The Healthy Slice

Make the most of every day

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Currently: In Over My Head

I can’t let the middle of the month slip past too much more without a Current update.

Books: I’m gorging on Triathlon and Swimming books. Totally immersed (get it?) in my new sport, although I feel like a total poser.

running sunriseRunning Path: Running mileage has been intentionally low and I’ve done my share of milling. Although there’ve been some stunning sunrises lately. Because I’ve been swimming a few times a week, it’s just easier to jump on the mill at the gym then head to the pool. If I ran outside, I fear I might not make it to the pool. Training for April races officially begins in February so I will return to running more soon.

pool quote

Non-Running Workout: Need I say it? Swimming. I’ve been swimming 2 or 3x/week. My breathing is still a mess and I only manage about a 1-3/4 pool lengths before I lose what tenuous rhythm I had but I’m determined to push through this. Awkward and uncomfortable is an understatement. I see the Masters Swim times and workouts posted but for now I’m way too intimidated to join them. I will be taking some private lessons soon. At this point I can’t even imagine being able to swim long enough to complete my sprint tri. Instead I just focus on each lap, each stroke, each breath. And calming down. It will get better.

buddha tea

Drink: You know I love me some coffee in the morning, but I’ve been hitting up some green tea in the afternoon. It’s filled with antioxidants and I find it helps with sugar cravings in that witching hour. Oh and it’s part of Operation Calm Down. More on that to come.

Indulgence:  Nothing in particular. Although, thanks to a recent playdate and a generous mom, I’ve got banana bread, muffins and a fruit tart staring me in the face.

Healthy Snack: The usual suspects: baby carrots and hummus, apple and almond butter. Almonds.

Excitement: We head to Thing 1’s high school orientation this week. This hits me hard. Wasn’t she just telling me to leave as I lingered in her classroom on the first day of preschool? I felt like there was so much time in grades 1-5. Then grades 6-8 flew. High school will flash by even faster. Sigh. On another note: US Figure Skating Nationals are this week. This is my Superbowl.

TV: Well since Celebrity Apprentice and The Bachelor are on at the same time now, I seem to watch neither. Maybe I’ll try to pay attention tonight.

Pet Peeve: I don’t get people who choose the mill right next to me when there are plenty others open. The same thing goes for showers at the gym. If there are a bunch to choose from, why would you go next to someone else? Just why?? Now let’s go to lockers. Seriously, spread out people!

Mood: Reflective. I’m enjoying our recent milder temps, embracing the slightly lengthening days but I don’t want to wish the winter away longing for spring either. Plus I need all the time I can get to embrace this swimming thing.

What’s current for you? Can you recommend any swimming or tri books for beginners? Are you off today?

Comments

  2. I also hate when people choose the treadmill right next to mine! I purposely choose one as far away from people as possible! Same thing with yoga class- when there are plenty of open spots in the room but someone puts their mat uncomfortably close to mine.

  3. I have two in high school right now so I need more information on Operation Calm Down. I am so impressed (& motivated) by you jumping in(literally) and doing something you are not comfortable with.

  4. i found a great swim training book at my local Fleet Feet. It’s used by their triathlon training program. It deciphers some of the mystery of swimming, both in a pool and in open water. The title is “The Trathlete’s Guide to Swim Training” by Steve Tarpinian.

  7. I’m with you on the treadmill/shower/locker deal! Spread out! I try to pick treadmills that are away from others as well!
    I am reading lots of running books as well, currently I am reading Run Walk Run by Jeff Galloway. I obsess over knowing as much as I can about everything I do!

  8. High school orientation!!! I’m not ready! 🙂 They do grow up too fast. I was just remember Kindergarten starting the other day and here we are at 3rd grade already. *sigh* I love tea in the afternoons too. I’ve been mostly drinking the Yogi Detox tea lately, but I do a green tea if I’m at Target from the Starbucks usually when I shop.

  9. Great job on the swimming. I suck at swimming, and would love to take lessons one day. I’ve just started back to running after a month off, and am also REALLY trying to track my eating.

  11. I totally messed up my schedule by running this morning – I like to run on Tuesdays so I can watch The Bachelor. (might have to run 2 days in a row:)
    I like watching the Celebrity Apprentice because the whole family watches together.
    I have no words on the high school orientation – high school about did me in for my oldest and next year my youngest will be there, too. I can’t really think about the fact that Jordan will be moving on in just over 2 years:(

  13. I don’t know of any swimming books, but there are a ton of great youtube videos. I learned that my breathing is off because my arms were all wrong – just look up high elbow and swimming and you’ll find lots of great videos. Good luck with your tri!

  14. High school already? It’s so bittersweet. As proud as you are of the adult that she’s becoming, it’s so hard to say good-bye to that little girl.

  15. If I can swim in a tri, anyone can. Seriously. I suck at swimming. I laughed at the idea of being right next to people when you don’t need to. I totally get that. Enjoy your Super Bowl!

  16. rich says everyone should have the triathletes training bible. he can’t remember the titles of any other books but this one. 🙂 all the coaches use this he says. right now, i’m feeling a bit of financial pressure because olive just had teeth pulled. again. and they aren’t cheap. oh well, such is life. and no, i had to work! but i have such a flexible schedule, it wasn’t too bad.

  18. Ugh the crowding on the mills when there’s no need is a huge pet peeve of mine! I just don’t get it! Wow high school orientation?! And I was just lamenting the other day about how fast middle school seems to be going by…I’m so not ready for the next step!

  21. OMG, i’m with you on the treadmill thing. Last winter the gym was EMPTY and this guy got on right next to me and proceeded to sweat like crazy, but not just sweat, it like sprayed all over my treadmill, it was horrible. WHY? There were a million open treadmills? People are so clueless sometimes!! I can imagine how you are feeling with the swimming. That’s the only thing holding me back from doing a TRI. I don’t know how and it intimidates me so bad!!

  22. Don’t get me started with those people who cozy up next to you in an empty gym, shower, park, beach wherever. They seem to be everywhere, all over Instagram and Facebook and yet, they still don’t get it. What the hell? Please someone explain this to me?

  23. Your pet peeve is hilarious! I always wonder that too. It’s like when you are at the movie theater and someone sits right next to you, or directly in front of you when there are 100 empty seats in the theater. Why?!

  24. LOL that always drove me nuts at the gym too, it’s like the person who sits next to you in a theater when there’s plenty of other seats. My husband used to swear by one book, I think it’s the Triathlete’s Bible or something like that. Hope the swimming starts to get easier for you. I may end up having to take up swimming myself. Too bad we don’t live near each other!

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