Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Pushing yourself

Today, I wanted to do another interval workout like the workout with Liz last week - so I did the same order, and almost the same exercises as that one. However, my small town gym by where I work: stairmaster is too far from the other equipment and they don't have an AMT. So- for the cardio portions, I went between the elliptical on a high resistance, a recumbant bike and the treadmill- running 30 second sprints at 7mph (I don't think I've ever turned the treadmill that high before- that's about a 8:30mm pace)

Then I did the squat jacks, slow running one leg and spiderman planks - I was able to do 10 on each side. Again- it was an amazing sweat for about 25 minutes of effort. I was on a time crunch because I had to pick up my kids- so I cooled off for 5 minutes on the treadmill and got in the car to go home.

The best part about having kept up my workout routine during Christmas week is that I really don't feel like I missed a step at all- there is no post-holiday slump. Yay!

Looking forward to ending the year on a good fitness note and starting 2011 strong. My goal for the year is to hit my goal weight range by the end of 2011. 365 days and some change. I can do this. No [Lots] Sweat.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Earned Total Exhaustion

I had 2 intense workouts today. One WAY more intense than the other- but both very very good workouts. I wish, on occassions like this, that I had something like a BodyBugg to track how many calories I truly burned. I think it was no less than 800 cals burned with my efforts- but hard to know.

My first session was a focused core workout followed by some light lifting. 45 minutes total and I had a good sweat going. I didn't have time for cardio afterwards- but I knew I'd have another workout coming so I estimate that I burned about 300 calories here.

Later in the day, I met up with my friend Liz from Eternal Lizdom and went to her gym at Fiziques to be a part of a Boot Camp Interval Training session. I had so much fun and it kicked my butt! We started with about 5 minutes warm up jog/walk intervals on the treadmill and then rotating between a StairMaster, a Precor AMT and a recumbant bike for 30 second intervals of high and low intensity on each machine for a total of 2 minutes. Then we went out to the main part of the gym and did what I think were called Squat Jacks: Squat down, pick up weight and stand up. Squat back down, return weight, stand up and clap hands at top. Repeat for 1 minute. The a slow walking lap around the gym to recover. Next was One legged running in place. This is hard to explain but you go into a sort of soft lunge stance- and your front quad is the weight bearing muscle. Then you alternate arms and bring the back leg into a short knee lift and return. The front quad bears the weight the whole time- there is no shift to the back leg. We did one side for 30 seconds and then the other side. Another lap around the gym- and it was time for Spiderman Planks - hold a standard plank position and then from the side- bring one leg up to behind the elbow- as if scaling a wall. The exact count varied- depending on ability- this one was hard for me- I've been working on core strength- but I had not worked planks into it yet- these will be something I do again and work up to greater counts.

Then we repeated the entire circuit again. (I hope Liz will correct me if I left something out in the order- I think I remembered it all, but it's been a long day!). At the end we did a little more core work (My whole middle section will be so sore tomorrow- and I love it!). It was a fantastic workout- I sweat like I hadn't sweat in so long - and it was great to change it up a little. Would be nice to do those types of workouts in my schedule more often. I estimate that in the 40-45 minutes, I burned at least 500 cals.

Thank you Liz and Bridget at Fiziques for letting me join you today and for working me out!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Sharing what works

Two posts in a day? What IS this world coming to?

As I'm home all week- cleaning is the name of the game. I'm doing a total house cleaning and purge of clutter. In so doing, I came across something I had long ago posted on my refrigerator to keep me motivated.

I had gone searching on the internet for something inspirational to keep me going- to keep in my head that I CAN do it- and I have to. I came across this post through the Google results of my search- http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/profiles/blogs/fitness-blogmotivating - This was exactly what I needed! I took the list part and printed it out and posted it on my fridge so that it would be a DAILY reminder of what I was doing. I wanted SO badly today to go back to that post and leave a comment for the author- but you have to join the community there, and as I'm not into the Pinup world, I didn't want to join just to comment. I hope someday that she'll see this and know how much it helped. I posted it on my refrigerator in January of 2010 and it is now December 2010 and I'm able to throw the list away- mostly because I followed every piece of advice on it- and now proud to say that I live a (mostly) healthy lifestyle and fitness is not the part I have to tweak now. So Miss Marissa Lily - wherever you are- I hope you know how wonderful you are- your words truly inspired someone.

Making the treadmill work for you.

I hate the treadmill.
I do.
Hate. It is a strong word- but applicable here.

Mostly because of it's hamster wheel like properties which initiate my "you can't do it" internal dialogue.

However, it's snowy, icy and just not ideal for running outside right now, and I don't wish to risk injury considering my planned race schedule for 2011.

