Countdown is DOWN!

 

 

So Holiday season is in full swing, Holiday 1 is finished after 8 days of festivities and we have 11 more shopping days until Holiday 2, and if you’re into those Afrocentric vibes then Holiday 3 is right behind Holiday 2. (OK OK to hell with this PC crap, Hanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa in that order) And what do each of these holidays have in common if nothing else? F O O D. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to sit here on my high horse and tell you not to eat the good food in front of you or avoid drinking alcohol while I’m going to be eating my weight in pastelles and drinking coquito and sorrel until I’m blue in the face. Not gonna happen sweeties, at this point if allyuh didn’t do anything towards getting in shape for carnival 2008 I have some sobering news for you! You won’t see much change if you start now and in that case I suggest you take everything in extreme moderation, take a little of everything but make sure it’s little. The point is to lower you intake of calories but still have a good time. For work lunch eat a nice salad in place of the cold weather comfort foods and save your

 carb intake for the holiday goodies. It’s the holidays after all and in my humble opinion it makes no damn sense to deny yourself during celebratory times (Holidays, Birthdays, Carnival etc…).

 

On top of that you will have to cardio your butt off… literally. At this point, don’t worry so much about the weight training because nobody will see the muscles under that fat, sorry for being so candid but candid is my middle name. Cardio three times a week at least, that is if your really serious. And if you have the time, supplement that Holiday shopping and decorating with a little bit of weight training. I know I said forget that but if you’re really in bad shape a little weight training goes a long way in ADDITION to the heavy Cardio. My favorite abs tip: Do a least a hundred abs exercises as soon as you wake up. Set the alarm early, roll off the bed in your PJs, Chemise or whatever and work those abs. You’ll be surprised at how much they will go down.

 

If you’ve been working out so much that you look like Gracyanne Barbosa (see my “Glutes of Steel” post) or Shemar Moore in his prime then CONGRATS! Drink a rum and a puncha crema – drink it up because let’s lighten up, having a nice sized plate of food at your family dinner or an extra glass of Reisling at the company party is not going to turn you into Jabba the Hut. Just continue fitness routine as usual and by the time you reach POS, MSY, GIG or SSA* yuh good to go!

 

Airport Codes for Doofuses:

POS – Port of Spain

MSY – New Orleans

GIG – Rio de Janeiro

SSA– Salvador de Bahia

  

Interview with a Marathoner

On one of the forums I frequent (plug here for Islandtempo ) there is a member who runs marathons and since I’m doing a series on marathons I interviewed her to get a more personal perspective and inspire those who might be interested. So check it out and leave comments please! Thanks again to Islandtempo member Triniboriquen for helping a sister out!

1. What made you decide to run marathons? Was there some turning point in your life? Or did you just follow the Nike motto of “Just Do It”? In 2005 I was going through some personal problems, life changing issues. I decided to start running. I always worked out and ran a bit in the past, was even on the cross country team in high school. After running for a few months I decided to set a goal. It just came to me one day that I should run a marathon. That was it!

2. Who is your marathon/sports role model? What is it about that person you admire? I don’t have one person I admire, but I do admire people who stay active against the odds. For example, women who have several kids and are fit; old people who keep working out. I think the greatest gift you can give your is the exercise.

3. Did you take any kind of fitness classes prior to running marathons? Can you suggest a few for the readers? I was always active. I have always been in the gym, doing aerobics or spinning classes. I suggest if someone wants to run a marathon, the first make sure they get a clean bill of health from the doctor and then running slowly. Join a group and build from there.

4. What is your training like? How has it changed from your beginning training to present? Right now I am running between 35-40 miles a week. Its a lot, but not even close to what the elite athletics run. In the beginning I only ran 20-30 miles a week, so I have increased my mileage.

5. What diet and nutrition changes did you make? What can you suggest for the beginning runner? I am the worst person to ask for advise about nutrition. I don’t believe in diets! DIETS ARE HORRIBLE. I do believe in eating right and eating in moderation. We all know what is good for us. Eat your fruits, eat or veggies. If you are going to start running to train for a marathon you will need to make sure you eat lots of carbs. Every Friday night is pasta night for me, because Saturdays I do my long runs (12-20 miles)

6. What races have you done so far and what is your personal best? I just ran the Boca Raton half marathon in 1:58. I will like to complete the upcoming Disney Marathon in 4:00 hours.

7. Which physical, emotional and spiritual changes did you notice, how long did it take to notice them? Well physical was easy, I lost 20 pounds without really trying. Once you start running 30 miles a week, you just lose the weight. That does not mean you eat what you want, but if you are paying attention to what you eat the weight loss is easy. On the emotional side, the runner’s high is real. I am in the best mood after I run. Running in the morning is the best way to start your day. It helps keep the stress down.

