Wednesday I did not get a chance to get a work-out in because of a meeting, but it was a rest-day well spent, catching up with old friends after the meeting.
Thursday I rode again, this time doing an hour ride rather than half hour. I incorporated hill and flat work, keeping the heart rate up for both me and the horse. I often forget to regulate my breathing and hold my breath at a faster pace, so I focused on taking deep, calm breaths during trot and cantering work. We did a few trotting laps, and in future rides, I'll push for longer sustained trots. For now, I need to develop a balanced seat and stronger legs, because asking a horse to jog longer than he wants to, well, it's just asking for a buck or two.
I talked with a fellow rider afterwards, and we agreed that I need to also incorporate more variety to curb disobedience. Next time I ride, which will probably be Friday and this weekend, I will do trail, arena, and then return to the trail. This weekend's ride will be a longer ride as well.
I think my balance is improving, the more I ride. Once my balance and strength improves, I'll get to ask a lot more from the horse - I can't wait! He's a good worker, but he'll only work as hard as his rider.
After riding, I spent two hours at the climbing gym. I mostly belayed, but I did have an opportunity to do three top-rope climbs - a 5.9, 5.10a, and a 5.11b. I also did a few bouldering problems. My leg strength is getting a lot better, but my upper body will need some work.
I will have to probably start running sooner or later. It's the fastest way to build whole-body strength and endurance, as well as lose unnecessary pounds. I do hate running though, it's so dull! I'm still debating on the 10K mud run this weekend. I've decided I'll do it if there are still spots available the day of. If not, oh well. $55 saved!
Doing some hikes need to be on my itinerary as well - not many this time of year, but definitely one or two. I am very excited about this winter season. I am determined to improve on telemark skiing - and it is an EXCELLENT work-out. I purchased an ancient telemark set-up - straight skis and leather boots, but we'll see how it pans out. If it is an utter failure, I'll invest in a better equipment.
As for fundraising, I have informed family and friends that this years, no gifts for Christmas or birthday - just donations. I also will be selling re-usable bags in the near future, and probably going door to door with fliers. I am also pooling together outdoor gear that I haven't used or have extras off - brand-new ski boots that were too small, extra ski helmet, extra rain jackets, chalk bag, and the kayak and it's accessories. When I have enough stuff, I'll do a little "used gear" sale of my own.
Plans for the days ahead - Monday and Tuesday I will probably go up north for work, to a site in the Eastern Sierras. Once again, lots of hill-work, with hiking, lugging heavy equipment, will be expected. Snow will be likely as as well. All the better!
Wednesday I will leave for the Channel Islands, where I will spend a week doing more volunteer work. I will be there until the following Wednesday. Again, lots of hiking and lugging heavy stuff expected! As well as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking (hopefully!).
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Uping the ante..
Since the Santa Barbara work took a lot out of me, I spent the weekend after mostly relaxing, catching up on laundry, and catching up on some paperwork. I rode for a few hours, so I got SOME movement in for the weekend. :)
The following week, it was difficult to get out. I spent most of Monday cooking after work. I made golabki, a Polish dish of cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, and dill, topped with a tomato gravy sauce. Typically this dish is made with ground pork, but since my housemate Ron recently got an elk hunting in Colorado, I made it with ground elk. I may just be the first person to use elk meat in golabki! They turned out quite excellent. I made a huge potful, using a large cabbage head, 8 cups of rice, and about 3 pounds of ground elk. All was polished off by the end of the week!!
Tuesday was another "off" day, but Wednesday I had a very intense work out. I had an hour-long riding lesson, followed by a trail ride. Like most horses, the horse I ride doesn't particularly like arena work, so the lesson took a lot out of me. By the end, my leg muscles were screaming, I was coated in sweat, and my heart was pounding. Who says the horse does all the work with horseback riding??
Unfortunately, I didn't stretch or warm-up before-hand, and I think I pulled a muscle in my leg. When I got off the horse after the trail ride, I nearly collapsed from the pain in my right leg. I diligently iced and carefully hobbled around for the next two days, and fortunately, by Friday evening, I was better. I went on a short half-hour ride on Friday (this time stretching before-hand!) and then top rope climbing for two hours at the gym with some friends. I mostly belayed, but I did get chance to do a 5.9, a 5.10a, and a 5.11a (which had mostly 5.9 moves, so don't really think it was rated correctly). I was very careful with not over-extending my hurt leg, despite it feeling better.
During the weekend I spent time with the fam in the Bay Area, comparatively getting in some weight-lifting, jogging, and hiking in from the experience.
Monday I went riding again, focusing more on position for myself and heart rate up for the horse by doing a hilly trail. In December, I plan to take part in my first endurance ride, which will consist of 25 miles. There will be two major things to improve on before the ride: my position and balance, and the horse's fitness. Fortunately, every time I ride, I typically get a full body work-out for myself, from preparing the horse, being a pro-active rider, and cleaning the horse and tack after.
I also plan to incorporate some more exercises at home designed for building core muscles, as well as calf strength, which will collectively increase by riding and climbing strength.
