Migraines Mondays & Temperate Tuesdays

BAD NEWS: I haven't been feeling too great for the last 24 hours or so. I had a MILD migraine (i.e. Level 3 migraine on my migraine scale). It is my regular monthly migraine (the one I get every month right before my visit from Mother Nature).

GOOD NEWS: I have officially pretty much reduced my migraines from 4 out of 7 days a week (i.e. 180 days a year ... i.e. 15 days a month ... i.e. every other day) to 1 day a month and I no longer have Excruciatingly-Painful-persistent-hot-flashes-can-not-stand-light-or-sound-nausea/vomiting-crying-from-pain-Need-to-go-to-the-Hospital-Migraines (i.e. Level 10 migraine on my migraine scale)

That being said, my little Level 3 did knock me off my workout plan yesterday, POOH!

I was totally lazy and ended up having Pizza for dinner and Publix Moose Tracks Ice Cream for dessert (i.e. creamy chocolate ice cream with scrumptious peanut butter cups and rich Moose Tracks Fudge) making yesterday a total Eating Healthy and Light FAIL!?!

But I did do something good!

While I lazily watched TV and Facebooked and toyed on the computer, I noted the price had gone considerably down on the Garmin Forerunner 305 (probably due to the Garmin Forerunner 310XT which is waterproof).

So, I went ahead and ordered it as my Christmas Present to Myself!?!

I do admit I am a bit of Stat-Lover! It keeps me motivated and getting out there regardless of the fact that they aren't the most impressive STATS ... they are MY STATS and I LOVE THEM!

I also promised myself I needed to start taking my paces more seriously and working on some speed is going to be my next FOCUS!

So, this morning I drowsily opened my eyes to check the time to see if I could squeeze in another 5 minutes before the alarm rang and WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT: I WAS LATE!!!!

Alarm was set for 5:15 ... Alarm clock read 6:05! YIKES!

But instead of rolling over and getting another hour of sleep, I jumped up and rushed out the door!

Score 1 for me!

It was a beautiful TEMPERATE morning: 69° degrees with 93% humidity.

Today's run was a recovery run so I decide to keep it easy.

Mile 1: 0:12:19
Mile 2: 0:12:50
Mile 3: 0:13:25
Mile 4: 0:12:06
Extra: 0:05:18

I didn't get into it until another runner passed me as I started Mile 4 ... she wasn't the first one of the day ... but she made me realize I could run faster and that I was just being ... well ... LAZY!

I realized I need to focus more and push my body!

I haven't run a Great-Outstanding-Wanna-Puke run in ... well .... AGES!

I know that doesn't sound attractive but it's how I know I've run my all!

I realized haven't been pushing myself and just let myself run COMFORTABLY which is probably ABSOLUTELY why I have been slowing down the more I run!

Final stats:

Distance: 4.45
Time: 0:55:59
Pace: 12:35

Lesson learned: I can't just let my body decide my speed, I need to keep my head in the game!

Today I plan to do a DOUBLE-UP!

Don't worry it probably won't become a habit! But because I ran in the AM I am going to do some of my Strength Training to make up at least a little part of yesterday's workout ;)

Happy Tuesday!

Two for Two Hundread

Well, Hello There, Mr. 200th Post!

When I started this blog I could not fathom ever seeing you but 10 months (or so) later ... here we are!

We've seen many things over the last 200 posts from a weekend in Austin to romp across the 7 Mile Bridge to learning how to ride a bicycle in your 30s to signing of for a FULL 26.2 MARATHON to the start of making a replica of Lafayette's Afghan to completing a half marathon and keeping up with my friends to running with a stranger and actually enjoying it (geesh, that was a mouth full ;)

Who knew!

So what do I have planned over the next 100 posts you ask?

• New Years in Miami (a photo shoot :)
• Finishing up that Afghan
  
• The ING Miami Marathon
• Possibly a trip to the PR (Puerto Rico) to visit the family
  
• The 13.1 Miami Beach
  
• Completion of the 100 Push-up / 200 Sit-up / 200 Squat Challenge
  

Speaking of which, I finally got started and completed Week 3: Day 1 yesterday as part of my Strength Training Session (the first in 45 days)

The session of went like this:

Used: 8 Pound Weights

Skipped the starters and went straight for the meat!

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats


I am not sore per se but this morning I did have a faint memory in my muscles that I had worked out. I'm wondering if I need to up the intensity a little bit or switch up some exercises? (any tips?)

