This year, I bought a seed starting light and woah! See for yourselves.
It's so exciting to see these grow. They look so much better than last year.
How was your first year starting seeds indoors?
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Seeds started are growing!
It's SO exciting to see the growth of my seeds this year. Last year was the first time I started seeds indoors. I did not have proper lighting so all their energy went into long-legged stems. I don't think any produced more than those first two leaves. So sad.
This year, I bought a seed starting light and woah! See for yourselves.
These are my onions! I cut one that had fallen down and popped it in my mouth. It already tastes like an onion!
This is Lollo De Vino Lettuce. I love the reddish-purple color.
Little Gem lettuce.
These are a bunch of German Chamomile sprouts. I have since thinned them.
It's so exciting to see these grow. They look so much better than last year.
How was your first year starting seeds indoors?
This year, I bought a seed starting light and woah! See for yourselves.
It's so exciting to see these grow. They look so much better than last year.
How was your first year starting seeds indoors?
Friday, April 11, 2014
Cover crop
Most of my gardening is experimental. I learn things and they stay put when I've put my hands on them and seen a result. I read a lot about gardening but the details and the reasons why don't seem to stick until I've done them myself.
Last year, I read a lot about sowing cover crops and green manure. Essentially, a cover crop is a grass or legume crop sown in the fall (or anytime in between harvest and a new planting) that keeps weeds from overtaking the area or erosion of the soil and adds nutrients into the area. Green manure happens when you cut down the cover crop and mix it into the soil. It decomposes and adds more nutrients for your plants to use. This is a very basic description. Please forgive anything left out for you who know this practice better than I.
Last October, after I'd cleaned out my beds, I decided to try a cover crop. I had some winter rye leftover from a previous project. I tossed handfuls of it on my beds and raked dirt over it. Winter rye is supposed to be planted after the first frost and I got it in just after.
It germinated and started growing. I got this picture when I first saw the green in my beds.
It stayed much this height and thickness until Daylight Savings. The corner of my yard these beds are in gets the most morning light -- in the summer -- but very little in the winter. Now it is starting to grow and looks like a proper lawn.
As lush as this looks, it needs to be trimmed and needs times to decompose before I can use these beds. Since the weather has been so cold, I have waited. I hope this weekend will give me the warm weather I need to do the job. It should have time to decompose and be ready for my warm season crops (beans, cucumbers, zinnias,etc).
Has anyone ever used a cover crop in their backyard gardens? How did it work?
Last year, I read a lot about sowing cover crops and green manure. Essentially, a cover crop is a grass or legume crop sown in the fall (or anytime in between harvest and a new planting) that keeps weeds from overtaking the area or erosion of the soil and adds nutrients into the area. Green manure happens when you cut down the cover crop and mix it into the soil. It decomposes and adds more nutrients for your plants to use. This is a very basic description. Please forgive anything left out for you who know this practice better than I.
Last October, after I'd cleaned out my beds, I decided to try a cover crop. I had some winter rye leftover from a previous project. I tossed handfuls of it on my beds and raked dirt over it. Winter rye is supposed to be planted after the first frost and I got it in just after.
It germinated and started growing. I got this picture when I first saw the green in my beds.
Has anyone ever used a cover crop in their backyard gardens? How did it work?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Spring = A fight between Winter and Summer
In my area, Spring isn't a time of gradual change from cold to warm weather. It's a knock-down-drag-'em-out fight. For instance, last week on Wednesday, we had a glorious 70 degree day. The next morning I woke up to this.
It was a lovely, heavy, wet snow. And as we ALWAYS say here "we need the moisture".
Today and through the weekend we should be back in the 70's. Alas, the forecast for Sunday is, any guesses, more snow. It is a very interesting season and I am praying for more sunny days soon so that the outside gardening can begin!
What's your Spring weather been like?
Today and through the weekend we should be back in the 70's. Alas, the forecast for Sunday is, any guesses, more snow. It is a very interesting season and I am praying for more sunny days soon so that the outside gardening can begin!
What's your Spring weather been like?
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Chives!
About two weeks ago I noticed tiny sprigs of green popping out of the mess of mulch over my chives. They had begun to grow. It's the herald of spring in my garden and I even added some to my chicken soup last week.
Isn't the color green so lovely after a long winter?!
Friday, April 4, 2014
About a week after...
