sore and feeling old...er

So I busted tail all day yesterday planting trees, hedges, and plants, etc. I wacked my way through an old ficus tree stump and finally conqueured those arms meandering through the earth. Today I pay for it all dearly. Dearly!

Breathing takes some focus. Typing is quite the chore as even the muscles in my hand, specifically between my forefinger and thumb, are inflamed. The blisters on the palms make it unbearable to use lotion to soothe and / or soften my calloused and chapped fingers. It's been quite a day back at work in the "cube" so I am very glad for it to be almost over.

I haven't posted in quite a while so I thought I would take a few moments at the end my day. Been gym-ing regularly and really starting to see and feel those bennies. Bout F*N time is all I can say there - although I have begun incorporating more cardio as fat burning is non-existent which has been frustrating. Took the bik out for a few good rides - especially one up near Camp Verde that was a bit technical. Been hiking a bit and increasing time on the stationary bike as well as rowing and treadmill. Although I have been trying to provide most of the cardio from outdoor activities. It's more fun and mentally stimulating.

Well, yesterday, I certainly acheived both cardio and resistance training. At this point, my forearems are burning and cramping so I suppose this post is done. I'll have to get back to this a bit more regularly - perhaps at least commit to a weekly update - okay - they really hurt now, so terribly sad. I'm out!

Playlist time

So I have resumed my regimen - to a certain degree. I miss the old gym layout - much more convenient to my routine but I am at least back regularly - nearly daily and feeling really nice about it. My body is trembling as I type from the lastest workout. I have revamped my playlist - but needing to add a few new bits I haven't had a chance to sync up yet.

Work out Playlist - 1Q/2012 - not quite in this order

Find Your Love Drake - easy warm up; stretch and sway
Don't Cha Pussy Cat Dolls
At the End ILO
Fast Love George Michael
Smack My Bitch Up Prodigy
Rebel Yell Billy Idol - fave to run to
All these Lives Daughtry
Back on the Road Again REO Speedwagon
Kashmire Led Zeppelin - mental push/second wind
Burn it to the Ground Nickelback
Measure Up to Me Pink
Before the Worst The Script
Breakdown Daughtry
Twilight Zone Golden Earring
Boys of Summer DJ Sammy (cover)
Freedom '90 George Michael
You can't Be Me Pink - great pacing for curls
Call Me Go West
................and to finish strong.............
No Easy Way Out Robert Tepper (Rocky IV)
Training Montage Vince DiCola (Rocky IV)
Going the Distance Bill Conti (Rocky)

I have a lot of work to do to get the results I am seeking - and that's okay. I've begun the
path to get there and I am quite enjoying it as I do. My initial plan is to be aware of what I
eat but maintain majority of my focus on routine and developing my habits, techniques, and
varieties of exercises in the gym. My food choices are good and in alignment but definitely
need to be tuned up - a need some new additions on that end as well. Although I did score the recipe to a protein shake I have been truly enjoying - Coconut milk, strawberries, and vanilla whey protein powder - BLEND and enjoy!!

My new toy

Work has left me chompin' at the bit to take her out for a true ride - but she is pretty and easy to roll with. Found her on CL a few days back. She's a low end MTB but will do beautifully for me as I am a newbie so fits nice. Plus the price was super right! Still going to the gym but wanted something outdoor - something new, different, and this fit the bill. Plus I've always been a rider. I was a late starter, didn't learn to ride til 9 years old, but I was off ever since. What a sense of independence my first bike gave me.

I always had wheels from 9 on. It may have been a butchered banana seated bike crossed with a bmx, that was my first - or perhaps my brother's Raleigh 10-speed that was way too big for me. I literally had to rest on car bumpers to "reach" ground when I wasn't moving. That lead me to my first 24" 10-speed which I then, finally, grew tall enough for the normal 26" road bike.

I didn't learn to drive til I was well over 18 - I had my bike. Didn't need to drive. So now, at 40, I take on mountain biking. I am really looking forward to getting going and seeing how it feels. I look even more forward to having to upgrade the week-ass shocks that come stock on this bike. They will be white - which will really pop against the racing red with white trim. That will be a true indicator of just how bad-ass I become at MTB. Challenge!!

Full suspension or Front suspension...

...that is the question. I have been researching and researching. I have decided against 29ers, 69ers, and 96ers. This far I have come - however, I still cannot decide between a fs v. hardtail mt. bike. I have read the pros and cons for both and I guess it comes down to personal preference.
Really liking the Trek 4300, colours and all. I won't be racing so that isn't in my equation but I plan on testing out both within the next week. I am really excited for suspension forks, period. My old 2000 model is as hardtail as it comes - forks and all. I don't even recall when I got it - perhaps older than 2000. It was from Toys R Us, an old Huffy? but I am not sure.

When I built it I didn't put the decals on so it's just straight blue, pretty but with grip shifters (blech) which was the newest thing at the time, and no disc brakes, plus it's one heavy bitch for sure. That actually may do me some favors as I am a beginner but I can only imagine what the lack of suspension is going to do to my forearms and shoulders. Trail riding will be very interesting. I'll need a mouthguard.

So I continue to ponder which way to roll - looking forward to trying both out - but I am leaning towards hardtail simply as they are not only less expensive (not by much via CL) but because they are lighter. Regardless, I just want to get dirty. May not have the Jeep anymore but I can tear through mud on either of these.




Not this one - this one runs over 4k but it sure is inspiring.