PrideSports Boston

For all you greater Boston area LGBT sporty spices out there, there's a local organization called, "PrideSports Boston" that focuses exclusively on promoting athletics in the community. Click HERE for more info.

Question of the Day

QuoD: What keeps you from being in excellent physical condition?

Let's define "excellent physical condition" as whatever you think being "in shape" looks like or feels like. This question came to me while running today and looking at some of the other runners' bodies with envy. When I see a guy running by with his shirt off who is lean, has a six-pack, and is barely breaking a sweat in 90% humidity, my first thoughts are: "Damn! Why can't I look like that? I'm such a slacker!" Of course, most of these super fit guys are usually half my age with the metabolism of rabbits on speed, but I digress...

I've come to realize what a huge factor mental dialogue can be and how it impacts whether or not I reach my fitness goals. There are days when I feel on top of the world and can run long distances without even thinking about stopping, and then there are others when just about everything "bothers me" (e.g., my armband is too loose; the neck of my shirt is too tight; it's too hot out) and soon becomes a reason for me to stop running and start walking. What's up with that? How can this inner dialogue wield so much power on some days and be silent on others? Does anyone have a good muzzle I can borrow? :-)

My new favorite running shoes: Nike Lunaracer

I just bought the Nike Lunaracers yesterday and went for my first run in them today. They are AMAZING!! First, they're unbelievably light (only 5.5 ounces)! Honestly, when you pick them up for the first time it's shocking how light they are. It feels like picking up a paper plate or something. Second, it feels like you're running on pillows in these shoes! VERY soft and cushiony but still very supportive and stable. I love them!! The only downfall is that they're not supposed to get as much mileage as the typical running shoe (some estimate only 200 miles). But, with my trusty 20% of coupon for City Sports, I can get them for only $80, which is a great deal for top-notch running shoes. I recommend that all you runners out there at least go to your nearest sporting goods store and try the Lunaracers on! Trust me, they're unlike any other shoes you've ever worn before! Oh, and don't confuse them with the Lunatrainers, which are the same price but reviewers say they're uncomfortable because they don't have a typical heel and ankle cut-outs so they rub your achilles and can cause blisters.

Boston's Human Race on 8.31.08

Well, I must say that I was so glad I didn't let myself sleep-in that day and blow off this race (that's me in the pic above over on the left in the black hat and shorts looking at my watch). It was really exciting being in a crowd of 120 other runners, most of whom had shirts on just like mine, and all of us were united in a common purpose! To know that throughout the day more than a million other runners from across the globe would be running, as well, (also in shirts like mine!) in Nike's Human Race was kinda cool if I must say so myself! I'm proud to say that I'm a top 5000 runner in the world based on my time for the 10K that day. It wasn't my personal best, but I did it in 49 minutes and some change. Whoo Hoo! Watch out, London! Here I come for the 2012 Olympics!! ;-)

Nike+ 10k Human Race on August 31, 2008

Hey all,

I will be joining more than 1 million runners from around the world on August 31st 2008 for the Nike+ 10K Human Race. The purpose of this race is to help raise funds for good causes such as the UN Refugee Agency which was selected by Nike to be one of the causes to benefit through the UNHCR's ninemillion.org campaign.

Wherever you are - you can sign up to be part of the ninemillion team. Refugee children need your support and it doesn't take much - just your running shoes! You could even build a team! Run for good. Run for refugee children. Run for the UN Refugee Agency!

Namaste, babies (take two)

Today I concluded my yoga intensive (it's likely I'll be drinking alcohol again soon!). It was an amazing last workshop. This week I hit a wall. I was feeling overwhelmed personally and professionally. And I used this to repeat the comfortable but unproductive message: I'm not worthy. I ditched Tuesday's class telling myself I was tired. I was a little tired but mostly I was afraid.

In the previous session I failed when I attempted a handstand. My shoulder was tweaky and I was terrified. Looking at everyone stand on their hands with ease got me to thinking "Handstands are something others do but not me". Today was the last session so I felt compelled to go. I silently prayed that I wouldn't have to try to stand on my hands again.

I tried to hide in the back corner of the room and look busy when the handstand series started. Anna came over to me and said "Ready to give it a try?" I couldn't say no. I told her I was afraid. She responded "I have loads of experience. You can feel safe. I've got you". I tittered (Anna's got me!) and assumed downward dog, pointed and straightened my right leg and toe, kicked back strong and stood on my hands. Anna did as she promised: she kept me erect and instructed me to lengthen my breath. I stood on my hands for ten extended inhalations and exhalations. I felt my toes, my knees, my thighs, my belly, my rib cage and finally I brought my breath to my shoulders. When I exhausted myself I set myself down.

It was an amazing feeling! Thinking back I realize I forgot to see. All of senses were focused inside with my breath. When the class concluded I caught Anna's eye and mouthed the words "Thank you" and she said out loud "Congratulations, on your handstand". I did a handstand. I did it! Namaste, babies.

World Run Day

Hey everyone, please consider registering for this annual world-wide event and dedicating your run or walk to someone/something meaningful in your life. The impetus behind World Run Day is to encourage charitable giving and promote a passion for running/fitness. YOU choose the charity you wish to donate to as well as the amount you wish to donate.

World Run Day takes place this year on November 9, 2008. Participants can register to run in a local World Run Day event, or you can register to run on a self-created course using internet tools. YOU choose the distance you plan to run/walk as well as your own course for your race. You can run/walk alone or with others, it's totally up to you.

Locally, here in Boston on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 you can register for the 10th Annual World Run Day Dedication Run on Active.com. All registrants receive a free red t-shirt with the logo above. Please let me know if you want to do either the World Run Day in November or to plan your own little "race" so that we can do our personal race on the same day/time. THANKS!

