Fit, Fab & Lean 5K

Today I ran 2.3 mi, completing a 5K that was started and abandoned yesterday. At the track, it was just me and two other people, a twentysomething at the top of his game and an eightysomething that ran laps around me. We were at different levels and different chapters of our lives, but we were all runners. There were nothing but runners out there. And it seemed like that moment was shared, especially when the eightysomething commended me for coming out to run.

Reptile Season

I can't relax during the spring and summer when I'm out walking or running. In fact, the entire time I'm on a heightened alert. Why?

Reptiles.

Snakes are as common as weeds this far below the Mason-Dixon, and they love to poke their pointy, slit-eyed heads out during this time. This particular section of the South is viper central. It's not unusual to find a giant snake carcass by the road or a viper's severed head on the sidewalk. Shovels are the weapon of choice for residents. My brother and I saw a dead python (no exaggeration...it was an actual python) on top of a trash can. This was probably a poorly disposed family pet that wandered into someone's backyard, but given the Florida python invasion has been traveling north, it is not to big of a stretch to start making panic-worthy assumptions.

So I run, but instead of a blind bliss (or grimaced curse), every single thing on the ground is either potentially a snake or a shadow of a snake. I can't enjoy the beauty of the changed season because I've got one eye trained on the ground looking for serpents. Running through a canopy of trees used to be a beautiful, shady event. Winter is just a milder, reptile-free spring, so I have that opportunity. Now I'm wondering how many tree-climbing reptiles exist in the South.

Truth be told, I haven't seen a living snake in the wild in years. A snake head or a road snake tattoo, yes, but not a live one. I've missed the ones that have been near me, even that dangerous moccasin that decided to follow us during the Barbarian Challenge last year.

And with all eyes turned to Heaven, I will be so lucky as to not see one this year, too.

Progress!

I think I can reach the end of the wall by the end of the year!

Armed Forces virtual 5K

That's me on the right, years ago when I was in the Air Force. 

Well...

I took my dog for a walk. Once upon a time, I vowed that wouldn't count as my exercise. C'est la guerre.

Mother Knows Best virtual 5K

A small but pleasant victory

It has been hard for me to run lately. Today, the only goal was to get around the block. When I stepped outside, my first thought was to walk it, but it was if my body wouldn't let me. It needed that run. My form was sloppy and penguinish. My legs were heavy. Still, that run was needed and nothing in me would let me stop to walk. It was so great when it was over! I'm tired of breaking my 5K virtuals up. I want to run a full one again. This is the year that I hope to add miles, not take away.

Here's hoping for an early rise tomorrow with laced-up sneakers that rhythmically pound the pavement.

If I'm so excited about running, why am I not doing it?

I haven't exercised this week. Part of the reason I haven't exercises this week can be attributed to the gross lack of sleep I experienced. I also have been really stressed. Maybe that Sunday incident took more of a toll that I thought. Who knows? All I know is that I get happy tingles in my brain when I think about running, I am envious of people I see running...yet I am not running. It irks me a great deal. Perhaps I can get some miles in tomorrow.

Cinco de Miles 5K

It shouldn't have been this difficult...

This morning I went out to do the Cinco de Miles virtual 5K. Should have been easy. It was a cool morning, beautiful and sunny. This should have been easy. Aside from a throbbing toe, my body felt fine. My mind, however, was in complete turmoil and that run wasn't getting those demons out. True, my route included the vehicular artery that lead to one of my least favorite places in the world. I've taken this path many times, but this being Sunday meant that there were many people heading in that direction. I struggle as it is with not having the peace of mind while I'm out, but this time it went to another level. I spent the run angry and frustrated, my legs felt heavier with each step. It was a very, very unpleasant run and the problem was all mental. Too many thoughts ruined what should have been a great run.

Going to retreat to my corner now.

May the Fourth Be With You 5K

It was sluggish, but at least it is DONE!

Shut UP!

Guess who bought a dress in a smaller size? THIS CHICK!

Tales of a Fat Chick Running: The Warrior Within

This actually happened in March. I sometimes need time to ponder things, and by the time I was done pondering, the Boston attacks happened and I was too angry to write about it.

There were two races in the same town and I was interested in both. They were The Biggest Loser Off-Road Challenge and the Spartan Race. I have wanted to do the Spartan since discovering its existence. Fear, however, got the better of me and I signed up for The Biggest Loser race. My brother went with me for support. When we got to the town, it seemed as if everyone that was signed up for the Spartan was staying at the same hotel. I felt embarrassed for being such a chicken. I truly felt like the biggest loser. Sitting on the bench as an act of caution is forgivable. Fear is not. The next day at the site, my brother and I couldn't help but notice that the entire area was marked as being a Spartan Race, but only two tents were labeled as The Biggest Loser Off-Road Challenge. I kept asking, "So...where's our race?" To my complete and total shock, I learned at the BL tent that the "challenge" was to finish the Spartan Race! That's right. There was no BL loser race. I had actually registered for the Spartan but was considered part of Team BL!