I'm very lucky to have this entire week before Christmas off from work and able to really get a lot of great workouts and cleaning and just ME time in. So after dropping my oldest at preschool this morning, I headed straight for the gym- with a "I'm going to CONQUER the treadmill" mindset.
The funny thing is- I used the treadmill to get into running in the first place. I am lucky enough to have a really nice one here at home- and I was really self-conscious about running in public at first. I started and completed Couch-to-5k on that treadmill. . .but then I converted to outdoor running and found a love like I'd never known.

I had a plan too- and that always helps. Lately, one of my blog friends - Beth at C.Beth Blog or C.Beth Run has been talking about doing interval runs lately where she runs fast for 4 minutes and then walks for 1; she's loving it and able to increase her overall pace because of it. I said "that won't work for me" right away- because when I run OUTSIDE, I prefer to not stop running once I start because I find it difficult to start again. However, considering how difficult I find it to run for even 10 minutes straight (not difficult in effort- but more mental really) on the treadmill- I decided to really give it a go with the intervals. I wanted to give the intervals a shot- I thought maybe mixing it up would keep me focused, challenged and keep the runs to very manageable parts. You know what? It WORKED!
I decided to do 2x1 intervals, starting with a 3 minute warm up walk, then running 2 minutes and walking 1; repeat to finish. I went a total of 45 minutes and ran 3.85 miles at a pace of about 11:40mm; that's: 28 running, 17 walking and I haven't sweat like that in a long time.

The treadmill and I might learn to be winter friends afterall.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

And the WINNER is . . .

Before I announce the winner of the iFitness Running Belt contest, I'd like to thank iFitness for allowing me to test the product and give my opinions on it - and also to be able to share it with my readers. I will now say that I'm very likely to buy more of these for myself in the future. This running belt did everthing it said it would- fit more than I expected and is now a necessity when I go run. I've worn it for weight training and spinning as well- it can be used with many sports.

Here is how iFitness describes this produce:

We are a one of a kind running belt company which specializes in keeping athletes hands free. Plus, our belts are guaranteed not bounce, chafe or ride up as you run! Our belts come in Neoprene, a water resistant material that will keep your iPhone, Droid, Blackberry or iPod safe from rain or sweat. Our belts are meant to be worn low and tight around the hips. All our belts include a special inner pocket to keep your ID, money and credit cards separate and secure (on the double neoprene belt that additional inner pocket is on the side that the iFitness logo is on). The Neoprene Double Pouch belt designed to fit all of your essentials- including phone, keys, ID, credit cards and fuel supply. It has two water resistant pouches- perfect to keep energy gels, keys or camera separate from your phone.

**I have not been paid for this review. I get to keep the running belt when this contest and review period is over- but the opinions of the product are completely mine.

The contest was run over the course of a month and I had 19 total entries. I put those entries into a text list in the order they were received (including additional entries). I entered that list into the List Randomizer on random.org and ran it to random- with the top selection being the winner.
*******************************************************
List Randomizer (via Random.org)
There were 19 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
(WINNER)---> 1.Eternal Lizdom

Timestamp: 2010-12-16 01:00:18 UTC

Congratulations!! And I will email you with instructions on how to claim your prize!
******************************************

Everyone else- thank you for entering and supporting my blog in this contest. Don't forget that now through December 31, you can use the discount code: RunLola for free shipping on anything on the iFitness site!

Monday, December 13, 2010

My last race of 2010

The Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run - I decided to run it the night before the race. No real prep-but otherwise, I know I'm good for that distance. I mean, it was my 7th race this year. I can't even believe I just said that.

Stef and I before the race. It was COLD!

Results:
‎1285/1820 total
11:20 pace
35:12.6 total time
65/104 in age group
a.k.a. I wasn't last<-- I'll take that.

I hate to sound like a race whiner- since I took issue with the timing procedure of my last race- however, I truly believe this course was longer than a true 5k. My Nike+ said the course was 3.46 miles- and when I mapped the course map on Mapmyrun.com - it was 3.27 miles. I think my Nike+ was also off, but I believe the course was longer than 3.1. Just saying.
Either way- this is still OFFICIALLY my fastest 5k ever.

The running belt did great, once again- I had my phone, iPod, gum, chapstick, money and ID in my belt- and easily could have fit more. I never noticed it once during my run- no slipping, no bouncing. As I come to the end of my review of this belt- I have to say that I am overly impressed with it- I didn't expect it to do everything it said it would....now, if I could only get it to run the races for me. . .

REMEMBER- this is the last week up until the drawing to win the http://www.ifitness.com/ running belt - You really should sign up now (see details below). The drawing is on Dec. 15.
DO NOT FORGET that you can win one of these belts for FREE! Go read this original entry to read all of the ways you can be entered in this fun contest! It isn't hard to enter, it doesn't take a lot of time and really, it makes a great gift to yourself or anyone else!