I probably won't be able to ride or climb until Friday, as I have evening meetings all during the middle of the week.
In addition, there is a 10K mud run I may partake in this weekend. I am hesitant only because it is rather expensive, and I'm trying to save as much possible for this fundraiser. I've decided if spots are still available the day-of, I'll participate. If not, I'll act as photographer for the group of friends that will be running it.
The following week, it was difficult to get out. I spent most of Monday cooking after work. I made golabki, a Polish dish of cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, and dill, topped with a tomato gravy sauce. Typically this dish is made with ground pork, but since my housemate Ron recently got an elk hunting in Colorado, I made it with ground elk. I may just be the first person to use elk meat in golabki! They turned out quite excellent. I made a huge potful, using a large cabbage head, 8 cups of rice, and about 3 pounds of ground elk. All was polished off by the end of the week!!
Tuesday was another "off" day, but Wednesday I had a very intense work out. I had an hour-long riding lesson, followed by a trail ride. Like most horses, the horse I ride doesn't particularly like arena work, so the lesson took a lot out of me. By the end, my leg muscles were screaming, I was coated in sweat, and my heart was pounding. Who says the horse does all the work with horseback riding??
Unfortunately, I didn't stretch or warm-up before-hand, and I think I pulled a muscle in my leg. When I got off the horse after the trail ride, I nearly collapsed from the pain in my right leg. I diligently iced and carefully hobbled around for the next two days, and fortunately, by Friday evening, I was better. I went on a short half-hour ride on Friday (this time stretching before-hand!) and then top rope climbing for two hours at the gym with some friends. I mostly belayed, but I did get chance to do a 5.9, a 5.10a, and a 5.11a (which had mostly 5.9 moves, so don't really think it was rated correctly). I was very careful with not over-extending my hurt leg, despite it feeling better.
During the weekend I spent time with the fam in the Bay Area, comparatively getting in some weight-lifting, jogging, and hiking in from the experience.
Monday I went riding again, focusing more on position for myself and heart rate up for the horse by doing a hilly trail. In December, I plan to take part in my first endurance ride, which will consist of 25 miles. There will be two major things to improve on before the ride: my position and balance, and the horse's fitness. Fortunately, every time I ride, I typically get a full body work-out for myself, from preparing the horse, being a pro-active rider, and cleaning the horse and tack after.
I also plan to incorporate some more exercises at home designed for building core muscles, as well as calf strength, which will collectively increase by riding and climbing strength.
I probably won't be able to ride or climb until Friday, as I have evening meetings all during the middle of the week.
In addition, there is a 10K mud run I may partake in this weekend. I am hesitant only because it is rather expensive, and I'm trying to save as much possible for this fundraiser. I've decided if spots are still available the day-of, I'll participate. If not, I'll act as photographer for the group of friends that will be running it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Back from Santa Barbara...
Spent the weekend preparing for work in SB for the week, carrying out errands, and squeezed in a two hour climbing session. On a typical day at the gym, I tend to jump on difficult climbs right off the bat, and rest long periods of time in between. It's more fun and challenging, but this results in minimal development of endurance. This time around, I went after more reps on easy climbs then a handful of difficult.
I did push ups, traversed, and stretched to warm up, and then did as many V0 - V2 problems as possible. I tried to plan my moves for every problem before jumping on, and focused on making the most efficient moves possible. I also typically mantle or jump off from the top, but I forced myself to carefully down climb the same route, all the way to the bottom. I quickly exhausted myself, not even coming near to doing all the easy problems in the gym. I stopped when I sensed my hands developing hot spots, precursors to oozing blisters. I couldn't afford hurting my hands before an entire week of building fences!
The week in Santa Barbara was beyond expectations in opportunities for exercise. Ten hour days of constant hiking, lifting, lugging 45lb loads, digging, hiking, balancing on steep slopes, and then some more hiking. Incredible work-out, and all while on the job! As it was, I was too exhausted and hurting at the end of the day to do much biking or swimming.
This weekend will probably be one of mostly rest. I will definitely squeeze at least one session of climbing at the gym, maybe something outdoors as well.
I did push ups, traversed, and stretched to warm up, and then did as many V0 - V2 problems as possible. I tried to plan my moves for every problem before jumping on, and focused on making the most efficient moves possible. I also typically mantle or jump off from the top, but I forced myself to carefully down climb the same route, all the way to the bottom. I quickly exhausted myself, not even coming near to doing all the easy problems in the gym. I stopped when I sensed my hands developing hot spots, precursors to oozing blisters. I couldn't afford hurting my hands before an entire week of building fences!
The week in Santa Barbara was beyond expectations in opportunities for exercise. Ten hour days of constant hiking, lifting, lugging 45lb loads, digging, hiking, balancing on steep slopes, and then some more hiking. Incredible work-out, and all while on the job! As it was, I was too exhausted and hurting at the end of the day to do much biking or swimming.
This weekend will probably be one of mostly rest. I will definitely squeeze at least one session of climbing at the gym, maybe something outdoors as well.
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