Namaste, babies.

Am participating in a yoga intensive directed by Anna Forrest (who is pictured). She assisted me today in doing my version of this pose! It was an awesome and empowering moment. The first day of the intensive I experienced an awakening of all my dormant places. My wrists were enlivened. My abs (the muscle that would be a six-pack were it not sheathed in fat) yawned sleepily awake. I even felt the inside of my v-jay-jay (no hands!). Everything hummed in a yummy way.

The second day was emotionally and physically overwhelming. I felt nauseous most of the class and struggled through the poses. My body begged and begged for me to stop. Afterwards I felt like I had the flu. I developed a mild fever, all-over body aches, a headache, the shakes and I was unbearably tired. My missus drove me home from work. I went straight to bed and slept for 12 hours. The next morning my system eliminated what seemed to be DAYS worth of waste (yes, I went there!). It was sort of amazing! I felt miraculously renewed...healed.

This resulted in me deciding to take a break from alcohol. I like the numbing effects of alcohol but it saps my energy, depresses me and interferes with my sleep (even in moderate quantities). Part of what I experienced in the second session was a system purge. What will happen if I ingest with the intention of wellness (not weight loss or sobriety but wellness)? Anna also urged us to stop shouldering other people's burdens (we were doing shoulder work, of course). It sort of struck me that I didn't have to convert others to my way of thinking. I've been wrestling with the fact that people have different approaches towards things. The truth is: my way is right for me. Not THE right way. I realized that I can instead use my energy to focus on me. I don't have to convert anyone to my way of thinking.

In today's session we transported our "stuff" to our yoga blocks. We assumed the boat position as we held a rubber block tight between our ankles. After a lot of tension, we physically and psychically let go. Stuff = the negative interior monologue. It's the weird things we hold onto from our childhood and use to dull our shine. Not rocket science but I realized today that I could consciously let go of this stuff through intention. I say all this because this work enabled me to find the power to assume this pose. Of course, I was shaking and ineloquent but Anna (yes, Anna!) assisted me and I did it. I DID IT!

Namaste, babies.

Very funny "gym diary" entries

This is hilarious and so true for those of us who have ever been tortured by, er...worked out with a personal trainer! It's the diary entries from a woman who went to the gym after having not gone in a very long time. Enjoy!

Dear Diary…

For my fiftieth birthday this year, my husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing on my high school softball team, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer I’ll call Bruce, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started. The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Bruce waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god – with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Bruce gave me a tour and showed me the machines. He took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. He was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attribute it to standing next to him in his Lycra aerobic outfit. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring. Bruce was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but finally made it out the door. Bruce made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air – then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Bruce’s rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!! It’s a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by lying on the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Bruce was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Bruce put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Bruce told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other rubbish too.

THURSDAY: Bruce was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn’t help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Bruce took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the men’s room. He sent Lars to find me, then, as punishment, put me on the rowing machine – which I sank.

FRIDAY: I hate that bastard Bruce more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Bruce wanted me to work on my triceps. I don’t have any triceps! And if you don’t want dents in the floor, don’t hand me the barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich (which I am sure you learned in the sadist school you attended and graduated magna cum laude from). The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY: Bruce left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing him made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours on the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY: I’m having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband (the IDIOT) will choose a gift for me that is fun – like a root canal or a hysterectomy.

Build A Gold-Medal Physique

Pound for pound, Olympic gymnasts are perhaps the strongest athletes in the world. But it's not because they pick up a lot of heavy objects. "I don't lift weights at all," says Team USA gymnast David Durante. "I'm either practicing gymnastics or doing body-weight exercises." Which just goes to show that you don't need high-tech training equipment to be strong and muscular. The recommended workout plan from this article will let you train your muscles the way a gymnast does but without having to be a world-class athlete. By combining the classic body-weight exercises (you'll add resistance to some) and cutting-edge training techniques found in this workout, you'll build shirt-splitting muscle, real-world strength, and a more athletic-looking body. And you won't have to spend hours at the gym—you'll be in and out in under 40 minutes. Click HERE for the full workout plan.

Avoid brain drain with memory-boosting foods

Compelling research indicates that certain foods and nutrients can help enhance your memory. Read the facts on fish, berries, leafy greens and coffee — and be sure you remember to incorporate them into your diet. Click HERE for the full story.

Quod: Do certain foods make you feel more focused/sharp? Are there foods that bring you down?

I've run 1000 kilometers (621.3 miles)

I hit the 1000 Kilometers milestone! Next stop: 1000 miles!

11 Best Foods You Aren't Eating

In the NY Times, the list of the 11 best foods you aren't eating.

I actually eat about half of these, which is good, and will be adding some of the others (frozen blueberries can replace the frozen raspberries I mix in my oatmeal--add a few walnuts & it's yummy & filling)

Check them out here

The New Rules of Strength

To become bigger, you must first become stronger and to do that you must embrace "Progressive overload." Progressive Overload means spending more time in your discomfort zone. One expert says, "It's the most basic of all strength-training principles, but it's the one people understand least. The human body is amazing. The more work you do, the more you will be capable of doing over time. It's not enough to just lift a weight, you need to explode with it — that is, raise it as fast as you can while still retaining control. This process is also known as speed-strength conditioning, and it has great influence on power, endurance, and metabolism. To read more, Click HERE.

Flat-belly summer foods

Click on the title to go to an article on foods that are supposed to make you feel full fast....

Who is organized enough to make sure that he/she eats the suggested "half cup" of these foods everyday??!! After reading the article I felt overwhelmed and I know that after a while I could get tired of eating these foods. ..but they do offer "alternatives" that could provide some variety... Why don't I ever get tired of eating french fries, or vanilla milkshakes, or fried chicken???