A Kick in the Pants

Maybe it's the ongoing dreary, wet weather... or the fact that my head still feels like it's been stuffed with cotton, but I've been finding it a challenge to get motivated, lately. So, I decided to "make" myself inspired. I've been spending some time researching training techniques for both ultra and triathlon. Both of which I would like to try some time within the next year. Unfortunately, because I swim like a brick, I'm thinking the triathlon will have to wait a little longer. Especially if I do one in open water (opposed to pool). I've signed up for a few private swim lessons to assess my swimming skills. Generally, sprint distance triathlons have a 750 meter swim portion, so I will need to be able to do at least that without drowning. I definitely don't want to drown. :)

I was also recommended to read a book on triathlon called, "The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joel Friel. The information seems applicable to both beginner and advanced triathletes. It's a really big book with a lot of "dry" info, so when I finally get through it and absorb it all (will take me a while), I'll be able to give a more thorough review.

Another type of "motivator" I find people use are nutritional supplements. So I went for a visit to a "supplement store". Then I got overwhelmed and walked out. Years ago, I worked briefly in one of these places. I learned a lot, including: if you eat a healthy, balanced diet and take your vitamins, you probably don't need them. Unless you're an elite athlete, I don't see it as being imperative. It may be all my years of having to take loads of medications and feeling like a "guinea pig" in the way that I never know how my body is going to react to anything. The only extra "supplements" I may take are when I'm doing my long runs (12k+) as it's pretty much guaranteed that I will start running out of "steam" if I don't. GU Energy Gels seem to work well for me. They are quick, cheap and store nicely in my hydration belt. I like Vanilla. They are pretty strong tasting, so I always take it with a few sips of water. I have to be very careful with taking any product that includes caffeine as it upsets my stomach. This particular one contains cola nut (contains caffeine), but it's a small amount. I will also drink Powerade. I like white cherry because it's it's clear in colour. So if it spills (and it always does with me), it doesn't show up all over my shirt and I don't look like a slobby mess by the end of my run/race. Other than that, I don't really take anything else but water. The biggest rule is NEVER to try anything new before a race. The second half marathon I did, I decided to do just that... and you could barely pry me out of the port-o-potty. Gross. I also wore cotton socks and the most chafing bra in my drawer. The shower I had after felt like I was being stabbed in the chest and feet. Luckily, I've since discovered body glide and proper running socks. But I digress...

After checking out the supplements, I headed over to take a peak at an organics store (where they sell groceries, too). While I'm not into protein powders, caffeine loaded "slimming" products or metabolism enhancers, I do believe in some products that can help with "getting healthier". One is a daily multi vitamin. Seriously, you can't really go wrong here unless your health care professional says otherwise. Probiotics like acidophilus help with digestion and can boost the immune system. If you're working out regularly, glucosamine can be used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. It may also be very beneficial if you suffer from osteoarthritis.

I did pick up a product called 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). I chose the "lower" dose of 50mg just in case I did get any side effects. As 5-HTP has not been thoroughly studied in a clinical setting, possible side effects and interactions with other drugs are not well known. However, this particular supplement states to help with a LOT of things that personally effect me including: Depression, Carbohydrate craving, Insomnia, Tension headaches, Premenstrual syndrome and Fibromyalgia. So I'm willing to try it out. However, I've taken meds and supplements in the past that gave me the very side effects of symptoms I was trying to get rid of. Ironic? Yes. Irritating? Also, yes. So it would sort of suck if the side effects were sadness, weight gain, night terrors, headaches and paraesthesia. ...but I'll stay positive. :)

Today, is my "active rest day" which includes some hard core scrubbing, laundry folding and re-arranging of furniture. Hey, all of this burns calories, too. ;) It's amazing what types of daily chores can contribute to a "healthier lifestyle" not to mention, a clean house!

Washing Dishes (30 min) - 79 calories
Vacuuming (30 min) - 470 calories
Grocery Shopping (30 min) - 94 calories
Mopping Floor (30 min) - 139 calories
Dusting (30 min) - 50 calories
Scrubbing the Bathroom (30 min) - 200 calories

Even better, you can put on a comedy album and laugh while doing these chores! A good hearty laugh from the diaphragm will contract and work out those abs. Apparently, laughing 100 times is the equivalent to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike! If you're feeling even extra energetic, you can have your partner come home for a "nooner" to break up your day of cleaning and laughing. The average lovemaking session burns between 50 and 100 calories. Having sex 3 times a week burns 7500 calories per year - that's over 2 pounds of body fat! Woohoo! I'm also pretty sure laughing while making love will burn even more. ;)

For my final note of the day, I have registered for my first Ultra Marathon! It is the Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race - 50 km's @ Manning Park in September. I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little freaked out but it's the total "kick in the pants" that I need to get more serious about my running regimen. Trail is a lot more difficult than road, so I know my time will be significantly slower. I will keep you updated on how my training unfolds over the next 8 weeks leading up to the race.

Thanks for reading today's novel. I suppose I've been procrastinating about that bathroom scrubbing. :)