INSANITY program - Day 37

Today is Max Cardio Conditioning.

Haven't done it yet but will in a few minutes.

UPDATE: OK, a few minutes turned into a lot of minutes, but it's done. I can't keep doing these late workouts. I get nothing out of them because I'm too tired to commit.

Tomorrow (well, technically later today): Max Interval Circuit

10K

Yesterday I did the BGR/AARP Inaugural 10K. I can't believe I did it. I keep looking at that finisher medal and it doesn't look real.

It was a hilly course and I couldn't run the whole thing, but I ran what I could. What bothered me wasn't the distance, but those hills! I think if the course was flat, it was possible to do the whole thing as a slow run. That is enough for hope and joy! It seems like a race is the only crowd that doesn't make me panic. I don't know if it is because of all the positive energy around me, or because I'm too busy worrying about the race itself, but in that moment I felt part of something bigger and more special than myself, and that felt wonderful. Plus, I got to meet my BGR run group for the first time; we have all been encouraging each other on the Internet. There was an initial awkwardness, and then it seemed like every woman in that room were sisters.

Pre-Race: I didn't get any sleep the night before, of course, I never do. Always afraid that I'll oversleep and miss the race or just regular pre-race jitters. During the line up I was in this panic that I was lined up wrong.

Mile 1: Awesome! I had a stride and tried to keep it nice and easy to keep my energy up.

Mile 1:03 : First hill. Made executive decision to conserve energy and walk up hill and run down hill.

Mile 2: My watch is off by 0.8 miles, which is mildly irritating.

Mile 3 & 4: I'm kinda ticked by now. That chick said there were some hills, this is ALL hills!

Mile 5: I'm really ticked by now. Five miles of hills. Big effing hills. I'm glad I over-stuffed my shoes with insoles. I want to meet the person who designed this course so I can punch her in the face.

Mile 6: When I saw the mile marker, the first thing that popped into my head was "Where the **** is that finish line?!?" I'm thinking that maybe the last mile is at least a little flat so I can at least jog the last mile. No dice! Now I'm calling the person who designed the race everything but a child of God.

Last 0.2: I told myself that it's just 0.2 of a mile left. Just push through it. I did my Rocky arms while going through the finish line. I don't know if I was the last person or not, but by that time it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was that finish line. I did a 10K!

I stayed behind for a short while to celebrate with the other runners, but I was tired and desperately wanted to go home, so I told one of the run group members to say goodbye for me and I got on the road. What a journey this has been! In January, I had zero races under my belt. February, did my first 5K. Then went on to do two more 5Ks, two mud runs and two fun runs, and now my 1st 10K! I can't believe it! Eight races in eight months!

All I can say is wow.

INSANITY program - Day 35 & 36

Wow I'm behind!

Those days were Max Interval Circuit and Max Interval Plyo.

I did do both in the same day. Don't recommend doing that again.

Today is Max Cardio Conditioning.

Yeah...no.

After wisdom got the better of me, I have decided not to attempt two workouts in the same day. I don't like pain, especially if it is stupidity-inspired pain.

INSANITY program - Day 34

Yesterday/Today was Max Recovery.

Even though I couldn't complete some of the exercises and it was much longer, I surprisingly liked this one better than Cardio Recovery. I wish I had completed it earlier, though. This probably is just wishful thinking, but I'm hoping I can do Friday and Saturday's workout today so that I can have Saturday as a rest day. With the race on Sunday, it would be good to have one full rest day.

Later today is Max Interval Circuit.

INSANITY program - Day 33

Today was Max Cardio & Conditioning.

Can we say awesome? This is my favorite workout from Month 2, and not just because it is the shortest. Even though I couldn't do everything in the workout, I felt I got more bang for my buck. My knee was feeling better so I could commit a bit more as well. I am still going to take it easy by not adding runs for a while, but it was a great relief to be able to do this workout. I am not looking forward to the combo workout in the coming days, but as of right now, this workout is awesome!

Tomorrow: Max Recovery

TDEE

I found out yesterday that a thing called "TDEE" existed and what it was. It's an unnecessary acronym for the caloric calculator I've been using. The actual term is Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculator. I'm glad it exists, because it is beyond frustrating when the pro-diet industry slaps that standard 1200-1800 calories a day model on every woman despite size and activity level. It doesn't take a genius to know that if bigger cars use more gas, then people with different bodies must use varying amounts of calories. Even if I sat on my butt all day, I would use up more calories that the standard 1200-1800 calorie diet model.

I know I haven't been getting the calories I need lately, and I know that can cause more harm that good, but I didn't realize that I would need more than 3000! I'm thinking about getting back on Shaun T's plan for a while, or maybe morphing it with the recipes I like for a smooth transition back into regular cooking.

INSANITY Program - Day 32

Yesterday was Max Interval Plyo.

I thought I already posted this, but I guess I didn't. I tried to take it easy yesterday because of the twinge in my knee. I even did the workout in compression socks, thinking that would help. It didn't. In fact, I will never do an Insanity workout in compression socks again. My feet were swollen and hurting so much that I could barely walk by the time I got home that afternoon. But I am proud that I got up early enough to do it seeing that I had such a long day ahead of me. Still experiencing residual soreness. I hate that I couldn't apply myself to the workout the way I wanted to do. Also, now I know that eating breakfast before an Insanity workout is a necessity.

Executive decision time: no running (outside of the race) until I have adjusted to Month 2. Which stinks, but not as much as getting hurt would.

Today: Max Cardio Conditioning

INSANITY Program - Day 31, Fit Test #3

I start Month 2 today. Whereas Month 1 let a Fit Test be your workout, Month 2 isn't so generous. I'm going to take a breather between the two because the urge to throw up is strong.

Despite my overwhelming urge to pay homage to the porcelain thrown, this Fit Test was AMAZING! My goal--my hope--was to do one more of each, except for the Power Jumps and the Push-Up Jacks because I have not done one the entire time. But today, something told me to just try the Power Jumps. Just try to do one. I tried, and did FIVE. Yep, FIVE. Not as high as Shaun T's crew, but for me, that was a moon landing! I decided to attempt to do a Push-Up Jack. Technically I did three, but only counted it as one since I fell completely to the ground. I'm in awe. I never thought I would see my body do things like this. I have an unending sense of hope now for my health.

