🧘🏼‍♂️🤾🏻‍♀️Getting Sweaty Again: The 3rd Circuit 🚴🏼‍♂️🏋🏼‍♀️

[LustfulIntentions2]

First, kudos to deciding to incorporate some new habits into your routine! I think deciding to get started and getting over that initial inertia is often the hardest part.

Second, I echo the keep it simple and start smaller advice that’s been shared. You want to set yourself up for success and then build on your wins.

Personally, I think it’s a great idea to try out more than one class to find what you really enjoy and works for you, but then pick just one of them to make a goal to attend regularly (on whatever frequency you decide.) Start small with once or twice a week and you can increase over time if you want.

I would also suggest finding something you can do from home if schedules for the class don’t always work out. That way you don’t feel like you failed if life gets crazy and you can’t make a class. Instead you’re walking, doing yoga, lifting small weights, etc. at home and still fulfilled your goals.

Finally, I’m a big fan of tracking things when trying to build new habits. There’s something very satisfying in checking things off a list and motivating in seeing your trend of how many days/weeks you’ve succeeded at your goal.

This last part is the part I'm the worst at. I hate disappointing myself because I will invariably then beat myself up for being short of goals. But you are right that it's super valuable.

 

[RosewoodTulip]

First, kudos to deciding to incorporate some new habits into your routine! I think deciding to get started and getting over that initial inertia is often the hardest part.

Second, I echo the keep it simple and start smaller advice that’s been shared. You want to set yourself up for success and then build on your wins.

Personally, I think it’s a great idea to try out more than one class to find what you really enjoy and works for you, but then pick just one of them to make a goal to attend regularly (on whatever frequency you decide.) Start small with once or twice a week and you can increase over time if you want.

I would also suggest finding something you can do from home if schedules for the class don’t always work out. That way you don’t feel like you failed if life gets crazy and you can’t make a class. Instead you’re walking, doing yoga, lifting small weights, etc. at home and still fulfilled your goals.

Finally, I’m a big fan of tracking things when trying to build new habits. There’s something very satisfying in checking things off a list and motivating in seeing your trend of how many days/weeks you’ve succeeded at your goal.

Thank you!
I have got a few bits and pieces to use at home, I've just lacked the motivation. Which is why I thought being in a group would help me ignite it. Fingers crossed

 

[FreckledSprite]

I have a tendency to want to do all the things and then when I can't handle that I stop doing anything

I do this. This year I’m only focusing on Consistency. Even small amounts of movement (a brisk walk around the block, squats and lunges on my lunch break, etc), can add up to big gains.

 

[Lmizzler]

I do this. This year I’m only focusing on Consistency. Even small amounts of movement (a brisk walk around the block, squats and lunges on my lunch break, etc), can add up to big gains.

I remember a friend saying “a little bit of exercise is better than no exercise.”

 

[Deleted member 6607120]

Feeling pretty bummed after my X-ray results this afternoon showed that I've fractured my tailbone from a fall I took at Monday night's practice. I'm not sure how long I'll be out, and this isn't how I wanted to finish my barely started season with this team before moving.

 

[Lmizzler]

Feeling pretty bummed after my X-ray results this afternoon showed that I've fractured my tailbone from a fall I took at Monday night's practice. I'm not sure how long I'll be out, and this isn't how I wanted to finish my barely started season with this team before moving.

Oh Geez Sally! I’m sorry. This is rough. You were making so much progress. I’m sure this is frustrating and not at all what you expected.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

Life has been busy and stressful, so I haven’t been around as much recently. Workouts have been sporadic, but I’ve stayed consistent eating well which feels really good especially getting close to springtime.

*POUNCE*
Hello LL!! I’m sorry that things are still stressful. I’m sure glad you stopped in here, though.

I’m so glad springtime is right around the corner. But yeah, it making me think more about upping my game too.

Hey everyone
Hoping for a bit of friendly advice

So my fitness levels currently are probably in the negative and obviously I want to change that but in a way I'm likely to stick with and not rage quit when I hit the slightest inconvenience

A local gym does a huge range of group classes and I want to start off with one or two - not easy but manageable - a week before building up to something more intensive. I'm thinking definitely aqua aerobics - I have a touch of arthritis in my knee - and either group exercise biking or yoga or a dance class even.

