The Gym

I discovered this evening what the WORST time is to go to the gym. Let's call it 5:flipping:30. I had to cruise the parking lot until a spot opened up! I got the 3rd to last eliptical trainer. There was a packed aerobics class, a full cycling class, and all racket ball courts were being used. Oh, and there were about 20 people at volleyball open gym. The folks that own LA Fitness were happy today! I guess they'd be happy whether everyone showed up or not, since the membership costs the same either way. Wow.

Check out the cutest toddler I know. This is my brother's daughter, Ivy. We hung out last week. We playyyyyyed at the park, painted some gifts for the family, and then visited the hunts (where fudge was made.) Her dad, Charlie was deployed to Iraq last Saturday. So since her mom... is not our favorite person, I'll be visiting her lots and lots to take lots and lots of pictures to send to daddy and mommy Shannon, and Maamaw Jen and Paapaw Larry.

So..... just got home from Lincoln City. I met Dad and Barb there for Thanksgiving dinner, with a gorgeous view of the ocean at Inn at Spanish Head. The one time of the year when it might be nice to be a picky eater. There was a HUGE layout of so may choices. I think I had 6 different smoked fish and seafood, along with the traditional Thanksgiving goodies. I'm still not hungry and we ate... 5 hours ago.

Training is getting better. It was hard to get back into moving my body because I expect a different result that what my body wants to do in November. I'm just getting back into it, so I'm not too upset, but at the same time, it's frustrating. I'll probably feel a little under par for a couple more weeks.

The part I'm positive about it that I WANT to work out. I went to the gym last night for the first time since the end of September. I did a spin class, which was interesting. The focus was on keeping a steady cadence, while varying the tension. The instructors there turn out the lights, so we're working out by the light from the windows. Why is that? No matter the reason, I was certainly more comfortable taking off my t-shirt to use it as a towel, since no one could see my white rolls! Ha ha ha.

I hung out with niece, Ivy yesterday. I picked her up from daycare and we spent the day having total fun! Charlie and Shannon are deploying to Iraq Saturday. Weird.

And on the 11 month... She Started Up Again

Well, I'm back in the saddle, so to speak. After 3+ weeks of eating junk food and drinking too much, I have managed to gain back my love handles and lose some fitness. Based on the 3 workouts I've done so far, I'm surprised that I don't feel worse. I guess I had some money in the bank.

Saturday I showed up at the coffee shop, North Star, which is one of the best in town on north Interstate Avenue, just north or Lombard. We executed our Saturday morning activities, that I would tell you about, if it wasn't super secret. It was fun. On the off season you realize what you learned during the season. What I noticed is how much I count on the lines (sprint lane, stayer's line) on the track! When they are not there, I find myself looking ahead more to see where I'm going!

Sunday I led a little 2.5 hour ride around west and northwest Vancouver. I remembered this ride having rollers, but in early November, those suckers are HILLS! I was wasted the rest of the day. Yes, a 2.5 hour ride completely destroyed me the rest of the day.

Monday.... I did nothing and went to bed early. I highly recommend a feather (or fiber) bed to put over your mattress. It feels like I'm cheating and sleeping on a blanket. Heaven!

Last night was core/circuit training. My plantar faciitus (I know that's spelled wrong) came back and almost made me fall over getting out of bed this morning. My least favorite excercise thus far is the pull ups on the rings. Wow- that sucks. Thursday is another round!

So... that's the latest. I must get ready for school. happy hump day!