I'm Going Sugar Free for 14 Days

With the Tri coming up in less than 2 weeks, I felt I needed a bit of a challenge to make sure I keep my eye on the prize.  I know, the Prize technically is the Triathlon, but since I'm participating as a relay, I'm having a hard time staying focused- and I really don't want to rest on my laurels thinking "Oh it's just the swim, it will be fine"  because I don't want to just do fine- I want to kill it.

Something last week- that of course I can't for the life of me remember right now, got me to thinking about how much sugar we consume every single day.  And its in everything not just the obvious things like pop and candy bars...  Milk!  Ketchup (I actually don't eat or like Ketchup but I'm trying to make a point here)

According to the USDA  a woman should eat NO MORE than 25 grams of sugar every day.  TWENTY FIVE GRAMS.  

Do you know how many grams of sugar are in say,  a can of pop?  27...  in ONE can of pop.

How about in Yoplait Yogurt?   In just regular old Plain Jane Vanilla Yogurt-  17 grams of sugar in one serving

Milk?  12Grams of Sugar (for 2%)  Skim Milk 12 grams

Turn that into Chocolate Milk you have a whopping twenty six grams of sugar-  almost as much as a can of pop!

The point is- life has become dominated by sugars... so I'm going to do a two week expirament on myself.

Starting Tomorrow:  Monday, August 1st 2011...  I'm going to keep track of and try and stay under my daily sugar intake allotment.  And, I am going to attempt to avoid processed sugars completely.  The only sugars I will have are naturally occuring sugars, like the ones in fruits...  and obviously the ones I can't avoid (like in Milk)    We'll see how close I can stay to the 25 gram requirement each day.

It should be an interesting two weeks.

I welcome your suggestions if you've gone sugar free :)

The Importance of Pre and Post Work Out Fueling

On Friday, I missed my morning workout- because even though my gyms pool is inside, it shuts down if there is lighting.  - My YMCA never used to pull us out of the pool in a thunderstorm, so I'm not quite sure why all the protective measures but whatever-  So I decided to go and swim after work.  On a Friday evening I knew that exercise would not be top of mosts mind, so I figured Id have my pick of lap lanes (which I did- yay).  So Friday had been a fairly hectic day and my eating for most of the day was sub-par.  A Handful of crackers and some coffee for breakfast, a sandwich from Einstein's for lunch- no snacks, no proteins-  and then right into the pool.

Now originally, I had intended it to be just a nice easy swim, just to keep the muscle memory and the mechanics.  But, instead I decided to "check" how fast I could swim the Triathlon distance.  When I finished in 12 minutes- I went again - because twelve minutes wasn't good enough.  and again, and again... but at that point my arms and legs felt like lead- I had to stop and cut the workout there.  However, because I hadn't eaten before I worked out- I felt shaky and weak -  I could barely make it back to my car.

I know I've discussed this before, specifically regarding a Workout With Brutus  but its worth repeating- because clearly, even people who KNOW what they should be doing, sometimes forget or think that they don't have to -always- play by the rules.  If the gas tank is empty- it can not fuel with the workout-  if you're not properly fueling the workout, you are stepping backwards instead of stepping forwards.

Anyone else have a problem remembering to fuel before workouts?  What are your solutions to this - especially if you are before work or right after work exerciser?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Living Off The Grid

So- I officially turned in my last paper on Friday night at 10:30. - I purposefully smashed all my final assignments into Friday night so I could enjoy the weekend completely school work free. Since Mr. Millie had an unusually light work load himself (his summer term doesn't end for three more weeks)- we decided to take the weekend and just enjoy hanging out and spending time together NOT watching a clock or worrying about when we needed to get back to home to get work done. We turned off our cell phones were banned from computers/laptops/facebook - we put our home phone on "Do Not Disturb" and just existed without being available to everyone 24 hours a day. It was FABULOUS. I highly recommend trying it. It was so nice to just BE - and not be connected.

I actually read an entire book- for pleasure- over the course of the 2 days ( Discovery of Witches, for inquiring minds- and it was phenomenal... a must read- especially if you were swept into the Twilight craze. - its like a billion times better)

Anywho~ The weekend of nothingness was exactly what I needed. I could just relax, let myself decompress and be a total lazy bum. It was heaven.

I am back in the pool and getting ready for the Family tri in three weeks- yep three weeks. Um- Eep. Major Eep.

So, Mr. Millie is always expressing his concern that there are no lifeguards at the gyms lap pools. And I always point out that the pool is only four feet of water, there's no way any experienced swimmer could drown in the pool. Not to mention that the whole thing is wired with cameras. I'm sure someone is watching all the time. (not to mention that attendants are coming in and out all the time- so even if someone *was* drowning- they would be rescued)...