I exclaimed, "Are you freaking KIDDING ME?! A surprise Spartan Race? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!?!"

It seemed like everyone there except Team BL looked like a personal trainer. My heart was in my throat, but I exhaled and went to the starting line with everyone else. As I went along the race path, it felt like I was just in the way of these elite runners. But every single one of them stopped to encourage me to keep going. After a while, the fear dissipated and exhilaration took over. I took my time with each obstacle. When I didn't complete an obstacle, I took my punishment like everyone else. Some racers even offered to do some of my burpees for me, an act that really touched me. Even though some obstacles were a serious challenge for me, to my surprise, I conquered the others like a boss! After finishing one of the more time-consuming obstacles (a low-crawl under barbed wire through thick Georgia mud...by the way, getting your 'fro caught in barbed wire is 10 tons of suck, but I digress...) I came face-to-face with the last obstacle: the gladiators. Instead of beating me up, one of them took my hand and ran with me across the finish line! At that moment, everything became surreal. I kept murmuring "I just finished a Spartan..." as a woman put the Spartan Race medal around my neck. She smiled at me and then another woman came up and put a Biggest Loser medal on me! After I got my Spartan t-shirt, I found out that Team BL also had a Spartan Race bib. I never picked my bib up because I didn't know that we were supposed to check in at the Spartan tent, too. On my way out the gate, I spotted one on the ground and took it home instead.

The bib is laminated and on a wall with the rest of my race bibs. It serves as a constant reminder that doubt is the real obstacle I must learn to conquer.

Meh...

It could have been a better week, but at least some effort was done. A lot of food hangovers, though. I also must work on sleep.

Behind on posting...again

I've been exercising. Doing a mile here or there. Today I finished a virtual race that is in honor of Autism Awareness Month. It always feels good to do something you like for a good cause. I'm behind on posting medals so here is what I've done since Too Hop t o Trot. All virtuals. Starting to miss a traditional starting line, but virtuals are cheaper.

A pleasant surprise

This morning I did the Runners United to Remember run for Boston. While I was out, a car stopped me. A lady saw my Biggest Loser race shirt and wanted to know if I had been on the show. She's a BBW, too, and wanted advice. I told her that it was a race that was sponsored by TBL. She seemed really excited about the idea of doing that race. I gave her my name and told her to friend me on Facebook. She said, "I walk fast, but I don't think I could run like you." I told her that we all walk before we run.

I'm always looking at other runners and thinking, "I can't wait until I can run like them." It's amazing to discover that someone is thinking the same thing about you.

4-15-13

I was supposed to run today.

It's an active.com training plan. The original plan was to do cross-training, but I wanted to run because it is supposed to rain tomorrow. I was supposed to run today. But this morning, my Spidey sense told me to put this run off until tomorrow. No, I am not saying that I sensed this tragedy was going to happen. I would never say that. My Spidey sense told me to put the run off, pure and simple.

Today was supposed to be a  happy day for the runner community. The Boston Marathon is a dream event right under the Olympics. I have never met a runner than didn't want to someday do the Boston. Yet today was tainted by an act of viciousness. In several Facebook posts by several friends that I would have never known had I not made the decision to become a runner, they all stated shock, because the runner community isn't one of violence. I've stated before that even at the starting line of a race being surrounded in a swell of people, I am calm. Crowds are uncomfortable for me, but not race crowds. I think it is because of the love and positivity that radiates in all directions. That oneness when we all move like one great, solid entity towards the same goal--the finish line. This bombing feels like an attack on that peace and that beauty. For runners, it is simply that. This is why I am sitting here fighting off tears. The runner community is a family. My family. I've found faith in humanity at every race. We are a family and for us, this hurts in ways that words cannot capture.

I was supposed to run today, but it didn't happen. Tomorrow I am. Tomorrow's run is for Boston.

Heart breaking for Boston

A lovely day

Today was just breathtakingly beautiful. The crisp green leaves of the trees were kissing powder blue skies. Wearing my Biggest Loser Run/Walk race tee, I took my dog for a walk. As I decided to venture out a bit further with my pooch than we normally do, I passed a runner, who gave me a nod which I returned. I thought as I passed him, "Yeah, I'm walking now, but I run, too!"

While I was out, I decided to try a route that has been in front of me forever, but I've always passed up. Turns out this is the ideal path to use! In my town, it isn't easy finding a run route that hasn't been done to death. This route was a welcomed exception.

It's still really beautiful outside. I think I might make a second walk, sans pooch.

"You're an obstacle racer."

Today was a rough day and I went home feeling really down. I put on my favorite race t-shirt and my favorite medals and just walked around because the clinking sound always made me feel better. 

