I am participating in a challenge by my building’s fitness center to lose 3% body fat in 3 months. Oh happy day, my BMI is at 21.6%, so losing 3% would be unhealthy. Who knew? This was good and surprising news, especially considering what the mirror says. The last time I checked my BMI electronically, several years ago, the machine laughed and said that I really didn't want to know. I didn't know those machines could laugh. It wasn't nice.
Anna, Sergeant Fitness, says we will focus on a healthy diet to build muscle mass and to support my multi-disciplinary training plan. I am planning to run a 50 mile trail race in November and then Three Days of Syllamo in March 2012 (a 50K, then a 50m, then a 20k). Obviously, running is the biggest part of training. I am going to adopt some type of daily yoga regimen, for strength and flexibility, as well as for that peaceful look you see on all the covers of yoga DVDs. Strength training in the fitness center three days a week will help me with the hills on these runs, as well as stave off osteoporosis and the development of those arm flaps. To round it out, (I am SO excited about this part), I am going to start training at a mixed martial arts gym in two weeks! I cannot wait!
I have had some interesting conversations lately with people about ultrarunning. There is the "are you high?" crowd. They are fun, because they are confounded. There is the "I doubt it" crowd. They are motivating, because I can't tolerate "I told you so." The best crowd is the one that gets it. They know why. Today, I posted a comment on an ultra list serve that when (if) I ever get a buckle for finishing a 100 mile race, I will wear it every day. Another list serve member said, of course I will get one, because I said I would be so proud of the accomplishment. We will see - I want to do it. Whether I want to train for it is another question.
Trail running is wonderful for its own sake, not just buckles and medals and stuff. When I run trail, I have to focus on exactly what I am doing (sense a theme so far?), and the whole rest of the world falls away. I have heard climbers and other high-risk athletes describe the same experience. There is no job, no deadline, no bill, no illness. There is only the next steps, that root, that rock. Liberating, invigorating, relaxing.
I know, I know, that is not the most riveting first blog post ever. I get it! It’s a start. I am almost finished with my "review" of Into the Wild, by John Krakauer. No - it's not a timely review, but I just read it, and I have something to say about it, so there.
Anna, Sergeant Fitness, says we will focus on a healthy diet to build muscle mass and to support my multi-disciplinary training plan. I am planning to run a 50 mile trail race in November and then Three Days of Syllamo in March 2012 (a 50K, then a 50m, then a 20k). Obviously, running is the biggest part of training. I am going to adopt some type of daily yoga regimen, for strength and flexibility, as well as for that peaceful look you see on all the covers of yoga DVDs. Strength training in the fitness center three days a week will help me with the hills on these runs, as well as stave off osteoporosis and the development of those arm flaps. To round it out, (I am SO excited about this part), I am going to start training at a mixed martial arts gym in two weeks! I cannot wait!
I have had some interesting conversations lately with people about ultrarunning. There is the "are you high?" crowd. They are fun, because they are confounded. There is the "I doubt it" crowd. They are motivating, because I can't tolerate "I told you so." The best crowd is the one that gets it. They know why. Today, I posted a comment on an ultra list serve that when (if) I ever get a buckle for finishing a 100 mile race, I will wear it every day. Another list serve member said, of course I will get one, because I said I would be so proud of the accomplishment. We will see - I want to do it. Whether I want to train for it is another question.
Trail running is wonderful for its own sake, not just buckles and medals and stuff. When I run trail, I have to focus on exactly what I am doing (sense a theme so far?), and the whole rest of the world falls away. I have heard climbers and other high-risk athletes describe the same experience. There is no job, no deadline, no bill, no illness. There is only the next steps, that root, that rock. Liberating, invigorating, relaxing.
I know, I know, that is not the most riveting first blog post ever. I get it! It’s a start. I am almost finished with my "review" of Into the Wild, by John Krakauer. No - it's not a timely review, but I just read it, and I have something to say about it, so there.
