Every post I've written this year has related to fitness. That's a good sign that I'm dedicated to my fitness goals. But I made other goals as well! I'm definitely slacking on those other goals.
I finally picked up my camera today for the first time in weeks. I managed to snap a few pictures at my mom's surprise birthday party. I guess I haven't done anything too picture-worthy lately.
I've read one and a half books so far this year. I read Once A Runner, which was a Christmas gift from my brother. I got half way through Making History by Stephen Fry but haven't read at all since the semester started. I think I will read a bit tonight. I really need to make a point to read at least 15 pages per day. It's not a lot, but that would put me on track to read one or two books per month depending on length.
And I haven't sewn at all! My sister's new baby is due in March and I'd like to make something for her. I really need to pick a pattern and get to sewing!
1.29.2012
1.28.2012
Check out these pictures
Here's a link comparing olympic athletes from all different sports. It's very interesting to see how athletic bodies vary!
1.27.2012
Why do I run?
I ran an easy 4.25 this afternoon. It was snowing, a wet and slushy kind of snow. By the end of it my gloves were soaked and my legs were covered in mud. Afterwards I did 40 pushups, 100 crunches (even though I hate crunches. I just really wanted to complete a quest on Fitocracy), two sets of plank, and side plank. It was a good workout. Intense enough so I don't feel bad about eating so much chocolate today, but not too intense to leave me feeling wiped.
My boyfriend asked me why I run today. The short answer, and the true answer, is simply because it's fun. If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. I'm happy when I run. Even if I'm in a horrible mood, such as last week when my dog ran away in below zero wind chills, a good run will cheer me right up. Some people look miserable when running. Hell, I probably look miserable when running, too, with all the sweat, snot, and what have you. This is what most people look like when running.
But this is what I feel like on the inside.
I feel like I'm constantly smiling when I run.
Plus there are tons of health benefits to running. It can help with weight loss, improve your cardiovascular health, increase stamina and endurance, build leg muscle, so on and so forth.
But why do I really run? Sure, for all the reasons listed above. But honestly? It's when I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile with my life. My life has been full of mediocrity and failure. This is especially evident when compared to my high school friends. Four of us girls were so close in high school. Brenda just graduated and is searching for a 'real' job. Annie is currently in a Master's program. Jenn is graduated with her own business and getting married in June. And where am I? I'm a part time pizza manager. I failed out of my university, went to community college for one year, and am now about a year from graduating from the university. And I didn't get a wedding invitation.
I was a slacker in high school. I didn't take class seriously but passed all the tests with flying colors thanks to my good memory. I thought college would be different. I'd be surrounded by people like me, and I'd be challenged intellectually. But I was also a slacker in college. I thought that since class wasn't required it wouldn't be necessary. Then when I started falling behind I was afraid to reach out for help. I had always been yelled at for failing to play the role in high school whether role was student or proper young lady. Doing things wrong, or not doing things at all, always landed me in trouble. I thought my instructors and advisor in college would be mad at me for being an awful student. So I avoided them. I felt guilty. I slept a lot and cried for squandering opportunity. For three fucking years. It took me completely bottoming out to realize what I was doing wrong with my life.
But that's not who I am anymore. I'm studying hard, working and saving money. I'm not afraid to say 'help me' when it's needed. I'm still far behind, though, both in school and in life as a whole.
So I run. When I run I can forget my problems. Nothing matters for the next 8 miles. Nothing matters as I sprint around the track. Running makes me happy. Running makes me feel productive. I may not own a business, be engaged, or be writing a Master's thesis, but I can run. By the end of this year I'll have a marathon under my belt. 26.2 means something. It's an accomplishment. Amid failing out of college, an overpriced humanities degree, and a slave-wage manager position, at least I can take pride in what my body is capable of. Running makes me feel worthwhile.
If anyone asks, just tell them I do it for fun. Okay?
My boyfriend asked me why I run today. The short answer, and the true answer, is simply because it's fun. If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. I'm happy when I run. Even if I'm in a horrible mood, such as last week when my dog ran away in below zero wind chills, a good run will cheer me right up. Some people look miserable when running. Hell, I probably look miserable when running, too, with all the sweat, snot, and what have you. This is what most people look like when running.
