The Wendy Uniform - Comfort Is Number One

Emails from Lucy and Lululemon usually go to my spam email folder. I've never changed this since it is a GOOD thing. I can't bear to unsubscribe. This way I feel like I'm still getting the information from these fabulous stores without actually seeing them and falling into their trap. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS. The email above made it through my spam filter and found it's way to my inbox. It's like poison. What happens when I see words like "exclusive deals" and "free shipping" is that I can't help but to click on it. I'm powerless against it. Then I get sucked into the following logic:
* I have 10 million pairs of work out pants but these are more than 50% off. How can I not buy them?
* Just yesterday I was saying I need to replace a few of my work out tanks. Why not do that now?
* I can wear this in my everyday life not just working out so totally worth it.

Next thing I know my "cart" is full of lovely lovely lovely items and my pocketbook (electronic of course) is feeling the pain.

Here is the thing. I like to be comfy. It's kind of a new thing for me. Earlier in my life (like a year ago ... ) I would refuse to go out in my "work out" gear. I'd rather die then go meet friends for lunch in anything but a dress or fancy jeans. AND shoes ... tennis shoes were for working out and that was it! Going out required heels, fancy sandals, or fashionable boots. Tennis shoes were not a part of my regular wardrobe. In fact a few years ago (maybe a few more than a few) I made a trek out to what was, at that point, a new place for me - Lucy's. I had discovered that their work out pants were far superior to my generic Target brand and worth the extra cash. While at the store I couldn't help but notice that they were selling the brand as a lifestyle. One for young moms who felt the need to be sporty while still being semi stylish. I laughed out loud (and may have pointed in my mocking way) at a t-shirt that said "Got Kid?". Who would wear that stupidity?

Me. Now. Well maybe not the "Got Kid?" shirt since that is really kinda dumb and I don't have kids so would be misleading and somewhat creepy. BUT I do own a number of Lucy t-shirts, tanks, and long sleeve ts. Most with some design that someone thought was "sporty yet stylish" in that "young mom" way. AND I LOVE THEM. I LOVE THEM ALL. You are hard pressed to find me outside of work in ANYTHING but work out pants, t or tank, and tennis shoes. I LOVE BEING COMFY ... IT FREAKIN' ROCKS.

Now here is the kicker. I've never been able to stomach breaking down and wearing the Wendy Uniform to work. Even on casual Friday's I pull out the fancy jeans and high heal sandals. It won't last. I'm telling you that right now. One of my co-workers/friends, who introduced me to Lululemon, informed me she wears Lululemon gear to work all the time. Even going as far as wearing the pants instead of work slacks. SHUT IT! HOW EXCITING IS THAT? AND she is super fashion chick. Since she has said that I've noticed the little Lululemon ohm sign thing on some of her work outfits and think, "BY GOD SHE IS DOING IT. SHE IS LIVING MY DREAM." Today I noticed our receptionist had a fashionable pair of pants on ... WITH THE LULULEMON OHM SIGN THING ON IT. So you see. It's only a matter of time before the Wendy Uniform really is all I wear!

People I Want To Be

The muscle that is on the back of my thigh (I have no idea what it is called) is screaming with pain. I'm fully aware of the reason. It's from doing fold over two nights in a row at Bar Method.

I often consider just not going to class. What is the point of an hour long work out that has me shaking, sweating, and in pain for not only the length of the class but long after? Then I get a visual of my teachers in my head and think, "so I can look like them." THAT'S WHY.

The picture here is of the co-owners of the Pasadena Bar Method studio I go to. Adorable right? Combine them, soak them in water, and I will STILL be heavier then them. Seriously their thighs are the size of my wrist. I will never be as tiny as them. EVER. First of all I my height alone has me TOWERING over them. I'm like an Amazonian in their classes (in a good way --- like Wonder Woman or Xena --- at least give me that --- let me think my giant-ness can be spun into a positive). The only way I'm matching their weight is if I stopped eating and moving for 6 months.

One day a teacher walked into the studio to lead our class. She usually teaches at a different location but was checking out Pasadena. The second I saw her I thought "HER! I WANT TO LOOK LIKE HER!" She was crazy fit, no question, but not crazy tiny. Her arms were perfect, legs slim and long, and stomach beyond flat. Now when I start to think about ditching a class I think, "nope ... how will I ever look like Marin if I don't go?". Marin is my body hero and my goal is to be just like her!

