Tiny Freak Goes Ninja

Training
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Joe, I like your approach but that is kind of unsafe for tiny freaks.

Snapper, no pause but definitely a clear chest touch before the up part. I should practice paused some time, just to see how different it feels.

Spider, no my feet don’t slip but sometimes if my balance isn’t right, the weight will pull me backwards. I wish I could share my calvage with you, as there is enough for two!

Nadia, thanks. I actually enjoy pushing the weight on my BBB sets almost more than on the work sets.

PP, my understanding of paused is that you hold the bar on your chest until the command to “press”. Its a powerlifting thing. That jean thing JUST HAPPENED TO ME! I had a cute pair of jeans in the dressing room that didn’t even make it to knee level before being tossed aside! I had bought a really cute pair of Hudson straight legs, which I eventually returned in part because that look just isn’t the most flattering for me. Bootcut jeans FTW!

CBear, the basic things I can see just fine. Where my eye issue really comes into play is 3D movies or amusement park rides which I honestly don’t give a shit about, and ball sports. Oh, how I would LOVE to be able to play tennis! Its utterly impossible for me because I can’t see the ball in space, but that is what I’d pick for my one day of 3D vision.

Cal, when I leaned out a couple of years ago a great side benefit was that I was finally able to fit into most boots. I can just barely zip my current boots, but it goes so I’m happy. As for my TFL, I stretch and foam roll that sucker alot. Absolutely my ITB issue originates in my hip.

Frenchie, I would love to go shoe shopping with you sometime. No sexy shoe would be safe from us!

kmc, well obviously you are the perfect size.

Hopefully my knee will allow for a bit of a run later today.

302

Today I did what I call an “atonement run”. An atonement run is when I’ve pushed too hard in the prior run and my IT band revolted. Thus, this run was 1 min strides/1 min walk x 10 when the last run was the fastest 4 min strides/1 min walk I’d ever done.

The good news is that my knee was OK during the run/walk today. Every time I smash against the barriers of bodily limits, I immediately worst-case it, e.g. “I’ll never be able to run again.” At least I know that is untrue.

My knee is acting up now due to walking in high heels for most of the day (I know, bad…but vanity thy name in Kimba). I hope by the next run on Thursday to be feeling well enough to do 2 min run/1 min. walk, then make my way back to a 4:1 ratio.

This is immensely frustrating and I would give it up were not for the fact that I really enjoy the running thing when I’m doing it.

303

That sucks, maybe push the vanity aside and try running in some sort of sleeve that keeps the knee warma nd stable?

304

Joe, I’ve been thinking about buying tights which promise to stabilize the IT band. Maybe for the fall.

Today’s training was just some light volume. Leg press (I was desperate! The one squat rack had a fucking line and I had no time to wait), some bench (65# 1 x 20, which is probably a rep PR). Light Kroc rows (27.5 dbs 3 x 10 with no rest). Some light triceps rope cable extensions. Got the blood flowing a little bit. Knee feels better, but I’m still resting it up.

This weekend is my 25th college reunion. Just typing that makes me old. Anyway, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is trying out the newly refurbished and expanded gym facility. Nothing like deadlift day in a brand-new gym!

At least I can take comfort that I’m relatively well preserved vis a vis my peer group. :wink:

305

You could just tape it. If there’s anyone in your area who does kinesiotaping, that would be the way to go. Or perhaps Veggie might post a photo of the best way to do it if you ask nicely. I used to tape my own knee years ago (to keep the kneecap in place, since a tight IT band can pull it out of position, leading to friction and thus pain) but haven’t needed to do that in a while.
And, well, just lay off the heels for a while!

IT band issues can lead to a lot of pain but it’s treatable. I even had my leg lock up for a few days during my 20s - I literally couldn’t bend the sucker. And yet I just ran a half marathon. Short of losing a limb, nothing’s too bad to come back from.

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[quote]kimbakimba wrote:
This weekend is my 25th college reunion. Just typing that makes me old. Anyway, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is trying out the newly refurbished and expanded gym facility. Nothing like deadlift day in a brand-new gym!

At least I can take comfort that I’m relatively well preserved vis a vis my peer group. ;-)[/quote]

You’re in great shape period, regardless of peer group.

And compared to what I just saw at my 20th, you’re a superstar!

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DL’ing at your college reunion?

you know how to GET DOWN wit yo’ bad self! :smiley: :smiley:

308

Cal, thanks for your encouragement on the IT thing. I’ll admit, its discouraging. One of my friends wants to run with me during my college reunion weekend, and I wish I didn’t have to impose run/walk on her. But I keep reminding myself that I’m lucky to be able to run so quit bitching about the small stuff.

MassFromMA, aren’t you sweet. Thanks!

Betty, well of course I will deadlift at my college reunion. Deadlifting is more important than reunioning.

Today’s run was a success. 2 min strides/1 min walk x 7, continuing the way back to the 4/1 ratio on which I overdid it. Knee feels good, probably because I took it a little easier on the sprints. When will I learn this lesson???

Off to primp. Mani/ped plus hiding all evidence of gray hairs. Who the fuck wants to show up at a reunion with roots?!?!

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Enjoy your reunion.

Re the running–check your shoes. I know minimalist is the new thing, but it may not be right for you right now. I would go to a running speciality shoe store, bring your shoes. They can tell from the wear pattern whether you are pronating or supinating. Ideally, you will be able to find a store that will video tape you running barefoot on a treadmill. You may need a motion control shoe. These are not fashionable. I ran in them for years–little tanks for your feet. But, the RIGHT shoes are the only equipment you need to be a runner. And they can make all the difference.