But this is what I feel like on the inside.
I feel like I'm constantly smiling when I run.
Plus there are tons of health benefits to running. It can help with weight loss, improve your cardiovascular health, increase stamina and endurance, build leg muscle, so on and so forth.
But why do I really run? Sure, for all the reasons listed above. But honestly? It's when I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile with my life. My life has been full of mediocrity and failure. This is especially evident when compared to my high school friends. Four of us girls were so close in high school. Brenda just graduated and is searching for a 'real' job. Annie is currently in a Master's program. Jenn is graduated with her own business and getting married in June. And where am I? I'm a part time pizza manager. I failed out of my university, went to community college for one year, and am now about a year from graduating from the university. And I didn't get a wedding invitation.
I was a slacker in high school. I didn't take class seriously but passed all the tests with flying colors thanks to my good memory. I thought college would be different. I'd be surrounded by people like me, and I'd be challenged intellectually. But I was also a slacker in college. I thought that since class wasn't required it wouldn't be necessary. Then when I started falling behind I was afraid to reach out for help. I had always been yelled at for failing to play the role in high school whether role was student or proper young lady. Doing things wrong, or not doing things at all, always landed me in trouble. I thought my instructors and advisor in college would be mad at me for being an awful student. So I avoided them. I felt guilty. I slept a lot and cried for squandering opportunity. For three fucking years. It took me completely bottoming out to realize what I was doing wrong with my life.
But that's not who I am anymore. I'm studying hard, working and saving money. I'm not afraid to say 'help me' when it's needed. I'm still far behind, though, both in school and in life as a whole.
So I run. When I run I can forget my problems. Nothing matters for the next 8 miles. Nothing matters as I sprint around the track. Running makes me happy. Running makes me feel productive. I may not own a business, be engaged, or be writing a Master's thesis, but I can run. By the end of this year I'll have a marathon under my belt. 26.2 means something. It's an accomplishment. Amid failing out of college, an overpriced humanities degree, and a slave-wage manager position, at least I can take pride in what my body is capable of. Running makes me feel worthwhile.
If anyone asks, just tell them I do it for fun. Okay?
1.25.2012
Maybe I'm just doing it wrong
Anyone who knows me can tell you I have horrible time management. I consistently show up 5 minutes late to work. If I tell you I'll be there at 11:00, expect me closer to 11:10. Thanks to my awful time management I only had 40 minutes at the gym, not just to work out but also to shower and change.
Of course I headed straight to the track. I ran my first mile in 7:45 and then my second mile in 7:55. But here's where I went wrong. Instead of going for another mile I decided to hop on the stationary bike. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I get nothing out of the stationary bike. To be fair, I only spent 10:20 and 3 miles on it. I had it set to level 10, though I'm not sure what the means exactly in terms of resistance. Maybe if I spent half an hour on the bike I'd get more out of it, but just sitting there is just as boring as running on the treadmill. I really don't think it's for me. I've tried the bike at the gym before, but I'd much rather be running. It's not nearly as bad as people think!
On the other hand, I can't wait until the snow and ice is gone so I can take out my new bike! There are so many bike paths around here I'd like to explore, and then some!
Of course I headed straight to the track. I ran my first mile in 7:45 and then my second mile in 7:55. But here's where I went wrong. Instead of going for another mile I decided to hop on the stationary bike. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I get nothing out of the stationary bike. To be fair, I only spent 10:20 and 3 miles on it. I had it set to level 10, though I'm not sure what the means exactly in terms of resistance. Maybe if I spent half an hour on the bike I'd get more out of it, but just sitting there is just as boring as running on the treadmill. I really don't think it's for me. I've tried the bike at the gym before, but I'd much rather be running. It's not nearly as bad as people think!
On the other hand, I can't wait until the snow and ice is gone so I can take out my new bike! There are so many bike paths around here I'd like to explore, and then some!
1.24.2012
Today and yesterday's workout
Let's begin with yesterday: I went to the rec center around 5pm. Oh goodness, was it crowded! There wasn't a single locker open in the locker room. The track was absolutely swarming with people, a good majority of them being walkers. I managed to run 5k in 25:30 then did a long plank and side plank. I wanted to follow up on the stationary bicycle but literally every machine in the building was taken.
