By Virginia Winder
Sometimes life is a pain in the foot.
Yesterday, the physio diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue underneath my food and arch.
I told her about the sudden pain while doing a step-up at the gym, how it's got worse in the past week and keeps going into spasm. She pushed, poked and prodded, then gave me the PF news.
"You've definitely strained it," she said. "It's quite inflamed."
Tentatively, I asked that dreaded question - how long will it take to mend?
"About 12 weeks," she replied.
"Oh no," I said, thinking of the Tri-Women triathlon I've signed up for in New Plymouth on January 29.
She thinks I could possibly walk it, but didn't sound too hopeful.
The good news is I can swim to my heart's content, without flippers, and I can bike, but at this stage only on the flat, so I might need someone to do the run for me.
As life would have it, the physio has done the swimming section of the Tauranga half-ironman (my 2013 goal), so we talked all about it and she gave me training tips.
When I told her about how I had just started to run, she gave me a website to look up. It's a programme of how to get off the couch and up to running 5kms in nine weeks, hence the name of the site: c25k.
I'm not going to dwell on what I can't do now, but instead focus on what I can - swim, bike and bodysurf.
Summer is here and a sore foot isn't going to hold me back.
The Tasman Sea is calling...
Today, I:
Worked for 8 hours
Slept for 8 hours
Ate three healthy meals
Drank 3 coffees
Drank 2 glasses of pinot gris
Drank some water (got to get over this camel-like hump!)
Did no exercise (food strapped, so am giving it a bit of rest - back into swimming tomorrow)
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Mr Moon walks upon the water
By Virginia Winder
Went to the gym tonight and sweated through 20 minutes of Michael Franti, Split Enz, Pink and a song from the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack.
Those minutes were spent on the exercycle and I pushed it, especially when Baddest Ruffest by Backyard Dog came on. That song from Bend It, is my favourite speed track of all time and if you see me absolutely powering it uphill, on the coastal walkway or pedalling like crazy at the gym, chances are that's what I'm listening to.
After the bike, I did weights and other exercises, then walked home.
We sat outside and enjoyed a BBQ dinner of lamb steak, Greek salad and bruschetta, then I picked flowers in the fading light.
Today was a good day and a productive one.
Worked and exercised hard, ate well and enjoyed the sunshine.
Had a whole bunch of interviews and then had a gorgeous Mexican lunch from Tesoro Fresh Mex. My meal was spicy, by choice, because I do so love those endorphins.
It's lovely because Clementine is home studying, so this afternoon she hit the books and I wrote.
Normally, today I'd be telling you how much weight I've lost (or not), but I have no idea because our scales are broken. Think moisture probably got into them in the bathroom.
I'm feeling good, but would like to know the truth - is this regime working or not?
Think I may have been eating meals that are too large, so cutting down might be on the cards.
Yesterday was meant to be a rest day, but went for a dusk walk by the sea with Warren (husband) and Xena (our dog) and watched the moon rise.
Warren sang: "Mr Moon you walk upon the water." That's a line from a song by the Headless Chickens and even his wailing didn't spoil the moment.
Those simple, beautiful moments make exercising a great joy.
Today, I:
Slept for 7.5 hours
Worked for 8 hours
Did a workout at the gym (walked there and back too)
Ate nutritious, healthy food, but maybe my portions were too big
Drank a good amount of water
Drank 2 cups of coffee
Drank 2 glasses of wine (pinot gris)
Went to the gym tonight and sweated through 20 minutes of Michael Franti, Split Enz, Pink and a song from the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack.
Those minutes were spent on the exercycle and I pushed it, especially when Baddest Ruffest by Backyard Dog came on. That song from Bend It, is my favourite speed track of all time and if you see me absolutely powering it uphill, on the coastal walkway or pedalling like crazy at the gym, chances are that's what I'm listening to.
After the bike, I did weights and other exercises, then walked home.
We sat outside and enjoyed a BBQ dinner of lamb steak, Greek salad and bruschetta, then I picked flowers in the fading light.
Today was a good day and a productive one.
Worked and exercised hard, ate well and enjoyed the sunshine.
