Primal Stride

4 January 2010 Day 4 complete. It’s all here in brilliant colour. And, you know, you really do want to click on that link to look at the pretty picture of my walking companion today – a chameleon.

Got up, did my walkin’ curled up with my beagle and went back to sleep. I suck at going to bed early enough to wake up in time rested lol

Total FAIL this morning for my 1st day joining the challenge. I set my alarm for 6:15 (trust me when I say that is far early enough for me) after going to bed “early” (11:30pm) and then decided once my alarm went off that while I am worth getting up and doing 3 mi, I needed/wanted the warmth of my bed. Based on the dreams I had after, I should have just gotten up.
Good thing: got to bed earlyish for me.
Work out: Will go to core today after meeting my new orthopedic doc (broke my wrist Wed night biking!) and I WILL do my 3mi after core!!

Moving forward….

did the 3…not only foot but also knee wonky now …not sure where that came from…not enough sleep last night at all but got ‘ir done & probably going for a nap soon ;P…kettlebells later today…feeling good overall though and blood sugars have been in the zone & riding steadier for fasting #’s….

Have a great day everyone!

Quick check in — half completed today. I was up at the appointed hour. The snowshoeing will be done this afternoon. It’s sunny out today, but still quite cold. It will be warming up through the week though.

Still have to process the video from yesterday.

As for next week, the challenge sounds, well, challenging! Are there really 7 different green vegetables 8=)

Had an idea for a mid February challenge — 7 love letters. Can be to the same person or different people. Can be kept private, sent to the actual person or shared publicly. (Valentine’s tie in). Helps us to remember to express our love for our loved ones.

This challenge is going so well for me! I have been dutifully doing my 5k every morning as proposed. It’s freezing here (and there’s snow aplenty) but the cold has actually been just as good as a hot shower when it comes to getting me motivated for the day! I will be a little sad that this one is ending.

I haven’t really had the time to write up daily progress reports… but I did an all-in-one post today on my blog.

A hot mug of tea certainly does warm the body and soul, doesn’t it?!

Great job at keeping us motivated!

~Kellie

i’m in for crunches ( i usually do situps tho…)

today was 4:45 am! i just walked on the treadmill 1.60 miles, and biked 10 miles. =D

rest day today.

I’m almost halfway through my exercise – I took the dog out for a nice walk this morning, and will do another one soon.

In regards to the crunches, they sound good. I know that crunches are much more effective than sit-ups, so thats good. Also, I’ve heard that they are twice as effective if you do them on an exercise ball, if you have one available to you. 250 is a lot, but I think I’ll be able to do 100 (and keep it up all week).

I adore my veggies and eat all kinds, so trying 7 new ones might be hard (to find). Maybe I’ll try them in new ways =D. Oh, and I’ve got a healthy recipe on my blog today if anyone is interested – they’re treats that are good for you!

Today is my Day #1. Woke up on time (my goal is 7 a.m.) and did my hour work out. Then went to the market and purchased $40 worth of veggies and fruit.

I am ready to continue with Day #2 tomorrow.

Feel good.

Darn, I just read the list of classic and modified followers and I had stated my waking time goal as 6:30. Tomorrow for sure.

Haven’t posted my daily recap yet but wanted to pop in and said I did it (day 4) – not the 5K run today, but an upper body workout (in keeping with an 8K training schedule I set up).

Love the idea of a “crunches” challenge,, but think a different veg every day might be a wee bit too expensive. How about making sure you eat veggies (prepared differently) everyday perhaps.

Day 4 was completed pretty early on in the day .. but my day was so hectic, I didn’t have a chance to check in (it’s 12AM now my time )

http://lxxiii.blogspot.com/2010/01/primal-stride-challenge-1-day-4.html

I actually got photos of the sunrise today, so I’ll post those later.

I second the question of “Are there really 7 different green vegetables 8=)”

Things are going to be super hectic for the next two weeks .. so I’m hoping beyond hope that I’ll be able to go on with the challenges..

“Are there really 7 different green vegetables?”

FUNNY!

I did my 5K in my new shoes! Big difference. I almost wanted to run. Almost. I’d probably hurt myself the way my pc challenge has been going.

