Tag Archives: exercise

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 & 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?

Fitness Friday // A Rough Week & Positive Outlook

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Can you believe it’s already March? Where did February go?

month_of_march_greeting_cards-p137959213020813347bh2r3_400It’s been one heck of a week leading up to today, so I should admit I’m welcoming March with open arms and as a chance to reset myself – physically and emotionally.

 

So why was it so challenging?

 

My workouts this week challenged me mentally and with a tired physical state, it was just not good.  I also had several long shifts at work this week (including an open-close shift), plus the addition of the snow and shoveling and whew, I’ve just felt spent all week.

 

 

The good thing is that I understand the power of a good workout.  I understand the importance of sleep.  And I understand what things I can put to the wayside to take care of the things that need my attention right now.

 

Besides, don’t we need the less-than-stellar, super-challenging, just-want-to-hide-in-my-pillow kind of weeks so that we really appreciate those amazing ones?

 

And let’s not forget, I still got it all it, got it all done, plus a little extra work shoveling.  I assure you, that’s a flippin’ workout – don’t question!

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Don’t forget to grab a button and link up your fitness friday posts!

 



 

How was your week?

Fitness Friday – Training Check-in

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How was everyones Valentine’s Day?  It’s really not my holiday (whether single or in a relationship) but my dad made us spaghetti because he knows how much my mom and I love it.  I can’t complain there! :)

 

 

Anyway, I’m moving my way through my 1/2 marathon training and surprising myself by how well I’m doing and how great my body is feeling.  Even through some harder runs, I can feel my lungs getting stronger and my body able to better deal with the new stressors being placed on it.  It’s really a great feeling.

 

Speaking of my training, tomorrow I head up to Madison for a 5k race as part of my training (and part of my goal to run at least 1 race per month this year).  I’m really excited!

395632_855887253129_682507838_nSo as for this week’s training, here’s what it looked like:

Screen Shot 2013-02-14 at 6.53.43 PMDon’t freak by the lack of “official” rest day – that’s TODAY! With my race tomorrow, I had to switch things around, including my rest day.  Have no fear, I feel great!

 



 

How was your Valentine’s Day?

How are your workouts this week?

Are you training for anything? How’s that going?

Fitness Friday Catch-Up

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First of all, can I tell you how much I’m loving the snow?  While it was terrible to drive in yesterday, it was absolutely beautiful and left us this nice winter wonderland.  I even shoveled the driveway while my parents were gone yesterday afternoon, so they wouldn’t be driving over 3+ inches of heavy snow.

579811_855236861519_577079939_nTo those of you on the East Coast getting hit with this storm, and from my understanding, a worse version of it, please stay safe!

 

Anyway, moving on to my fitness from the week and I have to say I’m very happy with how training is going.  After a hard week last week, it felt good to get back on track.  I had a crabby day on Wednesday so instead of trying to power through my full workout, I split it between Wednesday and Thursday and I’m so happy I did.  Tomorrow will be a 5 mile run that will mark the end of my 4th week of 1/2 marathon training – eeeeeep!

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Things are really about to start picking up and honestly, while I’m nervous, I’m so excited! My body has been feeling so strong and amazing, and the cleaner I eat, the better it feels.  As they say, eat clean sweat dirty. :)

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Now it’s your turn – join the fun!

 



 

How do you eat clean sweat dirty?

How were your workouts this week?

Any fun fitness goals you’re working on?

Fitness Friday – Love Your Abs

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Okay, first of all, how did no one notice this last week?  Did you still not notice? Someone get me (and maybe you!) another cup of coffee…we’re LONG past August…! ;)

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Second, can you believe it’s officially FEBRUARY?!  January seemed to fly by for me, which was both good and bad I guess.  I’m definitely still working towards living my healthiest and happiest year yet.

 

 

Anyway, I decided I wanted to do something fun for February – change things up a bit.  A couple months ago, Tina did a fun core challenge which I absolutely loved because my core is definitely my “trouble spot” or the point where I feel the most self conscious.  When I’m consistent with working out these muscles, I feel like there’s a difference – both visually but also with how I feel about it (which personally for me, is the most important).

 

So for the month of February I’m going to focus on strengthening my core, on working my core musculature and most important, learning to love my core!  And I’m calling it Love Your Abs February!

