Is This Really What We’re Doing?

Recently I met a woman who told me her jacked, veined arms were genetic. Are you telling me those boobs are genetic, too? Because you’ve had some work done. Never mind the cystic acne that screams steroids. Ok, sure.

Relatedly, I saw a “content creator” filming a new “project” inside an undisclosed gym involving very little clothing and somehow labeled a workout. You weigh 17 lbs. Gtfo

More and more, I crave conversations of substance. I loathe the small talk of (primarily) women who want to discuss weight loss or what size would make them feel valuable. I, too, avoid a man detailing the promise of a new carburetor. I want depth. Not elections, not the ho-hum of daily garbage, but the real, what-do-you-think-about stuff.

point to the Pacific

But, everything is ok. Just ok. My manuscript came back last week with the nice message, “major revisions”. I’m too wordy. Time to synthesize, clarify, and edit. Minimize, if you will. So, as I chop,chop,chop this dissertation to an undetermined length, I question myself and what I’m doing.

_____________________

I ask you –

Do you question, well, everything?

Are your boobs real? Your muscles the epitome of hard work?

Inquiring minds must know – what is the ideal page length? Under 300, I guess.

(The post Is This Really What We’re Doing? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Re-Post: I’m Moving!

Second and final repost of the week. Seems fitting to decide this one because I’m coming up on my 1 yr anniversary with the new role. What a ride. On the bright side, I’ve managed to keep old friends, make new ones, inherit a wingwoman of incredibleness, and not get fired! All good reasons for celebration! Enjoy! -Kel

Buildings. I’m moving buildings. But I have a great reason!

I guess the powers that be in a lovely organization with the ability to make or break one’s career opportunities finally came around to my brand of willpower. More drama. In other words, I got the job.

Donuts and fitness. You know the joke .

I’m leaving the command team to go supervise a gym. Again. Sure, this gym is a federal entity but beyond not having to sell memberships it really is the same as other gyms I’ve managed… if you count hundreds of uniform-clad people parading in and out on their quest to become powerlifters. I swear it’s not a prison. Nonetheless, this process to further my career and pay grade has taken over 2 1/2 years, but I’m thankful someone took a chance on me in the beginning. Fully realizing my leadership style is not for everyone, I do want to see our fitness centers succeed and grow. There will be growing pains. There will be some frustrations. But I’m nothing if not up for a challenge.

By the time I move positions, I should have just returned from my out of state trip which is still useful in my new position because resiliency is necessary everywhere. And I sincerely want to teach these concepts to my employees. Hopefully there will be some fitness expo trips in the near future to enhance my understanding.

Sure, there’s a lot on my plate right now but this has been a long time coming. Here we go again!

___________________

I ask you –

Do you want to take a donut tour in New Orleans with me?

What are my chances of being back in the gym and finding my running motivation again?

Tell me how full your plate is. Let me commiserate with you!

(The post I’m Moving! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Just Now Noticing

I’ve been hesitant to mention it on here but a comment from someone recently instigated some reflection. Many of my most loyal readers know I’ve been exclusively keto since January. If you’re a loyal reader and missed it somehow, well now you know. There’s been a few instances of falling off the wagon (namely, my birthday and Mother’s Day). For the most part, however, no big tumbles. I won’t lie and say I didn’t want to lose weight, but my primary motivation was to lessen the amount of relentless migraines. I have kept an eye on the scale for posterity yet it was just a tool.

So imagine my surprise when I did the calculation and realized I’d lost nearly 25 lbs. Sure, I noticed the difference in how my clothing fit and I did end up buying a smaller size a few months ago but I really can’t see the weight loss on myself. The biggest bonus is realizing I haven’t had a migraine requiring medication since May. That’s 3 months ago. And it was just a few days after Mother’s Day which is when I ate about 6 Crumbl cookies because I like to celebrate super hard. Genius.

consistently running

Nearly any amount of refined sugar and flour now causes a headache so I avoid it at all costs. Even when I think I want something sweet – and cravings do still happen – I manage with sugar alternatives or coffee, etc. For the weight loss portion, I try not to give it too much power because I know how susceptible I am to a disordered eating mindset. Really, I’m proud of how I’ve managed to continue running and working out – sometimes twice daily – yay laundry.

