Friday and Bill comes home tonight after being gone for 2 weeks!

nothing

Another run in the morning. Jodie came to run today!!! Only 16 days postpartum and she's out running--probably shouldn't be, but she wanted to try. Ran the first mile with us, then paused at Melissa's before running another good mile. Wow! Then she walked a bit, but we saw her later still trotting along.

I ran 4.81 today at an average 9:01 pace.

Just had softball tonight. Right in 1st inning, someone hit it way over my head, so got a little sprint. Then rest of the game was uneventful with just a few fielding moves and one run to 1st.

Met up with Kristin and we got going. Headed out and about a mile into it, I realized we were going pretty fast. As we came back towards her house, I said I was done at 4 miles today as I had tennis tonight. During our cool down I realized it had been fast--34:16 for 4 miles = 8:33 pace! Funny thing is that the first 2 miles were 8:39, whereas the 2nd 2 miles (when I knew we were going fast) was 8:27 pace.

Then played tennis tonight and had a good workout with that as well--played really well actually.

After the two good run days, decided today was a break day.

So since Melissa didn't run yesterday, the plan was for Mel and K to do a long 14 mile run today. K & I talked and I figured that if they met by their house, and ran to 4 Mile and the bike path, I could meet them there, have water for them, do 5-6 with them, water back at my car, then they could run back for about 14.

Got to the meeting point and Kristin came alone (well, with Chester). Apparently Melissa just flaked and didn't show or call! Kristin and Chester had water, we ran up and back the bike path for 4 miles, then I ran to Hwy 31 with her as she asked me to accompany her a bit towards her way back home, then I ran back to the car---giving me 6.22. Ran this 6.22 in 54:07, which is a 8:42 pace--whew! Granted I stopped the watch for the two little breaks, but I even kept it going while I walked for aobut 30 seconds at 3.5 miles and still was that fast!

6 miles, 2 days in a row, with a faster 2nd day. Good little runs!

So it was pouring rain this morning 4-5:30am....pouring! Mel and K were going to run long this morning, but figured they probably didn't. I was going to go a bit early, 6:20ish to do a few extra miles, but figured I'd just sleep a bit after being woken up by the rain and just go at 7am. Just after 6am I heard my text messaging going. K texting, wondering what I was up to as Mel bailed on the run. She was just going to run on her treadmill as she had to leave to get Kayla at 8am. I was bummed thinking I'd be alone at running group, but then she invited me to her house to run with her for 4-5 miles.

Well, I got there and she suggested 6 miles. Ran from her house to Spring, to Sunnyslope roundabout and back--a nice 6 miles. Averaged a 8:59 pace---first 2 miles were 8:39, next 2 were 9:17 (there was a little walking in there at the turnaround point), final 2 miles were 9:01.

It's Friday, so I decided to take a break as I'll run both Saturday and Sunday.

Another morning run with the girls and Melissa was with this time. As we got going, decided to do Johnson Park (oooh, hills, after last nights workout). As we headed west on 3 Mile, then they wanted to do more so we headed north to the clubhouse...which makes our normal run 5.25 miles. A little long for a morning, but good to push it a bit. It came out to an average 8:58 pace, so not too shabby.

Softball got cancelled for today and it was my bye week for tennis so I made an appointment with Anna. Nice to do one-on-one with her again. I wasn't in the mood for arms today, so told her to focus on core (even though I was still sore from the Ab workout) and legs (as we took it easy on those for a few weeks due to my knee). We started with lunges with the back leg on the bench--oooh I hate lunges and those were hard. That was alternated with high step-ups onto that bench. We also did side leg lefts and squats on the bosu, reverse situps/standups on the angled apparatus, V-sits with extensions, pikes on the balance ball, and probably 1 or 2 other things I can't think of. Not too hard of a workout, but some good ones in there.

Up to run with the girls today and it was a day of comedy of errors. As I was getting ready, smelled something. Not sure what, smelled the clothes, hmmmm. On drive to Kristin's realized it was cat piss smell! Not a direct hit, but I think the bra I was wearing was near wherever was hit. Arrggh. Too late to do anything about it now. Get to Kristin's, take a drink of water, take fob off key ring, open door, hit lock button, close door, go to put fob in pocket----Arrrrghhhhhhhhhhhh----WRONG FOB! I pulled Bill's off. Now my keys are locked in the car. To make matters worse, Bill's set of keys is also in the car as I had those for last night's GOP meeting as it has the key to the bank on the ring. I just stood there as Kristin walked up. Told her what happened, talked through options, then just decided to head off for at least a short run.

Ran 3.15 miles in a fast pace--frustration needing to get out (8:33 average pace). After talking through different options, I asked Kristin to use her phone and called Mom as she's always up this early. Kristin drove me over there and I called Amoco motorclub. They said they'd be there in an hour and 10 minutes. So just hung at Mom's, then she took me back to my car. Got in and drove home. Found where the cat pissed (on my Fargo backpack) and shoved that in both cats' faces. Started a vinegar laundry and got ready for work. What a morning!!! And still made it to work by 8am, but felt like I should have just gone back to bed.

Needed a running/legs break today after 4 days of running. I didn't want to blow my one rest day this early in the week, though, so I decided to do the TJ Ab workout. That is a tough one. For some of the floor exercises, I tried to lift up a bit further than normal to push it--and I can feel it.

Hills today, back to Gateway. Bill, M & K wanted to do 10 hills, I wasn't too sure about that. Did our mile warmup and started the hills. After 8, I decided I was done and waited for them to finish. Then did our mile cooldown. Ended up totalling 4.25 miles. Funny thing, though, is that my 2 mile splits were exactly the same--9:32 average. With the warmup and cooldown, the charging of the hills, a bit of walking at the top of each hill, it's weird that it came out so even.

Happy Independence Day!!!

It's a holiday, but it's also Saturday. Did the 3 mile bike path today. Got started with Melissa, Kristin, and Tony. M & K only were doing 4 miles as they already ran 10ish, but Kristin demanded I do the full 6 with Tony. He's enjoyable to run with and I like the northside bikepath route. We did a 9:05 average for the first 2, 9:17 for the 2nd 2, and Tony had to walk a bit then so our average for the final 2 was 10 min. A good 6 mile run, after a 4 mile Thursday and 5 mile Friday. Now on to hills tomorrow. Ugh!!!

With the holiday Friday, Bill suggested we do something different since we all have more time to run. We met at 7:30am and drove out to Bong for a trail run. There is a 4-mile-ish trail and then another 1-2 mile trail we could do.

I struggled quite a bit, I really am not a trail runner. Mosquitoes are terrible. I ran the first 2 or so, then had to walk on and off quite a bit. Only ended up getting 5 miles in, but it was beautiful. Views of a lake, lots of birds singing. Lovely day out with a nice change of scenery.

We all have off on Friday, so we decided to move our morning Thursday run to Friday. Bill really as some mileage goals, though, so we decided to get up and do a short run, just not as early as when we meet Kristin.

Did 4 miles out the neighborhood up the bikepath and back in 9:24 average pace. Not a great run, just couldn't get too into it. It was nice to run with Bill the whole time, though, we don't get to do that often.

Wednesday, so it's a softball day (no tennis). Unfortunately we didn't have a very good game, in fact lost by the slaughter rule. Had a few balls in the outfield so got a bit of running (we were short so I had all of center field!), but hitting wasn't great. Walked once and got a hit once--but caught.

It's Tuesday so we had our morning run today. Bill and I met Kristin, Melissa was a no show. We did Johnson Park---a hilly route. So it ended up with 4.7 miles with an average 8:47 pace (the first 2 were in 8:37 pace!). Fast for how many hills there are!

Then we also had Anna tonight. Since my knee is nearly healed, I told her we could work the legs a bit. We did some core/abs, lots of arms, and some weighted squats. Bill was having a bad day today and whined the whole time and with every exercise. I felt pretty good.

Decided to take Monday off this week. Tomorrow's goint to be a busy day.

Sunday--intervals today! Did our 1 mile warmup, then did 8 quarter-mile intervals, then a 1 mile cooldown. Did 1:42-1:49 for most of the 8, with a few of them over 1:50. Did a sub-9 warmup, and a 9:23 cooldown. Knee felt pretty OK, but I chose to stay on the outer loops of the track the whole time so the turns weren't so tight.

Back to try a run today, it's Saturday. We're running Colonial, so it's a nice out and back where I could stop at any time and just come back.

Got to running with Melissa, Amy, and Lori and it was an enjoyable run. Ran the 3 miles out, took a brief break, then back. Knee really didn't bother me, so it was a good run overall. 6 miles at a 9:22 average pace (9:16 average for the first 4 miles, then slowed to a 9:34 average for the last 2).

Another nothing day. Really could have/should have done something, but didn't.

Just couldn't get up this morning after the drive and late softball. Therefore went for a walk after work---just a nice easy walk around the neighborhood. Weather is really nice so it was good to be out. Didn't push it, but tried to run a bit and felt a twinge, so stopped running and just kept it a nice walk---concentrating on not locking the leg and keeping the knee soft.

Had the drive home today (vacation was awesome) so we got going right away this morning. Drove home, then made it to the softball game. We finally won!!!! Hit like crap, but at least had some good fielding plays.

Knee's a little better, but still worried as we are still on vacation and plan to do a bunch of walking so I wanted to keep taking it easy. Did 20 minutes on the bike again and stretching.

We're in Niagara Falls and the knee is still an issue. Knowing we'd have lots of walking today, I just decided to bike again in the fitness center. Did 20 minutes on the bike and good stretching.

We left yesterday afternoon for our drive to vacation in Niagara Falls. Knowing we'd be leaving later due to the Lighthouse, we planned to only drive through Michigan and stay overnight just inside Canada. Got up this morning and the leg is stiff, knee sore. It was fine for the run, but it's tired and sore today. Just did 20 minutes on the recumbent bike in the Holiday Inn fitness room, plus stretching.

Lighthouse Run today, and of course--it's a swelter. It's really hot, pushing 80 degrees, with 85%+ humidity. I got going with Melissa and Kristin and by mile 2-3 I was really struggling. Knee felt fine, but mentally I was struggling with the heat and my body just felt like it couldn't move. I really debated turning south at the 4-mile turn, but they told me know. Then as we approached 3 mile Rd and I realized we were only at 4 miles, I was convinced I needed to quit. I just couldn't imagine doing that for 6 more miles. Kristin's foot was really bothering her so she wanted to walk a bit. I decided to walk with her, then see how I felt. We walked, ran, walked, ran for the next 2 or so miles. She was really struggling, and the walk breaks helped me. By just before 6 miles, there was nothing to do but finish as that's by Shoop and the shortest way back is to just finish. Kristin said she just couldn't run anymore and told me to go on. I started running and actually felt OK. Ended up running the whole thing with a few walk breaks here and there, particularly at water stops. Needed lots of water, to drink and to dump down my back.

