Tag Archives: BodyPump

Food, Exercise and Crazy

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20

I think I’ve bombarded you enough with the race talk this week. I’ll stop now. But thanks again for all the love and support. You guys are awesome. Running is awesome. Truth and truth.

So, even though my stomach has been an a-hole ever since the race (okay, I’ll probably still talk about it a little bit) – I’ve still been eating.

post-race pasta

My Dad took Lisa and I out for lunch after the race on Sunday, but the stomach issues prevented me from eating my Tomato Basil Pasta from Interurban.

I eventually ate it later that evening, and it was pretty good.

Monday my stomach was still in a tizzy, so for dinner I went with comfort food.

Mac and cheese… from a package. Can anyone tell which one?

Last night things were finally feeling a little better, so I got my eat on. I finished off a bag of spinach and some leftover chickpeas, had a slice of pb and jelly toast and an egg taco.

So… nothing too exciting, but eating has occurred. Now you have proof.

As for workouts, none of those have occurred and likely won’t occur with much regularity until after I move. It just is what it is.

I did do Day 1 of the Pipes Challenge yesterday. It consisted of 5 sets of real push-ups.

Set 1: 10

Set 2: 12

Set 3: 7

Set 4: 7

Set 5: Max (I made it to 15)

Whew! My arms definitely feel a bit rubbery today.

I would have really liked to have gone to Body Pump tonight, but I switched shifts with a girl at the part-timer and I have to work tonight.

I’ll be in D.C. next Monday, have a haircut next Wednesday (probably the last one with my stylist ever, sniff) and then leave for a work trip the following week so I don’t know that I’ll be going to BP for several weeks. This makes me sad, but I can’t control it.

The only thing I really want to make sure of is that I still run a couple times a week.

Usually after a race, I feel burnt out and take a month or so off of running – completely destroying my base mileage in the process.

This time around I feel invigorated and definitely want to keep running. So that will be a priority.

However, things are just going to be too busy and crazy to have a set workout schedule and I’m okay with that. Things will settle down eventually and I’ll get back to it when I can.

The important things in the following month or so will be to figure out when I’m going to move and where I’m going to live.

Then I’ll have to focus on packing, selling all the stuff I can’t take with me and spending as much time with family and friends as possible before I leave.

Exercise will definitely have to take a back seat to all of that. (Just to clarify, I don’t plan on cutting it out completely – it just won’t be top priority, or always scheduled. I’ll definitely still work out when I have time as it’s something I love to do.)

What do you cut out when life gets crazy? For me exercise is usually the first thing to go. Yes, it’s good stress relief but not if fitting it into the schedule causes more stress. Sleep is the last thing I cut. I can’t function without it.

Something to show

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day folks!

Another morning of little to say, but I happen to think my dinner from last night was quite gorgeous so I’ve got something to show.

Look at the GREEN! Very appropriate for today’s holiday. Just a simple spinach salad with garbanzos and hot sauce.

I also had the rest of my sweet potato from Tuesday night.

I like to eat a lot of sweet potatoes when I’m running more, because they contain manganese and copper, which are important minerals for muscle function. It’s probably just a placebo, but I feel like I’m doing good for my body and I like it.

Speaking of running, I must admit that 10-miler might not have been the smartest idea less than a week from my race.

My legs and knees have not been happy with me this week. I think running the distance would have been fine, but I should have gone a bit slower. Oh well – coulda woulda shoulda.

So last night I just took it easy on the elliptical to work out the soreness. No Body Pump – my calves and shins weren’t having it.

Sad, because who knows if I’ll be able to afford a gym and body pump when I move. Hopefully I’ll be able to go more after the half is over. I’m going to miss it.

Body Pump is really the only way I can force myself to do strength training. I gravitate to cardio because I can zone out and get good thinking done while I’m doing it. I like to plan my outfit for the next day, think of things to add to my grocery list, decide what I’m going to have for dinner – that sort of thing.

With strength training, you actually have to focus on the moves to make sure you don’t drop weights on your foot or something, which eliminates the ability to multi-task.

Which do you like better – cardio or strength training?

What kinds of ST do you do?

It was not hot

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21

Thanks everyone for your responses to my crazy post yesterday afternoon. I seriously just typed that out as a form of therapy and didn’t expect a single living soul to read or respond to it. You guys are awesome.