During this time, I had an "Ah-ha!" moment. I was looking at my Spartan t-shirt and this little voice inside me goes, "Sheri, you're an obstacle racer. Getting through, around and over stuff is your idea of fun. You crawl under barbed wire, over crushed cars, through rivers and wade through mud. You can get through this, too. That's what you do."

Feeling better already.

Rest Week

It has been something of a relief not to have any exercise to do today. I am still stiff from charging through that last week of Insanity. It's hard to believe it's over. The temptation to send off for my shirt now is strong, but I will hold out until the final round is done and I have a photo that is worth sending. This would be a good time to try getting back on a schedule. I've been so out-of-sorts for so long. It would be nice to get back into a rhythm.

Poor daisy...

This is the first bloom of a plant that was given to me by a friend. I have been taking care of it for the better part of a year now. To the person that took it, ripping the stem up in the process: May you walk in on the recipient of this flower cheating on you with your best friend.

Meh Day

It feels strange...not having something to do right now. In regards to exercise, I mean. I always have something that needs to be done. Rest week may actually be more difficult than doing Insanity!

Next level

I still don't know how to completely use this thing. It's time to start randomly pushing buttons until something make sense!

Thoughts on Round 3 of Insanity

This was a very, very difficult round. It was started in January, but because of countless setbacks (illness, fatigue, etc.), weeks were constantly being put off to be repeated later. Physically, I feel like crap right now. There is no I might throw up, it's just a matter of when. I know it's only going to be worse in the morning. Despite the problems associated with getting this Round done, I have learned much from the experience. The primary lesson is that breaks are a necessity. Had I taken a sufficient break between Round 2 and Round 3, it probably wouldn't have been as daunting as it was. I wouldn't have had to fight through such a burnout.

Still, it's done now. I'm taking a week off (unless my body demands otherwise) and going back to a much less aggressive schedule. I'm going to run again. Goodbye for now, Shaun T. See you in July.

I think I'll drawn my cross-out line down the middle of the calendar boxes for Round 4.

R3 INSANITY: Day 55 FIT TEST #15

IT IS DONE!!!

Yes, I stayed up too late again. Yes, it could have waited. I did think about these things, but I also thought about how wonderful it would be to have the sun rise and be completely done. This decision was not entered into lightly. After the previous workout, I waited a few hours to see how I would feel. The desire to cross out that last box on the calendar won hands down. After so many setbacks and week repeats, it's over. It's completed. I can't believe it.

R3 INSANITY: Day 54

Today (yesterday) was Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs.

I was supposed to do this workout on Saturday, well...today. However, I was sitting at dinner thinking about how this all could be ended tonight. At the very least, this workout could be done tonight.

I don't remember how it went because I'm in too much pain.

Next: FINAL FIT TEST

R3 INSANITY: Day 51-53

I'm behind on posting...a little.

Day 51: Max Interval Circuit, my least favorite because of its length. This was a surprisingly good workout. The best I've had so far of Month 2.

Day 52: Max Interval Plyo. I switched Thursday and Friday's workouts. This was not a good time. I had to take multiple breaks and at one point was so close to throwing up that I had to stop the workout for a while. Even popping Pepto didn't help keep the nausea down.

Day 53: Core Cardio & Balance. My burnout was really showing with this workout, of course I did this not too long ago just to get it out of the way for Friday. It would be really nice to have the energy to get Saturday's workout done later on today, but I probably shouldn't hold my breathe on that.

Two more days and this round is done. I am so looking forward to Rest Week.

My little creations

When it comes to self-documentation, to say that I can be a little OCD is a bit of an understatement. But I am really proud of my creations. They keep me organized and focused. It doesn't hurt that they are really cute, too.

Workout Calendar:

"What's BGR?"

Every time I see this question, I cringe. It's because it can possibly open a floodgate that I don't want to face. BGR stands for Black Girls RUN!. It is a wonderful organization that was created by Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks. The reason that I cringe is because of the potential argument that my support of this organization makes me a racist. The name of the group came from a comment made by a relative of one of the founders, that Black women don't run.

Well, one of the reasons that this organization has become so large is because they weren't the only ones that hear this. Whenever anyone else I know from another ethnic group runs, it's no big deal. No one says a word. However, when I started running, people were acting like I opened a meth lab. Especially people from my ethnic group. That is a norm for Black women runners. I could go to one of my White friends and tell them how--again--I had to deal with someone complaining that my hair in its natural state wasn't feminine. Without a doubt, I would get a lecture about why I shouldn't think about things like that and how race doesn't matter. Well, that's not what it's about, and it doesn't change the fact that it hurts. It hurts when you don't get any support for your efforts. It hurts when you are excited about finishing your first half and you can count on one hand how many of your relatives care. It hurts that they were more excited at the idea of you straightening your hair than completing a race that is 13.1 miles long. That hurt is real and no lecture will make it go away.

