Guilty of Blog Slacking... But that's It

I know it looks really bad... I haven't been writing anything on here. And there are the standard reasons... too busy, too late, forgetful. They all apply but I figure today is a good day to start up again before it's too late... before it spills over into the workout routine.

Well the only thing I can offer is an overview of what's been going on at the gym. To be honest, there isn't much to report. I have been going diligently, running hard and pushing myself on that front. I feel I have been putting the weight training aside for the most part. Over the past few weeks I've only really been doing it once a week. I've hit the gym at least 4 times a week since I've slacked on the blog.

My mile time is improving. I haven't really been going over 4 miles in a workout session. It's not because I'm gassing or getting tired, I'm really trying to focus on getting a 5k under 30 minutes. I first started off with a milke, getting a mile under 10 minutes. It took about three sessions to get an 8:30 mile comfortably. Then I bumped up to two miles under 20 minutes. I'm still trying to get that comfortably under 20 minutes, but it's hard because my knees breakdown at around 1 1/2 miles. So, I switched up my routine to start off with two miles on the elliptical, using some resistance to make it tougher. Then I sprint the last mile (and change) on the treadmil. The first day proved to be more challenging than i thought. I got the 5K under 30 minutes but i was exhausted afterwards. It felt good. Yesterday, I did the same routine, but I noticed that i just COULD NOT get the mile time under 10 minutes. I decided that the elliptical I was using sucked because no matter how fast i would run on it... it would not adjust for the distance/time ratio. So, the story ends that in my mind, I am getting a 5K under 30 minutes comfortably. I just need to get my knees and shins into shape to be able to run it outside and prove it to the world!

FATTY BLASTING

I've been sticking to my guns... and my guns are growing! HA! I sat down with Jon and organized a more structured fitness schedule for myself. I found myself feeling a little lost in the gym. I know the running is great but I had to mix it up with some strength training. I never really feel like i know what I am doing unless I'm doing abs or lifting with legs... I played soccer for so long that's all I ever really focused on in high school.

TODAY... i just need to stay motivated to get to the gym. The weather and shorter daylight hours are starting to get to me.

A New Week and Great Start

It was a slow day for motivation but I was determined to get something done. I had planned an afternoon workout but I completely forgot about a lunch appointment, so I had sushi instead of a few mile run. That's ok. With dinner mentally planned and most chores out of the way at home I knew I didn't have an excuse not to hit the gym. So after a grueling Monday at work, I walked over to the gym and started the week...

• 30 minute run, average 5.12 mph
• 15 minute cooldown on the bike
• abs and stretching at the start of the workout

weekend rundown:

Friday was a great workout day. I ran 5K and knocked 3 minutes off my last time so I felt great about that. As a reward I treated myself to sushi and an eggroll for dinner.

Saturday was a girl's treat day, facials and body wraps followed by wine, burgers and a fat guiness.

Sunday was game day. I have to say I am really proud of myself! I had 4 beers and a few sips of jon's soda at the game. I was not bloated yesterday and certainly not hungover. The drink an hour trick really does wonders, people always see you with a drink in hand and you're still getting some social lubricant in the system... moderation paid off and I barely went over my daily caloric intake goals! HORRAH!!!

Holy Running Woman!!!

Well, yesterday was a hardcore cardio day for me. I haven't sweat that much in a long time! I downloaded PodRunner from iTunes and started with the first week of the 5K interval training. It was really good! The music kept me guessing when I had to walk and when I was going to have to run. I didn't get the 5K done in the 25 minute music session but I ran out what I had left. It was a very sad 12 minute mile average. I was really depressed about that cause I've run 5:30 miles and 12 minutes is about the pace of a snail. But it was interval training and I will get down to at least a 7 or 8 minute mile for a 5K. Jon joined me on a short biking session. After he left I put in another 10 minutes. So it was about 40 minutes running and 30 minutes on the bike... I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest after the whole ordeal!

But the sweating didn't stop there... our AC was broken in the house, and it was the hottest night of the week. Full moon, full sweats all night long. So i'm counting my sleep as a workout session!

THIS AFTERNOON, I hit the gym at lunch time and did about 35 minutes on the recumbent bike. A quick hard session cause I was just on a roll! Tonight I will reward myself with a cocktail or two over at Clydes with friends.

Day Off

Well like I mentioned, yesterday I gave my self a day off. I came home from work, poured my self a glass of red wine, and indulged in some wheat pita and hummus. After contemplating about what to do for dinner, my husband and I decided to have take out. We mixed it up with healthy and unhealthy versions. A few pieces of sushi, and chicken fried rice. It was delicious. Although now when I eat, I try to eat slower, and really pay attention on how full I am. So I stopped when I was full, although I could have eaten more. After about 30 minutes, I wasnt hungry anymore.

