Pumped Up Kicks

After yesterday's awesome workout, I was a bit worried about how I would feel today.  True, I work out just about every day, but I definitely pushed myself a lot more working out with a group of people (definitely one of the perks!).  Waking up this morning, I was definitely sore.  My abs and booty especially.  It was a welcome sign that I worked hard, and one of those nice sore muscle mornings that help remind you that you are bettering yourself.

After using my foam roller a bit and taking an Aleve, I felt much better and decided to brave the gym.  Tim thought I should take a day off, but I don't do well with days off.  So I went, knowing I wasn't going to work out super hard, I just needed to get moving a bit.  Plus, I had a new pair of sneakers that I just HAD to try out!

Getting to the gym, I definitely could tell my body was tired. I got a good 20 minutes on the elliptical in and then decided 20 minutes of yoga was probably the best thing for me.  The yoga really helped to stretch out some of those sore muscles, and I felt pretty good after.

One of the best things about my workout were the new shoes.  With all the foot problems I've had, it was nice to finally find a shoe that worked out for me!  Hopefully it continues that way and I can start focusing on my workouts, not on my foot pain!

North Carolina, burnt kale chips, and getting back at it.

It's been a while, but I'm back!  We had almost a week off so I took the oppotunity to drive down to North Carolina to visit my extremely (and overdue) pregnant sister and her husband.  I was hoping that I would be there for the arrival for my niece, however that was not the case.  As of today, my poor sister is now 4 days overdue.  Little girl is proving just to be as stubborn as her mama!

While we were there, to say I "splurged" a little in the food department would be a vast understatement.  My sister and her husband know all these great restaurants around town that they took us to.  Even though we only ate out a few times, I definitely took advantage of all the different food.  When we didn't eat out, we ate well at home with food on the grill and homemade pizza.  I slacked on the exercise as well, using their elliptical only once while I was there.  I did get a lot of walking in, as we took M to the museum and park.

 

Coming home, I was faced with Easter and a plethora of candy, wine, and other delectable goodies.  All in all, I gained about 4 pounds in the past week.  I vowed to get back on track starting Monday.

Yesterday started my food tracking and exercising again.  Running, I definitely could tell I had taken some time off, but should be able to regain that endurance rather quickly.  I also made a double batch of my favorite Peanut Butter Banana Protein Cookie.  Following the healthy food trend, I decided to try to make some kale chips.  My sister has talked about them in the past, and I've heard good things.  Looking at good ol' Pinterest, I got some ideas of how to do it. Unfortunately, I baked the chips a little too long and burnt the kale.  I can tell you now that burnt kale is absolutely awful!  I didn't use the whole bunch of kale that I had bought, so I'm going to try again later this week and hopefully get a better result.

I've also gotten back on the gym train and now have been back for two days in a row.  Yesterday was too crowded to do much of anything; I went earlier than usual and was reminded why I normally go later.  I got a quick run in and then focused on abs and arms.  Today I ran for a good 45 minutes and got over 4 miles in.  I had the gym to myself tonight, so I was able to finish the arm workout that I didn't get to finish yesterday.

So I'm desperately trying to get back on track, despite the ridiculous amount of candy in the house right now.  Hopefully I can regain my focus and keep trucking along! 

Feel the burn!

Today was calorie filled, to say the least.  We spent the early part of the afternoon making pierogis for Easter; a family tradition that we are now passing down to M.

After making about 8 dozen pierogis I met my new student teacher at Panera.  It was great to get to talk to her before she started, but Panera is a huge weakness of my.  One cinnamon scone, a chai latte and 810 calories later, I was on my way.

Needless to say, I HAD to work out tonight.  I knew I hadn't eaten the best and I didn't want to get on the wrong track, especially with my trip to my sister's right around the corner.  So I dragged my butt to the gym and hopped on the treadmill, I admit I really didn't want to.  I will say, knowing that I was "naughty" during the day motivated me.  I got 4 miles in, and felt like I could get more if I wanted to.

As I was leaving one of "the regulars," an older gentleman who recently told me about his knee replacement surgery, asked why I ran so much.  I explained to him that I was training for a half-marathon.  I then tried to explain my training plan to him.  In the end, I think he was a little overwhelmed by my excitement and all the talking I had done; but it occurred to me that there may be people out there who may be in my situation. 