Does that sound like a good jumping off point do you think?

*waves enthusiastically*
Hi Rosie! Wow! I’m so thrilled that you popped in! I’m echoing what others have said, but my thought is to start with what you like to do so that you get into the habit of doing something. And then add on from there. If you like aqua aerobics, reward yourself by signing up for the really fun class, get yourself a pretty new suit (or something else that would make this a special new hobby), and really dive into it! (Pardon the pun)

Yes but you already nailed it: whatever you choose needs to be the thing you'll keep doing and not rage quit or even normal quit. It's frequency and consistency not intensity that's going to make the big changes. More consistent and more part of your routine it becomes the more likely you are to naturally up the intensity.

Ok didn't mean to sound like some know it all guru there. Truth is that's advice I got and found it to be exactly how things went for me. I started off going for daily walks and now years later I run 200+ mile races. Best of luck in your journey!!

Daily walks are where I am right now. I love starting my day like that.
So… tell us what a 200+ mile race is like! You think to yourself, “sure I could run 200 miles…” and then what?

You've got the right idea Rosie. Like @Dayhoosier mentioned, it’s all about building the habit.
Start small and be happy with the small wins. Walk 3 days a week for 30 minutes for a month then ramp it up a bit from there. Take one class and be consistent in going a few times a week. Don't expect to do everything as well as others in the class. They got to that point by doing it for quite a while.

Expect to be sore when starting out. Don't let that stop you. Don't super overdo it or that will cause that rage-quit. Find that sweet spot of pushing yourself without going too far.

YOU GOT THIS!!!

Yes! The small wins. They are so important! Because if you’re always looking for the big, or instant success, you’re going to lose momentum quickly. Idk about anyone else, but for me, I’ll take two steps forward, one step back, and I can’t let myself get too discouraged. And that’s hard to do bc I get fixated on a number or a goal, and tbat isn’t the way bodies work. Anyway, this was a really great point to raise.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/BKST9ryxnyDlt4wy6r/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952e80s0mikntzp5oieeieebv8znst9et0k9x4czle3&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g
When you don't realize you've hit the wrong program button on the treadmill and are suddenly running up a damned mountain.

Well hello there, Pretty Lady!

Also, I won’t tell you how often I’ve fallen off of a treadmill. Anybody else? Just me?

This last part is the part I'm the worst at. I hate disappointing myself because I will invariably then beat myself up for being short of goals. But you are right that it's super valuable.

*cues western theme music and tumbleweeds*

Oh I’m the best negative self-talker this side of the Mississippi …

I do this. This year I’m only focusing on Consistency. Even small amounts of movement (a brisk walk around the block, squats and lunges on my lunch break, etc), can add up to big gains.

Yes! I’m following this school of thought too! I’m adding in some strength training to my walking but that’s my goal. Be consistent. That’s what I’m shooting for.

Feeling pretty bummed after my X-ray results this afternoon showed that I've fractured my tailbone from a fall I took at Monday night's practice. I'm not sure how long I'll be out, and this isn't how I wanted to finish my barely started season with this team before moving.

Oh Sally, this sucks. I’m really sorry:-( I hope you won’t be out long. Hopefully you’ll heal quickly.

 

[Dayhoosier]

*POUNCE*
Hello LL!! I’m sorry that things are still stressful. I’m sure glad you stopped in here, though.

I’m so glad springtime is right around the corner. But yeah, it making me think more about upping my game too.

*waves enthusiastically*
Hi Rosie! Wow! I’m so thrilled that you popped in! I’m echoing what others have said, but my thought is to start with what you like to do so that you get into the habit of doing something. And then add on from there. If you like aqua aerobics, reward yourself by signing up for the really fun class, get yourself a pretty new suit (or something else that would make this a special new hobby), and really dive into it! (Pardon the pun)

Yes to all of the above!!

Daily walks are where I am right now. I love starting my day like that.

I was just a walker for the first like year and through a out 44 lbs of weight loss. Walking is soooo good. I still take walks with and without our dogs most days even in addition to the running.

So… tell us what a 200+ mile race is like! You think to yourself, “sure I could run 200 miles…” and then what?