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You can feel free to join me or you can take it as motivation to spend the month learning to love your “trouble spot.”  If you want to join me in loving your abs, be sure to tune in each Tuesday for a few of my favorite ab exercises and workouts (some may be mine, some from friends or other sources and some may be new to all of us).

 

Now, on to my weekly workouts:

Screen Shot 2013-01-31 at 4.29.32 PMI have to admit it was a kind of rough week for my training.  Each workout felt great but I had to do some major shifting.  First I pushed back Saturday’s long run to Sunday; which meant I pushed back Sunday’s strength training to Monday; Monday’s run was tough so I pushed back the strength training again to Tuesday; Tuesday’s workout was awesome – no complaints; Wednesday’s workout was cancelled due to a severe headache; and since Wednesday became a rest day, Thursday’s rest day was supposed to be Wednesday’s workout but after an asthma attack at work, it stayed a rest day and Wednesday is lost in the shuffle.  Did you follow all that? ;)   The person in me that wants to stick to a schedule just finds that difficult, but I was listening to my body and honestly that’s the most important thing!

 

Join the #fitnessfriday conversation:

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

How are you doing with your goals, resolutions or commitments for 2013?

Good news! Fitness Friday!

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Good news! I finally got around to fixing my social media buttons on my sidebar!! So if you’ve been trying to be my friend, follow me, like me or stay connected, you no longer have to go on the hunt. They work! With that, won’t you be my neighbor friend? ;)

 

Good news! It’s FRIDAY!

 

I’m sure I’m not alone in this statement when I say I love Fridays. They bring me so much joy, especially since lately I’ve been off work on Fridays and Fridays mean I get to play catch-up, relax, and get some things done. Currently, Thursday afternoons have also meant productivity. At least once I get home from work, eat lunch and possibly pass out on the chair while watching EveryBody Loves Raymond.

 

Trust me. It’s happens.

 

But a cup of coffee, afternoon snack and my to-do list, meant it was time for a comeback! And that’s exactly what I did. I came back and tackled a few things that have been lingering on my to-do list for quite some time. Longer than I’d like to admit, actually. But they got done and that’s all that counts in my book!

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Anyway, it was another great week of workouts and I’m pleased to say that my 1/2 marathon training is going well so far. I’ve had some tough runs but they just make the good ones that much better! I also think I’m in major need of changing up my playlist. Music really has the power to push me through some tough workouts so if I’m not really into it or sick of hearing the same songs, it does nothing to help me. Time to change it up!

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 4.21.09 PMI’m struggling with yoga still (re-occurring theme here?) but I’m trying not to be so hard on myself for it, especially since I’ve been doing more reading. While I love yoga for stretching out my muscles, I also do it to clear and relax my mind. If I’m getting the relaxed mind from reading right now, then I don’t need to be so hard on myself for skipping the yoga. I still love it but I think my routine needs to be shaken up a bit so it might be time to try some new classes and make sure I’m stretching out my muscles in other ways more.

That could be one way to stretch...not really. Don't try this at home. ;)

That could be one way to stretch…not really. Don’t try this at home. ;)

Join the fun!

 



 

How were your workouts this week?

What are some of your favorite workout songs? Help me build a new playlist!

Fitness Friday / Oh where, Oh where?

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Oh where, oh where

Has the yoga gone?

Oh where, oh where can it be?

With the practice cut short

And the poses held long

Oh where, oh where can it be?

64557_841480254869_1229808480_nYep, there’s still hardly any yoga in my life. And I promise I’m still working to fix that, despite how it seems. The thing is, I have to make it a habit again and once I do that, it becomes so natural. I know how much better I feel when I have a consistent practice (physically and mentally), so I just need to get back into it. And with some stress going on in my life right now, it will be very beneficial.

 

You know what else is beneficial? Massage.

IMG_0311And lucky for me, as part of my chiropractic care, that’s just what’s on the agenda for this afternoon. I don’t anticipate it will be very long or the best massage ever, but it will be nice to work out some of the tension I’ve been holding between my shoulders.

 

Yoga will also help with this… ;)

 

A great week of workouts and a great start to my 1/2 marathon training.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 7.34.57 PMAnd as always, don’t forget to grab a button, link up, and join the party!

 



 

If you practice yoga, how do you stay committed to your practice?

How were your workouts and training this week?