Had a whole bunch of interviews and then had a gorgeous Mexican lunch from Tesoro Fresh Mex. My meal was spicy, by choice, because I do so love those endorphins.
It's lovely because Clementine is home studying, so this afternoon she hit the books and I wrote.
Normally, today I'd be telling you how much weight I've lost (or not), but I have no idea because our scales are broken. Think moisture probably got into them in the bathroom.
I'm feeling good, but would like to know the truth - is this regime working or not?
Think I may have been eating meals that are too large, so cutting down might be on the cards.
Yesterday was meant to be a rest day, but went for a dusk walk by the sea with Warren (husband) and Xena (our dog) and watched the moon rise.
Warren sang: "Mr Moon you walk upon the water." That's a line from a song by the Headless Chickens and even his wailing didn't spoil the moment.
Those simple, beautiful moments make exercising a great joy.
Today, I:
Slept for 7.5 hours
Worked for 8 hours
Did a workout at the gym (walked there and back too)
Ate nutritious, healthy food, but maybe my portions were too big
Drank a good amount of water
Drank 2 cups of coffee
Drank 2 glasses of wine (pinot gris)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Running in slow motion
By Virginia Winder
Exercising begins with the mind.
I'm not talking about sudoku or crosswords, but deciding to get into action.
This morning I sat in the car outside the aquatic centre feeling tired and a little blue.
Wheedle Voice wanted to head home to bed and Inner Athlete was keen to to go swimming.
"Go home, you've got a great book, imagine snuggling down and letting go," WV coaxed.
"You're here now, you've got your togs on, the outdoor pool's open, come on!" IA ordered.
I listened to the latter and went swimming.
A friend says good things happen when you head out exercising - yes, Irena Brooks, you are right!
Before I got in, I noticed a tanned, incredibly fit older woman get out of the water and start jogging around the pool, pulling her wetsuit down as she went (she had togs underneath).
"Ah, a triathlete in training, I thought," and I was right.
She was practising her swimming-to-biking transition and explained how important it is to train the body to switch from one set of muscles to another.
"It's like learning your ABC," she said.
I told her my half-ironman goal and she boosted me with a hearty: "Good on ya sister, that's the way."
She did an ironman this year, so that was even more inspiring.
I started swimming and found the woman in the lane next to me was a dear friend, so that was another bonus.
Also watched what the women's squad was doing and had a go at keeping up.
I could when we were all doing flipper work, because my legs are powerful.
But fin-free was a different story.
This new style has slowed me down big time, but I know it's the best thing to do and, as I get stronger, I will get faster. I will, I will!
Swimming star Ayla Dunlop-Barrett was there training the women and she asked if I'd tried running in the pool, so I had a go.
I felt like the Bionic Woman in one of those slow-motion running sequences when you know the heroine is actually going super-fast.
In my head I was sprinting, powering through the water like a superhero. In reality, I was just slow.
Tonight I went to the gym for a session with my personal trainer, Courtney, aged 22.
The gym scales show I've lost another 2kg and she measured me and I've lost 10cm all over.
What I discovered tonight is that I enjoy the weights, love the aerobic parts of the workout, but hate the stomach exercises.
As life would have it, that's what I need to work on most.
But I knew that - it was a gut feeling.
Yesterday, I:
Worked for 13 hours
Ate two good meals and had nibbles for the third, but chose well
Drank heaps of water
Had 1 cup of coffee
Did no exercise - didn't have a spare moment because of work and family
Slept for 5 hours
Today, I:
Worked for 30 minutes!
Ate three nutritious meals
Drank heaps of water
Drank 3 cups of coffee
Swam 32 lengths of a 50m pool and ran for another 8 lengths
Did a gym workout
Slept for 8 hours
Had coffee and lunch with friends
Exercising begins with the mind.
I'm not talking about sudoku or crosswords, but deciding to get into action.
This morning I sat in the car outside the aquatic centre feeling tired and a little blue.
Wheedle Voice wanted to head home to bed and Inner Athlete was keen to to go swimming.
"Go home, you've got a great book, imagine snuggling down and letting go," WV coaxed.
"You're here now, you've got your togs on, the outdoor pool's open, come on!" IA ordered.