The hair obsession is a throwback from that old mentality that the more European your features were, the better chance you had in life. The less "African" you looked somehow equated to beauty. People I know were worried that wearing my hair the way it was designed to be worn would hurt my chances of employment or guarantee that I would never get married. I stopped chemically straightening my hair because for me, it was too big of a hassle if I was going to become a runner. I had a choice between chemically straightened hair and running without hair drama. Running won in a landslide. On a side note, I would never get involved with a guy that pays more attention to my hair than I do. That's just weird, but I digress.

Then there is the fact that I haven't lost any weight. I've gotten smaller, but the weightloss hasn't been dramatic. Of course, I know how my body works. I never lose weight initially. It always happens after months of work. I went almost a year without losing a pound and then suddenly the weight just fell off over the following six months. Well, I wouldn't care if I lost an ounce or not. I love running. I love the running community. I love everything about it. The only time my weight bothers me is when I can't find run gear in my size. The irony of the fitness clothing industry is that it really doesn't cater to those who need to exercise the most. I love the sound of my feet on the pavement. I love getting lost in a mile. When I see other runners, I get instantly jealous because they are running and I'm not. But few outside the running community get this. If I swallowed tapeworms or got gastric bypass, I would be cheered. When I tell people that I have changed my eating habits because I'm training for a race, I get bullied like you would not believe. And it isn't intended to be in malice, these people think they are helping me. I was actually harassed by a waitress in addition to the people that I was having lunch with because I wasn't eating. I wasn't eating because I was in training...plus I had already eaten before the invitation. I went after being nagged to attend.

When I go to the Black Girls RUN! Facebook page, I feel safe. I feel loved. True, I get that from Tribesport and other groups, too. If anything, I'm actually surprised when I meet people of other races who are negative about my decision to become a runner because it so rare. When I say that the runner community is a family, it is truly a family. Race, religion, gender, economic status...none of that matters. The only thing that matters is that we all have the same passion, and that passion is running. If I look like I'm going to throw up or just standing by myself at a starting line, it is only a matter of time before a complete stranger starts talking to me, and we finish the race as friends. However, I've found that I can't explain to them how it hurt my feelings again or angered me that someone felt the need to tell me how wrong I am for wanting to run. I can't tell them how I don't even bother talking about races anymore because of the lack of support. I can tell my BGR sisters this, and they will understand how I feel and why I feel that way because they go through the same things. There are so many reasons I need this--we need this--group to exist. It's for little things like recommendations for skirts that actually cover a thicker rear or any other body part that doesn't fit some archaic doctor's chart. It's for bigger things like getting cornered and being lambasted for "trying to act White" because of wanting to be a runner. It's not a rallying point for a group based on race, its a haven for those who deal with such a negative reception to becoming a runner because of their race and from their race.

I need this group to exist. We need this group to exist. Black Girls RUN! has been a gift to me, and I love my BGR sisters. Together we continue to hit the pavement, no matter what others say.

R3 INSANITY: Day 50

Today was Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs

I broke a rule and did really late (technically really early) workouts. The temptation to get it done was just too strong. I ended up taking more breaks than I ever have because of fatigue. At least when I start Round 4, I will have gotten the break I should have taken after Round 2. Hopefully I can come back stronger, because Round 3 has been torture. My body feels like a limp noodle.

Tomorrow: Max Interval Circuit

R3 INSANITY: Day 49

Today was Max Interval Plyo.

Not impressive, but better than usual. It was done really late, which isn't good, but it is done.

Tomorrow: Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs

The home-stretch

This is it. The home-stretch. The last week of Insanity. This third round of Insanity has been unbelievably difficult to do. My body is clearly overworked. I look at my workout calendar for the month and sigh a relief. It is so wonderful to see this lighter schedule. Six days a week for months of just pure hard work. A schedule of running with a sprinkle of cross-training sounds like pure Heaven!

On a side note, I weighed myself yesterday. Nothing to panic about, but nothing to celebrate either. After all this work, I gained three pounds. True, I am noticing some differences physically--I am much stronger than before--but it would have been nice to see the scale move.

R3 INSANITY: Day 48

The gameplan was to switch this out for a run, but thunderstorms cancelled that. I wanted to pick up the missed workout, but my body had other ideas. Declaring this a DNF day, the second this week. Hopefully, next week will be better.

Tomorrow: Max Interval Plyo

R3 INSANITY: Day 46 & 47

Today was Core Cardio & Balance and Max Recovery.

Today was a testament to just how burnt out I am. It was hard to do Max Recovery, which is the easiest workout of Month 2. I was literally ill at the idea of doing another rep, but survived it. The calendar has been switched around a little to accommodate this busy Holy Week. Core Cardio & Balance wasn't that bad, but I have definitely done better in the past.

I'm worried about next week, but am glad it is the last week.

Tomorrow: meh...