For those who are interested, I am following one of the Run Disney Half Marathon Training Plans.  A friend of mine recommended them, as they are aimed at those who are not necessarily "marathon runners."  Plus, considering I would LOVE to run the Princess Half Marathon someday, I feel like using the plan is one step closer to accomplishing that goal.  So far, I really like the plan.  It consists of three running days a week; two days are focused on time (30-45 minutes) and Saturdays are the "long run."  Last week I had to do 3 miles for my long run, today I was up to 4.  As I said before, I felt great.  I'll keep you posted on how the training is going from time to time.

New Heart Rate Monitor = New Perspective

With my new found exercise obsession, I wanted to get a better read on how much I was burning.  After some research, I found a decently priced, decently rated heart rate monitor that sounded like a good fit.  I ended up getting the Polar FT4, read more about it here.

So far, after using it twice I'm really impressed.  It's extremely easy to use and gives me just the type of information I was looking for.

One thing I realized after using it a few times was that the calorie burn I was originally calculating for myself was far above what I am actually burning.  In some cases I was burning well over 100 calories less than what I planned.  When I was eating back those calories, I very well could have been overeating.  This could explain why I have been getting more fit, but not necessarily losing weight.

So my next step is to start to use the HRM to calculate my calorie burn and see if that helps with the weight loss, I figure it's worth a try!

To the Guy Running Next to Me...

I like to think of myself as a pretty patient and tolerant person.  My chosen profession requires these qualities on an hourly basis.  However, there are certain things that bother me to the point where I lose all sense of patience and tolerance.  I'm finding the more I go to the gym, the more of these things I discover.

Today was no exception.  I went to the gym early, since I wasn't going to be able to go later like normal.  There were a good amount of people in there, which I don't prefer but it was tolerable.  I hopped on my treadmill, got my music going (it was working today :) ), set my timer for 45 minutes and I was off. 

Within ten minutes of me starting my workout a gentleman, a little older than myself, took the treadmill next to me.  First off, there are 8 treadmills, 7 of which were open.  Why he chose the treadmill directly next to me is beyond me.  It kinda reminded me of that see from Harold and Kumar where the guy pees on the same bush as another guy.  I am assuming he wanted to watch a particular TV, or he was planning on driving me nuts.



The second thing that bothered me about this gentleman was that fact that you could smell him before you saw him.  Within seconds of him entering the gym, the whole place was filled with his nauseating AXE-induced stench to the point that you could taste it.  Having this amount of fragrance eminating from the person next to me made it very hard to breathe.  **Bri's Gym Tip #1 - Don't douse yourself in fragrance before you go to the gym, suffocating those around you helps no one.

Once he got going, I noticed that he was watching me in the mirror, creepy!  Then, he started to copy my moves.  I bumped up my speed, he bumped up his; I slowed down, so did he.  It was to the point that he was matching me, step for step.  This was making me incredibly uncomfortable.  **Bri's Gym Tip #2 - Keep your eyes straight ahead, staring at someone through the mirror is just as creepy as straight on.

Luckily, by the time I could no longer stand it I got to start my cool down. I was quite surprised when he did not start his at the same time.  I saw this as the time to make my escape.  I finished up, switched into my boots and headed home, with the taste of AXE still in my mouth as a reminder of my "treatmill friend" (as Tim referred to him). 

I normally try to keep to myself at the gym, but that's hard to do when people are purposely seeking you out!  Has something similar ever happened to you?

Workout Music and the Lack Thereof

Anyone who has been around me for more than an hour probably has a good sense of my obsession with music.  I'm convinced it is a genetic trait, as my dad is a fanatic as well.  I've played piano since I was 3 and grew up singing and performing in musicals, band, and other music-based performances.  Needless to say, music is part of who I am and is incorporated into just about everything I do.  I listen to music all day at school (what we listen to depends on what is going on in my classroom), at home while I'm working, in the kitchen when I'm cooking, while I'm working out and even when I shower (it covers up my singing).  I could not imagine a life without music.

