Let's talk Fitness Goals

As most people in my life know, I am a goal orientated person.  I am also a list person.  I love lists, more importantly.. I love crossing things off the list.  It gives me a sense of accomplishment.  I love goals & lists so much, that when Steve and I started dating, I made us to a 1-5-10.  A list of goals to do within 1 year, 5 years and 10 years... and this is 3 months into dating.  I figured if that didn't scare him off, I don't know what will.  We wrote them down, and we still have a copy.  But as time goes on, things change, priorities change, situations change - and you need to reevaluate.  The things I thought I wanted when I was 20, is vastly different than what I want now, as I am sure it will be again in a few years.

I don't want to get too into those other goals right now, although maybe I will explore that later on.  Right now, I want to talk about getting ready for my first Tri - and the fitness goals I set for it.  So here it goes:

1. Yoga once a week - this is a hard one for me.  I don't find Yoga to be fun.  Depending on the instructor, it can be a snore fest and depending on the class, it feels like a show off session.  Maybe I feel that way because I am not flexible - and my poses do not look all that great.  I do like Shavasana!
2. Swim once a week.  Steve and I just joined a gym near the house with the pool.  I love to swim, so I don't see this being too big of an issue.
3. Bike once every two weeks with Steve.  Scary, but need to improve.  Would possibly do it once a week if time permits.
4. Jog twice a week.  I love getting time alone to jog.  I recently have been listening to Audio Books when jogging and find the whole process relaxing.
5. Weight lift three times a week.  I do this in the form of my classes at work or at the gym.
6. Box once a week.  Boxing has GREAT cardio - and it doesn't hurt that is has a lot of social aspects too.
7. Continue playing Hockey once a week.  Also GREAT cardio.

In additional to these goals, Steve and I enjoy taking Sparky on new hikes on weekends.  Hopefully I can keep up with that.

I feel that these goals might be a little ambitious.  Especially considering I am planning a wedding, raising a puppy and a two hour round trip commute.  It's a worth a try - and you know what... I can always reevaluate!

I will start these goals next week!  Wish me luck!

Overconfidence sunk the ship!

Yesterday was my second day of riding.  Last weekend went so well, that I excitedly went to REI's sale and bought biking gloves, windbreaker, and a new shirt.

Steve wanted me to try his old biking loop near his moms house, he warned me it would have hills and it was on a road with cars, but that it was safe.  I figured, I nailed the 14 mile bike path last week with other cyclist, joggers and walkers, I can handle a few hills and cars.  Boy... Was I wrong.  This 12.7 mile loop started with a steep hill climb.  I put my gears to use and even at the "easiest" found myself struggling.  In my head I imagined an old woman with a walker walking faster than me on the bike.  Alas,  we got to the top... But I learned quickly that going downhill was the hard part.  It wasn't hard in the sense physically, but fear and anxiety got the best of me.  I was using the brakes, cars were zooming by, everything about it hit all my senses and my body just about froze.  I met Steve at the bottom of the hill and wanted to cry.  I was scared, tired, and felt ready to quit.  That feeling of fear quickly turned to anger... Towards Steve. How did he think I was ready for this?  How did he think this was a good idea?  Why did he make me do this on my second try?  

Now,  I am no expert on relationships.  Really... Who is?  But I do know in stressful situations people get defensive, people place blame, people have short fuses - that goes for everyone.  Needless to say, an ugly side of Andrea came out.  I should have a name for it... The Hulk is so over played.  But that's what I become.  I become this ugly monster when I am stressed, hungry, anxious, tired, etc., and it's always leaves a path of destruction and hurt feelings.

Don't worry guys... Steve took my monster side in stride, and apologized for picking a bad route, but encouraged me to keep going and that I looked really good.  This of course made me snap back to regular me and feel lousy for becoming the monster.  

Honestly,  I wasn't ready for that route.  But I did it.  And I didn't complain 80% of the time.  We drove over that hill today, and it made me proud that I did it, and I hope to do it again... Just after a lot more practice.

We had a great weekend, more to come!

My First Bike Ride

I did it! My first Bike Ride! 

It has probably been over 10 years since I rode a bike. And even then, it was a mile to and from school. I have been afraid of getting a road bike for a long time... the tires are skinny, the idea of riding on the road with cars scared me, and that most of the time as a jogger, bicyclist are generally the most inconsiderate people on the road. However, I have been longing to do a Tri since I did my first marathon a few years ago. The biking part always got in the way. I decided it was time to face my fear and give it a try. 

I bought the bike last weekend at Mike's Bikes, in Palo Alto.  GREAT experience.  Got to take it on a test run.  The bike was expensive, so I am not hurrying out there to buy all the accessories yet.  I did buy some shorts, a helmet, and a tool kit to fix the bike.  

Steve today was helpful.  He showed me how to change the gears and when to change them.  I am not sure I get it yet, but I hope it will make sense to me soon.  He even let me borrow a biking jersey and jacket.  I have to say... biking clothes are not flattering... at all.  The shorts are uncomfortable, the shirt felt tight, I think runners outfits are way better.

So... how was the riding experience?  We did a bike trail along the bay front (Foster City/San Mateo Area).  Boy...  my tooshie hurts bad!  OUCH!  How to people bike for hours and hours.  We rode for about an hour and everything down there hurts.  Next, I was trying to be respectful to runners, and let them know I was riding on their left... but it turns out, some runners are just bad runners.  A few zigged zagged in front, and I was worried I was going to hit them.  Overall, I have to say, it wasn't a bad experience.  We did 14 miles.  The Tri race in August is 13 miles... so I am ahead of the game.  But, I am slow, and not good at shifting, and turns are a bit rough.  I will need practice.  I also think I will need actual biking shoes.  My running shoes felt a bit big on there.

I am really proud of myself for doing this.  I am looking forward to many many bike rides with Steve and friends!

First Post

My First Post!  How exciting!

As I am creating this Blog, I am still trying to figure out what I will Blog about.  I have so many different interests and enjoy trying new things.  I feel like documenting the adventures I take will be fun and challenging.  

I like the word audacious...

au·da·cious

ôˈdāSHəs/

adjective

adjective: audacious

1.

showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

"a series of audacious takeovers"

synonyms:

bold, daring, fearless, intrepid, brave, courageous, valiant, heroic, plucky;

I don't consider myself a risk taker, but I want to be.  I want to try new things.  I don't want fear to get in the way of potential happiness.  I want to be the best me I can be.  

So, what do I plan on doing?  What will I be writing about?  What fears am I conquering? 

It's a work in progress, I will tell you that there are several exciting things coming up.  A sprint tri (yes... will learn how to ride a bike), a few half marathons, attending weddings and planning a wedding.  Lots of travel included!

I am hoping for adventure, laughs, love and the feeling of living life to the fullest.  I hope you enjoy!