Today's workout

Today I went for a run. The temperature was 50F but it was soo windy. There were wind gusts up to 30mph! But I went anyway. Lately with my running I've been going at a slow and steady pace. Today I pushed myself just a little bit--not full on exertion, but enough to knock 30 seconds off usual pace. I ended up running 3.5 in 30:30. After my run I went over to the park. I did a few hanging leg raises, and attempted a pull up. Ha! I'll have to work up to that one.

I then came in for 30 pushups, 60 calf raises with 15 lb weights, 90 seconds of plank, and 60 seconds of side plank (on each side).

Goals for the new year

It's time for my goals of 2012!

1. Spend less time on the internet/read more. Er, I have a bit of an internet addiction. I'm not going to lie. And I've realized recently how much I miss reading, and, you know...being productive. So I'm going to limit how much time I spend online each day. I'd like to just cut back on my own accord, but if necessary I will use the Self Control app for macs to block myself from the most addicting sites until I learn actual self control.

My brother bought me two books about running for Christmas. I'm going to start reading one of them tomorrow.

2. Take more pictures. I started a photo album in June, and bought a new camera in July, but have only added about 20 pictures to my album since then! Looking back over the year...I'm quite sad that I didn't take more pictures. I only have a dozen pictures from our Mexican vacation. Not a single one from the-vacation-that-wasn't to Chicago, nor from our trip to the pumpkin patch, nor ANY of the holidays. I want to get more comfortable taking pictures and being 'that person' who whips out the camera so I can have these memories stored away. I'm thinking of posting my favorite recent picture once per week. In any case, brace yourself, boyfriend, because the camera is getting used more often.

3. Workout on average 4-5 times per week. I worked out fairly consistently in 2011, so for 2012 I want to keep it up! I'm taking a personal fitness course for the spring semester and recently fell in love with my campus's new recreation and wellness center. These combined with my love for running should easily average out to four or five workouts per week. Of course I know breaks are necessary. If I'm sick or injured it's best to take a rest. That's why I'm saying 'average' instead of 'must.'

I have two further goals concerning fitness: run a marathon, and be able to do a handstand press. What is a handstand press?

Isn't she adorable?

And impressive?

Right now I can barely do a handstand.

I'm slowly building distance and endurance with my running. In April I'm going to begin serious training for the marathon. Everyone mark your calendars! On October 21st, 2012, I'll be running the Des Moines Marathon.

4. Continue sewing. Now since my mom corrected my dumb mistake, I feel more confident moving forward. I can finally finish that skirt project I started many months ago!

So. There are my four main goals for this year. The most important goals to me are the marathon and cutting back on time spent on the internet. In addition, I'm going to continue with the other goals from last year (learn to cook and save money).

Happy New Year!

A dumb revelation

Last week I made stockings for my pen pal and secret santa, as seen just a few posts below. Then on Christmas Eve I tried to make stockings for me and my boyfriend. But something was really messed up. The fabric bunched up and the thread fell right out! My mom came over and found the problem: I had forgotten to lower the presser foot. D'oh! Both my parents laughed at me and I felt like such a dummy. Perhaps that would explain my 'tension' problems. I plan to finish the stockings tomorrow. At least we'll have them ready for next year.

Now time for a little confession: I haven't worked out since Wednesday. I feel so guilty. I planned to workout this afternoon but napped and ate candy instead. Right now I'm making some mac and cheese instead of doing pushups. I think I'll do pushups while I wait for my food. I keep thinking of 'working out' as a long ordeal. Warmup, 40-60 minutes spent working, 15 minute cool down. I need to remember that every action counts, and that I don't need to spend so much time every day. So, let's see what I can do before the water boils!

Finally, a little bit of awe: this guy is a huge inspiration to me. I've been following him on Fitocracy. His story gives me the chills. Can't wait for my next run!

Update: I did 15 jumpsquats, 30 russian twists, 60 seconds of plank and sideplank, and 60 pushups in ten minutes.

Today's workout and new purchases!

My grandparents and my uncle gave me giftcards for Christmas so this afternoon I went to Target to buy some new workout gear! I got a pullover hoodie, running gloves, and a very nice jacket. The jacket was on clearance for only $25!

Just in from a run

Today I ran 5.2 miles in 47 minutes flat. I then did 3 sets of 20 calf raises with 15 lb weights, body weight lunges, dumbbell lunges with 15 lb weights, and jump squats. Finished it all off with some stretching.

I'm becoming rather upset with my abs and core. From the front I look good, but I really don't like how lumpy and weak my abs are. I've heard so much conflicting advice about what's good for building muscle. I've been told from once source or another that crunches, plank, and russian twists will all do jack squat for it. One person said the only way to build core muscle is through deadlifts, squats, and benching. I'm upset and confused. Hopefully I can get to the bottom of how to improve my abs.