An unusual craving

I've been eating junk these past couple of weeks for cost reasons. Today I went to the store to pick something up and passed the produce section. I LITERALLY started sweating and shaking. It was as if that fresh food was crack or something. Never in my life have I ever wanted to eat an entire fruit and veggie platter by myself, but I wanted that fruit and veggie platter so bad that I was shaking and sweating! That is insane!

R3 INSANITY: Day 44 & 45

Day 44: Max Interval Plyo

Signs of burnout showing, but not too bad.


Day 45: Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs

Could have been better, but at least it is done.


Tomorrow: meh...

R3 INSANITY: Day 43 FIT TEST #14

I thought I wouldn't do this again, but unfortunately it is a necessity. There was far too much physical activity done today and I am in pain. If today doesn't count as a workout, then I don't know what will. The last test will not be skipped, however. Executive decision.

0 switch kicks (-40)
0 power jacks (-25)
0 power knees (-80)
0 power jumps (-8)
0 globe jumps (-5)
0 suicide jumps (-9)
0 push-up jacks (-7)
0 low-plank obliques (-26)

Tomorrow:  Max Interval Plyo

INSANITY R3 Days 39 - 42

Behind on recording these things. I did every day except Day 39. That virtual run was painful, so I would rather do some yoga instead. Back on schedule tomorrow. No more guilt, no more worries.

TWO MORE WEEKS! WHOO-HOO!!!

Tomorrow: FIT TEST

Winter Runnerland Virtual 5K

I was supposed to do this back in February. It's done now. My watch and the track weren't lining up, so I sided with the track. The watch says I ran 3.21 for 53.20. I ran the extra laps just to be sure it was a true 5K.

The Great Slug Monster strikes again

I don't want to do Insanity. I don't want to run. I don't want to do anything except stay under the covers. Even the GTSOW mantra is failing me. Slug monster has returned from out of nowhere. This beast will be battled, because I am too close to ending this round of Insanity to just start this week over.

Need a new mantra...

Right in the doorway

Introducing Ernestine Shephard

Source: ernestineshepherd.net via Empowering Body Transformations on Pinterest

Ernestine Shepherd is 74 years old. She is a personal trainer, a professional model & a competitive bodybuilder. She started exercising aged 56 & took up body building at age 72. What are you doing?
Repinned from Wants/Likes/Dreams/Opinions/Future things that WILL come into my life very SOON. by Ricardo

I was at a pre-race dinner where she was the speaker and saw her during the race line-up. Her abs are even more intimidating in person!

Bummer

I went to the track to do my run. There is a track meet. It's too dark to run anywhere else. I guess I'll be doing my regular Insanity workout, but I was really looking forward to that run.

Bummer.

Meh...

I didn't exercise at all today. Why? Because my little heart was all set to run and the sparse amount of free time and daylight I had got away from me. It was a pretty day, too, which only made it worse. Hopefully I can get that virtual race in tomorrow and get back on track. Tomorrow is Max Recovery, so it won't be as demanding as the other workouts. It's a drag, because you see all of these motivational posts that say if you really wanted to run, you would make time. It's not a lack of desire on my part. I do want this very, very much, but it is hard to cut out that time for yourself when you feel like you are pulled in so many different directions.

True, I could have just done today's workout, but I really wanted to run.

Re-realization

I don't sleep well at all. My eating habits have deteriorated. My stress level is not good. I haven't gotten on a scale because there is no gain in having a number confirm what I already know.

It is time to get on a schedule. I partly understand how I keep getting off my intended schedule, but this is ridiculous. A time slot must be carved out for everything I need to do. I need to create a pre-bedtime ritual to help me sleep. I need to start eating cleaner again (it will be so great when the veggie deliveries begin again). So tonight, I am going to do some nighttime yoga and go straight to bed. In fact, I'm shutting this computer down as soon as this post is done to make sure the temptation to respond to comments in the various online fitness communities that I rely on for support.

I will never know progress until I get these issues under control. 

INSANITY R3 Days 36 - 38

Day 36: On this day, I was supposed to do a virtual race, but apparently my body had other ideas. Being fully aware that day would be hectic, the gameplan was to do it in the morning. That did not happen because I overslept. Being constantly knocked out of my REM cycle because of phone calls that morning didn't exactly help. I was a zombie the entire day as I was going from place to place. Nothing intended for me done. I decided to call it a lost day and try again.

Day 37: Monday was supposed to be Max Cardio Conditioning. This day was riddled with fatigue from incessant running around and other things. When I finally got home, I was so tired that when I sat down, I immediately fell asleep for three hours. After waking up, I stood to stretch, sat back down and fell right back to sleep for another hour. Nothing intended for me was done that day.

Day 38: Today was Max Interval Circuit. It was sloppy work. Right after that, I forced myself to make-up yesterday's workout, Max Cardio Conditioning. Needless to say, I would very much like to throw up right now. The good news is that I am back on schedule.

