Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Sep 25, 2013
It’s Century Week! That magical week of rest, eating, anticipation, relaxing, looking backing – you know, tapering.
Tapering is the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The tapering period frequently lasts as much as a week or more.
The MS City to Shore ride is this Saturday and I, along with my team, are booking 100 miles in one day. It should be a good time. The MS Society puts on a good tour and raises a lot of money.
#CenturyWeek
I feel a little guilty this century week due to my lack of discipline and training this year. Century week is supposed to be the reward for hard work and I feel like I didn't work hard enough. Things that didn’t happen were me riding to the Rocky Statue and hitting my 60 mile long rides.
I do plan to continue riding throughout the fall and winter – both outside and on my bike trainer at home.
New This Year
This is my second year riding the century (I documented last years training and ride in a series of posts located on my Manda's Century page.) My training program was not as intense as last year as evidenced by me not having a full-blown adrenal crash mid-way through. I am a little disappointed in myself, still. I wanted to do more. My bike training is full of inner turmoil.
Additionally, I have a team to look after. I did my best on prepping them and encouraging training. Most of it fell by the way-side but my super-ridiculously-handsome man-friend came along with me for some long rides – the most we did was 51.1 miles. A good distance.
I feel a sense of responsibility toward my team because last year I had to learn and do all this biking stuff on my own. I didn't want to abandon anyone or lead them down some type of wrong path. Some of my frustration was due to anxiety in prepping them correctly and some of it was because I really love doing this but I had to tone myself back because you don’t go all athletic cray-cray on newbies.
Future Plans
Since I only participated in two biking events this summer, I’m hoping to book at least one more this fall.
If you remember, I had my whole year planned out with biking events, documented in my My Year In Biking post. While I respect myself's passion, I whack myself's with a rolled-up newspaper for over-estimating my abilities.
I did participate in Girls with Gears - wrote about that in my Sports Weekend: 5Ks and Bike Rides. Other than that, this century is all I got going on so far. I do plan to do the Covered Bridges Ride in October - maybe someone will even want to come along with me. Once you make someone do a century with you, expectations for participation sort of go way down.
Winter biking is not something I did last year, it feels like a new frontier that I’d be interested in learning about.
Go fitness! But, you know, after century week.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Tapering is the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The tapering period frequently lasts as much as a week or more.
The MS City to Shore ride is this Saturday and I, along with my team, are booking 100 miles in one day. It should be a good time. The MS Society puts on a good tour and raises a lot of money.
#CenturyWeek
I feel a little guilty this century week due to my lack of discipline and training this year. Century week is supposed to be the reward for hard work and I feel like I didn't work hard enough. Things that didn’t happen were me riding to the Rocky Statue and hitting my 60 mile long rides.
I do plan to continue riding throughout the fall and winter – both outside and on my bike trainer at home.
New This Year
 |
| Biking |
Additionally, I have a team to look after. I did my best on prepping them and encouraging training. Most of it fell by the way-side but my super-ridiculously-handsome man-friend came along with me for some long rides – the most we did was 51.1 miles. A good distance.
I feel a sense of responsibility toward my team because last year I had to learn and do all this biking stuff on my own. I didn't want to abandon anyone or lead them down some type of wrong path. Some of my frustration was due to anxiety in prepping them correctly and some of it was because I really love doing this but I had to tone myself back because you don’t go all athletic cray-cray on newbies.
 |
| Resting |
Since I only participated in two biking events this summer, I’m hoping to book at least one more this fall.
If you remember, I had my whole year planned out with biking events, documented in my My Year In Biking post. While I respect myself's passion, I whack myself's with a rolled-up newspaper for over-estimating my abilities.
I did participate in Girls with Gears - wrote about that in my Sports Weekend: 5Ks and Bike Rides. Other than that, this century is all I got going on so far. I do plan to do the Covered Bridges Ride in October - maybe someone will even want to come along with me. Once you make someone do a century with you, expectations for participation sort of go way down.
Winter biking is not something I did last year, it feels like a new frontier that I’d be interested in learning about.
Go fitness! But, you know, after century week.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
May 20, 2013
Mission Level: Success! (Because I have a Tablet!)
If you do one video. . .is it a video blog? Anyhow, this challenge was sitting around for a while and I finally decided to record myself talking. I don't have a webcam or anything, I do have a sweet Tablet.
Future Plans
I did it, I can't say I am super proud of it. I probably won't try another one since I am sure there is no great demand for me being on camera running my mouth.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
If you do one video. . .is it a video blog? Anyhow, this challenge was sitting around for a while and I finally decided to record myself talking. I don't have a webcam or anything, I do have a sweet Tablet.
