The Energizer 2

I blogged yesterday about my energetic evening. I felt incredible energy after a pool session (approx.10 X 25 meters)workout followed by a 2 mile run, 1 mile walk and 5 minute stretch. Well all that energy did keep me awake. I finally went off to sleep and woke energetic. So today I went on a 10 mile bike excursion. I feel fabulous. Yet I am sure I won't be up most of tonight as the energy requires time to build up again. I say then let the recovery process now begin. Good night!

The Energizer

It is 30 minutes later but the energizer doesn't know the difference. Who is this energizer? It's dual exercise: swim 40 minutes and run 23 minutes; total time logged, 1 hour and three minutes. The energizer keeps going and going and going. Will I sleep tonight; tune in tomorrow.

Dual Training Day

This will be a dual training day for me since I missed my run yesterday. It should reset my VO2 max which averages about a 36. You may ask what does VO2 max mean and what the number 36 indicates. Rather than go into a long scientific explanation, here is a link you can go to that explains it simply http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/fitnessevalandassessment/a/VO2_Norms.htm?once=true&
Should you link to this article you may think that I just want to show off how athletic I am. But rather I would show you that body fat is a factor in my case. And yet I complain of a lack of body fat especially in my shoulder and collar areas! I recall sometime ago after reviewing my Body Composition Test results, the Professor remarked, "Wow, your fat levels are so low, are you athletic?" I replied, "I used to be...I need to get back into it." I had taken a Pilate's class prior to the test, yet I gained weight(1.5 lbs) which was desired. Then what can explain my "low body fat"? Is is linked to the specific foods I ate. Definitely. I will come back to this in another post, likely on my other blog jhtrainthegreedyappetite.

Time to Train!

Hills Thrills Chills

I am back from another 5K run. What an uphill battle! I hit the first hill at the 1st mile mark ran a quarter mile then reached the second hill. This was a rolling hill that lead to the 3rd and steepest of the inclines. Unbelievable nonstop uphill running! I turn the corner, run less than a block and head back. I have slowed my pace in this recovery phase. Moments later I hear a runner coming from behind. His pace is swift (about a 6-5 min mile pace). I keep my eye on him though he is well ahead of me on the 15 minute return trip. My right side burns, I slow down even more but it won't let up. The runner ahead of me has either detoured onto a different path or has reached the finished line. It's the finish line for me as well as the pain begins to cuts like a knife. To quite my screaming side, I walk for the next mile to my car. My side and whole body thanks me. I include a recovery stretch which seals the deal.

GF-Food Creations

New GF food to try with helpful comments: link to Hey, that tastes good!: Let's talk about something different for a minute

5K Run-Strong Come Back

Come back? Yes, it's been an entire month since my last run. Why have I been away from the activity for so long? Well, for several reasons, but I will only mention one for time sake. The main reason for not running this long is due to a calorie reduction. This reduction came not by choice, rather by financial necessity. Indeed, the economy is responsible. I have had to explore ways to lighten my activity than what is usual for me over the summer months. I begrudged it initially. But I have come back stronger for it as today I kept pace with a new friend who says that she runs 40 minutes to an hour 4-5 days a week. After our run, I don't doubt her. Five minutes into the start of our run, both of us could hold the conversation, though our breathing was noticeable. Mid way until the end of the exercise my friend's breathing was less noticeable while I grew less capable of speaking as the paced picked up. We did not slow down til we had reach the point where we began the run and decided to end it. It was a hard, but good strong run come back.

"Dreaming of the Personal Chef"

The weekend is nearly over and in the words of Venus, I too am, "Dreaming of the Personal Chef" I have reminiscence of Chili"s Chicken Soup with Avocado, Grilled Salmon, Hearty Mashed Potatoes and perfect steamed Broccoli, a scrumptious meal I enjoyed later that evening in Torrence after the thriller book signing. The next day I met a friend while biking around town. She had already walked five miles and I got off my bike and joined her for the next mile and half walk to her home. She invited me for a cold drink, then she asked if I would like some strawberries. I have never refuse strawberries. She brought in the refreshments; to my dismay the strawberries were sliced like finger food and frozen. I sipped on the ice water waiting to see if she would bring a spoon for the fruit. She did not. I picked through the icy pieces, put one in my mouth and to my surprise it melted down giving off the sweetest taste. The frozen berries tasted even better than the fresh ones. What a weekend of ideas for future dining!