But anyway.. this morning, I was swimming, letting my mind drift away and not focusing on my stroking. I was stuck in the furthest lane against the wall this morning because there were a quadrillion people in the pool swimming this morning. And being all the way at the end, you get a lot of splashing from the wake of the other swimmers.

I pushed off the wall heading back for my final pass, and the wake of my own push off combined with the wake of the gigundo Iron Man swimming next to me created a wave forceful enough to enter both my nose and my mouth simultaneously- and completely robbing me of all air. Thankfully I was able to stand straight up and expel (in a none to pretty way) the water that had forced itself into my air ways... but I can now see just how quickly a drowning can happen even for a seasoned swimmer.

As appealing as it is to just flap back and forth, and not really mentally be present- it is kind of important to stay present , especially when there are a lot of people in the pool- just so you can mentally keep your positioning and form in check. I know my form wasn't proper. My middle was probably sagging- my chin most likely wasn't tucked- my shoulders were probably under the water instead of above the water- which is how I ended up inhaling half the ever loving pool.

So moral of the story- NO ONE is immune to drowning. NO ONE should neglect pool safety, and everyone should always regardless of how talented you are be cognizant of your surroundings.

That way you can enjoy the pool for years and years to come :-D

Millie Who?

Ok, Ok- its been a while.. ok- a long while... like over a month.  MY BAD.  Seriously.  Life unfortunately has pretty much gotten in the way of everything.  And I don't know what idiot decides to take an almost full load of classes (in a condensed 8 week format), whilst working full time - because what happens is, you drown.  And that's what happened to me.  I have been drowning for weeks now.  Thankfully two of my three classes have ended- HALLELUJAH- and the last one ends next week.

I'm back in the pool  - woot woot-  as Papa Millie has reminded me that we have a triathlon in um, three weeks- major eep.

I downgraded my participation to just 1 relay leg (Swimming)  originally I had intended on doing the whole thing while still doing the swimming leg of the relay group- but since Ive been drowning for the past six weeks my workouts went out the window.

Brutus has settled into his new gym so the plan is to start up with two - a - weeks either this week (at least one meeting for sure)  or next week -  so I can no holds barred work my ever living tail off for the next three ish weeks until the Tri.  Obviously I'll be working out past the tri as well, but that is what I need to prepare for now.

I did a mile this morning in roughly 45 minutes.  Which paces me at about twelve ish minutes for the relay distance.  - not fast enough-  but if I stick to pool time every day I can shave three minutes off my swim before raceday.

So for now, that's about it.  Sorry Ive been M.I.A.  -  why I constantly do this to myself I have no idea!

Monday Motivation - Kim

Morning peeps!  It's been a while since we have had a Monday Motivation Blogger.  We're switching things up today with a :sound the trumpets:  Bike Rider!  Woohoo!  We've had lots of runners-  but so far this is the first bike rider motivational story.  I met Kim two years ago.  She is friends with my friend Elizabeth (of the Shamrock Shuffle Motivation Monday- Elizabeth).  Since meeting her two years ago for Elizabeths first Shamrock Shuffle she has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me.  After meeting me briefly for all of two hours, she became a huge cheerleader of mine, training and then competing in my Triathlon and has been my go-go-go you can do it girl, ever since.  So, as soon as I heard she was doing the Tour de Cure, I knew it was my time to cheer for her! (well, in spirit anyway-  since she lives in New York and all)

Anyhow-  you don't need anymore of my wordiness gumming up her story- so without further ado, Kim!

Kim pictured on far right 

Up until two weekends ago, I had not been on a bike in about 14 years. So when a co-worker asked everyone in my office if they’d like to do a 30 mile bike race around Manhattan for the American Diabetes Association’s “Tour de Cure”, I had my reservations. Thankfully, the idea of cruising around the city on a nice summer day with friends and getting in a great workout, all the while raising money for a wonderful cause, trumped any hesitation I had in signing up. After all, riding a bike must be, well “just like riding a bike”. Right?

I’ll admit that I did not train as I probably should have for this event. I had every intention of renting a bike a weekend or two before the race, at the very least to just test my comfort level.  But, life got in the way and before I knew it, race day was here without once going for a test drive. Thankfully, I had been keeping up with other workouts in my day to day life that allowed me to survive race day.   

Roughly two and a half years ago, on my 30^th birthday, I made the decision that enough was enough. It was time to get in shape, lose weight, and starting living an active and healthier lifestyle. Despite some ups and downs and though not yet near my goal, I’ve stayed (for the most part) on track with my workouts and have made great strides in getting healthy. I run fairly often, have completed some road races (including a half marathon) and thanks to the help of an ex-Army Airborne Ranger who I’m lucky to call my trainer, I feel stronger and more fit than I have since high school.