I mean there was some lead up to that but actually kind of .....it started with I can do a half marathon and then I kept creeping up. The short answer is it's A TON of volume weekly and that's a lot of it. Lots of time in my feet. I do these things called journey runs ...I won't bore you with details but I also have to make sure my shoulders and core are up for it to. It's a dumb sport but I enjoy it a lot

Yes! The small wins. They are so important! Because if you’re always looking for the big, or instant success, you’re going to lose momentum quickly. Idk about anyone else, but for me, I’ll take two steps forward, one step back, and I can’t let myself get too discouraged. And that’s hard to do bc I get fixated on a number or a goal, and tbat isn’t the way bodies work. Anyway, this was a really great point to raise.

So much agree!

Well hello there, Pretty Lady!

Also, I won’t tell you how often I’ve fallen off of a treadmill. Anybody else? Just me?

More than once. HATE treadmills

*cues western theme music and tumbleweeds*

Oh I’m the best negative self-talker this side of the Mississippi …

Yes! I’m following this school of thought too! I’m adding in some strength training to my walking but that’s my goal. Be consistent. That’s what I’m shooting for.

Oh Sally, this sucks. I’m really sorry:-( I hope you won’t be out long. Hopefully you’ll heal quickly.

Hang in there...heal fast.
So so glad to have found this little group!

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

I mean there was some lead up to that but actually kind of .....it started with I can do a half marathon and then I kept creeping up. The short answer is it's A TON of volume weekly and that's a lot of it. Lots of time in my feet. I do these things called journey runs ...I won't bore you with details but I also have to make sure my shoulders and core are up for it to. It's a dumb sport but I enjoy it a lot

I’d love to hear the details You came to the right thread!

*pulls up a comfy chair*

 

[Dayhoosier]

I’d love to hear the details You came to the right thread!

*pulls up a comfy chair*

I guess so! Nobody ever wants the details journey runs/races are over the road and you're on your own: usually no crew, carry find or buy everything you need, and usually 200+ miles. For example the one I'm running in April called the coast to coaster goes from Sandusky Ohio to Cincinnati - about 230 miles. We have maps on our phones.....report in every 12 hours... And there's 1-2 race organizers driving the course. Apart from that I'll just be on my own with the other 30-40 racers out there....you get food in gas stations, restaurants or even grocery stores, sleep in a hotel, in the grass, or patios of churches work well. Anyway that's mostly it. The big one I'm doing in June is 360-ish miles....it's called Last Annual Heart of the South: that one we don't even get the route or exact startling line until the night before the race

*Takes big breath* well anyway there ya go. I think that's the gist of it all. Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Anyway that all came from me deciding a few years back that I didn't want to die going and needed to lose a few pounds.....so I went on walks. Crazy the paths we choose

This might be the greatest board thread I've ever encountered....like a little belated 50th birthday present.

Where is everyone in here from if I might ask?
Blonde- can I ask what got you interested in fitness or exercise?

 

[Lmizzler]

I guess so! Nobody ever wants the details journey runs/races are over the road and you're on your own: usually no crew, carry find or buy everything you need, and usually 200+ miles. For example the one I'm running in April called the coast to coaster goes from Sandusky Ohio to Cincinnati - about 230 miles. We have maps on our phones.....report in every 12 hours... And there's 1-2 race organizers driving the course. Apart from that I'll just be on my own with the other 30-40 racers out there....you get food in gas stations, restaurants or even grocery stores, sleep in a hotel, in the grass, or patios of churches work well. Anyway that's mostly it. The big one I'm doing in June is 360-ish miles....it's called Last Annual Heart of the South: that one we don't even get the route or exact startling line until the night before the race

*Takes big breath* well anyway there ya go. I think that's the gist of it all. Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Anyway that all came from me deciding a few years back that I didn't want to die going and needed to lose a few pounds.....so I went on walks. Crazy the paths we choose

This might be the greatest board thread I've ever encountered....like a little belated 50th birthday present.

Where is everyone in here from if I might ask?
Blonde- can I ask what got you interested in fitness or exercise?

