Leg Day and Patterns.

Happy 4th!

We decided today would be a day for home improvements and chilling in the pool. I really wanted to do a long lifting workout. I haven't done a good leg day workout in a while, so I decided on lower body lifts with pattern practice in between sets.

It was such a good workout. I love leg day, and I really enjoy patterns. I haven't done any TKD in a long time. Now classes are on summer break, and I do not want to fall behind. I remembered them better than I expected to, but it was easy to spot the ones that need the most work. I did Do San more than the rest. It is my weakest pattern. I don't know why. It just won't stick.

Now it's time for a pool workout with the kiddos. I love summer!

A Good Sweat.

Today was a weights day! It's raining and gloomy outside. It's the perfect time to go back to my happy place. 

I haven't been lifting as often. I am focused on cardio - running, hiking, walking, biking, swimming - this summer. I spent the last two years only able to lift. I needed a break and time to do all the things I haven't been able to do. Still, lifting is my absolute favorite. I did some supersets and got a good sweat, too. Now, I'm enjoying the post-lifting feeling. The. Best.

Speaking of a good sweat, I am starting a personal weekly challenge. I meant to write about it earlier, but I got distracted by my awesome solo hike. In TKD we do a descending ladder workout that they call terminators. Jumping jacks, push ups, and sit ups - 10 reps down to 1 rep. For the summer, I am going to do terminators once a week and time it. I'm hoping to beat my time every week. 

Attempt One:

Honestly, I didn't push the pace on this one. I just wanted to get through it. Still worked up a good sweat. Nice quick workout and a great start to my week. Bring on the Summer of Sweat!

Photo by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash

ReRunning.

I have missed running so much. I am loving the couch to 5k program that I am doing with Andy. It's short, manageable, and there is no thinking involved. I love not having to think. Just get out the door and go.

I really love being able to be active again. Last week was a great week. Not only did I do my 3 C25K runs, but I also crushed my old bench press PB by 15#. I can bench 100#, which may not seem like much to other people, but it is huge for me. I feel like I've been stuck at 85# forever. It's nice to be able to lift heavy again, too.

It's been several weeks now, and I am still blown away by how much was affected by my parathyroid. Something as simple as calcium can throw everything out of whack. I promise I'll stop talking about it eventually, but I am still amazed every day by how great I feel and how much energy I have.

It's a good thing I have all this new energy because Andy and I have completely committed to running again. We've started a podcast about our rerunning adventures. It's still in its infancy, but you can check it out here. It is also available through iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe and follow along. The C25k is only the tip of the rerunning iceberg.

Struggling and Learning

It's been about 2 months since I've posted. I took a break. A much needed one.

I've been really struggling with exercise for a while. I've got a few medical issues that are taking forever to resolve, and I've been limited. I constantly feel run down, and my bones (especially my feet and hands) have been aching. Running became unbearable, I had to find other forms of exercise. It took a toll on me physically and emotionally. It's difficult to stay positive when you feel so crappy. I've been feeling like I am failing, and writing about it was making me feel worse.

It all got a little overwhelming, so I took a break from blogging and focused on taking care of myself. I got into a good, consistent program of lifting and practicing TKD. I was feeling stronger and more confident. Then life started getting more hectic, and I let it affect my routine. I stopped making exercise a priority. I stopped making me a priority. It's frightening how easy it is to slip to the bottom of your list.

I'm still struggling, but I am really trying to stay positive and find the good in the struggle. I recently went to the first TKD tournament of the year, and it did not go well. I felt off and just didn't do very well. I took two tries to break my boards, which I had been getting on the first try. I was frustrated, but on the bright side, I did break two boards for the first time. I also enjoyed being with the other women in our division. It's a fun and supportive group of great ladies, and everyone at the tournament is very positive and inspiring.

I decided to work harder and improve my break. Next tournament my goal is to get it first try. Two boards. I'm also back to daily meditation and trying to get control over my thoughts. My nerves are my biggest adversary. I need to get out of my head.

