5K - Part I

I have officially completed my first 5K, and while I may not be one of the few to run one or anything like that, not everyone can say they've ran in one. Also, coming from a non-runner such at myself this is a monumental event. I still can't say I enjoy running but I do enjoy the fact that I ran in a 5K, does that make sense?


So, on with the show. I ran my 5K. Although I felt better and ran faster on my training run the weekend before I finished it, and I even survived it. I had a very condensed training program where I double up on training days and barely squeezed 12 weeks into 9 weeks. I was getting a little concerned that while I may be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping but could I run 3.1 miles without stopping? The C25K program stupidly surprisingly figures that if you can run for 30 minutes without stopping then you will cover 3.1 miles. Not true my friends. Not true.


So, I mapped out 3.1 miles, I plugged in my iPod since I'd been using my phone with the C25K app on it, laced up my running shoes, and took off. My goal was to finish my training run in under 45 minutes and to not walk AT ALL. My husband a seasoned runner gave me the advice of "if you feel tired and like you need to walk, you can always just slow down". 


I was almost to the halfway point before I officially slowed down. I still felt pretty good the whole way really. The sun was shining, the weather was ideal. I had no side cramps and my knees weren't hurting. Over the course of 3 months I found that I had a pretty even mix of physical and mental barriers to push through during my runs but on this day I felt awesome. 


As I rounded the corner to my final stretch of pavement I really turned on the gas and powered through to the end. I got to the end, looked at my time and saw I finished in 41 minutes! Mostly though I didn't walk one single time. As I walked towards my house on my cool down, you probably could have seen my smile from space. I was ecstatic and very proud of myself. I *may* have teared up a bit thinking about how far I'd come. I got home and hurriedly shared the news of my run with my husband and he gave me a huge hug and told me how proud of me he was and I started really crying then. Happy tears, but tears.


I had done it. I had ran 3.1 miles and without stopping once to boot. I was certainly ready to run my real 5K the following Saturday. Or was I?

5K

This time last year I was very pregnant and very jealous of my sister and husband. You see, we all made a commitment to get healthy in the beginning of 2009 and we all 3 started exercising like maniacs a lot. I was just starting to get into a running groove when I found out I was pregnant in late 2009. I ran some here and there after I got pregnant but I mostly stuck with my prenatal aerobics classes. Something never quite felt right about jiggling the baby around in there. Even though I know for a fact a lot of women run while pregnant (heck I know someone who ran a 5K when she was 4.5 months pregnant) since I was a very novice runner it just wasn't something I was comfortable with.


Fast forward to March 2010 and I accompanied my sister and husband to their 5K; I was 7 months pregnant, carrying my folding chair over my shoulder along with camera's, waters, running clothes, etc. Helping them pin on their numbers and promising to be the loudest spectator at the finish line cheering them on. 


I was supposed to be running with them, but of course I was also carrying the little miracle that we'd been praying for. So it was then and there, as I bawled my eyes out with pride watching my husband barrel down the shoot for the the finish and my sister smile and run by me to finish her first ever 5K, that I decided that I would run in the race in 2011.


So, I've paid my way, signed the electronic waiver, and committed to run in my very first 5K. Of course, I've had some bumps along the road that I am trying to overcome (I had an accident that is requiring physical therapy but I am getting better), but I fully intend to stick it out and run this race with a bang. 


My first day of training started out with me being over confident that I could run 3.1 miles with no problem. I was convinced that since I had been running 3 miles before I got pregnant that I could just pick up where I left off. Completely forgetting the fact that had been a year and a half earlier. I ended up running out of steam and narrowly missing an asthma attack just short of 1 mile. On to Plan B. 


I jumped on the C25K bandwagon and so far so good. I had to cut some training days out to ensure I was running the full program before Race Day, but I haven't missed a training run yet. I am using an application on my phone that allows me to listen to my own music while a guy's voice cuts in to say "RUN!" "Now, walk." "You're halfway done, turn around" "Approaching your final run". I'm really enjoying the application and I have no doubts that I will be ready in time for the race in March.