This is bonkers to me man! I can’t imagine running that long or far. 3 miles is basically the max for me. After that I’m done. The knees won’t allow it and my mind doesn’t enjoy it.

So for the run across Ohio, how long will that take you?

 

[Dayhoosier]

This is bonkers to me man! I can’t imagine running that long or far. 3 miles is basically the max for me. After that I’m done. The knees won’t allow it and my mind doesn’t enjoy it.

So for the run across Ohio, how long will that take you?

Last year it took me around 70 hours I think....without looking back. Obviously with something like that weather and random circumstances can really affect times. My best time in another race got me 4th place....last year I was like five hours slower and placed second ....it's a weird sport

 

[Cat]

Yup! I agree with @Lmizzler on this one, @Dayhoosier you are pretty cool, but gosh also bonkers galore!

Nothing wrong with running.. Or walking, but there is quite a difference in my weekly 28 km running (over 3-4 days) and your level of mindbogglingly and cool insanity.

How do you deal with that pesky little voice, that keeps telling you that you are tired and and needs to stop?

 

[Dayhoosier]

Yup! I agree with @Lmizzler on this one, @Dayhoosier you are pretty cool, but gosh also bonkers galore!

Nothing wrong with running.. Or walking, but there is quite a difference in my weekly 28 km running (over 3-4 days) and your level of mindbogglingly and cool insanity.

How do you deal with that pesky little voice, that keeps telling you that you are tired and and needs to stop?

It's the hardest part really. But also when you're doing a multi day race you actually do have time to stop and collect yourself.... I mean I even nap occasionally just have to be strategic. There are low times and then I just get mean with myself lol "get your ass up and at least walk....but in ten m minutes we're running" stuff like that. If I know a town is coming up I'll promise myself that I'll buy donuts or an ice cream or something lol I don't know if any of this is a good answer...... You just take the next step

 

[Cat]

It's the hardest part really. But also when you're doing a multi day race you actually do have time to stop and collect yourself.... I mean I even nap occasionally just have to be strategic. There are low times and then I just get mean with myself lol "get your ass up and at least walk....but in ten m minutes we're running" stuff like that. If I know a town is coming up I'll promise myself that I'll buy donuts or an ice cream or something lol I don't know if any of this is a good answer...... You just take the next step

Buying a donut... Yup, that would require a lot more running than just 7-10 km to justify that.

It seems that almost no matter what it is we do, running, walking, skating, lifting weights and so on
- it really is our mind that we need to focus on the most?

Our minds wants to give up and stop looooooong before our bodies needs to rest.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

@Dayhoosier I have questions! What do you use to carry your things in while you run? I would imagine you’d need a special pack? Do you use goo? I’d think that snacks like donuts etc would make my blood sugar spike and then crash after such a long run. How much protein do you average a day? Do you use any sportshield? I imagine for a super long run, you have chafing? What other health challenges have you had to deal with?

 

[Dayhoosier]

Buying a donut... Yup, that would require a lot more running than just 7-10 km to justify that.

Yes when you're going that far there's honestly no way to even get enough calories to break even so it's eat as much as you can whenever you can

It seems that almost no matter what it is we do, running, walking, skating, lifting weights and so on
- it really is our mind that we need to focus on the most?

Our minds wants to give up and stop looooooong before our bodies needs to rest.

My biggest takeaway in this fitness journey has been that no matter what your brain thinks ....our bodies can do absolutely incredibly and amazing things!

 

[Dayhoosier]

@Dayhoosier I have questions! What do you use to carry your things in while you run? I would imagine you’d need a special pack? Do you use goo? I’d think that snacks like donuts etc would make my blood sugar spike and then crash after such a long run. How much protein do you average a day? Do you use any sportshield? I imagine for a super long run, you have chafing? What other health challenges have you had to deal with?

I have never been asked so much about this stuff. Honestly that might actually make this thread the biggest turn on

So yes I use a pack that also has a bladder in it for water. I spend a lot of time deciding what to carry and what to count on finding and buying a long the way because obviously you don't want any more to carry than you absolutely have to.

