I woke up this morning with an exhausted body and a few sore muscles after yesterday's run. I wasn't 100% sure if I would workout today but I ate a salad for breakfast just in case. Sure enough 2hours after breakfast I was ready to go.
I decided to do some cross training today. I did 30 minutes on the sit down bike and then some strength training for my abs and obliques as well as some dips and pull-ups for my upper body. Having done that, tomorrow is most definitely a mandatory rest day :)
May the awesome workouts continue!
Showing posts with label strength. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strength. Show all posts
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
"Hello Motivation, welcome back!"
After a few days of no motivation what-so-ever, I finally enjoyed my workout today. Yesterday ended up being an unplanned rest day during which I napped and just rested on the bed often. The day before, I got to the gym, did 10 sulky minutes on the treadmill and went back home. After all, there is no point in doing something if you're not enjoying it.
Today I woke up feeling tons better and much more positive. With my head stuck in the fridge wondering what to have for breakfast, I remembered about the lady who eats salads for breakfast. We had spinach etc so I decided to give it a shot. And what a pleasant surprise I had when I loved it! It felt refreshing and light and I felt more re-hydrated when I was done. My salad consisted of: baby spinach, peppered turkey, a few pita chips, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, dried apricots, veggie cheese, salt & pepper, topped with a little bit of raspberry walnut vinaigrette. That with a glass of water and I was fully satisfied!
Today I woke up feeling tons better and much more positive. With my head stuck in the fridge wondering what to have for breakfast, I remembered about the lady who eats salads for breakfast. We had spinach etc so I decided to give it a shot. And what a pleasant surprise I had when I loved it! It felt refreshing and light and I felt more re-hydrated when I was done. My salad consisted of: baby spinach, peppered turkey, a few pita chips, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, dried apricots, veggie cheese, salt & pepper, topped with a little bit of raspberry walnut vinaigrette. That with a glass of water and I was fully satisfied!
It kept me going all day long! I didnt feel the need to eat again until early evening when I had some fish before work. Once Josh got home we headed to the gym. My day had felt so positive that I expected to have a fantastic workout. I did just 30 minutes on the treadmill. 25 of those minutes were at 5mph and 5 minutes of it were at 6mph. I never actually became out of breath. The 30 minutes were over before I knew it. I then did some strength training for my hips and chest.
I hope I can have another awesome workout tomorrow. My plan is to run longer!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Too stressed to workout?
Today was another awesome day in the gym with my love. We were both on the stationary bike for 30 minutes, competing as usual haha. But unfortunately, the bike is not something I can beat Josh at. Just a few minutes on the bike and my legs burn. I have never been a big fan of the bike, but it is great cross training, a nice break from running and I get to spend that time next to Josh rather than on the other end of the gym.
Being as small as I am, I have to gave the saddle on the lowest setting so I can reach the peddles, but sadly I could use one more notch down, if you know what I mean ... it is not a comfortable 30 minutes! Besides that we did strength training for abs, back and obliques. It was a lovely Sunday workout.
Yesterday was a different story though. I woke up already stressed. This might have been brought on by the dreams I had. But I was in a crabby mood for the entire day. I had planned to workout but I got myself into such a tizzy, that I ended up laying on the bed and doing nothing for the entire day. Before my evening shift at the pub, I was getting ready for work and while washing my face I just started crying. It was a solid 10 minute cry after which I felt exhausted but better. A very wise friend (you know who you are!) once told me that crying is scientifically proven to help you feel better and think more clearly because of the hormones it sends through your brain. So I was still stressed, but thinking more clearly and able to get myself to work on time.
However, I still missed my workout. Usually I feed off of the stress, anger etc to make myself work harder in the gym. But there is a line, and when I cross that line I become useless and don't want to do anything. If only I had cried earlier in the day! But my lack of workout was quickly forgiven, as it was only my 2nd rest day of the week and they weren't in a row.