Tomorrow: (hopefully) virtual race

My daily motivation

My first race bib is in my room so I can see it first thing in the morning. These are the rest of them. I laminate all of them and place them on a wall. They are a constant reminder of the progress made on this journey. My hope is to one day fill an entire wall with race bibs!

INSANITY R3 Day 35

Today was Max Interval Circuit.

Normally I hate this workout, but today I really enjoyed it...or at least I will until the pain kicks in. So great to be on schedule!

GTSOW!!!

Tomorrow: (can't remember...but I wrote it down somewhere)

INSANITY R3 Day 34

Today was Max Recovery.

Yeah...GTSOW got the best of me. I'm going to be in 10 tons of pain not long from now, but at least this stuff is done. Got some much needed (and missed) yoga done, too!

GTSOW!!!

Tomorrow: I don't even remember

INSANITY R3 Day 32 & 33

Today was Max Plyo and Max Cardio Conditioning.

I doubled up even though I said I wouldn't. Yet...dare I say it...I think I...enjoyed these workouts. True, the GTSOW mantra was in full effect. The only objective was to end these workouts as quickly as possible. Yet they were almost pleasant despite my lackluster performance. It feels SO great to finally be on schedule!

Tomorrow: Max Cardio Recovery

GTSOW

It's time to reestablish GTSOW, which stands for Get This S*** Over With. I don't know why I keep delaying, but it's got to stop. My days keep getting away from me and I resent it. This late-night exercising is not helping me at all. My sleep is troubled enough without adding adrenaline to the mix. It just keeps happening, but this bad cycle must be broken. I've got to put my foot down and start that GTSOW mantra again.

A little runnervation

5K in Paradise Harlem Shake

As mentioned in an earlier post, I participated in a Harlem Shake video that was filmed at the starting line of the 5K in Paradise race. This race was at 1:45 A.M. Yes, as in before dawn. I am in that gaggle somewhere.

R3 INSANITY: Day 31 FIT TEST #13

I've never done this before, and hopefully will never do this again. I'm giving myself an "F" on the Fit Test because I still need to recover from this heavy race weekend. However, I can't double up with Month 2 or do any more delays. So this test will be all zeroes, and tomorrow will start anew. Executive decision.

0 switch kicks (-40)
0 power jacks (-25)
0 power knees (-80)
0 power jumps (-8)
0 globe jumps (-5)
0 suicide jumps (-9)
0 push-up jacks (-7)
0 low-plank obliques (-26)

Tomorrow:  Max Interval Plyo

My Mile 9

Unbelievable weekend. I really can't explain how I am feeling right now. There are just too many thoughts to process. Time will be taken to process my thoughts, and then this post will be edited.

But in short, The Biggest Loser is tricksy, I was in a Harlem Shake video during a race at 2 A.M., and I became a Spartan when I thought it was impossible.

Can't take the INSANITY anymore

I'm officially burned out. A break from this program is in order. Hopefully I can keep from getting sick again and finish Month 2 on time. After that, it's a more relaxed exercise plan. I don't plan on picking this back up again until--at the earliest--July.

INSANITY R3 Day 28 & 29

Yesterday and today was (shocker!) Core Cardio & Balance.

Yeah, up late again. The only thing that got me through this workout was that it would be the last time I would see it for a while.

Tomorrow: OTHER STUFF

INSANITY R3 Day 26 & 27

Allegedly: Core Cardio & Balance

I can't even remember if I did this or not. At least one day I know didn't do it. Every time I think I'm feeling better, another wave of whatever I caught from those kids comes back with a vengeance. I still haven't even fully recovered my voice.

Tomorrow: Core Cardio & Balance

R3: INSANITY - Day 23-25

It turns out that the reason I have been feeling like crap and struggling to exercise were not because I was being a punk. No, it was because I caught yet another illness from a huggy child. Despite my efforts, I was ambush-hugged at least four times last week. I've had a fever for four days but tried to ignore it because I thought I was being melodramatic.

A pardon will be issued for those lost three days. Will regroup tomorrow, pending that I don't catch anything else from any biological weapons masking as children.

My fitness journal

I can get a little OCD at times. This is the finished product of a fitness journal I have been working on. Sure, there are free apps that can do the same thing, but I'm a paper person. Going to print these and put them in a decorated binder!

R3: INSANITY - Day 22

Today was Cardio Recovery.

Almost forgot to log this one! Strangely, this is my least favorite of the Month 1 workouts--OK, second least favorite. I'm pretty sure I've already stated why in detail. This was actually done hours ago. It is really, really nice to be back on schedule again. Hopefully there will be no more setbacks.

Tomorrow: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs

R3: INSANITY - Day 21

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

This is my least favorite of the Insanity workouts, so I am doubly glad to have this over with in the morning! It will be nice to just come home and rest with no workout hanging over my head!

Tomorrow: Cardio Recovery

R3: INSANITY - Day 19 & 20

Today was catch-up day, so it was Cardio Power, Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs.