It wasn't pretty, but I finished in 1:39:24....10 minutes slower than I wanted to. About a minute a mile slower, due to the unbearable heat. I probably could have been 1-3 minutes faster as I walked more with Kristin than I needed to, but that's about all I could have cut off. And if it wasn't for her, I probably would have quit completely so I needed her.

Ok, I SCREWED UP today. I didn't get up to exercise and thought I'd do it tonight. Then after work we had to get ready for Lighthouse Run and pack for vacation. I woke up Saturday morning and realized I never exercised Friday at all. I was soooooo mad at myself, I didn't even think of it. It never even crossed my mind....which I think that was more upsetting to me than the lack of actually exercising. It totally is not habit or a "feeling of necessity" and I so easily forgot. Arrrrrghghghghgh! So close, almost 6 full months and I mess up just 11 days before the end. Pisssssssed off!

Needed to get back to running to make sure I'd be OK for this Saturday's Lighthouse run, so I got up and met the girls. I decided I'd just do 4 miles, though, so that it would be a good run but not too straining. Ran the 4 in a 9:18 average pace.

We had a bye for softball, but we did a practice. Did that, then went to tennis. It was warm and we played three sets so it was a good little workout.

Didn't get up with the group as I didn't really want to walk/run today. Decided to exercise at night, but didn't really want to do a DVD. Therefore I wanted to do ExerciseTV, but it was down--again. Luckily I remembered you could get it on the internet. I searched a bit and found an 18 minutes Pilates routine that looked good so I did that--low impact, but still moving and getting some benefits. It was a little hard to do with the computer as the screen only faces on direction and is smaller so if I had to position differently I couldn't see the screen....but I did OK.

Have Anna tonight. Since my knee's bothering me, I wanted to take it easy on the legs again. Therefore I had Anna do some IT bad stretches and exercises when Bill did leg exercises, and I just did the arms and core stuff.

Went to do intervals again with the group, but noticed that my knee was not liking running today. Between just the overexertion yesterday, and running on a track (so you had the slight lean to the inside), it wasn't feeling too good. I decided after the mile warmup that I shouldn't push it. Bill, Melissa, and Kristin, were going to do 800 intervals, and I just didn't think that would be a good idea. I was frustrated! I decided that since I had at least about 30 minutes while they did their workout, I took the car up to work and got on the recumbent bike for 15 minutes. That felt OK on the knee so it felt good to just do at least something. I'm really bummed about not being able to run and do the speed workout, but this knee needs to heal as I need it better.

Relay for Life run/walk today, so the group is meeting at the Oakes Road location so that those that want to go over to Case can, those that don't can do the Panera 2 trail. I got there at 6am to try to get 5-6 in before the group. Ran the first 2.2 OK, I felt a little slow and sluggish. It was way more humid that I thought and stopped at the car then to take the sleeves off my coat. Then headed out again and ran another 1.5 or so before I stopped to stretch the leg good. Ended up with 5.1 when I met the group at 7am. Then we headed to Case and I did 7 laps around their track, most of them jogging. I think I walked about 1.5 of those or so. The softer ground of that track was noticeably different than running on concrete. Then I headed back to the group, finishing with 9.18 miles total. Did this in 1:31:08, an average of a 9:55 pace. With the walking I know I did at the track and even at the end (last .25 miles or so), I was surprised at this time. The first 6 miles were at about a 9:20-9:25 pace. Then I got slower to about 9:43 pace (that had a bit of walking, then the last mile was mostly walking. Knee bothering me a bit, but good to know I could still do 9 at a 'reasonable' pace. I think I'm going to have to really take it easy for another week to try to heal this knee before Lighthouse.

Got up this morning and decided now to do the Ab workout. Only feeling a little tight from the Monday workout and this is low impact on the legs with just some slight squats and a few leg lifts. Going to try to run tomorrow, so wanted another day of rest.

Up this morning again to meet the group. Still want to take it easy on the knee as it was tweaked a bit during tennis. I think that doesn't help it as it's a lot of starting and stopping and leaning different ways. Kristin convinced me to run with her to Melissa's, which is a 0.9 mile run. Actually the knee felt pretty good then. After we met up with her, I walked the rest of the way. A few times I tried to run a bit and my knee hurt quite a bit--it seems that after I walk a while and have that whole 'heel-striking, knee-locking' motion, running isn't good. I can run without walking, but not after. Ended up running/walking 3.35 miles total in 45:36 for a 13:35 average. The first 2 miles were at a 12:39 average (which had that mile or so of running), and the second 1.35 miles were mostly walking with an average of 14:58 pace.

Well, I kind of cheated today on my "20 minutes of exercise rule". Knee's still tender so I was going to get up and do an Ab workout today. As I got up from bed, I realized how sore my abs and obliques still were from Monday night....nope, another ab workout wouldn't be a good idea.

I have both softball and tennis again tonight. At softball, I had one good hit that had me get most of the way around the bases, and two great fly catches that had me running a bit, plus some other backup runs. Then at tennis we had lots of deuces and a tie-breaking set. Since it's doubles, it's not alot of running, but some. Plus it's a workout of my arms, legs, and core so it's kind of like a strength and flexibility workout. Unfortunately that's all I did so it wasn't a concentrated workout, so I feel like I cheated a bit. Yet, when I started this challenge, the whole goal came from me thinking that I had no excuse not to do at least 20 minutes of activity a day. Ultimately, it was to get me off my butt and not just sit around when I really have at least 20 minutes every day I could do "something". Therefore I guess being on a softball league and tennis summer league does just that---it's something to get me active in at least a little way.

Trying to follow the rule of resting an injury, so I got up with Bill to meet the girls today, but decided I was only going to walk. Jodie came today and she agreed to walk with me. That was nice to have someone to walk with and she enjoyed not being alone (she's about 37 weeks pregnant now and still jogging/running, but since slower she's often alone).

Therefore walked 2.71 miles in 46:13, an average of 17:04 pace. I know I could have walked a bit faster, but was just having a nice walk with Jodie. Surprisingly the walking kind of hurt my knee more at times---just the locking of my knee straight and striking of my heel into the ground.

Back to Anna today....first time in 6 weeks. The knee is really bothering me, so we told her just upper body and core, and that's what she did. Lots of shoulders, abs, and core workout. Good to do a variety of weighttraining again, it's been a while.

As mentioned last week, Bill decided Sunday would be a day of running drills. His original idea was just intervals, but I mentioned doing hill workout (remembering my Chicago St hill workout from several Sundays ago) would be a good combo to training. Today's our first one and we chose Gateway hill. I wanted to mix it up a bit, so I suggested we do the hill, then jog over to the stairs and do stairs. So we started with a 1 mile jog, then started going up the hill. Kristin and I started at our regular running pace, only to be passed quickly by Melissa and Bill teasing us---you're supposed to charge the hill to make it tougher, not just jog up it! So Kristin and I picked it up. Went up and down, jogged over to the stairs, up then down, then back to hill. Did that four times, then took a quick water break. Decided that although it was tough, I could do 2 more. After those two, I was done! Tired, and my knee was starting to bother me. Waited for the rest, then jogged a 1 mile cooldown. Overall it turned out to be 4.5 miles total.

My goal today is 12 miles so Bill and I met Melissa early (Kristin's out of town for Zak's track meet). We did Panera 2, sort of, and got back just before 7am with 8.33 in. I haven't run that long, in a row, in almost a year. I actually felt pretty good and it was nice to run with Melissa the hold time. After a break at the car, we got going again.....right into the wind and also the hills of Newman Rd. Luckily we only were going about 4 miles or so. The loop we did ended up being over 4 miles so I ended up with 12.5 miles. Woo hoo! The average was 9:11 pace---fabulous for that long.

Friday....another rest day in preparation for a long run tomorrow. Had a conference in Chicago so I left early and got home late. It was 70 degrees this afternoon/evening so it was nice to go for a walk when I got home. Bill started dinner while I did a quick 20 minute around the neighborhood.

Up and running early this Thursday. Another 4.25 day today. Kristin had fire in her feet and just ran ahead of us...I worked to just keep up behind her and hope the gap didn't widen (it did, though, she is fast today). Even for not keeping up with her, I averaged an 8:54 pace.

Talk about a cross-training day! I got up early and did the Level I of the 30-day shred. Then after work I had a softball game. Went straight from that to play tennis. I actually felt great and loved doing all these different physical activities.

Tuesday run with the girls. Was very discombobulated this morning and got to Kristin's without my GPS. Ran part of the run with the girls, but fell behind. Ran most by myself, then met up with Bill to finish. Luckily he had is Garmin on, so I learned we did 4.25 miles total.

Monday, monday.....

After running hard both weekend days, I decided Mondays needs to be an off-the-legs day. Therefore I will probably do abs more on Mondays. Did the Turbo Jam Ab workout.

Ok, so Bill had this bright idea that he now wants to start doing some interval training.....something he knows would help him and he should have been doing all along. He now has a new goal for Maui Marathon and wants to work towards it for the next few months, with interval training being one part of it. He mentions it at running on Saturday and Melissa and Kristin pipe up that they'd be interested. Now with others on board...it is to become a reality. Sundays become the day to do this (and we later decide that some weeks will be hill workout too).

We had to find a track as Case's isn't open to the public, and Horlick's is in terrible shape. Luckily Park's isn't too bad. We meet there and get going. Four laps to warm up, then 6x400s---one lap around at a faster pace, then jog/walk for half a lap or about 2 minutes, repeat for a total of 6 times, then 4 laps to cool down. It works out to be 4.5 miles, with the speed workout as the newer challenge. At the end of it all, I realize that I did the 400s in about 1:43-1:56 minutes (which works out to be 6:45-7:40 minute mile pace). That's a good push and should help with speed a bit if we do this a few times a month.

OMG---Parkside is HARD! Running there is a good workout with lots of uneven footing and hills. Went early to try to get 10 miles in, and fell behind the group within the first .25 mile as I couldn't breathe. It was a hill, and high humidity, and I just couldn't get any air. Stayed back and running slow for the rest of the time. Bill ran with me for about 1/2 of the first hour, then we stayed together for the 2nd hour too. It was nice to run with him as we don't get to run together too often due to our different paces. Since I was running slower and he knows the trails like the back of his hand so we could alter routes as necessary, it was nice to be together. Ended up getting 10.33 miles (ran a little extra to help Bill get his 13 in). The pace stunk and was a 10:22 average. I just kept getting slower and slower each 2-mile section.