Here's the breakdown:

50 switch kicks
30 power jacks
90 power knees
5 power jumps (UNBELIEVABLE!)
8 globe jumps
10 suicide jumps
1 push-up jacks (hurray!)
10 low-plank obliques

UPDATE: As for the actual Month 2 Day 1 workout, today was Max Interval Circuit:

What can I say? This workout was about 20 minutes too long. Of course, I really can't complain because I half-@ssed it. This wasn't from laziness, but because I felt a twinge in my knee earlier today and panicked. I didn't apply myself out of fear. Which stinks, because I really, really wanted to apply myself, but I can't take the risk of an injury. I can't risk anything that could ruin running for me. The gameplan is to spend the next 24 hours in compression socks and hopefully I can come back tomorrow swinging.

At least my Fit Test went well.

Tomorrow: Max Interval Plyo

"Have you lost weight yet?"

I've posted a couple of workouts on Facebook and mentioned to people that I've taken up running. I'm wondering if I should stop doing that. My natural enthusiasm and excitement about finally digging my heels into the sport I love may need to be taken down a bit. Why? Because no one gets it. If I swallowed a jar of tapeworms and added the caveat that I'm doing it for weight loss, people would nod and just say "Oh." It would probably be followed with some unsolicited dieting advice.

But if you say you are running because you like running, and you are doing a tough exercise program because you want to be stronger to be a better runner, people think you've lost your mind. They can't seem to wrap their heads around it. I went to a luncheon and didn't eat anything. Why? Because I had already eaten before I found out about the luncheon, and frankly, I'm sick of stuffing my face for the sake of being polite. When I said I was on an eating plan for a workout program, the first question is "Have you lost weight yet?" When I told them it was so I could be a better runner, they became a table of deer and I was the headlights.

Someone asked me how was I doing at a reception. I mentioned that I was getting ready for my first 10K. The response was, "Oh, you're running...have you lost weight yet?" I'm starting to view that question to be up there with "Aren't you going to get married?" and "Don't you think you should have a child before you get too old?" I even had to snap at my niece because she decided to critique my grocery list, stating "You can't have that...you're on a diet." I replied, "I'm not on a diet, you are just projecting your own issues." She's 18 and she was asking for it.

I'm not in this for weight loss. Being a human bobble head is not the objective. I'm doing this because I want to be stronger, I want to be healthier, and dammit, I want to run farther and faster. My No. 1 priority is to become a better runner. I view weight loss as a side effect, nothing more. I'm not on an effing diet, I'm morphing my lifestyle. Girls go on diets, women push for healthier lifestyles and I'm a WOMAN, dammit!

I'm fat. I know that. No one needs to tell me that. But I'm checking calories because I want to maximize the fuel I put in my body so I can move faster and stronger. Do I want to get smaller? Of course? Why? Because I'll move faster and it's effing impossible to find run gear in my size.

But that's it. That is as far as the weight concerns go. You can go on a diet if you want, but don't expect me to come along for the ride. I've evolved beyond that.

Stats Check

My decision to document my journey has less to do with being weight-centric and more to do with the fact that I just want snapshots of the trip. The fact that I love to design charts is a factor as well.

Today's stats show me losing 4.8 lbs and 2.5 inches, with a full inch off the hips. I'm not listing the start-off stats until after Round 3 of Insanity, because that's just how I do things. At first I was a little disappointed, because I have been faithful to this program, but then I remembered that this is a representation of the flow of my body. I never lose weight in the beginning, and if I do, it's not a lot. It takes months for my body to catch up with the work and then the next thing I know, I'm wondering why my pants won't stay up.

But what really matters is what I've gained in ability, and what I've gained in mileage. I've accomplished things now that I didn't think I would be able to do for another year. I went from struggling to run 2 miles to sailing through 4 mile runs. I ran around The Bend. That is a lot to accomplish in a month!

Knowing when to chill

I waited too late to get out this morning. I've run in this temperature before, but today it just seemed to take a lot more out of me. Wanted to push for 6 mi, but at 1.5 mi, my Spidey Sense was telling me to sit this one out. Going to spend the rest of the day walking around in my compression socks. Can't take the chance of getting hurt before my next milestone race. I'm going to grant myself a time-out so I can come back swinging.

INSANITY Program - Day 30, End of Recovery Week

Today was also...guess? Core Cardio & Balance!

Not sure why I was so anxious to end this all tonight. Possibly because I am going to try to run tomorrow, but it became an imperative for me to complete tomorrow's workout today.

I must say I went out better than I came into this week! The traditional cascade of sweat happened, although not as bad as normal. I've been reluctant to stretch well this week, but tonight I would have stayed an hour in the hip flexor stretch if I could.

Tomorrow: run (?)

INSANITY Program - Day 29

Today was Core Cardio & Cardio Balance.

For the first time, I actually got to enjoy this workout! No late-night slugfests or that-run-just-took-my-mojo side effects. And you know what? I really like this workout! By far my fav out of the entire program! Not too fond of the shoulder-killer segment, but this is a pleasant workout. I am debating on doing the one for tomorrow today so that I can have a clear run day tomorrow.

Can't believe this week is almost over. I am scared as ten hells of next week.

Tomorrow: same thing

INSANITY Program - Day 28

Today was Core Cardio & Balance.

I didn't get it completed until late again. Too many distractions taking up so much time. I question if I should have done it right after my run, but I was really, really exhausted by that time.

Tomorrow (well, technically today): same thing

"The Bend"

A marvelous thing happened this morning: I conquered "The Bend."

The gameplan was to run 5 mi this morning on flatter terrain, but at the last minute I decided to attempt The Bend. The Bend is 3.4 mi long loop, but it's a series of rolling, long inclines and a few notorious hills that even at my thinnest I dreaded walking. The Bend is also home of my long-time nemesis, the Pole and its big brother, The Bigger Pole. I passed both of them and even passed their even bigger parents, Monster Pole #1 and Monster Pole #2. I don't know what is the worst part of it, the hills or those long, slow inclines that promise to flatten out but never really do. Sometimes I wonder if the person that invented Chinese Water torture saw this path in a dream and was inspired by it.

