I recently found Operation Beautiful. It's an amazing site and I think it sends a wonderful message to all people. If you don't already know what it's about, please check it out. I have already started to spread the word.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Gym Guilt
workout guilt, runner's guilt, biker's guilt, whatever you call it, I had it yesterday and it got the best of me.
On Monday, I jotted down my exercise routine for the week (I will list the details later on in this post). Monday-gym, Tuesday-pool, Wednesday-hot yoga, Thursday-gym, Friday-off???, Saturday-run. Yesterday, I left work feeling a little bit tired and definitely sore from my Monday workout. My husband came home from work early so he could play basketball. He was also going to drop Calleigh off at my parents' house for an evening playdate with their dogs (yes I know it sounds ridiculous). All of this meant, I would get a nice quiet evening at home. It meant I could maybe get some cleaning or laundry done, relax and read my book or better yet, comment on all the blog postings I missed as well as post my own. It meant I would not have to rush home to cook dinner or to walk Calleigh or spend my evening entertaining her with belly rubs and football fetch. As all of these wonderful thoughts entered my mind, I decided at the end of my workday that I was going to skip the hot yoga that was on my agenda for the evening and just relax at home. My colleague (so nicely) reminded me that I had been working out hard and probably could use the break. I need to have an off day right?
Well that's what I thought up until my husband arrived home and let out a little chuckle when I told him I was skipping out on yoga because I could use an off day. The guilt set in. Was I just convincing myself that I needed an off day because I was being lazy??? Or because I didn't want to brave the cold 1/4 mile walk to the yoga studio??? When my husband left for basketball with Calleigh in tow, the house was quiet and the guilt set in even more. It got worse and worse with each minute until I changed my mind. I was going. How could I miss yoga on a Wednesday night? This was an opportunity for me to seize. I rarely get to go to yoga class in the middle of the week. The class was at the perfect time (8pm-9:45pm) and it was with my favorite instructor. I had to go. I also knew that yoga would help me de-stress and relax. Moreover, I needed to stick to the plan that I had created on Monday. The plan that I had blogged about. I don't want to be a failure in all your bloggy eyes.
So yeah, my gym guilt got the best of me. I went to hot yoga and loved every minute I sweated it out. As I laid on my mat, I smiled because I was happy I went. No regrets and so grateful the guilt got the best of me. I came home feeling tired but relaxed and cleansed. I enjoyed my 1/4 mile walk there and back. The cold didn't affect me at all and it provided a little extra bit of exercise. In the end, it was totally worth it.
As for my workout schedule, this is what it looked like for this week:
Monday:
Elliptical (30 mins)
Stretching (15 mins)
Bicep curls (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weights)
Tricep kickbacks (3 sets 12 reps 7.5lb weights)
Lunges & curls (3 sets 10 reps 10lb weights)
Deadlifts (3 sets 10 reps 50 lb bar)
Hips: two abductor machines (3 sets 12 reps on each machine, 50 lbs one machine/55lbs the other machine)
Back- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps no weight)
15 mins abs (all kinds of crunches)
Hamstring exercise (2 sets 10 reps)
Push-ups with a medicine ball (3 sets 8 reps)
30 bodybuilders
50 squats with 7.5lb weights
4 Chin-ups (had to use the assisted machine with 16lbs because all the meatheads hogged up the bars)
Tuesday:
Pool: 20 min swim & 15 min run
Wednesday:
1.5 hrs of Hot Yoga
Thursday:
Elliptical (30 mins)
Stretching (15 mins)
Bicep curls (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weights)
Tricep kickbacks (3 sets 12 reps 7.5lb weights)
Lunges & curls (3 sets 10 reps 10lb weights)
Deadlifts (3 sets 20 reps 50 lb bar)
Hips: two abductor machines (3 sets 12 reps on each machine, 50 lbs each machine)
Back- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weight)
Abdominal- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps no weight)
10 mins abs (all kinds of crunches)
Push-ups with a medicine ball (3 sets 8 reps)
34 bodybuilders
Longpulls (3 sets 10 reps 40lbs)
4 Chin-ups (regular bar- no assitance)
Friday:
This may actually be a rest day. I have nothing scheduled for tomorrow. I'm thinking of making it a movie night with the hubs. Any movie suggestions are welcomed!!!