Tonight I had to do just that.  As I arrived at the gym, I performed my usual ritual of changing shoes and getting my music set up.  However, I noticed quickly that my Spotify was not connecting to the wifi very well and the music was cutting in and out.  I hopped on the treadmill ready to go and it cut out completely.  I had no choice but to complete my workout to the wonderful sounds of the elevator music that is always playing in the gym.  Needless to say, not my best workout.  Painful doesn't even begin to descibe the hour I spent trying to fight through my urge to give up and go home. 

To prevent this from happening in the future, I'm reconfiguring my workout playlist so that it will work with or without an internet connection.  I know I'm always looking for good music to add so here is my current go to list for workout music. 

• Cannibal - Ke$ha
• Saturday - Basshunter
• Titanium - David Guetta
• Here It Goes Again - OK Go
• Mercy - Duffy
• Jai Ho! - Pussycat Dolls
• Young Folks - Peter Bjorn
• Louder - DJ Fresh
• Antidote - Swedish House Mafia
• B.O.B. - Outkast
• Remember the Name - Fort Minor
• Mercy - Kanye West
• Sammy Davis Jr. - Movits!
• This Little Girl - Cady Groves
• Breathing - Jason Derulo
• Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars
• Magic - B.O.B
• All of the Lights - Kanye West
• Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
• Bounce - Calvin Harris, Kelis
• Raining Men - Rihanna
• Turn Around - Conor Maynard
• Spectrum - Zedd
• Turn All the Lights On - T-Pain
• If I Had You - Adam Lambert
• Blue Eyes Blind - ZZ Ward
• Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

I'm always looking to add to my playlist, what do you listen to when you workout?

Could it be? Is this progress?

I was surprised when this morning I woke up and felt fine.  After yesterday's long run, I was worried about being sore.  I could tell that I had worked out, but it was no different than any other morning.

This morning was another Monday weigh in.  I was excited because I may or may not have done a pre-weigh in yesterday.  I was down another 1.2 pounds, that puts my total at just about 10 pounds since I started the beginning of February.  Not too shabby if you ask me!  I will say, this 10 pounds has been much different than any I've lost before.  I'm not sure if it is because I'm running or the strength training I'm incorporating, but the weight is coming off very differently than it has in the past.

I did make it to the gym tonight.  I was going to take it easy, but then my dad was there.  I love working out with him.  Not because he is overly motivating or makes me work harder.  We barely even talk.  However, just working out next to someone is, to me, very motivating.  I tried to run a bit tonight, yeah that was a big mistake.  I made it about a mile before good ol' jellylegs came back.  So instead I walk/ran a total of 2.5 miles.  Then I worked on my arms.  I can definitely tell I'm getting stronger, and I added a bit more weight today.  I thought it was adorable that even though he finished up about 10 minutes earlier than I did, my dad waited for me to finish so that he could walk me out to my car.  Always daddy's little girl :)

So I've seen progress on the scale, in inches, and athletically.  I've also seen progress in the way I view food.  Before I saw food as the enemy.  It was something I had to have, but I knew in the end it would just make me fat.  This is how I gained so much to begin with.  Dieting is hard and by nature makes you hate the foods you tend to love.  I no longer view food like this.  I'm starting to enjoy my food and look forward to certain snacks or meals.  I've learned that it is ok to come home from the gym and have a pepperoni ball (like tonight).  It won't kill my progress, in fact it may help it.  Before I got in trouble because I denied myself foods that I loved.  Now, I know that denial only leads to an all out binge.  So I enjoyed my pepperoni ball (just the breading, Tim ate the pepperoni and cheese; I know I'm weird).

So I'm going into this week with a positive outlook.  I've got the St. Patty's Day 5k on Saturday and can't wait to see how I do.  I feel like I am much better prepared than I was at my last 5k on Thanksgiving (apparently I have a thing for holiday-based 5ks).

Saturday....

It was so nice to wake up today and see that the snow was slowly melting away.

Hopefully this is the last thaw of the winter, and nicer weather is on its way.  It was beautiful today, sunny with clear skies.  It was a bit chilly, but I'd still take 42 over below freezing any day!  It would have been the perfect to go for an outside run; unfortunately Tim had to work so that was out of the picture.

Instead, I decided to get out of the house and take M to the children's museum.  Chasing her between the three floors was exercise enough!  She had a great time, and I really enjoyed a mommy-daughter day!