The TKD struggles continue. Yesterday was testing, and I felt terrible. I was nauseous, overheating, and dizzy, but I wasn't going to miss it. I worked hard and was really looking forward to getting my new belt.

I got it, but it was a major struggle. I blanked out and completely forgot every pattern except the very first and my current one. I'm not sure what I was doing out there, but it was not pretty. I struggled with moves that I have gotten gold medals for in the past. I got my belt but felt pretty disappointed with myself.

Today's a new day. I really enjoy TKD, and I am not going to quit after a couple of embarrassing mess ups. Part of my workout today was to go through all of my patterns - over and over and over again. I was happy that they are still somewhere in my brain. I guess they took a vacation last night.

I also practiced the beginning of my bo staff pattern. I've only been working on it for a little while, but I love it. I feel comfortable with a bo staff, and it combines everything I like about patterns with a little more creativity/individuality. So much fun.

So, I'm back to blogging. I may not be in a great place, and I may feel like I am struggling, but I'm not done trying. I'm going to keep learning, and hopefully, improving.

Lifting Is Happiness

It's been a week since I posted. A long, emotional week. I've been focused on kindness, gratitude, and love. The world needs more of it, and I'm really trying to stay positive. I'm still not feeling great, but I'm trying not to think about it. It is what it is and thinking about it just makes me feel worse.

I'm accepting my limitations and doing what I can. My main goal right now is to stay active. Last week was rough. I had several days of just walking with the Moon Dog. I have been on an exercise streak since Saturday, so things are going better.

Saturday's workout:

single leg dead lifts 15#db  8reps/side x2
standing rows w/ exercise band 15 reps x2

biceps curls/ overhead press 15#db  8 reps x2
standing chest press w/ band 15 reps x2

overhead triceps extension 15#db  15 reps x2
standing chest fly w/ band 15 reps x2

hammer curls/lateral raises 5#db 15 reps x2
triangle push ups 10 reps x2


Sunday's workouts

superman lifts 1:00 minute x2
1 arm push ups on floor 5 regular/5 modified per side  x2

plank (high/forearm) 1:00  x2
swimming 1:00  x2

twisting supermans 1:00  x2
serratus sway 1:00  x2

double bicycles 1:00  x2
serratus twists 1:00  x2

*Plus a Run/walk with the Artists (aka my favorite running buddy) 2 miles


Monday's workouts

I did a longer walk with the Moon Dog yesterday. It was a gorgeous day, and it was nice to clear my head on a very stressful day.
I also had TKD last night. I have to admit, I wasn't feeling it before class. I was tired and stressed out and not feeling very good. Getting out the door was a struggle, but I made myself go. I hate missing class, and I knew I would feel better if I went. It ended up being really great. The whole class was on nunchucks, and it was so fun. I felt 1000 times better after class.

Tuesday's workout

squats 115# 8 reps
alternating turning kicks 40 reps
squats 135# 8 reps
back kicks 10 reps/side

plie squats 115# 8 reps
hook kicks 10 reps/side
plie squats 135# 8 reps
360 hook kicks 12 reps/side (right side was okay but left was a struggle - did not go well)

lunges 115# 6 reps/side
side kicks 10 reps/side
lunges 135# 8 reps/side
punches 100 reps

Won Hyo x6

I love lifting. It makes me feel strong even when I struggle, and it makes me happy. I'm definitely focusing on what makes me happy right now, so lifting is a big part of the plan.

Focus On The Good

Yesterday was a bust. I had the appointment I've been waiting 5 months for, and there was no progress. She couldn't see my parathyroid with the ultrasound, so I had to redo my blood work. If my levels are still high, they'll do a different test. To say I am frustrated is a huge understatement. I've been hoping for a quick fix. I should have known better. There's never a quick fix. I'm just sick of waiting.

My labs came back this morning, and (surprise, surprise) my calcium levels are higher than before. Fingers crossed I don't have to wait for months for the next step.