Now for today's workout: let me preface this all by saying I was having some severe pain this morning. I was unable to sleep last night because this sharp stabbing pain in my lady regions kept me up. It's an intense pain that I've experienced before that comes in waves. I've never experienced child birth, but if I had to guess, I'd say it feels like contractions. It persisted in the morning but thankfully went away by the afternoon. And yes, I'm going to go see a doctor. Don't worry.
Despite all of this I still had to go to my personal fitness class. The teacher set up 18 stations throughout the room. We spent a minute and a half at each station before moving immediately to the next. The stations were (in the order I did them): oblique heel reaches, jump squats, arm circles, mountain climbers, v-ups, bicycles, skipping, jump rope, body weight squats, high knees/butt kicks, pushups, jump overs, body weight lunges, superman, jogging in place, jumping jacks, calf raises, and grapevines. Even though I was tired and still experiencing pain I gave it my all. No half-assing. No giving up. No laughing because I felt silly. I did it all.
1.22.2012
Mixed feelings of today's workout
This afternoon I couldn't decide what to do for a workout. So I logged on to Fitocracy (I have invites if you want one) and decided to knock out a quest. I decided on the As Seen On TV! quest. Jumping jacks, bodyweight lunges, bodyweight squats, pushups, plank, crunches, and bicycle abs. That's not too bad. I did more reps than required by the quest plus added in side plank. I much prefer plank for core building over crunches, but I did the crunches today solely to complete a quest. I'll explain my dislike for crunches at a later time.
Afterwards I wasn't satisfied with my day's workout so I hopped on the treadmill and ran a mile. I ran it in 8:40 with a 2% incline, later increasing to 3% incline in the last quarter mile. I really hate the treadmill. First, it's boring. I just stare at the wall and try to find my happy place. Second, and more important, it's limiting. You're stuck running at one speed, unless of course you want to adjust buttons the entire time. You can't truly push yourself. You're just running with the belt. I much prefer running outside or on a track where I'm truly in control of how I run.
I cooled down from the run by walking a quarter mile at 4mph with a 6% incline. I then moved to stretching. I love stretching. My post-run stretching is very yoga-inspired. It relaxes me so much. After today's stretching I was so relaxed and happy. I felt very at peace with myself.
Overall, today's workout isn't something I typically like. But at least it ended on a good note.
Afterwards I wasn't satisfied with my day's workout so I hopped on the treadmill and ran a mile. I ran it in 8:40 with a 2% incline, later increasing to 3% incline in the last quarter mile. I really hate the treadmill. First, it's boring. I just stare at the wall and try to find my happy place. Second, and more important, it's limiting. You're stuck running at one speed, unless of course you want to adjust buttons the entire time. You can't truly push yourself. You're just running with the belt. I much prefer running outside or on a track where I'm truly in control of how I run.
I cooled down from the run by walking a quarter mile at 4mph with a 6% incline. I then moved to stretching. I love stretching. My post-run stretching is very yoga-inspired. It relaxes me so much. After today's stretching I was so relaxed and happy. I felt very at peace with myself.
Overall, today's workout isn't something I typically like. But at least it ended on a good note.
1.19.2012
A whole lot of running today
Today I ran a lot, but almost none of it was recorded properly.
First, my boyfriend woke me up around 7:45 saying that my little dog had escaped. His tie-out wasn't attached properly so he ran away. The little dog thinks it's a game. He thinks its funny to run around and have me chase him. I would normally walk around leisurely until he decides to come in, but today it was 0F and windy, plus I had class! I spent roughly an hour running through snow banks, up hills, and over ice chasing him. Sometimes I sprinted. Sometimes it was a nice easy jog. For an HOUR. Yes, an HOUR. I didn't catch him. So I left to go to my next class, leaving the poor boy outside in the cold (it's okay, though. My boyfriend stopped by on his lunch break an hour later and caught him. He's safe inside right now).
I was in a horrible mood by the time I got to my second class. Thankfully, that class was Personal Fitness and today was running day. We ran a timed mile where I clocked in a 7:43. Best in the class! I ran an easy half mile (un-timed) to recover. We went back out to the track a few minutes later where everyone did their own thing. Some people walked the entire time, some people walked half the time and jogged half the time. I chose to do intervals. I did two laps easy followed by one lap sprinting. I lost track of how many intervals I did, but it came out to be roughly 15 minutes of intervals.
