November Week 1, Part 2 Recap
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 10, 2009
I didn’t mention it yesterday, but I had a great weekend. One of those elusive ones that is really just 2 days, feels like it was a bit longer. For the first time in a while I actually felt refreshed on Monday! I definitely think one of the highlights was knowing that I kept with my goal to work out every day!
So, starting where I left off on Monday….
Friday, November 6
On Thursday I finally found my Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD. Never have I been more excited about getting home to work out! So I rushed home on Friday, had a snack, and put on my workout gear.
Jillian did not disappoint. It was just as exhausting as I remembered, and I unfortunately wimped out on a few moves. (My arms are pretty wimpy.) However I am very excited to be able to add this back into my workouts. It has the cardio and strength component that some other DVDs weren’t giving me.
Saturday, November 7
After last night’s workout I figured I needed to let my legs rest a tiny bit, so I didn’t go for my run as I originally planned. Instead I did the Core Secrets/Ab Assault DVD. This time I’m not sure what I did differently, but I struggled a tiny bit more than I normally do.
I definitely feel that this workout works my core, but I never really get into much of a sweat, and that’s a little disappointing. I mentioned this to the BF, and he’s going to check his DVDs for the workout that is supposed to follow the Ab Assault. It’s a bit longer and is a bit more strenuous. We’ll see how that turns out!
Saturday night we went to the movies, and for some reason after we got out of there my lower calf area was HURTING! It was a good hurt, but I still can’t explain why it took a whole day to set in. lol.
Sunday, November 8
Sunday morning my lower legs were still seriously sore. Added to that was a new bicep soreness in my left arm, lol. I was a little worried about my impending run that evening. We did a lot of walking around in the afternoon, and then later I had my dance class (where I’m pleased to report we worked up quite a sweat!).
Afterwards I came back and decided to go ahead with my run. Couch to 5k, Week 5, Day 2. Two intervals of 8 minutes running and 5 minutes recovery. As I head out I figured I’d be happy with just doing the first 8 minutes. That would be the longest I have ever run, and I had already had a long day. And guess what? After I completed the first 8 minute run without stopping (YAY!), I figured I’d give the 2nd interval a shot. AND I DID IT!! I’m SO proud of myself. I’m not sure I have been able to run for 8 minutes straight since high school, or even before that (I never timed myself in high school).
The next workout is supposed to be 20 minutes of straight running. I’m really nervous about it, but if I get it done I’ll give myself permission to moving onto working on my speed. That would probably involve going back to shorter intervals and trying to do them faster than before. As it is now I’m pretty sure I walk faster than I run, and I definitely want to improve on my 5k time from last year!
For now, I have it written in my calendar that on the 14th I’m doing a full 5k practice run. We’ll see how that goes!
November Week 1 Recap
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 9, 2009
I’m still pretty upset that my thumb drive crapped out on me, taking all of my drafts and spreadsheets with it. [sigh] I suppose that’s my own fault though, for not backing things up. I hope to have learned my lesson.
Either way, I figured this shouldn’t be an excuse for me to give up on everything. So, here’s my recap of the working out I did last week.
Sunday, November 1
On Sunday I started off with my dance class, and when I returned I realized I was still full of energy….so I went for a run. Unfortunately I must’ve had too much for lunch, because after the first 5 minute running interval (couch to 5k, week 4) I felt as though I was going to throw up, so I quit.
I felt like a failure when I returned to the apartment, so I decided to throw in another “workout”. I went with the stretching DVD from the P90X program, and it was great! A full hour of stretching was exactly what I needed.
Monday, November 2
I didn’t actually work out on Monday (the BF came over and I ran out of time), but I told myself if I could wake up early to do the Ab Assault workout AND go for a run on Tuesday, then I’d count the core for Monday.
Tuesday, November 3
As planned, I woke up super early on Tuesday and did the workout! I had a few mishaps (the DVD froze in my computer and I had to restart it, then my lamp went out in the living room where I was working out), but I completed it.
Tuesday evening I got home, and not wanting to fail at my goal just 3 days in, I got on my gear and went out for a run! This time I did the COMPLETE Week 4 workout!!
Wednesday, November 4
Wednesday evening I tried out the Biggest Loser Weight loss Yoga DVD. The previous time I tried it I had quit after just a few moves. Supposedly because my foot was giving me problems. I knew I wanted to try it again. I did, and it was definitely an effort for me! I still wimped out A LOT, but at least now I’m encouraged to keep trying it until I can complete it without cheating! (Note to self: it’s better to do the “easier” variation than to do nothing at all!)
