Since the garmin and I are on a break, I have been playing around with a few things the past month (in hopes of keeping myself entertained and sane during these hot summer months). So one thing that I have been focusing on, due to its weakness in my previous training cycles and just training in general, is hills.
In living in the lower mainland of BC, one doesn't have to run far to encounter a 'hill' of some sort. But all hills are different so I suppose my main question, is what kind of elevation gain classifies a hill as being useful for hill training? I know that for me, with starting out, the hill can't be a mile plus of straight incline (yes, Whatcom 'Hill', I'm talking about you). The elevation gain is far too great and too long for my legs to start out on, and with little to no breathing room to recover I find it mentally and physically overwhelming and defeating.
Thankfully, I have a hill by my house that for right now is a good first step in this hill training process. The roads are set up in such a way that it is a 1.15 mile loop (thanks Map My Run) with a .25 mile flat stretch, and an elevation change of 70 ft. I like this hill because it's short, a loop (which naturally, you don't look as crazy running a loop multiple times in comparison to up and down a hill... right?), and has a flat stretch that allows a small break and recovery stretch to stretch the legs out and find my rhythm again.
Now whether or not this is what a hill work out looks like I have no idea, but right now I do a small warm up and then hit up this hill. Last night I did the hill loop twice, cooled down and then stretched my legs out in hopes of preventing things from getting tight or sore... This morning my butt is definitely reminding me of the hills and lunges I did yesterday (yesterday morning I attempted to go for a run, didn't work so as punishment I made myself do lunges in the catwalk... ever notice how long catwalks are! That thing was never ending). So for the first time, in quite some time, my body is sore, in a good way. Its nice to wake up and be reminded of a previous days workout, it makes me feel like I'm improving again or working towards something, even if I'm not too sure what it is.
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Misconceptions and Bad Race Day Signs
Hey, so after the debacle at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon I hit up the pool last week. Its amazing what staring at the bottom of the pool for an hour does to my concept of self, and strength. Despite the fact that it was my first practice of the Summer session (ya, everyone else was in their second week- thanks awesome cold) I felt strong the next day. Sure all of my shoulder muscles felt like they were going to bust out of my shirt like the incredible Hulk they were so strained (Fly set the first day back = death the next day), but it hurt so GOOOOD.
Anyways, this Sunday I went for a 12 mile run, taking it easy ensuring that I walked when needed and took in plenty of fluids. Despite the slight rain, it is officially to warm out in the Lower Mainland of BC for a coat or long sleeve layers for this kid. So I took off my rain coat, tucked it in real good to my water belt at mile 2 and kept on trucking on. While I was running I thought of a few things pertaining to running and what my opinion was on the matter. Often at Marathons you see people holding signs, thinking that they are funny or will be motivating, such as:
'You thought they said RUM didn't you'
'Worst parade ever'
'Chafing is Sexy'
'Last Hill Ahead' (often followed by multiple hills... thanks awesome, cruel spectator)
etc... So on Sunday I thought of some of the signs I see and discussions with people who aren't runners I have pertaining to running so here is me debunking, and sharing some thoughts with you.
-Chafing is sexy: Clearly the people who hold these signs have never experienced it... Chafing is not sexy, it hurts like nothing else, tends to go unnoticed until after or worse is noticed and gets progressively worse causing one to curse the fact that they didn't factor in the humidity or light rain fall while skipping out on the body glide
- I could never run, I don't enjoy it: While, want to get in on a little secret, I enjoy what running brings to my life (healthy heart, endurance etc) but I often do not enjoy it either. I run because I like the idea of who I can be as a runner. I run because it helps my sanity and allows me to get lost for a moment in time and day dream about what my life may be. I'm not artistic, and although I'd rather grab a bowl of ice cream and reflect on these thoughts, I don't think I would appreciate the long term effects of being that type of person.
- I could never be that motivated or disciplined: while runners appear to be motivated and disciplined, we also go out for runs for other reasons, such as to be social, hang out with others, or be with people without having to talk with people (seriously, go out running on a Saturday or Sunday morning, odds are you will be with other people)... also, it is always an added bonus when you cross paths with some eye candy ;) Hey whatever gets you out the door :)
- I'm not in good enough shape to be a runner: Umm... thats why you should start running or walking? So that you can then become a person who happens to run for a certain period of time, and once your ready, you can identify yourself a runner. In my experience the running community is not one to judge, we come in all shapes, sizes, economic status and backgrounds. Anyone who is out there and giving it a shot we applaud and embrace as one of us. My friends viewed me as a runner long before I ever came to accept this term.
