Fitness Goals for 2008?

AnneW

Fitness Goals for 2008?

AnneW

Hey, all, on another topic, Marin and I were discussing things we want to accomplish next year. I'm not a good goal-maker (or keeper!) but I feel inspired to do something "big" next year, and I'm not sure what it is yet.

I looked at Breast Cancer Fund's climb of Mt Shasta, but I'm not sure I can make the financial commitment. Our local Women's Wilderness Institute has some clinics and trips that involve climbing, but that's more fun than goal-driven. I could shoot for my local Danskin Tri, but god I hate crowds. Yet, that seems the most logical way for me to really get in shape.

So, I'm going to do some more searching to see what I want to focus on.

Any of you all with goals you want to achieve in fitness for 2008?

Anne

trigeek

My first goal is the Breast Cancer Marathon in jacksonville in February, I signed up for the half marathon I am hoping to be able to walk/jog it.. although Taxol seems to have other plans for me ( having some muscle issues now ) That will be just before my exchange surgery and rads 1 month after my last chemo January 10th.

My second goal is the Danskin triathlon which I used to volunteer every year in Disney in May. I will also be training 1 Stage IV BC survivor of 5 years !! ( she is kind of intimidated trying to ease her into it ) and 1 other gal which has never done a tri before.

Any other gals out there doing these events ?

Anonymous

I just started running again this year. My goal is to run a 5K in 2008. I have DIEP scheduled in January - so as soon as I can I'll start running again. I want to run the Komen 5K in October.

bomber410

For me, i always set a goal of exercising at least 5 days a week.  And the type of activity is season dependent, e.g. skiing in winter, biking in summer, etc.

Beyond that, I'm thinking about a marathon.  I  know I can get a number for Boston so that may be what I do.  I'd also like to do the Vermont 50 miler trail run at the end of September.  i'd like to do the BC marathon but I haven't gotten my distance up.  Also i'll have been in Orlando the third week in jan for work so not sure I'm ready to head back. 

Beyond that, my exercise goals are tied to my work goals.  I need to keep a balance on work demands so I can get out of the house (work at home) during the daylight.

Thanks for asking.  Made me get more explicit about what I've been thinking in terms of specific events.

Debbie 

AnneW

I'm leaning toward a triathlon this summer. Our area has lots of sprint tri's, as well as the Danskin. Rocky Mountain Team Survivor can ensure training partners and open swim lessons. And our local YMCA has mini-tri's that they run during the winter.

I did one of those 2 years ago, and found out that swimming is really hard for me. So, after Christmas, I'll take some lessons.

Now, how do I find balance? Thank goodness I only wokr parttime! Between swimming, running, cycling, climbing, and weight training, I want to add in yoga or pilates. Looks like I'll need to make a pretty strict schedule for all that!

Anne

gshoemate

I am I am  I'm already signed up for the half marathon in Jacksonville.  I was thinking about doing the Danskin Tri (was starting to train for this last year when I found my lump) but the idea of doing a tri has me a bit nervous.  Looks like registratiion will be around Feb. 2 so I have a little bit of time to think about it.

Ginger

Anonymous

My fitness goal for 2008 is to add more fun and variety to my activities. I've always been so driven and goal-oriented (and of course, here I am talking about my goal!) and I would like to become less so. In skating, I was always so competitive. Even with my aerobics classes, I felt like I had to have the best & most challenging routines and attract a big student following. With running, I watched my time and my HR and always tried to top myself. Enough already! At least for me.....it's time to savor it all. I adore how I feel when I'm skating or dancing or even lifting weights, and I love to sweat ! So that's my aim for the upcoming year....to sweat like crazy and enjoy it thoroughly!

~Marin

bomber410

How are we all coming with our fitness goals?  Are you on plan?  I've been running/skiing/snowshoeing my 5 out of 7 days a week. 

I did have my sights set on doing 12.4 miles on Saturday on trails.  It was a 10K loop.  I finished the first loop and was just so tired (leg fatigue/breathing was fine), I couldn't do the second loop.  Probably could have walked it but really want to get back to running the distance.  It was very frustrating. 

Debbie 

TenderIsOurMight

My goal is to just do 30 minutes a day of fast walking, as that's all my current pain level seems to allow. What this doesn't do, is the cardiovascular toning I know we all need.

So far so good though. Thanks for starting this thread and good luck to each of you.

Tender

Calico

I do a trail almost daily (5 out of 7 days is my goal), I alternate running and walking and the real goal is to add another trail. Right now it's 40 minutes (55+ when walking with DH), not the best but it has hills LOL

I want to go to the Fitness Center or start weight lifting, maybe a personal trainer would be good.

I don't think I have it in my for a tri....I could never run on a field or road...mountain trails are winding and I don't see the "long" path ahead, therefore it is so fun!!!

I'd love to go skiing to Breckenridge but my DH has a knee problem (he still can though) and my daughter a hip problem, alone is no fun but I do miss it and feel bad because my daughter can't....feels wrong "to want it" if you know what I mean....

