Anyone want to shape up in 2018? A continuing journey.......

oftenreading said:but

Ms. Haiku said:

curmudgeoness said: BHI

Longer strides = faster, for me. I shorten my stride when going uphill.

On the other hand, I have seen some very fast older dudes (70+) with very short strides.

I think -- not sure, just thinking -- that turnover is the key; more than the length of your stride. I think that, ideally, as you build stamina and start wanting to get faster, covering more ground per step + more steps per minute = faster. If you watch elite marathoners, they have pretty long strides but rapid turnover.

I think you are right. It is about turnover.

Apple turnover, I hope?

Yes and yes!

curmudgeoness said:

Ms. Haiku said:m

For most of my life exercise has caused me some anxiety. However, I've been so sad by news in the past couple weeks that I have used exercise to get into a better mood. Who knew?

Well, I am glad it is helping you! For me, exercise is about my mental health as much as it is about my physical health, and it has been that way for about 22 years. Before that, exercise was something I saw as a burden, something I "had to do." Now, I see it as an important part of taking care of myself  and clearing my head so I can think.

I'm actually angry at the moment. I'd been in a pretty bad mental state for the last week or so, so I made an extra effort to get to the beach for a run Tuesday afternoon. My head was just starting to clear and I could feel my anxiety ebbing, when some random asshole ran across the beach at me and tried to attack me. That never, ever happens! I am so angry that someone tried to ruin one of the nicest places on the planet with their behavior. So, from now on, I run with pepper spray. And I am considering adding martial arts classes to my already-packed exercise schedule.

That's awful! Asshole, is right!

2-feign-reluctance said:

Celebrating my one yr fitness anniversary this month! Its been mostly ups than downs thank goodness. Recently had my bike tuned up, new trail tires & have been hitting the MKT/Katy trail. Had an epic 20 mile ride last week, planning on going 2x this week a little longer, little further each time. 

Way to go, 2-feign! I do a long ride every Saturday and I look forward to it all week. As part of it I aim to get up to a local lake; a peaceful and beautiful reward after a lot of hill climbing. My cycle commuting is fun but it's the weekend recreational ride that I really love. 

And curmudgeoness, that is terrible! I'm sorry you're in the situation where you feel like some asshole has made it so that you have to carry pepper spray. That's got to be a nuisance while running. 

It does look nice and small. And on the clothing optional beach you have more than one choice of target for your spray, I guess. 

Great ride today! Pushed to 28 miles then hit the gym for biceps & back lift. The cardio before the weights worked out well. Have been doing cardio after weights. Might change that up. 

2-feign-reluctance said:

Great ride today! Pushed to 28 miles then hit the gym for biceps & back lift. The cardio before the weights worked out well. Have been doing cardio after weights. Might change that up. 

That does look like a nice ride.

I was curious, so I looked to see what the conventional wisdom is about doing strength or cardio first. The answer seems to depend on what your goals and priorities are. I think of myself as a runner, so I run before (showering and) heading to the gym to lift.

I did 20 miles with Simon on my back over the course of the camping trip, 12 miles/8hours on one day.  
Not sure I could do more, he rides so high in the pack it's impossible to transfer enough of the weight off my shoulders.
It was a great week, 30 miles total, 4 of them climbing and traversing exposed rock face on a 1,000 ft Via Ferrata climb.  

oftenreading said:

rgambs said:

I did 20 miles with Simon on my back over the course of the camping trip, 12 miles/8hours on one day.  
Not sure I could do more, he rides so high in the pack it's impossible to transfer enough of the weight off my shoulders.
It was a great week, 30 miles total, 4 of them climbing and traversing exposed rock face on a 1,000 ft Via Ferrata climb.  

So, where was Simon when you were climbing? I know you said it wasn't technical, but he wasn't in the back pack, was he? 

No, we left him at camp with my dad.
I was more nervous about leaving him behind in a region with zero cell service than I was about the climb lol
Next time we go down we are going to climb Seneca Rocks and get our first technical ascent in the bag.

oftenreading said:

It does look nice and small. And on the clothing optional beach you have more than one choice of target for your spray, I guess. 

Ok folks. Today was the day. The day I ordered T25. Now I'm pissed I think I got taken on the shipping cuz I was busy and not paying attention. . I'm done acting like food is my problem. I want to be in better shape for my kids. Not looking to be a model looking to have energy to keep up with and have the time of my life with my kids.

I've always been chubby. I've always been the slow one - physically. I'm done with the dating scene I'm done with the college scene. I'm now looking at my future which is all about my family. 

I feel motivated. I know it'll be tough. I'm going to start out treating this program like a 30 day challenge and go from there.

I've read great reviews. And realize those that took this seriously were ready to make a change! I sincerely hope I am too.

Over a year ago when I joined this thread I set a goal of 20 lbs. Year and a half later I have lost 5 lbs and kept it off. Eek! Time to push. 

I'm going to set my goal at 20. I'd like to set 3 months to accomplish said goal.

Now shipping is 3-6 days and it's the holiday so maybe I'll see it in a few weeks.

Wish me luck!