Thursday, January 7, 2010

Daily Grind

I have a few topics here in no particular order: Base Training - Holy crap I'm out of shape. Seriously. I'm glad I took two (almost three actually) months to be a glutton and overall slacker doing the bare minimum, but damn. This week I kicked it up a notch and have added two a days to the mix. I don't remember two a days ever being this exhausting even when the intensity was significantly higher. Running - So I'm running a trail race this weekend. Only 10 miles. Notice I didn't say 'racing' a trail race. I do have my race schedule for the first half of 2010 that I'll post at some point. I still have a couple of weeks before I have to really get serious about it though. Basically, the first half of the year focuses on running. The first quarter short course (5k's and a 10k) and the second quarter emphasis on a half marathon PR. Trainer - how long will it take my vaj jay jay to "toughen up"? I've only started riding it twice a week for 2 weeks now so obviously, still a new workout, but just wondering..... How often do you change your hand positions? Are you constantly moving them around or does everyone have a spot that is most comfortable? So far, I can't imagine riding this bike for longer than an hour at a time. Is that normal. I find the most comfortable spot is NOT on the brake hudz, but just above them....is that cool? Do you wear your bike gloves on the trainer? helmet? (kidding about the helmet - don't answer that one) Any additional tips that you wish someone would have told you when you first started using a trainer? Don't be shy. Biggest Loser - So I watched the season premier the other night and it was my first time ever watching a whole show. It was interesting. I think I lost 5 pounds in tears. Sad stories, but I maintain my position about people making a conscious decision to become obese. Sorry, but you don't just wake up one day and notice your 500 pounds. I was sad someone had to leave. I wish they could all stay at the compound and get the opportunity to loose the weight, but I understand that's a HUGE part of the motivation.
  • The most memorable part was when that guy (might have been the guy who got voted out) said, "I have a bad knee because of a football injury in high school." Uh, NO - you have a bad knee because your forcing it carry around all that fat.
  • I loved seeing them all on those bikes. They worked their asses off for that!
  • I want Jillian's arms!

22 comments:

Aron said...

have fun at the trail race!!! they are so fun, very different from road racing :) you will have a great time! sounds like things are coming together. wont be long and those double days will be a piece of cake again :)

Unknown said...

I have no info for you on biking but good luck and have fun at your trail race this weekend!

Amy - the gazelle said...

I got the architect a trainer for xmas, and while I can ride my bike for a couple of hours at a time, so far, even 30-40 minutes is max on the trainer. And the architect, who is a pretty serious cyclist, also doesn't do the trainer for longer than an hour.

As for the "toughening", I think that if you're in the saddle 2-3x/week, after about 3 weeks, it shouldn't be as painful. That's what I remember from the past, anyway. I'm not consistent enough now to ever eliminate the mild ow.

I don't wear gloves [or a helmet :)], and I move my hands around a lot - both on the trainer & on my outside bike.

I love trail runs, but am not sure I like trail races; too many people, not wide enough...trail is my alone time! :) Let me know what you think of it, though!

Running Diva Mom said...

I like how you said you're doing ONLY 10 miles!!! Doesn't that make you feel like rock star?? Awesome. Good luck on your race.

ShutUpandRun said...

Oh yeah the girl parts will tighten up. Calouses even. Just kidding about that, but it does get better. I move my hands around quite a bit. It helps you to use different muscles and not to get cramped or stuck in the same spot. I also stretch out my arms overhead and behind me a lot. Cycling was my first love before running and I did some centuries and major distance rides. Your body just acclimates. Good luck!

ShutUpandRun said...

Hahahahaha. I didn't mean to say "tigten up", but "toughen up." But tighten up is funny and would be and benefit.

Christy said...

Hi, Kristin! I've been riding my bike on my trainer for years. Okay, my you-know-what hurts if I haven't riden my bike in a couple of weeks, but it took about a week or so for it not to hurt. A lot of times I will wear my padded bike shorts to make it a lot more comfortable. I change hand positions about every 10 minutes ago to relieve pressure. And no, I don't wear my gloves or my helmet. :-)

Sue said...

Bless you for watching the biggest loser..i cant seem to make it 5 minutes..nice blog btw:)

X-Country2 said...

Have fun at that trail run. I've always wanted to get into that.

Anonymous said...

two-a-days rock. good luck with the 10 miler!

Anonymous said...

Just a 10 mile trail run! Love it. Have a blast. Trail running is so much fun, but you can't bank on time, you just have to enjoy them.

Alisa said...

I started using Chamois butter and it helps with the "toughening up" issue.

I move my hand positions around pretty often while on the trainer but outside I'm still working on my BALANCE.

I usually ride similarly to it sounds that you ride, gripping the brakes is uncomfortable!

Have fun on the trails

Ali said...

I love the Biggest Loser! I want Jillian's arms too!

Kathleen said...

HAHAHAHA love hearing from you! Man, 2 a days + 10 mile TRAIL race..? Thats intense. Have fun.

Amy said...

Bike helmet on the trainer....laughing and had to mention it even though you were joking! Seriously, could you imagine?

When I used to ride my trainer (hahaha, but not really funny) I moved my hands all the time. I couldn't sit still in one place.

Cheers to 2010!

Amy said...

PS- good luck on your race! "Only" ten miles. Sheesh.

Jamie said...

I hear you on the base training! At the time it seemed like a good idea taking 3 months off to feed my face :) good luck this weekend and have fun!

joyRuN said...

HAHAHAAHAHA!!! Shutupandrun's comment on "tightening up" got me ready to hop on a trainer for a couple of hours :D

Ah well ;)

Sorry chick, I'm no help here with that stuff. I can barely make it through spin class as it is.

Running and living said...

You'll be back in tip top shape quickly. you'll see. I can't stay on my trainer for more than 1 hour, and I take a break after n30 min, bc otherwise I feel like going nuts. Watching TV helps somewhat!

Molly said...

I like how you said your trail run is "only" ten miles...doesn't sound like you've been slackin' too much to me!

I have to DVR the Biggest Loser, then I start watching it an hour in, then fast forward through all the b.s. it drives me nuts when they repeat everything after commercial. I hope the yellow team comes back.those two are in dire straights!

Tara said...

I've got side cramps from eating too much turtle cookie bars that my daughter made, so you are waaay ahead of me. Have a good time at that trail race, I would love to do some trail races next year; if I can cut out on the turtle bars.....did I mention that I am in pain?

Unknown said...

Finally..Kristen...your poor..VJJ. I didn't know that the bike did that. Ouch. Sorry, can't help you on that nor any biking info.
Loved your sarcastic thought about Biggest Loser and have fun on your trail run, ten miles is a lot!