I’m actually really looking forward to all of those upcoming activities and I’m working on letting go of the reigns a little bit and just enjoying them rather than trying to control every aspect of it.

It’s a work in progress. Take yesterday for example.

The plan was to stop by my car dealership after work to get them to reset a sensor on my car before heading to the gym for a long elliptical sesh and Body Pump.

I did that, but the expected five minute trip to the dealership turned into an hour and a half trip because my car had a recalled part they needed to fix.

At first I was annoyed, but I sat patiently and read my Kindle and drank free decaf coffee.

At one point I took a bathroom break and decided I wanted to show you all my outfit, which I thought was quite chic. The only problem was that I’m utterly incapable of taking pictures of myself.

Note the intense look of determination and frustration on my face. I don’t know why I fail so hard at self photography, but I do. The outfit was clearly not displayed properly. This was even one of the better ones.

I wanted to show you my shoes because they’re like a hundred years old and I’m proud that I still have them and they’re still in style enough to wear, but couldn’t get them in the shot.

So I took a completely unflattering photo of my thigh + shoe instead.

I bought these Cole Haan flats with my own money my junior year of high school and I was so proud of them, but they made my feet bleed.

I remember trying to wear them to class once during my freshman year and I ended up hobbling around campus barefoot and bleeding in 50 degree weather instead. It was not hot.

Tights eliminate the bleeding as long as there’s not intense walking involved. Now I’ve maybe worn them about six times. Maybe by the time I’m 50 I’ll have worn them enough to feel they were worth two paychecks back in 2002.

Shortly after the bathroom photo session, I was informed that my car was almost ready and that they were just going to run it through the car wash and fill up the gas tank, which was pretty much empty. Worth the wait? I think so.

We won’t acknowledge the fact that it’s raining today and the car wash was moot. It’s the thought that counts.

Then, I went to the gym. I had enough time for 20 minutes on the elliptical before Body Pump.

I got undressed, put my workout shorts on and start rummaging through my bag for my sports bra and shirt.

Yeah, I forgot to pack those items. Seriously.

I mean, forgetting to pack socks is one thing – but a shirt is a pretty necessary item for working out in public.

I stood in the crowded dressing room, contemplating my options.

I had driven all the way out to the gym, and I was going to work out. I almost just bought a t-shirt from the gym (which would have been the most logical solution) but I didn’t want to charge it and I have no money in my checking account right now.

So I wore my regular bra with a hoodie.

It was not hot. Well actually it was hot, a heavy long-sleeved hoodie is not the most breathable material.

I looked a fool. But I worked out anyways. I was rather pleased with myself.

And that’s the story of how things didn’t go as planned, and I didn’t die.

Do you still wear anything from your high school wardrobe? I have several items that I still work into the rotation. I have clothing/accessory attachment issues.

Clearance beans

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22

I am one tired cookie this morning. Yesterday was a day of tests. I will be completely honest and say that for most of the day at work I felt very defeated and overwhelmed.

By the time I left to go to my facial I was nearly in tears, but thankfully spending an hour getting pampered alleviated my stress somewhat.

I felt renewed enough to head to the gym and kick ass at a workout. Sometimes when it feels like you can’t control anything, there is nothing more satisfying than a good, sweaty run.

I had actually planned to do 5 or 6 miles, but found out that my Dad is coming to see me tonight (yay!) so I wanted to get in tomorrow’s strength training as well.

I hopped on the treadmill and decided to run a “fast” 3-miler. For me, fast means a sub 10 min/mile pace. I’m hoping to get faster someday, but right now it is what it is. I busted out the 3 miles in 29 minutes and felt victorious.

Then I headed downstairs to Body Pump, which was a new release and very challenging.

As I left the gym, dripping in sweat and looking like a drowned rat, I felt much better.

Better, but starving. After showering I knew I needed to get food into my facehole (which is almost healed by the way!) as soon as possible.

reduced sodium garbanzo beans

These clearance garbanzo beans have been sitting in my pantry for many months. I’m a sucker for a clearance deal, but after purchasing them I feared they might be funky.