About a week after I planted my first seeds I noticed most of them are poking their heads out. They are so small at the beginning. It's sometimes hard to see them.
It's fascinating to see what they look like as they sprout. Remember those itty bitty seeds? They sprouted such tiny leaves. Can you see them at the bottom of the center cell?
The onions are interesting. They come up with a portion still in the ground. So it looks like an upside down U.
These are the lettuce. Those first green leaves are really exciting.
And one looks like it's wearing a tutu. It's so interesting to watch seeds grow!
Have you seen something sprout that was unusual?
It's fascinating to see what they look like as they sprout. Remember those itty bitty seeds? They sprouted such tiny leaves. Can you see them at the bottom of the center cell?
Have you seen something sprout that was unusual?
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Itty bitty seeds
The last seeds I started March 9th are German Chamomile. They are pretty and look like small daises to me. I read they are grown for the heads. You pluck them, dry them and then add a couple to a cup of hot water and presto! you have fresh Chamomile tea.
The small size of the seeds surprised me. When I opened the seed packet, there was a smaller envelope inside. It was perhaps 1"x 2". All 250 seeds would probably fit on a dime with room to spare. They looked a bit like ground pepper.
I gingerly tried tapping out a couple per space in the seed tray until one TAP sent all the remaining seeds into one cell. Oops.
I didn't want to waste all those seeds so I did my best at picking up a few with my fingers and placing them into other cells. We'll see how they grow. Next time I'll figure out a better way of planting those seeds.
Have any of you ever had chamomile tea grown in a backyard garden? What did you think?
The small size of the seeds surprised me. When I opened the seed packet, there was a smaller envelope inside. It was perhaps 1"x 2". All 250 seeds would probably fit on a dime with room to spare. They looked a bit like ground pepper.
I gingerly tried tapping out a couple per space in the seed tray until one TAP sent all the remaining seeds into one cell. Oops.
I didn't want to waste all those seeds so I did my best at picking up a few with my fingers and placing them into other cells. We'll see how they grow. Next time I'll figure out a better way of planting those seeds.
Have any of you ever had chamomile tea grown in a backyard garden? What did you think?
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Cayenne you say HOT?
Ok, ok! I know that was a silly play on words (and slightly on a southern accent).
I decided to try and grow something I've not grown before: Cayenne peppers! I'm not really a spice lover but I do love growing new things. I enjoy the idea of growing my own peppers, dehydrating them and making my own DIY cayenne pepper flakes.
Besides, my roommate, best friend and photographer-extraordinaire, Chris, LOVES spicy food and she has dibbs on those peppers so she can try and make her own hot sauce.
I ordered Joe's Long Cayenne from Seed Savers Exchange and planted them when I planted my onions and lettuces. They grow long and thin about the width of a pencil.
I'll put these in a bucket in my hoop house this summer. They'll love the heat along with my tomatoes. Maybe there will be enough for some flakes as well as some hot sauce.
Have you ever grown Cayenne Peppers? Did you eat them fresh or use them another way?
I decided to try and grow something I've not grown before: Cayenne peppers! I'm not really a spice lover but I do love growing new things. I enjoy the idea of growing my own peppers, dehydrating them and making my own DIY cayenne pepper flakes.
Besides, my roommate, best friend and photographer-extraordinaire, Chris, LOVES spicy food and she has dibbs on those peppers so she can try and make her own hot sauce.
I ordered Joe's Long Cayenne from Seed Savers Exchange and planted them when I planted my onions and lettuces. They grow long and thin about the width of a pencil.
I'll put these in a bucket in my hoop house this summer. They'll love the heat along with my tomatoes. Maybe there will be enough for some flakes as well as some hot sauce.
Have you ever grown Cayenne Peppers? Did you eat them fresh or use them another way?
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Starting seeds indoors
Gardening has begun! I started my first seeds indoors for this year's garden. I started them March 9th (yes, this post is late).
I cleared a space on an unused surface, filled my seed trays with a starting mix and poured boiling water over the trays to wet the soil thoroughly. I then let it sit to cool down and drain off any excess water.
I specifically wanted to try growing onions from seed this year. I've read that growing onions from seeds instead of sets will produce bigger bulbs. It's an experiment so I'll let you know how it turns out. I chose Yellow of Parma onions from Seed Savers Exchange.
I find seeds fascinating! They all look so different. Who would've known that onion seeds look like little pieces of coal?