I was not in a great place yesterday, but there were two highlights. I'm trying to focus on the good. The first good thing was I got another review on my last book, and it was a positive one. Yay!

The second one was TKD. I didn't feel great during the warm-up, but the rest of it went pretty well. I can feel the benefits from practicing on my own. I felt stronger. There were definitely things that I need to work on. There always are, but overall I felt pretty good. Plus, I got to chat with Michelle after and vent some frustration.

So, my setback actually helped snap me out of the funk I've been in. I let negative thinking take over for a while. Knowing that I have to wait and deal with this thing helped me accept it. I'm feeling a lot more determined to push through. I'm going to keep taking calcium/Vitamin D, drinking lots of water, and lift. Got to keep my bones strong.

Tuesday's workout:

Squats - body weight 25 reps x2
Squats 115#  8 reps x2

Plie squats - body weight 15 reps x2
Plie squats 115#  10 reps x2

Calf raises - body weight  20 reps x2
Calf raises 115#  12 reps x2

Push-ups level 1  25 reps
1 arm push-ups level 1  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 2  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 2  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 3  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 3  10 reps/side


This workout was tough. I definitely struggled, but I got through it. My first set was almost the end of the workout. After my first set of squats, I got a cramp in my hamstring. I took some time and stretched until it let go. I really wanted to finish the workout.

I had planned to do dead lifts, but with my sore hamstring I decided to do push-ups instead. Again, I struggled more than usual, but I'm glad I did it.

My hamstring is still pretty sore, so I'm going to do some yoga later. I need a good stretch.

I'm not feeling great, but at least I got it done. One day at a time.

Weaknesses

This is something I really struggle to accept. My weaknesses are not something I am proud of. They don't make me feel confident. Or strong. I really hate feeling weak.

But, I've got to deal with it. This thing with my parathyroid has made me weaker than I've been in years. It's sapped all of my energy. My bones, joints, and muscles ache. It kept me up last night, so I'm feeling pretty burnt out today.

I still did get in a walk with the Moon Dog and a short workout.

Monday's Halloween workout:

knee tucks 25 reps x2
exercise ball push-ups 25 reps x2

alternating tucks 10 reps/side x2
1-arm ball push-ups 6 reps/side x2

chest press w/ exercise band 15 reps x2
inner thigh squeezes w/ ball 50 reps x2

chest fly w/ exercise band 15 reps x2
standing band rows 25 reps x2

ball hyperextensions 20 reps x2
arm pulses w/ the ball 30 reps x2


It's not much, but it was a struggle. I hate that feeling. Still, better than nothing.

I'm a week away from my appointment with the endocrinologist. I really hope I get some answers and can move onto the next step. I'm so tired of feeling weak.

Little Runner

I have created a running monster. The Artist may become Little Runner. The boy is completely hooked. On Saturday, we braved the pouring rain and ran the Glow Run 5k.

I have a new reason to work on my running. The boy is fast. He took off, and there was no way I was catching him. My shins were on fire, and my legs were stiff from my morning run. Normally, I wouldn't mind him ditching me, but it was dark, pouring rain, and the course wasn't closed. He ran the first mile without stopping, but then he waited for me. We ran most of the course. It had been steadily raining the whole time, and it picked up when we were almost done. We ran about 2.7 miles.

It was a blast. We were cold and soaked, but we had a lot of fun. The Artist was ecstatic. He kept saying it was the best race ever. He wanted to do more running. He started talking about training for the Milk Run (a 10k in June). I am so thrilled that he loves running. Now, I've got to get in better shape, so we can run it together.

He started his training this morning. He asked me to get him up early, and he hopped on the treadmill. He did 15 minutes before getting ready for school. He was so proud. I am, too.

The Glow Run kind of wrecked me. My PF is back. I'm working on making it better, but it's still pretty painful. Sunday was an active rest day. I was on my feet for most of the day (ouch), but I didn't get in a workout.