Doesn't look too bad from the front. I refuse to post side pictures.

Just finished today's workout

I can't believe I went nearly a week without any exercise! The lack of activity was really starting to kill me. I've just been so busy with Christmas preparations that I didn't have time. But there was no excuse today.

I started off practicing some handstands. Then I tried some russian twists. I did 3 sets of 10 to begin with. I realized my form was off, and later did 2 sets of 15 with correct form.

And then I ran! I went for 3.7 miles in 32:50 with moderate hills along the way. It felt so good to be out there again, though I definitely could feel what the week-long break did to me. I finished with 60 seconds of plank and side plank (on both sides) and some nice stretching. I finish every workout session with some relaxing yoga-inspired stretching and mediation. It helps me unwind and get ready for the rest of my day.

A wonderful Christmas

Looking over my Christmas gifts this year...there's definitely a theme! I got a bottle from my secret santa that says on one side 'I like running' and on the other side 'because I really really really really really like desserts.'

I also got a gym bag, complete with a separate pocket for shoes! Last semester I was using my boyfriend's carry on luggage bag for the gym. My brother gave me two books: Once a Runner by John Parker Jr and First Marathons by Gail Kislevitz. And 'Santa' brought me a bike! After opening my other gifts my mom told me to go bring something out of her bedroom. At first I thought it was another gift for my dad. I was so happy to find out the bike was for me!

It's a hybrid bike with an aluminum frame and a rack on the back for hauling groceries. While I do want to ride for fitness, my main reason for wanting a bike is commuting to work and running errands. There's a really nice bike trail just a quarter mile from my house, and it runs right in front of my work place, too!

Today was wonderful. I love every gift I received (there were more than those I mentioned above, but this isn't a 'haul' post!). I loved seeing my family. My nieces and nephews are growing up so fast! I also had an actual conversation with my brother in law. I've never really talked to him before. Plus I hugged my uncle for the first time in, oh...at least a decade.

The food was good, too, though I ate way too much! I ate a few cookies after a big lunch, then the boyfriend and I had Hardee's when we got home. I had three more cookies plus half a slice of pizza after that! On top of all this, I haven't worked out since Tuesday. I'm definitely going to go for a run tomorrow. Here's some inspiration in the mean time.

P.S. New goals to be announced on December 31st!

A review of my goals: part 4

Finally, we come to the last goal: learn to sew.

There's a good reason why I wrote about this goal last. Erm, I just sewed this morning! 'Santa' brought me a sewing machine last year. I wasted no time in buying notions. I went to the fabric store with my mom in May or April to buy patterns and fabric. I laid out the fabric and cut out a skirt. And...that's where it stopped. I was too afraid of messing up. I didn't want to try, fail, and get discouraged. So I just never did anything.

Now, anyone who knows me will know that I love Christmas. It's almost an unhealthy obsession. And who can have Christmas without Christmas stockings? So I decided to make some for me and my boyfriend, as well as my penpal and secret santa. Again, I went with my mom to the fabric store for fabric. I made a pattern, laid out the fabric, and cut it. And...that's where it stopped.

Honestly? I didn't know how to thread my sewing machine. But last night I sat down, read the entire manual cover to cover, and didn't leave my office until I figured it out. Success! I threaded the sewing machine. Phew. But that's just one small step. I practiced some stitching. The top part looked good, but the thread on the backside was loopy. I was definitely having some tension problems. After two hours of google, reading the manual, videos on youtube, and a call to my mom, I got it all sorted it. I could finally begin!

The first one came out with a deformed foot. Ever heard of Chinese foot binding? This stocking would look good on them. The second came out much better, though I still had an issue with bunching near the toes. I'm not sure what the root of the problem is: pattern, not holding the fabric taut enough, my method of turning things inside out. Oh well. I'm proud of my accomplishment. It's not much, but gosh darn it, it's my first sewing project done all by myself!

The green one is strategically covering up the not-so-good-looking red one's toes.
Also, they are both stuffed with candy already!!

Tomorrow I'm going to finish the stockings for me and my boyfriend. As an aside, who knew that glitter glue takes so long to dry?? I hope it hurries up so I can send out these stockings!

Overall grade: I feel like this is like the slacker student who didn't go to class all semester, but pulls a paper out of their butt that's just the right length five minutes before it's due. Passable, but deplorable. C-

Baby it's cold outside

But I'll be running anyway.

A review of my goals: part 3

Goal number three was to cook better. Previously I could cook pizza, spaghetti, and chicken parmesan.

So what's changed?

Really not much.

I have learned a few new things such as rice, salmon, and lentils. I've added more vegetables to my cooking. For instance, tonight I made ground turkey with onion and oregano, rice, and steamed broccoli. It was delicious! My money situation recently has taught me to keep the basics around and mix and match what I have. Pasta, poultry, and rice can take me a long way! Different seasons and sauces keeps it interesting. I'm no master chef, but our recent meals definitely beat macaroni and pizza.