I also planted two different varieties of lettuce: Little Gem and Lollo De Vino. I'll plant some more a few weeks out to stagger a harvest. I'm not sure I can eat 20 heads of lettuce in a week.
I planted a couple other things but I'll save that for the next post.
After carefully adding a few seeds to each space, I covered them with a light layer of the starter mix and wet them down with a spray bottle of water. I placed the clear dome cover over each tray and placed the one with onions on a heating mat since onions love heat.
The seeds should sprout soon. The humid, warm climate in a covered seed tray is very conducive to germination. I'll let you know how they do.
Have any of you ever started seeds in doors? What has been your experience?
I cleared a space on an unused surface, filled my seed trays with a starting mix and poured boiling water over the trays to wet the soil thoroughly. I then let it sit to cool down and drain off any excess water.
I specifically wanted to try growing onions from seed this year. I've read that growing onions from seeds instead of sets will produce bigger bulbs. It's an experiment so I'll let you know how it turns out. I chose Yellow of Parma onions from Seed Savers Exchange.
I find seeds fascinating! They all look so different. Who would've known that onion seeds look like little pieces of coal?
I also planted two different varieties of lettuce: Little Gem and Lollo De Vino. I'll plant some more a few weeks out to stagger a harvest. I'm not sure I can eat 20 heads of lettuce in a week.
I planted a couple other things but I'll save that for the next post.
After carefully adding a few seeds to each space, I covered them with a light layer of the starter mix and wet them down with a spray bottle of water. I placed the clear dome cover over each tray and placed the one with onions on a heating mat since onions love heat.
The seeds should sprout soon. The humid, warm climate in a covered seed tray is very conducive to germination. I'll let you know how they do.
Have any of you ever started seeds in doors? What has been your experience?
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
I have been persuaded...
I have been persuaded to begin blogging again. I must confess, I'm not good at it. Being consistent at posting proves to be difficult for me. But I will try again. I intend to use this blog to help me keep track of my gardening adventures this summer (and maybe beyond).
The posts I've written previously were from a different time in my life and I'm no longer on the path of a half marathon. I discovered gardening the summer of 2012. A friend from work started gardening and shared her stories and it sparked an interest in me. I started out with 2 4x4 foot raised beds.
Last summer, I grew it by adding 2 4x10 foot raised beds and a 7x12 foot hoop house (for all those heat loving plants). I plan to expand one last time this summer. The plan is to add 2 additional 4x10 foot raised beds.
I'm really excited for Spring and the gardening to come. Join me if you can.
The posts I've written previously were from a different time in my life and I'm no longer on the path of a half marathon. I discovered gardening the summer of 2012. A friend from work started gardening and shared her stories and it sparked an interest in me. I started out with 2 4x4 foot raised beds.
Last summer, I grew it by adding 2 4x10 foot raised beds and a 7x12 foot hoop house (for all those heat loving plants). I plan to expand one last time this summer. The plan is to add 2 additional 4x10 foot raised beds.
I'm really excited for Spring and the gardening to come. Join me if you can.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Beautiful Spring Day
Today was a beauuuutiful day! In the high 60's with the sun raining down on us and a cool breeze blowing. Perfect combination. Chris and I went to The Heritage Gardens. They have a beautiful pond with ducks and a couple benches to sit and enjoy. Chris, my bestest friend in the world, is a fabulous photographer --check out her website. She offered to take some pictures of me and they turned out good. I couldn't seem to get them all posted here, so check out the rest on facebook.
I was playing with shadows. This is a thumbs up for a the beautiful day.
The first of the beautiful shots Chris snapped.
Self-portrait of me and Chris.
I love seeing Lilac all over Colorado this time of year. It has the brightest color and most wonderful fragrance [long inhale...ahhh].
It think it's officially springtime in Colorado Springs!
I was playing with shadows. This is a thumbs up for a the beautiful day.
The first of the beautiful shots Chris snapped.
Self-portrait of me and Chris.
I love seeing Lilac all over Colorado this time of year. It has the brightest color and most wonderful fragrance [long inhale...ahhh].
It think it's officially springtime in Colorado Springs!
Peace is Joy!
Something I've been surprised to discover in the last four-ish years of my life is how my God has responded to the smallest prayers in my life. Growing up, I constantly saw all my flaws and was painfully aware of my shortcomings. They seemed so overwhelming, that I would push them to the back of my mind, by watching TV or immersing myself in other stories...anything to keep from having to face them head on.