Today I have an easy 5 miler on deck and a fun evening out with friends which is causing me to push my 16 miler to Sunday.

I'm actually getting excited about my long run this week! Who knew?

Happy Friday!

Strengthing and Goals

Last night's Strength Session was the best I've had in a while. It did take a little longer than I expected, 2:30 hours instead of my usual 2:00 hours but I did add some exercises so I guess it SHOULD have been expected.

Today, the scale and I are not friends.

But my head is on other things.

Today I received an email reminding me that I need to start preparing for NaNoWriMo.

This is the first year I will be able to do it!

I even have an unexpected week off right in the middle of it!

This year if I complete my challenge, I will give myself the Prize of buying some NaNoWriMo Merchandise like this but only if I complete the challenge :)

I will be exchanging this for my Education Goal this quarter and leave the GRE for the Spring. I am making great progress on my quarterly goals which is always motivating.

ARTISTIC: Make an Afghan

ATTITUDE: Make a conscious effort to be more positive.

CAREER:

EDUCATION: Take GRE NANOWRIMO (November)

FAMILY: Reconnect with my Cousins

FINANCIAL:

• Pay off Small Credit Card
• Create an Emergency Savings Plan

PHYSICAL:

• Oct - Run 100; Bike 10; Cross 12
• Nov - Run 120; Bike 15; Cross 12
• Dec - Run 140; Bike 20; Cross 12
• Run a Sub 10 Minute Mile DONE
  
• Run a Sub 33 5K
  

PUBLIC SERVICE:

I still need a Public Service Goal and Career Goal for this quarter but I'm sure they will come to me :)

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Kick In The Butt

I will begin with Runner's World Daily Kick In The Butt:

Nonrunners cannot see how they can afford the time to run every day. But runners cannot imagine getting through a single day without it.
~ Kevin Nelson, The Runner's Book of Daily Inspiration

So fitting!

--

I am so glad I ran yesterday.

I had to option to either do a cross training day or do a 5 mile run and when I got home it was a toss up but I finally decided to go for the 5 miler.

It would be more of a recovery run than anything else. I did a 7 miler on Saturday and a 4 miler yesterday. But I had been toying with the Marathon Pace Wristband Creator throughout the day and decided to run it at my Half Marathon pace.

I didn't print it out but rather decided to run sub-11 minute miles all the way through since the math would be easier!

I ran my usual route but rather than take the west side of the Street, I ran it on the east side of the street and it felt like I was running a completely different course.

Mile 1	0:10:27	0:10:27
Mile 2	0:11:07	0:21:51
Mile 3	0:11:45	0:34:10
Mile 4	0:11:00	0:45:02
Mile 5	0:11:43	0:57:05
.36 Mile	0:03:51	1:00:56

I was able to stay on pace the whole time with no real discomfort. Now the challenge is to maintain it on my 10 Mile long run this weekend!

In other news, I have discovered that my hip pain is actually caused by my hamstrings being weak. First it was my quads causing knee pain and now it's my Hamstrings causing Hip pain.

Geesh!

Today I am hitting the Cross training and adding some Hamstring focused exercises!

Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday

Yesterday, I had strength training.

It went OK.

I was only able to get through 3 out of 5 sets which was disappointing but I took it in stride.

Today, I was able to wake up in the A.M. and get out at the right time.

I had speed work scheduled 8 x 400m but ended up running 10 X 200m instead.

I really suck at speed work.

Granted I don't do it NEARLY enough! I have really got to get some more in there.

I've been feeling run down the last couple of days ... wonder if I'm catching a cold. Planning on taking some Airborne and hope to be out of this funk by tomorrow morning for an AM 5 Miler.

Also, may I say, I am loving having my evenings free. I am able to catch up on my Stories (i.e. used to be True Blood over the summer, now it's Dexter, Fringe, NCIS and Bones) and I've even been able to get some reading in (I'm already 3/4 done with Charlene Harris' Dead as a Doornail ... highly recommend the Southern Vampire Series) and even noticing some on progress on my Lafayette (from True Blood) Inspired Afghan.

As for the running, I will trust my training and keep on trudging along. I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED! :)

Wishing everyone a Happy Hump day!

Where did September go?

I feel like it slipped through my fingers a little bit. In two days we are in October. Poof! September is gone!

046:09:47:02 till the Half-Marathon!

123:09:46:39 till the Full Marathon!

Excited and Freaking out all at once! SIGH!

