Category Archives: Fitness Friday

Fitness Friday / I’m Off

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I’m so excited for today I could pee my pants.  As you’re reading this, I’m on a plane headed to Park City, Utah for Blend 2013.  It’s been a long week leading up to this weekend and not just because of excitement (though that has been a huge part), but I’ve also been battling a potential cold.  I’ve been trying to get my rest, take my supplements and drink plenty of water which has been a huge help.

fitness friday buttonThis has also lead me to really listen to my body and what it needs when it comes to exercise versus rest. And I assure you, Friday’s run felt AMAZING and really helped clear some things out.

Friday 5/10/13

3 miles run

Saturday 5/11/13

REST

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Sunday 5/12/13

Stability Ball Toner Workout <-this is a killer! My abs were still burning on Tuesday!

20 mins elliptical

Monday 5/13/13

4.6 mile run

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Tuesday 5/14/13

Upper Body Strength

Tone It Up Sunkissed Abs

20 mins stationary bike

20 mins YogaDownload – Advanced Forrest Yoga

Wednesday 5/14/13

2 mile walk

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Thursday 5/15/13

Tone It Up Thighs – 2x thru

3.1 mile run

What a great week and seriously, I can not wait for this weekend and all it has to offer – in terms of activity, rest, friends, and soon-to-be friends!

 

No link-up this week since I’m off traveling, but I’ll bring it back next Friday! :)

Fitness Friday is BACK!

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TGIF! Am I right, or am I right?

 

I may still have to work tomorrow but Friday means I survived my always long Thursdays and I’m a bit closer to my day off on Sunday. ;)

So after some requests, I have decided to bring back the Fitness Friday linkup…at least for now! Hopefully those of you who have participated in the past will want to join back up and those of you new, will want to join in.  All I ask is that you grab a button and link back to me, and check out some of the others and help create this community of support in our fitness goals!

 

Friday 5/3

3.1 mile run

Saturday 5/4

Tone It Up SunSeeker workout

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Sunday 5/5

5k race

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Monday 5/6

25 mins YogaDownload – Hot Power Fusion 1

Tuesday 5/7

2.5 mile run

2.75 mile walk/run intervals

Tone It Up Holiday Arm workout + abs

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Wednesday 5/8

Deck of cards workout (coming next week!)

25 mins walk

Thursday 5/9

10 min walk

Strength – legs + abs

20 mins YogaDownload – Forrest Yoga

 

Join the fun!

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

Are you ready to join the party?

 

Fitness Friday / Change Things Up

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fitness friday buttonI told you all that I started LiveFit trainer again a couple weeks ago…well, I lost motivation.  Or rather, I just decided it wasn’t quite what I wanted to do again right now.  I think I was feeling it to be too rigid (though I was trying to change it up a bit) for having just come off a pretty rigid 1/2 marathon training program.  So I’m listening to my body and changing things up again.

 

So what am I doing?

 

I’m loosely following the Tone It Up (TIU) Bikini Series workouts.

 

I say loosely for a few reasons – I want to feel like I have the flexibility to do what I want – I don’t like all of their workouts and therefore may change things up if/when I don’t like a workout – I want to listen to my body, however that may appear.

 

So far that’s been working out for me this week.  And this is what it’s looked like:

 

Friday 4/26

2.58 mile run + foam rolling

562631_877579232229_1112297894_n Saturday 4/27

LiveFit Day 11 – Shoulders/Abs

Sunday 4/28

5 mile run

Monday 4/29

10 minute walking warm-up

TIU Biker Babe workout

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Tuesday 4/30

TIU Sandcastle Workout

TIU Sunkissed Abs

35 mins walk

Wednesday 5/1

2.6 mile run

25 minutes YogaDownload.com – Heart Opening Flow #1 

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Thursday 5/2 

20 mins stationary bike

Abs + stretching

How do you change up your workout routine?

Fitness Friday (After a Long Day)

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Thursdays are the longest days ever…E.V.E.R.  You may think I’m over-reacting but when I leave my house at 6:15am and don’t get home until 8pm, I think I’m allowed to over-react.  Despite a gym/lunch break in the middle, I spend the rest of my time at work and as much as I like my job, after nearly 12 hours working, I’m tired…and cranky. Proof:

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But I made it through and while I have a long day today, it’s not nearly as long which is probably a good thing for everyone… ;)

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It’s Friday, we have beautiful weather coming up this weekend, I’m hoping for a run on my lunch today (runch?) and I had a pretty good week of workouts, I don’t think I can complain.

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How was your week? 

Any awesome workouts to note?