I wish I had times and distances for everything. Oh well. It was a good workout on an otherwise awful day.
First, my boyfriend woke me up around 7:45 saying that my little dog had escaped. His tie-out wasn't attached properly so he ran away. The little dog thinks it's a game. He thinks its funny to run around and have me chase him. I would normally walk around leisurely until he decides to come in, but today it was 0F and windy, plus I had class! I spent roughly an hour running through snow banks, up hills, and over ice chasing him. Sometimes I sprinted. Sometimes it was a nice easy jog. For an HOUR. Yes, an HOUR. I didn't catch him. So I left to go to my next class, leaving the poor boy outside in the cold (it's okay, though. My boyfriend stopped by on his lunch break an hour later and caught him. He's safe inside right now).
I was in a horrible mood by the time I got to my second class. Thankfully, that class was Personal Fitness and today was running day. We ran a timed mile where I clocked in a 7:43. Best in the class! I ran an easy half mile (un-timed) to recover. We went back out to the track a few minutes later where everyone did their own thing. Some people walked the entire time, some people walked half the time and jogged half the time. I chose to do intervals. I did two laps easy followed by one lap sprinting. I lost track of how many intervals I did, but it came out to be roughly 15 minutes of intervals.
I wish I had times and distances for everything. Oh well. It was a good workout on an otherwise awful day.
1.17.2012
I had a bad day
I had a bad and very long day.
Today was the first day of the semester. My first class is Quantitative Data Analysis. My second class is Personal Fitness. I then have a long break (to be consumed by working out and studying) before my final class of the day--Counseling for Related Professions.
However, I missed all of these. My boyfriend's health hasn't been too good lately so we spent today at the hospital. That's okay. I e-mailed all of my professors and they were completely understanding. I'm doing some school work now!
My time not spent at the hospital today was spent shoveling snow from the driveway, taking care of dogs, and cleaning the house. So now I'm cold and exhausted.
A lot of little things have been bothering me lately. By the time we got home from the hospital tonight I was so upset at expectations placed on me. There's a lot more to this story, but it's something that I don't have the finesse to explain in blog form. So this week instead of having goals and a to-do list in the side bar, I'm simply going to list things that make me happy. I'll probably add some more throughout the week. That small list is a start.
Enjoy some kittens.
And puppies!
Today was the first day of the semester. My first class is Quantitative Data Analysis. My second class is Personal Fitness. I then have a long break (to be consumed by working out and studying) before my final class of the day--Counseling for Related Professions.
However, I missed all of these. My boyfriend's health hasn't been too good lately so we spent today at the hospital. That's okay. I e-mailed all of my professors and they were completely understanding. I'm doing some school work now!
My time not spent at the hospital today was spent shoveling snow from the driveway, taking care of dogs, and cleaning the house. So now I'm cold and exhausted.
A lot of little things have been bothering me lately. By the time we got home from the hospital tonight I was so upset at expectations placed on me. There's a lot more to this story, but it's something that I don't have the finesse to explain in blog form. So this week instead of having goals and a to-do list in the side bar, I'm simply going to list things that make me happy. I'll probably add some more throughout the week. That small list is a start.
Enjoy some kittens.
And puppies!
1.16.2012
Today's workout and new purchases!
This morning I did a little shopping! I went to the mall to pick up the bracelet that my sister gave me for her wedding. It was too big so I had it shortened. I stopped by Victoria's Secret to check out the semi-annual sale (ending soon!) but didn't see anything worth my hard earned money. Yeah, there were plenty of cute things, but nothing that I absolutely HAD to have. The same thing happened at TJ Maxx. I didn't go home empty handed, though. I picked up another sports bra and pair of knee length running tights at Target. They are my absolute faves. I also found a pullover hooded sweatshirt on clearance for $9! I snapped it up and might go back for another! I wore it today while running and absolutely loved it. The only downside is it's a bit difficult to take off when sweaty.
