Cal's Big Log II: The Revenge

Training
801

My official time came in at 2:18.02. I finished 625th of 738, so I had a good number of people behind me, which is nice (and unexpected given that there were an awful lot of club runners in the race). I was in the top 50% for my category (ladies 35 - 44) - not bad as I’m at the upper end of that age bracket. So yeah, considering that I’m something of a tortoise, I’m pretty pleased with that, all things considered.

I’m going to aim to hit the gym tomorrow but I have to go to work for the afternoon (which means leaving around 11.45am) because I’m taking my Year 5 girls to a netball tournament. I don’t normally work Tuesdays and could really use the day off but hey, I can’t do much about that. At least I don’t have to do much because the event isn’t organised by me. I just have to keep an eye on two girls who are feuding and must be watched at all times, heh.

802

you did pretty damned good, i reckon! especially with all that crap you had to do just to get yourself to the race. on a sunday, too, sheesh.

hmm… some very interesting stuff on emotions and training. thanks nimain and cal… i’ve been thinking about this a bit lately… i’m not sure what i think. need to get better at channelling aggression or turning other emotions into aggression or focusing or something… i have no idea.

803

[quote]alexus wrote:

hmm… some very interesting stuff on emotions and training. thanks nimain and cal… i’ve been thinking about this a bit lately… i’m not sure what i think. need to get better at channelling aggression or turning other emotions into aggression or focusing or something… i have no idea.

[/quote]

Not sure if aggression works for everyone but basically you want to tap into the adrenaline filled super hero you. The side that won’t take “Can’t” for an answer. Aggression, alpha, determination, pride combined really. Has there been a moment in your life where you have stood up for yourself? seen your path to acheivement crystal clear? Helped someone despite crazy odds, or wanted to kick someone in the face? These are all different faces of self-affirmation.

quick annecdote:
Quite a few years ago I was ass grabbed on my way into the subway station. Nothing to cry about really. I was just shocked as this was an obvious grab. My former self would have ran away into the train, ignoring the violation. That day I stood up for myself, pointed my index at him and screamed “NO!” I wish I had the balls to rant and rave and kick his ass, but what I see today is the path/choice I took at that very moment towards self affirmation. That one word gave me the confidence to know I can stand up to people, and I’ve been following that path and nurturing that part of me since. I’m willing to bet that the body language I project now would disuade those fuckers but if not, I’m pretty damn sure I’d have more words to say today…

/sorry Cal I’ll hijack someone else’s log next time.

804

Cal, just wanted to say Congrats on the race & good job. Btw nice medal :slight_smile: - looks great from the view provided!

805

[quote]n8tive wrote:
Cal, just wanted to say Congrats on the race & good job. Btw nice medal :slight_smile: - looks great from the view provided![/quote]

I got so wrapped up in my geekyness I forgot to comment on the medal
lookin hawt Cal :wink:

and for someone who says she’s flat I’m seeing some very nice boobage.

806

NICE medal pic, Cal! Gettin’ creative with the camera angle. I like it. Beautiful skin, BTW. Yeah, I thouht you were all about wearing just a cami. You’ve got quite the cleavage there. Glad you did so well on your run. Fabulous!

807

Heh, it’s all in the angle. I think the girls benefitted from my carb-up, too. You should see 'em when I’m a week or two into a low carb diet - they’re like labrador’s ears.

Anyway… hit the gym this morning to get some blood into the old legs.

Warm-up:

20 hypers (bum clenching ones)
20 reverse hypers with V at top
20 clams (per leg)
20 single leg hip thrusters (foot on high bench) (per leg)
20 bosu ball squat/sit up combo thingy (I really am going to have to video these so you know what I mean, aren’t I?)

100 step-ups (50 per leg, alternating; step + 8 risers)

3 x 12 bulgarian split squats (per leg)

Suicide leg extensions (10 reps, one minute hold at top, take two deep breaths then crank out 10 more)
1 x 22.5kg
1 x 25kg

Back Squat

Bar x 10
3 x 30kg x 10

Nothing fancy - I was being kind to my legs because of the half marathon. Also my left knee is being cranky. It’s ITB syndrome - had it before and used to have to tape my kneecap in place. I’m not too worried but I’ll keep up with the stretching and foam rolling.

Single leg curls (Cybex kneeling leg curl machine)
20kg x 12, 10

That was it - took me about an hour. Then I did some leg stretching and practised a few handstands. I’ll see how my elbow reacts. It’s not better but it’s not as bad as it was so I’ll take that as a good sign. I just don’t want to stress it before it’s ready.

808

LoLing about “labrador ears”. You crack me up!

809

[quote]nlmain wrote:
quick annecdote:
Quite a few years ago I was ass grabbed on my way into the subway station. Nothing to cry about really. I was just shocked as this was an obvious grab. My former self would have ran away into the train, ignoring the violation. That day I stood up for myself, pointed my index at him and screamed “NO!” I wish I had the balls to rant and rave and kick his ass, but what I see today is the path/choice I took at that very moment towards self affirmation. That one word gave me the confidence to know I can stand up to people, and I’ve been following that path and nurturing that part of me since. I’m willing to bet that the body language I project now would disuade those fuckers but if not, I’m pretty damn sure I’d have more words to say today…
[/quote]

Sorry Frenchie…I couldn’t help myself…Still friends?

