March 05, 2015

More numbers

I was feeling a little nervous about my circuit training class this morning at the rec, but I was actually looking forward to starting it as well. I was also scheduled for a 3.5 mile run today, so I decided to go to the rec early and run on the track before the class started at 8:30. Jerry was home this morning, so he was able to get Eli on the bus, allowing me to leave early.

There was only one other person on the track this morning--it was quiet! I forgot to bring headphones, so I couldn't listen to a podcast, unfortunately. I planned to just run a nice, easy pace to save my energy for the class.

Even though I'd planned to run easy, I was still surprised that my Garmin was showing a pace of 11:10 per mile. I felt more like I was running about 10:00-10:15/mile. I had that same feeling last week whenever I ran at the rec center, and I assumed it was just because I hadn't run in 7 weeks. Not running for so long would naturally make a slow pace feel much harder.

The indoor track has 12 laps per mile, so I started counting laps to see how accurate the Garmin was. I was getting more like 13.25 laps per mile on the Garmin! That's a huge difference. I ran 12 laps in just under 10:00. I remembered that my Garmin foot pod is calibrated to my treadmill, which is a different calibration factor than the one I got on the outdoor track. I only calibrated it to the treadmill because I like the Garmin to read the same as what the treadmill reads.

Anyway, I didn't have time to sit and plug numbers into the calibration formula to figure out what the calibration factor should be, so I just stopped my run after two miles, and then set the calibration setting to the factory setting of 100.0% (it had been on 92-something%). I started running the track with the new calibration setting, and it was much closer to the 12 laps/mile rule.

When I reached lap 12, it read 0.95. After 18 laps (what should have been 1.5 miles, according to the rules of the track), it read 1.43 miles. I'm not sure which lane on the track measures 12 laps per mile, but the "runner's lane" is the innermost lane, so that's what I ran.

I'm sure a tenth of a mile here and there isn't going to make much difference in the grand scheme of my training, but because I'm such a numbers person, I wish I knew for sure! I asked for the specs of the track, but the woman at the front desk had no idea what I was talking about.

Anyway, I ran about 3.5 miles, and was done with about 5 minutes to spare before the circuit training class. I took a quick bathroom break, then went to the front desk to ask where the class meets. The woman working there said that it was changed to Friday, and the instructor said she'd gotten a hold of everyone in the class to let them know. This was news to me! I hadn't gotten any calls or messages about the class being changed.

I was bummed. I had psyched myself up for the class, and was actually looking forward to it. The woman told me that this was the first time this particular instructor had rescheduled a class, but I was a little put off by the fact that I hadn't been notified. So, I decided to withdraw from the circuit training and switch over to the yoga class instead. It meets on Thursday evenings, which isn't ideal, but I can make it work. The first class is tonight!

When I left the rec, I started thinking that maybe it was meant for me to try yoga instead of doing the circuit training. The circuit training seems "comfortable" to me, probably because I worked at Curves for two years (which is circuit training). Yoga is extremely out of my comfort zone, and something I wouldn't ordinarily choose to do, so maybe it'll be good for me to try.


I wrote this whole post (up to this point) in the afternoon, before the class. A couple of hours before I was supposed to leave, I started searching Google for "what to expect at your first yoga class" and things like that, and it scared me to death.

Long story short, I chickened out and didn't go :(  It only took me about three years to work up the nerve to finally sign up for a class, and I let my nerves get the better of me. I know it sounds silly to get worked up over something like this, but I have really bad anxiety over certain things, and this is one of them. Maybe I should have convinced a friend to sign up with me--that probably would have helped!

So now I need a new plan for cross training, and I've been thinking about signing up for the Tour de Troit ride--a 30-mile bicycle ride through Detroit. It's in September, so it's something that I could work toward with an end goal (completing the ride). It's not a race, and not at all competitive, but I know I'll have to get in at least a few long rides during the summer to be able to do it. I've heard really great things about the Tour de Troit (and I love how clever the name is!), so if I have that on the calendar, I'll be motivated to ride my bike as soon as spring arrives! :)

The Tour de Troit (Photo source)

25 comments:

  1. So curious, what about yoga scared you to the point of not even trying it? Is it the possible nausea?

    Also, that stinks that the teacher didn't even call you to let you know of the change. I wonder if the wonky weather pattern caused her to have to do that this time.

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    1. That's a good question, and I wish I knew what was causing so much anxiety about it! I think it's just not knowing what to expect, and feeling like the "outsider" in the class. I was picturing that everyone in the class would already know each other and know exactly what to do, and I would just feel awkward. I'm sure that I'm imagining it to be so much worse than it is! Maybe I'll find a friend to do a drop in class with me, so I can try it once without the commitment.