Stay tuned! 

10/15/10 Weigh In

The weigh in this week went well. I lost 2.4 pounds so I'm down -13 total. Still a little more than I would have liked, so I think I'm going to start eating some of my extra weekly points. I was not able to walk at all this week so honestly the loss surprised me.


I'm really itching to get back into the gym. I've been a handful of times since the baby was born but I'm really wanting to start toning up again. I can eat right and walk and lose all the "weight" I want... but I want to tone my arms and legs and try and do something about this post baby tummy.


Sorry for the short post!!

Classes at the Gym

Are you looking for some variety in your workouts? Are you getting bored staring straight ahead as you walk on the treadmill or ride the exercise bike? If so, I highly recommend mixing up your workouts with group fitness classes.

I thankfully haven't hit a wall with my workouts so they're not boring yet, however taking classes at my gym seem to keep things fresh. I usually go to a Body Pump class every Wednesday but more often then not I will check the schedule as soon as I get to the gym and if there is a class soon then I will pop in and try it.

Here are the classes that I have done along with a short review:

ABS: Abdominal and Back Strength – a class which may use just your body weight, balance balls, or medicine balls, either on mats or on balancing equipment, to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles. ABS will help support your body in everything else you do. This class was only 30 minutes long however it was pretty intense. We used a medicine ball and completed approximately 100 sit-ups (not crunches, sit-ups). We also did planks, side planks, and we used the stability balls a lot to do hand to foot passes. Overall, great class I only wish it were longer than 30 minutes.

Body Pump: BODYPUMP is the original barbell class. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, BODYPUMP delivers real results, real fast. This athletic-based workout uses barbells with adjustable weights to work every major muscle group in the body. With motivating music and awesome instructors, BODYPUMP strengthens, tones, and defines the body. I love this class and as I stated above I put it on my calendar weekly. It is a fast paced weight lifting class, medium weights with many reps. We focus on one or two body parts per 3 minute song; warm-up, legs/squats, chest, back, triceps, biceps, lunges, shoulders, abs, cool down. I have upped my weights steadily over the past few months and tend to push myself harder than I knew I could in every class.

BodyCombat™ is the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed. This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi and Muay Thai. Supported by driving music and powerful role model instructors strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness. I love this class and even though I've only taken it once I can't wait to take it again and again. It reminded me a lot of Taibo, I've owned the Taibo video's for years and have completed them many times. It's somewhat of of kickboxing class with upbeat music, punches, jabs, kicks, etc. FUN!

Boot Camp: an old-fashioned gym class with sports moves. You'll be doing lots of relays, sprints, small hurdle running, lunging, push-up, bracing, and much more. You will feel exhilarated after competing this class. The first time I did this class when it was over I was shaking, my face was bright red, and my husband insisted on following me to my sisters house to make sure I made it there in one piece. Believe it or not, I went back a second time and took the class again. I made it through a little easier the second time but I do not believe I will ever do this class again. Remember those suicides your basketball coach made you do in HS, the ones that you loathed every second of? Well, this class was 10 million times worse. To me, the point of a fitness class is to have fun while still benefiting from a workout. Boot Camp is not fun to me and I find myself trying to focus on the clock for long enough to see how much time is left.

Hi/Low or Low: fun traditional floor aerobics using hi and low impact or a combination of both. Can have equipment and intervals added. This class was fun, it was basically learning a dance routine bit by bit combining more as we went then running it from top to bottom a few times a the end. The more I do this class the more coordinated I will become also. I remembered the routine and kept up for the most part, but I would like to perfect my steps in the future.