But today I RAN IT! True, sometimes I had gotten to the point where I was down to a snail's pace, but I RAN THE BEND! What was so doubly awesome was that as I was beating the last hill, I had a "movie moment". You know those moments when the sun is shining just right, the music on your iPod is at that one inspirational song and you hit your stride at the moment that song really starts cranking up? I hit the top of the hill while all this was going on, and if that wasn't awesome enough, U2's Beautiful Day started playing right as the route was ending...perfect movie moment.

I can't help but think about January, when I was scared I that I wouldn't be able to walk it! Today, I RAN IT! And not only that, but in 76% humidity and a heat index of almost 90 degrees (yeah...probably not doing that again, but I digress). Oh hell yeah...I EARNED this cup of chocolate milk!

And you know what's crazy? I can't wait to do it again.

INSANITY Program - Day 27

Today was Core Cardio & Balance.

The amount of half-@ssery I committed during this workout is downright shameful. I'm so exhausted. These late-night rendezvous with Shaun T cannot continue. I want my daytime workouts back.

Tomorrow: Core Cardio & Balance.

Election Side Effects

I hate election season. I pay attention to it out of a sense of duty and because I have a political blog, but the nonsense that comes with election season sticks in my craw. I had no intention of watching either convention, but did because I will have to write about it. I was supposed to participate in a televised panel, but life jumped in and I had to send a cancel to the invitation. I hate letting people down, but the situation was unavoidable.

But I digress.

I'm tired. Sleep would be so nice now, but it just seems like there is so much to do. And I'm doubly exhausted because I'm in the wrong part of the country during this time. Don't know if there really is a purgatory, but if there is, then being a Black Roman Catholic woman with an opinion not espoused of the Vatican in Tea Party country should count as time served.

At least I can distract myself with races until it's over.

INSANITY Program - Day 26

Today is Core Cardio & Balance.

I've waited until the absolute last minute to do this. Time just got away from me. I am starting this on Tuesday, but will finish on Wednesday because there is less than 23 minutes left in this day. Must not let this happen again, but at least it is being done.

UPDATE: Completed. I began half-@ssing it, and then I realized the only person I was hurting was myself. Hopefully, tomorrow will have fewer distractions from the schedule.

Tomorrow: Same thing.

INSANITY Program - Day 25

Today was Core Cardio & Balance...the entire week will be Core Cardio & Balance.

I liked it. Someone told me it was really hard, but it was essentially a long Stage-1 warm-up. Of course, I must consider the source. Said individual works out like nobody's business, so yeah, she would be tired. I appreciate that Shaun T respects the need to chill out between months. It's good to know how thought out this program is. I plan on taking it easy, but it would be nice to sneak in an extra run this week. It would be really, really, really wonderful to make goal mileage by Saturday!

Come on get higher, run a 4-miler

Signed up for my first 10K last week. It's next weekend. I told myself that when I could run 4 miles straight, I would feel more comfortable about this upcoming 10K. Guess what I did this morning? :)

With every mile, the Mercedes half-marathon in February seems like a less scary proposition.

Postponed Milestone

I think that any time you run that one extra mile, that is a milestone and should be celebrated. We really don't appreciate the work it takes to accomplish each mile, and every time that length is increased, an amazing thing has taken place.

Today I was supposed to attempt to run four miles for the first time. But the current temperature and humidity suggested that I should wait and try to go at an earlier time tomorrow. Or maybe I will just wait until it is cooler and try again this afternoon. I really wanted Sunday to be a day off so I am fresh for the next round of Insanity Monday morning.

INSANITY Program - END OF MONTH 1!

Today is Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

The game plan was to do this workout this morning. Kinda didn't work out that way, and I was beyond exhausted all afternoon, and I'm tired now, too. But tomorrow is my 1st time attempting to run four miles without stopping, and I want that day to be a run day only.

Technically I will start this workout on August 31 and end it on September 1. I'm going to go do it now.

UPDATE (1:34 AM):

I had a couple of distractions which lead me to start later. The first would be a large cockroach that flew into my home while I was going to take one last look at the Blue Moon. I looked like a Jedi knight on meth trying to fight that thing with a broom. Then, I waited a while to see if it was really dead (even though it certainly was). After that, a repeat of the Daily Show and the Colbert Report came on and that took up an hour.

But now it's done! For the FIRST TIME EVER I--YES ME--I COMPLETED MONTH 1 OF INSANITY!!!

INSANITY Program - Day 22 & 23

Today was Pure Cardio, Cardio Abs and Cardio Recovery.

I am going to be really, really busy over the next couple of days, and my Spidey Sense has been nagging me to go ahead and do Friday's workout.

Can we say boss?

I was able to at least attempt EVERY EXERCISE. My feet, yes, my feet were airborne. I could jump! Not as high as they could, of course, but for me that was flying! When Shaun T announced the last breath, I was actually was little teary eyed, because for me, for the first time I was completing those workouts and it was the last time I would be doing them. For a while, and not a long one.

After all, this is just Round 1.

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Executive Decisions

I think I'm going to do Pure Cardio, Cardio Abs and Cardio Recovery today. I am not looking forward to this AT ALL, but given that next month is going up a few notches, I might as well get accustomed to pain. Not to mention that even though tomorrow would be a great time to test my new schedule, I'm not sure I'm willing to take the risk.

INSANITY Program - Day 21

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

Here's my long moment of stupidity: For a month now, after every Insanity workout there have been droplets of water on the ground. Today I looked at them and thought, "Wow...I'm a messy water drinker!" It finally dawned on me that couldn't be water, especially since my water cup has a lid and a straw. Yes, it was sweat. I was slinging sweat. I shook my head and sweat went everywhere.

Jennifer Beals, step aside. Your Flashdance sweat scene can't handle me!

So in addition to my sweat slinging realization, as mentioned in the previous blog entry, something else nice happened.

I realized that when I did the basketball move of the workout that I could actually move faster, and get this: get off the ground! Another thing that happened was I did this without my ibuprofen ritual. Yes, there is one. I would take two before working out and one afterward. I didn't want to take it today. I don't like taking them, so I didn't and I survived it! Maybe it was some kind of delayed placebo effect...who knows. But I enjoyed the moment!

Tomorrow: Cardio Recovery

INSANITY Program - Day 20

Today was Cardio Power & Resistance.