Fitness Friday / Something That Scares You

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Yesterday was my day “off” – I put that in quotes because I still went in to work for a couple hours.  I used that certificate I worked so hard to get back in November but haven’t really used…oh yeah, remember that? ;)

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Anyway, it’s been a tough week.  Weird work schedule, emotional roller coaster post-Boston Marathon attack, and ever-so-humbling workouts.  I know how lucky I am; how fortunate I am to have a job, my health, and the ability to live a free life but this week I’ve been very humbled in all aspects of that life.

 

After finishing my 1/2 marathon, my plan was to start the LiveFit training program again as a way to reignite my love and focus on strength-training, while veering from the plan a bit (at least in the first phase) to maintain my running.  Well, I did start Live Fit and I must admit I have been extremely humbled.  Despite the fact that I made sure to strength train through my 1/2 marathon training, two workouts into the program and my butt is getting KICKED!  Obviously this is in the best way ever, but kicked regardless.

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Wednesday night when I got home from work, the birthday present from my sister was sitting waiting for me.  I opened it, sent her a “thank you!!” text message, put the gift card in my wallet and set the empty envelope on my dresser.  As I was feeling whiny, frustrated and slightly overwhelmed for offering to work on my day off on Thursday, I happened to glance at the envelope and a certain message jumped out at me:

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Maybe that’s what’s holding me back.  Fear.  In fact, in many ways I’m sure of it.  Fear of success, fear of failure, fear of the future, fear of the past, fear of the unknown.  I looked at that saying and really thought about it and what it meant for me in that moment; what it meant for this roller coaster week; what it meant for my future.  I picked up my phone and sent the text message confirming that I would be in to teach the training sessions this evening.

 

Do something that scares you because if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

 

Fitness Friday & LockLaces

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fitness friday buttonExcept for when I’m sick, you’ve never seen me take so many rest days.  That just proves it was a huge week for me!

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A 1/2 marathon not only requires months of training but it requires rest before AND after and that was exactly what this week was about.  But I have to admit, I got the itch to start running Sunday but knew I needed rest so I forced that rest Sunday and Monday, knowing I’d be better off for it!

 

Some would probably also say I should have rested LONGER or eased back into running this weekend, versus Wednesday, but I assure you I listened to my body, kept the run short and sweet and didn’t over-exert myself.  Honestly, it just felt so good getting back into it!

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Besides, with Wednesday being my birthday and that whole I-can-do-what-I-want mentality, I did what I wanted and I ran. ;)  But I should also admit that I’m continuing that mentality today as I have another birthday giveaway for you!

 

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!

 

The celebration just won’t end.  And I don’t know about you, but I’m not complaining! ;)

 

A couple weeks ago I got an email asking if I wanted to try LockLaces…y’know, because I’m a runner.  (Yes, they said that!) I hadn’t heard of them but after some quick research, I was in! Not having to worry about tying your shoes while running? Yeah, I’m in.

 

I was so lucky to be sent a variety of LockLaces in all sorts of colors – one in every color imaginable.  Okay, maybe not imaginable but seriously they hooked a girl up!

photo-232Well I put these things to the test.  I first wore them on my 10 mile long run and a few shorter runs leading up to my 1/2 marathon week, but the real test was Saturdays race.  As I watched runners navigate the crowds to the side of the road to tie their shoes, I looked down at mine and couldn’t help but smile.  I didn’t have to worry about that.  I didn’t have to worry about one more thing to get in between me and that finish line.  That was a huge relief.  And if I wasn’t already, in that moment I was sold.

 

In fact, I love them so much and am so thankful to have the opportunity to try them, I want to make sure one of you get the chance to try them too!  So, to all of you athletes out there (whether that be professional or self-titled, like myself), now’s your chance to win a 3-pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

(*US residents only!*)

And We’re Off!

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And we’re off!

fitness friday buttonWell not just yet but later this afternoon we will be on our way to Springfield so that I can run my first half marathon! To say I’m excited is an understatement. To say I’m nervous is an even bigger understatement. But hopefully the combination of the two will lead to a great adrenaline rush to push me through Saturday’s race run.

 

One of the hardest things about this week is tapering. You hear people talk about how it’s just as mental as it is physical and this week has taught me how true that is. I’ve been wanting to MOVE but I’ve had to remind myself that rest is what’s best for the time being. There will be plenty of movement tomorrow.  Plenty.

 

With that said, here’s what my week looked like:

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 9.15.13 PMIt’s really been a great week regardless and I can’t help but marvel and thank my body for what it can do and it’s ability to run the distances I’ve put it through. If you told me a year ago, heck, if you told me 6 months ago I’d be able to run 10 miles and would be finishing my 1/2 marathon training, I’d probably laugh in your face and say I wish!

 

I did wish and wishes do come true.

 

Wish me luck!