Spin: Aerobic conditioning on a stationary bike. There is no learning curve... just get on the bike and go. However, you may enjoy your time on the bike more, if you wear padded bike shorts or bring a padded seat cover, available in the sports department of any major discount store. I have done spin classes in the past and my most vivid memory is not being able to walk up the stairs at school the next day without being in pain. This class is a lot of fun, but just like the description says a padded seat or padded shorts are a plus. I of course don't have either but it wasn't as horrible as I remember. Have plenty of water and DON'T FORGET A WORKOUT TOWEL. I forgot my towel and I honestly can't remember ever sweating that much in my entire life. Fun!

Aquaerobics: motivated water workout that combines a longer cardio segment with strength training using the density of the water as resistance. Great upper body toning. I've taken this class a couple times and I don't find it very challenging. I like to feel a little sore sometimes either that night or the next morning and I can't feel anything during or after the workout. I used the thickest styrofoam weights they had and it still wasn't very challenging. I'm sure part of the problem too is that I am also one of the youngest people in the class by at least 30 or 40 years. Just not my style because I like more challenging and fast paced workouts.

Wiiiiii

To say that I exercise a lot would be an understatement. I am in the gym 6 - 7 days a week, and I work out for 1.5 to 2 hours at a time. On the rare days that I can't make it to the gym (and even on most days that I do) I am doing my Wii Fit at home, today is my 60th day! and more recently I am doing my Wii Active.

Wii Fit is made by Nintendo and utilizes the Wii Fit Balance Board. There are 4 different training parts that include 1) yoga 2) strength 3) cardio 4) balance games. Even if I don't train on my Wii Fit I still try to do a "Body Test" every day. This consists of 3 parts: 1) you stand on the balance board and it measures your BMI and weight (it charts your progress) 2) you complete two body tests (steadiness test, balance test, agility test, etc.) 3) it uses your real age and your test result to produce a "wii fit age" (I have been anywhere from 22 - 50 years old, average is about 29, p.s. I am 28).

Yes, it is true... the Wii Fit makes fun of you a bit, and I have been known to talk back to it a time or two. "Too busy to work out yesterday, eh?" It also tells you "Wow. The agility test it definitely not your strong suit". It's all in fun though and if anything it makes me strive to prove it wrong. The Wii Fit also promotes a little healthy competition between my husband and I. Did I say healthy? I meant to say that it's pretty much my mission in life to get #1 on EVERY training game because currently I seem to hold the #2 spot on EVERY training game.

I just got the Wii Active; it's made by EA Sports. I have heard very good things about it from my friend (Hi friend!). The thing that I notice and love right off the bat is that instead of training one at a time (and inevitably staring at the other person from the couch) my husband and I can train simultaneously and what's even better, we can compete head to head! It's funny, the trainer kept saying "Great job keeping each other motivated!" We laughed because I think we were trying to mess each other up! On a more serious note, there are about 25 different "exercises" ranging from bicep curls and bent arm rows to incline skating and tennis drills. The first time I tried the Wii Active I completed one of their 20 minute circuits and let me tell you, I needed a shower BEFORE heading out to the gym. It was a pretty intense workout! Today started Day 1 of my "30 Day Challenge". I don't know what happens at the end of 30 days but it should be interesting. One more thing that I like about the Wii Active is it takes the guess work out of training. On the Wii Fit I have to choose from a menu of exercises and I find myself doing the same ones over and over. This picks your circuit for you and it increases the intensity for you as you get better.

Overall I love Wii Fit AND Wii Active. I have 60 days worth of data and graphs on the Wii Fit Body Test and it's fun to look back and see how much weight I've lost. It also has great games and challenges and makes working out fun. As far as the Wii Active, it seems like it's also fun but at the same time not. I'm definitely going to have a love/hate relationship with it. I am still going to the gym every night, but I am working out for 30 - 45 minutes a day on the Wii either first thing in the morning or on my lunch break. Should be a killer 30 days! Stay tuned...

30 Day Challenge

Most of you read my very first post, if you didn't you can read it here. I talked about my "30 Day, Don't Eat Out Challenge" where I ate every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home for 30 days. It was surprisingly easy and not only was it very healthy but also saved us a lot of money! I have been trying to think of another challenge that I wanted to try and I have finally come up with a new one "Go to the Gym Every Day for 30 Days".

