Welcome

Vpassanna Meditation

2011-11-14T11:18:00.001-08:00

Vipassanna Meditation a bit of background

Ten day Silent Meditation, no speaking, no eye contact or sign language, just meditate.

Why would anyone want to do this? seriously ten days of no speaking, is this even possible?

I had to know more, like what do you do, just meditate? How long, how many times a day? Are you allowed to eat and sleep? Are you secluded or have people around you?

Is this a cult? Where did it start? How old is this practice? How much does it cost?

Oh, I would soon learn and all my questions would be answered. I first learned of the Vipassanna

Meditation November 2010 from a client who had done this course. My first reaction was “That’s crazy, I can think of a lot of better things to do for ten days than just sit around and meditate” Yes, it sounds extreme, was her reply, but it actually is quite good and you are a better person after you have completed this ten day course. I highly doubt that, I thought to myself, after all I am a pretty decent person, hard working, loyal and highly motivated. Always trying to make everyone happy, always doing the best possible job at everything I set my mind to. How in the world would this silent workshop make me a better person.

Ok, I’ll start with what does this Vipassanna cost? Nothing was the reply, oh come on, nothing in this life is for free, everything has a price and a cost, how can you run a center with out charging any money?

It turns out that the Vipassanna Center is run by donations, really, i just can not wrap my head around that, Donations? This place must just be scraping by then I asked? The answer, No No just the opposit, there are so many people who attend and donate that the Center is always expanding with new meditation halls, larger dinning & sleeping quarters.

How big is this place? It is world wide and growing. Fine, I can accept that, but who started it, is it a cult and how ling has this been around? As it turns out Vipassanna Meditation is one of India’s most ancient form of meditation techniques. It was rediscovered 2500 years ago by Gotama the Buddah, and Vipassanna is the essence of what Gotama practiced and taught for Forty five years of teaching.

During Buddha’s time many people in India were freed from suffering by practicing Vipassanna, this allowed the people of India to attain high levels of achievement in all spheres of life. Over time this practice spread to Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries.

Five centuries later the true form of Vipassanna Meditation had been pretty much lost and the purity of this form of meditation would have been completely gone forever if not for a few dedicated teachers in Burma, India who devoted their lives in preserving and continuing the True form of Vipassanna. By preserving the original form, the technique has survived and is now reemerging as as a strong growing practice world wide.

It turns out that Shelburne Falls, MA. is one of the nicest centers and the only Vipassanna Center in the NorthEast! S.N. Goenka reintroduced the practice and starting teaching in 1969. A decade later more than a 1000 assistant teachers trained by S.N. Goenka conduct ten day courses all over the world. Over

one hundred centers have been established with over 100,000 people attending the retreats.

Ok, so it's a legit old world practice that bring happiness & enlightenment. This does not sound to bad, but why Ten days of silence? Does one sleep and Eat?? I need to know more.....

Solar update

2011-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where the time went..... blink and a week slips by!

Anyway, here's out yearly solar report, our panels paid for all of our electric consumption which

include electric hot water and heat. We also made in addition to our electric use, about $3000.00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCKzZcUZG4&feature=related

We could not be happier, no we just need an electric car to get rid of our Gas bill.

Hyannis Sprint 2 Tri Atholon

2010-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Tri Atholon event came and went, I did what I had set out to do, break my first record which I did. The results are as follows

Total event time 1.16.50 I managed to shave off 13 minutes and ten seconds

Taking 4 minutes 07 seconds off of the quarter mile swim

Taking 6 minutes 65 seconds off of the biking

Taking 2 minutes 78 seconds off of the run

I have to admit I did the Bode Miller (USA SKI TEAM) Training, drank and ate too much, only trained 1/2 as much as should have and sadly only did a six pack of bricks.

At least I set out what I had planned to do and beat my record, which isn't that bad for being a second time attendee and also having just started running this past year.

Will I do this event again? Most likely Yes, I am very curious to see what I can pull in for Time results with some serious training. (Not the Bode Miller carefree style)

I am planning on attending next years 2011 Hyannis Sprint 2

My Goal is to shave off another 10 minutes from total time result.... :)

    Swim        Bike         Run    Time

   12:54  449   43:01  547   34:04  1:30:00

   8:47   210   36:36  388   31:26   1:16:50

Race results

2010-06-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

OMG

It was HARD

I didn't train at all the way I should have... in fact I didn't train at all if you think about how little I did.

One run to crystal lake, swim & run home and one 20 mile bike ride...