These areas, haunting me in the back of my mind and heart, always kept me from being lighthearted and free to engage with other people. If I were to walk into a group of people I did not know, I would be very shy and certain they did not like me...simply because I was afraid they would think the same thing of my flaws that I did. Ugly.
But in the past four years, God has done a beautiful thing. As one of these things would surface from the back of my mind, instead of instant fear, I could feel him letting me know he wasn't afraid of this thing; that he wouldn't reject me for this flaw. And through that, I had the courage to look it head on and in honest sincerity, say, Lord, I don't know what to do about this. It's stupid or ugly and I don't want to be this way...will you fix it?
Some things, like learning to prefer others over me seemed to take forever. I remember always trying to get my way. I simply liked what I liked and if someone else didn't then I would try and persuade them to my point of view, because that was the only way I'd enjoy myself.
I remember noticing this when Chris and I would want to go see a movie. We have very different tastes; she prefers martial arts films and heavy duty action flicks and I like romantic comedies and not-so-heavy action flicks. Whenever we'd go see a movie, it would turn into this.
Me: What do you want to see?
Chris: Ooh...how about Mission Impossible 3?
Me: (Involuntary face scrunch) Well, that's alright, but I really think you'd enjoy seeing 27 Dresses? What do you think? Huh, huh? I'm sure you'll like it.
Chris: Okay, I'll go see 27 Dresses with you.
Now, this isn't a direct quote but I began to realize that my happiness was determined in getting my preference. This bothered me. So I began praying to the Lord, asking for the ability to care about Chris so that I could freely go with her to whatever movie she wanted without having to get my own way.
I stumbled and struggled and kept feeling this ickiness in my heart...and every time I did it, I would ask the Lord again. Finally, one day, Chris really wanted to see a new martial arts flick and this is what went through my mind..."I really don't want to see that flick, but I think Chris would really enjoy it. I don't have to thoroughly enjoy the movie to go see it with her. Okay, I'll go. I think she'll have fun at it."
And BOOM it hit me...this was a turning point! I had chosen to do something for my friend, willingly, because I knew she'd enjoy it. It wasn't a painful...fight to the death with my flesh...saying YOU WILL GO BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO! No! It had just become more important to me to see her enjoy something than for me to enjoy it myself.
The joy inside of me began to grow. I could see a flicker of light ahead. I began to see the power of God working in my life...in real life. He'd given me the power to prefer someone over myself and it felt amazing!
This is only one example of the things I've chosen to face over the years. But the thing that brings me comfort, is that when issues present themselves, I'm not afraid to go to God with them. I'm know he's not ashamed of me or waiting to punish me. There is a confidence that he's waiting for me to show it to him and ask for help. There's a knowing that it brings him joy when I have confidence to bring it to him for an answer.
Over the last four years, as I encounter these turning points, I have become much more easy going. I don't have to be in control -- most of the time (suppressing a chuckle) -- I enjoy doing new things that others want to try. I am able to admit I have flaws and am a work in progress because I'm not so threatened. I know, that when my flesh rises up or the enemy tries to tempt me, that the Lord is not ashamed. He is the one who loves me and says "What is it? I can fix it. No need to be ashamed."
I know there are many things yet to be encountered but the past several years have brought a measure of peace I have never known. I am confident in saying that I am walking with the Lord and he is pleased to have me with him. And I'm thrilled that he has asked me to join him in the journey. He fights for me. He protects me. He offers me a comfort and a peace when I'm struggling with myself. This is the greatest joy I've ever known and I wanted to share that with you all.
These areas, haunting me in the back of my mind and heart, always kept me from being lighthearted and free to engage with other people. If I were to walk into a group of people I did not know, I would be very shy and certain they did not like me...simply because I was afraid they would think the same thing of my flaws that I did. Ugly.
But in the past four years, God has done a beautiful thing. As one of these things would surface from the back of my mind, instead of instant fear, I could feel him letting me know he wasn't afraid of this thing; that he wouldn't reject me for this flaw. And through that, I had the courage to look it head on and in honest sincerity, say, Lord, I don't know what to do about this. It's stupid or ugly and I don't want to be this way...will you fix it?
Some things, like learning to prefer others over me seemed to take forever. I remember always trying to get my way. I simply liked what I liked and if someone else didn't then I would try and persuade them to my point of view, because that was the only way I'd enjoy myself.