On Monday, the kids and husband had a day off from school. It was a relaxing day. We were not very active for most of it, so we decided to do a family workout. Everyone got to pick 3 exercises, and we all got to go twice. It was fun and ended up being a pretty good workout.

Today, I broke my workout up into a few shorter workouts.

Tuesday's workouts:

20 min. speed intervals on the treadmill - my feet hurt after. I did some stretching, which helped a little.

Lift - lower body
squats 135#  5 reps x2
calf raises  135#  10 reps x2
Won Ho x2

plie squats 135# 6 reps x2
one leg lunges 8 reps/side x2

Won Hyo x2


Yoga x2
15 minutes - post treadmill workout
10 minutes - post lifting

Meditation
10 minutes

It all adds up. Every little bit counts.

Keeping Busy And Still Exercising

It's been a week since I last wrote. It has been an insane week. Lots of events coming up at work, kids have started soccer, I'm working on two shows and starting another, and I am working hard at finishing my next book.

I'll admit, it has made it difficult to fit in exercise, but I am committed to staying on the list. So, here's a recap.

First of all, the Moon Dog and I have been walking every day. It's a nice, peaceful part of my day, and I know he loves it, too.

Saturday, I was still feeling exhausted, so I took the day off.

Sunday, I was pressed for time, but I wanted to do something.

jump rope 1minute  x 2
hook kicks, without dropping my knee  20/side  x 2

jump rope 1 minute x 2
door swings 15/side x 2

jump rope 1 minute x 2
side dumbbell crunches 15#  15/side  x 2

one leg step ups  10/side  x 2
modified 1 arm push ups level 2  10/side x 2

Push-ups
level 1 25 reps
level 2  15 reps
level 3  15 reps
level 2  15 reps
level 1  15 reps

On Monday, I had TKD. It was a good class. I worked hard. I don't feel like I did particularly well on anything, but my pattern went pretty well. I've been practicing, and it's all starting to click.

On Tuesday, I was super sore from class. My feet hurt when I first woke up. I do not want my plantar fasciitis to come back. Stretching was the only option. I did 25 minutes of yoga. It felt great and made my feet feel better.

Wednesday was a busy day. I did do some incline push-ups and modified one arm push-ups. I'm still committed to my one arm push-up goal. I already feel stronger, and I'm noticing improvement in my regular push-ups as well.

Thursday's workout was awesome. It was just what I needed at the start of a stressful day.

Squats 45# 10 reps
Won Hyo x 2

Squats 155# 6 reps x2
push-ups level 1  25 reps x 2

Won Hyo x 2

Plie squats 155# 6 reps  x 2
modified 1 arm push ups level 1  10 reps/side x 2

Won Hyo x 2

Lunges with barbell 135# 5 reps/side  x 2
modified 1 arm push ups level 2  10 reps/side  x 2

Won Hyo x 2

I love a good strength workout. Nothing like feeling completely weak to make you feel strong.

Today, I did a HIIT workout. Lots of cardio and abs. It was a good workout and got my heart rate up almost immediately.

This weekend is another busy one, but I really want to get in a longer run. I've missed running and need to commit to running more consistently.

No matter what I will do something active. I'm staying on the list!

Staying On The List

Some days are so busy that I feel like I should skip my workout to free up some time, but I'm focused on getting back on track. Putting myself on the list. I know I am a better parent and wife (and human being) when I am taking care of myself, and I've been neglecting my wellbeing for too long.

Today, I am sticking to things that make me happy. Morning walk with the Moon Dog and lifting.

Friday's workout

bench press 75#  8 reps  x 2

dumbbell rows 15#  12 reps  x 2

biceps curls  15#db  8 reps  x 2

chest fly 15#db  12 reps  x 2

barbell row 75#  8 reps  x 2

overhead triceps 15#  12 reps  x 2

modified 1 arm push-ups level 1  8 reps/side  x 2

barbell shoulder press 45#  10 reps  x 2

dumbbell side crunches 15#db  15 reps  x 2

I love lifting. Feeling ready for the rest of the day!