I read in the Bar Method blog that Marin (not to be confused with Marnie) is in one of the next exercise DVD's coming out. She is the one in the periwinkle tank pictured here (click). Don't you love her? I should just go ahead and photoshop my face on top of hers (not in a creepy way) so I can have a picture of my ending goal!

(BTW the guy in the picture next to her taught a class at Pasadena once. I've NEVER seen a room full of women giggle and try so hard IN MY LIFE. It was almost embarrassing. When the normally scheduled teacher was back the next week she had obviously heard of the transformation her class went through and as individuals in the class crumbled and gave into the pain she exclaimed, "If I was a cute boy you all would be trying harder. Didn't think I'd hear about that did you?")

So that is my goal. I'm going to Bar Method myself into becoming Marin (again not in a creepy way).

Crotch Ouch

After my long bike ride on Sunday I asked a question that I'm sure had been asked a million times before. Why don't they make bike seats comfortable? I mean what is the point of making them as painful as possible? Doesn't seem logical.

I know from experience and from the dozen or so real bikers that yell at me via Twitter whenever I complain about an ouch in my crotch/bum area that biking shorts make a huge difference. It is obviously a scam of the biking industry. Why they feel they have to put super duper padding in your shorts, so you feel like you are walking around with a load in your pants, vs. just adding padding to the seat is beyond me.

The only "biker short" I currently own are sewn into my very pastel colored tri-suit. I'm not riding around LA looking like an Easter egg. So Monday I made my way to REI's online site and found some women's biker shorts on clearance. Today they showed up. Holy Adult Diaper Batman! These things are not kidding! I took a picture (above) for you to get an idea of what I'm dealing with here. The one pair I turned inside out so you can see the additional crotch/bum padding. The second I poised behind ... standing on it's own ... like a ghost of the bike seat it never was.

I haven't tried them on but I'm pretty confident I'll look ridiculous wearing them. Oh well! At least there will be less crotch ouch!

Karma Ouch

I did it! I went biking this weekend (finally). After getting all sweaty pumping up my tires (honestly soaking wet just from that activity), I loaded my bike into the back of my car, and took off for the LA River Bike path. Despite only bringing one biking glove I had oodles of fun. A strange and unusual experience for me to have ... biking. It probably had something to do with my slow pace which will have to be challenged in the weeks to come if I want to get close to my normal Tri time (I say normal as if I've done it a million times -- twice --- I've done a tri twice before). This ride I took the time to notice the ducks and some white crane thing and the crazy homeless man drinking Jack and talking to himself. Then off the path weaving around Griffith Park for a total of over 15 miles! Top it off with the fact I was only beeped at once (It is beyond common for bikers to make their way through Griffith Park and most are at a much higher biking skill level than I am. It is well known to those who drive the area that bikes don't stop. I understand that it is murder to slow down and unclip at each stop sign but even my patience is sometimes pushed to the limit. So I made it a point to slow down almost to a stop at every stop sign and only go forward with the car next to me so that I didn't hinder traffic. Apparently a van-ish type vehicle full of rowdy young adults disagreed and wanted to see a full and complete stop. Luckily I reminded myself that I was on a bike and easy prey to a car full of nasties before my middle finger found its way to their rear view mirror view. I was soooo close. Whew. You would have found me wrapped around a light pole by the LA Steamers train.)

Upon returning home I knew my bum would hurt the next day but I was more worried about my lower back. My lower back has been KILLING me. That kind of ouch that keeps you up at night. I blame the running ... because you have to blame something. I've had similar problems when I ran more regularly ... yet another reason not to run as much. I cut way back on running when I started taking Bar Method class but recently stepped it back up for Tri training. I wasn't going to take this pain lying down! Earlier that day I went shopping for my personal pain war. My Target cart had the following items:
*Epsom Salt
*Bengay
*Disposable stick on heat pads
*Shampoo (this has nothing to do with my back pain I just needed shampoo)
Add that to my bottle of Motrin and I was set! It worked! Sort of. I actually slept all night and my back just started hurting again just after lunch. I wonder if anyone at my office would be upset if I constantly smelled like Bengay?

