Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wednesday Workout Update

It IS January, correct?  I had to wonder because on Saturday, when we ran 7 miles, it was 72 degrees.  That's just wrong.  Plus, the humidity was just about 100% - yes, it was misting for most of the run, with our traditional heavier rain for the last half mile.  CRAZY.  The run went well, actually - doing the 2:1 intervals really seems to be helping my mind get through these distances.  Honestly, it feels good to see a hill and realize that I won't have to run up the entire thing - my timer is going to beep before I reach the top, and then I get to walk.  I only had one brief moment of "I can't do this" - not even sure what mile we were near, but I think it was mostly because the heat had gotten to me and I was experiencing the burning red face sensation that I get during the summer months.  Luckily a breeze kicked up and cooled me down, and I was able to continue with no other blips.

My favorite part of the run was when we came to a long downhill part - I blasted down it!  It felt great to run all out, and fast!  Heck, I even ignored the "walk" beep of the timer until I got to the bottom of the hill.  Sometimes, running like a kid is irresistible!

And speaking of having fun while running, at one point while Erica and I were running last Thursday, I said to her "this feels really good" - and I almost checked my Garmin to see our pace, but quickly realized that IT DIDN'T MATTER.  Feeling good while running was enough.  Which also made me realize how much time I've spent looking at my pace over the last year...to some degree it's important to know, especially when you're training for a big race, but on the other hand, just running is pretty nice. 

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By the way, I got confirmation on Tuesday morning that it IS, indeed, January - it was freezing cold and raining, even sleeting in areas.  Yep.  That's more like it.  Jenny and I postponed our run for a few hours since the rain was supposed to let up.  But then she had a photoshoot that ran long, and it was, quite frankly, still pretty dang cold, so we bagged the run.  I resorted to Plan B(ike) - no, not the same as running, but I was proud of myself for getting a workout in.  All part of Getting Lean in 2013!

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Having the exercise bike available has been great; I'm finally cross-training!  And I'm still keeping up with doing the Planks-A-Lot challenge - as of today, it will be a 50-second plank.  Yesterday I forgot to lock Paco in his crate before I started my plank, and spent the entire time with his nose in my face...wut you doin' Mom?  You need licks?  I give licks.
Plank-eye view of assistant dog...yes I know the picture is crooked; multi-tasking while planking is not my forte.

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Now that we're a couple of weeks into the new year, how are you all doing with your exercise resolutions?  For me, I'm doing well - I think that because I didn't overwhelm myself by adding a ton of extra things into my routine, and the fact that I can do them at home, has helped me to stick with them.  No excuse to not ride the bike - let's face it, if I can't find 20 minutes in my day to go ride the bike, then my laziness has reached new heights!

28 comments:

  1. The weather is crazy some days. This is the third year in a row that we have snow in Winter which is unusual and not something that makes me jump of happiness.

    I love Paco. I do my workout early in the morning when R. is still in bed and Bella in her cradle upstairs. When I'm not finished when they come downstairs Bella jumps all over me too especially on ground exercises and of course I can't resist her and give the exercise a break to hug her.

    My first two weeks weren't exactly how I planned them but overall I'm happy. I've had a cold, nothing you can do about it, it happens and then you need to make adjustments.

    You are rocking so far!

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  2. OMGOSH HOW IS IT ALREADY WED????

    seriously. that is all.

    xo

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  3. Shelley - I'm keeping up with the plank challenge, too and every time Dog finds me and gets all up in my face. I feel like it is an even better workout because I'm holding a plank AND laughing.

    Gotta love those pups!

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    1. You get double ab points for planking and laughing at the same time - good job!

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  4. Was thinking of you last night at Muay Thai as they had us do pushups then hold a 60 second plank - THREE TIMES IN A ROW. It's called Plank You Very Much. I said, "No plank you!"

    I'm doing great getting back into my regular exercise. Like you I much prefer to work at things from home... good thing that Planet Fitness membership only costs me $10 a month until I can cancel it in October!

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    1. HA! No plank you, indeed!

      Planet Fitness is so cheap! You are lucky to only pay $10/month...but yeah, I agree, it's nice to not have to drive somewhere to workout.

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  5. I'm so proud of you for your planks! Even with Paco Kisses! My dogs do the same thing. They probably think we're in trouble or hurt or maybe it's just easier access :)

    It's been so warm here too but as a lover of flip-flop weather, I don't mind. Your weather is headed our way tomorrow with a few flakes in the forecast.

    After my spin class yesterday, I realized I probably lie to myself about the intensity of some of my workouts. I'm going to replace the battery in my heart rate monitor and make sure I'm giving it my all!

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  6. You are doing GREAT with your exercise and especially with the cross training. As for the planks....wasn't it more fun with the pup cheering you on???? :-)

    I am rockin' this year with my exercise. I didn't set any goals for how much or whatever...just a commitment to do more. It's working!

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    1. Love to hear that you're doing so great, MaryFran - good on ya!!!

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  7. I have to check out that plank challenge (love Tina's doggie explanation!) I started adding planks to my workout but didn't mention it because it was embarrassing how short I had to do them!

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    1. Don't be embarrassed! It's great that you're doing them; and honestly, while I'm going to work up to the final 2:20 plank, I think it's better to do a few shorter planks.

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  8. I am doing great with this new mindset - lifestyle vs. diet thing and all or nothing. I was up this week, and I don't care. When I look back at my 70 pound loss year in 1999, I sometimes had WEEKS of +.6, +.2, - .9, etc., but big picture I stuck with it and lost 70 pounds. I can do this!

    Hooray for feeling great about running and not the pace - love it!!

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  9. Hooray for running feeling good! Did you know that 2012 was officially the hottest year on record?

    My goals are going well. I am actually now seeing downward movement on the scale. I didn't change anything from the beginning of the year, just learning to be patient and not pay attention to how other people are doing.

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    1. I've heard that, about 2012 being the hottest, but honestly, the year before FELT hotter - that was when we had 100 days in a row over 100 degrees.

      Patience as part of weight loss? So necessary. Glad you're getting movement in the right direction!

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  10. Love Paco!

    This weather reminds me of the Katy Perry song: you're hot then you're cold. LOL Darn weather.

    Good job getting in the exercise and keeping a plan B.

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  11. I'm still in the zone too Shelley! Hope I can keep that up. That's funny about Paco in your face. The other night I did a work out on my video and my daughter wanted to watch me (nice!) and she kept saying "You go Girl!" which made me laugh. We have weird weather in Chicago too - warm, then freezing

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    1. Too funny with your personal cheerleader! Love that. :)

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  12. Just be thankful you weren't in Houston Sunday running or cheering. I went from wet to cold to colder. Yes, I even had on 2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts and a coat (not jacket).

    I am so glad to hear the interval timing is working for you. I am going to run a long long run this Saturday (13miles) with a girl from my group who is training for a full. The plan is to start with 5:1. We'll see how it goes.

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    1. I hear Houston was brutal! Again, what is up with Texas weather and race days?!?

      And LaShaune, we call running 13 miles a half marathon. That is one hell of a training run! Good luck with it.

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  13. Nice job with the planks!! We had 50 degrees here on Saturday and now it's like around 15 in the am. brrr

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    1. Sounds like the entire country has been out of whack, temperature-wise.

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  14. I would take the 70ish weather any day (even in January) over freezing temps!!!
    Great job on planking!

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  15. You should get extra points for planking while having your face licked.

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