I have been wanting to purchase an elliptical machine for awhile now. I am bored with running and soon the weather will be too warm for me to comfortably run. I figure an elliptical would be great for exercise as I can workout whether it is rainy or 115 degrees out (which it will be soon!). An elliptical is a great way to work out both the upper and lower body, you can burn more calories than running, and it is also easier on your joints.

So, I did some research and found the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer was rated a Consumer Reports Best Buy. I bought mine at Play It Again Sports here in town. They delivered it and set it up for me, which was convenient since my car is too small to haul a whole lot and I hate assembling anything . Amazon.com is currently offering free shipping to your doorstep for the Schwinn 430, which is a really good deal considering how much freight it would cost to ship something so heavy. Just keep in mind you have to assemble it yourself, which I understand only takes about 2 hours to set up.

I have to say I am so pleased with the machine! My knees and hips no longer hurt as they did when I ran. I am working out about 30 minutes and it equates to 3 miles and 300 calories burned. The screen is easy to read and I think overall it was well worth the money. I love the convenience of it, too! I did have to do some tweaking to it (Okay, Slack did the tweaking). The Schwinn 430 had some seriously loud squeaking but all he had to do was loosen the handles bars and lubricate it with some silicone spray. It is now silent and awesome. It feels like a truly sturdy machine and should last a long time. I just thought I would share my experience and opinion. I will update if anything changes.

UPDATE: I have been using my new Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer for a little over a month now and I can honestly say it has been a great purchase. I use it 4-5x/week for about 30 minutes. It has not had any more squeaking issues, etc. One thing I do need to keep an eye on is every once in awhile in the middle of a workout, the computer goes into Pause mode. I am not sure what that is about but all I have to do is hit the Start button and it is back on track with my current workout on screen with the correct stats. I will probably call the manufacturer before the warranty ends just to make sure it does not need any repairs. Other than that, it seems to be well built, sturdy, and worth the expense. From a fitness standpoint it is fantastic. I can run 3 miles and I am only halfway on the levels of strength it offers. Woohoo!

I started running again this week. 30 minute stretches is all for now. I am lacking motivation to do more than that. I think it is good to go slow since it has been awhile that I have ran every day (minus weekends). Slow and painful. By the end of the week I am feeling much better and slightly less slow and painful

 12/30 – 01/04

Distance: 15.0 miles

Time: 180.0 minutes

Pace: SLOW min/mil

Calories Burned: ?

Here is a link I have used repeatedly that might be of help in any fitness/health goals you have set for yourself for 2008:

Body Mass Index Calculator: http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm

This calculator is awesome! I really like how easy it is to input your information, and the extra links to compare your stats with the same gender and age as you in the U.S. If you are male, make sure to click on the link for proper male guidelines.

My motivation for working out is close to nil. It is typical this time of year to feel this way. The weather is cooler (finally!) and well, I would rather veg out on my butt and eat cookies! Exercise seems to take a back seat with the Holidays in full swing. It is ironic that the time of year when calorie-laden food is at a surplus and stress is abundant that it is also the time of year when I feel like hibernating and being lazy.

So, instead of berating myself for not upping the exercise ante, and in fact doing less, I vow to try something new and revolutionary. Okay, not revolutionary but new for me: I will do my best. Yup, that is it. I will try to keep exercising three times a week even if it is just going for a walk. Christmas lights are beautiful so a walk around the neighborhood after dinner would be enjoyable. I will also park at the end of a parking lot at the stores. Add in exercise to where the Laziness taking over my body will not feel compromised or cheated . I can do that!

Now, pass me a cookie and hot cocoa, please!

I am still running in the early a.m. and have increased speed and added an additional .2 miles to my run. Obviously, I am not trying very hard at this point to gain time or increase mileage. I think I am just enjoying running for the time being. I would like to purchase a wrist-worn GPS system to track my time, distance, elevation, calories, etc. As soon as I get one I can make more accurate posts about my running stats.

I run in the dark and the other morning as I was turning into the neighborhood I had an encounter with a rattlesnake. It was a good 3 to 4 feet long, coiled and rattler was up, just chillin’ on the sidewalk. NICE. As if I do not have Runners’ Trots to begin with! Anyways, I now carry a flashlight ( I know, DUH!!) to help shine on the path. It was interesting to note the snake was within the neighborhood and not outside on the jogging path. Needless to say, F R E A K Y.

10/01 – 10/05

10/08 – 10/12

10/15 – 10/19

Distance: 22.0 miles

Time: 225.0 minutes

Pace: 10.2 min/mil

Calories Burned: 2500 (approx.)

This past week of running has been great. I decreased the amount of time it takes me to complete 4 miles by about 5 minutes per run. I was able to run in the early morning and the moon illuminated my path for me which was pleasant and appreciated. As I would finish my run it would be setting on the horizon in a brilliant red. Great week to run!

09/24 – 09/28

Distance: 21.0 miles

Time: 250.0 minutes

Pace: 11.9 min/mil

Calories Burned: 2500

So, I am back to running A LOT (at least in my small world) and I think it is a very good thing. I have been feeling really low on energy for the past month or so, but now I feel leveled out and ready to go. This week I ran 20 miles and it feels really good. I am running early morning before the sun is up- just me and an occasional coyote. I crossed paths with one the other morning and felt the air swish between us. I am fairly certain I scared the crap out of him as much as he scared me. It is a great time of day and I always feel renewed and ready to take on the world.

I have been running using a pair of Nike’s, which I will never buy again. I bought them as a treat for myself earlier this year and bought the kind where you put a sensor in the shoe (it connects to your iPod) to help track running stats. However, I have never been able to get the sensor to calibrate properly thus consistently giving erroneous data. I wonder if anyone else has had that issue. Anyhoo, my point is that $35 running shoes are just as comparable and efficient as $100 from Nike. I have put 200 miles on these shoes so it will be time soon to replace them. I say good riddance! Besides, Michael Vick has a contract with Nike and that should be reason enough to not support the company.

09/17 – 09/21

Distance: 21.0 miles

Time: 275.0 minutes

Pace: 13.0 min/mil

Calories Burned: 2500

Miles Ran: 12.61

Total Minutes: 196.58

Calories Burned:  1469

 Average Pace: 15:39 min/mi

I am going to be writing in this area about exercise and well-being as well as track my personal progress. Currently, I am running four times a week for forty-five minutes per run. I would love to run more but life is entirely way too hectic these days to accommodate any more than that right now. Poop.

I always thought I hated to run. It was not until a couple of years ago that I discovered what a truly great stress reliever it really is. I really enjoy running first thing in the morning. I feel like it sets my pace for the day and (double bonus!!) I get it out of the way . Running gives me time to regroup and prioritize the day and it also affords me the opportunity to zone out everything. Don’t get me wrong, there are mornings when I would so much rather stay in bed and sleep, which is another favorite hobby of mine hehehehe. But, when I do actually get out the door and start running and then finish, I do feel so much more energized and ready for the day than when I spend that extra hour sleeping. Running Rocks!