Saturday:
Easy run- 2 to 3 miles outside, weather permitting
There you have it. My first memorialized workout schedule for this year and so far so good!
PS: In case you are wondering what a bodybuilder is, I will explain. It is one of the BEST exercises I have learned from my circuit training. A body builder is couple of exercises in one.
You start with a jumping jack (legs out then back in), then you squat down and kick your legs into a push up pose, then you do a push up, then (together) bring your legs back in and rise up and start all over. All of this together is what I refer to as a bodybuilder. You have to do it fast and roll right into the next one. Now go try doing 20 of those in a row and let me know how you all did!!! Good luck!
On Monday, I jotted down my exercise routine for the week (I will list the details later on in this post). Monday-gym, Tuesday-pool, Wednesday-hot yoga, Thursday-gym, Friday-off???, Saturday-run. Yesterday, I left work feeling a little bit tired and definitely sore from my Monday workout. My husband came home from work early so he could play basketball. He was also going to drop Calleigh off at my parents' house for an evening playdate with their dogs (yes I know it sounds ridiculous). All of this meant, I would get a nice quiet evening at home. It meant I could maybe get some cleaning or laundry done, relax and read my book or better yet, comment on all the blog postings I missed as well as post my own. It meant I would not have to rush home to cook dinner or to walk Calleigh or spend my evening entertaining her with belly rubs and football fetch. As all of these wonderful thoughts entered my mind, I decided at the end of my workday that I was going to skip the hot yoga that was on my agenda for the evening and just relax at home. My colleague (so nicely) reminded me that I had been working out hard and probably could use the break. I need to have an off day right?
Well that's what I thought up until my husband arrived home and let out a little chuckle when I told him I was skipping out on yoga because I could use an off day. The guilt set in. Was I just convincing myself that I needed an off day because I was being lazy??? Or because I didn't want to brave the cold 1/4 mile walk to the yoga studio??? When my husband left for basketball with Calleigh in tow, the house was quiet and the guilt set in even more. It got worse and worse with each minute until I changed my mind. I was going. How could I miss yoga on a Wednesday night? This was an opportunity for me to seize. I rarely get to go to yoga class in the middle of the week. The class was at the perfect time (8pm-9:45pm) and it was with my favorite instructor. I had to go. I also knew that yoga would help me de-stress and relax. Moreover, I needed to stick to the plan that I had created on Monday. The plan that I had blogged about. I don't want to be a failure in all your bloggy eyes.
So yeah, my gym guilt got the best of me. I went to hot yoga and loved every minute I sweated it out. As I laid on my mat, I smiled because I was happy I went. No regrets and so grateful the guilt got the best of me. I came home feeling tired but relaxed and cleansed. I enjoyed my 1/4 mile walk there and back. The cold didn't affect me at all and it provided a little extra bit of exercise. In the end, it was totally worth it.