Anyway, today I am feeling better today. Still stressed because the problem hasn't gone anywhere, but better non-the-less. Onwards and Upwards!
Being as small as I am, I have to gave the saddle on the lowest setting so I can reach the peddles, but sadly I could use one more notch down, if you know what I mean ... it is not a comfortable 30 minutes! Besides that we did strength training for abs, back and obliques. It was a lovely Sunday workout.
Yesterday was a different story though. I woke up already stressed. This might have been brought on by the dreams I had. But I was in a crabby mood for the entire day. I had planned to workout but I got myself into such a tizzy, that I ended up laying on the bed and doing nothing for the entire day. Before my evening shift at the pub, I was getting ready for work and while washing my face I just started crying. It was a solid 10 minute cry after which I felt exhausted but better. A very wise friend (you know who you are!) once told me that crying is scientifically proven to help you feel better and think more clearly because of the hormones it sends through your brain. So I was still stressed, but thinking more clearly and able to get myself to work on time.
However, I still missed my workout. Usually I feed off of the stress, anger etc to make myself work harder in the gym. But there is a line, and when I cross that line I become useless and don't want to do anything. If only I had cried earlier in the day! But my lack of workout was quickly forgiven, as it was only my 2nd rest day of the week and they weren't in a row.
Anyway, today I am feeling better today. Still stressed because the problem hasn't gone anywhere, but better non-the-less. Onwards and Upwards!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Solid Workout!
Today was another solid workout! Josh and I went to the gym just before 1:00pm because we knew it would be considerably quieter than in the evening. While we went together, we did separate workouts.
I hit the treadmill for a little bit of speed work. I ran 6mph (thats a 10 minute mile) for 20 minutes. I remember the days when I couldn't run 6mph for one mile, never mind two! Boy did it feel good :) There were moments when I didn't think I would finish, but I guess that was just psychological because my body did just fine!
I've been reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall and towards the beginning of the book we come across an ultra-runner named Ann Trason. There is one thing she said that has really stuck with me, even though I am close to finishing the book. She says that you have to relax into your run like it's a hot bath until your body no longer resists the shock and just enjoys the run. She says that if you can relax enough your body will become familiar with the cradle rocking rhythm so much so that you will almost forget that you are moving.
On days when I am feeling tense in my run or feeling like I am just not going to be able to finish my run I think about what Ann said. I think about all the muscles that are tensed up and slowing me down ... and I knock the little guy off my shoulder who is telling me I can't do it. I imagine myself slipping into a steaming hot bath and just relax into my run. It is pretty amazing how well it works. I guess it really is all in the mind.
After my 20 minutes on the treadmill I did strength training for my abs and upper legs. Needless to say I was pretty tired once I was finished. But I was feeling awesome! Looking forward to tomorrow!
I hit the treadmill for a little bit of speed work. I ran 6mph (thats a 10 minute mile) for 20 minutes. I remember the days when I couldn't run 6mph for one mile, never mind two! Boy did it feel good :) There were moments when I didn't think I would finish, but I guess that was just psychological because my body did just fine!
I've been reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall and towards the beginning of the book we come across an ultra-runner named Ann Trason. There is one thing she said that has really stuck with me, even though I am close to finishing the book. She says that you have to relax into your run like it's a hot bath until your body no longer resists the shock and just enjoys the run. She says that if you can relax enough your body will become familiar with the cradle rocking rhythm so much so that you will almost forget that you are moving.
On days when I am feeling tense in my run or feeling like I am just not going to be able to finish my run I think about what Ann said. I think about all the muscles that are tensed up and slowing me down ... and I knock the little guy off my shoulder who is telling me I can't do it. I imagine myself slipping into a steaming hot bath and just relax into my run. It is pretty amazing how well it works. I guess it really is all in the mind.
After my 20 minutes on the treadmill I did strength training for my abs and upper legs. Needless to say I was pretty tired once I was finished. But I was feeling awesome! Looking forward to tomorrow!
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