Tokyo, Procrastination
Published on February 9, 2007 By momijiki In Gadgets & Electronics
I've been really needing some inspiration to get out there and start working out again. The times that I do drag myself to the gym it's okay but I don't put as much into it as I used to. I'm also super careful of those suspicious knee creaks I've been hearing when doing lunges or squats so I don't use weight to do those anymore. Boxing is okay, but the classes are not well organized. I like the sparring bits (the ones I participate in are VERY low key with people I trust not to lose their nut and get out of control) but I also want to feel like I get more of a work out. Sadly, I need a bit more coersion than I get. And sadder still, I might not be able to hack a higher level.

Most of my friends are a train ride away so getting together for a run is not really an option yet. My husband hates running so he's out. I used to be able to get him to come along with me while he rode his bike if I promised him a treat. Have I mentioned that my hsunband is competetive? The one time we went jogging together we were supposed to do a cardio building 5 k but he insisted on running ahead of me so I tried to keep up and we ended up racing each other to our finish for the last km.

Anyhow, I LOVE feedback and charting things. It is this kind of weird and scary obsession I have. Mostly weird because I'm very inconsistent with recording stuff. So this nike+ipod thing is working out really well.

Firstly, I needed a new pair of jogging shoes. I decided I might as well get a nike+ pair since they were the most comfortable ones I tried on in terms of cushion and the lace up on the top of my foot. And finally, a pair of Nikes in Japan that weren't super wide for my triple A narrow feet. I already had the 2 gig nano that I got free with a cell-phone upgrade. I did another week of my jogging plan and as a reward and as a bit of a stick for the flagging desire to run, I bought the sensor for shoe and nano.

It's pretty inspiring to keep your pace up when you see a number telling you what your pace is. I was happy even to find out that my jogging pace is faster than I thought. One problem, with all that inspiration to keep running, I have to keep in mind to take it easy on the knees and stick to my running plan and alternate walking bits in it. I didn't today but I kept it to 20 minutes and a slow pace without much hillwork.

I also felt it was more motivating to hear a voice saying, "5 more minutes" than it was to keep looking at my watch. It was easier to keep my mind on the run.

I also like the fact that I can do some group project/run with my sister who still lives in Canada. It's weird how we'll be able to work out together a world apart.

As an added bonus, I had my favorite weather for jogging-- a light, cool, misty rain. This is what happens when you live in Vancouver for several years.

Comments
on Feb 16, 2007
So you are sticking to the workout? Good for you! I like the idea of that sensor and the voice that tells you how much mins you have left! You will actually be able to work out with your sister from that far away? Wow!

I've not started blogging my workout or trials or anything as I usually do yet. I've been doing it on and off and on and off.....I'm really trying to stick to it. Writing about it helps me to stay focus and committed and that's what I really need to take the time to do!

Keep it up momijiki!
on Feb 19, 2007
Yep. Sticking to the workout. I need to be careful that I keep my knees healthy though. But the graph on the Nike site that tracks your workout is pretty addictive.

I'm glad you're sticking to your workout!

GO FS!