Thursday, November 5
I went for a run again on Thursday evening. After my previous success with completing the Week 4 workout, I decided it was time to move on to Week 5 which involves 3 repetitions of 5 minutes running and 3 minutes recovery on the first day. A bit of a stretch, but I thought I could do it. AND I DID! It felt great! Well, first I had to confirm that I ran the last 5 minutes properly because a truck passed by just as the podcast started talking and I wasn’t sure what I had heard. I ended up adding another minute or so of running because I didn’t want to stop running too soon. Go me!
I’ll stop there, as this is what I should’ve had to report on Friday (had my thumb drive not died on me). I’ll be back on Tuesday with how the weekend workouts went!
Working out is not enough
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 9, 2009
I’ve heard it so many times, you’d think that by now I’d live by it, right?
Well, not exactly. I KNOW that I have to watch what I eat. No matter how much I run or exercise it’s not going to counter the fact that I’m eating CRAP. Lately I’ve gotten only slightly better….my meals are relatively healthy (i.e. not junky fast food), however I’m still snacking like a pig. Take Friday, for example:
I arrive at the office, coworker offers me buttered toast. I take two slices. Later I’m still hungry so I have a raisin bagel with cream cheese (leftover from the previous day’s meeting, so it’s not like I bought it for myself). Later I’m hungry but it’s too early for lunch, so I have a fun-sized Twix. Wait, make that two. Eventually I have my lunch….spaghetti squash with sauce and ground chicken. Pretty healthy, right? Later on I need a snack so I have an ice cream sandwich.
So, not that great, although I kept wanting to say “well, at least I had a healthy lunch!” None of that really matters if I’m stuffing my face with other stuff that ISN’T all that healthy. What I should have done was pack up the hummus I made the night before along with some baby carrots. Silly me.
Anyway, I have to realize again that it’s all about choices. And even though I’m not going all-out like I have in the past while doing my South Beach Diet, it doesn’t mean that I should take advantage of all the junky stuff that comes my way every day.
Good News, Bad News
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 6, 2009
Ok, bad news first…..
My USB thumb drive isn’t working!!! I had my post for today saved on there, not to mention all of my financial spreadsheets on there. Ugh. I should’ve known better than to NOT back up those files!! I”m hoping it’ll work on my computer when I get home. =[
The good news….
I found my 30 Day Shred DVD!!! I will be working on that tonight! Hooray!
(Another “sneak preview” since I couldn’t post my weekly recap…..I completed Week 5, Day 1 of the C25k program!!!!)
Arms and Legs, anyone?
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 5, 2009
For some odd reason I always thought I had strong legs. Perhaps it’s because I was in the marching band in high school, and I had killer calves. And before that I danced for 6 years and my quads were super-defined.
I forget all that was at least 9 years ago (and more). And since then, my legs have apparently become pure jelly.
Through some experimenting with yoga and running I’ve come to realize that contrary to my previous belief, my core is actually pretty strong relative to the rest of me, making my arms and legs really weak in comparison. It’s time to change that though!
I’m going to keep working on yoga (the Biggest Loser Weight Loss yoga includes lots of leg strengthening moves and planks/pushups), and the running, of course….but does anyone have suggestions for me on what other programs I can use to strengthen my arms and legs? I prefer DVD’s, as I don’t have much discipline to go through a workout without guidance. Or maybe even a podcast would work. Suggestions are welcome!
Checking back in…
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: November 5, 2009
Once again I kind of disappeared. For about a week I didn’t do much of anything, but the good news is that has changed. I’ve made it my goal for November to workout EVERY SINGLE DAY. That’s right, that was no typo…..I’m working out every day from November 1st to the 30th.
I think I’m going to go back to posting my weekly recap, just to document it for myself and anyone that wants to know what I’ve been up to. My routine is kind of a mish-mash of random stuff….I’m running 3 times a week, and the days in between I’ll be doing various DVD’s. Right now I’m trying out the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD, as well as Core Secrets (although I’ll either have to use heavier weights or something soon), and I’m toying with the idea of trying out P90X. It kind of scares me though. I’m still trying to find my 30 Day Shred DVD….it got lost somewhere during the move. =[
Also, I’ve sent an email to Jen (Prior Fat Girl) to see if I can be matched up with someone for their “Motivational Match-up”. If you haven’t checked it out, do! It sounds like it could be a fun thing to try. I believe their deadline is tomorrow though, so don’t delay!
Anyway, just wanted to check in and let anyone reading know that I’m still alive, and I haven’t given up again.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder?
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: October 20, 2009
Excuse my absense for the past week and a half. I’d like to blame it on the fact that I no longer have a reliable internet connection, but truthfully, I went close to a week without working out. On the bright side, I did go for a run yesterday and completed my full routine! That includes two 3 minute intervals of running, and two 5 minute intervals of running!! I’m so proud of myself!
