In three months, I hit a new decade. I am not really having any angst about turning 40, but I do want to hit my 40s in great shape. My 30s were hard on my body. I spent much of that time trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or nursing. I looked like this twice:
36 weeks with Jones
36 weeks with Shoo
I went for months without running, I fought postpartum depression with Jones, I didn’t sleep more than two hours in a row for YEARS (thanks, Jones), and at one point I lived on five foods (rice, turkey, pears, sweet potatoes, and avocado) as we tried to figure out what Shoo was allergic too.
In the last few years, I’ve started to get my body back. I’ve trained for and run 2 marathons, 5 half marathons and many shorter races. I eat healthy most of the time. I’m at an ok weight for my body, with incredibly strong legs. In fact, I look pretty good:
But I want to see how much stronger and faster I can get.
To that end, I plan to:
- Cross train – I plan to spend some time with Jillian and maybe with P90x and if that doesn’t seem to float my boat, I’ll head back to the gym.
- Do some speedwork, despite loathing hot weather running.
- Eat “cleaner”. It’s the time of year when fresh vegetables and fruit are everywhere. I plan to take advantage of that. I will not, however, completely give up beer.
I’m kicking off my speed program with the Virtual “Rock Your Socks” 10K. I’m not expecting a PR, but I think it will be a great way to judge where I am now. Along the way, I’ll be joining TMB for the Crossroads 17.75k, hitting up some 5ks for speedwork and to check my improvement along the way, and finishing it all at the Clarendon Day 10K in September to see how I’ve improved.
Hit me up with your favorite DVD or favorite speed workout. I can use all the help I can get! If anyone else wants to join me, I’m happy to link you when I do updates. Let me know. (And don’t forget to sign up for my giveaway before next week.)
My favorite DVD is probably Jillian's shred because it's short enough that you can do it almost everyday, but challenging enough that you still feel like it counts as a workout
Let me know what you think of p90x & jillian – I have some friends who are doing one or the other, and I'm intrigued.And, cute preggo pics!! 🙂
I really like Tae-Bo, and have recently started "Callanetics". It's really mild, and more of a yoga/pilates type thing though.You look fabulous at (almost) forty!!! 🙂
I love it! YOu have a goal and an action plan and you are going to be SOOO fit! (more so than you already are)Also, I have to say… you look much more youthful and vibrant with your shorter hair cut! Of course, you are about to pop out a baby in both of thos pics, so this might not be a fair comparison. 😉
You will for sure be a fab 40! Trust me it really is a wonderful decade. As for workouts, there's nothing like a speed ladder. ex: 1600m, 1000m, 2x800m, 4x400m.I also love plyometric intervals.
love seeing the prego pics. I love that you're more fit now than ever it looks! now that's the way to go into the next phase of life!and for me, i love xtraining in the tri world. and especially at the moment for me since i can't run for a few weeks. so i love swimming and biking, along with strength training.maybe your next 'phase' should include dabbling in the tri world!;-)
The twenties and thirties were extremely hard on my body as well. I spent 13 years straight either preggo or nursing, ughhhhh….. Glad I have the kiddos, but the stretch marks I can do without, lol! I've never tried either of those DVD's, you'll have to let us know how they go! Personally, I think women peak at 40, so here's to being faster and stronger than ever! : )
You do look fab! And with these changes you are going to rock your 40's. I am so excited that we are going to get to run together. I can barely stay in my chair!!
You LOOK AWESOME! And I hear (which almost makes me want to do it…almost) that after having kids women tend to get faster and fitter with their running! So, I think you're on your way to meeting your goals!!!Happy Friday!
For speed, I do like 800s…but they are so hard for me! I am eating healthier too…I don't drink beer, but for me, I won't give up my Starbucks. 🙂
You my dear look FABULOUS (with all caps) Great job!I just heard about the p90x, tell me all about it! I am thinking of looking into it further! Have a wonderful weekend!
You look fabulous! Great goals! I like Jillian's 30 day shred. Haven't tried the P90x but can't wait to read about your take on it!
I know how you feel with no sleep and post partum for sure!! Running and KICKBOXING have become my most favorite outlets and "little blue pill" all in one:) I do a cardio kickboxing class where you bounce around and hit bags and not only is it a good stress relief, it's an AMAZING workout!
Great plan! Jillian's no more trouble zones is also a good video for strength training. For speed work, I really like ladder workouts at the track – 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, 800, 400 – for example.
I so remember the days of babies! It was worth it but so hard on the body.You look fantastic and are going to rock your 40s for sure!!I have been loving p90x and I modify it to fit my schedule instead of the other way around.I have seen great results in my running from doing it. I think my legs are stronger so I go faster and I can run longer with better form because my core is stronger and can hold my upper body up without my form going all wonky.
I'm working on "Falling Apart by Fifty" It's much easier to accomplish. ;-P
You look great! I like Jillian's Shred workouts and I sometimes exercise with the Cindy Whitmarsh workouts, too.
you have a great plan! And some great races planned.
looks like great goals! best of luck, i'm sure you'll hit them all!!!!
At my 40th I said this was going to be MY decade – married at 20, first baby at 22yo then last at 32yo, it was definitely time :)No ideas for training, I'm planning on getting a PT twice a week to work on strengthening the rest of my body because I have no idea where to start.Good luck – and YES!! you look great 🙂
Cute pictures of you preggers:) I think you have it all figured out! I should start to eat a little cleaner too. I just turned 40 in January and kind of was thinking the same thing…I want to be healthy and look & feel great! It will be interesting to see what your numbers look like in the fall. I am hoping to shave time off of all my races:)I agree with everyone else…you look fantastic! Happy Friday:)
Wow, you really have put your body through a lot this past decade! And though I think you look great right now (both in pictures and in person!), it sounds like a fun challenge. Unfortunately, I'm of absolutely no help at all when it comes to speed work or workout videos, but I'll keep tuning in to cheer you on 🙂
You DO look great–congrats to you! As to speed workouts, I have tons I'd be happy to share. Do you run on the track usually for speed or the road?
I have p90x. Can't get past the 3rd day.I also hate speedwork, all of them.Sorry, girl – I'm no help here 😉
You look great and this is a fantastic goal! I've really only tried jillian's 30 day shred. she kicks my weak butt. And I'm glad you aren't giving up beer. Some treats are necessary!
You look great! I despise speed work. Ugh! I do it but wonder if it is helping when my attitude is so bad. I looked horrible in my early 40s and much better at 50!!
DVD workouts are tough for me because I get bored with them after a couple times..I'd rather run…so that's what I go do.I do like Tae-bo though. That is the one DVD I've done too many times to count. Lots of people I know have tried p90x. I'm trying to eat cleaner for summer too!
This is an excellent speed workout/drill set:http://blog.coachingendurance.com/2010/04/sparker-circuit-quick-workout.htmlI go to the gym a lot but these drillsets do make you speedier. I hear great things about P90X but don't own it so haven't tried itLove your pregnant pics….weren't those years just aweful to our bods??? Ugh. My oldest (twins) are almost 15, I'm still recoverying ;). Happy Weekend!
I have a few of Jillian's dvds. If you're lacking in strength training, I highly recommend No More Trouble Zones. 30 Day Shred is cool too. It's short and bittersweet. I HATE level 3.
I seriously can not believe those pictures are of you. You look fantastic now! And as I always remind people I get my butt kicked at races all the time by 40 year olds. I truly believe that women are like wine – better with age 🙂 Thanks for commeting on my blog the other day – I really needed it 🙂
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