I Am So Lucky

I am so lucky. My ankle is healing quickly. Certain movements still make it twinge, but it's holding up well. I've been testing it. Coming back from an injury always makes me nervous. With the run, it was the first few steps that worried me. Once I'd run a little, I relaxed and really enjoyed it.

On Monday I decided to try hiking. We did a short, easy hike that was new to us. Family hikes are one of my absolute favorite things. We had so much fun. The kids have been finding new places to practice TKD, and the wide trail and a gigantic boulder were perfect. The Artist practiced Do San on the big rock, and the Bean practiced her bo staff pattern with a long stick.

It was a nice, easy hike. The weather was perfect. It was two miles out and back. My ankle held up until we were on our way down. It didn't give out, but it ached. I had to go slow and focus on stepping lightly. It hurt for a little while after we were done, but it didn't swell any more and felt better after about an hour. I was worried it would hurt the next morning, but it was fine.

Did I mention how lucky I am?

Yesterday, I didn't feel great, so I rested. My legs were a little sore from the hike, but it was not too bad. I didn't miss many workouts, but on the days when I couldn't walk at all, I was convinced that I was losing strength. The mind is always the biggest obstacle.

This morning, Moon Dog and I went for our usual walk. I also got in a strength workout. It was unnerving. I haven't lifted anything heavy since I hurt myself. I dropped the weight down a little bit, and I did a shorter workout. The first rep was terrifying. After my ankle held, I had an awesome workout.

Thursday's Workout

Squats  135#  6 reps x 2
Push-ups level 3  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4

Plie squats  135#  6 reps  x 2
Push-ups level 2  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4  (*felt a twinge in my ankle and decided to shorten my workout)

Dead lifts  115#  5 reps x 2
Modified one-arm push-ups level 1  8 reps/side x 2
Chon Gi, Dan Gun, Do San, & Won Hyo  x 2


I've set a new goal. It's simple but will also take consistent effort to achieve it. Perfect for my super busy life. The big, final goal is to be able to do a full one-armed push-up on the floor (both sides). I am breaking this into smaller goals. The first is to be able to do a full rep on level one*. I plan to achieve this by doing daily reps (as far down as I can go). After I achieve that, I will move on to level 2, level 3, and finally the floor.

*When I worked with a trainer, she had me do push-ups on various levels using the bar that holds up the back of the bench. My bench at home has three levels. Level one is the highest setting - the easiest one to do push-ups on. Level three is almost floor level. It's still one of my absolute favorite exercises. My favorite thing to do is max. reps at each level 1, 2, 3, 2, 1. Nothing feels the way my arms do after that.

This workout was one of the last tests for my ankle. I'm feeling a lot more confident. TKD will be the last test, but I think it will be okay. I'm going to be really careful about any twisting motions, but it should be fine. I'm so excited to get back to regular training. I need that daily dose of endorphins. I'm ready to get my strength back.

Awesome Workout Week

And, the week of awesome workouts continues...

Yesterday, I had planned on dead lifts, but my legs were super sore from Monday's squats. I decided to go with bench press instead. Since I was so sore, I wanted the second exercise to be something gentle. I decided to work on my TKD patterns in between sets. It was a good choice. Not only did I get a lot of practicing done, but the movements loosened up my legs and made them feel better.

Tuesday's Workout:

Bench Press  //  Patterns
45# 12 reps       Won Hyo (current pattern) x 3
55# 12 reps       Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each *
65# 10 reps       Won Hyo x 3
75# 6 reps         Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each
85# 4 reps         Won Hyo x 3

*The first time I attempted Dan Gun and Do San, I completely forgot them. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that. Luckily, the Artist remembered Dan Gun and is currently working on Do San. He helped me remember.