I realize that going to the gym every single day for 30 days might be quite a stretch but I think it's do-able nonetheless. When I told my husband of my plan at first he said he didn't think it was a good idea because your body needs to rest at least once a week. Then when I told him it would only be for 30 days, he was OK with it if I promised to rest at least 1 day a week after the 30 days were up. I just finished Day 4 and so far so good. I basically have to plan when I am going to the gym ahead of time and work my schedule around going to the gym as opposed to working the gym around my schedule.

So, Friday I went to the gym at the same time I usually do... after work and dinner somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00. On Saturday we had company staying with us for 1 night and they were due in about 3:30, so I went to the gym at 10:00 am. Our company left on Sunday morning and I went to the gym about 2:00 pm, that way when I got home I could relax for the remainder of my Sunday. Today I went to the gym at my normal time, 5:00, and got home about 7:00. Tomorrow, I have plans to play tennis with a friend at 6:30, BUT I still plan to go to the gym with my husband and his friend at 8:00.

A problem may arise if I decide not to push myself very hard. I will have to overcome those days and push myself just like every other day. For example, in a typical days workout, I will do:

1. at least 45 minutes of cardio
2. sometimes I do 1 hour of cardio
3. 15 - 20 minutes in the weight room
a. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 ab machines
b. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 leg machines
c. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 arm machines

I can hear myself now "you only need to do 30 minutes of cardio today, since you haven't missed a day in 2 weeks!" Those will be the thoughts that I will need to push aside, otherwise it's not really called a "Challenge" right? My goal is to workout for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours every single day for 30 days. Simple.

I also do not plan to let myself make excuses. For example, I could easily skip the gym tomorrow since I will be playing tennis with a friend for an hour but since my challenge is not called "Go to the Gym Every Day for 30 Days, Except on Those Days When You do Something Else Physical" I will still need to go. I also go trampolining occassionally with friends and I do the Wii Fit almost everyday. Those are all just bonuses and do not count for real gym time.

Do you have any challenges that you set for yourself? Did you attain your goal? Can you commit to one of the 2 challenges that I have mentioned on here? Let me know if you take one of the challenges, I can try to help keep you motivated during your 30 days! I'd also like to see what other challenges you can come up with, as I'm running out of ideas.

SkyMania

Are you looking for a way to mix up your workout at the gym? Is 45 minutes on the treadmill 6 days a week becoming boring? Well then, welcome to an indoor trampoline-ing at SkyMania! (and no, I am not getting paid for this blog post)

I was introduced to a few months back and this is certainly one way to mix up your workout! I have been to "Skymania" about 4 times now and every time has proved to be more fun than the last. The basic premise of this fun center is to jump on trampoline floors, jump on trampoline walls, play dodgeball, do flips, tricks, and there is even skyaerobics.

A 30 minute session will cost you $6.00 and 60 minutes will cost you $9.00. The first time I went I thought "I wanna jump for 60 minutes! How hard can it be?" For the record... 60 minutes is hard. I am not 12 years old anymore, nor do I have the stamina and energy that I did when I was 12 so jumping for 60 minutes straight is quite exhausting. The next 2 times I went I jumped for 30 minutes and I felt like I could still jump longer once my 30 minutes was up. The last time I went I jumped for 60 minutes again and it was much easier than my first visit.

Fact: Jumping on a trampoline for 1 hour burns approximately 300 calories

I have a handful of friends that I go jumping with about once a month and we always have a blast. We find different ways to make it fun and pass the time like:

1. regular jumping
2. booty drop competition
3. (trying to do) flips
4. 360 rotations
5. (trying to) jump off the walls

I highly recommend this place as it is an excellent work out for your heart/cardio, legs, arms, and abs. At the end of your session you will definitely be sweating and feelin' the burn.

Happy Jumping!

(http://www.skymaniafuncenters.com/)