Officially Winter

Hello Again!

So, it's time. Since yesterday was officially the first astronomical start of winter, I'm officially starting my Winter Workout Challenge. Today.

My body got a major shock this morning. I'd like to say I got up in a chipper mood, excited to start the day exercising and it was me who motivated the peddling in the wee hours... but I didn't and it wasn't. My DH kindly, so thoughtfully, woke me from a wonderful dreamless sleep to let me know it was 6 o'clock. Him: "It's six a'clock" Me: "And all is well." ... and then I fell back asleep, grateful the kids were still not making a peep. Of course, my lovely, well-intentioned DH was not so easily swayed by my determination to add a few more minutes of Z's. He woke me again to remind me that I really did want to get up early to ride, and before I could ignore him, I heard the loud clicking sound of my son's door open. I gave up. A quarter after six, I was on the bike.

This morning's ride = 10 miles on the trainer, a little over 30 minutes (30:44 to be exact), Average 19.7mph. ...But on the road these numbers mean nearly nothing. (Oh, and after my workout and a shower, I went back to bed and snoozed while I cuddled with my youngest-not always possible, so I took full advantage of her cuddly mood.)

My immediate new goal: Get up early (6 a.m., for me) to ride on the trainer for a half hour, or ten miles a day for five days a week. So, 50 miles a week. And, yes, I will be using the weekend as "make-up" days if I need to... just in case. I hope to increase my speed until 20mph seems easy for a half hour, then I'll think about increasing the mileage and time.

My continued goals:
To be ready to do the Jack Frost TT, just in case I'm actually healthy and able to get there for it... you just never know. (;
To Lose 10 more pounds. Aah, the never ending battle of the baby fat... yes, it is still there and I'm still trying to rid myself of the last ten pounds from having kids.
To race at PIR. This is a newer goal. Right now, until the racing season begins, my goal is to actually get to, at least, one of the races. I've tried to get there before, but it seems like such a hassle and my youngest was too young for the childcare, blah, blah, excuse, excuse. I'm trying again. Once racing begins and when I've made it to a couple races (notice I say 'when,' not 'if') and can guage how I'm doing, I'll set some more goals...


The Winter Workout Challenge low-down for this year: I've decided not to have a different challenge every week. I'm going to have my own personal challenge and will (try my best to) check in and comment how the week went. Those of you who are doing this with me, PLEASE comment and let me know your own personal challenge for the week, or month, and share how you are doing as well, so we can encourage each other! I love comments! They are my encouragement to keep going, so please don't hesistate to share your achievements, as well as your frustrations.

This week, my personal challenge: get 50 miles on the bike. And do some core exercises. I have been terrible about doing core, so I'm going to start with simply doing something core related... sit-ups with kids or Wii, whatever it takes to get myself started.

Who's with me?

November Break

Okay, so it's been well over a week since I blogged. I've had it in the back of my mind to write, had the nagging feeling to write about my week and then the days go by...
And now I'm signed up for NaNoWriMo and will be a crazy writing machine for a month. Which means I won't have time to write on my blogs or write anything, but words for my new novel (rough draft, of course). So, I'm going to take a break from blogging, not from exercising because I'd go completely bonkers, but from blogging my workouts and challenges.

Then in December and January I'm going to TRY to get with it and actually be consistent about the Winter Workout Challenge-for me and my readers!

And I'm all ready to do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day... well almost. Not sure if I can run that far yet, but will do a trial run this week. Got myself registered though and might have talked my son into joining me, maybe.
Hope you all are working-out and making goals!
Take care, good luck, and 'see' you in December!

Starting Again...

Boy, this has been a slow restart into the workout routine.
I'm trying to get into a schedule, but every time I do, something seems to come up to throw everything completely off, including and especially my energy.
Anyway, I'm going to challenge myself, just in case I might be up to meeting the challenge this week...

This weeks Challenge:
Three 30 minute workouts, half hour of core, and since I've found a new interest in fencing and will be doing a little class here soon, fifty lunges.

Let me know in the comments if you plan on joining me or if you were able to workout this week and/or have any encouraging words... Thanks for reading!

Short Challenge

How did it get to wednesday already?!!!
Holy canoodle! How time flies!

Since it is already wednesday (without my persmission, by the way. I need another couple days this week, preferably sleep time) I'm giving myself - and you dear, if you choose - a short challenge. I did manage three workouts last week, and have 1 down this week, so I'm challenging us to get our three workouts in and add some sit-ups. Thus...
The Short Challenge: Get three half hour workouts in these week, plus 50 sit-ups or 10 minutes of core.

Just try your best and work towards your goals. Comments are always welcome and thoroughly enjoyed whether you are working out or not! Good luck and keep moving!

Here comes the rain...

So I finally got out for a jog this past weekend after a couple of months break... unwanted, gruelingly difficult break because my knee hasn't let me run. But I was finally able to get out and jog a good two miles and it felt great!
Now it's raining.
Maybe I just need to dig out my old running shoes and go down on the trails for some mud runs... ? It used to be a blast! Now I'm just wondering if it would hurt or how much pain it would cause...
I feel old.
So my bike is set up in the living room and I have some good tunes on my mp3 player (need to add a few more though) and I'm ready for the the fall weather. Bring it on! I think...

I'm going to try to have challenges like last winter, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to post every week, so we'll see how it goes. I hope more will join us and that we can have a successful winter of working out and keeping in shape during the cold months!

This weeks challenge (for me and those who choose to join me, anyone, anyone?):
At least 3 workouts, 30 minutes each.
Yes, that's it. I'm starting easy and working up to harder. If you are already someone working out more than three times a week, etc., encourage us starters with your great wisdom how you do it... ? How do you balance it all and make time to work out? Just curious.
Thanks for reading and sharing!

Goal Setting Time!

It's the time of year when I need to set some goals for working out, or I will end up spending all my "free" time writing and won't get around to exercising... ever!

So I'm setting a short-term goal: the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving (Whether I'm healthy and able to actually do the run, I don't care, I'm going to work at getting my running miles up, just in case I'm not sick and am able to get away for the morning)!

And my long-term goal: The Jack Frost Time Trial (Again, yes, I know I was sick and unable to do it last year after all the prep, but having a goal is what I need to get my butt on the bike and off the couch, so no matter if I actually do the goal when it comes around, its the prep that keeps me in shape anywho!)

So, anyone out there going to join me in goal setting this fall? Please? I need your accountability and camaraderie! Share your goals in the comment section...

I'm Back... for now

Okay, so I took a break, obviously. (A well needed break from blogging and writing in general.)
But now I'm back. Back to writing and blogging, and back to working out! (I hope, but may need to postpone regular scheduled workouts until school starts.)
My main goal the next couple weeks is to drop some pounds before I try to run/jog regularly again. And hopefully I can force myself on the bike before the weather gets bad.
Wish me luck!

How have you done this summer?