With my legs still a little sore but feeling much better, I decided to go for a walk with the Artist. One of our "epic walks." We walked from our house into Enosburg on the Rail Trail. It was hot, but we brought water and snacks and took our time. We walked 6 miles!

I was feeling the walk when I got up this morning, but I really wanted to do dead lifts today. After running some errands, my legs loosened up, and I was ready. I paired them with biceps curls and triceps extensions. Lower weight/more reps.

I started light with the dead lifts. I do not want to hurt my back. I would much rather go a little light to start. I'll get back to where I used to be eventually.

Wednesday's Workout:

Dead Lifts  //  Biceps Curls/Triceps Extension
45# 12 reps *  10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
65# 12 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
75# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
85# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
95# 8 reps       10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
105# 6 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
115# 4 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps

*I used the bar for a warm-up set. I could have done more that 12 reps, but I wanted to save it for the heavier weights.

It was a great workout. I'm feeling really strong. Barbell rows and shoulders tomorrow!

Travel, Hike, Love

Life has been a whirlwind.

Last week I got to take an awesome trip with my favorite person. We spent a couple days in Knoxville, TN and had a blast. It's a cool city with lots of good food. We stayed within walking distance of downtown, so we got in quite a bit of exercise. Which was good since we spent a lot of time sitting in our car on the way down and back.

It was great to have an adventure. We used to travel quite a bit, and our honeymoon was driving across the country and staying in campgrounds. This time we didn't go as far, and we stayed in places we rented from Air BnB. It was a great early anniversary celebration. My husband is the master of planning unique, inexpensive trips., and we had so much fun!

The best part about any trip is coming home. The kids stayed with their grandparents, and it was the longest we've been away from them. I definitely missed them, and it was nice to pick them up and go home to our very-happy-to-see-us pets.

My goal when we got back was to continue being active and really work on consistency. I knew this was going to be a challenge. I have theatre camp all week, and that means long days. So far I've done pretty well. We got home on Friday and had all of Saturday free for a family adventure.

The Artist and I started the day with a run. He really enjoys running, and I love the company. He asked if we could go for a run, and I can never say no to that. He chose the route - a mile of almost constant uphill. Usually, we do walk/run intervals. This time he wanted to run the hills and walk the small amount of flat area. That last hill was killer. I love running with him because he pushes me. He would be a great trainer. He's absolutely relentless.

During our walking breaks we had some great conversation. He has so many great ideas, and I really love the person he is becoming. After a brief rest at the top of the biggest hill, we sprinted down the hill to our house. Everyone else was awake, and it was time to hike Wheeler Mountain.

This was a new hike for all of us, and we had a blast. My dad got me a book of day hikes in VT, and it suggested going up the red trail (if you chose to) and back down the white trail. The white trail was longer but in the trees and less steep. The red trail was steep, open, and shorter. We were planning to follow the white trail up and back. I have a fear of heights, and while I do try to challenge it, I was not looking for anything scary. Just a nice, fun family hike.

In true Andy and Em fashion, we chose the wrong trail. It ended up being a great choice. We went up the red trail and down the white. It was incredible. It was terrifying, but I kept my eyes down and kept going. When we got to a flat part I would look out at the view, and it was magical.

It was like being in a Tolkein novel. Incredible.

I'm so glad that we took that trail. It was not easy, but it was so worth it.

Saturday was a very active day. 

On Sunday, I decided to do leg day. I'm easing myself back into lifting, and I love it. In addition to leg day I did "pool circuits" with the kids. We've been creating workouts in the pool. It's so much fun and good exercise.

Monday I got up ready to run. It had been a while, and I didn't have a lot of time. Still, I felt ready to go and got in 2.5 miles. It felt good. I haven't had a good run in a long time, and I needed one. I ran almost the entire thing. I've been taking a lot of walking breaks lately, and I was happy I didn't need them this time. It's amazing what a few days of exercise and better eating can do.

Yesterday was a tough one. It was a good day. I got up early and did a chest/back workout. I had a great day at camp except someone kicked over my coffee, and I had no caffeine all day. By the time camp was over, I was tired. 