I also picked out a new planner. For the past two years I've been using the same Moleskine weekly planner. It's absolutely perfect! However, I wasn't able to find it in any stores and really need it before the semester starts tomorrow. I found something with a similar layout at Target. Let's just hope the quality holds up all year long. My planners tend to take quite the beating.
I ended up skipping my workout yesterday. It was far too windy to go running, and I was unable to find the motivation to do anything else. I did get out today, though! I ran 4.3 miles in 38:41 then did 30 pushups, plank and side plank. I'm getting kind of bored of just doing pushups, plank and side plank. I need to reach out and do some different post-running exercises!
I practiced some wall handstands as well. My first few days doing them I rushed to get off the wall. Now I'm more concerned about the strength required, so I'm just focusing on staying in the hand stand position against the wall for extended periods of time.
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| These are my old running tights. I bought the exact same pair today. I love how my butt looks in them! |
I ended up skipping my workout yesterday. It was far too windy to go running, and I was unable to find the motivation to do anything else. I did get out today, though! I ran 4.3 miles in 38:41 then did 30 pushups, plank and side plank. I'm getting kind of bored of just doing pushups, plank and side plank. I need to reach out and do some different post-running exercises!
I practiced some wall handstands as well. My first few days doing them I rushed to get off the wall. Now I'm more concerned about the strength required, so I'm just focusing on staying in the hand stand position against the wall for extended periods of time.
1.15.2012
I guess it could be worse
It's supposed to get up to 39 today, so I guess it's not too bad! However, my town isn't too good about clearing snow and ice. I'll have to bundle up and take it slow so I don't injure myself.
Or...you know...puss out and just do body weight exercises indoors.
1.13.2012
Today's workout: exhilarating and disappointing
Today I had to go to my college town to buy a text book for class. Classes start next Tuesday! While I was there I hit up the recreation center for a yoga class. Since I arrived a few minutes early I ran a few laps on the track. I lost track of laps and wasn't keeping exact track of time, but I think I ran roughly 1.3 miles in roughly 10 minutes. I was keeping a faster than normal pace. On the last three or four laps I gradually picked up the pace with each passing lap until I was absolutely flying on the last lap. I wish I could have kept going, but I had a yoga class to make!
I've practiced yoga many times before. I've only taken one class before with this particular instructor. Today's class was calmer than what I'm used to, but it was still invigorating and worked the entire body.
What I did today was good. I worked my body, pushed the pace with running, and tried new poses in yoga. The run was absolutely exhilarating! However, I didn't feel sore or tired from any of it. As I was showering in the locker room I kept thinking 'that's it? Why am I showering? I hardly broke a sweat!' I actually feel a bit disappointed in myself for not doing more after the yoga class.
Who knew I'd ever consider running a mile and an hour of yoga to be disappointing. Me from just one year ago would be in disbelief.
I've practiced yoga many times before. I've only taken one class before with this particular instructor. Today's class was calmer than what I'm used to, but it was still invigorating and worked the entire body.
What I did today was good. I worked my body, pushed the pace with running, and tried new poses in yoga. The run was absolutely exhilarating! However, I didn't feel sore or tired from any of it. As I was showering in the locker room I kept thinking 'that's it? Why am I showering? I hardly broke a sweat!' I actually feel a bit disappointed in myself for not doing more after the yoga class.
Who knew I'd ever consider running a mile and an hour of yoga to be disappointing. Me from just one year ago would be in disbelief.
1.11.2012
A beautiful day before the snow
This afternoon is was 52F and not a cloud in the sky. Right now? In the teens, windy, and snow on the way. Boo!!! Oh well. It's odd how long we've gone without Iowa Winter setting in. I'm ready for the snow, blustery wind, and numbing temperatures.
I had a good run today. I did 5.25 miles in 46:15. I came inside for plank and side plank. I reached a new personal record on plank of 180 seconds! I wanted to do much more, but I got called in to work early.
I'm hoping that at least the wind backs off so I can keep running outside. I'd like to do another 3-5 mile run sometime this week, and then do a longer run on Sunday. I'm at work all day tomorrow (plus the bulk of the snow comes tomorrow!) so I'll be doing body weight exercises indoors.
Now a quick shout-out to one of my fellow newbie runner friends who ran 23km today! That translates to a little over 14 miles! Great job, girl!
