It's A Busy Life, But I'm Enjoying It

It's been a long week. I haven't been able to post for the last few days, but I have managed to make time for some workouts. Priorities.

Wednesday was a super busy day. I knew it was going to be and got up early to get in a quick workout. 

Wednesday's workout:

Push-ups level 1  15 reps x2

alternating biceps curls 15#  6 reps/side x2

modified 1 arm push-ups level 2  10 reps/side x2

barbell shoulder press 45#  10 reps x2

push-ups level 3  15 reps x2

overhead triceps extensions 15#  12 reps x2

Short workout, but better than nothing!

Thursday ended up being a rest day. I took the Moon Dog for a walk, but that was all I did. I had a good reason. I was finishing a revision of my next book. I've been working on it since June, and it was so nice to finally finish it. Good excuse for a rest day.

I needed to rest. My stress level is increasing, and I have not been doing very well with my H2O intake. I'm definitely not feeling my best. Sleep and water are the things I need the most right now. These are my main goals going into next week. I know I'll feel better. Feeling better = more energy = getting more work done. 

Yesterday, I attempted a second run with the Moon Dog. This one was - less successful. There were a lot of new smells that needed to be sniffed, and I couldn't get him to focus. We walked a majority of it. Still, better than nothing. I'm taking baby steps with running. I've always jumped into it and done too much too soon. I then burn out or get injured. I'm trying to focus on small, attainable goals that will develop into habits. Change takes time.

I wanted to get in more of a workout yesterday, so I decided to do some HIIT. It was mostly lower body, push-ups, and TKD. By the end I was a sweaty mess, so something was working. I also ran through my pattern between sets. I love that no matter how much I work at it, there is always something new to focus on. Patterns are never perfect. Honestly, there are days when this also drives me crazy and frustrates me, but lately, I've really enjoyed working on small parts of it and trying to make it better. It helps that I'm seeing some progress. 

Friday's workout:

1 minute work / 30 seconds rest - all sets done x2

squats

side kicks R (no dropping knee)

side kicks L (no dropping knee)

push-ups level 1

alternating lunges

modified 1 arm push-ups level 1 R

modified 1 arm push-ups level 1 L

squat / side leg lift (alternating)

hook kicks (no dropping knee) R

hook kicks (no dropping knee) L

plies / calf raises

push-ups level 2

modified 1 arm push-ups level 2 R

modified 1 arm push-ups level 2 L

standing cross crunches R

standing cross crunches L

Won Hyo x 4

Today has been another rest day. The kids had a soccer game this morning. I love watching them play. It reminds me of when I played and how much fun it was. I'm glad they're enjoying it. They almost didn't sign up this year, and I am so glad they did. Soccer is one of the best parts of fall!

We spent the rest of the day with my parents. We went apple-picking (another fall favorite) and went out to lunch. It was nice to spend time with them. We don't see them nearly enough.

We're home and resting for the evening. Everyone is tired. I'm going to bed early, so I can rest up and still get in a long run tomorrow before rehearsal. It's a busy life, but I'm enjoying it!

A Little Progress - Slow And Steady

Making progress - slowly but surely.

Yesterday, Moon Dog and I walked almost 2 miles, and my ankle felt fine. I was excited. Every little bit of progress counts. I have been feeling a little on edge from not being able to exercise. It felt great to be outside and moving.

The weather has been amazing. I really wanted to run this morning, but I was a little concerned about how it would go. It took a little while to convince myself to go, but I did. I went really slow and walked if things started to twinge. I ran 2.7 miles with only two brief walking breaks, and I even powered up a hill near the end.

It felt so great. The sun was shining, and it was a cool, beautiful morning. I got into a good rhythm quickly, and I felt strong. When I pushed it up the hill, I focused on my form and remembered why I used to love running hills.

I had to change my thinking. Lately, I've faced hills with dread. Something to struggle over. I felt weak at the thought of the effort it would take. Today, I felt good. I felt energized until I got to the hill. As I got near it, I started walking. Not because I needed to. Then I decided to power up the hill like I used to. I fixed my form, my pace increased, and I got up it and still felt strong. It was nice to feel that way again. In addition to consistency, I am going to focus on my thoughts - before, during, and after my runs.

The ankle is a little sore but not too bad. I'm going to try some yoga later. Limping has caused my muscles to get really tight. I need to loosen up.

Green!!!!!!

I had a difficult run today. It was super windy, and my legs were heavy and tired. I barely made it through two miles.

But, I have the best reason for my bad run.

Last night I had testing for tae kwon do. I'll apologize now if this is a long, rambling post, but last night was incredible. I'm still trying to process it.

Testing was brutal. It started with a terminator (7 jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, then 6, 5, 4, etc.), and it didn't let up for over an hour. I don't know if I've ever worked that hard, but I loved it. The black belts put us through a crazy workout including conditioning, kicking, blocking, and sparring. There was very little time to catch a breath. I was sweating 5 minutes in and drenched by the time we finished.

Then we did our patterns. It went well. I'm lucky to have two awesome people in my group, and we work well together. It definitely felt better than it did at the tournament.

We got to my favorite part next - board breaking. I love it. We got to choose our breaks, and I went with the spin hook kick that I did at the tournament. I love this break. I got it first try. One of my favorite moments during testing was watching a red belt attempt her break. It was really difficult, and she tried over and over for a solid ten minutes. She fell on her face, got up and tried again. It was incredible and very inspiring.

At the end, we lined up. Normally, we have to answer some TKD trivia questions. I was mostly confident but nervous about what I would be asked. I even learned to count to 10 in Korean - just in case. This ended up being one of my favorite parts of testing. He didn't ask us trivia questions. He asked us about various things depending on the person. Some were about strengths that the person possesses. Some were about weaknesses (which can be turned into strengths). I was asked what success in TKD means. It was difficult to answer. I think I said something about never giving up and not getting frustrated when things didn't go well. And, that there is no end to learning.

I can definitely see this as a strength and a weakness. I will always be trying to improve, but I think I need to also give myself a little credit for how far I've come. Because Michelle and I are TKD partners in crime, he talked about both of us, our hard work, and how we're sometimes too hard on ourselves. Nailed it, Master Snyder.

Finally, I got my green belt. I'm so excited. Green is officially intermediate. No longer a beginner. I know this means I'll have to step it up and work harder, but I am really looking forward to it. This is the most proud I've been of myself in a long time. I'm also super excited because now I can start weapons in the fall!

My family came to watch, and it was so nice to have their support. The kids kept talking about how good I did. The Artist told me over and over how proud he was of me. Melted my heart. Today, it's the kids' turn. They're both testing, and I am so excited to watch them. They've worked really hard this year, and they've really started to love it.

I feel so incredibly lucky to be involved in TKD. My classmates are awesome. The black belts are helpful, patient, and super supportive. Master Snyder knows when to push and when to back off. I was terrified to start the family class two years ago, but it was one of the best decisions I've made. Life changing.

So, I had a bad run today, but I don't care. I'm a green belt!!!!