As for my workout schedule, this is what it looked like for this week:
Monday:
Elliptical (30 mins)
Stretching (15 mins)
Bicep curls (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weights)
Tricep kickbacks (3 sets 12 reps 7.5lb weights)
Lunges & curls (3 sets 10 reps 10lb weights)
Deadlifts (3 sets 10 reps 50 lb bar)
Hips: two abductor machines (3 sets 12 reps on each machine, 50 lbs one machine/55lbs the other machine)
Back- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps no weight)
15 mins abs (all kinds of crunches)
Hamstring exercise (2 sets 10 reps)
Push-ups with a medicine ball (3 sets 8 reps)
30 bodybuilders
50 squats with 7.5lb weights
4 Chin-ups (had to use the assisted machine with 16lbs because all the meatheads hogged up the bars)
Tuesday:
Pool: 20 min swim & 15 min run
Wednesday:
1.5 hrs of Hot Yoga
Thursday:
Elliptical (30 mins)
Stretching (15 mins)
Bicep curls (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weights)
Tricep kickbacks (3 sets 12 reps 7.5lb weights)
Lunges & curls (3 sets 10 reps 10lb weights)
Deadlifts (3 sets 20 reps 50 lb bar)
Hips: two abductor machines (3 sets 12 reps on each machine, 50 lbs each machine)
Back- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps 10lb weight)
Abdominal- hyperextension bench (3 sets 12 reps no weight)
10 mins abs (all kinds of crunches)
Push-ups with a medicine ball (3 sets 8 reps)
34 bodybuilders
Longpulls (3 sets 10 reps 40lbs)
4 Chin-ups (regular bar- no assitance)
Friday:
This may actually be a rest day. I have nothing scheduled for tomorrow. I'm thinking of making it a movie night with the hubs. Any movie suggestions are welcomed!!!
Saturday:
Easy run- 2 to 3 miles outside, weather permitting
There you have it. My first memorialized workout schedule for this year and so far so good!
PS: In case you are wondering what a bodybuilder is, I will explain. It is one of the BEST exercises I have learned from my circuit training. A body builder is couple of exercises in one.
You start with a jumping jack (legs out then back in), then you squat down and kick your legs into a push up pose, then you do a push up, then (together) bring your legs back in and rise up and start all over. All of this together is what I refer to as a bodybuilder. You have to do it fast and roll right into the next one. Now go try doing 20 of those in a row and let me know how you all did!!! Good luck!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday Funday
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!! At mass this morning, I prayed for a JETS win today! I hope they go to the Superbowl.
It's been decided- I'm buying a bike. Now I will have to do my research as to which one to purchase. Any suggestions? I'm going to try biking and hope to break into the triathlon this year or maybe next. But first, I need a bike. Also do I get spikes or no spikes??? Any recommendations, tips, etc. are greatly appreciated.
I have also been thinking about memorializing my workout routines. I believe this would help me stay focused and see what is actually working for me. I plan to write my workout routine for this week today and see if I can stick to it. I better get this done before game time.
Hope everyone had a great weekend filled with lots of outdoor activities (the weather was perfect up here for it).
It's been decided- I'm buying a bike. Now I will have to do my research as to which one to purchase. Any suggestions? I'm going to try biking and hope to break into the triathlon this year or maybe next. But first, I need a bike. Also do I get spikes or no spikes??? Any recommendations, tips, etc. are greatly appreciated.
I have also been thinking about memorializing my workout routines. I believe this would help me stay focused and see what is actually working for me. I plan to write my workout routine for this week today and see if I can stick to it. I better get this done before game time.
Hope everyone had a great weekend filled with lots of outdoor activities (the weather was perfect up here for it).
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
You know you have a great husband when....
he sweats it out in hot yoga class with you!!! That was how we spent our Monday night..at class together :-) I took Brendan for the first time and I'm glad he enjoyed it. There had been a class before ours so the studio was super hot by the time we started. This was honestly the hottest class I had been to thus far. The heat proved to be too much for me, as well as many other experienced yogis. At times, I had to rest and regather myself. Brendan was next to me and I could see him trying very hard to tough it out. I could only imagine what must have been going through his mind as this was his very first hot yoga class. I'm glad we pushed it and finished the class as strong as we could. It was a good "date" night and we were very relaxed afterwards.
Having a partner in life who is athletic is very important to me. I love that my husband is athletic. We help encourage each other to lead healthy lifestyles. Last year, I helped to train and push him to run his first half marathon. He completed two last year. In 2008, he completed his first sprint triathlon. As I cheered him on and took pictures, I was jealous I was not racing with him. I told him that maybe this year I would give the tri a shot. I cherish the runs we share. We have gone for runs on our travels in many different countries. How many couples can say that? It makes me smile :-) We have run numerous races together, of which some have become traditions. In the summertime, we ride our bikes to the market or we grab our surfboards and head for the beach. In the wintertime, we plan ski/snowboard trips up to Vermont (and now, attend hot yoga class together). All of these activities give us a way to spend time doing what with both love with the one we love most. I'm so grateful for this.