-I don't have the time: We all have the time, it is if you are willing to make the time or adjust your schedule to fit it in. Being a healthy or healthier person starts with small changes, so I do find it difficult when people compliment or admire me but cling to this idea that they themselves could never be an active person it is rather annoying. Despite how busy and chaotic life may be, opportunities to hold the butter, or take the stairs do still exist.
Anyways, moving on to this week up ahead:
Monday - Swimming 1 hour (it was a free set)
Tuesday - potential work out dvd, and swimming 1 hour
Wednesday - Running (no time or distance determined)
Thursday - Swimming
Friday - Running
Saturday - Long Run (2 plus hours)
Happy Tuesday, and Provincial Election day :)
Anyways, this Sunday I went for a 12 mile run, taking it easy ensuring that I walked when needed and took in plenty of fluids. Despite the slight rain, it is officially to warm out in the Lower Mainland of BC for a coat or long sleeve layers for this kid. So I took off my rain coat, tucked it in real good to my water belt at mile 2 and kept on trucking on. While I was running I thought of a few things pertaining to running and what my opinion was on the matter. Often at Marathons you see people holding signs, thinking that they are funny or will be motivating, such as:
'You thought they said RUM didn't you'
'Worst parade ever'
'Chafing is Sexy'
'Last Hill Ahead' (often followed by multiple hills... thanks awesome, cruel spectator)
etc... So on Sunday I thought of some of the signs I see and discussions with people who aren't runners I have pertaining to running so here is me debunking, and sharing some thoughts with you.
-Chafing is sexy: Clearly the people who hold these signs have never experienced it... Chafing is not sexy, it hurts like nothing else, tends to go unnoticed until after or worse is noticed and gets progressively worse causing one to curse the fact that they didn't factor in the humidity or light rain fall while skipping out on the body glide
- I could never run, I don't enjoy it: While, want to get in on a little secret, I enjoy what running brings to my life (healthy heart, endurance etc) but I often do not enjoy it either. I run because I like the idea of who I can be as a runner. I run because it helps my sanity and allows me to get lost for a moment in time and day dream about what my life may be. I'm not artistic, and although I'd rather grab a bowl of ice cream and reflect on these thoughts, I don't think I would appreciate the long term effects of being that type of person.
- I could never be that motivated or disciplined: while runners appear to be motivated and disciplined, we also go out for runs for other reasons, such as to be social, hang out with others, or be with people without having to talk with people (seriously, go out running on a Saturday or Sunday morning, odds are you will be with other people)... also, it is always an added bonus when you cross paths with some eye candy ;) Hey whatever gets you out the door :)
- I'm not in good enough shape to be a runner: Umm... thats why you should start running or walking? So that you can then become a person who happens to run for a certain period of time, and once your ready, you can identify yourself a runner. In my experience the running community is not one to judge, we come in all shapes, sizes, economic status and backgrounds. Anyone who is out there and giving it a shot we applaud and embrace as one of us. My friends viewed me as a runner long before I ever came to accept this term.
-I don't have the time: We all have the time, it is if you are willing to make the time or adjust your schedule to fit it in. Being a healthy or healthier person starts with small changes, so I do find it difficult when people compliment or admire me but cling to this idea that they themselves could never be an active person it is rather annoying. Despite how busy and chaotic life may be, opportunities to hold the butter, or take the stairs do still exist.
Anyways, moving on to this week up ahead:
Monday - Swimming 1 hour (it was a free set)
Tuesday - potential work out dvd, and swimming 1 hour
Wednesday - Running (no time or distance determined)
Thursday - Swimming
Friday - Running
Saturday - Long Run (2 plus hours)
Happy Tuesday, and Provincial Election day :)
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Calorie's Counting - to track or not to track?
Hey all, So Monday evening was my first 'properly done' tempo run... Ya it definitely hurt, but I definitely did not help it by my pre run fueling... which sparked the conversation the next day with my friend about our diet (composition of what we eat, not a diet that we are doing), so I figured I'd share some of my thoughts on this matter.