Three years ago, I could never have kept up with my group on race day. Some of the people on my team had done these bikes races in the past. I mean, they even had the outfits and gear that just screamed “I’m a bike rider!”. The others who made up the group were almost ten years younger than me. But, turns out that did not matter. Ten miles into the race and halfway up a steep hill near the George Washington Bridge, my quads started to burn, I was gasping for air and sweat was pouring down my face. But then I thought to myself that these feelings – the pain, the desire to keep on pushing to just get this part over with - was the same feeling I’ve had a million times in the past two and a half years. It was the same feeling I have with my trainer when he makes me do what feels like a million squat jumps. It’s the same feeling I have when running, on my last mile and can see the finish line off in the distance. You have to just keep repeating “you’re almost there…!” and soon enough, I would be, the burn would go away, the hill turned to flat land and all I had to do was keep pedalling.

Race day turned out to be wonderful. We raised nearly $3800 as a group for a very important cause, had beautiful weather, and I saw parts of New York City that I otherwise never would have seen from that perspective. But most importantly, from a personal standpoint, we were able to cross the finish line as a team. I was right there with my group, no worse for wear than anyone else, as we cruised across the finish line and celebrated a job well done. 

Congrats to Kim and her whole Tour De Cure team!  Kim's fund raising website is still active.  If you would like to donate to her Tour DeCure fundraising site, raising funds for Diabetes, please click here  

Have you recently completed a race and would like to be a Monday Motivation featured writer?  Email me at millie at seemillietri.com and let me know!

Don't Be Intimidated!

The Show Me Your Guns challenge has reached its halfway point. From the responses I have gotten back, were a few that discussed still being intimidated at the gym.  And not necessarily intimidated to use the equipment, but intimidated by the gym rats that work out there.

Ok-  If you walk into the gym and see Mr Muscle Men working out, spitting on the floor, flexing their pecs or just in general acting like muscle men-  just remember.  YOU pay dues to that gym too!

HE is NO BETTER than you are.  Just because he's all buff and toned and tan doesn't mean he is any better of a person than you are.  Everyone, INCLUDING YOU has a right to that equipment.  So don;'t let their impatience, huffing and puffing, or in general holier than thou attitudes scare you off.

If you still feel leery about using the equipment when they are around, then perhaps until you get used to your routine, try going at an off hour.  I know what you're going to say, because I use the same excuse "But the gym is on my way to/from work-  and THAT is when I work out... once I'm home I don't WANT to go back to the gym"  trust me.  I know.  Either immediately before work, or immediately after work are the only two times I can work out either.  Because if I get home and plop myself on that couch I will find every excuse in the book to not get back up and out the door again.

However, until you feel comfortable in your surroundings and have done these workouts enough times that you could change the weights on the machines in your sleep-  it may help you be less intimidated if you try going at an off hour (like 8:00pm)

If you are still a bit intimidated-  go to the front desk and ask if someone can walk you through how to use the machines (most gyms offer a familiarization to the equipment for free)-  and if you are still unsure, it might be a good idea to hire a trainer.  Even if its only for one time... it might be worth it to have someone holding your hand and cheering you along as you do it.

No matter what though-  that muscle man who is giving you the stink eye, does not hold your happiness in his attitude.  YOU are there for YOU.  And if Mr Macho man can't handle it.... TOUGH.

Wow! Long Time No Talk

Holy moly. Its been a while!

So, I guess I should probably fill you in a bit on what's been going on. Brutus found greener pastures with a new gym. So, I havent seen him for a while. We're trying to get our schedules figured out and see where we can meet so he can start kicking my butt again.

The summer term started um, two(?) weeks ago.. and it took off running. So I've been more than overwhelmed trying to balance work and school. Why do I always do this to myself? Thankfully, the term is almost over already- only three and a half weeks left- yay.

I have a book to review written by Chris MacCormack. It should be up later this week.

Ive been getting some questions about the Water Proof IPod Nano I'm testing, and why I havent blogged about it. The Water Proof Nano is in the testing stages still. So there will be some bugs and such to work out while, well, working out.

The one that I had took on water and had to be sent back to the manufacturer. I just received my replacement, and hopefully it will go along swimmingly from here on out (pun intended).

If you are a SHOW ME YOUR GUNS participant. We are ALMOST at the 6 week mark. I will be sending out an email in the new few days with the midpoint check in information ( I cant believe its been six weeks! Holy moly time flies)

My Dad, Sister and I have signed up for the Naperville Triathlon at the end of the summer. We are currently planning on doing it as a relay, however, Im tinkering with the idea of seeing if I can do the full monty. I'm not quite sure how that would work tracking wise, or, if they would allow me to compete in the whole thing without tracking me (though that would kind of stink considering I wouldn't know my times then)but considering it will be my only Tri this season, I kind of feel like I should really be doing the whole thing.

This weekend is the Naperville Women's Tri. I'm so sad I'm not going to be competing in it. But lack of time, and some unexpected travel has prevented me from competing.

So, sorry for the frenetic whirlwind post :)

I'll update more later!