I'm just glad it's done.  

Tomorrow: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Rainbow Dining Day 5: Green

Today (well, technically yesterday) was all things green, which was of course the easiest day of the week.

Breakfast: Granny Smith apple and cinnamon oatmeal pancakes and Granny Smith apple slices

Lunch: Pasta with asparagus and apple slices

Dinner: Oven-fried cornmeal dusted lime chicken, sauteed zucchini and asparagus

Rainbow Dining Day 4: Orange

Today was all things orange.

Breakfast: Cinnamon-honey orange toast, turkey sausage and orange slices

Lunch: Pasta with carrots and carrot slices (not in photo)

Dinner: Balsamic-orange Mahi-mahi, mashed sweet potato and glazed carrots

Rainbow Dining Day 3: Red

Red is a gorgeous color, and there are plenty of food choices that highlight the beauty of this shade.

Breakfast: Strawberry oatmeal pancakes with puréed strawberry topping, Red Delicious apple slices and turkey sausage links

Lunch: Roasted red bell pepper quesadilla and Red Delicious apple slices

Dinner: Grilled beef, roasted Roma tomato stuffed with brown rice and tomato and roasted beet salad

Dessert: Dark chocolate and strawberry purée

R3: INSANITY - Day 14-18

I've had the third week of Month 1 on repeat for almost three weeks. Today, the third week is officially over. Hopefully, I can finish everything in a timely manner with no more delays or setbacks.

Day 14: Plyometric Cardio Circuit - I actually did this. Why I didn't record it is a mystery.

Day 15-17: I made a vow to myself that if I didn't chicken out of doing that half-marathon, the race would count toward these days since it would take at least that long for me to get my mojo back.

Day 18: Today was Cardio Resistance & Power. It was supposed to be Plyometric Cardio Circuit, but I switched them. I have really regressed, and it is depressing. Hopefully I can stay on track and finish this round of Insanity with no more delays.

Tomorrow: REST DAY

Rainbow Dining Day 2: Yellow

I love the color yellow, so today's food pairings were fun! Next week I can hopefully have better garnishes.

Breakfast: Sausage breakfast roll (I know...I broke Lent) and Golden Delicious apple slices

Lunch: Cornmeal dusted fish fajitas with roasted yellow bell peppers

Dinner: Pasta with yellow squash sauce

I made the squash sauce up on the fly, but it was DELICIOUS! Plenty of lemon-infused water throughout the day and no, I still haven't found the will to eat that banana.

Learning to love bananas

I hate bananas. Not once in my life have I ever had any love for those yellow phallic fruits. Even banana-flavored things disgust me.

However, the time for the banana ban in my diet may have to end. After the numerous and increasingly painful Satan's Spasms (some people call the Charley Horses...that sounds like a cartoon character, not a terrible pain that makes you want to chop off your own leg), I must now acknowledge the need to embrace bananas. Since I dislike bananas in all forms, including puddings, breads, ice cream, candy flavors--just anything banana--I'm going to try to learn to like the fruit.

I really do hate bananas, though.

Rainbow Dining Day 1: Blue/Purple

It's all purple.

Breakfast: Blackberry oatmeal pancakes with honey and more blackberries, sliced plums and turkey sausage

Lunch: Beef Stroganoff (no, that's not a blue/purple dish, but it's leftovers and leftovers must be eaten) and red cabbage

Dinner: Light "Restaurant-Style" steak, cabbage and blackberry/plum medley

Technically that cabbage is considered to be red, but it's freaking purple.

Going on the "Eat a Rainbow" wagon

I've seen this plenty of times before, I just didn't like the title. "Eat a Rainbow" sounds like something ogres would do to upset children. Why not add "Unicorns for Lunch!" while they are at it? Anyway, I'm going to do that for the rest of Lent or at least until the farmer starts back with our veggie bags.

Here is my first week of fruits and veggies. I have since added a banana, a Golden Delicious apple, and a sweet potato to the list. There will be a different color featured each day.

13.1

This has been an amazing day.

Today was my very first half marathon, yes, the great 13.1 miler. There were more reasons than this for why today was a good day. For one thing, I wasn't nervous...and I'm always nervous before a race. A really nice guy named Brian came and stood by me, giving encouragement. I was making random comments and he thought I was funny, dubbing me "The Rookie" since it was my first half. The D.J. played the best possible song at the start of the race, Mercedes Boy by Pebbles. I started off with a slow jog, as planned. However, that plan was soon thwarted because I was quickly becoming the end of the run rush. A few minutes later, two cop trucks were behind those of us at the end, and one told us--on his loudspeaker--that we were too slow and needed to hurry up. I confess to turning around and flipping him off. That cop car left and only one followed from that point. A little later, though, his words truly bothered me. It made me feel like the whole city was being held up because I was so slow. I broke my plan and tried to move faster, which only made me more tired. By Mile 3, I was really tired.