I made it to the gym later in the evening, after M had gone to bed and Tim was home from work.  I was all by myself the whole time, which I totally took advantage of!  I started out feeling great!

I warmed up with a quick mile, and for the first time since November was sub-10 minutes!  (9:58, but still!)  I didn't run any further than that because I'm going to be running about 8 miles tomorrow.

It was my arm night, and since there wasn't any one there, I started to try out some of the machines I normally don't use as well as ventured into the free weight section of the gym.

 

Now that I've had a chance to try out some of these things, I don't think I will be as uncomfortable the next time around. 

 

Tomorrow I am going on a "wine run" with some people from work.  We are starting at one winery and then running the 8 miles to another winery.  Once we get there, we'll be able to taste before getting a ride home.  This will be my longest distance so far, but I'm excited about it!  Definitely look for that post when I get home tomorrow evening!



Get it!

I wasn't really feeling the gym today, had a very hard time getting off my big dupa and into the car.  What I love about the gym is that once I get there, all of that "not feeling it" normally goes away.

Today was leg day.  After yesterday's long run, my legs were feeling a little weak, but I decided to go for it any way.  I'm thinking next week I'm going to change my rotation a bit so that leg day is not directly following my long run.  Instead I'm going to put an arm day in between and see how that goes.

Weak legs or not, I can definitely tell that my legs are getting stronger!  The lunges and squats that I've been doing are getting easier and easier.  I'm even starting to see a little definition in my legs, and can actually differentiate my ankle from my calf!

In other happy news, I resisted a really tempting night of terrible eating, kinda.  M had swim class tonight, which means I don't get home until after 5.  I had forgotten to get anything out for dinner, and Tim's choice?  McDonalds.  Instead of joining him in the greasy deliciousness that is a double cheeseburger, I decided to resist and make the healthy choice.  I did allow myself a Shamrock Shake because going to McDonald's at this time of year and not getting one would be a crime.  However, I got the smallest size and shared it with both M and Tim.  Along with the Shamrock Shake I may or may not have also enjoyed some Thin Mints that I recently one in a gift basket.  However, I still had a healthy dinner and after my exercise, was still under my daily calorie limit. 

The important lesson I learned was that it is important to track, but I can't deny myself things that I like.  If I would have gone through tonight denying myself those things, I would have been cranky and unpleasant.  Instead, having just a bit satisfied my craving.  All in all, I must say I'm feeling pretty good about today :)

Milestones

After yesterday's disaster at the gym, I wasn't looking forward to today.  I felt better, and determined that yesterday's sickness was the result of entirely too much sugar (jelly beans, peanut butter cookies, I definitely indulged). 

I got to the gym today and was pretty bummed it was pretty busy.  I don't like working out around people.  Part of the reason I like going so late or early is because its normally just one or two people.  Today there were a lot of people, so I was apprehensive.  But, I stayed positive and set my timer on my treadmill.

I was a little frustrated by the fact that three of the TVs were playing the same thing, and without closed captioning!  I knew if I wanted to keep on the treadmill for the full hour, I needed something to preoccupy myself.  Boredom gets the best of me so keeping occupied was key.

Luckily, the shows quickly changed and the closed captioning was turned on.  Next thing I knew I was cruising.  Before I knew it I was in my cool down.  Today is seriously the best I've felt in a long time.  I am really starting to feel some improvement, especially in regards to my endurance.  I could've kept going after my hour today, except the fact that the treadmill won't let you do more than an hour at a time. 

The good news is I made it, and I ran further in one period of time than I ever had in the past.  So close to 6 miles!  My next long run will be Sunday, and I'm hoping to reach that 6 mile mark!

Leaving the Gym Early

I went into tonight's workout with high hopes.  Early today I felt great, and was looking forward to using that momentum to get a long(ish) run (like 4 or 5 miles) as well as do a little arm work.  Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned.

I started out enthusiastic, got in a quick warm-up on the elliptical and even did my first few arm stations without issue.

It was when I hit the treadmill that things went wrong.  My first mile went by pretty quickly, especially as I was silently "racing" the guy next to me the whole time (gotta do something to keep yourself busy).  Once I started into my second mile I started getting sharp pains in my side.  I figured it was just a gramp, started breathing deeper and kept pushing on.  By 2 1/2 miles I was ready to throw up.  Regrettably I ended up stopping early and heading home.  Even now, I still feel like I'm going to throw up, and I'm not sure why.  Hopefully I can get to the bottom of it by tomorrow.