I remember noticing this when Chris and I would want to go see a movie. We have very different tastes; she prefers martial arts films and heavy duty action flicks and I like romantic comedies and not-so-heavy action flicks. Whenever we'd go see a movie, it would turn into this.
Me: What do you want to see?
Chris: Ooh...how about Mission Impossible 3?
Me: (Involuntary face scrunch) Well, that's alright, but I really think you'd enjoy seeing 27 Dresses? What do you think? Huh, huh? I'm sure you'll like it.
Chris: Okay, I'll go see 27 Dresses with you.
Now, this isn't a direct quote but I began to realize that my happiness was determined in getting my preference. This bothered me. So I began praying to the Lord, asking for the ability to care about Chris so that I could freely go with her to whatever movie she wanted without having to get my own way.
I stumbled and struggled and kept feeling this ickiness in my heart...and every time I did it, I would ask the Lord again. Finally, one day, Chris really wanted to see a new martial arts flick and this is what went through my mind..."I really don't want to see that flick, but I think Chris would really enjoy it. I don't have to thoroughly enjoy the movie to go see it with her. Okay, I'll go. I think she'll have fun at it."
And BOOM it hit me...this was a turning point! I had chosen to do something for my friend, willingly, because I knew she'd enjoy it. It wasn't a painful...fight to the death with my flesh...saying YOU WILL GO BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO! No! It had just become more important to me to see her enjoy something than for me to enjoy it myself.
The joy inside of me began to grow. I could see a flicker of light ahead. I began to see the power of God working in my life...in real life. He'd given me the power to prefer someone over myself and it felt amazing!
This is only one example of the things I've chosen to face over the years. But the thing that brings me comfort, is that when issues present themselves, I'm not afraid to go to God with them. I'm know he's not ashamed of me or waiting to punish me. There is a confidence that he's waiting for me to show it to him and ask for help. There's a knowing that it brings him joy when I have confidence to bring it to him for an answer.
Over the last four years, as I encounter these turning points, I have become much more easy going. I don't have to be in control -- most of the time (suppressing a chuckle) -- I enjoy doing new things that others want to try. I am able to admit I have flaws and am a work in progress because I'm not so threatened. I know, that when my flesh rises up or the enemy tries to tempt me, that the Lord is not ashamed. He is the one who loves me and says "What is it? I can fix it. No need to be ashamed."
I know there are many things yet to be encountered but the past several years have brought a measure of peace I have never known. I am confident in saying that I am walking with the Lord and he is pleased to have me with him. And I'm thrilled that he has asked me to join him in the journey. He fights for me. He protects me. He offers me a comfort and a peace when I'm struggling with myself. This is the greatest joy I've ever known and I wanted to share that with you all.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
An Afternoon in Denver with Wade
I drove up to Denver Saturday afternoon to have lunch with my brother, Wade. Samantha, his wife, and he are in conferences in Denver. I am expecting a fun visit with them later this week. However, I had time available on Saturday and since he also did, we got to share lunch and a walk up and down the 16th Street Mall. It's basically a row of shops and restaurants along one street in Downtown Denver. It's what I imagine a NYC street looks like.
Wade and I
The Denver Skyline from Wade's hotel room.
Wade and I
This guy was creating painting with spray paint. It was very cool to see.
The Denver Skyline from Wade's hotel room.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Pep Talk
Sometimes you just need a pep talk.
Thursday and Friday were not good days. I was feeling dejected and a bit hopeless. I'm having trouble losing weight. I eat pretty good except for those darn stinkin' sweets...my sweet tooth is the size of Texas some days. And with the amount of excercise I've been doing, I had imagined I would be melting away the pounds...but not yet. If any, it must be coming off in 1/4 pounds per week.
On my way out of the office on Friday I was sharing a bit with Jenny, my sweet and understanding co-worker. She listened and shared how she understood but it was a few words she said that really encouraged me. She shared how she saw me, that I was one of the most determined people she knew and she had no doubt that I would reach my goals.
I thank the Lord for her and for her pep talk. I really needed it at that moment and God knew it. Thanks to them both I'm encouraged and pressing on.
If you get a second, check out Jenny's blog. It's one of my favorites.
Thursday and Friday were not good days. I was feeling dejected and a bit hopeless. I'm having trouble losing weight. I eat pretty good except for those darn stinkin' sweets...my sweet tooth is the size of Texas some days. And with the amount of excercise I've been doing, I had imagined I would be melting away the pounds...but not yet. If any, it must be coming off in 1/4 pounds per week.