I just realized that this is the last time I will be doing this particular workout for a while. This is the last week of Month 1. Wow.

Good workout, still pushing despite morning run. A pretty boss day if I do say so myself! Sweat was all over the floor, my evidence to a good burn.

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

3.1

This is one morning I hope I never forget. The day I ran 5K as a regular morning run. It took me 50:58 to run it. One day I'm going to look back on that time and laugh that it took me that long, but right now, it's a source of pride. It's the time I ran an entire 5K and the area wasn't flat, either. I look back on 5K races I've done and think about how I worried I was that I couldn't finish it, and then today I ran 5K just to do it. Ran the whole thing...and the first two miles were a breeze.

I'm ready to conquer that fourth mile now.

INSANITY Program - Day 19

Today was Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs.

As can be told from my previous post, I deeply supported the idea of at least postponing today's workouts. At one point, I even marginally entertained the idea of punching Shaun T in the face. But that rational side of me said, "Well, you know this stuff isn't easy, and if you weren't going to do it, why did you buy it?" True. Then the rational said, "If this wasn't difficult, it wouldn't work...you know that. Now, let's go exercise. Come on, it's OK." About five minutes later, a less-kinder form of rational sounded off something like this: "B!TCH IT'S WEEK 4! YOU'VE NEVER MADE IT TO WEEK 4 BEFORE! WOMAN UP AND GET THROUGH THIS! DON'T YOU MESS THIS UP NOW BY TRYING TO QUIT! MOVE MOVE MOVE!!!"

So yeah...something like that.

Tomorrow: Cardio Power & Resistance

Monday

It's Monday...I'm tired...I'm not feeling this at all.

Two workouts today. On a Monday. If I thought I could get away with it, I would punch Shaun T in the face.

INSANITY Program - Wk 3 is DONE!!

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

I swear I woke up this morning like She-Ra. Got up, had a little pre-run fuel, ran three miles, did my last Insanity workout for this week and 25 min of yoga.

I AM SHE-RAAAAA!!!!

Now I'm going to take some ibuprofen because this princess of power knows the pain is coming...

Tomorrow: Rest Day

INSANITY Program - Day 17

Today was Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs.

...and I feel like I want to Pure Regurgitate. Ugh. Today went down better than the rest of the week. I changed my pre-workout nosh and it made me less tired than the previous meal. Still couldn't seem to work up the energy and power of last week. I guess this is just a slug week. At least this jazz is done.

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit & 3 mi run

Komen Race for the Cure

I'm making some hard decisions about potential upcoming races. There are so many things that must be take into consideration, such as a.) can I afford it and b.) is it physically out of my range.

The Komen Race for the Cure is coming up in October. This race is special because this is the race that was my unconquered New Year's resolution for half a decade. This was the race I wanted to do. It is even more important because no woman on my mother's side has died of natural causes in my lifetime. Cancer is a timed bomb embedded in my DNA. This is more than just a race, it feels like a call of duty. I have almost two months to deal with this issue. I wish I had more faith.

But the fact remains that this is the race that I've wanted to be a part of all these years, and this is the first time I actually have a chance at doing it.

INSANITY Program - Day 16

Today was Cardio Recovery.

Not bad. Glad it was an easier day. I'm now convinced that this week's pre-workout nosh is a major contributor to my sluggishness. I was mostly fine this morning until I had that stuff. Must remember to eat it at night and not as a breakfast.

Can't believe I'm more than halfway through the THIRD week!

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs

INSANITY Program - Day 15

Today was Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs.

I was less sluggish than yesterday, but ended up binging on potato chips and a Fudge Round. Not pretty, but I've seen worse.

Tomorrow: Cardio Recovery

INSANITY Program - Day 14

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

I swear I feel like I've had Novocaine for breakfast.

Sluggish, heavy and just out of it...couldn't commit 100%. Blinded by my mental fog and drowning in spiritual humidity. It was 15-20 min before I realized I wasn't even sweating, which is borderline blasphemy. But I pushed, at least to just sweat, and eventually the cascading sweat appeared.

I don't know if it's because of the food I picked for this week or sleep patterns or other factors, but I've just not been in game-mode and I don't like it one bit.

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs

INSANITY Program - Fit Test #2

This morning I did the 2nd Fit Test. I've never made it to the 2nd Fit Test before! Literally fighting off tears of joy!

Here's the breakdown:

40 switch kicks
27 power jacks
80 power knees (go me!)
0 power jumps
7 globe jumps
5 suicide jumps (which is a more honest name than burpees)
0 push-up jacks (like you could do them, either)
5 low-plank obliques

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

No-Miler

The game plan this morning was to do a 2-miler and then the Insanity Fit Test. My Spidey Sense told me to go to the track, where the soccer team was practicing. I didn't make it home in time to get that run in before school traffic commenced, and we all know that school traffic is 10 tons of suck.

I have a rule that if I attempted, it counts, but I do feel really, really cheated so maybe I can pull this thing off before sunset.

INSANITY Program - The Curse is BROKEN!

Three years ago, I bought the Insanity program. The handful of times I tried it, I never made it past the Wednesday of the 2nd week. I've called these attempts the Insanity Curse since Wednesday was always the day of death. My body couldn't take it and my mind wasn't having it.

Today I FINISHED Week 2, AND ran two days this week! I can't believe a body like mine is capable of this kind of power! WHOO-HOO!!!

Today was Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs.

What really got me was how shocked I was during the exercises that I could actually do so many of them! Such progress in two weeks...UNBELIEVABLE! I kept thinking "Wait a minute...hey...I'm doing what they're doing? WHOA!!!"

Tomorrow: Rest Day

INSANITY Fast & Furious Workout

So apparently there is a 20 min version of Insanity...which no one bothered to mention to me, including the Insanity Quorum.

The End of the Running Penguin

I run like a penguin. No, seriously, I do. It's sad. I run like an Emperor penguin.

Until today.

I went to the track and discovered it was occupied so ended up going around the block, which is normally tough because of the rolling inclines and uneven pavement. Not today! Today I was much faster, more at ease and conquering inclines. I was a rock star this morning! People were stopping to watch me run and waving me along...and I didn't even freak out about being watched! Who says big girls can't move?