 

**If you’re looking for the link-up, I’ve decided not to do it this week. In fact, I may not do it for awhile anymore.  It hasn’t quite taken off in the way I was hoping and since starting it, I realized not only are their other similar linkups out there, the demand isn’t as high as it was seeming.  But it’s all good, you live and learn.  And you never know, maybe I’ll start it back up again but for now, it’s just not worth the time.  Thank you to all who participated.**

Fitness Friday & An Awful Race Photo

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You’re in for a treat today…

 

Well, only if you consider a funny race picture a treat.  And I think you should because I can’t believe I’m posting this terrible thing on the internet…

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Thankfully, I can also back it up with a pretty good picture.

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These are from my 10k race last Sunday, which you’ve all read about…ha!

 

Anyway, I feel like I’m making my comeback this week.  While I was lacking motivation on Wednesday, I had a great run on Thursday.  I still had to bundle up a bit (it was in the 30s here) but the sun was shining and I just couldn’t help but smile all the way through my run.

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And to make it that much better, I’m sure I was making every other runner, walker or car driver smile with my silliness – I looked like such a nerd! ;)

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Regardless of how I looked this week, it was a great week of workouts and with my 1/2 marathon creeping up, it felt good to have a great week under my belt.

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Now don’t forget to linkup your Fitness Friday workouts, posts, or motivations!

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

Is the weather getting better where you live?

Fitness Friday – A New Accomplishment

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Can I take a moment to brag? Not necessarily brag but share a new accomplishment for a me; one of those moments when you realize your hard work is paying off.  I had that moment yesterday.

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You see, I went to the gym, like any other day and busted out my 5 mile run and then started strength training.  I had push-ups on the agenda which usually means doing 3 or 4 on my toes, then finishing the set on my knees.  (There’s nothing wrong with that and I’m a full supporter of dropping to your knees during push-ups when you need to!)  But Thursday was different.  After I hit 5 push-ups, I realized I could finish my whole first set on my toes.  So I did.  When I started my 2nd set, it was definitely getting harder but I finished on my toes.  And come the 3rd set, I was shaking but I was so close to a new goal, that I was able to push myself.

 

I finished 3 sets of 10 (30 total!) push-ups ALL.ON.MY.TOES!   To some this may be nothing but to me, this was new, exciting and a great sign of my progress as an athlete!

Screen Shot 2013-03-21 at 8.19.19 PMAnyway, I’ve definitely come back from last weeks illness, though there’s still a bit of phlegm (gross!) but that’s an easy fix.  My energy has returned and as you can see, I’m clearly owning my workouts! ;)

 

Don’t forget to grab a button (or at least link back here) and join the fun!

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

When did you last have one of those moments you realize your hard work is paying off?

 

Fitness Friday // Up & Down Week

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This has been a week full of ups-and-downs.

This has been a week of new accomplishments.

This has been a week full of rest.

 

 

Who knew so much could be packed into one tiny week?

 

It all started Friday with a great workout.  I had no idea where things were headed.  Saturday morning I found myself fighting for motivation (again!) and with the rain coming down, it wasn’t any easier to find but by the time I convinced myself to run, the rain had stopped.  My Twitter friends were even encouraging me to just go brave the elements!

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Well turns out that aside for a minute or two of light sprinkles, I had a rain-free run.  But that didn’t mean it wasn’t pouring.  It may not have been pouring rain, but I was pouring light, excitement, and happiness.  The runner’s high was strong and started before the run was over.  I was that girl running down the street with a giant grin on her face, loving every moment and every step she took.  Every step that led me to my new best distance, 8.30 miles.  Almost like it was nothing.

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That runner’s high lasted the rest of Saturday.  I walked into madness at work Saturday afternoon and a shift that stayed busy while working with our newest employee, but I was smiling through the whole thing.  I made my way into the city for a friend’s show Saturday night and that was when the congestion started but I didn’t think anything of it.  Sunday, I still didn’t think too much of it but knew to keep it easy and took the day for rest.  By Monday morning and a near 102* fever, I knew I was gearing up for several days of rest.  And that’s what happened.

 

But this is really where my concerns lie…I’m 1/2 marathon training.  I’m pushing for new distances and challenging my body.  I’m trying not to let a week off scare me too much.  I’m trying to remind myself that this week may even be beneficial to my training.  But I’m also going to be smart.  I’m going to ease back into it and see how my body responds and if my lungs are ready to tackle another long run.  Tomorrow is supposed to be 9 miles.  I understand that may not happen and a shorter distance may be better.  I’m going to listen to my body, but this isn’t easy.  In fact it’s scary.

 

Now you see where those highs-and-lows of the week come in.  But regardless, here’s my training…

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Don’t forget to grab a button and join the party to stay motivated and inspired.

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

Have you ever been sick during training - how’d you get back into it?