I couldn’t wake at 5:00 a.m., so I did 3 (miles) at 3 (p.m.)

http://fitby41maybe42.blogspot.com/

Time to stretch that plantar fascia.

yepyepyep.
Up at the proverbial crack and meditated immediately.

Then ran.

I loved the meditation. The running? I did.

Oh Seth – a strong core, too! I’m up for it – bring it on!
And of course I was on the road in the dark rocking out the miles for the morning. I’m changing up my workouts, too, to rearrange and spread them over the course of the day. Still run in the mornings, but I swam at noon, and did a double run at sunset. Like you it’s a much prettier picture in the dark.

: )

I think one thing a lot of people are forgetting is that these challenges are fully customizable. Just because Seth puts the challenge at 250 crunches a day (if that’s what he does) doesn’t mean that we all have to do 250 crunches in a day. Be realistic with your body and what it can handle and what would be best for it, and customize the challenge accordingly. For some of us, that would mean adjusting the numbers down. For some, it might mean adjusting the numbers up.

Personally, there’s no way I’d be able to do 250 crunches in a day, even if I did them in 10 batches. I might be able to do 50, but even then, I’m really not sure. I’d have to try it one day and see what I’m capable of, and then take it from there.

Now, for that vegetable thing… I cook from scratch every day already, and I make sure we get our vegetables. Wait, not every day – we do leftovers, too. We eat pretty nutrient dense already with as wide a variety of vegetables as is possible.

BUT vegetable selection here is nowhere near as large as it is in the west. I could scrounge up 7 green vegetables if I include local vegetables and leaves that Fahim hates, and that wouldn’t be great. I also recognize that I’m likely not typical in the cooking all meals from scratch thing.

Summary being that the vegetable thing wouldn’t really work for me, but I can figure out something else to do instead.

Sounds good.

“like you it’s a much prettier picture in the dark.”

Like me? Was that fat joke? I HOPE SO! ::laughing::

I’m not sure I look any better with the lights off. Will have to get back to you on that.

I wish it was warm enough to swim here. It’s still a bit chilly.

Well, LoneWolf finished the 2nd part of the challenge, although it was a switcheroo (is that allowed 8=). Monday is Ball Hockey night for the men at church 7-9. A bunch of middle aged men and young high school guys chasing a hard orange ball around the gym for 2 hours (well, we do stop for a 20 minute devotional at half time).

It isn’t the same as a consistent walk, run, etc. but I love the game and getting together with the guys. I wouldn’t have been able to get both that and the snowshoeing in today. And it’s a bit warmer too 8=)

See you on day 5 (hopefully I’ll get to the day 3 video tomorrow)

I like this challenge, too (minus a couple of set-backs). Even if this week’s challenge is ending, I/we could still continue it or a modified version of it. I like learning that I can actually get up that early (except for today) and enjoy the quiet, dark, and cold.

Great job!

You have an advantage in being a day ahead of the rest of us. Haha! Love that lizard. =)

Me, too! The hardest part for me has not been getting up early but getting to bed in time to be fully rested when I get up each morning.

I’m glad I’m doing it though!

It’s cold here. I wish I had a dog to hang out with. A big one. Perhaps an American Bulldog or maybe an Irish Setter… either one. =)

I think I read somewhere that switcherooing is good.

There is NO SUCH THING as a total fail here, April! The cool side of having two parts to each challenge is that so long as you get at least one part done you’ve made progress. So long as you got the distance, you’re okay.

Tomorrow is a brand new day. I’m in the same boat with staying up too late. I’ll learn eventually. In the meantime, roll out of bed when that alarm goes off! You might be a bit sluggish at first but getting up early has a way of making one extra sleepy come 10pm.

Good luck!

NO! Tell your legs to behave so you can do as you please with them!

Naps are a joy. Take one for me! I still haven’t tried kettlebells. They seem like concrete-filled purses. Good for clonking heads but not much else.

I’m so glad you’re feeling good other than your knee and foot. You’re doing great!

It’s supposed to be cold all week here. “cold” meaning hovering around freezing. Just cold enough to make running uncomfortable.