On my way out of the office on Friday I was sharing a bit with Jenny, my sweet and understanding co-worker. She listened and shared how she understood but it was a few words she said that really encouraged me. She shared how she saw me, that I was one of the most determined people she knew and she had no doubt that I would reach my goals.
I thank the Lord for her and for her pep talk. I really needed it at that moment and God knew it. Thanks to them both I'm encouraged and pressing on.
If you get a second, check out Jenny's blog. It's one of my favorites.
The Excercise Ball
I put together a really good strength workout from a couple youtube videos. I went searching for excercises that can be done with a big excercise ball, since I have one. I'm so proud of myself for finding something on youtube.com rather than feeling the need to buy into one of those really expensive excercise video clubs.
From the first video, I do all the excercises. I do the first two from the second video. From the first video I discovered the hardest technique and the one I like the best looks the simplest but really kicks my butt (well, technically my arms, back and abs). On your knees you set the ball in front of you just to where you can reach it with your finger tips. You then roll out onto the ball leaning forward as you would in a plank or pushup and then roll back. Watch it and see if you don't think it looks very easy.
But I dare you...try it. I'd love to get your reaction to it.
These are the excercises I do on the couple days a week that I'm not biking or ellipticall-ing.
Any fun workouts you've found that really strengthen your muscles?
From the first video, I do all the excercises. I do the first two from the second video. From the first video I discovered the hardest technique and the one I like the best looks the simplest but really kicks my butt (well, technically my arms, back and abs). On your knees you set the ball in front of you just to where you can reach it with your finger tips. You then roll out onto the ball leaning forward as you would in a plank or pushup and then roll back. Watch it and see if you don't think it looks very easy.
But I dare you...try it. I'd love to get your reaction to it.
These are the excercises I do on the couple days a week that I'm not biking or ellipticall-ing.
Any fun workouts you've found that really strengthen your muscles?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A bit sore today
Last night's workout was tough. It was 50 min in total. I spent 10 min warming up on the bike and then did 6 sets of 2 min hard and 1 min easy pedaling. I always try to push myself. I don't like listening to the voice in my head that tells me I can take it easy. I mean c'mon, isn't that what I've been doing most of my life (regarding excercise)? I have to something different.
So normal fast RPMs on the bike for me are between 95-100. So I wanted to do better last night. I kept a couple of the fast 2 min segments at around 110 RPMs and then for the last, I kept hearing Master Kunkel say "This is your last. Make it your best!" So I pushed as hard as I could and got it up to 120 RPMs. Whew! I did it! I finished up with 6 minutes of pretty easy riding at about 80 RPMs.
Then onto the elliptical. With my legs already burning I knew these last 16 minutes would be hard. I was supposed to do 10 min moderate and 6 min easy. I guess moderate for me would be 50 RPMs but I'm trying to increase that, so I shot for between 55-60 rpms. That lasted for about 6 minutes and then I had to bring it down (right around 50 rpms). I didn't know if I'd actually be able to finish but I kept pushing and I did.
I am trying to focus on celebrating when I make it through a really tough workout. Usually I'm a little pooped and feeling worn out and just glad it's done but I am finding I really need to celebrate these accomplishments. It changes my mindset from being a big woman on a bike trying to do something I can't to that of an athlete. :)
What's a recent accomplishment I can celebrate with you?
So normal fast RPMs on the bike for me are between 95-100. So I wanted to do better last night. I kept a couple of the fast 2 min segments at around 110 RPMs and then for the last, I kept hearing Master Kunkel say "This is your last. Make it your best!" So I pushed as hard as I could and got it up to 120 RPMs. Whew! I did it! I finished up with 6 minutes of pretty easy riding at about 80 RPMs.
Then onto the elliptical. With my legs already burning I knew these last 16 minutes would be hard. I was supposed to do 10 min moderate and 6 min easy. I guess moderate for me would be 50 RPMs but I'm trying to increase that, so I shot for between 55-60 rpms. That lasted for about 6 minutes and then I had to bring it down (right around 50 rpms). I didn't know if I'd actually be able to finish but I kept pushing and I did.