8. What is your ultimate goal in your running career? Qualify for the Boston Marathon. I think at my age I need to run a 3:40 time to qualify. That’s fast!

9. Now that you’ve been running long distance do you feel you can jam and wine on anybody for carnival without ever having to take a breather? lol OF COURSE, after running a marathon, Carnival is a piece of cake!!!!

10. What advice can you give to beginning runners? If you are serious and don’t know where to start, subscribe to runner’s world. Its a great magazine. Also join a running group. Its a great way socialize with people of all different levels of running and you can learn a lot from other runners.

My Favorite Marathon Pic

No, it’s not one with Lance Armstrong or even Katie Holmes (I’d love to get a pic of Lance though. But I digress) It’s this pic of one of the Wheelchair Warriors. This man exuded joy and confidence. He looked so happy to wheel his way around the city, and damn proud of himself too. The way he turned the wheels every few seconds and stretched his arms out brought joy to all of us spectators. I think this pic summaraized the whole event to me. Joy, Triumph, all the good of the human spirit!

Marathon Pics

WHOA! Is that a Viking? LOL

Thicker crowd at this point.

Running up Lafayette Ave.

One of the Wheelchair Warriors!

The marathon post!

I never thought I’d be inspired by 1,000s of perfect strangers the way I was yesterday. The night before I told my sister that I’m taking her son with me to view the marathoners on the route, which is only 5 blocks from our house. After watching the beginning of the race on TV and timing when the runners will pass through our neighborhood we went out. Dunkin Doughnuts was too crowded and I didn’t want to miss anything so we kept walking. At the corner of Bedford and Lafayette, fire trucks, police officers and spectators rounded the corner of the empty street waiting for the runners to come, I thought it was going to be too crowded to find a good viewing spot for us, which was quickly abated when we walked on and noticed very few people lined up Bedford Ave. We found a very good spot about 25 feet from the corner. I heard a band on DeKalb and Bedford Ave playing soca music, needless to say I was thrilled about that. The big pack hasn’t reached by this time but we did see a few marathoners on wheelchairs. Watching them sparked my first stroke of inspiration; people who are “disabled” came out and got involved in this test of human endurance. Many able-bodied folks complain about walking a few miles, we sit on our asses watching TV and these people who can’t walk, wheeled their ways around the 5 boroughs. How great is that? Some more people ran past us and the few of us cheered them on, many people who are obviously over 60 years ran, my second stroke of inspiration. Many times we are told that we are too old for this, or too old for that, (whatever ‘this’ or ‘that’ may be) but times have changed, life expectations are rising every year, so we might as well keep in shape! Some of these “seniors” walked, but that’s OK, I’ve always heard the point is in finishing the course, not winning. I would sure feel like a winner finishing 26.2 miles anyday! 

Soon after the pack pounded Lafayette Ave and turned our way, WOW! That’s all my nephew and I could say: WOW! Sure watching the people was fun, but the energy they each brought with them, that strong, positive energy. You’ve heard the term “toxic people” those people that can drain you from only 10 minutes of conversation…well, imagine thousands of people bringing POSITIVE energy your way, from each smile, to each pumped fist to each hand slap! Two ladies stood behind me and watched me get fives from a line of people from this one running club! I heard one of them say “her hand must be hurting her” I looked at them and laughed with them. But all those burning fives was positive energy and I didn’t mind one bit. My gun-shy nephew got in on the action as well! Not only did these runners bring positive energy they also brought a sense of humor, the costumes, I tried to catch a pic of this one guy in a Spongebob costume, my nephew loved that, then I saw a few funny hats and wild wigs, some running shorts with the country’s flag, a Viking costume and some weird penguin my nephew identified as Pingu! LOL we had to leave at 12 due to another engagement and I felt like I was leaving a jamming party. Both of us vowed to be there next year, with a sign welcoming 39,000 people to our neighborhood!

The above muse is the intro to the marathon series; I will come back with more information for those of you out there who may be interested in running a marathon. I know you only thinking about looking good for your costume but think about it, not only will you look hot enough to put a Tribe model to shame, you will have plenty stamina for jamming in Trinidad Carnival and be fit for long after the carnival is done. And the other health benefits can’t be beat!

Back to myself now!

OK, all doubts of me having enough energy to have a good workout has officially vanished this past weekend. I’m officially over my post-op fatigue and am ready to take on the world.

Now, how did I know I have the energy to workout again (at least low impact)? Well, I went on the Bed-Stuy Brownstone Tour this past Saturday and I went on the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk the Sunday. My legs ached of course but I wasn’t fatigued and had a great time at both events. Click the links at the end to find out about the tour and how you can donate to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer research.