Bill comes home tonight and I have to work late. It's another nice day, so I suggested we walk to the Diner for dinner...that's a nice 20 minute walk there, then back again.

Up and running this morning. A little chilly, but overall a nice morning. Met up with Carol and Sara today for a bit of the run so that broke it up nicely. Ran 4.65 with a 8:31 average pace. Wow!

We were going to run this morning, but it was rainy and windy so noone was really interested. It rained on and off all day, so softball was cancelled too. Back to the DVDs, but wanted something different. While looking through them I realized you could do the "Burn" only section of Learn and Burn TJ. It was only about 17:30 minutes, but it was nice to do something different. I did another minute or two of jumping jacks, jump rope, and running in place to get a little more in.

Back to work today and decided to go to the gym. Did 20 minutes on the bike, then did a bunch of different weights--flies, pecs, skull crushers, abs, obliques, back. A good 25 minutes or so of weights.

Happy Memorial Day. A few of us wanted to run so we decided to pick a new route. Bill suggested part of the Oak Leaf Trail in Oak Creek. So we met and there were 6-7 of us. It was a nice 3.1 out and back for a good little 10K. Slightly rolling hills throughout, but a nice treelined route for most of it. It was nice to have new scenery.

While Bill ran to get lunch, I decided to do a quick DVD. Had a long run yesterday, and running again tomorrow, so just wanted to do something that wouldn't strain the legs too much. Did the Ab Jam DVD.

Saturday morning run and doing the Cemetaries. Joined the group at 6:15am to get 4 miles in before the group. Then did another 5 after. Actually stopped at 8.6 miles total (or was going to stop), but Jodie was still trotting and wanted to do another .5 mile, so I did her .5 with her at a nice little 10:30-11 min pace. I didn't turn my watch back on for it so Garmin thinks I only did 8.6, but really it was 9.1 total. The 8.6 was a 9:02 average pace where each 2 mile split was between 8:55-9:06 pace---boy, I was pretty consistent! I ran with Yemi for about 3 of those last miles and it was a good run with her, we didn't talk much but I really just like having someone there with me to keep me on pace.

Planning a longer run tomorrow and Bill's coming home today, so we just did a nice little walk around the neighborhood for about 22 minutes. Nothing to exerting but got the heartrate up a bit.

Up and going for an early run this morning. Kristin was stuggling today, but we ended up doing alot....5.42 miles at a 9:05 pace.

Then Mary Jo asked me to play tennis at night and got a good workout there also as I played singles for part of the night. Not huge cardio workout, just little sprints, but definitely worked out some muscles differently---serving, side-to-side with the legs, torso, etc.

Softball today and there were a few hits that I had to sprint for, plus a few hits so sprinting to first. Came home and still had to work out. Decided to try my newer DVD, the one with 10 minute workouts. Did 2 of those workouts, one active one and a stretching one. Not the hardest workout, but at least it was something on top of the softball.

Early morning run with the girls. It was a windy day from the SW so we decided to run a little longer into the wind to get it out of the way. I was really struggling into the wind, but kept going. Kristin even commented that she didn't think I'd make it. We ended up doing 5 miles total. Turns out that first 2 miles we were running at an 8:28 pace...no wonder why I was struggling---that fast and into the wind, wow! The whole 5 miles turned out to be an average of 8:45 pace--that's a fast one today.

Went to the gym after work and ran for a mile on the treadmill, plus a few minutes of walking. Then did some weights on the slanted bench: pec flies with chest presses; standing backwards with chest on bench--pec flies and tricep extensions. Then did some situps and some reverse situps (legs going up towards ceiling and lifting butt up). That's all for now.

Bill's leaving again today, so I planned to go for a run after he left. It's a fairly nice day, cool, but sunny. After dropping him off, I went over to the Panera 2 loop. We had just eaten so I read a magazine for a bit while sitting in the sun, then headed out to run. My Veronica's song came on and that got me going really good, probably too fast, for the first mile. Fun, though. Then unfortunately I was having digestive issues and really felt the need for a bathroom. Found a spot in the woods and used it...only #1, not #2 that felt like I need to do. Another true sign that I've become a runner---went in the woods!! Finished up the loop to get 2.25 and headed to McD's to use to the bathroom. It's so nice out and I still felt really good so I wanted to do something more. I headed to Lockwood park to try to run the hill, but the grass was really wet and only did a partial hill once and decided to head elsewhere. Thought about the steps behind the YMCA, but really didn't want to do steps. Then thought about the Chicago Street hill. Headed over there with the thought of doing at least 2 hills, up & down. After the first one, which was a little easier than I expected, I decided to try for 3 reps. After the 2nd, I figured I could do 5 reps. They did get harder and harder, but I found really pumping my arms strongly helped alot. I ran up the hill 5 times, and down all 5 times as well....striving to length my strides and just let myself go down the hill with only a little control and letting my legs just take me (as Anna recommended). That was a good little extra workout....need to do that more often, maybe once e/o week or so.

I've really noticed in recent weeks that I'm stronger on the hills and into the wind than I used to be. Although still not happy places to run, I'm getting better at dealing with hills and wind. I AM getting stronger in my running....feels good!!!!

Bill's not training for anything, but I convinced him to go a bit early to Saturday running today just so I could get a few extra miles. We got there and did 3 miles together early before meeting the group. Then I headed out with Melissa for 2.5 when we caught up with Bill & Kristin to turnaround. Ran with all of them back for the 2.5 for a total of 8 miles. Overall, I felt really good today on this run...nice to feel relatively good for such a long run for me. One hour, 14 min, 30 seconds, so a 9:13 average overall. First 2 miles with Bill were 9:03, then other 2-mile splits were 9:15, 9:27, and 9:27. Got slower each time, but not too bad.

Bill's coming home tonight and not sure what are plans are so got up early to exercise. Did the 20 minute Turbo Jam as I hadn't done that in a while.

Up and going to run early with the girls. As I was leaving, I noticed the microwave had reset---hmmmm, the power must have gone out last night during the storm. Good thing my alarm clock has battery backup.

Got to Kristin's and Jodie was already there (amazing), but Kristin's house was completely dark. Uh oh. Jodie called her and she either overslept or her power went out. I texted Melissa who was planning on coming and told her to run our way and we'd meet her. Met Melissa, headed back and Kristin had hurriedly gotten ready and met us. We ran a new route...up to 3 Mile and into Johnson Park then down to Hwy 38. Nice to have new scenery, but that's a surprisingly hilly route. Ran 4.74 miles today at a 9:03 average pace....great run for me!

Didn't get up to workout today....should have....but didn't. Had a late meeting in Milwaukee and got home about 6:45pm or so. After some playing the computer, I finally decided I better work out. Was going to do a DVD, but none really interested me. ExerciseTV. I found a 10 minute standing ab workout that was pretty good. Then I started about 5 other workouts before landing on a step workout to try (w/o the step). I did it for about 5 minutes, then he was doing too many turns that I couldn't watch and keep up with at the same time, so I improvised for about 4 minutes doing jumping jacks, jump rope, skiers, and other aerobic things just to keep moving.

Just the 20 minutes, some cardio, some abs, but its OK. Planning on running early tomorrow.

Got up to run with Kristin this morning. Jodie actually joined us as well. Got running with Kristin and just struggled today. I couldn't really ID the issue, legs were OK, breathing OK---not great on either, but OK. I just couldn't get into it. I'm kind of getting sick of this....too many times recently where I just stuggled to run even the shorter distances. I managed to run 4.55 miles, with a little walking (probably about .25 miles total).

Should have gotten up to exercise, but just couldn't get up. Then should have exercised after work before the GOP meeting, again...didn't do it.

Therefore I was forced to exercise at 9pm at night. Haven't done the 30 day shred in a while, so thought to do that to get strength and cardio....kind of forgetting that I did some abs and arm weights yesterday. A few things were a little overstressed, but at least I got it done.3

Bill's leaving today for another few week trip. He has to meet the group at 4pm, so I figured I'd do errands and then go to the gym after to work out.

I did 12 minutes on teh treadmill...mostly walking, but did do 2 spurts of running in there (one for a commercial length during a show). Then decided to do strength training--reverse crunches, bicep curls, tricep dips, calf raises, and combo shoulder presses and standing pec flies. About 20-25 minutes of strength. Not the longest workout, but a good variety.

We were helping out at the Aid station at the Ice Age 50 today. Bill thought to go out there early and do a 5 mile or so run there first, since we were missing our Saturday group. Unfortunately it was raining and really windy, plus we'd be running on the trails which I'm sure were uneven and muddy. Not my type of fun so I decided to stay in the car. Bill ran and said the wind wasn't bad, but it was muddy and really uneven and slippery. I just decided to exercise later.

I went out to run in the early evening. I decided to go to the cemetaries as those are always a nice run, and then I can say hi to Dad too. I figured I could run one, two, three, or however many rounds in the cemetaries as I felt like. I ended up running two cemetaries for 2.5 miles at a 8:39/pace. Not as far as I should have gone, but it was at least a good 21 minutes of cardio.

It was a nice day today, so I took advantage of it. When Bill came home after work I asked him to go for a walk with me. We ended up doing about 25 minutes around the neighborhood at a brisk, but not too brisk pace.

Another early morning run with Kristin. Jodie and Melissa said they'd join us, but bailed on us again. Ran 4 miles again with a good negative split, ending up averaging 8:34/mile pace.

I should have gotten up to exercise, but I was just sooooo tired. I just couldn't get going. I have softball tonight at 6:50pm so I thought to bring clothes with to go to the All Saints gym. I didn't want to strain myself too much, so I just did 20 minutes on the elliptical with no resistance and 10 minutes on the bike with minimal resistance. Good enough, then off to softball.

We got home after 10pm last night, but the girls were running early this morning. Got up at just after 4pm and met at Kristin's. She was the only one, so she and I took off together, with Bill behind us taking it easy after his marathon from Sunday. We did 4 miles.

We're still in Ft. Collins so I decided to use the hotel gym. Tried to run a bit on the treadmill, but just couldn't get into it. Therefore ran/walked for about 12 minutes, with about 2 of those at a fast run pace. I had noticed they had a Bosu, so I figured I'd used that. I did lunges on there, pushups with it, plank/oblique/leg crunches, situps, side crunches, side leg lifts/contractions, and squats all using the Bosu. A good workout in a really hot workout room.