I am trying to focus on celebrating when I make it through a really tough workout. Usually I'm a little pooped and feeling worn out and just glad it's done but I am finding I really need to celebrate these accomplishments. It changes my mindset from being a big woman on a bike trying to do something I can't to that of an athlete. :)
What's a recent accomplishment I can celebrate with you?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Accomplishment!
To give you a little back-story, because being a good story teller means I have to, prior to about one month ago, my least favorite piece of equipment at the gym was the Elliptical (not counting the stairsteppers, which I don't even count as a possibility at this point).
Prior to my Black Belt test and through about a year ago, I could spend a good half hour on the treadmill, even about 15 minutes jogging and be fine, but I would get on the Elliptical and last no more than 3 minutes and then I would hurt like the dickens for days. I just decided my body wasn't built for it.
But having trouble with my knees as I've been training this year I've had to try knew things. I've spent a lot of time on the bike and decided several weeks ago that I'd give the elliptical a go. After riding the bike for a good workout I went to the elliptical and lasted 7 whole minutes!
But until today, I hadn't lasted more than 21 minutes and THAT was a BIG accomplishment.
However, tonight, I went for a full 30 minutes! I'm not speedy but I did last 30 minutes. That's after riding the bike for 10 min to warm up and then I finished with another 14 minutes on the bike.
Small stuff for some but an accomplishment I'm proud to share!
What do you think about the Elliptical?
Prior to my Black Belt test and through about a year ago, I could spend a good half hour on the treadmill, even about 15 minutes jogging and be fine, but I would get on the Elliptical and last no more than 3 minutes and then I would hurt like the dickens for days. I just decided my body wasn't built for it.
But having trouble with my knees as I've been training this year I've had to try knew things. I've spent a lot of time on the bike and decided several weeks ago that I'd give the elliptical a go. After riding the bike for a good workout I went to the elliptical and lasted 7 whole minutes!
But until today, I hadn't lasted more than 21 minutes and THAT was a BIG accomplishment.
However, tonight, I went for a full 30 minutes! I'm not speedy but I did last 30 minutes. That's after riding the bike for 10 min to warm up and then I finished with another 14 minutes on the bike.
Small stuff for some but an accomplishment I'm proud to share!
What do you think about the Elliptical?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Black Belt Testing
Last night I joined other black belts at the Dojang (school) and sat on the panel as we watched the current black belt candidates go through all their curriculum. This is their official test. How well they did last night determined whether they passed as black belts, with one final test...the dreaded fitness test.
Overall they looked really strong as a team. And they were pushed pretty hard. During the several minutes of sparring (this being after they demonstrated all their forms, blocking sets and kicking sets) I saw slumped shoulders and longer breaks between kicks (when they could manage it). But they pushed through and didn't give up. Giving up is something a black belt doesn't do. You know what we call a black belt that gives up....a color belt.
I then had the pleasure of watching a current group of black belts who are testing for their 2nd degree. They looked stellar. The actions and grunts and groans of pain as they did their Jujitsu demonstrations seemed authentic...but having done this I know are just for show.
I'm inspired now. Hopeful that I can continue to work on my 2nd degree. I'm only two stars away from the final stretch. In theory, I could test next May. We'll see. There's a lot going on right now, but perhaps working on this would help in my fitness and enable me to be a better runner.
I've still got my sights on the half-marathon in January 2011.
Overall they looked really strong as a team. And they were pushed pretty hard. During the several minutes of sparring (this being after they demonstrated all their forms, blocking sets and kicking sets) I saw slumped shoulders and longer breaks between kicks (when they could manage it). But they pushed through and didn't give up. Giving up is something a black belt doesn't do. You know what we call a black belt that gives up....a color belt.
I then had the pleasure of watching a current group of black belts who are testing for their 2nd degree. They looked stellar. The actions and grunts and groans of pain as they did their Jujitsu demonstrations seemed authentic...but having done this I know are just for show.
I'm inspired now. Hopeful that I can continue to work on my 2nd degree. I'm only two stars away from the final stretch. In theory, I could test next May. We'll see. There's a lot going on right now, but perhaps working on this would help in my fitness and enable me to be a better runner.
I've still got my sights on the half-marathon in January 2011.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Go Black Team!
Okay, so I have to confess...I am really into the current season of The Biggest Loser. This Tuesday the teams of two (what were left of them) were broken into two remaining teams, blue and black. The one who got to chose which contestant went on which team was Michael the winner of the "temptation challenge". And guess what he did...he put all the high power people on one team (on which he placed himself) and put all the rest on the other. It was the most unfair setup I could imagine. The two trainers, Bob and Jillian, were appalled. Blue team included all the strong players and black the "less strong".