310

[quote]kimbakimba wrote:
I know, bad…but vanity thy name in Kimba[/quote]

Like the others were saying. You don’t look good for someone who is going to a 25 year reunion. You look good. Period.

You ladies think that 13 inch calves make buying jeans rough? Try 15 inch calves at 5’3. I have bootcut jeans that are tight in that area. Oh well. Big calves just look that much better in heels.

And I love that you’re most excited about deadlifting in the renovated gym. When SH and I were just on vacation we couldn’t wait to get a workout in at his schools members only basement gym. Meatheads? No way…

311

mani/pedi for the win!
what colors did you choose?

312

Nadia, thanks for the advice. I’ll nail this running gig yet!

BG, aw shucks. Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, I get your calf issue. Bootcuts are my savior…just found a new pair of Sevens today for a GREAT PRICE. woot.

Frenchy, no polish on my hands but bright orange on my toes. (OPI Hot @ Spicy)

Let’s just say, for a short weekend of events I’ve packed a shit-ton of different outfits. I bought a leopard print dress today, but nixed it at home. Too much print for tiny freaks.

313

Friday’s training:

Clearly my college spent millions of dollars on a new fitness center. There are machines and treadmills up the ying yang. Unfortunately, what they skimped on was the floor. I have never in my life lifted in a gym with a slipperier floor. WTF?

So, I go to all the trouble to set up rack pulls in a rack that did not have pins low enough for my needs. Once again going with trusty aerobic steps and risers. I assume the sumo position whilst wearing my usual Chucks, and I noticed immediately that I was not getting a good grip on the floor.

Sumo Rack Pulls (from one riser plus 1 step)
135# 1 x 5
155# 1 x 5
belt on:
175# 1 x 3
185# 1 x 3 <–felt heavy and not secure
1 x 3 <–felt my feet shift under the load and this was unsafe

And with that I abandoned the attempts. Having pulled a muscle in my foot after shifting foot position during a pull in January, I couldn’t take the risk.

Military Press (volume deload)
40# pre-loaded barbell 5 x 10

supersetted with

Cable hip ad/abductions
10# 3 x 10

Seated front and sides
7.5# 3 x 10

supersetted with

Roman chair leg raises
3 x 15

And then I went off to reunion activities.

Today’s training was a knee-pain-free run of 3 min. strides/1 min walk x 5 around a lovely pond. I took it easy on the strides and felt great. I got up early and ran without eating anything and drinking only a few sips of water and…lo and behold, absolutely no side stitches. Maybe I’ve found the answer to this annoying problem!!!

I’m having fun, but there is only so much socializing (Hi, where are you living, are you married, what are doing now) sort of thing that I can tolerate.

I don’t know what came over me, but during a shopping trip in town I bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. These to be exact.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Komodo-Sport-Womans.htm

Honestly, I didn’t intend to buy them and was just trying them on out of curiosity. Shockingly, I found myself handing over my credit card and walking out with these freaky shoes. So far I’ve worn them for a 15 minute walk around the green and I’m not quite sure what to think of them yet.

314

good move on shutting down the deads on the slippery floor and chuckling at the five-finger impulse buy!

Pain-free run sounds even better

315

Skimping on the floor seems like an unwise choice. Smart move to stop - discretion is the better part of valor.

Not a fan of the Vibrams - for purely aesthetic reasons. They ruin my deep appreciation of the female foot.

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About the impulsive buy–most of us have a crazed shopaholic inside of us who manages to bust loose once and awhile.
Have fun with the vibrams–they take a little bit of time to get used to, but if you can’t lift in barefeet, it definitely is a good alternative. Did you buy a garishly bright pair, or go with the classier black and yellow?

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[quote]juniormint wrote:
About the impulsive buy–most of us have a crazed shopaholic inside of us who manages to bust loose once and awhile.
Have fun with the vibrams–they take a little bit of time to get used to, but if you can’t lift in barefeet, it definitely is a good alternative. Did you buy a garishly bright pair, or go with the classier black and yellow?
[/quote]

I, too, made an impulsive buy today. New boots. Remember, though, I’m a serious tomboy when it comes to attire.

I think you were very smart to shut it down on the DLs. A slippery floor? That’s just a lawsuit waiting to happen. Wait . . . this could work to your advantage . . .

318

Yay Vibrams! I’ve got the Sprints and I love them. For certain things anyway. I wanted some of the Bikila ones simply because they came in hot pink. Tried them on when SH got his a week or two ago and didn’t like the feel of them. I prefer the open top to the other fully enclosed versions and SH is the opposite.

I think they take some getting used to, especially if you’re the type that wears shoes all the time. I’m curious about what you think of them after wearing them around a bit.

319

yay vibrams! i really like the komodo ones but i don’t think we have them in aussie. i actually love the bright colors on them. and… me (obviously) being a weirdo i think they look cool on feet. monkey feet the way our feet are supposed to be!

they are strange aren’t they? i love the feeling of grass between my toes with them. they do take a bit of getting used to. or they really did for me. felt the muscles around my knees like you wouldn’t believe (but then i was walking mostly on the balls of my feet with them to start with). love the feeling of rough grass / bark.

will be interested to hear how you find them in time.

320

I want some Vibrams! I don’t think you’ll regret that purchase. I love the colours.