Yeah, I had to Google how many green vegetables there are… should be at least 7. =)

I like that idea. Writing seven letters would be a challenge for most of us, I think. Let alone love letters!

I suppose I could write some “I never told you but I loved you” letters. Those tend to cause drama though.

I like the Valentines connection!

I’m so glad the challenge has suited you so well!

You know, it doesn’t have to stop. The idea of a 7-day challenge is to commit to something, prove to yourself that your word is good, and decide at the end if you want to continue doing something.

If getting up early and exercising is something you want to continue, KEEP GOING! I plan on sticking with it for as long as I can.

Shall I ask for a show of hands on Thursday for those who want to keep the challenge going? A few of you could pair up to keep the accountability going.

I’m thinking the early rise challenge should probably be part of a challenge each month. That way we’d all have a chance to get back on track if we fall off.

Checking out your blog now… =)

I love alllllll dogs it’s a dream of mine to start a rescue.. I just don’t have the money to do it .

I’m glad you’re doing it too! =)

I want to get a bike soon.

In the meantime, I put in just under 6 miles in the cold today. Need to buy some gloves to protect from the wind. It comes whipping across the bay. The ocean is beautiful all angry and frothy… but the wind is cold.

You are KILLING this challenge! =)

What breed of dog do you have?

I’m not sure about 250 either. Perhaps I was being overzealous? Hmm. Will think about that.

As you say, pick number you think you’ll be able to maintain.

As for the veggies, trying them in new ways sounds like a good idea! The idea is to find new ways to work good things into our diets. Green vegetables are one of those things. It’ll be interesting to see what the modifications are on that one. =)

So glad you’re sticking with this and perhaps having a bit of fun, too!

Well done! I love buying loads of fruit and emptying the bags onto my counter and feeling fruit-wealthy. =)

Hehe. That’s what it’s there for. =)

I need to do more upper body workouts!

As for the vegetables, your sounds like an awesome modification.

I feel a recipe pool in the works. We’d have enough to make a cookbook that’d whollop whatever your local church ladies put together. =)

Just got back from your blog. I’m sorry we made you late for class!

The next two challenges should be a bit less time-consuming and schedule-shaking so you should be okay. Challenged, but okay. =)

I’m really glad to have you here and look forward to seeing your photos!

Oooh! DO TELL about your shoe shopping experience?

I’m glad you got new shoes!

heading to your blog now. Happy stretching!

Run you may and run you will
Of early day you get your fill
When you pray you hope to kill
The angry fray and top the hill

Tuna Tuna Tuna Tuna Tuna

How’s that for a song? =)

Well said! I tried to make that clear in the initial directions but peeps don’t read! =)

Lauren has the same issue with green veg’s. She said she’ll be preparing them in a different way each day. Perhaps we could have the classic challenge involve preparing a vegetable in a way you’ve not had before and submitting a photo? That’d be fun.

Gina is correct that the switcheroo has a long tradition that we uphold during Primal Stride challenges.

Sounds like you had fun!

Hey Seth –

Up at 5 and got the 5k in at the opposite end of that, hitting the gym at 5:45 p.m. Amazing – when I walked in, every single elliptical and treadmill was occupied. Must be early January! Took another 13 seconds off the 5k time; shaved 1:07 off in the 4 days!

For next week, the crunches are no problem. As others mentioned, I already eat a lot of vegetables and will be traveling, which will make it impractical to do. Not a big fruit eater, so I’d substitute trying a piece of fruit each day.

Take care!

Mike

He’s a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller for short =D. 250 definitely sounds like too much (at least for me). I think I’m going to test run 100 and see how many I can reasonably do. It might only be 50 or 25.

Veggies are great! I love my cucumber, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, spinach, kale, broccoli, and artichokes (that makes 7, right ;D). Oh, and green beans!

Okay. I’ll admit I was wrong in my prediction that you wouldn’t be able to continue improving your time. Perhaps you were slacking last Friday? =)

I’m thinking a fruit or vegetable option would make for a good health subset. Members could modify past that if they needed to.