Reminds me of a date I had (what doesn't). The guy smelled of Bengay. I feel bad now that I judged him so harshly for that ... karma.

Fitting it All In!

As I mentioned in a previous blog I had to take Riggins to the vet early this morning (poor kid has to have a round of antibiotics and special shampoo for his skin allergies) and I have to get my hair cut and colored after work today (yes I HAVE to). Luckily I'm working from home today which means I was able to run during lunch!

Mid day run in LA in July = giant sweaty mess! I had no choice but to plop down next to Riggins on the floor to regain my breath, let the sweat dry a bit, and get my heart rate down.

Now this blog post would be a bit boring without some sort of rant so I got somethin' for you. What is with these elastic head bands (said in my best Seinfeld voice)? Since my bangs currently cover my eyes I've had one on all morning but it is quickly driving me insane. How do you all keep these on your heads? Am I deformed? Do you all have some sort of "shelf" in the back of your head for the elastic band to hold onto? Mine tends to slowly slip up and off during the day. I would say it is due to my lack of hair to hold it down but I see girls at exercise class with their hair neatly pulled back into a pony tail and one of these bands still wrapped around their heads (seems like a little bit of an overkill to me but what do I know). What gives? I don't seem to have the "keep the giant rubber band type object in place" gene that all other females have. Hmmffff.

Now off for a super quick shower before writing up a couple of proposals.

Did I mention I'm still sleepy?

Constant State of Ouch

I'm in pain. Always. I'm tired. Always. Always. Always. Always. I'm in a constant state of ouch. Why? We are told that exercise makes you feel good, healthy, and relieves stress. Okay that may be, but all I do is feel the pain. Is this how professional athletes feel all the time? If so I take back all those things I've said about them not earning their large salaries. Those poor guys/gals must be in agony.

Due to a self made training schedule for my next Tri all I do is work, exercise, and sleep. Honestly. That's it. The thing that gets cut in that schedule? Sleep, and for me working out more makes my body require more sleep. Since I have no control over the time allotted in one 24 hour day I have to make cuts somewhere. It seems slightly unfair that I hear daily, "wow you look exhausted" (aka you look horrible) when I'm exercising to be a more healthy and vibrant person.

Then there is the actual pain of this working out. PAIN. Honestly at any point in my day if you asked me "what hurts?" I'd have an answer for you. Right now, due to last night's bar class, I'd tell you the back of my thigh, abs, biceps and butt (always my butt ... my butt always hurts .... always.) My first bar class last Nov. the teacher said, "it gets easier but it always hurts." The woman wasn't kidding.

Here is the schedule I am hoping to keep ...
Mon, Tue, Wed - Get up early to walk Riggins, Work, Bar Method class, sleep.
Thur - Get up early to swim, work, walk Riggins at lunch, more work, Bar Method class, sleep.
Fri - Get up early to walk Riggins, Work, Run, Sleep.
Sat - Get up early to swim (before pool gets too crowded), bike or hike (I prefer hiking but I really have to bike at some point).
Sun - Get up early to bike (before the crazies come out in my neighborhood and mow me down in their car), hike or run (if I don't hike it means I have to take Riggins to the dog park so hiking kills two birds with one stone and is my preferred activity even though I should run).

Your sleepy just reading that right? Sigh. Me too. The problem with that schedule is that it leaves little to no room for "life". Life usually gets in my way of making this schedule work. This week is shot to hell. For example, yesterday I had to get up early to clean for the cleaning lady instead of walking Riggins. Tomorrow I HAVE TO get my hair cut/colored vs. going to Bar Method. Seriously if you saw my head right now you would realize this is this HAS to be done. Due to the need to socialize and be happy I'm going to dinner at a friends tonight instead of Bar Method and I may have to take Riggins to the vet tomorrow morning instead of going swimming. All that means is that I will feel the need to triple up on my workouts this weekend. Not a bad idea given that the it will help with my tri training. But zzzzzz. I'm too pooped to pop!

I suppose I need to find balance. You know what would help? Cutting something that takes up large chunks of my time ... like work! That's the ticket! I need to find a way to cut that. I'm buying a lotto ticket at lunch! I'm feeling lucky. Tired and in pain ... but lucky!

