Saturday, August 22, 2009

8/20/09 Log

Man, I keep forgetting to post my logs on the day I actually do the workouts!

On the 20th, I did the P90X workout Legs and Back and Ab Ripper. I am proud to say that I did every exercise/move to my best ability! Now that it's two days later, I am so freakin' sore! Today is supposed to be my big run day but there's no way. I just rode the bike and walked around the track for a bit.

I have been eating like a PIG this week and I really need to quit it. I was doing so well and I just crashed and bombed this week. But next week is a new week! Plus, I'm going jean shopping next weekend so I better eat well so I'm not a blimp when I try on jeans...that's no fun.

Another thing that's been on my mind is the idea of joining a running club. There's one at BYU and one at a local running store. BYU is about half the price of the runner store club, but I'm not sure if I want to join a club at BYU. I have my reasons. :) Hopefully I can figure it out soon. Iknow it's not a huge life-changing decision, but it kind of is for me, haha. I can finally get my distance running in order!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Log 8/19/09

This log is a day late, but that's okay. I'm still recording it!

Tony has been a little sick lately and I felt like I was catching his bug. Last night I had made up my mind to lounge around to avoid being sick. Around 9:30pm I changed my mind and went for a run. I finally had my iPod cord so I could load Beethoven onto my ipod.

I was planning on an easy jog while Beethoven inspired me to do my best. I began the symphony after a short warm up and man, did it ROCK! I never realized how inspirational it is to listen to classical music when you run! I made it through the first rockin' movement and then slowed my run down a bit.

I've been reading a book for beginning runners by Jeff Galloway and he talks about how when you run, your right brain is more active because of the nature of the exercise. He challenges his readers to see the pictures that your right brain develops as its creativity is flowing. So, I listened. I slowed my tredmill down a bit, held on to the side bars, and closed my eyes. The music was inspiring my right brain for sure, as I could see myself effortlessly running through meadows filled with wildflowers. The soft grass felt good on my feet and my knee was perfect! I opened my eyes and laughed a little. Then...it happened......

I sped my tredmill back up to my running pace and suddenly I felt a glorious tingle that started in my head and ran all the way to my toes. At that moment I felt like I was running on clouds! I upped my speed quite a bit and ran harder and faster than I ever have--with little to no effort.

It finally happened to me...I had a runner's high.

It was, without question, the best run of my life. And it was only 3 miles long on my easy day. :)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Log 8/18/2009

Today I did P90X Arms and Shoulders workout with a little Ab Ripper thrown in the mix. I am a former P90X dropout and so hopefully these workouts won't intimidate me like last time.

I can tell that it did a lot for my body because I felt sore and tired immediately after my workout ended. Washing my hair was quite the chore in the shower and curling it was even harder! I'm trying to up the intensity level a bit so that I can get results.

Hopefully I don't ruin all my good work at the Cheesecake Factory. I haven't heard too many nutritious things about the food there. I'll try to be good...maybe.

Already Foiled!

So, today I was planning on counting calories and doing some hardcore lifting. I'm still planning on doing that but we are celebrating our 3 year anniversary tonight and where are we probably going to go?

The Cheesecake Factory.

I love this place. I love cheesecake. I am already (at 10am) figuring out what to eat at this place so that I don't gain 5 pounds--which I am sure I successfully did on the weekend haha. I've found from researching a bit that the salads there, while yummy, are huge and not healthy at all. I looked around on their menu and found the Appetizer Salads. I found one full of good veggies (even edimame!) and I'm sure I could pick a lower fat dressing for it. So, entree solved.

But I'm still back to my first problem: the Cheesecake. I noticed a Low-carb cheesecake on the menu but after looking up it's nutritional value--impossible to find, they keep it locked up tight!--I've found that it has tons of calories and fat! Maybe I'll skip out on the Cheesecake for the sake of the "bikini bod" I'm lusting after.

Has anyone sucessfully been to the Cheesecake Factory without gaining 5 pounds? Do tell. DO tell.

Monday, August 17, 2009

My Training Blog

I have decided to make this blog my training log. I will then not only be accountable to myself--but to everyone who reads this blog! Which, lucky for me, is like two people. I am sick of hitting all of these plateaus and having lapses in my fitness goals. I need to keep myself accountable.

I have found a fitness regimen by Jillian Michaels for people with <20 pounds to lose. She talks a lot about how people with that much weight to lose have to really step up the intensity. I still plan on following the Biggest Loser 30 day meal plan, but my workouts are going to change quite a bit.

I'll post my first log sometime tonight (I'm hoping). If not tonight then for sure, 100% tomorrow. I'm going to get this!

Wish me luck!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Beat Beethoven!


I've found a new race! Next month Pleasant Grove is hosting a 5K race for Pleasant Grove Heritage Days called "Can You Beat Beethoven?" It's awesome--they play Beethoven's 5th over loud speakers for the duration of the race, and people who finish before the last note of the symphony (approx. 32 minutes) get a pin that says "I beat Beethoven!" I began training today so that I can totally beat Beethoven. I know for some finishing a 5K in 32 minutes is no biggie, but I've never focused on speedwork so this is a new challenge for me.
I am so stoked to beat Beethoven. I have 5 weeks to conquer this composer, and I'm going to do it.