Yesterday, I was excited about running but knew I needed to stick to the plan and get my cross training in.

The session of went like this:

Used: 8 Pound Weights

Skipped the starters and went straight for the meat!

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats

It could just be my imagination but I am starting to see shadows and highlights where I hadn't seen them before. Legs and Arms are starting to look pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Still a way to go but progress is very motivating. Something to consider though is I may need to start working on an alternate cross training session to alternate so I do hit a plateau.

Looking forward to today's run.

I have a 4 Miler on Deck.

Have a great day!

Weekends are Exhausting

I think I need a day off from my weekend!

This weekend kept me exceptionally BUSY! As always I planned to do a lot and ended up wanting to do more! Yes, I'm an over achiever ... it's a character flaw :)

So the plan was:

Planned: Cross training: A little P90x, challenges and all over workout!
Did: THE WHOLE WORKOUT! Finished it off! Did great!

Planned: A 4m Tempo Run for Saturday
Did: A 5 mile Run (used the Galloway 3:1 Ratio) WITHOUT MUSIC. Ended up with a 4.8 MPH run ... not great but not terrible.

Planned: A 7m Run on Sunday
Did: A 7 mile Run (used the Galloway 4:1 Ratio) WITHOUT MUSIC. Ended up with a 5.04 MPH run ... improving!

I wonder if the music would have helped? My earphone died like week so I have been Music Free for my last 3 runs ... during which I am noting a downturn on speed :(

I do like the Galloway Run:Walk Ratio because it makes the task of long runs so much less daunting but I'm wondering if that's not just me giving in to my own weakness :\

I mean, I am using a running ratio for much higher than I'm supposed to. I should be using the 2:1 or 2:30:1 ratio. But yet, I use the 4:1.

Maybe I should give the 2:1 ratio a try.

But the reality is that I have run 7 miles all the way through before. I CAN do it ... but I am giving in to the walking breaks.

I think I have developed a fear of long runs. I keep flip flopping between excitement and terror every time I realize I SIGNED UP FOR A MARATHON!?! .

Oh, and an added distraction, the Fall urge has stuck and I started knitting again.

I've decided that for this fall I will be making a replica of Lafayette's Afghan from True Blood.

True Blood is raffling off the real one but it's too late to enter :\ but someone was nice enough to write up the pattern so anyone can make up their own.

I'll post pictures when I'm done :)

In Review - Week of September 21st:

Half Marathon Training Week 5 of 12: Entering Phase 2

WORKOUT	DISTANCE	AVG Speed	TIMES
On the Run	25.68 Miles	5.02	5
On the Bike	0 Miles	N/A	0
In The Water	0 Meters	N/A	0
Strength Training	90 minutes	N/A	2

Total Running Time: 4:38:47
Total Training Time: 8:18:37

On Deck For This Evening:
I would like to spend a little time on my bike today. Just a couple of laps around the block and, of course I have my Cross Training and a catch up with Dexter, my favorite local serial killer :)

Happy Monday!

The Workout Won

Yesterday, I had scheduled a cross training day and I felt the conviction that I should stick to it.

Once I got home I had to put together my Cansolidator Pantry from ShelfReliance.com I only put together 3/4 of it being that my pantry is uber tiny but already noticed the difference. My pantry is now uber organized and I can start a little Hurrican Prep Storage you know, "In Case of the Flies" (that's "por si las moscas" which means "just in case" directly translated which always gives me a chuckle!)

Then I was off to my workout.

I modeled my cross training workout after P90x (I call mine E90 ... no X yet ... heheh). I took some of the great leg exercises I learned in P90, added my hundred push ups/two hundred situps/two hundred squats Challenges, tossed in some core and a bundle of Thunder-Thigh Busters and removed pull-ups (just for now). I've modified it several times in exercise order and added and removed exercises until getting a good fitness recipe :)

Yesterday's went like this:

Used: 8 Pound Weights

Starter for Set 1: Chair Lunges 25/25
Starter for Set 2: Wall Squats 90 sec/10 sec int
Starter for Set 3: One Legged Wall Squats 60 sec/10 sec int
Starter for Set 4: Jump Rope 2 min
Starter for Set 5: Chair Salutations 2 x 30 sec

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats

I hadn't planned for it but after Set 2 I went for my ZYM Electrolyte Drink Tabs.


