Combo Wednesday

Once a week I've been trying to do a workout that mixes in some cross training with some light spinning. It helps to break up the monotony of indoor training. I had been doing some body weight workouts, and they rocked. But there is a LOT of leg exercises (squats, lunges, etc.). I'd rather work on leg strength via the bike and Mr. Big "nut dropper" Ring.

I still do some of the upper body and core exercises, just not as an "organized" work out. Nothing like doing "Plank" on the floor while water boils! Anyway, tonight I did a quick 30 minutes on the trainer, got a nice sweat on, and then laced up the sneakers for ANOTHER run. Yikes!

I'm still digging the running thing. As I mentioned last week, I've been sticking to a 2 or 3 block loop around my neighborhood. Just in case my legs do blow out, I can crawl home. I've been slowly working my way up in laps. 2, 3 and today FOUR! Each week as my legs get more and more used to the impact, and I have fewer issues. It's really been cool.

One of the many great things about being in reasonable shape is that when I decided I wanted to start doing some running (actually it's more of a jog/scamper/skip/lumber) I didn't have to worry at all about cardio fitness. I just had to avoid an injury from doing something so new to my boday that involves lots of impact.

B-Man joined me to watch and chat for a few minutes at the star of my spin. I have to say I'm starting to dig those couple minutes or so he hangs out to chat. Then it was upstairs to put on some gear, some shoes, and head out into the misting rain and chilly temps for another almost 20 minutes.

Tonight, the rain, crisp air, houses lit up with Christmas decorations, and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement made for a pretty cool and "Zen like" 17 minutes. I find it easier to zone out and think/meditate during a run than I do (or SHOULD do) on my bike. Combined with the zone out-ness of the trainer, I had a real nice Mental Rub & Tug™ tonight.

Don't get me wrong, I am by NO means ready for lengthy multi-mile runs but I WOULD be pretty happy to work up to 30 or 40 minutes of running to give me another option for weekday workouts. Especially when my brain has no mojo to climb on board the trainer. I've said it before, I'll say it again (along with other folks like Eddie O' and Travis) It amazes me that we can ride 100+ miles on a bike, but trying to RUN even 30 minutes can be a bitch!

Time to tape my nipples, and get some Hooters, junk exposing "shhh-shhh" shorts. (or not)

Later.