But, my day wasn't over. I watched the kids' TKD classes, and then I had class. I was excited to be back since I missed the week before, but I was also feeling incredibly exhausted. It ended up being a great class. It was a lot of conditioning, and we were moving almost the whole time. I like classes like that. They're difficult but keep me focused. It was also one of those days when things clicked, and I felt good about how I did. That doesn't happen all the time, but it's nice when it does. 

I was completely wiped out when I got home and went to bed early. This morning I'm feeling pretty sore. My back is really tight from lifting, and my legs are SO SORE from class. Today is going to be a yoga/patterns day. Something to loosen up my muscles while giving me time to recover.

I've got workouts planned for the rest of the week, and I am determined to stick with it. Consistency is the goal! 

Catching Up

It's been quite a while since I posted. Life has been busy. Mostly fun stuff. Dairy Days and the end of the school year. I haven't had a lot of time to write, but I have been getting regular exercise. I'm trying to make it a priority and started planning my workouts a week in advance. This is how I work best. I like having a plan and knowing what is coming, but I also keep it flexible in case something comes up.

My legs took a long time to recover from the half. I didn't rest after it was over. I took one day off and then hiked 5 miles. I followed that with weights and a ton of walking. I ran 5 miles on Sunday.

The run felt good. It was much cooler than it had been during the half, and I actually ran most of it. My goal was to take less walking breaks, and I was surprised at how much further I could go. I definitely want to continue running and try to work on consistency, so this run was important. I did not want to take a lot of time off from running after the race. That's my usual m.o., and it leads to a very long break from running. I didn't want that to happen this time, and I told myself that I could only take a week off from running - not a day longer. I'm really working on setting small, attainable goals.

On Monday I went on a school trip with my kids to the Shelburne Museum. We did a crazy amount of walking. Tuesday was the first day of summer TKD. I have to admit that I struggled during class. My day had been really hectic, and my legs were really tired and sore. We were working on rolls, which is something that makes me really uncomfortable. It was a difficult class.

Wednesday was scheduled from the moment I got up until the time I went to bed. It was an exhausting day, and I had no time to exercise. I felt fine about taking a day off. I ate healthfully, and my legs definitely appreciated it.

Yesterday was the best. The Artist wanted me to train him. I gave him a few exercises and let him choose the rest. We worked on good form, and he lifted some 3 pound weights. He also threw in some TKD practice. It was a lot of fun, and it motivated me to lift. I went a little heavier and did pairs of exercises. I hit all of the major muscle groups. It was a great full-body workout, and I am feeling it today.

This morning started with a walk with the Moon Dog and the Artist. It was a nice, cool morning, and the Artist picked some wildflowers. It was a perfect start to the day. He wants to work out with me again, so I am hoping to get in a TKD HIIT workout today.

Next S.M.A.R.T. goal - blog more

It's A HIIT

The other day I wrote about complications. Yesterday I had a major complication. The Artist scratched his cornea, and we spent the day going to various doctors. He is okay, but it was a very long, emotional day. By the time we got home I was completely exhausted. No interest in working out at all. Rest day!

Today, I almost skipped my workout. I have a show this weekend, and I had to cancel rehearsal yesterday. There was a lot to get done today, and I didn't feel like I had time. But, I stopped and examined my schedule. I didn't want to miss another day if possible. I feel better when I work out, and I have several things to train for this month.

I wanted to work on TKD today, but it had to fit my schedule. I decided to do a HIIT workout and throw in my patterns as well. There are so many things I need to improve on for TKD, and I wanted to focus on some of these today. Namely, speed and jumping. I like endurance - running, hiking, etc. I need to work on my fast twitch muscle fibers.

Here's what I did:

HIIT #1 (1:00 work/ :30 rest)

• jump rope
• side kicks R
• side kicks L
• burpees
• Chun Gi (not timed, just went through it, focused on wave motion)

You know I'm serious when I throw in burpees. And, jump rope. In the same group. Yikes.