First of all - stuffing my face post work day with mini eggs, followed by dinner, followed by a cupcake, followed by a tempo run... NOT A GOOD IDEA! Seriously, when will I learn and grow up... you do these things after!! (For improper usage of fuel/recovery, I mean, come on, I love me a cupcake and mini eggs but there is no way that helps in my muscle recovery... especially since my body doesn't digest wheat at the best of times). The thing to remember, is that just because you exercise, that does not give you free reign to eat straight out of the ice cream carton, or stuff your face with cupcakes until you are about to burst (despite how tasty and bright this idea may seem at the time).
For the past 3 years or so I've been experimenting with what foods work for my body, and which ones don't (which one's can my body process and feel good after I eat, and which one's make me what to vomit or feel bloated... seriously, when this journey first started I did not realize most people did not feel like vomiting after they ate). And, I'm not there yet. I definitely do not have everything figured out with regards to my body, but one thing that I have learned through this process is that Calorie counting is not for me. I know for plenty of people this is a really good way of making sure that they are eating enough or not over eating throughout the day, but for me, it is more important that I focus on what types of foods I am putting into my body. Am I getting enough protein, dairy, vitamin D, carbs (that big bad word to many)? Am I fueling my body with food that is going to give me energy to get through my work day, as well as my work out after work? If this is not happening, I'm going to be: exhausted, cranky, irritable, and binge on something that my body isn't needing (like chocolate Cadbury mini eggs... 4 hand fulls of them).
It is important to remember though, that while I may be working on lowering my BMI, or body % fat, it is my body composition that I am concerned about, not my weight. And at the end of the day, I'm really not that stringent or fixated on this, I just want to make sure that throughout this next training stretch I am maintaining these numbers. I have realized that I need to shake this idea that at 5 ft 4 I should weigh 120 lbs like the celebrities in the magazines, or follow the 1200 calorie a day model given to people who want to lose weight but aren't active. My body is strong, it has gotten me through a marathon, it biked to Fort Langley and back from my house, it runs in the rain, swims in the rain, it is strong and I need to respect it by properly fueling. For me, calorie counting or tracking at this point in time isn't conducive to what I am trying to do, now that may change, but as of now, I am not a calorie counter and I do not think I need to be.
Workout so far this week:
Monday - Tempo Run: 5 min walk warm up, 3 miles at 9:04 min/mile, 3.67 miles at 8:48/mile, 5 min walk cool down, followed by stretching and foam rolling.
Tuesday - Workout DVD Tuesday: Shed and Shred by Jillian Michaels... it was all good until after the warm-up and we started to do plank hops... ya, that sucked.
Today I'm taking a rest day,but tomorrow will be my first sprint set... unless I get too scared or intimidated... I will keep you posted.
Happy Wednesday! Any workouts for you or are you on a rest day too?
First of all - stuffing my face post work day with mini eggs, followed by dinner, followed by a cupcake, followed by a tempo run... NOT A GOOD IDEA! Seriously, when will I learn and grow up... you do these things after!! (For improper usage of fuel/recovery, I mean, come on, I love me a cupcake and mini eggs but there is no way that helps in my muscle recovery... especially since my body doesn't digest wheat at the best of times). The thing to remember, is that just because you exercise, that does not give you free reign to eat straight out of the ice cream carton, or stuff your face with cupcakes until you are about to burst (despite how tasty and bright this idea may seem at the time).
For the past 3 years or so I've been experimenting with what foods work for my body, and which ones don't (which one's can my body process and feel good after I eat, and which one's make me what to vomit or feel bloated... seriously, when this journey first started I did not realize most people did not feel like vomiting after they ate). And, I'm not there yet. I definitely do not have everything figured out with regards to my body, but one thing that I have learned through this process is that Calorie counting is not for me. I know for plenty of people this is a really good way of making sure that they are eating enough or not over eating throughout the day, but for me, it is more important that I focus on what types of foods I am putting into my body. Am I getting enough protein, dairy, vitamin D, carbs (that big bad word to many)? Am I fueling my body with food that is going to give me energy to get through my work day, as well as my work out after work? If this is not happening, I'm going to be: exhausted, cranky, irritable, and binge on something that my body isn't needing (like chocolate Cadbury mini eggs... 4 hand fulls of them).