I’m going to try and not just stop there, but it’ll be tough since my week nights are packed with other plans. I’ll either have to go running in the dark, or settle for a DVD in the safety of my apartment. Hehe.
Hopefully I’ll be reconnected again soon and by then I hope to have broken some more personal fitness barriers.
Until then!
October Week 1 Recap
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: October 8, 2009
Not my best week exercise-wise, nor food-wise. But at least I’m chugging along….
Friday, 10/2
I’m not sure why, but I decided to check out the Biggest Loser Yoga on Friday. (Maybe it was too dark to run?) I started, got through the warm-ups just fine, but just as Bob was getting into the real workout something just didn’t feel right. My left foot was hurting, I felt kinda scatter-brained and couldn’t get the transitions right…..it just wasn’t happening. I decided to quit while I was still ahead, and call it a night. I’m not proud of that decision, but sometimes you just have one of those days. (Fortunately it looks like a real workout, and a challenge for me, so I’ll be trying it out again soon.
Saturday, 10/3
I woke up too late for my morning run! Ugh! At 10am I stepped out to see if I could handle the sun/heat. It was super hot, and without breakfast I knew I wouldn’t last very long. Instead I pulled out my exercise ball and did another round of Core Secrets (Ab Attack!). I think I’m either doing something wrong, because I’m not getting my ass kicked on this workout. I mean, I do work my abs, but shouldn’t it be harder? lol. Maybe I should do it with a mirror next to me to make sure I’m using proper posture….
After my pottery class (it was 4:30-ish) I thought I could perhaps have some time to squeeze in a run. I could’ve, but on the drive back I started getting a headache. By the time I got to the apartment it was really bad. So, no workout for me. I took a nap instead.
Sunday, 10/4
Again, woke up too late for a run. The BF and I had plans though, to go on a walking tour of downtown. We spent the afternoon walking and sweating in the sun, so I’m considering that my workout for the day, lol.
Monday, 10/5
After work, I had the full intention to go for my run. However, the closer I got to my apartment, the darker and gloomier it started to look. GREAT. By the time I got there I was almost sure it was going to be pouring any minute. Instead I pulled out a Zumba DVD and got right to work (I had told my parents I was meeting them for dinner, thus my rush). Well, I had used the DVD years ago, and I felt really silly. I couldn’t imagine why I’d bought that stuff. Eventually though it did get my heart rate up so it wasn’t a complete loss. I’ll try it another few times before I completely give up on it.
After my workout I looked out the window…..and the pavement was completely dry!!! I felt cheated! I was so mad, in fact, that I pulled out my stopwatch and RoadID and I went out for a short run anyway. I decided it was too late for my full C25k workout (it was pretty dark), but I wanted find out how far I could run before stopping. I made it to 3 minutes! (lol, doesn’t sound like it, but that’s a big accomplishment for me.) Then I turned around,walked 1.5 minutes, did another 2 minutes of running, walked for another minute, then ran the last minute. It doesn’t sound like much, but by the time I got home I was DRIPPING in sweat. (Although that could’ve had something to do with the humidity, lol.) The best part: I felt great. I may have to squeeze in these short runs more often….I don’t have to run too far (and stay in the well lit areas), and I get to test how far I can run in one shot. Plus, it gets my blood flowing like nothing else!
Tuesday, 10/6
Didn’t go to dance class this week either. =[
Wednesday, 10/7
I almost didn’t go out for a run today, since I started feeling a bit sniffly and just generally crappy. However, after reaching for and eating king sized Heath bar, I realized I had to get off my ass before I did more damage. I did surprisingly well on my first 3 minutes, and the first 5 minute interval wasn’t as bad as I thought! Of course, I struggled near the end (and took a 10 second break when I got to my “turnaround” point….can’t run and do sharp turns) but I finished without wanting to die! I decided to quit right before the last 5-minute interval though. It was pretty dark. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
One thing of note, I’ve noticed a few times now that near the end of my workout various parts of my feet start tingling (like tiny pin pricks). What do you think this is?! I got some pain once that I decided was due to tying my laces too tight, but this has happened several times even though I’ve loosened up a bit. I dunno, just thought I’d mention that…
Thursday, 10/8
I actually didn’t go to my Thursday dance class last week, but I went tonight!
September Week 4 Recap
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: October 1, 2009
A week is a long time, and I’ve felt weird not posting at all for any random readers to read, lol. So, I got ahead by one day. Oh well. I happen to know that my workout tonight is going to be dance class, so no biggie.
I’m trying this weekly format for a bit until I fall into some kind of rhythm. I hope this doesn’t get too boring!