AnneW

I'm doing something almost every day. Whether it's the treadmill or swimming or spinning class or strength training or climbing in the rock gym. I've really started to look forward to my workout-du-jour, and I'm logging it on a calendar.

My trainer at the PT clinic I've been using is also a climber, so she knows what I need to build strength for that sport. And boy, do I hurt after her sessions!! But it feels so good to get the chest stretched, the back strong, and the abs screaming!

A side benefit of this working out is that I'm paying way more attention to my eating (and drinking!) habits. Why sabatoge all the good work I'm doing? As long as I keep my blood sugar stable, I'm okay.

Anne

yellowrose

Still working on getting fit and losing weight.  Haven't felt up to par for a couple of weeks so exercise has slowed down a bit.  Still out walking around town.  Have officially lost 22lbs. Yea!!! It's kind of freaking out my friends though, they keep asking my DH if it's "a good kind of weight loss."  I have 40 more pounds to lose to be at the top end of my recommended weight.  Determined to minimize my estrogen from fat.  I will achieve this goal.

Calico

txgrl,

awesome, 22, wow....keep going, that's a good goal to reduce the Estrogen

bomber410

Hello Ladies, how are we all coming with our goals?  I've been getting some good quality runs in.  Did 10 miles on Saturday.  It was slow going, but I got 'er done. 

I work at home and can so easily get stuck at my desk doing one more thing, making it difficult to get my run in. My BF leaves for work at 5:45 AM daily.  Starting last week, I ride with him, and he let's me out  on the road to run home.  Sometimes it's 5 miles from home.  Sometimes more, up to 8 miles.  And today, I made sure I added some stretching in following my run. 

Who's going to Jacksonville?  How are you feeling?  

Debbie 

yellowrose

Still working on the weight loss.  23 lbs to date.  It was a slow month.  January was kind of wet and cold so outdoor exercise was limited.  I am such a fair weather excerciser, it's that thin Texas blood!  Still excercising 5-6 days a week.  I remain focused on the goal!  BTW, my DH drives me places and drops me off to get home on my own also. It's a great motivator to excercise!   How's everyone else doing? 

bomber410

23 lbs!  Woo hoo!    Sounds like between the weight loss and the regular exercise, you are on track, Txgirl. 

Debbie 

koshka1

hello,

well i am a fitness instructor of 15 years, but stopped teaching in october after my mammo because of depression and all of the stress with biopsies and stuff....

i have just started doing cardio, some light weights and my yoga....

i am hoping my rads onc appointment goes well on monday and that i can continue...

my goal is to teach by april....

this is all soooo tough..but it sure makes me feel better to have something in control...

hugs to all!!

kosh.......

bomber410

Kosh, what a mountain you have climbed to get where you are now.  Let's work together to stick with it.  This BC journey can definitely be a downer.  But you are right.  You are taking back control.  Way to go!

Debbie 

AnneW

You can do it, Kosh!! You will feel so much better, mentally and the physically!

I've not been able to exercise for almost a month! I've had two viral infections, back to back, and this second one has me coughing and wheezing for the last 12 days. I'm using an inhaler for the first time in my life. Today I eased back in to it with a couple miles on the elliptical and some core--then coughed my head off. But at least I did something...

Anyway, get back into it as soon as you can. You'll feel so much better!!

Anne

TeddyJudy

Hi Everyone ~

My fitness goals for 2008 are:

Go to Curves 3-5 times a week (Love it since you get both strengthing and aerobics in a 30-minute workout.  It's just like dancing.... The music is Great too.

Dance with my husband 1-2 times a week (Square Dancing and Swing)

Lose 25-30 pounds by January 1, 2009.....

I wish all of you the VERY best in reaching your goals.

bomber410

Welcome Judy!  Sounds like we are all on track to achieving our goals.  I have been running regularly.  This weekend I got out to do some snowshoeing in upstate NY at my dad's house.  Unbelievable amount of snow up there.  Just beautiful!  Also did a nice 8.5 mile run on the snowy roads.  It's a part of NY people few people know about.  No cars on the road. 

Debbie 

ashaby

Hey Bomber!!! Great to find you again. I live in southern Vt. I also exercise about 5 out of 7 days. I XC ski and snowshoe all around the woods here.

I disappeared for a while because my tx went on and on. Just last month I had my first neg biopsy and now can play!!



Nice to find another snow lover.

Basha

paige-allyson

My fitness goals for 2008:

1) Become a runner again. I am setting the bar low and for now just want to get back to being able to do a 5k. In the past I've done longer distances including a couple of half marathons. I've been doing some run/walk and am coming along with no return of knee problems.

2) Exercise every day- even if it's just 15 minutes. I don't plan to run more than 4 days a week. Yoga, pilates, dance, weights, bike, ellipitical, and swim are all part of the menu.

3) Maintain and continue my weight loss progress. I've lost 21 pounds since last February. After being diagnosed in May I kept the momentum through surgery, chemo, and rads. My weight loss has been very slow but steady, averaging less than 2 pounds a month. This has made it pretty painless and I think it will be easier to maintain. I plan to lose another 10-12 pounds over the next few months.

