MSers in Training 2017

[Veronica]

Larry, I’m happy for you. Sounds like it was a satisfying ride, despite the “loneliness of the distance” cyclist.... Century at the end of the season...nice way to wrap it up as winter moves in...

[teena marie]

Larry,

Sounds like your amazing, inspirational self. What a way to wrap up the season. Loved the description of the desert. Honeymooned in that part of the world and was blown away by the beauty.

Cheers and I will hoist a pint to you,

Teena Marie

[Marinadca]

Wow Larry! I love the way that you describe your adventures, its like we are along for the ride

[AMFADVENTURES]

Thanks girls, finishing the ride without having a shoulder to lean on was certainly a confidence booster in terms of self reliance. In the final analysis, it really only cost me a slower walk across one arroyo and a couple of forays into some of the more popular but navigationally difficult rest areas.

The next task is to put together a winter program. The twice weekly yoga is already in place and needs to include a walk before class. I need to work in at least a twice weekly weight room schedule. And, I got into such good shape this year I'd like to retain most of it over the winter months. Do I forsee spin classes in my future? YUCK! I wonder if I can find a spin class that emphasizes speed work over standing on the pedals until I fall over?

Everybody got a winter program in place?

Larry

Ps. And here's hoisting a pint back at ya!

[Marinadca]

Glad you got a confidence boost!

Can I ask how long each weight work out takes you?

Currently my winter routine is 4 x week bike trainer, 2 x week hour walk (at a gym) and once a week yoga. As you can see there is no strength training at all. I know I should do something but I dont want to give up any work outs for it and don't really love spending lots of time with weights. Its something I have been mulling over, how to get some strength stuff in but not give up my schedule.

I just hope this winter there is nothing that forces my off for weeks at a time making me need to start over again. Last year it was a December cruise, then I got sick, then once I got better I fell and twisted my ankle. Past years I forget what it has been, but it seems to always be something in that Dec-Feb time frame. So the goal is to stay active all winter.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Hey Marina, it does get to be a lot doesn't it? This is the weight workout I can do in about an hour. I do it twice a week. I use 9 upper body machines. I do 3 sets on each machine, one set of 12 reps, one of 9, and one of 6 reps. I increase the weight on each successive set AND I rotate machines between each set. By rotating machines on each set, I can keep going for about 9 sets before I need a short recovery break.

There's a name for this type of workout but I forget what it is. The result is a pretty heavy cardiovascular workout in addition to the strength workout. I don't do real heavy weights and I don't normally push quite to complete exhaustion even on the last set.

I walk for 30 to 45 minutes before yoga twice a week but my yoga classes are "restorative", which is mostly stretching. Some days this combination really works great.

I'd like to do 3 days of cardiovascular cycling work per week too but haven't figured out a schedule to accommodate that and everything else and still get a recovery day per week.

Hope I explained that we'll enough, if not, say something and I'll try to do better.

Larry

[ActiveMSers]

AMF, loved the recap. I'd write more, but I'm on my phone on an airplane and the doors are closing! Sounds crazy. And I could totally relate. We'll, to the beer part. Mmm beer. After a few days of no exercise due to travel I'm getting antsy! Home soon.

[Marinadca]

Thanks for that description Larry! I like the idea of a strength/cardio mix like that.

I going to find some info about the circuit you are talking about.

I am going to make the switch from my yoga 2 class this session to gentle yoga too at the request of my husband so I will need less gas in the tank and can probably get in a workout before yoga.

[ActiveMSers]

About to get on another plane. But between travels I've been cranking. Last time we got home 45 minutes before sunset. That meant 30 minutes of sprints on my trike! Felt great. HIIT is fantastic for getting in a quick workout.

Marina, you rock. I've told others to look you up.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Gotta hand it to you Dave, getting out for a ride right after getting home is above and beyond, and for intervals no less!

Wish I could say I'm doing that well. Holidays and stuff going on at the house have interfered with my workouts. Hope to get back on track soon though. Whole heartedly agree, HIIT's are a great way to stay in shape when time is short!

AMF

[ActiveMSers]

Put down that cookie and exercise. Just a reminder. Love you guys. And Merry Christmas!

[Marinadca]

You're so nice Dave

My TMJ has acted up in a major way, when I am in a lot of pain like that my energy gets zapped, I go to work and do what I can but but workouts are out. Now, with lots of Advil and (first time, yay!) muscle relaxers at night, the pain has lessened and I finally feeling up to activity. Starting slow - 2 days of 30 minute walks. Maybe the bike on Saturday! Fingers crossed

[AMFADVENTURES]

Oooops, I ate the cookie Dave. And it's brother, And it's sister - And maybe a few cousins too. Then there were those chocolate covered pecans my sister always sends - horribly addictive little things. But I have been exercising. Walking several times a week and of course, opening lots of bottles of wine!

Oh well, next year is right around the corner and I'm already looking forward to repairing the damage.

Merry Christmas everybody, wishing you all a fabulous holiday,

Larry

[Veronica]

All I can say, Dave, is that you must be in cahoots with my yoga instructor. She is holding our regular Monday 8am class on...NEW YEAR'S DAY...

Argghhh.....my first challenge for 2018 is to GET there, after being with friends NYE... luckily they are less than 2 miles away, and we are all such old farts that I will be in the car, driving home at 12:10am. And I am very determined to do this, hence my telling everyone I know. Can't face telling all that I wimped out.... Seriously, it is a good way to start the year off for sure... I'll be honest, and let you all know....

[Marinadca]

I am going to ask you about that yoga class next year Veronica! Mine starts on 1.2 and I thought that was a bit cruel

As for me the TMJ went away and I am pain free and BACK ON THE BIKE. Every year there is something (illness, out of town, injury, relapse, etc) for why I am not working out at the end of the year. So my goal this year is to finish the year strong! I would also love to right on the last and also first day on the year. Since its 20 here I will be doing that inside.