Tonight however I get back on track with either a boxing class, or a nice session of hardcore cardio!
Since the weekend is approaching I need to kick it up a notch, so I can have yummy food and drinks, and not feel guilty.

just awful

Well, it's not for lack of intent, but I've been a little off track between late yesterday and today. It started when the activity plans went off track. I didn't feel like doing a TV workout. I was just feeling a little depressed overall as soon as I stepped in the door at my house. I felt overwhelmed with stupid things like dishes, dinner and an even grumpier person coming through the door soon after me. So I made a hearty pasta and went about 200 calories over my 1,021 calorie limit. That is ok though. What is NOT OK is that I stuffed my face with a delicious brownie from corner bakery at lunch today. I told myself to take half, but I was feeling to PMSy to deal with my "better" more logical half.
SO... I'm going to throw the guilt blanket off and hit the gym for a solid cardio session today. I am planning to do 45 minutes on the bike, 30 minutes on the eliptical and then a 15 minute cooldown on the treadmil. Aside from working some brownie calories off, I'm hoping to get some enorphins flowing through the bloodstream to kick the sadness out of my bones... we'll see.

Boxing

Last night I had ZERO motivation to go to the gym. But somehow I managed to drag my self in there and take my favorite class.
BOXING! The class definitely kicks butt, literally since the teacher makes you do squats though out the whole class.
This class not only gives you a great workout, but you learn the benefits on basic fighting technique, not to mention the teacher is fantastic at keeping you motivated.
Tonight I plan on taking it a little easy, and giving my body a little break.

Intervals

Well my work out routine didn't exactly go as well as I planned. I actually think it went better!
When I finally got to the gym and on the elliptical I suddenly realized that as much as I want to enjoy the elliptical machine, I just cant seem to love it. So I got on the treadmill and decided to change it up a bit. Instead of doing my usual long but steady runs, I decided to do intervals for 30 min. My "jogging" pace started at 5.5 and my "running" was at 8.0
I alternated between jogging and running every other two minutes. I loved it!!! Of course it was super hard, but somehow I managed to get though and finish the full 30 minutes.
After that I dedicated about 15 minutes to my arms, while squatting during rests.

I had a pretty good work out in my opinion. Definitely will try the intervals again.

Totally Unprepared

Activity:
I didn't realize sunset is 6:30 now so my hike is being cancelled, BOO! I only packed hiking clothes so I'm completely unprepared to go to the gym. Instead I plan to go home and do a Carmen Electra workout video. I will be striptastic after a good 40 minute video.

Nutrition:
I mixed it up a bit at lunch and used feta cheese on my ham sandwich. Used oil and vinegar for flavor and it was delicious! Had a cup of chicken noodle soup on the side. I'm starving right now so I am thinking about making a small bag of popcorn to hold me off this afternoon. Tonight's dinner is going to be a little heartier. A bayou inspired shrimp pasta dish... With whole wheat pasta of course.

misc:
i'm putting together a fun playlist! hopefully i'll have good list later this week.

Sabrina's First Blog Entry!

After a short weekend I am back sitting at my desk and starring at a computer screen for the next 7 and somewhat hours. Its a beautiful day outside, and I hate the fact that I cant enjoy it. Remembering that its also Monday, depresses me even more. To me Mondays and Tuesdays are irrelevant. I wish it was already Wednesday.
Alas to the fitness part. Since I went running Saturday and Sunday today should be something different. 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, followed by 15 minutes of Arm exercises and my least favorite ab exercises. Today my arms will mostly concentrate on the bicep and triceps area.
My abs however should get a little more attention.
20 crunches
20 crunches with legs up
20 bicycle moves
plank
repeat 3 times.

Back to my report and watching the clock.

Stacy's First Bloggy Workout

Well, the Redskins lost last night so I find myself highly unmotivated since the tragic event. My anxiety levels are through the roof and I attribute that to after drinking anxiety and crazy hormones the week before crazy aunt dot comes to visit. BUT, the day started off on somewhat of a good foot. I packed up for the gym and I packed my ham and cheese and chicken noodle soup lunch. Since today is going to be a rough start to the week it feels like, I’m splitting the gym time into two sessions today.

• Afternoon (lunch time) session will be dedicated to cardio. 20 minutes on the stationary bike and 20 minutes on the treadmill. The treadmill will be split between running and walking since my back hurts and my knees will scream in pain after about 10 minutes.
  
• The late afternoon session is dedicated to arms.

Incline dumbbell bench press

Arm dips

Lat-pull downs

Hammer curls

Standing, alternating bicep curls

Squat, push press with bar

Push ups

And standard abs daily of course

inspired by:

1. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/get-toned-arms
2. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/incline-dumbbell-bench-press2

YUMMY RECIPE OF THE DAY

• Creamy Chickpea and Rosemary Soup