Future Plans
I did it, I can't say I am super proud of it. I probably won't try another one since I am sure there is no great demand for me being on camera running my mouth.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
May 13, 2013
So, Abercrombie & Fitch came out
saying how they only want model-like people, and women under a size XL to wear
their clothes. I actually respect A&F for their stance - or the CEO's
stance.
Let's just be honest. This company wants a certain brand out
there.
Cool.
I don't think wearing or not wearing A&F impacts the
quality of your soul.
I accept that certain companies target certain types of
people, it's cool. I may or may not be in that target group. That doesn't mean
I am better or worse for it – the only thing that decides my worth is my
behavior. What I do in the skin I am in is much more important that what I
wear.
Anyone who thinks because A&F doesn't carry his/her size
some type of self-worth is reflected really has been taught the wrong message.
Some people, some groups and some companies just don't like you. At least we
can be honest about our likes and dislikes, our body size and even our vanity.
I know there are a lot of people who deal with issues of
self-worth and have eating disorders or other issues. This is a separate issue
which cannot be solved by changing the world to accommodate imbalance. It has
to start on the inside of those people. It does hurt me when I know someone
struggles with an internal issue and believes this issue can be solved through
an acceptance of an outside entity.
Sometimes there is no acceptance. And there is a deeper
issue when the statement, “Man, if I only fit into A&F jeans, my life would
be worthwhile!” than the sizes a manufacturer carries.
I use to think if I just washed my hands one more time I
would find peace. I didn't find my solution in soap bubbles anymore than
someone will find a peace in a cotton-spandex fabric blend.
Let's just be honest and learn to deal with things that are
not always going to be the way we want, people not always responding the way we
wish and the world not being a slave to anxiety.
Tolerance
Learning to be truly tolerant – truly tolerant – is to
accept people have different views on the world. I don’t have to agree with
A&F to be tolerant of its business model, public statements or other
choices.
Every person has the power to buy or not buy from this company. And I think it's a choice, like any choice. I'm glad we have choice. We can include or exclude whoever we want and we have to deal with the rewards and the consequences of this. Not everyone is going to cater to you. Not everyone is going to like you. Some people are going to cater to you. Some are going to adore you.
And you know what? Both things are ok.
My Facebook status escalated rather quickly when I posted my thoughts, however.
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| This escalated rather quickly |
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Jul 14, 2012
In cycling, there is this thing call the "bonk." I think you bonk. Or you are bonking. Not to be confused with headbonks which are great.
Thank God there is Urban Dictionary!
Ride Stats
I think I missed last week and maybe the week before, that's fine. as of July 21st, I'm in my 10 week program. In July, so far, I have been trying to get into the habit and mileage of riding three times a week. I am super lucky because a lot of my co-workers are training for Tour DaVita which is a 200-plus mile ride over the course of two or three days. It raises money for kidney disease and helps people get treatment.
With that in mind, I had company for two 20 mile rides which made them much more enjoyable. Plus, I got to feel and get use to riding close to other people. My speed dropped a little because the first 20 mile ride was with some people who were just starting. It was a new trail close to were I work. I even got another lap in (hence 28) with one of the directors.
I thought I would have company for my long ride, and get in a good 50. After the two 20+ miles, though, I was thinking I should take it easy. Most of the crew were going to the beach. It rained most of the night but by 10am (meeting time) it had cleared. No one showed up. No worries! Off I went, texting that it was beautiful and lovely and things like "you ain't made of sugar, you won't melt!"
So, I got caught in the rain. I tried a new trail I sort of stumbled on. I hung out under a bridge for a bit with some other riders, but, 20 miles from home, I was as wet as I could get so I headed back out. I can't even tell you how dirty I was. I had gravel in my ears and other. .areas.
So, about 39 miles later, I got back into the non-rain and my car and a nice, hot shower. And the leftover French dip sandwich Mr. Green Eyes left in my fridge.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Bonks from catswhotwitter.blogspot.com
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| Love! |
Bonk: Expression used by cyclists to describe excercise induced low blood sugar levels; being a feeling of light-headedness and weakness in all limbs. Similar to 'The Wall' in running. Has fallen out of usage in recent years due to alternative meanings.Anyhow, to avoid the bonk I have been eating PopTarts, as any of you who follow me know. It's awesome. I think a lot of the "wall" I was hitting had something to do not eating enough. Before it was not drinking enough.
Ride Stats
I think I missed last week and maybe the week before, that's fine. as of July 21st, I'm in my 10 week program. In July, so far, I have been trying to get into the habit and mileage of riding three times a week. I am super lucky because a lot of my co-workers are training for Tour DaVita which is a 200-plus mile ride over the course of two or three days. It raises money for kidney disease and helps people get treatment.