I listened to the latter and went swimming.
A friend says good things happen when you head out exercising - yes, Irena Brooks, you are right!
Before I got in, I noticed a tanned, incredibly fit older woman get out of the water and start jogging around the pool, pulling her wetsuit down as she went (she had togs underneath).
"Ah, a triathlete in training, I thought," and I was right.
She was practising her swimming-to-biking transition and explained how important it is to train the body to switch from one set of muscles to another.
"It's like learning your ABC," she said.
I told her my half-ironman goal and she boosted me with a hearty: "Good on ya sister, that's the way."
She did an ironman this year, so that was even more inspiring.
I started swimming and found the woman in the lane next to me was a dear friend, so that was another bonus.
Also watched what the women's squad was doing and had a go at keeping up.
I could when we were all doing flipper work, because my legs are powerful.
But fin-free was a different story.
This new style has slowed me down big time, but I know it's the best thing to do and, as I get stronger, I will get faster. I will, I will!
Swimming star Ayla Dunlop-Barrett was there training the women and she asked if I'd tried running in the pool, so I had a go.
I felt like the Bionic Woman in one of those slow-motion running sequences when you know the heroine is actually going super-fast.
In my head I was sprinting, powering through the water like a superhero. In reality, I was just slow.
Tonight I went to the gym for a session with my personal trainer, Courtney, aged 22.
The gym scales show I've lost another 2kg and she measured me and I've lost 10cm all over.
What I discovered tonight is that I enjoy the weights, love the aerobic parts of the workout, but hate the stomach exercises.
As life would have it, that's what I need to work on most.
But I knew that - it was a gut feeling.
Yesterday, I:
Worked for 13 hours
Ate two good meals and had nibbles for the third, but chose well
Drank heaps of water
Had 1 cup of coffee
Did no exercise - didn't have a spare moment because of work and family
Slept for 5 hours
Today, I:
Worked for 30 minutes!
Ate three nutritious meals
Drank heaps of water
Drank 3 cups of coffee
Swam 32 lengths of a 50m pool and ran for another 8 lengths
Did a gym workout
Slept for 8 hours
Had coffee and lunch with friends
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Dance of the awkward elephant
By Virginia Winder
Just in case you think I've turned into an athletic goddess overnight, I've got news for you.
Went to my first Dance FX class at the gym tonight and discovered I was seriously out-of-step. The 2011 version of aerobics is a lot more sophisticated and choreographed than the good old side-to-side, back-and-forward steps of old.
As I stumbled, missed moves, failed to twirl-jump or pump parts of my body I vaguely remember using, ever, I yearned for those simple days of sweat bands and lycra.
Instead, I felt like an awkward elephant among a troupe of ballet fairies. But I'll go back, because I'm certain my antics made everybody else in the class feel co-ordinated, fit and in control. Good to support others, eh?
Met a mate at the supermarket the other night and he did the "I should" speech about following my example into fitness, balance and health.
But I told him not to compare himself with me - or anyone.
The truth is everyone has to come to their own moment of change and that can only be self-driven. I have absolutely no interest in making people feel guilty about themselves.
Inspire people yes, but not make them feel bad.
Also, you can't compare yourself with others or you'd never do anything.
Taranaki ultra-distance runner Lisa Tamati is one of my greatest inspirations.
She makes me push myself, because I think: "If Lisa can do this for 24 hours, then I can push myself for one hour."
Another woman who I admire hugely is Irena Brooks, the editor of Live Magazine, because she is everything - a supportive, loving mother, a businesswoman, journalist, encouraging friend and a shining example of fitness. She's completed a half ironman and is my No 1 reason for having a go myself.
My sister, Felicity, who never has never stopped exercising, my nieces, Rebekah, who swims massive distances, and Sarah, who's always seeking new knowledge, are other major influences to help keep me going.
Another woman who has affected me greatly is journalist Michelle Sutton, who survived a serious brain injury and came back better, stronger, more powerful than before. Yeah, she's my Bionic Woman, and one who showed determination and guts on a par with Lisa Tamati. The difference though, was Michelle was fighting to regain her life, mind and body - and she did.