By the middle of Set 5 I was done for. I got light headed and had to sit down so I went for my Silk Light Chocolate Soymilk (which I use as a recovery drink) with a tablespoon of Chocolate PB2 which I like to call my Reece's Peanut Butter Cup Shake cause it tastes just like a Peanut Butter Cup :)

I did two more exercises and called it a night. I ended up skipping the gray-ed out exercises. Ultimately, My biggest priority is to finish my Challenge sets at the very least and that was done.

I didn't stretch out afterward but I'm only mildly sore today.

I suspect my "light headed-ness" could be that I need to eat a little something more before I get my strength training started.

On Deck for this evening:
A four mile run with my co-worker

No extraneous hopes for this one being that I haven't run in 6 days. My intentions today are just to get out there and have some fun.

Happy Tuesday!

Run Rain Out

I am currently holding at a Level 1 on the Migraine Threat Scale.

As I drove home to get my Run on after 3 days off I realized I was being followed by some enormous clouds which threatened thunder and lightening.

Thankfully, I had a back up plan, being that I had also missed my Strength Training session this week (due to my migraine) I decided I could get it in:

Used: 8 Pound Weights

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats

At least I got my weight training in, but I am really hoping to run tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Cross Training

Today I wanted to run but I knew I shouldn't.

But I had a great Cross Training Session:

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats

My priority is to get my Push-Ups/Sit-Ups/Squats done because they are part of the challenges. The rest is really just icing on the cake.

The sets take me an average of 15 minutes a piece and leaving me sweating (sometimes even more than when I run)! I use 8 pound weights (5 pds if I'm at Mom's like last night) and really go for high reps to tone everything up. I don't want to build just tone.

Well, Here's to Monday being over!

Workout didn't go as planned

Ok, so my work out didn't go as I planned.

IT WAS BETTER!

Even considering that I was having weird electric back spasms through the beginning and end of it ... but not the middle ... weird, huh!

So I started with P90x Legs & Back Warm -ups followed by the Chair Lunges and Calf Raise Squats then I started with my own routine:

Exercise
Push-Ups W3:L3:D1
Sit-Ups W3:L3:D1
Squats W3:L3:D1
Tricep Push Down
Hammer Curls
Shoulder Press
Dips
Bicep Curls
Chest Flys
Dead Lift Squats
Side Leg Lifts
Bent Knee Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Leg Lifts
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Bicycle Crunch
Under-The-Leg-Lift
Calf Raise Squats

In between I did Wall-Squats, One Legged Wall Squats, Sneaky lunge and chair salutations with the video but mostly it was the challenges causing the beads of sweat to run down my arms and legs. I also followed the video's cool-down which is short and sweet.

Next go around I will also be adding tricep curls, chest flys and leg lifts for my lower abs.

All in all it took just over an hour.

I am definitely a lot more excited about doing strength training and still very much looking forward to my 7 miler this weekend.

Wednesday AMP Up

Today I wasn't entirely sure in the morning what I would be doing in the afternoon. I had an invite to run with Ms. Firemen but wasn't confirmed. I had also toyed with doing a 5 miler but knew I should probaly stick to doing cross training instead.

I put together a snack of a toast with PB2 and a slice of Guava Paste instead of Jelly. Holy yummer, was it good!

I waited a good 45 min and hit the DVD rack.

I started with the P90x Legs & Back warm-up.

Followed by a 1 Mile run around the block.

Then back to the DVD where I finished off the Legs & Back work out and my challenge sets and finished it all off with Billy Blanks Boot Camp Abs.

Also, being that I set the goal of passing the FBI PFT by October 1st, I boosted up to level 3 on all my challenges. Making them tougher but still do-able.

I'm off to a PB2 and Chocolate Silk Soy Milk Shake and some very well earned relaxing!

Have a wonderful evening!

August in Review

Can you believe we are already at the end of August?

The weeks and months are moving fast.

I am pleased to report I have accomplished some running improvement over the last month and especially over the last two weeks where I seem to have hit it into OVERDRIVE. I have even been able to check off one of my time goals: Pass the Army PFT Run (Run 2 miles in under 20:30 or avg 5.85 MPH). My next time goal is a sub-30 min 5k (avg 6.2 MPH).
I've been challenged (on the Daily Mile) to run 80 miles in the month of September and I have accepted the challenge :)

In Review - Week of August 24th:

Half Marathon Training Week 1 of 12:

WORKOUT DISTANCE AVG Speed TIMES

On the Run 15.4 Miles 5.48 4

On the Bike 0 Miles N/A 0

In The Water 0 Meters N/A 0


Total Workout Time: 2:49:54

In Review - Month of August:

WORKOUT DISTANCE AVG Speed TIMES

On the Run 74.56 Miles 5.04 18

On the Bike 0 Miles N/A 0

In The Water 0 Meters N/A 0


Total Workout Time: 14:53:48

On deck for this evening:
Make up of yesterday's 6 Mile run.