With that in mind, I had company for two 20 mile rides which made them much more enjoyable. Plus, I got to feel and get use to riding close to other people. My speed dropped a little because the first 20 mile ride was with some people who were just starting. It was a new trail close to were I work. I even got another lap in (hence 28) with one of the directors.
 |
| That 5 miles was tough! |
 |
| BOOM! |
So, about 39 miles later, I got back into the non-rain and my car and a nice, hot shower. And the leftover French dip sandwich Mr. Green Eyes left in my fridge.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Image Credit
Bonks from catswhotwitter.blogspot.com
Apr 22, 2012
I was suppose to be riding in the Girls with Gears (GWG) today, but, due to the rain, my bike buddy and I decided not to ride. Neither of us have ridden in the rain on our new road bikes and also, at least for me, the cold would probably result in a lot of hurts.
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure.
I actually took a break this week - I started off not riding for tapering reasons, then the hot stain of neuropathy suggested I cool it for a little bit. I went into management mode the best I could and I think I only dipped a toe into the Stage 2 pool of adrenal fatigue.
I am excited to get back out there on Monday and continue the ride and training.
Enjoy this picture of my cats!
 |
| Purr |
Mar 3, 2012
What happened to my bike riding adventures? They were on hold for a while due to the weather and then due to an adrenal crash I was working on fighting off in December. Now it's March and it's time to get serious. I broke my plan into a couple key areas:
Because I can be stubborn, even with myself, I started paying more attention to what I was eating and why. I lost 7lbs while focusing on infusing my diet with awesomely healthy foods. I have become a huge fan of roasting bulk chicken breasts Sunday night and keeping them for lunch and dinner. Then I got bags of spinach, peas, corn, green beans, carrots and a pepper mix to mix with the chicken. I even do rice noodle pasta with some chicken in it or chicken tacos. It's really working for me!
I also have been eating more fruit. I try to get in a couple small apples a day, an orange here and there and pears. This keeps me pretty happy.
Supplements and Nutrition
It's not a huge leap to get the fact I can have "problems" with food. I can make a dinner of a couple strips of bacon or not really eat anything and then maybe enjoy some pretzels and quso dip. I can easily not eat enough calories in a day and easily not eat the right types of food to keep the charming engine that is me working at full potential.
With that said, I also am working on taking supplements to focus on where my diet is lacking and to address my special issues. I did find when I stopped taking my supplements, things started to crash, so I am happy to report I have stopped taking my medication but have been consistently taking my supplements. Here's what I do:
I booked about 10 miles in January, which is a pretty low amount. However, I did learn that I am not as tough as I seem. Riding in the cold of December and January cut into me like nothing else. In fact, for weeks after my feet and toes would twitch in painful ways. I figured it was better to hold off on riding while I regrouped and recovered.
I decided to also build some cross-training into my routine with walking. I got 5 miles in today and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I wouldn't mind getting back into intervals now that it is lighter out. I really enjoying biking more than walking or running - good thing I have a buddy who will walk with me!
Also, my job offers a free gym!
Weight Training
I did acquire a basic free-weight set and other than losing my motivation as he final throw of the crash. I am excited to start lifting a little to tone up and build a little muscle. It has been years since I have been able to lift and I think it is a good step.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
- Food.
- Supplements and nutrition.
- Biking and cross-training.
- Weight training.
Because I can be stubborn, even with myself, I started paying more attention to what I was eating and why. I lost 7lbs while focusing on infusing my diet with awesomely healthy foods. I have become a huge fan of roasting bulk chicken breasts Sunday night and keeping them for lunch and dinner. Then I got bags of spinach, peas, corn, green beans, carrots and a pepper mix to mix with the chicken. I even do rice noodle pasta with some chicken in it or chicken tacos. It's really working for me!
I also have been eating more fruit. I try to get in a couple small apples a day, an orange here and there and pears. This keeps me pretty happy.
 |
| I live like a poor bachelor |
It's not a huge leap to get the fact I can have "problems" with food. I can make a dinner of a couple strips of bacon or not really eat anything and then maybe enjoy some pretzels and quso dip. I can easily not eat enough calories in a day and easily not eat the right types of food to keep the charming engine that is me working at full potential.
With that said, I also am working on taking supplements to focus on where my diet is lacking and to address my special issues. I did find when I stopped taking my supplements, things started to crash, so I am happy to report I have stopped taking my medication but have been consistently taking my supplements. Here's what I do:
- Adrene-Vive
- Vitamin D.
- Calcium Citrate.
- MultiVites (yummy gummies!)
- Green tea.
- Green drink (Trader Joe's brand).
 |
| Good to have! |
I decided to also build some cross-training into my routine with walking. I got 5 miles in today and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I wouldn't mind getting back into intervals now that it is lighter out. I really enjoying biking more than walking or running - good thing I have a buddy who will walk with me!
Also, my job offers a free gym!
Weight Training
 |
| Getting buff! |
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
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