Last night, I took the risk. They tasted just like full-priced beans to me! I rinsed them thoroughly and stuck them on top of some spinach along with some corn and Kefir Caesar dressing.

spinach corn and chickpea salad

Random dining at its finest. This was actually really good. I may have added some cheese and hot sauce to the mix post-photo.

spinach corn and chickpea salad

Devoured.

It was much later than I was used to (I had to go to the late Body Pump) and I had a ton to do around the apartment, so a 6-minute Meal was the perfect solution.

I rushed around trying to get everything done and then hopped into bed by 9:45 so I could get up at 4:26 this morning to head back to the gym for cross training.

I’ve really noticed a huge difference in my endurance during this round of training and I think it’s due to the larger amounts of low impact cardio and strength training I’m incorporating in with my running.

I haven’t felt as fatigued from the training and I don’t feel burnt out, which is usually the case by this point.

I ellipticalled for 3 miles, which served nicely in loosening up my tight leg muscles.

Honestly, I don’t like morning workouts. I hate getting up that early and I always feel tired throughout the day. But… I’m glad it’s over and now I can focus on a night with my family. I need it.

Holy ramble today. I’ve had more caffeine than usual. I guess we’ll blame that.

Morning workouts: love ‘em or hate ‘em?

If you run, what are your tips for increasing speed?

Southwest Quinoa + Elbow Sweat

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Hello good people! Anyone glad that it’s Friday? Dumbest question ever, I realize.

I’m definitely glad it’s Friday. Lots of fun and exciting happenings on the horizon. Birthday celebrations, lots of cake, some running, a girls night and hopefully some relaxation will ensue this weekend.

That and spending a ton of money on new tires. Hmmph. Not appreciated.

Anyways, last night was another fun budget-friendly night in the kitchen (how sick are  you of me mentioning this budget? sorry).

quinoa

This box of quinoa has been chilling in my pantry for several months now. If you’ve cooked quinoa and posted it on your blog recently, I’ve probably commented something along the lines of “Oh yeah, I have some quinoa I need to use. I need to make this!”

Those statements were made with the best of intentions, but then I would forget. Until last night. I noticed I had some beans and a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and decided to whip up some Southwest Quinoa.

southwest quinoa bowl

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m about the most elementary cook in the world. Rarely will I use more than 5 ingredients. Rarely do my meals take longer than 30 minutes to prepare. I’d like to be more gourmet, but I am not.

I decided my Southwest Quinoa would be infinitely more delicious with cheese, because well, what isn’t? So I stuck a slab o’ cheddar on top and popped it in the broiler for a few.

cheesey southwest quinoa

Melty goodness. Not too shabby for a lazy cook. Not too shabby. And full of protein too, which is good because I had a double doozy workout last night – a 3-miler and Body Pump.

I can tell I’m not in as good of shape as I was when I was training for the marathon. I used to run 6-8 miles and then do Body Pump without thinking twice. Last night, I wanted to die.

Which brings me to another topic – elbow sweat. How weird is elbow sweat? It really freaks me out. I don’t feel like that is an area of my body that should drip, and yet during every treadmill run and every squat track during body pump it’s like someone has turned a hose on. Ick.

I thought I was alone in this but I looked around yesterday and several people had the elbow sweat going on. At least I’m not alone I suppose.

Yeah, I just blogged about elbow sweat.

In other news, I was reading my blog from one year ago today (as I do every morning because I’m strange) and a year ago I met Miss Lisa for the very first time at – what else, body pump! Fun fact.

Instead of asking a general question today, I want your input on what I blog about next.

Would you rather see a post wherein I discuss the trainwreck that is the new season of Teen Mom and other pop culture hilarities… or… a post about my half marathon training plan?

You choose people. The power is in your hands! Haha, I’m in a mood today, clearly.

Okay, I’m out. Happy Friday!

5 Happy Things

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18

Guys, the support you are demonstrating for my depression series is perhaps one of the most amazing things ever.

Thanks for reading such melancholy posts. I promise the story will end happily.

I’ve learned so much in the past 6 (or really, 24) years, and I’m ecstatic that I’m finally in a strong enough place to be able to share my experiences.

To each of you who have commented, tweeted or emailed to say that you relate – thank you for your thoughts and please know that life is beautiful and things will get better.

I’m pretty dang happy about a lot of things lately and I wanted to break up the somberness that is my blog this week with a quick post about 5 things that are making me happy right now.