For me ...real food works way better at this distance. I work under the idea of 1 - if I have a chance to eat I try to get at least 1000 calories at that time even if I carry some of it and just walk or even stop for an hour to let it settle. But I also train that...I'll eat dinner then immediately go for a run. You can kind of train your body to do anything if you take the time to. The two weeks before the race I even try to eat more "junk" so that my stomach is ready to handle gas station food, fast food or whatever might be needed

Chaffing is a HUGE issue if you're not careful. I use "squirrels nut butter" and reapply OFTEN. I've got plenty of terrible chafe stories that were big learning opportunities.

I have never been asked so much about this

Three biggest "health" stuff I've found...and I've only been doing this type of race for four years.... Are 1) hydration....by the nature of these races you have to really think about and pay attention to when you'll be able to refill bottle, bladder etc.... 2) just generally caring for your feet. Trat blisters the I stand you even think they're coming etc...and 3) above me turned chaffing. But also every race and weather conditions is different. You just never know when it might get hot out or night night drop in temp or you'll get sleepy on a country road at 2 AM

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

Well I’m just curious bc this is what I’d consider an extreme sport, and one in which you’d need to have support. I would imagine, in order for me to get involved with even running a marathon, much less something like this, I’d need to have the structure and support of a group. Hell, when I ran my little mud run which was a fraction of anything like this, I went with my workout group. They’d all done one before, and so I had that support group.

There are running groups that have meetups and train together, then travel together to the races. I imagine that I’d have to be a part of something like that in order to feel confident enough to tackle a longer run.

Who else here has done a longer run? I know of a couple people, but idk if they want to share that so I won’t tag them. If you want to weigh in on your experiences with how you prepared for the longer races, I’d be very interested to hear. Did you need support from others, or were you able to do this independently? Is there an app for that? There must be..

Thanks for letting me be nosey!

 

[Dayhoosier]

Well I’m just curious bc this is what I’d consider an extreme sport, and one in which you’d need to have support. I would imagine, in order for me to get involved with even running a marathon, much less something like this, I’d need to have the structure and support of a group. Hell, when I ran my little mud run which was a fraction of anything like this, I went with my workout group. They’d all done one before, and so I had that support group.

There are running groups that have meetups and train together, then travel together to the races. I imagine that I’d have to be a part of something like that in order to feel confident enough to tackle a longer run.

Who else here has done a longer run? I know of a couple people, but idk if they want to share that so I won’t tag them. If you want to weigh in on your experiences with how you prepared for the longer races, I’d be very interested to hear. Did you need support from others, or were you able to do this independently? Is there an app for that? There must be..

Thanks for letting me be nosey!

Thank YOU....I never get to talk about it outside of the other racers and the rather smallish community of the sport

 

[mortis]

Thank YOU....I never get to talk about it outside of the other racers and the rather smallish community of the sport

I had a coworker that used to try to complete the Leadville 100 race.
He would journal the event in the most descriptive way, “Creek crossing at mile12 I think I’m getting a blister.”

Great reading the way the human body handles this type of sport.

 

[Dayhoosier]

I had a coworker that used to try to complete the Leadville 100 race.
He would journal the event in the most descriptive way, “Creek crossing at mile12 I think I’m getting a blister.”

Great reading the way the human body handles this type of sport.

Anyone who finishes Leadville is a certified badass!! I've not done race reports like that ... Maybe I should. Or maybe come April I'll just do them in here!! ... Lol I don't know

 

[MiaBabe23]

So impressed by you runners! Longest I’ve ever done was 10 miles years ago, I think I prefer the bursts of basketball, martial arts etc so struggle to find the discipline to run far
I’d like to though, it would be good to do a half marathon and beyond

 

[MiaBabe23]

Feeling pretty bummed after my X-ray results this afternoon showed that I've fractured my tailbone from a fall I took at Monday night's practice. I'm not sure how long I'll be out, and this isn't how I wanted to finish my barely started season with this team before moving.

Ah that’s so rough… hope you heal quickly so you can play again before you have to go

 

[Dayhoosier]

So impressed by you runners! Longest I’ve ever done was 10 miles years ago, I think I prefer the bursts of basketball, martial arts etc so struggle to find the discipline to run far
I’d like to though, it would be good to do a half marathon and beyond

Once you find the mindset you'd be able to get there faster than you think.... I absolutely LOVE basketball!!!