There's nothing like a great run to show you how far you've come on your fitness journey! My penguin-like running days are OVER!

I must do some yoga today. Must maintain balance!

INSANITY Program - Day 11

Today was Cardio Power & Resistance.

I didn't apply myself throughout the workout, but I did give. After this morning's run, I am thrilled I could follow-up with Insanity just minutes after. One more (well maybe technically two) more days to break the Insanity curse!

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs

The Woman Inside

Yesterday my brother and I were talking about exercising. He's interested in Insanity (I personally think he can go straight to Asylum). He talked about becoming stronger, healthier and getting his "old body back".

I told him that for me, the woman inside me now that's waiting to emerge is far stronger, far faster and is an upgrade to the girl I'm compared to now. Forget about the body I once had as a girl. She was thin and she wasn't weak, but she wasn't powerful. I want to be that superwoman squirming in me now!

INSANITY Program - Day 10

Today was Cardio Recovery.

In all honesty, one could skip this workout, especially if you are doing yoga in addition to Insanity anyway, but I'm a purist so it's all or none.

Tomorrow: Cardio Power & Resistance + 2 mile run

INSANITY Program - Day 9

Today was Cardio Circuit.

I feel like sh!t. Seriously. If sh!t was an adjective in the dictionary, my current expression would lie beside it. I was tired when I started, pepped up near the end, and now I want to just lie on the floor and pass out. At least I don't want to throw up this time...nope, spoke too soon. Nausea ninja kick just commenced.

Three more days (well, maybe technically four) and the never-make-it-pass-week-2 curse will be broken.

Tomorrow: Cardio Recovery

INSANITY Program - Day 8

Today was Pure Cardio.

I won't lie...I half-@ssed it. Can't explain why other than fatigue. Will try again tomorrow to do workout early. At least the d@mn thing is done.

Tomorrow: Cardio Circuit

Because Insanity Just Isn't Scary Enough...

So...apparently Shaun T has a follow-up coming out this Fall to the already scary Asylum, which is the follow-up to Insanity. I haven't seen Asylum, but I've heard stories. I'm guessing Asylum 2 is supposed to help you train for the Zombie Apocalypse.

Tell ya what...if another person is on the news for snacking on humans, I'll get both. That's all the evidence I'll need to believe something's rotten in Denmark.

INSANITY Program - Day 7

This is the beginning of Week 2, which is an important time for me, because every time I have tried to do this program, I have never made it past this week. Week 2 is when I started skipping workouts. Week 2 is when I threw my hands up and said to hell with this.

Today was Cardio Power & Resistance.

I was sort of glad it was this workout because this is one of the shorter ones. After the run this morning (which surprisingly took a lot out of me...maybe it was the humidity), I wasn't sure I would be able to do it. In fact, I literally just finished the workout. Amazingly, I feel better! I'm more awake, more refreshed and feel less pain. But I'm no fool...I know the pain is coming.

If I am going to incorporate running with Insanity, yoga is no longer an option.

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio

Garmin Inaugral Run

Took my new Garmin out for its first run this morning. The linking started out great, but it veered off into becoming a little less that 1/4 mi off. I don't know if it was because I kept switching lanes on the track, but that could be a plausible explanation.

Still, I love this thing! Clocked 2:12 mi this morning!

Nutrionist Cashiers

I got unsolicited dieting advice from a cashier as a result of my groceries. Unsolicited dieting advice, by the by, is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. She recommended doing things I already do, suggested food that was already in my cart and told me I should start walking. She boasted that she walked almost two miles and that I should do that, too. I wish you could have seen her face when I told her I've done seven races this year, that I've been running two miles on average for a few months now, and last month, I ran three.

And you know what, I can't WAIT until I can say I ran 10 miles.

INSANITY Program - Week 1 and DONE!!!

I JUST FINISHED MY FIRST WEEK OF INSANITY!!!

I can't believe it...I was moving faster, much faster. Completing reps instead of stopping early! Still having a hard time with a couple of the exercises, but for the most part, a VAST improvement!

I think following the meal plan was a big help, but no more gross cottage cheese!

BRING ON WEEK 2! WHOO-HOO!!!

Down Time Revelations

Saturday mornings are times when I recharge. I turn off the television. No news, not even the ever-safe Weather Channel. No Internet other than to log in exercise times or to update my workout status or send a bit of encouragement within my favorite run groups. Sometimes I don't even go as far as checking in with them.

The only noise I hear is the soothing tunes from one of my many playlists that was created exclusively for down time. Even my hyper dog channels down for these moments. A slow, leisurely breakfast in the morning. No newspapers allowed...only a magazine, and even then those are strictly limited to my feel-good favorites: Runner's World, Cooking Light or Organic Gardening. Sometimes I forgo the reading and commune with sips of coffee.

This morning I set the table as usual and prepared my breakfast from the Shaun T meal plan. The coffee came out just shy of perfect, but still good enough that I will be awake and yet simultaneously calm. I was reading an article about the Manitou Springs incline and wondered if I should add it to the list of things I want to do in my lifetime. What really drew me in was that even though this was a very elite group of people that climb this incline, I wasn't that far from joining this group. In fact, wasn't I already part of the great runner culture? Didn't I do serious inclines just months ago? I am in fact a runner now. I can say that now.

Ten years ago if you asked me if I would be part of this community, I would never have seen it happen. It flew into the face of my idea of down time. But after I finished my quiet, leisurely yet very healthy breakfast, I walked past my exercise calendar and realized how well this community fits into my life. How much this community and the mentality that goes with it meshes into my life. I like the feel after exercising. I love the aftermath of a cleansing run. I like the fresh taste of healthier food. I want this to be part of my life...I want this to be my life.

I like this lifestyle, and I love being part of the runner family.

INSANITY Program - Day 5

Today was Pure Cardio.

I waited much later than normal to do the workout than normal, but it seems like I was capable of doing it better. Don't remember it being quite that tough, though. Of course, I could do exercises that I previously couldn't, and that was simply thrilling!

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit...yay...

The Truth

It's time for me to stop lying to myself and admit something: cottage cheese is gross.

There...I said it.

INSANITY Program - Day 4

Today was Cardio Recovery.

