(G) Mixing it up and crossing new exercise paths is all the rage for me this week.

Pilates
What? I know, it’s shocking but this week I have my first Pilates orientation. I have never done Pilates before so there could be high entertainment value. Why, you ask? Well for those of you who don’t know me, I have a secret for you. I am a clutz. I am an uncoordinated, rhythm-lacking soul and it’s not likely that finesse and grace are going to be new attributes but try I will. Stay tuned for all the details next week.

Trampoline
I am a huge fan of the mini trampoline. As I mentioned last week, I am spending more time rebounding. Don’t get me wrong it’s a lot of fun but it’s harder than you think. It helps make my feet stronger (no shoes on the trampoline) and I throw in some strength exercises and it’s like exercise playtime. Seriously, give it a try this week and report back on your experience… really … you know where to find me.

Running
Yes, I have been running. I can’t entirely stop running. It’s a little like asking me to not eat or sleep. I am a fan of both!!! The best news is the fall weather has arrived and it makes running a dream. The air is crisp and nature is gorgeous. Just look …

Sugar
Last week, Lowi announced that she had a plan and laid it out for us. Meanwhile, I prided myself on being a floundering, hooky-playing runner. It took me a week to get on the NO SUGAR wagon but as of yesterday I am staying away from the sweet stuff. It’s so addictive as many of you know. And it doesn’t do much for meeting any of my other goals. So I am working on staying focused, eating clean, real food and staying off the crack (sugar).

Off to the races
Less than 30 days from the Croatan 24 but what really has my attention is Outrun 2015!
It has come to my attention, thanks Lowi, that the Outrun is about 6 months out! How can that be? For those of you new to the program, this is the scene of the 50 for 40 earlier this year and also the impetus for the Torture Report. Before we all know it the training will kick in legit! Wow!

(L) Becoming PocaLoca Lowi

I am so happy to report that I have made it a whole week with no sugar!  You have no idea how amazed I am to report this to you. I mean I had every intention of sticking to it, but sugar is my crack and I wasn’t sure how it would go.  Yesterday, I was thinking about how relatively easy it was and how much I accomplished last week.  Now I am trying to figure out was I busy because I was sub-consciously trying not to think about sugar or was I so focused and productive because I had no sugar in my system?  Anyone?  I am so intrigued by this little detail that I think I am going to continue down this no sugar path. Now, I will say that there were some seriously difficult moments like Sunday at Starbucks when I was starving and craving something a little sweet. I, however, sat at my corner of the table with my unsweetened Zen tea while two of my family members indulged on sweet concoctions of liquid sugar and DONUTS!  I feel a little better about myself for the self-control. 

I did tell G today that I would like to be able to indulge in sugar once in a while, but I seriously do not know if I can have just one snack size chocolate treat. I have a tendency to want the entire bag. While I have never tried Crack, nor do I intend to, I have to imagine that it is very similar to chocolate.  So, I am pretty much at the place where I need to stay away from it or enter Sugar Rehab.

My Back

It’s getting better all of the time.  I have to admit running on the treadmill actually loosened my back up and made it feel a little better.  While it is absolutely perfect running weather outside, I’m not sure my back is ready for the actual ground, but give me another week or so and I might be ready to give it a try.  It felt so good to be running again and yet the mileage is so far away from 50 miles.  Yep, like G said in her portion, the Outrun24 2015 is only about 6 months out, but that is another blog.

I also have continued my yoga/stretching exercises and I have decided that I can’t live without it.  More specifically my back can’t live without it.  I read a quote this week that said,

“You’re only as young as your spine is flexible”    Bob Harper.  

That really hit home for me and I want to feel young!  So, me and my back are on a journey toward flexibility…among other things.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G

Author’s Note:  By the way, you should probably stay away from G if she is giving up sugar because she already doesn’t eat anything, but veggies!!  It could be a bumpy week!