As for my weekend run, the hubs and I didn't get to do that together. We had workers at the house all weekend, so the hubs ran on the treadmill early in the morning so I could hit the pavement while he stayed with the workers. I started my run telling myself to take it slow. About two minutes into the run, I checked out the Garmin and 7:50 pace was flashing. I slowed down but not enough because a minute later I was running at an 8:30 pace. I began to tell myself out loud to "slow it down Michelle". I needed to be at an 9:30 pace or slower if I wanted my knee to hold up for the 3 miles I had planned. I eventually got a grip on my pace and felt good on the run. At the 20 minute mark, I felt a funny feeling in the knee so I stopped and stretched it out. I had one more mile to go at this point and pushed myself even though I felt the knee tightening up a little bit. I reached my goal of running 3 miles in 29:14 (9:44 pace) without any crippling knee pain. I rolled out my ITB afterwards and did my stretches, as well as iced it. It was sore later on that day but fine the next. This was the most I have run since the marathon. It felt great! I ran again today, one mile at a 9:30 pace, then walked, then stretched and then repeated. Two miles under my belt today and no funny feeling in the knee whatsoever. I'm slowly getting back yippie!!! Slow and steady...slow and steady...will heal the knee.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Good News
My day was very busy today. I worked a full day analyzing a bunch of crazy financial data. My eyes were exhausted, as well as my brain. Then I headed straight to physical therapy where I received my first bit of good news. The PT gave me the okay to run on Saturday! YAY. I have not run in over 3 weeks so you can just imagine how excited I am. My husband and I are going to do an easy 3 miles outside. I figured I would try for a 9-9:30 min/pace if I can handle it. As always, if I feel any pain, I will stop. Hopefully these 3+ weeks have given my knee and ITB the rest they needed (and deserved).
After PT, I swung by the house to grab Calleigh for her doctor's appointment. Last week she had been at my mother's playing with 3 other dogs and came home with a scratched cornea, which required a visit to the vet. She's been on eye ointments since so today was her follow-up visit. The doctor checked her eye and said it's all cleared up. Thank goodness because she does not enjoy eye ointments or trips to the vet.
When I arrived home after my crazy busy day and was finally able to relax, I noticed a nice tall package in my dining room (the dog walkers kindly bring in any packages and mail..they must think we are shopaholics because we are always having packages delivered haha). I was so excited because I knew exactly what this package was: my FOAM ROLLER!!! I can't wait to use it. I have been using it at the gym for my ITB and it hurts like a b*tch but that's how I know its working. I'm so happy I finally have one of my own and can use it whenever I feel the need for a good hard muscle massage. Can't wait to run Saturday and use my foam roller! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my knee enjoys our run :-)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
ZUMBA
Has anyone ever tried this yet? It's a new craze and I gave it a shot tonight. I decided to break up my gym routine tonight: 20 mins on the elliptical, 1 hour of Total Body Conditioning and then.....ZUMBA. I rarely do back to back classes but tonight I had the time, so I stayed for another hour long ZUMBA class.
Here's how it went down: The class was packed with 70 or more people (this included only 2 men). The nice young ladies behind me reassured me that it would be fun and easy to follow. They said to follow the people in front of me. Well that would have been great if the people in front of me had a clue about what they were supposed to do! Luckily, I was able to see through the sea of bodies and watch the instructor in the mirror. Let me tell you, this was some sea- big and small, tall and short, big chests-little chests, men, you name it. ZUMBA apparently is for EVERYONE.