I was so sad for the black team and so grumpy about Michael's choice. Mid-way through the episode I left to go to the gym and workout. Close to the end I noticed that Biggest Loser was playing on the TV and they were down to the weigh-ins...the last two weigh-ins. Blue (the strong ones) had been weighed and all but the last two on the black team had been weighed. The last two girls had to have lost more than 16 pounds between them to avoid going to elimination. I shook my head. Having watched the last several episodes I had not seen either of them do that much.
The first girl went to the scale, this young lady participated in the temptation challenge and ended up having to eat cookies and other fattening foods in the process. I thought for sure it would have cost her. But to my surprise, she had lost a full 8 pounds!!!
The final girl was up. I have not seen her lose more than 5 or six pounds in a week and I knew the black team was sunk. They would have to go through the awful process of sending someone home. She stepped on the scale, and to heighten the drama, the numbers go up, down, up and down again and stop finally to reveal...a 10 POUND LOSS!
Literally my jaw dropped and a smile spread wide across my face. The black team pulled it out! They did not let the disadvantage determine what they could do. It was such a fun moment for me.
I know, I know...it's reality TV but it just can't be denied...the black team was challenged and against the odds they came out the victors!
GO BLACK TEAM!
I was so sad for the black team and so grumpy about Michael's choice. Mid-way through the episode I left to go to the gym and workout. Close to the end I noticed that Biggest Loser was playing on the TV and they were down to the weigh-ins...the last two weigh-ins. Blue (the strong ones) had been weighed and all but the last two on the black team had been weighed. The last two girls had to have lost more than 16 pounds between them to avoid going to elimination. I shook my head. Having watched the last several episodes I had not seen either of them do that much.
The first girl went to the scale, this young lady participated in the temptation challenge and ended up having to eat cookies and other fattening foods in the process. I thought for sure it would have cost her. But to my surprise, she had lost a full 8 pounds!!!
The final girl was up. I have not seen her lose more than 5 or six pounds in a week and I knew the black team was sunk. They would have to go through the awful process of sending someone home. She stepped on the scale, and to heighten the drama, the numbers go up, down, up and down again and stop finally to reveal...a 10 POUND LOSS!
Literally my jaw dropped and a smile spread wide across my face. The black team pulled it out! They did not let the disadvantage determine what they could do. It was such a fun moment for me.
I know, I know...it's reality TV but it just can't be denied...the black team was challenged and against the odds they came out the victors!
GO BLACK TEAM!
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Night in a Snowglobe
I spent the night in a snow globe. This is a view from my Starbucks...listen to me...I still say "my". This is the store I used to work at. I am spending the evening here to study. I'm sitting next to two gentleman that used to be my customers, but now are my fellow patrons: Bruce (left) and Steve (right).
I'm learning lots about Old verses New Institutionalists and why Veblen and Galbraith liked one group but not the other. And how von Hayek refuted Galbraiths theory. No...I'm not using big words and unknown people to sound super smart, but to perhaps entice you to google them and learn something cool.
Anyway, the snow is coming down so pretty and I learned this really cool feature of taking a panoramic view picture that I couldn't resist taking a break from my studies to blog about it.
Ah the beauty of snow on a winter's night. [Big smile...Sigh]
Improvement!
I know, I know...I haven't updated in over two weeks. My apologies. I'm getting busier with studies and by the time I think of blogging my brain has turned into butter left on a hot stove.
I am finally noticing improvement in my knees. Two and a half weeks ago I decided to try biking instead of walking. The pain in my knees and surrounding ligaments had become very painful when I walked. So I got on the bike and rode, and rode and to my delight it did not aggravate my knees!
I did that twice and then started mixing it up. I usually start on the bike and then move to the treadmill. I also began adding in some exercise on the weight machines (which I finally found...funny story). Last night was my best night yet.
11 minutes on the bike
26 min walking
Leg extension
Leg press
Stretching
And I got that all done in under and hour...you should have seen me rushing out the door to get to my car. UCCS (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs) has extremely limited parking for it's 8,000 + students. So you either have to pay big $ to have a parking pass or pay an hourly parking fee ($1.75/hour). I didn't want to pay for two hours last.
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