Interestingly, the essence of her, the core of her being, was so strong it was never lost and always shone through and still does.
As for me, my achievement today was a tiny one, but I won't compare.
Well, not really... but I do dream of the day when I'm a ballerina fairy, actually a kick-arse one with attitude, and possibly a sneer.
Today I:
Slept for 7.5 hours
Worked for 8 hours
Ate three delicious nutritious meals
Survived a Dance FX class at the gym
Still need to drink more water!
Just in case you think I've turned into an athletic goddess overnight, I've got news for you.
Went to my first Dance FX class at the gym tonight and discovered I was seriously out-of-step. The 2011 version of aerobics is a lot more sophisticated and choreographed than the good old side-to-side, back-and-forward steps of old.
As I stumbled, missed moves, failed to twirl-jump or pump parts of my body I vaguely remember using, ever, I yearned for those simple days of sweat bands and lycra.
Instead, I felt like an awkward elephant among a troupe of ballet fairies. But I'll go back, because I'm certain my antics made everybody else in the class feel co-ordinated, fit and in control. Good to support others, eh?
Met a mate at the supermarket the other night and he did the "I should" speech about following my example into fitness, balance and health.
But I told him not to compare himself with me - or anyone.
The truth is everyone has to come to their own moment of change and that can only be self-driven. I have absolutely no interest in making people feel guilty about themselves.
Inspire people yes, but not make them feel bad.
Also, you can't compare yourself with others or you'd never do anything.
Taranaki ultra-distance runner Lisa Tamati is one of my greatest inspirations.
She makes me push myself, because I think: "If Lisa can do this for 24 hours, then I can push myself for one hour."
Another woman who I admire hugely is Irena Brooks, the editor of Live Magazine, because she is everything - a supportive, loving mother, a businesswoman, journalist, encouraging friend and a shining example of fitness. She's completed a half ironman and is my No 1 reason for having a go myself.
My sister, Felicity, who never has never stopped exercising, my nieces, Rebekah, who swims massive distances, and Sarah, who's always seeking new knowledge, are other major influences to help keep me going.
Another woman who has affected me greatly is journalist Michelle Sutton, who survived a serious brain injury and came back better, stronger, more powerful than before. Yeah, she's my Bionic Woman, and one who showed determination and guts on a par with Lisa Tamati. The difference though, was Michelle was fighting to regain her life, mind and body - and she did.
Interestingly, the essence of her, the core of her being, was so strong it was never lost and always shone through and still does.
As for me, my achievement today was a tiny one, but I won't compare.
Well, not really... but I do dream of the day when I'm a ballerina fairy, actually a kick-arse one with attitude, and possibly a sneer.
Today I:
Slept for 7.5 hours
Worked for 8 hours
Ate three delicious nutritious meals
Survived a Dance FX class at the gym
Still need to drink more water!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Daughter joins triathlon challenge
When I'm swimming lengths it's so easy to get submerged in my own thoughts of, well, nothing.
It's just me and the strokes and the background mantra of counting.
My mum used to count her lengths by naming the states of America or rivers of the world, alphabetically of course.
"What are you up to Mum?"
"Kansas," would come the reply.
Or on other days: "The Nile."
Her ABC of world geography was amazing and, in comparison, my swimming brain is blank.
That's probably a good thing, because it means my mind actually shuts up. Yeah, it's possible.
Tonight I swam 34 lengths of a 25-metre pool and it's definitely getting easier.
Also signed up for the gym today with my daughter, Clementine. She's going to register for the triathlon on January 29 too and is out to beat me. Game on, I say.
She's only 31 years younger than me!
My motivation just went up a notch, if that's possible.
Today, I:
Swam 34 lengths
Worked 7 hours
Slept 8.5 hours
Joined a gym
It's just me and the strokes and the background mantra of counting.
My mum used to count her lengths by naming the states of America or rivers of the world, alphabetically of course.
"What are you up to Mum?"
"Kansas," would come the reply.
Or on other days: "The Nile."
Her ABC of world geography was amazing and, in comparison, my swimming brain is blank.
That's probably a good thing, because it means my mind actually shuts up. Yeah, it's possible.