The weight loss problem is under control (I think) but my appetite is back – with a vengeance, so gaining some of my weight back should be the least of my problems. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not stuffing my mouth with junk food, that’s just counterproductive. I eat three meals a day with healthy snacks between each meal. All that coupled with a good workout program will bring me back 100% and I’ll look fabulous in my Black magic costume!

My review of the Brownstone Tour

Making Strides for Breast Cancer – including my page

Gaining Weight 4 D Mas

Like I have to change the blog’s name to that because my post-op weight loss is crazy!

in 2004 I was a chubby 151 pounds
Last year I went down to a less chubby 147
Earlier this year I was a shapely 140
before the operation I went down to a still shapely 135
Post-op I’m now a facking 125 Pounds!!!!!

NAH NAH NAH! Somethings gotta give! My pants are falling down, my measurements for Black Magic was for the pre-op size and now I’ve whittled away to my Kingsborough Community College days weight????? ARGHHHHHHH

Like one of my good friends said: “be careful what you wish for….” Oh well, how will I put this weight back on? Well, I will do lower impact workouts, like yoga, pilates, bellydance, salsa. Then drink a can of Ensure each day. And take an extra slice of cake. lol But gaining healthy weight is a tricky thing, you still have to mind your nutritional intake and living in NYC being surrounded by junk food at work, it’s extra hard, if I don’t do the footwork. So I’ve started to bring my ensure from home, I eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches among other complex carbs. So I found these helpful Healthful tips from Ivillage.com in regards to gaining healthy weight and I should be back to my shapely, sexy self in no-time!

Don’t despair. It is possible for most people to gain weight. We’re looking for a healthy weight gain, not just adding body fat. That means, instead of loading up on junk foods and high-fat nutritional nightmares like cookies and candies, treating yourself to nourishing foods that will help you add muscle and body mass. How? With these easy tips:

Eat three meals every day. Yes, this means you need to get up in time for breakfast, that you can’t skip lunch, and that dinner actually needs to be prepared and eaten.
Eat three snacks every day. That’s right: midmorning, midafternoon and evening. In order to gain weight, you need to fuel your body at regular times. The easiest way is to set up a schedule of three meals and three snacks.
Stop drinking non-caloric beverages. That includes diet soda, and plain coffee or tea. You’re looking for calories, right? Choose skim or 1 percent milk (we want healthy calories, not fat, so avoid milk with higher fat contents), 100 percent fruit juice or sports drinks.
Choose calorie-dense foods. That means eating potatoes, corn or peas instead of celery and carrot sticks. Or choosing a banana or cranberry juice instead of an apple or orange juice. Granola cereal is more calorie-dense than puffed rice. Read food labels for the serving size and the calories, and make it a habit to routinely choose foods that are higher in calories.
Expand your meals. Each meal should include some type of starchy food (potato, rice, pasta, bread, cereal), fruits and vegetables, and a protein source (chicken, red meat, fish, tofu, peanut butter, legumes, eggs, cheese). Use two or three teaspoons of margarine or salad dressing with each meal to add moderate amounts of fat without going overboard.
Exercise. Regular exercise and activity will help your body gain muscle and not unwanted fat. Thirty minutes of daily activity is plenty to get your system moving yet not so much that you’re burning up tons of calories. If you are more active, you’ll need to increase your calorie intake

The Oracle…mas for your soul

Thanks to Dre from Allyuh.com for helping me retrieve some of my lost posts. Here’s one I did on the newest mas band sensation….The Oracle.

Well, I have to blog a little bit about the soul in this piece right? lol And when I saw the information about this band The Oracle on Trini Carnival Diary I went nuts! I’m loving the concepts (2008 theme – Know Thyself) The philosophy (I’m still loving that line “Don’t Await it…Create it) and their designs. Sure today’s masquerader will say “oh it’s too much clothes”, “oh, I want a naked mas” well it’s obvious this is not the band for you. But if you don’t mind a little extra cloth then give them a try. Carnival is not only about one type of mas, fete or whatever but a feast of variety for everyone. And if you do join The Oracle or McFarlane, it does NOT excuse you from working out to be in shape. Sure this is far from body exposing mas but you still need to be in shape to prance in the streets wearing cloth without feeling faint. Just make sure your cardio is on point and drink plenty plenty water.

Get glutes of steel

Or at least glutes of a samba queen. My friend sent me this video and thankfully he still has that link. So here it is again. The sexy samba queen workout, get great glutes to look bootylicous in your costume, swimsuit or powersuit!