Friday, 9/25
After the wimpy yoga on Thursday, I decided to step it up a bit with my workout. I still couldn’t find my 30 Day Shred DVD, but I DID find my core secrets! Now that I have the large ball (I used to just have a small one, which kept me from using the DVD) I decided to give it a shot. I’m not going to say it was a complete disappointment, but I thought I remembered it to be a lot more challenging! Don’t get me wrong, it did work my abs, but it didn’t get my heart rate nearly as much as I thought it would. Did I do something wrong? Or is that just a testament to how much belly dancing has helped improve my core strength?
Saturday, 9/26
Woke up sore from the Core Secrets workout! (It did work!) Not so much that I couldn’t function, but it was definitely noticeable with certain movements! No other workout today, but I did stretch my abs throughout the day. (I’m telling you, my upper abs are especially sore!)
Sunday, 9/27
I thought Sunday would be another lost day since I overslept and didn’t get out for my early run, but I ended up getting home early from my visit to the parents house and went for a run in the evening. Nothing remarkable about it, except that this was the 2nd time I made it through all the intervals! I still struggled with the last minute, but I made myself do it. Total time 34:48. (Week 3 of the C25k)
Monday, 9/28
I got home exhausted after work and decided to rest for “just a minute”. I ended up doing nothing. Bummer.
Tuesday, 9/29
See Monday’s recap. I did nothing. Not even the “Biggest Loser Yoga” workout I got from Netflix!
Wednesday, 9/30
I finally went out for a run today. After my bed was delivered and my boyfriend left….I had nothing better to do. Again, I did the full C25k Week 3 routine (go me!). The worst part is halfway through I kept thinking to myself “this feels good. It’s true what they say that no one ever regrets going out for a run. Only skipping them.” which just left me wanting to kick myself for staying in the past two days. Ugh.
Total time – 32:31 (C25k Week 3). Oh, and I didn’t shave off two minutes from my time, lol. I turned around a tad earlier so that I would be on the busier side of the neighborhood when it got dark.
Running is a funny thing. At least for me, and at the point where I am. The challenge is definitely distracting myself. In the beginning it was about “ok, I just need to make it another 30 seconds!” when the interval was only 1 minute, or even 90 seconds. However as I get into the longer intervals I need to start “working on” distracting myself (sounds like a contradiction). I can’t exactly listen to music, other than what is playing on my podcast since I depend on it to time my intervals (best invention ever, really….), so I’m not sure what to do. Any suggestions? The real challenge will start when I get to 5 minutes next week, and even longer the weeks after that.
Thursday, 10/1
Today is dance class. No runs for me today!
And that was my week. A few disappointing days that I decided to stay in, but the two days I ran and the ab workout kept it from being a total loss. I’m happy that I feel myself progressing every day, and I’m moving on to Week 4 of C25k next week. Yikes! From what I recall this is the week they add on the 5 minute interval. I’m going to try to NOT think about this at all until it’s time to run. I find myself dreading my runs whenever I think about these longer times, when I shouldn’t! That’s what working out is about! Challenging your body, and seeing the results as the challenges get slightly easier each day.
September Week 3 Recap
Posted by: quarterlifegirl on: September 25, 2009
Ok, I know I said I’d be updating on Thursdays, but that was when I thought I’d actually have something to report!
Unfortunately yesterday I got home too late to go running (I don’t like to go running if it’s already getting dark, my cutoff time is usually 7:00, and it was close to 7:30 just when I got home). Instead I decided to work from a DVD instead. That’s when I realized I don’t know what happened to my 30 Day Shred DVD. It’s either at my apartment or my parent’s house….but who knows when I’ll find it. The only thing I had was Yoga for Wimps, and Core Secrets. I’m not sure why, but I went with the Yoga.
The yoga wasn’t bad….it was just….well, wimpier than what I remember, and I was really disappointed. That being said, does anyone have yoga DVD suggestions? I dont’ want to go too hardcore (BF is doing P90X, and their yoga is just way too hardcore for me), but I was something a bit more challenging than the wimpy one.
Anyway, onto my running.
I only ran once this “week”, on Monday. That’s the bad news. The good news is I was able to RUN all the intervals I had to! I’m on the Couch-to-5k Week 3, and I can usually do the first 3-minute interval, but during the second one I wimp out. Not this time! I’m hoping to repeat this routine one more time, and I may move onto “Week 4″ after that! Unfortunately I reset my timer without realizing I hadn’t recorded the time. No biggie though, I use the timing for a loose reference, I’m not that worried about my speed right now. Either way, I did 2.2 miles! (Although mostly walking)
I may have mentioned it before, but I’m really liking the new neighborhood in. People are outdoors in the evenings, it’s very family friendly, pet friendly (although I’m not allowed pets in the unit, lol), and I feel quite comfortable even when it gets dark towards the end of my route. I’m happy here.
Recent Comments