July 31 Exercise Goal (a.k.a. 20 Miles on the Stationary Bike)

About three months ago, I sat and thought about what my health goals were, beyond losing weight. I set a few benchmarks for strength, body composition, and aerobic ability. Among those, I figured if I could stationary bike 20 miles, I'd be about as aerobically fit as I was in college. Perhaps that was conservative, but it seemed about right. I'm still a long way from my strength and body comp goals, but I hit that 20 mile target tonight. Distance 20.05 miles, Time 64:45, Resistance Level 6/8. I expected I wouldn't get to 20 miles until at least a few months more and about 50 pounds lighter. It's time for a new goal, and I think things are evolving too fast to have an end goal right now. So my next intermediate goal is 30 miles in 75 minutes or less, with a target date of July 31. Anyone else want to join me in a July 31 exercise goal? What can't you do now that you want to be able to in 40 days?

ardbeg, First- No Small Victory There! Now, I'm planning to get back closer to my exercise regimin of last summer prior to my PS. So far 44 miles on foot in June. but only -3 of them running. My "Goal" is to get in 60 by the end of the month, And a total of 10 running. Then next month? 60, with 15 of them running and so on. Last 4th of July I was able to participate in a 5K and finish in the middle of the pack.  After the near year Hiatus?  That mower is hard to crank. I've got a lot of "on the road" out of town work coming up, but I know the hotel and it has good eliptical and treadmill equip. By July 31st, I'll shoot to run a non-stop 5K. I won't be making much time, but I do beleive I can get along without stopping for a little "exhaustion break." I'll join you in this one.... Best Wishes- Dx

A non-stop 5K is a very worthy goal.  I was running right after surgery (at 350 pounds), but some knee aches put me on a self-imposed ban until the weight gets at least below 250. Enjoy the road.  BTW, have you ever done any work with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival?  I just saw their War of the Roses series (Henry VI Parts 1,2,3, Richard III) over the last couple weeks.  I always enjoy their set designs and staging.

I haven’t ever worked for them. I remember when they first moved from Anniston… I was the resident Designer at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta when they made the move. I’ve had an odd connection with them. (the Artistic Director back before they brought in the new guy-- ?british? Sherman?) Charlie Caldwell and I had about a 12 year running joke… I’d interview someone who had him as a reference, I’d call…blah,blah,blah.. next season, he’d be interviewing someone with me as a reference, he’d call… This went back and forth without a miss… One year I was getting ready to call him, And he called me… We both were staring at résumés with the other listed as reference… It is a small world, But wow!

Best Wishes- Dx

Morning Guys.... what a co-inky-dink,,,,,I got a clearence to go back to the gym yesterday....I have stayed away from cardio for the past 4-5 months to try to build some muscle....but I think I need to set some cardio goals too...yesterday I did 30 mins on the elipitical...that is my weapon of choice...I wanna get it up to 60 mins.... I take it that it is weapon of choice..... Hey ARD...ifyouare on the upright bike, you are a better man than me....those little seats get way to familuar way to fast, after about 4 mins i start coughing up black leather.... and man,,,,the recumbant bike....works the legs in a different way....a whole different set of pain comes at you..... "Ok Calico!!!! Lets Ride!!!!" Russ

Doubling your elipitical time sounds like a great goal.  I've never spent much time on an elipitical, but when I join a gym next month I plan to spend some time on all of the different machines.  Except the stair climbers.  I hate stair climbers. I'm using a recumbent.  I used an upright with few problems in college (at 220 pounds), but I foresaw major pains at the 375 I was at when I was shopping for a machine.  You're right about the recumbent working the legs different.  The first few times I was having burning pain after about six minutes.  There are a few smaller muscles that you have to strengthen (the inner-most head of the quads, for one).  But once I got those up to speed, I start adding time really fast. See you in 40 days.

Great job on the stationary bike ard!  I spent most of the winter on one and was really able to increase my endurance and strength. I got a heart monitor to track my overall fitness and was astonished how quickly I was able to do "more with less." In other words, I was getting in better shape since I was able to do more miles at a higher resistance while maintaining a lower heart rate. Kind of techie I know but pretty cool none the less.  Keep up the great work and keep on spinning!! The real fun will be taking your new found cycling fitness out on the roads. Boner

Thanks, Boner. I'm not using a heart monitor, but I definitely know what you mean.  I have to add speed or resistance every time to feel like I'm working as hard, and I'm still adding time.  Don't know how long that can last, but it's fun to watch right now. I definitely plan on moving to the roads eventually.  But here in the Deep South, it's the summer inside, outside in the winter.  PM me if you have any recommendations on what to look for in a first bike.

my goal was to start swimming my ass off as i do every summer. however, i've taken up running for a most unusual reason. as you might remember, my male dog passed away a couple weeks ago. well, the female has been depressed as you can imagine. gail and i take her on about a 3 mile walk in the canyons about 4 to 5 times a week. well, to get her running without her mate she now chases me but ONLY if I run! i hate running. so.......i bought a new pair of running shoes and shorts and now run the 3 miles almost daily with her. she's worth it. it's great to see her running and enjoying herself. if i run three then she must run at least twice that.

in the beginning i could run the three miles but my legs, not my wind would be taxed. so after just a couple of weeks i can run it pretty fast. so i guess i need to set a goal. maybe swimming and running 3 miles each by the 31st would be a huge goal. i don't know if i can fit all that in with work and weights but i guess maybe that's a worthwhile goal. keep up that good work......carbonblob

Ok guys.... I kicked it to 45 mins on the eliptical....not winded at all, but at the top  of that cross trainer, my thighs started screaming.....I was making that high schrill scream.... How did you do today ardbeg???  I like this challenge...I need the motivation...nothing like being pushed by your peers.... Ok Where is Scott....he is always up for a challange Russ