Not as daunting. Didn't really want to do it but want to be honest with the program. I am surprised how much better I am at it compared to the last times I tried to do this program.

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio

INSANITY Program - Day 3

Today was Cardio Power & Resistance...the one I've always dreaded.

It's 38 minutes and change long. In the past, I've never been able to do most of the exercises, and today, there were still I am not able to do. But here's the thing...I could at least attempt most of them. When I first purchased the program, I couldn't even do that. So this chick did V-push ups even though she can't do a regular push-up!

And here's where it gets crazy...for a second, I wanted to go for a run, too...

Tomorrow: Cardio Recovery

The Insanity Quorum!

I've located four other women who have started the Insanity challenge; one who is two weeks ahead of us. The other two have started on the same day as me. It will be nice to have some positive motivation this time!

INSANITY Program - Day 2

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit. I'm having that sense of dread that comes with knowing I'm going to be sore like crazy tomorrow. It's a little over 40 minutes, and to my surprise, the time went by faster than I thought. The meal plan feels like there is a lot of food, but my experience with exercise-related munchies tells me to not delete from the plan.

I would also like to apologize to Shaun T for thinking he was exaggerating about the program. I was wrong...it's total beast mode the whole time!

At least I had the good sense to stock up on Ibuprofen.

Tomorrow: CARDIO POWER & RESISTANCE

Introducing Garmin Forerunner 205

I made a pledge to myself that I would treat myself to something nice when I could run an hour straight. That "something nice" was a Garmin. Last month, I ran an hour straight.

So it's time to pay the piper, right? Wrong. Again, I felt that I was wasting money and should save it for something else. I always feel like I'm wasting money when I get things for myself. I mentioned not getting this device out loud and my niece heard me. She asked me did I make my goal. I said yes. She essentially told me that breaking a promise to yourself was the same as breaking a promise to anyone else. And she was right. So I closed my eyes and got it.

Ladies and gentleman, the device that will help me document my run journey, the Garmin Forerunner 205!

And I'm going to get a better camera phone...my contract is up for renewal soon and I can get a free phone then, so I will get a new phone then with a better camera.

INSANITY Program - Day 1, Fit Test

I've done the Fit Test before, in my many failed attempts to complete the 60-day program, but I don't remember wanting to throw up as much as I do now.

Here's the breakdown:

23 switch kicks
17 power jacks
70 power knees (go me!)
0 power jumps
5 globe jumps
4 suicide jumps (which is a more honest name than burpees)
0 push-up jacks (like you could do them, either)
0 low-plank obliques

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

INSANITY Program - Food Costs WK 1

This week of meals based on recipes from the Insanity workout cost $45.78, which was almost $5.00 under budget and far less that I was expecting. So maybe I will be able to swing the costs for this thing.

The Path to Insanity

OK...

Before photo -- check
Groceries for meal plan -- check
Menu planner filled out -- in process

Tomorrow I am doing this. Come hell or high water, I am doing this. If hell comes, I won't notice because the temperature is hotter than 10 hells already. If high water comes, well...maybe I can work out on the roof!

INSANITY Program

I bought the Insanity workout three years ago, and I've never made it past the first month. To be honest, I've never made it past the second week. But this time I'm hoping to change that. I know I won't be able to do it as well as the people in the video, but I will try to the best of my ability.

Day 1 was supposed to be the fit test, which I didn't take because I've had visitors ALL DAY. This cannot be allowed to repeat. Visitors or not, I must make this program a priority.

Everything else will have to wait.

1-Hour Run CONQUERED!

A few months ago, I made a pledge to myself that when I ran for an hour straight, I would get myself a Garmin.

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, THE GOAL HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!

Big Day Postponed

I was supposed to do my first hour-long run today, but postponed. My washed workout stuff didn't dry, and it's too expensive to risk wearing wet. Try again tomorrow.

Tainted Run

Today I went out to do a 30 min run when I could hear a dog crying. I thought it was a puppy the way it was whimpering, but discovered it was an adult dog. Never heard a grown dog make such a pitiful plea before. Then I heard its owner beating it. I heard the beating two doors down. I went looking to see if I could locate the abuser and I found him. I actually saw him beating the dog. I don't know what to do. The police in my town probably won't care and the Animal Control makes Roscoe P. Coltrane look competent.

I am documenting what I saw. Hopefully contacting the Humane Society in another city will result in some aid.

Way to ruin a run, dog-beating asshole.

Not too bad today!

Did another 25+ min run. Was supposed to go longer, but was cut short by douchey track team. I'll do extra burpees today to compensate for the unfinished run. I have this rule, though, that if my runs are cut short and it's completely not my fault, it still counts.

But I felt like I was pushing myself a bit more this run, and it felt really good. My heart feels strong and I'm not as tired as I normally am. I can't wait until Fall when the humidity goes down and running won't be quite so daunting (hopefully).

Beginner 10K - "easy" run

It was a short run. It should have been easy. Shoot, it should have been fun. But no, it wasn't and I was ready to quit before I started. This humidity is murder!

Aw hell...and I still have those 10 burpees to do.

How to make your own medal rack

I've got two finisher medals (yay!). There are three more races that I am hoping to do this year that have finisher medals. So I decided to start looking for a medal rack to display the documentation of my commitment to running. Here's the deal: the cheapest one I found was $40, and I didn't really like any of them. It didn't take me long to realize that I could just buy a tie rack for a fraction of what these medal racks cost.

That train of thought expanded, and now I think I know how to make a personalized medal rack. The best thing about this idea is that if you get sick of your medal rack design you can just unscrew the tie rack and get a new piece of wood and decorate another design or paint over the original design. And if you don't want to go all the way out with a wood background, there is no reason you can't cut out a piece of poster board and decorate it. You could create a photo collage of your races or some other design, tape the paper design to the wall and screw the tie rack under on onto it.

If all this decorating isn't your thing, you can just find a moderately attractive tie rack and call it a day. You would still come out much cheaper than buying a medal rack.


Materials:

- Tie rack that can be mounted on a wall (preferably a lightweight metal one like this one)

- A basic piece of lumber that is at least 7 inches wider than the width of your tie rack and is at least 2 inches longer than the tie rack. (For example, if your tie rack is 3x15 in dimension, you want a piece of wood that is 10x5. The wood piece shouldn't be more than 1.5 inch thick since this is to be put on a wall. Any major hardware store can cut the wood for you.)