The class started off with some fast Latin music. I seriously felt like I was back at an all inclusive resort in Mexico dancing with the hotel performers and all the other brave (or retarded..you pick) tourists at the after dinner show. We stayed in Mexico for a while and this group of ZUMBA dancers did it all. We even had sound effects from a girl who I named (in my head) Speedy Gonzales. Then we traveled to India for a song or two and looked as if we were in Bollywood. One of the men even took his shirt off and wrapped it around his head like a turban (he was white and I was shocked and giggling). Throughout Bollywood land I had visions of Chicken Tikka, Samosas and Mango Chutney while I was trying to focus on my snake moves. After India, we headed on over to PUEEEERTO RICO with some Reggaeton and the ZUMBA-ers (including myself) tried to shake it like Jenny from the Block. We finished our trip back at Mexico, right where we started, with the tourists at the all inclusive. I kept thinking that this would have been great if I had on strappy stilettos, a cute dress and a cerveza in my hand (I probably would have danced better too).
I'm still undecided about my take on ZUMBA. I did not feel as if it really was a workout. It was a dance class. However, it was fun and I had a good time. I kept saying to myself during the class "Just keep moving your hips and DO NOT laugh out loud". I'm not a great dancer but I'm also not a terrible dancer. These ZUMBA-ers were so awful they were entertaining...I definitely got the giggles a couple of times and had to compose myself. I think I will try it again, if anything just for those giggles....they work out my abs :-)
Here's how it went down: The class was packed with 70 or more people (this included only 2 men). The nice young ladies behind me reassured me that it would be fun and easy to follow. They said to follow the people in front of me. Well that would have been great if the people in front of me had a clue about what they were supposed to do! Luckily, I was able to see through the sea of bodies and watch the instructor in the mirror. Let me tell you, this was some sea- big and small, tall and short, big chests-little chests, men, you name it. ZUMBA apparently is for EVERYONE.
The class started off with some fast Latin music. I seriously felt like I was back at an all inclusive resort in Mexico dancing with the hotel performers and all the other brave (or retarded..you pick) tourists at the after dinner show. We stayed in Mexico for a while and this group of ZUMBA dancers did it all. We even had sound effects from a girl who I named (in my head) Speedy Gonzales. Then we traveled to India for a song or two and looked as if we were in Bollywood. One of the men even took his shirt off and wrapped it around his head like a turban (he was white and I was shocked and giggling). Throughout Bollywood land I had visions of Chicken Tikka, Samosas and Mango Chutney while I was trying to focus on my snake moves. After India, we headed on over to PUEEEERTO RICO with some Reggaeton and the ZUMBA-ers (including myself) tried to shake it like Jenny from the Block. We finished our trip back at Mexico, right where we started, with the tourists at the all inclusive. I kept thinking that this would have been great if I had on strappy stilettos, a cute dress and a cerveza in my hand (I probably would have danced better too).
I'm still undecided about my take on ZUMBA. I did not feel as if it really was a workout. It was a dance class. However, it was fun and I had a good time. I kept saying to myself during the class "Just keep moving your hips and DO NOT laugh out loud". I'm not a great dancer but I'm also not a terrible dancer. These ZUMBA-ers were so awful they were entertaining...I definitely got the giggles a couple of times and had to compose myself. I think I will try it again, if anything just for those giggles....they work out my abs :-)
Monday, January 4, 2010
See the Doctor
Happy New Year everyone! I'm not going to blog about my 2010 goals/resolutions now because I haven't made my list yet. haha. Yes I know, I'm behind but I'll get to it eventually.
I will let you know that I went to the Mariah Carey concert this past weekend and it was AMAZING!!! I love MC and have been a fan since I was in middle school (more so of her older songs than the newer ones). My husband bought the tickets as part of my Christmas gift...probably one of the best gifts he has ever bought me. We were 19 rows away from the stage!!! I swear she smiled and winked at me, although I'm sure my husband thinks she was smiling and winking at him!
Annnnyyyways, I wanted to write about the importance of seeing your doctor. As athletes, we sometimes forget to go to the doctor for a regular checkup. We feel fine when we run/swim/bike so what's the use in seeing the doctor right? WRONG!