It is important to remember though, that while I may be working on lowering my BMI, or body % fat, it is my body composition that I am concerned about, not my weight. And at the end of the day, I'm really not that stringent or fixated on this, I just want to make sure that throughout this next training stretch I am maintaining these numbers. I have realized that I need to shake this idea that at 5 ft 4 I should weigh 120 lbs like the celebrities in the magazines, or follow the 1200 calorie a day model given to people who want to lose weight but aren't active. My body is strong, it has gotten me through a marathon, it biked to Fort Langley and back from my house, it runs in the rain, swims in the rain, it is strong and I need to respect it by properly fueling. For me, calorie counting or tracking at this point in time isn't conducive to what I am trying to do, now that may change, but as of now, I am not a calorie counter and I do not think I need to be.
Workout so far this week:
Monday - Tempo Run: 5 min walk warm up, 3 miles at 9:04 min/mile, 3.67 miles at 8:48/mile, 5 min walk cool down, followed by stretching and foam rolling.
Tuesday - Workout DVD Tuesday: Shed and Shred by Jillian Michaels... it was all good until after the warm-up and we started to do plank hops... ya, that sucked.
Today I'm taking a rest day,but tomorrow will be my first sprint set... unless I get too scared or intimidated... I will keep you posted.
Happy Wednesday! Any workouts for you or are you on a rest day too?
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Plank a Day
Happy Workout DVD Tuesday! Woot Woot! I am so ready to bust a move tonight, followed by the inevitable not being able to move and cringe every time I go up the stairs at work for the rest of the week. I mean it just hurts so good!!
Anywho! So last week Wednesday there was no Wicked Workout. The hole in the treadmill has me a little scared to use it, plus I had a looming deadline on Thursday so I would not have had time anyways. Thursday and Friday I didn't end up doing any form of exercise because I was being lazy, additionally after work on Friday a friend was coming over to watch the hockey game...
Geography does not depict my team of choice
Yes I am from BC, Yes I live around Vancouver, but NO I am not a Canucks Fan ;)... It is amazing that I can go out and not get heckled too much... my Mom says its because I'm a female sports fan, I don't know what the reason is, but I will take it! (So coming into work on Monday may have slightly sucked... but hey, at least I ain't no closet fan!)
Moving on! Saturday I had every intention of going outside for a long run... instead I baked, swept the floors and washed all of the mats in the house... Ya... I don't think this was a very good excuse but I don't know, I just couldn't find the motivation. While it may have been a beautiful, sunny day on Saturday, I chose the rainy Sunday to go for a run...
Anywho! So last week Wednesday there was no Wicked Workout. The hole in the treadmill has me a little scared to use it, plus I had a looming deadline on Thursday so I would not have had time anyways. Thursday and Friday I didn't end up doing any form of exercise because I was being lazy, additionally after work on Friday a friend was coming over to watch the hockey game...
Yes I am from BC, Yes I live around Vancouver, but NO I am not a Canucks Fan ;)... It is amazing that I can go out and not get heckled too much... my Mom says its because I'm a female sports fan, I don't know what the reason is, but I will take it! (So coming into work on Monday may have slightly sucked... but hey, at least I ain't no closet fan!)
Moving on! Saturday I had every intention of going outside for a long run... instead I baked, swept the floors and washed all of the mats in the house... Ya... I don't think this was a very good excuse but I don't know, I just couldn't find the motivation. While it may have been a beautiful, sunny day on Saturday, I chose the rainy Sunday to go for a run...
Wasting time before Super Bowl the only way I know how
However, this run ended up being great! First - I figured out my running clothes for the Fort Langley Half. Second - Outside speed work (hello 8:34 min miles!) and finally- steep little hills that are quite comparable to the Fort Langley Half hills.... it may not have been a high mileage run, but it did boost my confidence and I now have a game plan going into the Fort Langley Half.
The thing about Half Marathons after you've trained and done a full, is that they seem like no biggy. You know your body, you know your limits and you know how hard you can push yourself. Sure I likely should have trained a bit harder for this run, but the thing is that I know that I'm stronger than I was last year physically and mentally. Plus, I have the confidence in myself to know that I can finish. :)
Now, Seeing as the Fort Langley Half is quickly approaching, that means another event is happening... HAWAII!! Which is why the title of this post is 'Plank a Day'. Now until Hawaii I will be doing... a plank a day! (thank goodness I have new music on the iPod because i'm going to need it.) Last night I started my Ab workout and finished it with 3 planks (2 x 60 secs, 1 x 90 secs). From February 4th- March 16th I will be doing at least a 1 minute plank a day... ya I realize to most people this isn't even an issue, but for me, well this is the start of something I often say I'm going to do or would be a great idea, but don't follow through on (Beyonce may or may not have had a motivation factor... she looked AMAZING!).