HIIT #2 (1:00/ :30)

• one leg jumps (w/ foot on a bench) R
• one leg jumps L
• front kick/back kick combo R
• front kick/back kick L
• Dan Gun (wave motion)

The one leg jumps were suggested by a black belt at the last tournament as a way to speed up chambering. They were no joke, but I actually really enjoyed them. The kick combo was something we were working on in class on Monday. I really enjoyed it, and hopefully I will be able to use this in the next tournament. The second time through I added a back fist, too. It was fun. I love back kicks.

HIIT #3 (1:00/ :30)

• jump rope
• turning kicks R
• turning kicks L
• squat jump / high knee jump (alternating)
• Do San (wave motion & everything else - got to get this one down)

Let's just say the second round of jumping rope was much harder than the first. My legs were exhausted and feeling very heavy. I have a tendency to make my last HIIT easier, but this was not the case today. I really wanted to push it. The squat jumps/high knee jumps were brutal, but I got through it. 

I love HIIT workouts. My legs were tired and heavy and spent by the end. They shook as I tried to walk around the grocery store. The sign of a good workout. I need to keep this up. One of my goals for the summer is to focus more on TKD and the things I mentioned above - speed, jumping, fast twitch movements. Not that I'm giving up distance running or hiking. I plan on doing a lot of both as well. It's going to be a good summer.

Back To The Barbell

Trying to stick to my healthy goals this week. It's been somewhat challenging. Things at work are ramping up because we open for the season this weekend. Plus, I've been putting in a lot of time on a major revision on my new book. Not enough time in the day.

Tuesday, I squeezed in a couple miles. The weather has been amazing, and I want to spend as much time outside as possible. Running always sets me up for a better day. It wasn't a great run. My legs were tired and heavy from TKD class. Still, I felt good for most of the day.

Tuesday night I started feeling really sick, and that carried into Wednesday. I spent most of the day in bed and didn't get anything done. Unplanned rest day.

Today I am feeling better. Not 100%, but definitely better. I took the Moon Dog for a nice, long walk. It was a pretty morning.

I also started a new lifting program today. I've been considering it for a few weeks. I miss lifting, but I need to keep it moderate while I'm doing my half training. I waited until the TKD tournament was over because I knew starting up again would make me really sore. I set today as my start date and got it done.

I forgot how much I love lifting. It really is my favorite. Today was a chest push/pull day. I got it done and feel great. I can't wait to have muscle definition again. I decided to go with a plan instead of making my own because I know it will help keep me on track until lifting becomes habit again. Then I might branch out and do my own program. For now, it's nice having someone else do the thinking for me. I like this plan, too. It uses simple, basic movements, and I like the way the days are split up.

My eating has been okay. Yesterday was rough, but I did okay. I'm focused on cleaning up my eating and taking things one day at a time. It's nice to have motivation again. I'm already feeling better and sleeping better. Forgot how good it feels to take care of myself.

Closer to Normal

Today I am breathing through the stress. And exercising.

I started the day with a beautiful walk with the Moon Dog. The weather is amazing today. Cool and sunny and perfect. Our walk was a moment of peace in this crazy week.

I'm giving my legs a rest today. After sprints on Tuesday and a 3.3 mile run yesterday, my hips were sore. A day off will do me good.

I did an upper body workout instead. It felt great. I love how strong lifting makes me feel.

I can't go to TKD today, which is a bummer. TKD makes me feel powerful. It gives me an hour where I don't have to think about anything else. I can focus completely and forget the stress of the rest of my life. I did some practice on my own this morning, but it's not the same. Oh well. I'll get back into it when things settle down a little.

Even with everything that's going on, I am feeling pretty good. I've been eating really well and focusing on staying positive. It makes a huge difference. I'm just trying to find balance. Right now, it's going pretty well. I'm feeling closer to normal than I have in a really long time.