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    2. Man, I'm really sad you didn't end up going. I promise it's worth a try! As an introvert, one of the things about yoga I really like is that talking to people in the class beforehand isn't really encouraged. The time before class should be somewhat meditative and quiet so there's not really room for cliquey-ness. And usually the teacher will ask if anyone's new to yoga, but it never hurts to go up to them beforehand and tell them you're new, any injuries, etc.

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  2. I am an extremely extroverted person (if I have someone I know around) and so it surprises people when they find out I get anxiety like that too. For instance I go to the Y and I went to Zumba several times in the fall. I hadn't been in a long time so I decided to go, but I noticed that the instructor changed to a man on Wed. nights. I told myself that it would fine. Then when I showed up before I dropped the kids off at childcare I saw there was only a few people in the room and I couldn't go back down. It freaked me out, because I didn't know the instructor. I was afraid because he was new, there wouldn't be a lot of people. I ran for 2 miles on the treadmill instead. Then when I left I noticed there was probably about 50 people in the room doing Zumba. I was kind of bummed I didn't do it. New social situations are hard.

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  3. I promise that not everyone in class will be able to do everything perfectly! In every yoga class I've ever been in there have been all shapes, sizes, ages, experience levels, etc. Not everyone has the same flexibility, so lots of people have to modify the poses and it's all good. There is no perfect in yoga anyways, it's not about judgement, or it shouldn't be anyway. If a teacher comes to adjust you, it's only so you'll have proper alignment and not hurt yourself. I am so passionate about it because it's helped me so much physically and gave me the ability to run again! I do hope you'll give it another shot. :)

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  4. I also suffer from severe anxiety. But I began Yoga in the fall and love it. I find it's a class I feel like I don't break a sweat in but can tell I did something the next day. The instructor in the class I have talks us through things and I look at her to see what I'm to be doing. I'm also sure that the instructor wants you to be comfortable. Another thing I started this winter is snowshoeing -- what a workout and once you get used to them, you can even run on them!

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  5. I hope you try yoga again. I've only been a few times and each time was a different class. The instructors always made everyone feel welcome and if I didn't know a pose (almost all of them!) I did what I could. Yoga is meant to be no fuss, no anxiety, I think you may like it. I've been meaning to sign up again because I'm about as flexible as wood, lol. The one class that was definitely out of my comfort zone was Bikram Yoga or hot yoga--I wouldn't recommend that until you really feel comfortable. Good luck overcoming the anxiety!

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  6. Trying a new class is tough! I recently started crossfit classes and I'm still scared every time I go, but I always love it so much. I saw a quote the other day that said "I can't do it and so I will" it seems silly but it reminds me that there a lots of things I think I can't do but if I put my mind to it and realize how stupid fear is, I usually can actually do whatever it is I'm scared of. Don't let the fear win!
    Biking is so much fun I think your goal is an awesome way to face that adventure head on!

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  7. Hey Katie, I agree that new situations are awkward. I'm extremely introverted until I get to know people. After losing weight with a trainer (1 on 1) and then running (solo), I decided to join one of the local Crossfit gyms. I was uncomfortable at first (everyone knew each other and hung out on the weekends), but the members were very welcoming. 2 months in and I'm just now starting to warm up to the other members. But it has been so worth it! I have muscles and tone in places I didn't know existed! I have tried yoga and aerial yoga also, out of all the ways to exercise they are some of the most relaxing. Lastly most of the time the instructor is the only one doing the talking, so it usually doesn't matter who knows each other ;-) Good luck I hope you'll try it again.

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  8. Why don't you just go next week instead of scrapping it all together?

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  9. I would look up yoga videos on YouTube... I'm sure there are plenty showing the basic poses, even entire classes, etc. That way you could "practice" and know the basic poses before you go and not feel totally helpless and awkward!

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  10. That's annoying about the class change, etc! I don't know about you, but sometimes I am thrown if I am expecting things to be a certain way (e.g. class on day x, or plans with person y) and then suddenly it changes at the last minute so I can't get my head around it ...
    Sorry you felt anxious about going to yoga, but I can really recommend it if you find the right class/teacher, and I'm an introvert too! Yoga is about what your body can do, your breathing etc: it doesn't matter what anyone else can do, and you'll probably find it's a complete mix of bendy and not so bendy people of all shapes and sizes. It's good for helping your brain to switch off too.
    Don't be hard on yourself for not going this week, and hopefully you will feel up for trying it another time. :-)
    Cat

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  11. Oh, I love yoga! You feel all nice and stretchy afterwards (and if you do hot yoga, all cleansed and sweaty and awesome).

    There are a lot of great poses specifically for runners as well, so if you do choose to look up videos or poses on Pinterest, watch for those. Great for opening your hips.