The swim was horrible, big waves, I was one of the 10% who did not have a wet suit on, those wet suits make you float! the swim took 12 minutes (should have been 7-8 minutes)

The bike ride sucked, I didn't get my cleat in the pedal till mile 3, I lost so much time there,( at least 12 minutes) it should have taken me 25 minutes. come to find out the next morning that my entire cleat was cockeyed... duh.

Well in any event, I learned a lot, there were 964 participants

I came in 11th out of 20 in my age division for a first timer

Doing all three in a row was oh so difficult, especially the running at the end.

Over all the time break down was this 1:30:00 for entire event

Swim 1/4 mile in salty, wavy nantucket sound with on shore winds 12:54

Bike 10 miles through golf courses and mega mansion neighborhoods 43:01

Run 3 1/2 miles 34:04

next time September 11,2010 same course lay out

No cleats, running shoes & cages

No walking during the run part of the course

Faster transition time form gate to start lines

Goal

shave 20-28 minutes form my June time

Train bricks

Swim in open wavy water 2x-3x a week

Loose 15 pounds so I can run faster

Glad I did it, I learned an enormous amount, can't wait till the end of the summer to kick butt.

Training on Hold "Going Green"

2010-05-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well here I am three weeks till the Tri event, Yet my training has stopped in its tracks.

For Good reason though. First We had to undergo an energy audit for the solar project to proceed forward. This was a good thing because it forced me to clean out the attic crawl space of the 20 years of boxes that found their way up there.

So naturally with the help of Steve and the kids we clear out the mess moving boxes to the basement and studio upstairs.

Ah, But who could have known that the insurance company we are listed with has property inspection? The ruling after every nook and cranny was inspected was that we have too many combustibles in the basement. Well of course we do, Steve is a wood worker with a wood shop, the man saves every piece of wood he touches. I am a basket maker and have tons of dried reed and basketry materials. Then there are the boxes for saving all the children's toys, books, legos, Brio,American Doll collection......

You get it, I never throw anything out.

So now we have the task of clearing out the basement... the local church thrift stores are excited with my loads of loot and the "Hope Chest" is happy to turn my treasures into cash.

No sooner had we cleared our basement when we noticed bellowing smoke coming from our chimney last Sunday morning.

"Fire in the basement" I yelled to Steve as my keen eye spotted the large plumes smoke. I ran into the house, flicking the oil burner switch "Off" expecting smoke to envelope me as I opened up the basement door. No smoke at the door.

Ok, this is a good sign. As I run downstairs I now have a vision of flames shooting out of the Oil burner. No flames, phew, but wait, What is all this rusty oil on my basement floor? My heart sinks as the gulf crude oil slick has found it's way into my house, "No way" I yell this sucks. Steven, who is right at my heals says"No it's water" It actually is rusty water leaking form the furnace.

Relief, calmness slowly coming back, heart rate lowering. Thank goodness it was not oil spewing it's disgusting ooze and stench into my house.

Now is the question can this be fixed or do we need a new oil burner system???

slacking!!!!

2010-05-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Oh Dear, Training not going well, Life has thrown Too many interruptions my way.

It's Ok, I am still participating in the June 12 2010 Tri event. It's just that my time trials wont be that great. At least I will get a feel for this event and the transitions form water to bike to running.

I will post all of these hurdles that have prevented my training latter...

Mean while enjoy viewing Nauset beach from our New Live Web Cam

http://www.nausetbeach.org/

As the fog slowly rolls in...

Thursday March 11

2010-03-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

Sprint, run, sprint, run... Mile down to eight minutes 48 seconds!

Finally purchased some new Biking shoes now that the weather is dry. Can't wait to get on the road. :)

Been working out a lot on the Bosu and Pilates Reformer, getting stronger every day.

2010-03-07T05:04:00.000-08:00

Nauset Beach East Orleans, residence side

August 2009

Nauset Beach residence side

March 2010.

Nauset Beach in Orleans took a pounding.

Main board walk March 4,2010

Same board walk three days later

March 7, 2010

Wednesday Feb 24

2010-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's raining & wet outside, so I have bagged running for today. I am not sure when I'll get over the soaking rain run hump, but hopefully I'll push through this yet other hurdle soon.

The running route has increased to 4 1/2 miles. The first attempt was not that great with time. I walked quite a bit causing my time to swell to 50 minutes. Why is this so difficult! It's just another mile.

The second and third attempt did give me a better overall time, I actually did the entire 4 1/2 mile run in 40 minutes. I thought this was pretty good, until I got home and my bubble was burst with my daughter saying that a mile should be done in 4 1/2 minutes. Seriously, 4 1/2 minutes for one mile, that means the whole trek should be done in 17 minutes? Oh good lord.....