- 2 screws long enough to secure the tie rack

- 2 screws at least 1.5 inch long

- 10-inch long wire (frame wires can be found in hardware section)

- Paint, rhinestones, photos or whatever you want to use to decorate your medal rack

Step 1: Decorate the wood piece. I plan on spray painting my tie rack as well.

Step 2: After the painting, glued photos, rhinestones or whatever you use have dried in place, use the two screws to attach the tie rack to the wood piece

Step 3: (If you have access to a drill, just drill two small holes at the top of your new medal rack, hang it on the wall and call it a day...that is what I plan to do.) Wrap the ends of the wire right under the head of the screw. Secure the screw to the back of the wood piece like you would on a picture frame.

Enjoy your new medal rack!


(FYI, I intend on posting a photo of my finished product, but like all my projects, it takes me forever to come up with a design.)

I'll be glad I did it...tomorrow

I waited to the last minute to do my Xtraining (oh, and did I mention I'm doing a Tribesports 10 burpees a day challenge, too?). I did the workout. Right after the workout, I did the burpees. Then I did 20 minutes of yoga. I really, really, really want to throw up right now.

Burpees are proof that Satan is real and he hates us.

"You're a runner."

Today I was telling my sister about how for years I thought about doing a 5K. It was my New Year's resolution for at least five years. And every year, I told myself I would try again next year. This year, not only have I accomplished that resolution, I've shattered it. I've done three 5Ks, two obstacle races (Run for Your Lives and Barbarian Challenge) and two fun runs. Seven races. Seven races in seven months, and I'm training for my first 10K at the moment. In fact, today I got my race t-shirt for my first virtual run. I talked about driving a distance and suddenly realizing that I had run that same distance that morning.

She said, "You're a runner. A real runner."

She talked about how so many judge the physical capabilities of others by their size and how wrong they are. I commented that I'm slow and I run like a penguin. She replies, "But you run, and you run far and you don't stop running. You're a runner."

And I thought, yeah...I guess I am a runner. A real runner.

Beginner 10K - Xtrain

This plan doesn't have a lot of cross-training opportunities. I am just going to randomly insert Xtraining on my own. The rest of me needs work, too.

Beginner 10K - Day ???

Today was a 30 min hilly run. I made a route. In fact, I've made several routes. But I wonder why I bother, because I always deviate from that route. I went a good mile or so off track today. My legs felt like they were filled with cement. The best part of this run, ironically, occurred when I was feeling at my worst. I was walking--no, slogging home--when this chica walker passed by me. And she had that contently smug "I-just-passed-you" look that we all do, myself included. But as she breezed by, I thought, "Chick, please...you're walking. I just ran."

...and back to reality...

Clearly I let yesterday's epic run cloud my judgement. I know what time I was supposed to exercise today, and I had the free day to do it. But I didn't get to it until almost four hours later.

Massive humidity and increased heat humbled me. I will not be so foolish again.

(OK, odds are I will be that foolish again, but I will make a concentrated effort not to be.)

EPIC MORNING WORKOUT!!!

When my alarm went off at six this morning, I was seriously thinking of skipping...again. Skipping has been a regular occurrence for me. But this little voice in my head went, "Do you want this or not?" And my reply was, "I do." So I got up and drove to the track.

I started with a 10 min warm-up walk then ran 50, yes people 50 min straight and did another 10 min walk.

But it's not over, because for the first time ever (dah-dadah-daaahhh!)...

I get to add this:

3 x 100

That's right! I did strides! I actually did that which I did not get when I was first aware of them. And I feel pretty good about them, too!

(I was supposed to do 4 x 100, but douchey track team showed up and they don't take well to interlopers.)

But it's OK, because this was an EPIC MORNING WORKOUT!!!

UGH

I've been slugging about, not really doing anything. Disgusting, I know. But at least I have a race this week, an Independence Day one to boot! Ah, virtual racing: I get to pick the track and when I run it. Good times.

The Barbarian Challenge

You know, my Spidey Sense told me to back out of this thing, but I stayed apart of it because my brother was so gung-ho.

Two words: absolute hell

Yes, I am embarrassed in hindsight about how much whining I did and how my willpower dissipated when we were expected to scale three areas of a mountain with our bare hands. If it wasn't for my bro (who was in full beast mode the entire race) and some new friends, I would have quit, no doubt. But this makes me see that maybe there is something of a fighter in me, even when I don't see it. Because no matter how much I whined and wanted to quit, it didn't happen.

Beginner 10K Program - Day Whatever

35 min run...sluggish initially but improved in the end.

Thy name is SLOTH

I don't know what has gotten into me lately. The lack of motivation is unbelievable. I've got the race from Hell coming up soon and I can't even make myself go jog!

Unbelievable!

FIREFLIES!!!

I SAW TWO FIREFLIES TONIGHT!

Beginner 10K Program - Day 5

Run 35 min

So hopefully today means that I'm back!

Got 2 miles in today! Went out with my nephew, who is a natural at sprinting. He's never run for a long time before and he got winded before I broke a sweat, which surprised me a lot! He is so much smaller than I am and younger so I thought he would last longer than me. I guess it's true that being in shape isn't necessarily a size issue!

Slow restarting...

Well, I was supposed to start the Beginner 10K program from where I left off, but was asked to go walking with someone I know. Said individual was 30 min late and walk was called off. I had already rescheduled the 10K program in anticipation for this walk. I was dressed and everything. So technically, this isn't an issue of my unwillingness to do the workout because I was trying to humor someone that was essentially a no-show.

C'est la guerre.

THE VOW

I'm making a promise to myself that when I get to where I can run for an hour without taking walk breaks, I am going to get myself a Garmin. A cheap Garmin...possibly refurbished...but a Garmin nevertheless!

Wow...I'm behind on these posts

Well, to catch up, I did two races this month: a Mother's Day race that benefited a local orphanage and a Race for Cancer the following week. I was dressed as the Statue of Liberty in the Race for a Cure with a sign that said "I want my aunt liberated from cancer." I won best costume and got all the free trail mix I could stand.

It was great!