    I would totally go with you if we lived in the same country :)

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  12. I wish I lived closer to you. I would go with you!! I love yoga and about to get back into it after a 2.5 year break (I stopped when I went back to school since it was the same nights) Yoga is my favorite form of exercise. Can it be tough? sure but exercise should be. The great thing about yoga is that it can be modified easily for each person in the class all at the same time.

    Give it a go :)

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  13. Katie, I know how you feel. I have wanted to try a zumba class for so long and when I finally worked up the nerve to go, I walked up to the door and saw the "class cancelled" sign. I haven't been back. It took so long to even get up to that door and once it was cancelled, I'm not sure if I was more relieved or disappointed. Signing up with a friend would probably be a good way to get us both out at the classes we want to try! Good idea!

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  14. I know for a Garmin wearer this is practically a sin to suggest (trust me, I have been know to nearly freak out over going equipmentless on a run), but have you thought about not using the Garmin for your indoor track runs? You can just set a timer and start it when you go, then stop it when you are done and just keep track of your laps. Then you don't have to calibrate anything and you will know what you ran because yay laps. I used to keep track of my laps by keeping 12 rubber bands around my wrist and moving them to the other wrist as I completed each lap.

    Sorry about the class getting cancelled and you being nervous for the yoga class. Love that so many of your readers would go to class with you if they could.Says something about you that you have so much virtual support.

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  15. I seriously think you need to just suck it up and go to a class at the rec center. I know it's intimidating. But really everyone is worried about themselves and not about you. I think this is one thing you should really try and overcome. You know what would give me more anxiety? Swimming at the pool at the rec center. A class is nothing! I think you should try it! I think you might really like experience.

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  16. I'm so sorry you had so much anxiety over yoga! When I explain to someone what to expect at a yoga class, I tell them, it's basically stretching. It's not scary at ALL! The teacher will show you a fancy move, and then show you how to modify it if you aren't at thatpoint yet. I can't even touch my toes (and never have been able to) so I need EVERYTHING modified. I'm not sure what came up when you searched, but there are different kinds of yoga, like hot yoga, which is stinky and hot (because they crank the heat up and it gets sweaty in there). But a basic yoga class wouldn't be that, it would essentially be fancy stretching. I find yoga relaxing, and very helpful for my anxiety (which is bad enough I take medication for it.) I'm going to email you about it! I needed to email you anyway, because I'm going to try and spectate the beginning of the 15k with you before I do my 8k! :)

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  17. Practice yoga at home on youtube. I like Erin Motz's 30 day Yoga Challenge. You will have some confidence before going to a class because you will be familiar with some of the moves.

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  18. Bummer all round! The bike riding sounds like fun, only … it's just more lower body work. You're not doing anything for your core/upper body strength, and working on those areas will actually improve your running form, endurance and time. Is there another kind of weights program you can incorporate? Maybe a dvd? Bob Harper's kettle bell workouts are fabulous, and kb training is the best at over-all body strength.
    Karen in Sydney

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  19. I think you would notice a huge difference in your body tone and your running endurance if you stuck with circuit training. Lifting weights makes a HUGE difference in the way your body looks as well. Maybe your body needs you to mix up your work outs a little bit anyways, you have been running for so long that it would be really beneficial to mix up your training.

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  20. I am similar to you and I have a LOT of anxiety about starting new classes at the gym. But every single class experience I've had has been positive. Even when I did a yoga class that I didn't particularly like in terms of teaching style, I still made it through and then just decided not to go back for another one. If you repeatedly tell yourself you can do it, force yourself to go, and then get through it, you will feel SO much better that you've conquered one of your fears. Otherwise your anxiety just builds each time you don't go. Do you have a friend you can go with to start? Also - the weight watchers "just get it over with" advice may be helpful in this situation!! Good luck!!!

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  21. Don't give up on circuit training. Unlike yoga OR bike riding, I think it will do a lot for your running. Bike riding will do very little and I've actually heard that yoga can make you a slower runner.

    But do get a buddy to sign up for circuit training! And remember... it wasn't/isn't personal! Don't get psyched out! If you can't do this for you, do it for your boys. It's hard to face something scary. Tell them all about it.

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  22. Totally felt anxious for you reading this- I get it! When my anxiety was at it's worst, I couldn't even get to work. It was such a hard thing. My therapist at the time suggested driving there, even if I don't go in. The hardest part was getting out the door, so it made it so much more manageable. I hope you are able to go next time!

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  23. I have done the Tour de Troit the past two years and LOVED it. The first couple of miles are VERY slow, sometimes you have to stop and walk your bike because there are so many people. The last few miles can sometimes be tough, especially the miles around Belle Isle. Last year the wind was pretty rough on the island. Afterwards there's a big party out in front of the Train Station and you get a pretty good lunch and a couple of beers. It's really a great time and I'm hoping to ride again this year! Hope to see you there!

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