Tonight I swam 34 lengths of a 25-metre pool and it's definitely getting easier.
Also signed up for the gym today with my daughter, Clementine. She's going to register for the triathlon on January 29 too and is out to beat me. Game on, I say.
She's only 31 years younger than me!
My motivation just went up a notch, if that's possible.
Today, I:
Swam 34 lengths
Worked 7 hours
Slept 8.5 hours
Joined a gym
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Pedalling towards first goal
By Virginia Winder
Got on the Pink Petal today and biked from home to East End and back.
According to my daughter's "Map My Run" app on her phone, that's about 7km (4.3 miles).
Took to the Coastal Walkway, which was a bit nerve-wracking because of the number of people using it.
I'm not so confident on the bike yet, but know that will come with lots of rides. Feel bad though because I accidentally hit the back of a walker's heel on a narrow part of the walkway. I apologised and checked to see if she was OK and she nodded, yes, but was a little grumpy. I don't blame her.
During the ride, I felt my thighs working hard and had that heavy feeling in my legs when I got off the bike.
This evening, I registered for the Contact TriWoman Series race in New Plymouth on January 29. It entails a 300m swim, a 9km bike and a 3km run or walk. I'm hoping that by then I'll be running. It's great to have a first goal to aim for.
To help me, I'm thinking of joining a gym. Checked one out yesterday and will probably sign up. I used to love aerobics and there's a version of that available, along with spin classes, boxing and yoga. Before I commit though, I will look at other gym offers and memberships.
Day by day, I'm getting even more committed to being fit and healthy, having a good work-life balance and being peaceful.
The exercise is hard, but damn satisfying and that time out on the bike, in the pool or pounding the streets is thinking time, dreaming time or listening time. But most of all, it's time out.
When I'm fitter, it could also become a social time if I join a group to train with.
Also went to the Puke Ariki library to get out a book on sport nutrition and also borrowed a whole bunch of triathlon magazines. I'm such an information geek!
But as a fledgling in this area, I want to make wise choices and learn on the way.
Today, I:
Biked 7kg
Drank lots of water
Worked for 4 hours (inspiring interviews)
Ate three incredibly healthy meals
Turned down beautiful home-baking, because I was full!
Entered the Contact TriWoman Series race in New Plymouth
Hung out with my family
Got on the Pink Petal today and biked from home to East End and back.
According to my daughter's "Map My Run" app on her phone, that's about 7km (4.3 miles).
Took to the Coastal Walkway, which was a bit nerve-wracking because of the number of people using it.
I'm not so confident on the bike yet, but know that will come with lots of rides. Feel bad though because I accidentally hit the back of a walker's heel on a narrow part of the walkway. I apologised and checked to see if she was OK and she nodded, yes, but was a little grumpy. I don't blame her.
During the ride, I felt my thighs working hard and had that heavy feeling in my legs when I got off the bike.
This evening, I registered for the Contact TriWoman Series race in New Plymouth on January 29. It entails a 300m swim, a 9km bike and a 3km run or walk. I'm hoping that by then I'll be running. It's great to have a first goal to aim for.
To help me, I'm thinking of joining a gym. Checked one out yesterday and will probably sign up. I used to love aerobics and there's a version of that available, along with spin classes, boxing and yoga. Before I commit though, I will look at other gym offers and memberships.
Day by day, I'm getting even more committed to being fit and healthy, having a good work-life balance and being peaceful.
The exercise is hard, but damn satisfying and that time out on the bike, in the pool or pounding the streets is thinking time, dreaming time or listening time. But most of all, it's time out.
When I'm fitter, it could also become a social time if I join a group to train with.
Also went to the Puke Ariki library to get out a book on sport nutrition and also borrowed a whole bunch of triathlon magazines. I'm such an information geek!
But as a fledgling in this area, I want to make wise choices and learn on the way.
Today, I:
Biked 7kg
Drank lots of water
Worked for 4 hours (inspiring interviews)
Ate three incredibly healthy meals
Turned down beautiful home-baking, because I was full!
Entered the Contact TriWoman Series race in New Plymouth
Hung out with my family
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