Mish-Mash Workout

It's so nice to be back to lifting. It definitely helps me feel calmer and more in control.

Wednesday's Workout:

bench press  75#  5.5 reps / 6 reps
db row/triceps extension  15#  6 reps x 2

chest fly 15#db  10 reps x 2
reverse fly  15#db  8 reps x 2

push-ups level 3  12 reps x 2
overhead triceps  15#  12 reps x 2

barbell shoulder press  45#  8 reps x 2
biceps curls  15#db  6 reps x 2


I felt a little under the weather after yesterday's workout, but it improved when I went to auditions for my next show. It was the first night, and I was so excited by the people that showed up. It's going to be a really great show.

This morning I walked the Moon Dog and then got in a good workout. It was kind of a mish-mash of things. I couldn't decide what to focus on, so I just did what I felt like doing. That's the nice thing about not having any specific goals. I can do what I feel like doing.

Today's Workout:

squats  145#  6 reps x 2
push-ups level 1  15 reps x 2
punches in sitting stance  100 reps x 2

squats  155#  6 reps x 2
push-ups level 2  15 reps x 2
side kicks  25 reps/side  x 2

plie squats  155#  6 reps x 2
push-ups level 3  15 reps x 2
side db crunches  15#db  x 2


It was a good workout.

Healthy Habits / Starting Again

This weekend my parents came up, and we went on a family snowshoeing excursion. It was a blast. The day was perfect, and we spent two hours exploring the trails at Hazen's Notch. It was a great day.

Today's my hubby's birthday. We celebrated this weekend, and we made some healthy goals. I'm going to do a couch to 5k program with him while doing my half training. We're planning on running a 5k together in May. I'm excited to have a training buddy.

We also decided to go back to one of the first healthy changes we made. Years ago, when we first decided to get healthy, we started by doing yoga almost every night. It was great. Last night, we started it up again. We did a half hour of yoga before bed. The kids joined us, and we had fun. Everyone was relaxed and ready for bed when we finished. Even the Artist, who would stay up all night if we let him, went immediately to sleep.

I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for this week. It's a nice change after a few not so great weeks. I even went for a run this morning. 3.15 miles on slippery sidewalks. I had to walk more than I wanted, but it was sketchy in some spots. Still, I'm glad I went.

After work, I practiced Do-San. It's getting better. Slowly. Tournaments don't start until March, so I've got a little time. I'm psyched for TKD tonight!

First Run of Half Training

Today I officially started my half marathon training program. I actually should have started on Tuesday, but I didn't figure out the weeks until the Leaf Peeper until yesterday. So, I missed the first two easy runs. No biggie. I've been doing a little running with my kids. I didn't have the mileage, but it's better than nothing.

Today called for 6 easy miles. Since I've taken so much time off I knew I should cut back and ease myself into it. I could have done 6, but I am also still working to fix an injury. I decided not to push it. I did walk/run intervals and went for 4.5 miles. It was a good choice. It was hot and humid, and my legs felt like lead by the time I had done 3 miles. 6 would have been too much of a jump.

Pre-run: Tired but motivated!

Next week I will stick to the plan. I've never actually used a set training plan before, so I am interested to see what happens over the next twelve weeks.

I also used today's run to break in my new sneakers. I am usually a Mizunos girl, but I decided to try a different brand this time. My physical therapist suggested a shoe with more cushion. While I love the super-light Mizunos, they do not have a lot of cushion.

I got a pair of Asics, and they seem pretty good. A little heavier, but a lot of cushion and a good fit. They also did not need breaking in. They felt great from the moment I stepped out the door.

When I get closer to the race, I will probably get another pair of Mizunos and alternate. I like light shoes for races, but for everyday mileage I think these Asics will be a good fit.

I'm excited to have a big goal again. I needed something. I've definitely been floundering for a while. Running definitely makes me feel good, and a big goal will keep me motivated.

Speaking of motivating, my friend Michelle is racing her first 70.3 today. She has been such an inspiration, and I cannot wait to hear all about her race. She's worked incredibly hard for a very long time. I know she's going to crush it!!

Kind of makes me want to try a tri....but the swimming part makes me nervous. I can swim forever, but my form is crappy. I also don't know how to breathe and tend to feel like I'm drowning when I try. We'll see. Maybe next year I'll feel differently. For now running is enough. Leaf Peeper in October, and Michelle and I are splitting the Burlington Marathon next May (assuming we get in). That's enough to keep me motivated and excited for now.

Standing Still

Stasis.
noun

1. 1.

   a period or state of inactivity or equilibrium.

That's me. I've been going through the motions most of the time, but I haven't been putting much effort into exercise, my eating, or my writing. I haven't felt that bad about it, which is surprising. I just haven't had the motivation.

I feel like I'm coming out of it now. I've set some definite goals, and I am beginning to plan how to achieve them. I want to run again. I want to do a half again. Maybe more than one. I am planning on splitting the Burlington marathon next year with my friend, Michelle. She's super fast and in crazy good shape, so I want to start training now. Plus, part of me really wants to do a half this fall. It's the best time of year to run, and there are some great races in VT in autumn. 

I also want to improve at Taekwondo. I really enjoy it. I have decided to stick with it and get a black belt. (It makes me nervous to even type that.) I need to start working on it at home. My first step is to practice my pattern every day. I've been keeping track for almost a week and logging the number of times I run through it. It's a small, attainable goal, and I feel like it's helping. Even if it just helps me relax about doing it in front of people. I get really nervous and don't do as well as I could. I need to work on my focus.

I've started thinking about how to strengthen and improve myself for Taekwondo. I'm going to start working it into my home workouts. I want to not only get stronger but also improve my skills and plyometrics. I feel like I'm ready to work for it.

My only other goal is to be calm and enjoy my life. 

I feel like I'm doing pretty well with exercise lately. I've worked out and pushed myself for the last two days. This morning I got up and did a workout. It doesn't seem like much, but I have been literally doing no exercise. I need to start being active again. I feel so much better when I do.

On the other hand, food has been a crazy battle. I've been overindulging and not caring at all. Until the next day. I've slipped back into my old mentality. Just a little, but enough to scare me. I will not go back to the way I was. It doesn't feel good.

Today, I read something amazing. It brought me back to the right frame of mind. It reminded me that strength is important. I remember how empowering it feels to be strong. My love of lifting is back. That's always the first thing to come back. 

Read it here.

Life is good. I'm back on track. I've let myself slip. I accept it. I'm not thrilled that I have so much to undo, but I am ready to do it.