Anne- those triathalons can get crowded. I had considered doing the Danskin near here in Webster, MA 2 years ago but chickened out mainly because of the swim. When I saw photos of the swim start I was glad I'd bailed- it was like a sea of women and would have freaked me out.

Kosh- I exercised all through treatment. It really helped me avoid weight gain and helped with the mood. I went through a terrible bout of depression after I was diagnosed- got through that too although it took a little more than exercise to resolve it.

Yesterday in the late afternoon I walked to our neighbors' and skated on their beaver pond which my husband had kindly snowblowed part of to make a little rink for us, then walked home through the snowy woods at dusk...lovely.

lewing

I just found this thread, and really like the idea of periodic check-ins.  (In fact, I was just whining elsewhere about how hard it is to stay motivated.)

Here are what my goals were at the start of the year (prior to my dx), and how I've adjusted them:

1. Run more trails and cross country events.  The trail part of that still stands - and maybe, who knows, I can still get in some cross-country style races in the fall.  I probably won't be very fast, but I can still have fun.

2. Run some new races in new places.  I was able to race in New Orleans right before my dx; from here on out, I'll just substitute "run" (or "jog," or "jog/walk") for race. 

3. Run a fast half marathon in the spring.  Well, I think we can scratch that one off the list.

4. Run well at my local Race for the Cure, in honor of my friend Laura, who died of bc last November.  I still plan to do this race (May 31 this year) even if I have to crawl.

And here are some new, post-dx goals:

1. Get out and run or walk at least 6 days a week, without worrying about time or distance.

2. Maintain my current weight.

3. Sign up for yoga classes.  (I just finished a 5-week lunchtime class at work, and loved it.)

4. Use this hiatus from competitive running to give back to the running community by volunteering at local races.

(P.S. to Allyson - I swear I'm not stalking you, we just seem to click on the same threads!)

Linda

yellowrose

O.K. It's March 1st.  Time for an update on progress.  How is everyone doing? 

I weighed in today and my official loss is 27 lbs.   Still exercising regularly.  Finally am able to buy clothes in the misses department instead of womens...yippee! 

paige-allyson

Txgrl- congratulations on the weight loss! I am still registering the 21 pound loss but think I might be down a little more- ate some saltier than usual food than usual this week and that can throw off the weigh in. My BMI is 25% according to our scale so I am in the "okay" range. My goal as I said is to get lower. I saw my medical onc last Tuesday and he is supportive of this plan as an additional way to reduce recurrence risk.

I've been doing quite a mix as far as exercise- ice skated an hour one day, did the walk/run another, last night danced for an hour or so.

Linda- that is too funny re: the stalking. It's nice to "see" the same people I like on different threads. We have common interests- it's a too bad we don't live nearer to one another although we could probably never run together. My half-marathon PR is around 2:10 and I'd be thrilled to be able to do that again (or at this point just cover the distance). I wish we had a good yoga studio nearby- the one I like is 30 miles away but maye I should pop in now and then when I'm in the area- lately I just use the videos- not consistently and I should- helps the arthritis and the Femara stiffness.

yellowrose

I keep reading about  snowshoeing, skiing, and now ice skating. Great calorie burners but I have to make do with power walking and the gym here in Texas!  The indoor pool is just too clorinated so I am looking forward to May and swimming (assuming I have a swim form by then).  Stopped running about 15 years ago after a hip problem became chronic.  I sure miss the endorphin rush.

Enjoy your runs everyone.

Dansmom

I just got my diagnosis 2 weeks ago - surgery w/i days after that, chemo & radiation around the bend.  I was in the best shape of my life!  My body let me down!  since the surgery I've managed some short wimpy walks and today finally had the nerve to do a gentle yoga class - just what I needed.  Except that every time I relax I start to cry. Still totally in shock.  Before all this I had been spinning a couple of times a week, yoga a couple, treadmill jogging & weights a couple.  I still can't believe I'm sick!  I felt so good and now I feel like crap.

This is so important to me that I'm really thinking that for the next few months until I'm through all the Stuff, I'm going to cut back on work just so I can work out.  It's so hard for me to leave work without tying up the loose ends - and then I'm too exhausted to do anything.

i'd love to hear what goals folks had in the first few months after the dx.

FEB

Hi girls

I too am going the fitness route. I am a former PE teacher, and while I have always been active, biking, walking, team sports, some dance, I have never felt in shape as much as I do now since college. I am still not where I want to be, post treatment, but for the first time I am actually losing weight. I have been working on core exercises, with low weights with lots of reps. Yes, I learned that muscle burns fat, but I was more into playing than fitness. Now I am into building muscle, which will help burn calories even while sleeping. Cooincidently, I saw  a fitness guy this week talking about no cardio fitness. It makes sense to me. Everytime I do cardio I get so hungry, but with weight training, I feel energized, and am content with juice or fruit. I think that is why I am finally losing(along with the BC scare of too much middle body weight). So you do not have to become fanatical about fitness. Yes, do something everyday, but cross train. Vary your workouts and you will get better results. I continue to walk a lot, mostly because I love the fresh air, and it really helps me keep my head clear.

Keep moving!

Dansmom

Linda, when was your treatment?