I had a good run today. I did 5.25 miles in 46:15. I came inside for plank and side plank. I reached a new personal record on plank of 180 seconds! I wanted to do much more, but I got called in to work early.
I'm hoping that at least the wind backs off so I can keep running outside. I'd like to do another 3-5 mile run sometime this week, and then do a longer run on Sunday. I'm at work all day tomorrow (plus the bulk of the snow comes tomorrow!) so I'll be doing body weight exercises indoors.
Now a quick shout-out to one of my fellow newbie runner friends who ran 23km today! That translates to a little over 14 miles! Great job, girl!
1.10.2012
Today's workout
Today I ran 4 miles in 35:20. It was a nice easy pace as I was experiencing some side pain. For a while there I was convinced my appendix was going to burst, so all through mile 2 I was imagining what I would want to bring with me to the hospital. Turns out I'm fine.
I then picked up my little dog and headed to the park for some hanging leg raises, pushups, plank and side plank. Also at the park was a mom with a darling toddler and two big dogs. Jack was intent on sniffing and playing with the dogs, but he can't be trusted off-leash. After our time at the park we went walking for one mile.
When I workout I tend to listen to the same music. For example, when I run I listen to Lady Gaga. Every run starts with 'Marry The Night.' When I practice handstands I listen to '4 Minutes' by Madonna and Justin Timberlake. Normally when I do any other kind of exercise I listen to terrible pop music like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. However, I've been really into rap lately. For the past several workouts I've been using Eminem during my pushups, plank, and side plank. It might be the new 'normal' for me even though I'm not usually a rap fan.
I then picked up my little dog and headed to the park for some hanging leg raises, pushups, plank and side plank. Also at the park was a mom with a darling toddler and two big dogs. Jack was intent on sniffing and playing with the dogs, but he can't be trusted off-leash. After our time at the park we went walking for one mile.
When I workout I tend to listen to the same music. For example, when I run I listen to Lady Gaga. Every run starts with 'Marry The Night.' When I practice handstands I listen to '4 Minutes' by Madonna and Justin Timberlake. Normally when I do any other kind of exercise I listen to terrible pop music like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. However, I've been really into rap lately. For the past several workouts I've been using Eminem during my pushups, plank, and side plank. It might be the new 'normal' for me even though I'm not usually a rap fan.
1.09.2012
1.07.2012
Calf muscles are feeling better
Tuesday's workout left my calf muscles aching, and it was only exacerbated by running on Wednesday. I spent the past two days limping around like a zombie. I woke up this morning to a little soreness and tightness in my calf muscles, but decided to run anyway.
I did 5k in 25:30. I then took my dog to the park and did 30 pushups, 35 hanging leg raises (with bent leg), plank, and side plank. I tried to run with my dog but he was being uncooperative. We ended up running for about 3 blocks, then walked the remaining 3 or so blocks home.
My calf muscles are still aching a little bit. I'm also having a little soreness on my right ankle. I finished my workout two hours ago, and it's gotten no worse. I'm hoping this won't develop into a few more days of zombie walking.
I did 5k in 25:30. I then took my dog to the park and did 30 pushups, 35 hanging leg raises (with bent leg), plank, and side plank. I tried to run with my dog but he was being uncooperative. We ended up running for about 3 blocks, then walked the remaining 3 or so blocks home.
My calf muscles are still aching a little bit. I'm also having a little soreness on my right ankle. I finished my workout two hours ago, and it's gotten no worse. I'm hoping this won't develop into a few more days of zombie walking.
1.04.2012
Today: nailed it
Yesterday's workout left my calves feeling very tight. They are so bad in fact that I can hardly lower my heels in down dog. It hurts! Normally when I do calf raises I do them from a flat floor or from a piece of wood. Yesterday I decided to do them on the stairs. Ouchie.
I went for a run anyway today. And oh boy, was it a good one.
I mentioned a few days back that I've been falling into a steady and easy pace with all my runs. Today was one of those days where I felt like kicking it up a notch, but again not to full exertion. Mile 1 was 8:15. Mile 2 was 8:09. And then, of freaking course, my phone died. I use my phone to track runs (using Endomondo) and to listen to music. So I ran the remain 1.1 miles with just me and the pavement. I've done this route many times before, so I know it comes to a full 5k. And I also kept up the pace.