Why Tri?

I received an email from the PR woman for TrekWomen asking "Why I Tri". She is looking for information on why the participants in the next TrekWomen CA race signed up in an effort to raise awareness of the event.

Now I'm happy she sent me this email as it made me look up info on the Sprint I signed up for. I was thinking it was mid Nov which means I had a month before my training should begin. WRONG! The race is early Oct. which means my training should have started last weekend. Oops. Well I did a 5K so I suppose that kinda counts. Time to brush of the cobwebs on my bike (i hate the bike) and get a new pair of daytime swimming goggles. Thurs. morning Bar Method will have to be pushed for swimming and the heat is coming which means weekend hikes with Riggins will be harder. Easier to force myself to go biking when it's hot then to worry about poor black Riggins dying of heat exhaustion.

So back to the question ... Why Do I Tri? Sadly I don't have a good story. Nothin'. No dramatic reason why I was driven to sign up for my first, second, and now third race. One year my friend Martha did the Tri with her Step Mom. She loved it and I was more than slightly jealous that she had completed something so cool. I swore I'd sign up with her the next year and she held me to that. Martha dragged me to the Rose Bowl Aquatic center, which became my second home as I love swimming more than any other exercise. (Can't wait to get back into the pool. Although it's packed now so I'll have to arm wrestle some small children and H2O team members for a lane.) I'd call my mom and dad after each swim to announce, "I didn't drown!".

The weekend of the race a mutual friend, Martha, and I went down early to sit through orientation and race. We had a blast! My time wasn't fast but I did it and could now say I had completed a Triathlon (sounds more impressive when you leave off the "sprint" part of it).

This year (just a week prior to my 36th b-day) my friend Giovanna and I signed up for the Pasadena Reverse Tri (run, bike, swim vs swim, bike, run). Again my time wasn't fast but I had oodles of fun and felt like I did something really great for myself. Even with my horrific Easter Egg colored tri-suit on.

I don't want to admit it but the Pasadena Reverse Tri is a shorter distance than most sprints which means for my one in Oct. I better start running, swimming & peddling to get ready --- now (well actually last weekend)! Still I know I'll be happy I did it.

Remind me I said that in about a month 1/2 when I'm in pain from trying to train and "brick" training keeps me from going to see the summer movies and I'm near tears.

So why do I tri? I guess because I can!

Does This Mean I'm One of Them ... Finally?

I've posted about my experience at The Bar Method before. That was a few months ago and I must tell you I haven't gotten any better at the exercise. It's horribly upsetting. HOW CAN YOU DO SOMETHING THAT MUCH AND NOT GET BETTER? I blame my complete lack of natural athletic ability. I don't get any better at my 5K's nor does climbing Runyon ever get any easier. It's just the way it is.

It's so sad. My teachers often look at me and shake their head and "tsk" in disgust (okay that is probably just all in my head since the teachers are the NICEST people on the planet and are always encouraging and positive). It doesn't help that I'm horribly inflexible and a natural klutz. Still I see results. My arms have started to gain definition (They better. Let me tell you I'm not doing those horrible reverse push ups because they are fun.) and my thighs and waist are toned up. I haven't lost weight but I force anyone around me to touch my thighs, calves, arms, abs, and if they are lucky, butt so they can feel for themselves that I'm not full of it ... that's muscle. In some horrible karmic joke that mother nature, God (or the Gods), and science has played on us muscle weighs more than fat. Yah ... doesn't make sense to me either.

My goal is to be one of "them." One of those beautifully fit and toned Bar ladies (and a couple men). Faux ballerinas (some are actually ex-ballerinas which makes the faux part a little easier for them) with 0% body fat and the ability to stand up straight without constant reminding. The Bar Method advertises lean tapered legs, core strength, reduced inches, great posture, sculpted arms and seat (aka butt), an overall body sculpting work out. The teachers I've had are all that and more. It's sickening. Seriously 90 lbs soaking wet (and there are a couple that wouldn't even hit that on the scale), not an inch of fat, and the flexibility of a circus freak. THAT'S MY GOAL!