So I officially decided to do the 10k at Ft. Collins. I felt good in the morning and hoped for a good day. I've decided that I don't like doing races by myself. I feel so alone and all I focus on is the run. I can't seem to focus on the scenery, people, etc.....therefore the run feels really long. Although we were wearing chips, there was no starting mat so I don't know exactly where the starting line was. I started out OK, then had trouble getting my MP3 to turn on. Had to futz with that a bit, but got it going. When I got to about 3 or so, I was bored and struggling. I kept pushing as I was a bit behind my desired time. We turned onto a trail at 3 miles and were heading back. At about 5 miles I really was done, with lead legs and just wanting to slow down. I pushed, but know I lost some steam. As I approached the finish line, I wanted to kick it in to push it. I did a bit, but not as much as I hoped. I ended up finishing according to my watch at 55:21, and according to the clock at 56:25. I was hoping to break 56 minutes, maybe even 55 minutes, so I was disappointed. Oh well. It is basically the same as last year's Turkey Trot...which I ran after being injured for 4 months and only running one 6+ mile run in training. Therefore I didn't improve at all even though I've been running more. The ext 12-15 lbs probably aren't helping, but I'll need to focus on speed or something for the future.

We're in Ft. Collins, Colorado...day before Bill's marathon. We wanted to get out and run 2 miles to see how we felt with the altitude. Our hotel is right near the Colorado State U campus, so we just did a jaunt around campus. It's a little chillier than we planned...40s, and I don't have running pants. Luckily I can survive in shorts in really cold weather as long as my top and hands are warm (and I did have a running jacket and gloves!).

We're leaving for Colorado later, so I knew I had to get up to exercise in the morning. Couldn't really decide on what to do, so opted for the boot camp DVD as I hadn't done that in a while and it's somewhat mindless.

Didn't get up to exercise, but should have. After work it was really nice out so I convinced Bill to go for a walk with me. We did a good little 22 minute walk around the neighborhood.

Got up and went running with Bill and Kristin this morning. Early!!!!

Ran probably about 4.25 or so...don't know for sure as I stopped my watch at one point when we stopped somewhere and must not have started it again so I lost some time.

We were supposed to run this morning, but it was rainy, windy, and gusts of up to 20-30mph. Uh-uh-nope! Bill went, not me.

After work I went to the gym and ran 2 miles on the treadmill at sub-9-minute miles. I then walked to finish out 21 minutes. I finished with 10 minutes on the bike with a bit of resistence. A good 30 minute workout.

Anna tonight! The last workout before Bill's marathon. Also the last workout for a month as Bill will be gone and we/I have stuff nearly eveyr Monday and Wednesday in May.

Not too hard of a workout as far as high weight, but still a good overall workout of squats, lungest, tricep pulldowns, lat pulldowns, hammer curls, some hill running, plank w/ T-stand (and even lifting one leg), plus situps.

After a beautiful morning yesterday, the rain rolled in. By 7pm, it had been raining much of the day and it was 30 degrees colder.

All day today, Sunday, it's still raining and cold. Lots of water everywhere. Therefore have to do a DVD. Since it was a lazy day, with a big Apple Holler breakfast, I knew I should do a longer one. Did the TJ Cardio Party 43 minute one, but had to cheat a bit. My legs are pretty tired from yesterday (although I didn't realize it until I started all the squats and kicks), so I had to fast-forward through the section with lots of kicks. I basically skipped about 4 minutes of the routine, so I still got about 36 minutes of cardio plus the 3 minute cooldown.

Woke up to try to go running a bit early today...maybe try to get 2-2.5 in before 7am. That way I can run with Kristin and Melissa as they run early and usually only need 4-5 at 7am. For once I had gotten my clothes ready the night before, but had to alter as it was 68 DEGREES at 6:10am!!! Woo hoo. Shorts and t-shirt weather. Got going a bit later than hoped, but still managed to get running early. We were doing a new route--the trail from Panera 2, then you could go around Sunnyslope or Stuart for more. Headed out the trail towards our old apartment to Sunnyslope. Exactly 1 mile in, the girls were coming back so I joined up with Melissa for the last mile of the pre-run. Got 2 in before the group. Then Kristin and I headed out and did the loop, took a quick water break, then another loop. That put me at about 6.2 miles. As were were standing around, I saw Bill and Jodie coming down the trail so I ran up to meet with them and ran back...getting in 6.8....might as well finish it up so I ran the extra .2 to get a total of 7 miles in. I felt really good!!!! It was warm today, the wind was strong from the SW giving us a little challenge at times, and we got a little rain sprinkle at one point, but it was a great run. I did have some water breaks at 2, 4.2, 6.2...so those probably refreshed me a bit, but I felt really good after 7 miles.

Then I looked at my splits:
First 3.1 = 8:46 average pace (and the first 2 miles were in about 8:40 pace as I just was running too fast)
Second 3.1 = 8:58 average pace
Final = 9:12 average pace (and that was running 0.4 with Bill and Jodie who were doing a 10 minute pace)

Overall pace was 8:54....wow! That's good. Now hopefully I can work to keep up that pace without the little refresh breaks.

Happy Birthday Bill

Today was the first day since the beginning of the year that I didn't quite make getting in the full workout. I didn't get up in the morning, but knew it was supposed to be a really nice day so I took tennis shoes to work and figured I'd walk a bit when I went down for my appointment at the WI Avenue campus. Got there early, put on the shoes, and headed down by the lake. About 5 minutes into the walk, my phone rang so I stopped for a few minutes to talk. Then headed back out again. Did a good brisk walk in the nice weather--about 60 degrees or so with a nice breeze, had to take my coat off at one point cuz I was warm. Was gone 20 minutes total, but with the break for the phone, I probably only walked 15-17 minutes total.

I thought I might try to do 10 minutes of stuff again at night, but forgot completely.

Therefore this is a slight cheat on the consistency....luckily it's Saturday tomorrow and supposed to be really nice, so I'll make sure I get a good long run in.

Couldn't get up to work out this morning, but finally did as I knew I had stuff at night. None of the DVDs sounded interesting, so I did a combo of the first 10 minutes of the TJ Abs one, then did the Biggest Loser Cardio #3 one for the last 10 minutes.

We were up for running with the girls today. Kristin and I headed together. At about 2.6 miles, she really picked up the pace. When I mentioned it, she said to keep it up until we reached Independence Drive....which was still a ways a way. I tried as hard as I could, although I fell a bit behind her. We did about 7:45-8:10 mile pace for that .4 miles...a little fartlek workout there. We then walked a bit for recovery before getting running again.

Did 4.75 miles in 45:05.

No running today (since they did yesterday), so just had to do a DVD. It's still kind of rainy so didn't want to go outside today. Just did the 20 minute TJ.

The girls were running at 4:45am today and I woke up to go but heard the wind and sleet!!! Nope, not for me. Bill went, and confirmed that is was an icky run.

Had Anna tonight for our last hard workout before Bill's marathon. She worked our butt, quads, hamstrings, and obliques again, with a little bit of shoulders thrown in there.

It was a little drizzly and gloomy today. I had afternoon plans with mom so I knew we should do something early. Because Bill had political stuff yesterday at noon, we didn't go to the diner for lunch. So I suggested we go today, and Bill had the idea of walking there and back.

It was a little windy, but a good 20 minute walk there, had lunch, then a cool, wet 20 minute walk back (it had started to rain a little bit). Since it was windy and chilly, it was a quick walk...so got in 40 minutes of walking today.

Culver's run this week....we haven't done this one (this direction) in well over a year. Got up early to pick up Tucker and take her down to run with us. Headed out with Kristin and Melissa (and Tucker, of course). As we got going, I was so glad I wore shorts....first time this year! It got pretty toasty. I had a long sleeve shirt and my black jacket and that was a mistake as it was sunny and the black made me pretty warm. We got down to Hwy 11 and had to run east a bit to get to 3 miles. We were pretty thirsty and thank goodness Kristin had money so we got water at the store on Durand and Drexel. On our way back we saw Kristin's sister-in-law and niece walking so we stopped to chat for a bit. And of course Tucker stopped a few times, therefore we got lots of little breaks in the run.

I'm getting better at keeping up with them for most of the time, but that last mile of rolling hills was hard and I fell back a bit....but only about 50 feet total, not very far at all. I basically just ran about 10-15 seconds slower in the finish.

Ran 6 miles today!

Again, tried to get up to work out this morning, but the bed was just soooooo comfy. Also, now that it's a little nicer, I just mentally couldn't get into a DVD. Planned to cook again tonight so came home and got porkchops into the oven. Then I asked Bill to go for a walk....love the sun and fresh air. We did a 25 minute walk around the neighborhood before dinner.

The weather is supposed to be really nice today and continue to get nicer thru Saturday. Got up a little earlier this morning and Bill and I went to get Tucker (we've been dog-sitting all week) so she could run with us this morning. Met Kristin and off we went for a 4.85 mile run (Bill did a bit less as he fell behind us).

Got up this morning to do the 40 minutes TJ DVD. Decided to sleep a bit longer, and just did the 20 minute one. Oh well, but it was something.

Woke up at 4am to run with the girls, but I didn't sleep well at all. I just didn't want to get up. Then I heard it was raining and sleety and that decided it. Bill left, but I actually fell back to sleep (definitely was tired, rarely I can fall asleep again). Went to the gym after work. Tried to run, but just couldn't get into it. Therefore I just walked at a 4% incline for 10 minutes. Hopped on the bike then for another 20 minutes.

Had Anna tonight. She did a good mix of hamstrings and quads, with some cardio bursts on the elliptical and treadmill mixed in. Had a little biceps and shoulder presses also. Good workout, might be a little sore tomorrow.

We're going up to Deb's later for Easter dinner, so I had to exercise in the AM. I didn't really want to do much, so I convinced Bill to go for a walk. It was a sunny day, cool, and a brisk wind, but it was nice to get out in the sun. We drove down to the zoo and walked the beach trail and back on Main Street. Nice, brisk 45 minute walk.

We're running northside backpath this morning, so I could actually dawdle a bit and not leave til the last minute. A brisk NE wind made the first few miles a little more work. Ran by myself a little in the beginning then I caught up with Kristin, Melissa, Dan Barry, and a new guy to the group Tony. Ran with them up to 2.5 and then K & M turned around. Kept going to 3 miles and turned around with Dan and Tony. Ran the last 3 miles with them. I'm really getting to like running with people, as it keeps me not thinking about the actual running too much and the time goes by fairly fast.

Ran 6.03 miles in 56:37, therefore averaging 9:23 pace. I had a little bloop in there when my shoe came untied, though. And has been the case recently, I go much slower the first 2 miles or so (and have to walk, tie my shoe, or something) and then do well the rest of the run. My last few miles are usually at about a 9:15 pace or so.