It almost shocks me the weight I use at the gym: something I thought I’d never work up to and never have before. I genuinely feel strong. Now, it’s nothing compared to others but, thankfully, I’m not like anyone else. I’ve never been able to maintain weight loss while also continuing to work out so this is new territory. It doesn’t hurt that I literally have an entire workout facility, two actually, at my fingertips. Sure, some days get away from me and sometimes I don’t give it my entirety but I’m still there doing it and it’s something to be proud of.

Alas, occasionally I do miss the sweet stuff but it’s just not worth it.

_______________________________________

I ask you –

Have you ever associated an ailment with a food source?

Are you someone who generally notices things quickly or does it take some time?

Tell me something you’re proud of!

(The post Just Now Noticing first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

I’m Moving!

Buildings. I’m moving buildings. But I have a great reason!

Donuts and fitness. You know the joke .

Sure, there’s a lot on my plate right now but this has been a long time coming. Here we go again!

___________________

I ask you –

Do you want to take a donut tour in New Orleans with me?

What are my chances of being back in the gym and finding my running motivation again?

Tell me how full your plate is. Let me commiserate with you!

(The post I’m Moving! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Gym Faux Pas

As I’ve made going to the gym a regular occurrence, it’s time to report on what I’ve witnessed thus far.

Stretchy Lady – the one who chooses to stretch in the locker room, centered in the walkway, the only entrance/exit to said locker room which forces the remainder of us to navigate around her with our gym bags. She’s going to get whacked. Sorry, not sorry.
Treadmill Guy – who leaves his gym bag and various other paraphernalia behind the treadmill which impedes patron’s ability to reach other treadmills and equipment. Then, he laughs obnoxiously loud whilst watching Fox News. What could possibly be funny is beyond me.
Weight Whiners – these pieces of work take one of every single weight of dumbbell back to their bench lair and hide them under it like little trolls. I’m thankful we have a gym with multiples of the same weight, but it’s annoying to go search for another dumbbell. My obvious glare should be enough to reason with them.

Sort of gym-related, I need a shirt that says DO NOT FEED DONUTS! This is not a weight issue. It’s a serious problem for me! I see donut. I eat donut. What’s self control anyway?

The weather is completely uncooperative. 98° in April? Someone told me we beat a previously held record in the 1920’s because this particular day it hit 103°. I’m not ready! For those of you who faithfully read my blog and mention snow or rain, I’m jealous. Texas is in a pattern of tornado-wind-drought-hell. Send rain!

As time goes on, I feel even more strongly I must have some Italian heritage because I can’t talk without my hands. The injury above proves it. How does one scratch the skin off of the area above their eye whilst telling a story? Oh so gracefully! I’m sure it won’t be the last time.

____________________________

I ask you

Do you relate to any of the 3 aforementioned gym fanatics?

Are you a hand talker, too?!

Go ahead. Tell me what weather you’re experiencing this week. Hot, hot, hot.

(I’m not) Training Update

Since running outside hasn’t been happening, I’ve channeled my inner indoorsy gal and made amends with the treadmill. Then I got myself a free gym membership. It’s been so much fun. Most importantly, there’s air conditioning. I really need to be doing more than just running. I have zero reasons why I can’t. Even if I had issues strength training in front of others – which I don’t – I own the same equipment. No excuses.

gym treadmills seem lower in incline

I’ve had some really good runs though! The photo above was an interval workout with some of my fastest paces ever. Which explains why my quads were sore for days afterwards. Can you still get a good run on the dreadmill? Absolutely! Just not my favorite.

Continuing to visit my favorite running haunts via a slower method of travel. I should be competing in the race walking Olympics. It’s a thing! Standby…

my friends!

One of my favorite aspects of the new watch is how it calculates and recommends what you should be doing that day based on previous patterns, like how you slept and trained the day prior. But of course I don’t take kindly to being bossed around so the first recommendation didn’t go well. We barely know each other, how dare it! It said don’t run today. I said I do what I want. I ran. It was awful. Beginner’s luck, maybe? I tried again the next time. And discovered I should just listen to it. Dammit.

Once work slows down, I’ll research some upcoming races. Maybe I can convince Morgan from Oregon to do another half! Probably time to take myself to the northwest region.

Glad I’ve been doing hill repeats! Especially if these geese keep chasing after me. Me > Geese.

____________________________

I ask you –

Do you have a pet name for workout equipment? I don’t. But I should!

What is this sorcery inside my watch that makes it think it knows me?

Give me suggestions for races in or near the Washington or Oregon area! She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to!