So, happy Tuesday, I hope you all enjoyed the Super Bowl (and Beyonce!!! I may or may not have screamed when Destiney's Child was reunited... and was refrained from dancing only because my friends boyfriend was there), and bring on the 2013 NFL season, us Seahawk Fans are ready.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Does Painting count as a workout?
So I realize that my reasoning for creating this little blog seems to have failed as I am lacking on posting and thus keeping myself accountable... but I'm hoping that once next week has past I will be able to actually put some time and energy into this... more about that later (I know, annoying right... why even mention it?)
Anywho, so my wicked workout Wednesday, it actual turned into a wicked run... ya 7 miles on the treadmill refusing to get off the darn thing! It felt great! It was good to finally get some mileage into my runs, and mentally it is just such a relief to exceed the 6 miler mark.. For me, once I pass 4 miles, they all begin to meld together. I think every runner has that point, at some distance or another when it becomes easy... Unfortunately there is an end to that (mine is likely around 14 miles... meaning that for a half i'm totally fine once I pass the 4 mile mark but for the full I somewhat end up dying and wanting to cry once I hit 14 miles and often you can see the half marathoners finish as you are forced to carry on...)
Anyways! So last Wednesday, awesome run! Pretty sure I took Thursday off if I can recall correctly, and then Friday my big project began. For my moms birthday (which is in December) I had given her a card with a paint swatch in it, indicating that I would repaint the downstairs rec room (the last room in the house that needed to be redone!) for her birthday and Christmas present... yes I know many are opposed to combined gifts, but most of my family is born in November and December so funds are tight and ideas become limited.... I mean sure she wanted gift cards for her koboo reader but seriously, how lame would that be?!
So, this weekend my parents were gone so I figured it was the perfect time to redo the basement! I did the taping and filling on Friday evening, and then Saturday I did the first coat of paint in the morning turned the heat on, ate a late lunch and did the second coat. On Sunday I went to Swim Practice, and then came home before my parents got there and quickly moved the furniture around... does anyone know how heavy a treadmill is? Let me tell you, that was a precarious situation I found myself in but alas, the furniture was moved!
They came home were surprised, I still had to do one wall and a bit due to the set up of the room (the tv and ALL of its accessories needed to be moved before I could get to that wall) so Monday and Tuesday were spent to coat number one and coat number 2 in that area. So now, Wednesday is here once again, and it has been a week since I've run *gulp* oops.....
Well, painting worked muscles in my arms and hands I did not know existed, or perhaps their lack of existence is why I was sore... So, hopefully that plus the permanent squats I was doing means that tonight when I try to tackle a run it will not completely suck...
Oh and by the way, swimming on Sunday was great, had a bit of a break through and in someways it was completely depressing in realizing that having taken so much time off from it the strokes had changed so much.... Oh well, perhaps I will be proof that sometimes, once in a while, you can teach an old dog new tricks... if it isn't too stubborn to give it a shot...
So whatever you are up to today, just remember, you are halfway through the week, the weekend is in your grasp, so even though you may bribe yourself with the thought of bed right after work go for a walk, a quick run or a home circuit while watching your favorite wednesday night show... whatever gets the blood flowing :)
Happy Wicked Workout Wednesday!!!
Anywho, so my wicked workout Wednesday, it actual turned into a wicked run... ya 7 miles on the treadmill refusing to get off the darn thing! It felt great! It was good to finally get some mileage into my runs, and mentally it is just such a relief to exceed the 6 miler mark.. For me, once I pass 4 miles, they all begin to meld together. I think every runner has that point, at some distance or another when it becomes easy... Unfortunately there is an end to that (mine is likely around 14 miles... meaning that for a half i'm totally fine once I pass the 4 mile mark but for the full I somewhat end up dying and wanting to cry once I hit 14 miles and often you can see the half marathoners finish as you are forced to carry on...)
Anyways! So last Wednesday, awesome run! Pretty sure I took Thursday off if I can recall correctly, and then Friday my big project began. For my moms birthday (which is in December) I had given her a card with a paint swatch in it, indicating that I would repaint the downstairs rec room (the last room in the house that needed to be redone!) for her birthday and Christmas present... yes I know many are opposed to combined gifts, but most of my family is born in November and December so funds are tight and ideas become limited.... I mean sure she wanted gift cards for her koboo reader but seriously, how lame would that be?!
