Mom to the Screaming Masses: Technology Rocks My Running Socks Session Notes

I am a huge fan of technology. I use it all the time, all the day long.

I especially use it when I exercise.

Oh. Wait. I have to bring you up to speed on my exercise. I write this while eating a candy bar - an Unreal Candy bar, given to me at a party this past week - so, the fact that I'm eating a candy bar right now might tell you my state of mind, eh?

Sorry. Tangent - oh, look, a squirrel!

MRI appt today showed no new tear, but scar tissue on the old tear. This is GOOD news. So it's still as unclear as it was - but upon new advice, I'm no longer allowed to be running. I'm now walking to comfort. I can swim (hate), elliptical (despise) and zumba is something that I'm heavily, um, well, not supposed to - but I was grudgingly told I can do it unless it hurts.

Sigh. I love, love LOVE to dance and this news isn't good. It's not bad enough to need surgery, I will probably do the stretching and the strength training and if it still bugs me in 6 months, go for the PRP. Which is about $400. And I'm wearing goofball compression sleeves.

This news is sad to me.

Here is the presentation of which I was part at Blogher. I was on a panel with three other fabulous ladies - I felt like the dummy in the bunch.

I use technology all the time to stay motivated, to keep me accountable, to keep me moving in the right direction, to make me get off my couch and put down the candy bar and get it done.

Of the ones listed, my very favorites would be Daily Mile, Jog.fm and my twitter. If you are on Daily Mile, look me up.

I'd really love to hear what you find helpful in getting your exercise in. Is there an app that you adore, a website that keeps you moving forward, or a gadget that you can't do without?

Comments

The only thing I use is my music app on my phone. Sorry! Most of the classes I attend use their own music, so I don't use it that often unless working out on my own. I do use the LoseIt app to keep track of my caloric intake and exercise calories burned. I am so sorry to hear you're not supposed to do Zumba, but am glad they didn't completely rule it out. Hugs. Hope the candy bar was good.

Posted by: Brandy | August 08, 2012 at 10:45 PM

I make myself go to the gym because my son teaches the classes I take. I figure if I don't show up he will think something happened to me. It's a nice way to see my adult son three times a week. He teaches silver sneakers classes and a Zumba gold class. (also power pump and spinning which I don't take.). All the ladies love him. He is getting married at the end of this month. They took up a collection for a wedding present and gave him $624. From senior citizens ....so sweet. Sorry to hear about your contined leg issues. Maybe your gym offers the Zumba gold, not as intense as regular Zumba I think.

Posted by: Karenp | August 09, 2012 at 12:45 AM

I use Foursquare, and when I checked into the gym last week and it said (paraphrasing), "This is your 10th week in a row here! Good job!" well, it sounds silly, but it did make me feel good.

When I used to swim, I used Speedo's Pace Club, which is basically an online practice log that also has workouts. I never bothered with their workouts, and I didn't find the site particularly useful or motivating.

Now I've begun using GE's new Facebook app, HealthyShare, which I think is pretty good. The workouts it gives you are usually brief, fun things you can do while watching TV to burn a few calories instead of sitting on the couch.

For figure skating, which is my passion, I sometimes post my progress (and failures) in the practice threads at skatingforums.com. I sometimes find this online forum daunting. It can be a little depressing when someone easily passes the test you've been struggling to pass for months, or someone begins skating and is doing the same jumps you've worked on for years within a month. But you can get some good advice and industry knowledge about a less common sport.

And yes, for running/jogging, my iphone music is essential. The new Fun song, "Some Nights," is a great song for slow runners like me.

Posted by: Megan | August 09, 2012 at 02:42 PM