Should have gotten up and exercised, but just couldn't. Therefore I knew I'd have to do it later. I got out of work early and Bill and I went to an early dinner. Finally about 8pm I said I had to do something. I only wanted to do a 20 minute workout and I tried to find something on ExerciseTV, but nothing appealed to me. Therefore I fell back to the old standby of the TJ 20 minute workout. As I got going with it, I felt really good. I could have easily done more, but I have the long run tomorrow morning in less than 12 hours so I figured that was enough.

Another early running day, but I have my 12 hour day driving to-from LaCrosse for a job fair. Therefore getting up and running at 4:45am just didn't sound like a good idea. Bill got up and went, and I dozed for another hour or so. I got up and got ready to go for a run right as he was getting back at 6am. Was going to run the 2 mile loop, but as I got south it just seemed like a far way (I know....all mental). Therefore I decided to still do 2 miles, but zig-zag all in the neighborhood. For some reason that doesn't seem as long as I'm always close to the house and there are lots of turns. As I was coming back home and just reaching 2 miles, Untouched by The Veronica's came on my music and I got all pumped again. Therefore I decided to run a little farther, and faster, as I love that song. As I looked down at my watch, I realized I had done the 2 miles in 18 minutes, so I figured I'd run the extra 2 minutes to get the 20 minutes of exercise in. As I approached 20 minutes, it was perfect that it was 2.25 miles.

Had Anna tonight. She didn't work us quite as hard as last week, but still kept a focus on legs. Also did some arms and core, though, this week. Plus she had us do 2 minute bursts on the treadmill a few times. I won't be nearly as sore as last week, but my hips will be a bit from the sideways situp (with ball between the legs) we did!

Another day of getting up at 4am to run with the girls. Jodie didn't show, but we did meet Melissa. We had a good pace going and although I was struggling a bit, we did a good long run. Ended up with 5 miles in 48:23.

Had the GOP meeting tonight so my plan was to get up and do a 40 minute workout. Just didn't happen. Only did the 20 minutes TJ...and not the most enthusiasticly as I should have.

OK, today was a lazy day for both of us. In the late afternoon I told Bill that we both should work out and do legs, hamstrings, butt work again. It's been 6 days since Anna, and we don't see her til Wednesday again, so we should get another good workout in. Bill reluctantly changed and I 'trained' him for an hour. I picked out a bunch of exercises from my sheets to do and we got going. Did 2 minutes of jumping jacks, running, and jumprope to start, then did a workout for 55 minutes. Did superman stretches, sideways walking in a squat position with a latex band, side leg lifts for the butt, hamstring curls, one legged bridges, lunges with bicep curls and shoulder presses, back-to-back oblique medicine ball handoffs, plank with going to a T-stand, and squats holding a weight like we did with Anna (some only going 1/2 way down). It was a good workout that we both did together.

Running group this morning and it's supposed to be nice out (for spring.....30 ish degrees, very little wind, and SUNNY). Bill has 20 to do, so he left in the middle of the night.

I got going and basically ran by myself. Kristen, Jodie, and Melissa weren't back at the cars at 7am (they ran early), so I just got going. Had my music and wanted to see if I could run 6 miles...the longest I've run in several weeks. We were doing a new route (for me) starting at Jud's office and doing reverse Colonial. Although I got a little confused at times of where to go, I liked this route as it was new, quiet, and mostly nice trails.

As I was running, I realized that although I thought doing 6 miles would be "do-able" and not be too much of a stretch, not too much of an increase over previous weeks....but with doing 8.5 miles between Wed & Thursday, doing 6 more was a big stretch---14 total!!

The first 2-2.5 miles went well, then I started to get fatigued. Left hamstring started bothering me, and the right butt cheek starting hurting too. I realized I was turning my right leg in a bit and leaning in on the knee cuz I was getting tired. I concentrated on straightening my knee so that it wouldn't pull on the hip/butt.

I thought about turning around at 2.5, but thought I'd try to push it. I went to 3 miles, then stopped the watch and walked a bit just to catch my breath. I restarted the watch and headed back. At one big hill I really wanted to walk, but just kept pushing. Managed to struggle through finishing those last 3 miles without walking. My time was slower those final 3 miles, but still got all 6 done in less than a 9:30 overall pace (9:10ish for the first 3, 9:25ish for the second 3).

Total of 14.5 for the week...woo hoo!

Although I "slept in" til 6am this morning, I really struggled getting up to exercise. I went to bed early as I was tired from the last two days of early rises, so I got about 8.5 hours of sleep and I was just so groggy getting up. I wanted to try to do a 40 minute workout...but just couldn't get going.

Reluctantly finally got up at 6:30am to do a 20 minute workout (couldn't delay to the evening--have dinner out with the running group at King & I tonight, plus the run tomorrow morning so I didn't want to workout too close together). Popped in the 20 minute TJ DVD...my old fallback when I want something I don't have to think about too much, but can get a good sweat on. Did the workout, but really struggled. I was so fatigued, and I'm still sore in the legs/butt from Monday. Kind of pathetic workout, but done, nonetheless.

Up again to run at 4:45am. Typically the girls try to do Tuesday & Thursday, but weather was supposed to be icky Tuesday, so they did Wed & Thurs this week. It's Thursday and I'm running with them again.

Did 4.5 miles today with Kristin again, with only one little spot of walking near Melissa's house as we were waiting to see if she was going to join us.

I really like running with someone. It's motivating to keep going, nice to have some occasional conversation to distract, and the time passes much faster.

Went to work by 7:25am today as I was going so early. Kind of quiet there then! :)

Last week Bill got up one day and went running with the girls at 4:45am. It wounds like that would be a good way to get more running in during the week....have the motivation of having to meet people and then run with faster people...to get me going. Just trying to get myself up in the morning and run by myself never works and even when I do, I stop after only 1-2 miles. Unfortunately...4:45am!?!?!?!?

Well, I decided to do it today. Got up at 4am and Bill and I met at Kristin's. Jodie was there as well. The four of us headed out and I ran with Kristin the whole time. Got 4 miles in, with a bit of walking in there.

Got home before 6am....now what to do. If I shower up now, I'm ready for work before 7am. If I really start doing this, I'm going to have to talk to Mary Jo about adjusting my work schedule a bit to come in and leave earlier on these days.

I wonder how tired I'll be tonight as I didn't sleep well (anxious about having to get up early so I just kept waking up all night long).

Funny thing I thought of after.....I started my "exercise at least 20 min everyday" thing on 1/1/09. Now it's 4/1/09 and I'm starting this running during the week thing early morning (thinking I'm going to try to do this at least once a week, maybe twice--the girls typically try to do it at least twice during the week). One quarter of one challenge accomplished.....now with the start of a new quarter of the year, add on a new challenge.

Let's see how this goes!

OK, so we are both hurting after last night. OMG!! My hamstrings and butt hurt. Therefore I decided to wait til evening to exercise. While driving home, I was trying to think what I could do that wouldn't use those areas too much.

I decided to do the level 2 Biggest Loser one, the 10 minute cardio one. It doesn't use weights or anything so I thought it would be OK. Overall it was, but there are hamstring kick runs and some lunges, and both of those were a struggle. Probably good to do them though to get the blood flowing and stretch those areas.

Then I decided to do the TJ Ab Jam 20 minute workout as we didn't do much core/abs last night and that would give the legs a break.

We're back with Anna tonight after nearly 3 weeks. Missed a week due to illness and didn't have anything scheduled last week. This is Bill's first time back in 7 weeks.

Since Bill's got his downhill marathon in 5 weeks, he wants to work on glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Therefore, guess what I'm working on too?!?!

Did a hard workout tonight on these areas...oh my, I'm sore already, therefore tomorrow's going to be rough. We did dead lifts, wall sits (and I tried it with lifting one leg for a bit), modified lunges, lots of various types of squats, and hamstring curls. Also did backwards walking on the treadmill in-between, and a 2 minute sprint (where I started at 7.0 for one minute, then foolishly bumped it up to 7.5 for the second minute---that was hard after all these leg exercises!). A good workout that really pushed those leg muscles. A few more weeks of this and Bill better be stronger, I know my legs will be!

After such a lazy day yesterday..with an afternoon nap and going to bed early, I knew I had to get something done today. Dusted, vacuumed, laundry, dishes, read papers. Also cooked both breakfast and dinner.

Just before dinner, decided to work out. Since I did cardio much of the last few days, I thought to do some weights. Did the 30-day shred, level 2. I don't think it's that much harder than level 1, but there is one part of the cardio I have do to the 'modified' version that the easier girl on the video does. But overall it's a good workout.

Halfway through I realized that maybe doing this one wasn't such a good idea as we have Anna tomorrow. Oh well.

Running group this morning. It's in the low 30s, but there is a fairly strong NE wind. We're running from Jud's house and the normal route is north around the point. Luckily I looked at old routes last night & noticed that Bill had once created one that was north to 4 Mile, west to Erie, and back south for 4.5 miles. That definitely sounds a better length and less wind. I offered that to the group and most people were relieved to hear that and do that one.

I ran by myself for a bit, then Kristin (who was ahead of me) had to stop to let Tucker relieve herself and she stopped and waited for me. That was nice of her, and kind of scared me too as I didn't know if I could keep up her type of pace. I ended up running all the rest of the run with her, ending up with 5 miles. I kept up with her (although she probably was a little slower than her regular pace--and she was doing miles 7-12 for her this morning)! When I finished my watch said I had kept an average 9:12 pace. That's pretty good and I felt good for the run too. Hopefully I'll be able to get my mileage up more soon.

We're going out to dinner with Mom at her church's fish fry, so knew I had to get up to exercise this morning. After the good workout both Wed & Thursday, though, I'm a bit tired and sore. Laid for a bit trying to decide which workout to do. My core is sore from the long TJ DVD last night, so don't know if I want to do another TJ-type DVD. Finally decided on the Boot Camp one.

I thought about it the other day....you know, I don't need to stop at 20 minutes of exercise if I have the time. Why not work out longer if I have the time and energy? Why just stop at 20 just to say I got the 20? That's silly. Now that I've been doing this 20 minutes thing for nearly 3 months, I should step it up to the next level.

Therefore when I can, I'll do more than just the 20. Some days, it will just be the 20, but others, it could be more.

Last night was the first night of that. I had no plans, no hurry to get home, so I did the 30 minutes of cardio plus weights.