I was so self-conscious about what that cop said that I actually apologized to another police person who was blocking traffic, assuring him that I was moving as fast as I could. His response was, "I'm getting paid to stand here. You take your time and finish this race!" He even offered to do the next block with me, and after he stopped, another officer took his place. I was so stunned and so flattered that tears had to be subdued. As I continued, I ran into a woman who said the same thing, "Take your time and finish the race. Don't hurt yourself for nobody!" I tried to keep up my spirit, but the first five miles were murder. My legs felt like lead weights and were so cold that I could barely feel them. My feet were completely frozen and numb. The people in front of me were disappearing. I kept telling myself that if I could make it to half a mile past the 6th mile, then everything would be OK because after that, the countdown to the finish started.

It was really refreshing to have people on the side cheering for everyone. Some even stopped and hugged me--including one dressed as a bear. There were so many people that were cheering for me that I was genuinely stunned by it. I walk around people everyday that act like I'm a freak because I want to be a runner, yet these complete strangers were rooting for me like I was family. A priest came out of his church to to cheer us on, too. I was feeling really confident.

Then, at Mile 7, the leg spasms started. That great misnomer, the Charley Horse (or as I call them, Satan's Spasms), have been a continuous issue for me this year. I know I don't get enough potassium, but I freaking hate bananas. Sure, it is possible to get it in pill form, but bananas have a well-earned reputation. I'll just have to learn to love them, but I digress. The spasms were so strong that I stopped trying to run. At one point, they were so bad that I was leaning against a car in pain, trying to rub them out of my leg. The cop car was still behind me, and he got out. I was preparing my speech about how I wasn't going to quit, when he just simply asked me if I was OK. This wasn't that a-hole, he was a good guy. I rubbed my leg until the pain went away and gave him a thumbs up, slow walking until I could build back up to my original pace. By this time, the marathoners were on their second lap. The elite marathoners were passing me. I was on Mile 8 when I was seriously considering just giving up. After all, I kept the decision to do the race mostly secret just for that potential occasion. Just as I was having this thought, a man ran by with "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me" on the back of his shirt. I felt like that was a personal message from God to me, and started tearing up again.

As I pushed on, something very unexpected happened; something I hope I never forget. The marathoners--these elite runners--started cheering me on. They gave me high-fives and would shout "Keep it up, you're doing great!" These are the people I want to emulate, and they were cheering for ME!

Mile 9 will from now on be the Happy Place. When I saw that marker, the end of the race officially became real, and that finish line felt attainable. From that moment on, I chanted "Just make it to Mile 10..." From Mile 10, it was "Just make it to Mile 11..." and so forth. Mile 12 was too good to be true. One more mile. You can do this. Just one more mile.

I wanted to run the last three miles at the 10 Mile marker, but my legs had other ideas. But for Mile 12, I hobbled that last mile. Crossing the finish line and having people genuinely cheering for you was such an experience. Someone called me out by name, and even though I never saw who that was, it was still fantastic.

I finished the race. I got the medal. It's been a year of running. Almost exactly a year ago, I was doing my first 5K. Today, I finished my first half marathon.

And I can't wait to do another one.

Going for a walk

I went for a walk today, not out of just a casual decision, but as a distance gauge. It's been such a long time since I've been for a walk, that I forgot how pleasant it could be. What was unsettling was that at times I was walking just as fast as my best run times at moments. The walk was easy, no thought. I'm longing for the day when my runs are so smooth and absent of tension. There is a saying that your run doesn't start until you have forgotten that you are running. That organic moment of movement is something that I am eager to obtain.

Another thought that has crossed my mind is that maybe that I'm being too uptight during my runs. There is this constant worry of distribution of energy. Maybe I need to lighten up on the pavement.

Oh well, a six mile walk. I wish I had started earlier so that it could have lasted longer.

Sigh

It's time to bring the food journal out of retirement. I have gotten out of control.

R3 INSANITY: Day 13 FIT TEST #12

I haven't exercised in over two weeks. Every day I would get up and say "Today's the day. This slump is over." Well, the slump did end, but then I became infected by that 7-year-old adorable biological weapon who insisted on hugging and sneezing on me...and this 3 ft tall toxic avenger had friends that like hugging me, too. I've taken cold medicine AND antibiotics and the illness is still clinging. My voice has not returned, either. But today, I simply could not stand another moment of inactivity, so the Fit Test was done, even though the results were disappointing. This decline was expected, but at least I can go to bed with a degree of pride tonight. Doing a crappy workout is better than not doing one at all.

40 switch kicks (-14)
25 power jacks (-15)
80 power knees (-14)
  8 power jumps (-3)
  5 globe jumps (-3)
  9 suicide jumps (-5)
  7 push-up jacks (-5)
26 low-plank obliques (-6)

The last veggie bag of the season