Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wednesday Workout Update

I've run the gamut with my workouts over the last few years, from baby stepping my way into exercise by riding my sweet pink cruiser bike, to doing intense workouts with a small group (tire flipping, anyone?), to running and training for my first half marathon.  Now it seems like I'm moving back toward easier workouts, although I don't think that's entirely accurate.  More like, I think I'm being kinder to my body while I exercise, if that makes sense.  I no longer feel the need to punish my body.  I don't have to hurt in order to feel like I did something worthwhile.  It's OK to be able to move without wanting to cry the day after a workout.  And because of this approach, I'm liking exercise more and more.  Why it took me nearly five years to figure out, I don't know. 

So, what did I do this week?  Same old, same old...only I increased everything a little.  I rode the exercise bike twice and bumped it up from 20 minutes to 25 minutes.  Eventually I'd like to max out around 45 minutes, but obviously that is a long way off.  There's no deadline for me - this is just something I'm doing.  So why kill myself getting to 45 minutes, right?  I was surprised to find that when I finished my first 25 minute workout and got off the bike, I had jelly legs!  Just for a minute, but it showed me how different bike riding is vs. running for my legs.

I'm still doing a plank a day - today I'll hit 1:30.  That's getting tough, but I have to say, I'm enjoying how strong my abs are feeling.  I'll definitely keep this up after the challenge is over.

And as I mentioned in Monday's post, I ran 8 miles on Saturday.  It went GREAT.  Finally, we had perfect running weather - it was 37 degrees and clear when we started.  No rain, low humidity...ahhhh!  We ran doing 2:1 intervals, which continue to work well for me.  I just roll with the beeps and don't seem to focus on the miles as much, and before I know it, I'm done.   While this won't make me the fastest person to complete a half marathon, I'm getting confident that I will actually finish my next race by running steadily the entire way.  I need that, and if running intervals is what it takes to get there, then I'll run intervals.

Jenny and I ran yesterday - we got a nice 2 mile run in (before she went to go workout with Brad, crazy girl).  Erica and I will run our 2.6 mile loop tomorrow morning.  I love running with my girlfriends.  Quite the different conversation with them than I have with Jeff, that's for sure.

We have 9 miles on tap for Saturday and you know what?  I'm not even worried. 

21 comments:

  1. I love the last sentence!

    You know what I never punish my body, especially not at my workouts. I use a weight that is challenging but not too much, I might not give the effort Jillian screams I should give. But I'd rather do 6 workouts a week and enjoy them and don't have muscle pain then do 1 hard workout that gives me a sore body for three days after that. I'm 45, I'm doing this for me so who cares if I don't give it a 100% but an 85%?

    Glad to hear you are doing what's working for you too. The most important thing is that we do things we like.

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    1. And YOUR last sentence is spot on - if we don't like it, chances are we won't keep up with it.

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  2. All things in moderation goes for exercise too but sometimes is a hard ground to find, especially if you're trying to improve something.

    The no pain, no gain attitude can become pervasive to the point of injury or overtraining yet it's still pushed all the time.

    My feeling is there are times to push - i.e., if you need to be competitive - and there are times to back off. I've seen a lot of runners overtrain and then wonder why they are dreading each and every run.

    Sounds like you're finding your middle ground and that's a very good thing!

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  3. ONE MINUTE AND THIRTY?
    Im so so so not there...yet.
    Im too much about the moderation...even with planks.

    30 seconds :-)

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    1. Oh believe me, I'm only doing these super long planks for the challenge - once it's over, I'll go to doing several shorter ones.

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  4. It's kinda funny you'd say that because I used to go to the gym, run and then go home and do a zumba video. I too felt as if I had to give more than 100%.I've now learned when to rest, hydrate and when to increase the work out without putting a strain on my body. Great subject. I really like your site and your honesty about what it's really like trying to get fit.

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    1. Wow, I'm tired just reading about your former workout routine! Glad you are listening to your body now. Thanks for reading!

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  5. MY GOSH, you and I are on the same wavelength (well, except for that 9 mile run thing...)

    Anyway, yes, that is exactly what I have been doing over the last year or so, not even intentionally, and that is why I finally was able to say I loved exercise. And when I went to PT, I learned even more, that backing off on the extreme weights, and maybe doing more reps, could be even more effective.

    I think some of us have the same propensity to go to extremes (extreme eating, anyone?) and maybe that is why we tend to go that way in exercise for a while. Now when I walk, and I am finding it unpleasant, I remind myself that I have a doctor's permission to NOT walk, and I have already done plenty of other exercise that day. Fortunately, Noah is at an age where he agrees with me about the short walks!

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    1. Extreme eating? I know nothing of that. ;)

      As with dieting, exercise is a process for those of us who never really did it in the past. Very cool to see how much you love it - would you EVER think you'd be that person?

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  6. That's a great planking time. My arms are so weak. I do try planking occasionally but should do it on regular basis. Also, I continue to be inspired by your attitude to exercise. It really is a healthy way to think.

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    1. I plank with my elbows on the ground - my wrists have a little arthritis and anything that puts too much pressure on them HURTS. I really feel it in my abs...just one plank a day, and I can feel it. Amazing!

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  7. I totally understand what you mean about being kinder to your body when you workout. I was going through a point when I was doing some pretty vigorous exercise, then I just started to ache all the time and didn't want to work out at all (and, sadly, took a bit of a workout break). I'm working on getting back into the swing of things, but I'm also trying to be kinder to my body.

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  8. That's why I love that HIIT app on my phone - I don't concentrate on how much longer I have to go, just wait for the whistle to blow.

    I just spent the first two hours at work moving boxes - not sure my blood sugar will be high enough to work out at lunch, so I may have to do 30 day shred tonight.

    You are going to kick 9 miles ass on Saturday!

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  9. Right now I am in a much more relaxed mode with exercise. No HIIT, no real heavy lifting routine. Just easy cardio on the trainer and lighter weight workouts. My body appreciates that because I put it through the paces once summer comes. I hate to admit getting older, but I just can't do things the way I used to even 5 years ago. Eeep!

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  10. Love your new approach to exercise! Glad it makes you enjoy it even more!!!
    Awesome job on the running!

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  11. Everything sounds very logical and sustainable. I'm in the same camp that we need to move our bodies, but not kill ourselves.

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  12. I did a great 2 minute one yesterday and I really tried to stay flat. Everytime I laugh or cough it hurts :) I'm so happy you are enjoying running again so much. I can't wait to get back out there and build up to being 'not worried about 9 miles'. You're amazing!

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    1. My 1:30 plank has me sore...it's incredible how well planks target your abs, considering the whole "not moving" thing (unless you count my body shaking, lol)!

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