810

Cal: That medal looks amazing on you and congrats on that time. What an awesome first outing! There’s going to be another half in your future no? That distance is addicting.

811

! ! Nice metal…nice boobs…Nice Cal shot :)!

812

Thanks Brute.

Nadia - possibly! That was a good race - nice surroundings and although there was quite a bit of pavement, there were at least some softer surfaces some of the time. The next suitable half is in NW London in November. It’s along a towpath so it’s rather muddy and likely to be cold. It’s also harder to get to and there have been numerous complaints about the baggage handling in previous years so I’m not sure about it. (There are, of course, other half marathons around the country but I don’t have a car and I don’t want to spend money on travel and board if I can avoid it. I earn a part-time wage and money is tight).

The other alternative is a Kilomathon in October (26.2KM, which works out at 16.3 miles). This one would be easier to get to. The downside is that it appears to be a road race and I’m not sure my legs could take it. I’m going to have to mull this one over.

Still, one thing I will say is that since I started all the step-ups and bum stuff, my sciatica hasn’t been quite as bad. It’s still there but it isn’t as noticeable. Which is good!

813

Very hawt medal picture! Congrats on a good race, nicely run.

ITB syndrome here too. Sucks.

814

I’ve been doing the crazy waking up early thing lately - this happens to me in summer because it starts getting light around 4am. So this morning it was 4.28am and I finally just got up a little before 5, sat at my PC and played a game for a bit.

Then I decided, what the fuck, it looked as though it was going to be a gorgeous day so, whilst I’d planned gym today, run tomorrow, I might as well get my fat arse outside for a dawn run. Just 3 miles to ease back into things, post-half marathon, but it felt pretty good. I was a bit naughty and didn’t do my mobs first so I could feel the hamstring and sciatica a bit, but I pushed myself around a little faster than my long distance jogging speed and felt quite energetic.

Came back, foam rolled (holy jeebers, my left outer quad is tight!) then went to the gym.

Did my usual.

20 hypers (bum clenching ones)
20 reverse hypers with V at top
20 clams (per leg)
20 single leg hip thrusters (foot on high bench) (per leg)
20 bosu ball squat/sit up combo thingy

100 step-ups (50 per leg, alternating; step + 8 risers)

3 x 12 bulgarian split squats (per leg)

I tried putting a lower step for my front foot, but actually it made it easier, not harder, so I took it away for sets 2 and 3.

Suicide leg extensions (10 reps, one minute hold at top, take two deep breaths then crank out 10 more)
2 x 25kg

Single leg curls (Cybex kneeling leg curl machine)
20kg x 12, 11

Wasn’t going to squat but then said to hell with it.

Box Squat (6 risers plus a 15kg plate)

Bar x 10
30kg x 10
3 x 40kg x 5

I really concentrated on keeping form and found the 40kg set quite challenging. I know, it’s sad. I should be squatting two plates a side, but right now I need to fix the mechanics before I can put weight on. I had a wide stance (feet touching the sides of the rack) and worked on pushing knees out and chest forward. Felt like my bum got a workout, which has to be a good thing.

Did a few handstands and a bit of stretching then went grocery shopping.

My faith in humanity (or Londoners, at least) has been partly restored because, on the way back, the dodgy zip on my backpack gave out and disgorged most of my shopping all over the pavement. Two women who were waiting to cross the road ran over to help. Now if you’ve ever been in London, you’ll know it’s not the friendliest place - you just don’t make eye contact with anyone on the tube and most people don’t know their neighbours any more. Sad state of affairs, really!

(I really must get a new backpack…)

815

40kg for sets of 5 looks good to me. i’m only doing 37.5kg for sets of 5… 40kg for sets of 3 kicks my ass…

lol about the Labrador’s ears comments. you do have some beautifully funny expressions like only an English girl could come up with, i think.

nice to hear that Londoner’s can pull through to help a stranger in need.

816

early morning run sounds lovely…

and YES!! for ‘bum stuff,’ working! Grats on the race. You FINISHED and thats what counts the most.

817

I’m right there with you on the squats. My mechanics suck, so there is no point in putting weight on the bar.

I hope your spilled groceries were none the worse for the wear. Indeed, my suburban life has me very spoiled on the grocery shopping front…drive there and back, without any worries about how I’m to get the items home.

BTW, that ITB stretch works great. I’ve been religious about the stretching/rolling/rehab and I do think its helping.

818

That’s an awesome leg session. Preceded by running. Wicked.

Hmm, Americans aren’t as friendly. Only when they want something.
Sadly I try to be kinder than the typical person, but that comes around to bite me in the ass. Eh.

819

I love that medal pic. So hot!

And the labrador’s ears are hilarious. Mine are the same! HAH!

Excellent leg session, Cal! Eased back in for sure, and then some! Very nice.

Nice to hear that people are still looking out for eachother. I just went to get my sunglasses fixed - needed a screw put in. Took it to a glasses shop and the guy fixed it. When I asked him how much, he said, “Free of charge. Just do something nice for a stranger today.” lol! Thought that was pretty cool.

820

I think it depends where you go in America, Nikki. As a rule, I’ve found the southerners pretty friendly. I guess New Yorkers are a lot like Londoners - the pace of city life has people rushing around with blinkers on.
Notherners (England) are a lot friendlier - when my man moved up there it took him a while to adjust to the fact that strangers would strike up conversations with him.

Kimba - good to hear! ITB issues are not too hard to fix if you catch them early enough.