Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wednesday Workout Update - Summer Plan

I'm coming up with a game plan for the summer...one that doesn't solely involve running (although naturally, running WILL play a big part).  With the end of our 5K racing season (last one is this Saturday), I'm just running for fun at this point.  What a concept, right?!

Anyway, I'm looking to branch out a bit, but stay within my comfort zone (i.e. no burpees, box jumps or anything too crazy...my ankle is always on the hurting side, so I don't need to be doing anything extra to help it along).  Areas I'd like to work on are my core and my arms - I've really let those slide.  Plus, I was talking with a woman who I've seen at a lot of the 5K races and she was mentioning how her times have improved since she started working with a coach...not that I'm interested all that much in improving my running times, per se, but I'd like to be a stronger runner.   She felt that the number one thing that helped her was doing squats - yes, strengthening those quads.  Now, I am not a fan of squats, but I don't hate them like I do other exercises (burpees, I'm looking at you).  So, *dramatic sigh* I'll do some squats.

Here's the plan:
  • Running
  • Planks
  • Prison Curls (ok, I just like the name - really they're bicep curls)
  • Tricep extensions
  • Squats
  • Exercise bike 
And here's the schedule:


If I don't write it down, I'll forget to do it...I was doing so well with that daily plank challenge, until I finished the month (and therefore the printed schedule) - I would be knitting away, glance over and see my yoga mat that I use for planks (I get wicked rug burns on my elbows otherwise), think "I need to plank as soon as I finish this row" - and of course, immediately erase that thought and rarely get the plank done.  So now I've got my official schedule and as long as I know what day of the week it is, I should be on track...I'll revisit this in a month or so and let you know how well I've kept up with everything.  Fingers crossed it'll be a good report!

And now, I'm off to go bike, then plank, and then work my arms!

16 comments:

  1. Looks good Shelley! Making a plan always works for me too otherwise I would sitting next to you staring at that yoga mat :)

    You might want to consider looking up some Jillian Michaels workouts on youtube or on DVD. Most of her workouts involve squads and arms with hand weights.
    Just a thought for you.

    I'd say: bring on Summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Egads, I never thought about Jillian, but you are right - she'd probably whip me into shape (and make me cry in the process?)!

      Delete
    2. Jillian will make you do some burpees, too!!

      Delete
    3. But you don't have to do the burpees LOL I skip them because I hate them as much as you do. She hasn't made me cry (yet) but she gives a good workout.

      Delete
  2. Have you tried a Zumba class? Such a different type of cardio that so many people I know have loved it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not a dancer and Zumba just seems awkward for my body - I know a lot of people (including my best friend) love it, though!

      Delete
  3. This looks like a great plan! Maybe this idea would help me--I keep forgetting to do my P.T. exercises. Maybe if I write them on my calendar. Now the trick is, will I look at my calendar?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! I keep my calendar right next to my computer for that very reason. :)

      Delete
  4. Yay for squats! I just did a heavy squat workout during the rainy weekend and I had to drop down to sit because my legs hurt so bad LOL! I had forgotten about the squats and as a biker, I need to keep up with them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Have fun mixing it up some this summer!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have found a ton of workouts on Pinterest - just type in "squats" "core" etc. Make shake it up a bit if you keep changing what you are doing?

    Love the plan though! :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have to write it down too, or I totally dont even think about it. I blame it on my age. Its so funny to hear you say your 5K season is ending. Ours is just starting! BUT, Im sure its really to hot to run down there in the summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it is WAY TOO HOT to run here...which is why I'm SO looking forward to the 9:00 am race start on Saturday. Bet it will be in the 80s with the sun burning into my skin - so fun! ;)

      Delete
  8. Good plan! Love it.

    So, I'm really enjoying these 20 minute yoga sessions from You Tube. If you want some yoga in your summer...you said you do have a mat....haha.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow5FdxtiTec

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!