bike ride per week of 15-20 miles. Weights or body weight exercise 2-3 times per week. I do pretty well in the summer. Winter gets to be a problem.

    I'm thinking about joining a strength gym for a couple sessions per week. It's not open very late so I'm worried it won't work out in my schedule.

    Running on a treadmill sucks so I'm going to have to find a show to watch to motivate myself. Hopefully, the second season of Last of Us will be out.

    2. Am with you on the dreadmill. Tried putting a towel over the digital display, but still too monotonous. I need the stimulation of nature for it to work. Even quit using headphones a long time ago as the sounds of the world are more invigorating.

  4. As I mentioned last night, Aikido continues to be a surprise for me. I had an adverse reaction at first to the mysticism workout portion of the practice but have come to really, truly look forward to being thrown to the floor by my dojo mates. Schedule allowing, I’m on the mats 3 days a weeks. Mondays and Wednesdays after work and I’m gassed by the end of class. Saturdays we go for an hour and a half but it’s mid morning and I find myself energized for the rest of the day. The more meditative (mystical) portions of the practice have real world application which is a bonus. There are moves I am afraid of 6 months in, particularly rolling over my shoulder forward from standing. Seeing the ground come at your face (because you intentionally allowed yourself to be thrown) is scary AF. Now, at 45, ive gotten comfortable being thrown backwards and rolling over my shoulder back into standing. It’s the craziest feeling - or lack there of- I go blank in the mind for a hot second and suddenly I’m back to standing. I’ve also been able to pitch myself from back roll forward into standing without using my arms to prop my body up. It’s a move I didn’t think possible for me a month ago.

  5. Still doing the Senior Fitness at the Y twice a week (was three times but we're between instructor changes), which has been helpful with flexibility and some strength. I'm on the younger side of the class, so I'm making myself use larger weights and push myself a bit more than the typical attendees. Once I retire I will have other options that I can choose from. I'd like to do a little running, but the hip replacements make that frowned upon. *shrug emoji*

  6. I pulled out the ol’ rucksack this week for a quick weighted walk with the wife. That’s easily-accessible activity and a step in the right direction. Because aside from that I’ve been having trouble telling myself that I don’t owe work or family more time with all the things I’m behind on. I know full well that the feeling overwhelmed and not working out might be a negative feedback loop.
    The testimonials here are good for helping build the mental momentum to getting over that hump.

Leave a Reply