So, this weekend my parents were gone so I figured it was the perfect time to redo the basement! I did the taping and filling on Friday evening, and then Saturday I did the first coat of paint in the morning turned the heat on, ate a late lunch and did the second coat. On Sunday I went to Swim Practice, and then came home before my parents got there and quickly moved the furniture around... does anyone know how heavy a treadmill is? Let me tell you, that was a precarious situation I found myself in but alas, the furniture was moved!
They came home were surprised, I still had to do one wall and a bit due to the set up of the room (the tv and ALL of its accessories needed to be moved before I could get to that wall) so Monday and Tuesday were spent to coat number one and coat number 2 in that area. So now, Wednesday is here once again, and it has been a week since I've run *gulp* oops.....
Well, painting worked muscles in my arms and hands I did not know existed, or perhaps their lack of existence is why I was sore... So, hopefully that plus the permanent squats I was doing means that tonight when I try to tackle a run it will not completely suck...
Oh and by the way, swimming on Sunday was great, had a bit of a break through and in someways it was completely depressing in realizing that having taken so much time off from it the strokes had changed so much.... Oh well, perhaps I will be proof that sometimes, once in a while, you can teach an old dog new tricks... if it isn't too stubborn to give it a shot...
So whatever you are up to today, just remember, you are halfway through the week, the weekend is in your grasp, so even though you may bribe yourself with the thought of bed right after work go for a walk, a quick run or a home circuit while watching your favorite wednesday night show... whatever gets the blood flowing :)
Happy Wicked Workout Wednesday!!!
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Getting Back to It...
Getting back into it... the Holidays are officially over, the business of the start of the School Year is slowing down in the work place, meaning returning to regular work hours.
With all of this being said, I made a new playlist this weekend to help motivate me when I'm running. I know it is so silly, but seriously an updated playlist with a few new songs or just a rearrangement of old ones makes for a whole new running experience in my books! (This is also when having a treadmill in your house comes in handy, because if you start busting a move or singing while running there are no eye witnesses... not that I would do this but hypothetically speaking).
Last week was a good week, I threw a 5 miler in the mix on Thursday, and then a 4 miler on Saturday and a 3 miler on Sunday. Monday I took the day off and on Tuesday I was supposed to do a new Jillian Michaels workout DVD, but I had a horrid sleep the night before and was at work for 7 am (meeting in Vancouver... for a morning I was like an important person). The whole tossing and turning, and freaking out about the prospect of being late for work resulted in me being rather lazy in the evening and soaking in a bubble bath with water so hot I'm pretty sure I sweated enough that it was like I did an H-core run! (same effect right?... No hmm alright). *Side Note, mothers whether they stay at home or work I have no idea how they do it all and manage to fit in time to workout...I'm one person and I EXHAUST myself!!!*
So anyways, seeing as today is Wednesday, aka humpday, aka 2 more work days until the weekend tonight I'm going to try and make it count. Workout DVD plus a run on the treadmill while watching Chicago Fire? I think so! Lame sauce Wednesday is going to be wicked work out Wednesday!(or thats my story while I'm sitting on my butt at work... come 4: 30 hopefully I will be singing the same tune!!)
With all of this being said, I made a new playlist this weekend to help motivate me when I'm running. I know it is so silly, but seriously an updated playlist with a few new songs or just a rearrangement of old ones makes for a whole new running experience in my books! (This is also when having a treadmill in your house comes in handy, because if you start busting a move or singing while running there are no eye witnesses... not that I would do this but hypothetically speaking).
Last week was a good week, I threw a 5 miler in the mix on Thursday, and then a 4 miler on Saturday and a 3 miler on Sunday. Monday I took the day off and on Tuesday I was supposed to do a new Jillian Michaels workout DVD, but I had a horrid sleep the night before and was at work for 7 am (meeting in Vancouver... for a morning I was like an important person). The whole tossing and turning, and freaking out about the prospect of being late for work resulted in me being rather lazy in the evening and soaking in a bubble bath with water so hot I'm pretty sure I sweated enough that it was like I did an H-core run! (same effect right?... No hmm alright). *Side Note, mothers whether they stay at home or work I have no idea how they do it all and manage to fit in time to workout...I'm one person and I EXHAUST myself!!!*
So anyways, seeing as today is Wednesday, aka humpday, aka 2 more work days until the weekend tonight I'm going to try and make it count. Workout DVD plus a run on the treadmill while watching Chicago Fire? I think so! Lame sauce Wednesday is going to be wicked work out Wednesday!(or thats my story while I'm sitting on my butt at work... come 4: 30 hopefully I will be singing the same tune!!)
