While there were many awesome things about this summer, I have to say that taking care of my personal health was not a high priority. My exercise levels were low and my eating was poor. I hate hot weather, so I spent way too much time inside, much of it sitting in front of a computer. I swear I experience something like SAD every summer. Being hot just makes me feel out of sorts. Add in a bit of crappy running, a touch of perimenopause, and frustration with the way my clothes are fitting and you have a recipe for someone in need of change. So, as we head into my favorite part of the year, I'm making some changes to jump start feeling more like myself. I'm joining the Friday Five linkup with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia by sharing 5 … [Read more...]
Cross Training: Pure Barre Review
When Patty and April suggested we use the topic "cross training" for this week's Tuesdays on the Run, I just laughed. After all, that meant my post was basically going to be: Cross training: I don't. But that didn't seem like a very good post, so I went out and cross trained. Seriously, the things I do for you people. With a little nudging from Courtney, yesterday I attended my second Pure Barre class. I'd attended one class before that was offered to MRTT members, but it was in a location too far from my house. I know myself - I can barely make it to the yoga and bike studios that are walkable from my house. It's totally unlikely I'd *drive* 20 minutes to work out. Anyways, a new studio has opened and it's easy to … [Read more...]
Friday Five: Favorite Fitness Activities
When the ladies of the DC Trifecta (Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney) suggested "Five favorite fitness activities" as the topic for today, my initial response was "I only run". And, well, that may be true right at the moment, but it wasn't always that way. I mean, running will be my number one love as long as my body agrees, but the days of forcing myself to workout are long gone. I work out now because I love how it feels. I'm looking forward to mixing some cross training back into my life in a few weeks. So, here are my five favorite ways to get the blood pumping: 1. Running - I love running. It makes me happy. Even when a run sucks, it's better than no running at all. 6 years ago, I ran my first 8k. It nearly killed me. I'd … [Read more...]
I’m so fickle
Apparently I'm in love with running again. Or not. But tomorrow I might be. I feel like a 13 year old girl with her first crush. It seems I only love running when the weather is perfect and the timing is right. And, as one might expect from Virginia in August, it's hot and humid again. I tried to do everything right yesterday: I woke up and put on running clothes. I didn't shower. I even planned when I'd run. And then I just didn't do it. I could blame it on my crazy day: two work meetings, calls with insurance (both car and house), meeting with a contractor about house repairs, a call with the county about the car, the maid service, Jones' cello practice... I could blame it on being tired: I haven't slept well for the last … [Read more...]
The best laid plans…
The plan: Take the kids to camp and then hit the gym for 30 minutes of elliptical and lower body weights. The reality: I could not find parking anywhere near the gym. It's attached to a middle school, so I think there must have been some sort of back to school thing going on. I considered running, but since I ran the last two days, I wanted to do something else. Enter BexLife. I "know" Bex through FitFluential. She's not only one of the nicest people out there, she's also got some amazing workouts. I've watched a few videos in the past, but I'd be lying if I said I'd ever been up for trying one. Today I did. Here's the one I used: OMGoodness! I did a short warm up of walking my stairs and some "high knees" and then … [Read more...]
Something new: TNT Fitness
I've been really trying to shake things up around here. I'm running pain free again, which generally means I drop all cross training and just get my run on. For once, I'm trying to be smart and not do that. I had a good run at the relay on Saturday and slow but pain free run on Sunday. So, Monday I hit up the elliptical at the gym. I'm going with the plan of no more than two runs in a row. Wonder how long I'll manage to hold back... Anyways, I was planning to run today, but when a friend offered me the chance to take one of his TNT Fitness classes, I went for it. (I'm a sucker for a FREE workout.) To say that I might not be lifting my arms tomorrow may just be an understatement. We started the class with some leg lift, toe … [Read more...]
Functional Cross Training
Remember that basement renovation I've mentioned? Well, I got a call from my contractor this morning saying they'd be here in an hour!! Holy Crap!!I quickly dropped Jones off at school and then got one of Shoo's friends to take him to their house. I spent the next 1.5 hours dumping stuff in laundry baskets and the few remaining boxes I have. I moved furniture (I am woman, hear me roar!). I carried boxes. I went up and down my stairs at least 50 times. I got so warm, I actually was down to shorts and a running bra at one point.But, I did it! The basement was ready when they arrived.My living room? It's seen better days...(Mondetta winner will be announced after I manage to clear a … [Read more...]
Three Things Thursday
1. I joined a gym. Really. And I even did my first work out there. Our county has several really good gyms and it's a really small county, so there are two really close to my house. Their annual fee is reasonable, but I wasn't ready for that commitment. As a pilot program, they are currently offering a three month membership that is only a couple dollars more per month than the annual, so I jumped on that today. As long as I go to the gym at least 7 times over the three months, it's a better deal than paying the daily rate. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, 15 minutes on a stationary bike, and a wee bit of lifting. I may not be able to move tomorrow.2. Today I also received the gift of time. That's a gift that I will take any … [Read more...]
Why am I even posting?
Not a whole lot has changed around here...I'm still undecided on the whole marathon thing;I'm still working on booking stuff in Alaska;I'm still emotionally unstable (perimenopause kicks PMS' a$$)Despite the fact that I've put aside my marathon decision until a point in time where I can make a decision without crying or yelling, I've started training. I'm cobbling together a plan from Hal Higdon, FIRST, and some of JoyRun's previous plans. Basically the mileage Hal suggests at his intermediate level, minus one day of running per week, some FIRST speedwork, and some tweaks from Joy. Will it work? Who knows, but since I may be training for a marathon I never run, I guess it'll be a fun experiment.Sunday was my first speed workout. I did … [Read more...]
Cross Training
I'm pretty much just a runner. I don't bike. I don't swim. I very seldom do videos or take classes. But the last few days, I've done more cross training than I have in a very long time. I've shoveled snow, I've chipped ice off of our unplowed street, I've pulled Shoo and Jones around our yard on their sled more times than I can count. And I hurt. My shoulders ache, my thighs are tight, and my calves are crying. CRYING, I tell you! I'm sort of scared of what I'm going to feel like tomorrow! I used to think I was in pretty good shape. Now I'm beginning to wonder.Actually, I must be in pretty decent shape. Beer Geek and I are getting new life insurance and we got approved at the Preferred + level, which means we are darned healthy … [Read more...]