Last night after leaving class a woman walking by asked if the classes where any good. I gave her my sales pitch and her response is, "Yeah. You all look so toned and have those great round asses." SHUT IT. DID SHE SAY "ALL OF US" AS IN ME TOO? I think she may have been blinded by the Bar uniform (black leggings, tank, sports bra, sweat) and confused me as one of them. I mean take a look at the picture above. Not bad (seriously all muscle --- touch it) but it isn't this (click). Not yet!

Still I'm going to pretend when I go to class tonight that I am one of "them!" I'm going to pretend that I won't have to re-set in the middle of thigh or I'll throw up. I'll be happy not ready to kill, when the instructor tells us we are doing something called "pretzel" for butt exercise. I'll rejoice in the fact that I can now touch my toes and if I work hard enough may actually use the bar for stretch vs. the stall bar (aka loser bar) --- (BTW this won't happen. Don't kid yourself. I'll never be flexible.)

I'm going to pretend I am one of them!

Shhhhhhhh!

Awhile back (long while back) I posted about the fancy work out classes I had started to attend called The Bar Method (http://meandriggins.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-got-somethin-you-can-hold.html).

I'd like to take it back. Not because they aren't brilliant --- because they are. Not because the workout doesn't work --- because it does. Not because the people aren't crazy nice --- because they are. The problem is too many people know about this little gem in Pasadena now. I tried to sign up for tomorrow night's class and "GASP" had to go on the wait list.

Now I'd never wish anything but "great business" to the super nice co-owners and I'm very excited things are going well for them, BUT you can't get me addicted to a work out and then take it away from me.

Now the problem, as I see it, due to my work location I only have the option of attending one class during the day. The late, and most likely most popular, last class of the day. The obvious solution is to get a job closer to downtown Pasadena. Personally I suggest JPL but my lack of science background and skill is proving to be a problem with that goal. Therefore, I put it out for all of you to help with. Let's get Wendy a job close to the Pasadena Bar Method studio so she can be fit AND happy!

I'm Sometimes Dumb

I admit it. I am. Sometimes I do something dumb. Not often. Still .... sometimes. This morning was one of those times.

The past few days I've been fighting a head/chest cold. Grrrrr. I angrily cancelled going to The Bar Method Thursday night and then unhappily cancelled swimming on Sat. BUT THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS NOT DOING THE 5K SCHEDULED FOR THIS MORNING. My second favorite 5K in the world (minor over exaggeration as I've only done a handful of races in the LA area) the Santa Anita 5K has you run through the Arcadia Arboretum and finish on the horse track at Santa Anita Race Track. HOW FUN IS THAT? I wasn't going to miss it. I just wasn't.

So this morning, after coughing on and off during the night, I blew my nose, pulled on my running pants and hoped in the car! I'M THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE WORLD --- NOT. This route has always kicked my butt. I don't know why. It just does. This morning it's as if my body and the race route got together and said, "let's teach her a lesson!"

The first mile wasn't great but I was on pace for a normal finish with a 9:30 mile. Then it all went downhill. I had been fighting to get enough oxygen. Stuffed nose, chocking on my own mucus ... you see how basic breathing was an issue ... was causing me stress. Then about 1 1/2 miles in my pulse jumped to crazy land. That hasn't happened in a long time and I actually take medicine to stop it. So I had to walk. Walk during my 5K. SO HORRIFYING! I've only walked once before and that was because the hill I was running was practically vertical. I felt like a loser as tons of people passed me BUT I was also aware I had done this to myself. As I tried to slow my heart so I wouldn't black out I finally had time to notice how pretty this run is! I have always known it was but this time, my fifth time "running" (sigh) it, I was now taking the time to smell the roses. I even heard a peacock call out over Sexy Bitch playing on my iPod (I love that song! It's my new anthem.).

Well I FINALLY finished with my worst 5K time EVER --- 36 minutes ish. Grrrrr. Although I'm alive so that is a plus!

My body wanted to make sure it got it's point across and smacked me with a big ol' migraine as soon as I got home. It wanted to make sure I fully understood ... DON'T BE AN ASS NEXT TIME AND STAY IN BED WHEN YOU ARE SICK!

Now I am resting before heading out for my b-day party with friends. Oh yah! There is no way I'm missing that. Screw you body!