Tonight Bill's going to the first Pints & Politics, and that's not my thing. So I have time. Therefore I popped in the 40 minutes Turbo Jam DVD (which is really about 43 minutes). It's a good workout that really gets me sweating.

Bill has Planning Commission tonight so I figured I could spend more time exercising tonight. Still have a little cough, but feeling alot better. Went to All Saints and ran 2 miles on the treadmill, then walked out the rest of the 30 minutes. Since we're not going to Anna this week, I thought I'd do some weights as well. On the inclined bench I did: chest flies, chest press, and bicep curls in a row (an over-superset), then did 2 more sets, all with 10lb weights. Then did lunges with the 10lb weights also.

Got home after work and had time to exercise as Bill said he'd work a little late. Wasn't in the mood to do a long DVD, so decided to do a few different shorter ones. Did the BL Cardio 2 10-minute workout, plus the 5-minute cooldown, then did the first 10 minutes of the TJ Abs (wasn't in the mood to do the whole thing). So got some cardio and abs, totalling 25 minutes.

After my nap and walk yesterday, I really felt alot better. Still have a bit of a runny nose and cough, but I FEEL much better.

Decided to try the gym after work. Got on and ran on the treadmill for a mile. It was tough and I got a side ache for most of it, but pushed through to get the mile. Then walked a bit to round out 15 minutes on the treadmill. Got on the bike and did 18 minutes there. That's about all for today. Overall it felt good to get going at a little higher aerobic pace for a bit.

Still feeling quite congested today!!! Took a nap this afternoon, then when I got up I decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. It's a bit brisk, so I got my radio on and did a quick walk around the neighborhood for about 22 minutes.

Running group today and we got there at 7am to meet the group. Bill and I headed out on a slower jog together (cemetaries) to see how we'd do. Ran the first cemetary, then just walked to and through Dad's cemetary. Ran 1.2 miles or so, then walked another 1.3 or so. 35 minutes of total exercise...not a great Saturday workout, but at least it's something. Definitely going to need a nap later!

Still sick so couldn't get up to exercise this morning. Took tennis shoes again to work to walk during the day, but just didn't get to it. LDD is tonight so this is going to be rough to keep up the streak.

Got home at 10pm after a successful dinner and convinced Bill to go for walk around the neighborhood with me. Not overly fast, but still got 20 minutes of walking in.

Yep, I'm thoroughly sick now! Got the terrible cough and didn't sleep well. Don't want to miss workouts, though, so took the tennis shoes to work and did 25 minutes walking on the treadmill midday just to get a little bit of something done. Felt good to move a bit, but definitely can't do much more.

Ok, so I'm getting up to exercise this morning, even though we're supposed to have Anna tonight. Bill is still really sick, coughing alot and just feeling cruddy. I started coughing in the middle of the night and figure I'm just about there catching it too. Therefore get up and exercise now cuz if this is Bill's illness, he was really sick by the evening. Did the BootCamp DVD as it's a bit easier. Sure enough, as I was doing it, I was feeling really run down and couldn't keep up with the pace. Got it done, but not as strong as it should have been.

Ended up cancelling Anna tonight as it would be a waste for us to not have a good workout, and it may do more harm than good.

Back home now and Bill's recovering from the marathon, but now has come down with a terrible chest cold. We have some errands we have to run after work for LDD, so I got up to exercise right away. Since I did the gym workouts for several days, I just went back to the TJ 20 DVD to get it done.

Last day in Little Rock and got Bill to come down to the hotel gym with me to stretch his legs after the race. He's just walking on the treadmill and I did 20 minutes on the elliptical again, with spurts of backwards in there. Then I did some free weights--chest flies on the slanted bench with superset to chess press. Then I did some crunches. That's about all for today....got to get cleaned up and do some siteseeing and caching before we fly home.

Today's Bill's marathon so I got up to go down to the gym when he left for the race. Did 20 minutes on that elliptical again, going backwards 3x for 2-3 minutes each time. Then I did another 20 minutes on the bike, catching up with a magazine. Another decent workout....now off to catch up with my Running Man.

We're in Little Rock and I'm down in the hotel gym working out while Bill is still trying to wake up. They have some nice ellipticals here, so did 30 minutes on the elliptical. At one point I went backwards for a bit and, boy, that was hard today. Got a good sweat on!

We're leaving for Little Rock later so I got up early to exercise this morning. Just did the TJ 20 min DVD as it's my fallback when I want to just workout and get a good sweat going, but not think too much as I've gotten pretty familiar with this one.

Ok, so I haven't posted in a while (it's Sat 3/21) so I'm having to go by memory here. I can't exactly remember what I did today, but I know I went to the All Saints gym after work. I'm sure I ran for a mile on the treadmill and then walked a bit more...probably to round out the 20 minutes. I think I also did the bike, but not sure if I did 10 or 20 minutes.

Had Anna tonight. She decided to do a little rotation of legs, core, arms, legs, core, arms. Did various butt/quad/calf things, abs/core, and arms/shoulders/back things. We did higher reps with moderate weight just to push through.

Going to dinner with Mom tonight so got up to exercise. Just did the 20 minute TJ.

Should have gotten up this morning to exercise, but that daylight saving time is hard to get used to. It was so dark this morning, and I forgot to change the clock on the thermostat, so it thought it was still later and therefore still cold.

Went to the All Saints gym after work and hopped on the treadmill. Ran for 1 mile...could have done more physically as I felt really good, but I was bored and my mind wouldn't get distracted. Just walked at a 4.0-4.2 pace with an incline of 3 for a while longer to round out 20 minutes. Then went over to the bike and did 20 minutes there too.

Bill's off again for another week away, so I again waited til evening when he was gone to work out. It's been pouring rain all day today, so I didn't want to go out.

Did the 20 min TJ DVD, wearing both the weighted gloves and my new ankle weights. Probably could put a little more weight into those ankle weights. I felt really good when that was done, so I popped in the BL DVD and did the Cardio 2 10-minute workout also.

It was supposed to rain Saturday morning so I wasn't sure if I was going to run with the group or not. As I got up and looked outside, it was raining, but very lightly and they said it was about 30 degrees with a light wind. That's OK and I really wanted to get out there. I started running with Bill, who had already done 7 miles by then, and figured it would be nice to go slowly. We ran for about 2 miles, then he had to walk so I did too. By that time Jodie had caught up to us and we ran with her a bit. I then continued to run with her and did just under 5 miles running with her, then finished on my own to get the even 5 miles. I really like running with people, it just really makes the time go faster. Although we were doing about a 10 minute mile or so, it was OK as it seemed to go fast and it was just good to do the 5 miles and feel like I could have continued and done more and been fine.

Bill doesn't get home til late tonight so I waited to exercise til tonight. Unfortunately I'm not really in the mood. Therefore chose to do the bootcamp workout as it's simple.

I'm going to dinner with mom tonight so got up early to work out. Although we did some core work last night, I figured I could do more. So I did the TJ Ab workout...boy that's really tough by that 15-20 minute mark point.

Had Anna tonight and my back is better so thought we'd do a well-rounded workout. Lots of shoulder supersets, pushups, core, lunges (all directions), triceps, biceps.

Don't have anything going on tonight so waited to exercise til after work. I know that's not my best time, but oh well. Did the 40 minute TJ Cardio Party as I had the time. A few times I had to stop for a few seconds as I was just worn out, but stayed in it pretty well.

Just couldn't get up this morning. At work I was pretty bored, so I got away and did 20 minutes of treadmill walking at a 2 incline. I really had no excuse not to workout after work as the GOP meeting got cancelled, but I was just in a funk. I wasn't feeling that great, throat hurt, back sore, and just feeling mopey. I ended up not doing anything and going to bed early. Luckily I did the walking, so we'll just call this an easy day.

We were up early today for some breakfast and geocaching with Team Synergy. Very, very cold and windy outside today. Bill left again for another week away, so I left my exercising til after he left. My back was a little sore today, so I figured I'd just do 20 minutes of something. Wanted something different, and figured I could do some weights, so I decided to try the 30-day shred, level 2. Actually it wasn't too bad. The strength sections are about equally as hard as level 1 to me...some are OK, some are pretty hard. The cardio is more intense...that's a good thing. I struggled a bit with this one, but it didn't kill me. It's another good one for the rotation of DVDs.

Got up to go run with the group, but then heard the 15-20mph winds. Oh no...no running outside for me.

Went to All Saints then and figured I'd run on the treadmill. Ran 3 miles, with about a minute walk at the beginning and about 5 min walking cooldown at the end. Then got on the bike for 10 minutes...a good hard 10 minutes that tired my legs out.

Bill doesn't get home til late tonight, so I figured why get up early, I could exercise after work. Packed a bag to workout at All Saints, but as I left work I wasn't in the mood for that. Got home, changed and played on the computer a bit. Finally got going with exercise and decided to do the Biggest Loser Cardio 2 which is 10 minutes and the BL Cardio 3 (which I've never done yet) and that's 10 minutes too. Add the 5 minute warmup and cooldown/stretch, and it gave me a good 30 minute workout.

Have dinner planned with Mom tonight, so got up and did my workout right away. Decided to do the Boot Camp workout as it's simpler and doesn't use weights.

Have my workout with Anna tonight. Back is still a bit sensitive so I let her know and we agreed to just do single-planar things and no twisting. I don't remember everything we did, but lots of shoulder things, all different shoulder muscles, as well as push ups, and finished with plank. Not a particular tough workout, but my shoulders will be sore.

I didn't sleep well last night...nearly not at all, therefore I really didn't feel like exercising in the morning. After work, I didn't really want to go to the gym again, nor did I want to exercise. I procrastinated, ate dinner, watched Biggest Loser, was working on tax stuff....I just couldn't get in the mood. Finally I decided I had to, but still wanted to treat my back gingerly. Decided to do the boot camp DVD as that's not overly twisting and isn't too strenuous. I kept it light and easy, didn't do exactly the pace they were going, but still managed to break a sweat without hurting my back.

Back is still not 100% so decided not to work out this morning. Headed to the gym after work again, and after 2 doses if Ibuprofen again today. Walked on the treadmill for 0.12, then decided to try to run. Running actually felt pretty good, and did a mile in about 9:10 or so...starting with 9:30 pace and kept quickening the pace. No tweaking in the back. I probably could have run another mile, but wasn't on a treadmill that directly faced a TV and there was nothing good on the TV I could sort of see. Therefore I was a little bored. I decided to walk to finish out the 15 minutes. Then I did a superset of chest presses and flies, then I did tricep dips. I had now gotten into the show I switched the TV to, so I got on the bike for 5 minutes, but was bored. So I got back on a treadmill for 10 more minutes...figuring that's 30 minutes of cardio--not overly hard for the whole time, but at least I'm moving.