I left at 2:36. I came in at 3:01. So that's a 25 minute 5k right there. My usual 5k time is 26-28 minutes.
I wanted to go to the park for some hanging leg raises and chin ups, but a train was passing by. Instead I did plank (150 seconds!) and side plank (60 seconds both sides).
My calves still hurt, though.
I went for a run anyway today. And oh boy, was it a good one.
I mentioned a few days back that I've been falling into a steady and easy pace with all my runs. Today was one of those days where I felt like kicking it up a notch, but again not to full exertion. Mile 1 was 8:15. Mile 2 was 8:09. And then, of freaking course, my phone died. I use my phone to track runs (using Endomondo) and to listen to music. So I ran the remain 1.1 miles with just me and the pavement. I've done this route many times before, so I know it comes to a full 5k. And I also kept up the pace.
I left at 2:36. I came in at 3:01. So that's a 25 minute 5k right there. My usual 5k time is 26-28 minutes.
I wanted to go to the park for some hanging leg raises and chin ups, but a train was passing by. Instead I did plank (150 seconds!) and side plank (60 seconds both sides).
My calves still hurt, though.
1.03.2012
I can recognize my procrastination
I can recognize my procrastination, yet fail to do anything about it. This afternoon I was playing on the internet, and found myself clicking link after link for some form of entertainment. One more picture, one more interesting article, one more laugh. Why? I had so many things I wanted to do. Read a few more chapters of Once a Runner, do the dishes, clean up the dog's mess, workout...but I kept clicking links and wasting away the afternoon.
I was finally able to snap my butt into gear if only for a bit. I read 20 pages of Once a Runner and then worked out.
Today's workout started with 20 pushups. I practiced handstands against the wall (and did a few handstand pushups against the wall). Then I did calf raises with 15 lb weights, lunges with 15 lb weights, russian twists, plank, side plank, and 20 minutes of yoga. The entire yoga video is 40 minutes, I think, but I ran out of time. Also I set a new personal record of both plank and side plank! I held plank for 100 seconds and side plank for 70 seconds on each side.
This is the yoga video I followed.
I'm sure I've posted it before. It's one of my favorite videos! It is part 1 of 4. You can look for the entire series on youtube by searching 'yoga for weightloss.'
I was finally able to snap my butt into gear if only for a bit. I read 20 pages of Once a Runner and then worked out.
Today's workout started with 20 pushups. I practiced handstands against the wall (and did a few handstand pushups against the wall). Then I did calf raises with 15 lb weights, lunges with 15 lb weights, russian twists, plank, side plank, and 20 minutes of yoga. The entire yoga video is 40 minutes, I think, but I ran out of time. Also I set a new personal record of both plank and side plank! I held plank for 100 seconds and side plank for 70 seconds on each side.
This is the yoga video I followed.
I'm sure I've posted it before. It's one of my favorite videos! It is part 1 of 4. You can look for the entire series on youtube by searching 'yoga for weightloss.'
1.01.2012
Just not feeling it today
Today is one of those days where I'm just not feeling it. Things that happened at work last night have left me feeling very stressed and upset. I know some people relieve stress throughout exercise, but for me...exercising when feeling this kind of stress just leads to more stress.
I would have liked to go for a nice long run, but it's even more windy today than it was yesterday. I ran 1 mile on the treadmill at 7mph, then did 45 pushups, 30 jumpsquats, plank and side plank. I started doing a yoga video on YouTube but just couldn't stay focused. I know I can do better than this. I know my body and my mind are capable of more. I'm just letting stupid things cloud my mind today. I think I'm going to try some meditation before I go in to work tonight. And fingers crossed that the person who caused all this isn't there.
I would have liked to go for a nice long run, but it's even more windy today than it was yesterday. I ran 1 mile on the treadmill at 7mph, then did 45 pushups, 30 jumpsquats, plank and side plank. I started doing a yoga video on YouTube but just couldn't stay focused. I know I can do better than this. I know my body and my mind are capable of more. I'm just letting stupid things cloud my mind today. I think I'm going to try some meditation before I go in to work tonight. And fingers crossed that the person who caused all this isn't there.
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