Also- if you can't wait to win it, or need one NOW or want to make a great gift for the active folks in your life- From now until December 31st- when you purchase any running belt from Running Belt by iFitness and use the code: RunLola - you will receive free shipping on your belt(s)!

Friday, December 10, 2010

What a week!

Wow- this is really the first time this week I've had a chance to catch up on my blog. With the holidays coming up- there are just so many loose ends to tie up for the year.

FIRST- before I forget - this is the last week up until the drawing to win the http://www.ifitness.com/ running belt - You really should sign up now (see details below). The drawing is on Dec. 15.

This week- my goal was to run 4 times, but I'll get 3 in.
Run 1 this week: It was only a high of 20 actual degrees that day- but wind child of about 8. It was Cee Oh El Dee COLD! But equipped with my iFitness Neoprene Double Pouch (Grey w/ Pink Zip) Running Belt - and my cold running gear (Balaclava and all) - off I went. I had to be careful because there were patches of ice as well, but I was careful. Even with that, I kept my pace at about 10:25mm. I only ran for about 2 miles- just enough to get warm. I had pulled the face mask down on my balaclava about 5 mins in - and when I stopped, my sinuses FROZE! It was the weirdest sensation and I saw stars and almost passed out- crazy! Careful with the cold weather running folks!

Run 2 this week was today. We had our work Christmas party this afternoon- followed by a group of staff going to the local watering hole after. I declined at first- but didn't want to seem anti-social either- so I compromised and went along for 1 drink. After some laughs and my Tom Collins - I bid adieu to the group and head out for a short, quick run. It was about 38 degrees here today - so very comfortable for a cool run. Got in 2 miles at a nice 10:44mm pace (I figured that was good for a stiff drink less than an hour before! :) )

The belt is holding up great and it has really become a solid part of my gear. I use it all the time with running and regular gym workouts. So, a new test was in order.

Run 3 this week is a last minute RACE! The Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run 5k in the morning! This was decided about an hour ago- and I'm looking forward to it. The last race I ran (which coincidentally sparked my conversation with the iFitness Running Belt folks), my phone and other goodies wouldn't fit in my race belt. This time? I've got all the space I need.
Update tomorrow!

DO NOT FORGET that you can win one of these belts for FREE! Go read this original entry to read all of the ways you can be entered in this fun contest! It isn't hard to enter, it doesn't take a lot of time and really, it makes a great gift to yourself or anyone else!

Also- if you can't wait to win it, or need one NOW or want to make a great gift for the active folks in your life- From now until December 31st- when you purchase any running belt from Running Belt by iFitness and use the code: RunLola - you will receive free shipping on your belt(s)!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Turning up the heat

I think it is amazing how one week you can feel really out of the routine and not want to work out- and other weeks, it just all clicks. I try to get in 3 strength workouts a week and 6 cardio workouts. Most weeks- I get in the 3 strength workouts and 4-5 good cardio - but this week? I got it all in and I feel great. Some days I really hate that I have a schedule that is pretty rigid- because there are some days I could spend hours in the gym if I had it (or out running).
I ran on Wednesday- it was very cold, about 28 degrees and icy. It had snowed earlier in the day but then melted a little and then with wind and dropping temps- there were patches of ice but I ran anyway and it felt great. Being careful of the ice slowed me down a little- but I still managed to keep it under an 11mm pace (10:55). I did not wear my iFitness Running Belt but I wished I had. I had a running jacket on- so I just tucked my keys in my running bra (and old habit) and put the iPod in the media pocket of the jacket. Everything was hard to get to, the keys were sweaty and gross at the end- and I should have worn the belt....never again.

With that lesson learned- when I ran on Friday afternoon- I did wear it. It was about 35 degrees but no snow or ice- nice quick run with a good pace and once again I fit my entire pile of keys in the belt and off I went. This morning- I had to get up early to get my workout in at the gym- I had got most of my things ready to go last night- but forgot to set out the running belt. And I was wearing yoga pants without pockets and zipped off to the gym without a thought (I also hadn't had coffee, in my defense). Got to the gym and realized that with my stength routine and then running -on the treadmill, blech- I had no where to put my iPod. Into the bra it went. The whole time poking me or sticking on me...hated it. I think I need more than one belt to always have one with me. It really is that good.
Which brings me to my next part....

DO NOT FORGET that you can win one of these belts for FREE! Go read this original entry to read all of the ways you can be entered in this fun contest! It isn't hard to enter, it doesn't take a lot of time and really, it makes a great gift to yourself or anyone else!

Also- if you can't wait to win it, or need one NOW or want to make a great gift for the active folks in your life- From now until December 31st- when you purchase any running belt from Running Belt by iFitness and use the code: RunLola - you will receive free shipping on your belt(s)!