Touché, running. Touché.

I was feeling so great about running last week. But I think putting that in writing was a bit of a mistake.

I did go to the gym on Saturday and do my last workout of the 5K Runner program on the treadmill- it was 5 minute warm up and cool down and a 35 minute run. I felt super accomplished and like I could do anything. In fact, here's my post workout shot:

 

 

This is my accomplished face.

Well all day Sunday I got excited about my next run. I decided to go on with the 10K runner program and couldn't wait for the next workout. I walked 5 miles on Sunday for cardio but I considered it a rest from running.

So Monday I had some things going on. I was distracted. I looked forward to my run because I thought it would surely help me with some of the stress.

The scheduled run was 5 minutes warm up and cool down, and run 20-walk3-run 20.

I set the treadmill to hills to mimic the outdoors and because I was way too overconfident. At about 15 minutes I changed the setting to flat. I made it through the first 20 minutes (barely) and started walking. I knew I could physically run 20 more minutes. But when I started, I just had problems.

During the last 20 minute interval I started running but after a few minutes had to walk. I thought about quitting. I thought about just walking the rest of my scheduled time. But I ended up running 5 minutes, walking 3 and then running a little over 5 minutes to finish it off.

I was disappointed. I think though that this was 100% mental. I let myself feel daunted by the idea of 20 more whole minutes of running. I felt discouraged. I felt worried about my problems. And I just didn't feel good about it.

I ended up going 4.3 miles in 53:05. I had estimated (when I was still going strong) that I would end up at about 4.5 miles so I guess that's not too bad.

I contemplated repeating this run, but the next scheduled run is exactly the same thing (run 20-walk 3-run 20), so that will give me a chance to do it over. And then the third run of the week is the same except the walk break goes from 3 minutes to 2 minutes.


So I'll keep going. I'm already starting to get excited about running again. I'm actually forcing myself to NOT run (or even walk too much) today just because I think my body needs a break. It's going to really freak me out not to hit my 10,000 steps...

Also, on Monday I started 21 Day Fix Extreme in the mornings. I had tried this once before but thought it was too hard. But after many rounds of 21 Day Fix, I figured I was finally ready (and to be honest on Monday I would rather do anything than those effing Surrenders). So far so good- 2 workouts down.

My coworker just reminded me that any run where I don't fall on my face is a good run, so there's that...

Three Things Friday

Hooray, It's FRIDAY! What's your weekend ahead look like?

1. Working out with my daughter.
When I was pregnant with my now 4 year old daughter, I worked out the whole time.

There she is, in my belly.

I did a lot of Turbokick and Turbofire (which had just come out). I remember thinking "One day, this little girl is going to be big enough to workout with me. Well, this was yesterday:

It finally happened. She's now my workout buddy. I got a little emotional.

2. 21 Day Fix is.. extreme. These workouts are really tough. I have to confess, though, I didn't love Pilates Fix Extreme (even though my daughter did it with me). It was the least fun I think I've had working out in a while. So I'm considering subbing Piyo for it the next time it comes around....

More fun than Pilates Fix Extreme

3. Remember how I'm working on that doctorate?

I really am still working on a doctorate. I'm taking two classes this semester. But, in a rare case of me actually knowing and accepting my limits, I've decided to drop one of my classes. I'm feeling a mixture of total relief, and deep anxiety (how can you feel those both at the same time? I'm not sure...) If you've ever dropped a class, can you let me know how you felt? Did you regret it? Or were you happy you did it? In my case, I just don't think my heart is in it, and I've let myself get so behind that I don't think I can catch up.

Source

I hope your weekend is filled with the opposite of anxiety, and that you have a lovely Easter.

Plyo Fix Extreme REVIEW

I started 21 Day Fix Extreme this week, and I thought it might be helpful if I posted a short review of each workout, in case there is anyone out there who, like me, is terrified of it.

The first workout you do in the program is Plyo Fix Extreme. Now, I don't know about you, but the word "Plyo" scares me. I'm not a fan of jumping. Well, this workout has plyos in it. You will jump. Even the modifier jumps. But to tell you the truth, I didn't jump every time. I still feel like I worked super hard.

Some of the moves include:

Squat jumps
Lunge jumps: In a static lunge position, you squat down and then jump. To be honest, I did the squats without jumping most of the time on these.
Burpee tuck jumps. Scary, but I just did burpees. Funny how burpees themselves suddenly seemed easy.

You are told to use light and medium weights. Autumn keeps reaching for her "heavy" weights, but says you can use your light weights. I did most moves with 5 pound weights, except for the moves where I just put the weights down (only a couple lol).

Things I like about this workout:
- I have room to grow. I did my best, and next time I'll do a little more. For a 30 minute workout, it sure works you hard.
- The modifier. Even though I think she could have modified more, I was able to figure out certain modifications that were even easier than the modifier (although I guess I wouldn't call them "easy").
- When it's over. Seriously, I feel great. I feel like I really accomplished something.

I'll be back with more reviews. I hope to review each workout of the program.

Thanks for reading!

First Marvelous in My Monday

I'm joining the Marvelous in my Monday link up party ! #MIMM. This is my first time...


So, what's marvelous in my life today?

1. I started 21 Day Fix Extreme today. Oh. My. Goodness. So extreme. So challenging. I had previewed a few workouts before officially starting, but Plyo Fix Extreme- it was like Insanity or something!

2. I worked yesterday, which means I get Friday off this week. Only one of my children will be home. It will be like a vacation!

3. I was able to put on a pair of pants today that were quite tight the last time I tried them. Since my scale is broken and I didn't take measurements when I started 21 Day Fix, I'm using this to gauge my progress, and I declare PROGRESS MADE!

4. While I was at work Sunday, my husband took the kids to the beach. It was probably the most beautiful day we've had all year. Here they are frolicking:

What's marvelous in your Monday today?