Just because you can exercise, does not necessarily mean that you are 100% healthy. I experienced this first hand three years ago. I started experiencing terrible cramps after I would run over three miles (back then the most I was running at a time was probably 4-5 miles). I told my father, who is a doctor, about my problem and he told me "Stop running". This was NOT a possibility for me, so my mother, who is a nurse, told me to go see a doctor. The doctor checked me out and thought I had a hernia. This turned out to be wrong (I saw a specialist who verified that I did not have a hernia- thank goodness). My after-running cramps turned out to be caused by the foods I was eating and thus resulting in runner's trots :-( Anyways, during my checkup with my doctor, he also noticed that I had a slight murmur in my heart. And so I went to see a cardiologist.
Heart problems run in my family, especially my mother's side, and the types of problems are those that are hereditary. I never thought I needed to have my heart checked out. I was young, in good shape, ate healthy and always had good cholesterol levels. I was totally wrong. After doing multiple tests and wearing a heart monitor for a day, it was determined that I had mitral valve prolapse. Thank goodness it was not serious and my murmur was a slight one. However, I have to monitor it and check in with the cardiologist once a year to make sure its not getting worse (and hopefully getting better).
Before training for MCM, I made sure to make appointments with my regular physician and cardiologist. Once I got the okay from both of them, I knew I was healthy enough to start training. Before any of us decide to take on a new physical challenge, whether it be a 5k, marathon, triathalon, ultra, etc., we should go see the doctor. There is a reason why (for those of us that are fortunate) have health insurance, so make sure you use it. Also, I don't want to get into politics or healthcare reform talks here but millions of Americans do not have health care coverage. Don't take yours for granted and waste it. Use it. An hour long visit at the doctor could save your running career or even better, your life.
Peace, Love and Healthy Running!
~Michelle
I will let you know that I went to the Mariah Carey concert this past weekend and it was AMAZING!!! I love MC and have been a fan since I was in middle school (more so of her older songs than the newer ones). My husband bought the tickets as part of my Christmas gift...probably one of the best gifts he has ever bought me. We were 19 rows away from the stage!!! I swear she smiled and winked at me, although I'm sure my husband thinks she was smiling and winking at him!
Annnnyyyways, I wanted to write about the importance of seeing your doctor. As athletes, we sometimes forget to go to the doctor for a regular checkup. We feel fine when we run/swim/bike so what's the use in seeing the doctor right? WRONG!
Just because you can exercise, does not necessarily mean that you are 100% healthy. I experienced this first hand three years ago. I started experiencing terrible cramps after I would run over three miles (back then the most I was running at a time was probably 4-5 miles). I told my father, who is a doctor, about my problem and he told me "Stop running". This was NOT a possibility for me, so my mother, who is a nurse, told me to go see a doctor. The doctor checked me out and thought I had a hernia. This turned out to be wrong (I saw a specialist who verified that I did not have a hernia- thank goodness). My after-running cramps turned out to be caused by the foods I was eating and thus resulting in runner's trots :-( Anyways, during my checkup with my doctor, he also noticed that I had a slight murmur in my heart. And so I went to see a cardiologist.
Heart problems run in my family, especially my mother's side, and the types of problems are those that are hereditary. I never thought I needed to have my heart checked out. I was young, in good shape, ate healthy and always had good cholesterol levels. I was totally wrong. After doing multiple tests and wearing a heart monitor for a day, it was determined that I had mitral valve prolapse. Thank goodness it was not serious and my murmur was a slight one. However, I have to monitor it and check in with the cardiologist once a year to make sure its not getting worse (and hopefully getting better).
Before training for MCM, I made sure to make appointments with my regular physician and cardiologist. Once I got the okay from both of them, I knew I was healthy enough to start training. Before any of us decide to take on a new physical challenge, whether it be a 5k, marathon, triathalon, ultra, etc., we should go see the doctor. There is a reason why (for those of us that are fortunate) have health insurance, so make sure you use it. Also, I don't want to get into politics or healthcare reform talks here but millions of Americans do not have health care coverage. Don't take yours for granted and waste it. Use it. An hour long visit at the doctor could save your running career or even better, your life.
Peace, Love and Healthy Running!
~Michelle
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