Yep, back is still tweaked. Luckily I still have some of the horsepills left (800mg Ibuprofen) from the butt thing, so I'm taking those and that's helping alot. Headed to the gym after Bill left and just got a good brisk walk with a 2-3 incline going on the treadmill. At one point I started to jog, but the back felt funny. It didn't really hurt, but it almost felt like I was out of alignment or something--just weird and weak. Decided not to push it and went back to walking. Did 30 minutes of that, then headed over and did 20 minutes on the bike. No twisting, bending, or weights, just nice single-planar aerobic exercise with no jolting.

We're in a winter storm warning, with snow starting at about 5am and still going and blowing. No running for me! Got up and thought about going to the All Saints gym, but I thought it better to drive less and just workout at home and then go straight to coffee.

Put in the 40 minute TJ Cardio Party. About 10 minutes into it I felt so sluggish and I was struggling. The big dinner last night really did not help. And last night my back was bothering me a little and during this workout it just got worse. All the twisting was really starting to hurt. I think doing these DVDs, although they are a bit different, is still working alot of the same muscles and they are crying for a break. I finished the DVD, although paused it midway for about a 2 minute water and breather. A good workout. Unfortunately as the day is progressing, my back is REALLY bothering me. Tomorrow is definitely going to be a non aerobic-type workout...maybe just go to the gym and run/walk on the treadmill and do the stepper or bike. Low impact, no twisting, give my back a break.

So today is the big WIN weigh in. I was going to get up and exercise, but then thought that might raise my blood pressure and I'd want to drink alot of water adding to my weight, so I decided I'd go after work. Then after work Jess texted that she was in the area and wanted to go to dinner. Went right away and chatted for a few hours, leaving me to get home after 8:30pm after a big dinner. Bill just came home also from being gone all week. I debated stopping by the work gym on the way home to workout but didn't really want to walk in the cold, change, exercise and get cold again, so I headed home.

I wanted to do an ExerciseTV routine for something different, but none would load--must be a problem with the channel. Arrrgh. I needed 20 minutes, but they didn't have to be too hard, right? So I loaded the BL CardioMax DVD and looked at the customize options. There was the 5 minute warmup, level 2 cardio for 10 min, then 5 minute stretch/cooldown. I've never done the level 2, but figured even if it was harder, it was only the 10 minutes. Did all that and actually like that level 2. It was high cardio, lots of jumping and running, but a good burst of a workout. After dinner, this was enough to break a sweat and get the heart up, without going too hard.

Since I only worked out once each of the last 2 days, and I have nothing planned tonight, I thought I'd try to get two workouts in. Did the 30 day shred in the morning to get a good combo of aerobic, weights, and abs. Then after work I did the Punch, Kick, Jam--which I've only done once before and found myself getting lost in the workout often. I need to do that alot more as I fell behind alot and had to stop to just watch for a second to figure out what we're doing. It's 50 minutes, though, so hard to do too often, but need to get better at it.

Got up to exercise, even changed, but just wasn't motivated. Went back and layed in bed with Breezy. Went to the gym after work and ran a mile, then walked out the rest of 20 minutes on the treadmill with an incline for about 5 minutes of that. Then did 20 more minutes on the bike.

Got up and wanted to just do cardio today after the workout last night. Did the Boot Camp. Thought I'd also go to the gym after work but got out of work late, so didn't.

So, I really want to get back down in weight, so with Bill gone, I'm going to try to step up my exercise a bit. Got up and did the TurboJam 20 this morning. Then had Anna tonight. I asked her to focus on abs a bit more as we've only done a bit of those in recent weeks. So we did a variety of ab/core exercises, in between shoulder push downs, lunges, pushups on the alternating arms on the medicine ball, rows while tilting forward and kicking a leg back, one arm alternating rows.

Melissa texted last night that she was looking to run at 7am on Sunday for an easy 4-5 miles and wondered if we'd join her. We had brunch with Mom, but we could do just the 4 or so. Met at Panera and ended up running 4.2 miles. I ran with Melissa the whole time which was nice to have conversation and keep moving, ending up with a 9:36 average mile---not too bad.

Planned on going running with the group today as we were doing a brand, new route--West Lawn cemetary and down 90th street into Sturtevant. Bill left early to get extra miles in, and...for some reason....the alarm never went back off for me. I woke up at 7am. I was really mad, but the TV was set right so I wasn't mad at anyone, just mad at the situation as I really was going to run today. I then decided I'd still go and just run by myself. I rushed around to get ready, still very upset, and drove to the parking spots. Arriving at 7:36am, I figured I'd run routes that the others probably weren't as I didn't want to deal with everyone heading back and I was just heading out and the questions that would go with that. I did West Lawn cemetary loop. There was a set of footsteps in the snow (it was flurrying, with about 1-1.5 inches already on the ground) so I just following those. I found out later that I did more than just the 'outside' loop as the footsteps curved in at one point, then back out, adding to the run. That was OK as it was peaceful to run in the cemetary. I came out and headed east on the frontage road, behind the retail areas and back out to the frontage road, turning around just east of Charcoal Grill just before Stuart Rd. As I headed back, I still felt good and so I did another loop, reverse, in the cemetary, ending the morning with 5.5 miles. Everyone was already gone to coffee, but Bill had driven through that last cemetary to say Hi, and Andy circled back as the lead for the 'committee for no runner left behind' to make sure I was OK. Then joined the group at Panera. Glad I did it as I felt good to do the run (although slow due to the snow) and it alleviated my anger.

Didn't get going this morning and figured I'd just walk at work. Unfortunately that never happened, so I went to the gym after work and just walked for 20 min on the treadmill at a 3.8 pace. Not really hard, but at least got the blood flowing.

Skipped the gym last night, so had to do it tonight. Ran 2 miles on the treadmill, with 2 quarter mile cardio bursts, then walked out the remainder of 30 minutes. Then did 15 minutes on the bike reading a magazine just to move the legs a bit, but relax also.

I brought clothes to work to workout in the gym after, but just wasn't in a treadmill mood. But did want to do some weights and not just cardio as I did weights Monday and only cardio on Tuesday. So I came home and decided to do the Biggest Loser CardioMax as I know that has lots of lunges, squats, and some free weight work. Did just a quick 1-2 minute warmup, then the 20 minute routine, and then the 5 minute cooldown.

So it was supposed to get up to 60 degrees today....in February!!! I don't know if it reached that as I was in work all day, but it made me really want to exercise outside. So I slept in with the goal of running after work. Got home and convinced Bill to run with me. We just did the 2 mile loop. It was a bit windy at times, and I don't run as well at the end of the day (having eaten and not as fresh as first thing in the morning), but I still managed a 9:30 pace for the 2 miles.

Didn't sleep well last night and woke up before the alarm this morning. Therefore I thought I might as well exercise. We have Anna tonight, so I just wanted to get some cardio in. Did the 20 minute cardio bootcamp. Then tonight with Anna we did lunges with hip flexors, chest presses on the ball, plank w/ downward facing dog, hamstring curls, one-legged presses, chin ups at an angle, shoulder presses standing on one leg, and tricep/shoulder presses (neck on the ball, rolled out, with one weight dropped back behind head and lifted up above chest). Not a particularly hard workout as Bill's need was bothering him this past weekend and Anna didn't want to irritate it. For the next 4 weeks, it's just me and her while Bill travels, so let's see what we can do.

Although yesterday supposedly reached 50 degrees, it was windy most of the day. Today the high was "only" supposed to be 40 degrees, but the wind was alot less--about 4-6mph. After making an egg bake for us for breakfast, then making a lasagna that we were going to have for dinner, I decided to go for a run. I needed to take advantage of my motivation to do so, and the nice weather.

Got ready and got out there. Hoped to run the 3.7 ish route out the neighborhood, around to Douglas, to 4 Mile, and back home. Gave myself an out that if I hit 3 Mile and was struggling, I could turn west and do the 2 mile route. Well, I felt pretty good at 3 Mile, so just kept going. Overall it was a really good run. I struggled a bit on the hills and into the wind, but really felt good running with the sun beating down on me and the cool brisk air. Averaged 9:45/mile for the first 3.1 miles and 9:35 for the last 1.7 miles---totalling a 3.8 mile run. Not really long, and certainly not the best pace, but for the first outdoor run since 1/3/09, and the longest run past 2 miles, this was a good run.

Hopefully we'll keep some medium warm winter days like this so I get out a bit more and can work on this pace and distance a bit.

It's Saturday and I really thought I'd run with the group today. Bill was up at 3:30am as it was a long run day. It was in the 30s-40s so temps were so much nicer than they've been.....unfortunately there's a very strong wind. I checked and it was 20mph from the SSW and we're doing the church run where the first 2-3 miles are into the South. Since I haven't run much at all in the past month, the thought of running into the wind when I have so much trouble breathing into the wind just doesn't appeal to me for my first run back.

Therefore I'm going to just exercise at home. Put in the TJ Cardio Party for the good 43 minute workout. Had the weighted gloves on for the first 15-20 minutes, but was getting pretty wiped for some reason, so took the gloves off and finished without them. I really break a good sweat with this workout!

Tonight's a dinner and movie night with some of the running girls, so I knew I had to exercise this morning...even though I didn't want to.

Therefore I did the TJ 20 minute workout as it's familiar and won't require too much concentration since I've been doing it so much. It's still a good workout though, always end up sweating by the end.

I was awake this morning to exercise, got up and changed, even came out to the living room and picked up the DVDs. I couldn't decide on one and just couldn't get into it. Went back to bed.

Took my tennis shoes to work and decided to go for a walk this afternoon, doing a good 20 minutes with a small incline on the treadmill, then the walk back to the office. Another light day....I really should have done more, but just needed a little break. At least I'm doing something for 20 minutes.

Anna tonight and we did an all around workout, with a cardio burst early on (running up and down the tallest stepper). Did flies and push up supersets, bicep curls with tricep dips, rows on the Bosu, Roman chair, lunges with a bent knee forward kick (for hip flexors), situps with straight legs and scissor legs. Lots of different muscle groups and some that really tired me out.

Since we have Anna tomorrow, I just want to do cardio. Got out of work a bit later than I wanted to, so I was rushed. I literally ran into the gym, changed, and got right on the treadmill. Walked 1 minutes, then ran for 19 minutes (2 miles), then walked for 2 minutes to cool down. Quickly stretched and rushed home to make dinner before Bill's village board meeting.