Swimming is easier and the goggles have helped so much. I am still pulling 44 laps with the breast stroke though. Have not gotten the crawl down with the ear plugs that do not work. I can not have water sloshing in my ears every time I come up for air.

New ear plugs and another try this Thursday with 64 laps doing the crawl.

Stopped drinking wine & beer seven days ago. I thought for sure I'd shed some weight by eliminating the booze, but no, not at all. Must be all that good home cooking!

This weekend I am going to have the mountain bike tuned up and plan on hitting pavement. Of course, providing that there isn't rain in the forecast.

I am looking forward to March which has 4 1/2 weeks of training time. We'll see what Thursday and this weekend brings.

Friday Feb 12

2010-02-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day, I swam 40 laps in 28 minutes and ran 3 1/2 miles in 29 minutes. Not back to back yet!

The running is getting easier, well, not the down hill running, I prefer the up hill running. Luckily my hood has some decent hills around for me to battle.

I plotted out my spring training routine when the water gets warmer.

Run 2 miles to my swimming spot, swim 1 mile in current waters, run 2 miles back home and finish off with a 25 mile bike trek. If this does not whip my butt in shape, I don't know what will!

Today is a rest day, even though I am itching to run with this sunny weather, maybe I'll cruise around on my bike this afternoon.

It's been a week into my training and I am amazed at how much energy I have. I wonder if this is the start of the beginning? I often think of those folks competing in an Iron man event, wondering if I will be there at some point. The physical routine is hammering out to be not that bad, as for the nutritional diet I should be following, this is a bummer. I love food, the sweeter the better, risotto with butter, marinated meats...

why did my husband decide to become this fabulous chef at this time in my life?

The smells in my kitchen are to die for, Steve is cooking up meals that are comparable to a Four Star Resort.. Chicken Marbella, Risotto.. Why are sauces so delicious? The diet will be the most difficult part of this training.

Wednesday February 10

2010-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Feb 6, I took a break and didn't run at all, It felt good!

Sunday I was back on track, 3 miles 29 minutes, this was after my SPINNING & Pilates Mat class.

Monday I never made it to Stability ball class, but did run 3 miles again at 28 minutes, my best time yet. I also had a great Zumba class that I taught that evening.

Tuesday, another 3 mile run with a time back at 29 minutes. I could feel my body screaming for a break.

Now it is Wednesday, I did not run, but walked a brisk 3 miles in 54 minutes. It felt great not having to teach any classes due to a snow day that never delivered any snow.

While the rest of the East Coast and Mid Atlantic got covered with record breaking white stuff, Cape Cod had barely received one inch by the evening.

I highly doubt that we will have another snow day again tomorrow, so that means teaching two classes back to back and then swimming laps in the pool. I still have not purchased swim goggles which means more of the breast stroke. my goal is 40 laps

A most helpful web sight suggested by a high school running mate is

www.coolrunning.com The info here has brought to light that I seriously need to run every other day and not everyday. So with this new thought in mind, Tomorrow I will be back on the road. I am anxious to see what the six week mark of running will bring, according to all of my reading up on this topic, this is where the magic begins. I will no longer be considered a newb, time will tell.

A good nights rest after some serious stretching tonight will be most welcomed.

We will see what mother Nature dumps on us through the sleeping hours... I already have decided that I am not going to run in the snow. Luckily I have a SPINNING bike and Pilates reformer, along with a bosu & gliding disks to give myself s decent workout if mother nature doesn't cooperate. So here's to tomorrow...

Vote Balanced 4 Fitness Training & Pilates

2010-02-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

If you want to support Balanced 4 Fitness business,
please Vote for Me http://www.wickedlocalfavorites.com/

Thank You

Video of Pilates Reformer Training
at Balanced 4Fitness Studio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSvkkAeM2U

Friday February 5, 2010

2010-02-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I did accomplish what I set out to do yesterday which was Swim & Run.

I managed to run three miles in 30 minutes in which during this run I had a life changing eye opener. It was the first time in my 46 years of life that i got to experience "This runners high" everyone always speaks of.

It was amazing, after running about 15 minutes or so, I felt nothing in my lower body.

My legs were just moving in auto mode with no pain at all. My breathing was in it's happy mode, cadence was constant with a heart rate of 80%

I felt as if I could have kept going despite the fact that it was getting dark with a chilling 26*

I knew better though, and headed home knowing I'd be feeling pain this morning.

Much to my surprise, my legs feel fine, It's my shoulders that are letting me know they got worked from the Breast stroke.