A Problem with Boredom

So I've gotten to the point where I really look forward to going to the gym everyday.  It's a good hour by myself, where I can focus on me.  I'm sure many other moms out there agree, that type of time is priceless.  The fact that I'm spending it bettering myself, makes it mean even more.  Still, I've run into a bit of a problem.  I'm to the point where I'm no longer doing just a half hour on the treadmill.  Today, for instance, I did a half hour on the treadmill and then a half hour on the bike.  I go in planning on doing a full hour on the treadmill but I get so bored!  I've tried watching TV or changing up my music, I've switched speeds from time to time and have tried to make a game of it, but nothing helps.  Right around that 30 minute mark I am to a point of boredom I can no longer stand, and I stop.  I'm looking forward to the spring so I can get back outside to run, but I have no other option until then.

Today went especially slow....took this pic while on the bike then waited a while (without looking at the time).  Took a pic what I thought was a few minutes later and got:

Anyone have any ideas of how I can help fend off the boredom?

Leg Day

Today was my second official "leg day" using the workout given to me by the trainer I worked with Saturday.  I must say, going into it, I was a bit worried.  I still was having trouble going up and down stairs because my legs were still sore, but I decided to go and see what I could do. 

I was pretty impressed with my warm up.  Even though it was only a mile and a half, it was the first 10 min. avg. I've run since I started on the treadmill.  Although my legs were a bit stiff, they loosened up after a few minutes.

Once I finished my run, I started my leg workout.  The workout I did today only involved 5 exercises, but kicked my butt.  I will say, I was pretty proud of pulling out equipment and actually knowing what to do with it!

After finishing the leg exercises, I did hop on the elliptical for about a half hour too, just to get in a bit of cardio.  I must say, I'm feeling pretty good!

There is one problem I have discovered with going to the gym.  Because they prefer us to wear clean shoes instead of street shoes (totally understandable), I have developed quite the shoe collection in my car!

At least I know I'm always ready for a good workout!

Thank You Mr. Trainer!

Last night my parents had us over for dinner.  Dinner with them has become a weekly ritual, and we really look forward to the family time.  However, it is consistently the day that I eat terribly, drink too much, and fall WAY off track.  Last night was no different.  Mom made homemade pizzas, the best I've ever had.  Then my dad and I proceeded to hit the wine pretty hard while enjoying some of our favorite Girl Scout cookies.

I didn't make it to the gym yesterday, so I was bound and determined today.  My parents offered to watch M, since Tim wasn't home.  When I got to the gym, I was extra excited to see that it was practically empty.  I warmed up by running a quick mile, then grabbed my clipboard and headed over to the machines.

While I was on the machines I noticed that one of the trainers was in.  I didn't think anything of it until he came over and started talking to me.  We talked a bit about how things were going, as I've only been a member for about 3 weeks.  As we talked I mentioned how I was training for the half-marathon in August.  Since there was no one else to train, he said he had some tips for me.

He helped me learn some new moves, not using the machines, that were better for running and balance.  Wow, the difference was amazing!  I am already sore!  Turns out, the work out I was doing was doing very little for me.  Thankfully, due to a slow gym, I now have a different routine that I can try out.  I'll keep you posted!

Back in the Saddle

So the last week has been a bit exhausting.  All the school work, grad school work, exercising and things around the house caught up with me.  I barely had a chance to sit, let along blog!

But I'm back.  The good news is, even through all the busy evenings, I still found time to go to the gym.

I've been making up my own combination of running and lifting.  Alternating strength days and short runs with longer runs and minimal strength.  This week, I did gain a pound, however, I lost 3 inches!  I even went out with my bestie, Betsy, this past weekend.  First, we stuffed ourselves silly at Olive Garden.

After stuffing ourselves silly, we went shopping.  Betsy seemed to enjoy being my "fashion consultant" and had me in the dressing room for a good half hour (and I do not try on clothes).  In the end, I walked away with some pretty cute outfits, and two pairs of size 6 pants!  I haven't been a size 6 since right before my wedding!!  Now hopefully I work up the courage to wear my bright blue skinny jeans...haha!