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
How Much Is Too Much?
Monday Evening - Ran on Treadmill 6 miles
Tuesday Evening - Ran on Treadmill 3 miles
I first started running long distances, and training for half marathons last year. The end of December 2011 (I think it was the 28th or 29th) I signed up for my first Half Marathon, which was to take place in February. Prior to this, the longest I ran was 4 maybe 6 miles every now and then but I typically stuck with the tried and true 3 miler. As many runners may know, once you start running races, you catch this type of running-bug. So naturally I did another half marathon three months after my first, got into the Nike Women's Marathon and started training for that shortly after my second half marathon.
Although I tried following a training plan, what I quickly realized that my body is not made for high mileage training. I do not think that I will ever be one of those people who can consistently run 5-7 times a week and stay 100% healthy. Instead, 3-4 runs a week, and cross-training (alright, the goal of cross-training, great intentions... but really, who wants to go for a bike ride in December, or drive to the pool in the cold to get into a cold pool and do laps... not this kid), with one rest day every week seems to be the way my body functions best.
So all of this being said, why did I decide to run back to back nights? Because giving advice and adhering to it are two very different things. But perhaps, this upcoming year, I will do a better job at listening to my body, training smart, and cross-training. :)
Like I said, I'm getting a jump start on this whole New Years resolution...
Tuesday Evening - Ran on Treadmill 3 miles
I first started running long distances, and training for half marathons last year. The end of December 2011 (I think it was the 28th or 29th) I signed up for my first Half Marathon, which was to take place in February. Prior to this, the longest I ran was 4 maybe 6 miles every now and then but I typically stuck with the tried and true 3 miler. As many runners may know, once you start running races, you catch this type of running-bug. So naturally I did another half marathon three months after my first, got into the Nike Women's Marathon and started training for that shortly after my second half marathon.
Although I tried following a training plan, what I quickly realized that my body is not made for high mileage training. I do not think that I will ever be one of those people who can consistently run 5-7 times a week and stay 100% healthy. Instead, 3-4 runs a week, and cross-training (alright, the goal of cross-training, great intentions... but really, who wants to go for a bike ride in December, or drive to the pool in the cold to get into a cold pool and do laps... not this kid), with one rest day every week seems to be the way my body functions best.
So all of this being said, why did I decide to run back to back nights? Because giving advice and adhering to it are two very different things. But perhaps, this upcoming year, I will do a better job at listening to my body, training smart, and cross-training. :)
Like I said, I'm getting a jump start on this whole New Years resolution...
Monday, 10 December 2012
Welcome! Christmas Season and Fitness
While most people create resolutions around New Years, I'm getting a bit of a head start. With the holiday season in my grasp I have realized that I need to set some serious goals in order to stay true to myself and truly enjoy the Holiday Season.
Now how am I going to do this? Well hopefully starting this blog will help! (keep me accountable) Here's the thing, I don't do 'diets', instead I try to eat food which my body responds positively to and counter indulgences my being active year round. With the rain 24/7 this time of year, and the frigid cold seeping into my bones, running outside is not that appealing... insert Treadmill love! So hopefully, this week, my treadmill and I will be besties in the evening (realistic goal, 3 x's), and during the week I will be able to resist the sweets and treats going around the office.
Will I be successful, who knows, but the worst that can happen is I don't follow through, gain 5 lbs this Holiday Season and hit the pavement hard in the New Year.
Now how am I going to do this? Well hopefully starting this blog will help! (keep me accountable) Here's the thing, I don't do 'diets', instead I try to eat food which my body responds positively to and counter indulgences my being active year round. With the rain 24/7 this time of year, and the frigid cold seeping into my bones, running outside is not that appealing... insert Treadmill love! So hopefully, this week, my treadmill and I will be besties in the evening (realistic goal, 3 x's), and during the week I will be able to resist the sweets and treats going around the office.
Will I be successful, who knows, but the worst that can happen is I don't follow through, gain 5 lbs this Holiday Season and hit the pavement hard in the New Year.
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