Ok, so I didn't keep up too well on posting here, so I'm writing this on Thursday and can't remember what I did on Monday. I know I exercised in the morning to a DVD, as I had a GOP meeting at night. But I can't remember which routine I did. I'm pretty sure I did the Turbo Jam Ab Jam, then also added just a few of the floor butt exercises from that bootylicious routine I did last week.

Had the time tonight, so did a new (well, not new as I've had it for a while, just never did it) DVD by Turbo Jam--Punch, Kick, Jam. It's a 50 minute workout and really never had the time most other times to do this long of one. It's always hard doing a new one, just keeping up with all the new routines, but luckily there are alot of the same exercises and transitions so I didn't get too far behind.

It's Saturday and it's cold and very windy. No running group for me.

Did my 20 minute Turbo Jam DVD, then wanted to do a bit more. Switched to ExerciseTV and found a 10 minute upper body strength one--unfortunately it used the stability ball alot (which I didn't have out) so I did just about 5 minutes of it with modifications. Then I switched to a butt one--Bootylicious Buns (11 minutes). Ooooh, that one literally kicked my butt. It was short, but intense and focused just on the butt, with some quads too.

Last night I realized the my body was just tired from doing something every single day. Although I alternate what I'm doing, certain muscles get used every single time...like the quads, core, etc. Therefore no matter if it's running, cardio, strenth, Anna, or whatever, some muscles just aren't getting a break.

I should have gotten up this morning to exercise, but didn't. Then we were going to go out for drinks after work, so I know I wouldn't do anything then. Now what? I had taken my tennis shoes to work on Wed with a goal of going for a walk sometime throughout the day. It's been so slow, I thought I could fit it in. Well, both Wed and Thursday it was slower in the morning, but I thought I'd do the walks later and then naturally I got busier in the afternoon.

Well, since I hadn't exercised in the morning and wouldn't at night, and my body was just tired, I decided to modify my "20 minute" goal of exercise every day. My goal was originally to do something vigorous--running, high intensity cardio, strength, or Anna. Well, I'm tired....but I don't really want to break this goal as it's good for me to keep up with 20 minutes of at least something every day. So today I put my tennis shoes on and went for a walk at walk. It takes about 3-4 minutes to get to the gym, then I did 20 minutes at an incline in the treadmill--walking, then walked back to the office. With brief little breaks to change the TV channel and get a drink of water, I figure this is a good 25+ minutes of walking....at least it's something. I broke out in a bit of a sweat (luckily it was already 4pm so I didn't have ot be tood worried for the rest of the day at work) so it got my heartrate up.

I can't decide if I'll keep this "every day" thing going in February, or maybe I'll take one day off each week--a recovery day. But I know me, and if I allow myself a day off, I can easily slide into 2 days, to 3, then have all kinds of excuses. If I have a streak going, I'm less likely to break it. So maybe I'll just have to allow myself to have a "light day" of just walking for 20 minutes, or...once it gets nicer outside, maybe just my one mile run (therefore only about 9 minutes...but more vigorous than walking). Just something lighter to give my brain and body a break. We'll have to see what I decide.

We might have stuff after work tonight, so I decided I better get up and get going. I'm still a bit sore from Anna, so I thought I'd do more cardio than strength. Decided on the Boot Camp 20 min DVD.

Another day that I should have worked out in the morning, but didn't. I didn't want to do the All Saints gym again, so I didn't bring clothes to work and figured I'd just do a DVD at home. Did the 30-day shred, level 1, after getting home from work.

Should have gotten up to exercise this morning, but didn't. Brought stuff to work to go to All Saints gym after work. Was going to run 2 miles on the treadmill, but just couldn't really get into it. Ended up running 1 mile, then walking til I got to 25 minutes of exercise. That's all for tonight.

Woke up early this morning so I decided to exercise, even though we have Anna tonight. Did the 20 minute TJ. Then had Anna at night--a good overall weight workout again with arms, legs, back, and core.

Really lazy Sunday. We didn't leave the house all day...just did laundry, dusted, vacuumed....that's about all. Finally decided to exercise in the evening. I wasn't in the mood for one of my DVDs, so I looked on ExerciseTV and found a 20 minute workout called KickboxBootyCore....doing just that, intervals of kickboxing, booty exercises, and core stuff. Not too hard, but definitely could feel a few of the moves.

Still too cold to run outside...biting wind and a flurry. The run was Cemetaries this week, so I decided to go to All Saints gym so I was close for coffee. Ran 2 miles on the treadmill and walked for another .5 mile.

It's Friday (TGIF) and I know I'm not going to want to workout after work, so I made sure to get up this morning to get going. Did the new Denise Austin 20 min Boot Camp. It's not too hard, but really keeps you going and with a 3-4 minutes of abs at the end, when you're already tired, it does get you sweating alot by the time you're done.

Was going to go to the All Saints gym, brought clothes to work and everything, but then as I left work I wasn't in the mood for a treadmill or bike. Called Bill and heard he was going to be a work a bit longer, so rushed home and changed to get going on a DVD. Decided to do a longer one tonight so I did the 40 minute TJ Cardio Party. Tiring, but feeling good.

Had our appt with Anna tonight--did a good mix of lunges (on the high stepper), rows, triceps pull downs, obliques, partner pushups, regular situps, and another thing or two I can't think of.

Went to the All Saints gym tonight after work. Thought about running, but not really in the mood. Hopped on the treadmill for a brisk walk with a good incline. At one point I decided to try to run and I got about .15 into the run and realized I just didn't have it in me tonight. Therefore slowed it down and just did a full 25 minutes at a brisk walk pace with a good incline. Then jumped on the bike for 15 more minutes....wanted to do 20, but at about 13 minutes I was bored so I stopped at 15 telling myself that a good 40 minutes cardio is OK.

It's my birthday and I'll...... I was going to get up and exercise at the hotel this morning in their workout room, but Bill had other plans for me. ;)

Then breakfast at the hotel was only til 9am, so I figured formal exercise would wait til later. After getting home from Chicago, I procrastinated a bit, but then gave in. I really want to stick to at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. I decided to try some new things off of ExerciseTV. I did a 10 minutes Ab workout and a 10 minute butt/thigh workout, plus a dance-stretch workout for about 3-4 minutes. I really have to get motivated to do some good cardio soon.

We're leaving for Chicago today for my mini-getaway...yippee. So got up early to do a workout as the rest of the day will be play. Did the 30-day shred as I haven't done weights since Wed (although the ab workout was a strain after doing the TJ one yesterday).

It's still bitterly cold out like it's been the last few days, so I'm definitely not running with the group. Decided to do the 20 minute Ab workout from Turbo Jam, then I did the regular 20 minute cardio Turbo Jam workout. Good combo workout to get something a bit longer in, but with good variety.

I have Tom's goodbye party tonight, so I knew I had to get up and exercise this morning. I did the Bosu DVD...very lazily. I just couldn't get into it. I did it, but not with the ooomph I should have.

Decided to go to the All Saints gym tonight. Amy DeMatthew was there on the treadmill. Got on a treadmill and since we were chatting, I decided not to run. Just did 15 minutes of faster walking, with 8-9 minutes at a good incline. Then I did 15 minutes on the bike. Kind of a wimpier workout, but still got some aerobic activity and broke a sweat.

Tonight were back with Anna after over a week off. I'm still a bit sore from lunges the other day, so I told her to stay away from those. We did measurements--not good!!! I really need to work on my calorie control and food intake. We did some cardio, then a good mix of weights.

Again, didn't get up this morning...although I should have but I also had to go to work early and just couldn't get motivated. Therefore got out of work and had to decide between working out there, or coming home to do a DVD. Decided to go home and exercise right away, before I lost motivation. Opened up that last of my new DVDs--the Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD. Did the Level 1 cardio workout with Bob...a total of a 30 minute workout, including 5 minutes of warmup, 20 minute workout, and 5 minute yoga cooldown.

Worked late tonight getting ready for the rough day on Tuesday. Didn't get up early, as I should have, to exercise, so had to exercise late. Just went over to the All Saints gym and ran for a mile, then walked to round out 15 minutes. Then did 15 minutes on the bike...keeping the pace up pretty good.

Went to the Y today. Ran for 10 minutes, increasing the speed 0.2 every 0.1 mile after half mile. Then we did weights: both arm press machines, hamstring curls and leg/quad extensions, rowing machine and lat pull down, situp machine and back extension machine.....then stretching.

It's Saturday....but it's snowing alot and windy and really cold. Not my kind of running day...there are a good couple of inches on the ground that haven't been plowed and it's still snowing. I received some new DVDs recently, so I decided to try one of those. To make up (a bit) for the running, I decided to do a more cardio-focused one. I got a new Denise Austin bootcamp DVD, so let's see what that one has. It has a 20 minute cardio interval set, a 20 minute strength interval, and a 10 minute flexibility one. Did the 20 minute cardio...was a little disappointed as it's less intensity then the Turbo Jam. Since it's a Boot Camp, I expected more....it was OK, but a little easier than I expected. Since I still had a little time before having to leave for coffee with the group, I did the 10 minute flexibility one also.

It's the GOP Holiday Party tonight and I know I won't want to do anything after that, so another morning DVD. Back to cardio more again, so did the 20-minute Turbo Jam one. Getting better at this one and realizing all the changes without voice prompts so that I can bump up the intensity a bit as I don't have to watch the TV so closely for changes and I can just get into it and switch movements fluidly.

Got my hair appointment tonight, so have to get up early to do something. Decided since I did weights on Tuesday, and cardio only last night, that I'd do something with weights today. Did Level 1 of the 30-day shred DVD.

Bill has Planning Commission tonight, so I brought workout clothes to work to go to the All Saints gym after work. Ran 2 miles on the treadmill....ran 1 mile, walked .15, then ran another mile. At this point, I was into the show on the TV, so I ended up walking for another 13-14 minutes or so just cuz I wanted to see the end. Therefore I spent about 35 minutes total on the treadmill and finished with some stretching.

We didn't have anything tonight after work (the only night this week we're both free) so I coaxed Bill into going to the Y. By the end of work, neither of us wanted to, but knew we should. We weren't seeing Anna this week due our schedules, so we needed to get some weights done.

Gym was packed....you can tell it's January!! ;)

Did 10 minutes on the elliptical to warm up, then we did about 30 minutes of weights--adductors and abductors, pullups and tricep dips, roman chair and hamstring curls on the ball, bicep curls and static lunges, finishing with what Bill called the metronome (laying on back, legs in air at 90 degrees, rotating them from left to right hitting knees to ground--working obliques).

I really like that Bill is working out with Anna and me, he's more motivated to do weights and partner workouts with me. And it's helping his running sooooooo much, so it's a win-win!