The crunches would be easier for me if I were leaner. Can’t wait for that. I love pushing myself. Pushing just doesn’t get me anywhere at a high rate of speed yet. Yet!

Have a great day!

You’re totally right on ALL accounts, Seth. I didn’t do 3 miles, but did do 2 right after my hour-long core workout. I planned on doing the other mile walking my dog, but to be honest (and wussy) my feet are STILL cold from my outdoor workout.

As you said, tomorrow is a new day!

I was told by the orthopaedic doc that my wrist is not broken after all, so once the pain/swelling/bruising subsides I can do workouts that involve my right hand. WOOT!

Thanks for getting me jogging again,we’ll see about the early morns…

YO!
Since you live somewhere actually cold, and I’m just here freezing my ass off in Austin TX (read: not cold to people really used to cold, but freakin cold enough for me!) I’d love to know what kind of shoes you run in that keep your feet warm or what do you do to keep them warm?

Thanks and WAY TO GO for being such a bad-ass!!

I love that you kept your goal very reasonable. Thanks for the inspiration!

It’s really hard getting up before the sun does. I started walking with some friends in the neighborhood. They’re getting up at this ridiculous hour too. It’s much easier when there’s group pressure.

No kidding! It’s still dark here when I get back each morning.

Having friends along IS much easier. I’m glad you have friends crazy enough to join you! =)

YO!

This is my first winter “without” cold and I’ve found that 30F here feels approximately like 30F up north.

I do three things:

1. Wear synthetic or synthetic/wool blend socks. Cotton just doesn’t cut it.
2. Make sure your shoes are warm when you start. Put them in a toasty place (don’t burn them!) before you go to bed. By the time they start to get cold, you’ll be warmed up.
3. Do a short cardio warm up before leaving the house. My knees are fine so I jump rope for a bit to get my heart racing. After I put my warm stuff on, heading out the door into the cold is a touch refreshing.

Try it! =)

Here’s what happened (I think): Friday, I was just doing the elliptical trainer as usual. Afterward, I paid attention to my time for the 5k, creating a time-based goal after the first day. Now I have something to shoot for each day. (Remember when I wrote about competing with myself!) I’ve also set the elliptical time the same the past few days, which helps. Usually I vary the total time based on my monthly goal. Doing the same time every day may be the new way to go.

Thanks so much to all of you who posted and tweeted supportive messages after I reported my fall downstairs Saturday. See, that alone was worth joining the challenge! I’m happy to report my doctor doesn’t think there’s any real damage to my recent spinal fusion. After a few more days of getting rid of bruises and soreness, I should be back where I was and ready to start walking again. If I rattled loose some of the fusion that had started, it’ll just take a little longer to fuse, but no repairs expected.
Once I’m able, I’ll definitely be continuing this week’s challenge. Walking in the unseasonably cold air last week was invigorating and the best I’ve felt in ages. I can’t wait to get started again. I also love the proposed 7-green-vegetables challenge for next week. Crunches won’t be on my agenda for a while, but I’ll come up with something else to do.
Thanks again to all of you for lifting my spirits!

Spirit-lifting goes both ways! I think I speak for many when I say I’m so glad you’re okay and that you’ll be back in the saddle shortly!

Modified challenges are the stuff the good life is made of. =) I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

I should do the same. Having a time to beat will give me another reason to push myself. I’ve been a bit of a slacker lately and need to get back into the habit of pushing the envelope a bit with each run.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Great news Sherry! Glad to hear no major setbacks.

Believe it or not, I actually use my work boots although I’m not running. They are very comfortable for walking and the snowshoeing and have a thinsulate lining to keep warm unless it gets down below the -30C mark.

And they are surprisingly comfortable in the summer as well. Pretty amazing boots.

I even scored a couple goals 8=)

So glad to hear there’s no permanent damage! Take it easy and join in when and as you’re able.

250 crunches works for me. I’m glad that you allow for modifications, but I’m going to start with this one first, see how I feel and if I need mods… I’ll let you know. In the meantime, here’s my post for Day 4 – http://meatymatron.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/post004/

I’m so glad you’re okay, Sherry. I’m rootin’ for ya’!

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