Running-wise, I'm up to doing about an hour on my long run days.  I'm still only getting about 5 miles on those days.  I just get so bored!! I've started riding the bike to supplement the running and mix things up again.  Still, I can't wait to be able to run outside again!

To Run, or Not to Run?

So I started my half-marathon training this week.  I've been alternating days of running with Insanity.  It's a lot, but I thought I could handle it.  Today is supposed to be my "long run" of 5 miles.  However, I noticed yesterday that I was worn out.  Getting my three miles in was tougher than normal and my legs felt even more like jelly than before.  So now I'm trying to figure out if I should go and do my run, or if my body is trying to tell me to take a break.  What would you do?

Every Day is an Accomplishment

I made it to the gym today, not until 8:00, but I still made it.  It's now 10 and I'm just sitting down to relax for the first time since 6 this morning! It was a long day, but that's ok.  It's days like this I normally fall apart.  I give in to the temptation of the snack machine when we have to stay after school for a meeting, or give in the ice cream aisle at the grocery store.  But none of that happened today, in fact as we speak I am forcing myself to eat just so I get to 1200 calories for the day. 

It wasn't my best day at the gym.  I made it 45 minutes on the treadmill before the girls next to me got too annoying and I decided to leave.  But I still made it.

On a good note, I did talk to one of my co-workers today about running.  She has lost a good amount of weight in the past year, and has become quite the runner.  She has been arranging these "wine runs" and invited me to the next one.  Basically they start at one winery, taste a little, then run to the next one.  Normally they are about 6 or 7 miles.  The next one is at the end of the month.  Right now, I'm running about 4 miles, so I've got a bit of work to do, but I'm excited.  Wine and running? It doesn't get much better than that!

Gym'n It

So after I finally came to terms with the fact that the snow is not going away any time soon, I broke down and went to the gym.  I've never been a big gym person.  The thought of other people watching me work out gives me the heebie jeebies.  I'm sure that other people aren't really watching me, but it feels that way. 

I decided that the best route for me was the monthly membership.  We just had a SNAP Fitness open and chose that over the Y.  My thinking was, none of my students will be there.  If there's one thing I dislike more than random strangers watching me sweat, it's my current or former students watching me sweat.

So I get there, and I can't get in.  Now I get the whole key card, come in whenever you want, 24-7 thing, but there were employees working the desk and it was only 4:30!  How do they expect to get members if they lock them out? Once I finally garnered the attention of said employees, I come to realize its a girl I swam with in highschool.  I almost turned around, this whole sweating in public thing was sounding less and less appealing.  But I trudged on.

After signing my life away I was given my key card and the go-ahead to work out as I please.  No tour of the place, no explanation, just a card and a nod.  Being a complete gym novice, I was totally intimidated.  I looked around for something familiar, found the treadmills and headed over.

Of course, the first treadmill I try doesn't work.  Out of the eight treadmills lined up, I pick the broken one.  So I attempted to move over to the next one without looking like the idiot who just picked the broken machine.  This embarrassment was calmed later when another person did the same thing.

Anyway I started moving and quickly realized the flaw of picking the treadmill, the TVs are directly overhead.  Knowing my incredible grace, I knew it would be impossible to watch TV and run at the same time without falling over.  So, I resorted to staring at myself in the mirror.  At first I was even more creeped out by watching myself sweat, but I got used to it.  Looking in the mirror also allowed me to check out those around me without staring at them directly (you know they were doing the same thing too!).

After an hour on the treadmill I decided it was time to go.  At that point I had had my fill of the gym.  I can't gurantee it will be a daily adventure for me, but at least next time I can go when there will hopefully be less people.

One plus of the trip to the gym was the website that comes along with it.  Every member gets set up an account at truestar.com, a nifty little website for health and weight loss.  Though they are trying to push their brand of supplements and vitamins, there are some pretty useful tools on there.  They offer meal plans for weight loss and all kinds of conditions.  They also create an exercise plan based on your needs and equipment you can access (complete with examples so you know what you should look like).  I haven't had a ton of time to check it out, but so far it looks promising.

So now I'm an official member of the gym, I just have to get my butt there enough to make it worth my monthly payment.