I can see myself completing this event with no problem. My goal is to have a time of 45 minutes for all three events. I will have to work very hard on the transitions from water to bike to running.

Today after I have completed my Client Training & Classes, I am going to plot out a 4 mile route and see how I do for time. I probably would have never embarked on this challenge if I had not watched two movies that had a profound effect on me. The first movie is called "The Secret" I had most of those beliefs and tried to practice most of what was said in this film. My downfall was harboring negative feelings towards people that have been not so nice to myself & others. I decided to let those feelings go. Miserable, negative people will always be miserable.

The second movie was "Fight Club" it sounds crazy, but I think that everyone has multiple personalities and we decide which one to come out depending on whom we are surrounded by. So, I have pulled out my competitive Athletic force.

Luckily I have excellent Genes, My Birthfather, whom my mother divorced when I was 3 years old, was a fantastic down hill skier. He won lots of metals and qualified for the 1976 Olympics. Michael didn't win any Olympic metals, but just the fact that he got there is something. To go back a bit further, my grandfather George ( Michael's Dad) also was in the Olympics for down hill skiing, he placed 7th or 11th in the 1956 Olympics. I think that's why George pushed Michael so hard, he wanted his son to get the metal he didn't win, but oh, he was so close!

I am just looking to get through this Triathlon event with a top five time for now.

Lots of hard work ahead.

August 2009 Nauset Beach

2010-02-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken on Nauset inlet August 2009

Training starts today

2010-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today is Thursday February 4, 2010

I have agreed to participate in a Triathlon event in Boston the July 2010.

Why did I agree to take this challenge? Because I am always up for a challenge. The harder the challenge the better.

I have never done anything like this before, so It will be an eye opener for sure. Mentally, I have been prepping myself since last November.

The Biking should come easy since I am a cyclist and SPIN regularly, as for the swimming, well, I have never swam for a 1/2 mile straight with out a break at full steam. I do feel confident though that I will have no problem here since I use to be on the swim team and have numerous winning ribbons.

I Just need to stay focussed and go forward. Today I swam 15 laps with a pitiful time of 20 minutes. I need to shave down this time to 15 or less and get 22 full laps in.

The Running part of the event will prove to be most challenging for me since I am not a runner. I know it is a mental thing that I need to get over.

It is just so unpleasant and everything hurts.

This Past Monday I decided to wear my Ipod for the run. I have no idea why I did not think of this before. Music is a Godsend and I was able to pull of three miles in 36 minutes. This is a rather pitiful time in general, but for me it was quite an accomplishment. My goal is to shave the time down to 15-20 minutes.

My ultimate goal is to do the entire event which includes a 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride and 3 1/2 mile run in under an hour. I checked last years results and the winning time was 48 minutes. A big goal, but I can do it.

My eating habits have been rather good, but not perfect. I have this love with cheese, Wine and chocolate. Currently my weight is about 128 pounds. with a body fat percentage of 22% (It's that cheese & chocolate thing)

During my Body building competition my weight got down to 112 and Body Fat percentage was a healthy 11%

So My plan is this, Attend Tricia's Body Ball class 1-2 times a week, attend Yoga one a week, swim 30 laps once a week till the weather gets decent and then swim daily. Run every other day starting with 3 1/2 miles. Lay off the chocolate and cheese, and as hard as it will be, cut down on my wine consumption.

I just ordered another Revmaster pro bike so that I can participate in the SPINNING classes that I teach. The Bike should be here in 4 weeks.

Ok, so here I am, Obligated to train and get through this event. Game on!

The 2010 Winter Nauset Community Ed class started today.

2010-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Winter Nauset Community Ed classes started today.

Pilates Total Body 9:15-10:30 AM at Life Center 47 Main St. Orleans

SPINNING 11-12 Noon Balanced 4 Fitness Studio

Gentle Guided Stretch & Pilates Mat One 6-7 PM Federated Church

The classes had a mix of new clients who are all eager to better their health.

Rule number one: Drink more water

Thirst is often mistaken as hunger, one glass of water will diminish this hunger feeling.

December 28, 2009

2009-12-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season came with a rush and now the New Year is upon us.

All of the New Years resolutions will be made with good intentions, yet the drive for individuals to stick with a new life style, fitness routine, better nutrition habits and general better living will often loose their momentum and will power to continue.

I hope to help those individuals along their path to better fitness and well being for the future by providing personal tips to keep one on their New Years Resolution.

It is often forgotten that where you are right now isn't something that happened over night, it took years of life style choices that resulted in where you are today.

The first step is to reprogram your brain.