My Blog

Fitness Blog

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:14:20 GMT

I reached a major goal! This one built up from my smaller goals, such as taking the NETA Group Fitness Instructor course and test (and passing), taking CPR and YMCA Health Lifestyles, and getting hired by the Y to teach. I have taught two whole classes by myself, and they weren't totally smooth, but they weren't that bad, either. AND NOW--I have my own class to teach! Starting in August, Wednesdays at noon I have my own 45-minute step aerobics class! It's perfect, because I have a little trouble filling up an hour at this point. An hour seems VERY long! So this goal that started as a small idea in my head right after Christmas has come to pass in my life! Of course, now I have new goals--like taking training for other formats. I love Zumba, but it's expensive to get certification and expensive to keep it up. I'd have to teach a lot to make it worthwhile. So I think the next thing will be Drums Alive!, a new format that originated in Germany and is spreading to many countries. It's popular, and the Y could use more classes. I'm excited!

Race for the Cure

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:12:58 GMT

Well, we did it! We ran the Race for the Cure here in the Twin Cities, Yoninah and I. It was VERY cool to run with 7500 other people in this cause. It was especially meaningful to see other women's bibs that told in whose memory they were running. Some people had three or four names listed, very sobering. In spite of that, there was a spirit of comaraderie and celebration too that I've not experienced in very many other pursuits. We ran the whole way, darting in and out of other groups of runners. It felt great! We felt strong and fit, and even though it was colder than &#*%#@$% (we got out there in the morning and it was 40 degrees, wind chill 26), it was fine once we got going. And what a rush to cross the finish line! Thus our little goal of running our first 5K came to pass, and it was good.

Palmer Lake

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:10:21 GMT

We ran around Palmer Lake today, and it was glorious! The weather was perfect and the scenery beautiful. We stopped only once to get a drink of water but ran the whole way otherwise. My quads are sore tonight, and I hope they're recovered by Sunday. I'm looking forward to it, though!

Are We Crazy?

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:04:36 GMT

Yoninah and I ran over three miles on Sunday outside, a course I plotted out in my neighborhood. We started out walking a little and then started running. After about a block, we looked at each other and said, "WHAT ARE WE THINKING?" Running outside is 100 TIMES HARDER than running on a treadmill, we agreed. Why didn't anyone tell us this? So we were feeling just a little unprepared for the Race for the Cure coming up this Sunday. By the time we got home, though, we were feeling better about it. We had to walk some, but with the wind, I guess we just have to say there's no shame in that. I ran today again. There was less wind, and I ran slower, and not quite as far, so I was able to run the whole way and not walk. My legs were tired, but I wasn't too tired, more energized. Now, of course, five hours later, I'm VERY tired. Yoninah is sick now this week, and I counseled her not to run anymore but just to rest, that she would be fine on Sunday. She's in very good shape, and I believe she'll be fine, if she's healthy by Sunday.

Running Blog

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:08:08 GMT

Hey! I ran 3.49 miles today, and I'm so proud of myself! A year ago I could hardly run half a mile, so I've come a long way. If I were asked, I would have to say I really don't enjoy running, but I love what it's doing for my legs and heart and lungs. I feel really good these days, and I got my energy back. I'm still tired some days, but not every day. I'll be running my first 5K on Mother's Day, at age 47. Never thought I would be able to do that. I must do something to celebrate! (Shopping, anyone? Just kidding. My budget is on a reducing plan right now :D :D :D ).

Thanksgiving Day

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:25:48 GMT

So far it's been a good day! I got up and went to zumba class and BodyPump at the Y, and it felt really good. And when I exercise, it gives me more self-control later for the Big Meal. We're going to my sister's house for dinner, and my job was 10 lbs of mashed potatoes, and I only boiled them over once! It's a record. They're done and in the crockpot, and the kitchen is pretty much cleaned up. I baked a pecan pie last night, and we don't have to leave for two hours, so I'm going to have a short nap. Oh, and while the potatoes were boiling, I sorted out all my beading stuff into a craft organizer box and also worked on untangling my skein of railroad yarn and rolling it into ball. I just hate it when I have to spend hours on that before I can start a knitting project! I might have to get advice on how you're supposed to start a shank of yarn like that . . . I'm used to regular skeins where you pull the end out of the middle and you're good to go. Here are the things I'm thankful for: My health, so I can do the things I like to do, like dancing and exercising. My family, who are each his/her own person, and I love them all. My friends, dance and otherwise, who make me laugh every day. My job and home, as many people have neither. My faith, which sustains me, good times and bad--"You give and take away; blessed be the Name of the Lord."

Northern Lights Bellydance Festival

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:52:07 GMT

Yoninah and I did our "dress rehearsal" tonight for the YMCA class, and it went pretty well! Our costumes worked well, and we didn't have any veil mishaps. I'm remembering all of the dance, which is the most crucial aspect, and we have our arms synchronized for the most part. I'm really looking forward to the retreat! I'll be excited to meet some people on Tribe, especially Shira. Thanks to all of you Y friends who graciously let us try our dance out on you!

My 10-Yard Skirt

Shazadi (Stephanie) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:57:53 GMT

I will be posting a photo of this when I get it all done, my first 10-yard skirt. Good news: It wasn't that hard! I'd do it again! It didn't take me nearly as long as I expected (I still have to hem 4 inches on it). Bad news: It's, well, so much fabric! I feel a little overwhelmed wearing it. Maybe when it's hemmed to the correct length it will feel better, but I'm thinking next time, an 8-yard skirt for me :D