Flying Farmers

Yesterday, I get a text from my friend Danielle that says: "Do you run? Alex is trying to get a relay team together for fargo marathon." I'd never considered a relay for a marathon before, but that seems like a way more likely accomplishment in my life than running a full marathon by myself. So I ask her when it is. ...it's May 18th, less than 4 weeks away.

I was finally persuaded into signing up with the relay after being assured it was just for fun, and it would be fine if I ended up walking most of it.

This morning I woke up to a flood a texts deliberating over what our relay team name should be. It was finally decided: Flying Farmers. I won't even get into why that name does or does not fit.

I decided it would be a good idea to see where I'm at, running wise. It's been almost a full year since I've consciously exercised!

This morning, I ran 3.1 miles in 38 minutes...then walked the 2 miles more home, since I was a bit optimistic when I plotted out the route I was to take. Our puppy Byron came with me. It was his first time on a run - ever. And I was surprised. He never lagged behind! New running partner?

Each person in the relay is responsible for 6-8 miles, which means, I'm just barely half-way to the minimum distance right now.

To avoid injuring myself, I've developed a training schedule. The objective is to gain miles, not speed. If you do both at the same time as a runner, it is a recipe for injury!!!

• 04/24 - Run (nonstop, easy pace for as far as possible)
• 04/25 - Stretch yoga (to relieve those sore muscles!)
• 04/26 - REST DAY
• 04/27 - Run/Walk 1:2 (alternate 1-min. run with 2-min. walk for as far as possible or up to 8 miles, whichever is less)
• 04/28 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 04/29 - Run
• 04/30 - Stretch yoga
• 05/01 - REST DAY
• 05/02 - Run/Walk 1:1
• 05/03 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 05/04 - RUN OR DYE 5K FUN RUN
• 05/05 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 05/06 - Run
• 05/07 - Stretch yoga
• 05/08 - REST DAY
• 05/09 - Run/Walk 2:1
• 05/10 - 30 min. Aerobic Dance or Swim
• 05/11 - Run
• 05/12 - Stretch yoga
• 05/13 - REST DAY
• 05/14 - Run/Walk 3:1
• 05/15 - 30 min. Swim
• 05/16 - Run/Walk 4:1
• 05/17 - Stretch yoga
• 05/18 - MARATHON RELAY RACE DAY!!!

Fell a Giant, Resurrect a Legend

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I guess I took the 1500 calorie at no exercise rule to the extreme, and just have not exercised in awhile.

Luke bought a bike last week and has had fun exercising with that. During my intense weight loss plan earlier this year, I discovered that biking is actually an excellent way to burn calories (not fat burn, but great cardio and heart exercise).

With Luke's new motivation and mode to exercise, I decided it was about time to update my bike. The Giant bike I've owned for the past 5+ years is way too big. It's an upright bike, and the frame is just unnecessarily huge. It's too heavy for me to carry up and down stairs, or even maneuver up and down stairs. At least it lives up to its name...

About a year ago, my mom was going to throw away her 1980s(?) World Tourist Schwinn bike and I told her I would try to sell it. She gave it to me, and I cleaned it up, and then discovered that only men's Schwinn bikes from yesteryear are of value to people.

I hung on to the bike, and am now making it my own!

So, I sold the Giant for next to nothing (but I'm happy to be rid of that problem), and then I took my mother's bike in to be repaired. At the very least, it needed new tires and a basic tune up. Our friend, Ben Erickson, a bike enthusiast and a co-op owner of The Hub, assisted in this venture.

Long story short, I took out my mom's 3-speed Schwinn for a spin today. I wanted to time myself on my 3-mile circuit to see how long it would take, but I forgot to look at the time when I left. Ah well, I guess I'll just have to go out again tomorrow!

Mississippi Walk

This evening, Luke and Baxter and I went on a nice long walk. It was a gorgeous evening, especially by the river. And Baxter made a number of human friends; at the end of the night, Luke and I stopped in at one of our favorite restaurants in the neighborhood for some refreshment. We sat on the patio, and our server brought Baxter a bowl of water and a dog treat. Baxter isn't used to restaurant patios, especially those that are located on public sidewalks, and he felt he needed to greet EVERYONE that walked by!

Strength

Power 90 strength training routine. Done!