I've really got to work on my weekend work outs. I haven't figured out how to get them in there. I feel so lazy on weekends and it always gets the week started on the wrong foot with me suffering from the I-was-lazy-blues! Also, I haven't been doing my strength training and I'm feeling it. Need to get back on the strength wagon ;}

Hope everyone is having a happy Monday!

I.Ride.Bike

Yesterday, I got up and at'em and hit it with P90x Legs and Back ... I forgot how much I truly enjoy that work out as my Monday strength training. Then I followed it up with Billy Blanks Abs Boot Camp which has now been promoted to my current favorite for the Monday Abs follow up to my strength training.

Then I decided it had been too long since Lesson #2 of How to Ride a Bike and I decided to give Lesson #3 a shot ... boy did I rock it :) I can now say I can ride a bike (mind you I'm no Lance Armstrong and I'm still a bit wobbly) but I can stay on and peddle more than twice and go for almost a whole block straight (no turns yet but no biggie). I did a total of 1.25 Mile practice which is 5 laps around my block. I'm SOOOOO HAPPY!?!?! I'll be Triathaloning (is that even a word) in no time :) hehehe

I was so excited about it I forgot to eat dinner and I woke up at 5am with my stomach rumbling but I didn't get up. Now, if I won't get out of bed to eat when I'm stravin' what on earth makes me think I'm gonna get up at that time to go run!?!

Oh, well.

On another note, WOWZERS are my legs sore ... and I did manage to scrape my knee which is sore too.

Tonight, I have another co-worker run but the weather may have other plans.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Happy Hour At The Gym?

Today, I could not wait to get out of work and go to the GYM!

I never thought I would ever say that!?!

But I could not wait to workout! I was very much looking forward to my challenge sets today and even my 1 mile run.

Set 1:

* 14 Push Ups
* 21 Sit-Ups
* 27 Squats (Sumo - 25 pd)

Set 2:

*

19 Push Ups
* 28 Sit-Ups (Broke finger-inter-locking for the last 8)
* 27 Squats

Set 3:

* 14 Push Ups
* 21 Sit-Ups (did without fingers interlocking)
* 32 Squats (Sumo - 25 pd)

Set 4:

* 14 Push Ups
* 21 Sit-Ups (did without fingers interlocking)
* 32 Squats

Set 5:

* 19+ Push Ups (did 15 before I dropped to my knees and did 5
more )
* 28+ Sit-Ups (did 20 without fingers interlocking)
* 24 Squats (Sumo - 25 pd)

Set 6:

* 30 Plank
* 25/25 Under-Leg-Lift
* 50 Crunches
* 24 Squats

Set 7:

* 45 Plank
* 30/30 Under-Leg-Lift
* 50 Crunches
* 30 Squats

Set 8:

* 45 Plank
* 30/30 Under-Leg-Lift
* 50 Crunches
* 63+ Squats (did 75)

Then I hit the track upstairs for some laps.

400M: Slow
300M: 1:32.255
400M: Slow
300M: 1:18.560
200M: Slow

Totaling 1 Mile.

The sets were kinda hard today. I didn't have trouble with the Push-Ups until the last set but I started having trouble with the Sit-Ups on the second set and I finally started to push a bit with the Squats (it had been kinda easy before!) but today was good.

I was visiably dripping in sweat! Loved it!

The run was good too. It was a kinda pre-test for the F.B.I.P.F.T to see where I stand. Not terrible but I need to get it below 1:00.000 to pass. I pushed but not 100% because I had the IPOD in my hand and I kept pulling back because I didn't want to hurt myself before the race but atleast now I have a feel for what the 300M is.

I'm not doing my next challenge set until Sunday (instead of Saturday ... due to the race) and I am considering repeating this day (not nessesarily a bad thing).

Now on to resting up for the race and a little Guitar practice for the JAM on the 4th!

Have a wonderful LONG weekend!

Sleepy Sunday

Well, I slept in till no for no other good reason than I had adsolutely nothing to do, which of course ended in me getting a migraine.