Overall grade: B-

A review of my goals: part 2

At the beginning of the year it was very important to me to work out more. All my life I had been thin but never fit or athletic. So I took ballet and modern dance classes during the spring semester. But the class was not organized well. The teacher's heart was in the right place but she did things that just weren't good for the body. For example, each class we had to hold the splits for at least one minute, and by the end of the semester we had to hold them for three minutes. If anyone came out, the time would be restarted. I wasn't able to do the splits. Perhaps I could if I pushed myself, but then I would be forced to hold it which could cause injury. Even though I had class for six hours per week, I felt less physically fit at the end of the semester, and had actually gained about six pounds. 

But one fateful day I picked up running. On a whim one afternoon I bought some shoes and went out. And I've stuck with it! I ran my first mile within the first few weeks. Then I ran a 5k in the beginning of August.  A 10k in October. And just two days ago I ran my furthest distance ever of 7.25 miles. I prefer to do most of my running outside, but I know that sometimes the conditions just aren't right. I'd like to stay outside all winter, but some temperatures are too much to handle. So Xavier and I bought a treadmill. I've only used it a handful of times, but it's nice having it around just in case I can't take the conditions outside.

I'm also experimenting with other forms of exercise. I like to use the stationary bikes at the gym. I can't wait to get an actual bike! I'm planning on getting one in the spring so I can bike to work and to the grocery store. I've gone to a few yoga classes, plus I like to do yoga videos at home. I do body weight exercises and have dappled in weight lifting. Next semester I'm registered for a personal fitness class that offers and introduction to weight lifting. I'll be honest...the weight room scares me a little bit! 

Those six pounds I gained last spring are long gone. And I've gone from barely running a quarter mile to running seven-and-a-quarter miles. I used to work out once in a blue moon. Now the longest I've gone all year without working out was three weeks, and that was owing to an injury. My body is more muscular and I feel the need to push myself more physically. This is one goal I can proudly say I've accomplished.

Overall grade: A

A review of my goals: part 1

Ok, so when I started writing this blog at the beginning of the year I had four goals in mind: spend less money, work out more, learn to sew, and cook more. I'm going to make a post reviewing my progress in each of these goals. First up is 'spend less money.'

Back in July I got a promotion. I went from delivering pizzas to being a manager. This promotion, however, pays less money. So why did I take it? It's less stressful. If you read back to prior post, you'd see that my car was totaled while delivering pizzas. Every night I worked I had a constant fear of someone hitting me, or of me hitting a deer. Just last week one of our drivers got in a fairly serious accident and totaled his car.

Delivering destroys vehicles, not just through accidents, but also through regular wear and tear. I had three different vehicles in my three and a half years of delivering pizzas. In total, I estimate that I drove 50,000-60,000 miles at that job. It takes so much in gas, oil changes, tires, etc. Knowing that my new $10,000 car was getting destroyed every night I worked was enough to make me want the promotion.

I love my current job. I love overseeing what goes on around me, and I love making sure the customers are happy. I think it's really a control issue. I control my environment. I'm not just subject to what's going on around me. Of coure I'm only in control to an extent. I have other bosses to answer to, and I can't just make a bad night or bad situation disappear. But I have more say in what I do now. And I love it.

To cope with the lower income, I've learned to only buy what's necessary. This means less nail polish and fast food. I buy what's on sale at the grocery store. I love sales. I stock up when something is exceptionally cheap. And I'm proud to say that ALL of my Christmas presents were purchased on sale this year! I'm quite proud of my savings there.

I made a few big purchases over the summer, namely this MacBook and a vacation that never was (long story. Essentially, I booked a rather expensive hotel. But within hours of checking in my boyfriend got sick and I of course couldn't get a refund). Those are still biting me in the ass. But I'm making progress in catching up and rebuilding my savings.

Overall grade: C+

Check In

I made this blog to track my New Year's Resolutions and I've quite frankly done a piss poor job of that. I've made maybe twenty posts all year! Pathetic. I think part of the problem was that I was writing for other people, and not for myself. Each word was written as I'd want someone to view me as, and not as I was truly experiencing it. I'm sure that makes no sense to an outsider, but it makes sense to me. I'm going to continue writing this blog not for any passers-by that may come upon it, but for me.

You know what's adorable? The post just two below this one. 'I ran my longest distance ever! 1.62 miles!'

I just got in from a 5.3 mile run.

I have realized, though, that I haven't significantly increased my distance in a few months. Back in October I broke the 10k barrier. Since then I have yet to run anything above 10k. If I want to meet my new New Year's Resolution I'm going to have to get on that. I probably won't have time for a good distance run tomorrow, but I'm planning on doing 7 miles on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it!