Catching Up

Categories: Uncategorized

I’ve got some reviews to do so let’s get it started:

ActivTrax Program: I started this at the gym right before the holidays. It began with a fitness assessment. Because I do so much running, (surprise, surprise) I made weights and flexibility my focus for this program. Basically the computer generates a customized workout, I do it, enter what I did and so on, the program keeps customizing workouts as I go.
The reality: I started this at the wrong time of year because, during the holidays, with the kiddos home, I simply did not make it to the gym regularly. Once the New Year rolled around, I had to fight my way through the gym floor, circle around waiting for machines, not a good scene.
Another drawback: Not sure why but it always seems the upper body stuff the computer spits out for me to do is waaaay too easy. I’m always piling on more weights and I log that, but mysteriously my workouts aren’t getting harder.
Final Word: Meh. I’m finding the whole weight machine routine boring and have yet to see one iota of a flexibility challenge in this program. I feel like I work out much harder in a muscle conditioning class and focus much more on flexibility in a yoga class.

Kettle Worx: I was lucky enough to win this awesome set from Erica H at I Run Because I Can! I’d heard wonderful things about Kettle Bells but never had the opportunity to try them and frankly had no clue exactly how to work with them so this DVD series is ideal!
The Reality: Today I did the Fast Abs and Fast Fat Burner DVDs. Wow the ab workout was tough! Loved it! The Fast Fat Burner DVD was great as well. It’s loaded with squats, lunges and weighted curtsies and really challenged my hips, glutes and thighs. The guy is especially cute: after doing an especially grueling series, he says “you’re welcome!” I love that these DVDs are short ( although I suspect the rest in the set are not). I’m planning to slip them in after a run a couple of times a week.
Final Word: 2 Thumbs Up so far! The DVDs give me lots of flexibility so I don’t HAVE to get to the gym. I will be back to review the other DVDs as I work through them! Thanks again Erica H!

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support on my post about running for the Lupus Foundation the other day! You are the best! I’ll be back with details when I set up my fundraising page!

Welcome New Bloggy A-Listers! I’m so happy to have you here. If I haven’t already been over to say hey, I will soon!

i Declare! Final Day! If you haven’t entered to win the gorgeous sterling necklace with charm, do not delay because time is running out!

Have a Great Weekend!

by: Marcia | Friday, January 22nd, 2010 | 9 comments so far

10-Mile Cry

Categories: Uncategorized

I had a million reasons to skip this morning’s run. Raw temps with biting winds, fatigue after yesterday’s speedwork, I’ve been neglecting the weights, the dogs consumed an entire box of 64 Crayolas and excreted a spectrum of ‘treats’ for me on the carpet, pick an excuse any excuse.
But today more than ever, I needed the roads to serve as my therapy couch.

Yesterday after school, Things, 1, 2, dogs 1, 2 and I set out in the neighborhood selling Thing 1′s Girl Scout cookies. When our neighbor opened the door, there stood Alex, their oldest child. This shocked me because Alex should be back at school, in her second year at the University of Illinois. “Extended holiday break”? I asked as I noticed how swollen and out of sorts she looked. I soon learned that Alex is taking a semester off from school because she suffers from Lupus, an autoimmune disease. She was diagnosed as a kid and has had a rough time controlling the flares since she went off to college last year.

This sweet teenager should be thinking about what party to go to on Friday night or whether she wants to join a sorority. Not wondering how badly her Lupus flare will be or about the side effects of her meds. Life is such a mystery sometimes.

So, as if fighting the bitter winds would help ease Alex’s pain and/or help her recover, I ran. I ran hard into that nasty wind. It felt effortless. And I cried angry tears for the unfairness of it all. For everyone who suffers or who loves someone who does.

Thinking of all Alex goes through everyday makes my quest for a race PR or a negative split or another BQ seem selfish and trivial. That’s why I’m dedicating my efforts at this year’s Chicago Marathon to the Lupus Foundation of America. I’m going to run this one for Alex. She’s my girl. She’s everyone’s girl.