December 03, 2012 December 03, 2012/ Libby Hickman

I spent the whole weekend at the pool.

And when I say the whole weekend, I'm not exagerating. I really did spend the entire weekend in a humid (note to self: pony tail all the way next time) and crowded YMCA. I spent 6 hours timing on Sat. and three on Sunday. My feet were prune-shriveled in their Teva's, my shorts splashed wet, and my nervous system a little stressed by pushing that stopwatch with the buzzer heat after heat.

But...

...watching my baby train, discipline, determine, strive, overcome fear, and succeed at something she desperately loves? So worth it. I'm proud of her, and she inspires me. (Understatement of the year.)

I'm catching up a little bit today. Um, it's December now? There's no Advent calendar up yet. I haven't purchased one Christmas present. No decorations or tree either. Looks like I have my work cut out for me this week. It's good. Keeping busy with such happy tasks will be good.

It's Monday. Breathe in. Breathe out. Here we go!

November 08, 2012

white stuff

November 08, 2012/ Libby Hickman

Turns out the snow did show up this morning. Just a skiff, but still, there it was. I can't think about driving in it! (Why do I always get called to a birth when the weather is treacherous? And why do I live on a giant hill?) I don't want to think about shoveling it either. But I am pretty pumped about skiing in it. Yes, that'll work.

Speaking of work, it's no fun to ski when you have mushy muscles and are out of shape. I know this from past experience-- but not this year baby! I've been doing a little ski training since September. You don't need a gym! Here's how my workout goes:

30-45 mins cardio (run, row, walk, cycle, swim, hike... pick one, doesn't matter just get your heart rate up and sweat.)

12 walking lunges carrying 10lb (or more) weights in each hand

(keep your weights and find a wall)

1 minute wall sit with bicep curls

30 calf raises

1 minute plank position

10 one leg up push-ups (alternate the leg up)

2 minute ladder hop on both feet (hop back and forth over a line in the pavement, or a ski pole or something. You can work up to hopping on one leg)

Great! Now repeat the whole thing (minus the cardio) twice more for a total of 3 sets!

Feeling good? It's important to look good too. Here's what I'm planning to wear up there:

skis, boots, goggles (sold out!), helmet, coat, pants. Yikes. $$$$$$. Guess I'd better find a sponsor!

ps. I am not a personal trainer. I do not have an ACSM certification. I'm just a girl who likes to ski. Don't sue me if you injure yourself trying the workout above :)

March 31, 2010

some sewing

March 31, 2010/ Libby Hickman

My nesting continues. However, it has become necessary that it take on a more sedentary nature. Sitting still is hard for me. I've never been much good at it. I'm trying to listen to my body (and the sweet baby inside) while they are asking nicely... to slow down.

My sewing machine has seen very little action lately. It sits in my little corner, sadly collecting dust. I thought it could use a good cleaning. Indeed it did!