1. The smell of fall.

[source]

I am a self-proclaimed Fall hater. I love all things summer and sun. I don’t like pumpkin. I’m not a huge fan of the holidays. I’m a grump if the temps drop below 50 during the day. You get the picture.

But the smell of Fall is just… glorious. Every time I walk outside I can’t help but smile. The air is so crisp and fragrant. It just smells happy outside. I love it.

2. Realizing with shock and delight that I have an upcoming 3-day weekend!

[source]

Monday is Columbus Day, and although I still find it disturbing that we still celebrate such a villanous character in this country (seriously, what IS that about?!), I’ll take the day off work.

This will make it much easier for me to catch up on running, sleeping, yogaing and TV watching this weekend. But I do not celebrate you Christopher Columbus.

3. Spontaneity.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m far too uptight. My dad and stepmom are in town tonight and I almost turned down a chance to go for dinner and drinks with them because of my scheduled run + Body Pump workout tonight.

Then I thought, What the hell am I doing? Is a workout really that much more important than family? Absolutely not!

Side note: Yes, I’m referring to the same dad as you’ve been reading about in the depression posts. We’re all better now. :) With time and forgiveness, things can always change for the better.

4. Shedding unnecessary burdens.

In an effort to make #3 possible, I’ve decided that I have to bid a temporary adieu to Body Pump.

I love the class, but the times it’s available at my gym just don’t meld well with my training schedule. Running 8-10 miles and then doing Body Pump is just too much strain on the body anyways, in my opinion.

So… I’ve stopped worrying about it and will just begin doing strength training on my own time.

I’ll definitely be returning to the class after the marathon though, and if it randomly fits into my schedule. It’s just too much fun!

5. New possibilities.

I’ve mentioned a few times that I’ve been job searching lately. Nothing has come of it yet, but for the first time in a long time I really do feel positive that I’ll find my place sooner rather than later.

I’m finally in the right mindset. I know that I’m worthy and capable of better things, I just have to fight for them!

Other than that, there are some other new things in my life that I’m enjoying. I’ll just leave it at that ;)

What are your 5 Happy Things?

Body Pump at home

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28

I tend to forget to fill you all in on my training, but my goal of increasing my mileage during the week is going quite well.

I ran:

  • 4.0 miles Tuesday
  • 2.0 miles Wednesday
  • 3.0 miles this morning at 5 a.m.

This might not seem like much, but up until this week I’d only been running 3.0-ish miles twice a week and then my long run on the weekends. So I increased my usual 6.0 mileage to 9.0.

Personally, I think it’s completely adequate to only run three times per week as a training plan, but those runs eventually have to get longer to make sure you get in the appropriate mileage each week to support your long run.

Another thought that came to me as I was running this morning was that it’s funny how I was expecting my long runs to get easier each weekend when I was putting in the exact same amount of effort each and every week. Nonsensical!

I think I was in denial, but now I’m on track once again, and thankfully I still have over two months to get to where I need to be.

Yesterday, as I arrived at the gym to run my 2.0 miles, I realized that my iPhone was having a meltdown.

[source]

I ran anyways, the whole time just a tad stressed about my phone, and then headed home to doctor it even though I’d fully intended to go to Body Pump after the run.

A tad obsessive? Yes. However, I talk to my mom on the phone every night (I have since the night I moved out at 18) and I didn’t want her to worry. That, and yes, I’m far too dependent on my iPhone. It’s a problem.

I was able to bring it back to life eventually, so I decided to do my Body Pump at home for once!

I set my watch for four minute increments and did all the weight sets that we do in class – squats, chest, back and hamstrings, triceps, biceps, lunges, shoulders and abs. It was a pretty good workout!

Then, I dined.

coconut curry

Leftover coconut curry with Greek yogurt and hot sauce.

Leftovers are my friend, friends. (Victoria, take note, make a full recipe and eat the leftovers for lunch! Very good for the budget.)

I’ll be back a little later! I need your help deciding what to wear to a wedding this weekend :)

Q: How often do you talk to your parentals? As mentioned above I speak with my mama every single night almost and talk to my Dad at least once a week, and we email quite frequently. My Dad and Stepmom also like to come up to visit and get crunk with me on the regular, which I love.