Finally started to feel better in the afternoon and hit the deck for my challenge tests:

100 Push-Up Challenge Test:

Score: 22 Push-Ups

Leaving me well into Week 3 Column 2 (right where I wanted to be and very pleasantly surprised I might add! :)

Then I rested for 5 minutes and did the:

200 Sit-Up Challenge Test:

Score: 31 Sit-Ups

Leaving me well into Week 3 Column 2 (but to be honest, they stopped being good form Sit-ups at about 24 so I am demoting myself to Column 1).

Again I rested for 5 minutes and did the:

200 Squat Challenge Test:

Score: 75 Squats

Leaving me at Week 5 Column 3 (more than I expected and thought about skipping ahead but changed my mind and keeping it right where it is)

I am currently passing the Push-Ups portion of the PFTs but not the Sit-Ups so still got some work to do.

Afterward, I hit the P90x but was only able to do 30 minutes before I had to go. Band practice called :}

Have a Sunday!

Lazy Saturday

Woke up late feeling very lazy. Didn't get to my workout till 2pm.

Decided to forego the my 30min Fartlek due to an achy knee and did 45 min of Billy Blanks Tae-Bo II Advanced then hit the deck for my challenges.

Set 1: 12 Push Ups, 18 Sit-Ups, 31 Squats
Set 2: 13 Push Ups, 20 Sit-Ups, 38 Squats
Set 3: 10 Push Ups, 15 Sit-Ups, 31 Squats
Set 4: 10 Push Ups, 15 Sit-Ups, 31 Squats
Set 5: 15+ Push Ups (did 17), 23+ Sit-Ups (did 25), 45+ Squats (did 50)

I was pleasantly surprised and did all my Push-up sets quite well. It may have helped that used my stop watch and had 60 seconds of rest time between each set (presrcibed is actually 90 sec ... I will follow this more in the future). Very encouraged and may not need to do a repeat week after all.

Tomorrow I do my Progress Tests and see where I stand.

Have a great day!

Friday's Workout

Today's workout was moderate.


I completed 6.33M on the eliptical in 60 min and then jumped right off to do some strength sets. I had spent most of my lunch break researching Inner Thigh exercises so I stuck mostly to those.


I did 5 sets of 25 each:

• Sumo Dead Lift Squats (with 25 pound weight)



• Under-The-Leg Lifts



• Crunches



• Scissor Kicks

I tried to do a single set of 10 Push-ups. I found it hard but was able to get through it. Makes me think that depending on how tomorrow goes, I may want to go back a week on my challenge sets.

Have a great day!

Ploting and Scheming

I've been plotting and scheming today.

It's something I like to do on Monday's.

This week I adjusted my workout schedule. I will be working on Hal Higdon's Marathon Training -- Personal Best Schedule for the next 30 weeks. I hope to keep my running and my strength training balanced and hope to start learning to ride a bicycle.

I found a great used bike on Craig's list. Going to see it tonight after my workout ... wish me luck :)

Tonight's workout is P90x Back & Legs plus something for my Abs ... not sure what yet.

Have a great Monday!

Improving

I had such a great workout I couldn't wait to write.

Today, I went straight to the gym after work today and the first thing I did was bee-line for the treadmill. I was not going to let my fear of running get the best of me today. After a 5min warm-up I set the treadmill at 5.6 pace and kept it going for a whole 3.1 miles. I ran a whole 5K with no walking breaks. I think that is the longest distance I've ever run straight (well, other than the 7 mile bridge where I was motivated by the fear of the bus chasing behind us).

I reached a new PR.

5K in 33:30.

Doesn't sound like much but it's a vast improvement for me.

Also considering that at the end of mile two I started to develop my first blister (which I consider a badge of honor! :)

I tried to fix my shoe once I did 5K but had no success so I jumped off the treadmill and hit the stationary bike where I logged 7.2 miles in 20min. I am trying to strengthen my bicycling muscles for when I finally get my bicycle and venture to learn to ride it (yes, you heard that right, I don't know how to ride a bicycle ... YET! :)

I had some time left so I started my 10-20-30 sets. I do 10 Push-ups, 20 Sit-ups and 30 Squats. I got through 4 sets before my agoraphobia beat out my OCD and I couldn't deal with the crowd that developed in the calisthenics area of the gym.

Overall a great workout, except that I forgot to stretch :\ and now I'm sore.

Oh, well ... still a great workout :)