And here is my trophy:

Run for a Mom Fun Run

There was a 5K, but I decided to do the fun run since I am doing another race next week. Normally it takes me 17-18 minutes to run a mile. This time? 14:32, baby!

Muscle soreness remedy breakthrough!

I think I have a natural remedy for muscle soreness! Last night I mixed 2 oz of pure peppermint extract into 32 oz of liquid soap. I showered with it after boot camp yesterday. Normally, a workout like that would have me bent over for days--even with pain meds--but I was in virtually no pain this morning. Two regular ibuprofen got rid of the leftover soreness and I am as good as new for under $10 for enough soap that will last me weeks!

Boot Camp

I did a trial boot camp class yesterday. The instructor could be Gillian Michaels' sister. It was hard and at times I worried that I wouldn't make it through. But the toughness is what I need to train for this next race.

I think my training schedule will need some tweaking.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!

If any of you are old enough to remember the 90s show American Gladiators, "Nitro" has created a 5K & 10K obstacle race that is in several states. I made a post on their FB page to bring a race to the South. He asked me to recommend places to host a race. I campaigned for the race to be in my state, but he is leaning towards ATL. I told him that whatever he does, I should get some free race entries for contributing. I still can't believe I got emailed by NITRO! I had a mega-crush on him when I was a kid!

Beginner 10K Program - Day 2

Attacked a hill today! Whoo-hoo!

Beginner 10K Program - Day 1

All I had to do was a 20 min run, which was fine by me.

The new "Girls' Night Out"

It turns out that my sister-in-law is interested in running, too. We are planning to do an out-of-town 5K together. I'm hoping we can get a couple of other women to go and stay overnight. The plan made me realize something: the re-branding of Girls' Night Out.

Whenever anyone thinks of Girls' Night Out, it always begins with a bar where women get sloshed and ends with said group performing terrible pedicures on themselves.

But a GNO involving a race? Now there's an idea! I am so excited about the prospect. Instead of getting sloshed, everyone is figuring out how to attach energy chews to the inside of their gear. Debates on the pros and cons of fanny packs the way we would talk about wearing white after Labor Day. Encouraging words and prayers instead of typical gossip. That sounds like Heaven!

I'm on board with this new GNO, and I hope it becomes my new norm!

Beginner 5K - Day 34

To begin on a slightly tangential note to those responsible for the changes to Blogger.com: I hate them.

Anyhoo, I didn't do today's workout. Poor timing and general sloth were the culprits. Better luck next time. I thought I would knock this week out, but it shows how much I don't like this plan if I can't even stay faithful to the final week.

Beginner 5K Program - Day 31

I skipped Day 30.

But today...today I was determined to go to the track. In fact, it felt like an absolute necessity. I did two miles straight for the first time ever (kinda stopped caring about the distance after that two-mile bit). But I do know for a fact that I at least ran two miles.

Yay!

Beginner 5K Program - Day 29, Part Deux

Changed my mind and decided to do Day 29 today.

1 hr 18 m walk/run; Technically it wasn't 35 minutes of straight running, but since the walk part was only a minute, as far as I'm concerned, it was 35 of straight running. In high humidity. Ended up in hill country because of construction. Glad it's done!

Beginner 5K Program - Day 29

Day 29 has been moved to another day. Have I complained about how much I don't like this five-day-a-week program? I have? Well, you are going to get more complaints. Tough beans.

ONE MORE WEEK OF THIS CRAP-HAPPY PROGRAM! I can't believe I'm actually looking forward to the 10K training program.

Ugh!

On the bright side, I have been working on my graphic design skills and am getting better at creating clip art, so the Fall Chick should look pretty great!

Of course, the Spring Chick on this site is fabulous, too.

The fallibility of scales

I decided that I would make another attempt to document my weight loss/gain/whatever so that I can use it as a guide to tailor my training plan. There are no photos of models motivating me on this; if I am smaller, I can run faster and that is what matters to me.

So this morning, at the time I have determined that I weight the least (since weight can fluctuate as much as six pounds during a day). I weighed myself six times within a five-minute window--four times in the exact same spot--and got five different weights. My pet came in the room, I "gained" two pounds. Pet kicked out of the room, lost a pound. Pet came back into the room and walked in front of me, lost two pounds. Pet allowed to stay in room. Pet left room voluntarily...gained almost two pounds.

I wonder how much of the weight change involved my blood pressure going up in anger about the fluctuations. I'd better do my measurements now before some cosmic force causes my equator to expand.

Beginner 5K Program - Day 24

10 min walk/15 min run/1 min walk/15 min run/10 min walk

I've been having to write these splits(?) on my arm so I won't lose track of what to do when.

I have been half-doing this entire program, and it's showing. It took me 11 minutes longer to get to my finish point than normal. I must fix this.

Must start acclimating to increased temperatures.

Ugh.

But on the bright side, despite March's dietary disaster, I haven't gained any weight. :)

5K no. 3, BABY! Talk about a Resurrection Run!

I finished my third 5K, and even though my time was crappy, IT'S DONE!

The entire run, my goal was to not be last. It was such a point for me that I pretended the walkers behind me were zombies, and I would run (or run harder) whenever it looked like they were speed walking too close. And then I thought, who cares if I'm last, as long as I cross the line?

Another thing I've learned: I hate 1 mile markers. I really do. Whenever I see one, my first thought is "Great. I've got to do this crap two more times."

But another thought came to me and it filled me with a sense of pride: For years I've wanted to do a 5K. Just one would have been enough for me. Who would have thought--especially at my current size--I would have done THREE in four months this year! Time to start training for that first 10K! No stopping me now!

Wow

I have not been faithful to this training program at all.

Today I honestly planned on doing my run, but thunderstorms...again. Why is it that my run days end up being crazy unexpected busy or effing thunderstorms? Hopefully the next training program won't be so demanding.

Oy vey!

The pain of reality

For some strange reason, I decided to do measurements now, and I'm not happy. True, I have been slipping these past two weeks, but this damage that I see is over a long period of time. From my vantage point, it seemed like I had lost inches but according to records from two years ago, the opposite is true. I guess I should be grateful that my weight is still in the same ballpark despite the fact that the rest of me is not.

Still, it is beyond disappointing. I need something to cheer me up. Looks like it is time to sign up for another race.